Sunday, July 31, 2005

Guardian Unlimited | Special reports | Author backs forced-marriage ban

"Author backs forced-marriage ban

Krysia Diver in Stuttgart
Monday August 1, 2005
The Guardian

A Turkish author whose husband deprived her of food has condemned forced marriages as Germany debates whether to ban them.

Serap Cileli spoke out against the 'crazy tolerance of society' in Germany, where 45 women have been stabbed, shot or drowned in so-called honour killings since 1996."

More:Guardian Unlimited | Special reports | Author backs forced-marriage ban

The Daily Star - Opinion Articles - There is no Turkey crisis at the EU

"There is no Turkey crisis at the EU

By Ahmet O. Evin
Commentary by
Monday, August 01, 2005

The European Union was thrown into a state of confusion and doubt following French and Dutch voters' respective rejections of the European Constitution, though the results of both referendums were hardly surprising. Without the new Constitution, its proponents argued, further EU enlargement would be difficult, if not impossible, to achieve; pessimistic observers went so far as to suggest that Europe might not be governable, or even viable, without the streamlined decision-making procedures foreseen in the Constitution. As a result, prospects for Turkey's full membership are also supposed to have faded, despite protestations to the contrary from the European Commission."

More:The Daily Star - Opinion Articles - There is no Turkey crisis at the EU

Swiss news :Perincek once more denies Armenian genocide

"Perincek once more denies Armenian genocide

Turkish politician Doğu Perincek, under investigation in Switzerland for denying Armenian genocide, has compared Swiss law with that of the Inquisition.

In a newspaper interview published on Sunday, Perincek repeated his revisionist views and called for Swiss anti-racism legislation to be scrapped."

More:Swiss news:Perincek once more denies Armenian genocide

FT.com / Home UK - City of love and dreams

"City of love and dreams
By Vincent Boland
Published: July 30 2005 03:00 | Last updated: July 30 2005 03:00

One recent Monday morning a 15-year-old boy named Mehmet Ali Agit stepped off a bus at Esenler station, near the centre of Istanbul, to begin a new life in the big city. His brother, Abdulkerim, who had found a job for him in the leather goods business where he works, was there to meet him. They had seen each other only once in the past 10 years."

More:FT.com / Home UK - City of love and dreams

Erdogan: We Are Patriots

"Erdogan: We Are Patriots
Published: 7/31/2005

ISTANBUL - Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said regarding Turkey's signing Customs Union additional protocol that they are patriots."

More:Erdogan: We Are Patriots

Turkish Companies Spending Big Money on Sponsorships

"Turkish Companies Spending Big Money on Sponsorships
By Alper Sancar, Hasan Bozkurt
Published: Sunday July 31, 2005

Sponsorship, which was not demanded by even big holdings till 10 years ago, has become a huge sector with the international successes of Turkey in recent years.

Companies have turned to sponsorship to create a trademark image and the size of this sector has increased to half a billion dollars. It is possible now to see name of a company whenever a team wins a cup, has success in a tournament, or even in a concert. The theory is that consumers do not buy only a product or service but a life style, experiences, stories and feelings served by that product. The specialists noted that as the Turkish National Team won third place in World Cup 2002, the sector flourished and this has benefitted the sector."

More:Turkish Companies Spending Big Money on Sponsorships

Gul: E.U. Is A State Policy Of Turkey

"Gul: E.U. Is A State Policy Of Turkey
Published: 7/31/2005

ISTANBUL - Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul said that EU is a state policy of Turkey.

Speaking at general assembly meeting of Economic Development Foundation (IKV) on Saturday, Gul said, ''EU membership is a project to reach the level of modern civilizations and to increase life standards of Turkish people.''"

More:Gul: E.U. Is A State Policy Of Turkey

1,500 Businessmen to Come to Istanbul

"1,500 Businessmen to Come to Istanbul
By Economy Desk
Published: Sunday July 31, 2005

International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Turkey National Committee CEO Rifat Hisarciklioglu has said that the 5th Congress of the World Chambers Federation will be held in Istanbul."

More:1,500 Businessmen to Come to Istanbul

The Jakarta Post - Turkey visit: A great experience

"Turkey visit: A great experience

Aditya Andika, Trisakti University, Jakarta

Attending conferences has become a part of the daily life of students nowadays. But attending a conference 5,870 miles away is definitely something else.

Departing from Soekarno-Hatta airport on June 22, we headed northwest aboard an airplane toward Istanbul to attend the Modern Asian Architecture Network (MAAN) conference and the International Union of Architects (UIA) congress."

More:The Jakarta Post - Turkey visit: A great experience

Kretschmer Concern over Turkish Armed Forces

"Kretschmer Concern over Turkish Armed Forces
By Ali Akcoban
Published: Sunday July 31, 2005

European Union (EU) Commission Turkey Representative Hansjoerg Kretschmer has said that Turkey's armed forces are still very influential in governing Turkey and that this situation is one of the obstacles in the country's adaptation process to the EU."

More:Kretschmer Concern over Turkish Armed Forces

Four Turks in Custody Released

"Four Turks in Custody Released
By Foreign News Desk
Published: Sunday July 31, 2005

Four Turks taken into custody in relation with the attempted attacks in London have been released.

Hidayet Derya, Islam Tat and Ibrahim Yalcin who were taken into custody at Tooting Broadway in a police raid on July 28 in London, are reported to have returned to work on July 30. Hidayet Derya said they had been treated like terrorists, subjected to DNA tests and had fingerprints taken. Derya reported during the interrogation they had been asked whether they knew how to fabricate bombs, when they had come to Britain and who they knew. They were shown photographs of some Asian and bearded persons and asked whether they knew them."

More:Four Turks in Custody Released

Bloomberg.com: Canada-Turkish Carrier Buys 10 Planes From Bombardier, Milliyet Says

"Turkish Carrier Buys 10 Planes From Bombardier, Milliyet Says

July 31 (Bloomberg) -- Izmir Hava Yollari AS, a Turkish airline, will buy ten planes from Montreal-based Bombardier Inc. for $275 million, the Milliyet newspaper reported, citing Ekrem Demirtas, the Turkish company's chairman."

More:Bloomberg.com: Canada-Turkish Carrier Buys 10 Planes From Bombardier, Milliyet Says

Ankara Set to Challenge EU on Ports

"Ankara Set to Challenge EU on Ports
By Salih Boztas, Selcuk Gultasli
Published: Sunday July 31, 2005

Turkey’s contraction of the protocol extending the Customs Union Treaty to the ten new members of the European Union (EU) has raised the questions of whether the Greek Cypriot Administration has been recognized and whether Greek Cypriots will be allowed to use Turkish ports."

More:Ankara Set to Challenge EU on Ports

Reactions To Turkey's Signing Customs Union Additional Protocol

"Reactions To Turkey's Signing Customs Union Additional Protocol
Published: 7/30/2005

ANKARA - Ankara Chamber of Commerce (ATO) Chairman Sinan Aygun defended that Customs Union additional protocol is for recognizing Greek Cypriot administration, claiming, 'Turkey's signing this protocol is a historical mistake.'"

More:Reactions To Turkey's Signing Customs Union Additional Protocol

Independent Online Edition > Bridging continents

"Bridging continents

Chic and colourful, Istanbul blends the best of Europe and Asia, says Pelin Turgut
Published: 30 July 2005

WHERE?

Straddling two continents, Turkey's largest city is part Europe, part Asia and dates back 3,000 years. Stretching along the shores of the Bosphorus waterway, it was capital first to Byzantium and then to the Ottoman Empire. Although the city lost its political status to Ankara in 1923, when modern Turkey was founded, it is still the heart of the nation, a manic metropolis of some 15 million people. Today, minimalist designer hotels and trendy bars vie for space next to bustling street markets and Byzantine ruins."


More:Independent Online Edition > Bridging continents

Independent Online Edition > The Traveller's Guide To: Cappadocia

"The Traveller's Guide To: Cappadocia
Pat Yale explores the underground cities and cave dwellings in the valleys of central Turkey
Published: 30 July 2005

CAPPADOCIA? ISN'T THAT WHERE PEOPLE LIVE IN CAVES?

Indeed it is. Millions of years ago, volcanoes spewed out ash and tufa over a wide part of central Turkey. The wind and rain then worked away at these deposits, carving out deep gorges and leaving behind astonishingly phallic rocky outcrops, known as "fairy chimneys". Enterprising locals went on to burrow into the rock to make houses, churches, stables, storerooms, even cave wineries. Many people, particularly in the village of Goreme, still live an extraordinary troglodyte lifestyle, albeit with satellite television and washing machines."


More:Independent Online Edition > The Traveller's Guide To: Cappadocia

Independent Online Edition > Raising the dead in old Lycia

"Raising the dead in old Lycia
The buzzing harbour town of Kas provided a gateway to an ancient world for Linda Cookson
Published: 30 July 2005

"The sarcophagus in front of us is more than 2,000 years old," explains the wiry old chap who has suddenly appeared at our side, halfway up a dusty street. "It was built for a powerful man whose name is long forgotten," he continues. Instead, it's known simply as the Lion Tomb - after the four carved lions glaring stonily from each corner. He points to the inscription. "Shall I read?" We nod respectfully, awaiting an Ozymandias moment. He clears his throat. "It say: 'Here I lie for many years'." He claps his arm around our shoulders: "Until two nice people come all way from England to buy carpet from their new friend Ahmet.""


More:Independent Online Edition > Raising the dead in old Lycia

Independent Online Edition > A voyage into the big blue

"A voyage into the big blue

Ancient ruins, modern marinas and gorgeous beaches line Turkey's 'Turquoise' coast. Pat Yale sets sail
Published: 30 July 2005

Back in the mid-20th century, Cevat Sakir Kabaagac wrote a book called Mavi Yolculuk (blue voyage) in which he described idyllic week-long voyages around Bodrum in the company of sponge fishermen. The sponge fishermen may be long gone, but the turquoise seas, rocky coves and glorious sun that the "Fisherman of Halikarnas" described remain unchanged. Given that Turkey has more than 7,000km of Aegean and Mediterranean coastline, much of it littered with half-forgotten Lycian, Greek and Roman ruins, it is hardly surprising that it's a top choice for sailing holidays."

More"Independent Online Edition > A voyage into the big blue

Saturday, July 30, 2005

Washington Examiner: Stepping to a new D.C. beat

"Stepping to a new D.C. beat
By Andrea Cohen
Examiner Staff Writer
Published: Friday, July 29, 2005 10:23 PM EDT

With belly dancing, henna tattoos, palm readers, cocktails and multiple DJs, Georgetown's Mie N Yu was turned into a Turkish bazaar Wednesday night - and it was quite literally, bizarre (well, at least to see in D.C. in the middle of a downpour outside). The aura was that of a foreign land."

