Wednesday, January 31, 2007

‘Turkey Now’ festival brings Turkey’s creative side to Europe

"‘Turkey Now’ festival brings Turkey’s creative side to Europe
The İstanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts (İKSV) is continuing to carry Turkish culture to Europe's capitals with the 'Turkey Now' festival, running from Jan. 29-April 21 in the Dutch cities of Amsterdam and Rotterdam."

More:TODAY'S ZAMAN

Köken Ergun winner at Rotterdam Film Festival

"Köken Ergun winner at Rotterdam Film Festival

Last night saw the announcement of the winners of IFFR’s two short film competitions. The three Tiger Awards for Short Film were granted to VIDEO GAME by Vipin Vijay (India), HINTERLAND by Geoffrey Boulangé (France) and THE FLAG (BAYRAK) by Köken Ergun (Turkey). Honourable Mentions went to VOM INNEN; VON AUSSEN (ABOUT THE INSIDE; FROM THE OUTSIDE) by Albert Sackl (Austria) and YOU CAN WALK TOO by Cristina Lucas (Spain)."

More:Köken Ergun winner at Rotterdam Film Festival

TURKEY: PROBE INTO JOURNALIST'S MURDER IS BEEFED UP

"TURKEY: PROBE INTO JOURNALIST'S MURDER IS BEEFED UP

Istanbul, 31 Jan. (AKI) - Turkish authorities have dispatched two chief inspectors to Trabzon, the hometown of the alleged killer of Turkish-Armenian journalist Hrant Dink, to boost the murder investigation - a move which comes amid a growing storm over the police's possible failure to prevent the murder through negligence. Turkish media on Tuesday cited sources from the National Police Department who confirmed the authorities had received information about a planned attack against Dink one year ago, but that no attempt was made to investigate the threats."

More:TURKEY: PROBE INTO JOURNALIST'S MURDER IS BEEFED UP

EU: We never said we were OK with 301

"EU: We never said we were OK with 301
The European Union has made it clear that it never told Turkey it was content with Article 301.

In the raging discussion surrounding Turkish Penal Code Article 301 in the wake of Hrant Dink’s assassination, Justice Minister Cemil Çiçek, together with several government officials, argued that during the course of preparations for the draft, the EU had conveyed the message that Brussels was “ok” with the article. "

More:TODAY'S ZAMAN

The New Anatolian - Iraqi VP says Ankara has much to offer for solution of problems in Mideast, Iraq

"Iraqi VP says Ankara has much to offer for solution of problems in Mideast, Iraq

The New Anatolian / Ankara
31 January 2007

Turkey is one of the strongest countries in the region, and it is a country that has the right to be an intervenor to solve all problems in the Middle East, including Iraq, said Iraqi Vice President Adil Abd al-Mahdi on Monday.
"

More:The New Anatolian - Iraqi VP says Ankara has much to offer for solution of problems in Mideast, Iraq

The New Anatolian - Iraqi VP says Ankara has much to offer for solution of problems in Mideast, Iraq

"Iraqi VP says Ankara has much to offer for solution of problems in Mideast, Iraq

The New Anatolian / Ankara
31 January 2007

Turkey is one of the strongest countries in the region, and it is a country that has the right to be an intervenor to solve all problems in the Middle East, including Iraq, said Iraqi Vice President Adil Abd al-Mahdi on Monday.
"

More:The New Anatolian - Iraqi VP says Ankara has much to offer for solution of problems in Mideast, Iraq

NGOs are meeting in Ankara over 301 - Turkish Daily News Jan 30, 2007

"NGOs are meeting in Ankara over 301
Tuesday, January 30, 2007

After Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's call for non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to propose how to amend the controversial Article 301 in the Turkish penal code, NGOs are expected to gather in Ankara this week. The Ankara Bar Association called the meeting and invited only professional organizations. The NGOs will discuss an amendment to or the abolishment of Article 301, which has been widely criticized for limiting freedom of speech. The state, on the other hand, seems to be headed toward amending the article, but not before May."

More:NGOs are meeting in Ankara over 301 - Turkish Daily News Jan 30, 2007

Gulfnews: America ponders ways to curb Turkish Kurd rebels

"America ponders ways to curb Turkish Kurd rebels

Agencies

Ankara: The United States is considering 'many actions' to curb Turkish Kurd rebels based in northern Iraq and believes it can count on the help of the region's Iraqi Kurdish leaders, a US envoy said here yesterday. "

More:Gulfnews: America ponders ways to curb Turkish Kurd rebels

Majority of Turkish Cypriots support two-state solution - Turkish Daily News Jan 31, 2007

"Majority of Turkish Cypriots support two-state solution
Wednesday, January 31, 2007

The majority of Turkish Cypriots are in favor of a two-state solution on the divided island, a public opinion poll showed on Monday."

More:Majority of Turkish Cypriots support two-state solution - Turkish Daily News Jan 31, 2007

Cappadocia offers otherworldly holiday - Turkish Daily News Jan 31, 2007

"Cappadocia offers otherworldly holiday
Wednesday, January 31, 2007

The famous fairy chimneys in the central Anatolian tourist attraction of Göreme in Cappadocia have for centuries been hollowed out and used as homes by locals. This tradition continues today, with many of the would-be residences serving as hotels."

More:Cappadocia offers otherworldly holiday - Turkish Daily News Jan 31, 2007

Turkish-Armenians’ pivotal role in Turkey’s history revealed

"Turkish-Armenians’ pivotal role in Turkey’s history revealed
At a time when Anatolia was engulfed in its battle for independence, a delegation from the Black Sea region met with Armenian David Sahakkulu, who was working as a translator for a group monitoring the straits set up by the occupying Allied Forces, and asked for help with an arms shipment."

More:TODAY'S ZAMAN

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

"Turks look beyond Paterson

Wednesday, January 31, 2007

By SAMANTHA HENRY
HERALD NEWS

NEW YORK -- Turkish immigrants are moving away from traditional ports-of-entry like Paterson, as they chase good schools for their children to the suburbs. But even so, the city's Turkish business sector continues to thrive, Turkish consular officials said this week."

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

Turkey's people key to attracting US tourists - Turkish Daily News Jan 31, 2007

"Turkey's people key to attracting US tourists
Wednesday, January 31, 2007

Hüseyin Özyurtçu, the owner of US tourism outfit Picasso Tourism, says many Americans still think Turks are headscarved and carry guns like in other Middle Eastern countries"

More:Turkey's people key to attracting US tourists - Turkish Daily News Jan 31, 2007

U.S. ambassador to Turkey: Bush administration will oppose Armenian genocide resolution - International Herald Tribune

"U.S. ambassador to Turkey: Bush administration will oppose Armenian genocide resolution

ISTANBUL, Turkey: The U.S. ambassador to Turkey said Wednesday that the Bush administration would actively oppose a resolution to recognize the deaths of 1.5 million Armenians at the end of World War I as genocide."

More:U.S. ambassador to Turkey: Bush administration will oppose Armenian genocide resolution - International Herald Tribune

World Politics Watch | Forced Marriage Remains Prevalent Among European Muslim Immigrants

"Forced Marriage Remains Prevalent Among European Muslim Immigrants
Rhea Wessel | Bio | 31 Jan 2007
World Politics Watch Exclusive

Editor's Note: This is the second in a series of articles by Rhea Wessel on the rights of Muslim women in Europe, particularly Turkish women in Germany. The stories will appear occasionally on World Politics Watch."

More:World Politics Watch | Forced Marriage Remains Prevalent Among European Muslim Immigrants

Hürriyet - Ertugrul Ozkok:Those Armenians will never be men

"Ertugrul Ozkok:Those Armenians will never be men

I grew up with the following phrase, which my now-dead father used to whisper often into my ear when I was a child: 'My son, these Armenians are incapable of being true men....'

Even when I protested, he would insist 'You just don't know these things.' In France, when I was student, many of my friends held the same views as my father. When I would say 'Armenians have been changed by the Armenian diaspora,' my friends would reply 'No my friend, these people can never change. An Armenian is an Armenian.' "

More:Hürriyet - Ertugrul Ozkok:Those Armenians will never be men

Turkey's Pamuk cancels German trip amid safety fears | International News | Reuters.com

"Turkey's Pamuk cancels German trip amid safety fears

By Madeline Chambers

BERLIN (Reuters) - Nobel-prize winning Turkish novelist Orhan Pamuk has canceled a trip to Germany at short notice, his German publisher said on Wednesday, as concerns for his personal security grow.

Pamuk's safety became an issue after the murder this month of prominent Turkish-Armenian journalist Hrant Dink in Istanbul. A key suspect in that murder, escorted by police into a court house, warned Pamuk to be careful."

More:Turkey's Pamuk cancels German trip amid safety fears | International News | Reuters.com

Armenian resolution tabled at US House of Reps

"Armenian resolution tabled at US House of Reps
The US government does not support the private members resolution.

WASHINGTON - Members of both the Democratic and Republican parties have tabled a resolution at the US House of Representatives calling on the US government to formally recognise the alleged genocide of Armenians at the hands of the Ottoman Empire during the First World War."

More:Armenian resolution tabled at US House of Reps

NPR : Film Comedy Highlights Turkish-Kurdish Tensions

"Film Comedy Highlights Turkish-Kurdish Tensions

Morning Edition, January 31, 2007 · Film fans in Turkey have made the comedy The Masked Five in Iraq a box-office smash. But the film reflects historical mistrust and hatred between Turks and Iraqi Kurds."

NPR : Film Comedy Highlights Turkish-Kurdish Tensions

Armenia and Armenian News - YERKIR Armenian Online Newspaper

"Netherlands can facilitate progress in Armenian-Turkish relations

31.01.2007 14:08

YEREVAN (YERKIR) - Armenian Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian, who is on a working visit to the Netherlands, met Tuesday with his Dutch counterpart Bernard Bot, PanARMENIAN.Net reported, citing MFA press office.

Vartan Oskanian thanked the Netherlands for the assistance rendered in the course of years both via bilateral programs (PSOM, ORET, MATRA, the programs targeted at formation of civil society and economy development) and in the framework of international financial structures. The Armenian Minister underscored that Armenia is interested in bilateral relations in all fields and added that official Yerevan intends to establish Consulate in the Netherlands in the near future."

More:Armenia and Armenian News - YERKIR Armenian Online Newspaper

TURKISH-ARMENIAN BORDER NOT TO OPEN UNTIL KARABAKH’S RELEASE FROM ARMENIAN OCCUPATION

AzerTAj | STATE INFORMATION AGENCY OF AZERBAIJAN REPUBLIC: "TURKISH-ARMENIAN BORDER NOT TO OPEN UNTIL KARABAKH’S RELEASE FROM ARMENIAN OCCUPATION
[January 31, 2007, 17:32:44]

“The Turkish-Armenian border will not open until Karabakh’s release from Armenian occupation”, Governor of the Kars municipality Naif Alibeyoglu stated at the meeting with Azerbaijan media representatives in Turkey. "

New structure unearthed in ancient city of Ephesus

"New structure unearthed in ancient city of Ephesus
IZMIR. January 31. KAZINFORM. - Remains of a building were unearthed during archaeological excavations in the ancient city of Efes (Ephesus) near Selcuk town of the western city of Izmir.

