ANKARA - These are some of the major headlines and their summaries in Turkish press on March 13th, 2005. The Anadolu Agency does not verify these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.
TURKISH NATIONAL DRINK IS NOT RAKI BUT RATHER WINE
HURRIYET- Whether or not Raki is a drink of the Arabs or Greeks, one thing is for sure: The national drink of the Turks is wine. In fact, during the Ottoman period, Turks used to export wine to all corners of the world.
A POWERFUL EARTHQUAKE SHAKES BINGOL
HURRIYET- A powerful earthquake hit the Turkish south-eastern town of Karliova, Bingol yesterday at 9.36 a.m.. The earthquake measured 5.7 on the Richter scale.
MEDIA ADMINISTRATORS FEEL UNEASY: TURKEY SHOULD NOT BE PRISON OF JOURNALISTS
MILLIYET- The new Turkish Penal Code (TCK) which will take effect on April 1st, brings heavy imprisonment terms to press. There are many provisions in the law restricting freedom of communication.
Leading journalists of Turkey warned that the new TCK, which was described as ''big reform'', would restrict freedom of press.
LPG PANIC AT SEA
MILLIYET- A ro-ro vessel sank off shores of Zeytinburnu, Istanbul. 7 tankers full of LPG tanks fell into the sea. Istanbul Strait was closed to traffic upon the big danger.
The Turkish flagged ro-ro vessel sank sometime after its departure. Eight crew members were rescued. Seven tankers full of LPG tanks were dragged to the sea. Fire brigade and municipality were immediately alarmed.
RESTRICTIONS ON THE MEDIA ARE AGAINST THE SPIRIT OF THE EU
SABAH- Turkish media representatives have announced a joint declaration yesterday (Saturday) stating that new restrictions on the media would be against the spirit of the European Union (EU). The new penal code would hurt the spirit of a democratic society, told a media official.
NUCLEAR GESTURE FROM IRAN
SABAH- Iranian President Khatemi has announced yesterday (Saturday) that his country does not have any intentions to develop nuclear weapons. ''We have stopped all activities in enriching Uranium.''
EARTHQUAKE MEASURING 5.7 SHAKES BINGOL
CUMHURIYET- A powerful earthquake, measuring 5.7 on the Richter scale, jolted Karliova town of eastern city of Bingol on Saturday injuring 15 people slightly.
There is damage in 120 buildings in center of Karliova, in 106 villages of the township, and in 28 houses in Catak hamlet and in villages in Cat township in eastern city of Erzurum.
GUL: ''TURKEY ACTS IN LINE WITH ITS OWN INTERESTS''
CUMHURIYET- Turkish Foreign Minister & Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Gul said ''Turkey acts in line with its own interests. The European Union (EU) process will continue in the normal way. The negotiations will start between Turkey and the European Union.''
ONLY ONE SCHOOL PER 100,000...WHERE CAN THE CHILDREN GO?
RADIKAL- Turkish daily Radikal has learned that the Dogubeyazit town of Agri province has only one high school. ''Since 1968, Dogubeyazit has had only one school. Average size of the classroom at the Dogubeyazit High School is 60-70 students.
LOVE YOUR HEART AND REDUCE RISKS
RADIKAL- Turkish Doctor Giray Kabakci has told (yesterday) that the best way to prevent heart related illnesses is to have an active life. ''If you keep yourself busy and enjoy life, this could be your key to a healthy heart.''
TURKISH THEATRE HAS BEEN CRUSHED BY TV STATIONS
TURKIYE- Actress and a member of the Republican People's Party (CHP) Ms. Sahnaz Cakiralp has stated yesterday (Saturday) that the Turkish theatre sector has been crushed by TV stations. ''Unless the Turkish government takes measures to preserve the spirit of theatres, we would be losing a dear value--theatrical performances.''
AYGUN: ''WE WILL PROCEED WITH LEGAL ACTIONS AGAINST THOSE WHO HAVE PRODUCED OR MANUFACTURED FAKE ITEMS''
TURKIYE- Chairman of the Ankara Chamber of Commerce (ATO) Sinan Aygun has announced on Saturday that his chamber will proceed with legal suits against those Ankara entrepreneurs who have either produced or manufactured fake goods. ''We have utmost confidence in the legal system of Turkey. All of the businessmen or businesswomen who have abused our laws by producing or manufacturing fake items deserve severe penalties.''
TENDER FOR OFFENSIVE HELICOPTERS TO TAKE PLACE ON JUNE 10TH
ZAMAN- Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) will procure 91 new offensive helicopters. The Defense Industry Council has authorized the Directorate General of Defense Industry to collect bids from various defense corporations. The tender for the new helicopters will take place on June 10th. Competing to win the Turkish defense tender for new helicopters will be French Eurcopter, U.S. Bell Textron Apache and Cobra, Russian Kamov and Italian Agusta groups.
OUR LIFE IS FAKE, A JOKE
YENI SAFAK- After discovering fake Raki across Anatolia, Turkish food authorities have found out past week that almost 56 percent of food items produced are also fake. ''Sadly, we must inform our public that there are also agricultural products which are fake.''
ERDOGAN: ''NOTHING COULD SHAKE OUR CONFIDENCE IN THE FUTURE''
YENI SAFAK- In a visit to Istanbul to kick-off the construction of a new metro line, Turkish Premier Recep Tayyip Erdogan has stated that nothing could shake Turks' confidence in the future. ''Our efforts in the past 2,5 years around the world have made Turkey a rising star globally. We will not waste any time with meaningless arguments. We will continue in the right direction and will do what is constructive.''