"Lloyd George tried to bribe Turks out of Great War
(Filed: 01/04/2005)
A rare glimpse of what lies behind the cloak of secrecy surrounding the work of MI6 was granted yesterday with the release of 100 files at the National Archives at Kew.
...Lloyd George was prepared to pay $25 million in bribes through a secret agent to persuade Turkey to pull out of the First World War."
More:Telegraph | News | Lloyd George tried to bribe Turks out of Great War
Thursday, March 31, 2005
Cuban Minister Of Foreign Trade Ramirez: We Can Make Cooperation With Turkey In Health Sector
"Cuban Minister Of Foreign Trade Ramirez: We Can Make Cooperation With Turkey In Health Sector
ANKARA - Cuban Minister of Foreign Trade Raul de la Nuez Ramirez said on Thursday that Turkey and Cuba could make cooperation in health sector.
Responding to questions of A.A correspondent, Ramirez who came to Ankara to attend the sixth term Turkish-Cuban Joint Economic Commission (JEC) meeting, remarked that Cuba wanted to increase the trade with Turkey and that there were big business opportunities between the two countries. "
More:Cuban Minister Of Foreign Trade Ramirez: We Can Make Cooperation With Turkey In Health Sector
ANKARA - Cuban Minister of Foreign Trade Raul de la Nuez Ramirez said on Thursday that Turkey and Cuba could make cooperation in health sector.
Responding to questions of A.A correspondent, Ramirez who came to Ankara to attend the sixth term Turkish-Cuban Joint Economic Commission (JEC) meeting, remarked that Cuba wanted to increase the trade with Turkey and that there were big business opportunities between the two countries. "
More:Cuban Minister Of Foreign Trade Ramirez: We Can Make Cooperation With Turkey In Health Sector
JTW News - Armenian Archive Reveals Armenian Riot Preparation
"Armenian Archive Reveals Armenian Riot Preparation
ANKARA - In a report prepared by the Armenian Tashnak Party in 1910 and submitted to the Socialist International, there is an explanation about preparations for a revolt.
In the report that was mentioned in an article in the April 2005 issue of the magazine, 'Populer Tarih' (Popular History), it informed that in the village of Bitlis and the city of Van (both in Eastern Turkey), the 'Armenian had people organized under the Turkish flag.' The article written by Orhan Kologlu reads that the report was in the archives of the Socialist International in Vandervelde, Brussels, and is recorded in the arhive with the file number : B.579238. The article adds that the report was prepared by M. Warandian for submission to the organization's convention that year in Copenhagen."
More:JTW News - Armenian Archive Reveals Armenian Riot Preparation
ANKARA - In a report prepared by the Armenian Tashnak Party in 1910 and submitted to the Socialist International, there is an explanation about preparations for a revolt.
In the report that was mentioned in an article in the April 2005 issue of the magazine, 'Populer Tarih' (Popular History), it informed that in the village of Bitlis and the city of Van (both in Eastern Turkey), the 'Armenian had people organized under the Turkish flag.' The article written by Orhan Kologlu reads that the report was in the archives of the Socialist International in Vandervelde, Brussels, and is recorded in the arhive with the file number : B.579238. The article adds that the report was prepared by M. Warandian for submission to the organization's convention that year in Copenhagen."
More:JTW News - Armenian Archive Reveals Armenian Riot Preparation
JTW Comment - US-Turkish Relations: Relations Gauge
"US-Turkish Relations: Relations Gauge
Murat Yetkin
Columnist Murat Yetkin comments on Turkish-US relations and Gen. James Jones� visit to Istanbul last weekend.
'Supreme Allied Commander in Europe US Gen. James Jones was in Istanbul last weekend. His visit wasn�t made known to the press. Every time Gen. Jones visits Turkey, he becomes the center of attention. But this time his visit was kept a secret.
Jones made a speech to the Turkish staff college graduation ceremony in Istanbul and also met with top Turkish military officials. Then he left the country without paying a visit to Ankara. In his speech at the ceremony, Jones talked about NATO and Turkey�s future role in the alliance. "
More:JTW Comment - US-Turkish Relations: Relations Gauge
Murat Yetkin
Columnist Murat Yetkin comments on Turkish-US relations and Gen. James Jones� visit to Istanbul last weekend.
'Supreme Allied Commander in Europe US Gen. James Jones was in Istanbul last weekend. His visit wasn�t made known to the press. Every time Gen. Jones visits Turkey, he becomes the center of attention. But this time his visit was kept a secret.
Jones made a speech to the Turkish staff college graduation ceremony in Istanbul and also met with top Turkish military officials. Then he left the country without paying a visit to Ankara. In his speech at the ceremony, Jones talked about NATO and Turkey�s future role in the alliance. "
More:JTW Comment - US-Turkish Relations: Relations Gauge
EUbusiness - Turkey postpones key penal code reform but vows commitment to EU
"Turkey postpones key penal code reform but vows commitment to EUDocument Actions 31/03/2005
Turkey on Thursday postponed the application of a penal code crucial to its aspirations to join the European Union just one day before it was due to take effect. However Ankara assured Brussels that the move is purely technical and does not signify a deviation from the democratic reform it is expected to make before it joins the bloc. The government rushed through parliament a bill postponing the introduction of the code by two months to June 1, bowing to criticism that the bulky legislation contains technical flaws that would create serious judicial problems on the ground. The code, adopted six months ago amid much fanfare and praise, was a key condition that Ankara fulfilled to win a date for accession talks with the European Union at a summit in Brussels in December. "
More:EUbusiness - Turkey postpones key penal code reform but vows commitment to EU
Turkey on Thursday postponed the application of a penal code crucial to its aspirations to join the European Union just one day before it was due to take effect. However Ankara assured Brussels that the move is purely technical and does not signify a deviation from the democratic reform it is expected to make before it joins the bloc. The government rushed through parliament a bill postponing the introduction of the code by two months to June 1, bowing to criticism that the bulky legislation contains technical flaws that would create serious judicial problems on the ground. The code, adopted six months ago amid much fanfare and praise, was a key condition that Ankara fulfilled to win a date for accession talks with the European Union at a summit in Brussels in December. "
More:EUbusiness - Turkey postpones key penal code reform but vows commitment to EU
FT.com / World / Europe - Turkey smooths path to EU by extending treaty to new members
"Turkey smooths path to EU by extending treaty to new members
By Vincent Boland in Ankara
Published: March 31 2005 03:00 | Last updated: March 31 2005 03:00
Turkey has overcome the biggest obstacle to opening accession talks with the European Union by agreeing this week to extend its existing treaty with the EU to the 10 states - including Cyprus - that joined the union last year.
The Turkish government sent a letter to the European Commission on Tuesday indicating that it agreed to the text of a protocol to its association agreement with the EU to cover the 10 new members.
However, Turkey insisted that this did not grant formal recognition to the Greek Cypriot government in the Republic of Cyprus."
More:FT.com / World / Europe - Turkey smooths path to EU by extending treaty to new members
By Vincent Boland in Ankara
Published: March 31 2005 03:00 | Last updated: March 31 2005 03:00
Turkey has overcome the biggest obstacle to opening accession talks with the European Union by agreeing this week to extend its existing treaty with the EU to the 10 states - including Cyprus - that joined the union last year.
The Turkish government sent a letter to the European Commission on Tuesday indicating that it agreed to the text of a protocol to its association agreement with the EU to cover the 10 new members.
However, Turkey insisted that this did not grant formal recognition to the Greek Cypriot government in the Republic of Cyprus."
More:FT.com / World / Europe - Turkey smooths path to EU by extending treaty to new members
JTW News - Head of Turkish National Security Council Confirms ISRO-USAK �US-Turkey Survey�
"Head of Turkish National Security Council Confirms ISRO-USAK �US-Turkey Survey�
31 March 2005
(JTW Ankara/Melike KUCUK and Omer Faruk KOTAN) - The General Secretary of Turkish National Security Council (NSC), Yigit Alpogan, declared that for NSC Turkish people are not anti-Americans, but they are against Bush policies. Recently, BBC, British broadcast company, circulated a public survey in 21 countries and this survey has led to a political storm between the US and Turkey. �What do you think about the re-election of Bush? Is it favorable for the peace of the world or not?� this was one of the questions of the survey and 82 % Turkish people were found out that they are against Bush policies.
The head of Turkish NSC, Yigit Alpogan declared �The most significant point is how you ask a question. I can say that if the question is directed differently this 82 % changes and it would be about 18 %�. "
More:JTW News - Head of Turkish National Security Council Confirms ISRO-USAK �US-Turkey Survey�
31 March 2005
(JTW Ankara/Melike KUCUK and Omer Faruk KOTAN) - The General Secretary of Turkish National Security Council (NSC), Yigit Alpogan, declared that for NSC Turkish people are not anti-Americans, but they are against Bush policies. Recently, BBC, British broadcast company, circulated a public survey in 21 countries and this survey has led to a political storm between the US and Turkey. �What do you think about the re-election of Bush? Is it favorable for the peace of the world or not?� this was one of the questions of the survey and 82 % Turkish people were found out that they are against Bush policies.
The head of Turkish NSC, Yigit Alpogan declared �The most significant point is how you ask a question. I can say that if the question is directed differently this 82 % changes and it would be about 18 %�. "
More:JTW News - Head of Turkish National Security Council Confirms ISRO-USAK �US-Turkey Survey�
REPORTER.GR:Turkey: Economy grows 9.9% pct in 2004
"Turkey: Economy grows 9.9% pct in 2004
12:01 - 31 March 2005 - Turkey's gross national product grew by 9.9 percent in 2004, almost doubling the government target, the State Statistics Institute announced Thursday.
The figure was in line with a forecast of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), which said the country should achieve 10-percent growth at the end of 2004.
The Turkish government had set its formal target at 5.0 percent under a tight economic recovery program backed by multi-billion-dollar loans from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). "
More:REPORTER.GR
12:01 - 31 March 2005 - Turkey's gross national product grew by 9.9 percent in 2004, almost doubling the government target, the State Statistics Institute announced Thursday.
The figure was in line with a forecast of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), which said the country should achieve 10-percent growth at the end of 2004.
The Turkish government had set its formal target at 5.0 percent under a tight economic recovery program backed by multi-billion-dollar loans from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). "
More:REPORTER.GR
JTW News - Turkey Signed Free Trade Agreements with Tunisia and Morocco
"Turkey Signed Free Trade Agreements with Tunisia and Morocco
(JTW) � 31 March 2005
Turkish PM Tayyip Erdogan leading a 45-strong delegation paid visits to Tunisia, Morocco to boost trade and develop co-operation.
The Turkish Premier Tayyip Erdogan described Morocco and Tunisia as 'important countries' in the Arab and Islamic world, in the Mediterranean basin and in Africa.
After he recalled the increase of trade exchanges between Turkey and the two Arab countries in 2003 and 2004, Erdogan noted that the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) signed with Morocco, then with Tunisia, are an important step in his country's relations with them. Erdogan deemed that the coming into force of the FTAs will give a new impetus to economic relations. "
More:JTW News - Turkey Signed Free Trade Agreements with Tunisia and Morocco
(JTW) � 31 March 2005
Turkish PM Tayyip Erdogan leading a 45-strong delegation paid visits to Tunisia, Morocco to boost trade and develop co-operation.
The Turkish Premier Tayyip Erdogan described Morocco and Tunisia as 'important countries' in the Arab and Islamic world, in the Mediterranean basin and in Africa.
After he recalled the increase of trade exchanges between Turkey and the two Arab countries in 2003 and 2004, Erdogan noted that the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) signed with Morocco, then with Tunisia, are an important step in his country's relations with them. Erdogan deemed that the coming into force of the FTAs will give a new impetus to economic relations. "
More:JTW News - Turkey Signed Free Trade Agreements with Tunisia and Morocco
JTW News - Swiss and Turkish FMs Discuss Armenian Allegations
"Swiss and Turkish FMs Discuss Armenian Allegations
(JTW) - In response to Swiss Foreign Minister Micheline Calmy-Rey's comments that “Turkey should confront its past over the so-called Armenian genocide”, Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul has said that, "Turkey is sure of its past."
Gul disclosed on Tuesday that the invitation to examine the Ottoman archives is also open to France and Switzerland. Minister Gul asked Rey not to allow the Armenian Diaspora to ruin the relations between the two countries in a meeting in Ankara. The National Assembly of the Swiss parliament had decided to recognize the so-called ‘Armenian genocide’ two years ago, and following this, Rey's visit to Ankara had been postponed. The Swiss Minister is also reported to have excluded the Kurdish Workers' Party (PKK) from a list of terrorist organizations. The PKK is considered as ‘terrorist organization’ by the US, the UK and the EU."
More:JTW News - Swiss and Turkish FMs Discuss Armenian Allegations
(JTW) - In response to Swiss Foreign Minister Micheline Calmy-Rey's comments that “Turkey should confront its past over the so-called Armenian genocide”, Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul has said that, "Turkey is sure of its past."
Gul disclosed on Tuesday that the invitation to examine the Ottoman archives is also open to France and Switzerland. Minister Gul asked Rey not to allow the Armenian Diaspora to ruin the relations between the two countries in a meeting in Ankara. The National Assembly of the Swiss parliament had decided to recognize the so-called ‘Armenian genocide’ two years ago, and following this, Rey's visit to Ankara had been postponed. The Swiss Minister is also reported to have excluded the Kurdish Workers' Party (PKK) from a list of terrorist organizations. The PKK is considered as ‘terrorist organization’ by the US, the UK and the EU."
More:JTW News - Swiss and Turkish FMs Discuss Armenian Allegations
Enfield Independent:Vandals target North Cyprus billboards
"Vandals target North Cyprus billboards
By Pete Sherlock
Enfield's large Turkish Cypriot community has spoken of its outrage after posters advertising North Cyprus as a tourist destination were defaced with offensive graffitti.
A number of posters erected by the North Cyprus tourist board were ripped off walls or defaced in roads along Green Lanes and the North Circular Road, last week.
Vandals scrawled Until the Turks came along' under a picture of a sandy beach with the slogan: North Cyprus, a sanctuary of unspoiled beauty', on one poster in Lyndhurst Road, just across the Haringey border.
Aydin Halil, of Green Lanes, Palmers Green, said: 'When I saw what had been done I was really angered and I think it is really disappointing that we can't stand up for ourselves. The people who did this are very bitter people.'"
More:Enfield Independent
By Pete Sherlock
Enfield's large Turkish Cypriot community has spoken of its outrage after posters advertising North Cyprus as a tourist destination were defaced with offensive graffitti.
A number of posters erected by the North Cyprus tourist board were ripped off walls or defaced in roads along Green Lanes and the North Circular Road, last week.
Vandals scrawled Until the Turks came along' under a picture of a sandy beach with the slogan: North Cyprus, a sanctuary of unspoiled beauty', on one poster in Lyndhurst Road, just across the Haringey border.
Aydin Halil, of Green Lanes, Palmers Green, said: 'When I saw what had been done I was really angered and I think it is really disappointing that we can't stand up for ourselves. The people who did this are very bitter people.'"
More:Enfield Independent
CNN.com - Nine cities in 2012 Olympic race -VOTE FOR ISTANBUL!
"Nine cities in 2012 Olympic race
LONDON, England (CNN) -- While sports fans across the globe are looking forward to August's Olympic Games in Athens, the race to host the event in 2012 is already on.
Nine cities have submitted applications to the International Olympic Committee, with Paris, London or Rio de Janeiro strongly favored to win.
The other candidates are Moscow, Russia; Madrid, Spain; New York, U.S.A.; Istanbul, Turkey; Leipzig, Germany; and Havana, Cuba. "
To vote, go to this link:VOTE
LONDON, England (CNN) -- While sports fans across the globe are looking forward to August's Olympic Games in Athens, the race to host the event in 2012 is already on.
Nine cities have submitted applications to the International Olympic Committee, with Paris, London or Rio de Janeiro strongly favored to win.
The other candidates are Moscow, Russia; Madrid, Spain; New York, U.S.A.; Istanbul, Turkey; Leipzig, Germany; and Havana, Cuba. "
To vote, go to this link:VOTE
Turkish Daily News - Semih Idiz: Will the Turkish foot fit the European shoe?
"Semih Idiz: Will the Turkish foot fit the European shoe?
Thursday, March 31, 2005
Former President Suleyman Demirel: If becoming an EU member is going to disrupt Turkey�s domestic order, its domestic peace and its indivisible unity, then Turkey should not seek such a thing. There are conditions that Turkey has inherited from history and geography. Turkey is a different kind of place. No one can overlook this. As such remarks -- reflecting a deep cultural insecurity -- continue to increase in influential Turkish circles; one cannot help but wonder if the European shoe is too big for the Turkish foot "
More:Turkish Daily News - Semih Idiz: Will the Turkish foot fit the European shoe?
Thursday, March 31, 2005
Former President Suleyman Demirel: If becoming an EU member is going to disrupt Turkey�s domestic order, its domestic peace and its indivisible unity, then Turkey should not seek such a thing. There are conditions that Turkey has inherited from history and geography. Turkey is a different kind of place. No one can overlook this. As such remarks -- reflecting a deep cultural insecurity -- continue to increase in influential Turkish circles; one cannot help but wonder if the European shoe is too big for the Turkish foot "
More:Turkish Daily News - Semih Idiz: Will the Turkish foot fit the European shoe?
Turkish Daily News - And green capital is under scrutiny
"And green capital is under scrutiny
Thursday, March 31, 2005
TDN editorial by Yusuf KANLI
Yusuf KANLI
Parliament decided on Tuesday evening to launch a probe into the so-called green capital holding companies that have been collecting money from Turks both inside the country and abroad without authorization from or control by the Capital Markets Board (SPT)."
More:Turkish Daily News - And green capital is under scrutiny
Thursday, March 31, 2005
TDN editorial by Yusuf KANLI
Yusuf KANLI
Parliament decided on Tuesday evening to launch a probe into the so-called green capital holding companies that have been collecting money from Turks both inside the country and abroad without authorization from or control by the Capital Markets Board (SPT)."
More:Turkish Daily News - And green capital is under scrutiny
Opposition accused of echoing Turkish line
"Opposition accused of echoing Turkish line
By Elias Hazou
TURKEY�S confirmation earlier in the week that it had agreed to the text of the EU customs union protocol may not have been controversial � at least procedure-wise � but that did not prevent politicians back home from coming to blows.
The spat ignited when DISY boss Nicos Anastassiades said on Tuesday Ankara�s signing of the protocol was enough for the European Union to begin accession negotiations with Turkey.
The conclusions of the December EU summit made no reference to Turkey�s obligation to implement the protocol before October 3, the date for the start of accession negotiations.
However, for obvious reasons, the government wants guarantees that Turkey will implement the protocol � and all that entails � if it is to consent to Turkish accession talks come October.
But to the government�s chagrin, Ankara insists that signing the protocol does not mean it will not open its harbours and ports to Cypriot ships and planes.