More:Washington Examiner: Stepping to a new D.C. beat

Greek tourists visiting Turkey rose by 40 percent this year

"Greek tourists visiting Turkey rose by 40 percent this year, Greek and Turkish tourism ministers note after meeting in Istanbul

Istanbul (ANA/A. Kourkoulas) -- The number of Greek tourists who have visited Turkey jumped by 40 percent this year, Turkey's culture and tourism minister Attila Koc and Greece's visiting tourism development minister Dimitris Avramopoulos said Saturday in Istanbul, after a meeting on the sidelines of an event organised by the Turkish Touristic Hotels and Investors Association (TUROB).

The two ministers, speaking to the press, stated their desire for investments in the tourism sector, and stressed that the two peoples 'are not only friends, they are not only trade partners, but they have shared a common history and common fate'."

More:Greek tourists visiting Turkey rose by 40 percent this year

JTW News - Gen. Ozkok Says Common Definition of Terrorism Needed

"Gen. Ozkok Says Common Definition of Terrorism Needed
The New Anatolian / Ankara

Turkey's top general voices irritation with politicians' reluctance to work towards a common definition of terrorism

Gen. Ozkok underlines the importance of international solidarity to combat terrorism and suggests forming a team of academics to develop a common definition of the threat

Chief of Turkish General Staff Gen. Hilmi Ozkok late Thursday called for a common definition of terrorism in order to boost efforts to combat the global threat. Hinting at the reluctance of politicians to do so as a key deficiency, Ozkok said, 'Politicians think about their election concerns and public opinion. They can't reach a common definition of terrorism. Towards th
at end, it would be better to form a team of scholars to develop one.'"

More:JTW News - Gen. Ozkok Says Common Definition of Terrorism Needed

JTW News - British Court Lifts TRNC Holiday Ad Ban

"British Court Lifts TRNC Holiday Ad Ban
The New Anatolian with AP / London

Britain's High Court decided late Thursday to lift a ban on advertising vacations for the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) on London's transit system.

The ban had been imposed by Transport for London, the municipal body that oversees the capital's transport network, because of concerns that showing TRNC resorts might be offensive due to the divided situation of the island."

More:JTW News - British Court Lifts TRNC Holiday Ad Ban

Friday, July 29, 2005

Turkish Daily News - US envoy, Ankara mayor open Turkish-US friendship photo exhibit

"US envoy, Ankara mayor open Turkish-US friendship photo exhibit

Saturday, July 30, 2005

ANKARA - Turkish Daily News

Ankara Mayor Melik Gökçek and U.S. Chargé d'Affaires Nancy McEldowney on Monday opened a photo exhibition titled �The 100th Year of Turkish-American Friendship� at Ankara's Zafer shopping mall.

McEldowney said she was honored to open the exhibit with Gökçek, who has done so many good things for Ankara."

More:Turkish Daily News - US envoy, Ankara mayor open Turkish-US friendship photo exhibit

FT.com / Arts & Weekend - An air of dignified resignation

"An air of dignified resignation
Published: July 29 2005 15:46 | Last updated: July 29 2005 15:46

Huzun, the Turkish word for melancholy, has an Arabic root; when it appears in the Koran (as huzun in two verses and hazen in three others) it means much the same thing as the contemporary Turkish word. The prophet Muhammad referred to the year in which he lost both his wife Hatice and his uncle, Ebu Talip, as Senettul huzun, the year of melancholy; this confirms that the word is meant to convey a feeling of deep spiritual loss. Huzun stems from the same “black passion” as melancholy, whose etymology refers to a basis first conceived in Aristotle’s day (melaina kole-black bile) and gives us the colouration normally associated with this feeling and the all-occluding pain it implies."

More:FT.com / Arts & Weekend - An air of dignified resignation

Turkish journalists barred from covering football match

"Turkish journalists barred from covering football match

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has expressed dismay over a decision by Cyprus to ban Turkish journalists based in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (recognised only by Turkey) from covering a football match on 26 July 2005."
More:Turkish journalists barred from covering football match

Independent Online Edition > Turkey agrees to EU customs union

"Turkey agrees to EU customs union
By Stephen Castle in Brussels
Published: 30 July 2005

Turkey last night took a big step towards EU membership talks by agreeing to extend a customs union to all 25 nations in the bloc, but confused matters by insisting the deal did not mean recognition of Cyprus.

After days of wrangling over the wording of a declaration from Ankara, diplomats finally signed an accord designed to pave the way for the start of formal EU membership talks for Turkey on 3 October.

However the wording of the Turkish statement on Cyprus, issued at the same time as it signed the customs deal, was being analysed last night. The carefully worded text stuck to established Turkish policy on Cyprus leaving key issues opaque. Whether the Turks have done enough to clear their path towards negotiations in October may not become clear until the end of next month when EU ambassadors discuss the text.

Extending Ankara's customs union to all EU countries, including Cyprus, is a precondition of Turkey starting talks, though formal recognition of the Greek Cypriot government is not.

However some diplomats fear that a refusal to recognise Cyprus, which joined the EU last year, would suggest that the customs union would not be applied to it, thereby undermining the purpose of the deal.

The Cypriot government in Nicosia said it "deeply regretted" Turkey's declaration that it would not recognise the government of an EU member. It said it would examine whether the Turkish statement called into question the validity of the customs union.

Crucially, the Turkish declaration skirted around one central issue, making no direct mention as to whether it will allow Cypriot ships or planes to enter its waters or airspace.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded following an abortive coup by supporters of union with Greece. A breakaway Turkish Cypriot state established in north Cyprus is only recognised by Ankara.

The British presidency welcomed the signature of the deal and added member states "will examine the terms of the Turkish declaration with a view to agreeing any further EU response".

A British official said the UK had insisted that the Turkish statement "must not call into question whether Turkey will implement the protocol [extending the customs union]".

Turkey last night took a big step towards EU membership talks by agreeing to extend a customs union to all 25 nations in the bloc, but confused matters by insisting the deal did not mean recognition of Cyprus. "

More:Independent Online Edition >Turkey agrees to EU customs union

CNN.com - Turkey signs�key EU protocol - Jul 29, 2005

"Turkey signs key EU protocol
Refuses to recognize Cyprus, an EU member state

Friday, July 29, 2005; Posted: 6:35 p.m. EDT (22:35 GMT)

BRUSSELS, Belgium (AP) -- Turkey signed an accord Friday extending its customs union with the European Union to Cyprus and other new EU members -- a key step toward opening membership talks with the bloc -- but said its signature was not recognition of the Cypriot government."

More:CNN.com - Turkey signs�key EU protocol - Jul 29, 2005

The woman with the final say - World - Times Online

"The woman with the final say
From Suna Erdem
The election of a grandmother as a top judge is being hailed as proof that Turkey is fit to join EU
A WOMAN judge elected to head Turkey’s highest court has already been praised as a role model by Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the Prime Minister, as he presses his case for entry to the European Union."

More:The woman with the final say - World - Times Online

$5 Million GAP Valley Project Comes to Life in S. Eastern Turkey

"$5 Million GAP Valley Project Comes to Life in S. Eastern Turkey
By Cihan News Agency
Published: Saturday July 30, 2005

Reportedly, a $5 million-Southeastern Anatolia Project (GAP) Valley will start construction by the southeastern Turkish city of Sanliurfa Municipality in the area surrounding the irrigation channels that carry the water of Ataturk Dam into the Harran Plain."

More:$5 Million GAP Valley Project Comes to Life in S. Eastern Turkey

Iraqi Airlines to Fly to Turkey after 15 years

"Iraqi Airlines to Fly to Turkey after 15 years
By Mustafa Gun
Published: Saturday July 30, 2005

Iraq, which has undergone major restructuring since the war, has taken the decision to restart direct flights to Turkey. Flights will commence after 15 years on Wednesday, August 3, and will take place twice a week from Istanbul Ataturk Airport."

More:Iraqi Airlines to Fly to Turkey after 15 years

PKK Reports: Europe No Longer Sympathizes with PKK

"PKK Reports: Europe No Longer Sympathizes with PKK
By Emre Soncan
Published: Saturday July 30, 2005

Armed struggles and bombs placed on railways recently occurring one after another in Southeast Anatolia have turned all eyes to the terrorist organization Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) again. While the Turkish Armed Forces’ (TSK) operation continue against the separatist organization, the PKK try to rally; however, reports sent within the organization proved that the PKK was unable to find supporters especially in Europe, where it had been easy in former years."

More:PKK Reports: Europe No Longer Sympathizes with PKK

Australian Broadcasting Corporation- Friday Forum

"Friday Forum
Reporter: Maxine McKew

MAXINE MCKEW: Our Friday Forum tonight focuses on some of the questions that Muslims in Australia have been asking in the wake of the London bombings. Among them - could the same thing happen here? What are the influences on young Australian Muslims that could lead them to cross the line and take violent action? Australia certainly has its controversial Islamic figures, among them Melbourne-based Sheikh Omran. On this program only a few weeks ago he refused to accept Osama bin Laden's culpability in the New York attacks. Rhetoric of this kind may or may not lead to violent action, but it is certainly frustrating many mainstream Muslims who are sick of seeing their faith hijacked by extremists, and the high profile adopted by some of the country's sheikhs and imams is now activating others who want to see a more representative leadership and discourse. Well, my guests tonight fit into that category. Adem Somyurek is a Victorian State Labor MP who wrote recently that Muslims must say, "Enough is enough." And Irfan Yusuf is a Sydney industrial lawyer who stood as the Liberal candidate for the federal seat of Reid in the 2001 election. Both were brought up within an Islamic tradition, but say that being Muslim is merely part of their identity. Gentlemen, welcome to you. It's good to have you on the program. We seem to be seeing, I think it's fair to say, a level of soul-searching among Muslims in Australia in the wake of London, of a kind that we did not see after the New York and the Madrid attacks. Irsun Yusuf, why do you think that is? "

More:Lateline - 29/07/2005: Friday Forum

Turkish doubts Fred Halliday - openDemocracy

"Turkish doubts
Fred Halliday
29 - 7 - 2005
A moderate democratic Islamism in power, careful diplomacy over Iraq, the prospect of European Union membership … this should have been Turkey’s decade. But things are going wrong, finds Fred Halliday in Ankara."

