Turkey puts radio station on air in Afghanistan

Last month Turkey put a radio station on the air in Wardak, in central-east Afghanistan, Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesperson Burak Ozugergin announced yesterday. He said the radio station broadcasts in a local language and plays Turkish folk songs.

Source: Hurriyet Daily News (Turkey), February 4, 2010

Davutoglu, Iranian FM discuss Afghanistan

Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu yesterday received his Iranian counterpart Manouchehr Mottaki, currently in Ankara to attend a bilateral Joint Economic Commission meeting. The top diplomats' talks focused on developments concerning Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan. At a joint press conference afterwards, Davutoglu said the two countries have broad cooperation, adding that in their comprehensive talks they discussed regional issues, next month's elections in Iraq, and developments in Afghanistan. "We appreciate Iran's contributions to Afghanistan," he said. Mottaki, for his part, defended Iran's controversial elections last summer, saying that they would never tolerate any attempt to sow chaos in the country.

Source: Cumhuriyet-Turkiye (Turkey), February 4, 2010

Fistfight in Turkish Parliament

Durmuş’s words drew a fierce reaction from AKP deputies, including Erdoğan, leading to a fistfight between AKP and MHP deputies. Some deputies were slightly injured while one deputy was hospitalized.

Source: Turkish weekly, Febryary 3, 2010

Minister Bagis: “If the EU rejects Turkey then it will become a Christian club.”

Turkish chief EU negotiator and Minister Egemen Bagis gave a speech at the Bruges European College. Bagis said that if Turkey was accepted to the EU, this would benefit both sides since Turkey could solve many of the problems in Europe by her young population, her efforts in regional peace and her dynamic economy. Bagis emphasized that Turkey was determined in the process and if the EU rejected Turkey, then it would become a Christian club.

Bagis also said that Turkey of today would not become a member of the EU of today and when the negotiations would be completed, both sides would change a lot. He emphasized that the “borders of EU was in our heads” since 30 years ago, it came till the Pyrenees but today it included Greece and it could also include Istanbul. Bagis criticized the opposition for preventing Turkey’s acceptation to the EU.

Source: Yeni Safak, habervaktim (Turkey), February 4, 2010

PM bitter towards EU for keeping Turkey at its door for five decades

In strongly worded remarks Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan expressed deep disappointment on Wednesday over the way Turkey has been treated by the European Union, calling the treatment “unfair.”

Speaking at a joint press conference following his talks with İhsanoğlu, Erdoğan was asked whether “Turkey’s attitude towards Arabs, which has recently shifted in a positive direction, would change if Turkey becomes a member of the EU,” the Anatolia news agency reported.

“The EU will never change this [stance]. We consider the EU a political club but not a Christian club. There has been no other country that has been kept at the EU’s door for 50 years. The EU has not acted fairly here.”

Source: Today's Zaman (Turkey), January 21, 2010

Iranian FM Mottaki in Turkey

Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki yesterday was received in Ankara by Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan. He said that his visit comes as Iran has important political relations with Turkey and it wants to develop them. Today Mottaki is set to be received by President Abdullah Gul and meet with his Turkish counterpart Ahmet Davutoglu.

Source: Star (Turkey), February 3, 2010

MHP Vice President to Pay 10 thousand TL to PM Erdogan

A Turkish court ruled that the nationalist MHP Vice President, Deniz Bolukbasi, would pay 10 thousand TL (about 6,700 dollars) as damages for mental anguish to Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The Prime Minister had sued the MHP parliament member on the grounds that his comments on the Prime Minister during a conference exceeded the limits of criticism and were considered a violation of his personal rights.

Source: Yeni Safak (Turkey), February 2, 2010

Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan: “It is normal to remove the religion entry on Turkish identity cards”

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan responded to questions on the latest decisions of the European Human Rights Court. Erdogan said that the decision of the European Human Rights Court was parallel to the steps adopted by the Turkish Constitutional Court on the subject. “Whether religion is indicated or not on the identity cards would not change much. I don’t think the decision of the EHRC is an unusual decision.”

Erdogan said that he regarded the second decision of the court which rejected the requests of Kurdish citizens to use letters not present in the Turkish alphabet to write their names, as being very important.

