PRESIDENT GUL RECEIVES GERMAN GREENS' ROTH
Claudia Roth, co-chair of the German Greens Party, yesterday visited President Abdullah Gul. Afterwards, Roth told reporters that they had had a very open and serious meeting and that she appreciated his being so open about Turkey's relations with the European Union. /Cumhuriyet/

NEW LEGISLATIVE YEAR BEGINS
The new legislative year began yesterday in Parliament with an address by President Abdullah Gul. In his speech, Gul stated that efforts to draft a new constitution should seek an inclusive approach which would strengthen national unity and social solidarity, protect basic rights and freedoms, and affirm the democratic, secular and social character of the state. "I am confident that ongoing lively discussions about a new constitution will yield the best constitutional arrangements with the contributions of political parties and every sector of society," he told the assembled deputies. Following Gul, Parliament Speaker Koksal Toptan said that under Article 4 of the Constitution, the Constitution's first three articles cannot be altered. "Nobody should doubt that the Republic of Turkey will live forever in glory," he added, "with the same basic features that enabled its foundation." At a reception marking the new legislative year held by Toptan, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that there was no need to establish a reconciliation committee for the new constitution, saying it would serve no purpose. /All papers/

IN WAKE OF TERRORIST ATTACK, THREE CABINET MINISTERS TO VISIT SOUTHEAST
Speaking after yesterday's Cabinet meeting, Deputy Prime Minister and government spokesman Cemil Cicek said that several subjects had been discussed, including political issues, a new anti-terror pact with Iraq, and recent terrorist attacks. Asked about Chief of General Staff Gen. Yasar Buyukanit's remarks about the new draft constitution, Cicek declined to comment. Commenting on Saturday's PKK attack in the southeastern province of Sirnak, which took 12 lives, Cicek said that Interior Minister Besir Atalay, Agriculture Minister Mehdi Eker, and State Minister Mehmet Simsek, along with deputies representing the region, would visit the area. Cicek added that fighting terrorism is always a top issue for Turkey. /Cumhuriyet-Turkiye/

BUYUKANIT: "DESPITE MY BEST EFFORTS, SOME FRIENDLY COUNTRIES CONTINUE TO SUPPORT TERRORISM"
Speaking at the War Academy for the opening of the 2007-2008 school year, Chief of General Staff Gen. Yasar Buyukanit spoke about terrorism, Turkey's secular system and northern Iraq. Lamenting that some countries continue to support terrorism, Buyukanit stressed that he had urged many friendly countries to change their ways, but in vain. "All the countries we warned continued to directly or indirectly support terror," said Buyukanit. "In the fight against terrorism, words mean nothing." Touching on northern Iraq, Buyukanit said that the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) was closely watching developments there and added that what he saw troubled him. Buyukanit also stated that he was following the drafting of a new draft constitution and would speak to the officials responsible after the draft is finalized. /Sabah/

US EMBASSY CONDEMNS PKK ATTACK IN SIRNAK
The US Embassy yesterday issued a statement condemning Saturday's PKK terrorist attack in Sirnak, which killed 12 civilians. "We were deeply saddened and shocked to learn of Saturday's bus attack in Sirnak and we categorically condemn the perpetrators of this brutal act of terrorism," said the statement. "Our sympathies go out to the families and friends of the 12 victims killed in the attack. The United States remains a staunch supporter of Turkey's efforts to combat the PKK and terrorism in all its forms." /Turkiye/

TOP CHP OFFICIAL STEPS DOWN, REMAINS DEPUTY
Oguz Oyan, Izmir deputy of the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), yesterday resigned from his party posts, deputy secretary-general and Central Executive Board (MYK) member, but retained his seat in Parliament. In a statement, Oyan said that it was time for new things, adding that new words from the mouths of the old were not believable. /Sabah/

FORMER HEALTH MINISTER AKTUNA TO BE LAID TO REST TODAY
Former Health Minister Yildirim Aktuna, who lost his life over the weekend to a serious illness, will be laid to rest today in Istanbul's Zincirlikuyu cemetery. /Cumhuriyet/

TEEN CONFESSES IN DINK MURDER TRIAL
In the second hearing in the assassination of Turkish-Armenian journalist Hrant Dink in Istanbul yesterday, the primary suspect, a juvenile identified as O.S, confessed to the slaying. Two other suspects, Zeynel Abidin Yavuz and Tuncay Uzundal, also testified. Tight security measures were taken around the courthouse in the Besiktas district where the hearing was held. The next hearing is set for next February. /Turkish Daily News/

THREE MONTHS EARLY, EXPORTS BREAK ANNUAL RECORD
Three months before the New Year, for the first time ever Turkey's annual exports rose above the $100 billion mark, setting a new record. According to the Turkish Exporters' Assembly (TIM), exports so far this year total $100 billion, an increase of over 23%. TIM head Oguz Satici and State Minister Kursad Tuzmen yesterday announced the export figures at a ceremony at the old Parliament building. Tuzmen said that when exports hit $200 billion, Turkey's per capita income would reach $10,000. He added that 16 members of the 27-member European Union would not reach $100 billion in exports. /Milliyet/