ANKARA - These are some of the major headlines and their summaries in Turkish press on October 1st, 2006. The Anadolu Agency does not verify these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.
HURRIYET (LIBERAL)
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PM ERDOGAN MAKES IMPORTANT STATEMENTS ON BOARD
During his journey to the United States, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on board that if terrorist organization lays down arms and ends its terrorist activities, Turkish security forces would not stage operation. Replying to a question, he stressed, "there is no danger of fundamentalism in Turkey."
SOLDIER DIES AFTER STEPPING ON A LAND-MINE
A soldier died after stepping on an anti-personnel land-mine in Yuksekova town of the southeastern city of Hakkari. Corporal Halil Ibrahim Aslan was patrolling in the area when he stepped on a land-mine which was planted by the terrorist organization PKK. Another soldier was injured in the same event.
MILLIYET (LIBERAL)
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"LET`S AVOID STATEMENTS ESCALATING TENSION"
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan told reporters on his way to the United States, "I told General Staff Chief Gen. Yasar Buyukanit that we should avoid statements, which escalate political and economic tension in the country." He added that the fight against the terrorist organization PKK would top the agenda of his scheduled meeting with U.S. President George W. Bush.
PKK DECLARES CEASE-FIRE
The terrorist organization PKK has declared a unilateral cease-fire as of October 1st after Abdullah Ocalan, head of the organization who has been serving his life-imprisonment on Imrali Island, called for a cease-fire.
CORPORAL KILLED IN HAKKARI
Corporal Halil Ibrahim Aslan died after stepping on an anti-personnel land-mine in Yuksekova town of the southeastern city of Hakkari which was planted by the terrorist organization PKK. Another soldier was injured in the same event.
SABAH (LIBERAL)
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ERDOGAN CHATS WITH REPORTERS ON HIS WAY TO USA
"Everybody should avoid making explanations which may cause tension. Because it affects economy in a negative way," Turkish PM Recep Tayyip Erdogan has indicated on his way to the United States. "I talked with General Yasar Buyukanit and asked him not to make such explanations. Since these are sensitive issues, it affects economy in a negative way," he stated.
PKK DECLARES CEASE-FIRE
Terrorist organization PKK has declared a unilateral cease-fire starting as of Sunday, October 1st. This decision was a response to a call by Abdullah Ocalan, head of terrorist organization.
VATAN (INDEPENDENT)
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"VOTES OF AKP ARE ON THE LOWEST LEVEL IN FOUR YEARS"
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said, "we carried out a public survey last month. According to the results of the public survey, votes of the Justice & Development Party (AKP) dropped to 26.2 percent. This is the lowest level in four years."
CUMHURIYET (LEFT)
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LAND-MINE EXPLOSION KILLS A SOLDIER IN YUKSEKOVA
A soldier died after stepping on an anti-personnel land-mine in Yuksekova town of the southeastern city of Hakkari. Another soldier who was wounded in the blast was taken to Hakkari State Hospital.
OPPOSITION CRITICIZES GOVERNMENT
The main opposition Republican People`s Party (CHP) deputy Onur Oymen criticized Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan`s preparation to make a proposal to U.S. authorities that if terrorist organization PKK was eliminated from Iraq, Turkey would send troops to this country. Oymen said, "there are some principles in fight against terrorism. There cannot be a reciprocity principle regarding such a matter."
RADIKAL (LEFT)
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SCANDALOUS ORDER
The head-doctor`s office in a state hospital in Beykoz neighborhood of Istanbul ordered doctors not to demand extra tests to decrease the hospital`s expenditures. The office also called on doctors to convince their patients to be admitted to hospital to increase incomes.
TURKEY UNEASY ABOUT CHIRAC`S STATEMENT
French President Jacques Chirac said during his visit to Armenia that Turkey should recognize the so-called Armenian genocide before becoming a full member of the EU. His statement caused uneasiness in Turkey.
TURKIYE (RIGHT)
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PM ERDOGAN: "WE WILL NOT MAKE CONCESSION FROM CYPRUS"
On his way to the USA, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan told reporters, "unless isolations imposed on Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) are lifted, we will not open our ports and airports to Greek Cypriot ships and planes. I will convey this matter to (U.S. President George W.) Bush."
NO HIKE IN ELECRTRICITY
Upon rumors that there would be hike in the price of electricity used in dwellings, Turkish Energy & Natural Resources Minister Hilmi Guler and State Minister Mehmet Ali Sahin said that there would not be increase in electricity price.
ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)
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IMPORTANT MESSAGES
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan
left for the United States on a three-day state visit. Erdogan is scheduled to meet U.S. President George W. Bush on October 2nd. Meanwhile, Erdogan told reporters on his way to the United States that the fight against the terrorist organization PKK would top the agenda of his meeting with President Bush.
YENI SAFAK (CONSERVATIVE)
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SELCUK: "STATE DOES NOT INTERVENE IN RELIGION IN SECULAR SYSTEMS"
"The state does not intervene in religion in secular countries" said Sami Selcuk, honorary chairman of the Supreme Court of Appeals, said. Speaking at a conference on "Secularism", Selcuk said, "Turkey does not have the luxury of giving up secularism. Actually, if you want to found a modern state, you do not have any other option. On the other hand, Turkey cannot reach a secular order unless secularism is put into practice."