Erdogan also emphasized that Turkey had no intention to change the existing order in the Middle East. He stated that the world was in a process of change and every nation would get it share of this change. He said that many countries in the Middle East held international meetings regarding issues of democracy, laicism and establishment of a state of law.

Source: ntvmsnbc (Turkey), February 3, 2010

Istanbul to host NATO meeting focusing on Afghanistan

On the heels of hosting last week's regional conference on Afghanistan, tomorrow and Friday Istanbul will host an informal meeting of NATO defense ministers focusing on the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), the NATO-led international force in Afghanistan. The meeting under the auspices of Defense Minister Vecdi Gonul will include NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen. NATO's transformation will also be discussed. NATO spokesperson James Appathurai Appathurai last month stressed the unparalleled political and military role Turkey plays in Afghanistan.

In Brussels, Rasmussen said earlier this week that he would urge allies at the Istanbul meeting to do more to meet a shortfall of up to 2,400 people to train Afghan security forces. Rasmussen said one way to make up for the shortfall would be for nations to reconfigure existing contributions to the ISAF. "But I would not exclude the possibility that we will need additional contributions," he said. "This training mission is of utmost importance to accomplish the strategy we all agree on. The more we invest in this transition now, the sooner the day when the Afghans can take responsibility themselves."

Source: Today's Zaman (Turkey), February 3, 2010

Senior US Iraq commander in Ankara

The senior US commander in Iraq, Gen. Ray Odierno, arrived in Ankara yesterday at the invitation of Interior Minister Besir Atalay. Today Odierno is set to attend anti-terrorist coordination meetings with Turkish officials, "Turkey is a strong ally of the US," he said. "Our commitment to fight terrorism together will continue." During the meetings, developments concerning Camp Makhmour in northern Iraq, long thought to harbor many members of the PKK, will be discussed. In related news, US Defense Secretary Robert Gates will visit Ankara this weekend to discuss Iraq and Afghanistan.

Source: Cumhuriyet (Turkey), February 3, 2010

Iranian FM Mottaki due in Turkey today

Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki is scheduled to arrive in Ankara today to take part in a meeting of the Turkey-Iran Joint Economic Commission, Iran's official news agency IRNA reported yesterday. During the meeting, memorandums of understanding to improve bilateral cooperation between the two neighbors will be signed, IRNA said, adding that while in Turkey Mottaki will have talks with both President Abdullah Gul and Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Iran 's failure to meet a Dec. 31 deadline set by the US to accept a UN-brokered proposal to send its uranium abroad for processing has prompted world powers to start considering possible tougher sanctions against Tehran .

In December Tehran said it was ready to swap its low-enriched uranium for nuclear fuel abroad, adding that Turkey is among the proposed locations for the fuel exchange, but said nothing is certain yet. Last week, Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu reiterated Turkey's willingness to find a peaceful solution to the Iranian nuclear program controversy, while also voicing objections to UN sanctions on the neighboring country.

Source: Today's Zaman (Turkey), February 2, 2010

European Human Rights Court Decisions Concerning Turkey

The European Human Rights Court ruled for and against Turkey in two different cases. Turkish citizen, Sinan Isik, sued the Turkish state regarding the status of religion written in his Turkish identity card. Isik requested his religion to be written as “Alevi” rather than “Islam” on his identity card. Isik first took his case to a Turkish court which decided that ‘Alevism” was not a religion but a sect and so it could not be written on a Turkish identity card. Isik then decided to sue the Turkish state in the European Human Rights Court.

The European Human Rights Court ruled that a person did not have to state his belief and religion and if the status of religion were to be printed on the identity card, it should be written according to the wishes of the individual. The court ruled that the present case violated the freedom of religion and belief.

In another case, the Court evaluated the application of 8 Turkish citizens of Kurdish origin who complained that the Turkish state refused to use the letters of Q, W and X which were present in their names but were not printed in their Turkish identity cards. The Turkish state uses the equivalent of the letters in the Turkish alphabet. The European Human Rights Court decided for Turkey and ruled against the requests in using letters that were not present in the Turkish alphabet.

