TURKEY CONDEMNS BHUTTO ASSASSINATION
Pakistani opposition leader Benazir Bhutto was assassinated yesterday, just two months after the former premier returned from exile, in a gun and bomb attack as she left an election rally. Nearly 20 people were also killed in the blast. President Abdullah Gul expressed Turkey's sorrow at the attack, and said he hoped peace would be restored in Pakistan as soon as possible. "Everyone should be helpful, as Pakistan is our sister country," said Gul. The premier also sent a message of condolences to Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf. Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan also telephoned Musharraf to give his condolences. In addition, the Foreign Ministry and Parliament both issued statements condemning the assassination. /All Papers/
NSC TO DISCUSS FIGHT AGAINST TERRORISM
The National Security Council (NSC) will convene today at the Cankaya Presidential Palace. During the meeting, chaired by President Abdullah Gul, top officials will take up the terrorism issue and measures to counter terrorism. Turkish-European Union relations are also expected to be discussed at the gathering. /Turkiye/
ANKARA CELEBRATES 88TH ANNIVERSARY OF ATATURK'S ARRIVAL
Students of Ankara's Land Forces School yesterday held a traditional march to Anitkabir to mark the December 27, 1919 arrival in Ankara of Republic of Turkey founder Mustafa Kemal Ataturk in the runup to the War of Independence. A commemorative run was also held as part of the celebrations. /Sabah/
PARLIAMENT PASSES WITNESS PROTECTION LAW
Parliament yesterday adopted a new law to guarantee the safety and confidentiality of the identity of witnesses who testify against criminals and terrorist groups. The law pledges to protect people who serve as witnesses in cases that call for sentences of at least 10 years, as well as terrorism and certain organized crime cases. / Today's Zaman/
POET MEHMET AKIF ERSOY COMMEMORATED
Eminent Turkish poet Mehmet Akif Ersoy, who wrote the lyrics to the national anthem, was commemorated yesterday on the 71st anniversary of his death. /Sabah/
NEW MINIMUM WAGE SET FOR 2008
Following a series of meetings between government officials and labor representatives, the Minimum Wage Determination Commission yesterday announced the new minimum wage for next year. The current gross wage of YTL 585 for workers over 16 will be increased 4 percent in the first six months of 2008, and 5 percent in the second half. /Milliyet/