Anastassiades� comments provoked an angry outburst by President Papadopoulos, who hinted that some quarters in Cyprus seemed to share Turkish intentions.
�The statements by Turkish government officials are being repeated, in Greek, by certain people inside the Republic of Cyprus,� Papadopoulos jibed."
More:Opposition accused of echoing Turkish line
By Elias Hazou
TURKEY�S confirmation earlier in the week that it had agreed to the text of the EU customs union protocol may not have been controversial � at least procedure-wise � but that did not prevent politicians back home from coming to blows.
The spat ignited when DISY boss Nicos Anastassiades said on Tuesday Ankara�s signing of the protocol was enough for the European Union to begin accession negotiations with Turkey.
The conclusions of the December EU summit made no reference to Turkey�s obligation to implement the protocol before October 3, the date for the start of accession negotiations.
However, for obvious reasons, the government wants guarantees that Turkey will implement the protocol � and all that entails � if it is to consent to Turkish accession talks come October.
But to the government�s chagrin, Ankara insists that signing the protocol does not mean it will not open its harbours and ports to Cypriot ships and planes.
Anastassiades� comments provoked an angry outburst by President Papadopoulos, who hinted that some quarters in Cyprus seemed to share Turkish intentions.
�The statements by Turkish government officials are being repeated, in Greek, by certain people inside the Republic of Cyprus,� Papadopoulos jibed."
More:Opposition accused of echoing Turkish line
Turkey Reads Adaptation Protocol Differently, Crisis with Brussels Looming
"Turkey Reads Adaptation Protocol Differently, Crisis with Brussels Looming
By Selcuk Gultasli
Published: Thursday 31, 2005
zaman.com
Ankara and Brussels reads the reconciliation document of the Adaptation Protocol differently. Turkey had agreed to sign the Ankara Agreement's protocol that anticipates the extension of the European Union (EU) members comprising of 10 new members and six former members."
More:ZAMAN DAILY NEWSPAPER (2005033118025)
By Selcuk Gultasli
Published: Thursday 31, 2005
zaman.com
Ankara and Brussels reads the reconciliation document of the Adaptation Protocol differently. Turkey had agreed to sign the Ankara Agreement's protocol that anticipates the extension of the European Union (EU) members comprising of 10 new members and six former members."
More:ZAMAN DAILY NEWSPAPER (2005033118025)
Turkish Daily News - Swiss FM: EU reforms should be digested for efficient implementation
"Swiss FM: EU reforms should be digested for efficient implementation
Thursday, March 31, 2005
Elif Unal Arslan
ANKARA - Turkish Daily News
Visiting Swiss Foreign Minister Micheline Calmy-Rey has hailed Turkey's reform efforts as 'important progress' for fulfilling European Union standards but said the Turkish authorities should digest the legislative reforms and act resolutely to ensure effective reform implementation. "
More:Turkish Daily News - Swiss FM: EU reforms should be digested for efficient implementation
Thursday, March 31, 2005
Elif Unal Arslan
ANKARA - Turkish Daily News
Visiting Swiss Foreign Minister Micheline Calmy-Rey has hailed Turkey's reform efforts as 'important progress' for fulfilling European Union standards but said the Turkish authorities should digest the legislative reforms and act resolutely to ensure effective reform implementation. "
More:Turkish Daily News - Swiss FM: EU reforms should be digested for efficient implementation
Ankara looks into block flight formula for Incirlik
"Ankara looks into block flight formula for Incirlik
Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoqan will be the person to determine the response to Washington over the request to use the Incirlik airbase.
March 31� Diplomatic sources say that Ankara is looking into a bloc flight formula for the opening up of the Incirlik airbase in south Turkey to the US military."
More:Ankara looks into block flight formula for Incirlik
Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoqan will be the person to determine the response to Washington over the request to use the Incirlik airbase.
March 31� Diplomatic sources say that Ankara is looking into a bloc flight formula for the opening up of the Incirlik airbase in south Turkey to the US military."
More:Ankara looks into block flight formula for Incirlik
Turkish Daily News - Ankara seeks to bring spring thaw to US ties
"Ankara seeks to bring spring thaw to US ties
Thursday, March 31, 2005
Turkish officials will flock to Washington in the coming months for talks while the government nears grantinig permission for the US to use Incirlik as a logistics hub
ANKARA - Turkish Daily News
Top Turkish officials will travel to the United States in the coming months as the government tries to ease the tension caused over Iraq and U.S. discontent with rising anti-Americanism in Turkey.
Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan is expected to head to the United States in May to attend his daughter's graduation ceremony at the University of California at Berkeley. He hopes to meet with President George W. Bush during his stay but such plans have not yet been confirmed. Erdogan will also pay his first visit to Israel in May in a move expected to have positive repercussions for Turkish-U.S. ties."
More:Turkish Daily News - Ankara seeks to bring spring thaw to US ties
Thursday, March 31, 2005
Turkish officials will flock to Washington in the coming months for talks while the government nears grantinig permission for the US to use Incirlik as a logistics hub
ANKARA - Turkish Daily News
Top Turkish officials will travel to the United States in the coming months as the government tries to ease the tension caused over Iraq and U.S. discontent with rising anti-Americanism in Turkey.
Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan is expected to head to the United States in May to attend his daughter's graduation ceremony at the University of California at Berkeley. He hopes to meet with President George W. Bush during his stay but such plans have not yet been confirmed. Erdogan will also pay his first visit to Israel in May in a move expected to have positive repercussions for Turkish-U.S. ties."
More:Turkish Daily News - Ankara seeks to bring spring thaw to US ties
Gül: Main priority for Turkey is EU
"Gül: Main priority for Turkey is EU
Thursday, March 31, 2005
Speaking at a seminar organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the World Bank, the foreign minister stresses the vitality of EU aid in Turkey's restructuring
ANKARA - Turkish Daily News
Foreign Minister Abdullah Gül said yesterday that Turkey's first priority is the country's membership in the European Union.
Gül commented on Turkey's EU membership prospects during a seminar titled “Strategic Leadership in the EU Process” held under the co-sponsorship of the World Bank and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at Ankara's Bilkent Hotel."
More:
Thursday, March 31, 2005
Speaking at a seminar organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the World Bank, the foreign minister stresses the vitality of EU aid in Turkey's restructuring
ANKARA - Turkish Daily News
Foreign Minister Abdullah Gül said yesterday that Turkey's first priority is the country's membership in the European Union.
Gül commented on Turkey's EU membership prospects during a seminar titled “Strategic Leadership in the EU Process” held under the co-sponsorship of the World Bank and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at Ankara's Bilkent Hotel."
More:
Gul Demands More EU Resources
"Gul Demands More EU Resources
By Zaman
Published: Thursday 31, 2005
zaman.com
Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul said the European Union (EU) should not charge Turkey for all of the preparation costs accrued for the full membership process.
Gul demanded the EU provide more resources for Turkey. Speaking at a meeting on the subject of 'Strategic Leadership in the EU Process' organized by the World Bank and the Turkish Foreign Ministry, Gul said on Wednesday (March 30) that the government had reached the final process of the structuring studies that will handle the EU negotiations and added, to benefit the current structures rather than forming new units and staff. Noting that the bureaucracy would under take crucial tasks, the Foreign Minister went on to say: 'The key role regarding undertaking, adopting and implementing the acquis communitaire will rest with the related ministries and institutions during the negotiations."
More:ZAMAN DAILY NEWSPAPER (2005033118022)
By Zaman
Published: Thursday 31, 2005
zaman.com
Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul said the European Union (EU) should not charge Turkey for all of the preparation costs accrued for the full membership process.
Gul demanded the EU provide more resources for Turkey. Speaking at a meeting on the subject of 'Strategic Leadership in the EU Process' organized by the World Bank and the Turkish Foreign Ministry, Gul said on Wednesday (March 30) that the government had reached the final process of the structuring studies that will handle the EU negotiations and added, to benefit the current structures rather than forming new units and staff. Noting that the bureaucracy would under take crucial tasks, the Foreign Minister went on to say: 'The key role regarding undertaking, adopting and implementing the acquis communitaire will rest with the related ministries and institutions during the negotiations."
More:ZAMAN DAILY NEWSPAPER (2005033118022)
Wednesday, March 30, 2005
FT.com / World / Europe - Turkey's new penal code strikes a liberal note
"Turkey's new penal code strikes a liberal note
By Vincent Boland
Published: March 30 2005 03:00 | Last updated: March 30 2005 03:00
Turkey's new penal code,a cornerstone of the government's drive toward European Union membership, comes into force tomorrow, aiming to introduce a more liberal and less punitive criminal justice system.
The revised code, replacing one dating from the 1920s, gives greater recognition to the rights of individuals. Human rights groups say it contains many progressive measures, including stiffer penalties for torture and abuses of civil and human rights, and more protection for women and children."
More:FT.com / World / Europe - Turkey's new penal code strikes a liberal note
By Vincent Boland
Published: March 30 2005 03:00 | Last updated: March 30 2005 03:00
Turkey's new penal code,a cornerstone of the government's drive toward European Union membership, comes into force tomorrow, aiming to introduce a more liberal and less punitive criminal justice system.
The revised code, replacing one dating from the 1920s, gives greater recognition to the rights of individuals. Human rights groups say it contains many progressive measures, including stiffer penalties for torture and abuses of civil and human rights, and more protection for women and children."
More:FT.com / World / Europe - Turkey's new penal code strikes a liberal note
World News Article | Reuters.co.uk:U.N.-Cyprus talks likely in April
"U.N.-Cyprus talks likely in April
Wed Mar 30, 2005 8:10 AM GMT
NICOSIA (Reuters) - U.N.-mediated talks preparing for a new round of Cyprus reunification negotiations may be possible as early as April, Foreign Minister George Iacovou says.
Peace talks collapsed last year when a United Nations blueprint designed to end more than three decades of ethnic partition was accepted by Turkish Cypriots but rejected by their more populous, richer Greek counterparts.
The island subsequently joined the European Union divided, represented in practice only by its internationally-recognised Greek Cypriot part.
'Proximity talks would be likely, in the initial stages. It could also possibly be in April,' Iacovou told Cyprus radio on Wednesday."
More:World News Article | Reuters.co.uk
Wed Mar 30, 2005 8:10 AM GMT
NICOSIA (Reuters) - U.N.-mediated talks preparing for a new round of Cyprus reunification negotiations may be possible as early as April, Foreign Minister George Iacovou says.
Peace talks collapsed last year when a United Nations blueprint designed to end more than three decades of ethnic partition was accepted by Turkish Cypriots but rejected by their more populous, richer Greek counterparts.
The island subsequently joined the European Union divided, represented in practice only by its internationally-recognised Greek Cypriot part.
'Proximity talks would be likely, in the initial stages. It could also possibly be in April,' Iacovou told Cyprus radio on Wednesday."
More:World News Article | Reuters.co.uk
Turkey set to begin crackdown on press - The Washington Times: World - March 30, 2005
"Turkey set to begin crackdown on press
By Andrew Borowiec
THE WASHINGTON TIMES
NICOSIA, Cyprus � Turkey is preparing stringent laws to curb the nation's vocal press, which could criminalize criticism of government.
The press restrictions are to be applied beginning Friday in the form of amendments to the criminal code, under which journalists can be jailed on 20 different counts.
The measure was described by the opposition as Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan's 'iron fist.' "
More:Turkey set to begin crackdown on press - The Washington Times: World - March 30, 2005
By Andrew Borowiec
THE WASHINGTON TIMES
NICOSIA, Cyprus � Turkey is preparing stringent laws to curb the nation's vocal press, which could criminalize criticism of government.
The press restrictions are to be applied beginning Friday in the form of amendments to the criminal code, under which journalists can be jailed on 20 different counts.
The measure was described by the opposition as Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan's 'iron fist.' "
More:Turkey set to begin crackdown on press - The Washington Times: World - March 30, 2005
JTW Comment - Turkey-EU Relations: Three Questions
"Turkey-EU Relations: Three Questions
Selcuk Gultasli
Three Questions
By Selcuk Gultasli
Many events that have violated the harmony of the government occurred following the December 17 European Union (EU) summit; however, I place the most importance on just three: Firstly, the impression of the existence of unrest between Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Foreign Affairs Minister Abdullah Gul that has become widespread. While no one can explain any rational reason how a one party government is unable to assign a chief negotiator. "
More:JTW Comment - Turkey-EU Relations: Three Questions
Selcuk Gultasli
Three Questions
By Selcuk Gultasli
Many events that have violated the harmony of the government occurred following the December 17 European Union (EU) summit; however, I place the most importance on just three: Firstly, the impression of the existence of unrest between Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Foreign Affairs Minister Abdullah Gul that has become widespread. While no one can explain any rational reason how a one party government is unable to assign a chief negotiator. "
More:JTW Comment - Turkey-EU Relations: Three Questions
Turkey to extend trade pact to new EU members
"Turkey to extend trade pact to new EU members
In Short:
Turkey intends to extend a free trade agreement with the EU to the ten newest members, including Cyprus, with a view to starting membership talks in October, the Commission has announced."
More:Turkey to extend trade pact to new EU members
In Short:
Turkey intends to extend a free trade agreement with the EU to the ten newest members, including Cyprus, with a view to starting membership talks in October, the Commission has announced."
More:Turkey to extend trade pact to new EU members
Turkish Daily News - Implications of EU protocol remain unclear
"Implications of EU protocol remain unclear
Wednesday, March 30, 2005
The EU Commission says Turkish restrictions on vessels and ships from Greek Cyprus should be removed while Turkey insists the protocol does not require the opening of Turkish ports and airports "
More:Turkish Daily News - Implications of EU protocol remain unclear
Wednesday, March 30, 2005
The EU Commission says Turkish restrictions on vessels and ships from Greek Cyprus should be removed while Turkey insists the protocol does not require the opening of Turkish ports and airports "
More:Turkish Daily News - Implications of EU protocol remain unclear
JTW News - Poll suggests great mutual ignorance in Armenia towards Turkey
"Poll suggests great mutual ignorance in Armenia towards Turkey
A study entitled 'Project on mutual perceptions of citizens of Armenia and Turkey' suggests a very high level of ignorance in both countries about each other.
The study conducted in the two countries jointly by TESEV [Turkish Economic and Social Studies Foundation] from Turkey and HASA or the
Social Sciences Centre in Armenia is aimed at revealing prejudices in two societies. Polls conducted among 1,200 respondents in Turkey
and 1,000 respondents in Armenia suggest that Turks and Armenians know little about each other."
More:JTW News - Poll suggests great mutual ignorance in Armenia towards Turkey
A study entitled 'Project on mutual perceptions of citizens of Armenia and Turkey' suggests a very high level of ignorance in both countries about each other.
The study conducted in the two countries jointly by TESEV [Turkish Economic and Social Studies Foundation] from Turkey and HASA or the
Social Sciences Centre in Armenia is aimed at revealing prejudices in two societies. Polls conducted among 1,200 respondents in Turkey
and 1,000 respondents in Armenia suggest that Turks and Armenians know little about each other."
More:JTW News - Poll suggests great mutual ignorance in Armenia towards Turkey
Questions Over Ocalan Insult Turkish People
"Questions Over Ocalan Insult Turkish People
By Political News Desk
Published: Wednesday 30, 2005
zaman.com
Leader of the Republican People's Party (CHP) Deniz Baykal has commented that calls from domestic and foreign circles to re-try terrorist leader Abdullah Ocalan would cause more pain for 70 million people. "
More:ZAMAN DAILY NEWSPAPER (2005033117996)
By Political News Desk
Published: Wednesday 30, 2005
zaman.com
Leader of the Republican People's Party (CHP) Deniz Baykal has commented that calls from domestic and foreign circles to re-try terrorist leader Abdullah Ocalan would cause more pain for 70 million people. "
More:ZAMAN DAILY NEWSPAPER (2005033117996)
Mavi Boncuk: John M. Evans, U.S. Ambassador to Armenia (Corrected Version)
"John M. Evans, U.S. Ambassador to Armenia (Corrected Version)
Mavi Boncuk
PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE NEWS RELEASE
EMBASSY OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
MARSHALL BAGHRAMIAN STREET 18
YEREVAN, ARMENIA
U.S. Ambassador: Regarding comments made in the United States
I would like to clarify U.S. policy. Misunderstandings may have arisen as a result of comments made by me during recent informal meetings with Armenian-American groups in the United States regarding the characterization of the Armenian tragedy in Ottoman Turkey and the future status of Nagorno Karabakh.
Although I told my audiences that the United States policy on the Armenian tragedy has not changed, I used the term �genocide� speaking in what I characterized as my personal capacity. This was inappropriate."
More:Mavi Boncuk: John M. Evans, U.S. Ambassador to Armenia (Corrected Version)
Mavi Boncuk
PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE NEWS RELEASE
EMBASSY OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
MARSHALL BAGHRAMIAN STREET 18
YEREVAN, ARMENIA
U.S. Ambassador: Regarding comments made in the United States
I would like to clarify U.S. policy. Misunderstandings may have arisen as a result of comments made by me during recent informal meetings with Armenian-American groups in the United States regarding the characterization of the Armenian tragedy in Ottoman Turkey and the future status of Nagorno Karabakh.
Although I told my audiences that the United States policy on the Armenian tragedy has not changed, I used the term �genocide� speaking in what I characterized as my personal capacity. This was inappropriate."
More:Mavi Boncuk: John M. Evans, U.S. Ambassador to Armenia (Corrected Version)
Armenians, Turks Evaluate Diplomacy Outlook
"Armenians, Turks Evaluate Diplomacy Outlook
(Angus Reid Global Scan) � Adults in Armenia and Turkey hold seemingly inconsistent views on bilateral relations, according to a poll by the Turkish Economic and Social Studies Foundation and the Armenian Sociological Association. 88 per cent of Armenian respondents�and 65 per cent of Turk respondents�support establishing diplomatic ties between both nations.
Relations between Armenians and Turks are tense due to historical factors. In 1915, the government of the Ottoman Empire�formed by members of the Turkish nationalist Committee of Union and Progress (ITC)�ordered hundreds of thousands of Armenians to relocate from the Caucasus to Mesopotamia."
More:::.Angus Reid Consultants.::
(Angus Reid Global Scan) � Adults in Armenia and Turkey hold seemingly inconsistent views on bilateral relations, according to a poll by the Turkish Economic and Social Studies Foundation and the Armenian Sociological Association. 88 per cent of Armenian respondents�and 65 per cent of Turk respondents�support establishing diplomatic ties between both nations.
Relations between Armenians and Turks are tense due to historical factors. In 1915, the government of the Ottoman Empire�formed by members of the Turkish nationalist Committee of Union and Progress (ITC)�ordered hundreds of thousands of Armenians to relocate from the Caucasus to Mesopotamia."
