"EU praises, then warns Ankara ahead Troika meeting
Saturday, March 5, 2005
'I expect Turkey to fulfill its commitment to sign the adaptation protocol of the Ankara agreement,' the EU�s enlargement commissioner says ahead of his visit
ANKARA - Turkish Daily News
Olli Rehn, the EU's enlargement commissioner, praised the Turkish government two days ahead the European Union ministerial Troika meeting to be held in Ankara on Monday, saying Turkey has been enacting �courageous and fast� reforms but at the same time urging Ankara to immediately expand its association agreement with the EU to include new bloc members, including Greek Cyprus."
More:Turkish Daily News - EU praises, then warns Ankara ahead Troika meeting
Saturday, March 05, 2005
Rehn: Annan plan is the only plan
"Rehn: Annan plan is the only plan
By Myria Antoniadou in Brussels
THE E.U. Enlargement Commissioner has said the Annan plan is the basis for a settlement in Cyprus, but its �seeming shortcomings have to be addressed so that we have a revised proposal on the table�.
He also expressed the hope another peace effort would begin soon and said the EU should be more proactive.
Olli Rehn was speaking to Turkish journalists in Brussels Friday, ahead of his three-day visit to Turkey.
He leaves Sunday for discussions with the Turkish authorities and civil society on the accession negotiations and bilateral issues.
In a written statement, the Commissioner calls on Turkey �to fulfil its commitment to sign the adaptation Protocol of the Ankara Agreement.�"
More:Rehn: Annan plan is the only plan
By Myria Antoniadou in Brussels
THE E.U. Enlargement Commissioner has said the Annan plan is the basis for a settlement in Cyprus, but its �seeming shortcomings have to be addressed so that we have a revised proposal on the table�.
He also expressed the hope another peace effort would begin soon and said the EU should be more proactive.
Olli Rehn was speaking to Turkish journalists in Brussels Friday, ahead of his three-day visit to Turkey.
He leaves Sunday for discussions with the Turkish authorities and civil society on the accession negotiations and bilateral issues.
In a written statement, the Commissioner calls on Turkey �to fulfil its commitment to sign the adaptation Protocol of the Ankara Agreement.�"
More:Rehn: Annan plan is the only plan
Survey reveals differences of opinion over EU accession
"Survey reveals differences of opinion over EU accession
By Leo Leonidou
STARK contrasts in perceptions between Cypriots living in the north and south over the effects of EU accession and sentiment on the prevailing status quo have come to light following the release of a new survey.
The Eurobarometer 62 survey, conducted in October last year, sought the opinions of 500 Greek and Turkish Cypriots above the age of 15. It is the first such survey conducted throughout the island since Cyprus� accession to the EU in May 2004.
The primary difference lay in social concerns. Persons living in the south are concerned more about crime (44%) and inflation (41%) than those living in the north, who are more worried about their economic situation (55%) and unemployment (48%).
Persons living in the south feel that the most important thing Cyprus has gained from its EU membership is security (73%). In contrast, those from the north expect that the main benefit will be economic stability (77%)."
More:Survey reveals differences of opinion over EU accession
By Leo Leonidou
STARK contrasts in perceptions between Cypriots living in the north and south over the effects of EU accession and sentiment on the prevailing status quo have come to light following the release of a new survey.
The Eurobarometer 62 survey, conducted in October last year, sought the opinions of 500 Greek and Turkish Cypriots above the age of 15. It is the first such survey conducted throughout the island since Cyprus� accession to the EU in May 2004.
The primary difference lay in social concerns. Persons living in the south are concerned more about crime (44%) and inflation (41%) than those living in the north, who are more worried about their economic situation (55%) and unemployment (48%).
Persons living in the south feel that the most important thing Cyprus has gained from its EU membership is security (73%). In contrast, those from the north expect that the main benefit will be economic stability (77%)."
More:Survey reveals differences of opinion over EU accession
JTW News - US: Turkish Economy too Good for Aid
"US: Turkish Economy too Good for Aid
Andrew Vorkink, the World Bank�s representative in Turkey, said Friday that Turkey no longer needed this sort of gift.
March 4� The sustained growth of the Turkish economy means that Ankara will have to miss out on $1.0 billion worth of aid from Washington, it was announced Friday."
More:JTW News - US: Turkish Economy too Good for Aid
Andrew Vorkink, the World Bank�s representative in Turkey, said Friday that Turkey no longer needed this sort of gift.
March 4� The sustained growth of the Turkish economy means that Ankara will have to miss out on $1.0 billion worth of aid from Washington, it was announced Friday."
More:JTW News - US: Turkish Economy too Good for Aid
JTW News - Greek Cypriot Minister: 'Yes, We Prevented Solution in Cyprus'
"Greek Cypriot Minister: 'Yes, We Prevented Solution in Cyprus'
Jan SOYKOK (JTW) - Doros Theoduru, Justice and Public Order Minister of Greek Cyprus State, confesses that the Greek Cyprus side initially prevented the solution in Cyprus. According to Alithia newspaper, Theoduru says “the ‘no’ decision in the last year’s referendum was a success for us. With this ‘no’ we continued to be a state. And now we are member of the European Union (EU) as a state. All efforts till now was to prevent any solution in Cyprus. We will do anything possible to prevent any negotiations in Cyprus issue until October, 3. Any solution to the Cyprus problem will be searched within the EU Law.”"
More:JTW News - Greek Cypriot Minister: 'Yes, We Prevented Solution in Cyprus'
Jan SOYKOK (JTW) - Doros Theoduru, Justice and Public Order Minister of Greek Cyprus State, confesses that the Greek Cyprus side initially prevented the solution in Cyprus. According to Alithia newspaper, Theoduru says “the ‘no’ decision in the last year’s referendum was a success for us. With this ‘no’ we continued to be a state. And now we are member of the European Union (EU) as a state. All efforts till now was to prevent any solution in Cyprus. We will do anything possible to prevent any negotiations in Cyprus issue until October, 3. Any solution to the Cyprus problem will be searched within the EU Law.”"
More:JTW News - Greek Cypriot Minister: 'Yes, We Prevented Solution in Cyprus'
Friday, March 04, 2005
FT.com / World / Brussels briefing - Turkey drags feet over preparations for joining EU
"Turkey drags feet over preparations for joining EU
By Vincent Boland in Ankara
Published: March 4 2005 19:55 | Last updated: March 4 2005 19:55
The Turkish government, under fire for seeming to fall asleep at the wheel in its drive to enter the European Union, is about to receive a wake-up call.
Olli Rehn, the EU's enlargement commissioner, arrives in Ankara on Sunday to look at Turkey's preparations for EU membership talks, which begin onOctober 3."
More:FT.com / World / Brussels briefing - Turkey drags feet over preparations for joining EU
By Vincent Boland in Ankara
Published: March 4 2005 19:55 | Last updated: March 4 2005 19:55
The Turkish government, under fire for seeming to fall asleep at the wheel in its drive to enter the European Union, is about to receive a wake-up call.
Olli Rehn, the EU's enlargement commissioner, arrives in Ankara on Sunday to look at Turkey's preparations for EU membership talks, which begin onOctober 3."
More:FT.com / World / Brussels briefing - Turkey drags feet over preparations for joining EU
What if we were indeed to confront our past ?
"What if we were indeed to confront our past ?
Turkish Daily News, 1.3.2005
The French are urging us to �confront� our past so that we would acknowledge the �Armenian genocide.� Recently the German opposition too has joined them
G�nd�z Aktan
The French are urging us to 'confront' our past so that we would acknowledge the 'Armenian genocide.' Recently the German opposition too has joined them.
In reality they are right. We have not had a reckoning with our recent past yet. That was the outcome of the 'Massacres Perpetrated against Turks in the Course of History' meeting held at Baskent University last week."
mORE:1821-1922 : 5 millions de Turcs ext�rmin�s dans le Caucause et les Balkans (en anglais) (L'information ind�pendante de la Turquie - Turkiyemiz)
Turkish Daily News, 1.3.2005
The French are urging us to �confront� our past so that we would acknowledge the �Armenian genocide.� Recently the German opposition too has joined them
G�nd�z Aktan
The French are urging us to 'confront' our past so that we would acknowledge the 'Armenian genocide.' Recently the German opposition too has joined them.
In reality they are right. We have not had a reckoning with our recent past yet. That was the outcome of the 'Massacres Perpetrated against Turks in the Course of History' meeting held at Baskent University last week."
mORE:1821-1922 : 5 millions de Turcs ext�rmin�s dans le Caucause et les Balkans (en anglais) (L'information ind�pendante de la Turquie - Turkiyemiz)
EUbusiness - Cyprus remains cloud as EU official heads to Turkey
"Cyprus remains cloud as EU official heads to TurkeyDocument Actions 04/03/2005
EU enlargement chief Olli Rehn reiterated Friday that Turkey must sign an accord extending a customs agreement to Cyprus before it can start EU membership talks, as he prepared for a trip to Ankara. Rehn heads Sunday for a three-day trip to Turkey, which hopes to start talks on joining the European Union (EU) in October after winning a green light from EU leaders in December. During the visit he will meet Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul, and also visit Istanbul for talks with non-governmental organizations and business leaders. Foreign Minister Jean Asselborn of Luxembourg, which holds the rotating EU presidency, and Britain's Europe minister Denis MacShane, whose country will take over the presidency in June, will also take part in the talks in Ankara on Monday. "
mORE:EUbusiness - Cyprus remains cloud as EU official heads to Turkey
EU enlargement chief Olli Rehn reiterated Friday that Turkey must sign an accord extending a customs agreement to Cyprus before it can start EU membership talks, as he prepared for a trip to Ankara. Rehn heads Sunday for a three-day trip to Turkey, which hopes to start talks on joining the European Union (EU) in October after winning a green light from EU leaders in December. During the visit he will meet Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul, and also visit Istanbul for talks with non-governmental organizations and business leaders. Foreign Minister Jean Asselborn of Luxembourg, which holds the rotating EU presidency, and Britain's Europe minister Denis MacShane, whose country will take over the presidency in June, will also take part in the talks in Ankara on Monday. "
mORE:EUbusiness - Cyprus remains cloud as EU official heads to Turkey
Oddly Enough News Article | Reuters.co.uk
"Turkey renames 'foreign' animals
Fri Mar 4, 2005 4:35 PM GMT
ANKARA (Reuters) - Turkey has renamed some animal species, saying foreign scientists opposed to its territorial integrity had chosen their former names with ill intent, the Environment Ministry has said.
A sheep species previously known as Ovis Armeniana was renamed Ovis Orientalis Anatolicus. A species of red fox was renamed as Vulpes Vulpes rather than Vulpes Vulpes Kurdistanica.
'Unfortunately there are many other species in Turkey which were named this way with ill intentions. This ill intent is so obvious that even species only found in our country were given names against Turkey's unity,' the statement said.
The ministry said the animals' new names had been chosen as result of scientific studies."
Oddly Enough News Article | Reuters.co.uk
Fri Mar 4, 2005 4:35 PM GMT
ANKARA (Reuters) - Turkey has renamed some animal species, saying foreign scientists opposed to its territorial integrity had chosen their former names with ill intent, the Environment Ministry has said.
A sheep species previously known as Ovis Armeniana was renamed Ovis Orientalis Anatolicus. A species of red fox was renamed as Vulpes Vulpes rather than Vulpes Vulpes Kurdistanica.
'Unfortunately there are many other species in Turkey which were named this way with ill intentions. This ill intent is so obvious that even species only found in our country were given names against Turkey's unity,' the statement said.
The ministry said the animals' new names had been chosen as result of scientific studies."
Oddly Enough News Article | Reuters.co.uk
allAfrica.com: South Africa: SA's Troubled Ties With Turkey Healed By Erdogan Visit
"SA's Troubled Ties With Turkey Healed By Erdogan Visit
Business Day (Johannesburg)
March 4, 2005
Posted to the web March 4, 2005
Jonathan Katzenellenbogen
Johannesburg
THE three-day visit this week of Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan confirms that relations between Pretoria and Ankara, which have been cool since 1994, are on the mend.
Deputy President Jacob Zuma described the visit as 'a fresh breeze'. Yesterday Zuma and Erdogan signed agreements on trade and economic co-operation and on building a relationship between customs authorities."
More:allAfrica.com: South Africa: SA's Troubled Ties With Turkey Healed By Erdogan Visit
Business Day (Johannesburg)
March 4, 2005
Posted to the web March 4, 2005
Jonathan Katzenellenbogen
Johannesburg
THE three-day visit this week of Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan confirms that relations between Pretoria and Ankara, which have been cool since 1994, are on the mend.
Deputy President Jacob Zuma described the visit as 'a fresh breeze'. Yesterday Zuma and Erdogan signed agreements on trade and economic co-operation and on building a relationship between customs authorities."
More:allAfrica.com: South Africa: SA's Troubled Ties With Turkey Healed By Erdogan Visit
Turkey Imagines the Unimaginable - by William S. Lind
"Turkey Imagines the Unimaginable
by William S. Lind
The Feb. 15 Christian Science Monitor describes a situation that, to anyone familiar with American-Turkish relations in the post-World War II period, is almost beyond imagining: an American attack on Turkey. According to the Monitor's story,
'The year is 2007. After a clash with Turkish forces in northern Iraq, U.S. troops stage a surprise attack. Reeling, Turkey turns to Russia and the European Union, who turn back the American onslaught."
More:Turkey Imagines the Unimaginable - by William S. Lind
by William S. Lind
The Feb. 15 Christian Science Monitor describes a situation that, to anyone familiar with American-Turkish relations in the post-World War II period, is almost beyond imagining: an American attack on Turkey. According to the Monitor's story,
'The year is 2007. After a clash with Turkish forces in northern Iraq, U.S. troops stage a surprise attack. Reeling, Turkey turns to Russia and the European Union, who turn back the American onslaught."
More:Turkey Imagines the Unimaginable - by William S. Lind
Antiwar.com Blog:Recent Letters and Turkey
" was in Britain last year and couldn't believe how unpopular the Iraq invasion/ occupation is there -- and unpopular with the old, rural and conservative, not just the usual suspects. No wonder, as Tom Engelhardt describes in 'The Emperor's Potemkin Visits,' when the president goes abroad he brings a courtier bubble. Robert L. Pollock, senior editorial page writer at the WSJ, couldn't avoid public opinion when he recently visited Turkey, though ('The Sick Man of Europe -- Again'):"
More:Antiwar.com Blog
More:Antiwar.com Blog
Aljazeera.Net - Strain showing in US-Turkey ties
"Strain showing in US-Turkey ties
By Jonathan Gorvett in Ankara
Friday 04 March 2005, 8:42 Makka Time, 5:42 GMT
Turks have protested against US policies in Northern Iraq
Relations between Washington and Ankara have not looked this bad in years: A global survey shows Turks are the most distrusting of the US, a best-selling novel in Turkey tells of war between the two and US newspapers have slammed Turkey for its anti-Americanism."
