TURKEY CELEBRATES NEVRUZ
Yesterday Turkey celebrated Nevruz across the country with a host of activities. Nevruz, celebrated every March in Asia and the Mideast, is believed to mark the advent of spring and the reawakening of nature. Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan attended Nevruz celebrations in Ankara, organized by the Culture Ministry, while Kurds gathered by the thousands in various cities. In a speech, Erdogan called for peace and unity, emphasizing that all the elements and differences of Turkish society were genuine. Lighting a traditional bonfire after his speech, Erdogan forged iron with state ministers Mehmet Ali Sahin, Besir Atalay, Mehdi Eker and Atilla Koc. The state ministers later jumped over the fire. As part of celebrations in Diyarbakir, Democrat Society Party (DTP) leader Ahmet Turk and former Deputy Leyla Zana delivered speeches. /All Papers/

ERDOGAN LASHES OUT AT OPPOSITION CHP
Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan yesterday attended a meeting held by his ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) in Ankara. Speaking at the gathering, Erdogan criticized the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP). Stressing that his party was continuing to climb in the polls, Erdogan said that the CHP was showing signs of being "crazy." Claiming that for years the opposition has been unable to comprehend the expectations of the people, the premier said in contrast his party only takes orders from the nation. /Turkiye/

GUL TRAVELS TO MACEDONIA
Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul yesterday traveled to Macedonia to pay an official visit. Speaking to reporters before his departure, Gul dismissed claims that main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) leader Deniz Baykal has documents proving that the prime minister used the term "Mr." to refer to convicted terrorist leader Abdullah Ocalan, saying that the opposition would say such things before May's presidential election. Stressing that the government was ready for such false or exaggerated claims, Gul added, "These don't reflect the truth." Later in Skopje, commenting on German Chancellor Angela Merkel not inviting Turkish officials to the 50th anniversary of the European Union's landmark Treaty of Rome, Gul said that Ankara had started accession talks with the EU after fulfilling the political criteria. He added, however, that no one knew what the Turkish nation would say after the talks are completed. "What we want is to complete the process successfully," added Gul. /Milliyet/

BAYKAL: "THE PREMIER IS ACTING DESPERATE"
Main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) leader Deniz Baykal yesterday claimed that the premier was acting rushed and desperate. Speaking at his party's Central Executive Board (MYK) meeting, Baykal said he was putting forth claims with concrete documents and waiting for answers. "Unfortunately, Erdogan isn't responding to them, but instead is insulting us," said Baykal. /Hurriyet/

IN WASHINGTON, TUSIAD HEAD YALCINDAG CALLS ARMENIAN RESOLUTION A "BLACK CLOUD"
A Turkish Industrialists' and Businessmen Association (TUSIAD) delegation led by its head Arzuhan Dodan Yalcindag yesterday continued contacts in Washington to work against passage of the Armenian resolution. Speaking to reporters, Yalcindag said that the delegation was trying to make clear to US officials how much damage the resolution -- which she called a "black cloud" -- could do to Turkish-US ties. Yalcindag stated that the issue should be left to historians and shouldn't become a political tool, adding that bilateral relations needed strengthening since they aren't as strong as they should be. Yalcindag added that the delegation also met with officials from the International Monetary Fund, who urged Turkey to pursue tight monetary policy. /Milliyet/

RICE STRESSES ARMENIAN ISSUE SHOULD BE LEFT TO HISTORIANS
US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said yesterday that Turkey was passing through a democratization "evolution" concerning discussions of the so-called Armenian genocide. "I think the historical circumstances require that we allow historical commissions to explore this issue and come to terms with their past," she told a House of Representatives

subcommittee hearing, adding that the House resolution on the "genocide" issue wouldn't help this process. "I think that the Armenians and the Turks need to resolve their past before they can move forward," she added. "I do think there is an evolution going on in Turkey." Ankara has proposed that a commission of Turkish and Armenian historians study the issue, but Armenian officials turned the offer down. /Sabah/

TUZMEN ADDRESSES SEMINAR TO BOOST TURKISH-IRAQI ECONOMIC TIES
Speaking at a seminar yesterday on Turkish-Iraqi partnership, State Minister for foreign trade Kursat Tuzmen said that all regional countries should support the Iraqi nation's efforts to establish peace and stability. Addressing the seminar, which was meant to boost economic ties between Turkey and Iraq, Tuzmen said that despite Iraq's problems the trade volume between the two countries stood at about $7 billion, adding that this figure would climb higher after the Habur Border Gate is opened. /Cumhuriyet/

TURKISH DELEGATION VISITS HARAM-AL SHARIF DIG
A delegation of seven Turkish experts yesterday inspected Israeli excavation work near Haram-al Sharif (the Temple Mount) in Jerusalem. The delegation visited the Israeli History Institution and spoke with its members. During their visit, the delegation is also expected to meet with Palestinian officials. After completing their work, the experts will prepare a report on the matter to present Premier Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The trip of the Turkish experts was planned during Israeli Premier Ehud Olmert's visit to Ankara last month. /Hurriyet/

SAMA DUBAI WINS ISTANBUL LAND AUCTION
In an open auction among the highest three bidders for Istanbul Transportation Authority-owned land in the Levent district, Sama Dubai Istanbul Real Estate made the winning bid of $705 million, edging out Zorlu Real Estate's $701 million bid. Speaking to reporters after signing the sale agreement, Istanbul Greater Municipality Mayor Kadir Topbas said that that global capital was entering Istanbul, adding that the money would be spent to improve Istanbul's transportation system. /Aksam/