ANKARA (AA) - These are some of the major headlines and their summaries in Turkish press on December 16th, 2004. The Anadolu Agency does not verify these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.
HURRIYET (LIBERAL)
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WE FOUGHT TOGETHER, LET US LIVE TOGETHER
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated that Turkish children fought for freedom and democracy under NATO side by side with European children. ''Today, we want to live for the same ideals of freedom and democracy with you under one roof,'' said Erdogan.
Erdogan prepared a letter appealing to the European Union to support full membership of Turkey. The letter was published in Germany's Bild Newspaper today.
In his letter, Erdogan told that any European attempt to keep Turkey out of the EU would be a blow to the idea of multi-culturalism in Europe. ''Excluding Turkey from the EU would be a dangerous decision.''
MERCI SIR!
A key name at the upcoming EU summit of December 17, French President Jacques Chirac has announced that excluding Turkey from the European Union would have drastic consequences. Appearing on French tv station TF1, Chirac said that his country can not say 'no' to Turkish membership. ''I will say 'yes' for the beginning of entry negotiations. These negotiations will start in 2005,'' told Chirac.
1 MILLION ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS IN TURKEY
A recent report by the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce (ITO) stated that there are presently more than one million illegal immigrants in Turkey. ''Over 300,000 illegal immigrants enter Turkey annually,'' said the report. While half of the illegal immigrants work in homes as servants or baby-sitters, many choose to work as prostitutes, construction workers, and as waiters and/or cooks. The illegal immigrants come to Turkey from 163 different countries.
MILLIYET (LIBERAL)
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ERDOGAN: ''WE WANT THE EU TO BE HONEST ABOUT TURKEY''
Answering questions from the Turkish newspaper Milliyet prior to his departure for Brussels, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated that the European Union should not place new conditions on the table for Turkey. ''We want the EU to be honest about Turkey. We refuse to say 'yes' to each demand coming from the EU,'' told Erdogan. ''Turkey has fulfilled the requirements of the Copenhagen Criteria. The EU Commission recently confirmed Turkey's success in fulfilling the Copenhagen Criteria requirements. We are not going to accept any conditions that may be placed in our face by the EU. I do not understand how the EU can place conditions for Turkish Cypriots, despite their approval of the Annan Plan in last April. The Greek Cypriots refused the Annan Plan but did not face conditions from the EU.''
FISCHER SUPPORTS TURKISH MEMBERSHIP IN THE EU
German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer has stated that the invitation delivered to Turkey for EU membership is the most prominent event in European history after the collapse of the Iron Wall in 1989. ''Giving Turkey a date for the beginning of entry talks would be to the overall benefit of the EU,'' said Fischer. ''Turkey belongs to Europe. Turkey could be a bridge of peace between Europe and the Middle East. A Turkey with tolerance, modern and moderate Islam could be a positive role model for the whole Islamic world.''
SABAH (LIBERAL)
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3 BLN USD TO COME FROM ITALY
Turkish Industry & Trade Minister Ali Coskun said that the Italian delegation was pleased with its visit to Turkey, and added, ''Italian companies will make more than 3 billion U.S. dollars of investments (in Turkey).'' Coskun and Italian Deputy Productive Activities Minister Adolfo Urso signed a cooperation protocol. Coskun said that they agreed to further improve economic relations between Turkey and Italy.
TURKS ARE VERY PROUD, THERE CAN'T BE A THIRD PATH
French President Jacques Chirac ended the discussions on the proposal to establish ''privileged partnership'' between Turkey and the European Union (EU), saying, ''we can't propose privileged partnership to Turkey.'' Noting that negotiations would be opened with Turkey in 2005, Chirac signaled before today's (Thursday's) critical (EU heads of state and government) summit that he would say ''yes'' to Turkey's membership bid.
