"Forget the past on Cyprus
Turkish Daily News: 12/22/2004
By Mehmet Ali Birand
TDN- Everyone is angry again. Eternal pessimists have once more surrounded us with their negative views. Their conspiracy theories are ready at hand.
�No way. We can�t sell out Cyprus just to start accession negotiations. They will take the north of the island from us and then sit at the negotiation table. However, the membership is no certainty. They will leave us out in the cold and give us a special status at the end.�
No. If we play the game right, none of this will happen. "
More:Forget the past on Cyprus
Wednesday, December 22, 2004
Bagis: No Any Leader Could Have Returned From The E.U. Summit With A Better Result
"Bagis: No Any Leader Could Have Returned From The E.U. Summit With A Better Result
Anadolu Agency: 12/22/2004
ISTANBUL (AA) - Egemen Bagis, a deputy of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) from Istanbul and foreign relations senior advisor to Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has stated that no any leader could have returned from the recent European Union summit with a better result.
Participating in a meeting, titled ''December 17th EU Summit,'' and sponsored by the Turkish Young Businessmen's Association (TUGIAD) on Wednesday, Bagis elaborated on AK Party's ideology on foreign relations and economic developments. "
More:Bagis: No Any Leader Could Have Returned From The E.U. Summit With A Better Result
Anadolu Agency: 12/22/2004
ISTANBUL (AA) - Egemen Bagis, a deputy of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) from Istanbul and foreign relations senior advisor to Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has stated that no any leader could have returned from the recent European Union summit with a better result.
Participating in a meeting, titled ''December 17th EU Summit,'' and sponsored by the Turkish Young Businessmen's Association (TUGIAD) on Wednesday, Bagis elaborated on AK Party's ideology on foreign relations and economic developments. "
More:Bagis: No Any Leader Could Have Returned From The E.U. Summit With A Better Result
Thanksgiving for Turkey
"Thanksgiving for Turkey
From the December 27, 2004 issue: Europe moves east, and Turkey moves West.
by Mustafa Akyol
12/27/2004, Volume 010, Issue 15 Increase Font Size Printer-Friendly
Istanbul
WITH LAST WEEK'S vote in Brussels, the admission of Turkey to the European Union has come one step nearer. Yet some still suspect that the accession of an overwhelmingly Muslim nation to the E.U. will signify an alarming new intrusion of Islam into a continent already uneasy about its Muslim minorities. Some fear--to put it more provocatively--that Turkish membership in the E.U. will turn out to be an Islamic Trojan horse.
Indeed, if one sees Islam as a monolithic faith, and reckons its influence simply by counting its adherents, the doubters could well be right. If, however, the reality is more complex, it may be that Turkey's accession to the E.U. will help remedy, not aggravate, Europe's Muslim problem. To see this, it is necessary to appreciate the distinctive nature of Turkish Islam.
Compared with the Arabs, the Turks were latecomers to the Muslim faith. The former were politically and intellectually more advanced until the 13th century, when the Arabs' brilliant civilization was nearly destroyed by one of the most devastating conquests ever, the Mongol catastrophe. The Arabs never recovered, and the leadership of Islam passed to the Turks. The Turks flourished, especially under the Ottoman Empire, the global superpower of the 16th and much of the 17th centuries. Although it then entered a steady decline, the Ottoman Empire survived as a powerful state until World War I."
More:Thanksgiving for Turkey
From the December 27, 2004 issue: Europe moves east, and Turkey moves West.
by Mustafa Akyol
12/27/2004, Volume 010, Issue 15 Increase Font Size Printer-Friendly
Istanbul
WITH LAST WEEK'S vote in Brussels, the admission of Turkey to the European Union has come one step nearer. Yet some still suspect that the accession of an overwhelmingly Muslim nation to the E.U. will signify an alarming new intrusion of Islam into a continent already uneasy about its Muslim minorities. Some fear--to put it more provocatively--that Turkish membership in the E.U. will turn out to be an Islamic Trojan horse.
Indeed, if one sees Islam as a monolithic faith, and reckons its influence simply by counting its adherents, the doubters could well be right. If, however, the reality is more complex, it may be that Turkey's accession to the E.U. will help remedy, not aggravate, Europe's Muslim problem. To see this, it is necessary to appreciate the distinctive nature of Turkish Islam.
