PRESIDENT GUL RECEIVES BAHCELI
President Abdullah Gul yesterday received opposition Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahceli. During the nearly hour-long meeting, the two exchanged views on recent domestic and international developments, proposed constitutional changes, and efforts for normalized relations between Turkey and Armenia. Bahceli reiterated that Gul's term of office would last for five years. /Hurriyet/

FOREIGN MINISTER DAVUTOGLU PAYS FIRST OFFICIAL VISIT TO TRNC
Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu yesterday paid his first visit to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) as Turkey's top diplomat, a post he got last week in a recent major Cabinet reshuffle. During his day visit to the island, Davutoglu met with TRNC President Mehmet Ali Talat to discuss ongoing comprehensive talks between the Turkish and Greek Cypriot sides towards a lasting solution of the Cyprus issue. Speaking at a joint press conference afterwards, Davutoglu reiterated Turkey's support for the negotiations, and called on everyone, including the European Court of Justice, which recently rattled the TRNC with a controversial property ruling, to do the same. "Everyone should avoid steps that could negatively affect the Cyprus talks and everyone, including international courts, should support the efforts led by TRNC President Talat." The European court last month ruled that a Greek Cypriot court decision, ordering a British couple to demolish a holiday house they had built in the TRNC, is applicable in Britain as well because both Greek Cyprus and Britain are European Union members. The Turkish Cypriots say the ruling ignores the principle of bi-zonality, endorsed by the UN as a basic parameter of any settlement on Cyprus. Expressing his hope that the talks will soon yield a positive outcome that ensures and guarantees the bi-zonality, bi-communality, and political equality and security of the two sides, Davutoglu said that this would make not only Cyprus but also the entire eastern Mediterranean region an area of peace and welfare. Stating that his visit was also meant to express his support for Turkish Cypriot democracy on the heels of parliamentary elections and to call for unity between the new government and Talat for the talks, Davutoglu said, "We are confident that the Turkish Cypriot people will act in unison in support of the talks led by President Talat in such a critical period." Davutoglu also reiterated that Turkey would determinedly continue to support the TRNC in all areas. For his part, Talat expressed gratitude for Ankara's support, and added, "During a time of unfair outside interventions in the ongoing comprehensive talks between Turkish and Greek Cypriots, it is very pleasing to feel Turkey's full support for us." Stating that he had briefed Davutoglu on the negotiations and exchanged views on them, Talat also said that they would do all they could to reach a positive solution that benefits the Turkish Cypriot people. Davutoglu also met with new Turkish Cypriot Prime Minister Dervis Eroglu and new Foreign Minister Huseyin Ozgurgun. /Turkiye/

DEPUTY PM ARINC VISITS LEBANON
Bulent Arinc paid his first official visit to Lebanon yesterday in his new post as deputy prime minister. During his visit, Arinc was received by Lebanese President Michel Suleiman, and met with Prime Minister Fouad Siniora in Beirut. Bilateral political and economic relations as well as regional issues dominated Arinc's talks. Speaking to reporters afterwards, Arinc said, "As a firm friend, Turkey places great importance on Lebanon's national unity and stability. The Lebanese people suffered great agonies in the past. Turkey wants those agonies to end and the Lebanese people to live in peace." During his visit, Arinc attended the groundbreaking ceremony for a $20 million trauma and rehabilitation center to be built by Turkey. He also visited the tomb of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, who was assassinated in 2005. /Sabah/

SARKOZY SENDS LETTER OF CONDOLENCES TO GUL
French President Nicolas Sarkozy on Monday sent a letter of condolences to his Turkish counterpart Abdullah Gul over the killing of nine Turkish soldiers in Lice, Diyarbakir. In the message, Sarkozy said that France strongly condemned the incident, and offered his condolences to the families of the victims. /Milliyet/

EP HOLDS MEETING ON TURKEY
Speaking at a meeting at the European Parliament on Turkey's democratization, European Union Commissioner for Enlargement Olli Rehn yesterday said that he was getting mixed messages from Turkey, adding that the EU is closely watching the Kurdish issue, the ongoing Ergenekon probe, and press freedom. For his part, EU-Turkey Joint Parliamentary Co-Chair Joost Lagendjk said that some things in Turkey are changing for the better, and some for the worse. "I urge the Turkish government to approach each issue on the basis of the rule of law," he added. /Milliyet/

12th EURASIAN ECONOMIC SUMMIT BEGINS IN ISTANBUL
The 12th Eurasian Economic Summit began in Istanbul yesterday, with the attendance of former President Suleyman Demirel, Culture and Tourism Minister Ertugrul Gunay, Koç Holding Chairman Emeritus Rahmi Koç, Istanbul Chamber of Commerce (ISO) head Murat Yalcintas, Istanbul Greater Municipality Mayor Kadir Topbas, and Kosovar President Fatmir Sajdiu. Speaking at the meeting, Gunay touted Turkey's "soft power" in making peace among civilizations. He added that Turkey is the world's number seven tourist destination and that it also provides an opportunity for diverse countries to come together and interact. Describing tourism as a "peace project," Gunay emphasized, "Turkish tourism helps people get to know each other." /Today's Zaman/