ANKARA - These are some of the major headlines and their summaries in Turkish press on April 16th, 2005. The Anadolu Agency does not verify these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.
ROH: ''TURKEY IS LIKE AN AIRPLANE READY TO TAKE OFF''
HURRIYET- Korean Republic President Roh Moo-Hyun came to Ankara upon an invitation by the Turkish President Ahmet Necdet Sezer. Moo-Hyun remarked that Turkey and its people are like an airplane ready to take off. ''Turkey is a very dynamic country. The Turkish people have a lot of confidence in themselves. Turkey has an extremely bright future...Turkey will develop very rapidly,'' he said.
JUST AND FAIR NEGOTIATION IS A RIGHT OF THE TURKISH NATION
HURRIYET- Austrian President Dr. Heinz Fischer has stated that Turkey deserves a just and fair negotiation process with the European Union. ''I realize that Turkey wants nothing but full membership in the European Union. We can not predict how long the negotiation process will take place,'' Fischer added.
''WE HAVE TO ABIDE BY DECISION OF ECHR''
MILLIYET- Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that there was not any new development about retrial of Abdullah Ocalan, the head of the terrorist organization PKK, adding, ''but, we have to abide by decision of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR).''
PRESIDENT ROH OF SOUTH KOREA THANKS TURKEY
MILLIYET- President Roh Moo-Hyun of South Korea thanked Turkey for sending soldiers during the Korean War, adding, ''I have an important message. On behalf of Korean people, I want to thank the Turkish government. You supported Korean people by sending soldiers during the Korean War. 741 Turkish soldiers died in the war. We will never forget your heroism''.
DENKTAS PAYS FAREWELL TO PRESIDENTIAL STAFF MEMBERS
SABAH- President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) Rauf Denktas has paid farewell to the presidential staff members in Lefkosa. ''I sincerely hope that those who will come after us will continue our principles.'' Meanwhile, Mehmet Ali Talat is expected to win the presidential election in the TRNC tomorrow (Sunday).
THE BEST THANKS
SABAH- President of the Korean Republic Roh Moo-Hyun is in Ankara upon an invitation from the Turkish President Ahmet Necdet Sezer. The Korean President, in appreciation of Turkish sacrifice during the Korean War, have come to Ankara along with the chairmen of 30 giant Korean firms. Roh is expected to offer the Turks projects worth over six billion U.S. dollars. Turkish sources say that this would be the best ''thanks'' Turkey has ever received after losing its sons in a war.
TURKISH CYPRIOT PEOPLE TO ELECT THEIR NEW PRESIDENT
VATAN- The presidential elections will be held in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) on Sunday. Turkish Cypriot people will elect their new president. Rauf Denktas, who has been acting as the president of the TRNC for the last 22 years, will put an end to his active political life after the elections.
BUSH ENSURES TURKEY NOT TO TALK ABOUT ''GENOCIDE''
VATAN- Turkey has accelerated its lobby activities in the United States before April 24th which was declared as the 90th anniversary of so-called Armenian genocide. Meanwhile, President George W. Bush of the United States ensured Turkey that he would not talk about ''genocide''.
ILLNESS OF ALL AGES
CUMHURIYET- Chairman of the Turkish Psychiatrists Association Dr. Ozcan Koknel has remarked in an annual meeting in Antalya that depression is an illness of all ages. During 1500-2000 B.C., depression was regarded as a reflection of bad spirit in China. ''However, depression is now one of the illnesses that can be cured with medical treatment,'' he said.
DENKTAS: ''DO NOT LET A SECOND CRETE HAPPEN''
CUMHURIYET- President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus Rauf Denktas is making preparations for retirement after serving as the leader of the Turkish Cypriots for 32 years. ''If concessions are given in TRNC, this would lead to certain developments in Turkey. It would be too late after we lose our state. If the Turks change their mind in TRNC, I am afraid that Cyprus would become a second Crete.''
ILLEGAL MIGRANT DIES IN VAN
RADIKAL- Turkish security forces warned a minibus carrying 36 illegal migrants who had entered Turkey illegally, to stop. When driver of the minibus did not abide by the warning, security forces opened fire. A migrant died in the event. The other migrants of Afghan, Pakistani and Bangladeshi origin were taken into custody for violating Turkish borders and passport law.
ERDOGAN TELEPHONES SHARON
RADIKAL- Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan telephoned Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon. The two exchanged views prior to Erdogan's scheduled visit to Israel on May 1st. Prime Minister Sharon told Erdogan, ''I see many areas to strengthen our relations and cooperation. We believe you and Turkey will play an important role in the region, and will have important contribution to peace and stability in the Middle East. Thus, we attach importance to Turkey's taking part in developments in the Middle East.'' In return, Prime Minister Erdogan said, ''I will be pleased if my country contributes to peace process.''
SABANCI: ''TURKEY IS ON THE RIGHT TRACK''
TURKIYE- Turkish Industrialists and Businessmen Association (TUSIAD) Chairman Omer Sabanci has remarked that, with its commercial reforms and assertive diplomacy, Turkey is on the right track towards joining the European Union. ''As long as we do our homework right and continue on the negotiations path with decisiveness, we will be in an advantageous position.''
ULUSOY GROUP BECOMES EUROPE'S BIGGEST MARITIME FIRM
TURKIYE- Co-chairman of the Ulusoy Holding Saffet Ulusoy has indicated that their group is Europe's biggest firm in the area of maritime tourism. ''We have purchased 10 ships from Germany. With this purchase we have become Europe's biggest and world's number 5 maritime company.''
SECURITY FORCES IMPOUND 64 KG OF HEROIN IN VAN
ZAMAN- Security forces impounded 64 kg of heroin in an operation in eastern city of Van. Acting on a tip-off, security forces stopped and searched an automobile which was on its way from Hakkari to Van. During the search, they seized 64 kg of heroin. Two people were detained in the operation.
TEACHERS GET EU ORIENTATION
YENI SAFAK- Turkish Ministry of National Education will start an EU orientation for over 600,000 teachers all across Anatolia. ''The EU Introduction Seminar'' would be given during the summer.
KOREA CONSIDERS TURKEY AS A BROTHER
YENI SAFAK- Visiting Korean President Roh Moo-Hyun has indicated that the Koreans consider Turks as brothers and sisters. ''The Turks demonstrate exceptional hospitality. Turkish people are friendly, dynamic and have a warm personality. Turkey's future is extremely bright,'' he said.