ANKARA - These are some of the major headlines and their brief stories in Turkey's press on May 27, 2004. The Anadolu Agency does not verify these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.
CUMHURIYET (LEFT)
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CYPRUS SCANDAL OF AK PARTY
Turkish delegation abstained at a vote regarding representation of Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) municipalities in Council of Europe.
The Turkish delegation abstained with the suggestion of Justice and Development Party (AK Party) member Yavuz Mildon. At the end of the vote, a decision was taken for representation of TRNC municipalities under the name of ''Cyprus Republic''.
Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul said this did not interest the government, but the mayors.
NATO CALLS FOR SUPPORT FOR AFGHANISTAN
NATO Assembly Turkish Group Chairman Vahit Erdem said, ''mission of the international community and NATO in Afghanistan is at a critical stage.''
Erdem, who went to Afghanistan together with a four-people NATO Parliamentary delegation, gave information to Parliament about his visit.
Erdem said, ''reinforcement of NATO with 3,600 soldiers, like a brigade, seems urgent.''
RADIKAL (LEFT)
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PARLIAMENT FAILS TO RELEASE A STATEMENT ABOUT MIDDLE EAST
Republican People's Party (CHP) deputy group chairmen have criticized the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) harshly. Ali Topuz of CHP said, ''the AK Party rejected the expression in the statement saying that Turkey wanted formation of a secular state in Iraq. Therefore, the parliament failed to release a statement following Tuesday's special session on recent developments in Iraq and in the Middle East.''
CRISIS WITH ISRAEL
Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Gul has said that Turkey might appoint an ambassador to its consulate general in Jerusalem. When asked whether or not the Turkish Ambassador to Israel would be recalled, Gul said that the ambassadors can be recalled to get information about recent developments in the countries to which they are assigned, and there was not anything abnormal about it. Gul's statement has given rise to tension in the relations between Turkey and Israel.
TURKIYE (RIGHT)
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TURKEY TO JOIN G-8 SUMMIT
U.S. President Bush invited Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan to summit of seven industrialized countries forming G-8 which would take place in Georgia state. Erdogan will join the meeting as ''democratic partner''. Turkey is expected to contribute to the efforts exerted in the Middle East.
PRESSURE FROM TURKEY TO ISRAEL
Tension escalated between Turkey and Israel following the military operation on Rafah Refugee Camp last week. Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Gul said it could be possible to appoint a diplomat at ambassadorial level to Turkey's Consulate General in Jerusalem.
Replying to a question if Turkey might appoint an ambassador to its consulate general in Jerusalem, Gul said, ''it can be. There are such implementations.''
Recalling that there had been diplomats appointed to Jerusalem, Gul said, ''such things can be possible.''
When asked whether or not the Turkish Ambassador to Israel would be recalled, Gul said that the ambassadors can be recalled to get information about recent developments in the countries to which they are assigned, and there was not anything abnormal about it.
Gul said the ambassador could come to Ankara to discuss ''what else Turkey can do'' during a period when Turkey was closely interested in Middle East peace process, and then go back to the country where he was assigned.
ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)
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REPRESENTATIVES OF WORLD PRESS TO CONVENE IN ISTANBUL
The 57th congress of the World Association of Newspapers (WAN) will be held in Istanbul between May 30 and June 2, 2004. Nearly 1 thousand 500 people are expected to attend the congress. The theme of the congress was announced as ''Competition of World Press with Internet and New Technologies''. Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan is expected to make opening remarks of the congress. Owners or editors in chief of leading world newspapers such as Washington Post of the United States, El Pais of Spain and Le Monde of France.
(AY-UK-AÖ) 27.05.2004