IN TRNC, ERDOGAN MEETS WITH TALAT, SOYER TO DISCUSS CYPRUS ISSUE
Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, currently in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) to attend ceremonies marking the 32nd anniversary of the Cyprus Peace Operation, yesterday met with TRNC President Mehmet Ali Talat to discuss the Cyprus issue. During their meeting, Erdogan assured Talat that Turkish ports wouldn't be opened to Greek Cypriots. "Don't worry about that," he said. "We won't open our ports before your isolation ends. We won't retreat on this point." For his part, Talat said that a Cyprus resolution with Greek Cypriot leader Tassos Papadopoulos was difficult. "He's trying to buy time in order to overcome the pressure of the US and the European Union," said Talat. "There can be no progress with him." Later, Erdogan met with TRNC Prime Minister Ferdi Sabit Soyer. Speaking later at a joint press conference, Erdogan said that the TRNC was putting forth a positive approach on the issue, adding that it would continue to do so. "We hope that this problem will be solved as soon as possible," said Erdogan. He added that a new process would begin on Cyprus, adding that the isolation of the TRNC should be brought to an end. /Milliyet/
SYRIAN PRESIDENT ASSAD SEEKS ERDOGAN'S SUPPORT FOR A CEASE-FIRE IN THE MIDDLE EAST
Syrian President Bashar Assad yesterday telephoned Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and sought his support for a cease-fire in the Middle East. Assad called Erdogan during the premier's visit to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) and told him about the current situation in the region, asking for diplomatic efforts to continue for a cease-fire. Erdogan, for his part, stated that he would continue to do his utmost in order to reach a cease-fire, and said, "Our diplomatic efforts will continue." /Hurriyet/
GUL: "TURKEY WILL USE ALL OF ITS RIGHTS UNDER INTERNATIONAL LAW TO PROTECT THE NATION"
Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul, currently in London for an official meeting, met with his British counterpart Margaret Beckett to discuss a number of issues, including bilateral ties. Speaking at a press conference afterwards, Gul commented on the terrorist group PKK, saying that Turkey would use all of its rights under international law to protect the nation's security. Gul stressed that Turkey didn't want to exercise its power blindly, but did want to cooperate with its neighbors against the terrorist PKK. "Turkey is an important country in the region," said Gul, adding that it contributed to the region's stability. Commenting on Turkey's European Union membership bid, Gul stated that the Turkish nation was proud of the reform process and that they support the government and political parties in this process. /Turkiye/
CHP'S TOPUZ CALLS FOR EXTRAORDINARY SESSION OF PARLIAMENT
Speaking at a press conference yesterday, main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) deputy leader Ali Topuz said that the Turkish nation had no more patience in waiting for results in the fight against terrorism, adding that the government should carry out a cross-border operation through its own power and decision. He said that Parliament should hold an extraordinary session, adding that he had briefed Justice and Development Party (AKP) deputy leader Salih Kapusuz on the CHP's request for such a session. Topuz added that the opposition parties could do so themselves, but they wanted to accomplish this together with the government. /Aksam/
ANAVATAN LEADER MUMCU: "TURKEY DOESN'T NEED PERMISSION FROM OTHERS TO PROTECT ITSELF"
Opposition Motherland Party (ANAVATAN) leader Erkan Mumcu yesterday backed Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan's rejection of the US ambassador's discouraging any cross-border operation, saying, "Turkey doesn't need permission from others to protect its national security. We can't continue to lose our people because somebody thinks that it isn't appropriate. I support the premier's stance within this context." Mumcu also said that the government's attitude should continue with determination and seriousness. /Hurriyet/
US' BRYZA WELCOMES DECISION OF TALAT, PAPADOPOLULOS TO MEET TO DISCUSS CYPRUS ISSUE
US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Matthew Bryza yesterday praised as "a good development" the decision of Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) President Mehmet Ali Talat and Greek Cypriot leader Tassos Papadopoulos to meet to discuss the Cyprus issue. Saying that aim of his visit was to get the views of both sides on the island, Bryza added that he wanted to develop ties with the administrations of both sides and to get more information on the issue. /Milliyet/
US EMBASSY: "TURKEY HAS A RIGHT AND OBLIGATION TO DEFEND ITSELF"
The US Embassy in Ankara yesterday issued written response to Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan's criticism of recent remarks by US Ambassador to Turkey Ross Wilson. The statement said that the comments had been misinterpreted to suggest that Turkey has no right to defend itself in the face of threats. "Of course, Turkey, like every country, has a right and an obligation to defend itself and its people," the statement continued. "For over 50 years, we [the US and Turkey] have stood together as members of an alliance dedicated to collective defense and security [i.e. NATO]. We recently pledged ourselves to work together on all issues of common concern, including counter-terrorism and the fight against the PKK and its affiliates. Working together with the United States and the government of Iraq can be an essential part of advancing Turkish security." /Hurriyet/