GOOD MORNING--TURKEY PRESS SCAN ON OCT 18

These are some of the major headlines and their summaries in the Turkish press on Oct. 18, 2008. HotNewsTurkey does not verify these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy. (UPDATED)

HURRIYET
-- TURKEY IN WORLD'S DECISION-MAKING CLUB
Turkey has become a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council after 47 years. Turkey won 151 votes out of 192 countries in the U.N. General Assembly. Now, Turkey has a voice for two years in the strongest body of the U.N., which makes decisions on global problems. Turkey's membership will start on January 1, 2009. Turkey will take initiative on many issues, from Cyprus to Iraq, from Middle East to Iran.

-- HOLLYWOOD STARS IN ANTALYA
Stars rain down on Turkish Mediterranean resort city of Antalya for the 45th Golden Orange Film Festival. Following Academy-Award winner Adrien Brody, two other Hollywood stars Mickey Rourke, who won top honor at the Venice Film Festival with "The Wrestler", and Marisa Tomei who co-starred in the same movie, came to Antalya. Another Oscar winner Hollywood actor Kevin Spacey is also in Antalya for Turkey's top film event.

MıLLIYET
-- TURKEY'S SUCCESS IN U.N.
Turkey has become the non-permanent member of UN Security Council after 47 years of interval. Turkish delegation celebrated the success --which was gained with a high number of votes-- with excitement. Turkey became candidate for the non-permanent membership in 2003. Turkey received 151 votes in the first round, and secured a non-permanent seat at the U.N. Security Council in the Western European and Others Group.

-- GUL: WE SHOULD BE PROUD OF IT
President Abdullah Gul said that Turkey's becoming non-permanent member of the UN Security Council was an important success which every citizen should be proud of. Gul also congratulated Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan and Foreign Minister Ali Babacan on the phone.

SABAH
-- TURKEY IN GIANTS' LEAGUE
It was the happy ending in diplomatic lobbying carried out by Turkey over the past five years. Turkey was elected a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council after 48 years. Turkey will have a voice on critical decisions together with the United States, China, Russia, France and Britain that are the permanent members of the council. Turkey won 151 votes out of 192. President Gul said, it was a significant success to be proud of. Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan will travel to New York to thank U.N. members.

-- DERVIS HAS CONFIDENCE IN TURKISH ECONOMY
United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Administrator Kemal Dervis spoke just like Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan who said Turkey would be less affected by the financial crisis. Dervis said, "Turkey is far away from the triggering facts of the crisis. Turkey's banking sector is resistant."

VATAN
-- HISTORICAL MISSION TO TURKEY IN U.N.
Turkey was elected to UN Security Council --where decisions regarding problems of the whole world were made-- after 47 years. Turkey, in yesterday's voting, gained 151 of 192 votes and was elected as non-permanent member of U.N. Security Council. Austria, which was a candidate from Europe, gained 132 votes, while Iceland, the favorite, lost the election with 87 votes.

-- COUNCIL MEMBER FOR THE FOURTH TIME
Turkey was elected as non-permanent member of UN Security Council for three times in 1951-52, 1954-55, and in 1961. Other organs of UN can make only recommendatory decisions, while the decisions of Security Council are binding for all member countries. Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan said that an opportunity rose for Turkey to undertake a more active, effective and global role. Erdogan will go to New York to thank U.N. officials.

CUMHURIYET
-- PLANES HIT QANDIL
General Staff announced that Turkish jets hit terrorist organization PKK targets around Qandil in north of Iraq. General Staff also said that the operation targeted only the terrorist organization, adding that utmost sensitivity was showed not to harm civilians.

-- BIG SUPPORT TO TURKEY
Turkey was elected non-permanent member for 2009-2010 UN Security Council with the votes of 151 of 192 countries. The membership will let Turkey directly tell its theses about issues such as Cyprus, Iraq and Caucasus. President Abdullah Gul said that it was the success of diplomacy of Republic.

RADIKAL
-- TUSIAD WARNS GOVERNMENT OF CRISIS: "DEAL WITH ECONOMY, NOT PRIVATE SECTOR"
Turkish Industrialists' and Businessmen's Association (TUSIAD) urged government to deal with economy, not to blame private sector. Arzuhan Dogan Yalcindag, chairwoman of TUSIAD, said, "it is time to get together as the government and the private sector. It is not a time to squelch who is speaking, or suppress discussions saying 'we will do whatever necessary'. It is not a time to blame private sector who takes responsibilities."

-- MILITARY: PICTURES INCORRECT
Gen. Metin Gurak, head of General Staff's communication department, said that one of the three pictures --published by daily Taraf as if it was Aktutun-- shows Mount Qandil which is 125 kilometers away from the Aktutun outpost. He said the other picture shows Keri Tepe which is also 17.5 kilometers to the outpost.

YENI SAFAK
-- STARS RAIN ON GOLDEN ORANGE
The 45th Golden Orange Film Festival in southern province of Antalya is hosting world famous stars. Oscar-winner Adrien Brody of "Pianist", Oscar-winner Kevin Spacey of "The Usual Suspects" as well as Mickey Rourke of "Wrestler", and Marisa Tomei are in Antalya.

-- U.N. VICTORY
Turkey, which has been lobbying for five years to be non-permanent member of U.N. Security Council, reached its goal with a record number of votes. A total of 192 countries voted to select five non-permanent members. Turkey, competing against Iceland to represent European Group, won with 151 votes.

Hurriyet

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Turkey's anti-terrorism strategy under revision

17/10/2008

Turkey's political and military leaders are revising their combat strategy against the PKK, following recent terrorist attacks and growing public pressure.