More:::.Angus Reid Consultants.::
Turkey's promises
"Turkey's promises New Feature
Since the European Union finally agreed to start talks with Turkey about eventual membership, there have been disturbing signs that the Turkish government is flagging in its commitments to freedom of expression and human rights. Both are central to Turkey winning full EU membership, and those who want to support that goal in Europe and the United States should lean on the Turkish government to keep its promises."
More:Turkey's promises
Since the European Union finally agreed to start talks with Turkey about eventual membership, there have been disturbing signs that the Turkish government is flagging in its commitments to freedom of expression and human rights. Both are central to Turkey winning full EU membership, and those who want to support that goal in Europe and the United States should lean on the Turkish government to keep its promises."
More:Turkey's promises
NSC: Statements about crisis in Turkey - US relations are baseless exaggerations
"NSC: Statements about crisis in Turkey - US relations are baseless exaggerations
Aid reaches desperate survivors on quake-hit Indonesian island
Foreign aid workers began arriving on Indonesia's Nias island after an earthquake killed hundreds of people, while desperate survivors dug through the rubble with bare hands and scuffles broke out over food.
ISTANBUL - Turkish National Security Council (NSC) Secretary General Yigit Alpogan said on Wednesday, ``statements about escalation of a crisis in Turkey-the United States relations are baseless exaggerations.``
Turkish-American Business Council hosted a luncheon to mark the 20th anniversary of its foundation.
Speaking at the luncheon, Alpogan said that both Turkey and the United States had the necessary potential, determination and will to further improve their bilateral relations. "
More:NSC: Statements about crisis in Turkey - US relations are baseless exaggerations
Aid reaches desperate survivors on quake-hit Indonesian island
Foreign aid workers began arriving on Indonesia's Nias island after an earthquake killed hundreds of people, while desperate survivors dug through the rubble with bare hands and scuffles broke out over food.
ISTANBUL - Turkish National Security Council (NSC) Secretary General Yigit Alpogan said on Wednesday, ``statements about escalation of a crisis in Turkey-the United States relations are baseless exaggerations.``
Turkish-American Business Council hosted a luncheon to mark the 20th anniversary of its foundation.
Speaking at the luncheon, Alpogan said that both Turkey and the United States had the necessary potential, determination and will to further improve their bilateral relations. "
More:NSC: Statements about crisis in Turkey - US relations are baseless exaggerations
Rumsfeld denies blaming Turkey over Iraq
"Rumsfeld denies blaming Turkey over Iraq
Outgoing US ambassador to Ankara, Eric Edelman, is expected to be appointed to the position of deputy Defence Secretary, replacing Douglas Feith, the third man at the Pentagon.
March 30� US Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld said that he did not criticise Turkey for not passing the motion that would have opened a second front in the north of Iraq."
More:Rumsfeld denies blaming Turkey over Iraq
Outgoing US ambassador to Ankara, Eric Edelman, is expected to be appointed to the position of deputy Defence Secretary, replacing Douglas Feith, the third man at the Pentagon.
March 30� US Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld said that he did not criticise Turkey for not passing the motion that would have opened a second front in the north of Iraq."
More:Rumsfeld denies blaming Turkey over Iraq
JTW News - �I Know What You did in 1915�
"�I Know What You did in 1915�
View: Jan SOYKOK (JTW)- Armenians accused the Turks of killing the Armenians in the past. Strangely they are not sure about how many Armenians killed by the Turks. Some Armenian �researchers� say 1 million, another says 2 million. Even Armenians in Wales claimed the total number is more than 2,5 million, while more fair Armenians �accept� 800,000. For an ordinary Armenian Turks committed a genocide in 1915 against the Armenians, and this has to be accepted by the Turks. However the Turks think different:
First of all they have strongly rejected �genocide allegations�. They argue that the total population of all Armenians in the Ottoman Empire was about 1 million and 90 percent of them immigrated to other countries or to other Ottoman cities, including Istanbul."
More:JTW News - �I Know What You did in 1915�
View: Jan SOYKOK (JTW)- Armenians accused the Turks of killing the Armenians in the past. Strangely they are not sure about how many Armenians killed by the Turks. Some Armenian �researchers� say 1 million, another says 2 million. Even Armenians in Wales claimed the total number is more than 2,5 million, while more fair Armenians �accept� 800,000. For an ordinary Armenian Turks committed a genocide in 1915 against the Armenians, and this has to be accepted by the Turks. However the Turks think different:
First of all they have strongly rejected �genocide allegations�. They argue that the total population of all Armenians in the Ottoman Empire was about 1 million and 90 percent of them immigrated to other countries or to other Ottoman cities, including Istanbul."
More:JTW News - �I Know What You did in 1915�
Swiss FM to Turkey: Confront Your Past
"Swiss FM to Turkey: Confront Your Past
By Suleyman Kurt
Published: Wednesday 30, 2005
zaman.com
In response to Swiss Foreign Minister Micheline Calmy-Rey's comments that Turkey should confront its past over the so-called Armenian genocide, Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul has said that, 'Turkey is sure of its past.'"
More:ZAMAN DAILY NEWSPAPER (2005033017991)
By Suleyman Kurt
Published: Wednesday 30, 2005
zaman.com
In response to Swiss Foreign Minister Micheline Calmy-Rey's comments that Turkey should confront its past over the so-called Armenian genocide, Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul has said that, 'Turkey is sure of its past.'"
More:ZAMAN DAILY NEWSPAPER (2005033017991)
JTW News - Anti-Turkish French Groups Based Their Opposition on Turkey-Morocco Comparison
"Anti-Turkish French Groups Based Their Opposition on Turkey-Morocco Comparison
* �Turkey�s possible membership doesn't depend at all on the acceptance or rejection of the treaty,� say French churches in a bid to prompt a �yes� vote in a referendum for the European Constitution
* Anti-Turkish groups used the Armenian issue to prevent Turkey�s membership. Now they use orocco to stop the Turks"
More:JTW News - Anti-Turkish French Groups Based Their Opposition on Turkey-Morocco Comparison
* �Turkey�s possible membership doesn't depend at all on the acceptance or rejection of the treaty,� say French churches in a bid to prompt a �yes� vote in a referendum for the European Constitution
* Anti-Turkish groups used the Armenian issue to prevent Turkey�s membership. Now they use orocco to stop the Turks"
More:JTW News - Anti-Turkish French Groups Based Their Opposition on Turkey-Morocco Comparison
Armenian Archive Confirms Their Preparations for Revolt
"Armenian Archive Confirms Their Preparations for Revolt
By Anadolu News Agency (aa)
Published: Wednesday 30, 2005
zaman.com
In a report prepared by the Armenian Tashnak Party in 1910 and submitted to the Socialist International, there is an explaination about preparations for a revolt.
In the report that was mentioned in an article in the April 2005 issue of the magazine, 'Populer Tarih' (Popular History), it informed that in the village of Bitlis and the city of Van (both in Eastern Turkey), the 'Armenian had people organized under the Turkish flag.' The article written by Orhan Kologlu reads that the report was in the archives of the Socialist International in Vandervelde, Brussels, and is recorded in the arhive with the file number : B.579238. The article adds that the report was prepared by M. Warandian for submission to the organization's convention that year in Copenhagen. "
More:ZAMAN DAILY NEWSPAPER (2005033017986)
By Anadolu News Agency (aa)
Published: Wednesday 30, 2005
zaman.com
In a report prepared by the Armenian Tashnak Party in 1910 and submitted to the Socialist International, there is an explaination about preparations for a revolt.
In the report that was mentioned in an article in the April 2005 issue of the magazine, 'Populer Tarih' (Popular History), it informed that in the village of Bitlis and the city of Van (both in Eastern Turkey), the 'Armenian had people organized under the Turkish flag.' The article written by Orhan Kologlu reads that the report was in the archives of the Socialist International in Vandervelde, Brussels, and is recorded in the arhive with the file number : B.579238. The article adds that the report was prepared by M. Warandian for submission to the organization's convention that year in Copenhagen. "
More:ZAMAN DAILY NEWSPAPER (2005033017986)
ekathimerini.com | EU: Turkey need not ratify deal
"EU: Turkey need not ratify deal
While Turkey must sign an agreement extending its European Union customs agreement to include Cyprus and other new EU members before starting accession talks with the Union, it faces no deadline for ratifying the deal, an official in Brussels said yesterday.
Nicosia expressed satisfaction yesterday with the text of the agreement Ankara is to sign, but Cypriot President Tassos Papadopoulos insisted that Turkey must also be forced to ratify the deal �within a specific time framework.�
The European Commission said it had received a letter from Ankara confirming the Turkish government was ready to sign the customs union extension. But Commission spokeswoman Krisztina Nagy said signature, not ratification, was the precondition for starting the accession talks on October 3. The agreement must be ratified by Turkey's Parliament."
More:ekathimerini.com | EU: Turkey need not ratify deal
While Turkey must sign an agreement extending its European Union customs agreement to include Cyprus and other new EU members before starting accession talks with the Union, it faces no deadline for ratifying the deal, an official in Brussels said yesterday.
Nicosia expressed satisfaction yesterday with the text of the agreement Ankara is to sign, but Cypriot President Tassos Papadopoulos insisted that Turkey must also be forced to ratify the deal �within a specific time framework.�
The European Commission said it had received a letter from Ankara confirming the Turkish government was ready to sign the customs union extension. But Commission spokeswoman Krisztina Nagy said signature, not ratification, was the precondition for starting the accession talks on October 3. The agreement must be ratified by Turkey's Parliament."
More:ekathimerini.com | EU: Turkey need not ratify deal
JTW News - Turkey Armenia Borders cannot be opened till Armenia Takes Positive Steps
"Turkey Armenia Borders cannot be opened till Armenia Takes Positive Steps
Turkish Naval Forces Commander Admiral Ozden Ornek said that further development of cooperation between Turkish and Azerbaijani naval forces will be discussed during his visit to Azerbaijan. Admiral Ornek told reporters at Baku's Haydar Aliyev Airport, ''we have a comprehensive cooperation with Azerbaijani Naval Forces. We are trying to provide every type of support to Azerbaijani Naval Forces.''
When asked whether security of Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan Oil Pipeline (BTC) will be discussed during his meetings, Admiral Ornek said, ''we will take up this issue. Turkey will protect Ceyhan part and Azerbaijani Naval Forces will protect other end of the pipeline.''"
More:JTW News - Turkey Armenia Borders cannot be opened till Armenia Takes Positive Steps
Turkish Naval Forces Commander Admiral Ozden Ornek said that further development of cooperation between Turkish and Azerbaijani naval forces will be discussed during his visit to Azerbaijan. Admiral Ornek told reporters at Baku's Haydar Aliyev Airport, ''we have a comprehensive cooperation with Azerbaijani Naval Forces. We are trying to provide every type of support to Azerbaijani Naval Forces.''
When asked whether security of Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan Oil Pipeline (BTC) will be discussed during his meetings, Admiral Ornek said, ''we will take up this issue. Turkey will protect Ceyhan part and Azerbaijani Naval Forces will protect other end of the pipeline.''"
More:JTW News - Turkey Armenia Borders cannot be opened till Armenia Takes Positive Steps
Tuesday, March 29, 2005
Watch Out for Kurdistan
"Watch Out for Kurdistan
by Aaron Glantz
'Watch out for Kurdistan,' I tell everyone I know. It may take a few years, but Iraq will be cut up into two, possibly three, countries � and the Kurds will be the first to go.
Already, northern Iraq is hardly one with the rest of the country. In the provisional capital of Arbil, the red, green, and white Kurdish flag is everywhere; the Iraqi flag is nowhere to be seen. Signs on buildings proclaim: 'Kurdistan Health Ministry' and 'Kurdistan Education Ministry.' The streets are patrolled � not by American soldiers in Humvees and tanks � but by Kurdish peshmerga guerillas with AK-47s. If they see someone who even looks Arab, they stop him as a suspected terrorist."
More:Watch Out for Kurdistan - by Aaron Glantz
by Aaron Glantz
'Watch out for Kurdistan,' I tell everyone I know. It may take a few years, but Iraq will be cut up into two, possibly three, countries � and the Kurds will be the first to go.
Already, northern Iraq is hardly one with the rest of the country. In the provisional capital of Arbil, the red, green, and white Kurdish flag is everywhere; the Iraqi flag is nowhere to be seen. Signs on buildings proclaim: 'Kurdistan Health Ministry' and 'Kurdistan Education Ministry.' The streets are patrolled � not by American soldiers in Humvees and tanks � but by Kurdish peshmerga guerillas with AK-47s. If they see someone who even looks Arab, they stop him as a suspected terrorist."
More:Watch Out for Kurdistan - by Aaron Glantz
Friendship wins in Cyprus
"Friendship wins in Cyprus
Tuesday, March 29, 2005
CYPRUS
This is the first friendly match on the divided island of Cyprus between Greek and Turkish Cypriot teams in almost half a century. The last took place in the 1954-55 season "
More:Turkish Daily News - Friendship wins in Cyprus
Tuesday, March 29, 2005
CYPRUS
This is the first friendly match on the divided island of Cyprus between Greek and Turkish Cypriot teams in almost half a century. The last took place in the 1954-55 season "
More:Turkish Daily News - Friendship wins in Cyprus
Erdogan to hear Incirlik report before responding to Washington
"Erdogan to hear Incirlik report before responding to Washington
Tuesday, March 29, 2005
Bureaucrats both from the General Staff and the Foreign Ministry are working on final touches of a report on the Incirlik base, private CNN-T�RK says
ANKARA - Turkish Daily News
The Turkish government has been having a hard time to make its decision on a Washington proposal to use the southern air base of Incirlik as a cargo hub for U.S. forces operating in the region. The United States wants to use the base without limitations and without giving out information of possible flights to anywhere, private CNN-T�RK yesterday reported. "
More:Turkish Daily News - Erdogan to hear Incirlik report before responding to Washington
Tuesday, March 29, 2005
Bureaucrats both from the General Staff and the Foreign Ministry are working on final touches of a report on the Incirlik base, private CNN-T�RK says
ANKARA - Turkish Daily News
The Turkish government has been having a hard time to make its decision on a Washington proposal to use the southern air base of Incirlik as a cargo hub for U.S. forces operating in the region. The United States wants to use the base without limitations and without giving out information of possible flights to anywhere, private CNN-T�RK yesterday reported. "
More:Turkish Daily News - Erdogan to hear Incirlik report before responding to Washington
Mehmet Ali Birand: US reaction against Turkey should be taken seriously
"Mehmet Ali Birand: US reaction against Turkey should be taken seriously
Tuesday, March 29, 2005
I have just returned from a weeklong visit to the United States. I spoke with many people. The situation is very bad. Anti-Turkish sentiment in the United States is very strong. The rejection of US troop deployment two years ago has once again started to create trouble. "
More:Turkish Daily News - Mehmet Ali Birand: US reaction against Turkey should be taken seriously
Tuesday, March 29, 2005
I have just returned from a weeklong visit to the United States. I spoke with many people. The situation is very bad. Anti-Turkish sentiment in the United States is very strong. The rejection of US troop deployment two years ago has once again started to create trouble. "
More:Turkish Daily News - Mehmet Ali Birand: US reaction against Turkey should be taken seriously
Roger Ebert Gives Thumbs-Up to Terrorism
"Roger Ebert Gives Thumbs-Up to Terrorism
By Debbie Schlussel
FrontPageMagazine.com | March 29, 2005
Normally, it would be unfair to attack Roger Ebert for his addiction to food.
Normally, it would be in poor taste to hold the calorically-gifted film-critic�s insatiable taste-buds against him.
Normally.
But now, Roger Ebert�s irresistible yen for a sandwich is literally his excuse to defend an Islamic terrorist, Ibrahim Parlak.
Parlak, who is under deportation orders, owns a restaurant in Harbert, Michigan�a restaurant Ebert frequents, with apparently great appetite.
In a letter to the U.S. government opposing Parlak�s deportation, Ebert wrote, �[H]e offered to come to my home and prepare special foods for me.�"
More:FrontPage magazine.com :: Roger Ebert Gives Thumbs-Up to Terrorism by Debbie Schlussel
By Debbie Schlussel
FrontPageMagazine.com | March 29, 2005
Normally, it would be unfair to attack Roger Ebert for his addiction to food.
Normally, it would be in poor taste to hold the calorically-gifted film-critic�s insatiable taste-buds against him.
Normally.
But now, Roger Ebert�s irresistible yen for a sandwich is literally his excuse to defend an Islamic terrorist, Ibrahim Parlak.
Parlak, who is under deportation orders, owns a restaurant in Harbert, Michigan�a restaurant Ebert frequents, with apparently great appetite.
In a letter to the U.S. government opposing Parlak�s deportation, Ebert wrote, �[H]e offered to come to my home and prepare special foods for me.�"
More:FrontPage magazine.com :: Roger Ebert Gives Thumbs-Up to Terrorism by Debbie Schlussel
Armenian PM: Next �Velvet� Revolution Impossible in Armenia
"Armenian PM: Next �Velvet� Revolution Impossible in Armenia
(JTW) - A democratic revolution like that in Kyrgyzstan is impossible in Armenia, its prime minister said Monday, UPI reported. Interfax news agency quoted Premier Andranik Margarian as telling reporters the kind of popular protest movement that toppled authoritarian governments in the former Soviet republics of Georgia, Ukraine and Kyrgyzstan in the past 18 months is impossible in Armenia because the underlying problems that triggered the unrest don't exist in Armenia."
More:JTW News - Armenian PM: Next �Velvet� Revolution Impossible in Armenia
(JTW) - A democratic revolution like that in Kyrgyzstan is impossible in Armenia, its prime minister said Monday, UPI reported. Interfax news agency quoted Premier Andranik Margarian as telling reporters the kind of popular protest movement that toppled authoritarian governments in the former Soviet republics of Georgia, Ukraine and Kyrgyzstan in the past 18 months is impossible in Armenia because the underlying problems that triggered the unrest don't exist in Armenia."
More:JTW News - Armenian PM: Next �Velvet� Revolution Impossible in Armenia
Human rights critics to Turkey
"Human rights critics to Turkey
The State Department report said that Ankara had taken important steps in many fields.
March 29� The State Department report said that Ankara had taken important steps in many fields. There are still serious human rights problems in Turkey, according to a report released by the US State Department late Monday."
More:Human rights critics to Turkey
The State Department report said that Ankara had taken important steps in many fields.
March 29� The State Department report said that Ankara had taken important steps in many fields. There are still serious human rights problems in Turkey, according to a report released by the US State Department late Monday."
More:Human rights critics to Turkey
Can Ankara Recognize The Greek Cypriots?
"Can Ankara Recognize The Greek Cypriots?
Published: 3/29/2005
Latest wire from AFP
BY MUSTAFA KARAALIOGLU
YENI SAFAK- Brussels sent a letter to Ankara last week initiating the process of Turkey signing an additional protocol of the Ankara Agreement extending the country�s Customs Union to 10 new European Union members, including the Greek Cypriot administration. Our Foreign Ministry pledged to sign it and must have sent a letter to Brussels by now, expressing its commitment. "
More:Can Ankara Recognize The Greek Cypriots?