The building, located in the east of the ancient theatre, is believed to have been used by local governors as a residence palace. "

More:inform.kz |

Tuesday, January 30, 2007

Turkey rejects talking to Kurds in north

"Turkey rejects talking to Kurds in north

Ibrahim Buazi

Azzaman, January 30, 2007

Turkey has turned down please by the central government to deal directly with regional Kurdish government in northern Iraq in matters related to fuel imports.

Turkey has suspended shipping fuel to Iraq which is currently suffering from acute fuel shortages."

More:Azzaman in English

ARMENIAN DEPUTY FM, TURKISH FOREIGN OFFICE REP MEET IN POSITIVE ATMOSPHERE

"ARMENIAN DEPUTY FM, TURKISH FOREIGN OFFICE REP MEET IN POSITIVE ATMOSPHERE

YEREVAN, January 30. /ARKA/. On the initiative of the Turkish side, RA Deputy Foreign Minister Arman Kirakosyan held a meeting in Istanbul with Director General, Directorate of Bilateral Relations, Turkish Foreign Office, Ambassador Reshed Uman, the Press and Information Department, Ra Foreign Office, reports, referring to Acting Press Secretary of the RA Foreign Office Vladimir Karapetyan.
'During the meeting, which was held in a positive atmosphere, the sides discussed the two countries' positions and the possibilities of positive changes in Armenian-Turkish relations,' he said. "

More:ARKA News Agency

EJP | News | Western Europe | European Jewish leader supports Turkey’s EU membership

"European Jewish leader supports Turkey’s EU membership
By Yossi Lempkowicz Updated: 30/Jan/2007 16:16

PARIS (EJP)--- During a recent visit to the Turkish capital of Ankara European Jewish Congress President Pierre Besnainou met with Turkish Prime Minister Recept Tayyip Erdogan and foreign minister Abdullah Gull. "

More:EJP | News | Western Europe | European Jewish leader supports Turkey’s EU membership

TURKEY: CIVIL SOCIETY TO MOBILISE AGAINST 'OFFENDING TURKISHNESS' LAW

"TURKEY: CIVIL SOCIETY TO MOBILISE AGAINST 'OFFENDING TURKISHNESS' LAW

Istanbul, 30 Jan. (AKI) - Turkish non-govermental organisations, labour unions and other civil society groups are expected to meet later this week to prepare a proposal for the scrapping of a controversial law that makes it a crime to 'offend Turkishness' by citing the early 20th century genocide of Armenians under the Ottomans. The meeting which is likely to take place in Ankara on Friday comes in the wake of the 19 January assassination of a prominent Turkish-Armenian journalist. "

More:TURKEY: CIVIL SOCIETY TO MOBILISE AGAINST 'OFFENDING TURKISHNESS' LAW

The New Anatolian - Turkey's EU accession prevents clash of civilizations

"Turkey's EU accession prevents clash of civilizations

The New Anatolian / Addis Ababa
30 January 2007

Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said yesterday that terrorist acts claimed to be committed in the name of religious values and extremists who define everyone and everything different as 'others' are trying to drag the world into a global crisis."

More:The New Anatolian - Turkey's EU accession prevents clash of civilizations

BBC NEWS | Europe | Turks protest at Cyprus oil move

"Turks protest at Cyprus oil move
Cyprus map
A new row has erupted between the Cyprus government and neighbouring Turkey over oil exploration plans in the eastern Mediterranean.

Turkey has rebuked Lebanon for signing an agreement to delineate an undersea border with Cyprus - a deal that would facilitate oil exploration."

More:BBC NEWS | Europe | Turks protest at Cyprus oil move

The Martyrdom of Hrant Dink

"The Martyrdom of Hrant Dink
By Gwynne Dyer *
Jan 30, 2007, 16:58

When they buried Hrant Dink in Istanbul last Tuesday (23 January), more than 100,000 Turks came to his funeral, filling the streets and chanting, “We are all Armenians.” There is a war going on for the soul of Turkey, but at least a lot of Turks are on the right side. Dink, who called himself “an Armenian from Turkey and a good Turkish citizen,” was murdered because he insisted on talking about the great crime that happened in the country 92 years ago: the mass murder of most of Turkey’s Armenian population in eastern Anatolia. "

More:The Martyrdom of Hrant Dink

Hürriyet - Oktay Eksi: Football chants in the wake of Hrant's death

"Oktay Eksi: Football chants in the wake of Hrant's death

Let the Prime Minister have some vision. Let him deal not only with Turkey's various troubles, but with world problems. Let him show other countries the true path in life.... "

More:Hürriyet - Oktay Eksi: Football chants in the wake of Hrant's death

Let's not fool ourselves: Ethnic nationalism is alive - Turkish Daily News Jan 30, 2007

"Let's not fool ourselves: Ethnic nationalism is alive
Tuesday, January 30, 2007

In the past there were two concepts in these lands called 'sin' and 'shame.' It was even a tradition to not to speak of massacres and pains, not out of forgetting them, but out of shame and respect. But today cursing a man who lost his life makes only a few of us embarrassed"

More:Let's not fool ourselves: Ethnic nationalism is alive - Turkish Daily News Jan 30, 2007

2010-2013 will be Turkey's years of decision - Turkish Daily News Jan 30, 2007

"2010-2013 will be Turkey's years of decision
Tuesday, January 30, 2007

This month's issue of Kriter magazine was distributed with yesterday's Radikal newspaper. As I am part of the team that prepares Kriter, the only magazine that covers developments with the European Union, I view it in a different light and would like to share with you the parts in it that I find interesting. "

More:2010-2013 will be Turkey's years of decision - Turkish Daily News Jan 30, 2007

BTurkish Election System Has Weaknesses, Not Illegal, Court Says

"Turkish Election System Has Weaknesses, Not Illegal, Court Says

By Anna Jenkinson

Jan. 30 (Bloomberg) -- Turkey's electoral system has shortcomings that would be ``desirable'' to change, a European court said today, stopping short of ruling the measures illegal."

More:Bloomberg.com: Europe

Turkish Weekly Opinion - Corpse-Lotto: How Many Armenians Killed?

"Corpse-Lotto: How Many Armenians Killed?
Sedat Laciner

Tuesday , 30 January 2007

During World War I, like all other groups, so many people among Armenians lost their lives, and many of them were forced to leave their homes. However, the dispute on how many Armenians died during the war is the maybe one of the most complicated debates in the world. "

More:Turkish Weekly Opinion - Corpse-Lotto: How Many Armenians Killed?

Reuters AlertNet - Turk police warned of editor murder plot -press

"Turk police warned of editor murder plot -press
30 Jan:56:20 GMT
Source: Reuters

ISTANBUL, Jan 30 (Reuters) - Turkish police were warned a year ago about a plot to kill Turkish-Armenian journalist Hrant Dink, media reported on Tuesday, the latest suggestion authorities may have failed to act to stop the killing."

More:Reuters AlertNet - Turk police warned of editor murder plot -press

Foreigners buy $450 million in Turkish real estate shares - Turkish Daily News Jan 30, 2007

"Foreigners buy $450 million in Turkish real estate shares
Tuesday, January 30, 2007

In addition to direct domestic investment, foreigners are also playing an increasingly active role in Real Estate Investment Partnership (GYO) companies that are traded on the Turkish stock exchange."

More:Foreigners buy $450 million in Turkish real estate shares - Turkish Daily News Jan 30, 2007

Turkey pharmaceutical industry "can rival India and China"

"Turkey pharmaceutical industry 'can rival India and China' - 30/01/2007

Turkey's pharmaceutical industry has the potential to attract the kind of investments currently being made by multinational drugmakers in Ireland, China and India, according to a local industry spokesman."

More:PharmaTimes WorldNews| Daily pharmaceutical news | Turkey pharmaceutical industry "can rival India and China"

Hürriyet - Bulent Arinc hints at thoughts about Turkish presidency

"Bulent Arinc hints at thoughts about Turkish presidency

Bulent Arinc hints at thoughts about Turkish presidencyBulent Arinc, Speaker of the Turkish Parliament, yesterday confirmed comments he had made at a breakfast meeting with reporters about Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan's possible ascendancy to the presidency of Turkey. Arinc, who had told reporters that 'Prime Minister Erdogan would better serve his country being Prime Minister for the next 5 years,' reasserted his thoughts that Erdogan would be better at the helm of the parliament than in Cankaya Presidential Palace, but added 'My thoughts on this do not mean that the Prime Minister will or will not be a candidate for president.' "

More:Hürriyet - Bulent Arinc hints at thoughts about Turkish presidency

Turkish Cypriot gov’t denies bill to civilianize police, fire departments - Turkish Daily News Jan 30, 2007

"Turkish Cypriot gov’t denies bill to civilianize police, fire departments
Tuesday, January 30, 2007

The Turkish Cypriot government yesterday dismissed news reports that a bill aimed at attaching the police and fire departments to the civilian authority and detaching them from the Turkish peace forces largely dominated by the Turkish army. This bill would have been discussed in Parliament next month."

More:Turkish Cypriot gov’t denies bill to civilianize police, fire departments - Turkish Daily News Jan 30, 2007

Mardin named candidate for World Heritage List - Turkish Daily News Jan 30, 2007

"Mardin named candidate for World Heritage List
Tuesday, January 30, 2007

Mardin, regarded as the �city of languages and religions,� has been named a candidate for the World Heritage List by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the Doğan news agency reported on Saturday. Mardin Governor Mehmet Kılıçlar announced that the municipality should scrutinize more carefully any new construction in the city."

More:Mardin named candidate for World Heritage List - Turkish Daily News Jan 30, 2007

Terracotta conference to lure international scientists to İzmir - Turkish Daily News Jan 30, 2007

"Terracotta conference to lure international scientists to İzmir
Tuesday, January 30, 2007

Organizers of an international archaeological conference in İzmir this summer expect to attract scholars from around the globe."

More:Terracotta conference to lure international scientists to İzmir - Turkish Daily News Jan 30, 2007

Ancient site in Antalya to go online - Turkish Daily News Jan 30, 2007

"Ancient site in Antalya to go online
Tuesday, January 30, 2007

The ancient coastal Mediterranean site of Side, one of the oldest known settlement areas in Anatolia, will be featured live on the Internet via cameras located on its beaches, ancient temples, amphitheater and marketplace. Starting this summer cameras will broadcast round-the-clock live footage of Side."

