PARLIAMENT APPROVES 2004 BUDGET
In his address to Parliament during debate on the 2004 budget proposed by the Justice and Development Party (AKP) government, Prime Minister and AKP leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that his administration had scored great successes in the economy, adding that they had focused on social welfare in relations with the International Monetary Fund. Erdogan lamented that they had yet to attract the desired level of foreign capital to Turkey but believed that significant funds would come as a result of the stable economic environment they had achieved. Speaking on behalf of the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), former Minister for the Economy Kemal Dervis said that the nation’s economy should shift to a sustainable growth model as it emerges from tumultuous times. Stressing that Turkey’s greatest concern was to achieve fast and sustainable growth, Dervis argued that the 2004 budget did not do enough towards this end. Dervis further warned that the current economic growth was not healthy and could come to a dangerous end. While the lawmakers were having these debates, public sector trade union KESK protested the 2004 budget in front of the Parliament building. KESK Chairman Sami Evren argued that the budget failed to consider the general public and the poor, saying that the majority of the public lived below the poverty line. After Parliament approved the budget, Erdogan thanked the deputies for their sterling performance in 2003 and expressed his best wishes for them and all of Turkey’s citizens for the New Year. /All Papers/

GUL: “TALK OF EARLY TRNC ELECTIONS IS IMPROPER”
Abdullah Gul yesterday met with Ahmed Hasim Zugyar, chairman of the Chambers of Palestinian Industry, Trade and Agriculture. Also present at the meeting was Turkish Union of Chambers and Commodities Exchanges (TOBB) Chairman Rifat Hisarciklioglu. Speaking afterwards, Gul said that Ankara had prepared a plan to help the Palestinian nation which included strengthened economic ties. Later, touching on rumors of early elections in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), Gul said that the leaders of political parties who won seats in the TRNC Parliament earlier this month should form a coalition as soon as possible. “There shouldn’t be any thought of early elections right now,” he urged, adding that Ankara was doing its utmost to promote a resolution on the island. He further stated that Cyprus was a national cause. /Aksam/

UBP, CTP LEADERS FAIL TO FORM TRNC COALITION GOVERNMENT
Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus’ (TRNC) National Unity Party (UBP) leader Dervis Eroglu yesterday met with Republican Turkish Party (CTP) leader Mehmet Ali Talat to discuss formation of a new coalition government, but failed to reach an agreement. Speaking afterwards, Eroglu said that his party was ready for possible early elections. “There is little chance of our forming a coalition with the CTP,” said Eroglu. He stated that according to TRNC Constitution, early elections should be held if a government cannot be formed within 60 days after elections, adding that his party was ready for possible polls if efforts to form a government fail. Asked about the United Nations Cyprus plan, Eroglu said that the plan was on the table, but that this didn’t mean that it was completely acceptable. For his part, Talat said that if TRNC holds early elections, they should be held next month. TRNC President Rauf Denktas also once again urged the party leaders to form a government as soon as possible. /Aksam/

BAYKAL: “THE ANNAN PLAN IS NEGOTIABLE”
Opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP)leader Deniz Baykal said yesterday that he did not approve of Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) President Rauf Denktas’ attitude towards UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan’s plan for the island. Speaking to the party’s executive board, Baykal said, “The Annan plan is negotiable, but can’t be accepted without further talks. Issues concerning the border and Greek Cypriots moving to the Turkish side especially need to be discussed.” At its meeting, the board also agreed to convene the party assembly on Jan. 7, where it will decide how its candidates for spring 2004 local elections will be chosen. /Hurriyet/

PAPADOPOULOS COMES OUT AGAINST CYPRUS REFERENDUM
Greek Cypriot President Tassos Papadopoulos stated yesterday that he was ready to discuss the United Nations’ Annan plan, but expressed opposition to the idea of a referendum over the island. New developments will come with the New Year, predicted Papadopoulos, speaking during his Christmas visit to Greek Cyprus. Papadopoulos said that he had sent a letter to UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan calling for restarted negotiations but rejecting a referendum without knowing its contents beforehand. /Cumhuriyet/

MINIMUM WAGE TALKS STALL
A fifth round of talks yesterday over next year’s minimum wage for public workers ended without an agreement. The minimum wage commission is scheduled to meet next Tuesday for a final round of talks. Labor union Turk-Is is pushing for a net wage of TL 488 million per month, while the State Institute of Statistics (DIE) has proposed TL 396 million. /Aksam/

FIRE RAVAGES ANKARA SHOPPING MALL
A fire broke out yesterday in the Modern Carsi shopping mall in Ankara’s Ulus district. The fire, which took only minor injuries, broke out around 8 a.m. due to a generator problem and was brought under control late in the afternoon. The 200-plus shops in the mall have had no electricity for two weeks and so have resorted to using generators. /Hurriyet/