Published: 3/29/2005
Latest wire from AFP
BY MUSTAFA KARAALIOGLU
YENI SAFAK- Brussels sent a letter to Ankara last week initiating the process of Turkey signing an additional protocol of the Ankara Agreement extending the country�s Customs Union to 10 new European Union members, including the Greek Cypriot administration. Our Foreign Ministry pledged to sign it and must have sent a letter to Brussels by now, expressing its commitment. "
More:Can Ankara Recognize The Greek Cypriots?
Turkey confirms it�s ready to sign key EU protocol
"Turkey confirms it�s ready to sign key EU protocol
* Commission confirms EU executive received letter by Turkey
ANKARA: Turkey said on Tuesday it had sent a letter to the European Commission confirming that it is ready to sign a protocol extending its customs union with the European Union to 10 new members, including Cyprus.
In Brussels, a Commission spokeswoman confirmed that the EU executive had received the letter and would set in motion a decision by EU ministers leading to the signature of the accord in time for Turkey to start EU entry talks in October. "
More:Daily Times - Site Edition
* Commission confirms EU executive received letter by Turkey
ANKARA: Turkey said on Tuesday it had sent a letter to the European Commission confirming that it is ready to sign a protocol extending its customs union with the European Union to 10 new members, including Cyprus.
In Brussels, a Commission spokeswoman confirmed that the EU executive had received the letter and would set in motion a decision by EU ministers leading to the signature of the accord in time for Turkey to start EU entry talks in October. "
More:Daily Times - Site Edition
Swiss news from swissinfo-Armenia features high in Swiss-Turkish talks
"Armenia features high in Swiss-Turkish talks
Swiss Foreign Minister Micheline Calmy-Rey in Turkey has held talks centring on the Armenian question with her Turkish counterpart, Abdullah G�l.
They recognised their differences of opinion on the issue but agreed on the need for historians to research it."
More:Swiss news from swissinfo, the Swiss news platform
Swiss Foreign Minister Micheline Calmy-Rey in Turkey has held talks centring on the Armenian question with her Turkish counterpart, Abdullah G�l.
They recognised their differences of opinion on the issue but agreed on the need for historians to research it."
More:Swiss news from swissinfo, the Swiss news platform
Bloomberg.com: Europe:Turkey, EU Agree on Protocol Extending Trade Pact to Cyprus
"Turkey, EU Agree on Protocol Extending Trade Pact to Cyprus
March 29 (Bloomberg) -- The European Commission said it had received a letter today from Turkey agreeing to extend a free trade accord with the European Union to include Cyprus and the nine other members that joined in May.
The Turkish government needs to sign the agreement by Oct. 3 in order to start membership talks with the 25-member EU on that date.
Turkey's signature of the customs accord won't mean a ``legal and formal recognition'' of the divided island of Cyprus, Commission spokeswoman Krisztina Nagy told reporters today in Brussels. "
More:Bloomberg.com: Europe
March 29 (Bloomberg) -- The European Commission said it had received a letter today from Turkey agreeing to extend a free trade accord with the European Union to include Cyprus and the nine other members that joined in May.
The Turkish government needs to sign the agreement by Oct. 3 in order to start membership talks with the 25-member EU on that date.
Turkey's signature of the customs accord won't mean a ``legal and formal recognition'' of the divided island of Cyprus, Commission spokeswoman Krisztina Nagy told reporters today in Brussels. "
More:Bloomberg.com: Europe
JTW News - Ottoman Archives Open to All, Including Armenian Researchers
"Ottoman Archives Open to All, Including Armenian Researchers
Ottoman archives promoted
Prime Ministry State Archives Director General Yusuf Sarinay said that there were tens of thousands of documents in Turkish State Archives refuting the Armenian allegations.
Holding a news conference, Sarinay said, ''Armenians have been making propaganda against Turkey for a long time. There are more than 1 million documents related with Armenians directly and indirectly in our archives from 1870s to 1922. These documents are waiting for a scientific examination.''
''When we read those documents, we see that the Ottoman Empire decided to relocate Armenians to suppress a de facto uprising and put an end to Armenian's collaboration of Russian army, not toprevent a likely rebellion,'' he said. "
More:JTW News - Ottoman Archives Open to All, Including Armenian Researchers
Ottoman archives promoted
Prime Ministry State Archives Director General Yusuf Sarinay said that there were tens of thousands of documents in Turkish State Archives refuting the Armenian allegations.
Holding a news conference, Sarinay said, ''Armenians have been making propaganda against Turkey for a long time. There are more than 1 million documents related with Armenians directly and indirectly in our archives from 1870s to 1922. These documents are waiting for a scientific examination.''
''When we read those documents, we see that the Ottoman Empire decided to relocate Armenians to suppress a de facto uprising and put an end to Armenian's collaboration of Russian army, not toprevent a likely rebellion,'' he said. "
More:JTW News - Ottoman Archives Open to All, Including Armenian Researchers
Monday, March 28, 2005
Justin McCarthy: A one-man army
"Justin McCarthy: A one-man army
Published: 3/28/2005
Latest wire from AFP
BY TUFAN TURENC
HURRIYET- It’s obvious why we can’t disprove the Armenian allegations, because we don’t know what happened in the years 1915-16. Moreover, unlike the Armenians’ fervent belief in their allegations, we don’t have a strong belief in the fact that we are right. As with every issue, we are so lazy that we prefer to stay silent instead of fighting. I was thinking about this when I was talking with Justin McCarthy from the University of Louisville after his conference at Marmara University. ‘The Armenian allegations are a great lie and their documents are false. Turkey has to fight these slanders, but I have to admit I’m not positive that it will do so,’ he told me."
More:Justin McCarthy: A one-man army
Published: 3/28/2005
Latest wire from AFP
BY TUFAN TURENC
HURRIYET- It’s obvious why we can’t disprove the Armenian allegations, because we don’t know what happened in the years 1915-16. Moreover, unlike the Armenians’ fervent belief in their allegations, we don’t have a strong belief in the fact that we are right. As with every issue, we are so lazy that we prefer to stay silent instead of fighting. I was thinking about this when I was talking with Justin McCarthy from the University of Louisville after his conference at Marmara University. ‘The Armenian allegations are a great lie and their documents are false. Turkey has to fight these slanders, but I have to admit I’m not positive that it will do so,’ he told me."
More:Justin McCarthy: A one-man army
Turkey Getting Prepared For Entry Talks With E.U.
"Turkey Getting Prepared For Entry Talks With E.U.
ANKARA/BRUSSELS - Turkey should rapidly establish legal structure for the control of ''State grants and incentives'' under the Competition chapter prior to the entry talks with the EU.
European Commission officials told the A.A on Monday that establishment of several institutions and organizations before the talks is important for rapid pursuing of the negotiations. "
More:Turkey Getting Prepared For Entry Talks With E.U.
ANKARA/BRUSSELS - Turkey should rapidly establish legal structure for the control of ''State grants and incentives'' under the Competition chapter prior to the entry talks with the EU.
European Commission officials told the A.A on Monday that establishment of several institutions and organizations before the talks is important for rapid pursuing of the negotiations. "
More:Turkey Getting Prepared For Entry Talks With E.U.
JTW News - Lawyers act in Turkish flag row
"Lawyers act in Turkish flag row
Comment by JTW to following BBC news item:
First of all, Gen. Hilmi Ozkok's comment doesn't created hatred. Hatred was there when the two boys tried to burn the flag.
The second is, (Reference : Leyla Zana's and Orhan Dogan's comments) Turkish and Kurdish people individualised this event instead of using it as a tool to blame Kurds. There is no incident of Turks attacking Kurds after this event. BBC will definitely report this, if any event like `Turks attacking Kurds` should have been happened.
British understanding expects this event to turn into a something like Asians against BNP(British National Party) as in North England. But we strongly encourage our readers to search for any hatred incidents in Turkey -both in Turkish and English, happened in the last month. "
More:JTW News - Lawyers act in Turkish flag row
Comment by JTW to following BBC news item:
First of all, Gen. Hilmi Ozkok's comment doesn't created hatred. Hatred was there when the two boys tried to burn the flag.
The second is, (Reference : Leyla Zana's and Orhan Dogan's comments) Turkish and Kurdish people individualised this event instead of using it as a tool to blame Kurds. There is no incident of Turks attacking Kurds after this event. BBC will definitely report this, if any event like `Turks attacking Kurds` should have been happened.
British understanding expects this event to turn into a something like Asians against BNP(British National Party) as in North England. But we strongly encourage our readers to search for any hatred incidents in Turkey -both in Turkish and English, happened in the last month. "
More:JTW News - Lawyers act in Turkish flag row
Xinhua - Turkish documents refute allegations of Armenian genocide: official
"Turkish documents refute allegations of Armenian genocide: official
www.chinaview.cn 2005-03-28 01:11:33
ANKARA, March 28 (Xinhuanet) -- Turkish Prime Ministry State Archives Director General Yusuf Sarinay said on Monday that tens of thousands of documents in state archives refuted the Armenian genocide allegations.
More than 1 million documents were related with Armenians directly and indirectly in Turkish archives from 1870s to 1922,Sarinay said.
'When we read those documents, we see that the Ottoman Empire decided to relocate Armenians to suppress a de facto uprising and put an end to Armenian's collaboration with Russian army, not to prevent a likely rebellion,' Sarinay said.
He blamed that Armenians have been making propaganda against Turkey for a long time.
April 24 was declared as 'day of genocide' by Armenians. Turkey has always denied that the Armenians were subject to genocide between 1915 and 1923. While Armenians claim up to 1.5million Armenians died in the period as a result of systematic genocide. "
Xinhua - English
www.chinaview.cn 2005-03-28 01:11:33
ANKARA, March 28 (Xinhuanet) -- Turkish Prime Ministry State Archives Director General Yusuf Sarinay said on Monday that tens of thousands of documents in state archives refuted the Armenian genocide allegations.
More than 1 million documents were related with Armenians directly and indirectly in Turkish archives from 1870s to 1922,Sarinay said.
'When we read those documents, we see that the Ottoman Empire decided to relocate Armenians to suppress a de facto uprising and put an end to Armenian's collaboration with Russian army, not to prevent a likely rebellion,' Sarinay said.
He blamed that Armenians have been making propaganda against Turkey for a long time.
April 24 was declared as 'day of genocide' by Armenians. Turkey has always denied that the Armenians were subject to genocide between 1915 and 1923. While Armenians claim up to 1.5million Armenians died in the period as a result of systematic genocide. "
Xinhua - English
[ www.armenialiberty.org ] Armenia Urged To ‘Clearly’ Recognize Turkey’s Borders
"Armenia Urged To ‘Clearly’ Recognize Turkey’s Borders
By Emil Danielyan
Armenia would make the reopening of the Turkish-Armenian border easier by explicitly recognizing Turkey’s territorial integrity, a renowned U.S. scholar who has helped to promote dialogue between the two estranged neighbors said on Monday.
David Phillips, who chaired the U.S.-sponsored Turkish-Armenian Reconciliation Commission (TARC), also accused the administration of President George W. Bush of mishandling long-running U.S. efforts to improve relations between Ankara and Yerevan."
More:[ www.armenialiberty.org ] Monday 28, March 2005
By Emil Danielyan
Armenia would make the reopening of the Turkish-Armenian border easier by explicitly recognizing Turkey’s territorial integrity, a renowned U.S. scholar who has helped to promote dialogue between the two estranged neighbors said on Monday.
David Phillips, who chaired the U.S.-sponsored Turkish-Armenian Reconciliation Commission (TARC), also accused the administration of President George W. Bush of mishandling long-running U.S. efforts to improve relations between Ankara and Yerevan."
More:[ www.armenialiberty.org ] Monday 28, March 2005
Aljazeera.Net - Greece tells UN to restart Cyprus talks
"Greece tells UN to restart Cyprus talks
A new international effort to reunify Cyprus has moved closer to reality after Greece publicly threw its weight behind fresh talks on the basis of a UN plan that failed last year.
Greek Foreign Minister Petros Molyviatis said after meeting UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan on Monday that 'everybody now agrees' that reunification talks for the divided Mediterranean island should be re-launched. "
More:Aljazeera.Net - Greece tells UN to restart Cyprus talks
A new international effort to reunify Cyprus has moved closer to reality after Greece publicly threw its weight behind fresh talks on the basis of a UN plan that failed last year.
Greek Foreign Minister Petros Molyviatis said after meeting UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan on Monday that 'everybody now agrees' that reunification talks for the divided Mediterranean island should be re-launched. "
More:Aljazeera.Net - Greece tells UN to restart Cyprus talks
REPORTER.GR:Cyprus says 'nothing negative' in Turkey's EU customs protocol
"Cyprus says 'nothing negative' in Turkey's EU customs protocol
15:59 - 28 March 2005 - Cyprus government Spokesman Kipros Khrisostomidhis said today that the government is aware, and has been for a few days now, of the content of the protocol extending Turkey's customs union to the 10 new EU member-states, including Cyprus, which the European Commission has sent to Ankara with a note that it must be signed before October 3, 2005, when Turkey is set to commence negotiations for accession to the EU.
Replying to questions, Khrisostomidhis said the final text 'contains nothing negative regarding our position', noting that Athens and Nicosia were in agreement regarding the protocol. "
More:REPORTER.GR
15:59 - 28 March 2005 - Cyprus government Spokesman Kipros Khrisostomidhis said today that the government is aware, and has been for a few days now, of the content of the protocol extending Turkey's customs union to the 10 new EU member-states, including Cyprus, which the European Commission has sent to Ankara with a note that it must be signed before October 3, 2005, when Turkey is set to commence negotiations for accession to the EU.
Replying to questions, Khrisostomidhis said the final text 'contains nothing negative regarding our position', noting that Athens and Nicosia were in agreement regarding the protocol. "
More:REPORTER.GR
Turkish Daily News - Enough is enough
"Enough is enough
Monday, March 28, 2005
TDN editorial by Yusuf KANLI
Yusuf KANLI
We are a nation living with sentiments. We have experienced great joy as well as great disappointment. We have learned to control our feelings.
Shall we look at some of the weekend's developments?"
More:Turkish Daily News - Enough is enough
Monday, March 28, 2005
TDN editorial by Yusuf KANLI
Yusuf KANLI
We are a nation living with sentiments. We have experienced great joy as well as great disappointment. We have learned to control our feelings.
Shall we look at some of the weekend's developments?"
More:Turkish Daily News - Enough is enough
Turkish Daily News - Flags and beyond
"Flags and beyond
Monday, March 28, 2005
DOGU ERGIL
There's never a dull moment in Turkey because the agenda changes almost daily, at the latest weekly. That's why diplomats, journalists and academics are never bored in this country. The latest issue is the surge of nationalistic feelings sweeping through the land in the form of flag waving at places ranging from home windows, moving cars and office buildings to TV screens. (At the corner of every TV screen is a flag as instructed by the highest official who sets the boundaries of proper -- read this as patriotic -- action in TV-radio broadcasting.) What is happening? Are we under siege of an alien power or mobilizing for a near and present danger of occupation? There may be several million people in Turkey who would give a positive answer to both these questions; however, a more realistic, although simpler, answer is that two Kurdish youngsters aged 12 and 14 desecrated the national flag during Nevroz demonstrations in Mersin last week. "
More:Turkish Daily News - Flags and beyond
Monday, March 28, 2005
DOGU ERGIL
There's never a dull moment in Turkey because the agenda changes almost daily, at the latest weekly. That's why diplomats, journalists and academics are never bored in this country. The latest issue is the surge of nationalistic feelings sweeping through the land in the form of flag waving at places ranging from home windows, moving cars and office buildings to TV screens. (At the corner of every TV screen is a flag as instructed by the highest official who sets the boundaries of proper -- read this as patriotic -- action in TV-radio broadcasting.) What is happening? Are we under siege of an alien power or mobilizing for a near and present danger of occupation? There may be several million people in Turkey who would give a positive answer to both these questions; however, a more realistic, although simpler, answer is that two Kurdish youngsters aged 12 and 14 desecrated the national flag during Nevroz demonstrations in Mersin last week. "
More:Turkish Daily News - Flags and beyond
Turkish Daily News - Turks feel surrounded by enemies
"Turks feel surrounded by enemies
Monday, March 28, 2005
Fully 38.9 percent of Turks consider the United States to be an enemy
ANKARA - Turkish Daily News
Fifty percent of Turks believe that Turkey is surrounded by enemy countries, and a significant portion of society perceives traditional ally the United States as an enemy, an opinion poll has revealed.
The survey, carried out by MetroPoll Strategic and Social Studies Center on Feb. 16-21 in 12 provinces, showed that 38.9 percent of Turks consider the United States to be an enemy. Fully 50.4 percent of those surveyed said they believed that Turkey was surrounded by enemies, while 30.7 percent disagreed."
More:Turkish Daily News - Turks feel surrounded by enemies
Monday, March 28, 2005
Fully 38.9 percent of Turks consider the United States to be an enemy
ANKARA - Turkish Daily News
Fifty percent of Turks believe that Turkey is surrounded by enemy countries, and a significant portion of society perceives traditional ally the United States as an enemy, an opinion poll has revealed.
The survey, carried out by MetroPoll Strategic and Social Studies Center on Feb. 16-21 in 12 provinces, showed that 38.9 percent of Turks consider the United States to be an enemy. Fully 50.4 percent of those surveyed said they believed that Turkey was surrounded by enemies, while 30.7 percent disagreed."
More:Turkish Daily News - Turks feel surrounded by enemies
Turkish Daily News - Unsilencing the Past: A book on Turkish-Armenian reconciliation efforts
"Unsilencing the Past: A book on Turkish-Armenian reconciliation efforts
Monday, March 28, 2005
Book Review
ANKARA - Turkish Daily News
Unsilencing the Past: Track Two Diplomacy and Turkish-Armenian Reconciliation by David L. Phillips (Berghahn Books, New York/Oxford) describes efforts to promote contact, dialogue, and cooperation between Turks and Armenians. Established in 2001, the Turkish-Armenian Reconciliation Commission (TARC) broke a taboo about Armenian issues in Turkey and spawned many civil society projects involving business leaders, women's associations, youth groups, cultural activities, parliamentarians, and local government officials."
More:Turkish Daily News - Unsilencing the Past: A book on Turkish-Armenian reconciliation efforts
Monday, March 28, 2005
Book Review
ANKARA - Turkish Daily News
Unsilencing the Past: Track Two Diplomacy and Turkish-Armenian Reconciliation by David L. Phillips (Berghahn Books, New York/Oxford) describes efforts to promote contact, dialogue, and cooperation between Turks and Armenians. Established in 2001, the Turkish-Armenian Reconciliation Commission (TARC) broke a taboo about Armenian issues in Turkey and spawned many civil society projects involving business leaders, women's associations, youth groups, cultural activities, parliamentarians, and local government officials."