Compared with the Arabs, the Turks were latecomers to the Muslim faith. The former were politically and intellectually more advanced until the 13th century, when the Arabs' brilliant civilization was nearly destroyed by one of the most devastating conquests ever, the Mongol catastrophe. The Arabs never recovered, and the leadership of Islam passed to the Turks. The Turks flourished, especially under the Ottoman Empire, the global superpower of the 16th and much of the 17th centuries. Although it then entered a steady decline, the Ottoman Empire survived as a powerful state until World War I."
More:Thanksgiving for Turkey
More Than 3.5 Million Turkish Citizens Live In Other Countries
"More Than 3.5 Million Turkish Citizens Live In Other Countries
Anadolu Agency: 12/22/2004
ANKARA (AA) - There are 3,551,544 Turkish citizens living in other countries, said Turkish authorities.
According to the Turkish Labor and Social Security Ministry Directorate General of Foreign Relations and Foreign Labor Services, out of those 3.5 million Turkish citizens, 1,195,612 people have full-time jobs.
Below are the locations of Turkish citizens abroad:
Western Europe 3,051,537
U.S. and Canada 260,000
Middle East and Northern Europe 108,918
Australia 56,261
Central Asian Republics 27,300
Israel 22,000
Russia 18,000
Other 7,528 "
More:More Than 3.5 Million Turkish Citizens Live In Other Countries
Anadolu Agency: 12/22/2004
ANKARA (AA) - There are 3,551,544 Turkish citizens living in other countries, said Turkish authorities.
According to the Turkish Labor and Social Security Ministry Directorate General of Foreign Relations and Foreign Labor Services, out of those 3.5 million Turkish citizens, 1,195,612 people have full-time jobs.
Below are the locations of Turkish citizens abroad:
Western Europe 3,051,537
U.S. and Canada 260,000
Middle East and Northern Europe 108,918
Australia 56,261
Central Asian Republics 27,300
Israel 22,000
Russia 18,000
Other 7,528 "
More:More Than 3.5 Million Turkish Citizens Live In Other Countries
Turks.US - Turkey, EU and Cyprus Veto
"Turkey, EU and Cyprus Veto
Wednesday, December 22 2004 @ 07:01 AM Central Standard Time
Views: 123
By J. Kazim
A British Citizen of Turkish Cypriot Origin
Following two years of rapid political, judicial and economic reforms, on 17th December, Turkey has been given a date to start accession talks with EU. The talks almost stalled when the Greek Cypriot administration demanded that Turkey must recognize them as the legitimate government of Cyprus. "
More:Turks.US - Turkey, EU and Cyprus Veto
Wednesday, December 22 2004 @ 07:01 AM Central Standard Time
Views: 123
By J. Kazim
A British Citizen of Turkish Cypriot Origin
Following two years of rapid political, judicial and economic reforms, on 17th December, Turkey has been given a date to start accession talks with EU. The talks almost stalled when the Greek Cypriot administration demanded that Turkey must recognize them as the legitimate government of Cyprus. "
More:Turks.US - Turkey, EU and Cyprus Veto
Turkey, US, Iraq to hold security talks after deadly ambush
"Turkey, US, Iraq to hold security talks after deadly ambush
Posted: Wednesday December 22,2004 - 08:27:07 am
ANKARA (AFP) - Turkey, the United States and Iraq will discuss enhanced security measures for Turkish nationals in Iraq at a three-way meeting in January, following the killing of five Turkish embassy guards in the war-torn country, officials said.
AFP/File Photo Latest headlines: � French Hostages Return Home, Paris Says No Ransom Reuters - 5 minutes ago � 4 Halliburton Workers Die in Iraq Attack AP - 14 minutes ago � Violence Forces U.S. Contractor to Leave Iraq Reuters - 16 minutes ago Special Coverage
'The meeting will be probably held in the first month of next year,' Turkish foreign ministry spokesman Namik Tan told reporters.
