GUL: "IN MY FIRST YEAR AS PRESIDENT, I HAVE LIVED UP TO THE OATH OF OFFICE"
In an interview with news channel NTV, President Abdullah Gul yesterday evaluated his first year in office. Stressing that the president must keep an equal distance from all parties and ensure harmony among constitutional institutions, Gul said that during his first year, he had lived up to the presidential oath and kept the promises he gave ahead of his election. "I`m aware of my duties and position as president," he explained. "Impartiality is very important for me, and I believe that I maintained my impartiality during my first year in office. I included all citizens and opened the Presidential Palace`s doors to everyone." On rising tension in the Caucasus in the wake of Russian-Georgian conflict and Moscow`s recognition of the breakaway provinces of South Ossetia and Abkhazia, Gul said that Turkey would continue to help efforts to restore stability and peace to the region, as indifference is not an option. Asked whether he accept an invitation from the Armenian president to visit Yerevan to see World Cup qualifying match between the Turkish and Armenian national teams, Gul said hadn`t made a decision yet. "We need to concentrate our energy in the international area," he added. "I believe that over the next few years, Turkey will become the most dependable country in the region." On the Cyprus issue, Gul said, "Turkey maintains its stance regarding the Cyprus issue and supports a comprehensive solution." On discussion over a possible new constitution, Gul said, "Nearly all political parties have expressed the need for a new constitution, but the most important thing on this issue is to reach a broad-based consensus." /Turkiye-Sabah/
BUYUKANIT: " TURKEY IS FULLY APPLYING THE MONTREUX AGREEMENT"
At a reception following the official handover of the Turkish Land Forces command yesterday, outgoing Chief of General Staff Gen. Yasar Buyukanit said, "Turkey is completely applying the provisions of Montreux Agreement. There are no developments in the Black Sea in violation of the agreement." Dismissing some comments on the issue as ignorant speculation, he added, "Of course there are some who aren`t happy about the restrictions under the agreement, but it is very important for Turkey. The Black Sea is the most stable sea in the region." He also warned that the regional problems could spread to the Black Sea . /Turkiye/
GEN. KOSANER: "THE TSK WILL CONTINUE TO DEFEND THE REPUBLIC`S BASIC PRINCIPLES"
At a ceremony yesterday, Gen. Isik Kosaner took over command of the Turkish Land Forces from Gen. Ilker Basbug. Addressing the handover gathering, Kosaner said that the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) would continue to defend the basic principles of the republic, and that it had no intention of intervening in domestic politics. He added that the TSK`s power comes from the Turkish nation which it serves. Among those attending the ceremony were President Abdullah Gul, Parliament Speaker Koksal Toptan and Premier Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Also speaking at the gathering, Basbug said that the TSK had carried out successful operations against the terrorist PKK, and that it would continue to do so. Basbug will take over the helm of the TSK from Gen. Yasar Buyukanit at a ceremony today. /Hurriyet/
CONSTITUTIONAL COURT TO RELEASE FULL DECISIONS ON TWO LANDMARK RULINGS NEXT MONTH
Releasing the full decisions on two recent landmark Constitutional Court rulings are a priority for the court, said Constitutional Court Chief Justice Hasim Kilic yesterday. Speaking to Star daily, Kilic stated that next month, before Parliament reconvenes, they will release full decisions, including the court`s legal reasoning, on a case upholding the Constitution`s headscarf ban at universities, and its decision not to close down the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP). /Star/
DSP`S SEZER: "THE ECONOMY MUST BE OUR PRIORITY NOW"
Turkey has to focus on the economy instead of sowing new tensions and debate through a push to change the Constitution, said Democratic Leftist Part (DSP) leader Zeki Sezer yesterday. He was responding to opposition Nationalist Movement Party`s (MHP) leader Devlet Bahceli called for a broad-based consensus on such changes to help defuse recent political tension. At a press conference at Parliament, Sezer claimed that Turkey has been moving rapidly and dangerously into an atmosphere of social explosion. Stating that opposition parties should join forces to protect social peace and welfare through an approach including all members of society, he added, "Now the priority issue has to be the economy." /Star/
TRNC PRESIDENT TALAT: "I RESPECT THE WILL OF THE PEOPLE OF SOUTH OSSETIA AND ABKHAZIA"
Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) President Mehmet Ali Talat yesterday said that he "respected the will of the people" of South Ossetia and Abkhazia, two breakaway Georgian provinces whose independence Russia recognized this week. On a visit to the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce, asked about Russia`s controversial recognition, Talat said, "No people should be left to live under the yoke of any other country." He added, "This should be clearly understood. The Turkish Cypriots have experienced the same things. It was Turkey which helped and recognized us. The Turkish Cypriots have shown many times our determination not to live under the yoke of the Greek Cypriots, which attacked us. For this reason, I understand very well the people of South Ossetia and Abkhazia and respect them." /Milliyet/
Countries who are not signatories to the Montreaux Convention should nevertheless abide by it, said Russian Ambassador to Ankara Vladimir Ivanovski yesterday. At a press conference at the Russian Embassy about recent developments in the Caucasus, asked about Turkey`s proposal for a Caucasus cooperation and stability platform, Ivanovski said the foreign ministers of the two countries will meet early next month. Asked about Montreux, Ivanovski said that Turkey and Russia`s position on it was the same, adding that everyone should abide by it, apparently implying the US. /Cumhuriyet/