More:Ancient site in Antalya to go online - Turkish Daily News Jan 30, 2007

U.S. envoy talks with Turkish leaders on combatting Kurdish guerrillas based in Iraq - International Herald Tribune

"U.S. envoy talks with Turkish leaders on combatting Kurdish guerrillas based in Iraq

ANKARA, Turkey: A U.S. envoy was meeting with Turkish government officials Tuesday to discuss Ankara's accusation that Washington is not living up to a pledge to help counter separatist Kurdish rebels acting from within neighboring Iraq."

More:U.S. envoy talks with Turkish leaders on combatting Kurdish guerrillas based in Iraq - International Herald Tribune

Turkey May Invade Northern Iraq

"Turkey May Invade Northern Iraq

Arabic news agency ,Al Jazeera is reporting Turkey's parliament recently went into secret session to debate sending troops to invade and occupy Kurdish-controlled areas of northern Iraq."

More:Turkey May Invade Northern Iraq

BBC NEWS | World | Europe | Turkey-US move to combat rebels

"Turkey-US move to combat rebels
By Sarah Rainsford
BBC News, Istanbul

A US envoy who will co-ordinate the fight against the PKK Kurdish rebels is holding talks in Turkey.

There is growing talk in Turkey of the need for cross-border raids into northern Iraq, where the Kurdish separatist group is based."

More:BBC NEWS | World | Europe | Turkey-US move to combat rebels

EU calls on Turkey to focus education on market needs - Turkish Daily News Jan 30, 2007

"EU calls on Turkey to focus education on market needs
Tuesday, January 30, 2007

A report prepared for the European Union on education emphasized Turkey's need to step up efforts to transform its education system according to the structural reforms in place since 1980. The report determined the Turkish educational system's most crucial deficiency is its incompatibility with developing a free market economy. However it highlighted important improvements such as plans to develop vocational education and an increase in the budget share of the Education Ministry."

More:EU calls on Turkey to focus education on market needs - Turkish Daily News Jan 30, 2007

SABAH Newspaper English Edition - National - ECHR: "Turkey's 10 pct vote threshold is not a breach"

"ECHR: 'Turkey's 10 pct vote threshold is not a breach'

The European Court of Human Rights has found Turkey right about the 10 pct vote threshold. The Court has recognized Turkey's right by five votes against two Turkish nationals who claimed that the threshold was intended to keep Kurdish party DEHAP (Democratic People's Party) out of parliament."

More:SABAH Newspaper English Edition - National - ECHR: "Turkey's 10 pct vote threshold is not a breach"

SABAH Newspaper English Edition - Economy - Turkey's Q4 tourism revenues fall 13 pct y/y

"Turkey's Q4 tourism revenues fall 13 pct y/y

Turkey's tourism revenues fell 12.9 percent year-on-year in the fourth quarter, the Turkish Statistics Institute said on Tuesday, as concerns over regional stability discouraged foreign travel to Turkey."

More:SABAH Newspaper English Edition - Economy - Turkey's Q4 tourism revenues fall 13 pct y/y

Interest paid in five years could revive the whole country

"Interest paid in five years could revive the whole country

Turkey paid $184.3 billion in interest over the last five years despite the decline of inflation and structural reforms.

According to the calculations of an Anatolian Agency reporter, for this figure, the poorest 2.5 million people of Turkey could be paid YTL 405 per month for 15 years; the South-east Anatolian Project (GAP), the biggest agricultural Project of Turkey for more than 20 years, could be completed; a 10,000 kilometer-long railway and 3,000 kilometer-long motorway could be built; five dams equal to Atatürk Dam, Turkey’s biggest hydroelectric dam, could be established; a 400 kilometer-long metro system to major cities could be installed; a third bridge across Bosphorus built and 2 million homes could be built. After which $4.7 million would remain, enabling thousands of sports facilities to be established throughout the country."

More:Turkey Financial News » Blog Archive » Interest paid in five years could revive the whole country

Pursuing Happiness, Greeks and Turks Find One Another - New York Times

"Pursuing Happiness, Greeks and Turks Find One Another

ATHENS — A short decade ago, a blink in the centuries of bad blood between Greeks and Turks, there was “no way” a Turkish store could have opened at a fancy mall in Athens. So said Elena Kanellopoulou, 60, as she meandered through Athens’ first megamall, stopping a few steps from an upscale women’s shop with a clock in the display window showing the time in Istanbul."

More:Pursuing Happiness, Greeks and Turks Find One Another - New York Times

Will a murder help Turkey? | The Japan Times Online

"Will a murder help Turkey?

The assassination of Turkish journalist Hrant Dink has forced Turks to face their past. Mr. Dink was killed because he had called the mass killings of Armenians in the early 20th century a genocide. While his rhetoric angered many Turks, his death appears to have prompted many more of them to think twice about the dangers of unbridled nationalism. Mr. Dink's murder has given Turkey the opportunity to examine its past and heal the wounds that continue to poison relations with its Armenian minority."

More:Will a murder help Turkey? | The Japan Times Online

Turkish youth will be luckier than their parents

"Turkish youth will be luckier than their parents
World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz said the bank was committed to work more closely and increase cooperation with the Turkish government to increase the standard of living for Turkey's next generation."

More:TODAY'S ZAMAN

Monday, January 29, 2007

AZERBAIJAN SECTION OPENED IN ROYAL DUTCH LIBRARY

"AZERBAIJAN SECTION OPENED IN ROYAL DUTCH LIBRARY
[January 29, 2007, 21:40:52]

Presentation of the valuable books about Azerbaijan organized by Azerbaijan Embassy to Belgium and Azerbaijan-Turkish-Dutch Cultural Society took place at Royal Dutch Library, the Embassy said.

The first Secretary of the Embassy Fuad Humbatov, Chairman of Azerbaijan-Turkish-Dutch Cultural Society Ilhan Ashki updated the library director John Noordam on Azerbaijan success in political and economic area, integration to the Europe, as well as occupation of Azerbaijan territories by Armenians. "

More:AzerTAj | STATE INFORMATION AGENCY OF AZERBAIJAN REPUBLIC

JSF Program: Turkey is officially the sixth CountryJoint Strike Fighter F-35

"JSF Program: Turkey is officially the sixth Country
Joint Strike Fighter F-35
Washington, USA - In short-time the signature of Italy, Denmark and Norway
(WAPA) - Turkey is officially the sixth of the nine States to sign the agreement that allow to pass to the industrial production phase, for the development program of the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF), next-generation fighter. "

More:Avionews

Turkish Culture Ministry to teach Turkish to the world

"Turkish Culture Ministry to teach Turkish to the world
The Turkish Ministry of Culture has prepared a bill to establish foundations for the teaching of the Turkish language and culture all around the world. The ministry is prepared to build such foundations, which they have modeled on the British Council. "

More:TODAY'S ZAMAN

News.bg - Only 25% of EU Citizens Approve of Newcomers Bulgaria, Romania

For the complete report in News.bg click on this link

Only 25% of EU Citizens Approve of Newcomers Bulgaria, Romania

A new survey by FT-Harris poll shows that most adults in the largest European countries think migration has reduced wages and only a quarter have a positive view of the entry into the European Union this year of Bulgaria and Romania.

The poll also showed that an overwhelming majority of citizens in the big eurozone countries believe the euro has damaged their national economies, highlighting the popular scepticism that still surrounds Europe's eight-year-old monetary union. More than two-thirds of the French, Italians and Spanish - and more than half of Germans - believe the single currency has had a "negative impact", according to an FT-Harris poll. In France, just 5 per cent said the euro has had a positive effect on the French economy. The results come at a time when eurozone growth prospects have brightened, thanks largely to a pick-up in Germany, the largest of the region's 13 member countries. The ECB is expected next week to prepare financial markets for another interest rate increase in March. Note EU-Digest: results from this poll show once again what a poor job European politicians and EU member states are doing at promoting the benefits of the EU

Turkey should declare guarantorship for Turkmens'

"'Turkey should declare guarantorship for Turkmens'
The Turkmen Union president said Iraqi Turkmens had been subjected to oppression and torture for years, and they were concerned about recent developments.
İsmail Demirdüzen, head of the Turkmen Union that is based in Turkey, called on the Turkish government to declare Turkey the guarantor of Iraqi Turkmens. 'Turkey should consider any attack on Iraqi Turkmens as it is has been done against Turkish nation and warn all related parties that Turkey will retaliate in a violent manner' "

More:TODAY'S ZAMAN

Turkey reels after killing : Mail & Guardian Online

"Turkey reels after killing
Simon Tisdall
28 January:50

Not for the first time, the violence of extremists has achieved the exact opposite of what they intended. Ogun Samast, alleged to have gunned down the bridge-building ethnic Armenian Turkish journalist Hrant Dink last week, reportedly told investigators he was defending Turkey’s national honour. Instead, Turkey’s honour stands besmirched before an appalled international audience."

More:Turkey reels after killing : Mail & Guardian Online

[ Turquie Européenne ] - How serious is Turkey on its Kirkuk claim ?

" How serious is Turkey on its Kirkuk claim ?

Source : The New Anatolian, 20-01-2007

The developments regarding Kirkuk are likely to shape Turkey’s domestic politics in the coming days. Western observers are skeptical about the prospects of a materialization of Turkish nationalist discourse on northern Iraq. In other words, despite the rhetoric, Western observers think that given the political reality on the ground, Turkey’s ability to interfere with the region should Kirkuk become a part of the regional Kurdish government following the referendum scheduled for late this year is extremely limited."

More:[ Turquie Européenne ] - How serious is Turkey on its Kirkuk claim ?

Turkey to be invited to Iraqi neighbors meeting - Turkish Daily News Jan 29, 2007

"Turkey to be invited to Iraqi neighbors meeting
Monday, January 29, 2007

The foreign ministers of Turkey, Iran, Syria and the Gulf countries are to be invited to a meeting of Iraq's neighbors, reported the Anatolia news agency yesterday, citing a statement made by Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari to The Associated Press. Zebari said the meeting would show that neighboring countries supported the Iraqis and the Iraqi government."

Turkey to be invited to Iraqi neighbors meeting - Turkish Daily News Jan 29, 2007

International hotels head to Istanbul - Turkish Daily News Jan 29, 2007

"International hotels head to Istanbul
Monday, January 29, 2007

The 10 million tourists expected to come to Istanbul during the next 10 years has caused hotel companies from Europe to the Far East to jump into the city's market"

More:International hotels head to Istanbul - Turkish Daily News Jan 29, 2007

Turkey celebrates Rumi abroad in 2007 - Turkish Daily News Jan 29, 2007

"Turkey celebrates Rumi abroad in 2007
Monday, January 29, 2007

Turkish musicians will perform a series of Sufi concerts and Alevi rituals around Turkey and the world in 2007 to celebrate the life and philosophy of Mevlana Jelaladdin Rumi, the 13th century Turkish philosopher and poet."