'A series of measures are being considered,' he said, but declined to elaborate. "
More:Turkey, US, Iraq to hold security talks after deadly ambush
Posted: Wednesday December 22,2004 - 08:27:07 am
ANKARA (AFP) - Turkey, the United States and Iraq will discuss enhanced security measures for Turkish nationals in Iraq at a three-way meeting in January, following the killing of five Turkish embassy guards in the war-torn country, officials said.
AFP/File Photo Latest headlines: � French Hostages Return Home, Paris Says No Ransom Reuters - 5 minutes ago � 4 Halliburton Workers Die in Iraq Attack AP - 14 minutes ago � Violence Forces U.S. Contractor to Leave Iraq Reuters - 16 minutes ago Special Coverage
'The meeting will be probably held in the first month of next year,' Turkish foreign ministry spokesman Namik Tan told reporters.
'A series of measures are being considered,' he said, but declined to elaborate. "
More:Turkey, US, Iraq to hold security talks after deadly ambush
BakuTODAY.net:President Aliyev Appreciates Progress Between EU, Turkey
"President Aliyev Appreciates Progress Between EU, Turkey
Sponsored Links
AssA-Irada 22/12/2004 17:59
President Ilham Aliyev said in a meeting with head of the Turkish Religious Affairs Administration, Professor Ali Bardakoglu on Tuesday that he highly appreciates the progress achieved in the talks held between Turkey and the European Union (EU).
President Aliyev stressed that Turkey�s success is that of Azerbaijan, noting that friendly and fraternal relations between the two countries are based on mutual support. "
More:BakuTODAY.net
Sponsored Links
AssA-Irada 22/12/2004 17:59
President Ilham Aliyev said in a meeting with head of the Turkish Religious Affairs Administration, Professor Ali Bardakoglu on Tuesday that he highly appreciates the progress achieved in the talks held between Turkey and the European Union (EU).
President Aliyev stressed that Turkey�s success is that of Azerbaijan, noting that friendly and fraternal relations between the two countries are based on mutual support. "
More:BakuTODAY.net
FT.com / Comment & analysis / Editorial comment - Turkey's chance
"Turkey's chance
Published: December 22 2004 02:00 | Last updated: December 22 2004 02:00
Small step by small step, Turkey is shedding the legacy of past economic crises and becoming a more normal economy. This week's cut in interest rates and moves to revamp monetary policy mark a further stage on this long journey. Another comes on January 1 when redenomination will turn 1m old lira into one new lira, a change authorities hope will cement a dramatic decline in inflation expectations. The new International Monetary Fund programme agreed earlier this month sets out the way forward. It is demanding. But there is much to play for.
Successful graduation from the IMF programme is essential for Turkey's success in EU accession talks. Relapse would give opponents of Turkish entry the excuse they need to prolong negotiations indefinitely. The hope is that EU-inspired administrative reforms and IMF-mandated structural reforms work to reinforce each other in transforming fashion to unleash Turkey's long-suppressed economic potential."
More:FT.com / Comment & analysis / Editorial comment - Turkey's chance
Published: December 22 2004 02:00 | Last updated: December 22 2004 02:00
Small step by small step, Turkey is shedding the legacy of past economic crises and becoming a more normal economy. This week's cut in interest rates and moves to revamp monetary policy mark a further stage on this long journey. Another comes on January 1 when redenomination will turn 1m old lira into one new lira, a change authorities hope will cement a dramatic decline in inflation expectations. The new International Monetary Fund programme agreed earlier this month sets out the way forward. It is demanding. But there is much to play for.
Successful graduation from the IMF programme is essential for Turkey's success in EU accession talks. Relapse would give opponents of Turkish entry the excuse they need to prolong negotiations indefinitely. The hope is that EU-inspired administrative reforms and IMF-mandated structural reforms work to reinforce each other in transforming fashion to unleash Turkey's long-suppressed economic potential."
More:FT.com / Comment & analysis / Editorial comment - Turkey's chance
The Journal of Turkish Weekly:EU-Turkey Membership Deal, Subject to De Facto Recognition of Greek Cyprus
"EU-Turkey Membership Deal, Subject to De Facto Recognition of Greek Cyprus
Theme: This report examines the historic agreement taken by European Union leaders at their 16-17 December summit in Brussels to begin accession talks with Turkey after 41 years in Europe�s ante-room. The process will begin on 3 October, 2005 provided Turkey has by then tacitly recognised Cyprus, which joined the EU in May. Turkey invaded the island in 1974 and it has been divided since then. Both the previous Popular Party government (1996-2004) and the current Socialist administration have been among the most active supporters of Turkey�s membership."