More:Turkish doubts Fred Halliday - openDemocracy

FT.com / Arts & Weekend - City of love and dreams

"City of love and dreams
By Vincent Boland
Published: July 30 2005 03:00 | Last updated: July 30 2005 03:00

One recent Monday morning a 15-year-old boy named Mehmet Ali Agit stepped off a bus at Esenler station, near the centre of Istanbul, to begin a new life in the big city. His brother, Abdulkerim, who had found a job for him in the leather goods business where he works, was there to meet him. They had seen each other only once in the past 10 years."

More:FT.com / Arts & Weekend - City of love and dreams

JTW News - PM Warns US on PKK: We Have Limits in Understanding"PM Warns US on PKK: We Have Limits in Understanding

"PM Warns US on PKK: We Have Limits in Understanding
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has asked all countries to take place in combating terror, pointing out that Turkey has been fighting it since 1978.

Erdogan gave an interview to British newspaper The Times during his one-day trip to London Wednesday. He said that Turkey takes this issue extremely serious. “For instance, Turkey has sent troops to Afghanistan only to fight against terror. Turkey currently has 1,500 soldiers in this country, Turkey for the second time has undertaken the command of the ISAF and the Turkish soldiers’ second tour of duty continues. And Turkey is ready to play an active role in every single step to combat terror.” "

More:JTW News - PM Warns US on PKK: We Have Limits in Understanding

The Globe and Mail: Ozay Mehmet:Turks & Armenians: Is reconciliation possible?

"Turks & Armenians: Is reconciliation possible?
By OZAY MEHMET

Friday, July 29, 2005 Updated at 1:42 AM EDT

Special to Globe and Mail Update

On Oct. 3, Turkey will start accession talks for European Union membership. These talks will be long and hard because Ankara will have to settle, in addition to far-reaching economic, social and political reforms, some difficult questions relating to Cyprus, Kurds and the Aegean, as well as Armenian claims of genocide in 1915."

More:The Globe and Mail: Ozay Mehmet:Turks & Armenians: Is reconciliation possible?

Turkish Daily News - Sezer, Talat to finally meet

"Sezer, Talat to finally meet
Friday, July 29, 2005

ANKARA – Turkish Daily News

Turkish Cypriot President Mehmet Ali Talat will come to Ankara next week for a long-delayed meeting with Turkish President Ahmet Necdet Sezer, Talat's office said in a statement."

More:Turkish Daily News - Sezer, Talat to finally meet

Bloomberg.com: Turkey, Greek Leaders Push Peace; Citizens Say Tensions Remain

"Turkey, Greek Leaders Push Peace; Citizens Say Tensions Remain

July 29 (Bloomberg) -- Kostas Karamanlis may become the first Greek premier to visit Turkey's capital in 46 years next month, as the two nations try to end centuries of hostilities and promote Turkey's bid to join the European Union."

More:Bloomberg.com: Turkey, Greek Leaders Push Peace; Citizens Say Tensions Remain

Granny Nasra’s Contribution to Rendezvous of Civilizations

"Granny Nasra’s Contribution to Rendezvous of Civilizations

By SEYHMUS EDIS
Published: Friday July 29, 2005

There is a house in Mardin, Christians coming from all around the world stop by no matter. This is the first house that salutes you as you enter the city."

More:Granny Nasra’s Contribution to Rendezvous of Civilizations

JTW Comment - Bitter, But Silent (On Cyprus Protocol Blues)

"Bitter, But Silent (On Cyprus Protocol Blues)
Ferai Tunc

Columnist Ferai Tinc comments on the consequences of Ankara signing the additional Customs Union protocol. A summary of her column is as follows: "

More:JTW Comment - Bitter, But Silent (On Cyprus Protocol Blues)

EU Appoints Greek Cypriot Envoy to Cyprus

"EU Appoints Greek Cypriot Envoy to Cyprus
By Selcuk Gultasli
Published: Friday July 29, 2005

The European Union (EU) Commission has appointed a Greek Cypriot representative to Cyprus. A written Commission statement said that seven countries have been appointed EU representatives and the above-mentioned representatives will be the official spokespersons of the EU Commission in the countries, where they have been appointed."

More:EU Appoints Greek Cypriot Envoy to Cyprus

JTW News - Protest Against Turks Deadlocks Bulgarian Parliament

"Protest Against Turks Deadlocks Bulgarian Parliament
The New Anatolian with AP / Sofia

Bulgaria's election winning Socialists can't form a new government, party leader Sergei

Stanishev conceded Thursday, hours after Parliament elected him prime minister by one vote but rejected his Cabinet.

Lawmakers voted 120-119 Wednesday to elect Stanishev as prime minister, but in a second vote rejected his Cabinet, which also included members of its coalition partner, a mainly ethnic Turkish party, the Movement for Rights and Freedoms (HOH)."

More:JTW News - Protest Against Turks Deadlocks Bulgarian Parliament

World Peace Herald:Kurdish issue frays Ankara's ties with U.S.

"Kurdish issue frays Ankara's ties with U.S.
By Nicholas Birch
The Washington Times
Published July 29, 2005

SEYYED SADIQ, Iraq -- Battered during the U.S.-led war on Iraq, Turkey's 50-year alliance with Washington now faces a potentially far more serious crisis, this time from resurgent Kurdish separatism.

Members of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) have been fighting Turkish forces in southeastern Turkey since June 2004, five years after their 15-year war against the Turkish state ended in defeat. "

More:World Peace Herald-Kurdish issue frays Ankara's ties with U.S.

Political Affairs Magazine - Events in Turkey

"Events in Turkey

By CP of Turkey
Members of the Patriotic Front held a demonstration on June 18 for the anniversary of the opening of Incirlik Military Base, which has been under the US control since its foundation. Patriots gathered in front of the Galatasaray High School on the Istiklal Street with banners and TKP flags.

In the press statement, which was red out by a member of the Patriotic Front, it was declared that the patriots, who had the will to shut down the Incirlik Base, had no intention to replace it with the headquarters of the European Army. The press statement ended with call to the struggle against the US and the EU imperialism."

More:Political Affairs Magazine - Events in Turkey

Picasso coming to Istanbul

"Picasso coming to Istanbul
Istanbul’s Sakip Sabanci Museum is to stage an exhibition of paintings by Pablo Picasso, some of which have never before been displayed in public."

More:Picasso coming to Istanbul

IOC bids for majority stake in Turkish co

"IOC bids for majority stake in Turkish co
New Delhi: State owned petroleum major Indian Oil Corporation has bid for a 51 per cent stake in Tupras, the Turkish oil refining company, according to petroleum minister Mani Shankar Aiyar, in the Rajya Sabha.

The minister said that during his recent visit to Turkey the two sides had agreed to establish a joint working group to promote cooperation in the oil and gas sector.

The minister said the oil companies of both countries would cooperate in pursuing exploration and production contracts in each other's countries as well as in third countries.

While IOC has submitted a bid for stake in Tupras, an invitation has been extended to Turkish companies to invest in upcoming refinery projects in India, Aiyar said. "
IOC bids for majority stake in Turkish co

Thursday, July 28, 2005

Ship traffic, waterfront accidents surge on Bosporus

"Ship traffic, waterfront accidents surge on Bosporus

Thursday, July 28, 2005
By Chip Cummins, The Wall Street Journal

ISTANBUL, Turkey -- Omer Isvan was having dinner with business associates in May when he got a frantic phone call. A cargo ship as long as a football field had just veered off course in the Bosporus and rammed into his waterfront villa.

'The dinner party thought I was joking when I said, 'Excuse me, I have a ship in my bedroom and I have to get it out,' ' said Mr. Isvan, a hotel consultant."

More:Ship traffic, waterfront accidents surge on Bosporus

The Baltic Times- NEWS FROM ESTONIA,LATVIA AND LITHUANIA

"Lithuanians speak out against Turkey in EU

By TBT staff

Vilius Alisauskas, coordinator of Voice for Europe in Lithuania, told the Baltic News Service that the current wave of protest against Turkey's membership, launched in Budapest in mid-July, will visit several largest European cities in two weeks.

Participants in the action will seek to draw the attention of the public, politicians and media representatives to problems that Turkey's full-fledged membership in the EU would cause. "

More:The Baltic Times- NEWS FROM ESTONIA,LATVIA AND LITHUANIA

Kuna site|Story page|Turkey plans to cancel accord on importing natural...7/28/2005

"Turkey plans to cancel accord on importing natural gas from Iran
PWR-TURKEY-IRAN-GAS
Turkey plans to cancel accord on importing natural gas from Iran

ANKARA, July 28 (KUNA) -- Turkey is preparing to cancel an agreement to import natural gas from Iran signed in 1996 due to the Iranian insistence on not responding to Turkish request to decrease the Iranian gas's price."

More:Kuna site|Story page|Turkey plans to cancel accord on importing natural...7/28/2005

BBC NEWS | UK | England | London | Ban on Cyprus posters overruled

"Ban on Cyprus posters overruled
London buses
Transport for London had banned the posters in March
A ban on bus adverts for holidays in Turkish-controlled northern Cyprus has been overturned by the High Court.

Judge Mr Justice Newman said Transport for London's (TfL) decision was 'irrational' and awarded legal costs to the North Cyprus Tourism Centre (NCTC)."

More:BBC NEWS | UK | England | London | Ban on Cyprus posters overruled

Norway Defends: We Try PKK Supporters

"Norway Defends: We Try PKK Supporters
Published: Thursday July 28, 2005

On Wednesday, Norway made an official announcement following the news about a Norwegian political party funding the terrorist organization the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK). A written statement released by the Norwegian Embassy in Ankara reads that financial support for terror was considered a crime in Norway and would be punished, and that the Norwegian government does not overlook terrorist organizations. "

More:Norway Defends: We Try PKK Supporters

Talking Turkey - Comment - Times Online

"Talking Turkey
The need to assist and to welcome Ankara

Bombings never go unnoticed, but the explosions on the streets and beaches of southeast Turkey this summer have not been noticed widely enough. Blamed on groups associated with the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (the PKK), the attacks in the resort of Kusadasi and elsewhere have killed at least seven civilians, including one Briton, and injured dozens more. They have destroyed hopes of restoring a five-year ceasefire that ended last year, triggered deadly reprisals by Turkish troops and induced the Government in Ankara to threaten cross-border raids into northern Iraq if more is not done, by the US in particular, to apprehend Kurdish rebel leaders based there."

More:Talking Turkey - Comment - Times Online

Istanbul's isle of diversity | csmonitor.com

"Istanbul's isle of diversity
A vestige of Turkey's multicultural past, Muslims, Jews, and Christians coexist happily on the Princes Islands.
By Yigal Schleifer
Burgaz lies less than an hour's ferry ride from the urban sprawl of Muslim-dominated Istanbul, but the unspoiled island teems with ethnic diversity.