More:Aljazeera.Net - Strain showing in US-Turkey ties
By Jonathan Gorvett in Ankara
Friday 04 March 2005, 8:42 Makka Time, 5:42 GMT
Turks have protested against US policies in Northern Iraq
Relations between Washington and Ankara have not looked this bad in years: A global survey shows Turks are the most distrusting of the US, a best-selling novel in Turkey tells of war between the two and US newspapers have slammed Turkey for its anti-Americanism."
More:Aljazeera.Net - Strain showing in US-Turkey ties
Turkish Daily News - OSCE tells Turkey to lift Cyprus, Armenian bans
"OSCE tells Turkey to lift Cyprus, Armenian bans
Friday, March 4, 2005
Ankara faces pressure on sensitive issues
ANKARA � Turkish Daily News
The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) called on Turkish authorities to eliminate all references in official documents suggesting that calls for troop withdrawal from Cyprus or claims that Armenians were subject to a so-called genocide should be treated as crimes."
More:Turkish Daily News - OSCE tells Turkey to lift Cyprus, Armenian bans
Friday, March 4, 2005
Ankara faces pressure on sensitive issues
ANKARA � Turkish Daily News
The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) called on Turkish authorities to eliminate all references in official documents suggesting that calls for troop withdrawal from Cyprus or claims that Armenians were subject to a so-called genocide should be treated as crimes."
More:Turkish Daily News - OSCE tells Turkey to lift Cyprus, Armenian bans
Turkish Daily News - Istanbul Modern breaks 100,000 visitor mark
"Istanbul Modern breaks 100,000 visitor mark
Friday, March 4, 2005
ISTANBUL - Turkish Daily News
The Istanbul Modern Art Museum has been visited by 100,000 people since its official inauguration on Dec. 11, 2004. Opening its doors to nearly 4,000 visitors a day during its first month, with attendance especially high on weekends, Istanbul Modern has received much interest from art aficionados. "
More:Turkish Daily News - Istanbul Modern breaks 100,000 visitor mark
Friday, March 4, 2005
ISTANBUL - Turkish Daily News
The Istanbul Modern Art Museum has been visited by 100,000 people since its official inauguration on Dec. 11, 2004. Opening its doors to nearly 4,000 visitors a day during its first month, with attendance especially high on weekends, Istanbul Modern has received much interest from art aficionados. "
More:Turkish Daily News - Istanbul Modern breaks 100,000 visitor mark
Turkish Daily News - Turkey�s EU bid marks French domestic agenda
"Turkey�s EU bid marks French domestic agenda
Friday, March 4, 2005
Ruling French party delegates are to respond to a poll on Turkey�s EU bid and the European Constitution
ANKARA - Turkish Daily News
Ruling French party the Union for a Popular Movement (UMP), led by Nicolas Sarkozy from the conservative anti-Turkey camp within the European Union, is set to conduct a poll within the party on the European Constitution, reported the Anatolia news agency. The European Constitution particularly in France is considered to be an issue related to Turkey's EU bid. "
More:Turkish Daily News - Turkey�s EU bid marks French domestic agenda
Friday, March 4, 2005
Ruling French party delegates are to respond to a poll on Turkey�s EU bid and the European Constitution
ANKARA - Turkish Daily News
Ruling French party the Union for a Popular Movement (UMP), led by Nicolas Sarkozy from the conservative anti-Turkey camp within the European Union, is set to conduct a poll within the party on the European Constitution, reported the Anatolia news agency. The European Constitution particularly in France is considered to be an issue related to Turkey's EU bid. "
More:Turkish Daily News - Turkey�s EU bid marks French domestic agenda
The Messenger:European court rejects Armenian suit
"European court rejects Armenian suit
According to the Azeri newspaper 525 Gazeta, the European Court of Human Rights rejected as groundless the case regarding the so-called 'Armenian Genocide.'
According to Turkish media, Armenians expressed recently that Turkey's membership in the European Union is unacceptable for them unless Ankara acknowledges the 'Armenian Genocide.' The paper notes that even the official inclusion of Turkey as a candidate for the membership in the European Union contradicts with the legal documents of the organization. Referring to this, the paper writes, the European-Armenian Society (headquartered in Marseilles, France) filed a case in the European Court regarding the exclusion of Turkey from the list of the candidate countries for membership of the European Union."
More:The Messenger
According to the Azeri newspaper 525 Gazeta, the European Court of Human Rights rejected as groundless the case regarding the so-called 'Armenian Genocide.'
According to Turkish media, Armenians expressed recently that Turkey's membership in the European Union is unacceptable for them unless Ankara acknowledges the 'Armenian Genocide.' The paper notes that even the official inclusion of Turkey as a candidate for the membership in the European Union contradicts with the legal documents of the organization. Referring to this, the paper writes, the European-Armenian Society (headquartered in Marseilles, France) filed a case in the European Court regarding the exclusion of Turkey from the list of the candidate countries for membership of the European Union."
More:The Messenger
Kurdish Info - Final Resolution: The EU, Turkey and the Kurds
"'The EU, Turkey and the Kurds'
22-23 November
European Parliament Brussels
co-organised by
Rafto Foundation (Norway)
Kurdish Human Rights Project (United Kingdom)
Medico International (Germany)
INTRODUCTION TO FINAL RESOLUTION
The International Conference on the EU, Turkey and the Kurds brought together leading human rights institutions, political parties, academics, writers, legal experts and prominent Turkish and Kurdish intellectuals from Europe, the United States, Africa and the Middle East. The conference was convened to exchange ideas and formulate a constructive and coherent response to Turkey�s impending negotiations on 17 December 2004. These negotiations will be of historic importance to both Kurds and Turks as they represent the first opportunity that the Kurdish issue has been addressed within a wider global context since Turkey became a member of the Council of Europe."
More:Kurdish Info - Final Resolution: The EU, Turkey and the Kurds
22-23 November
European Parliament Brussels
co-organised by
Rafto Foundation (Norway)
Kurdish Human Rights Project (United Kingdom)
Medico International (Germany)
INTRODUCTION TO FINAL RESOLUTION
The International Conference on the EU, Turkey and the Kurds brought together leading human rights institutions, political parties, academics, writers, legal experts and prominent Turkish and Kurdish intellectuals from Europe, the United States, Africa and the Middle East. The conference was convened to exchange ideas and formulate a constructive and coherent response to Turkey�s impending negotiations on 17 December 2004. These negotiations will be of historic importance to both Kurds and Turks as they represent the first opportunity that the Kurdish issue has been addressed within a wider global context since Turkey became a member of the Council of Europe."
More:Kurdish Info - Final Resolution: The EU, Turkey and the Kurds
Turkish Cypriots match Green Line trade limits
"Turkish Cypriots match Green Line trade limits
By Simon Bahceli
THE TURKISH Cypriot �council of ministers� passed a motion on Tuesday, further opening up the north to imports from the Republic.
The move comes in response to a recent broadening of the Green Line regulation, a mechanism put in place after Cyprus joined the EU last May allowing Turkish Cypriots limited access to markets in the south.
�We are trying to say to Greek Cypriots that anything they allow under the Green Line regulation will be matched by the north,� the north�s economy �minister� Dervish Deniz told the Cyprus Mail yesterday.
Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce head Ali Erel welcomed the move, describing it as �a positive development�.
�We have been trying to get the message over [to the north�s authorities] for some time now that we need to reciprocate,� Erel told the Mail yesterday, adding: �One-way movement is not trade�."
More:Turkish Cypriots match Green Line trade limits
By Simon Bahceli
THE TURKISH Cypriot �council of ministers� passed a motion on Tuesday, further opening up the north to imports from the Republic.
The move comes in response to a recent broadening of the Green Line regulation, a mechanism put in place after Cyprus joined the EU last May allowing Turkish Cypriots limited access to markets in the south.
�We are trying to say to Greek Cypriots that anything they allow under the Green Line regulation will be matched by the north,� the north�s economy �minister� Dervish Deniz told the Cyprus Mail yesterday.
Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce head Ali Erel welcomed the move, describing it as �a positive development�.
�We have been trying to get the message over [to the north�s authorities] for some time now that we need to reciprocate,� Erel told the Mail yesterday, adding: �One-way movement is not trade�."
More:Turkish Cypriots match Green Line trade limits
JTW News - 16th International Ankara Film Festival begins
"16th International Ankara Film Festival begins
The 16th International Ankara Film Festival started on Thursday. Eleven films would be on the screen in the festival's National Feature category this year. Films entitled (Fall of the Angel) directed by Semih Kaplanoglu; (Where Are You Firuze?'' directed by Ezel Akay; (Making Boats from Rind) by Ahmet Ulucay; (I am Afraid Mum) by Reha Erdem; (Heads or Tails) by Ugur Yucel; (Welcome Life) by Umit Elci; (Helin's Dream) by Nuray Sahin; (Balance and Maneuver) by Teoman; (Protect Yourself) by Ayse Polat; (Dreaming Plays) by Yavuz Ozkan; and (Night 11:45) by Ercan Durmus will join this year's National Feature Competition ."
More:JTW News - 16th International Ankara Film Festival begins
The 16th International Ankara Film Festival started on Thursday. Eleven films would be on the screen in the festival's National Feature category this year. Films entitled (Fall of the Angel) directed by Semih Kaplanoglu; (Where Are You Firuze?'' directed by Ezel Akay; (Making Boats from Rind) by Ahmet Ulucay; (I am Afraid Mum) by Reha Erdem; (Heads or Tails) by Ugur Yucel; (Welcome Life) by Umit Elci; (Helin's Dream) by Nuray Sahin; (Balance and Maneuver) by Teoman; (Protect Yourself) by Ayse Polat; (Dreaming Plays) by Yavuz Ozkan; and (Night 11:45) by Ercan Durmus will join this year's National Feature Competition ."
More:JTW News - 16th International Ankara Film Festival begins
Turkey : Country�s textile sector sulking under strong Turkish Lira & cheap Chinese imports - Textile Fashion News Fibre2Fashion
"Turkey : Country�s textile sector sulking under strong Turkish Lira & cheap Chinese imports
4th March 2005
Weakening US Dollar against rising Turkish Lira and growing imports from China as it is set to dominate the world markets, have all led to Turkish textile sector being affected in a big way. Depreciation of the US Dollar is eroding precious foreign exchange of domestic companies with expenses in Turkish currency and incomes in foreign currency incomes."
More:Turkey : Country�s textile sector sulking under strong Turkish Lira & cheap Chinese imports - Textile Fashion News Fibre2Fashion
4th March 2005
Weakening US Dollar against rising Turkish Lira and growing imports from China as it is set to dominate the world markets, have all led to Turkish textile sector being affected in a big way. Depreciation of the US Dollar is eroding precious foreign exchange of domestic companies with expenses in Turkish currency and incomes in foreign currency incomes."
More:Turkey : Country�s textile sector sulking under strong Turkish Lira & cheap Chinese imports - Textile Fashion News Fibre2Fashion
The Australian: A Turkish connection [March 05, 2005]
"A Turkish connection
March 05, 2005
IT is a wonderful thing to visit His All Holiness, the Patriarch Bartholomew, in his ancient compound in Istanbul. His is the most senior patriarchate in all the Orthodox Christian churches.
The compound is in a part of Istanbul that is older even than the Ottoman Empire, a part of the city that was the heart of the old Christian empire of Byzantium. The Christians of Turkey are mostly Greek Orthodox, and their patriarchate has been located in Istanbul, formerly Constantinople for 1700 years. "
More:The Australian: A Turkish connection [March 05, 2005]
March 05, 2005
IT is a wonderful thing to visit His All Holiness, the Patriarch Bartholomew, in his ancient compound in Istanbul. His is the most senior patriarchate in all the Orthodox Christian churches.
The compound is in a part of Istanbul that is older even than the Ottoman Empire, a part of the city that was the heart of the old Christian empire of Byzantium. The Christians of Turkey are mostly Greek Orthodox, and their patriarchate has been located in Istanbul, formerly Constantinople for 1700 years. "
More:The Australian: A Turkish connection [March 05, 2005]
EUROPA - Rapid - Press Releases:Commissioner Olli Rehn to visit Turkey
"Commissioner Olli Rehn to visit Turkey
Commissioner for Enlargement Olli Rehn will pay his first official visit to Turkey from 6 to 8 March. This visit comes at an important moment in the relations between the EU and Turkey following the decision of the European Council in December 2004 to open accession negotiations on 3 October 2005. During his visit he will be having discussions with the Turkish authorities and representatives of the civil society on bilateral relations and issues related to the start of the of the accession negotiations. He will also participate at the EU-Turkey Tro�ka Ministerial meeting on 7 March. "
More:EUROPA - Rapid - Press Releases
Commissioner for Enlargement Olli Rehn will pay his first official visit to Turkey from 6 to 8 March. This visit comes at an important moment in the relations between the EU and Turkey following the decision of the European Council in December 2004 to open accession negotiations on 3 October 2005. During his visit he will be having discussions with the Turkish authorities and representatives of the civil society on bilateral relations and issues related to the start of the of the accession negotiations. He will also participate at the EU-Turkey Tro�ka Ministerial meeting on 7 March. "
More:EUROPA - Rapid - Press Releases
Talat rebuffs Tassos Famagusta offer
"Talat rebuffs Tassos Famagusta offer
By Simon Bahceli
TURKISH Cypriot �prime minister� Mehmet Ali Talat yesterday shrugged off President Tassos Papadopoulos� offer of running Famagusta port as a bicommunal project in return for the handing over to the Republic of the closed city of Varosha.
�It will never a possible to accept Greek Cypriot authority in the north� unless joint running applied to all ports on the island,� Talat told reporters yesterday.
Talat, a strong advocate of the UN-backed Annan plan for Cyprus, has repeatedly stated he is against a piecemeal approach to solving the Cyprus problem.
�We are ready to create a United Cyprus Republic [as envisaged in the Annan plan], but bringing Greek Cypriot authority into the north in this way is not acceptable,� Talat insisted.
He added that Western leaders had �laughed a little� at Papadopoulos� latest offer."
Talat rebuffs Tassos Famagusta offer
By Simon Bahceli
TURKISH Cypriot �prime minister� Mehmet Ali Talat yesterday shrugged off President Tassos Papadopoulos� offer of running Famagusta port as a bicommunal project in return for the handing over to the Republic of the closed city of Varosha.
�It will never a possible to accept Greek Cypriot authority in the north� unless joint running applied to all ports on the island,� Talat told reporters yesterday.
