"GE buys big stake in major Turkish bank
Aug 25, 2005, 14:21 GMT
ISTANBUL, Turkey (UPI) -- General Electric Co.`s consumer finance unit will pay $1.56 billion for a 26 percent stake in Turkey`s third-biggest publicly listed bank.
The Dogus group, which is selling half its majority stake in Turkiye Garanti Bankasi AS, under the accord, said the deal values TGB at $6.1 billion, the Financial Times reported Thursday.
The deal marks a win for GE over competitors including ABN Amro of the Netherlands, Deutsche Bank and France`s Societe Generale.
Dogus said that GE will pay an additional $250 million to acquire 49 percent of Garanti`s founder`s shares, a special class of stock that confers additional dividend rights.
GE owns banks in 19 countries."
GE buys big stake in major Turkish bank
Thursday, August 25, 2005
FT.com / Home UK - Interview transcript: Jean-Louis Bruguiere
"....FT: Were there warning signs of a growing threat to Europe before the London bombs?
J-L B: In my opinion the most interesting attack for analysis is the one in Istanbul. The symbolism is a fundamental element that we neglect in the overall problem. The issue is not just about the number of victims, it is also the value of the event in a media, political and geopolitical context.
Istanbul is a European target, all about Turkey’s application for European Union membership. It is incontestable that the real target was British, with the consulate and HSBC being hit. It was a direct warning. The state visit of President Bush to the UK on that day should also be taken into account. It is the first time that al-Qaeda interfered with the political agenda of states."
More:FT.com / Home UK - Interview transcript: Jean-Louis Bruguiere
J-L B: In my opinion the most interesting attack for analysis is the one in Istanbul. The symbolism is a fundamental element that we neglect in the overall problem. The issue is not just about the number of victims, it is also the value of the event in a media, political and geopolitical context.
Istanbul is a European target, all about Turkey’s application for European Union membership. It is incontestable that the real target was British, with the consulate and HSBC being hit. It was a direct warning. The state visit of President Bush to the UK on that day should also be taken into account. It is the first time that al-Qaeda interfered with the political agenda of states."
More:FT.com / Home UK - Interview transcript: Jean-Louis Bruguiere
TURKEY: HUMAN TRAFFICKING UNDER SCRUTINY
"TURKEY: HUMAN TRAFFICKING UNDER SCRUTINY
Istanbul, 25 August (AKI) - M - her full name was not released for security reasons - is one of the lucky ones. Her ordeal started when she arrived in Turkey from the Ukraine after a friend told her about a vacancy for a job as a waitress. Instead, she was held by human traffickers who kept her locked in a house in the town Silivri, near Istanbul, except when they forced her out on the streets to work as a prostitute. She was rescued in police operation.
M's plight is similar to that of many other would-be immigrants that arrive in Turkey and it is the subject of an international three-day conference at Instanbul's Bahcesehir University that began on Thursday. “Trafficking in Persons in Southeast Europe -- a Threat to Human Security” is a joint initiative of the Regional Stability in South East Europe (RSSEE) Study Group, the International Organization on Migration (IOM) and the Center for Strategic Research at the Turkish foreign affairs ministry."
More:TURKEY: HUMAN TRAFFICKING UNDER SCRUTINY
Istanbul, 25 August (AKI) - M - her full name was not released for security reasons - is one of the lucky ones. Her ordeal started when she arrived in Turkey from the Ukraine after a friend told her about a vacancy for a job as a waitress. Instead, she was held by human traffickers who kept her locked in a house in the town Silivri, near Istanbul, except when they forced her out on the streets to work as a prostitute. She was rescued in police operation.
M's plight is similar to that of many other would-be immigrants that arrive in Turkey and it is the subject of an international three-day conference at Instanbul's Bahcesehir University that began on Thursday. “Trafficking in Persons in Southeast Europe -- a Threat to Human Security” is a joint initiative of the Regional Stability in South East Europe (RSSEE) Study Group, the International Organization on Migration (IOM) and the Center for Strategic Research at the Turkish foreign affairs ministry."