Source: ntvmsnbc, cnnturk (Turkey), February 2, 2010

Turkish FM Davutoglu: “We will never bargain our honor”

Turkish FM Ahmet Davutoglu answered the questions of the NTV Turkish TV channel regarding the recent policy issues. Davutoglu said that the principle of Turkey regarding Israel and other countries was very clear. He emphasized that Turkey would support those who would take steps towards peace and all those who thought that their freedoms and security was more important than others would damage the peace of the region. Davutoglu stated that Turkey felt moral responsibility towards everyone’s security and freedom in the region.

Referring to recent ‘couch incident’ with Israel, Davutoglu said that Turkey’s honor would never be on the bargaining table. He emphasized that Turkey gave a clear message on her wishes on the issue and since she got the expected response from Israel, the issue was closed.

Davutoglu emphasized that there had never been anti-Semitism in Turkey and Turkey would never allow such a thing. He said that criticizing Israel was not anti-Semitism. He stated that the peace process in the Middle East was frozen and criticized Israel for continuing the building of settlements and not ending the siege in Gaza. Davutoglu also said that it was not true that Turkey was approaching the Middle East and leaving all other aside and no one could hear either him or the Prime Minister using the expression ‘Neo-Ottomanism.’

Source: ntvmsnbc (Turkey), January 26, 2010

Justice Minister: "We are like brothers with neighboring countries"

Turkish Justice Minister, Sadullah Ergin said that Turkey had conflicts with neighboring countries in the past but now they were like brothers with them. He emphasized that Turkey realized common projects with her neighbors and abolished visas to Syria and Jordan.

Ergin said that the recent economic crisis in the world influenced Turkey the least. He also stated that some people wanted to destroy Turkey's unity and solidarity but they would never allow this to happen.

Source: Yeni Safak (Turkey), January 30, 2010

Head of Republican CHP: "It will not the army but rather the TEKEL workers that will topple the AK Party"

The head of Republican CHP, Deniz Baykal, said that it would not be the army but rather the TEKEL workers who would topple the government. He emphasized that the workers have been protesting for 50 days now and the Prime Minister was indifferent to their demands. He said that this scene offended his feelings of humanity.

Baykal accused the government of exploiting the news of military coups to its advantage. He said that there were no military coups in Turkey but there were the exploitation of military coups. He stated that the ruling party wanted to succeed by crushing the Turkish armed forces.

Baykal emphasized that the next elections would bring a change in the government and the votes of the CHP were rising.

Source: ntvmsnbc (Turkey), January 30, 2010

Head of Turkish Parliament: "Turkey did not keep silent and will not keep silent on what is going on in Gaza"

Head of the Turkish Parliament, Mehmet Ali Sahin, attended the 5^th general meeting of parliament speakers of the Organization of Islamic Conference in Uganda. Sahin spoke during the General Assembly where he evaluated the main issues on the agenda. Sahin said that the meetings of the Organization of Islamic Conference allowed for the integration of the member countries which also led to the integration of their peoples.

Sahin stated that the Middle East Process and the Palestinian issue, the situation in Afghanistan, Pakistan and Yemen and the oppression that the Muslim peoples faced in Cyprus, Western Trachea, Caucasus and other parts of the world and also the Islamophobia in the West were issues of concern. He said that the prohibition of minarets in Switzerland was proof that Islamophobia which was an unjust and wrong discourse, would increase in Europe in the future. He emphasized that Turkey always reacted to attitudes exhibited against the religion of Islam in different platforms.

Sahin said that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict lay at the center of the problems in the Middle East. He stated that the Jewish settlement activities, the restrictions on the mobility of Palestinians and the construction of the Wall should be ended. He stated that Turkey did not keep silent and would not keep silent on what was going on in Gaza and would provide aid to the region.

Sahin stated that Turkey helped Afghanistan both militarily and civilly. He also said that Turkey followed the developments in Yemen and Africa closely and they were important issues in Turkey's foreign policy.

Source: habervaktim (Turkey), January 30, 2010

Islamic think-tanks gather in Istanbul

Think-tanks from a host of Islamic countries gathered this week at the Think-Tank Forum of Islamic Countries under the theme Civilization of Peace and Cooperation, organized by the Turkish Asian Center for Strategic Studies (TASAM) in Istanbul. The focus of the forum was the role of think-tanks in the Islamic world, which was late to recognize their importance in policy formation. The rising tide of conflict in the world was also discussed. These points were stressed in both speeches and seminars.