More:The Journal of Turkish Weekly
Theme: This report examines the historic agreement taken by European Union leaders at their 16-17 December summit in Brussels to begin accession talks with Turkey after 41 years in Europe�s ante-room. The process will begin on 3 October, 2005 provided Turkey has by then tacitly recognised Cyprus, which joined the EU in May. Turkey invaded the island in 1974 and it has been divided since then. Both the previous Popular Party government (1996-2004) and the current Socialist administration have been among the most active supporters of Turkey�s membership."
More:The Journal of Turkish Weekly
EU-Conscious Turkey Prosecutes Ex-Navy Admiral
"EU-Conscious Turkey Prosecutes Ex-Navy Admiral
By Amberin Zaman, Special to The Times
ANKARA, Turkey - A former commander of Turkey's navy appeared in a military court Tuesday to face charges of abuse of power and unlawfully accumulating wealth.
Adm. Ilhami Erdil, 66, is the highest-ranking Turkish officer to be prosecuted in decades. The trial opened days after the European Union agreed to launch accession talks late next year with this predominantly Muslim nation.
Turkey has been pressing ahead with reforms in a bid to persuade the EU to open its doors.
The measures include reining in the country's powerful generals and making their financial dealings more transparent."
More:EU-Conscious Turkey Prosecutes Ex-Navy Admiral
By Amberin Zaman, Special to The Times
ANKARA, Turkey - A former commander of Turkey's navy appeared in a military court Tuesday to face charges of abuse of power and unlawfully accumulating wealth.
Adm. Ilhami Erdil, 66, is the highest-ranking Turkish officer to be prosecuted in decades. The trial opened days after the European Union agreed to launch accession talks late next year with this predominantly Muslim nation.
Turkey has been pressing ahead with reforms in a bid to persuade the EU to open its doors.
The measures include reining in the country's powerful generals and making their financial dealings more transparent."
More:EU-Conscious Turkey Prosecutes Ex-Navy Admiral
ZAMAN DAILY NEWSPAPER (2004122214961)
"Number of EU Negotiation Points is Growing
The European Union (EU) is increasing the number of points to be negotiated with Ankara from 31 to 39 or 40.
Brussels was able to implement the EU declaration with the ten countries that became members on May 1st with 31 negotiation articles. Increasing the number of articles means that the negotiations will be longer, more detailed, and more specific. The addition of each negotiation article requires confirmation by each EU member country. "
More:ZAMAN DAILY NEWSPAPER (2004122214961)
The European Union (EU) is increasing the number of points to be negotiated with Ankara from 31 to 39 or 40.
Brussels was able to implement the EU declaration with the ten countries that became members on May 1st with 31 negotiation articles. Increasing the number of articles means that the negotiations will be longer, more detailed, and more specific. The addition of each negotiation article requires confirmation by each EU member country. "
More:ZAMAN DAILY NEWSPAPER (2004122214961)
Turkey offers Mideast mediation - (United Press International)
"Turkey offers Mideast mediation
Ankara, Turkey, Dec. 22 (UPI) -- Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayep Erdogan said Turkey is ready to contribute to the reactivation of the peace process between Israel and Syria and Lebanon. "
More:Turkey offers Mideast mediation - (United Press International)
Ankara, Turkey, Dec. 22 (UPI) -- Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayep Erdogan said Turkey is ready to contribute to the reactivation of the peace process between Israel and Syria and Lebanon. "
More:Turkey offers Mideast mediation - (United Press International)
International Relations and Security Network ISN - Security Watch
"Turkish media reaction mixed on EU
With a EU deal finally in hand, some Turkish media have accused Europe of setting unacceptable terms, while others have heralded the agreement as a sign of a bright future.
