Selections From Todays Turkish Press

The decree authorizing the government to send military troops abroad was adopted by the Parliament by a vote of 310-101 with two members abstaining in the Plenary Session yesterday. Responding to the questions of correspondents before receiving the Yemeni Ambassador to Ankara Ahmed Huseyin M. El-Basha yesterday, President Ahmet Necdet Sezer stated that the approval of the decree on sending troops abroad by the Parliament did not necessarily mean that Turkey would send Turkish troops to other countries. Sezer reminded, "The same authority was granted during the Gulf War too. However, we did not send any troops to Iraq. The government will decide whether to use that authority or not in the future in accordance with the conditions arising." Meanwhile, Minister of National Defense Sabahattin Cakmakoglu, said, "This decision does not mean Turkey will send troops to Afghanistan. It will just provide more flexible conditions for the Turkish Armed Forced to get prepared in case of an emergency which might include Turkey. Upon a future request by the US, the decisions regarding important issues such as whether to send troops, to which region and with the aim of what, will be made by taking Turkey's multidimensional national interests into consideration." /All Papers/

OIC DENOUNCES TERRORISM

The Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) denounced the Sep. 11 terrorist attacks on the US. The final declaration of the OIC, the largest Islamic organization in the world with its 56 members, condemned the terrorist attacks and called on the US to choose the targets carefully not to harm civilians in Afghanistan. Hosting the meeting Qatar Emir Seyh Hamad bin Halife el-Sani pointed out that in the scope of the fight against terrorism, other attacks against other Muslim countries were not acceptable. Ismail Cem representing Turkey at the meeting, expressed Turkey's views on the recent developments in an interview with the CNN television in Doha. Stressing Turkey is also concerned over the expansion of the war as many other countries, Cem said, "The main reason for this anxiety is to perceive terrorism and Islam as identical. However, we say always that there is no religion and nationality of terrorism." He also emphasized that no country should tolerate terrorist organizations whatever their aim was and whichever country they fought against. /Turkiye/

YILMAZ: "WAR INCLINED TO SPREAD TO OTHER COUNTRIES"

The Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Motherland Party (ANAP) Mesut Yilmaz voiced his ideas that the war in Afghanistan had a tendency to spread to other countries. Yilmaz said the government had to take necessary measures against this possibility. Stating he wished the operation would end with the capture of Osama Bin Laden and Taleban as soon as possible, Yilmaz said, "However, nobody can deny the fact that the war seems to have a tendency to spread. Such a development would destroy the peace and stability of the whole region and would inevitably include Turkey. Yilmaz also added that as the Western world understood what terrorism actually was after September 11th, they changed their policies against terrorists sheltered in Europe and that this shift in European policy against terrorism brought about a significant decline in the power of terrorist groups which lost most of the political and logistic support they received from the European countries. Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Devlet Bahceli said that he wished the operation would not extend outside the borders of Afghanistan. Bahceli said, "We are taking all the measures into consideration, which should be taken against possible scenarios including Turkey into the war. That's what the recent note on sending troops abroad means." /All Papers/

TURKEY SENDS NOTE TO NATO ON PKK'S FINANCIAL RESOURCES

Turkey sent an information note to NATO countries on PKK's financial resources and press activities in Europe. It was stated that DM 20 million was gathered in the donation campaign PKK carried out in Germany. The note stated that the PKK carries out its money-laundering activities through Swiss, British, Swedish, Belgian, Danish and Greek Cypriot banks. The note also recalled that PKK had approximately 30 press organs centered in Europe. Stating that the organization informed its members and supporters about its terrorist activities through these press organs, the note said these were also used in money laundering. "PKK also receives a significant amount of money from narcotics trafficking and smuggling activities." The note said. /Cumhuriyet/

EP'S REPORT ON TURKEY

The report on Turkey prepared by European Parliament's (EP) Turkey rapporteur Alain Lammassoure was approved by the EP Committee on Foreign Affairs, Human Rights, Common Security and Defense Policy (AFET). The report will be discussed at the EP Plenary Session. The draft report stated that Turkey, recognition of Turkey's candidacy at the Helsinki Summit paved way to the acceleration of the political reforms in Turkey. It added that the program of the current government received grassroots support and had a strong political will behind it. Stating no obstacles remained against Turkey's democratization process after she overcame the problems stemming from terrorism, the report emphasized the importance of constitutional amendments. The report states the satisfaction of the EP with Turkish parliament's efforts towards improving human rights and democratization. It calls on the EU to support Turkey financially. /Cumhuriyet/