More:Turkish Daily News - Unsilencing the Past: A book on Turkish-Armenian reconciliation efforts
Common sense needed for EU bid: TUSIAD
"Common sense needed for EU bid: TUSIAD
The TUSIAD chairman called for positive discrimination for women to increase their place in the workforce.
March 28 - The head of Turkey�s largest business lobby group has said the country must use common sense in it bid to become a member of the European Union."
More:Common sense needed for EU bid: TUSIAD
The TUSIAD chairman called for positive discrimination for women to increase their place in the workforce.
March 28 - The head of Turkey�s largest business lobby group has said the country must use common sense in it bid to become a member of the European Union."
More:Common sense needed for EU bid: TUSIAD
Armenian question has prejudice on both sides
"Armenian question has prejudice on both sides
More than 80 percent of Armenians see the �genocide� as an obstacle to normalising relation with Turkey.
March 28 - An opinion poll conducted by TESEV in Turkey and HASA in Armenia shows that both countries have prejudice against each other."
More:Armenian question has prejudice on both sides
More than 80 percent of Armenians see the �genocide� as an obstacle to normalising relation with Turkey.
March 28 - An opinion poll conducted by TESEV in Turkey and HASA in Armenia shows that both countries have prejudice against each other."
More:Armenian question has prejudice on both sides
BakuTODAY.net:Turkey to disclose Ottoman Empire archives
"Turkey to disclose Ottoman Empire archives
AssA-Irada 28/03/2005 12:43
Turkey will uncover archive documents of the Ottoman Empire on March 28, head of the Turkish Senior Department on State Archives Yusuf Sarinay has said.
The archive materials include official documents of the �Yildiz Sarayi� (the assembly of Ottoman sultans), as well as those of State Council, Interior and Foreign Ministries. "
More:BakuTODAY.net
AssA-Irada 28/03/2005 12:43
Turkey will uncover archive documents of the Ottoman Empire on March 28, head of the Turkish Senior Department on State Archives Yusuf Sarinay has said.
The archive materials include official documents of the �Yildiz Sarayi� (the assembly of Ottoman sultans), as well as those of State Council, Interior and Foreign Ministries. "
More:BakuTODAY.net
Turkey insists signing of EU document will not signify Cyprus recognition
"Turkey insists signing of EU document will not signify Cyprus recognition
Published: 3/28/2005
Latest wire from AFP
ANKARA - Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul insisted Monday that Turkey's planned signing of a key EU document covering Cyprus would not amount to recognition of the Greek Cypriot government of the divided island. "
More:Turkey insists signing of EU document will not signify Cyprus recognition
Published: 3/28/2005
Latest wire from AFP
ANKARA - Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul insisted Monday that Turkey's planned signing of a key EU document covering Cyprus would not amount to recognition of the Greek Cypriot government of the divided island. "
More:Turkey insists signing of EU document will not signify Cyprus recognition
Sunday, March 27, 2005
Turkey's EU bid stuck in limbo - The Washington Times: World Briefings - March 27, 2005
"Turkey's EU bid stuck in limbo
By Nicholas Birch
THE WASHINGTON TIMES
ISTANBUL -- When Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan returned from Brussels in December with a provisional date to start negotiations with the European Union, many Turks hailed him as a miracle worker.
In the 40 years since Turkey first applied for membership, it had lurched from crisis to crisis, from coup to coup. Here, finally, was a leader whose pro-European sentiments seemed unimpeachable.
Less than a hundred days later, the festivities have been replaced by general bafflement. "
More:Turkey's EU bid stuck in limbo - The Washington Times: World Briefings - March 27, 2005
By Nicholas Birch
THE WASHINGTON TIMES
ISTANBUL -- When Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan returned from Brussels in December with a provisional date to start negotiations with the European Union, many Turks hailed him as a miracle worker.
In the 40 years since Turkey first applied for membership, it had lurched from crisis to crisis, from coup to coup. Here, finally, was a leader whose pro-European sentiments seemed unimpeachable.
Less than a hundred days later, the festivities have been replaced by general bafflement. "
More:Turkey's EU bid stuck in limbo - The Washington Times: World Briefings - March 27, 2005
Forum: Unveiling Turkish conspiracies - The Washington Times: Commentary - March 27, 2005
"Forum: Unveiling Turkish conspiracies
The anti-American fervor in Turkey has been of interest in the U.S. media recently. American officials and pundits express concern about the widespread resentment of America evident in the Turkish media and popular opinion as well as even some Turkish bureaucrats and politicians.
While they recognize a global controversy exists about the war in Iraq and that anti-Americanism among Turks is not unique, they also identify an odd fact especially pertinent to Turkey: the widespread acceptance of bizarre conspiracy theories about the United States. "
More:Forum: Unveiling Turkish conspiracies - The Washington Times: Commentary - March 27, 2005
The anti-American fervor in Turkey has been of interest in the U.S. media recently. American officials and pundits express concern about the widespread resentment of America evident in the Turkish media and popular opinion as well as even some Turkish bureaucrats and politicians.
While they recognize a global controversy exists about the war in Iraq and that anti-Americanism among Turks is not unique, they also identify an odd fact especially pertinent to Turkey: the widespread acceptance of bizarre conspiracy theories about the United States. "
More:Forum: Unveiling Turkish conspiracies - The Washington Times: Commentary - March 27, 2005
Boston.com / A&E / Movies / Fest offers the best of the best from Turkey
"Fest offers the best of the best from Turkey
By Rhonda Stewart | March 27, 2005
She promised to come back but never did. Or maybe she was never really there in the first place. Lonely Zebercet can't stop thinking about the beautiful and mysterious woman who checked into his hotel. He becomes obsessed with waiting for her, turning away customers and shutting himself up in the place, which seems more like the Bates Motel as this chilling psychological thriller progresses.
''Motherland Hotel' is just one of the many gems worth seeing in this year's Boston Turkish Film Festival, which starts Friday at the Museum of Fine Arts. The program showcases the 10 best Turkish films of all time, according to a poll done by the Ankara Cinema Association. The diverse, highly appealing lineup offers social realism, comedy, and drama.
''It's approximately 40 years of Turkish cinema in one shot,' says Erkut Gomulu, the festival's director and founder. ''It's a visual treat for film lovers.'"
More:Boston.com / A&E / Movies / Fest offers the best of the best from Turkey
By Rhonda Stewart | March 27, 2005
She promised to come back but never did. Or maybe she was never really there in the first place. Lonely Zebercet can't stop thinking about the beautiful and mysterious woman who checked into his hotel. He becomes obsessed with waiting for her, turning away customers and shutting himself up in the place, which seems more like the Bates Motel as this chilling psychological thriller progresses.
''Motherland Hotel' is just one of the many gems worth seeing in this year's Boston Turkish Film Festival, which starts Friday at the Museum of Fine Arts. The program showcases the 10 best Turkish films of all time, according to a poll done by the Ankara Cinema Association. The diverse, highly appealing lineup offers social realism, comedy, and drama.
''It's approximately 40 years of Turkish cinema in one shot,' says Erkut Gomulu, the festival's director and founder. ''It's a visual treat for film lovers.'"
More:Boston.com / A&E / Movies / Fest offers the best of the best from Turkey
Turkish Daily News - McCarthy warns of link between 'genocide' drive and Armenian aspirations
"McCarthy warns of link between 'genocide' drive and Armenian aspirations
Sunday, March 27, 2005
�The Armenian nationalists have made their plan quite clear. First, the Turkish Republic is to state that there was an �Armenian Genocide� and to apologize for it. Second, the Turks will pay reparations. Third, an Armenian state is to be created,� says McCarthy "
More:Turkish Daily News - McCarthy warns of link between 'genocide' drive and Armenian aspirations
Sunday, March 27, 2005
�The Armenian nationalists have made their plan quite clear. First, the Turkish Republic is to state that there was an �Armenian Genocide� and to apologize for it. Second, the Turks will pay reparations. Third, an Armenian state is to be created,� says McCarthy "
More:Turkish Daily News - McCarthy warns of link between 'genocide' drive and Armenian aspirations
Turkey agrees to text of EU protocol - Customs union agreement reached but what it means for Cyprus unsure
"Turkey agrees to text of EU protocol - Customs union agreement reached but what it means for Cyprus unsure
By Stefanos Evripidou
THE European Commission and Turkey have agreed on the text of a protocol extending the country�s customs union to the 10 new European Union members, including Cyprus, a Turkish official said on Friday.
The EU expects Turkey to extend the accord to include Cyprus before it begins entry talks on October 3.
Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan was quoted in the Turkish press saying Cyprus would be included in the extension of the customs union. However, the Turkish press widely reported that a deal had been struck between Turkey and the Commission to exclude any mention in the protocol of opening Turkish ports and airports to Cypriot ships and planes. The reports also maintained that the document would not include a statement on the non-recognition of the Cyprus Republic, although Erdogan is expected to announce this during the official signing of the protocol.
Extension of the customs union to include Cyprus is highly sensitive in Turkey because it is seen by some officials as a de facto recognition of the Cyprus Republic.
�We have had negotiations on the text of the protocol. There is a text on which we agreed,� the Turkish official told reporters."
More:Turkey agrees to text of EU protocol - Customs union agreement reached but what it means for Cyprus unsure
By Stefanos Evripidou
THE European Commission and Turkey have agreed on the text of a protocol extending the country�s customs union to the 10 new European Union members, including Cyprus, a Turkish official said on Friday.
The EU expects Turkey to extend the accord to include Cyprus before it begins entry talks on October 3.
Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan was quoted in the Turkish press saying Cyprus would be included in the extension of the customs union. However, the Turkish press widely reported that a deal had been struck between Turkey and the Commission to exclude any mention in the protocol of opening Turkish ports and airports to Cypriot ships and planes. The reports also maintained that the document would not include a statement on the non-recognition of the Cyprus Republic, although Erdogan is expected to announce this during the official signing of the protocol.
Extension of the customs union to include Cyprus is highly sensitive in Turkey because it is seen by some officials as a de facto recognition of the Cyprus Republic.
�We have had negotiations on the text of the protocol. There is a text on which we agreed,� the Turkish official told reporters."
More:Turkey agrees to text of EU protocol - Customs union agreement reached but what it means for Cyprus unsure
Comment - Turkey�s haggling more suited to market than EU
"Comment - Turkey�s haggling more suited to market than EU
By Myria Andoniadou
DURING last December�s EU summit, when Turkey was given a date by which accession talks would start, European leaders were surprised with Ankara�s haggling tactics. The Turkish Prime Minister, some said, bargained like a carpet dealer in a market.
This approach has not changed, especially with regard to Cyprus, which is, admittedly, Turkey�s most thorny issue with serious political repercussions.
The Erdogan government�s handling of the Protocol extending the so-called Ankara Agreement, setting the terms for the EU-Turkey customs union, is an obvious example.
An issue that has also become more than a headache to the Commission as the date for its initialising and signing is constantly extended.
European sources had told the Cyprus Mail that the EU�s executive expected it to be initialised by the end of February or mid-March, as an internal procedure follows (Council and Parliament approval). Today, some put that date at June, with signatures following in September."
More:Comment - Turkey�s haggling more suited to market than EU
By Myria Andoniadou
DURING last December�s EU summit, when Turkey was given a date by which accession talks would start, European leaders were surprised with Ankara�s haggling tactics. The Turkish Prime Minister, some said, bargained like a carpet dealer in a market.
This approach has not changed, especially with regard to Cyprus, which is, admittedly, Turkey�s most thorny issue with serious political repercussions.
The Erdogan government�s handling of the Protocol extending the so-called Ankara Agreement, setting the terms for the EU-Turkey customs union, is an obvious example.
An issue that has also become more than a headache to the Commission as the date for its initialising and signing is constantly extended.
European sources had told the Cyprus Mail that the EU�s executive expected it to be initialised by the end of February or mid-March, as an internal procedure follows (Council and Parliament approval). Today, some put that date at June, with signatures following in September."
More:Comment - Turkey�s haggling more suited to market than EU
JTW News - From which topic negotiations with the EU will start?
"From which topic negotiations with the EU will start?
The issue 'from which topic negotiations with the EU will start?' is high on the agenda of Turkey. The method, which the EU applied for 10 candidate countries in its recent enlargement, seems to enlighten the issue.
Negotiations which are expected to start between Turkey and the EU officially on October 3rd, 2005 will be pursued on 4 groups.
First negotiation group is listed as science and research, education and vocational education, small and medium scale enterprises, culture and visual-auditory politics, telecommunication, industry policy and common foreign and security policy.
Second group is on companies law, statistics, protection of consumers and their health, fishery, competition policy, free movement of property, customs union and foreign relations."
More:JTW News - From which topic negotiations with the EU will start?
The issue 'from which topic negotiations with the EU will start?' is high on the agenda of Turkey. The method, which the EU applied for 10 candidate countries in its recent enlargement, seems to enlighten the issue.
Negotiations which are expected to start between Turkey and the EU officially on October 3rd, 2005 will be pursued on 4 groups.
First negotiation group is listed as science and research, education and vocational education, small and medium scale enterprises, culture and visual-auditory politics, telecommunication, industry policy and common foreign and security policy.
Second group is on companies law, statistics, protection of consumers and their health, fishery, competition policy, free movement of property, customs union and foreign relations."
More:JTW News - From which topic negotiations with the EU will start?
The New York Times > Travel > Going to: Istanbul
"Istanbul
By ANNA SUSSMAN
Published: March 27, 2005
Why Go Now
After getting a green light in December to negotiate entry into the European Union, Turkey is buzzing with change. Turkey has reinvented its currency as the new lira, opened a new modern art museum and is feeling a new burst of confidence. Shakeups at the political level have led to a merged Ministry of Culture and Tourism and larger budgets for the arts, a move designed to push Turkey's cultural profile into the international news, even as Istanbul grabs headlines with its human rights reforms. "
More:The New York Times > Travel > Going to: Istanbul
By ANNA SUSSMAN
Published: March 27, 2005
Why Go Now
After getting a green light in December to negotiate entry into the European Union, Turkey is buzzing with change. Turkey has reinvented its currency as the new lira, opened a new modern art museum and is feeling a new burst of confidence. Shakeups at the political level have led to a merged Ministry of Culture and Tourism and larger budgets for the arts, a move designed to push Turkey's cultural profile into the international news, even as Istanbul grabs headlines with its human rights reforms. "
More:The New York Times > Travel > Going to: Istanbul
Turks in Europe
"TURKS IN EUROPE:
FROM A GARBLED IMAGE TO THE COMPLEXITY OF
MIGRANT SOCIAL REALITY
(bibliography)
Abstract
The expatriate Turkish population in Europe currently stands at 3 million, yet is still one of the lesser known immigrant communities. Its superficial image as a withdrawn, religious, culturally conservative community is to due to the influence of some social scientists and mass media on credulous public opinion on the one hand and to the historical, social, economic and cultural specificity of this immigrant group on the other hand. The complex social phenomenon of Turkish immigration in Europe is connected to the Turkish people's self-image, the formation of new individual and collective identities, and the conception of integration spread by its 'silent majority'."
More:Turks in Europe
FROM A GARBLED IMAGE TO THE COMPLEXITY OF
MIGRANT SOCIAL REALITY
(bibliography)
Abstract
The expatriate Turkish population in Europe currently stands at 3 million, yet is still one of the lesser known immigrant communities. Its superficial image as a withdrawn, religious, culturally conservative community is to due to the influence of some social scientists and mass media on credulous public opinion on the one hand and to the historical, social, economic and cultural specificity of this immigrant group on the other hand. The complex social phenomenon of Turkish immigration in Europe is connected to the Turkish people's self-image, the formation of new individual and collective identities, and the conception of integration spread by its 'silent majority'."
More:Turks in Europe
Saturday, March 26, 2005
Turks.US - Ottoman documents demand protection of Armenians
"Ottoman documents demand protection of Armenians
Saturday, March 26 2005 @ 02:14 PM Central Standard Time
U.S. historian Prof. Dr. Justin McCarthy said on Friday that there were hundreds of Ottoman documents that demanded protection of life and property security of the Armenians, but there were not any documents asking Ottoman people to 'kill the Armenians.'
McCarthy, who is visiting Turkey upon the invitation of main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), said in a conference on 'the real face of the Armenian problem' held in Istanbul, 'Ottoman documents are genuine documents when compared with the Armenian documents.' "
More:Turks.US - Ottoman documents demand protection of Armenians
Saturday, March 26 2005 @ 02:14 PM Central Standard Time
U.S. historian Prof. Dr. Justin McCarthy said on Friday that there were hundreds of Ottoman documents that demanded protection of life and property security of the Armenians, but there were not any documents asking Ottoman people to 'kill the Armenians.'
McCarthy, who is visiting Turkey upon the invitation of main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), said in a conference on 'the real face of the Armenian problem' held in Istanbul, 'Ottoman documents are genuine documents when compared with the Armenian documents.' "
More:Turks.US - Ottoman documents demand protection of Armenians
Travel: Istanbul by Orhan Pamuk - Sunday Times - Times Online
"Travel: Istanbul by Orhan Pamuk
REVIEWED BY ANTHONY SATTIN
ISTANBUL: Memories of a City
by Orhan Pamuk
trans Maureen Freely
Faber £16.99 pp348
“Istanbul’s fate is my fate,” declares Turkey’s pre-eminent novelist early on in this rich and revealing memoir of life in the city during the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s. At first the claim seems melodramatic, a wild overstatement, but it soon acquires the ring of truth. For while in some way we are all witnesses to our times, in Orhan Pamuk’s case, he and his city have lived parallel lives, struggling for identity and purpose."
More:Travel: Istanbul by Orhan Pamuk - Sunday Times - Times Online
REVIEWED BY ANTHONY SATTIN
ISTANBUL: Memories of a City
by Orhan Pamuk
trans Maureen Freely
Faber £16.99 pp348
“Istanbul’s fate is my fate,” declares Turkey’s pre-eminent novelist early on in this rich and revealing memoir of life in the city during the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s. At first the claim seems melodramatic, a wild overstatement, but it soon acquires the ring of truth. For while in some way we are all witnesses to our times, in Orhan Pamuk’s case, he and his city have lived parallel lives, struggling for identity and purpose."
More:Travel: Istanbul by Orhan Pamuk - Sunday Times - Times Online
KurdishMedia News - Daily Kurdish news updates
"Ocalan�s proposal to form a 'confederation' without a sovereign state, wasn�t found feasible. Kurdish intellectuals, who are distant to PKK: Fantasy. Lawyers: It can�t be done. DEHAP: It should be debated.
BIA (Istanbul) - The imprisoned Kurdish leader Abdullah Ocalan called for a confederation for the permanent solution of the Kurdish problem.
Ocalan, who advocated the idea via his lawyers, said the new Kurdish confederation would not be a sovereign state. Certain Kurdish circles didn�t find the proposal feasible.
