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Thursday, June 30, 2005

RADIO FREE EUROPE/Turkish Leader Making Official Visit To Azerbaijan

"Turkish Leader Making Official Visit To Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan -- Map x
(RFE/RL)
30 June 2005 (RFE/RL) -- Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev and Recep Tayyip Erdogan are due to hold talks today in Bak during Erdogan's first official visit to Azerbaijan as Turkish prime minister.

The Turkish and Azeri sides are expected to sign a number of documents, and the the Turkish leader is expected to address Azeri parliamentarians and meet with Turkish and Azeri business people.

Reports say the Azeri and Turkish leaders are expected to discuss issues including cooperation in the oil-and-gas industry and steps toward a possible settlement of Azerbaijan's dispute with Armenia over Nagorno-Karabakh.

Reports have said the Turkish leader is also expected to urge Azerbaijan to pursue democratic reforms ahead of the country's November elections.

Earlier this week in an interview with CNN-Turk television, Aliyev said he ruled out the possibility of a popular uprising in Azerbaijan similar to those that occurred in Georgia, Ukraine and Kyrgyzstan.

Aliyev however pledged that the November vote would be "bright, democratic and transparent." "
RADIO FREE EUROPE/Turkish Leader Making Official Visit To Azerbaijan

Guardian Unlimited | Special reports | Commission keeps Turkish EU hopes alive

"Commission keeps Turkish EU hopes alive

Nicholas Watt, European editor
Thursday June 30, 2005
The Guardian

An attempt to end Turkey's 40-year campaign to join the EU was defeated yesterday during a lengthy and heated row among European commissioners in Brussels.

Jose Manuel Barroso, the president of the European commission, saw off a group who argued that Ankara should merely be given "privileged partnership" rather than full EU membership."

More:Guardian Unlimited | Special reports | Commission keeps Turkish EU hopes alive

The Washington Times- Kerchief symbol of political woes

"WORLD BRIEFINGS

By Nicolas Birch
THE WASHINGTON TIMES
June 29, 2005

ISTANBUL -- Graduation celebrations this month were tarnished at a few universities by decisions to bar entry to female relatives wearing kerchiefs.
'I was turned away like a common criminal,' wept Sabire Karsi, sitting outside Ataturk University in Erzurum, where the youngest of her sons was receiving his degree. Her elder son died in the army fighting Kurdish separatists in 1995.
'This was an isolated and provocative event,' said university rector Yasar Sutbeyaz. 'Carrying out the state's instructions makes the state strong.' He was referring to the touchstone of Turkish republicanism, its staunch secularism. "

More:Kerchief symbol of political woes-The Washington Times

Leeds Today: Hottest ticket in town

"Hottest ticket in town
Action is steamy as show transfers to the Turkish baths
By Howard Williamson
HARROGATE Theatre is swapping its safety curtain for a bathrobe next month as it goes walk-about.
The cast of the poignant comedy Steaming will promenade around the sumptuous Turkish Baths with the audience in tow.
Innovative artistic director Hannah Chissick opted for a natural setting for the play where the action takes place at the local baths.
Here six very different women find companionship, relax, escape their daily chores and share their secrets and desires. When the baths are threatened with closure, they determine not to go without a fight."

More:Leeds Today: News, Sport, Jobs, Property, Cars, Entertainments & More

TURKISH DIPLOMAT MADE PUBLIC REPORT ON VISIT TO ARMENIA

"TURKISH DIPLOMAT MADE PUBLIC REPORT ON VISIT TO ARMENIA

30.06.2005 05:01

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Member of the Justice and Development Party headed by Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan Turhan Comez has made public the report on his two-day visit to Armenia. As reported by NTV Turkish channel, the report notes that a working group including MPs of Armenia and Turkey needs to be formed to settle bilateral issues. Simultaneously Ankara has to support development of commercial relations with Yerevan, specifically shuttle business. The document indicates that Armenian Diaspora representatives send $1 billion to Armenia annually. In the opinion of the Turkish MP, the Soros Foundation and the US Government influence grow in Armenia today and this is first of all due to the preparation of deployment of American military bases in the South Caucasus region. "

More: TURKISH DIPLOMAT MADE PUBLIC REPORT ON VISIT TO ARMENIA

EUPolitix.com - EU pushes Turkish membership

"EU pushes Turkish membership

The European Commission has announced it will plough on with Turkish EU membership, despite internal divisions and fierce debate over Ankara's admittance to the EU bloc.

Brussels adopted a draft mandate to start negotiations on October 3, after an extended and 'argumentative' meeting of all 25 commissioners on Wednesday, reflecting differing views within the commission on Turkey's EU entry."

More:EUPolitix.com - EU pushes Turkish membership

BBC NEWS | World | Europe | A six-month charge for EU glory

"...The good news for the UK is that the new German government may be more enthusiastic about economic liberalisation - the bad news is that it may be opposed to the start of membership talks with Turkey on 3 October.

This is a top priority of the UK presidency, but one that may not be easy to deliver.

Enthusiasm for further EU enlargement, and especially for Turkish membership, has waned sharply in some countries since the French and Dutch votes on the constitution - even the European Commission had a 'lively debate' on the matter before issuing its proposed framework for the negotiations on 29 June...."

More:BBC NEWS | World | Europe | A six-month charge for EU glory

JTW News - Foreign Parliaments to be Warned About Armenian Claims

"Foreign Parliaments to be Warned About Armenian Claims
TNA Parliament Bureau /Ankara

Human Rights Commission works to counter 'genocide' claim campaign

Parliament Human Rights Commission Chairman Mehmet Elkatmis announced yesterday that the commission will sent to all foreign parliaments a statement to head off misunderstandings about the so-called Armenian genocide claims."

More:JTW News - Foreign Parliaments to be Warned About Armenian Claims

Turkey takes step closer to EU membership

"Turkey takes step closer to EU membership
30/06/2005

The EU commission has recommended Turkey receive European Union membership but not before 2014.

Commissioners meeting in Brussels concluded Ankara should meet six legislative reforms before 'open-ended' accession talks could be set in train on October 3rd.

The predominantly Muslim state has been pressed to improve its human rights record and extend a free-trade accord with the EU to Cyprus."
Turkey takes step closer to EU membership

Turkish leaders respond to EU reservations, say EU would be stronger with Turkey?

"Turkish leaders respond to EU reservations, say EU would be stronger with Turkey?

2005/6/30
ISTANBUL, Turkey (AP)

Turkey's justice minister stressed Wednesday that the European Union would be stronger with predominantly Muslim Turkey than without it, just as the EU formally proposed to open membership talks with the longtime EU candidate despite widespread reservations.

Membership for the poor nation of 71 million is a flashpoint in Europe. EU leaders suggested on Wednesday that Turkey's membership is not guaranteed, that it could take more than a decade, and that some sort of privileged partnership short of full membership could be a possibility."

More:Turkish leaders respond to EU reservations, say EU would be stronger with Turkey?

Wednesday, June 29, 2005

FT.com /- Nervousness about EU enlargement

"Nervousness about EU enlargement
Published: June 30 2005 03:00 | Last updated: June 30 2005 03:00

Last month's referendums in France and the Netherlands are widely assumed by many European Union leaders to have been a protest against enlargement, a cri de coeur against loss of control, identity and possibly even livelihood as Europe's borders expanded yet again. This thesis, of course, conveniently deflects any blame from the aforesaid leaders, who have been wilfully negligent in selling the visible successes of enlargement at a time when Europe risks sinking into a diffuse and morbid fear of globalisation."

More:FT.com - Nervousness about EU enlargement

Turkey faces fresh obstacle on rocky road to joining EU - World - Times Online

"Turkey faces fresh obstacle on rocky road to joining EU
From Rory Watson in Brussels
THE European Commission raised a new obstruction to Turkey’s EU membership yesterday when it said that a key factor in the negotiations would be the existing union’s ability to absorb financially and politically the huge Muslim country."

More:Turkey faces fresh obstacle on rocky road to joining EU - World - Times Online

EU unveils draft rules for talks on Turkey

"EU unveils draft rules for talks on Turkey
By Graham Bowley International Herald Tribune

THURSDAY, JUNE 30, 2005
BRUSSELS Amid stiffening public skepticism in Europe, the European Commission on Wednesday unveiled draft negotiating rules for membership talks with Turkey, setting the toughest conditions yet for a country seeking to join the European Union."
More:EU unveils draft rules for talks on Turkey - Europe - International Herald Tribune

JTW News - Erdogan urges Swedes to invest in Turkish tourism

"Erdogan urges Swedes to invest in Turkish tourism
ANKARA - Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan called on Swedish businessmen to invest in Turkey's tourism industry late Monday, during his meeting with visiting Swedish Parliament Speaker Bjorn von Sydow.

Erdogan expressed his pleasure at the strength of trade relations between Turkey and Sweden.

Erdogan also thanked Sweden for its support for Turkey's European Union membership bid. "

More:JTW News - Erdogan urges Swedes to invest in Turkish tourism

JTW News - Turks' votes add 5 Turkish deputies to Bulgarian Parliament

"Turks' votes add 5 Turkish deputies to Bulgarian Parliament
Turkish voters played an important role in the Bulgarian parliamentary elections on Sunday. Five Turkish deputies were added to the Turkish Movement for Rights and Freedoms (HOH) Party's ranks in the Bulgarian Parliament, with the help of Turks' votes.
According to unofficial results, the HOH Party has 33 deputies in the Parliament. The number of deputies from the party has therefore reached its highest level in the last 15 years.

The HOH Party was able to gain the representation of 21 deputies in the Bulgarian Parliament in the 2001 elections."

JTW News - Turks' votes add 5 Turkish deputies to Bulgarian Parliament

Euro-reporters.com -Rich Europe's Turkic animosity

"Rich Europe's Turkic animosity
Written by Brussels journalist David Ferguson
Wednesday, 29 June 2005
'I hope that at least one Member State in the Council will pull the emergency chord and stop this proposal by the Commission,' said Christian Democrat MEP Elmar Brok, speaking just after the European Commission presented its framework for negotiating EU membership with Turkey. Brok, along with other conservative MEPs from rich older Member States like France and the Netherlands, believes the Commission has not understood the Zeitgeist. 'Today's decision by the Commission on Turkey shows that the Commission has not recognised what its job is, which is to lead the European Union out of its current crisis,' said Brok, who is chair of the European Parliament Foreign Affairs Committee."