PAPANDREOU POINTS OUT TURKEY'S IMPORTANCE

While the Turkish government is criticized on the grounds that it does not release a clear statement concerning its policy regarding Afghanistan, the Greek Minister of Foreign Affairs, George Papandreou paid an unexpected visit to Istanbul. Papandreou chose Istanbul, where the "religions meet" for the International Religion Congress that will be established so that faiths will not be used as a tool for terrorism. Papandreou visited the Fener Greek-Orthodox Patriarch Bartholomeous and the visit was closed to the press. Bartholomeos said, "In a short period of time, we will organize a large congress with the participation of the representatives of all religions, the support of politicians, and the assistance of the US. While giving information on his visit, Papandreou said, "We should exclude those who want to exploit religion and condemn particularly those who support terrorism. As an international committee, we should launch a campaign against terrorism to save important values such as democracy. I came to visit the leader of the Orthodox world to talk about these issues."/Milliyet/

REFUGEE CAMPS ON THE BORDERS

Following the US operation against Afghanistan, particularly in the Eastern and Southeastern provinces the precautions began to be taken against the possible flow of refugees. Kizilay (Turkish Red Crescent) decided to establish camps for the refugees in Van and Sirnak. Preparations began to be made to build shelter in these camps. /Sabah/

HUMAYN'S STATEMENT

Pakistani Ambassador to Ankara, Qazi Humayn, visited the Justice and Progress (AK) Party leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan yesterday. Humayn said it was a pleasing development that Turkey sends troops to Afghanistan. Humayn pointed out that Turkey was a member of NATO and added, "Turkey's presence in the region will have a positive impact." /Sabah/

GEORGIAN FOREIGN MINISTER TO VISIT TURKEY

Georgia's Foreign Minister Irakli Menagarishvili is to come to Ankara on Friday as the official guest of Foreign Minister Ismail Cem. During their talks, the two ministers are expected to discuss regional repercussions of the terrorist attacks on America and other regional and international issues of immediate concern to both countries. /Turkish Daily News/

LOGAN: "TURKEY'S ROLE IS VERY IMPORTANT"

British Ambassador to Ankara David Logan said Turkey would play a very important role in the international cooperation against terrorism. Logan said, "Turkey is a vital country for us as an only Muslim but secular country. I do not have any doubt that Turkey would play a significant role in fighting against terrorism." /Cumhuriyet/

MINISTRY OF HEALTH TO SEND AID TO AFGHANISTAN

Undersecretary of the Ministry of Health, Sefer Aycan, said a document was received from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, requesting that health aid be made to Afghanistan. He added, "We are interested in the health of Afghanistan, whether it is a war or a terrorist action. In this respect, we will send aid because we believe that it is necessary to help them." /Sabah/

TURKISH BULGARIANS TO VOTE IN COMING POLL

Turkish Bulgarians wanting to vote in the Bulgarian presidential election should apply to Bulgarian consulates by Oct. 28. The presidential election will be held on Nov. 11 and the second round, if needed, will be held on Nov. 18. According to Bulgaria's election law, Turkish Bulgarian citizens living in Turkey must apply to the embassy in Ankara, as well as consulates in Istanbul and Edirne, by Oct. 28. /Turkish News/

WOMEN FROM TURKISH WORLD TO MEET IN ANKARA

The convention of women from the Turkish world will begin in Ankara on Oct. 12. The meeting will bring together 200 women from 33 countries between Oct 12 and 15 and the role of women to transfer cultures to future generations and ways of cooperation will be discussed during the meeting. /Turkiye/

POLICE APPREHEND 13 HIZBULLAH TERRORISTS

Security Forces apprehended 13 Hizbullah terrorists in an operation carried out in the Southeastern Anatolian town of Diyarbakir. Three of them were reported to have taken part in the killing of former Diyarbakir Police Chief Gaffar Okkan. /Turkish News/

TURKEY IN GREAT NEED OF RAIN

Rainfall has decreased 19 percent this year, compared to last year's rainfall, which decreased by 10 percent, said the State Meteorology General Directorate. According to agricultural evaluation reports for Oct. 1, 2000 and Sep.30, 2001, normal rainfall is 652 millimeters per square meter, but this has fallen to 527 millimeters. The total amount of rainfall in Central Anatolia has dropped by 31 percent. Meteorology experts said that depending on their forecasts, Turkey will receive rain in the next thre months that is above seasonal norms. /Turkish News/