Analysis by Ayhan Simsek for Southeast European Times -- 17/10/08

"Those who present the actions of the separatist terrorist organisation as successful acts are responsible for the blood that has been shed and will be shed," Turkish Chief of General Staff General Ilker Basbug said. [Getty Images]

Another rash of clashes between the Turkish army and the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) on Thursday (October 16th) left five soldiers dead and 15 wounded. According to the General Staff, five members of the terrorist group also died. The latest attacks follow closely on the heels of other fatal incidents this month.

An attack on a Turkish army outpost left 17 soldiers dead on October 3rd, and an ambush of a bus carrying police in Diyarbakir killed five police officers on October 8th, generating huge public pressure on the government and military. The recent spate of deadly terrorist raids has forced Turkey's political and military leaders to start revising the country's anti-terrorism strategy.

According to reports by Turkish daily Taraf -- a strong critic of the military -- the Armed Forces were aware that the PKK was preparing to assault the Aktutun outpost on October 3rd. Citing confidential military reports from the region, Taraf claims that serious mistakes by the military have led to heavy casualties. Other local media referenced the reports this week, increasing public pressure on the armed forces.

Turkish Chief of General Staff General Ilker Basbug harshly criticised the reports at a press conference Wednesday. He accused the media of "systematically attacking" the military on the basis of false information, which he said was "beyond the bounds of [legitimate] criticism".

"Those who present the actions of the separatist terrorist organisation as successful acts are responsible for the blood that has been shed and will be shed," Basbug said. "This is my last word: I invite everyone to be careful and to stand in the right position."

Calls for a new strategy

Since 1984, Turkey's fight against the PKK has claimed almost 40,000 lives, sparking calls for a major change in anti-terrorism strategy and increasingly open criticism of the government's failure and the military's leading role in counterterrorism efforts.

Security expert Professor Mahir Kaynak said the cost of the two-decade-long fight against the PKK exceeds 75 billion euros. If Turkey had followed a better strategy against the PKK, thus avoiding that drain on its treasury, that money could have changed the face of Southeast Europe and Turkey, he says.

"Giving the military the major role in the fight against terrorism has been wrong. Of course the military forces should be deployed in the region to protect the territories and as a sign of sovereignty. But the fight against the PKK should be carried out by special security units instead of ordinary military units," he told Turkey's TRT public radio.

Stressing that the terrorism problem has various dimensions, including cultural, social and economic ones, Kaynak called for a broader strategy and emphasised that Turkey's anti-terrorism efforts should be pro-active, rather than being limited to countering the PKK's violent attacks.

Cevat Ones, a prominent expert on the Kurdish problem and a former deputy undersecretary of Turkey's National Intelligence Agency (MIT), underlined the need for a political solution. "The PKK is not the cause but rather the effect of a decades-long Kurdish problem," he told private NTV television.

"Social demands force politicians to seek a solution, but politicians fail to develop new policies," he said. "[The] Kurdish problem has some foreign linkages. But basically it is a domestic problem. It is Turkey's problem," Ones said. He suggested further democratisation and a new constitution based on universal principles to solve the Kurdish problem.

Turkey's ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) has promised new openness towards ethnic Kurdish citizens in the country, but violence by the PKK increases public outrage and limits further democratic reforms.

Better co-ordination of anti-terrorism operations

Turkey's political and military leaders agreed this week on new measures to fight the group -- including a new approach where civilians may gradually have a greater role in decision-making.

The Higher Counterterrorism Board (TMYK) -- which is comprised of Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, top commanders and relevant ministers -- agreed to set up a new anti-terrorism co-ordination body under the interior ministry.

The new unit will be responsible for strategic planning in the fight against terror, will facilitate intelligence sharing between civilian security units and the military and will organise regular meetings among civilian officials and military officers. Observers expect a high-level civilian bureaucrat, rather than a military officer, to chair the division.

The idea of a new anti-terrorism co-ordination body has long enjoyed military support. Lack of dialogue and co-ordination among security agencies, intelligence units and governmental officials has been one of the major problems in fight against terrorism, Basbug said last year.

As part of a revision of anti-terrorism strategy, the TMYK is expected to continue meetings in the coming weeks. Among the difficult questions it faces is the military's request for greater powers during anti-terrorism operations in the field.

Military officers say some EU-initiated reforms have watered down their powers in necessary security operations. Under the reforms, troops must obtain a prosecutor's permission before searching individuals or private property -- a handicap the military wants to end. It also wants to restrict telecommunications in contested areas, in order to cut off communications among PKK militants and thwart remote-controlled bombs. Other demands include longer detention periods for terror suspects and limitations on their right to consult with lawyers, whom the military accuses of carrying messages back to the PKK.

The AKP government says it will analyse the recently strengthened anti-terror laws of EU members Spain and Britain and plans to introduce new laws that conform to EU standards.

This content was commissioned for SETimes.com

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GOOD MORNING--TURKEY PRESS SCAN ON OCT 16

These are some of the major headlines and their summaries in the Turkish press on Oct. 16, 2008. HotNewsTurkey does not verify these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.

HURRIYET
-- BASBUG: WE WILL FIND WHO LEAKED OUT INFORMATION
Responding harshly to news reports that no measures were taken although there had been intelligence that an attack would be staged on Aktutun military outpost, Chief of General Staff Gen. Ilker Basbug said, "we have launched legal action against those who leaked out information and used it." Basbug said, "those who praise the terrorist organization are responsible for the blood that has been and will be shed. The attack in Bayraktepe was a suicide attack for the terrorist organization, but an epic of heroism for the soldiers, who fought there." Basbug also said that the Armed Forces were stronger, more determined and resolute than ever.

-- TURKISH AUTHORS OPEN TO WORLD WITH THEIR BOOKS
Turkey, participating in the 60th International Frankfurt Book Fair as the guest country, has promoted its contemporary and traditional literature to the world. Many people visited Turkey's stand at the fair.