Kurdish intellectuals, who are distant to Ocalan�s PKK, or Kurdistan Workers� Party, said Ocalan�s proposal is a 'fantasy' and a direct result of the 'isolation psychology' he is in.
The pro-Kurdish political party Democratic People Party (DEHAP) is insisting that the proposal is seriously debated. "
More:KurdishMedia News - Daily Kurdish news updates
BIA (Istanbul) - The imprisoned Kurdish leader Abdullah Ocalan called for a confederation for the permanent solution of the Kurdish problem.
Ocalan, who advocated the idea via his lawyers, said the new Kurdish confederation would not be a sovereign state. Certain Kurdish circles didn�t find the proposal feasible.
Kurdish intellectuals, who are distant to Ocalan�s PKK, or Kurdistan Workers� Party, said Ocalan�s proposal is a 'fantasy' and a direct result of the 'isolation psychology' he is in.
The pro-Kurdish political party Democratic People Party (DEHAP) is insisting that the proposal is seriously debated. "
More:KurdishMedia News - Daily Kurdish news updates
Turks seek a fresh look at past - The Washington Times: World - March 26, 2005
"Turks seek a fresh look at past
By Nicholas Birch
THE WASHINGTON TIMES
ISTANBUL -- A hidden Armenian minority, after living in the shadows for decades, is coming forward to tell stories of a 1915 massacre in books and newspapers, and prompting Turkey to re-examine its past.
A group of senior politicians from Turkey's governing and main opposition parties last week called for the events of 90 years ago to be 'researched under United Nations arbitration.'
'If there is a need to settle accounts with history, we are ready,' they said. "
More:Turks seek a fresh look at past - The Washington Times: World - March 26, 2005
By Nicholas Birch
THE WASHINGTON TIMES
ISTANBUL -- A hidden Armenian minority, after living in the shadows for decades, is coming forward to tell stories of a 1915 massacre in books and newspapers, and prompting Turkey to re-examine its past.
A group of senior politicians from Turkey's governing and main opposition parties last week called for the events of 90 years ago to be 'researched under United Nations arbitration.'
'If there is a need to settle accounts with history, we are ready,' they said. "
More:Turks seek a fresh look at past - The Washington Times: World - March 26, 2005
Turkish Daily News - �Armenian claims spell political genocide�
"�Armenian claims spell political genocide�
Saturday, March 26, 2005
ANKARA - Turkish Daily News
Those interpreting as genocide a 1915 tragedy, when the Ottoman Empire reacted to a group of people revolting against the government, actually realize that their claims of genocide are devoid of any legal base and are now trying to substantiate their claims from a political point and as a �political genocide,� a group of retired Turkish ambassadors said yesterday."
More:Turkish Daily News - �Armenian claims spell political genocide�
Saturday, March 26, 2005
ANKARA - Turkish Daily News
Those interpreting as genocide a 1915 tragedy, when the Ottoman Empire reacted to a group of people revolting against the government, actually realize that their claims of genocide are devoid of any legal base and are now trying to substantiate their claims from a political point and as a �political genocide,� a group of retired Turkish ambassadors said yesterday."
More:Turkish Daily News - �Armenian claims spell political genocide�
Turkish Daily News - Evacuation of Turks from Kyrgyzstan gets underway
"Evacuation of Turks from Kyrgyzstan gets underway
Saturday, March 26, 2005
Foreign Minister G�l signals readiness to work with leaders of the revolution in the former Soviet republic, saying they are friends of Turkey
ANKARA � Turkish Daily News
Turkey sent a plane carrying members of an official delegation to Kyrgyzstan a day after the former Soviet republic's government was toppled at the end of widespread street protests for talks with Kyrgyz authorities. On the way back, the plane will bring Turkish citizens who want to flee from the chaos that ensued the revolution in Kyrgyzstan."
More:Turkish Daily News - Evacuation of Turks from Kyrgyzstan gets underway
Saturday, March 26, 2005
Foreign Minister G�l signals readiness to work with leaders of the revolution in the former Soviet republic, saying they are friends of Turkey
ANKARA � Turkish Daily News
Turkey sent a plane carrying members of an official delegation to Kyrgyzstan a day after the former Soviet republic's government was toppled at the end of widespread street protests for talks with Kyrgyz authorities. On the way back, the plane will bring Turkish citizens who want to flee from the chaos that ensued the revolution in Kyrgyzstan."
More:Turkish Daily News - Evacuation of Turks from Kyrgyzstan gets underway
Turkish Daily News - Istanbul hotels full for Easter
"Istanbul hotels full for Easter
Saturday, March 26, 2005
Istanbul is witnessing its busiest March in 10 years. Visitors here for Easter, especially the Greeks and the Dutch, have filled 100 percent of the city's hotels and as a result many tourists are seeking accommodation in Bursa, Tekirdag, Kilyos and Kocaeli "
More:Turkish Daily News - Istanbul hotels full for Easter
Saturday, March 26, 2005
Istanbul is witnessing its busiest March in 10 years. Visitors here for Easter, especially the Greeks and the Dutch, have filled 100 percent of the city's hotels and as a result many tourists are seeking accommodation in Bursa, Tekirdag, Kilyos and Kocaeli "
More:Turkish Daily News - Istanbul hotels full for Easter
JTW Comment - Turkish-US Relations: How would a Relationship be Disrupted?
"Turkish-US Relations: How would a Relationship be Disrupted?
G�nd�z Aktan
Turkish-American relations are being disrupted. This is due mainly to the differences between Turkish and American stances on the Iraq issue. In any country the general public may have a tendency to blow out of proportion differences in the area of foreign policy. All too easily the public may jump to the conclusion that the other side has bad intentions
By G�nd�z AKTAN
Turkish-American relations are being disrupted. This is due mainly to the differences between Turkish and American stances on the Iraq issue. "
More:JTW Comment - Turkish-US Relations: How would a Relationship be Disrupted?
G�nd�z Aktan
Turkish-American relations are being disrupted. This is due mainly to the differences between Turkish and American stances on the Iraq issue. In any country the general public may have a tendency to blow out of proportion differences in the area of foreign policy. All too easily the public may jump to the conclusion that the other side has bad intentions
By G�nd�z AKTAN
Turkish-American relations are being disrupted. This is due mainly to the differences between Turkish and American stances on the Iraq issue. "
More:JTW Comment - Turkish-US Relations: How would a Relationship be Disrupted?
JTW Comment - Obstacles On the Way to the EU
"Obstacles On the Way to the EU
Orhan Kilercioglu
By Orhan KILERCIOGLU
It can be seen that Turkey, which took an important step towards EU membership on Dec. 17, is trying to be cornered by certain forces insisting on demands that Turkey cannot fulfill. The EU has leveled criticism and accused Turkey of slowing down in reform efforts. In response to this criticism Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has given the necessary replies. I am not sure if his replies will satisfy the EU, but we have seen that the EU has been changing its attitude towards Turkey recently.
It is natural for Turkey to strive to eradicate its deficiencies on its path to Europe because these reforms are necessary for Turkey, not as a means to join the EU but as a way to improve the country. "
More:JTW Comment - Obstacles On the Way to the EU
Orhan Kilercioglu
By Orhan KILERCIOGLU
It can be seen that Turkey, which took an important step towards EU membership on Dec. 17, is trying to be cornered by certain forces insisting on demands that Turkey cannot fulfill. The EU has leveled criticism and accused Turkey of slowing down in reform efforts. In response to this criticism Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has given the necessary replies. I am not sure if his replies will satisfy the EU, but we have seen that the EU has been changing its attitude towards Turkey recently.
It is natural for Turkey to strive to eradicate its deficiencies on its path to Europe because these reforms are necessary for Turkey, not as a means to join the EU but as a way to improve the country. "
More:JTW Comment - Obstacles On the Way to the EU
JTW Comment - Turkish-US Relations: The Bush Administration should be a Little Self Critical
"Turkish-US Relations: The Bush Administration should be a Little Self Critical
Mehmet Ali Birand
By Mehmet Ali BIRAND
I had noted the Ankara side of the tension between Turkey and the United States yesterday and tried to explain what the sources of these misunderstandings were.
Today I will try to explain the Washington side of the story.
There is a saying, ?It takes two to tango.? You need two sides in order to ruin or repair a relationship.
You must have noticed the fact that anti-Americanism in Turkey is not like it used to be in the 1970s, directed against all Americans. Turkish society has no negative outlook towards the American people. Just the opposite. It is jealous of American values and supremacy. "
More:JTW Comment - Turkish-US Relations: The Bush Administration should be a Little Self Critical
Mehmet Ali Birand
By Mehmet Ali BIRAND
I had noted the Ankara side of the tension between Turkey and the United States yesterday and tried to explain what the sources of these misunderstandings were.
Today I will try to explain the Washington side of the story.
There is a saying, ?It takes two to tango.? You need two sides in order to ruin or repair a relationship.
You must have noticed the fact that anti-Americanism in Turkey is not like it used to be in the 1970s, directed against all Americans. Turkish society has no negative outlook towards the American people. Just the opposite. It is jealous of American values and supremacy. "
More:JTW Comment - Turkish-US Relations: The Bush Administration should be a Little Self Critical
Ankara Asks for Adaptation Protocol Text from Brussels
"Ankara Asks for Adaptation Protocol Text from Brussels
By Suleyman Kurt
Published: Saturday 26, 2005
zaman.com
Agreeing on the content of the additional protocol to adapt 10 new members including Greek Cyprus with the European Union (EU) as part of the Customs Union agreement, Ankara has taken action to begin the signing process.
Turkey has asked Brussels to send the text as soon as possible, in order to begin the procedure immediately. Turkey will forward a letter to the commission after examining the text and will then announce that has begun the signing process. Ankara, whose demands were partly met as a result of recent negotiations, excluded the demands relating to airports and seaports from the agreement as the agreement became operant temporarily."
More:ZAMAN DAILY NEWSPAPER (2005032617840)
By Suleyman Kurt
Published: Saturday 26, 2005
zaman.com
Agreeing on the content of the additional protocol to adapt 10 new members including Greek Cyprus with the European Union (EU) as part of the Customs Union agreement, Ankara has taken action to begin the signing process.
Turkey has asked Brussels to send the text as soon as possible, in order to begin the procedure immediately. Turkey will forward a letter to the commission after examining the text and will then announce that has begun the signing process. Ankara, whose demands were partly met as a result of recent negotiations, excluded the demands relating to airports and seaports from the agreement as the agreement became operant temporarily."
More:ZAMAN DAILY NEWSPAPER (2005032617840)
ekathimerini.com | EU, Turkey agree on protocol
"EU, Turkey agree on protocol
The European Union and Turkey have agreed on the text of a protocol extending the country�s customs union to 10 new EU members, including Cyprus, Turkish TV reported yesterday.
According to TV channels NTV and CNN Turk, �Ankara expects Brussels to begin the letter-exchange process immediately.�
�We asked the European Commission to send the letter on the text of the protocol. If the letter is the same text we agreed, then it will be approved,� a Turkish official told reporters yesterday.
The Turkish Parliament must approve the protocol for it to take effect.
Approval of the protocol is a controversial issue in Turkey because it is seen by many as tantamount to de facto recognition of Cyprus."
More:ekathimerini.com | EU, Turkey agree on protocol
The European Union and Turkey have agreed on the text of a protocol extending the country�s customs union to 10 new EU members, including Cyprus, Turkish TV reported yesterday.
According to TV channels NTV and CNN Turk, �Ankara expects Brussels to begin the letter-exchange process immediately.�
�We asked the European Commission to send the letter on the text of the protocol. If the letter is the same text we agreed, then it will be approved,� a Turkish official told reporters yesterday.
The Turkish Parliament must approve the protocol for it to take effect.
Approval of the protocol is a controversial issue in Turkey because it is seen by many as tantamount to de facto recognition of Cyprus."
More:ekathimerini.com | EU, Turkey agree on protocol
Government Success in EU, not in Iraq
"Government Success in EU, not in Iraq
By Zaman
Published: Saturday 26, 2005
zaman.com
Fifty percent of Turks believe that 'they are surrounded by enemies'. According to a survey distributed by the Metropoll Strategic and Social Researches Center, 38.9 percent of participants sees the US as 'the enemy' and 14.7 percent view it as Greece.
According to the results of the survey, Germany with 7.8 percent and Azerbaijan with 7.7 percent were equal first as friends of Turkey. 75 percent of participants thought positively about the European Union (EU), and 53 percent were positive about Palestine. Those countries that are perceived negatively include Israel, Armenia, the US and Greece."
More:ZAMAN DAILY NEWSPAPER (2005032617845)
By Zaman
Published: Saturday 26, 2005
zaman.com
Fifty percent of Turks believe that 'they are surrounded by enemies'. According to a survey distributed by the Metropoll Strategic and Social Researches Center, 38.9 percent of participants sees the US as 'the enemy' and 14.7 percent view it as Greece.
According to the results of the survey, Germany with 7.8 percent and Azerbaijan with 7.7 percent were equal first as friends of Turkey. 75 percent of participants thought positively about the European Union (EU), and 53 percent were positive about Palestine. Those countries that are perceived negatively include Israel, Armenia, the US and Greece."
More:ZAMAN DAILY NEWSPAPER (2005032617845)
Turks.US - Turkish Belgians Sweep Islamic Council Elections
Turks.US - Turkish Belgians Sweep Islamic Council Elections: "Turkish Belgians Sweep Islamic Council Elections
Saturday, March 26 2005 @ 08:02 AM Central Standard Time
Views: 9
Turkish Belgians won sweeping victory in the Islamic Executive Council elections, with women making a very strong performance in the poll marred by low turnout, reflecting a conspicuous rift within the community.
Turkish Belgians secured 40 of the 68 seats up for grabs at the elections, according to the results announced Thursday, March 24.
Although Muslims of Moroccan origin are 250,000 in number - compared with 130,000 of Turkish origin - they only got paltry 20 seats.
Women also achieved satisfactory results, getting five seats with Duzun Hacer winning most votes."
Saturday, March 26 2005 @ 08:02 AM Central Standard Time
Views: 9
Turkish Belgians won sweeping victory in the Islamic Executive Council elections, with women making a very strong performance in the poll marred by low turnout, reflecting a conspicuous rift within the community.
Turkish Belgians secured 40 of the 68 seats up for grabs at the elections, according to the results announced Thursday, March 24.
Although Muslims of Moroccan origin are 250,000 in number - compared with 130,000 of Turkish origin - they only got paltry 20 seats.
Women also achieved satisfactory results, getting five seats with Duzun Hacer winning most votes."
Turkey's human rights chief to resign - (United Press International)
"Turkey's human rights chief to resign
Ankara, Turkey, Mar. 26 (UPI) -- Frustration over Turkey's weak human rights policies has prompted the chairman of the prime minister's human rights advisory board to quit.
Yavuz Onen, who has held the post for three years, along with five of his associates, told the BBC they were are upset with Turkeys treatment of minorities, women and prisoners, the news agency reported Saturday."
More:Turkey's human rights chief to resign - (United Press International)
Ankara, Turkey, Mar. 26 (UPI) -- Frustration over Turkey's weak human rights policies has prompted the chairman of the prime minister's human rights advisory board to quit.
Yavuz Onen, who has held the post for three years, along with five of his associates, told the BBC they were are upset with Turkeys treatment of minorities, women and prisoners, the news agency reported Saturday."
More:Turkey's human rights chief to resign - (United Press International)
Friday, March 25, 2005
FT.com / World / Europe - Cyprus in frame as Ankara weighs customs move
"Cyprus in frame as Ankara weighs customs move
By Vincent Boland in Ankara
Published: March 26 2005 02:00 | Last updated: March 26 2005 02:00
Turkey signalled yesterday that it was ready to extend its customs agreement with the European Union to include the 10 states that joined the EU last year, a move that many Turks have argued would extend de facto recognition to the Greek Cypriot government in Cyprus.
The Anatolian news agency reported that officials in Ankara had agreed the text of a protocol with the EU to extend the agreement. It came after talks in Brussels this week between Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the Turkish prime minister, and Costas Karamanlis, his Greek counterpart."
More:FT.com / World / Europe - Cyprus in frame as Ankara weighs customs move
By Vincent Boland in Ankara
Published: March 26 2005 02:00 | Last updated: March 26 2005 02:00
Turkey signalled yesterday that it was ready to extend its customs agreement with the European Union to include the 10 states that joined the EU last year, a move that many Turks have argued would extend de facto recognition to the Greek Cypriot government in Cyprus.
The Anatolian news agency reported that officials in Ankara had agreed the text of a protocol with the EU to extend the agreement. It came after talks in Brussels this week between Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the Turkish prime minister, and Costas Karamanlis, his Greek counterpart."
More:FT.com / World / Europe - Cyprus in frame as Ankara weighs customs move
Germany: Interior Minister Schily bans Turkish newspaper
"Germany: Interior Minister Schily bans Turkish newspaper
By Justus Leicht
25 March 2005
Use this version to print | Send this link by email | Email the author
At the end of February, in an overnight operation, Germany�s interior minister Otto Schily (Social Democratic Party-SPD) banned the company Yeni Akit, which is based in the German state of Hesse and publishes the Islamic newspaper Anadolu Vakit (Anatolian Times). The assets of the company were also confiscated."
More:Germany: Interior Minister Schily bans Turkish newspaper
By Justus Leicht
25 March 2005
Use this version to print | Send this link by email | Email the author
At the end of February, in an overnight operation, Germany�s interior minister Otto Schily (Social Democratic Party-SPD) banned the company Yeni Akit, which is based in the German state of Hesse and publishes the Islamic newspaper Anadolu Vakit (Anatolian Times). The assets of the company were also confiscated."
More:Germany: Interior Minister Schily bans Turkish newspaper
Speech given by Dr. Justin McCarthy at the Turkish Grand National Assembly March 24, 2005
"Speech given by Dr. Justin McCarthy at the Turkish Grand National Assembly March 24, 2005
OTTOMAN PROVINCES
Conflict between the Turks and the Armenians was not inevitable. The two peoples should have been friends. When World War I began, the Armenians and Turks had been living together for 800 years. The Armenians of Anatolia and Europe had been Ottoman subjects for nearly 400 years. There were problems during those centuries�problems caused especially by those who attacked and ultimately destroyed the Ottoman Empire. Everyone in the Empire suffered, but it was the Turks and other Muslims who suffered most. Judged by all economic and social standards, the Armenians did well under Ottoman rule. By the late nineteenth century, in every Ottoman province the Armenians were better educated and richer than the Muslims. Armenians worked hard, it is true, but their comparative riches were largely due to European and American influence and Ottoman tolerance. European merchants made Ottoman Christians their agents. European merchants gave them their business. European consuls intervened in their behalf. The Armenians benefited from the education given to them, and not to the Turks, by American missionaries."