More:Turkey celebrates Rumi abroad in 2007 - Turkish Daily News Jan 29, 2007

One cartoonist, one philosophy - Turkish Daily News Jan 29, 2007

"One cartoonist, one philosophy
Monday, January 29, 2007

VERCİHAN ZİFLİOĞLU
ISTANBUL - Turkish Daily News

Gırgır Magazine left a mark on the history of Turkish cartoons. Sarkis Paçacı, one of the cartoonists of the magazine, made a name for himself and Gırgır Magazine by creating cartoons shaped by his dissenting opinions."

More:One cartoonist, one philosophy - Turkish Daily News Jan 29, 2007

China may host the Olympics but Turkey will dress the Olympiads - Turkish Daily News Jan 29, 2007

"China may host the Olympics but Turkey will dress the Olympiads
Monday, January 29, 2007

One of the world's leading sportswear companies has chosen a Turkish firm to produce its sportswear for the coming 2008 Olympics in China.

Nike decided to work with Turkish manufacturer İmteks to produce the sweatsuits and t-shirts worn by Nike's sponsored national teams at the Beijing Olympics. In a statement from Nike's head quarters in the Netherlands the company noted that İmteks was chosen due to the company's �punctuality and production guarantee.� "

More:China may host the Olympics but Turkey will dress the Olympiads - Turkish Daily News Jan 29, 2007

Turkey commemorates Holocaust victims - Turkish Daily News Jan 29, 2007

"Turkey commemorates Holocaust victims
Monday, January 29, 2007

Over the weekend Turkey marked the International Day of Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust during World War II. In a written statement released on Saturday, the Foreign Ministry said that humanity should learn lessons from the Holocaust tragedy in an effort to stop similar occurrences, adding: �All countries are responsible for this. Turkey, for its part, will continue to do its share in a determined way."

Turkey commemorates Holocaust victims - Turkish Daily News Jan 29, 2007

Turkey warns of ‘dark era’ if Iraq divided - Turkish Daily News Jan 29, 2007

"Turkey warns of ‘dark era’ if Iraq divided
Monday, January 29, 2007

Foreign Minister Abdullah Gül has criticized drawing comparison between Iraq and the former Soviet Union, which he said stemmed from lack of knowledge, and warned that if neighboring Iraq is divided, it won't be a peaceful one."

More:Turkey warns of ‘dark era’ if Iraq divided - Turkish Daily News Jan 29, 2007

The New Anatolian - Major share for Turkey in EU's financial assistance

"Major share for Turkey in EU's financial assistance

EkoTürk News Agency / Ankara
29 January 2007

"EU will give nearly 11.5 billion Euro of financial assistance to EU candidate countries Turkey, Croatia and Macedonia in 2007-2013 period," Turkish Deputy SG for EU Tünay İnce told A.A on Saturday.
"Turkey will take 60-70 percent of this amount in this period," added İnce.
Recalling that Turkey, since 1999--the date its EU candidacy was accepted--, has started to take financial assistance from the EU, İnce said that EU gives this assistance to help candidate countries increase their social and economic level to EU standards as well as to soften responsibilities necessitated from adjustment studies."

More:The New Anatolian - Major share for Turkey in EU's financial assistance

Swedish Minister for European affairs in Ankara

"Swedish Minister for European affairs in Ankara

Swedish Minister of European Affairs Cecila Malmstrom will arrive in Ankara today to hold talks on Turkey's troubled EU accession talks.

Malmstrom will have meetings with Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul, Turkey's European Union Chief Negotiator Ali Babacan and Turkey's State Minister responsible for women family matters Nimet Cubukcu. Swedish minister will also visit Istanbul and meet with representatives of various NGOs."

More:..:: ABHABER.COM ::.. Swedish Minister for European affairs in Ankara

NDS And Dogan TV Partner to Revolutionize Television in Turkey

"NDS And Dogan TV Partner to Revolutionize Television in Turkey

LONDON-(Business Wire)-January 29, 2007 - NDS (NASDAQ: NNDS):

— Dogan TV, a subsidiary of Dogan Yayin Holding, and NDS, a majority owned subsidiary of News Corporation, sign wide-ranging technology agreement to revolutionize television in Turkey"

More:Digital50: News and more Business News

Greek Cypriot oil exploration triggers Turkish fury

"Greek Cypriot oil exploration triggers Turkish fury

Greek Cypriot administration's plans to launch oil and gas exploration in the east Mediterranean has triggered strong opposition from Turkish Cypriot President, who said it could revive tension on the island.

In an interview with the trilingual weekly newspaper Dialogue, Turkish Cypriot President Mehmet Ali Talat said Turkish Cypriots and Turkey had 'rights over Cyprus' and no deals could go ahead without their consent."

More:..:: ABHABER.COM ::.. Greek Cypriot oil exploration triggers Turkish fury

Hürriyet - Paul Wolfowitz: Turkish EU membership would be good on many fronts

"Paul Wolfowitz: Turkish EU membership would be good on many fronts

Paul Wolfowitz: Turkish EU membership would be good on many frontsWorld Bank President Paul Wolfowitz, who is in Turkey for two days of official meetings, has noted personal pride over the close relations between Turkey and the World Bank, saying 'Our relations are not the kind which can be expressed only by the dollar. Our relations involve finding solutions to problems, and bringing our expertises together to move forward in problem solving.' "

More:Hürriyet - Paul Wolfowitz: Turkish EU membership would be good on many fronts

Turkish government not looking to annul controversial law

"Turkish government not looking to annul controversial law
Justice Minister Cemil Cicek said Sunday that article 301 could be rewritten.

ANKARA - Turkey�s government is not considering annulling all of a controversial article of the country�s penal code covering the crime of insulting turkish identity, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said late Sunday."

More:Turkish government not looking to annul controversial law

Hürriyet - Statistics on honor-killings and suicides among women shock Ankara

"Statistics on honor-killings and suicides among women shock Ankara

As a result of question posed by CHP Aydin MP Ozlem Cercioglu to State Minister Nimet Cubukcu, statistics on so-called 'honor killings' and suicides among women in Turkey over the past 5 years have been revealed, causing wide upset among officials in Ankara and citizens alike. "

More:Hürriyet - Statistics on honor-killings and suicides among women shock Ankara

Turkey sends humanitarian aid goods to Ethiopia and Kenya

"Turkey sends humanitarian aid goods to Ethiopia and Kenya

Turkish Red Crescent has sent a batch of humanitarian aid goods to African countries of Ethiopia and Kenya to support their fighting against drought and hunger, the Anatolia news agency reported here Monday."

More:People's Daily Online -- Turkey sends humanitarian aid goods to Ethiopia and Kenya

46 Suspected Militants Arrested in ...

"46 Suspected Militants Arrested in Turkey

Jan 29, 2007 : 6:17 am ET

ISTANBUL, Turkey -- Turkish police arrested 46 suspected Islamic militants in operations in five provinces across the country, authorities said Monday. "

More:heraldsun.com: 46 Suspected Militants Arrested in ...

Gloomy outlook for Turkish economy

"Gloomy outlook for Turkish economy
By Jephraim P Gundzik

Turkey has enjoyed strong economic growth since the country's last crisis in 2001. Unusual political stability has revitalized its currency, the lira, pushing inflation and interest rates lower, spawning a credit boom. Gathering political instability is likely to spark capital flight and higher inflation and interest rates in the months ahead. Turkey's economy is likely to shrink by more than 6% in 2007, while the value of the lira, stocks and domestic and international bonds plunges. "

More:Asia Times Online :: Middle East News - Gloomy outlook for Turkish economy

Sunday, January 28, 2007

Turkish Weekly Comment - Turkish involvement in Iran nuclear program

"Turkish involvement in Iran nuclear program
Serhat Gozen

Sunday , 28 January 2007

This commentary is from USAK's Energy Review Newsletter
http://www.turkishweekly.net/energyreview/TurkishWeekly-EnergyReview4.pdf
To subscribe email to energyreview@turkishweekly.net

The news is not new, but it is rather unheard among many. On 25 November 2006, Metin Munir, a columnist from Turkish daily newspaper Milliyet has claimed in his column that Iranian nuclear program is carried out by graduates of Middle Eastern Technical University(METU) of Turkey as well as Iranian engineers."

More:Turkish Weekly Comment - Turkish involvement in Iran nuclear program

Top Iraqi Kurdish officials reject Turkish statements on oil-rich city of Kirkuk - International Herald Tribune

"Top Iraqi Kurdish officials reject Turkish statements on oil-rich city of Kirkuk

BAGHDAD, Iraq: Top Iraqi Kurdish officials on Sunday rejected recent statements by Turkey on the fate of the oil-rich city of Kirkuk, saying such interference in domestic affairs is unacceptable."

More:Top Iraqi Kurdish officials reject Turkish statements on oil-rich city of Kirkuk - International Herald Tribune

Couple call Turkey trip inspirational | The Bryan-College Station Eagle

"Couple call Turkey trip inspirational

By LAURA HENSLEY
Eagle Staff Writer

Freddie and Carrie Komar aren't into international travel.

Until recently, the last time Carrie Komar left the country was more than 25 years ago on a trip to Mexico, and Freddie Komar, who is the assistant chief of the Bryan Police Department, had never stepped foot outside the United States."

More:Couple call Turkey trip inspirational | The Bryan-College Station Eagle

Turkey reaching out to Armenia - Los Angeles Times

"Turkey reaching out to Armenia
January 28, 2007

Re 'Armenia haunts the Turks again,' Opinion, Jan. 23

Hugh Pope suggests that Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan try a 'grand gesture' toward reconciliation with the Armenian government. The Turkish government has already done so."

More:Turkey reaching out to Armenia - Los Angeles Times

Hürriyet - Bulgarian Turks give support to Turkey

"Bulgarian Turks give support to Turkey

Hürriyet İnternet

Emel Etem Toshkova, Bulgaria's deputy prime minister and minister of the environment, said that EU-member state would stand by Turkey's side in its own EU accession process."

More:Hürriyet - Bulgarian Turks give support to Turkey

Saturday, January 27, 2007

The great architect Sinan's life to become animated feature film

"The great architect Sinan's life to become animated feature film
The Kayseri Mayor's Office has announced that the life of Mimar Koca Sinan (Great Architect Sinan) will be the subject of an animated feature film.
Mayor Osman Güneş says they hope to transfer the information about Sinan's life and his great works to an innovative medium. The project is planned to tell coming generations and the world the story of this great Ottoman architect whose abilities were beyond examples during his time and after, the mayor said.
Mimar Koca Sinan, born in Kayseri in 1489, was taken to İstanbul as a 'devşirme (children taken to the Ottoman palace for military and arts training) by the ninth Sultan Yavuz Sultan Selim. After improving his skills, wisdom and creativity he came to be known as the genius architect of the empire. "

More:TODAY'S ZAMAN

The New Anatolian - Ilnur Cevik - Iraqi Kurdish leaders mellowing on Turkey

"Iraqi Kurdish leaders mellowing on Turkey
Ilnur Cevik

ilnurcevik@yahoo.com
27 January 2007

A Kurdish regional parliamentary debate on Wednesday showed that Iraqi Kurdish leaders have decided to tone down the war of words between Ankara and Erbil, and a positive environment is shaping up that could help to mend the fences between Turkey and the Kurds …
"

More:The New Anatolian - Ilnur Cevik - Iraqi Kurdish leaders mellowing on Turkey

War is going on for the soul of Turkey

"War is going on for the soul of Turkey

From their powerful positions in the army, the judiciary and the bureaucracy, 'republican elite' work to undermine the reforms and to wreck Turkey's chances of joining the EU."