TASAM Chair Suleyman Sensoy pointed to the "golden ages" in the history of the Islamic world. Instead of referring incessantly to the past, Sensoy urged, "It would be more useful to establish a foundation for cooperation in the name of the whole Islamic geography." The role and development of the Organization for the Islamic Conference (OIC) were discussed in a specific session, with appraisals and critiques. Turkish scholar Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, the OIC's secretary general, said that think-tanks now shape daily life and explained the OIC's process of evolution in recent years. Ihsanoglu said that there are certain developments in the Muslim world that need to be properly considered. Stressing that for many years the OIC was not very active, Ihsanoglu said that over the last five years the group had asserted its presence, including a 2005 meeting in Mecca organized by Saudi King Abdullah which brought together leaders of Muslim countries. The summit produced a 10-year action plan on international commerce, sustainable humanitarian development, technological development, human and women's rights, the importance of family, and the image of Islam.

Source: Today's Zaman (Turkey), January 29, 2010

India protests to Turkey for not getting Istanbul meet invite

India has lodged a protest with Turkey for not being invited to a conference of Afghanistan's immediate neighbours held in Istanbul this week and that country was "apologetic" over the action.

Source: PTI (India), January 29, 2010

Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan: “All our citizens are first class citizens”

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan spoke during the “Governor’s Meeting”. Erdogan said that the 72.5 million citizens of Turkey were all first-class citizens. He emphasized that his government would never discriminate against any citizen and they would take care of everyone’s problems whether they were Christian, Jewish or any other minority.

Erdogan said that there was a thin line between security and democracy and it was important to preserve the balance between them. He stated that they would fight terror and any other threats but it was also wrong to cause divisions between the citizens and push them out and create dirty scenarios. He emphasized that an attitude that regarded the citizens as threats was an outdate one and was against democracy. He also said that it was the duty of the security forces to fight terrorism and no one had the right to ask them to lay down their arms.

Erdogan stated that the democratic initiative would gain momentum in 2010 and they would take more concrete steps. He emphasized that the initiative required changes in the Constitution and hopefully a democratic Constitution would soon be formulated.

Source: ntvmsnbc, Milliyet (Turkey), January 27, 2010

Chief EU Negotiator Bagis: “There is a need for a new constitution that meets the EU standards”

Turkish Minister and the Chief Negotiator for EU, Egemen Bagis, said that EU had an important role in the modernization and Westernization of Turkey. He emphasized that Turkey came across many obstacles in the past 50 years regarding the EU process but she continued her way in a determined manner. He said that the government was working to make Turkey a democratic nation with a state of law.

Bagis said that there was a need for a new constitution that met the EU standards. He called upon the opposition parties to start preparing a draft constitution which could later be evaluated by the Constitutional Committee.

Source: Habervaktim (Turkey), January 28, 2010

Iraqi Minister: Turkish contractors needed throughout Iraq

Acting Iraqi Trade Minister Safa al-Din Al-Safi has encouraged Turkish contractors to undertake projects and participate in tenders outside of northern Iraq and called for a free trade agreement between Turkey and his war-torn country.

Speaking at the Turkish Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges Economics and Technology University (TOBB-ETU) in Ankara yesterday in an event organized by TOBB, Al-Safi stressed the importance of Turkish contractors for Iraq’s development, but noted that they need to step outside of their comfort zone in northern Iraq and undertake projects throughout the country. Noting that tenders are currently being organized for the construction of hospitals and schools in Iraq, he noted that Turkish contractors have a high chance of winning those tenders.

Source: Today's Zaman (Turkey), January 28, 2010

US Ambassador Jeffrey: "Turkish-US bilateral trade volume can seea three-fold rise in the years to come"

"The US government strongly desires to boost bilateral trade volume and economic cooperation with Turkey, which it sees as an important market and a key powerhouse of the world," US Ambassador to Ankara James Jeffrey said yesterday. Speaking at a banquet hosted in honor by the Turkish-US Business Council (TAIK) head Haluk Dincer in Ankara, Jeffrey complained that Turkish-US economic ties don't keep pace with the cooperation level enjoyed by the two close allies in the political area, and underlined the need to forge stronger economic and trade cooperation between Turkey and his country with active participation of private sector firms from the two countries. Stating that Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan's Washington visit in early December last year had laid the groundwork towards better Turkish-US trade ties and economic cooperation, Jeffrey told about his government's efforts to flesh out the framework forged during Erdogan's visit to that effect.

