ANKARA - These are some of the major headlines and their brief stories in Turkey's press on January 11, 2004. The Anadolu Agency does not verify these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.
HURRIYET (LIBERAL)
-------------------
TEN THOUSAND U.S. SOLDIERS TO PASS VIA INCIRLIK
Pentagon plans to withdraw its 123 thousand soldiers from Iraq until May and send soldiers more than 100 thousand instead. When Turkish and U.S. officials have agreed on using Incirlik Base for the transfer of U.S. soldiers and equipment, the largest military transfer of the United States will be fulfilled since the Second World War.
NEITHER POLITICAL COMMUNITY NOR POLITICAL FIRM
Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that there was a serious difference between taking religion into consideration and a party which aimed to change society by making religion an ideology. He added that Justice and Development Party (AK Party) was against both the ''political community'' understanding which radicalize the politics and the ''political firms'' understanding which left politics without ideas.
MILLIYET (LIBERAL)
------------------
U.S. SOLDIERS SET OFF ROAD TO INCIRLIK
U.S. Washington Post newspaper wrote that the rotation of U.S. soldiers started and the soldiers set off road to Incirlik Base both from Iraq and the United States. Gen. Foglesong from U.S. Air Forces said regarding the agreement with Turkey that it had a strategical importance.
COALITION OKEY, CRISIS IN MINISTRY
In spite of Turkey's request of broad-based government in Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), CTP leader Talat and DP leader Denktas, who wanted bilateral coalition, could not reach an understanding in distribution of ministries.
SABAH (LIBERAL)
---------------
PRESS SHOULD NOT BE USED OUT OF ITS AIM
President Ahmet Necdet Sezer, who made meaningful warnings in his message issued on Day of Journalists, wanted prevention of misuse of press organs. Sezer said that this would make freedom of press and democratic development continuos.
NEIGHBOR BECOMES VALUABLE
Turkey, which had problems nearly with its all neighbors until a few years ago, approached to its neighbors after its disappointment with the United States regarding Iraq issue. The program of Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul in the last few days is enough to see the hints of Turkey's new foreign policy. Turkey hosted Syrian President in the beginning of the week and Gul completed his official tour in Azerbaijan and proceeded to Iran yesterday.
CUMHURIYET (LEFT)
-----------------
SEZER WARNS PRESS
President Ahmet Necdet Sezer stressed in his message issued on the occasion of January 10 Day of Working Journalists that professional ethic should be kept over everything. Sezer said that prevention of misuse of press organs would make freedom of press and democratic development continuous.
WITHDRAWAL FROM TALAT IN ANNAN PLAN
CTP leader Mehmet Ali Talat made important concessions to form the government with DP leader Serdar Denktas. Talat who accepted Annan Plan for solution to Cyprus question and wanted the plan to be presented to referendum could not object to DP which demanded important changes in the plan.
RADIKAL (LEFT)
--------------
NO VISA FOR OLYMPICS
Women National Volleyball team was defeated by Germany 3-0 in the qualifying finals of the Women's Olympic Games Qualifying Tournament. The team will not join Olympics.
GUL: WE AGREE WITH IRAN
Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul who proceeded from Baku to Tehran said that Turkey shared the same view with Iran about stability in the Middle East. Kharazi also stressed the importance of unity of Iraq.
U.S. WANTS INCIRLIK
Washington, which wanted to transfer its European Forces to Turkey, and Ankara are expected to make a long bargaining. Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan will face concrete demands of the United States during his visit to Washington D.C.
TURKIYE (RIGHT)
---------------
RIGHT TO TALK TO STUDENTS IN YOK
Higher Education Board (YOK) Chairman Tezic who met with representatives of students said that they listened to views of students on many issues. He added that he had never been pessimistic but his optimism increased after meeting with the students.
BILATERAL COALITION
CTP and DP agreed on principles in Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) regarding formation of a government. Leaders of the two parties Talat and Denktas said that the government could be formed soon.
ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)
--------------------
HOTEL PREPARATIONS FOR U.S. SOLDIER IN INCIRLIK
Ten thousand soldiers will come to Incirlik which the United States planned to make anti-terrorism base of the Middle East. Sources said that first military convoy would come from Germany in the end of January. However, no official statement was made about the claims. U.S. Wall Street Journal newspaper had claimed that Bush administration made an agreement on opening an air base in Turkey again. While discussions were continuing about the claims, preliminary preparations in Incirlik started. Repairs are continuing in 20 hotels.
(GC-Öª) 11.01.2004