More:Hamilton Spectator - News

Turkey's undying love affair: Horseracing - Turkish Daily News Jan 27, 2007

"Turkey's undying love affair: Horseracing
Saturday, January 27, 2007

DAMARIS KREMIDA
ISTANBUL - Turkish Daily News

The YTL 222 million in revenue that the Jockey Club of Turkey (TJK) reined in last year seems to indicate that Ataturk's saying “Horseracing is a social need for modern societies” has not fallen on deaf ears. In the third floor VIP lounge of the TJK's Veliefendi racecourse in Istanbul, a plush light blue carpet sets a regal tone for the leather furniture and sitting areas. A flat screen television is propped on a wall in the center. In the background one can enjoy the best view of the race while sipping on cocktails."

More:Turkey's undying love affair: Horseracing - Turkish Daily News Jan 27, 2007

“Zerkalo”: Hostility to Turks Runs in Armenians’ Blood

"“Zerkalo”: Hostility to Turks Runs in Armenians’ Blood
27.01.2007

Former Turkish President, Suleyman Demirel, told so during exclusive interview for APA.
- It is very likely that US Congress will adopt draft bill on “genocide of Armenians”. How do you evaluate present situation?"

More:Democracy, Elections & Human Rights in Azerbaijan

Turks are rediscovering the Turkish bath - Turkish Daily News Jan 27, 2007

"Turks are rediscovering the Turkish bath
Saturday, January 27, 2007

There used to be over 14,000 Turkish baths in Istanbul. Turkish baths used to be a neighborhood’s social club as well as a place to clean oneself. As bathtubs and showers started to be installed in homes they lost their popularity. Today only 130 Turkish baths remain. The Turkish bath concept, which was kept alive by tourists and a few that held on to tradition, became popular again with the adoption of a healthy lifestyle trend in Turkey"

More:Turks are rediscovering the Turkish bath - Turkish Daily News Jan 27, 2007

Zeus’ Sacred Place

"Zeus’ Sacred Place

26.01.2007

In ancient times Izmir’s Birgi province was Dioshieron (Zeus’ Sacred Place), in the Middle Ages it was Christopolis (the city of Christ) and during the Ottoman era the area was an important religious and scientific centre. Today an initiative is underway to include the Aegean site on UNESCO’s World Heritage list, the Anatolia News Agency reports. A number of projects have already been carried out jointly by Birgi Municipality, the Foundation for the Promotion and Protection of the Environment and Cultural Heritage (CEKUL) and Mimar Sinan University to make Birgi, where the Lydians settled in 2,000 BC, a world city."

More:Zeus’ Sacred Place

Hürriyet - Human Rights Commissioner Ünsal: Patent for Kurdish lessons belongs to me

"Human Rights Commissioner Ünsal: Patent for Kurdish lessons belongs to me

Vice chairman of the TBMM (Grand National Assembly of Turkey) Human Rights Commission, AKP MP Faruk Ünsal, said that it was he who brought up the subject of elective Kurdish lessons two months ago in the TÜSIAD report.
"

More:Hürriyet - Human Rights Commissioner Ünsal: Patent for Kurdish lessons belongs to me

Rajab Tayyip Erdogan: Armenian Diaspora does its best to tense the relations with Turkey

"Rajab Tayyip Erdogan: Armenian Diaspora does its best to tense the relations with Turkey

“We take necessary steps to restore our relations with Armenia, but we do not get expected signals from Armenia. When we speak about normal relations and peace, Armenia Diaspora tries to do its best to tense the situations."

More:APA

Giving Chinese goods the evil eye

"Giving Chinese goods the evil eye

Kurudere Village in the province of İzmir, renowned for producing 'evil-eye' glass medallions (Nazar boncug(u in Turkish) and other glassware, has decided to use its tourism potential to compete with cheap Chinese goods.
Village administrator Hasan Yıldırım said their glassware industry started in the 1950s but had suffered from Chinese competition as of late."

More:Learn Turkish Forum - Giving Chinese goods the evil eye

Turkish and Armenian youth are talking - Turkish Daily News Jan 27, 2007

"Turkish and Armenian youth are talking
Saturday, January 27, 2007

A very popular online networking site called Facebook has rivaling groups such as 'Recognize the Armenian Genocide' group and 'The Armenian Genocide is a Huge Lie' group. A much smaller group exists called 'Peace for Armenia and Turkey.' But its participants skyrocketed since the murder of Hrant Dink. "

More:Turkish and Armenian youth are talking - Turkish Daily News Jan 27, 2007

Time for Turkish-Armenian reconciliation - Turkish Daily News Jan 27, 2007

"Time for Turkish-Armenian reconciliation
Saturday, January 27, 2007

The civil outburst of the Turkish people, their unanimous march with slogans 'We are Armenians' and 'We are all Hrant Dink,' leaves no doubt that a core transformation in the worldview of today’s Turkey has occurred"

More:Time for Turkish-Armenian reconciliation - Turkish Daily News Jan 27, 2007

Turkish cultural festival goes Dutch - Turkish Daily News Jan 27, 2007

"Turkish cultural festival goes Dutch
Saturday, January 27, 2007

The festival takes place in venues across Amsterdam and Rotterdam and will present a view of today’s modern Turkey with a rich program reflecting the country’s culture"

More:Turkish cultural festival goes Dutch - Turkish Daily News Jan 27, 2007

Friday, January 26, 2007

A promise broken for 12 years, the missing vote of Turks abroad

"A promise broken for 12 years, the missing vote of Turks abroad
A law adopted in 1995 granted Turkish citizens living abroad the right to vote. The aim of the prime minister at the time, Mesut Yılmaz, was to empower Turks living overseas in their country of origin. But, after 12 years, Turks abroad still cannot vote without traveling to border entry points."

More:TODAY'S ZAMAN

Wolfowitz: Turkey is a success story of the World Bank - Turkish Daily News Jan 27, 2007

"Wolfowitz: Turkey is a success story of the World Bank
Saturday, January 27, 2007

World Bank Governor Paul Wolfowitz said Turkey was a success story of the World Bank. Speaking to the Anatolia news agency in Davos, Wolfowitz said Turkey has achieved significant transformations in recent years and has set an example to many countries with the reforms it has implemented. Wolfowitz also mentioned the structural reforms Turkey has carried out and said, “I am showing Turkey's achievements as examples to other countries.” Turkey has applied World Bank programs with utmost success and achieved significant economic growth, according to Wolfowitz. Economic growth was very important for Turkey, he added."

More:Wolfowitz: Turkey is a success story of the World Bank - Turkish Daily News Jan 27, 2007

The Transformation of Turkey

"The Transformation of Turkey
The nation's reaction to an assassination illustrates the power of media networks to promote openness—one of the key themes at Davos

by Christopher Power

The assassination happened far offstage from Davos—in Istanbul, to be exact. Last week, Hrant Dink, the outspoken editor of Turkey's main Turkish and Armenian-language newspaper, was gunned down."

More:The Transformation of Turkey

Conservatives modify position on Turkey

"Conservatives modify position on Turkey

Turkey's state policy of denial continues to serve as a daily affront to all Armenians.

by Anthony Wing
January 26, 2007

Foreign Affairs Minister Peter MacKay recently modified the Canadian government's official acknowledgement of the 1915 Armenian genocide with a statement of support for the government of Turkey's proposal to establish a joint commission with Armenia to investigate the events of that period."

More:rabble news - everyone's a critic

Turks, Armenians to walk hand in hand in Paris

"Turks, Armenians to walk hand in hand in Paris
The dream of Agos newspaper chief editor Hrant Dink, for Turks and Armenians to leave the genocide behind and come closer for dialogue, will come one step closer today. Turks and Armenians will march together on Friday in France, a country that has a strong anti-Turkey Armenian lobby. "

More:TODAY'S ZAMAN

Election year can influence negotiations with EU - Turkish Daily News Jan 26, 2007

"Election year can influence negotiations with EU
Friday, January 26, 2007

IREM KÖKER
ISTANBUL - Referans & Turkish Daily News

An election year can influence accession negotiations with the European Union, warned a former chief negotiator as Turkey is set to hold double elections � while proceeding with its precarious EU bid � in 2007. "

More:Election year can influence negotiations with EU - Turkish Daily News Jan 26, 2007

Turkish woman's election to gender equality chair 'meaningful' - Turkish Daily News Jan 26, 2007

"Turkish woman's election to gender equality chair 'meaningful'
Friday, January 26, 2007

FULYA ÖZERKAN
ANKARA – Turkish Daily News

It is significant when a Turkish woman becomes head of a Council of Europe committee in charge of gender equality and women rights, said main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) Ankara deputy Gülsün Bilgehan. She was unanimously elected on Monday head of the Parliamentary Assembly of Council of Europe (PACE) committee on equal opportunities for women and men. "

More:Turkish woman's election to gender equality chair 'meaningful' - Turkish Daily News Jan 26, 2007

Mediterranean ski resort beckons - Turkish Daily News Jan 26, 2007

"Mediterranean ski resort beckons
Friday, January 26, 2007

Saklıkent, a mere 37 kilometers from the city center, makes the normally warm and sunny holiday resort of Antalya a different alternative for those who do not want to travel too far for a winter holiday"

More:Mediterranean ski resort beckons - Turkish Daily News Jan 26, 2007

New UN chief makes a good start on Cyprus

"New UN chief makes a good start on Cyprus

Ban Ki-Moon marked his first overseas visit as UN secretary general in Brussels on Wednesday with a good start, calling for Greek and Turkish Cypriot leaders to implement an agreement between their “countries”.
Asked about the issue of the divided island of Cyprus during a press conference with EU Commission chief Jose Manuel Barroso, Moon refered to an agreement made between the Greek Cypriot leader Tassos Papadopoulos and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat aimed at moving towards talks on reunifying the island. “It is important that the two leaders and the two countries should implement the July agreement,” said the South Korean Ban, speaking English."

More:TODAY'S ZAMAN

The New Anatolian - EU no longer neutral on Cyprus, place for solution is UN

"EU no longer neutral on Cyprus, place for solution is UN

The New Anatolian / Lefkosa
26 January 2007

The European Union totally lost its neutrality on Cyprus problem by accepting the Greek Cypriot administration as a member in 2003, said Turkey's Land Forces Commander Gen. Ilker Basbug on Thursday.

