ANKARA - These are some of the major headlines and their summaries in Turkish press on October 7th, 2006. The Anadolu Agency does not verify these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.
CUMHURIYET (LEFT)
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FUNDAMENTALISM IS EVERYWHERE
The declaration of Supreme Court of Appeals said, "while Supreme Court of Appeals is fulfilling its responsibilities which were given with Constitution and laws, it has applied secularism without deviation, and will continue to do so."
SOLDIERS DEPART
Nine officers, 203 non-commissioned officers as well as privates who will undertake mission in Lebanon departed from Marmaris Aksaz Sea Base with a ceremony.
RADIKAL (LEFT)
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CHALLENGING CYPRUS BARGAINING WITH EUROPE
When Cyprus has once more locked Ankara-Brussels relations, EU is hoping much from the "Finnish formula". But, the formula has deficiencies, challenges and question marks. This formula was taken up during (European Commissioner for enlargement) Rehn`s visit to Ankara. If this formula fails, a "train crash" between Ankara and Brussels seems unavoidable. The formula envisions transferring Maras to the UN for two years, opening Magosa port to trade with the EU, and opening some of Turkish ports to Greek Cypriots. However, there is not any clear benefit for Turkish side. The aim is not to find a solution to Cyprus problem, it is to prevent any deterioration in Turkey-EU relations.
"25 YEAR OLD ELIGIBILITY" PASSED QUICKLY
The constitutional amendment, which cuts down the age of eligibility to become a MP from 30 to 25, was passed from the commission in an hour. The bill will be discussed at the general assembly on Tuesday.
TURKIYE (RIGHT)
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FURTHER COOPERATION
Visit of German Chancellor Angela Merkel started a new period in Turkish-German relations.
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Merkel who attended Turkish-German Economy Forum expended full support to businessmen who wanted to make investment.
Erdogan called on German businessmen to make more investments, and Merkel said visa and transportation problems of Turkish businessmen would definitely be eliminated.
TURKISH TROOPS SET OFF
Gaziantep frigate of the Turkish Naval Forces set off from the Aksaz Naval Base to join peace forces in Lebanon.
There are 19 officers, 203 non-commissioned officers, and privates in the frigate which is expected to reach the region today.
ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)
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NATIONAL TEAM`S TARGET IN HUNGARY IS VICTORY
Turkish national soccer team will play a critical match with Hungarian team today. Turkish team`s target is absolute victory to attend 2008 European Championship.
SON OF BINALI YILDIRIM TO SERVE IN LEBANON
First Turkish troops departed yesterday to join UN peace-keeping forces in Lebanon. Turkish Transportation Minister Binali Yildirim`s son Bulent Yildirim who is on military service also took part in the troops.
YENI SAFAK (CONSERVATIVE)
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WE WILL BE LOYAL TO PROMISES
German Chancellor Angela Merkel said she was close to the idea of "privileged partnership" for Turkey, yet noted that she would be loyal to the promises made by former Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder.
"Germany will not put forward new obstacles in front of Turkey during its rotating presidency," Merkel pledged.
HIS SON IS IN LEBANON
Gaziantep frigate left for Lebanon to join Peace Forces. Bulent, son of Turkish Transportation Minister Binali Yildirim, was in the ship.
While discussions were underway for the motion, Yildirim said, "my son is also performing military service. He may go to Lebanon. There should not be any favor."