ANKARA - These are some of the major headlines and their brief stories in Turkey's press on December 4, 2002. The Anadolu Agency does not verify these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.

HURRIYET (LIBERAL)
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COME AND CONVINCE CHIRAC!
German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder will debate the decision to be made about Turkey's European Union (EU) membership process in a castle in Berlin with French President Jacques Chirac today. Vural Oger, a Turkish businessmen living in Germany, has also been invited to the meeting. The agenda of this meeting which will also be attended by the foreign ministers of Germany and France will be the resolutions to be taken at the Copenhagen Summit. Oger will explain Chirac importance of Turkey's EU membership for Europe.

CRISIS OF OPENING OF BASES
Foreign Minister Yasar Yakis told press that they would open the bases for the use of the United States at around 8.30 p.m. Around 11.15 p.m., the General Staff told Hurriyet that they were not informed about such a decision. The Foreign Ministry said at 00.30 a.m. that the words of the minister were not the commitment of Turkey. Yakis, who met with his British counterpart Jack Straw last evening, told reporters, ''we can cooperate with the United States and open our air field and bases if necessary.'' Crisis occurred in Ankara with this statement of the minister on the day when the United States started a bargaining with its most reliant ally Turkey for a war on Iraq. Then, Deputy Chief of General Staff Buyukanit told Hurriyet, ''we have not been informed about such a decision. This is the personal view of the minister.'' Then, the ministry corrected Yakis at midnight, ''these words are not a commitment.''

MILLIYET (LIBERAL)
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25 MILLION USD
Possibility of a war on Iraq is increasing day by day. The United States demanded military support from Turkey while Turkey put forth four conditions to meet the demands of the United States. The estimated cost of a probable war for Turkey is 20-25 billion U.S. dollars. The United States has to pay this cost from its war budget. Secondly, foundation of a Kurdish state in Northern Iraq should not be permitted. Turkmens should have same status with the Kurds in case of a federation in Iraq. Thirdly, peshmergas should not be used and armed in an operation against Saddam Hussein for security of Turkmens and Arabs in the region. Fourthly, British control cannot be established in the region if the war is made from the north. Control and security in Northern Iraq should be in hands of Turkey.

FULL SUPPORT FROM IMF
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) delegation is pleased with the new government. IMF European Department I Director Michael Deppler, following his meeting with Prime Minister Abdullah Gul, said that the policies to be implemented with the government could be fully supported by the IMF. The IMF wants firm implementation of the Banking Law, Deppler noted. Deppler said that they were supporting policies that would reduce losses in the program and added that the review could be completed in January.

SABAH (LIBERAL)
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MOST CRITICAL PROBLEM
Vural Oger, a Turkish businessman who is working in Germany will be present in the meeting that will take place between German Chancellor Schroeder and French President Jacques Chirac. Oger, the owner of giant travel agency of Germany Oger-Tour will explain in the meeting the reason of the need to take Turkey into EU. Oger will explain to French President Chirac that EU's admitting Turkey has a security reason for Europe and that such a Europe will be a world power. Oger will tell both leaders that Europe needs young and educated people and as Turkey's economy will also recover, there won't be a flow of people from Turkey to European countries.

ERDOGAN TO BE IN U.S. NEXT WEEK
U.S. Deputy Defense Secretary Wolfowitz submitted the letter of U.S. President George W. Bush to AK Party leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan yesterday. Erdogan cancelled his visit to Copenhagen and decided to meet with U.S. President George W. Bush on December 10.

CUMHURIYET (LEFT)
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ULTIMATOM FOR CYPRUS
British Foreign Minister Jack Straw asked Turkey to adopt United Nations (U.N.) Cyprus plan and find a solution to Cyprus question before Copenhagen summit. Straw told government officials that the European Union (EU) would admit Greek Cypriot administration as a member even if a solution was not found to Cyprus question till Copenhagen summit. Straw said that it would be more difficult for Turkey to continue negotiations with the Greek Cypriot administration after the decision to be taken in Copenhagen.

PAPANDREOU: ''LET'S OPEN A NEW PAGE''
Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou said that he had a busy agenda during his visit to Turkey and suggested that they open a new page in relations. Noting that they supported Turkey on the road to the European Union (EU), Papandreou said that there was a new opportunity to solve Cyprus question closely concerning the two countries.

DIPLOMACY TRAFFIC
A U.S. delegation visited Prime Minister Abdullah Gul and Deputy Chief of General Staff Buyukanit. British Foreign Minister Jack Straw met with President Ahmet Necdet Sezer and Prime Minister Gul. International Monetary Fund (IMF) delegation had a meeting with Gul while Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou came to Ankara.

RADIKAL (LEFT)
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TURKEY IN NORTHERN PLAN
Two high ranking U.S. officials Wolfowitz and Grossman explained yesterday in Ankara the ''North'' and ''South'' scenarios prepared against Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein and asked Turkey to be the center of the ''Northern plan from the beginning.'' The final words in this issue belong to Foreign Minister Yasar Yakýs: ''If necessary, we can permit the use of airbases.''

BUSIEST DIPLOMACY DAY
Turkey hosted two American officials and British Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs Jack Straw yesterday. Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou is Turkey's guest today. Wolfowitz and Grossman stressed that they launched great efforts for Turkey's EU membership and for finding a solution in Cyprus. Greek Foreign Minister Papandreou who came to Turkey yesterday will start his contacts today.

TURKIYE (RIGHT)
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''DECEMBER 12 WILL BE A TEST FOR EU''
Justice and Development Party (AK Party) leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that December 12 would be a test for the European Union (EU) and added, ''we believe that we have to be given a date to open negotiations. Turkey is more prepared and in a better condition than the other candidates. We have put forth a strong government and a strong will to overcome deficiencies.''

INFLATION IN RIGHT TRACK
The wholesale prices (WPI) increased by 1.6 percent and the rise in the consumer prices index (CPI) became 2.9 percent in November. The annual inflation became 32.8 percent in WPI and 31.8 percent in CPI.

ERDOGAN CAN BE A CANDIDATE
Justice and Development Party (AK Party) leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan can run his candidacy from Siirt province and enter parliament since elections in Siirt will be renewed. Higher Board of Elections (YSK) decided to preserve 10 percent electoral threshold in this elections. Accordingly, AK Party, CHP and independent candidate Fadil Akgunduz can join the election to be held on February 9, 2003.
ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)
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AK PARTY STARTS TAKING INITIATIVE FOR ERDOGAN
Following the cancellation of the elections in southeastern Siirt province by Higher Election Board, AK Party took initiative to open the way of AK Party leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan to become the prime minister. AK Party prepared a proposal of law to amend Articles 67, 76 and 78 of the Constitution so that Erdogan can be eligible to be elected.