ANKARA - These are some of the major headlines and their summaries in Turkish press on July 4th, 2006. The Anadolu Agency does not verify these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.
HURRIYET (LIBERAL)
------------------
ALEWITE DECISION
European Court of Human Rights decided that attendance of Alewite children to compulsory religion lessons at schools is against human rights. Implementation of compulsory religion lessons at schools is violating the Article 9 (of European Convention on Human Rights) which guarantees freedom of religion and conscience.
UNFORTUNATELY WE ARE RIGHT
We have objected when Savas Tublek, murderer of teacher Serpil (who was raped and killed), was released with pardoning after serving 7 years of imprisonment. And Tublek stabbed two people two days ago.
MILLIYET (LIBERAL)
------------------
TURKS ARE UNHAPPY BUT LOFTY
Interesting results emerged from Gallup's survey on citizen satisfaction. Turkish people are not pleased with education, health and infrastructure services in their country. However, they are at the top of the list of ''people who are proud of their country'' with 65 percent.
PHILANTHROPIST, NOT TERRORIST!
Istanbul Public Prosecutor Idris Ermeydan said regarding Yassin Al Qadi, who was declared as terrorist by UN and Turkish Council of Ministers, that he does not have any connection with terrorism. Ermeydan decided nolle prosequi- dismissal of proceedings- about Al Qadi. Yassin Al Qadi was declared as global terrorist since he assisted Al Qaida.
SABAH (LIBERAL)
---------------
HAGIA SOPHIA OPENS TO WORSHIP
Hagia Sophia Museum is started to be opened to worship slowly. Calls for prayers are rising from one minaret of the museum. Small mosque in the museum which is claimed to be built for personnel is full of people from street. Museum Department Director Aydin says, ''it is impossible to call for prayer from the minaret (of the museum).''
AGAIN DOUBLE-DIGIT INFLATION ERA
Consumer prices are up 0.34 percent and producer prices rose 4.02 percent in June. As of June, annual inflation rate was recorded as 10.12 percent in consumer prices, and 12.52 percent in producer prices.
VATAN (INDEPENDENT)
-------------------
DEATH TOLL OF RAIN & FLOOD: 8 PEOPLE
Eight people died and 3 people are missing in flood and landslides caused by torrential rains which have been continuing since Friday across Turkey. Flood caused huge damage in Black Sea region where damage assessment works are still continuing. Flood threat ended in Black Sea region while storm will be influential in Aegean, Marmara and western Black Sea regions till Friday.
HERE IS THE MURDERER YOU RELEASED TO STREETS
Savas Tublek was one of the four assailants who were arrested as they raped and killed kindergarten teacher Serpil Yesilyurt. Tublek was sentenced to 36 years of imprisonment, but then released in 7 years with (Rahsan) pardoning in 2005. He stabbed one person in his throat two days ago.
CUMHURIYET (LEFT)
-----------------
PROPAGANDA OF SHERIA
Report of Supreme Board of Radio and Television (RTUK) about Lale Gul Radio, which broadcasts in Istanbul, shows one more time the dimensions of propaganda of sheria (religious law) in the country. The radio says woman can only wear what her husband wants, and black chador is the best cloth.
PRICES OF OIL INCREASE AGAIN
Second increase was made on oil prices in a week. The prices rose 1.4 percent.
RADICAL CHANGES
Higher Education Board (YOK) Chairman Erdogan Tezic and rectors presented the draft of ''Turkey's Higher Education Strategy Report'' to President Ahmet Necdet Sezer. The draft asks deans not to be appointed by YOK. It also extends rectors' term in office to 5 years.
RADIKAL (LEFT)
--------------
DOUBLE DIGIT AFTER 21 MONTHS
Fluctuation in markets increased consumer prices to 0.34 percent and producer prices to 4.02 percent in June. As of June, annual inflation rate was recorded as 10.12 percent in consumer prices, and 12.52 percent in producer prices.
ADABANK TO BECOME KUWAITI
Kuwaiti The International Investor Company proposed 45.1 million YTL for Uzan Company Adabank which was transferred to Turkish Savings Deposits Insurance Fund (TMSF).
TURKIYE (RIGHT)
---------------
PLEASE HELP US!
Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari said that they love Turkey and Turkish people very much and wanted assistance from Turkey in every issue including security. Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan who received Zebari said, ''we want national consensus to be settled in Iraq.'' On the other hand, FM Abdullah Gul warned Iraqi government to exert more efforts regarding security of Turkish-Iraqi border.
EU IS PESSIMISTIC, WE ARE HAPPY
The Gallup Organization Europe carried out a survey in EU and Turkey to learn citizen satisfaction. 65 percent of Turkey said Turkey is progressing and the country is developing. On the other hand, EU citizens think their countries are regressing when compared with 5 years ago.
ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)
--------------------
CYPRUS PROBLEM SOLVED IN FINNISH SAUNA
New steps are being taken for the solution of Cyprus question. United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs Ibrahim Gambari started his tour covering Turkey, Greece, Cyprus and Brussels from Ankara yesterday. The second important contact regarding the issue was held in Cyprus. President Mehmet Ali Talat of Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) and Greek Cypriot leader Tassos Papadopoulos met for the first time after two years. Also positive signals are coming from the EU. EU Commissioner Olli Rehn wanted Finland (which has become EU President) to take action for lifting isolations over TRNC.
YENI SAFAK (CONSERVATIVE)
-------------------------
POISON CANNOT ENTER BARREL THIS TIME
Pakmaya factory was sealed as it left hazardous materials to environment. Previously, a lawsuit was filed against Unifar, which belongs to the same group, regarding the poisonous barrels in Tuzla town of Istanbul.
THEY CAN MEET!
President Mehmet Ali Talat of Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) and Greek Cypriot leader Tassos Papadopoulos met for the first time after two years in buffer zone in Cyprus. Talat said, ''we are ready for talks.'' Papadopoulos said that there is no diplomatic reason for not meeting Talat.