-- CHP'S CANDIDATE FOR ANKARA MAYOR IS KARAYALCIN
Deniz Baykal, the chairman of the Republican People's Party (CHP), met Murat Karayalcin, the chairman of the Social Democrat People's Party (SHP). This meeting resulted in Karayalcin's standing for Ankara mayor's office in the local elections due in March 2009 from the CHP. Also, two leaders agreed to merge SHP into CHP.

MILLIYET
-- UNREALIZED ZERO TOLERANCE
The whole world has harshly reacted to death of Engin Ceber after being tortured in jail. The Guardian wrote that the case cast a question mark over the "zero tolerance" policy towards torture proclaimed by the Justice and Development Party (AKP) of Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The BBC said that the government had a policy of zero-tolerance regarding torture with rights groups claimed that the problem persisted.

-- COMEDY OF DRUNK PASSENGER
A drunk passenger of Uzbek descent has attempted to hijack a Turkish Airlines (THY) plane bound from the southern Turkish province of Antalya to Russian city of St. Petersburg. He claimed that he had a bomb strapped to his body. But he passed out after flight attendants continued serving alcoholic beverages. Then, fellow passengers quickly overpowered him. The plane did not change its route, and landed at the St. Petersburg Airport safely.

-- GREATEST POET PASSES AWAY
Fazil Husnu Daglarca, one of the legendary names in Turkish poetry, has died of cardiac and renal failure at the age of 94.

-- BAN ON PUBLISHING OF AKTUTUN DOCUMENTS
The Military Prosecutor's Office has launched an investigation into the leaking of some confidential documents regarding the terrorist attack on Aktutun gendarmerie outpost by military personnel. The documents were published by the Taraf daily. The Prosecutor's Office prohibited publishing of such documents.

SABAH
-- COUNTRY LIKE A MOVIE SCENE
It is just like sitting in a theater, watching a movie. The genre of the movie is thriller, drama, action and comedy. This is the summary of a day in Turkey. Pick one of these news stories:

DEFENDING TORTURE: CONTROLLED POWER
19 police officers of the Istinye Police Station, where Engin Ceber --who died of torture-- were detained, gave testimony. "We used proportional and gradual force," they said.

DID NOT DENY BUT REACTED HARSHLY
Chief of General Staff Gen. Ilker Basbug made a statement about terrorist attack on Aktutun outpost. "Those who backed and praised the acts of the terrorist organization were responsible for the blood that had been and would be shed," he said. Basbug urged everybody to take the right side.

HIJACKER GETS DRUNK
Russian Yasha Rashidov said he was carrying a bomb and attempted to hijack Turkish Airlines plane bound from Turkish Mediterranean resort province of Antalya to Russia's St. Peterburg. Flight attendants served alcoholic drinks to the hijacker. After a while, Rashidov passed out and he was arrested by the police at the airport in St. Petersburg.

CREDIT-CARD DEBTORS DOUBLE
The number of people who could not pay their credit card debts doubled in the first eight months of 2008 to reach 323,000. The figure was 180,000 in 2007. The number of people, who failed to pay their personal loans, also tripled to hit 120,000.

VATAN
-- SOLDIERS IN FURY
General Staff Chief Gen. Ilker Basbug said that those who showed the attacks of the terrorist organisation as an accomplishment would share the responsibility of the bloodshed in present and future. Basbug was furious because of allegations that the army had been informed beforehand about the recent terrorist assault on Aktutun military station, intensifying criticism of neglect against the army, and oozing of secret military documents. Basbug made the toughest statement since he assumed the post and said, "what happened in Bayraktepe military outpost is just like a suicide attack for the terrorist organisation. And for our soldiers who fought and died there it is a legend of heroism." Basbug referred to documents published on Taraf daily and said, "legal action was launched against those who oozed the classified documents regarding the Aktutun attack and those who used those documents." Basbug finished his speech with a harsh message: "In the face of recently intensifying attacks all armies would react the same way. Therefore my final say on the matter is: I am warning and inviting everyone to take the right side."

-- NATIONAL FRUSTRATION
Turkish national soccer team who barely defeated Bosnia Herzegovina in the 2010 World Cup qualifying rounds, this time drew with Estonia who conceded 13 goals so far in its first three matches. Turkish national team who missed four chances to score during the game, lost hopes of qualifying from the group as leaders as Spain beat Belgium.

CUMHURIYET
-- ENGIN CEBER WAS BEATEN EVERYWHERE
Chief Public Prosecutor's Office in Sariyer district of Istanbul took the testimonies of the 19 police officers who were among the squad that took Ceber and his friends under police custody. The statements of the police officers unequivocally revealed the maltreatment. The officers admitted that they resorted to violence even in the police vehicle. They all acted in concerted words and said "we did not make torture, we used proportional force." The most striking thing in the statements was the fact that the police officers took the finger prints of Ceber and his friends by using "proportional force" under orders from the prosecutor.

-- NATIONAL TEAM FAILED TO PASS GOALIE
Turkish national soccer team who compete in the Group 5 of the 2010 World Cup qualifying rounds in Europe, suffered a major loss. Turkey got a rather unexpected result in their fourth match. Turkey who missed innumerous chances to score, tied with Estonia 0-0. This was Turkey's second tie in the group.

RADIKAL
-- SUCH A TOWERING RAGE
General Staff Chief Gen. Ilker Basbug, who apparently got angry because of leaking of documents regarding the terrorist attack on Aktutun gendarmerie outpost, reacted to criticisms against the Turkish Armed Forces. He said that the military was taking legal action against those who leaked out reports and those who published those reports. "Those who praise the actions of the separatist terrorist organization are responsible for the blood that has been shed and will be shed," he said by raising his voice.

-- DAGLARCA'S FAREWELL
Fazil Husnu Daglarca, one of the greatest names in Turkish poetry, has died at the age of 94. He never joined any literary groups. He was a member of the Turkish Armed Forces till 1950.