More:TURKEY: HUMAN TRAFFICKING UNDER SCRUTINY
No clear answer in debate on values - National - theage.com.au
"....However, a more appropriate story to teach in Muslim schools would be that of the Turkish leader Kemal Ataturk, who fought against the Australians at Gallipoli. He was a secular leader and the evolution of modern democratic Turkey might be an example that students could learn from...."
More:No clear answer in debate on values - National - theage.com.au
More:No clear answer in debate on values - National - theage.com.au
Turkey is no exception when it comes to terrorism (by Mensur Akgun) - Media Monitors Network (MMN)
"Turkey is no exception when it comes to terrorism
by Mensur Akgun
(Thursday August 25 2005)
'US involvement in Iraq and the American strategic alliance with the Iraqi Kurds strengthen the PKK's belief in the inevitability of a row between the US and Turkey. The temporary freeze in bilateral relations in the aftermath of the Turkish Parliament's decision not to allow the stationing of US troops on Turkish soil in March 2003 could also be taken as support for this thesis.'"
More:Turkey is no exception when it comes to terrorism (by Mensur Akgun) - Media Monitors Network (MMN)
by Mensur Akgun
(Thursday August 25 2005)
'US involvement in Iraq and the American strategic alliance with the Iraqi Kurds strengthen the PKK's belief in the inevitability of a row between the US and Turkey. The temporary freeze in bilateral relations in the aftermath of the Turkish Parliament's decision not to allow the stationing of US troops on Turkish soil in March 2003 could also be taken as support for this thesis.'"
More:Turkey is no exception when it comes to terrorism (by Mensur Akgun) - Media Monitors Network (MMN)
Will the PKK Renounce Violence?
"Will the PKK Renounce Violence?
By Soner Cagaptay
Bitterlemons-international.org, August 25, 2005
If the US-Turkish relationship is the single most important unintended victim of the Iraq war, then disarming the PKK is a sure way of restoring the partnership to good health. The PKK presence in northern Iraq has thus far escaped US occupation untouched, and the organization has relaunched attacks inside Turkey. Stopping the PKK now will ensure that Iraq-related issues do not damage the US-Turkish relationship further. Indeed, this is the common logic in Washington and Ankara. The question is how to do it."
More:Will the PKK Renounce Violence?
By Soner Cagaptay
By Soner Cagaptay
Bitterlemons-international.org, August 25, 2005
If the US-Turkish relationship is the single most important unintended victim of the Iraq war, then disarming the PKK is a sure way of restoring the partnership to good health. The PKK presence in northern Iraq has thus far escaped US occupation untouched, and the organization has relaunched attacks inside Turkey. Stopping the PKK now will ensure that Iraq-related issues do not damage the US-Turkish relationship further. Indeed, this is the common logic in Washington and Ankara. The question is how to do it."
More:Will the PKK Renounce Violence?
By Soner Cagaptay
''The Fire Of Anatolia'' To Perform In United States
"''The Fire Of Anatolia'' To Perform In United States
Published: 8/25/2005
ANKARA - ``The Fire of Anatolia``, prominent Turkish dance group, will perform in the United States.
The group will greet American people at the Chicago Theater on October 4th and at the Madison Square Garden on October 11th.
The group is also expected to take stage in several cities such as Boston, Washington D.C., Philadelphia and Miami."
More:''The Fire Of Anatolia'' To Perform In United States
Published: 8/25/2005
ANKARA - ``The Fire of Anatolia``, prominent Turkish dance group, will perform in the United States.
The group will greet American people at the Chicago Theater on October 4th and at the Madison Square Garden on October 11th.
The group is also expected to take stage in several cities such as Boston, Washington D.C., Philadelphia and Miami."
