GUL: "TURKEY PLACES GREAT IMPORTANCE ON IMPLEMENTING A CEASE-FIRE IN GAZA"
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad yesterday telephoned his Turkish counterpart Abdullah Gul about Israel's attacks on the Gaza Strip, the Presidential Press Center announced. "Gul underlined how Turkey places great importance on implementing a cease-fire between the two parties, and providing humanitarian aid to the people affected by the attacks," the center added. /Star/
TOPTAN CALLS ISRAELI ATTACKS ON GAZA STRIP A "HUMAN TRAGEDY"
Parliament Speaker Koksal Toptan yesterday characterized the ongoing Israeli campaign on the Gaza Strip as a "human tragedy," urging the international community to take a clear stance against it. "There is no acceptable or justifiable reason for such an assault targeting civilians and children without exception," he said, urging the UN and other international bodies to take a stand against the attacks. Toptan's remarks came during a meeting with his Ethiopian counterpart Teshome Toga in Ankara. On Turkish-Ethiopian relations, Toptan said, "Turkey and Ethiopia enjoy very good bilateral relations. Since 1912, when the Ottoman Empire opened a consulate in Ethiopia, relations have constantly developed." For his part, Toga said relations between the two countries are excellent, adding that the Ethiopian government is ready to help Turkish businessmen who want to invest in the country. Toptan also hosted a luncheon in honor of Toga and his delegation. /Star/
ERDOGAN'S MIDEAST TOUR SET TO PUSH FOR PEACE
Speaking after yesterday's Cabinet meeting, Deputy Prime Minister Cemil Cicek said that Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan is set tomorrow to begin a tour of Middle East countries including Syria, Jordan, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia as part of diplomatic efforts to halt Israel's attacks on the Gaza Strip. Stating that the Cabinet had discussed the situation in Gaza, Cicek reiterated that Turkey will continue to promote peace and stability in the region, and that Israel's use of disproportionate force against innocent civilians is casting a shadow over the peace process. /Cumhuriyet/
NSC SET TO CONVENE TODAY
The National Security Council (NSC) will convene today at Cankaya Presidential Palace under the chairmanship of President Abdullah Gul. The council will discuss the course of Turkish-US relations under the incoming Barack Obama administration as well as potential changes and developments in Iraq after the withdrawal of US soldiers, developments in the Middle East, and the ongoing Israeli airstrikes in Palestine. /Star/
EGYPTIAN FM VISITS ANKARA
On a one-day visit to Ankara, Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Aboul Gheit yesterday was received by President Abdullah Gul and Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan. During his meeting with Erdogan, the two reportedly discussed how to stop the Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip and the quick dispatch of humanitarian aid there. Erdogan also reportedly called on all countries to take action to provide aid. In related news, at a joint press conference alongside Gheit, Foreign Minister Ali Babacan said, "We call on Israel to immediately stop its military operation against Gaza and to secure a ceasefire. And Hamas should end its activities which could be used as a reason for Israel's attacks." /Milliyet/
NEW CONSTITUTIONAL COURT JUSTICE SWORN IN
New Constitutional Court Reserve Justice Recep Komurcu yesterday took his oath of office. The swearing-in ceremony was attended by President Abdullah Gul, Parliament Speaker Koksal Toptan, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Deputy Prime Ministers Cemil Cicek and Hayati Yazici, Justice Minister Mehmet Ali Sahin, Constitutional Court Chief Justice Hasim Kilic, Supreme Court of Appeals President Hasan Gerceker, Council of State Chief Justice Mustafa Birden, Court of Accounts Chief Justice Mehmet Damar, and other top jurists and guests. Speaking at the ceremony, Kilic said that he had no doubt that Komurcu would fulfill his duties in compliance with the Constitution and the law. /Turkiye/
TRT'S NEW KURDISH CHANNEL TO START BROADCASTING ON THURSDAY
After test broadcasts last week, TRT 6, the first Kurdish channel of the state-owned Turkish Radio and Television Corporation (TRT), will start full broadcasts on Thursday with an inaugural speech by Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Filming of the speech, focusing on the solidarity and unity of the Turkish people, was completed yesterday. Erdogan will conclude his speech saying "enjoy TRT-6" and "happy New Year" in Kurdish. President Abdullah will also give an interview to the new channel. In related news, TRT will broadcast documentaries and religious and cultural programs about Alevism during the first 12 days of Muharram, a month held sacred by Alevis and other Muslims. On January 7, the 12th day of the month, TRT will also air live programs from three large cemevis (Alevi houses of worship) in Istanbul and Ankara. In the first 12 days of this month, Alevis mourn the massacre of Hussein, the grandchild of the Prophet Mohammed, and his relatives. Work is also underway for a new TRT channel that will broadcast in Armenian. The channel is expected to be operational by the end of next year. /Star/