POLICE DETAIN FIVE MORE PEOPLE IN DEADLY ATTACK IN MALATYA
While reactions gradually escalate, police detain five more people in connection with shocking murders of bible publishers in Malatya, doubling number of suspects in custody. Police's investigation is underway. During a protest in Istanbul yesterday, demonstrators displayed a banner that reads `Solidarity against fascism. We're all Christians', and held placards that read, `Let's defend living together.' Both Turkish top officials and foreign leaders condemned the attack. President Ahmet Necdet Sezer said that nothing could excuse such an attack that comes at a time of great need for peace, brotherhood and tolerance. /The New Anatolian/
GUL TRAVELS TO BELGRADE TO ATTEND BSCE MEETING
Speaking to reporters yesterday before flying to Belgrade to attend the 16th foreign ministers' meeting of Black Sea Economic Cooperation Organization (BSCE), Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul commented on a possible military operation against northern Iraq referring to the news of Washington Post, saying that careful statements were made on the issue before. "Everyone knows Turkey's determination on the issue," said Gul. Stressing that Turkey would takeover BSCE term presidency from Serbia by May 1, Gul added that a summit would be held in Istanbul to mark the 15th foundation anniversary of the organization. Also commenting on presidential election, Gul said that the final decision on the issue would be given by Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and that the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) would side by his decision. "The process is continuing transparently," added Gul. /Milliyet-Sabah/
CHP'S DINCER LAID TO REST
Opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) Bursa Deputy, Deputy Parliament Speaker Ali Dincer was laid to rest yesterday following a ceremony in Parliament and then at the Kocatepe Mosque in Ankara. Dincer's funeral brought together President Ahmet Necdet Sezer, Parliament Speaker Bulent Arinc, ruling and opposition party leaders and deputies, as well as a crowd of people. Dincer passed away on Wednesday after suffering an infection following his liver transplant. /Hurriyet/
Chief of General Staff Gen. Yasar Buyukanit, who traveled to Greece to attend Balkan States' chiefs of general staff meeting, yesterday visited Turkish Republic founder Mustafa Kemal Ataturk's house in Thessalonica. Speaking to reporters afterwards, Buyukanit said that the mission of military was to create an atmosphere of confidence between countries, but the problems could be solved by politicians in this atmosphere. Saying that significant decisions were made at the meeting, which brought Balkan States including those which are NATO members and non-members, Buyukanit stressed that a working group would be founded and detailed work would be made by this group. /Star/
SENER: "IT'S APPROPRIATE FOR ERDOGAN TO BE PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE AND BECOME PRESIDENT"
Deputy Prime Minister Abdullatif Sener said yesterday that he thought it was appropriate for Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan to be presidential candidate and become the president. Asked about what was discussed at ruling Justice and Development Party's (AKP) Central Decision and Administration Board (MKYK) meeting, Sener said that it wasn't appropriate to tell this because the meeting was closed to press, adding that he could only declare his own view that it was convenient for Erdogan to be president. /Milliyet/
ATATURK MUSEUM HOUSE OPENED
Ataturk's Museum House, which takes place in the compound of the Cankaya Presidential Palace, was opened yesterday following its restoration. President Ahmet Necdet Sezer, Parliament Speaker Bulent Arinc, Premier Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Chief of General Staff Gen. Yasar Buyukanit and other high-level officials attended a ceremony marking the opening. Speaking to reporters at the gathering, Buyukanit said that his message on the new president has been well received by the Turkish people. At a press conference on April 12, the top commander said that Turkey needed a president loyal to the fundamental principles of Republic not in words but in essence. /Cumhuriyet/
MUMCU CONTINUES HIS TOUR TO PARTY LEADERS
Following the meetings with Democratic Left Party (DSP) leader Zeki Sezer and Devlet Bahceli of the Nationalist Action Party (MHP), opposition Motherland Party (ANAVATAN) leader Erkan Mumcu yesterday continued to tour the party leaders who don't have groups in Parliament on the upcoming presidential election. After having talks with Grand Unity Party (BBP) leader Muhsin Yazicioglu and Felicity Party (FP) leader Recai Kutan, Mumcu told reporters that all agreed that the president should be elected by the public and urged the government to make the necessary amendments on the matter. /Turkiye/
US STATE DEPARTMENT SAYS A TURKISH CROSS-BORDER OPERATION COULDN'T BE THE BEST CHOICE
US Deputy Secretary of State Dan Fried said yesterday that a possible Turkish cross-border operation couldn't be the best choice, adding that the US administration believed that the best choice for Turkey was to cooperate with the US administration and the Iraqi government. /Star/
HISARCIKLIOGLU: "SINCE UNEMPLOYMENT AMONG MIDDLE AGE PEOPLE INCREASED, THIS COULD CREATE A SERIOUS SOCIAL PROBLEM"
Speaking at a meeting of the Independent Industrialists' and Businessmen's Association (MUSIAD) yesterday, Turkish Union of Chambers and Commodities Exchanges (TOBB) head Rifat Hisarciklioglu said yesterday that unemployment among middle age people had risen, adding that an increase in the unemployment rate could lead to a serious social problem in the future. Hisarciklioglu stressed that the nation didn't feel the growth, adding that the budget deficit should be reduced. /Aksam/