More:''The Fire Of Anatolia'' To Perform In United States
U.S.-Turkey “Strategic Partnership” Still Shaky After Bush-Erdogan Meeting
"U.S.-Turkey “Strategic Partnership” Still Shaky After Bush-Erdogan Meeting
By Jon Gorvett
When Prime Minister Recip Tayyip Erdogan touched down in Washington in early June for a meeting with President George W. Bush, the list of disputes to be addressed was longer than it had been in decades. With the U.S.-Turkish “strategic partnership” in serious trouble since the breakdown over Iraq back in 2003, it was no surprise that the two leaders’ encounter ran well over the alloted time. For all the backslapping that followed their emergence from the one-hour meeting, however, more seemingly was patched up in spirit than in substance.
“I am happy that we were able to confirm that our strategic relationship will move along the same path as it has in the past,” Erdogan told reporters."
More:U.S.-Turkey “Strategic Partnership” Still Shaky After Bush-Erdogan Meeting
By Jon Gorvett
When Prime Minister Recip Tayyip Erdogan touched down in Washington in early June for a meeting with President George W. Bush, the list of disputes to be addressed was longer than it had been in decades. With the U.S.-Turkish “strategic partnership” in serious trouble since the breakdown over Iraq back in 2003, it was no surprise that the two leaders’ encounter ran well over the alloted time. For all the backslapping that followed their emergence from the one-hour meeting, however, more seemingly was patched up in spirit than in substance.
“I am happy that we were able to confirm that our strategic relationship will move along the same path as it has in the past,” Erdogan told reporters."
More:U.S.-Turkey “Strategic Partnership” Still Shaky After Bush-Erdogan Meeting
Bryza Due In Ankara
"Bryza Due In Ankara
Published: 8/25/2005
ANKARA - U.S. State Department Deputy Assistant Secretary Matt Bryza will arrive in Ankara on Thursday on a two-day visit.
The U.S. Embassy in Ankara said on Wednesday that Bryza would hold talks at Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Energy & Natural Resources and Turkish army's General Staff HQ."
More:Bryza Due In Ankara
Published: 8/25/2005
ANKARA - U.S. State Department Deputy Assistant Secretary Matt Bryza will arrive in Ankara on Thursday on a two-day visit.
The U.S. Embassy in Ankara said on Wednesday that Bryza would hold talks at Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Energy & Natural Resources and Turkish army's General Staff HQ."
More:Bryza Due In Ankara
REPORTER.GR:Turkey: Papadopoulos pressing for Turkish recognition of Cyprus
"Turkey: Papadopoulos pressing for Turkish recognition of Cyprus
15:25 - 25 August 2005 - Greek Cypriot leader Tassos Papadopoulos pledged not to sit idle if Turkey continues to refuse to recognize his administration but declined to say if he would use veto rights as a European Union member to block the opening of Turkey's EU accession talks on Oct. 3, Turkish Daily News reports."
More:REPORTER.GR-Turkey: Papadopoulos pressing for Turkish recognition of Cyprus
15:25 - 25 August 2005 - Greek Cypriot leader Tassos Papadopoulos pledged not to sit idle if Turkey continues to refuse to recognize his administration but declined to say if he would use veto rights as a European Union member to block the opening of Turkey's EU accession talks on Oct. 3, Turkish Daily News reports."
More:REPORTER.GR-Turkey: Papadopoulos pressing for Turkish recognition of Cyprus
In Ankara, an American Official Discusses the Existence of the Kurdistani Workers Party in Iraq
"In Ankara, an American Official Discusses the Existence of the Kurdistani Workers Party in Iraq
In Ankara, an American Official Discusses the Existence of the Kurdistani Workers Party in Iraq Ankara – In Ankara, an American official said that the Mat Breza, US undersecretary of state, would arrive in Ankara tomorrow to conduct talks on the mutual relations and the issue of Kurdish insurgents in Turkey, who are fortified in camps in the north of Iraq."