By Mevlut Katik for EurasiaNet (22/12/04)
With a EU deal finally in hand, Turkish officials are riding high, but the media�s reaction is decidedly mixed. Some are championing opposition criticism that Brussels� terms are unacceptable, while others have heralded the agreement as a sign that Turkey�s future is �bright�. �We have a different Turkey now than two days ago,� Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul told a crowd of several thousand in Ankara on 19 December. �Turkey will become different in every way. From now on, democracy will have a different meaning and human rights and freedoms will be practiced in a more meaningful manner. The economy will perform better.� For now, though, Turkey�s press appears divided on whether or not to buy that upbeat message. With headlines proclaiming �European Revolution� and �New Europe, New Turkey,� many papers the day after European Union leaders� 17 December decision to start membership talks with Ankara opted for the optimistic route. Far-right or far-left wing newspapers, however, took a different approach, focusing on the EU�s stipulation that Turkey recognize Cyprus as an EU member before its own membership negotiations could begin, with headlines that proclaimed �Dishonored� and �We Gave In�. Under the draft agreement with Brussels, Turkey must sign a customs accord with all EU member-states, including Cyprus, by the start of membership talks in October 2005. Turkish workers may also be prevented from freely entering the labor markets of EU member-states. At the same time, Ankara mu"
More:International Relations and Security Network ISN - Security Watch
With a EU deal finally in hand, some Turkish media have accused Europe of setting unacceptable terms, while others have heralded the agreement as a sign of a bright future.
By Mevlut Katik for EurasiaNet (22/12/04)
With a EU deal finally in hand, Turkish officials are riding high, but the media�s reaction is decidedly mixed. Some are championing opposition criticism that Brussels� terms are unacceptable, while others have heralded the agreement as a sign that Turkey�s future is �bright�. �We have a different Turkey now than two days ago,� Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul told a crowd of several thousand in Ankara on 19 December. �Turkey will become different in every way. From now on, democracy will have a different meaning and human rights and freedoms will be practiced in a more meaningful manner. The economy will perform better.� For now, though, Turkey�s press appears divided on whether or not to buy that upbeat message. With headlines proclaiming �European Revolution� and �New Europe, New Turkey,� many papers the day after European Union leaders� 17 December decision to start membership talks with Ankara opted for the optimistic route. Far-right or far-left wing newspapers, however, took a different approach, focusing on the EU�s stipulation that Turkey recognize Cyprus as an EU member before its own membership negotiations could begin, with headlines that proclaimed �Dishonored� and �We Gave In�. Under the draft agreement with Brussels, Turkey must sign a customs accord with all EU member-states, including Cyprus, by the start of membership talks in October 2005. Turkish workers may also be prevented from freely entering the labor markets of EU member-states. At the same time, Ankara mu"
More:International Relations and Security Network ISN - Security Watch
Tuesday, December 21, 2004
How to get out of the EU?
"How to get out of the EU?
Turkish Daily News: 12/21/2004
By Gunduz Aktan
TDN- Those who are against Turkey�s European Union membership, no matter how valid their arguments are, cannot succeed. If a people and its politicians have stood firm in their commitment to a cause for 41 years, it can never change course unless there are serious obstacles. However, those who call for membership no matter its costs may bring about such obstacles. If they �work� a little harder, the obstacles we face may become insurmountable by the end of 2005. "
More:How to get out of the EU?
Turkish Daily News: 12/21/2004
By Gunduz Aktan
TDN- Those who are against Turkey�s European Union membership, no matter how valid their arguments are, cannot succeed. If a people and its politicians have stood firm in their commitment to a cause for 41 years, it can never change course unless there are serious obstacles. However, those who call for membership no matter its costs may bring about such obstacles. If they �work� a little harder, the obstacles we face may become insurmountable by the end of 2005. "
More:How to get out of the EU?
Panel On Turkey - E.U. Relations After Critical Decision
"Panel On Turkey - E.U. Relations After Critical Decision
Anadolu Agency: 12/21/2004
FORMER FM GONENSAY: ''WE HAVE TO DEVELOP A MODEL SUITABLE FOR TURKEY FOR SOLUTION IN CYPRUS ISSUE''
ISTANBUL (AA) - ''Turkey, before full membership talks with the EU, should develop a model for solution of Cyprus issue and announce that it can put this model into practice only after full membership,'' said former Foreign Minister Prof. Dr. Emre Gonensay.