More:Euro-reporters.com - Rich Europe's Turkic animosity

Turkish businessman freed in Iraq after 6 months in captivity - Forbes.com

"Turkish businessman freed in Iraq after 6 months in captivity
06.29.2005, 04:06 PM

ANKARA (AFX) - A Turkish businessman held by militants in Iraq since January has been freed and is now in the custody of Turkish diplomats in Baghdad, a senior Turkish official said.
Abdulkadir Tanrikulu 'is now at the Turkish embassy in Baghdad and preparations are under way to bring him back,' the diplomat said."

More:Turkish businessman freed in Iraq after 6 months in captivity - Forbes.com

CANOE -- Turkish oil wrestling champ wants sport brought to other countries

"Turkish oil wrestling champ wants sport brought to other countries
By BENJAMIN HARVEY

EDIRNE, Turkey (AP) - To an Ottoman band's relentless drum pounding and whirring of clarinets, Saban Yilmaz entered the wrestling stadium and poured two full pitchers of extra virgin olive oil over his hulking torso.

After nearly an hour of slow, deliberate grappling and a few blunt slaps that sent oil and sweat spraying onto the uncut grass, Yilmaz tossed his opponent onto his back in an explosion of strength to win the 644th annual Kirkpinar oil wrestling championship - one of the world's oldest sporting events."

More:CANOE -Turkish oil wrestling champ wants sport brought to other countries

Scotsman.com News - EU Forges Ahead with Turkey Talks Amid Misgivings

"EU Forges Ahead with Turkey Talks Amid Misgivings

'PA'

The European Commission today formally proposed opening membership talks with Turkey on October 3, but acknowledged there are misgivings within the European Union about Turkish membership.

EU Enlargement Commissioner Ollie Rehn said the 25-member EU executive took the decision after “a lengthy, argumentative and very political debate” reflecting lingering misgivings about bringing a relatively poor, overwhelmingly Muslim nation into the fold at a time when the EU is suffering a crisis of confidence about the future of European integration."

More:Scotsman.com News - EU Forges Ahead with Turkey Talks Amid Misgivings

EUobserver.com-EU adopts rigorous negotiation rules for Turkey

"EU adopts rigorous negotiation rules for Turkey
29.06.2005 - 18:14 CET | By Elitsa Vucheva

EUOBSERVER / BRUSSELS - The European Commission adopted on Wednesday (29 June) the guidelines on which accession negotiations with Turkey will be based, with enlargement commissioner Olli Rehn defining them as the most severe adopted so far by the EU executive."

More:EUobserver.com-EU adopts rigorous negotiation rules for Turkey

Expatica -EU tables tough roadmap for Turkey entry talks

"EU tables tough roadmap for Turkey entry talks

29 June 2005

BRUSSELS - The European Commission on Wednesday approved tough conditions for opening European Union membership talks with Turkey as senior officials said Ankara's long-standing bid to join the 25-nation club may still end in failure.

'The shared objective of the negotiations is accession,' E.U. enlargement chief Olli Rehn told reporters."

More:Expatica -EU tables tough roadmap for Turkey entry talks

ScreenDaily.com - Crossing The Bridge: The Sound Of Istanbul

"Crossing The Bridge: The Sound Of Istanbul

Dir/scr: Fatih Akin. Ger. 2005. 90mins.

Following on the heels of his Golden Bear win for Head-On at last year's Berlin Film Festival, Turkish-German filmmaker Fatih Akin shows a different side of his artistic personality in Crossing The Bridge: The Sound Of Istanbul, a loving musical homage to that glorious city straddling Asia and Europe."

More:ScreenDaily.com - Crossing The Bridge: The Sound Of Istanbul

Nine items stolen from Istanbul museum

"Nine items stolen from Istanbul museum
By ASSOCIATED PRESS

ISTANBUL, Turkey

Thieves broke into a depot at Istanbul's Topkapi Palace museum and ran off with nine Ottoman artifacts, officials and police said Wednesday."

More:Jerusalem Post |Nine items stolen from Istanbul museum

EU's Rehn says Turkey 'partnership' mulled instead of entry - Forbes.com

"EU's Rehn says Turkey 'partnership' mulled instead of entry
06.29.2005, 02:15 PM

BRUSSELS (AFX) - The EU's enlargement chief conceded that the option of offering Turkey a 'privileged partnership' rather than entry has been discussed in Brussels, amid growing doubts fueled by the bloc's crisis. "

More:EU's Rehn says Turkey 'partnership' mulled instead of entry - Forbes.com

Cyprus regrets near loss of EU funds for Turkish Cypriots

"Cyprus regrets near loss of EU funds for Turkish Cypriots
CNA - NICOSIA-Cyprus - 29/6/2005 18:04
1805:CYPPRESS:06

Cyprus regrets near loss of EU funds for Turkish Cypriots

Nicosia, Jun 29 (CNA) -- Cypriot Minister of Foreign Affairs George Iacovou has expressed regret that a substantial amount of European Union funds, destined for the economic growth of the Turkish Cypriots, is at risk of not being delivered to them following disagreement among EU members.

He said the current EU presidency, Luxembourg, had secured Turkish Cypriot approval to allocate the funds but Ankara's direct interference had led Tuesday's negotiations to failure.

''We regret this development because it was us who had proposed that these funds be allocated to the Turkish Cypriots and for various political reasons several countries have essentially refused to approve the economic assistance,'' he said."
Cyprus regrets near loss of EU funds for Turkish Cypriots

Anti- P.K.K. Demonstration In Agri

"Anti- P.K.K. Demonstration In Agri

AGRI - A demonstration against terrorist organization PKK was held in Taslicay town of eastern city of Agri today. Nearly 1500 people gathered in front of Ataturk Monument for the demonstration."

More:Anti- P.K.K. Demonstration In Agri

The E.U. Is Not Aware Of The Benefits Of Turkish Membership

"Keller: The E.U. Is Not Aware Of The Benefits Of Turkish Membership
DENIZLI - Jeremy Keller, Trade Attache at the U.S. Consulate General, has indicated today that the European Union is not aware of the benefits of Turkish membership.

Keller talked on Turkish-U.S. and Turkish-EU relations at a conference on Anatolia-U.S. Bridge Meetings, and organized at the Denizli Industrial Region by the Turkish-American Business Council (TAEK).

''The EU is having difficulty with its identity. The referendums in France and the Netherlands indicate so. The EU is now busy with its own problems and has ended its interest in problems of individual states for the time being. The EU is not aware of the benefits that Turkish membership would provide. The U.S. supports Turkey's bid to join the EU. Turkish membership in the EU would be beneficial for the U.S. also in terms of quality and standards. If Turkey can conduct successful negotiations and be patient, everything will go smoothly. The 'no' votes in the referendums of France and the Netherlands have to do with the negative feelings of the peoples vis-a-vis their governments. This is a long process. Turkey needs at least 10 years or more in order to join the union,'' told Keller."

More:The E.U. Is Not Aware Of The Benefits Of Turkish Membership

Turkey Should Become A Regional Base For U.S. Investments, Nas

"Turkey Should Become A Regional Base For U.S. Investments, Nas
ANKARA - ''Turkey's real goal should be becoming 'a regional base' for U.S. investments and trade,'' Adnan Nas, the Chairman of Turkish-American Businessmen's Association, said on Sunday.

In an exclusive interview with the A.A, Nas said that Turkish private sector should also exert efforts to get more share from U.S. foreign trade volume worth 3 trillion USD.

Nas stated that Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan's scheduled visit to the United States in coming days would help inform U.S. investors about Turkey and Turkish economy.

Turkey exported goods worth 4.8 billion USD to the United States, while imported goods worth 4.7 billion USD from this country in 2004.

Turkey mainly imports industrial products from the United States, and exports textile to this country."
Turkey Should Become A Regional Base For U.S. Investments, Nas

Scotsman.com News - Latest News - EU to Present Draft Entry Plan for Turkey

"EU to Present Draft Entry Plan for Turkey
The European Union head office in Brussels is to present its proposed road map for negotiating membership talks with Turkey today – negotiations that are expected to last at least a decade.

The plan for membership talks moves the 25-nation bloc a step closer to opening negotiations with Turkey, which are expected to start ON October 3 if the country meets all entry requirements."

More:Scotsman.com News - Latest News - EU to Present Draft Entry Plan for Turkey

Euro-reporters.com - Brussels journalists on Wider Europe

"Turkey negotiating framework
Written by Brussels journalist David Ferguson
Wednesday, 29 June 2005
Today, the European Commission presents its framework for negotiating with Turkey over EU membership. Last December, EU leaders agreed to start talks with Ankara on 3 October, if Turkey fulfilled the preliminary conditions.

Following Dutch and French rejection of the proposed European constitution, a growing number of leading EU politicians have been arguing that enlargement should be put on hold for Turkey. 'We must hold up enlargement at least until institutions have been modernised. Europe cannot enlarge for ever,' said French Interior Minister Nicolas Sarkozy on Monday. Angela Merkel, German Christian Democratic leader likely to take over from current Chancellor Gerhard Schr�der after September elections, is also against Ankara joining the 25-member bloc."

More:Euro-reporters.com - Brussels journalists on Wider Europe

Italian Investors Look For Turkish Partners

"Italian Investors Look For Turkish Partners
Published: 6/28/2005

ISTANBUL - Turkish and Italian businessmen gathered in a meeting held in Turkish commercial hub of Istanbul by the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Turkey in collaboration with Milan and Modena Chambers of Commerce."

More:Italian Investors Look For Turkish Partners

Turkish Daily News - Turkey must continue on its road

"Turkey must continue on its road
Wednesday, June 29, 2005

TDN editorial by Yusuf KANLI

The European Union is passing through -- indeed plunging further into -- one of the worst crises since its inception. We might not be happy watching it, but in this crisis atmosphere there is and will be some fallout over Turkey's EU ambitions. We had better realize that this is a time during which Turkey must avoid emotional uproar and remain as dedicated and committed as ever to its European vocation."

More:Turkish Daily News - Turkey must continue on its road

Turkish Daily News - Who claims Turks are culturally different?

"Who claims Turks are culturally different?
Wednesday, June 29, 2005

AYÅžE OZGUN

Sunday was an exceptional day in the village of Al�ıtepe (the old Kirte) on the Gelibolu (Gallipoli) Peninsula. I had the privilege of being one of the guests at an evening celebration of unexpected harmony and joy. But let me start at the beginning."

More:Turkish Daily News - Who claims Turks are culturally different?

