ERDOGAN: “IF BOTH SIDES WANT IT, WE COULD MEDIATE BETWEEN RUSSIA AND GEORGIA”
On the eve of Russian president Vladimir Putin’s historic visit to Ankara, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan was briefed yesterday by Foreign Ministry officials on recent developments in the tension between Russia and Georgia. Speaking to reporters before the briefing, Erdogan said that Ankara would do its utmost to ensure peace in neighboring countries. Asked whether Turkey would serve as a mediator between Moscow and Tbilisi, Erdogan said that Ankara could do so provided both sides want it. “We can’t just sit and watch negative developments in the Caucasus,” added Erdogan. Later, Erdogan met with National Intelligence Organization (MIT) Undersecretary Senkal Atasagun. Following his meeting with Atasagun, the premier met with a group of businessmen doing business in Russia and listened to their problems. /Aksam/

EDELMAN PLEDGES COOPERATION TO PROTECT TURKISH WORKERS IN IRAQ
Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul yesterday received US Ambassador to Turkey Eric Edelman. After the meeting, Edelman told reporters that in the leadup to this month’s United Nations General Assembly meeting, which Gul is set to attend, he had had comprehensive and fruitful talks with the foreign minister. Concerning security issues in Iraq, Edelman said that his administration regretted the murder of hostages who were only trying to help in the country’s reconstruction. He added that US forces and the Turkish Foreign Ministry would cooperate on the matter, saying that certain Turkish drivers and engineers in Iraq would be escorted by US soldiers. /Turkiye/

PUTIN DUE IN ANKARA TODAY
Russian President Vladimir Putin is due to arrive in Ankara today to pay a two-day official visit. Russia’s Ambassador to Turkey Petr Stegny said yesterday that Putin would not postpone his visit due to the terrorist hostage crisis in his country, which at press time was still unresolved. During his visit, Putin will be accompanied by his foreign and defense ministers. Turkish officials and the Russian leader are expected to discuss a number of issues, including bilateral relations, energy projects, the defense industry, and recent developments in the Caucasus. /Cumhuriyet/

VERHEUGEN TO ARRIVE IN TURKEY ON SUNDAY AND MEET WITH ERDOGAN, GUL
European Union Commissioner for Enlargement Guenter Verheugen, who is soon due to leave his post, is expected to arrive in Turkey on Sunday for a three-day visit. During his short stay, Verheugen is expected to meet with Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul to discuss recent developments on Turkey’s EU membership bid. After completing his contacts in Ankara, Verheugen will also meet with Nusret Miroglu, the governor of the Diyarbakir province, as well as Diyarbakir city Mayor Osman Baydemir. He will also hold contacts in Istanbul and Izmir. /Cumhuriyet/

TWO TURKISH HOSTAGES FREED IN IRAQ
After the company employing him gave into Iraqi kidnappers’ demand to stop its activities in Iraq, Tahsin Top, a Turkish driver who was kidnapped in Iraq early last month, was released yesterday. In addition, Iraqi security officials stated that another Turkish driver, Suleyman Hamit, had been rescued last night. /Turkiye/

UNDER NEW SYSTEM, HIGH SCHOOL TO LAST FOUR YEARS
The Education Ministry announced yesterday that beginning this educational year, the duration of high school would be four years rather than three. Under the new arrangement, the first year will be identical for both normal and vocational high schools. In the second year, students will be expected to choose between the normal and occupational tracks. A total of 145 schools in 30 provinces have been selected as pilots for the new system. /Sabah/

GOVERNMENT SET TO TRANSFER GOVERNORS OF 19 PROVINCES
Under a decree set to be signed soon by President Ahmet Necdet Sezer, the governorships of 19 Turkish provinces are due to change hands. Some of the changes are as follows: Van Governor Hikmet Tan will be transferred to Adiyaman, Adana Governor Kemal Onal to Ankara, Skarya Governor Cahit Kirac to Adana, Diyarbakir Governor Nusret Miroglu to Edirne and Batman Governor Efkan Ala to Diyarbakir. /Star/

REPORT FINDS STATE RAILWAYS AT FAULT IN DERAILMENT
The State Railways Authority (TCDD) was at fault in July’s train derailment in Sakarya which killed 38, says a new expert report on the deadly accident. In addition, chief machine operator Fikret Karabulut and his deputy Recep Sonmez were also found at fault. Conductor Koksal Coskun, however, was found blameless. /Huriyet/

TIM CHAIRMAN: “TURKEY’S EXPORTS HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO CUT THE CURRENT ACCOUNTS DEFICIT”
Speaking at a press conference in Sivas yesterday, Turkish Exporters’ Union (TIM) Chairman Oguz Satici said that in the first half of this year Turkey’s exports rose 33.6% to reach $40 billion. Touching on the high current accounts deficit, Satici said that Turkey’s exports sector had the potential to bring down this deficit. /Aksam/