PARLIAMENT BEGINS NEW LEGISLATIVE YEAR
Parliament started the new legislative year with a session held yesterday. Addressing the gathering, Sezer devoted a major part of his speech to the principle of secularism. "The principle of secularism is the core of all values that constitute the Republic of Turkey," he said. Warning the nation against the danger of Islamist reactionaryism, Sezer said it was a threat to Turkey's security. During his one-and-a-half-hour speech, he also voiced concern about the politicization of the judiciary. The president said the legislative and executive organs of the state should avoid such politicization, since this would harm both the state and individuals. Sezer also stressed that the principle of considering everyone tied to the Turkish state with a bond of citizenship to be a Turk does not mean rejection of ethnic identity. On the contrary, he said, this prevents citizens with different ethnic origins from being considered a minority. Sezer's speech was his last address to Parliament before he steps down as president next May. In addition to lawmakers, the opening of the first session of the new legislative year was also followed by top military commanders, political party leaders, and other top government officials, as well as foreign mission representatives in Ankara. Furthermore, Parliament Speaker Bulent Arinc hosted a reception in the evening marking the opening. /All papers/

ERDOGAN TO MEET WITH BUSH TODAY TO SEEK SUPPORT FOR ANTI-PKK EFFORTS
Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, prior to going to Washington for an official visit, yesterday addressed Turkish citizens at New York's Sheraton Hotel and listened to their problems and complaints. The premier is due today to meet with US President George W. Bush to discuss a number of issues, including terrorism, Cyprus, Iraq, Iran, and the Mideast. During their meeting, Erdogan will seek Washington's support against the terrorist PKK and on the Cyprus issue. Speaking yesterday, Erdogan said, "Our priority is the fight against the terrorist PKK and the Cyprus issue. We want the US administration to take concrete steps against the PKK and want the US' support on the Cyprus issue to get stronger. I think that Bush will also talk about Iran." Erdogan added that he would stress the importance of Turkey to prevent a clash of civilizations. Erdogan will be accompanied by a delegation, including Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul, during the meeting. /Milliyet/

GUL: "WE'LL DO OUR BEST TO FIGHT THE TERRORIST PKK"
Speaking to Newsweek magazine over the weekend, Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul commented on the recent negative remarks of Iraqi President Jalal Talabani, saying that Turkey would do its best in its fight against the terrorist PKK. Gul stressed that if neighboring countries don't help Turkey, then it would do it by itself. "We cannot bargain with a terrorist organization," said Gul, adding that division of Iraq wouldn't be accepted by neighboring countries and that this choice shouldn't be considered. Asked about Talabani's remarks that the PKK would declare a cease-fire and open a new chapter, Gul asked what was the new chapter, adding that Turkey was one of the countries stressing the importance of Iraq's territorial integrity. "We are protecting their territory," said Gul. He further stressed that he appreciated that US President George W. Bush said the US would take serious steps against the PKK, but that now concrete results need to be seen. /Aksam/

INTENSE WEEK FOR TURKISH FOREIGN POLICY
A crucial week for Turkish foreign policy starts today with the prime minister's key talks with the US president, where Recep Tayyip Erdogan will seek concrete steps from the US on number of issues including combating the terrorist PKK in line with new Turkish and US special envoys against the terror group, and a list of requests for concrete steps on Iraq's territorial integrity, Kirkuk and the status of Turkmens, and the Cyprus problem. Erdogan's second stop is tomorrow in London to meet with his British counterpart Tony Blair, where Turkey's EU bid and efforts to find a solution to the Cyprus problem will dominate talks. Erdogan will also ask Blair, whose country is one of Cyprus' guarantor states, to end the isolation of the Turkish Cypriots. As Erdogan works abroad to obtain concrete steps from the US and the UK, Ankara will host EU Commissioner for Enlargement Olli Rehn starting today. While developments in the first year of Turkey's EU talks will be discussed in detail, Rehn's warnings could make Ankara uneasy on the anniversary of the start of talks. Rehn will also urge Turkey to amend controversial Article 301 of the Turkish Penal Code (TCK). Angela Merkel, set to begin her first visit to Turkey on Thursday since becoming German chancellor, urged Ankara over the weekend to open its airports and harbors to Greek Cypriots, ahead of her key visit. /The New Anatolian/

TALABANI: "THE PKK IS FINISHED AND HAS NO FUTURE"
Speaking to Greek daily Elefterotipia yesterday, Iraqi President Jalal Talabani said that although the terrorist PKK had prevented the formation of an atmosphere of trust between Turkey and Iraq up to now, today it is finished and it has no future. "There will no longer be such problems between our two countries," said Talabani. "Our relations with Ankara will get better in this period. However, it is up to Turkey to make the terrorists leave Mt. Kandil and transition into political life, but I'm aware this is very difficult for Turkey." /Star/

CSU'S SOEDER: "TURKEY WOULD FORCE THE EU FROM ALL ASPECTS"
German Christian Social Union (CSU) General Secretary Markus Soeder this weekend said that Turkey's membership in the European Union would force Europe from all aspects. In an interview with Rheinishe Post daily prior to Chancellor Angela Merkel's visit to Turkey on Thursday, Soeder said, "Turkey is an important strategic partner for us, but we consider its EU membership mistaken." Soeder argued that Turkey's reform process was slowing down, saying, "The reform process in Turkey and its uncompromising stance on the Cyprus issue is an indicator that Turkey's connection to Europe can't be through EU membership." /Cumhuriyet/

TURKEY TO RISE TO 20TH IN GDP
Turkey reportedly will be ranked 20th in the world with an expected gross domestic product (GDP) of $400.4 billion in 2007. According to a recent report released by the International Monetary Fund, Turkey's GDP will rise 66.4 pct from $240.6 in 2003 to $400.4 billion in 2007. Turkey is expected to leave behind several European Union member countries such as Poland, Austria, Denmark and Greece in terms of GDP next year. /Turkiye/