HEALTH CENTERS TO OPEN IN EARTHQUAKE REGION

The Netherlands Embassy in Ankara will open two new health care centers in Adapazari and Duzce on Oct. 11 and 12. The construction of the centers was made possible with the Netherlands' government constribution of $240,000. The opening ceremony will be attended by Ambassador Sjoerd H. Gosses, together with the governors of Sakarya and Duzce. /Turkish News/

LARSON PRAISES TURKISH ECONOMY

The US Deputy Secretary of State, responsible for Economy, Allan Larson, held a press conference at the foreign press centre in Washington during which he described Turkey as an "extraordinarily important friend and ally" and added that they wanted to play a positive role in the meetings with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). He added, "Turkey has been successful in the important economic reforms. Our aim is to ensure its continuation." According to the news broadcast on NTV, Larson further stated, "Dervis met with the Vice-President Cheney and the Secretary of Treasury, Paul O'Neill. It was an important opportunity to be briefed on the developments taking place in Turkey. The Turkish government negotiates with the IMF so that the next stage of the economic program will be shaped." /Sabah/

HIGH PLANNING COUNCIL TO BE HELD TODAY

The High Planning Council (YPK) will convene today and be chaired by Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit today and the decisions will be taken to determine the economy's fate in the year 2002. During the YPK, mostly the precautions on expense restrictions will be discussed. It is stated that the State Minister Kemal Dervis will request that the strict financial policy should not be given up and that the number of ministers should be decreased. /Sabah/

CAY MEETS ALBANIAN MINISTER OF TRADE

State Minister Abdulhaluk Cay has held talks with Albanian Minister of Economic Cooperation and Trade, Ermenlinda Meksi. They reportedly discussed improving economic cooperation and bilateral trade. Before leaving for Albania, Minister Cay said, "a technical cooperation agreement signed by two parties would enable technical aid programs aimed at Albania to be followed up on site. He also mentioned a protocol on animal husbandry that would be signed during the visit. /Turkish Daily News/

TOURISM AWARDS PRESENTED

The quality awards of the tourism sector was presented. Skal Istanbul, the club of international friendship and solidarity that aims to ensure quality in the tourism sector, presented awards to the best tourism representatives. The tourism quality awards was presented in 16 categories at the Lutfi Kirdar Congress and Exhibition Palace the day before. Skal 2001 Traditional Award was given to the Basketball Men's National Team, which represented Turkey in the European Basketball Championship. Sabah newspaper was deemed worthy of the Press Support and Sponsor Award. /Sabah/

A NEW POLICY IN A NEW ERA BY HASAN CEMAL (MILLIYET)

Columnist Hasan Cemal comments on Turkey's role in bridging the gap between the West and the Islamic world. A summary of his column is as follows: "Foreign Minister Ismail Cem was at the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) meeting held in Doha, the capital of Qatar yesterday. Next week he will attend the European Union meeting to be convened in Brussels. The subject of both meetings is the same: Afghanistan operation and terrorism. The significant role of Turkey is known by all. She is the only member of the 56 Islamic OIC states, who is at the same time a candidate to the EU, a member of NATO and ruled by democracy. Recently, Turkey's unique position between the East and the West, and her situation as a role model since she is an Islamic but secular country ruled by democracy is coming to the fore. For example, historian Francis Fukuyama in his article in Wall Street Journal said that there seemed to be something in fundamentalist Islamic movements which made the Muslim countries resist modernity...He added that there was no Islamic country other than Turkey who had been able to pass to the First World country status from a third world country status. Famous historian Bernard Lewis also touched upon the issue in his article published in the French 'le Figaro' daily. He said that the only way out for both the Islamic countries and the Central Asian countries was to adopt Turkey as a role model. The views of Michael Radu, an expert at the Foreign Policy Institute in Washington, did not differ either. He said that the state system established by Ataturk, was a successful example showing that the political values of the Islamic world and the West did not clash. When viewed from this point, the significance of Foreign Minister Cem's visits to Doha and Brussels can be understood better. Foreign Minister Cem has the opportunity to convey and explain the sensitivities of both sides to the other. He will express to one of the sides that terrorism can have no excuses and that it is a crime against humanity. To the other side he will say that the religion of Islam cannot be the target of hate and animosity, the only target of the war can only be terrorism. In fact he is bridging the gap betwen two differing worlds of culture. Turkey's interests do not lie in a conflict between the West and the Islamic world. Therefore, she has to acquire the status of an equal to be able to have her influence felt in the region."