YENI SAFAK

-- WE DID NOT THINK OF SUCH A LOSS
The Turkish national soccer team did an unexpected thing, and drew with Estonia, which conceded seven goals to Bosnia-Herzegovina and 3 goals each to Spain and Belgium in Tallinn. Thus, Turkey jeopardized their chances to reach the finals. In the World Cup qualifying round, Turkey drew with Belgium and they failed to win three points against Estonia. Whether or not Turkey will qualify for World Cup finals will depend on three matches it will play against Spain and Belgium. Turkey will play two games against Spain, including an away and home match, and one away game with Belgium.

-- MEMORANDUM TO MEDIA
Chief of General Staff Gen. Ilker Basbug reacted very harshly to publications regarding the Aktutun attack that killed 17 soldiers. Calling on the media, Basbug said, "every one should stand in the right place." Basbug also said, "those who praise the terrorist organization are responsible for the blood
that has been and will be shed."

-- KENT'S DIFFERENCE
Muhtar Kent, a CEO of Coca-Cola of Turkish descent, said that the company raised its profit by 14 percent in the third quarter of 2008, when Coca-Cola's biggest rival Pepsi had a 9.5 percent profit loss. Kent said the company raised its profit, which was 1.65 billion USD, to 1.89 billion USD in the third quarter of 2008. "Adapting to new conditions is the key to our success," Kent said.

Hurriyet

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Turkey apologises for activist's death while in custody

15/10/2008

Turkey's justice minister said on Tuesday he had suspended 19 prison employees following the death of a leftist activist allegedly tortured while in detention.

(The Guardian, Zaman - 15/10/08; AP, Reuters, DPA, BBC, Hurriyet - 14/10/08; Amnesty International - 10/10/08)

Turkish Justice Minister Mehmet Ali Sahin said the government suspended 19 officials in connection with last week’s beating death of Engin Ceber.

In an unprecedented move, Turkey's justice minister apologised on Tuesday (October 14th) for the recent death of a political activist whom authorities allegedly tortured after his arrest. The minister said he had suspended 19 prison employees so far.

Engin Ceber, 29, was among four leftists arrested in Istanbul on September 28th while protesting the authorities' failure to punish police officers who shot and subsequently paralysed 17-year-old vendor Ferhat Gercek a year ago.

Ceber died Saturday night in hospital from a brain hemorrhage. Human rights groups said police and prison employees repeatedly beat him.

Justice Minister Mehmet Ali Sahin suggested on Tuesday that an ongoing investigation confirmed the allegations that Ceber had suffered "ill treatment" during detention.

"I am apologising to his family and relatives on behalf of my government and the state," Sahin said in Ankara. "We will continue efforts to find everyone responsible."

As the investigation widens, more suspensions of employees might be forthcoming, Sahin added, voicing regret that a new torture incident has damaged the country's reputation.

But Ceber's father said the apology would not bring back his son and insisted that all those responsible for his death must face justice.

"I want those who killed Engin to be punished as soon as possible," Turkey's English-language daily Zaman quoted Ali Ceber as saying. "Suspending state security employees will not solve anything. They will return to their positions soon."

Amid strong criticism from human rights groups and under pressure from the EU, which Turkey hopes to join one day, Ankara announced a policy of "zero tolerance" towards torture and abuse several years ago.

Citing data released recently by Turkey's Human Rights Association, Zaman reports the number of complaints dropped from 1,202 in 2003 to 678 last year.

Rights groups insist, however, Turkey must do much more.

"The death of Engin Ceber is further proof that torture and ill-treatment are rife in places of detention in Turkey," Amnesty International said on Saturday. Turkish rights groups praised Sahin for taking quick action against the suspected offenders.

"I believe the decision to suspend the officials accused of torturing Ceber will revive hopes that the government will make a new start in realising its pledges," said Omer Faruk Gergenlioglu, head of the Association of Human Rights and Solidarity for Oppressed Peoples.

Lawmakers from the main opposition Republican People's Party have pushed the issue onto the parliament's agenda and have demanded Interior Minister Besir Atalay's resignation.

This content was commissioned for SETimes.com

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GOOD MORNING--TURKEY PRESS SCAN ON OCT 14

These are some of the major headlines and their summaries in the Turkish press on Oct. 14, 2008. HotNewsTurkey does not verify these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.

HURRIYET
--BARDAKOGLU AND CARDINAL'S CONFLICT ON GLOBAL CRISIS
Professor Ali Bardakoglu, head of the Religious Affairs Directorate, and Austrian Cardinal of the Catholic Church, Christoph Schonborn, could not agree on the reasons for the recent global economic crisis. Replying to a question after his meeting with Schonborn, Bardakoglu said that the global crisis was the "reflection of what people had done with their own hands". Contrary to Bardakoglu's remarks, Schonborn said that the crisis could be seen as "a punishment by the God".

--I DO NOT SUPPORT EU MEMBERSHIP ANYMORE, YASAR KEMAL
In an interview with German daily, Neue Osnabrucker, prominent Turkish writer Yasar Kemal said that he could no longer understand EU membership. "I do not believe that EU would contribute to the world peace. I am disappointed," he said. Kemal also said that he could not stand the expression of "moderate Islam". "There is no such thing, it is an expression made up by USA," he added.

MILLIYET
--NEW ID CARD WITH CHIP
Residents of the north-western province of Bolu began using the 'Smart ID Card' as of September 1, 2008. The new ID card with a chip has health record number, driver's license number and tax ID number on it.

--U.S. PIZZA GIANT PAPA JOHN'S TO GROW DESPITE CRISIS
U.S. pizza giant Papa John's entered the Turkish market in August. The company plans to open 50 branches in Turkey in the next five years, despite the global economic crisis. Papa John's is the third biggest pizza chain in the USA.

SABAH
--FIRST RELIEF IN MARKETS
Global measures boomed world markets, and Turkey's eyes are on deposits abroad. The U.S. plan to save markets was not convincing. However, the messages of determination of G-7, G-20 and Euro countries that convened last weekend, and the relief packages made public by Europe worth $2 trillion were a kiss of life.

