ISRAEL'S PERES MEETS WITH GUL
Israeli President Shimon Peres arrived on Sunday in Ankara amid tight security for a three-day visit, at the invitation of President Abdullah Gul. At a joint press conference at the Presidential Palace, Peres urged Turkey to mediate for the return of two Israeli soldiers abducted last year by Hezbollah. "We will do whatever we can," said Gul. "But if you urge Turkey to be a mediator, other countries shouldn't interfere in the process." Peres offered Turkey cooperation in the fight against terrorism, adding that terrorists hiding in mountainous areas cannot be defeated by F-16 fighter jets. Peres also stressed the need for using new technology to fight terrorism, particularly nanotechnology. Saying that Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak is scheduled to visit Ankara in January, Peres expressed his wish to strengthen strategic relations between Turkey and Israel in combating terrorism. The Jerusalem Post reported that Israel is hoping to sell the Arrow ballistic missile defense system and an Ofek spy satellite to Turkey. The two leaders also discussed a US House committee's passage last month of a resolution on the Armenian allegations. Gul asked Israel to press the US Jewish lobby to oppose such moves and thanked Peres for Israel's previous help regarding the matter. "For the first time in history, a majority-Muslim country has emerged as a mediator accepted by all parties," said Peres. "Turkey can create a positive atmosphere ahead of the Mideast peace summit to be held (later this month) in Annapolis (the US). Such a contribution is very important for us, due to the respect Arabs and Muslims have for Turkey." The two leaders also highlighted the importance of developing ties in the areas of education and culture. Gul urged Peres to open a cultural or economic center and a representative office in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) and start ferry service between the TRNC and the port city of Haifa. Peres also met with Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan. /Aksam/
PALESTINE'S ABBAS, ISRAEL'S PERES TO ADDRESS PARLIAMENT
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas arrived in Ankara yesterday as the official guest of President Abdullah Gul. Abbas met with Gul and is set to participate in the seventh meeting of the Ankara Forum in Ankara today with the participation of Gul and visiting Israeli President Shimon Peres. Gul said he believed they could make important decisions that will promote regional stability and relations between Israel and Palestine. Businessmen from the three countries will sign a framework agreement to establish an industrial zone in the West Bank, with the three leaders attending the signing as observers. Goods produced in this zone will be sold customs free to the EU and US and could provide jobs for thousands of Palestinians. In a historic first, Peres and his Palestinian counterpart Abbas are also set to separately address Parliament. /Aksam-Turkiye/
ERDOGAN: "TURKEY IS A LEADING COUNTRY FOR PEACE AND STABILITY IN ITS REGION"
Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said yesterday that his government's goal is to further Turkey's development. Opening the Sixth International Ataturk Congress in Ankara, Erdogan said that the Turkish Republic has the world's 17th-largest economy and is continuing to develop its democracy and understanding of state under the rule of law in all areas. Stressing that Ataturk, the founder of modern Turkey, is a symbol of independence and freedom worldwide, the premier said that the country will move forward in line with Ataturk's principles. Also addressing the gathering, State Minister Mehmet Aydin said that Ataturk's revolutions brought sweeping changes to both individuals and communal life. /Turkiye/
PM ERDOGAN TO VISIT CZECH REPUBLIC THIS WEEK
Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan is scheduled to pay an official visit to the Czech Republic starting Thursday. During his two-day stay, Erdogan is expected to discuss bilateral relations as well as regional and international issues with top Czech officials. He is also set to address a meeting of Turkish and Czech businessmen. /Turkiye/
CICEK: "BABACAN WILL BRIEF THE OPPOSITION ON THE PM'S WASHINGTON VISIT"
Government spokesman and Deputy Prime Minister Cemil Cicek said yesterday that Foreign Minister Ali Babacan would give briefings to opposition parties on Premier Recep Tayyip Erdogan's recent visit to Washington. Speaking to reporters following a six-hour Cabinet meeting, Cicek said the ministers had discussed in detail Erdogan's US visit and the terrorism issue. Stressing that the premier had made clear to the US president Turkey's determination to fight PKK terrorists, Cicek said that Babacan, who accompanied Erdogan, would soon brief opposition parties in Parliament on the visit. "The Turkish public should be sure that the government and all related institutions are working in unison and determination against the terrorist PKK," added Cicek. /Cumhuriyet/
ERDOGAN MEETS WITH GEN. SAYGUN
Deputy Chief of General Staff Gen. Ergin Saygun, who accompanied Premier Recep Tayyip Erdogan during his recent US visit, came to the Prime Ministry yesterday following the Cabinet meeting to meet with Erdogan. Saygun reportedly submitted to the premier a detailed study prepared by the General Staff on a possible military incursion into northern Iraq. /Sabah/
ANNAN ATTENDS QUALITY CONGRESS IN ANKARA
Former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan yesterday arrived in Ankara to attend the 16th Quality Congress set to begin today. President Abdullah Gul hosted a luncheon in Annan's honor. The former secretary-general is expected to deliver a speech to the congress. /Turkiye/
AZERBAIJAN INVITES TRNC'S TALAT TO ATTEND TURKIC CONGRESS
Azerbaijan, which once took an important step towards ending the international isolation of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) through a direct flight, yesterday invited TRNC President Mehmet Ali Talat to Baku to attend this weekend's 11th Turkic State and Community Friendship, Fraternity and Cooperation General Assembly. /Turkiye/