ANKARA - These are some of the major headlines and their brief stories in Turkey's press on November 20, 2002. The Anadolu Agency does not verify these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.

HURRIYET (LIBERAL)
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ERDOGAN: TURKEY CAN JOIN EU IN EIGHT YEARS
Justice and Development Party (AKP) leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan who firstly went to Italy, and then to Greece and Spain and to Germany yesterday, spoke to German Frankfurter Allgemeine newspaper in the plane while returning to Turkey from Madrid. Erdogan talked to German journalist about Turkey's EU membership process saying that ''EU won't lose anything if it gives a negotiation date for us. Look at the other candidate countries, their membership process lasted 7-8 years after a negotiation date is given to them. I hope Turkey can become a member of the EU within 7-8 years. In the meanwhile, we will fulfill the things we have to do. We continue our tours for EU membership of Turkey: Berlin, London, Brussels, Dublin until midnight.''

EU TO BE TESTED ON DEC. 12
Justice and Development Party (AKP) leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan asked Germany for support to Turkey's EU membership process. Erdogan met with German Chancellor Schroeder and German Foreign Minister. Erdogan stressed that the EU will also be tested during the summit on Dec. 12. Fischer said in his part that they would launch all sorts of efforts for EU to give a strong signal for Turkey in Copenhagen summit.

MILLIYET (LIBERAL)
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''FORGET FEBRUARY 28''
Prime Minister Abdullah Gul said, ''another February 28 process will not be experienced in Turkey. We cannot endure it.'' Recalling that he had held a telephone conversation with U.S. President George W. Bush, Prime Minister Gul said that President Bush had invited him to the United States in January of 2003. Noting that they would give priority to efforts aiming at solving problems of the people, Gul noted, ''we will work hard. First of all, new arrangements will be made about the State Security Courts (DGMs) and detention periods.''

ARINC ELECTED AS NEW SPEAKER OF PARLIAMENT
Bulent Arinc, a deputy of the Justice and Development Party (AK Party) from Manisa province, was elected as the new speaker of parliament. Arinc who lost his 16-year-old son in a traffic accident in 1997, said, ''my world has changed after I lost my son. I cannot forget him.''

THREE IMPORTANT RECOMMENDATIONS FROM ECEVIT TO GUL
Bulent Ecevit handed over his duty to Abdullah Gul. During the ceremony held at the Prime Ministry Office, Ecevit gave three important recommendations to newly appointed Prime Minister Gul: pay careful attention to the solution plan of the United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan, not leave Karpaz Cape to the Greek Cypriot side, and take all kinds of measures to prevent Turkey's involvement in a war on the issue of Iraq.

SABAH (LIBERAL)
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TENSE ATMOSPHERE IN GERMANY
Justice and Development Party (AK Party) leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan who got supports of Italy, Greece and Spain for Turkey's European Union (EU) full membership, was disappointed in Germany. German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder and Foreign Minister Josckha Fischer said that an additional signal could be given by the EU to Turkey. German officials also said that solution should be reached on the issues of Cyprus and the European Security and Defense Policy (ESDP). Upon their attitude, Erdogan said, ''as much as Turkey is tested, the EU will be tested on December 12, 2002.''

PRESIDENT BUSH INVITES PRIME MINISTER GUL
U.S. President George W. Bush called Prime Minister Abdullah Gul on the phone to congratulate him. President Bush stressed that they attributed importance to Turkey, and were determined to further improve bilateral relations within the framework of benefits of the two countries. Later, President Bush invited Prime Minister Gul to the United States in January of 2003.

CUMHURIYET (LEFT)
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FM YAKIS: CONCESSIONS CAN BE GIVEN FOR GETTING DATE
Foreign Minister Yasar Yakýs said that Turkey's getting a date to start accession talks with the European Union (EU) is very important, adding that the developments in this issue have to be explained well to the people. Yakýs took over the post from Sukru Sina Gurel yesterday. Delivering his first speech after getting the post, Yakýs said that ''Turkey's attitude which is based on not giving any concessions about Cyprus and European Security and Defense Policy (ESDP) will change. Yakýs said that ''certain concessions can be given about Cyprus and ESDP issue.''

NEW NATO PA PRESIDENT EXTENDS SUPPORT TO TURKEY
The new President of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly (NATO PA) Bereuter said that the support of the U.S. to Turkey's EU membership would continue. Bereuter pointed out to the important issues on the agenda of the Alliance and noted that Turkey is an important country of NATO. ''Turkey needs our support and encouragement, and we need Turkey,'' he said.

RADIKAL (LEFT)
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ANNAN WAITS
U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan said that he hoped the Cyprus plan can be accepted by both sides in the shortest time possible. TRNC President Rauf Denktas who is still in hospital in New York prepared a letter to be sent to Annan and asked Annan for ''flexibility'' regarding the date by when he will give a response. Denktas noted in his letter which was given to Annan yesterday that the necessary consultations on the U.N. plan were not carried out both in Turkey and in TRNC due to his health problems, and due to the on-going studies and preparations of the new government in Turkey. Meanwhile, sources said that Denktas can't return to the island until the Copenhagen summit on Dec. 12.

PRIME MINISTER GUL: WE WAIT FOR CONCRETE STEPS
Prime Minister Abdullah Gul attended the closing session of the 48th annual session of NATO Parliamentary Assembly held in Istanbul on Tuesday. Addressing the session, Gul said that Turkey is a crucial country for EU and NATO. Asking support for Turkey's EU membership, Gul said that an open perspective has to be formed for Turkey's EU membership. ''We expect EU to take concrete steps at Copenhagen summit for starting accession talks with Turkey,'' he said.

TURKIYE (RIGHT)
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PRESIDENT SEZER TO MEET WITH PRESIDENT BUSH
President Ahmet Necdet Sezer will leave for Czech Republic later in the day to attend the summit meeting of heads of state and government of NATO members. Prior to the summit meeting, President Sezer will come together with U.S. President George W. Bush. He is also scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi of Italy, Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar of Spain, Prime Minister Anders Fog Rasmussen of current European Union (EU) term president Denmark, and President Jacques Chirac of France.

GUL TAKES OVER POST OF PRIME MINISTRY FROM ECEVIT
Abdullah Gul has taken over the post of prime ministry from Bulent Ecevit. Ecevit welcomed Gul in front of the Prime Ministry building. He wished Gul success in his new position. Meanwhile, Gul wished Ecevit success and health in his future life.

''SEE YOU IN TURKEY''
Justice and Development Party (AK Party) leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan met with German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder. Speaking at the meeting, Erdogan said, ''we do not see the European Union (EU) as a Christian club. Actually, we do not want to see the EU as a Christian club. Meanwhile, Schroeder told Erdogan, ''see you in Turkey''.

ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)
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WORLD BANK LIKES AK PARTY PROGRAMME
Ajay Chhibber, the World Bank's Turkey Representative said that the economic programme of the Justice and Development Party (AKP) is very positive. Chhibber stressed that they are hopeful about the new government. ''After a long period of time, a single party comes to power in Turkey. The ideas of the party about the economy seem very positive, we must give some time to the government. Their economic programme also has a social dimension and this is good,'' Chhibber said.