GUL: RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN THE CAUCASUS SHOW THE NEED FOR TURKEY TO BE POWERFUL AND STABLE IN ITS REGION
At the Cankaya Presidential Palace yesterday, President Abdullah Gul was briefed by Foreign Minister Ali Babacan on recent developments in the Caucasus. Afterwards, Gul told reporters that Turkey would continue its initiatives to restore peace and stability to the region. Stressing that Turkey places great importance on Georgia`s territorial integrity and sovereignty, he said that everyone should respect it. Stating that Turkey has always been closely interested in developments in the region, he said that it would continue to play a key role to ensure and protect the region`s peace, stability and prosperity. He also voiced support for Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan`s proposal for a Caucasus alliance to make the region more stable and secure, and to boost cooperation among regional countries, saying that the region needs mechanisms for peace and cooperation that could prevent conflicts before they begin. Gul said that Turkey would continue to support all international initiatives to restore peace to the war-torn region, and added, "It is good that our government immediately started humanitarian aid to Georgia, as political initiatives are underway." He added, "News reports that Russia has halted military operations are a positive development. I hope this positive development will soon turn into a cease-fire. Implementation of a cease-fire is very important. I believe that both parties should take care to prevent further bloodshed." Stressing that Turkey is located in a very key region, close to most important international developments, he said, "Recent developments indicate that Turkey should be powerful and stable in the region and should have a strong economy and armed forces." /Turkiye/
SOLDIERS SLAIN IN ERZINCAN LAID TO REST
Nine soldiers killed by a roadside bomb planted by the terrorist PKK Monday in the eastern province of Erzincan were laid to rest in their hometowns yesterday. A memorial service for the soldiers at Erzincan Military Hospital was attended by Interior Minister Besir Atalay, Transportation Minister Binali Yildirim, and thousand of other mourners. Afterwards, the coffins of the soldiers were sent to their hometowns for burial. /All papers/
CHIEF OF STAFF BUYUKANIT PAYS FAREWELL VISIT TO PRESIDENT GUL
Chief of General Staff Gen. Yasar Buyukanit, who will retire at the end of this month, yesterday paid a farewell visit to President Abdullah Gul at the Cankaya Presidential Palace. The visit, which was held behind closed doors, lasted about 30 minutes.
IRAN`S AHMADINEJAD DUE IN TURKEY TOMORROW
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is set to visit Istanbul tomorrow, in his first-ever visit to a NATO member country. Ahmadinejad is scheduled to meet with President Abdullah Gul, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Foreign Minister Ali Babacan in the city. The meetings are expected to focus on boosting bilateral relations by exchanging views on regional issues in line with Turkey`s developing friendship and cooperation with Iran. /Aksam/
GOVT PLANS TO REVIVE AVIATION SECTOR IN EASTERN, SOUTHEASTERN ANATOLIA
As part of its special development plan for the eastern and southeastern Anatolia regions, the government plans to increase aviation-related investments in the local provinces. Under its plans, three new airports will be constructed in the Igdir, Sirnak, and Yuksekova districts of Hakkari, and some existing airports in the regions will be renovated. A joint airport for the provinces of Adana and Mersin will also be built. The new airports are expected to be operational by 2010. /Aksam/