SEZER: “PHILOSOPHY PLAYS A KEY ROLE IN PROMOTING FREEDOM, DEMOCRACY, AND HUMAN RIGHTS”
Speaking at the 21st World Philosophy Congress in Istanbul yesterday, President Ahmet Necdet Sezer said that philosophy played a key role in promoting such values as freedom, democracy and human rights. “Discussing the issues of contemporary philosophy in this city, a meeting point for East and West, will undoubtedly be very beneficial for both Turkey and our native philosophical tradition,” said Sezer. “Our life of thought stands to be enriched.” Sezer said that the congress would build a bridge between Anatolia’s deep-rooted philosophical tradition and modern thought. He further stated that philosophy was a tool for individuals to find happiness, one that could help them examine both themselves and the society in which they live. “It deals with politics as well,” he added. “Societies which short-shrift philosophy will stagnate, but those giving it a place of honor will grow in power and prestige.” /All papers/
BUYUKANIT: “THE DECISION ON IRAQ DEPLOYMENT RESTS WITH THE GOVERNMENT”
It is the government’s call whether or not to send Turkish troops to Iraq, but the military stands ready to implement any decision, said Deputy Chief of General Staff Gen. Yasar Buyukanit yesterday. “There is a fire at our neighbor’s, and we can’t just watch it and do nothing,” Buyukanit told a reception for journalists in Ankara. “If the government decides to send soldiers to Iraq, the Turkish Armed Forces [TSK] will do what is expected of it.” He stressed that the matter was a political decision. /Hurriyet/
ERDOGAN: “WE WILL TAKE IMPORTANT STEPS TO ADDRESS TURKEY’S HEALTH ISSUES”
Speaking at the opening of Istanbul’s Erdem Hospital on Saturday, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that the Justice and Development Party (AKP) government considered education and health to be among the nation’s most pressing problems. “Our government is determined to take important steps to overcome Turkey’s problems in health and healthcare,” said Erdogan. He added that unemployment was also a major problem, one which the government was striving to defeat. He added, however, that recent months had seen a number of positive economic developments. “We’ve had negative inflation for the last three months and also posted growth of 7.4%,” said Erdogan. /Milliyet/
CABINET TO DISCUSS IRAQ TROOP DEPLOYMENT ISSUE
The Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan is set to convene today to discuss whether or not to contribute Turkish troops to an Iraq stabilization force. The view of the Cabinet ministers will then be conveyed by Erdogan to President Ahmet Necdet Sezer and Chief of General Staff Gen. Hilmi Ozkok during a summit of the three leaders on Thursday. The government is expected to make its final decision following the Aug. 22 National Security Council (NSC) meeting, and then a motion in line with the decision will be submitted to Parliament for its approval. /Turkiye/
ERDOGAN’S SON GETS MARRIED IN ISTANBUL
Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s youngest son Bilal, 22 years old, yesterday exchanged wedding vows with Reyyan Uzuner, 17, at Istanbul’s Lutfi Kirdar International Congress and Exhibition Hall. Some 10,000 guests attended the nuptials, where the Italian and Albanian premiers, Silvio Berlusconi and Fatos Nano respectively, as well as Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul served as witnesses for the young couple’s special day. After the ceremony, Erdogan hosted a gala banquet at the Dolmabahce Palace. /All Papers/
SUREYYA AYHAN SCORES ANOTHER WIN IN BERLIN
Renowned Turkish runner Sureyya Ayhan yesterday placed first in the 1,500-meter sprint in the fourth leg of Golden League competition in Berlin. Ayhan ran the race in 3:59.58, the fastest time on record this year. After competing in the Golden League fifth leg in Zurich, Switzerland on Friday, Ayhan is going for the gold and the world top spot during the World Athleticism Championship hosted by Paris on Aug. 23-31. /All Papers/