ERDOGAN: "WE CAN'T JUST STAND AND WATCH CRISIS IN THE MIDEAST"
Speaking to reporters before flying to Malaysia to attend an extraordinary meeting of the Organization for the Islamic Conference (OIC), Erdogan stated that the meeting`s participants would have the opportunity to evaluate the crisis in the Mideast and the situation of Lebanon under Israel's bombings. "Israel is using disproportionate force in this war," said Erdogan. "We can't let this war, which is fueling hatred, to grow more violent. We won't just stand and watch developments in the region. We hope that the European Union and the United Nations will put forward a determined stance for peace there." /Turkiye/
TAN: "FIGHTING THE TERRORIST PKK IS A GOVT PRIORITY"
Speaking at a press conference yesterday, Foreign Ministry Spokesman Namik Tan said that fighting the terrorist PKK was one of the top priorities of the government and security forces in Turkey. Saying that effective work was being carried out under the Anti-Terror Law, Tan added that the issue was also being closely followed by Iraq and US. Tan stated that Ankara had briefed Iraqi officials about its concern over the PKK presence in Iraq and that it would continue to do so. "The authorities briefed us about measures they would take against the PKK," said Tan. "We hope that these measures have concrete results." /Sabah/
IN MALAYSIA, ERDOGAN TO ADDRESS OIC
The Organization for the Islamic Conference (OIC) is due today to discuss recent developments in the Mideast and Israel's bombings of Lebanon. Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan is expected to address the gathering and seek support for ending the Israeli attacks. Erdogan said yesterday that the crisis in the Mideast was growing more severe with each passing day, adding that the world can't be indifferent to the massacre taking place there. /Star/
YAS CONTINUES TO DISCUSS PROMOTIONS, RETIREMENT, AND DISCIPLINING OF TSK MEMBERS
The Supreme Military Council (YAS) yesterday continued to discuss the promotion, retirement, and disciplining of members of the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK). On the second day of the YAS meeting, the situation of colonels, generals, and admirals slated for promotion was discussed. The meeting will conclude tomorrow. /Turkiye/
TURKISH, GREEK CYPRIOT LEADERS COULD MEET FOR SECOND TIME
Through the UN, Greek Cypriot leader Tassos Papadopoulos has sent a letter to Turkish Cypriot President Mehmet Ali Talat proposing a meeting for discussions towards settlement of the Cyprus issue, the Greek Cypriot media reported Tuesday. According to Greek Cypriot sources, the meeting will be to review and evaluate recent talks between both leaders' representatives on exchanging information on technical issues for confidence-building as well as substantive issues for a comprehensive settlement. /The New Anatolian/
IRAQ'S TALABANI: "WE'LL DO OUR BEST TO PREVENT THE TERRORIST PKK FROM ATTACKING TURKEY FROM OUR TERRITORY"
Iraqi President Jalal Talabani said yesterday that the Iraqi government would do its best to prevent the terrorist group PKK from attacking Turkey from Iraqi soil. Speaking at a press conference, Talabani said that the Iraqi government was determined to prevent terrorist groups from using Iraqi territory to attack its neighbors, adding that he had given assurances to Ankara on this. "We have closed some of the PKK's offices in Baghdad," said Talabani, adding that a tripartite meeting could be held between US, Iraqi, and Kurdish officials to discuss the issue. /Milliyet/
GULER: "WE'LL PUT MORE EMPHASIS ON DOMESTIC ENERGY RESOURCES"
Speaking yesterday at the opening ceremony of a coal company, Energy Minister Hilmi Guler said that his ministry would put more emphasis on domestic resources in its policies. "We'll not abandon using domestic resources," said Guler. Stressing that Turkey is not facing an energy crisis, Guler added that some groups whose profits are falling are trying to make it seem as if there is a crisis. /Star/