"We're focusing on enhancing economic ties, energy partnerships and cooperation in the tourism sector. Of course, only governmental efforts cannot be sufficient in this respect. Privates sectors from the two countries should create synergy. TAIK-like organizations are of great importance to ensure this. We have covered a great distance towards that end." Turkish-US bilateral trade volume can enjoy a three times increase in the years to come, he added. Stressing that Turkey is the most stable and successful country in a region extending from the Middle East to India, which is continually plagued by emergence of new crises, Jeffrey said, "This should never be forgotten. Turkey and US engaged in a cooperation process based on model partnership concept. Turkey is a country that brings security and stability to its region especially through its policy of zero problems with neighboring countries. For these reasons, the US is closely working with Turkey both in political and diplomatic areas. Turkey is very successful. It has the 17th biggest economy among G-20 countries." Sharing his views on the driving forces behind Turkey's success, Jeffrey said, "Firs of all, the Turkish people gravitates towards freedom, democracy, free market and enterprise principles. With the guidance of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, who is a great leader of not only the 20th century but a good model for everyone, Turkey has followed a peace policy since the establishment of the Republic. Ataturk's 'Peace at home and Peace in the world' principle is of great importance even today.

The third reason rests with Turkey's strong relations with the international community." He also touched on Turkey's well-positioned economy in the face of the global economic crisis, saying that Turkey's financial structure remained undamaged from the crisis thanks to the reforms of recent years. Speaking in Turkish, Jeffrey also said that Turkey and the US should also strengthen their geo-strategic cooperation.

Source: Cumhuriyet (Turkey), January 28, 2010

Turkey warns Israel at the UN

Turkey powerfully warned Israel one more time at the UN Security Council due to its policies and implementations against Palestinians. Turkey’s UN Permanent Representative Ertugrul Apakan conveyed Turkey’s views on the issue at the UNSG’s monthly Middle East themed meeting. At the meeting Turkey said, “Israel should end its forcefully evacuations against Palestinians in Jerusalem and Jewish settlements on the territories it occupied and suffering of people in Gaza.” Apakan said that there’s a large-scale unemployment and poverty in Gaza due to Israel’s blockade.

Source: Sabah (Turkey), January 28, 2010

Davutoglu, Clinton discuss rapprochement process between Turkey and Armenia

Arriving in London to attend an international conference on Afghanistan, Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu yesterday had a meeting with US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton as part of his talks there. The two discussed latest developments regarding the historic rapprochement protocols between Turkey and Armenia, with Davutoglu asking Washington to encourage Yerevan to make progress in line with those deals. On the other hand, speaking to reporters, Davutoglu stated that the ongoing unrest in Yemen should not be allowed to turn into a sectarian conflict on a regional scale. “It is a sensitive subject that needs to be handled without being categorized. This issue should be solved by preserving the territorial integrity of Yemen,” Davutoglu said.

Source: Aksam (Turkey), January 28, 2010

In Istanbul, regional powers support strategy to reintegrate insurgents into Afghan society

Meeting in Istanbul yesterday, top international officials who support a safer, more secure and stable Afghanistan released a statement outlining their shared vision and principles of cooperation to support the process of dealing with the Taliban on the eve of a major London conference on Afghanistan. At the Istanbul Summit on Friendship and Cooperation in the Heart of Asia, hosted by President Abdullah Gul, the Afghan and Pakistani presidents and senior diplomats and government ministers from the UK, the US, Iran, Tajikistan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Russia and several representatives from international agencies supported Turkey's motto, "Regional cooperation starts from the region," in their Istanbul Statement.

As they reiterated their commitment to continued support for the government and people of Afghanistan as they reconstruct their economy, the friends of Afghanistan stated that they support the Kabul government's program as set out by Afghan President Hamid Karzai in his inaugural speech last November. After a trilateral summit of Turkey, Afghanistan and Pakistan on Monday and following yesterday's regional gathering, Karzai said that military options are not enough to fight the Taliban. Karzai also said that his government's plan to reintegrate insurgents will become clearer at the meeting in London starting tomorrow. Turkey pledged $200 million last year for reconstruction in Afghanistan and is already spending it building schools, hospitals and roads.

