ERDOGAN VISITS DENIZLI
Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, accompanied by State Minister Murat Basesgioglu, Agriculture and Rural Affairs Minister Mehdi Eker and Transportation Minister Binali Yildirim yesterday visited western province of Denizli to attend a series of openings. Speaking at an inauguration ceremony, Erdogan said that protecting democratic and economic stability was a great responsibility for all who were responsible for the country. Stressing that as long as Turkey preserves self-confidence, all problems can be overcome, Erdogan said, "We continue to serve our country." /Turkiye/

BAYKAL OVERWHELMINGLY REGAINS CHP'S LEADERSHIP
Republican People's Party (CHP) leader Deniz Baykal was re-elected his party's leader for the 10th time at the 32nd CHP congress over the weekend, after receiving 1,021 of 1,105 votes. Baykal was the only candidate in the election thanks to the CHP's charter, which stipulates the approval of 20 percent of party delegates to participate in the election. Other possible candidates couldn't gather necessary signatures from delegates for electoral participation. In his victory speech, stressing the case seeking the closure of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) on charges of anti-secular activities, Baykal said, "Everyone will freely be able to exercise their beliefs. Everyone will have the right to teach their children their religion, but Turkish state will remain secular. Legal and education system and politics in Turkey will continue to be secular. The golden synthesis of Islam and secularism only exists in Turkey in the Islamic world." Stressing that Turkish people had gained its independence by its own struggle without any support from foreign powers, Baykal added, "We are not enemies of the West but we want the West to respect us. They never supported us when we were building our democracy." Baykal also signaled that the CHP would pursue a more liberal policy on the Kurdish issue. Losing also their seats in the party assembly as well as leadership of the party, the intra-party opposition took pounding in the elections. Baykal's list for the assembly was elected en bloc. The representatives of intra-party opposition harshly criticized Baykal's administration, and anti-democratic structure and charter of the party. In response to the criticisms, Baykal said, "I have quit twice, but you called me back. Those who abandoned the party in 1994 when it received only 4.7 percent of votes are running for leadership today." /Aksam-Sabah/

BABACAN: "EU REFORMS WILL CONTINUE"
Speaking to reporters on the way to Ankara from Oman, Foreign Minister Ali Babacan said that the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) had focused on issues including preparation of a defense for the AKP closure case, forming a new Constitution and continuation of the European Union reform process. Concerning economy, he said that the flow of direct capital into Turkey will decrease in 2008. Undoubtedly, the global economic fluctuation will have an impact on the flow of direct capital into Turkey, said Babacan, adding that Turkey's domestic issues will also have an impact on capital flow into country. Direct capital that entered Turkey in 2007 was $22 billion, Babacan said. /Turkiye/

ISRAEL'S AMBASSADOR TO ANKARA LEVY: "TURKS HELPED US TOO MUCH IN THE PAST"
Israel's Ambassador to Ankara Gaby Levy over the weekend spoke about Turkey mediating peace negotiations between Israel and Syria, stating that Turkey has influence in the region and added, "Turks helped us too much in the past." Speaking to Israeli state radio, Levy said, "Turks want to partake in this process. They have influence in the Muslim world and the region." In related news, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said that he supported Turkey mediating Israeli-Syrian peace. /Milliyet/

SWEDISH DELEGATION VISITS PARLIAMENT
A delegation led by Vice Speaker of the Swedish Parliament Liselott Hagberg will hold meetings in Parliament today. The delegation is expected to meet with Parliament Speaker Koksal Toptan and Parliament's European Union adaptation commission head, Yasar Yakis. Deputies from the Liberal Party, Socialist Party and Green Party will participate in the visit. /Turkish Daily News/

NEW ZEALAND'S FM ARRIVES IN ANKARA
New Zealand's Foreign Minister Winston Peters' first official visit to Ankara begins today. During his talks with his Turkish counterpart Ali Babacan, further development of relations, as well as regional and international matters will be taken up. He will also be received by President Abdullah Gul and Parliament Speaker Koksal Toptan. The New Zealander top diplomat arrived in Turkey last week and attended the 93rd annual commemoration of the Gallipoli Wars. /Turkish Daily News/

PACE RAPPORTEUR GROSS VISITS GOKCEADA AND BOZCAADA
Andreas Gross, rapporteur of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) went to Gokceada and Bozcaada to prepare a report. Gross considers that many islanders of Greek origin have left the islands as a result of policies carried out at the time. /Cumhuriyet/