ERDOGAN MEETS WITH SERDAR DENKTAS, DISCUSSES RECENT CYPRUS DEVELOPMENTS
Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan yesterday received Turkish Repulic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) Foreign Minister Serdar Denktas to discuss recent developments on the Cyprus issue and a possible resolution. In related news, Erdogan is expected to meet with UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan in Davos on Jan. 26 to discuss resume of Cyprus talks for a resolution on the island. /Cumhuriyet/

GOVT CALLS ON AID FOR SOUTH ASIA VICTIMS
In addition to ongoing a number of campaigns in Turkey to help south Asia countries, during yesterday’s cabinet meeting, the government decided to launch another raising fund campaign in mosques. Speaking to reporters, Justice Minister Cemil Cicek said that Turkey had experienced similar grief during earthquake disasters in recent years, and that willing to help victims in south Asia recently hit by an earthquake and tsunami. Stressing that the campaign would begin in mosques next week, Cicek also called on all sectors to make donations. The justice minister added that Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan was also planning to travel to the region end of this month. In related news, two military planes carrying humanitarian aid and a medical team will fly to the region this weekend. /Turkiye/

KOC ADDRESSES TUSIAD GENERAL ASSEMBLY ON PRESIDENTIAL SYSTEM DEBATES
Speaking to journalists at the Turkish Industrialists’ and Businessmen’s Association (TUSIAD) General Assembly yesterday, Koc Holding CEO Mustafa Koc said that it was debatable how right it would be to introduce a presidential system in Turkey, adding that the current priority should be to correct the deficiencies of the present political system. He said that no one knew how compatible a presidential system would be in Turkey and added, “It’s too early to consider such alternatives anyway.” He stated that only the US had achieved a successful and working presidential system, noting, “There is no other example in the world.” Asked who should be Turkey’s chief negotiator in Ankara’s accession talks with the European Union, Koc declined to give a name, saying that it wouldn’t be appropriate to do so. “It’s up to the government,” Koc added. However, when told that State Minister for the Economy Ali Babacan’s name was mentioned for the post, Koc said that Babacan would be a perfect name for the post. Koc stated that the chief negotiator should be a respected person with international experience and good negotiation skills, adding that Babacan was suitable for the post. /Milliyet/

TURKISH FIRM ATTACKED IN IRAQ
A Turkish construction firm yesterday attacked by 10 Iraqi armed insurgents in Baghdad. The insurgents kidnapped businessman Abdulkadir Tanrikulu, and shot down six Iraqis. /Sabah/

IMF’S DAWSON: “TURKEY NEEDS TO TAKE STEPS TO MAKE POSSIBLE TO FACILITATE BOARD DISCUSSION OF THE PROGRAM”
Asked if he thought the International Monetary Fund Board could handle or discuss or take up Turkey’s new standby agreement before the end of this month, IMF External Relations Director Tom Dawson said, “At this point I don't have such a date. As I think people know, I think just as our last discussion was taking place, a Fund mission in December did finish discussions on the new program with the Government of Turkey. The authorities are requesting a three-year, $10 billion stand-by arrangement, which includes exceptional access to support their economic program, which aims at sustained growth, low inflation, and debt reduction.” He further stated, “The main elements of the program include a 6.5 percent of GNP primary fiscal surplus target, containing and reducing the social security deficit, improved tax administration, bringing banking supervision more closely in lines with EU standards, and encouraging foreign direct investments. The authorities still, though, need to take a number of steps in the above areas to make possible to facilitate Board discussion of the program. So I do not have a date, but we will let you know when we do. /Cumhuriyet/

TWO DIE IN ANKARA TRAIN ACCIDENT
During a train accident near the Ankara train station yesterday morning, two train personnel died and three others were injured. A freight train traveling from Yerkoy to Ankara reported brake failure then derailed 200 meters from the station. It was said that station personnel tried to take necessary precautions before the derailment. An investigation on the incident is underway. /Hurriyet/