AKP: Yes for EU, No For US

The single governing party AKP, and its policies will play an important role in determining the future of Turkey's important historical problems.

Accession to the European Union (EU), a possible military strike by the United States (U.S.) against neighboring Iraq, the Cyprus issue that has long been creating problems in Turkey's international relations, Turkish economy that is still suffering from last year's deep crisis, chronic educational problems, the Higher Education Board (YOK) criticized for being undemocratic, and healthcare are among Turkey's problems awaiting AKP policies.

AKP did not touch on military spending in its elections program. In Turkey, the budget for military spending is double the budget for education and healthcare. AKP did not comment on the issue of headscarves either. AKP's promises during its November 3 elections campaign are as follows:

EU is our priority

EU membership: AKP emphasizes that Turkey's EU membership is a priority. Turkey needs to rush the regulations on the implementation of the EU reforms before the Copenhagen Summit in December.

AKP's leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan made a statement as the election results became clear, and emphasized the importance of Turkey's accession into the EU.

AKP advocates that the EU criteria should be implemented anyway, independent of the prospect of a membership. AKP emphasizes that first of all; "steps need to be taken to assure freedom of expression, lift the obstacles for the freedom of enterprising, make the government transparent, and empower local administrations."

AKP has only 38 days ahead of the Copenhagen summit to implement the EU reforms.

Peaceful solution in Iraq, bi-communal solution in Cyprus

Iraq: As the U.S. is preparing for a military strike against Iraq and the world is watching in fear, AKP stands against this U.S. policy. According to AKP, disrupting Iraq's territorial integrity would destabilize Middle East. The solution is to implement the decisions of the United Nations (UN), says AKP. Erdogan reiterated this view during his speech after the elections.

Cyprus: As negotiation talks between the leaders of the two communities in Cyprus and debates over the issue continue, Turkey is disturbed by the prospect of South Cyprus' EU membership. AKP states that a solution for the island should ensure the "existence of the Turkish community, their identity, and their right to determine their own future." AKP proposes a state administration formed of two communities.

Eurasia: The Eurasia issue draws as much attention from the world as does the Middle East. AKP says that they will continue with Turkey's international policies with Europe and Atlantic. Besides, AKP advocates spending efforts in developing a policy with a Eurasia axis. "We will spend efforts to strengthen the cooperation within the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO)," says the party.

Human rights will be protected by the constitutional

Basic rights and freedoms: AKP states that it will go forward with the necessary Constitutional and legal amendments to bring Turkey to the standards of the international agreements it has ratified, and to comply with the Copenhagen Criteria.

"We will not confine ourselves to guaranteeing basic rights and freedoms through the constitution and the laws," says the party.

"We will spend effort to ensure that these rights and freedoms are implemented and that they become part of Turkey's political culture."

According to AKP, bickering over the issues of religion, sect, sexuality, and ethnic discrimination is just getting trapped in a "vicious circle." AKP says that these problems could only be solved through the settling of a "government mentality based on human rights."

The party promises to undertake the solution of problems such as torture, missing people, death under custody, and unsolved murders.

The economic structural reform program

AKP states that the current economic program is insufficient and says that it will implement a new economic reform program. AKP's new structural reform program will include things like the restructuring of public administration and services, accelerating privatization, encouraging local and foreign investment, improving the financial and social security systems, and increasing the efficiency of agriculture.

The competence of YOK will be limited; the examination for selecting students (OSS) will change

Education: AKP does not comment on increasing the budged for education, which is half the budget of military spending. AKP says that the students complain of the structure of universities and promises to change that structure by limiting the competence of YOK.

According to these changes, YOK will assume the responsibility of maintaining the coordination between universities and setting standards. The universities will be institutions of research and education, which have administrational and academic autonomy, and where academicians and students can conduct scientific studies freely.

The party is against the university examination system (OSS) in Turkey. It promises to change the exams in a way to encourage students to compete and maintain justice."

New policies in healthcare

Healthcare: AKP does not touch on increasing the budget for healthcare either. The main AKP policies in healthcare are as follows:

* The distinctions between state hospitals, social security hospitals and institutional hospitals will be overcome. The hospitals will have administrative and financial autonomy. The Health Ministry will go through restructuring according to this new system.

* The offering and financing of health services will be separated from each other. Health insurance will not be part of long term insurance branches. A General Health Insurance System will be established and will cover the whole population. The insurance premiums of those who are suffering economic difficulties will be paid by the state.

* We will encourage the private sector to invest in healthcare. The Patient Rights Regulations will be amended to comply with international standards. We will overcome the legal shortcomings in protecting patient rights. (HA/BB/EA/NM)