World markets boomed on Monday, the U.S. Dow Jones index was up 11.01 percent and made a historic rise. The managing director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said the peak of the crisis might have been left behind. The Turkish government has launched initiatives to bring deposits abroad back to Turkey. Premier Recep Tayyip Erdogan said, "we are taking the risk, just so this money comes back to Turkey."

VATAN
--WHAT ABOUT DENIZ FENERI?
Ankara Chief Prosecutor's Office launched an investigation into Muzaffer Eryilmaz, the mayor of Ankara's Cankaya town, and the members of the municipal assembly who are from the Republican People's Party (CHP). They are accused of bribery, embezzlement, cheating in tenders, and abusing their authority. The accusations are based on a voice recording that was revealed long after the Deniz Feneri scandal. The Interior Ministry took an appropriate step and charged two inspectors to inquire the allegations.

However, there is not any concrete development regarding the Deniz Feneri charity scandal. The first denouncement regarding the charity case was made on September 8th. Turkey requested the file from Germany by mail on October 6. Vatan daily asked the Frankfurt Prosecutor's Office about the developments. Spokesperson Doris Muller said, "we will send immediately if the file is requested from us. However, we have not received any requests so far."

--"ALL REGIONAL COUNTRIES SHOULD FIGHT AGAINST PKK"
Esfendiar Rahim Mashaie, the deputy of Iranian President Mahmud Ahmadi-Nejad, spoke to the Vatan daily in Brussels. Mashaie said, "PKK is a terrorist organization and PEJAK is a branch of the PKK. Fight against PKK is an obligation for everybody within the framework of countering terrorism. We are doing our best. Other regional countries should also fight against it."

--"THE ONLY LOSER WILL BE PKK"
Firyad Rawanduzi, a Kurdish MP in the Iraqi parliament and the editor-in-chief of the Al-Ittihad newspaper, said that a new era had begun with the "wise diplomacy" that was launched between Turkish Premier Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Iraqi President Jalal Talabani. Rawanduzi said, "the PKK which could not perceive it, made a misjudgment and staged the attack that was condemned in a way that has never been seen before. The only loser will be the PKK in this new era."

CUMHURIYET
--FIRST CONTACT WITH BARZANI
Ankara is getting prepared to launch its first formal contact with Masoud Barzani, the executive of the regional administration in the north of Iraq, after the country's occupation by USA. A Turkish delegation headed by Murat Ozcelik, the special representative of Turkey to Iraq, will go to Baghdad today in order to hold talks with Barzani.

--PKK'S CAVES AND SHELTERS BOMBED
Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) carry on with its wide-scale operation targeting the terrorist organization PKK. While one terrorist surrendered to Turkish security forces in the eastern province of Van, three land mines were destroyed in the southeastern province of Hakkari. Meanwhile, it was reported that several caves and shelters of PKK were bombed during TSK's recent operation.

RADIKAL
--HAD STRUCTURAL REFORMS BEEN MADE, WE WOULD HAVE BEEN IN A BETTER POSITION, NGO CHAIRMAN
Chairman of the Turkish Exporters' Assembly (TIM), Mehmet Buyukeksi, said that "had structural reforms been made in Turkey, we would have been in a better position." "We can turn this global economic crisis into an opportunity by maintaining our unity and solidarity," Buyukeksi noted.

--ERDOGAN CRITICIZES THOSE WHO WARNED AGAINST CRISIS
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan criticized those who warned against an economic crisis in Turkey. "We have taken all necessary measures so that Turkey would go through the global financial crisis with the least damage," Erdogan stressed.

YENI SAFAK
--TURKEY WILL OVERCOME CRISIS MILDLY
Professor Nouriel Roubini, a lecturer at the New York University who is a Jew born in Istanbul, analyzed Turkish economy, and said he expected some Europe-oriented fluctuations in Turkey due to the global crisis. Roubini said, "I see current deficit an important factor in Turkey's economy. However, Turkey has strengthened its infrastructure more than many giant markets in the last two years. Turkey's budget deficit dropped, and its financial system is strong and resistant to money accumulation."

Roubini also said, "growth can be sustained when compared with previous terms. Turkey's regulating and auditing agencies are working well. I do not forecast a serious economic crisis, however Turkey may experience Europe-oriented fluctuations."

--LAST MESSAGE TO BARZANI
The Turkish delegation that went to Baghdad will request a joint operation against the terrorist organization PKK and extradition of terrorist Ape Huseyin. Turkish diplomats will meet Massoud Barzani, the head of the regional administration in north of Iraq, and ask him to hand over some terrorists in Hakurk and Zap who coordinated the terrorist attacks against military posts in Daglica and Aktutun. Terrorist Kadri Celik, with an alias "Ape Huseyin", is one of them. Among the measures Turkey will ask Barzani to take for fight against terrorism are logistic support and joint operation against the terrorist organization PKK.

Hurriyet

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GOOD MORNING--TURKEY PRESS SCAN ON OCT 13

These are some of the major headlines and their summaries in the Turkish press on Oct. 13, 2008. HotNewsTurkey does not verify these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.

HURRIYET
--TWO PEOPLE ARRESTED FOR AIDING SUICIDE BOMBER
It has been determined that the name of the PKK terrorist, who was caught with 8.8 kg of explosives in Sisli district of Istanbul, was Hatice I. "Ezgi" is the terrorist's code name. Police also arrested two people, Tuncay S. and Mehmet S.A., who sent her to Istanbul to stage a terrorist attack two weeks ago, in the eastern province of Van.

--PKK'S TOP TERRORISTS HIT IN 7TH OPERATION
After the recent terrorist attack on Aktutun military outpost, the army waged its 7th operation against PKK terrorists in the north of Iraq. "An air strike was conducted in Zap region against a PKK/KONGRA-GEL terrorist group comprising of top terrorists. All the targets were hit," the General Staff said on its web-site.

