ERDOGAN: "OUR GOVT IS DEVELOPING ALL OF TURKEY 'S PROVINCES WITHOUT DISCRIMINATION"
Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said yesterday that the Justice and Development Party (AKP) government has been making efforts to further develop all of Turkey 's provinces without any discrimination. Visiting Erzincan over the weekend to attend ceremonies marking the city's 89th anniversary of salvation, Erdogan spoke to assembled crowds. Pointing to the KOYDES rural development project, the premier said that it was one of Turkey 's most important projects, adding that by the end of this year, no villages in the country will lack water or electricity. Furthermore, he said that Erzincan has become an attractive province for investors. "Industrial investments mean development, employment, peace and prosperity," said Erdogan. Speaking to reporters upon his arrival to Istanbul , Erdogan said that for the now his government is determined to hold general elections in November, as scheduled previously. But the premier added that following developments in the months to come, including the May presidential election, a new evaluation might be possible. Meanwhile, State Minister and Turkey 's chief negotiator for European Union talks Ali Babacan last week reportedly told EU officials that the government was planning to hold general elections in September, three months early. /Turkiye-Sabah/
FM GUL: "THE GENERAL ELECTIONS WILL BE HELD AS SCHEDULED"
Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul yesterday returned to Turkey after a visit to Saudi Arabia . Holding a press conference at Ankara 's Esenboga Airport after his arrival, Gul spoke about news reports saying that Ali Babacan, Turkey 's chief European Union negotiator, had told EU officials that general elections would be moved forward one or two months, saying, "This is out of the question. Babacan told them there's stability in Turkey and the timetable is working. The elections will be held as scheduled. No one should doubt this." Commenting on whether Ankara officials would meet with Kurdish administration officials in northern Iraq , Gul said that sowing a crisis-like atmosphere in the wake of statements by various officials was very wrong, adding, "All of these remarks complement each other. The premier's and the chief of General Staff's remarks complement each other. I said if you try to create arguments out of this, it would be very wrong. I especially underlined this. So such an stance isn't comprehensible." /Star/
OIC SECRETARY-GENERAL IHSANOGLU MEETS WITH TALAT
Organization of the Islamic Conference Secretary-General Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu yesterday met with Mehmet Ali Talat, the president of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). Stating that last week's ninth session of the council of the parliamentary union of the OIC member states held in Malaysia had given full support to the TRNC, Ihsanoglu added, "Our goal is acceptance of a political solution of the Cyprus problem in the international community, our kin gaining all of their rights, and the ending of the unfair isolation imposed on the TRNC." Ihsanoglu is a Turkish scholar by profession. /Star/
BAYKAL: "ESTABLISHING A RELATIONSHIP WITH NORTHERN IRAQ MEANS ESTABLISHING A RELATIONSHIP WITH THE PKK"
Main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) leader Deniz Baykal over the weekend spoke about debates over Turkish officials meeting with Kurdish groups in northern Iraq , saying, "Politicians and soldiers can't have different security policies." He added, "Northern Iraq is making efforts not only to force itself but also the terrorist PKK on Turkey . Because northern Iraq also owns the PKK. It gives all kinds of support to the PKK. When you establish a relationship with northern Iraq , you also establish a relationship with the PKK." Commenting on proposals to hold the general elections ahead of November, when they are scheduled, Baykal said, "Let's move the general elections forward to April instead of September. This way the (May) presidential election would be held under a new Parliament." In Turkey the president is elected by Parliament. /Hurriyet/
TURKISH-ORIGIN EUROPEAN LAWMAKERS INVITED FOR VISIT
The Turkish government has invited Turkish-origin European lawmakers to attend a special meeting in Ankara and Istanbul slated for this weekend. Some 25 parliamentarians are expected to participate in the gathering hosted by the Turkish-based European Union Communication group. The meeting will create an atmosphere of dialogue between the Turkish government and the European parliamentarians and help to solve the problems faced by Turks in Europe as well as seek ways to help their integration and to improve Turkey 's image in the West. On the other hand, the presence of deputies on the guest list alleged to have close ties to the terrorist PKK is stirring controversy. /Turkish Daily News/
MERKEL: "CLOSE INVOLVEMENT BETWEEN TURKEY AND THE EU BENEFITS EVERYONE"
Angela Merkel, the chancellor of European Union Term President Germany, said over the weekend that close involvement between Turkey and the EU was to everyone's benefit. Speaking to Greek daily Kathimerini, Merkel said that the EU was implementing agreements which it had signed previously, and that Turkey should also fulfill its obligations in order to make progress. /Cumhuriyet/
BABACAN BRIEFS AKP ON TURKEY 'S EU PROCESS
State Minister and Turkey 's chief negotiator for European Union talks Ali Babacan said yesterday that the EU accession process had made important contributions to Turkey 's development. Speaking at a ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) meeting in Ankara , Babacan said that the country had made serious strides on the economy, social security, health, education and democracy as well as other areas under AKP rule. Stressing that Turkey should prepare itself for international competition, Babacan said that the country can only be successful if it integrates with the world. In addition, commenting on May's presidential election, AKP group Deputy Chair Salih Kapusuz said that in April, his party would consult with the people and the party members, and then in May an AKP member would become president. /Turkiye/