Delivering a speech at a panel discussion on ''Turkey-EU Relations After Critical Decision'' on Tuesday, Gonensay said, ''Greek Cypriot side's having veto authority regarding Turkey's full membership is a disadvantage.''
''Turkey has two solutions to overcome Cyprus issue. One of them is to pursue 'delay' policy for 5-6 years when entry talks start and to gain time,'' he said. "
More:Panel On Turkey - E.U. Relations After Critical Decision
Anadolu Agency: 12/21/2004
FORMER FM GONENSAY: ''WE HAVE TO DEVELOP A MODEL SUITABLE FOR TURKEY FOR SOLUTION IN CYPRUS ISSUE''
ISTANBUL (AA) - ''Turkey, before full membership talks with the EU, should develop a model for solution of Cyprus issue and announce that it can put this model into practice only after full membership,'' said former Foreign Minister Prof. Dr. Emre Gonensay.
Delivering a speech at a panel discussion on ''Turkey-EU Relations After Critical Decision'' on Tuesday, Gonensay said, ''Greek Cypriot side's having veto authority regarding Turkey's full membership is a disadvantage.''
''Turkey has two solutions to overcome Cyprus issue. One of them is to pursue 'delay' policy for 5-6 years when entry talks start and to gain time,'' he said. "
More:Panel On Turkey - E.U. Relations After Critical Decision
Scotsman.com News - Features - College shows Turkey the way
"College shows Turkey the way
EDUCATION
KEVIN SCHOFIELD
LAST week, Turkey was finally given the go-ahead to begin accession talks to join the European Union.
One area where the country, and its 70 million people, has to make massive strides towards modernisation is in education - and a Scots academic is at the forefront of attempts to help the Turks upgrade their system.
Dr David Astill, head of international studies at Fife College, has forged links with Turkey over the past eight years and is now acting as a consultant on a nationwide education reform project. He said one of the biggest problems facing the Turkish further and higher education system is a lack of capacity. Of the 1.5 million young people who apply to university in Turkey each year, fewer than a third are successful, forcing the rest to either enrol at vocational colleges or seek employment rather than take up further educational opportunities. "
More:Scotsman.com News - Features - College shows Turkey the way
EDUCATION
KEVIN SCHOFIELD
LAST week, Turkey was finally given the go-ahead to begin accession talks to join the European Union.
One area where the country, and its 70 million people, has to make massive strides towards modernisation is in education - and a Scots academic is at the forefront of attempts to help the Turks upgrade their system.
Dr David Astill, head of international studies at Fife College, has forged links with Turkey over the past eight years and is now acting as a consultant on a nationwide education reform project. He said one of the biggest problems facing the Turkish further and higher education system is a lack of capacity. Of the 1.5 million young people who apply to university in Turkey each year, fewer than a third are successful, forcing the rest to either enrol at vocational colleges or seek employment rather than take up further educational opportunities. "
More:Scotsman.com News - Features - College shows Turkey the way
IFEX :IFEX MEMBERS HIGHLIGHT FREE EXPRESSION CONCERNS AMIDST EU TALKS
"IFEX MEMBERS HIGHLIGHT FREE EXPRESSION CONCERNS AMIDST EU TALKS
As Turkey took one step closer toward membership in the European Union (EU) with the agreement last week to begin formal accession talks, IFEX members focused attention on the need to continue pressing the Turkish government on its free expression record.
The Writers in Prison Committee (WiPC) of International PEN and the International Publishers Association (IPA) released a set of recommendations for bringing Turkey's new Penal Code in line with European free expression standards.
The groups say the Code, adopted on 27 September 2004, contains several provisions that discourage debate on sensitive topics, including Cyprus and the Armenian genocide. They say the EU must 'take action now to eliminate all remaining obstacles to freedom of expression under Turkish law.' "
More:IFEX ::
As Turkey took one step closer toward membership in the European Union (EU) with the agreement last week to begin formal accession talks, IFEX members focused attention on the need to continue pressing the Turkish government on its free expression record.
The Writers in Prison Committee (WiPC) of International PEN and the International Publishers Association (IPA) released a set of recommendations for bringing Turkey's new Penal Code in line with European free expression standards.