MILLIYET
--WILL GUL INAUGURATE IRBIL AIRPORT?
Kurdish administration in north of Iraq which aims to boost relations with Turkey, made a proposal to President Abdullah Gul and asked him to open Irbil Airport. Presidency's Chief Advisor Ahmet Sever confirmed the invitation and said, "a date has not been set but the President will travel to Baghdad. The proposal about Irbil is being assessed."

--ERDOGAN: WE FIRMLY STAND ON OUR FEET
Prime MinisterTayyip Erdogan reacted against the representatives of business world who made statements that global fluctuation in markets would have a negative impact on Turkey. Erdogan said, "thanks God, we firmly stand on our leg. We have not been negatively affected by the crisis like the European countries and the United States. We are closely monitoring the developments. We are working very carefully to make use of any opportunity."

SABAH
--NO KURDISH COMMENTATOR TO BROADCASTS IN KURDISH
Turkish Radio Television's (TRT) "Kurdish Channel" which was a part of the government's opening out to the east and southeast of the country did not start broadcasting yet. Though it's been three months since the legislation regarding broadcasting in Kurdish was adopted, TRT tv channel could not find a TV announcer who can speak Kurdish. TRT says it could not find intellectual personnel with clean political records who could speak Kurdish fluently.

--DO NOT FAN THE FLAMES
PM Tayyip Erdogan reacted to Turkey's Association of Businessmen and Industrialists (TUSIAD) which said the financial crisis could also affect Turkey. "There are circles in our country who are fanning the flames. Please don't," he said.

VATAN
--THREE ATTACKS ON THE SAME DAY
PKK's female suicide bomber, who was caught by security forces in Istanbul, was getting prepared to stage three terrorist attacks with the 8.8 kg of explosives she was carrying with her. According to the police, the suicide bomber who had a fake identity card bearing the name of "Ayse Sen", was going to separate the explosives into three parts. The terrorist was getting prepared to place the two pieces at certain locations and explode them by a remote control device. Police think she would wrap the remaining part on her body and wage a suicide attack on a specific target.

--NECHIRVAN BARZANI TO VISIT ANKARA
Nechirvan Barzani, executive of the regional administration in north of Iraq, will pay a visit to Turkey in two days, sources said. The precautions to be taken against the terrorist organization PKK will be discussed during the surprising meeting.

CUMHURIYET
--7TH AIR RAID HITS TERRORIST LEADERS IN ZAP
The General Staff announced that Turkish Armed Forces continued operations, in pursuit of PKK/KONGRA-GEL terrorists, who partook in the attack on Aktutun military outpost. Turkish warplanes launched an air strike on a group of terrorists situated in Zap region located in north of Iraq. The General Staff said the targets were hit with precision.

--CRISIS HAS ALREADY STARTED AFFECTING REAL SECTOR
The financial crisis has started to affect the real sector in Turkey. In many sectors the production dropped, and the foreign debts of the private sector increased. The current account deficit is about to reach 50 billion USD. While representatives of the real sector say the AK Party administration failed to take precautions on time, exporters are gathering this week to develop a "plan B" against the crisis.

RADIKAL
--ANTICIPATION BOOSTING MORALE
According to Vural Akisik, who restructured the state banks after 2001 economic crisis, said it would take time for the United States to get rid of the crisis. Akisik said the fire should be extinguished soon. "But the cost would be more tomorrow". Akisik said Turkey would not be at the same point as the United States because it did not have liquidity problems. "It now seems that Turkey would be affected less."

--FROM PRIME MINISTER TO BUSINESS WORLD: DON'T URGE FIRE
Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan responded to TUSIAD Chairperson Arzuhan Yalcindag Dogan and names from the business world and economy bureaucracy. Erdogan said, "it is wrong for a non-governmental organization or a public organization to use the expression of crisis when there is not a danger of crisis."

YENI SAFAK
--PKK IS NOW A SUBCONTRACTOR
Prof. Deniz Ulke Aribogan, the rector of Bahcesehir University in Istanbul, said that terrorist organization PKK had become the tool of intelligence agencies. "Terrorist organizations are like soccer balls. Once they are put on the field, everyone tries to hit them to score a goal against his/her opponent," Aribogan said.

SUICIDE BOMBER SENT FROM VAN
Two people, who brought the explosives to the suicide bomber who was caught while she was getting prepared to stage a terrorist attack in Istanbul, were arrested in the eastern province of Van. It has been determined that the two terrorists brought the explosives to Istanbul two weeks after the suicide bomber arrived in the city. The two suspects are currently being interrogated.

Hurriyet

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GOOD MORNING--TURKEY PRESS SCAN ON OCT 10

These are some of the major headlines and their summaries in the Turkish press on Oct. 10, 2008. HotNewsTurkey does not verify these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.

HURRIYET
--THREE TRAITORS CAUGHT
Three of the terrorists, who staged the attack on a police bus in southeastern province of Diyarbakir, killing four police officers and a civil staff member, were arrested. Efforts are underway to catch terrorist Mehmet Sah Yildeniz who planned the heinous attack. It was reported that he had entered Turkey from north of Iraq 10 days ago.

--NEW ROAD MAP AGAINST TERRORISM
The Higher Board of Counter-Terrorism which convened on Thursday under the leadership of Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, assessed the road map to be pursued in fight against terrorism. Border security, intelligence sharing, socio-economic measures, and betterment of physical conditions of military outposts were discussed.

MILLIYET
--SECRET CORRUPTION REPORT
The Council of Europe's Group of States against Corruption (GRECO) has prepared two different reports about a number of countries including Turkey. Those reports contain corruption assessments and proposals to resolve them. The reports about Turkey were written on May 23 and 27, 2005. And the assessment report was submitted on March 10, 2006. But the latter was kept secret since the GRECO could not get permission from the Turkish government to publish it.