More:The History
OTTOMAN PROVINCES
Conflict between the Turks and the Armenians was not inevitable. The two peoples should have been friends. When World War I began, the Armenians and Turks had been living together for 800 years. The Armenians of Anatolia and Europe had been Ottoman subjects for nearly 400 years. There were problems during those centuries�problems caused especially by those who attacked and ultimately destroyed the Ottoman Empire. Everyone in the Empire suffered, but it was the Turks and other Muslims who suffered most. Judged by all economic and social standards, the Armenians did well under Ottoman rule. By the late nineteenth century, in every Ottoman province the Armenians were better educated and richer than the Muslims. Armenians worked hard, it is true, but their comparative riches were largely due to European and American influence and Ottoman tolerance. European merchants made Ottoman Christians their agents. European merchants gave them their business. European consuls intervened in their behalf. The Armenians benefited from the education given to them, and not to the Turks, by American missionaries."
More:The History
Aljazeera.Net - EU, Turkey agree on customs protocol
"EU, Turkey agree on customs protocol
Friday 25 March 2005, 19:28 Makka Time, 16:28 GMT
Turkey wants to join the EU, but the Cyprus issue is sensitive
The European Commission and Turkey have agreed on the protocol extending the country's customs union to 10 new EU members, including Cyprus, a Turkish official said.
The EU expects Turkey to extend the accord to include the partitioned Mediterranean island before it begins entry talks on 3 October.
Extension of the customs union to include Cyprus is sensitive in Turkey because it is seen by some officials as tantamount to a de facto recognition of the internationally accepted Greek Cypriot government. "
More:Aljazeera.Net - EU, Turkey agree on customs protocol
Friday 25 March 2005, 19:28 Makka Time, 16:28 GMT
Turkey wants to join the EU, but the Cyprus issue is sensitive
The European Commission and Turkey have agreed on the protocol extending the country's customs union to 10 new EU members, including Cyprus, a Turkish official said.
The EU expects Turkey to extend the accord to include the partitioned Mediterranean island before it begins entry talks on 3 October.
Extension of the customs union to include Cyprus is sensitive in Turkey because it is seen by some officials as tantamount to a de facto recognition of the internationally accepted Greek Cypriot government. "
More:Aljazeera.Net - EU, Turkey agree on customs protocol
Declaration Of The Group Of Retired Ambassadors In Ankara And Istanbul On Armenian Claims Of Genocide
"Declaration Of The Group Of Retired Ambassadors In Ankara And Istanbul On Armenian Claims Of Genocide
Published: 3/25/2005
ANKARA - ''Nobody can declare persons who are not even alive today as genocide criminals, without legal grounds'' said The Group of Retired Ambassadors. The group made today a declaration against demands asking that Turkey should recognition of so-called genocide of Ottoman Armenians in 1915. Retired Ambassador and Chairman of Armenian Researches Institute of Eurasia Strategic Researches Center Omer Engin Lutem, Retired Ambassador and Deputy Chairman of UNESCO Turkish National Committee Polat Tacar and retired Ambassadors Kaya Toperi and Yuksel Soylemez held a news conference to issue the declaration. "
More:Declaration Of The Group Of Retired Ambassadors In Ankara And Istanbul On Armenian Claims Of Genocide
Published: 3/25/2005
ANKARA - ''Nobody can declare persons who are not even alive today as genocide criminals, without legal grounds'' said The Group of Retired Ambassadors. The group made today a declaration against demands asking that Turkey should recognition of so-called genocide of Ottoman Armenians in 1915. Retired Ambassador and Chairman of Armenian Researches Institute of Eurasia Strategic Researches Center Omer Engin Lutem, Retired Ambassador and Deputy Chairman of UNESCO Turkish National Committee Polat Tacar and retired Ambassadors Kaya Toperi and Yuksel Soylemez held a news conference to issue the declaration. "
More:Declaration Of The Group Of Retired Ambassadors In Ankara And Istanbul On Armenian Claims Of Genocide
Blast at pipeline in Turkey
"Blast at pipeline in Turkey
Published: 3/25/2005
Latest wire from AFP
ANKARA - An explosion blamed on Kurdish rebels occurred on Friday at an oil pipeline in southeastern Turkey, causing material damage, local officials said.
The attack targeted a stretch of the pipeline near the village of Taskoy in Mardin province, the local deputy governor Ali Candan said in a statement carried by Anatolia news agency. "
More:Blast at pipeline in Turkey
Published: 3/25/2005
Latest wire from AFP
ANKARA - An explosion blamed on Kurdish rebels occurred on Friday at an oil pipeline in southeastern Turkey, causing material damage, local officials said.
The attack targeted a stretch of the pipeline near the village of Taskoy in Mardin province, the local deputy governor Ali Candan said in a statement carried by Anatolia news agency. "
More:Blast at pipeline in Turkey
Talat: Greek Cypriot Administration Cannot Act Freely
"Talat: Greek Cypriot Administration Cannot Act Freely
Published: 3/25/2005
Latest wire from AFP
ISTANBUL - ''Greek Cypriot administration cannot act freely in the world any more as they want. It is now facing a big difficulty and isolation. We have to corner them now. This can be provided by lifting of isolation (imposed on Turkish Cypriots),'' said Premier Mehmet Ali Talat of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).
Talat held a conference on ''EU Process and Cyprus'' at Bahcesehir University in Istanbul on Friday. "
More:Talat: Greek Cypriot Administration Cannot Act Freely
Published: 3/25/2005
Latest wire from AFP
ISTANBUL - ''Greek Cypriot administration cannot act freely in the world any more as they want. It is now facing a big difficulty and isolation. We have to corner them now. This can be provided by lifting of isolation (imposed on Turkish Cypriots),'' said Premier Mehmet Ali Talat of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).
Talat held a conference on ''EU Process and Cyprus'' at Bahcesehir University in Istanbul on Friday. "
More:Talat: Greek Cypriot Administration Cannot Act Freely
Embassy Row - The Washington Times: Embassy Row - March 24, 2005
"Embassy Row
By James Morrison
Turkish visit planned
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan is making plans for a visit to Washington as soon as May to help repair relations damaged by the war in Iraq, says a report from the Turkish capital, Ankara.
Turkish and U.S. officials are still discussing the dates and itinerary, a diplomatic source told Reuters news agency yesterday.
The source said the Turkish government is concerned by a growing sense of anti-Americanism in a country that has been a strong U.S. ally as a member of NATO for four decades. "
More:Embassy Row - The Washington Times: Embassy Row - March 24, 2005
By James Morrison
Turkish visit planned
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan is making plans for a visit to Washington as soon as May to help repair relations damaged by the war in Iraq, says a report from the Turkish capital, Ankara.
Turkish and U.S. officials are still discussing the dates and itinerary, a diplomatic source told Reuters news agency yesterday.
The source said the Turkish government is concerned by a growing sense of anti-Americanism in a country that has been a strong U.S. ally as a member of NATO for four decades. "
More:Embassy Row - The Washington Times: Embassy Row - March 24, 2005
Turkish Daily News - Decision on expanded US access to Incirlik soon
"Decision on expanded US access to Incirlik soon
Friday, March 25, 2005
ANKARA - Turkish Daily News
The government is close to making its decision on a Washington proposal to use the southern air base of Incirlik as a cargo hub for U.S. forces operating in the region, said a deputy from the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP).
�A decision on the issue will be made very soon. I cannot tell you when exactly since I am not in the government but it will be very soon,� Murat Mercan, AKP's deputy chairman told a meeting in Washington, called, �Can the U.S.-Turkish Relationship be Repaired?�"
More:Turkish Daily News - Decision on expanded US access to Incirlik soon
Friday, March 25, 2005
ANKARA - Turkish Daily News
The government is close to making its decision on a Washington proposal to use the southern air base of Incirlik as a cargo hub for U.S. forces operating in the region, said a deputy from the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP).
�A decision on the issue will be made very soon. I cannot tell you when exactly since I am not in the government but it will be very soon,� Murat Mercan, AKP's deputy chairman told a meeting in Washington, called, �Can the U.S.-Turkish Relationship be Repaired?�"
More:Turkish Daily News - Decision on expanded US access to Incirlik soon
Turkish Daily News - Papadopoulos wants to meet Turkish PM
"Papadopoulos wants to meet Turkish PM
Friday, March 25, 2005
ANKARA - Turkish Daily News
Greek Cypriot leader Tassos Papadopoulos yesterday voiced his will to meet with Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan in order to discuss, �the international aspects of the Cyprus dispute,� reported private CNN-T�RK.
Classifying the Cyprus issue according to its �international dimension,� and �interior dimension,� Papadopoulos said, �Ankara decides on issues such as withdrawal of Turkish troops, Turkish migrants living in northern Cyprus and exploitation of Greek Cypriot properties in northern Cyprus as well as being a guarantor country in foundation agreements.� He said he wanted to talk with Erdogan face to face on these issues. "
Turkish Daily News - Papadopoulos wants to meet Turkish PM
Friday, March 25, 2005
ANKARA - Turkish Daily News
Greek Cypriot leader Tassos Papadopoulos yesterday voiced his will to meet with Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan in order to discuss, �the international aspects of the Cyprus dispute,� reported private CNN-T�RK.
Classifying the Cyprus issue according to its �international dimension,� and �interior dimension,� Papadopoulos said, �Ankara decides on issues such as withdrawal of Turkish troops, Turkish migrants living in northern Cyprus and exploitation of Greek Cypriot properties in northern Cyprus as well as being a guarantor country in foundation agreements.� He said he wanted to talk with Erdogan face to face on these issues. "
Turkish Daily News - Papadopoulos wants to meet Turkish PM
FT.com / World / Europe - Furious Turks fly the flag that children tried to burn
"Furious Turks fly the flag that children tried to burn
By Vincent Boland
Published: March 25 2005 16:17 | Last updated: March 25 2005 16:17
If you want to bring the wrath of Turkey down on you, burn its flag. Three children aged 12, 14 and 15 discovered this to their cost after they were caught apparently trying to set the Turkish flag alight a criminal offence at a demonstration last weekend, provoking a wave of nationalist outrage across the country.
In scenes reminiscent of the US after the attacks of September 11 2001, the Turkish flag has been flown in the past few days from apartment windows in towns and cities, on municipal buildings and public transport, and displayed constantly on television screens, after calls from the government and the armed forces for the public to show �solidarity� with the defiled national emblem, depicting a white crescent and star on a red background. "
More:FT.com / World / Europe - Furious Turks fly the flag that children tried to burn
By Vincent Boland
Published: March 25 2005 16:17 | Last updated: March 25 2005 16:17
If you want to bring the wrath of Turkey down on you, burn its flag. Three children aged 12, 14 and 15 discovered this to their cost after they were caught apparently trying to set the Turkish flag alight a criminal offence at a demonstration last weekend, provoking a wave of nationalist outrage across the country.
In scenes reminiscent of the US after the attacks of September 11 2001, the Turkish flag has been flown in the past few days from apartment windows in towns and cities, on municipal buildings and public transport, and displayed constantly on television screens, after calls from the government and the armed forces for the public to show �solidarity� with the defiled national emblem, depicting a white crescent and star on a red background. "
More:FT.com / World / Europe - Furious Turks fly the flag that children tried to burn
Turkey sends diplomats to Kyrgyzstan, plans to evacuate nationals
"Turkey sends diplomats to Kyrgyzstan, plans to evacuate nationals
Published: 3/25/2005
Latest wire from AFP
ANKARA - Turkey on Friday sent an official delegation to Kyrgyzstan to convey appeals for moderation amid the turmoil in the country, officials said.
The delegation, led by Metin Goker, a senior diplomat who served as Turkey's ambassador to Kyrgyzstan in the 1990s, flew on a plane that will also evacuate Turkish nationals from the Central Asian nation, Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul told reporters. "
More:Turkey sends diplomats to Kyrgyzstan, plans to evacuate nationals
Published: 3/25/2005
Latest wire from AFP
ANKARA - Turkey on Friday sent an official delegation to Kyrgyzstan to convey appeals for moderation amid the turmoil in the country, officials said.
The delegation, led by Metin Goker, a senior diplomat who served as Turkey's ambassador to Kyrgyzstan in the 1990s, flew on a plane that will also evacuate Turkish nationals from the Central Asian nation, Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul told reporters. "
More:Turkey sends diplomats to Kyrgyzstan, plans to evacuate nationals
Turkey edges closer to signing key EU document
"Turkey edges closer to signing key EU document
ANKARA - The European Commission and Turkey have agreed on the text of an accord concerning Cyprus, the signing of which is a condition for opening accession talks with Ankara later in the year, a Turkish official said Friday.
The protocol would extend an already-existing Turkey-EU customs union to 10 new members who joined the bloc last May, including Cyprus whose internationally-recognized Greek Cypriot government Ankara refuses to endorse. "
More:Turkey edges closer to signing key EU document
ANKARA - The European Commission and Turkey have agreed on the text of an accord concerning Cyprus, the signing of which is a condition for opening accession talks with Ankara later in the year, a Turkish official said Friday.
The protocol would extend an already-existing Turkey-EU customs union to 10 new members who joined the bloc last May, including Cyprus whose internationally-recognized Greek Cypriot government Ankara refuses to endorse. "
More:Turkey edges closer to signing key EU document
McCarthy Calls Western to Examine Ottoman Archives
"McCarthy Calls Western to Examine Ottoman Archives
By Zaman
Published: Friday 25, 2005
zaman.com
US historian Professor Justin McCarthy has said that Turkey has published crucial documents and books refuting allegations of the Armenian genocide, but that the West is not aware of them.
Saying that the reality is not in Tashnak newspapers, but in the Ottoman archives, McCarthy underlined the importance of a book titled "Atrocities Committed by Armenians towards the Turks and the Archive Records of the Genocide", published recently by the Turkish Parliament. McCarthy stated: "This important book, which was written by a big delegation including myself and is in storage in the Parliament right now. It should be on sale or distributed or even thrown from the air by plane… It should be read by as many people as possible.""
More:ZAMAN DAILY NEWSPAPER (2005032517834)
By Zaman
Published: Friday 25, 2005
zaman.com
US historian Professor Justin McCarthy has said that Turkey has published crucial documents and books refuting allegations of the Armenian genocide, but that the West is not aware of them.
Saying that the reality is not in Tashnak newspapers, but in the Ottoman archives, McCarthy underlined the importance of a book titled "Atrocities Committed by Armenians towards the Turks and the Archive Records of the Genocide", published recently by the Turkish Parliament. McCarthy stated: "This important book, which was written by a big delegation including myself and is in storage in the Parliament right now. It should be on sale or distributed or even thrown from the air by plane… It should be read by as many people as possible.""
More:ZAMAN DAILY NEWSPAPER (2005032517834)
Turkish Daily News - We've seen this film before
"We've seen this film before
Friday, March 25, 2005
TDN editorial by Yusuf KANLI
Yusuf KANLI
Many in Ankara have started saying that despite the overwhelming parliamentary strength it has, the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) government has come to the end of the road and will have to either quickly make some modifications to its overall policy objectives or call for an election as early as late this summer -- otherwise, the country could land in an unfortunate situation very much like the one it experienced in 1997.Of course, the Turkey of today is not the Turkey of 1997, nor do the powers that played the key role in the Feb. 28, 1997 process have the same kind of power because of the reforms the country has gone through over the past several years. Still, the outbursts of some top commanders -- reminiscent of the 1997 series of events -- as well as the reports of Sincan-like ceremonies and the adamancy of the AKP leadership in addressing issues of great concern -- have started sending people into fits of worry over �Are we heading to something 'post-modern' once again?� Now the prime minister, like the prime minister of the pre-2003 elections, has started complaining that his government and Turkey are facing a plot. �Some people have pressed the button. � "
More:Turkish Daily News - We've seen this film before
Friday, March 25, 2005
TDN editorial by Yusuf KANLI
Yusuf KANLI
Many in Ankara have started saying that despite the overwhelming parliamentary strength it has, the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) government has come to the end of the road and will have to either quickly make some modifications to its overall policy objectives or call for an election as early as late this summer -- otherwise, the country could land in an unfortunate situation very much like the one it experienced in 1997.Of course, the Turkey of today is not the Turkey of 1997, nor do the powers that played the key role in the Feb. 28, 1997 process have the same kind of power because of the reforms the country has gone through over the past several years. Still, the outbursts of some top commanders -- reminiscent of the 1997 series of events -- as well as the reports of Sincan-like ceremonies and the adamancy of the AKP leadership in addressing issues of great concern -- have started sending people into fits of worry over �Are we heading to something 'post-modern' once again?� Now the prime minister, like the prime minister of the pre-2003 elections, has started complaining that his government and Turkey are facing a plot. �Some people have pressed the button. � "
More:Turkish Daily News - We've seen this film before
Turkish Daily News - Turkey and the EU: How to achieve a forward-looking and 'win-win' accession by 2015?
"Turkey and the EU: How to achieve a forward-looking and 'win-win' accession by 2015?
Friday, March 25, 2005
Analysis, Part IV
MEHMET OGUTCU
PARIS - TDN Guest Writer
How will the negotiations be held?
Given that never before have there been accession negotiations that were so controversial among EU member states and so charged with uncertainties and serious political and economic impediments than the Turkish accession, it is absolutely essential that both sides should agree on an imaginative, constructive problem-solving approach to produce a successful conclusion to this process. The discussions in Brussels clearly indicated that accession negotiations would not be on the basis of a �business-as-usual� mandate with an emphasis on the acquis communautaire and Turkey's ability to effectively apply it at the moment of entry into the EU. The attainment of European standards with respect to democratization and liberalization, as well as changing not only certain practices and legislation, but also the public and official mindsets would be the primary goal (Whither Turkey's EU Accession? Perspectives and Problems After December 2004, Heinz Kramer at http://www.aicgs.org/c/kramer_turkeys.html ). "
More:Turkish Daily News - Turkey and the EU: How to achieve a forward-looking and 'win-win' accession by 2015?
Friday, March 25, 2005
Analysis, Part IV
MEHMET OGUTCU
PARIS - TDN Guest Writer
How will the negotiations be held?
Given that never before have there been accession negotiations that were so controversial among EU member states and so charged with uncertainties and serious political and economic impediments than the Turkish accession, it is absolutely essential that both sides should agree on an imaginative, constructive problem-solving approach to produce a successful conclusion to this process. The discussions in Brussels clearly indicated that accession negotiations would not be on the basis of a �business-as-usual� mandate with an emphasis on the acquis communautaire and Turkey's ability to effectively apply it at the moment of entry into the EU. The attainment of European standards with respect to democratization and liberalization, as well as changing not only certain practices and legislation, but also the public and official mindsets would be the primary goal (Whither Turkey's EU Accession? Perspectives and Problems After December 2004, Heinz Kramer at http://www.aicgs.org/c/kramer_turkeys.html ). "
More:Turkish Daily News - Turkey and the EU: How to achieve a forward-looking and 'win-win' accession by 2015?
