SEZER DUE IN ITALY TODAY
President Ahmet Necdet Sezer is due today to travel to Rome for an official visit. During his stay in Italy, Sezer is expected to meet with Italian officials to discuss political and economic issues as well as bilateral ties. Sezer and Italian President Giorgio Napolitano will also attend the opening of an art exhibition. /Cumhuriyet/
BAYKAL: "INVITING SEZER TO OUR PARTY COULD BE SEEN AS DISRESPECT"
Appearing on television over the weekend, main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) leader Deniz Baykal said that he would be pleased if President Ahmet Necdet Sezer were to decide to enter politics after his seven-year term ends this spring. Asked if he had invited Sezer to his party, Baykal said he had not since it could be taken as a sign of disrespect. Also commenting on May's presidential election for Sezer's successor, Baykal said that the election should be held on a firm legal basis. "There should be compromise on the issue," stated Baykal, adding that he didn't want Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan to be president. "We believe that he shouldn't be the president," said Baykal. /Turkiye/
AGAR: "WOMEN SHOULDN'T BE USED AS POLITICAL FODDER"
Speaking at a ceremony over the weekend marking the 61st anniversary of the Democrat Party, a forerunner of his own True Path Party (DYP), DYP leader Mehmet Agar said that women shouldn't be used as political fodder. Commenting on recent statements from the National Intelligence Agency (MIT) undersecretary marking the agency's 80th anniversary that Turkey should pursue a more active policy, Agar added that Turkey should be more active in its region. "Turkey has organized political developments in its region," added Agar. /Turkiye/
PAPADOPOULOS: "WE'RE READY TO TAKE STEPS ON LEDRAS ST. IF OUR PRECONDITIONS ARE FULFILLED"
Greek Cypriot leader Tassos Papadopoulos said over the weekend that the Greek Cypriot side is ready to demolish the wall in front of the National Guard observation post at Ledras St. within 24 hours, once necessary preconditions for the secure movement of the people are fulfilled. He claimed it was inconceivable to move forward and build confidence and goodwill measures and at the same time have citizens crossing over to Turkish Cyprus along with Turkish military patrols, adding that this would create tension. /The New Anatolian/
LAND FORCES COMMAND TO BUY CARGO HELICOPTERS
The Land Forces Command is preparing to buy 10 cargo helicopters. The Defense Industry Undersecretariat has set out the program concerning the bidding process. Interested firms can apply through next Monday to take part in the tender. /Sabah/
SCOUTS NAME PEPE "STATESMAN OF THE YEAR"
This weekend Environment and Forestry Minister Osman Pepe received the "Statesman of the Year" award from the Scout Group of Cankaya. Pepe said that in the future water will eclipse the importance of minerals and that forests are the safeguards of water. /Aksam/
BABACAN: "FOREIGN EXCHANGE ACCOUNTS HAVE RISEN DUE TO FOREIGN BANKS"
State Minister Ali Babacan yesterday linked the recent increase in foreign exchange accounts to the foreign partners of banks in Turkey. Babacan also said that this year's macroeconomic targets are achievable. Speaking to BusinessWeek Turkey magazine, Babacan said, "The plans that we have prepared with the State Planning Organization (DPT), Treasury Undersecretariat and Central Bank show that our 2007 growth target of 5 percent is realistic." Babacan underlined, "When we reach a 4 percent inflation target (for 2007), our economy will also have a structure like in developed countries." /Milliyet/