--BUSINESS WORLD CONCERNED
Turkish Industrialists' & Businessmen's Association (TUSIAD) Executive Board President Arzuhan Dogan Yalcindag has expressed their concerns over the recent global crisis. Yalcindag said that Turkey could not be abstracted from the global crisis and called on the government to take the crisis seriously. Meanwhile, Mustafa Koc, a leading businessman and president of the Koc Holding, said that a stand-by agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) would help Turkey overcome the crisis.

--THREE CAPTURED AFTER ATTACK IN DIYARBAKIR
Three of the four terrorists who were responsible for the attack on a police bus in the southeastern Turkish province of Diyarbakir in which five people including four police officers were killed and 18 people were injured, have been captured. A full-scale operation is under way to capture the fourth terrorist who was identified as Mehmet Sah Yildeniz.

SABAH
--IT IS YOUR RIGHT TO TAKE ANY MEASURES
Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair stayed in Ankara for 19 hours. In an interview with daily Sabah, Blair said, "you lose your people in terrorist attacks. I understand and support you in protecting your people and in taking strict measures." Blair said Turkey was right to ask whether Iraq and the United States fail to control north of Iraq. He said everybody, including Iraqi government, Kurdish administration, United States, coalition forces, and international community had to fulfill their assignments.

--THEY WERE CAUGHT AFTER 24 HOURS
Three of the four perpetrators of the terrorist attack in southeastern province of Diyarbakir were caught. Mehmet Sah Yildeniz, who planned the attack, had come to Diyarbakir last week and examined the route of the shuttle bus for three days. Police are after Yildeniz.

VATAN
--THREE PKK TERRORISTS CAUGHT IN 24 HOURS
Police arrested three of the four PKK terrorists, the perpetrators of the terrorist attack in Diyarbakir. Police assessed the identities of the terrorists according to the eye-witnesses and finger prints on the guns left at the scene. Police are now after the fourth terrorist.

--BUFFER ZONE CAN NOT BE FORMED IN NORTH OF IRAQ
Establishing a "buffer zone" in north of Iraq, a proposal brought by Republican People's Party (CHP) and Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) at the Higher Board of Counter-Terrorism meeting, was not found "applicable". Military executives said it was difficult to implement the buffer zone because in that case, thousands of soldiers would have to be on guard 35 km away the border, at a period of time that may last for years.

CUMHURIYET
--NO COMPROMISE
The Higher Board of Counter-Terrorism convened to discuss both the measures to be taken in the fight against terrorism and the military's demands. During the six-hour meeting, military members of the board brought onto agenda some legal arrangements. A brief statement was released at the end of the meeting reading that talks would continue next week.

--THREE TERRORISTS ARRESTED
A funeral has taken place for those who lost their lives when terrorists attacked on a police bus in the southeastern province of Diyarbakir. A number of people were in attendance at the funeral to pay their last tribute to the martyrs. They chanted slogans condemning terrorism and the PKK. Meanwhile, three out of four terrorists who were responsible for the attack, were captured.

RADIKAL
--KOC: AGREEMENT WITH IMF CAN RELIEVE MARKETS
Koc Holding Executive Board President Mustafa Koc indicated that a stand-by agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) could relieve markets. He said that Turkish banking sector was in good condition despite the global economic crisis, and added that the global crisis could have a serious impact on Turkish real sector.

--CIVILIAN PROPOSAL FROM MILITARY
The Higher Board of Counter-Terrorism convened to discuss recent developments. During the meeting, the military submitted its proposals about economic, social and cultural aspects of terrorism. The meeting will resume on October 14.

YENI SAFAK
--TERRORISM TARGETS LOCAL ELECTIONS
Recent attacks on the Aktutun gendarmerie outpost and the police bus in Diyarbakir have revealed that the new target of the PKK terrorist organization was upcoming local elections. Experts indicated that terrorists aimed at showing the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) weak in the region prior to the elections.

--TRAITORS CAPTURED
Three out of four terrorists who were responsible for the attack on a police bus in the southeastern province of Diyarbakir in which five people including four police officers were killed and 18 people were injured, have been captured. A full-scale operation is under way to capture the fourth terrorist who was identified as Mehmet Sah Yildeniz. Fienger prints of Yildeniz were found on two rifles and grenades left at the scene.

Hurriyet

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Newborn deaths spark debate on Turkey's health system

06/10/2008

Prosecutors have launched an investigation after 13 newborn babies died within 24 hours in a state hospital in Izmir. Last month, 27 babies died in another hospital in Ankara. The health ministry says hospital infections happen even in developed countries, but the doctors' union blames a worsening health system for newborn deaths.

By Ayhan Simsek for Southeast European Times -- 06/10/08

More than 50 newborns have died in the last three months in Turkey. [AFP]

The Turkish government has launched an investigation after 13 newborn babies died within 24 hours in a state hospital in Izmir late last month. It was only a few weeks after another health scandal in Ankara, where 27 newborn babies died at the Zekai Tahir Burak Hospital -- most from infection.

The initial results of the recent investigation showed an infection spread by intravenous fluids caused the babies' deaths at the Tepecik Research and Education Hospital in Izmir -- also the case in the Ankara hospital. The head of the investigation, Professor Recep Ozturk of the Istanbul Cerrahpasa Faculty of Medicine, said the team has identified the bacterium that caused the infection. After reviewing the past records of the Izmir hospital, the investigators ruled out possible negligence by the doctors or the hospital team and said the deaths could best be described as an "accident".

Despite the team's findings, the public has demanded the resignation of Health Minister Recep Akdag. Local media have said that the tragic deaths illustrate the deterioration of the country's health system. A columnist from Milliyet, Ece Temelkuran, criticised allegedly mismanaged privatisation in the health sector, the delegation of responsibility to unprofessional firms, the lack of adequate health facilities and the failure to train new personnel. Temelkuran says that Akdag shoulders the responsibility and should resign. But her call, joined by those of many other critics, fell on deaf ears.