Talat, a strong advocate of the UN-backed Annan plan for Cyprus, has repeatedly stated he is against a piecemeal approach to solving the Cyprus problem.
�We are ready to create a United Cyprus Republic [as envisaged in the Annan plan], but bringing Greek Cypriot authority into the north in this way is not acceptable,� Talat insisted.
He added that Western leaders had �laughed a little� at Papadopoulos� latest offer."
Talat rebuffs Tassos Famagusta offer
Kretschemer Insists: Turkey has Slowed Reform Efforts
"Kretschemer Insists: Turkey has Slowed Reform Efforts
By Suleyman Kurt
Published: Friday 04, 2005
zaman.com
The European Union (EU) Commission's Turkey Representative, HansjorgKretschemer, has issued a statement to the Reuters News Agency in response to Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul's statements regarding Turkey's EU assimilation process. Kretschemer continued to insist that Turkey has slowed down its reform efforts. "
More:ZAMAN DAILY NEWSPAPER (2005030417129)
By Suleyman Kurt
Published: Friday 04, 2005
zaman.com
The European Union (EU) Commission's Turkey Representative, HansjorgKretschemer, has issued a statement to the Reuters News Agency in response to Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul's statements regarding Turkey's EU assimilation process. Kretschemer continued to insist that Turkey has slowed down its reform efforts. "
More:ZAMAN DAILY NEWSPAPER (2005030417129)
Double Genocide Correction from US Yerevan Ambassador
"Double Genocide Correction from US Yerevan Ambassador
By Anadolu News Agency (aa)
Published: Friday 04, 2005
zaman.com
The US Ambassador to Yerevan John Evans has had to apologize twice for use of the term 'genocide' about events in Armenia, once to the US Administration and once to Turkey."
More:ZAMAN DAILY NEWSPAPER (2005030417134)
By Anadolu News Agency (aa)
Published: Friday 04, 2005
zaman.com
The US Ambassador to Yerevan John Evans has had to apologize twice for use of the term 'genocide' about events in Armenia, once to the US Administration and once to Turkey."
More:ZAMAN DAILY NEWSPAPER (2005030417134)
Is Our Friendship With Germany Near An End?
"Is Our Friendship With Germany Near An End?
BY MUSTAFA BALBAY
CUMHURIYET- The news from the EU isn�t encouraging at all. Here�s the dilemma: The EU constantly delays its responsibilities toward Turkey, while asking Turkey to do whatever it asks immediately and without question.
Apparently, this dilemma will endure as long as our government fails to take an appropriate stand against it. "
More:Is Our Friendship With Germany Near An End?
BY MUSTAFA BALBAY
CUMHURIYET- The news from the EU isn�t encouraging at all. Here�s the dilemma: The EU constantly delays its responsibilities toward Turkey, while asking Turkey to do whatever it asks immediately and without question.
Apparently, this dilemma will endure as long as our government fails to take an appropriate stand against it. "
More:Is Our Friendship With Germany Near An End?
Bloomberg.com: U.S.:Turkey Says U.S. May Withdraw `Unneeded' Loan Offer
"Turkey Says U.S. May Withdraw `Unneeded' Loan Offer (Update2)
March 4 (Bloomberg) -- The U.S. may withdraw an offer of a loan allocated to Turkey for its help in the Iraq war because the country doesn't need the money, Turkey's Treasury said.
Turkey has told the U.S. it won't require the financial support after agreeing in principle on a new $10 billion loan from the International Monetary Fund, the Treasury said in an e-mailed statement today. The U.S. House Appropriations Committee is discussing alternative ways to spend the money, the Ankara-based Treasury said."
More:Bloomberg.com: U.S.
March 4 (Bloomberg) -- The U.S. may withdraw an offer of a loan allocated to Turkey for its help in the Iraq war because the country doesn't need the money, Turkey's Treasury said.
Turkey has told the U.S. it won't require the financial support after agreeing in principle on a new $10 billion loan from the International Monetary Fund, the Treasury said in an e-mailed statement today. The U.S. House Appropriations Committee is discussing alternative ways to spend the money, the Ankara-based Treasury said."
More:Bloomberg.com: U.S.
Take It Or Leave It
"Take It Or Leave It
BY FIKRET BILA
MILLIYET- Certain European Union officials have been criticizing our government for losing enthusiasm of late in our efforts to become an EU member. EU Commission Representative to Turkey Hansjoerg Kretschmer has recently made statements along these lines, calling on our government to speed up its efforts. Ankara is being accused by the EU of losing momentum since last December, when it got a date for the beginning of its accession talks. "
More:Take It Or Leave It
BY FIKRET BILA
MILLIYET- Certain European Union officials have been criticizing our government for losing enthusiasm of late in our efforts to become an EU member. EU Commission Representative to Turkey Hansjoerg Kretschmer has recently made statements along these lines, calling on our government to speed up its efforts. Ankara is being accused by the EU of losing momentum since last December, when it got a date for the beginning of its accession talks. "
More:Take It Or Leave It
Kurdish Info - EU reporter: Turkey should give priority to fight against 'honor' murders
"EU reporter: Turkey should give priority to fight against 'honor' murders
European Commission for Equal Opportunity of Men and Women has appointed Socialist Group' Turk originated Dutch Deputy Emine Bozkurt as the Turkey Reporter.
She, who will prepare 'The Situation of Woman in Turkey' feature report, drew attention to the murders committed under the name or so called ''honor''
In her statement EU reporter to Turkey stating she had always desired the charge to which she has been assigned uttered that women in Turkey have harder and worse problems when compared to the other sectors of Turkish society. Touching on the importance of the battle against the 'honor murders' in Turkey, she reminded that the same felonies have been committed in some countries of the European Union said that the point under the consideration is not only the problem of Turkey but also of Europe."
More:Kurdish Info - EU reporter: Turkey should give priority to fight against 'honor' murders
European Commission for Equal Opportunity of Men and Women has appointed Socialist Group' Turk originated Dutch Deputy Emine Bozkurt as the Turkey Reporter.
She, who will prepare 'The Situation of Woman in Turkey' feature report, drew attention to the murders committed under the name or so called ''honor''
In her statement EU reporter to Turkey stating she had always desired the charge to which she has been assigned uttered that women in Turkey have harder and worse problems when compared to the other sectors of Turkish society. Touching on the importance of the battle against the 'honor murders' in Turkey, she reminded that the same felonies have been committed in some countries of the European Union said that the point under the consideration is not only the problem of Turkey but also of Europe."
More:Kurdish Info - EU reporter: Turkey should give priority to fight against 'honor' murders
Kurdish Info - Thousands of Kurds demonstrate in Turkey for more rights, EU membership
"Thousands of Kurds demonstrate in Turkey for more rights, EU membership
DIYARBAKIR, Turkey, Dec 12 (AFP) - 16h47 - About 50,000 Kurdish demonstrators gathered Sunday in Diyarbakir, the heart of Turkey's mainly Kurdish southeast, to lend support to Turkey's EU membership bid and demand more freedoms.
Although the demonstration itself was peaceful, around 100 people clashed with police when they were stopped from holding a separate march after the rally ended. Waving flags in the traditional Kurdish colors of yellow, red and green, the demonstrators, who poured into the city from all over the region, chanted peace slogans as bands performed songs in Kurdish. The meeting, organized by Turkey's main pro-Kurdish party DEHAP, was entitled 'Yes to diversity, no to separatism.' 'We want to be part of Turkey with our Kurdish identity, we want EU membership,' 'Long live peace,' read the banners held up by the crowd. "
More:Kurdish Info - Thousands of Kurds demonstrate in Turkey for more rights, EU membership
DIYARBAKIR, Turkey, Dec 12 (AFP) - 16h47 - About 50,000 Kurdish demonstrators gathered Sunday in Diyarbakir, the heart of Turkey's mainly Kurdish southeast, to lend support to Turkey's EU membership bid and demand more freedoms.
Although the demonstration itself was peaceful, around 100 people clashed with police when they were stopped from holding a separate march after the rally ended. Waving flags in the traditional Kurdish colors of yellow, red and green, the demonstrators, who poured into the city from all over the region, chanted peace slogans as bands performed songs in Kurdish. The meeting, organized by Turkey's main pro-Kurdish party DEHAP, was entitled 'Yes to diversity, no to separatism.' 'We want to be part of Turkey with our Kurdish identity, we want EU membership,' 'Long live peace,' read the banners held up by the crowd. "
More:Kurdish Info - Thousands of Kurds demonstrate in Turkey for more rights, EU membership
Kurdish Info - Kurdish guerrillas attack Turkish army
"Kurdish guerrillas attack Turkish army
Kurdish guerrillas have ambushed a military convoy in south-eastern Turkey, killing one soldier and injuring another three.
Rebels from the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) on Wednesday first threw a grenade and then opened fire with rifles on the convoy which was returning from duty in a rural area of Bingol province, the military said.
One soldier died at the scene and three others were taken to Bingol hospital for treatment. "
More:Kurdish Info - Kurdish guerrillas attack Turkish army
Kurdish guerrillas have ambushed a military convoy in south-eastern Turkey, killing one soldier and injuring another three.
Rebels from the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) on Wednesday first threw a grenade and then opened fire with rifles on the convoy which was returning from duty in a rural area of Bingol province, the military said.
One soldier died at the scene and three others were taken to Bingol hospital for treatment. "
More:Kurdish Info - Kurdish guerrillas attack Turkish army
Turkey has not slowed EU progress: Gul
"Turkey has not slowed EU progress: Gul
The EU is a major priority for Turkey, the Foreign Minister said.
March 4- Turkeys Foreign Minister has rejected suggestions by a senior European official that Turkish efforts to meet the European Union�s accession criteria have slowed."
More:Turkey has not slowed EU progress: Gul
The EU is a major priority for Turkey, the Foreign Minister said.
March 4- Turkeys Foreign Minister has rejected suggestions by a senior European official that Turkish efforts to meet the European Union�s accession criteria have slowed."
More:Turkey has not slowed EU progress: Gul
Thursday, March 03, 2005
Global Economic Integration And Turkey
"Global Economic Integration And Turkey
BY HUSEYIN YILDIZ
AKSAM- Over the last 25 years, the extraordinary progress we�ve seen in data processing, communication, transportation and distribution has enabled the speedy shuttling of capital, goods and labor across the world. In line with the globalization of the world economy, national markets are linking up with regional markets, and regional markets are uniting to form a global market. As commercial boundaries between nations fall and the volume of international trade rises, advanced technology transfer to developing countries has gained momentum. "
More:Global Economic Integration And Turkey
BY HUSEYIN YILDIZ
AKSAM- Over the last 25 years, the extraordinary progress we�ve seen in data processing, communication, transportation and distribution has enabled the speedy shuttling of capital, goods and labor across the world. In line with the globalization of the world economy, national markets are linking up with regional markets, and regional markets are uniting to form a global market. As commercial boundaries between nations fall and the volume of international trade rises, advanced technology transfer to developing countries has gained momentum. "
More:Global Economic Integration And Turkey
Discrimination
"Discrimination
Published: 2/24/2005
BY TURGUT TARHANLI
RADIKAL- Last week the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) released its third report on Turkey. Our leaders and media rebuffed the report and its arguments that despite legislative reforms, gaps remain concerning racism and intolerance in Turkey's Constitution and its civil, criminal and administrative codes, particularly concerning allegedly compulsory religion courses and religious affiliation listings on national ID cards. However, of course it covered many other issues as well. The report drew a swift reaction from our politicos and media, both because we lack sufficient background on the ECRI�s activities, and also because the commission failed to provide reporters with adequate and unbiased information on the report. "
More:Discrimination
Published: 2/24/2005
BY TURGUT TARHANLI
RADIKAL- Last week the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) released its third report on Turkey. Our leaders and media rebuffed the report and its arguments that despite legislative reforms, gaps remain concerning racism and intolerance in Turkey's Constitution and its civil, criminal and administrative codes, particularly concerning allegedly compulsory religion courses and religious affiliation listings on national ID cards. However, of course it covered many other issues as well. The report drew a swift reaction from our politicos and media, both because we lack sufficient background on the ECRI�s activities, and also because the commission failed to provide reporters with adequate and unbiased information on the report. "
More:Discrimination
'Noah's Pudding', Symbol of Multi-Culturalism
"'Noah's Pudding', Symbol of Multi-Culturalism
By Ali Ihsan Aydin
Published: Thursday 03, 2005
zaman.com
One of Turkey's famous deserts, Asure or Noah's Pudding, is a symbol of multi-culturalism. Turkish NGOs are organizing 'Noah's Pudding Days' with representatives of other religions and cultures and consequently introducing Noah's Pudding to Europeans and giving the message of tolerance and multi-culturalism."
More:ZAMAN DAILY NEWSPAPER (2005030417112)
By Ali Ihsan Aydin
Published: Thursday 03, 2005
zaman.com
One of Turkey's famous deserts, Asure or Noah's Pudding, is a symbol of multi-culturalism. Turkish NGOs are organizing 'Noah's Pudding Days' with representatives of other religions and cultures and consequently introducing Noah's Pudding to Europeans and giving the message of tolerance and multi-culturalism."
More:ZAMAN DAILY NEWSPAPER (2005030417112)
Where are we in the Turkish - Greek Rapprochement?
"Where are we in the Turkish - Greek Rapprochement?
Where are we in the Turkish-Greek rapprochement, which is about to complete its sixth year? I had a chance to discuss this issue with diplomats, academics and journalists from both sides thanks to 'The Third Greek-Turkish Media Conference' that was held in Athens last weekend. "
More:ZAMAN DAILY NEWSPAPER (2005030317115)
Where are we in the Turkish-Greek rapprochement, which is about to complete its sixth year? I had a chance to discuss this issue with diplomats, academics and journalists from both sides thanks to 'The Third Greek-Turkish Media Conference' that was held in Athens last weekend. "
More:ZAMAN DAILY NEWSPAPER (2005030317115)
Arts + Features - Turkish delight - The St. Petersburg Times. General news from St.Petersburg and Russia
"Turkish delight
By Yuriy Humber
STAFF WRITER
No literary genre in Russia sells as well as detective stories. No Russian detective story writer sells as much as Boris Akunin. If that's not a head start for making what is sure to become one of the country's biggest blockbusters this year, then, well, you could always mix all the other popular genres into the film adaptation and add a beefy dose of special effects.
Whether the resulting fizz, crackle and pop charms or not is a matter of taste. However, 'Turetsky Gambit' ('Turkish Gambit') is more than palatable."
