"British foreign secretary meets with Turkish premier to discuss Cyprus
14:58 2006-01-26
Britain's foreign secretary expressed hope on Thursday that renewed Turkish initiatives would help resolve the Cyprus dispute, which threatens to hinder Ankara's efforts to join the European Union, Turkish media said. Jack Straw met with Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan at Ankara's Esenboga airport before the Turkish premier flew to Davos, Switzerland, to attend the World Economic Forum's annual meeting. "
More:NewsFromRussia.Com British foreign secretary meets with Turkish premier to discuss Cyprus
Thursday, January 26, 2006
January 26, 2006 - Europe has much to gain from Turkey
"Europe has much to gain from Turkey
By Sevgi Saran / Guest Writer
January 26, 2006
Turkey’s effort to become a member of the European Union has always been a controversial topic for both the European countries and Turkey. Despite having signed an Association Agreement with the EU in 1964, Turkey only started accession negotiations this past October.
Because of Turkey’s predominantly large Muslim population — which is more than willing to join a union that’s often referred to as a “Christian Club” — countries like Austria and France say Turkey does not have a place in the EU, since it has “a different culture, a different approach, a different way of life.” Turkey, however, is a secular and democratic country that has never specified the religion of Islam in its constitution. For Turks, joining the EU has always been seen as an important component of westernization as well as modernization."
More:January 26, 2006 - Europe has much to gain from Turkey
By Sevgi Saran / Guest Writer
January 26, 2006
Turkey’s effort to become a member of the European Union has always been a controversial topic for both the European countries and Turkey. Despite having signed an Association Agreement with the EU in 1964, Turkey only started accession negotiations this past October.
Because of Turkey’s predominantly large Muslim population — which is more than willing to join a union that’s often referred to as a “Christian Club” — countries like Austria and France say Turkey does not have a place in the EU, since it has “a different culture, a different approach, a different way of life.” Turkey, however, is a secular and democratic country that has never specified the religion of Islam in its constitution. For Turks, joining the EU has always been seen as an important component of westernization as well as modernization."
More:January 26, 2006 - Europe has much to gain from Turkey
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
Telegraph | News | Straw visit prompts snub from Cypriots
"Straw visit prompts snub from Cypriots
By Tabitha Morgan in Nicosia and Anton La Guardia, Diplomatic Editor
(Filed: 26/01/2006)
Jack Straw was snubbed yesterday by the Cypriot president, who refused to see him because he had met the leader of the breakaway Turkish Cypriot statelet.
Greek Cypriot protesters in Nicosia greeted the Foreign Secretary with mock gallows and jeers of 'Jack Straw go home'. One woman hurled her umbrella on to a car in his motorcade."
More:Telegraph | News | Straw visit prompts snub from Cypriots
By Tabitha Morgan in Nicosia and Anton La Guardia, Diplomatic Editor
(Filed: 26/01/2006)
Jack Straw was snubbed yesterday by the Cypriot president, who refused to see him because he had met the leader of the breakaway Turkish Cypriot statelet.
Greek Cypriot protesters in Nicosia greeted the Foreign Secretary with mock gallows and jeers of 'Jack Straw go home'. One woman hurled her umbrella on to a car in his motorcade."
More:Telegraph | News | Straw visit prompts snub from Cypriots
Telegraph | News | German language rule upsets Turks
"German language rule upsets Turks
By Kate Connolly in Berlin
(Filed: 26/01/2006)
Schools in Berlin with a 'German-only' language rule and large numbers of foreign pupils have been accused of discrimination.
Six secondary schools have banned all languages except German in the classroom, playground and on school trips to speed integration."
More:Telegraph | News | German language rule upsets Turks
By Kate Connolly in Berlin
(Filed: 26/01/2006)
Schools in Berlin with a 'German-only' language rule and large numbers of foreign pupils have been accused of discrimination.
Six secondary schools have banned all languages except German in the classroom, playground and on school trips to speed integration."
More:Telegraph | News | German language rule upsets Turks
The Jewish Exponent - Philadelphia, PA
"Turkish Delights
- Louise Fiszer
It was pure serendipity that we found Carne Restaurant our first night in Istanbul.
