SEZER TOUTS TURKEY'S MACROECONOMIC INDICATORS AT CONFERENCE
In his opening speech at the International Economic Conference organized by the Turkish Economic Institution yesterday, President Ahmet Necdet Sezer said that the nation's macroeconomic indicators were much better than before, adding that recent fluctuation in the international markets showed how important it was to make the Turkish economy able to withstand negative developments. Sezer stressed that Turkey needed to ensure macroeconomic stability and sharpen its competitive edge in order to benefit from the advantages of globalization and boost its welfare. Saying that adopting long-term policies instead of short-term ones is important for producing lasting solutions to problems, Sezer predicted that Ankara's negotiations with the European Union would contribute to Turkey's reform process. /Sabah/

ERDOGAN TO MEET WITH BUSH, BLAIR NEXT MONTH
Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan will fly to New York on Sept. 29 and the next day will meet with representatives of the local Turkish community there. After meeting with US President George W. Bush on Oct. 2, Erdogan will also hold a press conference. After completing his contacts in the US, the premier will go to Britain and meet with his British counterpart Tony Blair. /Cumhuriyet/

CICEK: "PARLIAMENT WILL CONVENE NEXT WEEK TO DISCUSS EU LAWS"
Speaking after yesterday's Cabinet meeting, government spokesman Cemil Cicek said that the Cabinet had decided Parliament would hold an extraordinary session next Tuesday to continue to work on European Union harmonization laws. Cicek stated that the session would also be discussed at a meeting of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP). /Aksam/

BAYKAL: "PROTESTS AGAINST ERDOGAN SHOW THAT TURKEY FACES A DANGEROUS TURNING POINT"
Main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) leader Deniz Baykal yesterday commented on recent protests against Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Sogut, saying that these protests showed that Turkey faces a dangerous turning point. Saying that a debate over the government's policies was beginning, Baykal added that dangerous discussions were being held. "We face this as a result of rising terror, and the government failing to take steps against terror," said Baykal. "If this unease continues, then serious problems will arise in the country. No one feels safe here. The government can't manage the situation, but a new government could overcome this." /Sabah/

TRNC GOVT DISSOLVED
Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) Premier Ferdi Sabit Soyer yesterday submitted his resignation to the president, a move which dissolved the Turkish Cypriot coalition government, leaving questions and speculation in its wake. Speaking to reporters about the dissolution of the government, TRNC President Mehmet Ali Talat yesterday dismissed such speculation, saying that the government had succeeded in many areas, and added that the incident should be considered part of a relay race. "I can't object to the resignation but if I could, I would think about it," Talat added. /The New Anatolian/

UK'S EUROPEAN AFFAIRS MINISTER: "THE EU SHOULD COOPERATE WITH TURKEY AGAINST THE PKK"
Speaking at the Istanbul Conference 2006, British Minister for European Affairs Geoffrey Hoon yesterday called on the European Union to cooperate with Turkey to fight the terrorist PKK. "The EU must cooperate with Turkey against terrorism and the terrorist PKK," said Hoon, adding that not only the Kurds in northern Iraq but also the ones in Europe should understand that they were threatened by the terrorist acts of the PKK. Taking the floor at the same conference, Turkey's chief EU talks negotiator Ali Babacan said, "Terrorism and similar problems will continue to be the challenges of globalization unless welfare is ensured and employment is raised in line with economic growth." /Star/

US EMBASSY GIVES SCHOLARSHIPS TO CHILDREN OF TERROR VICTIMS
In commemoration of the fifth anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in the United States, the US Embassy in Ankara has made a donation to the Association for Aid and Solidarity with the Families of Martyrs from the Security Services (EMSAD). The $10,000 donation is to be used for scholarships for children of victims of terrorism in Turkey. In a ceremony at the US Embassy in Ankara, Ambassador Ross Wilson presented the donation to EMSAD General Director Nursen Donmez. /Hurriyet/

SENER: "DEVIATION FROM THE INFLATION TARGET WON'T HINDER ECONOMIC GROWTH"
Deputy Prime Minister Abdullatif Sener yesterday predicted that deviation from this year's inflation target would not hinder economic growth, adding that growth figures show that the Turkish economy can continue to grow while inflation falls. "This year's growth can surpass 5% and even reach 6%," said Sener. "That would put average growth rate over the last four years at 7.4%." He stressed that Turkey had attracted $28.3 billion in foreign capital in the first half of the year despite the high current account deficit, adding that the private sector used $11.8 million in credit. /Milliyet/