EUobserver.com-EU set to respect commitments to Turkey

"EU set to respect commitments to Turkey
29.06.2005 - 09:59 CET | By Elitsa Vucheva

The European Commission is set to approve a framework for negotiations with Turkey today, reaffirming commitments already taken towards the country.

According to the document, which constitutes the main guiding principles on which accession talks will be started, the goal remains full membership - not to occur before 2014 though, Reuters reports."

More:EUobserver.com-EU set to respect commitments to Turkey

'Negotiations Start on October 3; US Recognition of TRNC a Dream'

"'Negotiations Start on October 3; US Recognition of TRNC a Dream'
By Ali H. Aslan, Selcuk Gultasli
Published: Wednesday June 29, 2005
zaman.com

As long as no excuses for Turkey are raised, the US think membership talks with the European Union (EU) will 'most probably' start on October 3; however, the process will be problematic in the short run."

More:'Negotiations Start on October 3; US Recognition of TRNC a Dream'

JTW News - Tope US law students study in Istanbul

"Top US law students study in Istanbul
Yeditepe University in Istanbul is hosting 25 students from a top US law school for a summer course on the Turkish legal system. The students come from American University Washington College of Law and will study with members of the law faculty. Dean of Washington College of Law, Professor David Jaffe, said that Turkey is an important country not only because of its relations with the European Union but also with the Balkans, Caucasus, Central Asia and the Middle East. "

More:JTW News - Tope US law students study in Istanbul

JTW News - Turkish FM Gul Sends Positive Signals to EU

"Turkish FM Gul Sends Positive Signals to EU
Gul sends positive signals to EU on the eve of framework document release

'We have no hesitation. We will continue our way'
The New Anatolian / Sanaa, Yemen

FM says Turkey will normalize its relations with neighboring countries, including Armenia, by its own initiative. 'We don't need to hear such things from the EU,' says Gul. 'These are issues that we're already working on. Words from abroad on these issues shouldn't be seen as impositions or conditions'"

More:JTW News - Turkish FM Gul Sends Positive Signals to EU

JTW News - Talabani: An Independent Kurdistan 'Unrealistic'

"Talabani: An Independent Kurdistan 'Unrealistic'
The New Anatolian / Berlin

A future independent Kurdistan seems an unrealistic prospect, said Iraqi President Jalal Talabani late on Monday.

Speaking to German daily Der Spiegel, Talabani said that he does not dream of an independent Kurdistan. 'I dream of a developed, prosperous and modern Kurdish region within Iraq. The other dream is only for the poets. Being politicians, we have to be realistic. Think of it, if we established an independent Kurdish state, Iraq, Iran, Turkey and Syria would all impose embargoes against us. In that case, how could we travel in and out of our country?'"

More:JTW News - Talabani: An Independent Kurdistan 'Unrealistic'

EU plans tough talks on Turkey - Europe - International Herald Tribune

" EU plans tough talks on Turkey
Reuters

THURSDAY, JUNE 30, 2005
BRUSSELS The European Union's executive branch was expected to propose a plan Wednesday for membership talks with Turkey amid rising skepticism over EU expansion.

The plan, a European Commission draft negotiating mandate, must be approved by all 25 member states. And there may be wrangling now that the climate has become less favorable to Turkey in the six months since EU leaders agreed to open the negotiations."

More:EU plans tough talks on Turkey - Europe - International Herald Tribune

Turkish Daily News - EU envoy meets with Turkish Cypriot leadership

"EU envoy meets with Turkish Cypriot leadership
Wednesday, June 29, 2005

ANKARA - Turkish Daily News

Despite a disappointing collapse of talks between Turkish and Greek Cypriots initiated by the European Commission two weeks ago in Brussels, the European Union executive has been continuing its efforts to play a more active role in easing the international isolation of the Turkish Cypriots by conducting separate talks with both parties on the divided island."

mORE:Turkish Daily News - EU envoy meets with Turkish Cypriot leadership

ekathimerini.com | About 150 peaceful demonstrators hang...

"About 150 peaceful demonstrators hang...


PAVLOS MAKRIDIS/ANA

About 150 peaceful demonstrators hang a banner calling for Greek authorities to grant political asylum to Kurd Zulkuf Murat Bora after taking over Thessaloniki’s White Tower for three hours yesterday. The Kurdish refugee, who has been on a hunger strike for six weeks, is wanted in Turkey as an alleged member of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party, or PKK. Bora has been granted temporary residency but his petition for asylum was turned down."

More:ekathimerini.com | About 150 peaceful demonstrators hang...

PanARMENIAN Network: Y. MERZLYAKOV: TURKEY'S POSITION IMPORTANT FOR KARABAKH SETTLEMENT

"Y. MERZLYAKOV: TURKEY'S POSITION IMPORTANT FOR KARABAKH SETTLEMENT

29.06.2005 02:31

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ “Elmar Mamedyarov was right to say that agreement on two points of the negotiation process has been achieved. I suppose it was achieved on the basis of mutual concessions”, OSCE Minsk Group Russian Co-Chair Yuri Merzlyakovstated, APA Azeri news agency reports. When asked whether these agreements can be confirmed by the Presidents he said, “If a definition admissible for both states is set, I think there is such a possibility.” At the same time he refrained from commenting on the details. When asked how the visit of Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan to Baku can tell on the Turkish-Armenian relations, the Russian Co-Chair noted, “I always supposed that Turkey’s position is important for the Karabakh conflict settlement. The normalization of the Turkish-Armenian relations will have a great impact on the situation in the region.” It should be noted that when commenting on Elmar Mamedyarov’s statement Armenian Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian stated that partial agreement was achieved on one point only. “There are details we disagree on, but I am convinced that they will be resolved and we will proceed to the settlement of other issues”, the RA FM said."

PanARMENIAN Network: News from Armenia - Y. MERZLYAKOV: TURKEY'S POSITION IMPORTANT FOR KARABAKH SETTLEMENT

'Turkey's EU Membership Process will be Killed'

"'Turkey's EU Membership Process will be Killed'
By Foreign News Desk
Published: Wednesday June 29, 2005
zaman.com

As the European Union (EU) has not yet overcome the refusal of its two founding members of the constitution, allegedly the current situation will kill Turkey's bid."

More:'Turkey's EU Membership Process will be Killed'

Bitter’ stalemate as Talat asks EU leaders to reject decoupling of aid and trade

"‘Bitter’ stalemate as Talat asks EU leaders to reject decoupling of aid and trade
By Myria Antoniadou in Brussels

A LETTER from Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat to the Luxembourg Presidency asking EU member states not to accept the decoupling of the trade and aid regulations led to a new stalemate in the Council yesterday.
According to sources, there was a “blocking minority” in the Council ad hoc committee discussing the issue and as a result a rejection of a last-minute proposal tabled by Luxembourg. "

More:Bitter’ stalemate as Talat asks EU leaders to reject decoupling of aid and trade

Ankara worries negative mood’s impact on negotiation process

"Ankara worries negative mood’s impact on negotiation process
The document to shape the framework of the European Union negotiation process with Turkey is expected to be released in early July."

More:Ankara worries negative mood’s impact on negotiation process

Crisis-hit EU presents Turkey talks plan today - Forbes.com

"AFX News Limited
Crisis-hit EU presents Turkey talks plan today
06.29.2005, 08:40 AM

BRUSSELS (AFX) - The European Commission will present plans today on how to structure EU membership talks with Turkey, insisting that an October start date remains on track, despite the bloc's constitution crisis. "

More:Crisis-hit EU presents Turkey talks plan today - Forbes.com

JTW Comment - Reform in United Nations and Turkey

"Reform in United Nations and Turkey
Sedat LACINER

All agrees that the United Nations (UN) needs reform. The UN was established after the Second World War and based on the balance of power of that time. The US, USSR, UK, France and China became permanent members of the UN Security Council with veto power."

More:JTW Comment - Reform in United Nations and Turkey

Tuesday, June 28, 2005

Turkish Exports Exceed 70 Billion Dollars

"Turkish Exports Exceed 70 Billion Dollars
Published: 6/28/2005

ANKARA - Turkish State Minister Kursad Tuzmen said on Monday that exports from Turkey exceeded 70 billion dollars, adding ''if this trend continues, we can reach 75 million dollars in exports.''"

More:Turkish Exports Exceed 70 Billion Dollars

The Anatolia Times- Farewell Ceremony For Taschji, A Friend Of Turks...

"Farewell Ceremony For Taschji, A Friend Of Turks...
NEW YORK - A farewell ceremony was held on Monday in New Jersey for Edward Taschji, an American friend of Turks, who passed away last Wednesday (June 22nd).

The religious ceremony was held at St. Marks Syrian Orthodox Church for Taschji and his coffin was wrapped in a Turkish flag. Turkish prayers were also read in the ceremony.

Addressing the ceremony, Turkish Consul General to New York Omer Onhon said that Taschji was a man of peace who founded bridges between different cultures and peoples.

Ata Erim, chairman of the Federation of Turkish-American Associations (TADF), referred with great gratitude to the studies and services Taschji made for Turks. ''I am an Armenian, but not a traitorous one,'' Erim quoted the words of Taschji.

Edward Taschji was buried in Laurel Cemetery in New Jersey with Ataturk badge on his collar, his license plate written ''Vatan--meaning 'Motherland' in Turkish'' on it and his new book ''I am Called A Friend of Turks, Armenian Allegations, The Truth Must be Told.''

TADF met the expenses of Taschji's funeral upon the demand of Turks living in the U.S."

The Anatolia Times-Farewell Ceremony For Taschji, A Friend Of Turks...

Newhouse A1-Ancient City Welcomes Visitors to Heady Mix of Europe, Asia

"Ancient City Welcomes Visitors to Heady Mix of Europe, Asia

BY CHALLEN STEPHENS
c.2005 Newhouse News Service
ISTANBUL, Turkey -- Up a side street near the labyrinth of the Grand Bazaar, in the corner shop of a building that long ago served as a trading post for desert caravans, the apple tea arrives on a silver tray.

An assistant produces a knee-high table from behind a shelf. Across the barren showroom, the shop owner, who introduces himself as Karnash, moves his hand in a sweeping gesture of welcome, an invitation to sit and sip a while."

More:Newhouse A1-Ancient City Welcomes Visitors to Heady Mix of Europe, Asia

Turkish Daily News - Turkey bites the EU bullet

"Turkey bites the EU bullet
Tuesday, June 28, 2005

Turkish officials are putting on a brave face as the European Commission is set to discuss a framework document tomorrow for Turkey's Oct. 3 entry talks despite media reports that suggested a possible delay for the start of Turkey talks if the 25-member bloc fails to agree on the negotiation framework for the candidate country."