More:In Ankara, an American Official Discusses the Existence of the Kurdistani Workers Party in Iraq
In Ankara, an American Official Discusses the Existence of the Kurdistani Workers Party in Iraq Ankara – In Ankara, an American official said that the Mat Breza, US undersecretary of state, would arrive in Ankara tomorrow to conduct talks on the mutual relations and the issue of Kurdish insurgents in Turkey, who are fortified in camps in the north of Iraq."
More:In Ankara, an American Official Discusses the Existence of the Kurdistani Workers Party in Iraq
Financial Mirror:Cyprus wants a counter-statement to Turkey on recognition
"Cyprus wants a counter-statement to Turkey on recognition
Cyprus Minister of Foreign Affairs George Iacovou said on Wednesday that Cyprus should seek a counter-statement by the EU to Turkey’s unilateral declaration that it does not recognise the Republic of Cyprus.
Briefing the oversees Cypriots who are holding their fourteenth conference in Limassol, Iacovou said that 'we must obtain an EU counterstatement which will overturn the Turkish declaration and will not leave anything unanswered and there must be improvements of the EU-Turkey negotiating framework.'
On July 29, Turkey signed a protocol expanding the Ankara Agreement (Customs Union) to cover the Union's ten new member-states, but issued a simultaneous declaration that said it does not recognise the Republic of Cyprus.
Turkey is due to start accession negotiations on October 3 and signing the protocol was the last official hurdle."
More:Financial Mirror
Cyprus Minister of Foreign Affairs George Iacovou said on Wednesday that Cyprus should seek a counter-statement by the EU to Turkey’s unilateral declaration that it does not recognise the Republic of Cyprus.
Briefing the oversees Cypriots who are holding their fourteenth conference in Limassol, Iacovou said that 'we must obtain an EU counterstatement which will overturn the Turkish declaration and will not leave anything unanswered and there must be improvements of the EU-Turkey negotiating framework.'
On July 29, Turkey signed a protocol expanding the Ankara Agreement (Customs Union) to cover the Union's ten new member-states, but issued a simultaneous declaration that said it does not recognise the Republic of Cyprus.
Turkey is due to start accession negotiations on October 3 and signing the protocol was the last official hurdle."
More:Financial Mirror
JTW News - Ertug: Treatment of Turkey and TRNC Unfair
"Ertug: Treatment of Turkey and TRNC Unfair
Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) Washington Representative Osman Ertug on Sunday sent a letter to U.S. daily The Washington Times saying that the European Union's failure to treat Turkey and Turkish Cypriots fairly was the real impediment blocking the way to Turkey's EU membership.
Ertug's letter was sent in response to an article by Andrew Borowiec entitled 'Cyprus: A Roadblock to Union' published in the daily on Aug. 14.
Ertug argued against Borowiec's view, writing, 'The main handicap to Turkey's membership in the EU is neither the Cyprus question nor Turkey's stance on the divided island.' "
More:JTW News - Ertug: Treatment of Turkey and TRNC Unfair
Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) Washington Representative Osman Ertug on Sunday sent a letter to U.S. daily The Washington Times saying that the European Union's failure to treat Turkey and Turkish Cypriots fairly was the real impediment blocking the way to Turkey's EU membership.
Ertug's letter was sent in response to an article by Andrew Borowiec entitled 'Cyprus: A Roadblock to Union' published in the daily on Aug. 14.
Ertug argued against Borowiec's view, writing, 'The main handicap to Turkey's membership in the EU is neither the Cyprus question nor Turkey's stance on the divided island.' "
More:JTW News - Ertug: Treatment of Turkey and TRNC Unfair
Turkish Daily News - Will Europe act honorably?
"Will Europe act honorably?
Thursday, August 25, 2005
Turkey is entering a critical period in terms of relations with the EU. There is a tangible effort spearheaded by Paris to try and somehow block the start of negotiations with Ankara on Oct. 3. Trying to force Turkey to recognize the Republic of Cyprus is not proving that useful a device, however, since Athens and the Greek Cypriot administration have made it clear that vetoing the start of talks with Ankara on the basis of this argument is not in their interest."