CUMHURIYET (LEFT)
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EP PROPOSES STARTING OF NEGOTIATIONS WITH TURKEY
European Parliament (EP) accepted resolution on Wednesday calling on start of negotiations with Turkey. The EP voted 407 to 262, with 29 abstentions to pass the resolution. The recommendatory decision, which is nonbinding, is important as it reflects the view of the Parliament prior to Brussels summit. The report, prepared and a recommendatory decision supports Turkey but at the same time envisages bringing many conditions.
ERDOGAN: WE WILL LEAVE THE TABLE IF NECESSARY
Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who left for Brussels, said they were against dilution of full membership, conditions and linking the date to another decision. Erdogan said, ''we will put it into the refrigerator and go on our path.''
Meanwhile Turkish Foreign Minister & Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Gul said, ''full membership target should be clear and net. There should not be another date that will pave the ways for another meeting.''
RADIKAL (LEFT)
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FRENCH PRESIDENT: TURKEY WILL STRENGTHEN EU
Appearing on a French television channel before the meeting of the European Council, French President Jacques Chirac said, ''Turks are self-respecting nation, and they won't accept privileged partnership. Excluding Turkey will bring heavy responsibility to us.''
INTENSE LOBBYING, BALKENENDE SEARCHES FOR COMPROMISE
Steps to be taken regarding Cyprus problem and permanent limitations will be high on agenda in Brussels. Turkey will say, ''first set a date, then steps.'' On the other hand, Dutch PM Balkenende said, ''it seems it will be 'yes' for Turkey. We are after a common decision.''
TURKIYE (RIGHT)
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EP: TURKEY DESERVES TO BE A MEMBER
The report prepared by Dutch Eurlings encouraging the beginning of accession talks with Turkey has been accepted by the European Parliament yesterday. 407 members of parliament said 'yes' to the report. There were 262 opponents of the report in the parliament. Resolutions supporting a 'priviliged partnership' for Turkey, the refusal of Turkish membership and the recognition of the so-called Armenian genocide were all rejected. The decision of the European Parliament has been described as ''crucial'' before tomorrow's EU summit.
TWO MORE TURKISH TRUCK DRIVERS KILLED IN IRAQ
Iraqi police authorities have confirmed the deaths of two Turkish drivers last night. The drivers and their trucks were burned around the city of Balad, 70 kilometers north of Iraq. The identities of the drivers could not be determined immediately. Iraqi security authorities have begun an investigation aiming to find the killers.
ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)
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BOLD SUPPORT FROM CHIRAC
Two important messages came from Europe on the eve of the historical summit from which a decision would be made regarding Turkey's full membership process.
European Parliament recommended start of full membership talks with Turkey without ''undue delay''. French President Jaques Chirac expended a strong support to Ankara prior to his arrival to Brussels to attend the EU summit.
Speaking to a French TV, Chirac said any alternative like ''privileged membership'' could not be offered to Turkey.
Chirac stressed that Turkey's accession to EU would be for the benefit of Europe.
NEW PACKAGE INTIMIDATES SPECULATORS
Business world welcomed the three-year agreement between the government and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The businessmen said the new 10 billion U.S. dollars loan that would come from the IMF would relieve the markets, and noted that it would also support stability and confidence atmosphere in economy.
YENI SAFAK (CONSERVATIVE)
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THE LONGEST NIGHT
Brussels summit, a turning point in Turkey's 40-year relations with the EU, begins today. The EU will shape up its decision (about Turkey) at the end of bargaining that will last till tomorrow morning. PM Recep Tayyip Erdogan and FM Abdullah Gul will join the bargaining on behalf of Turkey. Turkey wants ''unconditional negotiation date'' from the leaders, and assumes an open stance on the proposals to impose new preconditions before its membership. Remaining problems between Turkey and the EU are expected to be solved in the tripartite summit between Turkey, France and Germany.
MOVIE DISASTER STARTED UPON A JOKE
Fire broke out during the gala of Turkish film ''Buyu'' (Magic) as three security officers turned over the candle when they were joking with each other. The overturned candle set the curtains on fire, and thus the disaster occurred.
(ES-BRC-AY)
2004-12-16