Part of an archipelago known as the Princes Islands, Burgaz and its sister islands have for decades been a summer home for Istanbul's minority communities, especially Jews, Greeks, and Armenians. Indeed, the hilly islands are probably one of the world's few places where a church, synagogue, and mosque happily coexist within walking distance of each other."

More:Istanbul's isle of diversity | csmonitor.com

Bloomberg.com: U.K.-Turkey Trusts U.K. to Overcome Hurdles on EU Framework Approval

"Turkey Trusts U.K. to Overcome Hurdles on EU Framework Approval

July 28 (Bloomberg) -- Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he trusts the U.K. to make sure the framework on the country's European Union membership negotiations is approved in time for talks to start on Oct. 3 as scheduled."

More:Bloomberg.com: U.K.

JTW Comment - Turkish-Russian Relations: From Competition to Cooperation

"Turkish-Russian Relations: From Competition to Cooperation
Cem Oguz

In autumn 2000, I was asked by a news agency to comment on the turbulent and often confrontational course of Turkish-Russian relations. The interviewer was particularly keen to find out how a more promising relationship could be achieved. I pointed out the existence of psychological constraints that revolved around mutual misperceptions as the basic handicap. "

More:JTW Comment - Turkish-Russian Relations: From Competition to Cooperation

Anarchism in Turkey - Greece / Turkey / Cyprus History of anarchism - Anarkismo

"Anarchism in Turkey
by Unknown Thursday, Jul 28 2005, 4:54am
greece / turkey / cyprus / history of anarchism / review

A short history of Anarchism in Turkey

A short but good history of anarchism in Turkey involving revolutionaries form other nationalities as well.

In 1876, Christo Botev, “the first Bulgarian anarchist and national hero... perished for the liberation of Bulgaria from Turkish power”.

In 1878, after leaving Beirut, Errico Malatesta’s ship docks in Smyrna (Izmir), where the local authorities demand that Malatesta be handed over to them. Fortunately, the Captain of “La Provence” refuses the order and the ship continues on to Italy, France and Switzerland."

More:Anarchism in Turkey - Greece / Turkey / Cyprus History of anarchism - Anarkismo

Israeli plane from Cyprus dupes Turkish air traffic controllers

"Israeli plane from Cyprus dupes Turkish air traffic controllers

AN ISRAELI plane that took off from Larnaca airport landed in Istanbul after the pilot told Turkish authorities he was inbound from the island of Rhodes.

Given it does not recognise the Republic of Cyprus, Turkey has imposed an embargo on all Cypriot ships and aircraft or all vessels whose starting point is Cyprus. This was the first time the embargo was broken, even if by mistake."

More:Israeli plane from Cyprus dupes Turkish air traffic controllers

Turkish Daily News - Two different styles on one canvas

"Two different styles on one canvas

Thursday, July 28, 2005

ANKARA – Turkish Daily News

Art lovers in Konya have the pleasure of viewing pieces from a local artist who creates wonderful paintings by using ebru and oil techniques.

Speaking to the Anatolia news agency, Selçuk University lecturer Mutluhan Taş said he always admired traditional ebru and focused his studies on it. "

More:Turkish Daily News - Two different styles on one canvas

Turkish Daily News - EU envoy says no sympathy for PKK

"EU envoy says no sympathy for PKK
Thursday, July 28, 2005

'Some in Turkey have concerns that more democracy and more human rights will weaken or endanger the country. But we believe that is not going to happen,' says Kretschmer, the head of the EU Commission Delegation to Turkey "

More:Turkish Daily News - EU envoy says no sympathy for PKK

REPORTER.GR-Turkey: TUSIAD & CBI support Turkish EU membership

"Turkey: TUSIAD & CBI support Turkish EU membership

12:12 - 28 July 2005 - The Turkish Industrialists and Businessmen's Association (TUSIAD) and its British counterpart, the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) issued a letter supporting Turkey's bid for European Union membership.

In a letter entitled 'Let us consolidate with further Turkish economic reform', which appeared in the Financial Times on Wednesday, the Turkish and British business communities support Turkey's bid for EU membership."

More:REPORTER.GR-Turkey: TUSIAD & CBI support Turkish EU membership

Azeri delegation flies into north direct from Baku

"Azeri delegation flies into north direct from Baku
By Simon Bahceli

A DELEGATION of 86 Azeri businessmen, state officials and cultural figures last night claimed they had made history by being aboard the first plane to fly directly to the north’s Ercan (Tymbou) airport.

The delegation flew to the island aboard a jet of the privately-owned IM-Air, a small airline that according to its website operates services between Baku and other cities in the ex-Soviet Union. Sources said the airline also runs a route to Antalya in southern Turkey.
The flight follows weeks of speculation that Azerbaijan could be planning to declare recognition of the breakaway state and begin scheduled flights to its internationally unrecognised airport. "

More:Azeri delegation flies into north direct from Baku

Turkish Daily News - Switzerland and the Armenian problem

"Switzerland and the Armenian problem
Thursday, July 28, 2005

Workers’ Party leader Doğu Perin�ek was detained and interrogated by the prosecutor of the Swiss town of Winterthur, where he was taking part in ceremonies marking the 82nd anniversary of the Lausanne Treaty. That was a highly serious incident. It was wrong for those who did not like Perin�ek’s views and those who underplayed the importance of the Lausanne Treaty to report on that incident in the media in a trivialized manner. "
More:Turkish Daily News - Switzerland and the Armenian problem

Turkish Daily News - I dare German students to take a Turkish IQ test!

"I dare German students to take a Turkish IQ test!
Thursday, July 28, 2005

AYŞE OZGUN

Berlin Free University President Professor Dieter Lenzen declared some time ago that the IQ of Turkish students was lower than German students. Now German Genetic Research Institute Director Volkmar Weiss has claimed that Turkish immigrant children and former Soviet block immigrant children possess IQs 15 percent lower than those of Germans."

More:Turkish Daily News - I dare German students to take a Turkish IQ test!

Turkish Daily News - So, there is such a thing as semi-pregnancy?

"So, there is such a thing as semi-pregnancy?
Thursday, July 28, 2005

Yusuf KANLI

First of all, let's make one thing clear: If this country pledges to do something in exchange for getting something important, it should fulfill the pledge but must make sure it is really getting what it wants."

More:Turkish Daily News - So, there is such a thing as semi-pregnancy?

Reuters AlertNet - Kurdish rebels kidnap mayor of Turkish town

"Kurdish rebels kidnap mayor of Turkish town
28 Jul 2005 07:10:26 GMT
Source: Reuters
DIYARBAKIR, Turkey, July 28 (Reuters) - Kurdish guerrillas have kidnapped the mayor of a town in eastern Turkey and police and troops have launched a search, security officials said on Thursday.

Hasim Akyurek, mayor of Yayladere in Bingol province and a member of Turkey's ruling Justice and Development Party, was abducted on Wednesday while on his way to inspect preparations for a local festival, the officials said."

More:Reuters AlertNet - Kurdish rebels kidnap mayor of Turkish town

JTW Comment - Azerbaijan Embraces Northern Cyprus

"Azerbaijan Embraces Northern Cyprus
Rufat Abbasov

The first commercial passenger aircraft flew from Baku to northern Cyprus on July 27, strengthening Azerbaijan’s ties with the internationally unrecognised territory.

It comes at time when the Caucasian state is having problems with its own territorial integrity.

On June 29, Azerbaijani president Ilham Aliev said after receiving Turkish prime minister Recep Tayip Erdogan that the self-proclaimed Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus ought to be allowed more contact with the rest of the world and that Baku was sympathetic to that goal."

More:JTW Comment - Azerbaijan Embraces Northern Cyprus

PRN Wire: Turkish Minister of Finance to Address World’s Largest Islamic Finance Event

"Turkish Minister of Finance to Address World’s Largest Islamic Finance Event

Dubai, UAE - Jul 28, 2005 (PRN): This September will see the Dubai based International Islamic Finance Forum landing in Istanbul for the 8th in the series of the highly popular event. UAE based organisers IIR have announced that Turkish Minister of Finance, Kemal Unakitan, will make a keynote address to all attendees on day two of the forum. IIFF Forum Director, Christianna Tsiterou said, 'We are delighted to announce the return of the International Islamic Finance Forum to Istanbul and are confident that this year will be the biggest yet. We are expecting over 400 attendees from across the world to come together over the 26-28th September to hear the latest news in the industry and network with their peers'.
"

More:PRN Wire: Turkish Minister of Finance to Address World’s Largest Islamic Finance Event

Most Top 500 Companies Manufacture Outside Istanbul

"Most Top 500 Companies Manufacture Outside Istanbul
By Economy News Desk
Published: Thursday July 28, 2005
zaman.com

More than half of Turkey’s top 500 industrial establishments operate as registered to Chambers of Industry in provinces other than Istanbul."

More:Most Top 500 Companies Manufacture Outside Istanbul

Wednesday, July 27, 2005

Reuters.co.uk- Turkey gets support over Cyprus before EU talks

"Turkey gets support over Cyprus before EU talks
Wed Jul 27, 2005 6:21 PM BST

By Mike Peacock

LONDON (Reuters) - Britain gave its blessing as EU president on Wednesday to Turkey's refusal to recognise Cyprus without a peace deal on the island, drawing an angry reaction from Nicosia, which could block Ankara's EU entry talks."

More:Reuters.co.uk-Turkey gets support over Cyprus before EU talks

Talking Turkey - Comment - Times Online

"Talking Turkey
The need to assist and to welcome Ankara

Bombings never go unnoticed, but the explosions on the streets and beaches of southeast Turkey this summer have not been noticed widely enough. Blamed on groups associated with the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (the PKK), the attacks in the resort of Kusadasi and elsewhere have killed at least seven civilians, including one Briton, and injured dozens more. They have destroyed hopes of restoring a five-year ceasefire that ended last year, triggered deadly reprisals by Turkish troops and induced the Government in Ankara to threaten cross-border raids into northern Iraq if more is not done, by the US in particular, to apprehend Kurdish rebel leaders based there."

More:Talking Turkey - Comment - Times Online

Swiss-Turkish relations hit a new low

"Swiss-Turkish relations hit a new low

Turkey should recognise the Armenian genocide and stop blackmailing Switzerland, says Swiss parliamentarian Erwin Jutzet.

Meanwhile, the Swiss ambassador in Ankara has had to defend himself against a barrage of criticism concerning the Swiss investigation of a Turkish politician."