'The EU has also weakened its possible influence for reaching a settlement. The place for a solution to the Cyprus problem is the UN,' he stressed. "

More:The New Anatolian - EU no longer neutral on Cyprus, place for solution is UN

Hürriyet - US Ambassador Wilson: Turkey should worth with N.Iraq leadership against PKK

"US Ambassador Wilson: Turkey should worth with N.Iraq leadership against PKK

The US-appointed coordinator in the struggle against PKK terror, retired General Joseph Raltson, is expected in Ankara on January 30. Raltson, who has been the target of complaint from Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and other administration officials in Ankara, will be meeting with his Turkish counterpart in the anti-PKK coordination, retired General Edip Baser. "

More:Hürriyet - US Ambassador Wilson: Turkey should worth with N.Iraq leadership against PKK

Turkish women elected to top posts at home and abroad - Turkish Daily News Jan 26, 2007

"Turkish women elected to top posts at home and abroad
Friday, January 26, 2007

This week saw two milestones for Turkish women in the worlds of business and politics, with the head positions at influential Turkish Industrialists and Businessmen's Association (TÜSİAD) and a Council of Europe committee going to Arzuhan Doğan Yalçındağ and Gülsün Bilgehan respectively."

More:Turkish women elected to top posts at home and abroad - Turkish Daily News Jan 26, 2007

Turkish Revenge Brigades planned to blow up Turkish parliament

"Turkish Revenge Brigades planned to blow up Turkish parliament
26.01.2007 14:23 GMT+04:00 Print version Send to mail In Russian In Armenian

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ A package suspected of a bomb, which was left on Thursday at a gate of the Turkish Parliament, has been defused by an expert, reports Cihan News Agency. Security officials at the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM) informed the police that a package was left at the Dikmen entrance of the parliament. Arriving at the scene, the bomb squad noticed that a clock was placed next to the package so that it looks like a bomb. A bomb expert defused the package through a detonator. Police found a memo on the lid of the package that read “Turkish Revenge Brigades”, or TIT."

Armenian News - PanARMENIAN.Net | Armenian News Agency - Turkish Revenge Brigades planned to blow up Turkish parliament

TURKEY'S SUICIDE By RALPH PETERS - Opedcolumnists - New York Post Online Edition

"TURKEY'S SUICIDE
OUR OLD ALLY'S BENT ON SELF-DESTRUCTION

January 26, 2007 -- IT'S hard to watch an old pal hit the skids, making one disastrous decision after another, throwing away a brilliant future. That's the position we're in with Turkey - a former ally bent on self-destruction."

More:TURKEY'S SUICIDE By RALPH PETERS - Opedcolumnists - New York Post Online Edition

Mostar Journal: Little Turkey

"Little Turkey
from Round former Yugoslavia

Location: Mostar, Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Author: terralingo
“Mostar feels like a minature version of Turkey, except with no turkish people but it still keeps the coffee.”

Mostar feels like a minature version of Turkey, except with no turkish people but it still keeps the coffee. If you ask for a Bosnian coffee they;ll just tell you 'no'. We thought they were just always out of it, but then we discovered that its a bit of arse to make- so they basically didn't want to make it unless you were really keen. It was a good thing for them that the coffee was pretty spot on and quite addictive."

More:Mostar Journal: Little Turkey

Nothing new in Armenian comments: Turkish Foreign Ministry

"Nothing new in Armenian comments: Turkish Foreign Ministry
The Foreign Ministry said that it was to be hoped that the tragic killing of Hrant Dink would contribute to creating a new atmosphere in Turkish-Armenian relations."

More:Nothing new in Armenian comments: Turkish Foreign Ministry

Greece's former foreign minister joins hundreds of Turks at ex-minister Cem's funeral - International Herald Tribune

"Greece's former foreign minister joins hundreds of Turks at ex-minister Cem's funeral

ISTANBUL, Turkey: Greece's former foreign minister, George Papandreou, gently threw two olive branches onto the grave of Ismail Cem on Friday, bidding farewell to a charismatic former Turkish foreign minister with whom he had championed ending decades of hostile relations between the two rival countries."

More:Greece's former foreign minister joins hundreds of Turks at ex-minister Cem's funeral - International Herald Tribune

People's Daily Online -- Trabzon governor, police chief removed from office due to journalist's killing

"Trabzon governor, police chief removed from office due to journalist's killing
font size ZoomIn ZoomOut

Governor Huseyin Yavuzdemir and police chief Resat Altay of the Trabzon province in northern Turkey were removed from office due to recent incidents in the region, the semi-official Anatolia news agency reported on Friday.

Ministry of Interior Affairs charged two chief inspectors to investigate whether there was any failure or negligence of the local administration and the provincial security department, according to the report."

More:People's Daily Online -- Trabzon governor, police chief removed from office due to journalist's killing

Historian Eric Feigl, proved Armenian genocide to be untrue, died

"Historian Eric Feigl, proved Armenian genocide to be untrue, died

[ 26 Jan.:42 ]

Austrian historian and writer, Professor Eric Feigl has died at 76 today, APA reports.

Recently he had internal hemorrhage and today he has died of kidney failure in the hospital in Vienna, APA reports. He decided to investigate the claims on Armenian genocide after terrors committed by Armenian Terror Organization ASALA and wrote a book called “A Myth of Terror”. He renewed the book after his close fiend Erdogan Ozen’s assassination by Armenian terrorists and devoted the book wholly to Turkish diplomat. He proved that Armenian genocide did not happen basing on the historical documents kept in some of archives of European countries.
It should be noted that, Eric Feigl was awarded Honour Order by President Ilham Aliyev. /APA/"

APA

Movie: Climates (Iklimler)-Four women and a movie

"Four women and a movie

Mary F. Pols
Published: Friday, January 26, 2007

The new Turkish film 'Climates' is about a break-up between a middle-aged university instructor and his younger girlfriend, a television producer."

More:Movie: Climates (Iklimler)

Turkey goes on diplomatic offensive against genocide allegations

"Turkey goes on diplomatic offensive against genocide allegations
With some believing that the assassination of Turkish-Armenian journalist Hrant Dink has given the Armenian diaspora an important trump card for recognition of an Armenian genocide around the world, Turkey has unleashed an ambitious diplomatic plan."

More:TODAY'S ZAMAN

A musical journey following the footsteps of gayda

"A musical journey following the footsteps of gayda
If you are fond of ethnic music there is a collective that you wouldn't want to miss these days: Balkanatolia. As the name suggests this collective of musicians plays music based on the traditional repertoires of Eastern Europe where Balkan and Anatolian cultures meet.
The songs are the ones that you expect to hear in Roman weddings and musicians come with great improvisation backgrounds. "

More:TODAY'S ZAMAN

Thursday, January 25, 2007

Turkish city grapples with violent record | csmonitor.com

"Turkish city grapples with violent record
The teen who killed a Turkish-Armenian journalist came from a small village that has been front and center in several recent nationalist incidents.
By Yigal Schleifer | Correspondent of The Christian Science Monitor

TRABZON, TURKEY - This small city on the Black Sea coast is getting used to being in the headlines – for all the wrong reasons. Over the past two years, Trabzon – best known for its successful professional soccer team, nicknamed the Black Sea Storm – has been front and center in a series of events that have shocked Turkey."

More:Turkish city grapples with violent record | csmonitor.com

Olli Rehn: No ‘guillotine clause’ for the ports

"Olli Rehn: No ‘guillotine clause’ for the ports
European Union Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn argues there is no deadline for Turkey to open its ports to Greek Cypriot vessels. Adding a new phrase to the already extremely rich EU lexicon on Turkey, Rehn says there is no 'guillotine clause.'"

More:TODAY'S ZAMAN

‘European Union made a mistake accepting only Greek Cypriots’

"‘European Union made a mistake accepting only Greek Cypriots’
In a visit to Ankara, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (KKTC) Parliament Speaker said the European Union made a mistake by accepting only the Greek Cyprus into the EU.
KKTC Parliament Speaker Fatma Ekenoğlu, who had talks with Turkish Parliament Speaker Bülent Arınç in Ankara, criticized the EU move to accept Greek Cyprus into the union despite a United Nations declaration on April 24, 2004 recommending and end to the isolation of the two communities on the island."

More:TODAY'S ZAMAN

UK Ambassador Baird: Fluent in ‘imperative Turkish’

"UK Ambassador Baird: Fluent in ‘imperative Turkish’
Approaching the large, classically designed residence of the British ambassador in Ankara gives me the impression that I might suddenly encounter the character Elizabeth (from Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice”) stepping out of a black coach."

More:TODAY'S ZAMAN

SUNY's partnership with Turkey thriving - Newsday.com

"SUNY's partnership with Turkey thriving
January 25, 2007, 4:51 PM EST
BY JESSICA M. PASKOP> Associated Press WriterP>

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) _ The State University of New York's dual-diploma program with Turkey now has 382 Turkish students and continues to grow, more than three years after its inception.
"

More:SUNY's partnership with Turkey thriving - Newsday.com

Kurdish Parliament urges more dialogue from Turkey

"Kurdish Parliament urges more dialogue from Turkey

In reaction to Tuesday's closed-door “Iraq session” in the Turkish Parliament the local Kurdish Parliament convened yesterday to discuss Turkey's alleged threats toward the Kurdish-controlled north, with the members of the local Parliament calling on Ankara for more dialogue."

More:Kurdish Parliament urges more dialogue from Turkey

Turks Split on Support for Hrant Dink - Turkish Torque

"Turks Split on Support for Hrant Dink

Turkish public opinion is almost evenly split regarding the kind of support that should be provided to Hrant Dink, the Turkish-Armenian journalist who has been assasinated last Friday in Istanbul."

More:Turkish Torque

Book on Turkish democracy published in Britain

"Book on Turkish democracy published in Britain
A NEW book by two Turkish academics is published in Britain today, discussing the progress of democracy in Turkey since its introduction in 1950."

More:LONDRA GAZETE ::

Ancient Turkish site set to be flooded - Archaeologists protest impending destruction of spa.

"Ancient Turkish site set to be flooded
Archaeologists protest impending destruction of spa.

Ned Stafford
The Allianoi archaeological site could soon be under water if authorities carry out their plans to flood a newly constructed reservoir. Located in western Turkey, the site is a well-preserved example of an ancient Roman health spa.
"

More:news @ nature.com - Ancient Turkish site set to be flooded - Archaeologists protest impending destruction of spa.

Al-Ahram Weekly | Region | Turkomans wary of Turks

"Turkomans wary of Turks
As Baghdad braces itself for oncoming massive military operations, Turkomans in Kurdistan feel abandoned and in danger, writes Nermeen El-Mufti
Click to view caption
Shiite women commemorating the seventh century death of Imam Hussein, Prophet Mohammed's grandson. Women are surrounding a poster which represents Shiite Imam al-Mahdi in the holy city of Karbala

Iraq's unity and the future of Kirkuk featured prominently in a seminar held by the Turkish Strategic Studies Institute in Ankara last week. The seminar, which was attended by a number of Turkish and Iraqi politicians and academics, called for the postponement of the referendum on Kirkuk's future. Kurds denounced the recommendation, considering it an example of 'Turkish interference' in their affairs."