More:Turkish Daily News - Turkey bites the EU bullet

Women from ethnic minorities outstrip their men in the emancipation race

"Women from ethnic minorities outstrip their men in the emancipation race
by Arwen van Grafhorst, 28 June 2005

Second generation emancipationA newly published report in the Netherlands shows that women from ethnic minorities who were born here are more emancipated than their husbands, and that this is often the cause of tension within their relationships. This is also one of the main reasons why some Dutch-born Turkish and Moroccan men still prefer to choose partners who were born in Morocco or Turkey. The practise could cause significant problems for the third generation of these relative newcomers to the Netherlands."

More:Women from ethnic minorities outstrip their men in the emancipation race

blackenterprise.com-Turkey's Unemployment Rate Estimated at 10.9 Percent

"Turkey's Unemployment Rate Estimated at 10.9 Percent
2005-06-28
Xinhua News Agency - CEIS
Turkey's unemployment rate estimated at 10.9 percent

ANKARA, June 27 (Xinhua) -- Turkey's unemployment rate is estimated at 10.9 percent between February and April this year, semi- official Anatolia News Agency reported on Monday.

According to the results of "Household Labor Force Survey" published by the State Institute of Statistics (SIS), the total jobless are estimated at 2.5 million with the rate of 10.9 percent for the three-month period beginning in February.

The survey showed that the unemployment rate is 13.3 percent in urban areas and 7.5 percent in rural areas.

Meanwhile, the total employment was estimated at 21.1 million, and the employment rate was estimated at 47.1 percent.

A total of 86,743 people from 31,470 sample households were interviewed in this term."
blackenterprise.com-Turkey's Unemployment Rate Estimated at 10.9 Percent

Turkish Daily News - Turkey puts on brave EU face

"Turkey puts on brave EU face
Tuesday, June 28, 2005

Turkish officials are maintaining a stiff upper lip on the eve of a European Commission discussion on a framework document for Turkey's Oct. 3 entry talks in the face of increasing opposition within the European Union towards the candidate country's membership, causing concern over the possibility of a delay for Turkish talks."

More:Turkish Daily News - Turkey puts on brave EU face

Turks.US Daily News - WP: Are Turkey's hopes of joining the EU dead? Daily News

"WP: Are Turkey's hopes of joining the EU dead?
InternationalAn article published on Tuesday in the Washington Post reports on 'Turkey's evolving economy'. The article touches on the reasons why the Netherlands and France rejected the European Constitution, giving cause to Turkey's relatively cheap labor which it states is a worry for workers in Europe as Turkey can provide workers at 'one-sixth of the wages in Germany and France'. A discussion on how Turkey has become 'a threat' to the economies of Europe, is discussed in the article which describes Turkey in Europe's eyes as 'a nation (that could) steal manufacturing work while delivering an influx of indigent job-seekers'."

More:Turks.US Daily News - WP: Are Turkey's hopes of joining the EU dead? Daily News

'The West does not have to Love us'

"'The West does not have to Love us'

The New York Times, one of the major newspapers in the United States, recently published a news analysis entitled "Turks, nervous about EU prospects turn to USA." The article reported that a well-known businessman, addressing his colleagues at a meeting in Izmit had said, "Don't count on the European Union, our real friend is the US…" The author argued that this idea is spreading in Turkey (Craig S. Smith, June 11). It is true that following the French and Dutch "no"s to the EU draft constitution in referenda held in these countries (mainly due to the false impression that Turkey will become an EU member tomorrow), and the EU plunging into the worst crisis in its history, there are many who claim that Ankara will once more turn to Washington. "

More:The West does not have to Love us'

Reuters.co.uk-EU to present roadmap for Turkish entry talks

"EU to present roadmap for Turkish entry talks
Tue Jun 28, 2005 1:22 PM BST
By Sebastian Alison

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The European Union's executive will propose a plan on Wednesday for long-awaited membership talks with Turkey, as scepticism grows over whether the huge, poor, mainly Muslim nation belongs in the bloc at all.

The European Commission's draft negotiating mandate must be approved unanimously by the 25 member states. There may be tough wrangling in a political climate less favourable to Turkey in the six months since EU leaders agreed to open the negotiations."

More:World Reuters.co.uk-EU to present roadmap for Turkish entry talks

Newsday.com: Getting EU on track would help U.S.

"Getting EU on track would help U.S.
The admission of Turkey, Ukraine and countries of the former Yugoslavia achieves a goal of diversity

BY MICHAEL MANDELBAUM
Michael Mandelbaum is professor of American foreign policy at The Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies and the author of 'The Ideas That Conquered the World.'

June 28, 2005

The failure of the leaders of the European Union to agree on a budget at a summit meeting earlier this month in Brussels, combined with the grass-roots rejection of the proposed EU constitution by voters in France and the Netherlands, has plunged the organization into turmoil.

The EU will spend the coming months and perhaps even years reconsidering its future. One particular initiative that is now very much in doubt, expanding its membership, has particular significance for American foreign policy."

More:Newsday.com: Getting EU on track would help U.S.

JTW News - Sabanci warns: TUSAID representation important for Turkey at October 3 talks

"Sabanci warns: TUSAID representation important for Turkey at October 3 talks

Omer Sabanci, president of the the powerful Turkish Industrialists and Entrepreneurs' Association (TUSAID), has commented on the question of which business organizations, if any, would be representing Turkey during the accession talks with the EU, scheduled to start on October 3. Sabanci, who has stressed that if TUSAID is to be a part of the process, it must represent itself autonomously and not be represented by the government, said this: "If the government bases its representation on a hierarchical categorization system, we cannot accept this." Sabanci noted that the government was well aware of TUSAID's efforts regarding Turkey's EU quest, and said that whichever organizations had the po
wer and knowledge to help Turkey during the process should be included in the talks."

More:JTW News - Sabanci warns: TUSAID representation important for Turkey at October 3 talks

Turkish Daily News - Global PR body holds congress in Istanbul

"Global PR body holds congress in Istanbul
Tuesday, June 28, 2005

The International Public Relations Association (IPRA) is holding its global congress at the Hilton Convention and Exhibition Center in Istanbul on its 50th anniversary.

The congress, which opened on Monday, hosts around 400 PR experts from 51 countries and will close on June 28."

More:Turkish Daily News - Global PR body holds congress in Istanbul

Turkish Daily News - Sweden extends full support for Turkey’s EU bid

"Sweden extends full support for Turkey’s EU bid
Tuesday, June 28, 2005

Bjorn von Sydow, speaker of the Swedish Parliament, said yesterday all Swedish deputies were in favor of opening accession negotiations between Turkey and the European Union on Oct. 3 as scheduled."

More:Turkish Daily News - Sweden extends full support for Turkey’s EU bid

Turkish Daily News - Iran election results no reason for Ankara to worry

"Iran election results no reason for Ankara to worry
Tuesday, June 28, 2005

Turkey said it would continue to seek improved relations with neighboring Iran after hard-line politician Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was elected president and said the election of the conservative candidate was an internal matter for Iran. �We wish him success,� said Foreign Minister Abdullah G�l yesterday."

More:Turkish Daily News - Iran election results no reason for Ankara to worry

Turkish Daily News - Turks see France as main obstacle to Turkey's EU accession

"Turks see France as main obstacle to Turkey's EU accession
Tuesday, June 28, 2005

ANKARA - Turkish Daily News
The rejection of the European Union constitution by the French and the Dutch seems to have had a negative impact on what the Turkish people think of the union. According to a recent poll conducted by the Ankara-based International Strategic Research Institution (USAK), the Turkish public is becoming increasingly irritated with France, citing France as the main obstacle in Turkey's EU membership process."

More:Turkish Daily News - Turks see France as main obstacle to Turkey's EU accession

Turkish Daily News - GAP promotes Turkey

"GAP promotes Turkey
Tuesday, June 28, 2005

ANKARA - Turkish Daily News

Turkey's biggest and most exciting human development effort to date, the Southeastern Anatolia Project (GAP), has consumed YTL 19.5 billion, with a return investment ratio of 51 percent.
According to the Prime Ministry's GAP Administration report on the region the project, the purpose of which is to utilize the natural resources of the Southeast and improve welfare by eradicating regional income disparity, also contributes to national growth and social stability."

More:Turkish Daily News - GAP promotes Turkey

Unique Hotel Chains Brings Smile to Businessmen's Faces

"Unique Hotel Chains Brings Smile to Businessmen's Faces
By Turhan Bozkurt
Published: Tuesday June 28, 2005
zaman.com

Cities in Central Anatolia have grabbed their share of the new boom in investments in tourism as well.

Akfen Holding for example will build 60 hotels nationwide, primarily in Sivas, Kayseri, Gaziantep, Erzurum, Van and Konya with an investment of $400 million. The hotels will be managed by the Accor Group will all have the same high standards in terms of comfort and services. Akfen Holding CEO Hamdi Akin said Monday, 'We will present our customers the same comfort at a cost of $40-70.'"

More:Unique Hotel Chains Brings Smile to Businessmen's Faces

Industrialists Discover Anatolia

"Industrialists Discover Anatolia
By Ercan Baysal
Published: Tuesday June 28, 2005
zaman.com

Large capital owners, who in the past may never have considered investing in Anatolia, are now making plans to open factories in the region in order to benefit from the Encouragement Law."

More:Industrialists Discover Anatolia

EU envoy in Nicosia talks

"EU envoy in Nicosia talks

SPECIAL Advisor for Cyprus to the European Commissioner for Enlargement, Jaako Blomberg, who is currently visiting the island, held an in-depth discussion yesterday with Foreign Minister George Iacovou on the Cyprus problem and EU regulations to upgrade the economic situation of the Turkish Cypriots.

He was also briefed by House Speaker Demetris Christofias on the Greek Cypriot side's positions regarding the Cyprus problem and the difficulties in allowing direct trade between the EU and the Turkish occupied areas.

Blomberg was also received by President Tassos Papadopoulos. He will be meeting with political party leaders and will cross over into the Turkish occupied areas to meet with Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat. The Finnish diplomat departs from Cyprus this evening.
After his meeting with Blomberg, Christofias said he pointed out that Cyprus was facing “an occupation force, which is also a regional superpower, and its main tool and weapon is the Republic of Cyprus and its legitimacy, and we cannot discard it through direct trade,” between the EU and the Turkish occupied areas.
"

More:EU envoy in Nicosia talks

Talat seeks new image for Turkish Cypriot side

"Talat seeks new image for Turkish Cypriot side
By Simon Bahceli

TURKISH Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat said yesterday his administration had formally abandoned its pursuit of a separate state in the north and would do all it could to establish a united Cyprus based on the political equality of the Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities.

