ERDOGAN CALLS ON EU TO CLARIFY CONFUSION OVER TURKEY
Speaking at a meeting of his ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) yesterday, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan yesterday called on women to get involved in politics, but criticized advocates of a quota towards this end. Erdogan also said that a seven-year European Union harmonization program and a reform package would both be unveiled next month. He also called on the EU to clarify the confusion over its failure to invite Turkish officials to its recent 50th anniversary celebrations, saying, "If the EU has negative thoughts about Turkey, it should make its decision so that we can continue our own course. Let's not waste money or energy." Erdogan also said that Turkey will not be a burden on the EU but on the contrary is ready to help shoulder some of the Union's responsibilities. In related news, Erdogan yesterday left for Riyadh, Saudi Arabia to attend a two-day Arab summit as the guest of Saudi King Abdullah. /Aksam/

GUL MEETS WITH BRITISH FOREIGN SECRETARY, DISCUSSES BILATERAL TIES
Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul yesterday met with his visiting British counterpart Margaret Beckett. Speaking at a joint press conference afterwards, Beckett said that bilateral ties between the two countries were strong, adding that many tourists from her country come to Turkey every year. Beckett said that most important reason for this is the warm interest in Turkey and strengthening close ties. Stressing that Britain supports Turkey's European Union membership bid thanks to these close relations, Beckett added that it would continue to do so. "We'll be your stronger supporter and ally," she added. Touching on the Cyprus issue, Beckett stated that isolation of the Turkish Cypriots should be brought to an end, adding that Britain would do its best in the coming months towards this end. For his part, Gul commented on 15 British soldiers currently held in Iranian custody, saying that the matter should be solved as soon as possible. Later, Beckett met with Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and reiterated British support for Turkey's EU bid. /Turkiye/

BUYUKANIT RECEIVES HIS ALBANIAN COUNTERPART
Chief of General Staff Gen. Yasar Buyukanit yesterday met with his Albanian counterpart Luan Hoxha, who is currently paying an official visit to Turkey. Later, the two commanders proceeded to Buyukanit's office for a closed-door meeting. Luan is expected to leave Turkey tomorrow after visiting some Turkish battalions. /Sabah/

BAYKAL DECRIES LACK OF DECLARED PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES IN FACE OF LOOMING MAY ELECTION
Speaking at his party's group meeting yesterday, opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) leader Deniz Baykal criticized the stance of the ruling Justice ad Development Party (AKP) on May's presidential election, saying that despite the short time to the election, no candidate has been declared. Baykal stressed that the atmosphere of the country was divorced from the looming election, adding that his party has no axe to grind against anyone. "We aren't getting in arguments, but carrying out a historical mission," added Baykal. "Our efforts are for democracy and the Constitution." /Turkiye/

IRAQI VP HASHEMI MEETS WITH SEZER, ERDOGAN
Iraq's Sunni Vice President Tariq al-Hashemi yesterday arrived in Ankara to hold official meetings. Speaking at Esenboga Airport, Hashemi said that they wouldn't permit any cross-border operation by Turkey and that neighbors should respect each other's borders. Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan met with Hashemi before his departure to Saudi Arabia for the Arab summit there. Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul also attended the meeting. Hashemi was also received by President Ahmet Necdet Sezer. /Aksam/

ELECTIONS FOR TWO TOP COURTS TO BE HELD NEXT MONTH
The Supreme Council of Judges and Prosecutors held a meeting yesterday under the chairmanship of Justice Minister Cemil Cicek to discuss the controversial issue of elections for 23 vacant positions in the Supreme Court of Appeals and Council of State. Speaking afterwards, Cicek said that the group had decided to hold elections on April 15 for all vacant positions at Turkey's two top courts. /Milliyet/

US DEFENSE SEC'Y GATES: "EVERY TURK KILLED BY THE PKK IS ANOTHER BLOW TO TURKISH-US TIES"

Speaking to the 26th annual conference of the American-Turkish Council (ATC) yesterday, US Defense Secretary Robert Gates said, "We know what should be done on the terrorist PKK issue." Stating that the main point of the Truman Doctrine -- which started with the US granting aid to Turkey and Greece against Soviet expansionism at the dawn of the Cold War -- was Turkey continuing its national unity, he added that this was important for the Middle East and remains so today. He also said that Turkey's border with Iraq constitutes another concern and that every Turk killed by the terrorist PKK was another blow to Turkish-US ties. /Hurriyet/

EP SOCIALIST GROUP DEPUTY HEAD PRAISES TURKEY PRESSING AHEAD ON EU BID DESPITE SETBACKS
Jan Marino Wiersma, deputy chairman of the Socialist Group at the European Parliament, yesterday praised Turkey's commitment to pursue all policy areas in its membership talks with the European Union despite a partial freeze from last December due to a dispute with the Greek Cypriot administration. "It is a very useful and wise strategy," he told a group of Turkish reporters. Wiersma said that the constitution of the European Union was still its major priority and that no groundbreaking decisions should be expected before that issue is settled. "The EU is a slowly moving tank but you do press ahead on your path and do not lose your courage," he said. /Star/

WILSON: "RELATIONS BETWEEN ARMENIA AND TURKEY SHOULD BE IMPROVED"
US Ambassador to Turkey Ross Wilson said yesterday that relations between Turkey and Armenia should be improved. Also commenting on an US Armenian resolution before the US House of Representatives, Wilson stated that the US administration's official policy on the issue wouldn't be changed by the non-binding resolution, adding that the US clearly encourages the sides to discuss the issue. He added that he would continue to voice his opposition to the resolution. In related news, Turkey's Ambassador to Washington Nabi Sensoy stated that if passed, the resolution could cast a shadow over Turkish-US relations. /Milliyet/

IN WASHINGTON, BABACAN ADDRESSES AMERICAN-TURKISH BUSINESS COUNCIL MEETING
State Minister for the Economy Ali Babacan is currently holding contacts in Washington and New York. Speaking to reporters yesterday after attending the annual conference of the American-Turkish Council (ATC) in Washington, Babacan stated that the government's stance on investment was clear, as investment has no color or religion. "Turkey is open to all kinds of capital inflow," he said. Babacan further stated that foreign investors were more curious about the results of November's general elections than May's presidential election and that they believe another Justice and Development Party (AKP) single-party government will take power. Also commenting on the meaning of nationalism, Babacan said in Turkey it is a positive force meaning to love and work for one's nation. /Milliyet-Turkiye/