Due to a government parade the main streets were closed to traffic so we were not able to honor our much sought after reservation at a highly touted restaurant on the other side of the Bosphorous."
More:The Jewish Exponent - Philadelphia, PA
- Louise Fiszer
It was pure serendipity that we found Carne Restaurant our first night in Istanbul.
Due to a government parade the main streets were closed to traffic so we were not able to honor our much sought after reservation at a highly touted restaurant on the other side of the Bosphorous."
More:The Jewish Exponent - Philadelphia, PA
BBC NEWS | Europe | Pope gunman's family begin strike
"Pope gunman's family begin strike
Mehmet Ali Agca is taken back into police custody in Istanbul
Mehmet Ali Agca was sent back to jail a week after being released
Fifteen relatives of the gunman who shot Pope John Paul II in 1981 have begun a hunger strike to protest against his return to prison.
Mehmet Ali Agca's sister told state owned Anatolia news agency that the family, who reportedly include a child of four, had started a 'death fast'."
More:BBC NEWS | Europe | Pope gunman's family begin strike
Mehmet Ali Agca is taken back into police custody in Istanbul
Mehmet Ali Agca was sent back to jail a week after being released
Fifteen relatives of the gunman who shot Pope John Paul II in 1981 have begun a hunger strike to protest against his return to prison.
Mehmet Ali Agca's sister told state owned Anatolia news agency that the family, who reportedly include a child of four, had started a 'death fast'."
More:BBC NEWS | Europe | Pope gunman's family begin strike
Embassy - Is Dispassionate Debate Impossible?
"Is Dispassionate Debate Impossible?
Gwynne Dyer questions the appropriateness of the term 'genocide' when referring to the deaths of Armenians during WWI in Ottoman Turkey, and so does Prof. Guenter Lewy. ('A Question of Genocide in Turkey', Embassy, Dec. 21 2005). From the Turkish perspective, what they write is not all that pleasant, although the Armenian reaction to what they say is striking: These two are branded as 'so-called scholars,' 'apologists' or 'parrots of the Turkish propaganda.' Their credentials are mockingly questioned. According to them, how dare Embassy publish such articles in a country where the strong Armenian Diaspora have for so long claimed 'intellectual' monopoly over this debate, allowing Dyer to rock the boat? "
More:Embassy - Newspaper Online.
Gwynne Dyer questions the appropriateness of the term 'genocide' when referring to the deaths of Armenians during WWI in Ottoman Turkey, and so does Prof. Guenter Lewy. ('A Question of Genocide in Turkey', Embassy, Dec. 21 2005). From the Turkish perspective, what they write is not all that pleasant, although the Armenian reaction to what they say is striking: These two are branded as 'so-called scholars,' 'apologists' or 'parrots of the Turkish propaganda.' Their credentials are mockingly questioned. According to them, how dare Embassy publish such articles in a country where the strong Armenian Diaspora have for so long claimed 'intellectual' monopoly over this debate, allowing Dyer to rock the boat? "
More:Embassy - Newspaper Online.
Fashionable Istanbul is the perfect fit
"Fashionable Istanbul is the perfect fit
Historic Istanbul focuses its attentions on the fashion world in February, with one of two annual International Fashion Fairs.
Held at the grand Tuyap Convention and Congress Centre, leading lights from the industry will descend on the ancient city between February 9th and 11th for discussions and displays of the latest trends, including exhibitions on lingerie and accessories. "
More:Fashionable Istanbul is the perfect fit
Historic Istanbul focuses its attentions on the fashion world in February, with one of two annual International Fashion Fairs.
Held at the grand Tuyap Convention and Congress Centre, leading lights from the industry will descend on the ancient city between February 9th and 11th for discussions and displays of the latest trends, including exhibitions on lingerie and accessories. "
More:Fashionable Istanbul is the perfect fit
Embassy -Parliaments Should Refrain From Re-writing History
"Parliaments Should Refrain From Re-writing History
I find the reaction of your Armenian readers absurd (Re: Letters, Jan. 11 and 18). Gwynne Dyer's article is an injustice to Turks as it only refers to Armenian massacres and overlooks the massacre of Turks by the Armenians.