More:Al-Ahram Weekly | Region | Turkomans wary of Turks

Official Ready to Re-examine Law Shielding Turks’ Identity - New York Times

"Official Ready to Re-examine Law Shielding Turks’ Identity

By SEBNEM ARSU
Published: January 25, 2007

ISTANBUL, Jan. 24 — Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul called Wednesday for changes in a controversial law that penalizes insults against Turkish identity.

Hrant Dink, the Turkish-Armenian newspaper editor who was assassinated last week, had been convicted under the law late last year. Many Turks say the conviction labeled Mr. Dink a traitor in the eyes of ultranationalist groups and made him a target."

More:Official Ready to Re-examine Law Shielding Turks’ Identity - New York Times

San Diego State's program in Cyprus to continue - Los Angeles Times

"San Diego State's program in Cyprus to continue
Trustees decline to suspend the San Diego State summer program, despite protests.
By Larry Gordon, Times Staff Writer
January 25, 2007

Opponents of a San Diego State student exchange program on Cyprus were disappointed Wednesday when the Cal State system's trustees did not suspend the overseas classes.

Greek American organizations and others had sought to stop the summer program about international conflict resolution because it was held last summer in the Turkish-occupied part of Cyprus, which they said amounted to immoral support of a puppet regime. "

More:San Diego State's program in Cyprus to continue - Los Angeles Times

The US supports the easing of the ''economic isolation'' of Turkish Cypriots

"The US supports the easing of the ''economic isolation'' of Turkish Cypriots as a way to
reduce disparities between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities, and thereby facilitate reunification of the island, a State Department press release said. "

More:Financial Mirror

The New Anatolian - OECD: Turkey's 'inactive' youth a time bomb

"OECD: Turkey's 'inactive' youth a time bomb

The New Anatolian / Ankara
25 January 2007

Turkey faces a gave threat from its swelling ranks of 'inactive youth,' warns a new Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development report.

In the wake of the reported confession of a 17-year-old to the murder of journalist Hrant Dink, the report said that Turkey has too many young people at loose ends."

More:The New Anatolian - OECD: Turkey's 'inactive' youth a time bomb

The regrettable story of Article 301 - Turkish Daily News Jan 25, 2007

"The regrettable story of Article 301
Thursday, January 25, 2007

GÖKSEL BOZKURT
ANKARA TDN Parliament Bureau

For years, Turkey has been discussing how to treat ways of �thinking� and its �expression.� Article 301 of the Turkish Penal Code (TCK) presents a barrier to these two activities. Because of this, intellectuals and politicians have come up against each other in the 301 arena. Intellectuals push for freedoms while politicians resist. Article 301, which has been raised inside and outside the country in the wake of Hrant Dink's murder, under the current circumstances, was put on the backburner until the results of upcoming elections are in, along with the European Union's postponement of Turkey's membership in eight chapters. Following the Dink murder, this article started to be called �301, the murderer.� "

More:The regrettable story of Article 301 - Turkish Daily News Jan 25, 2007

Firms worth $1 trillion survey Istanbul projects - Turkish Daily News Jan 25, 2007

"Firms worth $1 trillion survey Istanbul projects
Thursday, January 25, 2007

Ak Yatırım will organize a real estate summit in Turkey simultaneously with the 2007 Turkey Investors Conference, which will be held at the Istanbul Stock Exchange on Jan. 25 and 26."

More:Firms worth $1 trillion survey Istanbul projects - Turkish Daily News Jan 25, 2007

Uğur Mumcu commemorated - Turkish Daily News Jan 25, 2007

"Uğur Mumcu commemorated
Thursday, January 25, 2007

The murder over a decade ago of Uğur Mumcu on Jan. 24, 1993 has been marked annually to ensure that his death – and those of other journalists in Turkey – is not forgotten"

More:Uğur Mumcu commemorated - Turkish Daily News Jan 25, 2007

Poland thanks Turks with Order of Merit - Turkish Daily News Jan 25, 2007

"Poland thanks Turks with Order of Merit
Thursday, January 25, 2007

Five Turkish citizens were honored with the Order of Merit of the Polish Republic for their contributions to Polish culture in a ceremony on Tuesday at the Polish Embassy in Ankara."

More:Poland thanks Turks with Order of Merit - Turkish Daily News Jan 25, 2007

Author of “Our Martyr diplomats” Bilal Shimshir: When Armenians killed Turkish diplomats no one said “We all are Turks”

"Author of “Our Martyr diplomats” Bilal Shimshir: When Armenians killed Turkish diplomats no one said “We all are Turks”

[ 25 Jan.:44 ]

“Though the draft resolution on the so-called Armenian genocide is discussed in the US congress from time to time, the US government impedes its adoption. After the recent crime they say, the resolution is supposed to be adopted in the US congress. I do not think so, Hrant Dink’s murder is an individual case,” Former Chief of Caucasian Department of Turkish Foreign Ministry, Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador, author of 20 books on the so-called Armenian genocide and the book “Our martyr diplomats” Bilal Shimshir said in his exclusive interview to the APA. "

More:APA

Turkish tourism leaders to meet in Antalya - Turkish Daily News Jan 25, 2007

"Turkish tourism leaders to meet in Antalya
Thursday, January 25, 2007

Turkish tourism investors' club SKAL will hold its national committee meeting in Antalya on Feb. 10 in preparation for an international conference at the Mediterranean resort at the end of the year. Club spokesperson and Crystal Hotels CEO Umman Çetinbaş said he expected the conference to boost the country's tourism figures by 5 to 10 percent, the Anatolia news agency reported on Tuesday."

More:Turkish tourism leaders to meet in Antalya - Turkish Daily News Jan 25, 2007

globeandmail.com: Killing brings the dark side of Turkish town into the light

"Killing brings the dark side of Turkish town into the light

NICHOLAS BIRCH

Special to The Globe and Mail

TRABZON, TURKEY -- Ask Mehmet Akcelep the first thing he thought when he heard that the Turkish-Armenian journalist Hrant Dink had been killed, and he answers without hesitation: 'I bet that's the work of a local man.'

Like the other inhabitants of Trabzon, the biggest city on Turkey's eastern Black Sea coast, Mr. Akcelep, a local councillor, has grown used to seeing his home town in the news for the wrong reasons."

More:globeandmail.com: Killing brings the dark side of Turkish town into the light

Master of Turkish politics dies - Turkish Daily News Jan 25, 2007

"Master of Turkish politics dies
Thursday, January 25, 2007

Mehmet Ali Birand

I first met İsmail Cem in 1964 at the Milliyet daily. He was different then.

He was taking his first steps in politics.

He had a worldview, never used slogans and never saw things from an ideological perspective.

He was knowledgeable. He had received a very fine education. He was also an artist, a photographer. "

More:Master of Turkish politics dies - Turkish Daily News Jan 25, 2007

Security of TRNC a major objective: Turkish general

" Security of TRNC a major objective: Turkish general
The Turkish Land Forces commander was in the TRNC to take part in a seminar.

LEFKOSA - The security of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) was one of the most important issues for Turkey, Turkish Land Forces Commander General Ilker Basbug said on Thursday."

More:Security of TRNC a major objective: Turkish general

News: Lebanon, Turkey to send 20 mln dollars additional aid to Lebanon

"Turkey to send 20 mln dollars additional aid to Lebanon

ANKARA, Jan 25, 2007 (Xinhua via COMTEX) -- Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul said Thursday that Turkey would extend 20 million U.S. dollars additional aid to Lebanon, the semi-official Anatolia news agency reported.

Gul made the announcement at an international donor conference in Paris for the reconstruction of Lebanon."

More:News: Lebanon, Turkey to send 20 mln dollars additional aid to Lebanon

The Kurdistan Problem: Part III

"The Kurdistan Problem: Part III
Thursday, 25 January 2007 Written by Garrett Johnson

Tensions on the Iraq-Turkey border are reaching a boiling point.

16 January 2007: The Turkish army have gathered and intensified its forces on the Kurdistan's boarder ready for attack, reported local sources on Tuesday.

Meanwhile American forces have belatedly acted to pacify Turkish concerns, by raiding an alleged PKK camp in Iraq's Kurdistan. Also, deadly clashes between Turkish soldiers and the PKK continue."

More:Bits of News

Turkey's poorest corner | The plight of the Kurds | Economist.com

"Turkey's poorest corner
The plight of the Kurds

Jan 25th 2007 | HAKKARI
From The Economist print edition
Too many promises have been broken by the politicians

ON AN icy road snaking through the mountains that separate Turkey from Iran and Iraq, a military convoy rumbles along. Ragged children stand barefoot in the snow, waving at the conscripts as they peer through misted windows. They are headed towards Hakkari, the poorest corner of Turkey's predominantly Kurdish south-east and a launching pad for military operations against separatist PKK rebels in Kurdish-controlled northern Iraq. Decades of neglect and brutal repression have made the province synonymous with all that ails Turkey's 14m Kurds."

More:Turkey's poorest corner | The plight of the Kurds | Economist.com

RIA Novosti - Opinion & analysis - Hrant Dink: "I have the right to die in the country I was born in"

"Hrant Dink: 'I have the right to die in the country I was born in'

The journalist's last interview he granted to Ellen Rudnitsky and Mirko Schwanitz, International Organization of Journalists, two days before he was murdered."

More:RIA Novosti - Opinion & analysis - Hrant Dink: "I have the right to die in the country I was born in"

Airbus wins first 2 orders for A330 cargo planes from Turkish cargo operator

"Airbus wins first 2 orders for A330 cargo planes from Turkish cargo operator

PARIS (AFX) - EADS unit Airbus said Turkish cargo operator MNG Airlines placed a draft order for two of its new freight version of the A330 jet."

More:Latest News | News | Hemscott

SABAH Newspaper English Edition - National - The Turkish Minister of Defense arrives in Washington

"The Turkish Minister of Defense arrives in Washington

Turkey's Minister of Defense Vecdi Gönül has arrived in Washington D.C to sign a contract which will enable Turkey to take part in the production of F-35 war planes. Vecdi Gönül will also meet with the new U.S Minister of Defense Robert Gates. "

More:SABAH Newspaper English Edition - National - The Turkish Minister of Defense arrives in Washington

Turkish Foreign Minister: Turkey is willing to establish friendly ties with Armenia

"Turkish Foreign Minister: Turkey is willing to establish friendly ties with Armenia
25.01.2007 14:38 GMT+04:00 Print version Send to mail In Russian In Armenian

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Turkey is willing to establish friendly ties with neighboring Armenia, adding the caveat that this would not be possible without the full cooperation of both sides. Asked about implications for Turkish-Armenian relations following the assassination of Turkish-Armenian journalist Hrant Dink, Gül said, “Turkey aspires to enjoy friendly ties with all of its neighbors on the basis of mutual trust and respect and we want to establish ties with Armenia as well.” Gül stressed that Turkey had no hostility toward any of its neighbors but said that establishing friendly ties was only possible with steps from both sides, adding that Armenia should review its thoughts and feelings toward Turkey. "

More:Armenian News - PanARMENIAN.Net | Armenian News Agency - Turkish Foreign Minister: Turkey is willing to establish friendly ties with Armenia

Karamanlis slams presence of Turkish troops on Cyprus

"Karamanlis slams presence of Turkish troops on Cyprus

Greek Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis yesterday slammed the presence of Turkish troops on the island of Cyprus, saying, 'Such a presence in the 21st century is morally, politically and logically unacceptable.'