Speaking to journalists at his ‘presidential palace’ in northern Nicosia yesterday, Talat said the north’s change of policy “from separatist to unionist” had come about as a reaction to promises by the international community that such a shift would bring the community closer to EU membership.

“We do not embrace a separatist policy: we pursue a policy of reconciliation,” he insisted."

More:Talat seeks new image for Turkish Cypriot side

Turkey's EU Membership not Before 2025

"Turkey's EU Membership not Before 2025
By Zaman, Anadolu News Agency (aa)
Published: Tuesday June 28, 2005
The president of the European Socialist Party Poul Nyrup Rasmussen put forward, Turkish accession to the European Union (EU) could be postponed to 2025 or 2030. Upon a question about the EU enlargement, Rasmussen speaking to Austrian dail"

More:Turkey's EU Membership not Before 2025

EUPolitix.com - Turkish EU entry under pressure

"Turkish EU entry under pressure

Political pressure is growing for a suspension of Turkey’s EU entry as the European Commission prepares to open membership negotiations with Ankara.

French interior minister, and presidential hopeful, Nicolas Sarkozy has urged a freeze on further EU expansion after referendum rejections in France and the Netherlands.

“We have to suspend enlargement at least until the institutions have been modernised. Europe cannot enlarge indefinitely. Europe must have borders,” he said."

More:EUPolitix.com - Turkish EU entry under pressure

Monday, June 27, 2005

EUobserver.com:Enlargement played small role in constitution no votes

"Enlargement played small role in constitution no votes
27.06.2005 - 17:34 CET | By Honor Mahony

EUOBSERVER / BRUSSELS - An indepth voter analysis has shown that further enlargement of the EU featured very far down on the list of reasons why the French and the Dutch voted against the constitution.

A eurobarometer study saw six percent of Dutch voters say that enlargement was the reason for their no vote and only three percent say specifically that further expansion to include Turkey was the reason."

More:EUobserver.com-Enlargement played small role in constitution no votes:

Eleventh-hour call for EU to halt its talks with Turkey - World - Times Online

"Eleventh-hour call for EU to halt its talks with Turkey
By Anthony Browne, Europe Correspondent
NICOLAS SARKOZY, the French Interior Minister and a possible future president, has demanded that the European Union close its doors to Turkey, just three months before the entry talks with the Muslim country are due to start.

M Sarkozy called for the “suspension” of future EU enlargement while the union sorts out its internal political crisis by revamping its institutions."

More:Eleventh-hour call for EU to halt its talks with Turkey - World - Times Online

Expatica - Opposition throws Turkey EU talks into question

"Opposition throws Turkey EU talks into question

27 June 2005

BERLIN - Germany's conservative opposition has again thrown into question the mandate for the European Union membership talks with Turkey.

Talks between the European Union (E.U.) and Turkey are due to begin on October 3.

This will be after Germany's early national election in September, which opinion polls predict will result in a win for the Christian Democrat-led (CDU) opposition."

More:Expatica - Opposition throws Turkey EU talks into question

Viet Nam, Turkey sign diplomatic cooperation protocol

"Viet Nam, Turkey sign diplomatic cooperation protocol
06/24/2005 -- 21:28(GMT 7)

Istanbul, June 24 (VNA) - Viet Nam and Turkey signed a protocol on cooperation between the two foreign ministries during an official visit to Turkey by Vietnamese Foreign Minister Nguyen Dy Nien from June 20-23.

The protocol was the result of talks between FM Nien and Turkish Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul."

More:Viet Nam, Turkey sign diplomatic cooperation protocol

Bloomberg.com: Turkcell's Karamehmet Frets as $10 Billion Becomes $500 Million

"Turkcell's Karamehmet Frets as $10 Billion Becomes $500 Million

June 21 (Bloomberg) -- The high point for Mehmet Emin Karamehmet came on July 11, 2000, when the majority owner of Istanbul-based Turkcell Iletisim Hizmetleri AS, Turkey's largest mobile-telephone operator, stood on the podium of the New York Stock Exchange as his company became the first in Turkey to be listed on the exchange.

Sharing the moment with Karamehmet, then worth about $10 billion, were the company mascot, a large, yellow rabbit-snail hybrid; NYSE Chairman Richard Grasso; and other exchange officials. After the opening bell, the mascot led Karamehmet, Grasso and the others, all of whom wore black baseball caps with protruding yellow antennae, into the street for a round of Turkish folk dancing."

More:Bloomberg.com: Turkcell's Karamehmet Frets as $10 Billion Becomes $500 Million

Aiyar to lead CII delegation to Turkey - Sify.com

"Aiyar to lead CII delegation to Turkey
Friday, 24 June , 2005, 07:48

New Delhi: Mani Shankar Aiyar, Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, is leading a Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) business delegation to Turkey from June 28 to 30 and to Romania from July 1 to 4. In Turkey, he will address the Turkish Industrialists' and Businessmen's Association (TUSIAD) International-CII Roundtable meeting."

More:Aiyar to lead CII delegation to Turkey - Sify.com

The Anatolia Times-Soyer: Greek Cypriots Want To Have Business With Turkey Without Turkish Cypriots

"Soyer: Greek Cypriots Want To Have Business With Turkey Without Turkish Cypriots
LEFKOSA - TRNC Prime Minister Ferdi Sabit Soyer said on Tuesday that Greek Cypriots wanted to have business with Turkish business world without Turkish Cypriots.

Speaking to Bayrak tv channel broadcast in TRNC, Soyer said that Greek Cypriot flagged ships wanted to get a share from the economic potential that was going to come out when Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline started to function.

''That is why they insist on Turkey's opening its ports to Greek Cypriots,'' Soyer said.

Soyer stressed that while Greek Cypriots wanted Turkey to open its port to them, they wanted Gazimagusa port to remain closed to international trade.

''Greek Cypriots don't want Turkish Cypriots to benefit from the economic potential of approximately 5 billion dollars that is going to come out because of their capital selfishness and they do this under the guise of nationalism,'' he commented."

More:The Anatolia Times-Soyer: Greek Cypriots Want To Have Business With Turkey Without Turkish Cypriots

OIC Urged to Reject Ankara Move on Turkish-Cyprus

"OIC Urged to Reject Ankara Move on Turkish-Cyprus
Javid Hassan, Arab News

NICOSIA, 27 June 2005 — The Cyprus government has issued an aide memoir to all member states of the Organization of Islamic Conferences, including the Kingdom, urging them to reject Turkey’s move to legitimize the “secessionist entity in the occupied part of Cyprus” at the OIC meeting to be held in Sanaa from June 28 to 30."

More:OIC Urged to Reject Ankara Move on Turkish-Cyprus

The Japan Times Online-Shining a light on Turkish-Japanese ties

"Shining a light on Turkish-Japanese ties

By HIROAKI SATO

NEW YORK -- Selcuk Esenbel was in town. For many years now a professor of history at Bogazici University, Istanbul, Selcuk was, when I met her more than 30 years ago, studying Japanese history at Columbia University. The fruit of that study is her 1998 tome, which she gave me during her previous visit to New York five years ago: 'Even the Gods Rebel: The Peasants of Takaino and the 1871 Nakano Uprising in Japan.'"

More:The Japan Times Online-Shining a light on Turkish-Japanese ties

JTW News - Chief of General Staff Gen. Hilmi Ozkok: "Military will not Ignore Terrorism"

"Chief of General Staff Gen. Hilmi Ozkok: 'Military will not Ignore Terrorism'
Ozkok tells EU ambassadors: Military will not ignore terrorism

The New Anatolian / Ankara

We will not sit indifferently in the face of terrorist activities, said Chief of General Staff Gen. Hilmi Ozkok on Friday, responding to criticisms by EU ambassadors over Turkey's military operations carried out in southeastern Anatolia."

More:JTW News - Chief of General Staff Gen. Hilmi Ozkok: "Military will not Ignore Terrorism"

JTW News - Russian and Britain Negotiates on Cyprus

"Russian and Britain Negotiates on Cyprus
British Foreign Ministry European Affairs Department Director Dominic Gilcott has been in talks in Moscow about the Cyprus issue.

Reportedly, Gilcott met with the Cyprus Special Envoy Leonid Abramov who reiterated Russian support for a long-term and comprehensive solution under the framework of the United Nations (UN) Security Council's resolutions after reaching an agreement between two parties in Cyprus. "

More:JTW News - Russian and Britain Negotiates on Cyprus

Reforms curb Turkey's armed forces-The Washington Times

"WORLD BRIEFINGS

By Seth Rosen
THE WASHINGTON TIMES
June 26, 2005

ANKARA, Turkey -- To strengthen this country's chances of joining the European Union, its armed forces have undergone painful reforms over the past year that have curtailed their influence and increased the autonomy of the civilian government. But analysts say a growing chorus in the ranks of the military insists that the European Union is demanding too much, too quickly, and not accommodating Turkey's unique military-civilian relationship. "

More:Reforms curb Turkey's armed forcesThe Washington Times

TUSIAD President: If There is Hierarchy in the EU Delegation, We are out

"TUSIAD President: If There is Hierarchy in the EU Delegation, We are out
By Ercan Baysal
Published: Monday 27, 2005

The Turkish Industrialists and Businessmen Association (TUSIAD) CEO Omer Sabanci said the Association is not under any umbrella foundation regarding the discussions for foundations to represent the business world in the negotiation process with the European Union (EU)."

More:TUSIAD President: If There is Hierarchy in the EU Delegation, We are out

Scotsman.com News - Holiday Adverts Ban 'Politically-Motivated'

"Holiday Adverts Ban 'Politically-Motivated'

By John Aston, PA

A decision to ban all advertising for holidays in North Cyprus on buses, Tubes and other outlets controlled by Transport for London was attacked in the High Court today as an unlawful, politically-motivated decision.

The North Cyprus Tourism Centre and holiday package company Paradise Found Travel Co Ltd asked Mr Justice Newman, sitting in London, to rule the ban unreasonable and invalid."