More:Arts + Features - Turkish delight - The St. Petersburg Times. General news from St.Petersburg and Russia
By Yuriy Humber
STAFF WRITER
No literary genre in Russia sells as well as detective stories. No Russian detective story writer sells as much as Boris Akunin. If that's not a head start for making what is sure to become one of the country's biggest blockbusters this year, then, well, you could always mix all the other popular genres into the film adaptation and add a beefy dose of special effects.
Whether the resulting fizz, crackle and pop charms or not is a matter of taste. However, 'Turetsky Gambit' ('Turkish Gambit') is more than palatable."
More:Arts + Features - Turkish delight - The St. Petersburg Times. General news from St.Petersburg and Russia
JTW News - "We'll be pleased to see Turkey in EU"
"'We'll be pleased to see Turkey in EU'
French Ambassador in Ankara Paul Poudade said, ''we will be pleased to see Turkey in EU'.
Poudade visited Bursa Metropolitan Mayor Hikmet Sahin on Thursday.
''We are pleased that Turkey got a date for EU entry talks. It will be a long path but I believe everything will be good,'' said Poudade.
Replying questions of reporters, Poudade said, ''EU entry talks with Turkey will start on October 3rd. This will be a long negotiation process for Turkey's adjustment to the EU. We should wait for the talks to start. We will be pleased to see Turkey in EU. The result is up to Turkey.''"
More:JTW News - "We'll be pleased to see Turkey in EU"
French Ambassador in Ankara Paul Poudade said, ''we will be pleased to see Turkey in EU'.
Poudade visited Bursa Metropolitan Mayor Hikmet Sahin on Thursday.
''We are pleased that Turkey got a date for EU entry talks. It will be a long path but I believe everything will be good,'' said Poudade.
Replying questions of reporters, Poudade said, ''EU entry talks with Turkey will start on October 3rd. This will be a long negotiation process for Turkey's adjustment to the EU. We should wait for the talks to start. We will be pleased to see Turkey in EU. The result is up to Turkey.''"
More:JTW News - "We'll be pleased to see Turkey in EU"
Gul: Turkey Takes Determined Steps In E.U. Process
"Gul: Turkey Takes Determined Steps In E.U. Process
Published: 3/3/2005
ANKARA - Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul said, ''Turkey takes determined steps in EU process.''
Gul visited Scientific & Technical Research Center of Turkey (TUBITAK) Deputy Chairman Nukhet Yetis on Thursday. "
More:Gul: Turkey Takes Determined Steps In E.U. Process
Published: 3/3/2005
ANKARA - Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul said, ''Turkey takes determined steps in EU process.''
Gul visited Scientific & Technical Research Center of Turkey (TUBITAK) Deputy Chairman Nukhet Yetis on Thursday. "
More:Gul: Turkey Takes Determined Steps In E.U. Process
BBC NEWS | Europe | Turkish press under fire
"Turkish press under fire
By Laura Smith-Spark
BBC News website
The cartoonist was fined for showing Erdogan in a 'humiliating' way
Turkey may have made big strides towards greater press freedom - but a series of high-profile court cases have highlighted how far it still needs to go.
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan - who has in the past presented himself as a champion of free speech - has just sued a political cartoonist who poked fun at him. "
More:BBC NEWS | Europe | Turkish press under fire
By Laura Smith-Spark
BBC News website
The cartoonist was fined for showing Erdogan in a 'humiliating' way
Turkey may have made big strides towards greater press freedom - but a series of high-profile court cases have highlighted how far it still needs to go.
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan - who has in the past presented himself as a champion of free speech - has just sued a political cartoonist who poked fun at him. "
More:BBC NEWS | Europe | Turkish press under fire
Evans had to correct his statement again after using ''genocide'' in his apology
"Evans had to correct his statement again after using ''genocide'' in his apology
WASHINGTON - US Ambassador in Yerevan John Evans had to correct his statement one more time using the expression ``genocide`` regarding the relocation of some Armenians under Ottoman rule during the past century, despite formal policy of the United States. "
More:Evans had to correct his statement again after using ''genocide'' in his apology
WASHINGTON - US Ambassador in Yerevan John Evans had to correct his statement one more time using the expression ``genocide`` regarding the relocation of some Armenians under Ottoman rule during the past century, despite formal policy of the United States. "
More:Evans had to correct his statement again after using ''genocide'' in his apology
Al-Ahram Weekly | Culture | The Turks are coming
"The Turks are coming
A major show at the Royal Academy of Arts celebrates Turkish art. Amina Elbendary queues up, pondering its significance
For centuries the word 'Turk' had all sorts of uncomfortable connotations for the European mind. It is therefore quite interesting to see people from all walks of life queuing in an orderly British fashion to see 'Turks: A Journey of a Thousand Years, 600 -1600' at the Royal Academy of Arts. It comes at an interesting moment when Europe is reluctantly coming to terms with the idea that Turks are here to stay. After all, the European Union has just begun negotiations with Turkey on its membership. Introducing the new member-to-be would be a valid cultural enterprise. And in 21st century fashion the exhibition is funded by a number of Turkish and British businesses including a major Turkish conglomerate and a UK steel company. The hype and the queues also suggest an interest in things Turkish and Islamic -- something that finds wider expression in a series of public lectures and workshops on various topics in Turkish history. "
More:Al-Ahram Weekly | Culture | The Turks are coming
A major show at the Royal Academy of Arts celebrates Turkish art. Amina Elbendary queues up, pondering its significance
For centuries the word 'Turk' had all sorts of uncomfortable connotations for the European mind. It is therefore quite interesting to see people from all walks of life queuing in an orderly British fashion to see 'Turks: A Journey of a Thousand Years, 600 -1600' at the Royal Academy of Arts. It comes at an interesting moment when Europe is reluctantly coming to terms with the idea that Turks are here to stay. After all, the European Union has just begun negotiations with Turkey on its membership. Introducing the new member-to-be would be a valid cultural enterprise. And in 21st century fashion the exhibition is funded by a number of Turkish and British businesses including a major Turkish conglomerate and a UK steel company. The hype and the queues also suggest an interest in things Turkish and Islamic -- something that finds wider expression in a series of public lectures and workshops on various topics in Turkish history. "
More:Al-Ahram Weekly | Culture | The Turks are coming
Daily Times - Pakistan to benefit from Turkish inclusion in EU
"Pakistan to benefit from Turkish inclusion in EU
KARACHI: Pakistan is likely to receive benefits due to the expected member ship of Turkey in European Union (EU), said M. Hyati Soyosal, Turkish consulate general on Thursday.
The Turkish consul general said the negotiations regarding the Turkish membership in EU states are expected to start in the first week of October this year. And the membership is likely to work as a linkage between eastern and western trade and it is likely to pass on benefits to Pakistani trade also."
More:Daily Times - Site Edition
KARACHI: Pakistan is likely to receive benefits due to the expected member ship of Turkey in European Union (EU), said M. Hyati Soyosal, Turkish consulate general on Thursday.
The Turkish consul general said the negotiations regarding the Turkish membership in EU states are expected to start in the first week of October this year. And the membership is likely to work as a linkage between eastern and western trade and it is likely to pass on benefits to Pakistani trade also."
More:Daily Times - Site Edition
The Daily Star - Arts & Culture - A bit too real? Ankara pulls the plug on homegrown reality TV
"A bit too real? Ankara pulls the plug on homegrown reality TV
Shows draw huge, fascinated audiences
By Agence France Presse (AFP)
Friday, March 04, 2005
ANKARA: Turkey's audiovisual media watchdog RUTK wants to curb Turkey's highly popular and controversial reality television shows, citing their harmful 'effects on children and teenagers,' RUTK Chairman Fatih Karaca said.
'I come from the world of television myself, but I am sorry to say I am ashamed of these shows,' Karaca said in remarks reported Thursday by the press. "
More:The Daily Star - Arts & Culture - A bit too real? Ankara pulls the plug on homegrown reality TV
Shows draw huge, fascinated audiences
By Agence France Presse (AFP)
Friday, March 04, 2005
ANKARA: Turkey's audiovisual media watchdog RUTK wants to curb Turkey's highly popular and controversial reality television shows, citing their harmful 'effects on children and teenagers,' RUTK Chairman Fatih Karaca said.
'I come from the world of television myself, but I am sorry to say I am ashamed of these shows,' Karaca said in remarks reported Thursday by the press. "
More:The Daily Star - Arts & Culture - A bit too real? Ankara pulls the plug on homegrown reality TV
Turkish Daily News - When the right wing agitates the right wing
"When the right wing agitates the right wing
Thursday, March 3, 2005
Opinion by Semih Idiz
SEMIH IDIZ
The latest polemic in Turkish-EU relations is over the question of whether the Erdogan government has lost its enthusiasm for the European Union. The EU side is of this opinion, while the Turkish side, as might be expected, denies it strongly. The European Commission's representative in Ankara, Hans Jorg Kretschmer, was blunt on this score in an interview with CNN Turk earlier this week. "
More:Turkish Daily News - When the right wing agitates the right wing
Thursday, March 3, 2005
Opinion by Semih Idiz
SEMIH IDIZ
The latest polemic in Turkish-EU relations is over the question of whether the Erdogan government has lost its enthusiasm for the European Union. The EU side is of this opinion, while the Turkish side, as might be expected, denies it strongly. The European Commission's representative in Ankara, Hans Jorg Kretschmer, was blunt on this score in an interview with CNN Turk earlier this week. "
More:Turkish Daily News - When the right wing agitates the right wing
Two Turkish trucker drivers killed in Iraq
"Two Turkish trucker drivers killed in Iraq
More than 80 Turks, most of them truck drivers, have been killed in Iraq by insurgents.
March 3� A terrorist group linked to the al Qaeda network has claimed it has killed two Turkish truck drivers in Iraq."
More:Two Turkish trucker drivers killed in Iraq
More than 80 Turks, most of them truck drivers, have been killed in Iraq by insurgents.
March 3� A terrorist group linked to the al Qaeda network has claimed it has killed two Turkish truck drivers in Iraq."
More:Two Turkish trucker drivers killed in Iraq
Turkish Daily News - Turks� EU expectations run high
"Turks� EU expectations run high
Thursday, March 3, 2005
ANKARA � Turkish Daily News
The majority of Turks have a positive image of the European Union, and nearly two-thirds of Turkish citizens support Turkey's accession to the 25-nation bloc, a European Union survey revealed.
Only 12 percent of those surveyed said that EU membership would be a bad thing, according to the Eurobarometer survey, which was conducted between Oct. 2 and Nov. 8, 2004 in EU member and candidate countries. For the first time a national report on Turkey was produced together with national reports on the 25 EU members and candidate countries."
More:Turkish Daily News - Turks� EU expectations run high
Thursday, March 3, 2005
ANKARA � Turkish Daily News
The majority of Turks have a positive image of the European Union, and nearly two-thirds of Turkish citizens support Turkey's accession to the 25-nation bloc, a European Union survey revealed.
Only 12 percent of those surveyed said that EU membership would be a bad thing, according to the Eurobarometer survey, which was conducted between Oct. 2 and Nov. 8, 2004 in EU member and candidate countries. For the first time a national report on Turkey was produced together with national reports on the 25 EU members and candidate countries."
More:Turkish Daily News - Turks� EU expectations run high
'As long as the arms belong to Turkey, we�re not doing anything wrong'
"'As long as the arms belong to Turkey, we�re not doing anything wrong'
By Jean Christou
US stands firm on tanks delivery to north
WASHINGTON yesterday said the transfer of US-made Turkish tanks to the north did not violate any post-1974 agreements on arming either side in Cyprus with American weapons.
US State Department Deputy Spokesman Adam Ereli has said there had been no transfer of US weapons to Cyprus' Turkish-occupied areas that would cause concern and violation of statutes.
�These are weapons that Turkey � that the government of Turkey has, the Turkish armed forces have, and that � to our knowledge, there are no transfers that have taken place or provisions governing transfers that have been violated. There have been no new developments that would lead us to conclude that something illegal or prohibited is taking place,� he said. "
More:'As long as the arms belong to Turkey, we�re not doing anything wrong'
By Jean Christou
US stands firm on tanks delivery to north
WASHINGTON yesterday said the transfer of US-made Turkish tanks to the north did not violate any post-1974 agreements on arming either side in Cyprus with American weapons.
US State Department Deputy Spokesman Adam Ereli has said there had been no transfer of US weapons to Cyprus' Turkish-occupied areas that would cause concern and violation of statutes.
�These are weapons that Turkey � that the government of Turkey has, the Turkish armed forces have, and that � to our knowledge, there are no transfers that have taken place or provisions governing transfers that have been violated. There have been no new developments that would lead us to conclude that something illegal or prohibited is taking place,� he said. "
More:'As long as the arms belong to Turkey, we�re not doing anything wrong'
Turkish Daily News - G�nd�z Aktan: The second biggest obstacle
"Gunduz Aktan: The second biggest obstacle
Thursday, March 3, 2005
I have written on various occasions that I considered the liberal intellectuals to be the biggest obstacle blocking our country's path to European Union membership. Their attitude is paradoxical. In the past these intellectuals had a leftist vocation. Yet now they advocate Turkish membership in the EU more vigorously than any other group of people in the country. They are supported by big capital and media. Like everybody else who wants EU membership, they too aim to ensure the development of Turkey, a country with chronic problems, via EU membership. However, their basic aim is to �tame� the state that had made them suffer in the past -- by means of the radical democracy to be built with the EU's help. "
More:Turkish Daily News - Gunduz Aktan: The second biggest obstacle
Thursday, March 3, 2005
I have written on various occasions that I considered the liberal intellectuals to be the biggest obstacle blocking our country's path to European Union membership. Their attitude is paradoxical. In the past these intellectuals had a leftist vocation. Yet now they advocate Turkish membership in the EU more vigorously than any other group of people in the country. They are supported by big capital and media. Like everybody else who wants EU membership, they too aim to ensure the development of Turkey, a country with chronic problems, via EU membership. However, their basic aim is to �tame� the state that had made them suffer in the past -- by means of the radical democracy to be built with the EU's help. "
More:Turkish Daily News - Gunduz Aktan: The second biggest obstacle
Turkish Daily News - Turks� EU expectations run high
"Turks� EU expectations run high
Thursday, March 3, 2005
ANKARA � Turkish Daily News
The majority of Turks have a positive image of the European Union, and nearly two-thirds of Turkish citizens support Turkey's accession to the 25-nation bloc, a European Union survey revealed."
More:Turkish Daily News - Turks� EU expectations run high
Thursday, March 3, 2005
ANKARA � Turkish Daily News
The majority of Turks have a positive image of the European Union, and nearly two-thirds of Turkish citizens support Turkey's accession to the 25-nation bloc, a European Union survey revealed."