Source: Today's Zaman (Turkey), January 27, 2010

Papandreou invites Erdogan to visit Greece

Greek Prime Minister and Foreign Minister George Papandreou this week wrote a letter inviting Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan to visit Greece by summer. The letter, which arrived in Ankara yesterday, said, "By cooperating, we can be a force for stability in the region. We have to find a solution to unsolved political issues. I hope Turkey and Greece can be a model to all other countries."

Source: Star (Turkey), January 26, 2010

Cavusoglu becomes first ever Turkish president of PACE

For the first time in history, a Turkish parliamentarian yesterday was elected president of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Councıl of Europe (PACE). Mevlut Cavusoglu of the ruling Justice and Development (AK Party), who also heads the Turkish delegation at PACE, succeeded Luis Maria de Puig of Spain at the post. Cavusoglu was nominated by the European Democrat Group and was the sole candidate. Chief Negotiator for European Union talks Egemen Bagis, Parliament's Foreign Relations Committee head Murat Mercan, and Ankara Greater Municipality Mayor Melih Gokcek were present to witness the historic vote.

Addressing the general assembly afterwards, Cavusoglu underlined the importance of Europe respecting differences, opposing all kinds of discrimination, and rejecting fear and enmity. Calling on PACE to resolutely fight racism, Islamophobia, anti-Semitism, and all sorts of intolerance, Cavusoglu also said migration should not be seen as a threat but an opportunity. Gul congratulated Cavusoglu on his victory, saying that he sees the first election of a Turkish parliamentarian to PACE's helm as an important success and source of pride for the Turkish nation.

Source: Turkiye (Turkey), January 26, 2010

Turkish President Gul: “We cannot surmount difficulties only with military solutions”

The Presidents of Turkey, Afghanistan and Pakistan met in Istanbul for a Trilateral Summit and organized a press conference after their meeting. Turkish President Abdullah Gul said that it was not the intention of Turkey to mediate between Pakistan and Afghanistan but they wanted to develop relations of brotherhood and friendship between the three countries. He stated that this conference was planned much before the international London conference and so it did not serve as a preparation for it.

Gul emphasized that it was not possible to surmount the difficulties in Afghanistan only with military solutions. He stated that it was important to “embrace and win the hearts of the Afghan people” as well as training the security forces. Gul believed that isolating those forces that were involved in terrorism was a good solution. He said that Turkey was ready to contribute in any way to fight against terrorism in Afghanistan.

Source: Yeni Safak (Turkey), January 25, 2010

Turkish President Gul: “We cannot surmount difficulties only with military solutions”

The Presidents of Turkey, Afghanistan and Pakistan met in Istanbul for a Trilateral Summit and organized a press conference after their meeting. Turkish President Abdullah Gul said that it was not the intention of Turkey to mediate between Pakistan and Afghanistan but they wanted to develop relations of brotherhood and friendship between the three countries. He stated that this conference was planned much before the international London conference and so it did not serve as a preparation for it.

Gul emphasized that it was not possible to surmount the difficulties in Afghanistan only with military solutions. He stated that it was important to “embrace and win the hearts of the Afghan people” as well as training the security forces. Gul believed that isolating those forces that were involved in terrorism was a good solution. He said that Turkey was ready to contribute in any way to fight against terrorism in Afghanistan.

Source: Yeni Safak (Turkey), January 25, 2010

Trilateral summit with Afghanistan, Pakistan set to start today

Starting today, President Abdullah Gul will host his Afghan and Pakistani counterparts Hamid Karzai and Asif Ali Zardari in Istanbul in a trilateral summit of Turkey, Pakistan and Afghanistan. During the meeting, joint efforts against terrorism and ways of improving cooperation among the three countries in various areas will be discussed. Today's summit will be the fourth of its kind, and a joint declaration is expected after the gathering. President Gul yesterday hosted a dinner in Istanbul for his visiting Afghan and Pakistani counterparts, along with Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu. In related news, Erdogan had separate meetings with the Afghan and Pakistani presidents in Istanbul.