More:Scotsman.com News - Holiday Adverts Ban 'Politically-Motivated'

Turkish Daily News - Can't afford adventures

"Can't afford adventures
Monday, June 27, 2005
Yusuf KANLI
Nowadays there is a discussion in Turkey regarding the future course to be followed in relations with the European Union.According to one view, as Europe has entered into a period of crisis and as prospects of Turkey's full membership in the block have been dimmed, Ankara should start following an �honorable� policy. Some feel Turkey should stop or at least slow down the reform process, halt signing the protocol extending the 1963 Ankara Association Agreement to cover all new EU countries, including the Greek Cypriot side as the �sole government on Cyprus' and readjust its EU vocation according to developments in Europe.Another view is that Europe is in a crisis that could not be ignored by Turkey."
More:Turkish
More:Daily News - Can't afford adventures

Turkish Daily News - Turkish gov’t works on easing non-Muslim foundations’ problems

"Turkish gov’t works on easing non-Muslim foundations’ problems
Monday, June 27, 2005

'No one can demand peculiar requests. What needs to be done is to address needs within the rules and laws of Turkey,' says Aydın, state minister in charge of the Religious Affairs Directorate "

More:Turkish Daily News - Turkish gov’t works on easing non-Muslim foundations’ problems

Turkish Daily News - Turkey and EU firm in their resolve to reform

"Turkey and EU firm in their resolve to reform
Monday, June 27, 2005

Questions concerning the future of the European Union continue to resonate both in Europe and Turkey. European Commission Vice President for Justice, Freedom and Security Franco Frattini said in an interview that Turkey's accession would be a right choice for the union, supporting British Prime Minister Tony Blair's intention to keep the promises made to Turkey and Croatia."

More:Turkish Daily News - Turkey and EU firm in their resolve to reform

Reuters.co.uk-France's Sarkozy urges freeze on EU enlargement

"France's Sarkozy urges freeze on EU enlargement
Mon Jun 27, 2005 11:24 AM BST

PARIS (Reuters) - The European Union should suspend further enlargement of the bloc after French and Dutch voters rejected the EU constitution, a senior French minister said on Monday, in a veiled reference to Turkey's EU entry bid.

Interior Minister Nicolas Sarkozy, head of the governing Union for a Popular Movement (UMP), said Bulgaria and Romania should be allowed to join as planned as their accession process was too far gone to stop now."

More: Reuters.co.uk-France's Sarkozy urges freeze on EU enlargement

PanARMENIAN Network: TURKEY-EU NEGOTIATIONS - PROCESS WITH OPEN DATE WITHOUT GUARANTEES

"TURKEY-EU NEGOTIATIONS - PROCESS WITH OPEN DATE WITHOUT GUARANTEES

27.06.2005 05:01

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ The EU enlargement is directly connected with the results of the referenda on the EU Constitution, die Welt reported. After the financial debate in Brussels, Europe is likely to face a debate on enlargement. Thus, Wednesday the European Commission is to set the terms for the negotiations on Turkey’s accession. Formally all the 25 EU-member states agree on Turkey’s EU membership, but the backstage developments in Brussels and in the majority of the capitals of the EU member-states are directed to contain the rate of EU enlargement. Despite the fact that Turkey has met almost all the commitments undertaken to the EU, Germany and France have recently refrained from active support to Turkey, what was fortified by Ankara’s violent reaction to the adoption of the Armenian Genocide resolution by the Bundestag. At the same time, the EU decision of December 2004 notes that the negotiations are a process with open date with no outcome guaranteed. "

More:PanARMENIAN Network: News from Armenia - TURKEY-EU NEGOTIATIONS - PROCESS WITH OPEN DATE WITHOUT GUARANTEES

PolitInfo.com - Erdogan Says Turkey Won't Accept New Conditions for EU Membership - Jun 26, 2005

"Erdogan Says Turkey Won't Accept New Conditions for EU Membership

Jun 26, 2005

Turkey's prime minister says his country will not agree to new conditions for European Union membership.

In comments Sunday, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Turkey was in no position to renegotiate so close to the start of EU accession talks, which are scheduled to begin this October. Mr. Erdogan said that would not be 'honest politics.'"

More:PolitInfo.com - Erdogan Says Turkey Won't Accept New Conditions for EU Membership - Jun 26, 2005

Istanbul: Glass - New York Times

"Istanbul: Glass

By DANIEL ALTMAN
Published: June 26, 2005

You can buy just about anything on Istiklal Caddesi (Independence Street), the pedestrian boulevard in Istanbul that runs from Cumhuriyet Meydani (Republic Square) almost to the banks of the Bosporus. Apart from clothing, knickknacks and local snacks, there is one item that you may have trouble finding outside Turkey: cesm-i bulbul, a type of glassware whose name means 'nightingale's eye.'"

More:Istanbul: Glass - New York Times

The Observer | Travel | The package delivers

"The package delivers

Rebecca Seal always hated the idea of a package holiday, but a stylish trip to Turkey forces her to change her tune "

More:The Observer | Travel | The package delivers

Sunday, June 26, 2005

European Business: July 2005- Growing Markets

"Ahmet Zorlu started out selling textiles at 15. Today he’s Turkey’s most succesful exporter. By David O’Byrne

Ahmet Nazif Zorlu’s story of the creation of his business empire over the past 50 years is like a potted history of the Turkish economy over the same period – only far more entertaining.

And his rags to riches tale of how he became Turkey’s biggest exporter serves as a lesson to would-be entrepreneurs everywhere in the importance of understanding the market.

Zorlu’s early success came through the country’s nascent textile sector. Later, his empire grew to span home electronics, white goods, banking and financial services, as well as energy production."

More:European Business: July 2005

FT.com / World - EU to discuss framework for Turkish talk

"EU to discuss framework for Turkish talk
By Daniel Dombey in Brussels and Vincent Boland in Ankara
Published: June 26 2005 19:24 | Last updated: June 26 2005 19:24

Turkey EUThe last act in Turkey's decades-long quest to hold membership talks with the European Union will begin this week, when the European Commission sets out the proposed rules for the negotiations.

Unless all 25 EU member states can agree on a version of the “negotiating framework” which sets out the principles, procedures, and issues for the planned talks the process will not begin on schedule on October 3."

More:FT.com / World - EU to discuss framework for Turkish talk

200 Million People in the World Wear Turkish Jeans

"200 Million People in the World Wear Turkish Jeans
By Anadolu News Agency (aa)
Published: Sunday 26, 2005

Turkish Minister of State Kursat Tuzmen noted that this year the level of denim and jeans exports of Turkey will be about $2,800,000,000. it is reported that the rate of increase of Turkey's jeans and denim exports in the first 4 months of 2005 was 21 percent."

More:200 Million People in the World Wear Turkish Jeans

Global Politician:Russia and Turkey in South Caucasus: A Geostrategic Armistice

"Russia and Turkey in South Caucasus: A Geostrategic Armistice
Prof. Ruben Safrastyan, Ph.D. - 6/26/2005
Two meetings of the Russian president V. Putin and Turkish Prime Minister R.T. Erdogan, held in the end of the last year and in the beginning of this year, as well as the wide spectrum of problems discussed and contents of the signed documents, marked the start of the a new phase in the Russian-Turkish relations. Experts spoke about that start in several recent years, and this phase can be characterized as the starting period of the real strategic process."

More:Global Politician

Islam Online- West Misjudged, Mistreated Islam: Swiss Expert

"....EU & Turkey

On Turkey’s bid to join the European Union, Hottinger said refusal to allow the admission of Muslim but secular Turkey would be a “big mistake”.

He cautioned that such a position would have major consequences as it would prove the view of 'Muslim extremists' that the West is not willing to make any rapprochement with Islam and Muslims.

“It will also prove that Europe is a Christians-only continent and will cast doubts on efforts to bridge the gaps between the two sides.”

Last December, the European Union agreed to open membership talks with Turkey to join the 25-nation bloc.

The Swiss expert warned that a possible no will also have more negative consequences on Turkey’s domestic front.

“The Turkish Army would see the concessions made to join the EU fruitless, which would cause relapse on democratic reforms in the country....”"

More:Islam Online- News Section

Portsmouth Herald Travel News: Old-world charm found in Istanbul

"Old-world charm found in Istanbul

Editor’s note: On July 1, Bill and Susan McClure of Portsmouth set out on a yearlong around-the-world trip with their daughters, Lily, 10, and Morgan, 13. Each week, when Internet access is available, a different member of the McClure family will send a travelogue column to be printed in the Herald Sunday Accent section, and archived on the Web at www.seacoastonline.com."

More:Portsmouth Herald Travel News: Old-world charm found in Istanbul

ESA - Observing the Earth - Earth from Space: Istanbul

"24 June 2005
The city of Istanbul, located astride the eastern edge of Europe and western edge of the Asian continent, shown in an Envisat radar multi-temporal composite image.

What is today Europe's third largest urban centre has been a major city for the last two thousand years. It has known three different names in that time: Byzantium when it was the gateway to Greek settlements on the Black Sea, Constantinople when it became the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire, then Istanbul when it fell to Muslim invaders in 1453."

More:ESA - Observing the Earth - Earth from Space: Istanbul

Jerusalem Post | Breaking News from Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish World

"Turkey not willing to accept new EU criteria for membership

ISTANBUL, Turkey

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that Turkey would not agree to new conditions for European Union membership.

Turkey is scheduled to start membership negotiations with the bloc on Oct. 3. But opposition to the country's membership bid is growing in Europe, and EU Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso said this week that the bloc should have an open debate of Turkey's candidacy"

More:Jerusalem Post | Breaking News from Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish World

JTW News - Turkey scapegoated in a time of crisis

"Turkey scapegoated in a time of crisis
View: David Barchard

This has been a fateful week in Turkish-European Union relations. On the face of it, Turkey's EU application came through the recent EU summit relatively unscathed and everything is still on course for negotiations to begin on Oct. 3. So in theory, all that has to be done is for the enlargement protocol to be signed by Turkey and the framework document for the negotiations to be agreed on. "

More:JTW News - Turkey scapegoated in a time of crisis

Turkish Daily News - Armenia progress on horizon, says gov't MP

"Armenia progress on horizon, says gov't MP
Sunday, June 26, 2005

ANKARA - Turkish Daily News

The Turkish government could launch some sort of initiative to pave the way for eventual normalization in severed ties with Armenia, said a government deputy who presented a report to Prime Minister Recep Tayyip ErdoÄŸan on how to ease tension with Yerevan following a recent unofficial visit to the neighboring country."

