Selections From Todays Turkish Press

Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit met with President Ahmet Necdet Sezer yesterday to solve the referendum issue. Reportedly, during the 20min.-meeting, Ecevit asked the President if he can take back the referendum decision and sent the 27th Article to the Parliament. However, Sezer replied that the decision cannot be taken back but if the Parliament amends the article 86 of the Constitution and send it to him , he will do what is required soon. On the other hand, a meeting will be held in the Presidential Palace today and Sezer's views regarding the issue are expected to be expressed during this meeting. /Turkiye/

SEZER TO VISIT PAKISTAN

President Ahmet Necdet Sezer is set to head for Pakistan, after his phone diplomacy that followed attacks on the United States. The President's visit is scheduled for October 25. Sezer will meet his Pakistani counterpart Perves Musharraf during his two-day visit. The visit is deemed important in showing Turkey's support for Pakistan. The visit to Pakistan was first debated at a recent security summit attended by the Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit and Chief of General Staff, General Huseyin Kivrikoglu. Sezer made the decision to visit Pakistan after this meeting and set the date. Sezer and Musharraf will have discussions on the US-led operation in Afghanistan and the developments that could follow it. The President will return to Turkey on October 26. /Turkish News/

SEZER GOES TO ISTANBUL

President Ahmet Necdet Sezer has gone to Istanbul to attend the opening ceremony of the Islamic Conference Organization Economic and Commercial Cooperation Permanent Committee's (ISDEK) 17th meeting. The Presidential Press Office stated that the meeting would take place at the Marmara Hotel on Oct. 20. President Sezer would be giving the opening address in his capacity as the term chairman of ISDEK. /Turkish Daily News/

ECEVIT: "LAND OPERATION IN AFGHANISTAN IS A MUST"

Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said that land operation in Afghanistan was a must and added that it was necessary to cooperate with the Afghan opposition groups to be successful. Speaking in the Democratic Left Party's group meeting yesterday, Ecevit said that since carrying out a land operation only with foreign forces would be very hard, the US forces must cooperate with the anti-Taleban groups. Stating that there was great rivalry between the opposition groups in Afghanistan, Ecevit said that he believed Turkey might mediate between these forces to gather them against Taleban. Ecevit said that opposition groups in Afghanistan also expected Turkey to act as a mediator. /All Papers/

STRAW: THE BAN FOR PKK WILL CONTINUE

British Minister of Foreign Affairs Jack Straw who paid a one-day visit to Ankara met with Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit yesterday. Responding to questions posed by journalists, Straw said an operation to Iraq in the scope of the Afghanistan operation is out of question. He also added that their ban on the terrorist PKK organization's activities in Britain will continue. Pointing to Turkey's experience in the fight against terrorism, Straw said, "After the Sep. 11 terrorist attack on the US, we respect Turkey's stance on terrorism." Following his meeting with Ecevit , Straw received by President Ahmet Necdet Sezer. Reportedly, during the meeting the constitutional amendments were taken up and Straw expressed his pleasure for the amendments. /Turkiye/

CEM'S PRESS CONFERENCE

Holding a press conference after his meeting with his British counterpart Jack Straw, Foreign Minister Ismail Cem said that the future of Afghanistan would be guaranteed by sustaining security for every ethnic group in the country. Responding a question if Turkey will send troops for a land operation in Afghanistan, Cem said, "Turkey might undertake a mission for the future of Afghanistan. After the establishment of peace in Afghanistan, Turkey might be responsible for protecting the peace in the country. He pointed out that the changes in the Afghan Administration might take place gradually. He added, "Turkey might participate in a peace force where peace is established and needed to protected in Afghanistan." /Sabah/

MINISTER OF INTERIOR'S STATEMENT

Minister of the Interior, Rustu Kazim Yucelen, said the violation of human rights were investigated immediately and added, "Those who are detained at the police-stations and Directorates of Security are under the responsibility of the state." Yucelen added, "It was determined that a total of 12,735 personnel tortured and badly treated detainees between 1995 and 2001 and administrative and legal investigations were started for these people. Yucelen answered the Deputy Chairman of the Felicity Party (SP) Mehmet Bekaroglu's questions concerning the claims on torture. Yucelen said there was not a systematic torture in Turkey and expressed the opinion that a libel and slander campaign was being carried out concerning torture in Turkey. /Hurriyet/

COMMITTEE VISITS PARTIES

An all-party committee was visiting the opposition parties yesterday in an effort to forge a preliminary consensus on an 14-article amendment package ahead of parliamentary debates. The Reconciliation Committee, headed by Yuksel Yalova of the coalitian partner Motherland Party (ANAP), visited True Path Party (DYP) leader Tansu Ciller, Justice and Development Party (AKP) leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan and another opposition Felicity Party (SP) leader Recai Kutan. Yalova said that the committee was set to take up the 14-article package, which will complete the 34-article package approved by Parliament two weeks ago. During the meeting, Ciller expressed their support to the President for his referendum decision. Three of the leaders vowed their full support for the new reform package. /Turkish News/