During his meeting with Karzai, Erdogan pledged Turkey's continued support for Afghanistan in such areas as building schools and offering training for Afghan police and military personnel. The two leaders agreed that 68 new schools built by the Turkish International Cooperation and Development Agency (TIKA) as part of an education cooperation declaration between Turkey and Afghanistan would open with Erdogan's participation this spring. During his meeting with Zardari, Erdogan pledged that Turkey would donate to Pakistan various defense equipment, including replacement parts for Cobra attack helicopters. Erdogan also pledged that Turkey would bring to completion an unfinished cricket stadium in the city of Muzafferabad. They also agreed that a meeting on improving air, land and sea transportation between Turkey and Pakistan will convene in March.

The Turkish, Afghan and Pakistani education ministers also met yesterday to seek ways to boost trilateral cooperation. They agreed to start work on the trilateral translation of schoolbooks to stress the joint historic and cultural ties among their three countries. They also resolved to come up with joint projects to educate women and promote social transformation.

Source: Sabah (Turkey), January 25, 2010

Changes in the Ministry of Religious Affairs

The structure of the Directorate of Religious Affairs is undergoing a change. According to a recent bill drafted by the AK Party and presented to the Republican CHP and Nationalist MHP, the status of the directorate will be changed to an undersecretary. The term of office of the Director of Religious Affairs which was limitless will be five years only. A candidate will only be appointed twice to the post.

According to the bill, the directorate will have the right to broadcast programs in televisions and radios about the subjects that concern it. Changes will be made to the law of Radio and Television Supreme Council to allow the Directorate to access the national channels freely. The students of the Qur’an courses will receive an “allowance for preparation” like the teachers. The allowance for preparation is distributed to the teachers once a year and at the beginning of the school year to help them financially with the preparations of the school year.

Source: Yeni Safak (Turkey), January 25, 2010

Operation against Al-Qaida

Istanbul Police Department made a press statement about the operation on Al-Qaida which was conducted on January 22, 2010. 57 members of the organization were detained during the operation. It was stated that the detained members traveled abroad in legal or illegal ways and stayed in jihad areas and they organized camps in these regions to train other members of the organization. Some of the members had contacts with the European, Turkish and Syrian representative Louai Sakka.

Two imams were among the suspects that were interrogated by the police. It was argued that retired imam Mehmet D. was the leader of the organization in Turkey and former Islamist Vakit newspaper writer Mustafa K. was the intellectual leader of the organization. It was said that Mustafa K. left the Vakit newspaper 3 years ago and joined Al-Qaida in 2000. It was argued that Mustafa K met with the higher executives of the organization from Europe and Azerbeijan.

Source: Radikal (Turkey), January 25, 2010

Deputy Prime Minister: “The Constitution is giving out carbon dioxide”

Deputy Prime Minister, Cemil Cicek emphasized the need for a change in the constitution and said that this Constitution was giving out carbon dioxide. Referring to the Turkish Supreme Court’s latest decision against the bill which would have allowed the soldiers to be tried in civil courts, Cicek asked how it was possible to apply democracy in Turkey and said that a change in the constitution became a necessity like oxygen.

Source: Yeni Safak (Turkey), January 25, 2010

Head of Republican CHP: “If you have doubts dismiss the Chief of General Staff but do not damage institutions”

Referring to the recent new story which described alleged plans by the military to topple the government, the head of Republican CHP, Deniz Baykal said that conspiracy theories were created in Turkey by invalid documents and illegal wiretappings. He said that if the Prime Minister had doubts about the Chief of General Staff, he should have dismissed him from his post. Baykal stated that instead the Prime Minister was trying to damage the army because he had no concrete proof in his hands.

Source: ntvmsnbc (Turkey), January 25, 2010

Prime Minister Erdogan: “The civil dictatorship has ended with us in this country”

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan responded to the recent criticism that a civil dictatorship was present in the country. Erdogan said that his government was the servant of the people but they would never let anyone exploit this. He emphasized that his government worked for the civilization process in the country and it was them that ended the civil dictatorship in the country.

Erdogan referred to the demonstrations of TEKEL workers and said that the televisions presented the TEKEL workers’ case with agitation and wanted to set the government against its brothers.

