ANKARA - These are some of the major headlines and their brief stories in Turkey's press on November 16, 2003. The Anadolu Agency does not verify these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.
HURRIYET (LIBERAL)
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BOMB ON PRAYER
Streets were covered with blood after the explosions that occurred at two synagogues in Istanbul during Saturday prayer. Twenty citizens died and 303 others were injured. The first attack in Istanbul was staged on Neve Shalom Synagogue in Sishane. A red lorry parked in front of the synagogue when Sabbath prayers were being held exploded. A huge crater with a diameter of 2-3 meters and a depth of 50 centimeters was blown into the pavement. The second target was the Beth Israel Synagogue in Sisli. Security measures were tightened due to the prayer. A white lorry parked in front of the synagogue exploded, causing a loud noise. There were pieces of bodies on the street due to the explosion.
THREE PEOPLE UNDER DETENTION
Intelligence units and anti-terrorism teams detained three people, including a woman last night. A woman wearing a headscarf and two men are being interrogated in Anti-Terrorism Department. National Intelligence Organization (MIT) officials also participated in interrogation.
SIGN OF ATTACKS GIVEN A MONTH AGO
The first sign of the attacks on the synagogues was seen a month ago. There was an increase in threats against our Jewish citizens. Leaders of the Jewish community applied to the Interior Ministry. Sides did not announce it not to cause ''panic.''
MILLIYET (LIBERAL)
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TRACE ON DEAD BODY
Two dead bodies having cable mechanisms were found after the attacks on two synagogues in Istanbul. Dead bodies had characteristics of Middle East in regard to skin color and bone structure. Istanbul started Saturday with bombs and blood. Two lorries loaded with bombs and parked in front of Beth Israel Synagogue in Sisli and Neve Shalom Synagogue in Beyoglu exploded one after the other. Experts said that at least 100 kilograms of explosives were used in bomb that exploded in front of Neve Shalom Synagogue while explosives used in the other synagogue were stronger. Two districts was turned into a field of war after the explosions. There were pieces of dead bodies around the streets. According to experts, ammonia smell that spread around after the explosions pointed out that substances that make explosions stronger were used in the bombs. Police intensified on possibility of suicide attack.
''WE ARE WITH YOU UNDER EVERY CONDITION''
Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan gave the message which Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) President Rauf Denktas expected from him during celebrations of the 20th anniversary of foundation of TRNC.
Erdogan relieved Denktas saying, ''we are with you under every condition.'' Erdogan stressed that they would continue their good willed support to Annan Plan and said, ''be in tranquility and confidence. You will find us beside yourself whatever the conditions are.'' Denktas responded to these words saying, ''Erdogan relieved us. We don't have any concern over our future.''
SABAH (LIBERAL)
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Al QAEDA ALSO HITS US: 20 DIE
Terrorism hit Istanbul as it was stated in warning of CIA months ago. Two central districts of the city were shaken with explosions at 9 o'clock in the morning. Two vans loaded with bombs targeted synagogues in Sisli and Kuledibi. 20 people died and 303 others were injured in bomb attacks.
It was reported that Berta Ozdogan, who died in the attack, was pregnant.
CIA had warned Ankara a while ago and said: Two big attacks will be made linked with Al Qaeda, and lorries loaded with bombs will be used.
UNAKITAN: WE EXPECT TO GET A DATE FROM THE EU IN 2004
Finance Minister Kemal Unakitan said their target was to consider the problems through the point of view of investors.
Unakitan said getting a date from the European Union (EU) to start full membership negotiations was critical mostly for attracting direct foreign capital to Turkey.
Unakitan said, ''if we can get a date to start EU full membership negotiations, people will be ready to make investments in Turkey. We are expecting to get a date in 2004 to start negotiations.
CUMHURIYET (LEFT)
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TERROR IN ISTANBUL
Turkey was shaken with blasts which had not been seen in its history. At least 20 people died and 300 others were injured in attacks on two synagogues in Beyoglu and Sisli where Saturday prayers were underway.
The attacks were like the actions of Al Qaeda in Saudi Arabia and Iraq. Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul said, ''it is obvious that this terrorist attack has some international connections.''
A security camera footage of Neve Shalom Synagogue showed a driver parking a red car in front of the synagogue, then getting out and walking away from the car before it explodes.
ATTACKS CONDEMNED
President Ahmet Necdet Sezer condemned the attacks in Istanbul, stating that, ''those who aim at disrupting tranquility order of the country will not be allowed.''
Parliament Speaker Bulent Arinc said he condemned the attack on behalf of humanity.
Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said the attacks aimed at peace and stability of Turkey.
RADIKAL (LEFT)
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AL QEADA TYPE TERRORISM: 20 DEAD
Suicide attack on two synagogues: 20 citizens lost their lives and 300 others were injured and 6 of them are under intensive care. A vehicle loaded with explosives exploded near Neve Shalom Synagogue, one of the important places of worship of Jewish community, in Galata around 9.30 a.m. on Saturday. Ten citizens died and hundreds of others were injured. A simultaneous explosion occurred at the back door of the Beth Israel Synagogue in Sisli. Ten people who were at the synagogue and who were passing by died. Around 300 people were injured in the two attacks while six of them are under intensive care, four others are in critical condition. Turkish and foreign experts on terrorism think the same: Al Qeada type attack.
WORLD AND ANKARA SINGLE VOICE: WE CONDEMN ATTACKS ON BEHALF OF HUMANITY
International media showed great interest in bomb attacks staged in Istanbul. The European Union (EU), the United States and almost all countries condemned the attacks and terrorism. President Ahmet Necdet Sezer said, ''I harshly condemn these ugly attacks on innocent people.'' Parliament Speaker Bulent Arinc said, ''I condemn it on behalf of humanity.'' Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said, ''it is a bomb hurled at stability, peace and tranquility.'' Chief of General Staff Hilmi Ozkok said, ''I offer condolences.''
TURKIYE (RIGHT)
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BLOODY SATURDAY
Bomb attacks were staged on two synagogues during prayer, killing 23 and injuring 303. Bombs loaded on two vehicles exploded in front of Neve Shalom Synagogue in Beyoglu and Betyaakov Synagogue in Sisli simultaneously at 9.30 a.m. on Saturday. Experts think that the vehicles exploded when passing in front of the synagogues and it can be a suicide attack. There were around 300 people in each of the synagogues during the time of the explosion.
ERDOGAN CONDEMNS ATTACKS
Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan received information from Interior Minister Abdulkadir Aksu about the attacks on two synagogues in Istanbul. Erdogan said, ''I consider it a bomb hurled at stability, peace and tranquility of Turkey. I condemn it whatever its source is.''
ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)
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SECURITY CAMERA TO SOLVE VIOLENCE
Atmosphere of peace and tranquility in Turkey wanted to be shaken by two bomb attacks in Istanbul yesterday. Vehicles loaded with bombs exploded in front of two synagogues in Kuledibi and Osmanbey. Twenty people died and 303 people were injured in blasts. Seven of the injured are in critical condition. Footage of security cameras of the synagogue will give information about the explosion.
SOLUTION ON CYPRUS CAN BE FOUND BY EQUALITY
Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who attended ceremonies to celebrate 20th anniversary of foundation of Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), said that Turkish Cypriot side proposed opportunities on the road to solution which should not be wasted.
(BRC-AY) 16.11.2003