No Armenian publication, propaganda literature, conference or seminar ever mentions the Armenian massacres of the Turkish and Muslim population by the armed revolutionary committees at the beginning of the 20th century. Otherwise, they would not be able to claim a so-called Armenian genocide. In the kind of genocide Armenians claim, the alleged perpetrators ended up having more dead than the victims! "
More:Embassy - Newspaper Online.
I find the reaction of your Armenian readers absurd (Re: Letters, Jan. 11 and 18). Gwynne Dyer's article is an injustice to Turks as it only refers to Armenian massacres and overlooks the massacre of Turks by the Armenians.
No Armenian publication, propaganda literature, conference or seminar ever mentions the Armenian massacres of the Turkish and Muslim population by the armed revolutionary committees at the beginning of the 20th century. Otherwise, they would not be able to claim a so-called Armenian genocide. In the kind of genocide Armenians claim, the alleged perpetrators ended up having more dead than the victims! "
More:Embassy - Newspaper Online.
Asia Times Online :: Middle East News, Iraq, Iran current affairs
"Turkey feels Iran chill
By Iason Athanasiadis
TEHRAN - Iran's supply of natural gas to Turkey was inexplicably slashed by 70% last Friday, in one of the coldest months of the year. On the same day, Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul raised the tension between the two countries by calling for greater Iranian 'transparency' over Tehran's nuclear program.
'There should not be an armament race in the region,' he said. 'We follow a policy to clean the entire Middle East [of] WMD [weapons of mass destruction].'"
More:Asia Times Online :: Middle East News, Iraq, Iran current affairs
By Iason Athanasiadis
TEHRAN - Iran's supply of natural gas to Turkey was inexplicably slashed by 70% last Friday, in one of the coldest months of the year. On the same day, Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul raised the tension between the two countries by calling for greater Iranian 'transparency' over Tehran's nuclear program.
'There should not be an armament race in the region,' he said. 'We follow a policy to clean the entire Middle East [of] WMD [weapons of mass destruction].'"
More:Asia Times Online :: Middle East News, Iraq, Iran current affairs
Turkish unemployment rate 10.1 percent
"Turkish unemployment rate 10.1 percent
Turkey’s unemployment rate for the months of September through to November of 2005 was 10.1 percent of the workforce, according to figures released by the Turkish Statistics Institute (Turkstat) Wednesday."
More:Turkish unemployment rate 10.1 percent
Turkey’s unemployment rate for the months of September through to November of 2005 was 10.1 percent of the workforce, according to figures released by the Turkish Statistics Institute (Turkstat) Wednesday."
More:Turkish unemployment rate 10.1 percent
Reuters.co.uk-Straw backs Turkish offer on Cyprus
"Straw backs Turkish offer on Cyprus
Wed Jan 25, 2006 1:53 PM GMT169
By Jean Christou and Simon Bahceli
NICOSIA (Reuters) - Britain lent its support on Wednesday to Turkish proposals to revive a long-stalled attempt to reunify Cyprus.
Foreign Secretary Jack Straw, sounding out prospects for resuming the talks, said the deadlock in the European Union member 'served no one'.
Diplomats fear a crisis over Cyprus could also blight Turkey's hopes of joining the European Union, a key foreign policy objective of Britain and the United States, which say it will bring stability to the region."
More:Top News Article | Reuters.co.uk
Wed Jan 25, 2006 1:53 PM GMT169
By Jean Christou and Simon Bahceli
NICOSIA (Reuters) - Britain lent its support on Wednesday to Turkish proposals to revive a long-stalled attempt to reunify Cyprus.
Foreign Secretary Jack Straw, sounding out prospects for resuming the talks, said the deadlock in the European Union member 'served no one'.
Diplomats fear a crisis over Cyprus could also blight Turkey's hopes of joining the European Union, a key foreign policy objective of Britain and the United States, which say it will bring stability to the region."