More:Swiss-Turkish relations hit a new low

World news from The Times and the Sunday Times - Times Online

"Turkish leader calls on US to tackle his rebels
By Richard Beeston
Recep Erdogan tells The Times that he can help bridge the gap between Europe and Islam
TURKEY’S Prime Minister, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, exudes the confidence of a leader who feels that his time has come and his place in history is in the making.

A devout Muslim, but the leader of a strongly secular state, a pro-European with a nation rooted in Asia Minor, he finds himself squarely in the centre of today’s most pressing issues — the War on Terror, the future shape of Europe and the fate of Iraq."

More:World news from The Times and the Sunday Times - Times Online

Interview: German politico Cem Ozdemir

"Interview: German politico Cem Ozdemir
By Gareth Harding Jul 27, 2005, 15:31 GMT

BRUSSELS, Belgium (UPI) -- Cem Ozdemir was the first politician of Turkish origin to enter mainstream German politics in 1994. After two stints as a Green deputy in the Bundestag, the son of Turkish guest workers was a Trans-Atlantic Fellow of the German Marshall Fund in Washington before becoming a member of the European Parliament last year."

More:Interview: German politico Cem Ozdemir

JTW Comment - Leading Reason Of Global Terror: Gap In Representation Of Greater Middle East

"Leading Reason Of Global Terror: Gap In Representation Of Greater Middle East
By Dr. Sedat LACINER

The world is looking for the reasons of the bombs exploded in London. The bombs exploded in the tube stations and in the bus proved how close the western people to the terror. When a few of the bombs exploded everyday in Baghdad hit London, a hidden state of panic aroused in every country from Canada to France. The metro stations were abandoned, the routine controls in the airports turned in to extra ordinary ones. After the bombs the confusion and the facial expression of British Prime Minister Tony Blair asking “Why London” is still fresh. After the bombings during the G8 Summit in Scotland, Tony Blair made statements taking the G8 leaders and the other guest leaders near him."

More:JTW Comment - Leading Reason Of Global Terror: Gap In Representation Of Greater Middle East

Turkish Daily News - Kastamonu producing traditional palace dish

"Kastamonu producing traditional palace dish
Wednesday, July 27, 2005

The traditional �palace halva� of Kastamonu, historically made by specially trained cooks in Seljuk and Ottoman palaces for centuries, is now being reproduced for residents of and visitors to Kastamonu, reported the Anatolia news agency."

More:Turkish Daily News - Kastamonu producing traditional palace dish

BBC NEWS | Europe | UK and Turkey set against terror

"UK and Turkey set against terror

Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Tony Blair discussed Cyprus issue
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his UK counterpart Tony Blair have had talks in London on security, Cyprus and Turkey's EU bid.

Both leaders said they would work together against terrorism, after recent attacks in Turkey and the UK."

More:BBC NEWS | Europe | UK and Turkey set against terror

Turkish Daily News - EU plans clampdown on 'terrorist financiers'

"EU plans clampdown on 'terrorist financiers'

Wednesday, July 27, 2005

The European Commission proposed Tuesday tightening controls on money transfers in Europe in a bid to cut off funding for terrorist attacks, as part of measures made more urgent by the London bombings.

The European Union's executive arm said its proposals, which would require full details to be recorded of the senders of all funds, were aimed at strengthening a key front in the fight against terrorism."

More:Turkish Daily News - EU plans clampdown on 'terrorist financiers'

Protest against Turkey's EU bid to take place in Prague on Friday - Prague Daily Monitor

"Protest against Turkey's EU bid to take place in Prague on Friday

(PDM staff with CTK) 27 July - A demonstration against Turkey's entry to the European Union will be staged in Prague's Wenceslas Square on Friday by the Voice for Europe international civic initiative, Jana Kaderabkova from the initiative told CTK yesterday.

Czech members of the European Parliament Josef Zieleniec and Tomas Zatloukal (both Association of Independent Candidates, SNK) are to take part in the protest, according to its organisers."

More:Protest against Turkey's EU bid to take place in Prague on Friday - Prague Daily Monitor

PM-Designate on His Knees before Ethnic Turks - Rightist Diehard

"PM-Designate on His Knees before Ethnic Turks - Rightist Diehard

Socialist leader Sergey Stanishev is an unconvincing candidate for prime minister due to his demand to head the next government at any price, Bulgarian hard-line rightist leader Ivan Kostov said. Photo by SNA
| buy photo |
Politics: 27 July 2005, Wednesday.

Socialist leader Sergey Stanishev is an unconvincing candidate for prime minister due to his demand to head the next government at any price, Bulgarian hard-line rightist leader Ivan Kostov said in parliament.

In the words of Kostov Stanishev has done nothing to prove that the Socialist Party, successor of the former communists, has reformed."

More:PM-Designate on His Knees before Ethnic Turks - Rightist Diehard

Turkish Daily News - Ties with Switzerland may sour again over Perin�ek

"Ties with Switzerland may sour again over Perin�ek
Wednesday, July 27, 2005

The detention of Workers' Party (İP) leader Doğu Perin�ek in Switzerland over remarks he made denying allegations of an Armenian genocide, following a probe into a Turkish historian over the same issue, will not contribute positively to political relations between Turkey and Switzerland, Foreign Ministry spokesman Namık Tan said yesterday."

More:Turkish Daily News - Ties with Switzerland may sour again over Perin�ek

Reuters.com- Turkish PM rules out early recognition of Cyprus

"Turkish PM rules out early recognition of Cyprus
Wed Jul 27, 2005 6:35 AM ET

LONDON (Reuters) - Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan reaffirmed on Wednesday that Turkey would not recognize Cyprus before there was a comprehensive peace settlement on the divided island.

Turkey is expected to sign a protocol later this week expanding its customs union with the European Union to 10 new member states including Cyprus, but insists that this will not amount to recognition. The signing is the last obstacle Ankara must clear before opening EU entry talks in October."

More:Reuters.com-Turkish PM rules out early recognition of Cyprus

JTW News - Blair says Turkey's signing protocol will not mean it recognizes Greek Cyprus

"Blair says Turkey's signing protocol will not mean it recognizes Greek Cyprus
British PM Tony Blair has indicated that Turkey's signing the protocol adapting the customs union agreement to 10 new member states of the EU would not mean that it recognizes (officially) the Greek Cypriot administration.Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan met today British Prime Minister Tony Blair in London.


After the meeting, Blair said that they discussed terrorism, which was the common problem of the two countries, and thanked Turkey and Turkish people for their support.

Noting that both Turkey and U.K. knew well terrorism and its nature, Blair stated that Erdogan and he discussed possible cooperation to fight against terrorism. Blair also reaffirmed that they would act
together and with full determination."

More:JTW News - Blair says Turkey's signing protocol will not mean it recognizes Greek Cyprus

Press Conference with The Turkish Prime Minister

"Press Conference with The Turkish Prime Minister

27 July 2005

Tony Blair has held talks with the Turkish Prime Minister in Downing Street.
Read the transcript below:

Prime Minister:

Good Morning everyone, and a very warm and friendly welcome to the Turkish Prime Minister, who is a good friend and colleague of mine, and we have had a very good and constructive discussion this morning. We began obviously by talking about terrorism. I want to thank Turkey and the Turkish people for their kind expressions of condolence in respect of the attacks that took place in London, and I expressed my condolences to the Prime Minister in respect of the attacks that have taken place in Turkey. We are both, I am afraid, too familiar with terrorism and its nature and we both agreed about how important it is that we work together to overcome this mutual threat and that we do not allow the terrorists to divide us, by nation, or by race, or by religion, and we stand together in that fight."

More:Press Conference with The Turkish Prime Minister

ePolitix.com - Turkish membership 'important for EU security'

"Turkish membership 'important for EU security'
EU flag

The UK presidency will press ahead with negotiations on Turkish membership of the European Union, the prime minister has confirmed.

Tony Blair's pledge came after talks in Number 10 with Turkish premier Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Britain appears determined to brush aside concerns in France and some other EU countries about whether Turkey should be offered membership.

Speaking after Wednesday's meeting, Blair said there had been 'extensive discussion' on EU issues."

More:ePolitix.com - Turkish membership 'important for EU security'

Turkey appoints first woman chief judge

"Turkey appoints first woman chief judge
July 27, 2005 - 5:54AM

Turkey's highest court has elected a woman as its chief justice for the first time in its history.

The decision placed a female judge in one of the most powerful institutions in the predominantly Muslim country as it presses for European Union membership.

Tulay Tugcu, 63, is the only women to hold such a top judicial position in the Muslim world.

Tugcu was elected after a 59th round of voting among high court judges, newspapers said. She is expected to hold the position until her retirement in 2007."

More:Turkey appoints first woman chief judge - Breaking News - World - Breaking News

FT.com / World / UK - UK tries to sustain Turkey's EU hopes

"UK tries to sustain Turkey's EU hopes
By Daniel Dombey in Brussels
Published: July 27 2005 03:00 | Last updated: July 27 2005 03:00

Tony Blair, the prime minister, will today try to keep one of Britain's main European ambitions on schedule when he meets Recep Tayyip Erdogan, his Turkish counterpart.

Britain has long supported Turkey's entry into the European Union and Mr Blair, who currently holds the EU presidency, has made it clear he will stick to the agreed date of October 3 to begin membership negotiations."

More:FT.com / World / UK - UK tries to sustain Turkey's EU hopes

Variety.com - Reviews - Pera Palas

"Pera Palas
By JOEL HIRSCHHORN
A complex, multicharacter, multiplot canvas like "Pera Palas" requires confident, cohesive direction, and the Theater@Boston Court version of Sinan Unel's 1999 Off Broadway drama comes sweepingly to life under Michael Michetti's dynamic directorial hand...."

More:Variety.com - Reviews - Pera Palas: "Pera Palas"

Tuesday, July 26, 2005

50 connect.co.uk -Turkish Fare

"Turkish Fare
Zelve, Turkey

In a world of frozen food, tinned food and "steak and chips" the Turkish cuisine undoubtedly holds a place of its own.

This cuisine is resisting the encroachment of fast food both in the domestic setting and restaurants. The broad spectrum foodways of the cosmopolitan Ottoman Empire stretching from the Balkans to North Africa, combined with the traditional cooking techniques of the Turks going back long centuries, gave rise to a fascinating and richly diverse synthesis."

More:50 connect.co.uk - Turkish Fare

Turkey Makes Half of its Export to 7 Countries

"Turkey Makes Half of its Export to 7 Countries
By Anadolu News Agency (aa)
Published: Wednesday July 27, 2005

As Turkey continues to break many records for exports, it has been calculated that it made about half of its exports to only seven countries in the first half of 2005.

While Turkey exports over 15,000 products to 218 countries, the export for just seven countries - Germany, Britain, Italy, US, France, Spain and The Netherlands - reached $16.9 billion over the past six months.