More:Turkish Daily News - Turks� EU expectations run high
Turkish Daily News - Turkey, EU try to hammer out Cyprus differences
"Turkey, EU try to hammer out Cyprus differences
Thursday, March 3, 2005
ANKARA � Turkish Daily News
A delegation of senior Turkish diplomats tried to work out a deal with Brussels over a protocol that Turkey pledged to sign before it starts long-delayed accession talks with the European Union later this year."
More:Turkish Daily News - Turkey, EU try to hammer out Cyprus differences
Thursday, March 3, 2005
ANKARA � Turkish Daily News
A delegation of senior Turkish diplomats tried to work out a deal with Brussels over a protocol that Turkey pledged to sign before it starts long-delayed accession talks with the European Union later this year."
More:Turkish Daily News - Turkey, EU try to hammer out Cyprus differences
Turkish Daily News - Turkey, EU open tough talks in Brussels
"Turkey, EU open tough talks in Brussels
Thursday, March 3, 2005
ANKARA � Turkish Daily News
Two top Turkish diplomats met with European Union Commission officials in Brussels yesterday for talks over signing a protocol, which Ankara fears could be misinterpreted as implying recognition of Greek Cyprus."
More:Turkish Daily News - Turkey, EU open tough talks in Brussels
Thursday, March 3, 2005
ANKARA � Turkish Daily News
Two top Turkish diplomats met with European Union Commission officials in Brussels yesterday for talks over signing a protocol, which Ankara fears could be misinterpreted as implying recognition of Greek Cyprus."
More:Turkish Daily News - Turkey, EU open tough talks in Brussels
Turkish Prime Minister visits Ethiopia
"Turkish Prime Minister visits Ethiopia
ADDIS ABABA (dpa) - Turkish Prime Minister Rece Tayyip Erdogan arrived late Tuesday night in the Ethiopian capital of Addis Ababa on a two-day official visit, heading a large government and business delegation aimed at enhancing economic and trade cooperation.
He was welcomed on arrival at Bole International Airport at around 2330 hours local time (2030 GMT) by Prime Minister Meles Zenawi along with cabinet ministers, the official Ethiopian News Agency (ENA) reported Wednesday."
More:Turkish Prime Minister visits Ethiopia
ADDIS ABABA (dpa) - Turkish Prime Minister Rece Tayyip Erdogan arrived late Tuesday night in the Ethiopian capital of Addis Ababa on a two-day official visit, heading a large government and business delegation aimed at enhancing economic and trade cooperation.
He was welcomed on arrival at Bole International Airport at around 2330 hours local time (2030 GMT) by Prime Minister Meles Zenawi along with cabinet ministers, the official Ethiopian News Agency (ENA) reported Wednesday."
More:Turkish Prime Minister visits Ethiopia
Wednesday, March 02, 2005
Independent: Turkish fury as Erdogan, champion of free speech, sues over cartoon
"Turkish fury as Erdogan, champion of free speech, sues over cartoon
By Susan Frazer in Ankara
03 March 2005
Turkey's Prime Minister, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who has presented himself in the past as a champion of free speech, is facing an embarrassing storm of criticism for suing a political cartoonist who poked fun at him.
Mr Erdogan, once imprisoned for reciting a poem that was deemed to be anti-state, took Musa Kart and his newspaper, Cumhuriyet, to court after he was portrayed as a cat entangled in a ball of wool."
More:News
By Susan Frazer in Ankara
03 March 2005
Turkey's Prime Minister, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who has presented himself in the past as a champion of free speech, is facing an embarrassing storm of criticism for suing a political cartoonist who poked fun at him.
Mr Erdogan, once imprisoned for reciting a poem that was deemed to be anti-state, took Musa Kart and his newspaper, Cumhuriyet, to court after he was portrayed as a cat entangled in a ball of wool."
More:News
Kurdistan Observer:Turkey Playing with Fire
"Turkey Playing with Fire
By:Prof Goran Nowicki
Mar 2, 2005
Since coming into power of the Islamists in Turkey in 2002, the Turkish and American relations has started a steady decline. This has opened a window of opportunity for Kurds in Iraq and in the region. What is the future of Kurdish, Turkish and US relations in the region?"
More:Kurdistan Observer
By:Prof Goran Nowicki
Mar 2, 2005
Since coming into power of the Islamists in Turkey in 2002, the Turkish and American relations has started a steady decline. This has opened a window of opportunity for Kurds in Iraq and in the region. What is the future of Kurdish, Turkish and US relations in the region?"
More:Kurdistan Observer
Xinhua - English:Cypriot speaker slams US allegations as 'not objective'
"Cypriot speaker slams US allegations as 'not objective'
www.chinaview.cn 2005-03-03 05:12:08
NICOSIA, March 2 (Xinhuanet) -- President of the Cypriot House of Representatives Dimitris Christofias on Wednesday reprimanded the US allegations in its annual human rights report as 'not objective and arbitrary.'
Christofias said such allegations would not help maintain good bilateral relations and indicated that the United States continues its punitive measures on the Greek Cypriots 'because they dared reject a UN-proposed solution plan which the US fully backed.'
The plan, sponsored by UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, was rejected by Greek-Cypriots in an referendum last April because the Cypriot government held that it would solidify the island's division and meet the interests of the Turkish side. "
More:Xinhua - English
www.chinaview.cn 2005-03-03 05:12:08
NICOSIA, March 2 (Xinhuanet) -- President of the Cypriot House of Representatives Dimitris Christofias on Wednesday reprimanded the US allegations in its annual human rights report as 'not objective and arbitrary.'
Christofias said such allegations would not help maintain good bilateral relations and indicated that the United States continues its punitive measures on the Greek Cypriots 'because they dared reject a UN-proposed solution plan which the US fully backed.'
The plan, sponsored by UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, was rejected by Greek-Cypriots in an referendum last April because the Cypriot government held that it would solidify the island's division and meet the interests of the Turkish side. "
More:Xinhua - English
World Peace Herald:Commentary: Cold Turkey
"Commentary: Cold Turkey
By Arnaud de Borchgrave
UPI Editor at Large
Published March 2, 2005
WASHINGTON -- No one noticed as Turkey, an erstwhile ally, nabbed the gold medal recently in the global anti-American stakes. Those with the most negative views of the Bush administration's policies are (1) Turks with 82 percent; (2) Indonesians, 81 percent; (3) Lebanese, 80 percent; (4) Argentines, 79 percent; (5) Brazilians, 78 percent. Mercifully, half the 22,000 people surveyed in 21 countries by the BBC around the world did not agree, 'America's influence on the world is very negative.' "
More:World Peace Herald
By Arnaud de Borchgrave
UPI Editor at Large
Published March 2, 2005
WASHINGTON -- No one noticed as Turkey, an erstwhile ally, nabbed the gold medal recently in the global anti-American stakes. Those with the most negative views of the Bush administration's policies are (1) Turks with 82 percent; (2) Indonesians, 81 percent; (3) Lebanese, 80 percent; (4) Argentines, 79 percent; (5) Brazilians, 78 percent. Mercifully, half the 22,000 people surveyed in 21 countries by the BBC around the world did not agree, 'America's influence on the world is very negative.' "
More:World Peace Herald
Turkey and Middle East Security
"Turkey and Middle East Security
3/4/2005
By Dr. Bulent Aras
The possibility of Turkey joining the European Union has spurred heated debate within the EU, but it is also fascinating the entire Middle East. This interest is a clear signal that Turkey has emerged as a powerful regional actor. Indeed, Turkey's new ruling elite is confident that their country can play an active peace-making role in the region. What has suddenly given formerly inward-looking Turkish politicians this newfound self-assurance that they can influence regional politics? What promise does Turkey hold for the region? Can Turkey really contribute to regional security and stability?"
More:Turkey and Middle East Security
3/4/2005
By Dr. Bulent Aras
The possibility of Turkey joining the European Union has spurred heated debate within the EU, but it is also fascinating the entire Middle East. This interest is a clear signal that Turkey has emerged as a powerful regional actor. Indeed, Turkey's new ruling elite is confident that their country can play an active peace-making role in the region. What has suddenly given formerly inward-looking Turkish politicians this newfound self-assurance that they can influence regional politics? What promise does Turkey hold for the region? Can Turkey really contribute to regional security and stability?"
More:Turkey and Middle East Security
Herald Sun: Turkish president vetoes student amnesty [03mar05]
"Turkish president vetoes student amnesty
From correspondents in Ankara, Turkey
03mar05
PRESIDENT Ahmet Necdet Sezer has vetoed a controversial law pardoning thousands of students expelled from universities, including those wearing Islamic style-headscarves which are banned in strictly secular Turkey.
The law, which allows students expelled from school on academic or disciplinary grounds after June 2000 to return, is technically an amnesty and should have been adopted by a three-fifth majority in the 550 seat parliament, a statement from Sezer's office said."
More:Herald Sun: Turkish president vetoes student amnesty [03mar05]
From correspondents in Ankara, Turkey
03mar05
PRESIDENT Ahmet Necdet Sezer has vetoed a controversial law pardoning thousands of students expelled from universities, including those wearing Islamic style-headscarves which are banned in strictly secular Turkey.
The law, which allows students expelled from school on academic or disciplinary grounds after June 2000 to return, is technically an amnesty and should have been adopted by a three-fifth majority in the 550 seat parliament, a statement from Sezer's office said."
More:Herald Sun: Turkish president vetoes student amnesty [03mar05]
BBC NEWS | Europe | Turkey acquits 'insulting' writer
"Turkey acquits 'insulting' writer
By Pam O'Toole
BBC regional analyst
Human rights groups still have concerns about freedom of expression
A prominent Turkish academic charged with insulting the Turkish authorities has been acquitted by an Ankara court.
Fikret Baskaya had been charged over an article asking if police could have done more to prevent an arson attack by Islamist activists which left 37 dead. "
More:BBC NEWS | Europe | Turkey acquits 'insulting' writer
By Pam O'Toole
BBC regional analyst
Human rights groups still have concerns about freedom of expression
A prominent Turkish academic charged with insulting the Turkish authorities has been acquitted by an Ankara court.
Fikret Baskaya had been charged over an article asking if police could have done more to prevent an arson attack by Islamist activists which left 37 dead. "
More:BBC NEWS | Europe | Turkey acquits 'insulting' writer
U.S. State Department Briefing- On Cyprus
"U.S. State Department Briefing
March 1, 2005
State Department Deputy Spokesman Adam Ereli briefed the media on the following issues: Department/International Narcotics Control Strategy Report postponed, Canada, Lebanon, Cyprus, Uruguay, Middle East, Taiwan, China.
Following is the transcript of the State Department briefing:
....CYPRUS
-- No Transfer of U.S.-Made Weapons by Government of Turkey
-- U.S. Policy on Reunification
-- Annan Plan
-- U.S. Efforts to Ease Economic Isolation of Northern Cyprus"
More:.: US News :. .: All American Patriots :.
March 1, 2005
State Department Deputy Spokesman Adam Ereli briefed the media on the following issues: Department/International Narcotics Control Strategy Report postponed, Canada, Lebanon, Cyprus, Uruguay, Middle East, Taiwan, China.
Following is the transcript of the State Department briefing:
....CYPRUS
-- No Transfer of U.S.-Made Weapons by Government of Turkey
-- U.S. Policy on Reunification
-- Annan Plan
-- U.S. Efforts to Ease Economic Isolation of Northern Cyprus"
More:.: US News :. .: All American Patriots :.
Turkish Daily News - Ankara stresses its priorities in Iraq
"Ankara stresses its priorities in Iraq
Wednesday, March 2, 2005
'Ankara is strongly opposed to the idea of a separatist Iraqi Kurdish movement,' says Korut�rk, Turkey's special envoy to Iraq
ANKARA - Turkish Daily News
Ankara has been focusing on its position of maintaining Iraq's territorial integrity and urging total social consensus for deciding the future of Kirkuk, the disputed oil-rich and strategically important northern Iraqi city. "
More:Turkish Daily News - Ankara stresses its priorities in Iraq
Wednesday, March 2, 2005
'Ankara is strongly opposed to the idea of a separatist Iraqi Kurdish movement,' says Korut�rk, Turkey's special envoy to Iraq
ANKARA - Turkish Daily News
Ankara has been focusing on its position of maintaining Iraq's territorial integrity and urging total social consensus for deciding the future of Kirkuk, the disputed oil-rich and strategically important northern Iraqi city. "
More:Turkish Daily News - Ankara stresses its priorities in Iraq
Turkish Daily News - Mehmet Ali Birand: Turkey will lift embargo on Cyprus
"Mehmet Ali Birand: Turkey will lift embargo on Cyprus
Wednesday, March 2, 2005
Turkey has agreed to expand the customs union agreement to southern Cyprus; however, this decision is not an end. Ankara also needs to remove the embargoes in place against Greek Cypriot airports and seaports.
Mehmet Ali Birand
As Turkey drags its feet in implementing the broadening of the customs union agreement to southern Cyprus, the matter is constantly becoming more political and harder to resolve.
A document was signed on Dec. 17 in Brussels, and Turkey officially promised to treat the Republic of Cyprus as a European Union member and agreed to expand the customs union agreement to cover Cyprus.
The widely held impression in the Turkish media is that the government will pass this decision through Parliament and the matter will be resolved.
Actually, that's not the case. "
More:Turkish Daily News - Mehmet Ali Birand: Turkey will lift embargo on Cyprus
Wednesday, March 2, 2005
Turkey has agreed to expand the customs union agreement to southern Cyprus; however, this decision is not an end. Ankara also needs to remove the embargoes in place against Greek Cypriot airports and seaports.
Mehmet Ali Birand
As Turkey drags its feet in implementing the broadening of the customs union agreement to southern Cyprus, the matter is constantly becoming more political and harder to resolve.
A document was signed on Dec. 17 in Brussels, and Turkey officially promised to treat the Republic of Cyprus as a European Union member and agreed to expand the customs union agreement to cover Cyprus.
The widely held impression in the Turkish media is that the government will pass this decision through Parliament and the matter will be resolved.
Actually, that's not the case. "
More:Turkish Daily News - Mehmet Ali Birand: Turkey will lift embargo on Cyprus
JTW News - Turkish FM: 40,000 Armenians Work in Istanbul
"Turkish FM: 40,000 Armenians Work in Istanbul
Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul says 40,000 Armenians from Armenia live and works in Istanbul, Turkish city. Gul gives an interview to Turkish daily Hurriyet.
�Most of these Armenians work for technical companies. An NGO made a research on these people and says these people's relations with Turks are perfect. Interestingly the Armenian workers in Istanbul has no very close relations with Turkish Armenians' Gul added."