HUSEYIN ARI RESIGNS FROM AKP

Justice and Development Party (AKP) Konya Deputy Huseyin Ari resigned from his party yesterday. After his resignation, AKP's number of deputies in Parliament decreased to 51. /Turkiye/

PRESSURE ON TURKEY CONTINUES

The pressure over Turkey concerning the European Security and Defense Policy (ESDP) is increasing. A delegation including high-level British officials will visit Turkey next week to hold meetings with the Turkish officials on the issue. Stating that the importance of the ESDP has increased after the September 11th attacks, certain circles believe that a more flexible approach should be adopted towards Turkey's stance and others claim that the process should be completed at all costs, despite Turkey's opposition. /Cumhuriyet/

FILE ON RADICAL ISLAM PRESENTED TO EUROPEAN COUNTRIES

Turkey has sent a file to the European countries, which covers information about the illegal activities of certain radical Islamic groups which are active in Europe. Stating these groups defend their arguments showing the human rights as an excuse, the file stated that these groups hold activities which target Turkey. The file said, "These groups are sending money, which they earn through so-called legal businesses in Europe, to Turkey in illegal ways to support radical Islamic groups. Since certain people who have already been convicted for their illegal activities in Turkey are not extradited to Turkey, they are continuing their activities in Europe. As these groups are granted the right to give religious lectures in certain educational institutions in Europe, they have the opportunity to train Turkish people in Europe in accordance with the principles of Radical Islam." /Cumhuriyet/

US CONGRESS PRAISES TURKEY

In a report prepared by the Research Centre of the US Congress, Turkey was considered to be one the leading countries among others countries who support the fight against terrorism. In the report, it was stated that Turkey had suggested the use of eight headquarters including Incirlik, she had opened the air base for use and that she supported the 5th Article of NATO. The report also stated that the Turkish Grand National Assembly's (TGNA) support for the Northern Allience. /Milliyet/

ADDITIONAL US SUPPORT

The US Administration decided to exert its influence over the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank concerning the ensurance of an additional finance for Turkey. According to the circles close to the White House, Ankara's support to the US in the fight against terrorism played a key role in this decision following the terrorist attack against the US on September 11. The decision was taken by the Vice President, Dick Cheney, White House National Advisor of Security, Condoleezza Rice, Secretary of State, Colin Powell, Secretary of Treasury, Paul O'Neill and the Secretary of Defense, Donald Rumsfeld during a luncheon. According to this, it was decided that Turkey's need for an additional finance aid should be met in spite of the IMF's dragging its feet and that they will start initiatives. It was stated that during the meeting, Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit's stance concerning the support to the US within the framework of the operations in Afghanistan and concerning the latest terrorist attacks were appreciated. /Hurriyet/

ALGAN MEETS IZGI

Higher Election Board (YSK) head Tufan Algan said Parliament was planning to cancel an unpopular amendment to raise deputies's salaries in order to avoid a fresh controversy between the President and the Government.Speaking to reporters after a three-hour meeting with Parliamentary Spaeker Omer Izgi, Algan said the YSK and Parliament were looking for way out to avoid keeping the public busy with the controversy. He said, "Izgi told me that a solution to the issue would be sought in Parliament." /Turkish News/

10% RAISE IN CIVIL SERVANTS' SALARIES

The government established a 10% increase in civil servants salaries in the 2002 budget. Accordingly, the monthly salary coefficient will rise from 24,920 to 27,420 in January. /Turkiye/

DEMIREL ASKS FOR ELECTION

The ninth President Suleyman Demirel said yesterday that early elections could be held anytime, adding that there was no need for a referendum to spark this process. Spaeking to reporters after paying a visit to Davutpasa Campus of Yildiz Technical University, Demirel said, "The President has the authority to submit an article from or the whole of an amendment package to referendum. Now, this is the judicial aspect of the issue. The political aspect of the issue is different. There is also an administrative aspect. I have nothing to say about the political aspect of the matter." He added, "If a referendum is held and if the results are negative, that would not be good for the government. But it is the government which may or may not interpret this as a vote of confidence." /Turkish News/

NATURAL GAS AGREEMENT APPROVED

The Parliament International Relations Committee has approved the agreement by which 6.6 billion cubic meters of natural gas will be transferred from Azerbaijan to Turkey every year. The agreement says that ownership and proprietorship rights of the gas are transferred to Turkey as the gas crosses the border with Georgia. In addition, any gas surplus in Turkey's requirements may be exported to third party countries. /Turkish Daily News/