Nauseated Feeling and Media
"ETYEN MAHCUPYAN03.25.2005 Friday - ISTANBUL 15:48
Nauseated Feeling and Media
In every society, the periods of rapid and chaotic metamorphoses pave the way for conservatism. Above all, if this reference to change especially is coming from 'outside' and denotes that the society adopts a new way of life, then it wouldn't be surprising if the conservatism at issue turns into xenophobia.
For our modern world, which has been nourished by the nation-state structure and nationalism, it would be seen as natural if this conservatism becomes more of an excluder and adopts more 'national' tones. As a matter of fact, the anti-EU motion is heading towards that direction�"
More:ZAMAN DAILY NEWSPAPER (2005032517813)
Nauseated Feeling and Media
In every society, the periods of rapid and chaotic metamorphoses pave the way for conservatism. Above all, if this reference to change especially is coming from 'outside' and denotes that the society adopts a new way of life, then it wouldn't be surprising if the conservatism at issue turns into xenophobia.
For our modern world, which has been nourished by the nation-state structure and nationalism, it would be seen as natural if this conservatism becomes more of an excluder and adopts more 'national' tones. As a matter of fact, the anti-EU motion is heading towards that direction�"
More:ZAMAN DAILY NEWSPAPER (2005032517813)
Chicago Tribune | Once-warm relations a casualty of war
"Once-warm relations a casualty of war
By Catherine Collins
Special to the Tribune
Published March 25, 2005
ISTANBUL -- When Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld blamed Turkey for the American military's continuing troubles with the insurgency in Iraq, he fanned the flames of a problem that has been smoldering for two years.
'Clearly, if we had been able to get the 4th Infantry Division in from the north through Turkey, more of the Iraqi Saddam Hussein Baathist regime would have been captured or killed,' Rumsfeld said Sunday in an interview on Fox News. 'The insurgency today would be less.'
Rumsfeld's comment was not the first time the Bush administration has laid its troubles with the insurgency at Turkey's doorstep. In fact, his remarks were only the latest round of barbs between Ankara and Washington."
More:Chicago Tribune | Once-warm relations a casualty of war
By Catherine Collins
Special to the Tribune
Published March 25, 2005
ISTANBUL -- When Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld blamed Turkey for the American military's continuing troubles with the insurgency in Iraq, he fanned the flames of a problem that has been smoldering for two years.
'Clearly, if we had been able to get the 4th Infantry Division in from the north through Turkey, more of the Iraqi Saddam Hussein Baathist regime would have been captured or killed,' Rumsfeld said Sunday in an interview on Fox News. 'The insurgency today would be less.'
Rumsfeld's comment was not the first time the Bush administration has laid its troubles with the insurgency at Turkey's doorstep. In fact, his remarks were only the latest round of barbs between Ankara and Washington."
More:Chicago Tribune | Once-warm relations a casualty of war
Thursday, March 24, 2005
European Press Review:Turkey's EU Accession "Indispensable," or Have Overtures to Ankara Gone "Too Far"?
"Turkey's EU Accession "Indispensable," or Have Overtures to Ankara Gone "Too Far"?
By Lucy Jones
Europe is in a state of �naked fear,� wrote Germany�s Die Welt on Dec. 1, prior to a mid-December European Union summit at which it was decided that Turkey can begin talks on accession to the body in 2005�provided it recognizes Cyprus.
The EU already has gone �too far� with its overtures to Ankara, the newspaper opined. The union will only be able to extricate itself at the cost of �considerable damage and a substantial loss of credibility,� it warned.
In economic terms, there are �major risks� attached to Turkey�s accession, Austria�s Die Presse editorialized Dec. 21. Turkey is �rather backward� economically, the newspaper said, adding that foreign investment is �hindered by a low level of security for property, corruption and a lack of competitiveness.�"
More:European Press Review
By Lucy Jones
Europe is in a state of �naked fear,� wrote Germany�s Die Welt on Dec. 1, prior to a mid-December European Union summit at which it was decided that Turkey can begin talks on accession to the body in 2005�provided it recognizes Cyprus.
The EU already has gone �too far� with its overtures to Ankara, the newspaper opined. The union will only be able to extricate itself at the cost of �considerable damage and a substantial loss of credibility,� it warned.
In economic terms, there are �major risks� attached to Turkey�s accession, Austria�s Die Presse editorialized Dec. 21. Turkey is �rather backward� economically, the newspaper said, adding that foreign investment is �hindered by a low level of security for property, corruption and a lack of competitiveness.�"
More:European Press Review
Panel Discussion On Turkish - American Relations In Washington
"Panel Discussion On Turkish - American Relations In Washington
Published: 3/24/2005
Latest wire from AFP
WASHINGTON - Participating in a conference in Washington, D.C., Turkish Justice and Development Party (AKP) deputy leader Murat Mercan has stated on Wednesday that Turkey and the U.S. must look at the bigger picture in their relations. ''We will soon make a decision on the requests of the U.S. vis-a-vis the Incirlik base in Adana, Turkey.''
Mercan attended a panel discussion, titled ''Could Turkish-U.S. relations be saved?'' and sponsored by conservative American Enterprise Institute (AEI). The AEI is considered to be close to the administration of President Bush. "
More:Panel Discussion On Turkish - American Relations In Washington
Published: 3/24/2005
Latest wire from AFP
WASHINGTON - Participating in a conference in Washington, D.C., Turkish Justice and Development Party (AKP) deputy leader Murat Mercan has stated on Wednesday that Turkey and the U.S. must look at the bigger picture in their relations. ''We will soon make a decision on the requests of the U.S. vis-a-vis the Incirlik base in Adana, Turkey.''
Mercan attended a panel discussion, titled ''Could Turkish-U.S. relations be saved?'' and sponsored by conservative American Enterprise Institute (AEI). The AEI is considered to be close to the administration of President Bush. "
More:Panel Discussion On Turkish - American Relations In Washington
Mercan In Washington D.C.: Turkish - United States Relations Are Not Bad
"Mercan In Washington D.C.: Turkish - United States Relations Are Not Bad
WASHINGTON D.C. - Murat Mercan, the deputy chairman of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), said on Thursday that Turkey-the United States relations were not bad as perceived by public opinion, adding that both parties had the necessary will to improve the bilateral relations.
Holding a news conference after attending a panel discussion at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI), Mercan said that he had held a series of talks with U.S. State Department and National Security Council officials. "
More:Mercan In Washington D.C.: Turkish - United States Relations Are Not Bad
WASHINGTON D.C. - Murat Mercan, the deputy chairman of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), said on Thursday that Turkey-the United States relations were not bad as perceived by public opinion, adding that both parties had the necessary will to improve the bilateral relations.
Holding a news conference after attending a panel discussion at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI), Mercan said that he had held a series of talks with U.S. State Department and National Security Council officials. "
More:Mercan In Washington D.C.: Turkish - United States Relations Are Not Bad
Europe Expects Turks To Confess Armenian Genocide First To Join EU: McCarthy
"Europe Expects Turks To Confess Armenian Genocide First To Join EU: McCarthy
Published: 3/24/2005
Latest wire from AFP
Latest world news at 01h17
Kyrgyz opposition takes over as regime collapses and looting engulfs capital
Opposition leaders in Kyrgyzstan took the reins of power after President Askar Akayev's hardline regime collapsed and looting engulfed the normally sleepy capital of the Central Asian nation.
More from AFP wire
ANKARA - American Historian Prof. Dr. Justin McCarthy of the Louisville University said on Thursday that Europe expected Turks to confess Armenian genocide first to join the European Union (EU).
``Can it be appropriate to join an institution which demands acceptance of a lie as an entrance fee? Can you enter an organization which tells you that you can join it only if you accept that your father is a murderer? Will Turkey enter the EU by telling a lie about its history?... Such a confession will make everything worse,`` said McCarthy addressing the meeting on ``Truth about Armenian Issue`` held at the Turkish parliament. "
More:Europe Expects Turks To Confess Armenian Genocide First To Join EU: McCarthy
Published: 3/24/2005
Latest wire from AFP
Latest world news at 01h17
Kyrgyz opposition takes over as regime collapses and looting engulfs capital
Opposition leaders in Kyrgyzstan took the reins of power after President Askar Akayev's hardline regime collapsed and looting engulfed the normally sleepy capital of the Central Asian nation.
More from AFP wire
ANKARA - American Historian Prof. Dr. Justin McCarthy of the Louisville University said on Thursday that Europe expected Turks to confess Armenian genocide first to join the European Union (EU).
``Can it be appropriate to join an institution which demands acceptance of a lie as an entrance fee? Can you enter an organization which tells you that you can join it only if you accept that your father is a murderer? Will Turkey enter the EU by telling a lie about its history?... Such a confession will make everything worse,`` said McCarthy addressing the meeting on ``Truth about Armenian Issue`` held at the Turkish parliament. "
More:Europe Expects Turks To Confess Armenian Genocide First To Join EU: McCarthy
Turkish Daily News - The Beginning of the Armenian Relocation
"The Beginning of the Armenian Relocation
Monday, March 21, 2005
Turkish people were struggling to survive. Enemies -- those within the country as well as those abroad -- seemed determined to destroy Turks this time, having considered them subhuman. Toynbee says that the disintegration of an empire is the most 'painful' phenomenon in the human adventure called history. The Ottoman Empire was going through the final phase of that process "
More:Turkish Daily News - The Beginning of the Armenian Relocation
Monday, March 21, 2005
Turkish people were struggling to survive. Enemies -- those within the country as well as those abroad -- seemed determined to destroy Turks this time, having considered them subhuman. Toynbee says that the disintegration of an empire is the most 'painful' phenomenon in the human adventure called history. The Ottoman Empire was going through the final phase of that process "
More:Turkish Daily News - The Beginning of the Armenian Relocation
Is Turkey Europe? Viennese weigh in
"Is Turkey Europe? Viennese weigh in New Feature
By Carter Dougherty International Herald Tribune
Thursday, March 24, 2005
Kunsthalle takes a provocative look
VIENNA When it blanketed its fa�ade with dozens of red-and-white Turkish flags, the Kunsthalle Wien was pushing every button it could to feed an already contentious debate in Austria about Turkey's place in Europe.
.
The contemporary art gallery in the center of the city titled the installation 'Kanack Attack,' using a slang German label for a Turk that is crudely insulting or highly playful, depending on who is doing the talking. The display's subtitle, 'the third Turkish siege,' evokes centuries-old images here of the Islamic empire that almost succeeded in conquering Vienna.
.
And the gallery's proclamation that it was 'transforming the Kunsthalle into a Turkish tent' implied that unlike past sieges of Vienna - when vast Turkish armies pitched camp on the outskirts but never got in - this time will be different."
More:Is Turkey Europe? Viennese weigh in
By Carter Dougherty International Herald Tribune
Thursday, March 24, 2005
Kunsthalle takes a provocative look
VIENNA When it blanketed its fa�ade with dozens of red-and-white Turkish flags, the Kunsthalle Wien was pushing every button it could to feed an already contentious debate in Austria about Turkey's place in Europe.
.
The contemporary art gallery in the center of the city titled the installation 'Kanack Attack,' using a slang German label for a Turk that is crudely insulting or highly playful, depending on who is doing the talking. The display's subtitle, 'the third Turkish siege,' evokes centuries-old images here of the Islamic empire that almost succeeded in conquering Vienna.
.
And the gallery's proclamation that it was 'transforming the Kunsthalle into a Turkish tent' implied that unlike past sieges of Vienna - when vast Turkish armies pitched camp on the outskirts but never got in - this time will be different."
More:Is Turkey Europe? Viennese weigh in
EUbusiness - Spain says Turkey must honour EU obligations towards Cyprus
"Spain says Turkey must honour EU obligations towards CyprusDocument Actions 24/03/2005
Turkey should not only extend a European Union customs accord to include Cyprus before October but also honour that obligation toward the new EU member state, Spain's Foreign Minister Miguel Angel Moratinos said Thursday. 'In international relations, you sign something to implement it,' said Moratinos during a visit to Cyprus where he held talks with President Tassos Papadopoulos, the Greek Cypriot leader, and Foreign Minister George Iacovou. 'If you sign an agreement in international diplomatic life, you sign to implement it,' he added. The Spanish minister was commenting on Nicosia's concerns that Turkey may grudgingly sign the accord but shirk it, because it would need ratification from the Turkish parliament. Cyprus is the only EU member with which Turkey has no formal diplomatic ties. "
More:EUbusiness - Spain says Turkey must honour EU obligations towards Cyprus
Turkey should not only extend a European Union customs accord to include Cyprus before October but also honour that obligation toward the new EU member state, Spain's Foreign Minister Miguel Angel Moratinos said Thursday. 'In international relations, you sign something to implement it,' said Moratinos during a visit to Cyprus where he held talks with President Tassos Papadopoulos, the Greek Cypriot leader, and Foreign Minister George Iacovou. 'If you sign an agreement in international diplomatic life, you sign to implement it,' he added. The Spanish minister was commenting on Nicosia's concerns that Turkey may grudgingly sign the accord but shirk it, because it would need ratification from the Turkish parliament. Cyprus is the only EU member with which Turkey has no formal diplomatic ties. "
More:EUbusiness - Spain says Turkey must honour EU obligations towards Cyprus
The Australian: Turkey to fight genocide claims [March 25, 2005]
"Turkey to fight genocide claims
From correspondents in Ankara, Turkey
March 25, 2005
TURKEY has enlisted the help of a United States historian today as part of its campaign to counter damaging, decades-old claims Armenians suffered genocide at Ottoman Turkish hands during and after World War I.
Turkey is worried the 90th anniversary of the alleged genocide on April 24 will trigger a fresh outpouring of sympathy for the Armenians which could harm Turkey's image and even derail the planned start of European Union entry talks in October.
Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan went on the offensive earlier this month, calling for an impartial study of the genocide claims and declaring Turkey's archives open to all scholars."
More:The Australian: Turkey to fight genocide claims [March 25, 2005]
From correspondents in Ankara, Turkey
March 25, 2005
TURKEY has enlisted the help of a United States historian today as part of its campaign to counter damaging, decades-old claims Armenians suffered genocide at Ottoman Turkish hands during and after World War I.
Turkey is worried the 90th anniversary of the alleged genocide on April 24 will trigger a fresh outpouring of sympathy for the Armenians which could harm Turkey's image and even derail the planned start of European Union entry talks in October.
Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan went on the offensive earlier this month, calling for an impartial study of the genocide claims and declaring Turkey's archives open to all scholars."
More:The Australian: Turkey to fight genocide claims [March 25, 2005]
Turkish Daily News - Schuessel excludes Turkey�s full entry to EU
"Schuessel excludes Turkey�s full entry to EU
Thursday, March 24, 2005
ANKARA - Turkish Daily News
Austrian Chancellor Wolfgang Schuessel, ending a temporary cessation of remarks opposing Turkey's European Union bid, said that full EU membership was not the only option for Turkey, reported the Anatolia news agency yesterday.
In an interview with Austrian daily Kurier, Schuessel nevertheless said he supports the start of accession talks between Ankara and Brussels, slated for Oct. 3, as it would help Turkey move closer to Europe. "
More:Turkish Daily News - Schuessel excludes Turkey�s full entry to EU
Thursday, March 24, 2005
ANKARA - Turkish Daily News
Austrian Chancellor Wolfgang Schuessel, ending a temporary cessation of remarks opposing Turkey's European Union bid, said that full EU membership was not the only option for Turkey, reported the Anatolia news agency yesterday.
In an interview with Austrian daily Kurier, Schuessel nevertheless said he supports the start of accession talks between Ankara and Brussels, slated for Oct. 3, as it would help Turkey move closer to Europe. "
More:Turkish Daily News - Schuessel excludes Turkey�s full entry to EU
Turkish Daily News - Wanted: A premier with sense of humor and some tolerance!
"Wanted: A premier with sense of humor and some tolerance!
Thursday, March 24, 2005
TDN editorial by Yusuf KANLI
Yusuf KANLI
Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan -- who in the past portrayed himself as a champion of free speech -- has just sued yet another political cartoonist who poked fun at him. Erdogan has opened a new front in his war on his critics and ordered his lawyers to file a libel case against Erdil Yasaroglu and Pak Publishing, owner and publisher of Penguen cartoon magazine, on grounds that he was humiliated by a Feb. 24, 2005 magazine cover, a potpourri of drawings by eight cartoonists of Erdogan's head attached to a variety of animal bodies."
More:Turkish Daily News - Wanted: A premier with sense of humor and some tolerance!
Thursday, March 24, 2005
TDN editorial by Yusuf KANLI
Yusuf KANLI
Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan -- who in the past portrayed himself as a champion of free speech -- has just sued yet another political cartoonist who poked fun at him. Erdogan has opened a new front in his war on his critics and ordered his lawyers to file a libel case against Erdil Yasaroglu and Pak Publishing, owner and publisher of Penguen cartoon magazine, on grounds that he was humiliated by a Feb. 24, 2005 magazine cover, a potpourri of drawings by eight cartoonists of Erdogan's head attached to a variety of animal bodies."
More:Turkish Daily News - Wanted: A premier with sense of humor and some tolerance!
Turkish Daily News - Turkey and the EU: How to achieve a forward-looking 'win-win' accession by 2015?
"Turkey and the EU: How to achieve a forward-looking 'win-win' accession by 2015?
Thursday, March 24, 2005
Analysis, Part III
MEHMET OGUTCU
PARIS - TDN Guest Writer
'It's the economy, stupid' approach?
The chances of Turkish accession will be stronger if Turkey can continue its recent economic recovery and turn it into sustainable growth over the next decade. This will reduce or eliminate concerns on the side of the EU about accession being too costly and too destabilizing in economic and social terms. "
More:Turkish Daily News - Turkey and the EU: How to achieve a forward-looking 'win-win' accession by 2015?
Thursday, March 24, 2005
Analysis, Part III
MEHMET OGUTCU
PARIS - TDN Guest Writer
'It's the economy, stupid' approach?
The chances of Turkish accession will be stronger if Turkey can continue its recent economic recovery and turn it into sustainable growth over the next decade. This will reduce or eliminate concerns on the side of the EU about accession being too costly and too destabilizing in economic and social terms. "
More:Turkish Daily News - Turkey and the EU: How to achieve a forward-looking 'win-win' accession by 2015?
Turkish Daily News - Will we be forced to pay the price?
"Will we be forced to pay the price?
Thursday, March 24, 2005
Two leading names in the Bush administrations have recently reminded us about the rejection of the bill that would have allowed US troop deployment via Turkey. They are saying, 'If Turkey had allowed it, we would have been in better shape in Iraq today.' I wonder if Turkey is going to share responsibility for developments in the war "
More:Turkish Daily News - Will we be forced to pay the price?
Thursday, March 24, 2005
Two leading names in the Bush administrations have recently reminded us about the rejection of the bill that would have allowed US troop deployment via Turkey. They are saying, 'If Turkey had allowed it, we would have been in better shape in Iraq today.' I wonder if Turkey is going to share responsibility for developments in the war "
More:Turkish Daily News - Will we be forced to pay the price?