More:JTW News - Turkish FM: 40,000 Armenians Work in Istanbul
Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul says 40,000 Armenians from Armenia live and works in Istanbul, Turkish city. Gul gives an interview to Turkish daily Hurriyet.
�Most of these Armenians work for technical companies. An NGO made a research on these people and says these people's relations with Turks are perfect. Interestingly the Armenian workers in Istanbul has no very close relations with Turkish Armenians' Gul added."
More:JTW News - Turkish FM: 40,000 Armenians Work in Istanbul
EU Survey: Turkey Most Critical of US
"EU Survey: Turkey Most Critical of US
By Salih Boztas
Published: Wednesday 02, 2005
zaman.com
According to the Euro Barometer's people of Europe survey, Turkey was the most critical of the US. The survey of European people's opinions is conducted every spring and fall.
According to the Euro Barometer, which is conducted between October 2nd and November 8th in 30 countries (25 member, 4 four candidates and Northern Cyprus), Southern Cyprus Greek Republic and Turkey were the most critical of the US.
TD Editor's note: The original of the report could be downloaded in pdf format at the following link: Public Opinion"
More:ZAMAN DAILY NEWSPAPER (2005030217070)
By Salih Boztas
Published: Wednesday 02, 2005
zaman.com
According to the Euro Barometer's people of Europe survey, Turkey was the most critical of the US. The survey of European people's opinions is conducted every spring and fall.
According to the Euro Barometer, which is conducted between October 2nd and November 8th in 30 countries (25 member, 4 four candidates and Northern Cyprus), Southern Cyprus Greek Republic and Turkey were the most critical of the US.
TD Editor's note: The original of the report could be downloaded in pdf format at the following link: Public Opinion"
More:ZAMAN DAILY NEWSPAPER (2005030217070)
Herguner Bilgen Ozeke - Turkey - Foreign Banks Poised To Invest In Turkish Banking Sector (02/03/2005) from Mondaq
"Herguner Bilgen Ozeke
Turkey: Foreign Banks Poised To Invest In Turkish Banking Sector
02 March 2005
Article by Piraye Kuranel Free Weekly Newsletters
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Lack of sufficient regulatory control over banks was one of various factors that led to Turkey�s most recent economic crises. Following a phase of sustained deflation in 2001, the need for a stricter monitoring system became evident, and the Turkish government has taken some concrete steps since then. "
More:Herguner Bilgen Ozeke - Turkey - Foreign Banks Poised To Invest In Turkish Banking Sector (02/03/2005) from Mondaq
Turkey: Foreign Banks Poised To Invest In Turkish Banking Sector
02 March 2005
Article by Piraye Kuranel Free Weekly Newsletters
Would you like to be kept informed about similar articles?>Signup<
Lack of sufficient regulatory control over banks was one of various factors that led to Turkey�s most recent economic crises. Following a phase of sustained deflation in 2001, the need for a stricter monitoring system became evident, and the Turkish government has taken some concrete steps since then. "
More:Herguner Bilgen Ozeke - Turkey - Foreign Banks Poised To Invest In Turkish Banking Sector (02/03/2005) from Mondaq
REPORTER.GR:Turkey: Chinese transfer enterprises to Antalya
"Turkey: Chinese transfer enterprises to Antalya
14:49 - 02 March 2005 - Four Chinese producers who supply vegetables to Chinese restaurants across Europe have transferred their production from Spain and the Netherlands to Turkey, reports Zaman daily.
Renting 20,000 square meters of land in the southern Turkish city of Antalya, four Chinese selling 22 different vegetables that they produce with a Turkish firm to Chinese restaurants in Germany and the Netherlands. The Chinese producers said Turkey has similar climate with Spain and added that they will benefit more from the vegetables planted in Antalya. "
More:REPORTER.GR
14:49 - 02 March 2005 - Four Chinese producers who supply vegetables to Chinese restaurants across Europe have transferred their production from Spain and the Netherlands to Turkey, reports Zaman daily.
Renting 20,000 square meters of land in the southern Turkish city of Antalya, four Chinese selling 22 different vegetables that they produce with a Turkish firm to Chinese restaurants in Germany and the Netherlands. The Chinese producers said Turkey has similar climate with Spain and added that they will benefit more from the vegetables planted in Antalya. "
More:REPORTER.GR
Iran News - Gas exports to Turkey resume: Iranian Minister
"Gas exports to Turkey resume: Iranian Minister
Wednesday, March 02, 2005 - �2005 IranMania.com
LONDON, March 2 (IranMania) - Iran's Oil Minister Bijan Namdar Zanganeh said on Tuesday that Iran has resumed natural gas export to Turkey following the warming of weather, stressing that the interruption was due to cold weather and not differences between the two sides on price.
The official told Fars News Agency that the price issue has not yet been resolved, adding that both sides are continuing talks on the matter."
More:Iran News - Gas exports to Turkey resume: Iranian Minister
Wednesday, March 02, 2005 - �2005 IranMania.com
LONDON, March 2 (IranMania) - Iran's Oil Minister Bijan Namdar Zanganeh said on Tuesday that Iran has resumed natural gas export to Turkey following the warming of weather, stressing that the interruption was due to cold weather and not differences between the two sides on price.
The official told Fars News Agency that the price issue has not yet been resolved, adding that both sides are continuing talks on the matter."
More:Iran News - Gas exports to Turkey resume: Iranian Minister
400 Turks fighting U.S. in Iraq
"400 Turks fighting U.S. in Iraq
Big News Network.com Thursday 3rd March, 2005 (UPI)
Some 400 Turkish fighters from a group linked to al-Qaida are helping Iraqi insurgents battle U.S. forces, a report said Wednesday.
Turkish weekly Tambo quoted a spokesman from the Islamic group Yorosh as saying: We do not carry out any activity in Turkey, but focus on American targets in Iraq."
More:400 Turks fighting U.S. in Iraq
Big News Network.com Thursday 3rd March, 2005 (UPI)
Some 400 Turkish fighters from a group linked to al-Qaida are helping Iraqi insurgents battle U.S. forces, a report said Wednesday.
Turkish weekly Tambo quoted a spokesman from the Islamic group Yorosh as saying: We do not carry out any activity in Turkey, but focus on American targets in Iraq."
More:400 Turks fighting U.S. in Iraq
Turkish campaign of solidarity with Syria begins
"Turkish campaign of solidarity with Syria begins
Syria-Turkey, Politics, 3/2/2005
Turkey's popular campaign of solidarity with Syria against US and international pressures set off on Tuesday from Ankara heading to Damascus and Aleppo.
The campaign is to underline Turkey's intellectuals and civil organizations solidarity with Syria during these conditions that Syria is passing through, an organizer said.
The Orient Conference Society Spokesman Mohammed Bakkar Ouglo told SANA the aim of the campaign was a bid to formulate a culture front as to face foreign pressures and to clarify that the Turkish people are against international pressures and threats and that Turks are with the Syrian people."
More:Turkish campaign of solidarity with Syria begins
Syria-Turkey, Politics, 3/2/2005
Turkey's popular campaign of solidarity with Syria against US and international pressures set off on Tuesday from Ankara heading to Damascus and Aleppo.
The campaign is to underline Turkey's intellectuals and civil organizations solidarity with Syria during these conditions that Syria is passing through, an organizer said.
The Orient Conference Society Spokesman Mohammed Bakkar Ouglo told SANA the aim of the campaign was a bid to formulate a culture front as to face foreign pressures and to clarify that the Turkish people are against international pressures and threats and that Turks are with the Syrian people."
More:Turkish campaign of solidarity with Syria begins
The Australian: Clash of civilisations closes in on Ataturk's experiment [March 03, 2005]
"Clash of civilisations closes in on Ataturk's experiment
March 03, 2005
THE main drag of Ankara, Turkey's capital at the centre of the vast Anatolian plain, is called, naturally enough, Ataturk Boulevard. Kemal Ataturk was the founder of modern Turkey who determined, 80 years ago, that his country would modernise, Westernise and secularise. You can see the fruits of his historic vision in the boulevard that bears his name. It is a huge thoroughfare several kilometres long that neatly cuts Ankara, a city the size of Sydney, in two.
I spent a happy few hours strolling its length earlier this week and was struck by several extraordinary sights. In several hours walking among tens of thousands of people, I counted but six women in headscarves. Remember that Turkey is 98-99 per cent Muslim, and that qualifies as extraordinary. There were also a rather starling number of blondes - Turk friends assured me this is not a natural phenomenon. "
More:The Australian: Clash of civilisations closes in on Ataturk's experiment [March 03, 2005]
March 03, 2005
THE main drag of Ankara, Turkey's capital at the centre of the vast Anatolian plain, is called, naturally enough, Ataturk Boulevard. Kemal Ataturk was the founder of modern Turkey who determined, 80 years ago, that his country would modernise, Westernise and secularise. You can see the fruits of his historic vision in the boulevard that bears his name. It is a huge thoroughfare several kilometres long that neatly cuts Ankara, a city the size of Sydney, in two.
I spent a happy few hours strolling its length earlier this week and was struck by several extraordinary sights. In several hours walking among tens of thousands of people, I counted but six women in headscarves. Remember that Turkey is 98-99 per cent Muslim, and that qualifies as extraordinary. There were also a rather starling number of blondes - Turk friends assured me this is not a natural phenomenon. "
More:The Australian: Clash of civilisations closes in on Ataturk's experiment [March 03, 2005]
Tuesday, March 01, 2005
WEBCommentary(tm) - If Syria leaves Lebanon, will Turkey leave Cyprus?
"If Syria leaves Lebanon, will Turkey leave Cyprus?
Very strong words coming from the Bush administration about Syria, especially when the United States has looked the other way for 30 years at a very similar situation in the region.
There�s growing international pressure on Syria to end its illegal occupation of Lebanon. Syria has been using its tiny neighbor as a military base since 1976 when it sent 27,000 troops into Lebanon under the guise of establishing order after a bloody Lebanese civil war.
Lebanon was once the jewel of the Middle East, with a thriving economy and tourist industry. It was one of the few countries in that part of the world where Muslims and Christians lived in harmony.
While the Syrian invasion brought an end to civil war, it also marked an end to Lebanese independence. After order was restored, the Syrians decided to stay in Lebanon. They installed a series of puppet regimes and put out the welcome sign for terrorist groups to use Lebanon as a staging area for attacks on Israel. "
More:WEBCommentary(tm) - If Syria leaves Lebanon, will Turkey leave Cyprus?
Very strong words coming from the Bush administration about Syria, especially when the United States has looked the other way for 30 years at a very similar situation in the region.
There�s growing international pressure on Syria to end its illegal occupation of Lebanon. Syria has been using its tiny neighbor as a military base since 1976 when it sent 27,000 troops into Lebanon under the guise of establishing order after a bloody Lebanese civil war.
Lebanon was once the jewel of the Middle East, with a thriving economy and tourist industry. It was one of the few countries in that part of the world where Muslims and Christians lived in harmony.
While the Syrian invasion brought an end to civil war, it also marked an end to Lebanese independence. After order was restored, the Syrians decided to stay in Lebanon. They installed a series of puppet regimes and put out the welcome sign for terrorist groups to use Lebanon as a staging area for attacks on Israel. "
More:WEBCommentary(tm) - If Syria leaves Lebanon, will Turkey leave Cyprus?
WEBCommentary(tm) - If Syria leaves Lebanon, will Turkey leave Cyprus?
"If Syria leaves Lebanon, will Turkey leave Cyprus?
Very strong words coming from the Bush administration about Syria, especially when the United States has looked the other way for 30 years at a very similar situation in the region.
There�s growing international pressure on Syria to end its illegal occupation of Lebanon. Syria has been using its tiny neighbor as a military base since 1976 when it sent 27,000 troops into Lebanon under the guise of establishing order after a bloody Lebanese civil war.
Lebanon was once the jewel of the Middle East, with a thriving economy and tourist industry. It was one of the few countries in that part of the world where Muslims and Christians lived in harmony.
While the Syrian invasion brought an end to civil war, it also marked an end to Lebanese independence. After order was restored, the Syrians decided to stay in Lebanon. They installed a series of puppet regimes and put out the welcome sign for terrorist groups to use Lebanon as a staging area for attacks on Israel. "
More:WEBCommentary(tm) - If Syria leaves Lebanon, will Turkey leave Cyprus?
Very strong words coming from the Bush administration about Syria, especially when the United States has looked the other way for 30 years at a very similar situation in the region.
There�s growing international pressure on Syria to end its illegal occupation of Lebanon. Syria has been using its tiny neighbor as a military base since 1976 when it sent 27,000 troops into Lebanon under the guise of establishing order after a bloody Lebanese civil war.
Lebanon was once the jewel of the Middle East, with a thriving economy and tourist industry. It was one of the few countries in that part of the world where Muslims and Christians lived in harmony.
While the Syrian invasion brought an end to civil war, it also marked an end to Lebanese independence. After order was restored, the Syrians decided to stay in Lebanon. They installed a series of puppet regimes and put out the welcome sign for terrorist groups to use Lebanon as a staging area for attacks on Israel. "
More:WEBCommentary(tm) - If Syria leaves Lebanon, will Turkey leave Cyprus?
The Daily Star - Arts & Culture - The Turkic people's 'Journey of a Thousand Years'
"The Turkic people's 'Journey of a Thousand Years'
London's Royal Academy of Arts celebrates the rise of the Ottoman Empire
By Lana Asfour
Special to The Daily Star
Wednesday, March 02, 2005
LONDON: At the height of its military power in the 16th century, Sulyman I, named 'the Magnificent' by Europeans, extended the Ottoman Empire into Hungary, Albania, Transylvania and Moldavia, captured Rhodes and Tunis, and even reached the gates of Vienna. At the same time, art and architecture flourished and developed a distinctive Ottoman style that was different from contemporary Islamic empires in Iran and India."
More:The Daily Star - Arts & Culture - The Turkic people's 'Journey of a Thousand Years'
London's Royal Academy of Arts celebrates the rise of the Ottoman Empire
By Lana Asfour
Special to The Daily Star
Wednesday, March 02, 2005
LONDON: At the height of its military power in the 16th century, Sulyman I, named 'the Magnificent' by Europeans, extended the Ottoman Empire into Hungary, Albania, Transylvania and Moldavia, captured Rhodes and Tunis, and even reached the gates of Vienna. At the same time, art and architecture flourished and developed a distinctive Ottoman style that was different from contemporary Islamic empires in Iran and India."
More:The Daily Star - Arts & Culture - The Turkic people's 'Journey of a Thousand Years'
JTW Comment - US&Turkish Relations
"US&Turkish Relations
Yasin Dogan
Columnist Yasin Dogan comments on Turkish-US relations. A summary of his column is as follows:
�Last week Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and US President George W. Bush held a short meeting at the NATO summit in Brussels. As far as we know, Erdogan neither asked to see Bush nor sought an appointment with him. Rather, their meeting was an unplanned encounter.