This figure represents 47.8 percent of the $35.36 billion of total exports during the January-June period."

More:Turkey Makes Half of its Export to 7 Countries

500 Largest Turkish Firms Announced

"500 Largest Turkish Firms Announced
By Anadolu News Agency (aa)
Published: Tuesday July 26, 2005

State-owned petroleum refinary TUPRAS with sales of 10.4 billion new Turkish liras (YTL) in 2004, is again the top of the list of the 500 largest industrial firms published by the Istanbul Chamber of Industry (ISO).

The ISO has announced its survey of 'Turkey's Top 500 Firms' in a news conference. According to the report, TUPRAS sold YTL 10,446,591,755 worth of production in 2004, keeping its position the same as last year.

The followings are the Top 10 lists of 2004."

More:500 Largest Turkish Firms Announced

Turkish PM for a September Visit to US

"Turkish PM for a September Visit to US
By Erdal Sen
Published: Tuesday July 26, 2005
zaman.com

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan will pay another one-day visit to the US in September.

After attending the Sun Valley Conference in the first week of July, Erdogan will this time participate in a program under the context of the United Nations (UN) 60th anniversary in New York. The Turkish Premier will have gone three times to the US in 2005 by the scheduled visit in September. Erdogan met with US President George W. Bush at the White House during his first US visit in early June."

More:Turkish PM for a September Visit to US

German leader: Keep Turkey out of EU

"German leader: Keep Turkey out of EU

BERLIN, July 25 (UPI) -- A major German politician says that Turkey should stay out of the European Union.

In an interview with the Polish newspaper Rzeczpospolita, Wolfgang Schauble, vice president of the Christian Democratic Union, said that full membership should only be given to countries that lie within the European continent."

More:German leader: Keep Turkey out of EU

Turkey to Take Important Step in EU Bid | Europe | Deutsche Welle |

"Turkey to Take Important Step in EU Bid

Turkey is taking baby steps towards its dream of EU membership

Turkey will sign a protocol Wednesday extending its current EU ties to the bloc's 10 most recent member states in a move which will see Ankara meet the final condition for opening membership talks on October 3."

More:Turkey to Take Important Step in EU Bid | Europe | Deutsche Welle |

Turks.US Daily News - Turkey's Sayginer Wins Bronze at 2005 World Games Daily News

"Turkey's Sayginer Wins Bronze at 2005 World Games

Tuesday, July 26 2005 @ 01:20 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Sports The Turkish billiard player Semih Sayginer has won a bronze medal in the 2005 World Games.

From nearly 80 countries, 3,000 players have participated in the World Games.

The championship, which began on July 14 and lasted until Saturday evening, was held in Duisburg, Berhausen, Mulheim and Bottrop. The championship in which Turkish sportsmen participated only in four branches ended with a glorious closing ceremony at 10 p.m. Sixty-four players,16 of whom were women and 48 were men, competed for the golden medal in the billiard championship at Saalbauda in Bottrop."

More:Turks.US Daily News - Turkey's Sayginer Wins Bronze at 2005 World Games Daily News

JTW Comment - To Give with Grace - On the Causes of anti-Americanism

"To Give with Grace - On the Causes of anti-Americanism
Sam Vaknin
Yankee Go Home. Nato is Nazo. American trash culture. The graffiti adorn every wall, the contempt seems to be universal. America and Americans are perceived to be uglier than ever before. It borders on hatred and xenophobia. Are we talking about Serbia in the midst of its Kosovo baptizing by fire? No. America-bashing seems to be a phenomenon engulfing rich (Czech Republic) and poor (Macedonia), the lawful (Greece) and the lawless (Russia), the Western orientated (Bulgaria) and the devoutly Slavophile (Serbia). Often, America (and Britain, its Anglo-Saxon sidekick) stand as proxies and fall guys for this ephemeral ghoul, the West. At other times, the distinctions are finer and France or Scandinavia, for instance, are excluded from the general outcry and condemnation."

More:JTW Comment - To Give with Grace - On the Causes of anti-Americanism

JTW News - Embargo broken before signatures even in place

"Embargo broken before signatures even in place
While additional protocol is being written up in Ankara with reference to why Turkey does not allow Greek Cypriot planes or ships to use its air or sea space, last Thursday morning, a small Israeli plane was the first craft to unofficially break this embargo. The plane lifted off from Nicosia on the Greek side, and announcing over its radio that it had 'come in from Rhodes,' it then proceeded to land at Istanbul's Ataturk Airport. "

More:JTW News - Embargo broken before signatures even in place

Turkish Daily News - Turkey criticizes Washington Post news report on PKK

"Turkey criticizes Washington Post news report on PKK
Tuesday, July 26, 2005

Turkish Ambassador to the United States Faruk Loğoğlu has sent a letter to prominent U.S. daily The Washington Post criticizing the newspaper for describing the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) a 'separatist or guerrilla' group, the Anatolia news agency reported on Monday."

More:Turkish Daily News - Turkey criticizes Washington Post news report on PKK

REPORTER.GR-Turkey: The most attractively valued market in Emerging Europe

"Turkey: The most attractively valued market in Emerging Europe

13:26 - 26 July 2005 - Turkey to be the most attractively valued market in Emerging Europe, with significant ongoing scope for convergence in the large banking sector and a host of domestically oriented firms, says Citigroup in its last report covering emerging markets of Eastern Europe."

More:REPORTER.GR-Turkey: The most attractively valued market in Emerging Europe

Ethnic Turks Leader Slams Vote Failure "Irresponsible Behaviour"

"Ethnic Turks Leader Slams Vote Failure 'Irresponsible Behaviour'

Ahmed Dogan, leader of the ethnic Turkish partner in the Socialists' draft government, is still confident Bulgaria won’t see early elections. Photo by Yuliana Nikolova (Sofia News Agency)
| buy photo |
Politics: 26 July 2005, Tuesday.

The leader of the ethnic Turkish partner in the Socialists' draft government called irresponsible political behaviour the boycott of the centrists and right-wingers.
"

More:Ethnic Turks Leader Slams Vote Failure "Irresponsible Behaviour"

Middle East Times-First woman head for Turkey's top court

"First woman head for Turkey's top court
July 26, 2005

ANKARA -- Members of Turkey's Constitutional Court have for the first time elected a woman judge to chair the country's top tribunal, the Official Gazette announced on Tuesday.

Tulay Tugcu, 63, a career judge, has been a member of the court since 1999.

She explained her election as an indication of 'how egalitarian, secular and democratic the [predominantly male] members of the Constitutional Court are', in remarks published on Tuesday in the large circulation daily Hurriyet. "

More:Middle East Times-First woman head for Turkey's top court

JTW Comment - The Case of Theo van Gogh: Is it the End of Multiculturalism?

"The Case of Theo van Gogh: Is it the End of Multiculturalism?
Nermin Aydemir

The murder of the controversial writer-director, Theo van Gogh, by Muslim immigrant with a Moroccan origin Mohammed Bouyeri, has made serious repercussions in the Netherlands. The rising opposition against foreigners, particularly against Muslims, living in this country has caused serious losses from the well-known “tolerant” face of the Dutch community. The responsibility of the murder has not been set over only the murderer himself, but on the whole Muslim community."

More:JTW Comment - The Case of Theo van Gogh: Is it the End of Multiculturalism?

Monday, July 25, 2005

Formula 1 driver Coultard fined for ducking Istanbul bridge toll

"Formula 1 driver Coultard fined for ducking Istanbul bridge toll
Jul 25, 2005, 14:44 GMT
Printer Friendly Pageprinter friendly Email this article to a friendemail this article Access M&C's RSS Feeds

Ankara - Formula 1 driver David Coultard has been caught and fined for crossing the Bosphorous Bridge in Istanbul that links Europe and Asia illegally, using a lane reserved for vehicles using a pre-paid electronic device, the Dogan news agency reported on Monday.

Cameras on the bridge caught Coultard's car using the lane on July 17 and a 33 Turkish Lira fine (25 U.S. dollars) was automatically registered on computer."

More:Formula 1 driver Coultard fined for ducking Istanbul bridge toll

Tinder of Competing Nationalisms, EU Involvement Needs Only a Spark to Ignite

"Talking Turkey
Tinder of Competing Nationalisms, EU Involvement Needs Only a Spark to Ignite
By Jon Gorvett
Turkish Kurds hold a portrait of jailed PKK rebel leader Abdullah Ocalan and Kurdish flags during a May Day demonstration in Istanbul’s Kadikly Square (AFP Photo/Mustafa Ozer).

WHEN THE European Court of Human Rights ruled in early May that Turkey’s one time “most wanted” man had not received a fair trial, there was little surprise—if a lot of resentment—among many Turks. With the decision coming on the heels of a groundswell of nationalist feeling, the declaration also was expected to result in a substantial backlash, even as leading government figures appealed for calm."

More:Tinder of Competing Nationalisms, EU Involvement Needs Only a Spark to Ignite

Turks.US Daily News - Turkey's Gul: Behavior not fitting of Switzerland Daily News

"Turkey's Gul: Behavior not fitting of Switzerland
InternationalForeign Minister Abdullah Gul, in reaction to the arrest of Turkish Workers' Party leader Dogy Perincek in the Swiss town of Winterhur, has said: 'It is not acceptable that this has been done to the leader of a Turkish political party. "

More:Turks.US Daily News - Turkey's Gul: Behavior not fitting of Switzerland Daily News

swissinfo- Turkey rejects Swiss genocide-denial inquiry

"Turkey rejects Swiss genocide-denial inquiry

Turkey's foreign minister, Abdullah Gul, has criticised Switzerland for briefly detaining a Turkish politician on suspicion of violating Swiss anti-racism laws.

Doğu Perincek, who is leader of Turkey’s Workers’ Party, has twice denied that the killings of Armenians around the time of the First World War amounted to genocide. He is the subject of two criminal investigations."

More:swissinfo Turkey rejects Swiss genocide-denial inquiry

Denktas Criticizes Greek Cypriot Administration For Not Letting Trabzonspor To Enter Greek Cypriot Side Via N Cyprus

"Denktas Criticizes Greek Cypriot Administration For Not Letting Trabzonspor To Enter Greek Cypriot Side Via N Cyprus

LEFKOSA - ''Trabzonspor (soccer club of Turkey) could not go to Greek Cypriot side for UEFA Champions League second qualifying round first leg match via Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). And, this is the recent and clearest example of embargoes imposed on Turkish Cypriots,'' said TRNC Foreign Minister Serdar Denktas."