More:Top News Article | Reuters.co.uk
PanARMENIAN.Net: Armenian News - Armenia Against Turkey's Participation in Peacekeeping Mission in Karabakh
"Armenia Against Turkey's Participation in Peacekeeping Mission in Karabakh
25.01.2006 21:32 GMT+04:00 Print version Send to mail
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ “The meeting of Armenian President Robert Kocharian and Karel de Gucht has just finished. The discussion focused on the Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement,” Armenian Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian stated at today’s joint news conference with the OSCE Chairman-in-Office. In his words, the parties to Karabakh conflict disagree on a number of issues and there are obstacles that should be overcome. The RA FM informed that the OSCE head arrived in Armenia to get familiarized with the existing problems and their possible solutions. "
More:PanARMENIAN.Net: Armenian News - Armenia Against Turkey's Participation in Peacekeeping Mission in Karabakh
25.01.2006 21:32 GMT+04:00 Print version Send to mail
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ “The meeting of Armenian President Robert Kocharian and Karel de Gucht has just finished. The discussion focused on the Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement,” Armenian Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian stated at today’s joint news conference with the OSCE Chairman-in-Office. In his words, the parties to Karabakh conflict disagree on a number of issues and there are obstacles that should be overcome. The RA FM informed that the OSCE head arrived in Armenia to get familiarized with the existing problems and their possible solutions. "
More:PanARMENIAN.Net: Armenian News - Armenia Against Turkey's Participation in Peacekeeping Mission in Karabakh
Financial Mirror-Turkey calls for re-start of high level meetings
"Turkey calls for re-start of high level meetings
25/01/2006
www.financialmirror.com
Turkey’s foreign minister Abdullah Gul called on Tuesday for high level meetings no later than June this year under the auspices of the UN to start work on solving the Cyprus problem.
At the same time, he proposed an “action plan” that would involve Turkey implementing the Ankara Protocol by lifting restrictions on Cyprus ships and aircraft in return for the Republic of Cyprus government agreeing to the opening of ports and airports in northern Cyprus.
Speaking to CNN, Gul said that the plan was not a substitute for a comprehensive solution but that these steps were meant to “prove our sincerity for a solution.”
“We hope this can open the way to a comprehensive solution,” he said."
More:Financial Mirror
25/01/2006
www.financialmirror.com
Turkey’s foreign minister Abdullah Gul called on Tuesday for high level meetings no later than June this year under the auspices of the UN to start work on solving the Cyprus problem.
At the same time, he proposed an “action plan” that would involve Turkey implementing the Ankara Protocol by lifting restrictions on Cyprus ships and aircraft in return for the Republic of Cyprus government agreeing to the opening of ports and airports in northern Cyprus.
Speaking to CNN, Gul said that the plan was not a substitute for a comprehensive solution but that these steps were meant to “prove our sincerity for a solution.”
“We hope this can open the way to a comprehensive solution,” he said."
More:Financial Mirror
Mumcu remembered around the nation - Turkish Daily News Jan 25, 2006
"Mumcu remembered around the nation
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
The murdered investigative journalist is commemorated in several ceremonies
ANKARA - Turkish Daily News
Journalist and author Uğur Mumcu was remembered around the nation on the 13th anniversary of his murder by a bomb attack in front of his home."
More:Mumcu remembered around the nation - Turkish Daily News Jan 25, 2006
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
The murdered investigative journalist is commemorated in several ceremonies
ANKARA - Turkish Daily News
Journalist and author Uğur Mumcu was remembered around the nation on the 13th anniversary of his murder by a bomb attack in front of his home."
More:Mumcu remembered around the nation - Turkish Daily News Jan 25, 2006
US firms losing ground in Turkish defense market - Turkish Daily News Jan 25, 2006
"US firms losing ground in Turkish defense market
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
Losing two key contracts to rivals last year, US contractors fear for worse in 2006
Ankara/Washington - Exclusive by TDN Defense Desk
Political ties between Turkey and the United States have mostly recovered since a 2003 nadir over Iraq disputes, but this time serious problems are looming in the two allies' traditionally close defense industry relationship."