It�s interesting that during his conversation with Erdogan, Bush didn�t say anything to address the recent tension between the two countries. He either was ignorant of the recent reports sparking tension between Washington and Ankara or just wanted to avoid talking about them. "
More:JTW Comment - US&Turkish Relations
Yasin Dogan
Columnist Yasin Dogan comments on Turkish-US relations. A summary of his column is as follows:
�Last week Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and US President George W. Bush held a short meeting at the NATO summit in Brussels. As far as we know, Erdogan neither asked to see Bush nor sought an appointment with him. Rather, their meeting was an unplanned encounter.
It�s interesting that during his conversation with Erdogan, Bush didn�t say anything to address the recent tension between the two countries. He either was ignorant of the recent reports sparking tension between Washington and Ankara or just wanted to avoid talking about them. "
More:JTW Comment - US&Turkish Relations
t r u t h o u t - Turks and Yanks: A Marriage Gone Sour
" A Marriage Gone Sour
By Jurgen Gottschlich
Reuters
US President George W. Bush worked to improve US-Europe relations this week, but meanwhile, America's once-strong partnership with Turkey continues to erode. The Turkish population is more anti-American than ever and the Kurdish question in Iraq threatens to lead to an open break.
The piece could not have been more provocative. Just the headline of the article by Senior Editor Robert L. Pollack published last week in the Wall Street Journal was enough to make Turkey's blood boil: 'The Sick Man of Europe -- Again.' The article then went on to detail the collapse of the once-close relationship between the United States and Turkey."
More:t r u t h o u t - Turks and Yanks: A Marriage Gone Sour
By Jurgen Gottschlich
Reuters
US President George W. Bush worked to improve US-Europe relations this week, but meanwhile, America's once-strong partnership with Turkey continues to erode. The Turkish population is more anti-American than ever and the Kurdish question in Iraq threatens to lead to an open break.
The piece could not have been more provocative. Just the headline of the article by Senior Editor Robert L. Pollack published last week in the Wall Street Journal was enough to make Turkey's blood boil: 'The Sick Man of Europe -- Again.' The article then went on to detail the collapse of the once-close relationship between the United States and Turkey."
More:t r u t h o u t - Turks and Yanks: A Marriage Gone Sour
JTW Comment - Relations between Europe, NATO and Turkey
"Relations between Europe, NATO and Turkey
Ferai Tinc
Columnist Ferai Tinc comments on relations between Europe, NATO and Turkey. A summary of her column is as follows:
�A problem in Brussels has blown up into a crisis. The Cyprus issue is the reason for this crisis. As Turkey put the brakes on the Cyprus issue, the European Union and NATO can�t make strategic decisions. I wrote yesterday that although it seemed to have softened with US President George W. Bush�s visit, the conflict between Europe and the US hasn�t been solved completely. The US wants to continue its strategic relations with Europe under the umbrella of NATO, whereas a group of European countries want to transform this into bilateral relations. Brussels favors holding discussions with Washington outside NATO. "
More:JTW Comment - Relations between Europe, NATO and Turkey
Ferai Tinc
Columnist Ferai Tinc comments on relations between Europe, NATO and Turkey. A summary of her column is as follows:
�A problem in Brussels has blown up into a crisis. The Cyprus issue is the reason for this crisis. As Turkey put the brakes on the Cyprus issue, the European Union and NATO can�t make strategic decisions. I wrote yesterday that although it seemed to have softened with US President George W. Bush�s visit, the conflict between Europe and the US hasn�t been solved completely. The US wants to continue its strategic relations with Europe under the umbrella of NATO, whereas a group of European countries want to transform this into bilateral relations. Brussels favors holding discussions with Washington outside NATO. "
More:JTW Comment - Relations between Europe, NATO and Turkey
t r u t h o u t - Turks and Yanks: A Marriage Gone Sour
" A Marriage Gone Sour
By Jurgen Gottschlich
Reuters
US President George W. Bush worked to improve US-Europe relations this week, but meanwhile, America's once-strong partnership with Turkey continues to erode. The Turkish population is more anti-American than ever and the Kurdish question in Iraq threatens to lead to an open break.
The piece could not have been more provocative. Just the headline of the article by Senior Editor Robert L. Pollack published last week in the Wall Street Journal was enough to make Turkey's blood boil: 'The Sick Man of Europe -- Again.' The article then went on to detail the collapse of the once-close relationship between the United States and Turkey."
More:t r u t h o u t - Turks and Yanks: A Marriage Gone Sour
By Jurgen Gottschlich
Reuters
US President George W. Bush worked to improve US-Europe relations this week, but meanwhile, America's once-strong partnership with Turkey continues to erode. The Turkish population is more anti-American than ever and the Kurdish question in Iraq threatens to lead to an open break.
The piece could not have been more provocative. Just the headline of the article by Senior Editor Robert L. Pollack published last week in the Wall Street Journal was enough to make Turkey's blood boil: 'The Sick Man of Europe -- Again.' The article then went on to detail the collapse of the once-close relationship between the United States and Turkey."
More:t r u t h o u t - Turks and Yanks: A Marriage Gone Sour
Outside View: Turkish fears of U.S. - (United Press International)
"Outside View: Turkish fears of U.S.
By William S. Lind
Outside view Commentator
Washington, DC, Mar. 1 (UPI) -- The Feb. 15 Christian Science Monitor described a situation which, to anyone familiar with American-Turkish relations in the post-World War II period, is almost beyond imagining: an American attack on Turkey.
According to the Monitor's story on a new book, the year is 2007. After a clash with Turkish forces in northern Iraq, U.S. troops stage a surprise attack. Reeling, Turkey turns to Russia and the European Union, who turn back the American onslaught."
More:Outside View: Turkish fears of U.S. - (United Press International)
By William S. Lind
Outside view Commentator
Washington, DC, Mar. 1 (UPI) -- The Feb. 15 Christian Science Monitor described a situation which, to anyone familiar with American-Turkish relations in the post-World War II period, is almost beyond imagining: an American attack on Turkey.
According to the Monitor's story on a new book, the year is 2007. After a clash with Turkish forces in northern Iraq, U.S. troops stage a surprise attack. Reeling, Turkey turns to Russia and the European Union, who turn back the American onslaught."
More:Outside View: Turkish fears of U.S. - (United Press International)
Aljazeera.Net - Turkish media curbs decried
Aljazeera.Net - Turkish media curbs decried: "Turkish media curbs decried
A lack of press freedom and the prosecution of journalists and intellectuals mean Turkey is not yet ready to join the European Union, rights activists say.
Some 60 Turkish writers, publishers and journalists currently face prosecution or are incarcerated, including 19 jailed reporters, Alexis Krikorian of the Geneva-based International Publishers Association (IPA), said on Tuesday."
A lack of press freedom and the prosecution of journalists and intellectuals mean Turkey is not yet ready to join the European Union, rights activists say.
Some 60 Turkish writers, publishers and journalists currently face prosecution or are incarcerated, including 19 jailed reporters, Alexis Krikorian of the Geneva-based International Publishers Association (IPA), said on Tuesday."
Daily Times -VIEW: Turkey and the EU —Omer Taspinar
"VIEW: Turkey and the EU —Omer Taspinar
The whole world knows that Turkey does not want an independent Kurdish state in Iraq. The best way to ensure that Kurds stay loyal to Baghdad is to actually help the United States rather than constantly complain about Washington’s secret plan to establish a Kurdish state. It is exactly such a suspicious and conspiracy-prone frame of mind that fuels Turkish anti-Americanism"
More:Daily Times - Site Edition
The whole world knows that Turkey does not want an independent Kurdish state in Iraq. The best way to ensure that Kurds stay loyal to Baghdad is to actually help the United States rather than constantly complain about Washington’s secret plan to establish a Kurdish state. It is exactly such a suspicious and conspiracy-prone frame of mind that fuels Turkish anti-Americanism"
More:Daily Times - Site Edition
NEWS.com.au | Six killed by homemade brew (02-03-2005)
"Six killed by homemade brew
From correspondents in Istanbul, Turkey
March 02, 2005
From: Reuters
Advertisement:
SIX people died and more than 20 were taken ill in Istanbul after drinking fake raki, a strong aniseed-flavoured alcoholic drink, Turkish media said today.
The owner of the carpark where the raki was produced in a makeshift distillery and the owner of a restaurant which sold the drink were among the dead, the NTV news channel said on its website.
Nine of the 17 people still in hospital were in a serious condition. Drinkers fell ill at a restaurant on Sunday evening, falling unconscious or suffering from temporary blindness, NTV said.
Police have detained nine people in the Istanbul district where the alcohol was produced and confiscated the makeshift distillery.
Raki is regarded as a national drink in Turkey and is drunk in bars and restaurants across the country. "
NEWS.com.au | Six killed by homemade brew (02-03-2005)
From correspondents in Istanbul, Turkey
March 02, 2005
From: Reuters
Advertisement:
SIX people died and more than 20 were taken ill in Istanbul after drinking fake raki, a strong aniseed-flavoured alcoholic drink, Turkish media said today.
The owner of the carpark where the raki was produced in a makeshift distillery and the owner of a restaurant which sold the drink were among the dead, the NTV news channel said on its website.
Nine of the 17 people still in hospital were in a serious condition. Drinkers fell ill at a restaurant on Sunday evening, falling unconscious or suffering from temporary blindness, NTV said.
Police have detained nine people in the Istanbul district where the alcohol was produced and confiscated the makeshift distillery.
Raki is regarded as a national drink in Turkey and is drunk in bars and restaurants across the country. "
NEWS.com.au | Six killed by homemade brew (02-03-2005)
Who is the 'Sick Man'?
"Who is the 'Sick Man'?
There is plenty of nonsense in the article entitled, 'The Sick Man Europe-Again,' that was published in The Wall Street Journal. I can list the main ones as follows: The claim that 'Istanbul intellectuals feel an ideological hostility towards the United States' is a complete fabrication. On the contrary, with the exception of marginal circles, Turkish intellectuals in general have always turned their faces to the United States, rather than Europe. The respectability and prestige of the U.S. among the Turkish elite reached its peak during the [Bill] Clinton administration, and hit rock bottom during that of his successor, George W. Bush. Why? This is the main question that Americans, who want to understand Turkey, should try to answer. "
More:ZAMAN DAILY NEWSPAPER (2005030117033)
There is plenty of nonsense in the article entitled, 'The Sick Man Europe-Again,' that was published in The Wall Street Journal. I can list the main ones as follows: The claim that 'Istanbul intellectuals feel an ideological hostility towards the United States' is a complete fabrication. On the contrary, with the exception of marginal circles, Turkish intellectuals in general have always turned their faces to the United States, rather than Europe. The respectability and prestige of the U.S. among the Turkish elite reached its peak during the [Bill] Clinton administration, and hit rock bottom during that of his successor, George W. Bush. Why? This is the main question that Americans, who want to understand Turkey, should try to answer. "
More:ZAMAN DAILY NEWSPAPER (2005030117033)
JTW News - France Cannot Question Turkish History without Recognizing �The Algerian Genocid
"France Cannot Question Turkish History without Recognizing �The Algerian Genocid
Jan Soykok - ANKARA
The first sitting of the EU-Turkey Interparliamentary Committee was held in Strasbourg on February 23. The representatives of the European Committee and the CE were present at the sitting.
Jacques Toubot, French parliamentarian, demanded to include in the agenda the Armenian issue. Toubot argued that Turkey had to recognize Armenian allegations. He claimed that the recognisition of Armenian arguments is a pre-condition for full-membership. "
More:JTW News - France Cannot Question Turkish History without Recognizing �The Algerian Genocid
Jan Soykok - ANKARA
The first sitting of the EU-Turkey Interparliamentary Committee was held in Strasbourg on February 23. The representatives of the European Committee and the CE were present at the sitting.
Jacques Toubot, French parliamentarian, demanded to include in the agenda the Armenian issue. Toubot argued that Turkey had to recognize Armenian allegations. He claimed that the recognisition of Armenian arguments is a pre-condition for full-membership. "
More:JTW News - France Cannot Question Turkish History without Recognizing �The Algerian Genocid
Turkish Daily News - EU happy with Turkey's silence
"EU happy with Turkey's silence
Tuesday, March 1, 2005
Mehmet Ali Birand
I was in Brussels last week. I was there to watch U.S. President George W. Bush's visit to the European Union and NATO. I also stopped at the European Commission and the European Council. I spoke with those involved in the Turkey file. I saw that almost nothing has been done since Dec. 17. There have been certain exchanges between commission officials and the Turkish Foreign Ministry on technical details, but no political discussions.
Why?
The main reason is the immobility of the Turkish side. "
More:Turkish Daily News - EU happy with Turkey's silence
Tuesday, March 1, 2005
Mehmet Ali Birand
I was in Brussels last week. I was there to watch U.S. President George W. Bush's visit to the European Union and NATO. I also stopped at the European Commission and the European Council. I spoke with those involved in the Turkey file. I saw that almost nothing has been done since Dec. 17. There have been certain exchanges between commission officials and the Turkish Foreign Ministry on technical details, but no political discussions.
Why?
The main reason is the immobility of the Turkish side. "
More:Turkish Daily News - EU happy with Turkey's silence
ekathimerini.com | EU presses Turkey on customs deal
"EU presses Turkey on customs deal
LUXEMBOURG (AFP) - The European Union pressed Turkey yesterday to keep its word and extend a customs accord to cover 10 new EU countries, including Cyprus, if it wants to start EU entry talks as planned.
Luxembourg Prime Minister Jean-Claude Juncker, whose country presently holds the EU's rotating presidency, implied that a refusal by Ankara to sign the accord could call into question October's planned starting date for EU negotiations.
�Turkey must sign the protocol (extending a customs union signed between the EU and Turkey in Ankara in 1963),� Juncker told reporters after talks with Cypriot President Tassos Papadopoulos"
More:ekathimerini.com | EU presses Turkey on customs deal
LUXEMBOURG (AFP) - The European Union pressed Turkey yesterday to keep its word and extend a customs accord to cover 10 new EU countries, including Cyprus, if it wants to start EU entry talks as planned.
Luxembourg Prime Minister Jean-Claude Juncker, whose country presently holds the EU's rotating presidency, implied that a refusal by Ankara to sign the accord could call into question October's planned starting date for EU negotiations.