More:Turkish Daily News - Will Europe act honorably?
Thursday, August 25, 2005
Turkey is entering a critical period in terms of relations with the EU. There is a tangible effort spearheaded by Paris to try and somehow block the start of negotiations with Ankara on Oct. 3. Trying to force Turkey to recognize the Republic of Cyprus is not proving that useful a device, however, since Athens and the Greek Cypriot administration have made it clear that vetoing the start of talks with Ankara on the basis of this argument is not in their interest."
More:Turkish Daily News - Will Europe act honorably?
Turkish Daily News - Tourism 'master plan' to be developed for Antalya
"Tourism 'master plan' to be developed for Antalya
Thursday, August 25, 2005
ANKARA - Turkish Daily News
The Antalya Governor's Office has undertaken a joint initiative with Akdeniz University to develop a 45-year tourism master plan, the Anatolia news agency reported on Wednesday.
Governor Alaaddin Yuksel emphasized that good planning was the gateway to success in tourism and that acting in an ad hoc fashion is ineffective."
More:Turkish Daily News - Tourism 'master plan' to be developed for Antalya
Thursday, August 25, 2005
ANKARA - Turkish Daily News
The Antalya Governor's Office has undertaken a joint initiative with Akdeniz University to develop a 45-year tourism master plan, the Anatolia news agency reported on Wednesday.
Governor Alaaddin Yuksel emphasized that good planning was the gateway to success in tourism and that acting in an ad hoc fashion is ineffective."
More:Turkish Daily News - Tourism 'master plan' to be developed for Antalya
Wednesday, August 24, 2005
Legal Week Global-Legal Development: (Turkey) Turkey aligns its laws with the EU
"Legal Development: (Turkey) Turkey aligns its laws with the EU
Reformed legislation introduces business-related crimes in Turkish criminal law
The new Turkish Criminal Law entered into force on 1 June, 2005, mainly as a result of Turkey’s efforts toward harmonising its legislation with European Union (EU) law. The new law replaced the Turkish Criminal Law of 1 March, 1926.
The most interesting feature of the new law with respect to companies is the applicability of security measures ( guvenlik tedbirleri) to legal entities. Criminal liability of legal entities is a new concept in Turkish law. Pursuant to the new law, security measures apply not only to individuals, but also to legal entities, the representatives of which committed a crime, or which benefited from the commitment of a crime. "
More:Legal Week Global-Legal Development: (Turkey) Turkey aligns its laws with the EU
Reformed legislation introduces business-related crimes in Turkish criminal law
The new Turkish Criminal Law entered into force on 1 June, 2005, mainly as a result of Turkey’s efforts toward harmonising its legislation with European Union (EU) law. The new law replaced the Turkish Criminal Law of 1 March, 1926.
The most interesting feature of the new law with respect to companies is the applicability of security measures ( guvenlik tedbirleri) to legal entities. Criminal liability of legal entities is a new concept in Turkish law. Pursuant to the new law, security measures apply not only to individuals, but also to legal entities, the representatives of which committed a crime, or which benefited from the commitment of a crime. "
More:Legal Week Global-Legal Development: (Turkey) Turkey aligns its laws with the EU
Bangkok Post Thursday 25 August 2005 - Fountain of legends
"Fountain of legends
The town that hosted the Universiade 2005 is Turkey's best-kept secret
Story and photos by LEKHA J SHANKAR & C. JAYASANKAR
Turkey does not begin and end with Istanbul. There's ancient, exotic, historical Izmir, the third largest city in the country which recently hosted the 23rd World University Games.
Izmir, with its five universities and 50,000 students, is not just the biggest university town in the country. It has the second most important port, which makes it a vibrant hub for trade. Most exciting however, is its long and incredible history."
More:Bangkok Post Thursday 25 August 2005 - Fountain of legends
The town that hosted the Universiade 2005 is Turkey's best-kept secret
Story and photos by LEKHA J SHANKAR & C. JAYASANKAR
Turkey does not begin and end with Istanbul. There's ancient, exotic, historical Izmir, the third largest city in the country which recently hosted the 23rd World University Games.
