ANKARA - These are some of the major headlines and their summaries in Turkish press on February 25th, 2005. The Anadolu Agency does not verify these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.
HURRIYET (LIBERAL)
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AL-ASSAD: COME AND TALK TO US DIRECTLY
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad sent a message to U.S. President George Bush via Hurriyet daily. Addressing Bush, al-Assad said, ''we are in search of dialogue, but we can't find it (any ground for) dialogue in some U.S. circles. The United States should lead the world by taking into consideration not only its own interests but also the interests of other countries. But, it doesn't take into consideration our interests. Unfortunately, UN resolutions are not implemented. There is double standards. Talks should not be cut on security problems. And, the only way of this is dialogue.''
HE TRANSFERRED HIS SHARES FOR 1.2 TRILLION, AND ABANDONED HIS TRADE ACTIVITIES
It has been revealed that Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan sold his shares in three companies which distribute the products of famous Turkish food company Ulker, in return for 1.2 trillion Turkish liras (TL). Thus, Erdogan did no more have any commercial activities. Erdogan used to have 30 shares in three food companies named Emniyet Gida, Ihsan Gida and Yenidogan Gida. After Erdogan sold these shares, 1.2 trillion TL was reflected to his new statement of assets.
MILLIYET (LIBERAL)
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TALABANI: I DON'T PERMIT PKK
Jalal Talabani, who is the strongest candidate for Iraqi Presidency, gave positive messages to Turkish delegation in Iraq which is comprised of representatives of Foreign Ministry, National Intelligence Agency (MIT) and General Staff Headquarters. Talabani said, ''territorial integrity of Iraq will be preserved. A Sharia state will not be formed and we will fight against PKK (terrorist organization).''
DAY OF RESIGNATIONS FROM PARTIES
Republican People's Party (CHP) Istanbul deputy Zulfu Livaneli resigned from his party by saying, ''CHP does not represent today's left.'' Meanwhile, Justice and Development Party (AK Party) Hatay deputy Mehmet Eraslan also resigned from his party after Erkan Mumcu and Suleyman Saribas. Eraslan may join True Path Party (DYP).
SABAH (LIBERAL)
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EFFICIENT FIGHT AGAINST CORRUPTION
Upon the order of Chief of General Staff Gen. Hilmi Ozkok, corruption in army tenders has been revealed, and the Turkish General Staff is preparing a new plan to fight against corruption. Upon Ozkok's instruction, the General Staff Board of Fight Against Corruption and Logistics Directorate have started to investigate tip-offs regarding army tenders. All files have been re-opened, and the board and the directorate examined what kind of corruption was made in tenders. ''Countering Corruption Concept'' will be generated after Ozkok's consent to this work.
HE SAID, ''THERE IS VACUUM IN LEFT'' AND WENT AWAY
Parliamentarian Zulfu Livaneli, who resigned from the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), said that he did not have any problem with the party but with the party administration. He said, ''CHP has turned into an anti-democratic and oligarchic party. A new leftist party should be formed because there is a vacuum.''
CUMHURIYET (LEFT)
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SIS' 2004 REPORT: UNEMPLOYMENT OF WOMEN INCREASED
The State Institute of Statistics (SIS) announced the unemployment rate as 10 percent in the fourth quarter of 2004, recalling that it was 10.3 percent in the same quarter of 2003. The number of unemployed men decreased by 0.6 percent to 1,796,000 million in the last quarter of 2004 when compared with the same period of 2003. On the other hand, the number of unemployed women increased by 7.48 percent to 632,000 in the same period.
SCANDAL OF SEPARATE RECEPTIONS FOR MEN & WOMEN
Ambassadors of European Union (EU) member countries to Turkey, who reacted to the move of the Kuwaiti Embassy in Ankara to hold separate receptions for men and women, did not attend this reception. Oya Tuzcuoglu Inkaya, the Directress General of the Protocol Department of Turkish Foreign Ministry, showed Turkey's stance by attending a reception hosted for men.
RADIKAL (LEFT)
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STATE DESTROYING TABOOS
Views that can be considered as a ''reform'' in Turkey's Kirkuk, Cyprus and Armenia policies will be discussed at the National Security Council (NSC) meeting today. Turkey, who has adopted a number of adjustment laws on its road to the European Union (EU), is after a reform regarding main concepts of its foreign policy. Proposals different from ''official'' thesis regarding Iraq-Kirkuk, Cyprus and Armenia will be opened to discussion again by officials today. Here are the three new perspectives: Iraq policy can't be limited solely with Kirkuk, and having good relations with Shiites is obligatory. Customs Union protocol should be signed (with the Greek Cypriot administration) and we should focus on solution. On the other hand, Azerbaijan may no more be ''determining'' regarding Armenia.
FENERBAHCE BIDS FAREWELL
Fenerbahce soccer club of Turkey bade farewell to the UEFA Cup yesterday after they were defeated by Real Zaragoza of Spain in an away match 1-2.
TURKIYE (RIGHT)
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HISTORICAL COOPERATION WITH UNITED STATES
Turkey and the United States refuted claims of tense relations between two countries with 'Eurasia Agreement'. Turkey and the United States signed consultation forum agreement for Russia, Caucasia and Central Asia within the scope of strategical dialogue.
SABANCI WORLD LEADER
Sabanci Holding bought the share of Dupont company in DuSA. It is 50 percent shareholder of DuSA. Thus, Sabanci gained nearly 20 percent of world industrial thread market. DuSA International plans to start production in Far East which is important for automotive industry.
ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)
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CORRESPONDENCE WHICH MELTS ICE
Ice between Turkey and Kurdish administration in Iraq is melting. Iraqi Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (IKYB) leader Jalal Talabani sent a letter to Premier Recep Tayyip Erdogan and said, ''we would like to pursue our friendship and remove misunderstandings.'' Erdogan replied, ''our support to Iraqi people and our cooperation will continue.''
LIVANELI RESIGNS
Republican People's Party (CHP) Istanbul deputy Zulfu Livaneli who strongly criticized CHP after its congress on January 29th resigned from his party, and he gave the signal of a new formation. Meanwhile, Justice and Development Party (AK Party) Hatay deputy Mehmet Eraslan also resigned from his party.
YENI SAFAK (CONSERVATIVE)
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HIGH INTEREST: MURDERER OF INVESTMENT
Although inflation rates dropped to 10 percent, real interest rates are still very high. Thus, Turkish and foreign capital do not prefer investing.
FENER NOT IN UEFA
Turkish Fenerbahce soccer team was beaten by Spanish Real Zaragoza 2-1 in last night's UEFA Cup third round second leg in Zaragoza. Fenerbahce said goodbye to UEFA Cup. Scorers of the match were Galletti, Savio and Alex.