�Turkey must sign the protocol (extending a customs union signed between the EU and Turkey in Ankara in 1963),� Juncker told reporters after talks with Cypriot President Tassos Papadopoulos"
More:ekathimerini.com | EU presses Turkey on customs deal
Sofia News Agency:Bulgarian Rivers Overflow to Greece, Turkey
"Bulgarian Rivers Overflow to Greece, Turkey
2005-03-01
Authorities from Greece and Turkey have sounded an alarm over the spilled waters of Bulgaria's Arda and Maritsa rivers, media said.
The governors of the districts of Evros (Greece) and Edirne (Turkey) have talked to a Bulgarian colleague and insisted to receive updated information about the water level once in every hour.
Georgi Zarchev, the governor of southern Bulgarian district of Haskovo, has pledged to take every possible step for decreasing the river overflow to Greece and Turkey, the Bulgarian National Radio (BNR) said.
The latest rains in Bulgaria have also caused trouble to local areas. Brimming-over Tundzha River has flooded many houses, forests and sown fields in the country's southeast."
More:Sofia News Agency
2005-03-01
Authorities from Greece and Turkey have sounded an alarm over the spilled waters of Bulgaria's Arda and Maritsa rivers, media said.
The governors of the districts of Evros (Greece) and Edirne (Turkey) have talked to a Bulgarian colleague and insisted to receive updated information about the water level once in every hour.
Georgi Zarchev, the governor of southern Bulgarian district of Haskovo, has pledged to take every possible step for decreasing the river overflow to Greece and Turkey, the Bulgarian National Radio (BNR) said.
The latest rains in Bulgaria have also caused trouble to local areas. Brimming-over Tundzha River has flooded many houses, forests and sown fields in the country's southeast."
More:Sofia News Agency
JTW News - ATIAD sends letter on Armenian resolution to CDU leader
"ATIAD sends letter on Armenian resolution to CDU leader
The Association of Turkish Businessmen & Industrialists in Europe (ATIAD) said on Tuesday that the real goal of the resolution on so-called Armenian genocide to be submitted to the German federal parliament by CDU/CSU in April was to slander Turkey.In the letter it sent to Christian Democrat Union (CDU) leader Angela Merkel, ATIAD said, ''the real goal of your party is to disgrace Turkey, which you want to exclude from the EU (European Union).
It is a shame to make alleged incidents that occurred 90 years ago a tool for your internal policy and party policy.''
ATIAD stated that Turkey had entered a path of no return, and would become an EU member whether the CDU and CSU wanted it or not."
More:JTW News - ATIAD sends letter on Armenian resolution to CDU leader
The Association of Turkish Businessmen & Industrialists in Europe (ATIAD) said on Tuesday that the real goal of the resolution on so-called Armenian genocide to be submitted to the German federal parliament by CDU/CSU in April was to slander Turkey.In the letter it sent to Christian Democrat Union (CDU) leader Angela Merkel, ATIAD said, ''the real goal of your party is to disgrace Turkey, which you want to exclude from the EU (European Union).
It is a shame to make alleged incidents that occurred 90 years ago a tool for your internal policy and party policy.''
ATIAD stated that Turkey had entered a path of no return, and would become an EU member whether the CDU and CSU wanted it or not."
More:JTW News - ATIAD sends letter on Armenian resolution to CDU leader
Turkish Daily News - TIME: Nightmare scenario for US; Turkish intervention in Iraq
"TIME: Nightmare scenario for US; Turkish intervention in Iraq
Tuesday, March 1, 2005
There's little dispute that the results of the Jan. 30 election have given Kurdish nationalism fresh momentum, an article in TIME says
ANKARA - Turkish Daily News
The latest issue regarding Iraq being reported by the U.S. weekly news magazine TIME states that Iraqi Kurds have expanded the region under their control by 20 percent since Saddam Hussein's regime was overthrown in 2003 and threw out a question for consideration, also noting a nightmare scenario including Turkey's intervention in the region, �How much of the country do [Jalal] Talabani and the Kurds want to reshape?� "
More:Turkish Daily News - TIME: Nightmare scenario for US; Turkish intervention in Iraq
Tuesday, March 1, 2005
There's little dispute that the results of the Jan. 30 election have given Kurdish nationalism fresh momentum, an article in TIME says
ANKARA - Turkish Daily News
The latest issue regarding Iraq being reported by the U.S. weekly news magazine TIME states that Iraqi Kurds have expanded the region under their control by 20 percent since Saddam Hussein's regime was overthrown in 2003 and threw out a question for consideration, also noting a nightmare scenario including Turkey's intervention in the region, �How much of the country do [Jalal] Talabani and the Kurds want to reshape?� "
More:Turkish Daily News - TIME: Nightmare scenario for US; Turkish intervention in Iraq
Tassos: Turkey will come round sooner rather than later
"Tassos: Turkey will come round sooner rather than later
By George Psyllides
TURKEY would sooner or later be forced to talk with Cyprus without necessarily recognising the state, President Tassos Papadopoulos said.
In an exclusive interview with daily newspaper Simerini on Sunday, Papadopoulos said that the Greek Cypriot side�s position was better now than it was right after last year�s referendum, which saw the rejection of a UN blueprint for the comprehensive solution of the Cyprus problem.
�I repeat, the climate has clearly changed; and I believe our stance on December 17, (EU Summit) won us additional friends, as I personally judge from talks I had with state leaders,� the president said.
Papadopoulos suggested that Turkey would, stemming from its obligations towards the EU, engage in talks with Cyprus, but not necessarily recognise it.
�Recognition today is a multi-faceted issue, the more substantial step being the creation of diplomatic relations, the exchange that is, of ambassadors, which I don�t see happening with Turkey any time soon,� Papadopoulos said."
More:Tassos: Turkey will come round sooner rather than later
By George Psyllides
TURKEY would sooner or later be forced to talk with Cyprus without necessarily recognising the state, President Tassos Papadopoulos said.
In an exclusive interview with daily newspaper Simerini on Sunday, Papadopoulos said that the Greek Cypriot side�s position was better now than it was right after last year�s referendum, which saw the rejection of a UN blueprint for the comprehensive solution of the Cyprus problem.
�I repeat, the climate has clearly changed; and I believe our stance on December 17, (EU Summit) won us additional friends, as I personally judge from talks I had with state leaders,� the president said.
Papadopoulos suggested that Turkey would, stemming from its obligations towards the EU, engage in talks with Cyprus, but not necessarily recognise it.
�Recognition today is a multi-faceted issue, the more substantial step being the creation of diplomatic relations, the exchange that is, of ambassadors, which I don�t see happening with Turkey any time soon,� Papadopoulos said."
More:Tassos: Turkey will come round sooner rather than later
Turkish Daily News - New development plan to prepare Turkey for EU
"New development plan to prepare Turkey for EU
Tuesday, March 1, 2005
The State Planning Organization commences work for Turkey�s development plan for 2007-2013. Officials say the plan will be formed with great participation from all walks of life
ANKARA � Turkish Daily News
Work surrounding the new National Development Plan (NDP), which will cover the period 2007-2013 and prepare Turkey for European Union membership, has commenced.
The work commenced under the coordination of the State Planning Organization (DPT) will determine all sector-based targets required for Turkey's economic and social harmonization with the EU, reported the Anatolian news agency. "
More:Turkish Daily News - New development plan to prepare Turkey for EU
Tuesday, March 1, 2005
The State Planning Organization commences work for Turkey�s development plan for 2007-2013. Officials say the plan will be formed with great participation from all walks of life
ANKARA � Turkish Daily News
Work surrounding the new National Development Plan (NDP), which will cover the period 2007-2013 and prepare Turkey for European Union membership, has commenced.
The work commenced under the coordination of the State Planning Organization (DPT) will determine all sector-based targets required for Turkey's economic and social harmonization with the EU, reported the Anatolian news agency. "
More:Turkish Daily News - New development plan to prepare Turkey for EU
Turkish Daily News - New development plan to prepare Turkey for EU
"New development plan to prepare Turkey for EU
Tuesday, March 1, 2005
The State Planning Organization commences work for Turkey�s development plan for 2007-2013. Officials say the plan will be formed with great participation from all walks of life
ANKARA � Turkish Daily News
Work surrounding the new National Development Plan (NDP), which will cover the period 2007-2013 and prepare Turkey for European Union membership, has commenced.
The work commenced under the coordination of the State Planning Organization (DPT) will determine all sector-based targets required for Turkey's economic and social harmonization with the EU, reported the Anatolian news agency. "
More:Turkish Daily News - New development plan to prepare Turkey for EU
Tuesday, March 1, 2005
The State Planning Organization commences work for Turkey�s development plan for 2007-2013. Officials say the plan will be formed with great participation from all walks of life
ANKARA � Turkish Daily News
Work surrounding the new National Development Plan (NDP), which will cover the period 2007-2013 and prepare Turkey for European Union membership, has commenced.
The work commenced under the coordination of the State Planning Organization (DPT) will determine all sector-based targets required for Turkey's economic and social harmonization with the EU, reported the Anatolian news agency. "
More:Turkish Daily News - New development plan to prepare Turkey for EU
EurActiv:In search of Europe's cultural and spiritual values
"In search of Europe's cultural and spiritual values
In Short:
The possible entry of Turkey into the EU has heated up the debate concerning the values that glue Europeans together into one community. Religious thinkers shared their views at a recent conference."
More:In search of Europe's cultural and spiritual values
In Short:
The possible entry of Turkey into the EU has heated up the debate concerning the values that glue Europeans together into one community. Religious thinkers shared their views at a recent conference."
More:In search of Europe's cultural and spiritual values
Brief - Turkey denies charge that its commitment to EU is lagging
"Brief - Turkey denies charge that its commitment to EU is lagging
In Short:
Citing the apparent standstill over Cyprus, the EU is urging Turkey not to lose momentum of reforms in its quest for membership."
More:Brief - Turkey denies charge that its commitment to EU is lagging
In Short:
Citing the apparent standstill over Cyprus, the EU is urging Turkey not to lose momentum of reforms in its quest for membership."
More:Brief - Turkey denies charge that its commitment to EU is lagging
Turkish Govt.: No Slowing Down in EU Efforts
"Turkish Govt.: No Slowing Down in EU Efforts
By Suleyman Kurt
Published: Tuesday 01, 2005
zaman.com
Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul requested the European Union (EU) maintain its promise to lift the isolation imposed on Turkish Northern Cyprus.
Gul reminded yesterday (February 28) that there had been no improvement in the past 10 years regarding regulations for the free circulation of direct business and commodities on the island. 'We have done what we were supposed to do, and you (the EU) are yet to do anything. "
More:ZAMAN DAILY NEWSPAPER (2005030117053)
By Suleyman Kurt
Published: Tuesday 01, 2005
zaman.com
Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul requested the European Union (EU) maintain its promise to lift the isolation imposed on Turkish Northern Cyprus.
Gul reminded yesterday (February 28) that there had been no improvement in the past 10 years regarding regulations for the free circulation of direct business and commodities on the island. 'We have done what we were supposed to do, and you (the EU) are yet to do anything. "
More:ZAMAN DAILY NEWSPAPER (2005030117053)
EurActiv: Turkey accession and Cyprus
"Turkey accession and Cyprus
In Short:
The division of Cyprus into a Greek and a Turkish community has been one of the most difficult issues to solve in the EU's sixth enlargement round. The future of Turkey's accession talks with the EU hinges on the successful conclusion of the Cyprus problem."
More:Turkey accession and Cyprus
In Short:
The division of Cyprus into a Greek and a Turkish community has been one of the most difficult issues to solve in the EU's sixth enlargement round. The future of Turkey's accession talks with the EU hinges on the successful conclusion of the Cyprus problem."
More:Turkey accession and Cyprus
Mustafa Akyol: Church and state in Istanbul
"no posty yet
Church and state in Istanbul.
By Mustafa Akyol
'Christian missionaries infiltrating our country! Islam is slipping out of our hands!' These words represent the epitome of a very hot debate in Turkey in recent weeks. What made them more surprising than ever was that they belonged not to a conservative Muslim, but to Rahsan Ecevit � the influential wife of Bulent Ecevit, Turkey's former prime minister and long-time guru of left-wing, secularist ideology. Nobody had heard Mrs. Ecevit worrying about the future of Islam before; instead, she used to speak about the 'threat' of it. "
More:Mustafa Akyol on Turkey on National Review Online
Church and state in Istanbul.
By Mustafa Akyol
'Christian missionaries infiltrating our country! Islam is slipping out of our hands!' These words represent the epitome of a very hot debate in Turkey in recent weeks. What made them more surprising than ever was that they belonged not to a conservative Muslim, but to Rahsan Ecevit � the influential wife of Bulent Ecevit, Turkey's former prime minister and long-time guru of left-wing, secularist ideology. Nobody had heard Mrs. Ecevit worrying about the future of Islam before; instead, she used to speak about the 'threat' of it. "
More:Mustafa Akyol on Turkey on National Review Online
Turks.US - U.S. human rights report equates PKK with Turkish government
"U.S. human rights report equates PKK with Turkish government
Tuesday, March 01 2005 @ 08:31 AM Central Standard Time
Views: 5
The U.S Human Rights report 2004 has been published and somehow manages to put Turkey on the same level as the PKK. The authority which published the report appeared to place the working democracy in Turkey on the same level as Iraq and Afghanistan. Despite recent reforms in Turkey, the report outlines instances of torture and suppression of the press. "
More:Turks.US - U.S. human rights report equates PKK with Turkish government
Tuesday, March 01 2005 @ 08:31 AM Central Standard Time
Views: 5
The U.S Human Rights report 2004 has been published and somehow manages to put Turkey on the same level as the PKK. The authority which published the report appeared to place the working democracy in Turkey on the same level as Iraq and Afghanistan. Despite recent reforms in Turkey, the report outlines instances of torture and suppression of the press. "
More:Turks.US - U.S. human rights report equates PKK with Turkish government
Globes [online] - Akbank suggests Israelis invest in Turkey's capital mkt
"Akbank proposes investing in Turkish bonds and other government instruments.
Dafna Zucker 1 Mar 05 14:47
As Turkey prepares to join the EU, and following Israel's equalizing taxes on foreign and domestic investments, senior officials from Akbank (ISE:AKBNK) are visiting Israel today as guests of Gift Asset Management Ltd. The Turkish bankers will propose that Israeli private and institutional investors invest in the Turkish capital market. "
Globes [online] - Akbank suggests Israelis invest in Turkey's capital mkt
Dafna Zucker 1 Mar 05 14:47
As Turkey prepares to join the EU, and following Israel's equalizing taxes on foreign and domestic investments, senior officials from Akbank (ISE:AKBNK) are visiting Israel today as guests of Gift Asset Management Ltd. The Turkish bankers will propose that Israeli private and institutional investors invest in the Turkish capital market. "
Globes [online] - Akbank suggests Israelis invest in Turkey's capital mkt
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