More:US firms losing ground in Turkish defense market - Turkish Daily News Jan 25, 2006
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
Losing two key contracts to rivals last year, US contractors fear for worse in 2006
Ankara/Washington - Exclusive by TDN Defense Desk
Political ties between Turkey and the United States have mostly recovered since a 2003 nadir over Iraq disputes, but this time serious problems are looming in the two allies' traditionally close defense industry relationship."
More:US firms losing ground in Turkish defense market - Turkish Daily News Jan 25, 2006
Ankara: Ports will be Opened to Greek Cypriots if Sanctions are Removed
"Ankara: Ports will be Opened to Greek Cypriots if Sanctions are Removed
By Suleyman Kurt, Ankara
Published: Wednesday, January 25, 2006
zaman.com
Turkey continues its policy of 'being one step ahead' in the solution of the Cyprus problem and disclosed its new action plan in this frame."
More:Ankara: Ports will be Opened to Greek Cypriots if Sanctions are Removed
By Suleyman Kurt, Ankara
Published: Wednesday, January 25, 2006
zaman.com
Turkey continues its policy of 'being one step ahead' in the solution of the Cyprus problem and disclosed its new action plan in this frame."
More:Ankara: Ports will be Opened to Greek Cypriots if Sanctions are Removed
Businessmen's group's survey shows strong desire to join EU-Turkish Daily News Jan 25, 2006
"Businessmen's group's survey shows strong desire to join EU:
ISTANBUL - Turkish Daily News
An informal survey released by a Turkish business association reported a high number of Turks who want to join the European Union. The Çukurova Young Businessmen's Association (CUGIAD) said 87 percent of Turks who participated in their EU-related conferences and meetings expressed a desire to join the union. Of the people surveyed, 25 percent said they expected the EU harmonization process to improve social conditions and 20 percent said membership would raise democratic and human rights standards. Regarding the future of the EU, 44 percent said they thought it would get stronger and 43 percent said it will would apart. "
FINANCELINE - Turkish Daily News Jan 25, 2006
ISTANBUL - Turkish Daily News
An informal survey released by a Turkish business association reported a high number of Turks who want to join the European Union. The Çukurova Young Businessmen's Association (CUGIAD) said 87 percent of Turks who participated in their EU-related conferences and meetings expressed a desire to join the union. Of the people surveyed, 25 percent said they expected the EU harmonization process to improve social conditions and 20 percent said membership would raise democratic and human rights standards. Regarding the future of the EU, 44 percent said they thought it would get stronger and 43 percent said it will would apart. "
FINANCELINE - Turkish Daily News Jan 25, 2006
TODAYonline-EU health commissioner visits bird flu-hit Turkey
"EU health commissioner visits bird flu-hit Turkey
EU Health Commissioner Markos Kyprianou was to make a three-day visit to Turkey on Wednesday to see what financial and veterinary aid could be given to the country as it battles a bird flu outbreak that has killed four people."
More:TODAYonline
EU Health Commissioner Markos Kyprianou was to make a three-day visit to Turkey on Wednesday to see what financial and veterinary aid could be given to the country as it battles a bird flu outbreak that has killed four people."
More:TODAYonline
Enlargement - Turkey, Denmark in row over Kurdish TV station
"Enlargement - Turkey, Denmark in row over Kurdish TV station
(EurActiv (English) Via Thomson Dialog NewsEdge)Brief News:The expected presence of a journalist from the Kurdish Roj TV, which is claimed to have links to the outlawed Kurdish Workers' Party, PKK, led Turkish PM Recep Tayyip Erdogan not to show up at a scheduled press conference on 15 November, hosted by Danish PM Anders Fogh Rasmussen in Copenhagen."
More:Enlargement - Turkey, Denmark in row over Kurdish TV station
(EurActiv (English) Via Thomson Dialog NewsEdge)Brief News:The expected presence of a journalist from the Kurdish Roj TV, which is claimed to have links to the outlawed Kurdish Workers' Party, PKK, led Turkish PM Recep Tayyip Erdogan not to show up at a scheduled press conference on 15 November, hosted by Danish PM Anders Fogh Rasmussen in Copenhagen."
More:Enlargement - Turkey, Denmark in row over Kurdish TV station
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