More:Turkish Daily News - Armenia progress on horizon, says gov't MP

Turkish Daily News - ‘Opposing EU on grounds of social policies is paradoxical’

"‘Opposing EU on grounds of social policies is paradoxical’
Sunday, June 26, 2005

‘Our own nationalists were only too keen to share this position to reassert their views on both the impossibility and the undesirability of the ‘European dream',' says professor BuÄŸra from BoÄŸazi�i University, referring to remarks by Giscard d’Estaing firmly against Turkey’s European Union bid "

More:Turkish Daily News - ‘Opposing EU on grounds of social policies is paradoxical’

Comment - Dim prospects for further enlargement of the European Union

"Comment - Dim prospects for further enlargement of the European Union
By Phedon Nicolaides

EVEN before the meeting of the European Union heads of government or state in Brussels on June 16-17, the process of enlargement of the EU was in serious doubt. The negative French and Dutch referenda on the constitutional treaty were interpreted to reveal, among other things, popular opposition to the admission of new members in the EU. Olli Rehn, the Commissioner responsible for enlargement, vainly tried to point out that opinion polls indicated only a small proportion of the French and Dutch voters had any objection to enlargement, in general, and to the entry of Turkey, in particular. So it came as no surprise that the Presidency communiqu�that was released after the end of the summit, referred to enlargement in just a couple of paragraphs and that there was no mention of Turkey at all. However, the communiqu�stated that “the European Council also refers to its conclusions of 17 and 18 June 2004 and of 16 and 17 December 2004 on enlargement and highlights the need to implement them fully.”"

More:Comment - Dim prospects for further enlargement of the European Union

Turkish Cypriot students to pay full fees at English School

"Turkish Cypriot students to pay full fees at English School
By Elias Hazou

AS OF the next academic year, the state will not pay the full tuition fees for new Turkish Cypriot students enrolled at the English School, breaking with practice ever since the checkpoints opened two years ago.

In September 2003 four Turkish Cypriots enrolled in the prestigious school, and 12 more were admitted the following year. At the time, the move was hailed as promoting bicommunal relations and restoring a multicultural heritage that was severed by the events of 1974.

The decision for free tuition was not the school’s, it was a political decision by the government. Tuition fees cost somewhere in the area of �3,000 per year.
Now the cash-strapped government is changing its approach; it will only offer �20,000 for assistance each year, a mere fraction of what it was offering previously. "

More:Turkish Cypriot students to pay full fees at English School

Feature - Could Bilingual Cypriots bring the borders down?

"Feature - Could Bilingual Cypriots bring the borders down?
By Simon Bahceli

‘In the second half of the 20th century, the Muslims and Christians of Cyprus often spoke both each others’ languages’

People have much greater respect for those who make the effort to speak their language

THE dialogue goes something like this:

Greek Cypriot: “How long have you been back in Cyprus?”

Me: “14 years”

Greek Cypriot: “How’s your Greek?”

Me: “Non-existent”.

Greek Cypriot: “Shame on you! Fourteen years here and you still can’t speak Greek”

Me: “Can you speak Turkish?”

Silence…"

More:Feature - Could Bilingual Cypriots bring the borders down?

Turkish Bulgarian voters turned back from Ledra Palace

"Turkish Bulgarian voters turned back from Ledra Palace
By Elias Hazou

AROUND 100 ethnic Turks from Bulgaria who settled in the occupied areas were yesterday turned back from the Ledra Palace checkpoint in Nicosia, where they had hoped to cross and vote at the Bulgarian embassy in the south.

During the week, the government had made it clear that it regarded the group to be settlers and would thus not be allowed into the south.

For his part, Bulgarian Ambassador Krassimir Stefanov said they were eligible to cross the Green Line under laws spelt out by the European Commission’s Green Line Regulation – a mechanism allowing various categories or citizens and goods to move between the island’s two ethnic communities.

The group (turnout was far lower than expected) showed up at the checkpoint shortly before 4pm, handed their passports to Greek Cypriot authorities and waited – even though the outcome was something of a foregone conclusion."

More:Turkish Bulgarian voters turned back from Ledra Palace

Hannay: Turkey’s EU course is pivotal for solution

"Hannay: Turkey’s EU course is pivotal for solution

BRITAIN’S former special envoy to Cyprus, Lord David Hannay, said the key to a solution of the Cyprus problem hinged entirely on Turkey joining the EU.

Speaking at a presentation of his book Cyprus – The Search for a Solution in London, Hannay expressed the opinion that if the Turkish EU application was rejected, then there would be no settlement of the issue.

“If the Turkish application is rejected then forget about it, there is not going to be a settlement. It is as bad as that. That’s my prediction. But I don’t think that will happen,” he said, adding that despite the rejection of the Constitutional Treaty in Holland and France, the EU would not forget its commitment to Turkey. "

More:Hannay: Turkey’s EU course is pivotal for solution

albawaba.com middle east news information::Turkey can start accession negotiations with EU if conditions met, says British minister

"Turkey can start accession negotiations with EU if conditions met, says British minister

British Minister for Europe Douglas Alexander has said that Turkey would be able to start on October 3rd, accession negotiations with the European Union, provided it meets the conditions set by the European Councils and signs the Protocol extending the EU - Turkey Customs Union with the ten new member states, including Cyprus, CNA news agency reported."

More:albawaba.com middle east news information::Turkey can start accession negotiations with EU if conditions met, says British minister

JTW News - Armenian Delegation Repeats Irredentist Claims

"Armenian Delegation Repeats Irredentist Claims
BRUSSELS (JTW) Armenian delegation in Brussels argued that ‘western Armenia’ is on the territory of Turkey. Head of Armenian delegation Tigran Torosyan named Turkey’s eastern provinces ‘Western Armenia’ and claimed these provinces should be belong to Armenia.

The Armenian Declaration of Independence also claim Turkish territories naming eastern turkey as ‘Western Armenia’."

More:JTW News - Armenian Delegation Repeats Irredentist Claims

Saturday, June 25, 2005

Turkish Daily News - EU newcomers have little choice

"EU newcomers have little choice
Sunday, June 26, 2005
Many of the European Union's new members support British Prime Minister Tony Blair's call for sweeping reforms, in contrast to criticism from the likes of France and Germany, even if they were irked by his inflexible summit stance."

More:Turkish Daily News - EU newcomers have little choice

Turks: EU Discriminates; They are not Sincere

"Turks: EU Discriminates; They are not Sincere
By Zaman
Published: Saturday 25, 2005

Turkish people do not believe that the European Union (EU) is sincere. The greatest handicap facing Turkey is religious and cultural discrimination by European politicians according to Turks.

A public poll was conducted by International Strategic Research Association with a total of 2,500 participants in Ankara, Istanbul, Izmir, Bursa and Adana ."

More:Turks: EU Discriminates; They are not Sincere

A Radical Youth Journal Based in the U.S.

"Turkey: In the Light of the Final EU Decision

H. Yener Ekrose

On 6th of October 2004 the EU Commission has finally announced 'the good news' and turned the green light on, suggesting within its report the commencement of membership talks with Turkey. 1 Long before that, the Turkish media had already been carrying out discussions on the European Union, even more intensively since Turkey signed the Customs Union Agreement in 1996. What awaits the Turkish society, the peculiar conditions for Turkey's accession, and the requirements that Turkey should further fulfill, figured prominently in media coverage after October. The Turkish media has not been alone in presenting such discussions, however. The same is true for the European media and also for some Arabic-language newspapers."

More:A Radical Youth Journal Based in the U.S.

Turkish Daily News - 'EU can't shut door on Turkey'

"'EU can't shut door on Turkey'
Saturday, June 25, 2005

'Our priority, our number one goal, is full membership and we see no reason to change that,' says Bağış, an advisor to Prime Minister Erdoğan "

More:Turkish Daily News - 'EU can't shut door on Turkey'

Turkish Daily News - US seeks Turkey’s hand to change status quo in Mideast

"US seeks Turkey’s hand to change status quo in Mideast
Saturday, June 25, 2005

Washington is devoted and determined to change the status quo in the Middle East region, said a U.S. deputy assistant secretary of state yesterday at an international conference in Istanbul.J. Scott Carpenter, deputy assistant secretary of state in charge of the Middle East Partnership Initiative -- the brainchild of U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney's daughter, Liz -- spoke at the �Democracy and Security in the Broader Middle East� conference organized by Turkish think tank Arı Movement."
More:Turkish Daily News - US seeks Turkey’s hand to change status quo in Mideast

Istanbul: Glass - New York Times

"Istanbul: Glass
By DANIEL ALTMAN
Published: June 26, 2005

You can buy just about anything on Istiklal Caddesi (Independence Street), the pedestrian boulevard in Istanbul that runs from Cumhuriyet Meydani (Republic Square) almost to the banks of the Bosporus. Apart from clothing, knickknacks and local snacks, there is one item that you may have trouble finding outside Turkey: cesm-i bulbul, a type of glassware whose name means 'nightingale's eye.'"

More:Istanbul: Glass - New York Times

FT.com / Europe - Germany's Turks lose their sense of belonging

"Germany's Turks lose their sense of belonging
By Bertrand Benoit
Published: June 25 2005 03:00 | Last updated: June 25 2005 03:00

It is boiling hot in the Anadolu kebab shop on Wiener Strasse, but the sweat lining Muzaffer Topal's brow is not only induced by the grill glowing behind his back.

'When the going got tough in the cold war, there was never any question about what side Turkey was on,' he says, wiping his face with a towel. 'Some people seem to have a hard time remembering.'

As Germany prepares for a general election scheduled for September, a mix of anxiety and resignation is spreading through Berlin's 120,000-strong Turkish community."

More:FT.com / Europe - Germany's Turks lose their sense of belonging

Turkish Daily News - Fortis aims to increase profit 10 percent per year

"Fortis aims to increase profit 10 percent per year
Saturday, June 25, 2005

Dutch-Belgian financial services group Fortis expects net profit per share to rise by at least 10 percent annually to 2009 as it selectively expands into North America and Asia."

More:Turkish Daily News - Fortis aims to increase profit 10 percent per year

Turkish Daily News - Clashes intensifying in eastern Anatolia

"Clashes intensifying in eastern Anatolia
Saturday, June 25, 2005

Tensions have escalated in eastern and southeastern Anatolia amid an upsurge in attacks by outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party members "

More:Turkish Daily News - Clashes intensifying in eastern Anatolia

Turkish Cypriots pondering what to do with Greek Cypriot asylum seeker

"Turkish Cypriots pondering what to do with Greek Cypriot asylum seeker
By Simon Bahceli

THE Turkish Cypriot authorities said yesterday its ‘council of ministers’ was yet to decide on how to deal with a Greek Cypriot seeking political asylum in the north.
Themistocles Georgiou crossed the UN-controlled buffer zone on Thursday claiming he wanted to live in the north because of repeated injustices at the hands of the Cypriot government.

