GUL VISITS CHIEF OF STAFF BUYUKANIT
President Abdullah Gul yesterday visited Chief of General Staff Gen. Yasar Buyukanit, who recently congratulated him on his new post. At General Staff headquarters, Gul was received by Buyukanit, Deputy Chief of General Staff Gen. Ergun Saygun, and Secretary-General Gen. Salih Zeki Colak. Later, Gul received Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan for their ordinary weekly meeting, which was closed to the press. /Milliyet/
GUL ISSUES MESSAGE MARKING INTERNATIONAL PEACE DAY
President Abdullah Gul yesterday issued a message marking Sept. 21, International Peace Day. Stressing that terrorism is a crime against humanity which violates basic human rights, as well as the right to life, Gul said that it can in no way be justified. Stating that terrorism takes aims at democracy, economic and social development, Gul stressed the importance of international cooperation against terrorism. /Hurriyet/
ERDOGAN FLIES TO THE US TO ATTEND UN GENERAL ASSEMBLY MEETING
Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan yesterday flew to the US to attend a meeting of the UN General Assembly, which is due to begin on Monday. Erdogan is also expected to hold several contacts in the country. Speaking at a press conference before leaving, Erdogan said that during his stay in the US he would meet with 25 heads of state or government and on next Friday address the General Assembly. "I will seek support for Turkey to be a temporary member of the UN Security Council," he added. Asked if US Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs Nicholas Burns, who visited Turkey this week, had asked it to cancel its natural gas agreement with Iran, Erdogan said Burns had not. /Star/
ERDOGAN: "ISLAM PROMOTES PEACE"
Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday hosted an iftar dinner, the fast-breaking meal for the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, for a group of foreign diplomats serving in Ankara. Addressing the ambassadors, Erdogan said that Islam is a religion which encourages peace. "Islam cannot be blamed for the wrongdoing of some," said Erdogan. "Our goal is to create a regional and international atmosphere that will ensure stable and humanitarian development in peace and prosperity." He added that his government was determined to take all necessary steps to make Turkey a more modern country. /The New Anatolian/
ADDRESSING TOP CHP COMMITTEE, BAYKAL CRITICIZES GOVT'S DRAFT CONSTITUTION
Speaking at his party's Central Executive Board (MYK) yesterday, main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) leader Deniz Baykal criticized the government's draft constitution, saying that its proposed changes threaten Turkey's unitary structure. Baykal stressed that although the government says it wants to produce a civilian constitution, it is taking no steps to ensure an independent judiciary. He added that the CHP would later discuss the issue with non-governmental organizations and carry out its duty effectively and responsibly. /Cumhuriyet/
UNIVERSITY RECTORS: "IT'S OUR DUTY TO WARN THE NATION OF POSSIBLE THREATS TO ITS FUTURE"
Rectors of several universities yesterday rebuffed Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan's statement telling them to "mind their own business" over efforts to draw up a new constitution, saying that it was their basic mission to enlighten the nation and warn it of elements which could threaten its future. Middle East Technical University (METU) Rector Ural Akbulut said that they had spoken out on vital issues directly related to their institutions. "We didn't do anything unrelated to our mission," he added. Akdeniz University Rector Mustafa Akaydin said that it was natural for rectors to comment on the draft constitution, which has topped the news in recent weeks. /Cumhuriyet/
CHP DISSIDENT SARIGUL AGAIN FACES POSSIBLE EXPULSION
The administration of the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) yesterday decided the popular mayor of Istanbul's Sisli district must again face the party's disciplinary board. Over two years ago, Mayor Mustafa Sarigul was dismissed from the CHP over alleged violations of party rules, but later rejoined it by court order. The disciplinary board is expected to dismiss Sarigul from the party, and Sarigul is expected to once again contest the decision. During the dismissal process, Sarigul, an outspoken opponent of party leader Deniz Baykal and his administration, cannot be a delegate or candidate for party leadership at a possible party convention. /Hurriyet/
ELECTRICITY PRICES COULD RISE SOME 15 PCT
Following Wednesday's energy summit, a group of bureaucrats will meet today to determine how much electricity prices will rise. The Cabinet will then take up the group's proposal and make the final decision. Officials from Turkey's Electricity Distribution Corporation (TEDAS) state that they expect a price hike of some 14-15% in order to avoid a deficit next year. /Turkiye/
HABUR BORDER GATE TO BE REOPENED
State Minister Kursad Tuzmen said yesterday that the Habur border gate between Turkey and Iraq, recently closed for extensive renovation, will soon reopen. Speaking to reporters in Mersin, Tuzmen said the modernization of the gate is almost completed, adding that trade between Turkey and Iraq will continue without any interruption. /Turkiye/