SEZER: “THE NEGATIVE ATMOSPHERE IN TURKEY IS LIFTING”
In a message sent to the 27th annual conference of the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO), which is now meeting in Istanbul, President Ahmet Necdet Sezer said that the negative atmosphere in Turkey had started to disperse. “Turkey is resolved to take benefit of the possibilities created through globalization by pursuing a transparent economic policy, by integrating with the international economy and by embracing competition,” Sezer added. /Hurriyet/

SEZER APPROVES AMNESTY LAW
President Ahmet Necdet Sezer yesterday approved the government’s amnesty law which he had previously vetoed. The law had been passed again by Parliament without any amendments being made, and Sezer was constitutionally obligated to sign it. However, Sezer reportedly may ask the Constitutional Court to annul it. /Star/

FOREIGN MINISTRY: “ANKARA IS PLEASED WITH US TERRORISM REPORT”
Foreign Ministry Undersecretary Huseyin Dirioz yesterday held a press conference to brief journalists on the ministry’s reaction to the US State Department’s 2001 report on international terrorism, which was released this week. Dirioz stated that Turkey appreciated the State Department’s inclusion of illegal groups who commit acts of terrorism in Turkey such as the PKK and the DHKP-C in its report. He also remarked that the ministry attached great importance to the US’ warnings about possible terrorist attacks against Turkey which might take place in the near future, stressing that state security forces were taking every possible measure against such attacks. He recalled that the US officials had previously voiced their appreciation of the measures taken by the Turkish government against terrorist groups. Meanwhile, US daily the Washington Post reported yesterday that the State Department document said hard-liners who hold power in Iran had intensified their support for terrorist organizations that target Israel while also aiding terrorists in Turkey, Central Asia and the Persian Gulf. /Cumhuriyet/

EP: “CARRY ON MAKING NEW REFORMS”
The European Parliament yesterday debated a recent report on the current situations of 12 European Union candidate countries which have already begun their accession negotiations. At the meeting, the EP also conveyed a message to Turkey, whose negotiations have yet to begin, that more reforms considering democratization should be made. The report, prepared by EP Foreign Affairs Commission Chairman Elmar Brok, includes a paragraph on Turkey which praises the positive results the Turkish government has achieved since last year. The report also calls on Turkey to support the current peace talks on Cyprus. /Milliyet/

RUMSFELD: “WE WILL GIVE THE NECESSARY SUPPORT TO TURKEY”
US Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld said yesterday that the United States has guaranteed Turkey that it would provide the necessary logistical, communications and intelligence support for Turkey’s taking over the command of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan. Rumsfeld also said that the US would likely provide more aid during the Turkish command than that it has during Great Britain’s, which is drawing to a close. /Hurriyet/

YILMAZ DOWNPLAYS EARLY ELECTIONS TALK
Speaking to reporters before his departure to Brussels for a European Union administrative meeting, Deputy Prime Minister and Motherland Party (ANAP) leader Mesut Yilmaz said that the government coalition partners had agreed amongst themselves not to hold early elections. During the leaders’ summit at Baskent Hospital this week Yilmaz had suggested fall 2003 as a possible date, which would be a year early, but he said that this was merely put out for discussion. “There is a date fixed by the Constitution, and right now we aren’t thinking of early elections,” he added. /Hurriyet/

BAHCELI: “EARLY ELECTIONS WOULD HARM THE COUNTRY”
Nationalist Action Party (MHP) leader and Deputy Prime Minister Devlet Bahceli claimed yesterday that early elections would do harm to Turkey. Addressing his party’s Parliament group meeting, Bahceli spoke of the recent discussions on political stability and early elections. “Turkey has been struggling to overcome its economic crisis,” he said. “Exaggerated discussions are improper and meaningless in such a climate.” Bahceli added that Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit’s health condition was good enough for him to continue carrying out his duties. “Stubborn calls for his resignation or for appointing an acting PM only harm the country and the economy.” Later, Bahceli decorated new MHP member Cihan Pacaci with the party’s rosette in a ceremony. Pacaci, an independent deputy who resigned from the True Path Party (DYP) this week, officially joined the MHP just yesterday. /Turkiye/