More:Denktas Criticizes Greek Cypriot Administration For Not Letting Trabzonspor To Enter Greek Cypriot Side Via N Cyprus

JTW News - 3 Turks Died in Egyptian Bombing

"3 Turks Died in Egyptian Bombing
At least three Turkish citizens were among the victims of the devastating series of bomb blasts that rocked the Egyptian Red Sea resort town of Sharm el Sheikh on Saturday.

CAIRO/ANKARA - Another Turkish national is listed a missing after the blast in Sharm el Sheikh.

The bombings, which Egyptian authorities believe were the work of radical Islamist terrorists, killed at least 88 people, many of them Egyptians but also including foreigners from half a dozen countries."

More:JTW News - 3 Turks Died in Egyptian Bombing

Those Who Shed Other's Blood Are Defined As Terrorists, But Those Who Hurt Us Are Called Militia, Tolon

"Those Who Shed Other's Blood Are Defined As Terrorists, But Those Who Hurt Us Are Called Militia, Tolon

TEKIRDAG - ''They say that those who shed other's blood are terrorists, but those who hurt us are militia,'' First Army Commander Hursit Tolon said on Sunday, criticizing double standards of the west towards terrorism."

More:Those Who Shed Other's Blood Are Defined As Terrorists, But Those Who Hurt Us Are Called Militia, Tolon

Turkey’s Possible Cross-border Operation

"Turkey’s Possible Cross-border Operation

BY SEMIH IDIZ

MILLIYET- The issue of whether or not Turkey will conduct a cross-border operation against the terrorist PKK’s camps in northern Iraq is being taken seriously. The US and Britain are following this issue very closely because these countries are now in Iraq militarily. However, the European Union is also involved because it’s considered certain that such an operation would put the Kurdish lobby in Europe in play as well."

More:Turkey’s Possible Cross-border Operation

Reuters.co.uk:Turkey to take final step for EU talks Wednesday

"Turkey to take final step for EU talks Wednesday

By Paul Taylor

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Turkey will meet the final condition for opening EU membership talks on October 3 when it signs a protocol on Wednesday extending its current EU ties to the bloc's 10 new member states, an EU diplomat said on Monday."

More:Reuters.co.uk-Turkey to take final step for EU talks Wednesday

JTW News - Zebari Confesses: Iraq and US Has No Power to Remove PKK Terrorist Camps

"Zebari Confesses: Iraq and US Has No Power to Remove PKK Terrorist Camps
(JTW) Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshiyar Zebari warned Turkey on Sunday not to let its troops cross into northern Iraq to hunt PKK terrorists. The PKK has strong military bases in Iraq and the terrorist organization uses Northern Iraq in its attacks against civilian targets and Turkish security forces.

Zebari told that the US forces in Iraq were poised to capture the terrorists, Reuters reported. The US officials and politicians, including President George W. Bush had promised to remove the PKK’s terrorist camps in Iraq, however no concrete step has been taken. Turkey says it will make military operation against PKK if the US or Iraqi forces do nothing."

More:JTW News - Zebari Confesses: Iraq and US Has No Power to Remove PKK Terrorist Camps

Turkish Daily News - Wax statues from Ukraine by Turkish artist Jale Kuşhan

"Wax statues from Ukraine by Turkish artist Jale Kuşhan
Monday, July 25, 2005

Jale Kuşhan has been making wax statues of people for the St. Petersburg Museum in Russia for the past six years, and displaying them at various locations. She told an Anatolia news agency reporter that although the art of making wax statutes is not widespread, and unknown in many European countries, Turkey was advanced on this subject."

More:Turkish Daily News - Wax statues from Ukraine by Turkish artist Jale Kuşhan

BakuTODAY.net - Greece Makes ‘Counter-Offensive’ Move

"Greece Makes ‘Counter-Offensive’ Move

Baku Today / AssA-Irada 25/07/2005 11:16

Major Greek telecommunications company Intracom has decided to cooperate with Armenia’s Divacell cellular communication provider operating in the occupied Nagorno Karabakh region, in an apparent move to counter Azerbaijan’s recent plans to establish cooperation with the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). "

More:BakuTODAY.net - Greece Makes ‘Counter-Offensive’ Move

EUobserver.com:Turkey can never be European, German politician says

"Turkey can never be European, German politician says
25.07.2005 - 09:29 CET | By Andrew Rettman

Turkey should never join the EU because it lies mostly outside Europe geographically and accession talks should not start on 3 October unless Ankara first recognises the sovereignty of Cyprus, according to the vice president of Germany's CDU/CSU party, Wolfgang Schauble.
"

More:EUobserver.com:Turkey can never be European, German politician says

Praise to Turkish Schools from Mongolian Minister

"Praise to Turkish Schools from Mongolian Minister
By Suleyman Kurt
Published: Monday July 25, 2005

Mongolian-Turkish schools play an important role in the education of Mongolia, a country twice the size of Turkey with a population of only 2.7 million people. Mongolian Minister of Education, Culture and Science Puntsag Tsagaan said that the country's scientists, politicians and intellectuals of tomorrow will come from these schools, in which 904 students study."

More:Praise to Turkish Schools from Mongolian Minister

Double standards applied over terrorism: Tolon

"Double standards applied over terrorism: Tolon
One of Turkey’s most senior military commanders has accused other countries of having a double standard when it came to terrorists targeting Turkey."

More:Double standards applied over terrorism: Tolon

Turkish Daily News - Turkish leaders mark Press Day amid concerns over new penal code

"Turkish leaders mark Press Day amid concerns over new penal code
Monday, July 25, 2005
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Turkish political leaders celebrated Press Day with a series of messages issued yesterday marking the 97th anniversary of the lifting of press censorship.

The Turkish press, the strong voice of the public, perform its duty in the light of universal principles based on democracy, human rights and independent and impartial journalism and continues to safeguard the republic's fundamentals, said President Ahmet Necdet Sezer in his message."

More:Turkish Daily News - Turkish leaders mark Press Day amid concerns over new penal code

Zebari warns Turkey not to enter northern Iraq

"Zebari warns Turkey not to enter northern Iraq
Any incursion into northern Iraq by Turkish forces pursuing members of the terrorist group the PKK could destabilise Iraq, the country’s Foreign Minister said Sunday."

More:Zebari warns Turkey not to enter northern Iraq

Sofia News Agency:Ethnic Turks Count on Right-wingers, Centrists

"Ethnic Turks Count on Right-wingers, Centrists
2005-07-25
The predominantly ethnic Turkish Movement for Rights and Freedoms insist they have poached enough votes from the centrist and right-wing parties to back a minority Socialist-led government.

'There are MPs from the right-wing and center part of the political spectrum, who will support the draft government in Tuesday's confidence vote,' Emel Etem, candidate deputy prime minister and minister of natural disasters told the Bulgarian state TV channel.
"

More:Sofia News Agency:Ethnic Turks Count on Right-wingers, Centrists

Fileleftheros, Cyprus: Turkey will Sign Protocol Extending Customs Union to Cyprus

"Fileleftheros, Cyprus: Turkey will Sign Protocol Extending Customs Union to Cyprus

Nicosia. Turkey will sign the protocol extending the Customs Union to Cyprus, Cyprian newspaper Fileleftheros reports. It is expected that the document will be signed ahead of the visit of the Turkish Prime Minister to London, scheduled on July 27. The issue will be discussed during the meeting of Cyprian President Tassos Papadopoulos and British Prime Minister Tony Blair tomorrow. "

More:Fileleftheros, Cyprus: Turkey will Sign Protocol Extending Customs Union to Cyprus

"Turkish Exporters Benefit as China Hits EU Sweatshirt Quota Limit

"Turkish Exporters Benefit as China Hits EU Sweatshirt Quota Limit

Turkish exporters are to benefit as China has filled its European Union (EU) quota for sweatshirts and blouses. Istanbul Ready-to-Wear and Ready-Made Exporters Union President Suleyman Orakcioglu announced that China will not be able to sell sweatshirts and blouses to EU countries until the end of 2005."

More:Turkish exporters are to benefit as China has filled its European Union (EU) quota

Sunday, July 24, 2005

The U.S.-Turkish Relationship beyond Iraq: Common Values, Common Agenda

"The U.S.-Turkish Relationship beyond Iraq: Common Values, Common Agenda
Featuring R. Nicholas Burns
July 22, 2005

On July 18, 2005, Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs R. Nicholas Burns addressed The Washington Institute’s Seventh Turgut Ozal Memorial Lecture. Undersecretary Burns’s prepared remarks were delivered by Assistant Secretary of State for European Affairs Daniel Fried. The following are excerpts from the speech followed by a summary of the subsequent question-and-answer session. Read a full transcript."

More:The U.S.-Turkish Relationship beyond Iraq: Common Values, Common Agenda

Writer will miss many things about Turkey, but not everything - Fosters

Writer will miss many things about Turkey, but not everything

By MARC FORTIER
Special to the Sunday Citizen
One of the things Marc Fortier and his daughter Isabelle will miss most about Turkey are the fresh fruit and vegetable markets. Isabelle will especially miss the free handouts the vendors gave her. (Marc Fortier/photo)

Editor's note: Newmarket resident Marc Fortier has spent a year in Turkey with his family. Fortier, 32, wrote for Foster's from 1995 to 1998.

By the time you read this, I will have left Antalya, the Mediterranean city that has been my home for the past 11 months."

More:Writer will miss many things about Turkey, but not everything - Fosters

4 Turks missing, 1 injured in Egypt's blasts

"4 Turks missing, 1 injured in Egypt's blasts

ANKARA, July 24 (Xinhuanet) -- Four Turkish citizens were missing and another injured in bomb attacks in the Egyptian Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh, the semi-official Anatolia news agency reported on Sunday.

Turkish citizen Cagla Yalcin, who was injured in the Saturday bomb attacks, has been sent back to Turkey by a military plane, the report said.

Meanwhile, four Turkish citizens including Cagla Yalcin's husband were missing after the attacks.

Some Turkish citizens, who were spending their vacation in Sharm el-Sheikh when the bomb attacks were staged, returned to Turkey on Sunday.

In a message to Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, Turkish President Ahmet Necdet Sezer condemned the terror attacks and expressed sorrow over the casualties.

At least 88 people were killed and more than 200 people injured in the bomb attacks"

More:Xinhua - 4 Turks missing, 1 injured in Egypt's blasts

Deep Purple Blew Through Istanbul

"Deep Purple Blew Through Istanbul
By Julide Karahan
Published: Sunday July 24, 2005

On July 23rd evening a very 'deep' and 'purple' band performed at the Istanbul Parkorman. The legendary rock band Deep Purple let loose a two-hour energy wave for an audience of 5,000 in a concert organized by RockIstanbul to promote their last album 'Bananas' World Tour."