Izmir, with its five universities and 50,000 students, is not just the biggest university town in the country. It has the second most important port, which makes it a vibrant hub for trade. Most exciting however, is its long and incredible history."
More:Bangkok Post Thursday 25 August 2005 - Fountain of legends
The Daily Star - Politics - Conference examining massacre of Armenians to go ahead in Turkey
"Conference examining massacre of Armenians to go ahead in Turkey
By Agence France Presse (AFP)
Thursday, August 25, 2005
ISTANBUL: A conference questioning the official line on massacres of Armenians under the Ottoman Empire, aborted after Turkey's justice minister branded it an act of treason, will go ahead in September, organizers said. The event dubbed 'Ottoman Armenians of an Empire in Decline' has been scheduled for September 23-25 at Istanbul's Bogazici university."
More:The Daily Star - Politics - Conference examining massacre of Armenians to go ahead in Turkey
By Agence France Presse (AFP)
Thursday, August 25, 2005
ISTANBUL: A conference questioning the official line on massacres of Armenians under the Ottoman Empire, aborted after Turkey's justice minister branded it an act of treason, will go ahead in September, organizers said. The event dubbed 'Ottoman Armenians of an Empire in Decline' has been scheduled for September 23-25 at Istanbul's Bogazici university."
More:The Daily Star - Politics - Conference examining massacre of Armenians to go ahead in Turkey
Baykal: Recently Terrorism Is Tried To Be Revived In Turkey
"Baykal: Recently Terrorism Is Tried To Be Revived In Turkey
Published: 8/24/2005
ANTALYA - ''In spite of radical changes, terrorism did not end in current stage. Recently, terrorism is tried to be revived in Turkey.'' main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) leader Deniz Baykal said on Tuesday."
More:Baykal: Recently Terrorism Is Tried To Be Revived In Turkey
Published: 8/24/2005
ANTALYA - ''In spite of radical changes, terrorism did not end in current stage. Recently, terrorism is tried to be revived in Turkey.'' main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) leader Deniz Baykal said on Tuesday."
More:Baykal: Recently Terrorism Is Tried To Be Revived In Turkey
Financial Mirror-President Papadopoulos wants substantial changes to UN plan
"President Papadopoulos wants substantial changes to UN plan
24/08/2005
www.financialmirror.com
No hint on Turkey stance
Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos repeated his view that substantial changes are needed to the UN plan when he addressed representatives of the two main overseas organizations, POMAK (World Federation of Overseas Cypriots) and PSEKA (International Coordinating Committee - Justice for Cyprus) on Tuesday.
The “only thing we are pursuing and want is to contribute to a mutually acceptable functional and viable solution. And such solution will not be achieved with decorative changes to the Annan plan,” he said.
The Turkish side “completely refuses to discuss changes to a plan which suits her perfectly.”
However, he admitted that the solution to the Cyprus problem will “necessarily be a compromise, meaning a bizonal, bicommunal federation.”"
More:Financial Mirror-President Papadopoulos wants substantial changes to UN plan
24/08/2005
www.financialmirror.com
No hint on Turkey stance
Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos repeated his view that substantial changes are needed to the UN plan when he addressed representatives of the two main overseas organizations, POMAK (World Federation of Overseas Cypriots) and PSEKA (International Coordinating Committee - Justice for Cyprus) on Tuesday.
The “only thing we are pursuing and want is to contribute to a mutually acceptable functional and viable solution. And such solution will not be achieved with decorative changes to the Annan plan,” he said.
The Turkish side “completely refuses to discuss changes to a plan which suits her perfectly.”
However, he admitted that the solution to the Cyprus problem will “necessarily be a compromise, meaning a bizonal, bicommunal federation.”"
More:Financial Mirror-President Papadopoulos wants substantial changes to UN plan
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