ERDOGAN LISTENS TO TOURISM SECTOR REPS TELL OF THEIR PROBLEMS
Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan yesterday met with representatives from the tourism sector to discuss the problems they face. Culture and Tourism Minister Atilla Koc, Turkish Union of Chambers and Commodities Exchanges (TOBB) Chairman Rifat Hisarciklioglu, Association of Turkish Travel Agencies (TURSAB) Chairman Basaran Ulusoy and a number of businessmen were present at the meeting. Speaking afterwards, Hisarciklioglu said that the representatives of the sector had briefed Erdogan on the problems they face and steps needed to overcome these. He added that he hoped the relevant Cabinet ministers would work on the issue and take concrete steps as soon as possible. The representatives of the sector urged a cut of value-added taxes (VAT) in the sector, saying that they wanted to be on equal footing with their international rivals. /Star/
GUL SIGNS PACT WITH VISITING PARAGUAYAN FM TO DEVELOP BILATERAL POLITICAL MECHANISMS
Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul yesterday met with visiting Paraguayan Foreign Minister Leila Rachid to discuss a number of issues, including bilateral relations. During their meeting, the two ministers signed a protocol to develop political mechanisms between Turkey and Paraguay. Speaking at a press conference following their meeting, Gul said that their commercial and economic ties should be further strengthened. Gul further stressed that they had discussed the Cyprus issue and that he had briefed Rachid on Ankara's recent Cyprus action plan. For her part, Rachid said that she was opposed to all embargos, adding that the isolation of the Turkish Cypriots should be brought to an end. Rachid stressed that the trade volume between the two countries should be boosted. In related news, speaking at a reception yesterday, Gul said that Ankara was determined to establish a nuclear power plant, adding that a plan for this would be announced by Energy and Natural Resources Minister Hilmi Guler in the coming days. /Turkiye/
HIGH ANTI-TEROR COUNCIL CONVENES
The High Anti-Terrorism Council, chaired by Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul, yesterday convened to discuss measures to be taken during next week's Nevruz celebrations. The council also made several decisions to give psychological warfare a new priority in fighting terrorism. Justice Minister Cemil Cicek, Interior Minister Abdulkadir Aksu, Finance Minister Kemal Unakitan, Defense Minister Vecdi Gonul, and Deputy Chief of General Staff Gen. Isik Kosaner were also present at the meeting. /Aksam/
SECOND ARMENIAN CONFERENCE OPENS IN ISTANBUL
A number of Turkish and foreign academics gathered at a state university in Istanbul yesterday for a three-day conference to discuss whether the killing of Armenians during World War I amounted to a "genocide" or not, six months after an earlier conference that convened under severe criticism, including from a Cabinet minister. In a rare move, the gathering, organized by Istanbul University, offered the floor to academics of all convictions even though it was largely dominated by historians and officials who defended Turkey's official position on the "genocide" allegations at the hands of the Ottoman Empire in the last century. /Turkish Daily News/
CHP LEADER BAYKAL: "WE STILL NEED ANSWERS ABOUT UNAKITAN"
Main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) leader Deniz Baykal yesterday said that the government had not given a satisfactory explanation or response to the recent third failed censure motion against Finance Minister Kemal Unakitan. After touring flood-stricken areas in Edirne, Baykal told a press conference at the Edirne Municipality Council Hall, "We were all waiting for a serious response because very concrete questions were put forth. None was answered. But Parliament is a political institution. Decisions are taken according to political instructions and solidarity in this institution, not (always) according to the justness of a motion. If the premier continues to keep the finance minister in the Cabinet while aware of his situation, this means that prime minister has accepted responsibility for this issue." /Cumhuriyet/
AGAR CRITICIZES GOVT'S CYPRUS POLICY
Opposition True Path Party (DYP) leader Mehmet Agar yesterday criticized the government's Cyprus policy, saying that due to the wrongheaded policies of the government, Ankara was weak and passive on the issue. Commenting on recent accusations against Land Forces Commander Gen. Yasar Buyukanit, Agar said that the nation had acted with common sense against actions aiming to hurt the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK). /Turkiye/
ANAVATAN LEADER MUMCU CRITICIZES AKP GOVT
Addressing himself to Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, opposition Motherland Party (ANAVATAN) leader Erkan Mumcu yesterday said at his party's group meeting, "If you want something to be proven, appear on television with me. I will prove what you want me to. I dare you." Mumcu also criticized some government privatization tenders, saying, "This was highway robbery, ambushing the country. If you have the courage, put me on trial. Don't speak about `honor,' it doesn't suit you." /Cumhuriyet/
ACTING GOVERNOR HOLDS REINS OF CB
State Minister for the Economy Ali Babacan has submitted the name of Erdem Basci, the acting governor of the Central Bank, since Tuesday morning, as the government's nominee to take the post permanently, but has failed to get an immediate presidential green light. In a move to persuade President Ahmet Necdet Sezer, who appoints the CB governor under the Constitution, Babacan paid a one-hour visit to the Presidential Palace yesterday afternoon. He left, however, without a clear response from the president, said well-placed sources. In related news, speaking to reporters yesterday morning, Basci indicated that the nation's economy had taken giant strides in recent years, citing the striking of six zeros from the Turkish lira, transparent monetary policy, and keeping inflation low. "I can say that Turkey's CB has reached a higher level by international standards and the final goal is to ensure price stability," emphasized Basci. /The New Anatolian/
SERDENGECTI PAYS FAREWELL VISIT TO BABACAN
Former Central Bank Governor Sureyya Serdengecti, who stepped down earlier this week, yesterday paid a farewell visit to State Minister for the Economy Ali Babacan. During their meeting, Babacan praised Serdengecti, saying that his experience had contributed to the government's economic successes. "We had a very positive and intense working period with him," said Babacan. "I thank him for his hard work and hope that his successes will continue." /Sabah/