CILLER, ERDOGAN CALL FOR ESTABLISHMENT OF ELECTION GOVERNMENT
True Path Party (DYP) leader Tansu Ciller said yesterday that an election government, i.e. one meant to serve until elections are held, should be established as soon as possible. Speaking at her party’s Parliament group meeting, Ciller said, “The prime minister’s symbolic aura has been dispelled, and his seat is actually vacant.” She remarked that the “seat was vacant” also concerning developments in Turkey’s economy, its EU bid, Cyprus and the Middle East. Ciller stated that the risk of proceeding with a government whose life span was ended might be transformed into an opportunity for establishing a new government. Stressing that the DYP might set up a minority government during such a period, Ciller recalled State Minister for the Economy Kemal Dervis’ recent statement that an election wouldn’t hurt the economy despite others’ claims to the contrary. Meanwhile, Justice and Development Party (AKP) leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan yesterday spoke on recent developments in Turkish political life. He also called on Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit to resign and go to early elections without losing any time. /All Papers/

TURKISH OFFICIALS: “ARARAT IS NOTHING BUT A PROPAGANDA MOVIE”
State Minister Yilmaz Karakoyunlu yesterday remarked that Canadian director Atom Egoyan’s latest movie “Ararat,” which is currently being screened at the Cannes Film Festival, constituted an example of anti-Turkey campaigns in the international community. “This presentation is shameful,” said Karakoyunlu. “There is no doubt that the Turkish government will do its utmost against such attempts.” Furthermore, Culture Minister Istemihan Talay denounced Egoyan for exploiting cinema in a way which he said distorted historical facts and would worsen hostilities between Turkey and Armenia. /Cumhuriyet/

TUSIAD RELEASES REPORT ON TRADE WITH EU
The Turkish Association of Industrialists and Businessmen (TUSIAD) yesterday released a report on “Problems and Possible Solution in Turkey’s Harmonization to the European Union’s Free Movement of Goods.” TUSIAD Industrial Policy and Free Movement of Goods Work Group member Acar Sensoy, who prepared the report, said that the private sector and bureaucracy should prepare an evaluation of all of the country’s economic sectors and that they should be ready for the process of full EU membership at the end of 2003. The report presents information on the importance of cooperation between the state bureaucracy and the private sector on EU issues and the necessary cooperation with small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). /Aksam/

MUSIAD HOLDS INTERNATIONAL FAIR IN ISTANBUL
The ninth International Independent Association of Industrialists and Businessmen (MUSIAD) Fair will be held in Istanbul on October 3-6. MUSIAD announced yesterday that hundreds of Turkish companies and nearly 1,000 businessmen from 25 countries are expected to attend the fair. The fair’s “partner country” this year will be Algeria. MUSIAD Deputy Chairman and Fair Committee Chairman Dr. Omer Bolat said that the meeting will include seminars and bilateral business, factories tours and cultural activities. /Aksam/

ISTANBUL HOSTS ENERGY CONFERENCE
The Eighth International Cogeneration and Exhibition (ICCI 2002) begins today at Istanbul’s Swissotel. The two-day meting has been organised in cooperation with COGEN-EUROPE and the Cogeneration Association. During the conference, developments concerning natural gas, liquid petroleum gas (LPG), high-quality coal, fuel-oil markets and the future of electricity market, and other topics will be disccussed. /Milliyet/

ISO CHAIRMAN: “TURKEY STANDS AT A CRITICAL POINT”
Istanbul Chamber of Industry (ISO) Chairman Tanýl Kucuk said yesterday that Turkey is still at a crucial point and to make mistakes at this time could render all the nation’s sacrifices and efforts in vain. In a speech at an ISO 50th anniversary meeting, Kucuk addressed the subject of early elections and their effect on the economic programme. He declined to discuss suggestions in some quarters that convalescing Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit should appoint a caretaker PM or proxy. “The only message I’d like to give is that we should not deviate from our course in the economy, for there is no other way,” he argued. /Milliyet/

NEW GALLERY OPENED AT HAGIA SOPHIA MUSEUM
The Upper Floor Gallery of Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia Museum, which was restored under the direction of the Culture Ministry’s Directorate General of Monuments and Museums, was opened by Culture Minister Istemihan Talay with a ceremony sponsored by Borusan Holding yesterday. In addition, architect Ahmet Ertug, who is curator of the arrangement of the new hall, opened an exhibit featuring photographs taken by him of the historic mosque and former church. /Sabah/

SOURCE: OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER, DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF PRESS AND INFORMATION