PM ERDOGAN: "THE BOND BETWEEN THE STATE AND THE NATION HAS BEEN RENEWED"
Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said yesterday that since his Justice and Development Party (AKP) assumed rule three-and-a-half years ago, they had taken reform steps to solve chronic health problems in the public health system. Erdogan added that they had made a huge effort in order to renew people's confidence in the state. The premier took part in the opening ceremony of the Haseki Education and Research Hospital's new Surgical Department wing in Istanbul alongside Health Minister Recep Akdag. Erdogan said that Turkey was making progress with determination to solve chronic problems in every area to accomplish a great transformation and change. /Turkiye/
GUL: "WE WON'T ACCEPT ADDITIONAL CONDITIONS IN OUR EU TALKS"
Speaking before flying to Tunisia for an official visit, Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul commented on reports that political criteria would be conditions in Turkey's negotiations with the European Union on education and culture, saying that Ankara wouldn't accept any additional conditions. Gul stated that no political issue would be discussed during talks on education and culture. After his arrival in the country, Gul met with Tunisian Foreign Minister Abdulwahab Abdullah to discuss a number of issues, including bilateral relations. During their meeting, the two top diplomats signed a pact to develop political, economic, cultural ties between the two countries. Gul said that the Tunisian and Turkish nations share a common history and culture which brings them closer together. He stated that relations between the countries didn't consist of only exchanging goods, and added that there were many opportunities to make profitable investments. For his part, Abdullah praised good relations between the two countries, saying that he was pleased to host Gul and his delegation. "We've strengthened cultural ties," said Abdullah. He also reportedly commented on the Cyprus issue, saying that the isolation of the Turkish Cypriots should be brought to an end. /Turkiye/
INTERIOR MINISTER CONDEMNS RISING TERROR
Interior Minister Abdulkadir Aksu yesterday condemned the recent increase in terrorist attacks, saying that there's no use in these dark forces plotting such vile attacks against the security forces. Referring to recent rise in attacks, Aksu said, "No such treacherous attacks in any part of the world have led to any goals being achieved. It is the same in Turkey." Aksu made the remarks on a visit to Batman where the terrorist Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) recently staged an attack, claiming the lives of four police officers. Expressing his strong hatred for terrorist actions, Aksu asserted that Turkey's heroic security forces will thwart any attempt launched against the nation or its unity. /The New Anatolian/
TERROR SYMPOSIUM TO BE HELD NEXT THURSDAY
An international symposium entitled "Global Terrorism and International Cooperation," part of the annual action plan of the Anti-Terrorism Commandership, will be held next Thursday in Ankara. The opening speech at the symposium will be made by Chief of General Staff Gen. Hilmi Ozkok. Statesmen from several countries and scholars are also expected to address the symposium. /Turkiye/
OZKOK: "ALONG WITH MANY OPPORTUNITIES, THE INTERNET ALSO CARRIES RISKS IF NOT USED CAREFULLY"
Chief of General Staff Gen. Hilmi Ozkok said yesterday that he had placed great importance on military academies in the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK), adding that officials graduating from these academies were very qualified. He also said that the Internet offered many opportunities to people, but that it also carries risk if it isn't used carefully. "There has been a rise in psychological warfare due to the development of the Internet," he added. /Turkiye/
EP: "TURKISH SOLDIERS WILL STAY ON CYPRUS"
A European Parliament report and resolution including its response to the European Union's "Enlargement Strategy Document" prepared last year was approved by the EP yesterday. During the vote, an amendment demanding that Turkey withdraw both its soldiers and Turkish mainland immigrants from the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) was rejected. The EP report also asked the EU Council to continue its efforts for financial aid to and direct trade with the TRNC. /Turkiye/
US HISTORIAN: "ARMENIANS PLAYED KEY ROLE IN KILLING MILLIONS OF OTTOMAN MUSLIMS"
US historian Justin McCarthy said yesterday that Armenians had played an important role in killing millions of Muslims living within the borders of the Ottoman Empire. Speaking at the Second Armenian symposium organized by Istanbul University, McCarthy said that the Ottomans were reasonable people, adding that they had isolated the Armenians since this group had been found untrustworthy. /Turkiye/