THE TURKS OF AFGHANISTAN: TALEBAN AND BIN LADEN ARE THE ENEMIES OF ISLAM

Associations established by the Turks of Afghanistan made a common statement in Istanbul and expressed their anger towards the Taleban and Osama bin Laden. Delivering a speech on behalf of the associations that are active in Turkey, Eurasia Turkish Associations Federation Chairman Hakan Yavuz Demir said that the Taleban and the Al Qaeda organizations were criminal organizations that were established to harm Islam and were at the service of international interest groups. /Turkish Daily News/

AFTERMATH OF SEPTEMBER 11 TO BE DISCUSSED IN PANEL

The Association of National Security and Strategical Research (UGSAD) will hold a panel to discuss developing events after the terrorist attacks in the United States, Anatolia news agency reported on Thursday. The panel discussions will start on October 24 in Ankara with the participation of retired General Kemal Yavuz, journalist Mehmet Ali Kislali, and retired Ambassador Inal Batu. It will be chaired by Ankara Universtiy Faculty of Political Science Professor Hasan Koni. UGSAD Chairman Irfan Celik said in his statement regarding the panel that a turning point had occurred after September 11, and added: "The new world order concept is being rearranged. The probability of spreading operations in Afghanistan to other locations, such as Iraq, increase Turkey's importance. Recent developments will be discussed in the panel by elite strategies from Turkey." /Turkish News/

GARANTI AND OSMANLI BANKS MERGE

Chairman of the Executive Board of Dogus Holding Company, Ferit Sahenk, who has united Garanti Bank and Osmanli Bank, said they were open for foreign partnership proposals. Sahenk holding a press conference with the General Directors of the two banks concerning the merge between Garanti Bank and Osmanli Bank recalled that before September 11, Garanti Bank's decision to be a partner of Intesa was approved by the bank's council of partnership and added, "However, none of us would have predicted a plane would hit the Twin Towers on September 11 but we will continue to work. Our dialogue with Intesa will continue. However, it is our right to take decisions and implement them in accordance with the developments. In addition, we will evaluate all the proposals coming from the other huge banks in the world. Meanwhile, General Director of Garanti Bank, Ergun Ozen, said this merge will provide them with savings amounting to 148 million US dollars annualy. /Milliyet/

TURKISH PROMOTION CAMPAIGN IN FRANCE

A new campaign to promote Turkey as a country with touristic, historical and cultural with touristic, historical and cultural wealth has been initiated in France. As part of the campaign a 20-second promotion film is being screened 300 times a day on a huge screen at the Montparnasse Tower in Paris. /Turkish Daily News/

EUROPE NEEDS TURKEY BY FERAI TINC (HURRIYET)

Columnist Ferai Tinc writes on Turkey's importance for Europe. A summary of her column is as follows: "The previous night important messages were issued at the congress and meeting center called 'Noble Concert' in Brussels. Upon the initiative of Turkey's Ambassador to the European Union Nihat Akyol, a foundation was established to improve communication and the understanding between the EU and Turkey entitled 'Turkey -Europe Foundation.' It aims to form a civilian platform to enhance the communication channels in politics, business, culture and art and the mass media. The Foundation will be chaired by Belgian politician Baron Daniel Cardon de Lichtbuer. The EU Commissioner responsible for enlargement, Gunther Verheugen expressed his support for the foundation with the statement 'Europe needs Turkey.' The EU which included Turkey into the enlargement process with the decision taken at the Helsinki Summit, is faced with new evaluations following the terrorist attack on the US on September 11. It is not clear how much these evaluations will affect European reluctance for Turkey's full membership, but in Brussels there are those who feel they have to adopt new approach towards Turkey. This new approach is reflected in Verheugeun's statement made the previous night. "It has been understood that both Turkey and the European Union need each other. Turkey is indispensable for the European Union as Europe is indispensable for Turkey. Turkey's importance does not stem from her being a role model for other Muslim countries with the reforms she has gone through provided by the Republic under the leadership of Ataturk. Her strategic importance is not the issue either. Turkish-European relations gain importance in order to show that the argument concerning the clash of civilizations is not true.' Verheugen added that an important opportunity was seized at the moment as the raprochement between Europe and Turkey will contribute to the world peace. He said, 'Differences in our cultures will prove that this is not a disadvantage but advantage.' The enactment of quick and determined amendments to the Constitution is received positively in Brussels. Verheugen said that the enactment of the amendment package in such a short time even surprised him. However, he believes that the enactment of these reforms are not enough and the adaptation laws required to implement them have to be passed from the parliament soon. He added that some steps should be taken regarding the Cyprus problem, that the ESDI was nearing a solution and that Turkey had to continue carying out the economic reforms. All is well said, but will these favorable expressions be reflected in the progress report to be completed next month. If they are left on paper, and there are no initiatives which will carry Turkey towards negotiations they will be meaningless. The new situation arising after September 11 has increased the sensitivity towards what Turkey has to say. Europe is ready to listen more than ever.