“At the moment he [Georgiou] is in hospital undergoing tests. Whether or not he will be allowed to stay will be decided by the council of ministers,” Turkish Cypriot ‘foreign ministry’ advisor Kutret Akay told the Cyprus Mail yesterday. "

More:Turkish Cypriots pondering what to do with Greek Cypriot asylum seeker

TUPRAS' Future Closely Tied with EU Process

"TUPRAS' Future Closely Tied with EU Process
By Reuters
Published: Saturday 25, 2005

One of the companies obtaining preliminary competency to participate in the TUPRAS privatization tender, Polish PKN Orlen said the future of this Turkish petroleum refinery monopoly is closely related with the country's European Union (EU) process."

More:TUPRAS' Future Closely Tied with EU Process

Greek Cypriot, Turkish Cypriot politicians stress need to continue dialogue

"Greek Cypriot, Turkish Cypriot politicians stress need to continue dialogue
Jun 25, 2005, 10:10 GMT

Nicosia, 24 June: Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot leaders and representatives of political parties stressed today that the regular meetings they have in Ledra Palace offer a possibility to develop understanding between them as well as between both communities in Cyprus."

More:Greek Cypriot, Turkish Cypriot politicians stress need to continue dialogue

JTW News - Ozkok to EU Ambassadors: We Cannot Ignore Terror

"Ozkok to EU Ambassadors: We Cannot Ignore Terror
By Suleyman Kurt

Chief of the Turkish General Staff General Hilmi Ozkok suggested economical measures should be taken in order to solve the terror problem in the Eastern and Southeastern parts of Turkey.

Gen. Ozkok participated in a reception organized for Croatian National Day Friday, June 24. He spent some time speaking with European Union (EU) ambassadors and the EU Commission Ankara Representative Hans Jorg Kretchmer. The dignitaries spoke about the recent dialogue in the meetings of Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and EU ambassadors; they acknowledged Turkey's security concerns, emphasizing they have nothing against military operations; however, the ambassadors want t
he civil administration to take the initiative."

More:JTW News - Ozkok to EU Ambassadors: We Cannot Ignore Terror

Turks.US Daily News - Rays of Hope for Solving Upper Karabag Conflict Daily News

"Rays of Hope for Solving Upper Karabag Conflict

Sunday, June 26 2005 @ 08:32 AM Central Daylight Time

Views: 24

InternationalRays of hopes to solve the Upper Karabag (Karabakh) Conflict, which Turkey placed as a precondition to Armenia in order to establish relations, shine through.


Officials from the two countries came together Friday at a general council meeting for Parliamentarians Assembly of Council of Europe (PACE) for the firs time in order to discuss the Karabakh conflict."

More:Turks.US Daily News - Rays of Hope for Solving Upper Karabag Conflict Daily News

Turkish Party to Play Key Role in Bulgarian Polls

"Turkish Party to Play Key Role in Bulgarian Polls
By Tayfur Huseyin
Published: Saturday 25, 2005
Bulgaria runs parliamentary elections today to elect its 40th term members and 240 seats in parliament.

The latest public opinion polls estimated that five of the 22 parties and coalitions will pass the four percent national threshold and enter parliament. The Movement for Rights and Freedoms (MRF) mostly has Turkish members, will play a key role in a coalition with its estimated 23-30 deputies being elected to parliament."

More:Turkish Party to Play Key Role in Bulgarian Polls

TruthNews-EU: Crisis Casts Long Shadow Over Further Enlargement

"EU: Crisis Casts Long Shadow Over Further Enlargement

By Breffni O’Rourke, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty

The European Union's spectacular failures over the last few months look set to complicate the process of further eastwards expansion of the union. The inability of the EU summit in Brussels to agree on a long-term budget, plus the rejection of the new union constitution by French and Dutch voters, has brought the EU to its lowest point in years. It's safe to say nobody quite knows what's going to happen with the expansion plans, and whether Turkey, Croatia, Ukraine, and other applicants will be admitted at all."

More:TruthNews-EU: Crisis Casts Long Shadow Over Further Enlargement

Friday, June 24, 2005

E.U. Commission to debate mandate for opening Turkey entry talks

"E.U. Commission to debate mandate for opening Turkey entry talks
By DPA
Jun 24, 2005, 19:00 GMT




Brussels - The European Commission will next week debate details of a mandate to be given to European Union negotiators ahead of the scheduled start of membership talks with Turkey in October, officials said Friday.

The Commission - the E.U.\'s executive arm - will also table a separate proposal for encouraging discussion between the Turkish and European \"civil societies,\" the officials said.

A Commission spokeswoman said the negotiating document would be \"technical\" and cover a wide range of issues which will be discussed by E.U. and Turkish officials over the coming years.

E.U. entry talks are normally broken down into separate chapters covering areas like political reform, agriculture and competition where candidate nations have to bring their national legislation up to E.U. standards."

More:E.U. Commission to debate mandate for opening Turkey entry talks

The Daily Star - Editorial - Rejecting Turkey's EU entry bid will send Muslims the wrong message

"Rejecting Turkey's EU entry bid will send Muslims the wrong message
Saturday, June 25, 2005
Editorial
For over 40 years, Turkey has been politely knocking on Europe's door asking to be let in. And since Turkey became an associate member of the European Union in 1963, there have been moments of optimism in which it seemed that the start of membership talks was right around the corner.
Once again, we have reached a crossroads in which Europeans will decide how to proceed. In the coming weeks, the EU Council will decide whether to add to the already lengthy list of conditions to Turkey's membership that were agreed upon on December 17 last year. Adding more obstacles to Turkey's path to membership would be a sad mistake, as it would be tantamount to Europe turning its back on an opportunity to lead the world out of its dangerous clash-of-civilizations logic. "

More:The Daily Star - Editorial - Rejecting Turkey's EU entry bid will send Muslims the wrong message

Islam Online- Aya Sofia Mosque Stays a Museum: Turkish Court

"Aya Sofia Mosque Stays a Museum: Turkish Court
By Sa�ad Abdul Majid, IOL Correspondent
ISTANBUL, June 24, 2005 (IslamOnline.net) � The Ankara Administrative Court rejected Friday, June 24, a lawsuit to cancel a decision banning prayers in the historical mosque of Aya Sofia and turning the worship place into a museum."

More:Islam Online- Aya Sofia Mosque Stays a Museum: Turkish Court

Hoping to join the EU - the current prospects for countries in the queue

"Turkey
Things look a little different in the case of Turkey's EU prospects. European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso expressed his doubts about Turkey's candidacy earlier in the week, calling for a serious discussion about the EU's future ties with Turkey. This followed earlier comments by French President Jacques Chirac that, without the constitution, the EU will simply not be able to incorporate new members. But UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, who'll head the EU for six months as from 1 July, had reassuring words, promising that the EU would meet its obligations to both Turkey and Croatia. This refers in part to the negotiations with Istanbul which are scheduled to start on 3 October.

The European Commission shares Mr Blair's expectation that these negotiations will begin as planned, though Germany could prove to be a final obstacle if the Christian Democrats win the German elections in September. However, observers believe their leader, Angela Merkel, will not dare block the start of negotiations, especially as new German chancellors tend to steer clear of taking major political decisions so soon after taking power. Even so, the process of negotiation is likely to take more than the ten years already envisaged, and calls for Turkey to be given some kind of second-class membership of the EU are likely to increase."

More:Hoping to join the EU - the current prospects for countries in the queue

Blood, guts and the stuff of legend - World - smh.com.au

"...Now, in the Lone Pine cemetery, a Muslim woman kneels and prays at an Australian grave. Her children play among the headstones. And Turkey wants to join the European Union.

Turkish authorities, seeking to promote pride in the history of their secular republic, direct their people to the peninsula and the achievements of Kemal Ataturk and his soldiers, who forced the British, French and Anzacs off their land. It is seen as the last great victory of the Ottoman empire.

The huge statue of Ataturk, who led the Turkish defenders and was to become first president of the republic, towers over Chunuk Bair, the commanding height taken by the New Zealanders but regained by Ataturk. There were Anzac complaints when it was erected close to the New Zealand memorial. But this is Turkey. This land was invaded.

A memorial outside the Turkish military museum at Gaba Tepe silences most objectors: "No students graduated in 1921 from the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Istanbul. Those students of this university who should have become doctors in that year, together with the students of the Istanbul Boys Lyceum, joined the 2nd division and on the night of 18-19 May 1915 wrote one of the unbelievable legends of the Canakkale battles by sacrificing their lives, all of them, to defend the sacred soil of our homeland, against the Anzacs." WE GO to Peronne, in search of more meaning, seeking to make sense of death on such a massive scale...."

More:Blood, guts and the stuff of legend - World - smh.com.au

JTW News - We shouldn't allow Turkish Cypriots to become victims of anti-Turkish drive to keep Turkey out of European Union

"We shouldn't allow Turkish Cypriots to become victims of anti-Turkish drive to keep Turkey out of European Union
We shouldn't allow Turkish Cypriots to become victims of anti-Turkish drive to keep Turkey out of European Union

View: Ilnur Cevik
Our very dear readers in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus , greetings from all of us in The New Anatolian. We are very proud to hit the stands in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) as of Wednesday, and to make such a good impact. We thank our Turkish Cypriot brothers and sisters for their kind interest in our newspaper. We hope our good sales in the TRNC continue as we witnessed on Wednesday, and we also hope our dear readers in Cyprus will be satisfied with what we have to offer, just like their counterparts in mainland Turkey . "

More:JTW News - We shouldn't allow Turkish Cypriots to become victims of anti-Turkish drive to keep Turkey out of European Union

EducationGuardian.co.uk | TEFL | If students can learn who is the better teacher, why can't employers?

"If students can learn who is the better teacher, why can't employers?
Bias against non-native teachers has no justification, says Michael Fields

Friday June 24, 2005
Guardian Weekly

English-medium university programmes are becoming more numerous in non-English-speaking countries, but they have been the norm in Turkey, Northern Cyprus and the Middle East for some time. Most institutions in this region ask students to complete a year-long foundation programme of intensive English before enrolling, and the staff who teach on these programmes can be entirely foreign, native-speaker teachers, or a mix of native speakers and local teachers of English."

More:EducationGuardian.co.uk | TEFL | If students can learn who is the better teacher, why can't employers?