Delivering a speech at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) meeting, Karamanlis also claimed that the continuation of the Turkish Cypriots' isolation is the consequence of what he termed Turkish 'occupation.' 'Finding a solution to the continuation of the isolation is a complicated issue, since Cyprus is under occupation,' he said.
"

More:..:: ABHABER.COM ::.. Karamanlis slams presence of Turkish troops on Cyprus

Death in Istanbul

"Death in Istanbul

Published: January:00 | Last updated: January:00

The assassination last Friday of Hrant Dink, the editor of a bilingual Armenian-Turkish newspaper, called forth a howl of outrage on the streets of Istanbul, as 100,000 mourners at his funeral cried 'we are all Armenians' or 'we are all Hrant Dink'. A teenager who admits to the crime and has ties to Turkey's violent ultranationalist fringe has been caught. What Turkey now needs, especially if it is to remain a credible candidate for membership of the European Union, is a ruthless examination of the poisonous backdrop to this killing. Mr Dink's murderer did not emerge from nowhere."

More:FT.com / Comment & analysis / Editorial comment - Death in Istanbul

JTW Editorial - Turk and Armenian: Hrant Dink and Talat Pasha Murders

"Turk and Armenian: Hrant Dink and Talat Pasha Murders
Sedat Laciner

Hrant Dink is the first and the only Armenian victim murdered by a politically-motivated Turk in the history of the Turkish Republic. We hope it’s the last. The investigation continues but we don’t think this murder is related with the Armenian problem. It’s also impossible to evaluate the situation as racism. Right after the murder, both Turkish government and the Turkish people are getting along with this incident in a good way. "

More:JTW Editorial - Turk and Armenian: Hrant Dink and Talat Pasha Murders

JTW News - Turkish Economy to maintain strong growth in 2007

"Turkish Economy to maintain strong growth in 2007
Thursday , 25 January 2007

Turkish economy is one of the most rapidly growing economies in the world and will only continue to boom according to Ulrich Zachau, World Bank regional director for Turkey in Europe."

More:JTW News - Turkish Economy to maintain strong growth in 2007

Turkish Cypriots: EU shouldn't introduce new conditions on direct trade

"Turkish Cypriots: EU shouldn't introduce new conditions on direct trade

The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) welcomed on Tuesday the European Union's move to speed up work for direct trade with Northern Cyprus but also stressed that there shouldn't be any new conditions on its realization.

Turkish Cypriot Foreign Minister Turgay Avci came out against efforts by the Greek Cypriot administration to include the return of Varosha as part of the direct trade deal and said this is an issue that should be discussed under comprehensive negotiations. 'Otherwise, it would not be coherent with expectations of Turkish Cypriots or commitments of the European Union.' Avci also warned that linking direct trade with Varosha issue would harm the efforts for reaching a lasting settlement. "

More:..:: ABHABER.COM ::.. Turkish Cypriots: EU shouldn't introduce new conditions on direct trade

Armenia wants ties with Turkey: Armenian Deputy FM

"Armenia wants ties with Turkey: Armenian Deputy FM
Kirakosyan was in Istanbul to attend the funeral of murdered Turkish-Armenian journalist Hrant Dink.

ISTANBUL - Armenia is prepared to establish diplomatic ties with Turkey, Armenian Deputy Foreign Minister Arman Kirakosyan said late Wednesday."

More:Armenia wants ties with Turkey: Armenian Deputy FM

Murder and paranoia in Turkey - The Boston Globe

"Murder and paranoia in Turkey

January 25, 2007

THERE WAS a huge turnout in Istanbul Tuesday for the funeral of the assassinated journalist Hrant Dink. Mourners held up placards saying, 'We are all Armenians' and 'We are all Hrant Dink.' It was a heartening display of support for values that the slain editor of the bilingual paper Agos defended at the cost of his life: free speech, acknowledgment of the 1915 genocide of Armenians in Turkey, and reconciliation between Turks and the 60,000 Armenians who remain in Turkey."

More:Murder and paranoia in Turkey - The Boston Globe

SABAH Newspaper English Edition - Economy - Turkey is the best opportunity as to CEOs

"Turkey is the best opportunity as to CEOs

According to the 10th Annual Global CEO Research prepared by Pricewaterhouse Coopers, the bosses thinks that the E7 countries including Turkey has the greatest financial opportunities."

More:SABAH Newspaper English Edition - Economy - Turkey is the best opportunity as to CEOs

SABAH Newspaper English Edition - National - We have lost İsmail Cem

"He had said: 'life was not a wasted one, Thank God'

Ismail Cem passed away due to the lung cancer, leaving his mark on Turkish politics. The former minister of foreign affairs, İsmail Cem said: 'my life was not wasted, though it could have been better, but I should say 'Thank God'' in a poem named 'Welfare' which he wrote in 1995."

More:SABAH Newspaper English Edition - National - We have lost İsmail Cem

Wednesday, January 24, 2007

Turkish program wins honor

"Turkish program wins honor
The State University of New York’s dual-diploma program with Turkey received the prestigious Andrew Heiskell Award for International Exchange Partnerships this week from the Institute of International Education.
“SUNY’s dual-diploma program greatly enhances the nature and quality of the education we are able to offer and the diversity of the student body on our campuses,” SUNY Chancellor John R. Ryan said. “SUNY’s dual-diploma program with Turkey has become a model for how we wish to work with other countries in our effort to globalize our campuses.”"

More:Inside Binghamton University

5 Charged With Killing of Turkish-Armenian Journalist

"5 Charged With Killing of Turkish-Armenian Journalist
Posted GMT:34:56

ANKARA, Turkey (AP) -- Turkish prosecutors on Wednesday charged five people, including a teenage gunman, in the killing of ethnic Armenian journalist Hrant Dink, prosecutor Aykut Cengiz Engin said.

The teenager, Ogun Samast, was charged with membership in an armed gang and murder, Aykut Cengiz Engin said. Four other suspects, including a man who has confessed to inciting the killing, were charged with membership in the armed gang and of involvement in Dink's slaying."

More:5 Charged With Killing of Turkish-Armenian Journalist

American Chronicle: Challenges to Turkey’s European course

"Challenges to Turkey’s European course

Dr. George Voskopoulos
January 24, 2007

The recent assassination of the Turkish-Armenian journalist Hrant Dink has made an impact to those who would like to see a democratic, secular and pro-European Turkey "

More:American Chronicle: Challenges to Turkey’s European course

Turkish Economist Expected to Win Nobel Prize: Daron Acemoğlu

"Turkish Economist Expected to Win Nobel Prize: Daron Acemoğlu

Hello Mr. Acemoğlu First of all, Lets start with your great background from your education in England and then lets talk about your experiences in States. What can you tell to the readers of Mezun.com about those days? What were the reasons for you choosing States?

I originally chose to study in the United Kingdom, because at the time I was not happy with the academic environment in Turkish universities. There seemed to be too much politics and not enough academia. The UK seemed close enough to Turkey so not too far from the family, and a good academic environment. I benefited a lot from my education at the University of York and at the London School of Economics."

More:Amerika, Amerika'da Egitim ve Yasam - Mezun.com

Editor's Death Spotlights Turkish Nationalism -- Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2007 -- Page 1 -- TIME

"Editor's Death Spotlights Turkish Nationalism
Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2007 By PELIN TURGUT/ISTANBUL

The murder of Armenian-Turkish journalist Hrant Dink has put Turkish nationalism in the spotlight. The suspect, 17-year-old Ogun Samast, was quoted by newspapers as telling police he shot Dink because the journalist insulted the Turkish nation. Local papers are reporting that Samast was allegedly linked to a small ultranationalist group in his hometown, Trabzon, on the Black Sea Coast. 'Those who created nationalist sentiment in Turkey have fed such a monster that there are many youngsters on the streets who do not find the ... state nationalist enough and are ready to take the law into their own hands,' wrote Ismet Berkan in his daily column in Radikal, one of Turkey's main dailies."

More:Editor's Death Spotlights Turkish Nationalism -- Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2007 -- Page 1 -- TIME

Today.Az - Armenian official calls on Turkey to establish diplomatic ties

"Armenian official calls on Turkey to establish diplomatic ties
24 January 2007 [21:54] - Today.Az
Armenia's deputy foreign minister on Wednesday again expressed his country's readiness to establish diplomatic ties with Turkey without conditions.

'Armenia's wish is for diplomatic relations to start without any conditions,' Arman Kirakosian told reporters after visiting the family of an ethnic Armenian journalist killed in Istanbul on Friday."

More:Today.Az - Armenian official calls on Turkey to establish diplomatic ties

Germany tunes in to its Turkish 'guests' - International Herald Tribune

"Germany tunes in to its Turkish 'guests'

BERLIN: Over the past few Sundays, German TV viewers have been introduced to a large, boisterous family of first-, second- and third-generation Turkish immigrants who run a bakery in the multicultural city of Cologne. "The Özdags," a real-life documentary series by the filmmaker Ute Diehl, follows a mother and father who left their native Turkey to find success in their adopted homeland, and their four sons and three daughters, each struggling for recognition and direction as they bounce between the demands and freedom of the Western world and the traditional values of the country their parents left behind."

More:Germany tunes in to its Turkish 'guests' - International Herald Tribune

The New Anatolian - Gonul visiting US to sign JSF project

"Gonul visiting US to sign JSF project

The New Anatolian / Ankara
24 January 2007

Defense Minister Vecdi Gonul will begin a key visit to the U.S. today to sign a Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) jets cooperation project and to review both Washington and Ankara's policies towards Iraq and the oil-rich city of Kirkuk.

During his five-day stay in the U.S. Gonul will be the official guest of his U.S. counterpart Robert Gates and will sign the project for JSF jets tomorrow."

More:The New Anatolian - Gonul visiting US to sign JSF project

Greece to support full EU membership of Turkey if Ankara meets entry conditions - International Herald Tribune

"Greece to support full EU membership of Turkey if Ankara meets entry conditions

STRASBOURG, France: Greek Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis said his country will support full membership of Turkey in the European Union on condition it fulfills all the requirements laid down by the EU, including opening its ports to Greek Cypriot trade."

More:Greece to support full EU membership of Turkey if Ankara meets entry conditions - International Herald Tribune