Source: ntvmsnbc, Radikal (Turkey), January 24, 2010

Three Universities’ Presidents from Northern Iraq Visit the Mardin Artuklu University in Turkey

The presidents of the Dohuk University, Sulaymaniye University and Arbil University arrived at the southern city of Mardin. They visited the Mardin Artuklu University to increase the cooperation between the universities on the subjects of Turcology, Kurdiology, history and architecture. The President of the Mardin Artuklu University, Omay said that they wanted to establish Turkish Literature and History departments in Iraqi Universities.

Source: ntvmsnbc (Turkey), January 24, 2010

Russian Ambassador in Turkey: “The Gulen schools do not fit the Russia education program”

The Russian Ambassador in Ankara, Vladimir Ivanovsky, gave an interview to the Cumhuriyet newspaper. During the interview Ivanovsky said that Turkey was a very important country in the world and the cooperation between Turkey and Russia was developing especially in terms of energy.

Ivanovsky also referred to the Gulen schools in his interview and said that the education program of the Gulen schools did not match the Russian education program. He emphasized that the Gulen schools’ activities included religion and they wanted to impose their own perspective to the students. He said that they demanded from these schools to organize their program according to the Russian education system.

Source: Cumhuriyet (Turkey), January 24, 2010

Minister of Transportation: “Wiretapping illegally is a disgusting thing”

Turkish Minister of Trasportation, Binali Yildirim, said that the Justice Ministry intended to increase the punishment for illegal wiretapping to prevent such offenses. He emphasized that wiretapping illegally was a disgusting thing but unfortunately these kinds of cases continued to take place in the world. He stated that the leaders of the country should take the necessary precautions against such cases.

Source: ntvmsnbc (Turkey), January 24, 2010

Erguan: "The Visa requirements between Turkey and Egypt should end"

The visa requirements between Turkey and Egypt must end to boost trade and tourism between the two countries, said Industry and Trade Minister Nihat Ergun yesterday, speaking at the Turkey-Egypt Trade and Investment Forum held by the Turkish Confederation of Businessmen and Industrialists (TUSKON) in Cairo. Also addressing the event, Egyptian Industry and Trade Minister Rachid Rachid said that economic relations between the two countries have made great strides over the last four years. Stating that currently more than 260 Turkish firms have $1.5 billion in investments in Egypt, he added these investments have provided jobs to some 50,000 Egyptians.

Source: Milliyet (Turkey), January 20, 2010

TRT to launch Arabic channel next month

The long-awaited 12th channel of the Turkish Radio and Television Corporation (TRT), broadcasting in Arabic, will go on air next month. The channel's staff is diverse, bringing together individuals from various Arab nations along with Arabic-speaking Turkish TV professionals. The channel will also feature some foreign experience, with several news presenters brought in from Al Jazeera TV. In addition to this, for political discussion programs, experts are being invited to Turkey from the Middle East and Arabic-speaking countries. The new TRT project, TRT Turkiye, is to include news and documentaries covering politics, economics and cultural topics. The channel's target audience includes Turkey, the Middle East and North Africa, and viewers in other nations as far as Pakistan. TRT Turkiye emerged in line with needs arising from the country's foreign policy and other developments, said TRT Istanbul head Sakir Ozbek. "We've lived together for many years in this region," he added. "Following World War I, there was a huge disconnect between us. Now we're trying to bridge that gap. The best way to do this is to explain ourselves and our position to them in their own language." He added, "We've entered into agreements in all the Arabic-speaking countries to enable our channel to be carried there by satellite." After TRT Turkiye's expected launch on Feb. 21, TRT also has plans for Farsi and English-language channels, with the possibility of a Russian-language channel. TRT Turkiye's broadcasting standards will be comparable to stations like the BBC, he said.

Source: Today's Zaman (Turkey), January 20, 2010

Iraq and Turkey: Regional Cooperation That Should Change the Region

Tensions in Turkey in Advance of Presidential Elections (II)

Turkish Radio and TV Council Issues Warning to Turkish Radio Stations for Broadcasting Islamist Messages and Calling for Jihad

Tensions Rise in Turkey in Advance of Presidential Elections 

Secular Turks Criticize U.S. Ambassador for Dismissing Warnings Against Rising Islamism in Turkey 

** VIEW ALL MEMRI REPORTS ON TURKEY