The groups say the Code, adopted on 27 September 2004, contains several provisions that discourage debate on sensitive topics, including Cyprus and the Armenian genocide. They say the EU must 'take action now to eliminate all remaining obstacles to freedom of expression under Turkish law.' "
More:IFEX ::
Hadra: Turkey Should Continue Relations With Arab Countries
"Hadra: Turkey Should Continue Relations With Arab Countries
Anadolu Agency: 12/21/2004
MERSIN (AA) - Turkish-Arab Businessmen Association Chairman Mehmet Hadra said on Saturday that Turkey, who got a date from the European Union (EU) to start full membership negotiations, should continue relations with Arab countries.
Hadra told a press conference that the target of their association was to improve trade as well as cultural and art relations between Turkey and Arab countries.
Meanwhile, commenting on Turkey's getting a date from the EU for membership negotiations, former Parliament Speaker Husamettin Cindoruk said, ''yesterday's result is neither a success nor failure. Getting October 3rd, 2005 is an acquisition.''"
More:Hadra: Turkey Should Continue Relations With Arab Countries
Anadolu Agency: 12/21/2004
MERSIN (AA) - Turkish-Arab Businessmen Association Chairman Mehmet Hadra said on Saturday that Turkey, who got a date from the European Union (EU) to start full membership negotiations, should continue relations with Arab countries.
Hadra told a press conference that the target of their association was to improve trade as well as cultural and art relations between Turkey and Arab countries.
Meanwhile, commenting on Turkey's getting a date from the EU for membership negotiations, former Parliament Speaker Husamettin Cindoruk said, ''yesterday's result is neither a success nor failure. Getting October 3rd, 2005 is an acquisition.''"
More:Hadra: Turkey Should Continue Relations With Arab Countries
AJC Publication - Letter from Turkey
"AJC Executive Director David A. Harris writes a monthly letter offering his insights and analysis of current concerns facing American and world Jewry.
Letter from Turkey
December 21, 2004
The European Union's invitation to Turkey last week to open negotiations for membership is truly momentous. No, this isn't hyperbole. If anything, it's an understatement.
After more than four decades of hemming and hawing about what to do regarding Turkey, the EU has finally decided to take the plunge. The path ahead isn't likely to be short, much less simple. Many things can still happen that could complicate, even derail, the process, but a threshold has been crossed, and there's really no going back.
Since the founding of the Turkish republic in 1923, on the rubble of the legendary Ottoman Empire, by Mustafa Kemal, known to the world as Atat�rk, the goal he established has been to anchor this strategically located nation, straddling two continents, firmly in Europe and the West. "
More:AJC Publication - Letter from Turkey
Letter from Turkey
December 21, 2004
The European Union's invitation to Turkey last week to open negotiations for membership is truly momentous. No, this isn't hyperbole. If anything, it's an understatement.
After more than four decades of hemming and hawing about what to do regarding Turkey, the EU has finally decided to take the plunge. The path ahead isn't likely to be short, much less simple. Many things can still happen that could complicate, even derail, the process, but a threshold has been crossed, and there's really no going back.
Since the founding of the Turkish republic in 1923, on the rubble of the legendary Ottoman Empire, by Mustafa Kemal, known to the world as Atat�rk, the goal he established has been to anchor this strategically located nation, straddling two continents, firmly in Europe and the West. "
More:AJC Publication - Letter from Turkey
ABC News: Turk PM Urges Bush to Act on Kurd Rebels in Iraq
"Dec 21, 2004 — ANKARA (Reuters) - Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan urged President Bush to act against Kurdish separatists in northern Iraq during a telephone call on Tuesday, Turkish officials said.
Erdogan also told Bush the European Union's historic decision last week to start accession talks with Turkey would strengthen ties between the Muslim nation and its NATO partner Washington, the officials at the prime minister's office added."
More:ABC News: Turk PM Urges Bush to Act on Kurd Rebels in Iraq
Erdogan also told Bush the European Union's historic decision last week to start accession talks with Turkey would strengthen ties between the Muslim nation and its NATO partner Washington, the officials at the prime minister's office added."
More:ABC News: Turk PM Urges Bush to Act on Kurd Rebels in Iraq
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