More:Deep Purple Blew Through Istanbul

Muslim Party Joins Bulgaria's Minority Government

"Muslim Party Joins Bulgaria's Minority Government

Parliament will vote on Stanishev's line-up, which includes five members of the Muslim MRF party, on Tuesday. (Reuters)

SOFIA, July 24, 2005 (IslamOnline.net & News Agencies) – Bulgaria's Socialists formed on Sunday, July 24, a minority government with a party representing the Muslim minority, with young non-partisans given key cabinet posts.

Premier-designate Sergey Stanishev unveiled a cabinet comprising 13 ministers from his Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP) and five from the Movement for Rights and Freedoms (MRF), reported Agence France Presse (AFP)."

More:Islam Online- Muslim Party Joins Bulgaria's Minority Government

North Jersey Media Group providing local news, sports & classifieds for Northern New Jersey!

"The American Dream: One immigrant's
Sunday, July 24, 2005

By StoryAndrea Gurwitt Photos by Kevin R. Wexler

Hakan Ozen gave up everything to move to America and make it big. He was sure his strength of will and his ability to cope would get him what he wanted. All he needed was five years in America, he thought, and he'd be a success.

But the computer systems engineer from Turkey was to learn the lesson so many immigrants do: America exacts a high price from those who dare to reach for all they think it has to offer."

More:North Jersey Media Group providing local news, sports & classifieds for Northern New Jersey!

Money Remittances from Overseas Turks Decrease

"Money Remittances from Overseas Turks Decrease
By Ismail Altunsoy
Published: Sunday July 24, 2005

Money remittances made by Turks in European countries to Turkey have decreased below $1 billion from $5,3 billion. Remittances were only $300 million in the first half of 2005. The reasons for the decrease are that they prefer to settle down in Europe, squandering their money under the so called 'Islamic Capital' companies and increasing unemployment in Europe."

More:Money Remittances from Overseas Turks Decrease

Saturday, July 23, 2005

Turkish Daily News - No clash with EU process

"No clash with EU process
Sunday, July 24, 2005

ANKARA - Turkish Daily News

The European Union is following with great concern the news of an increase in the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) attacks and clashes with security forces, but the situation does not appear likely to bring forth another source of conflict in Turkish-EU ties at the moment, said an EU diplomat."

More:Turkish Daily News - No clash with EU process

Turkish Daily News - Eighty years on, ghost of last Ottoman sultan sparks heated debate in Turkey

"Eighty years on, ghost of last Ottoman sultan sparks heated debate in Turkey

The debate whether Vahdettin was a traitor or not pits Ecevit against archrival Demirel, but not in their usual corners

Ragıp Erten

ISTANBUL – Turkish Daily News

Almost 80 years after his death, the last Ottoman Sultan Mehmet VI, or Vahdettin, as he is better known, sparked heated debate in Turkey, debate that for years simmered under the left-against-right political fault line in the country. "

More:Turkish Daily News - Eighty years on, ghost of last Ottoman sultan sparks heated debate in Turkey

Turkish Daily News - The bizarre harmony of Istanbul

"The bizarre harmony of Istanbul
Sunday, July 24, 2005

The bohemian caf�, the traditional coffeehouse, foreigners and natives, Koran sellers and cigar sellers… It seems as if every incongruity has found a way in which to fuse with others in a bizarre harmony. "

More:Turkish Daily News - The bizarre harmony of Istanbul

IOL: Bomb blast hits Turkish cafe

"Bomb blast hits Turkish cafe
23/07/2005 - 20:53:37

A bomb blast at an Istanbul cafelate tonight injured at least two people, Turkish police said.

The blast, which police said was caused by either a remote controlled bomb or a bomb on a timer, took place at a cafeat the bottom of the Galata bridge, which is frequented by both Turks and tourists."

More:IOL: Bomb blast hits Turkish cafe

GAP Meets Half of Turkey's Cotton Need

"GAP Meets Half of Turkey's Cotton Need
By aa
Published: Saturday July 23, 2005
zaman.com

The Southeastern Anatolia Project Regional Development Administration Vice-Director Mehmet Acikgoz said, 50 percent of the 2.3 million tons of cotton yearly produced in Turkey comes from the cities in SoutheasternAnatolia Project (GAP)."

More:GAP Meets Half of Turkey's Cotton Need

Turkey Earned 6.85 Bln U.S.D. From Ready-made Cloth Exports

"Turkey Earned 6.85 Bln U.S.D. From Ready-made Cloth Exports
Published: 7/23/2005

ISTANBUL - Turkey earned 6.85 billion USD from its ready-to-wear cloth exports in the first half of 2005, according to a report prepared by Istanbul Ready-to-Wear Exporters' Association (IHKIB)."

More:Turkey Earned 6.85 Bln U.S.D. From Ready-made Cloth Exports

Belfast Telegraph-MEP of Turkish origin praises gov't efforts on way to EU

"This Life: Cyprus parallels our own Ulster situation

By Alf McCreary
newsdesk@belfasttelegraph.co.uk
23 July 2005

Although the priorities of the geo-political map in the United Kingdom and elsewhere have changed utterly since the London bombings, it is salutary to remember that peace comes dropping slow, if at all, in some of the world's traditional trouble-spots, including our own."

More:Belfast Telegraph-MEP of Turkish origin praises gov't efforts on way to EU

Turkish Daily News - MEP of Turkish origin praises gov't efforts on way to EU

"MEP of Turkish origin praises gov't efforts on way to EU
Saturday, July 23, 2005
ANKARA - Turkish Daily News

A European parliamentarian of Turkish origin yesterday said the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) played a key role in securing an accession date from the European Union, expressing disagreement with speculation in the Western press that following the summit the Turkish government had slowed reform in the country and claiming it is not now quite the aspirant of the union it once was."

More:Turkish Daily News - MEP of Turkish origin praises gov't efforts on way to EU: "MEP of Turkish origin praises gov't efforts on way to EU"

Telegraph | News | Grieving parents urge defiance

"Grieving parents urge defiance
By Paul Stokes
(Filed: 23/07/2005)

The parents of a British tourist who was among five people killed by a suicide bomber on a minibus in Turkey have urged holidaymakers not to be deterred by terrorists."

More:Telegraph | News | Grieving parents urge defiance

Turkish Daily News - Turkish consumer confidence at historic low

"Turkish consumer confidence at historic low
Saturday, July 23, 2005

ANKARA - Reuters

Turkey's consumer confidence index hit its lowest level in June since the central bank and the State Institute of Statistics (DIE) started compiling the index in December 2003, data showed on Friday."

More:Turkish Daily News - Turkish consumer confidence at historic low

Blogcritics.org: Pera Palas: Finding a Community, Defining Westernization

"Pera Palas: Finding a Community, Defining Westernization

Istanbul : Memories and the City
Orhan Pamuk
Book from Knopf
Release date: 07 June, 2005

When you hear the phrase "Orient Express" images of West meeting East, murder, intrigue and wealthy, distinguished or adventurous travelers arise. This, of course, is mostly due to Agatha Christie's "Murder on the Orient Express," which she wrote while staying at the famed Pera Palas, a hotel in Istanbul.

Sinan Unel's play, "Pera Palas," which opens on July 23 at the Boston Court as a co-production with the Antaeus Company, sets the main action at the hotel and follows the lives of a Turkish family through three generations. The play has won several awards, including a Massachusetts Cultural Council New Plays Grant."

More:Blogcritics.org: Pera Palas: Finding a Community, Defining Westernization

Turkish Students Win 4 Silver Medals in Mexico

"Turkish Students Win 4 Silver Medals in Mexico
By Ibrahim Asalioglu
Published: Saturday July 23, 2005

Turkish national team has earned laurels by winning four silver and a bronze in addition to a special mention at the 46th International Mathematics Olympics held in Mexico on 12-19 July 2005."

More: Turkish Students Win 4 Silver Medals in Mexico

German News Agency Terms PKK Terror Network

"German News Agency Terms PKK Terror Network
By Timofey Nesitov
Published: Saturday July 23, 2005

German news agency DPA has termed the terrorist organization Kurdistan Worker's Party (PKK) as 'terrorist organization'. The DPA analyzing Turkey's struggle against the terrorist organization on Wednesday described the PKK militants as 'terrorists'."

More: German News Agency Terms PKK Terror Network

Terror in Turkey

"Terror in Turkey

CoGo was somewhat surprised when Western governments declined to issue travel advisories or warnings about Turkey after two terrorist bombs exploded in popular tourist spots on the Turkish coast this month. Could it be that the U.S. State Department and its counterparts in Europe were pulling their punches because they didn't want to upset a key ally in a predominantly Muslim country?"

More:Terror in Turkey

Turkish Daily News - Achilles bust to be part of Troy hero collection

"Achilles bust to be part of Troy hero collection
Saturday, July 23, 2005
ANKARA – Turkish Daily News

Canakkale's 18 Mart University department of fine arts Professor Mehmet Uyanık is making a bust of Achilles, one of the heroes of the historic Trojan War.

Speaking to an Anatolia news agency reporter, Professor Uyanık noted that Canakkale played a very important role in mythology. The ceramics professor previously created a bust of famous Turkish sailor Piri Reis and donated the piece to the university's Piri Reis Sea Museum."

More:Turkish Daily News - Achilles bust to be part of Troy hero collection

Friday, July 22, 2005

Xinhua - Syria considers PKK as terrorist organization

"Syria considers PKK as terrorist organization
www.chinaview.cn 2005-07-23 04:37:22

ANKARA, July 22 (Xinhuanet) -- Visiting Syrian Deputy Foreign Minister Walid Al Muallim said here Friday that the Kurdish Workers' Party (PKK) is outlawed in Syria and Damascus considers PKK as a terrorist organization.

The PKK, which is branded a terrorist group by Ankara, took up arms for Kurdish independence in southeast Turkey in 1984. Since then the conflict has claimed some 37,000 lives. "

More:Xinhua - Syria considers PKK as terrorist organization

E.P. Members Of Turkish Origin In Istanbul

"E.P. Members Of Turkish Origin In Istanbul
Published: 7/22/2005

ISTANBUL - 13 European Parliament (EP) members of Turkish origin met Justice & Development Party (AKP) officials in Istanbul.

EP deputy Vural Oger reminded reports published in dailies in the EU-member states affirming that Turkish government lost its enthusiasm on its way to EU, and said: ''I don't think so, because (Turkish) government has been focused itself on October 3rd (when membership negotiations between Turkey and EU will start).''"

More:E.P. Members Of Turkish Origin In Istanbul