Although Akdag acknowledged the problem of hospital infections in Turkey, he claims success in efforts to reduce infant mortality at birth. "We are saddened by the death of any newborn baby or mother, but we should also look at the statistics," Akdag said.

"The number of children who die at birth was 29 [of every] 1,000 live births in the year 2003. This has decreased to 17 to 18 deaths in each 1,000 live births this year. That means we have managed to save the lives of thousands of babies," he said, conceding the number of children who die at birth was still high and pledging continued efforts to decrease this number.

According to the minister, the rate of infant mortality in Turkey is relatively low, compared with that of other developing nations. But the EU has long criticised candidate country Turkey's health system. In its 2007 Progress Report, the Union said that the percentage of infants who die at birth is "still high".

The tragedies have sparked calls for Health Minister Recep Akdag to resign. [Getty Images]

According to UN statistics, the infant mortality rate in EU member countries averages 5.84 deaths per 1,000 live births. In Turkey, estimates differing with Akdag's claims put infant mortality at around 36.98 deaths per every 1,000 live births.

Officials at the Izmir Medical Chamber blamed the health ministry and health policies for the recent increase in newborn deaths. "In Izmir, maternity hospitals are overloaded. Throughout Turkey, we do not have enough maternity hospitals or maternity experts," chamber director Suat Kaptaner said. He also blasted the government's controversial call for families to bear "at least three children".

"Under today's conditions, where we lack adequate health services and have widespread poverty, how one can expect people to have at least three children? ... We do not have adequate personnel," Kaptaner said.

The opposition has filed written questions to parliament on the tragedies. Republican People's Party Izmir representative Selcuk Ayhan asked whether political appointments to the high positions at the health ministry may have contributed to the recent events.

Increasing political and public pressure on the government has forced officials to consider reform in maternity hospitals. The health ministry has organised a meeting for representatives of state and private hospitals for later in October. The meeting will focus on identifying the basic needs of the hospitals -- such as personnel levels and the number of beds, incubators and other medical items. The ministry plans to meet the demands of the health centers, redistribute the assigned personnel and co-ordinate the flow of patients among public and private hospitals.

This content was commissioned for SETimes.com

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GOOD MORNING--TURKEY PRESS SCAN ON OCT 9

These are some of the major headlines and their summaries in the Turkish press on Oct. 9, 2008. HotNewsTurkey does not verify these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.

HURRIYET
--TURKISH PARLIAMENT ADOPTS MOTION
Turkish Parliament adopted a Prime Ministry motion extending by one year the Turkish Armed Forces' mandate to conduct cross-border operations against terrorist activities targeting Turkey waged from the north of Iraq. The motion extends the mandate for one more year starting from October 17, 2008. A total of 497 MPs voted in favor of the motion, while 18 voted against it.

--FIVE PEOPLE DEAD IN TERRORIST ATTACK IN SOUTHEAST TURKEY
Five police officers died and 13 policemen and 5 civilians were wounded in a terrorist attack on a police bus in the southeastern province of Diyarbakir. Terrorists raked a police bus with automatic weapons and hand grenades in Diyarbakir, killing five policemen and wounding 18 people.

MILLIYET
--TERRORISTS TARGET POLICE OFFICERS IN DIYARBAKIR
After having killed 17 soldiers in Aktutun a few days ago, terrorists targeted police officers in Diyarbakir on Wednesday. Terrorists sprayed bullets on a police shuttle bus killing five police officers and one civil servant. 18 people were injured in the terrorist attack. Five of the injured are in serious condition.

--DENIZLI TO BECOME BESIKTAS'S NEW COACH
Board of the Turkish soccer club Besiktas has made its decision and agreed in principle with former Turkish national team coach Mustafa Denizli. Former Besiktas captain and midfielder Sergen Yalcin will be Denizli's assistant. Denizli and Besiktas will discuss details on Thursday and most likely sign a contract.

SABAH
--BLOODY PROVOCATION
PKK terrorists waged an armed attack on a police bus in the southeastern province of Diyarbakir. Four police officers and the bus driver died and 18 people were wounded in the attack. The attack took place on Wednesday evening when a Prime Ministry motion was being debated at the parliament.

--GLOBAL FINANCIAL CRISIS SHAKES TURKEY
The Istanbul Stock Exchange (IMKB) National-100 Index saw around 29,000 points on Wednesday. Shares lost 2.5 percent in value. The index closed at over 30,000 points. Ankara decided that there would be savings in the 2009 budget and state banks would cut interest rates if necessary.

VATAN
--COMMENT ON CRISIS: THANK GOD!
After the U.S. dollar gained value in Turkey and reached 1.42 new Turkish liras (YTL), Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan said that "this situation is temporary. Thank God there is nothing to fear about the Turkish economy." Contrary to what Erdogan thinks, the Turkish business world indicates that there are good reasons to be pessimistic and that there is high concern on the streets of Turkey. Turkish businessmen expect concrete steps from the government on the economy.

--BLOODY AMBUSH
PKK terrorists ambushed a police shuttle bus in the southeastern province of Diyarbakir on Wednesday. The terrorists used long range rifles and hand grenades. Five police officers were killed and 17 police officers were injured. Also, five passer-by people were injured.

CUMHURIYET
--QUESTION WITH INTELLIGENCE
After a Turkish military outpost in the southeastern province of Hakkari came under a terrorist attack recently, the topic of whether or not the U.S. is providing sufficient intelligence to Turkey came up. Military experts have told the Cumhuriyet daily that it must have been impossible for U.S. radar systems to fail to detect the terrorists around Hakkari last Friday, the day when Aktutun outpost came under attack killing 17 soldiers.

--PARLIAMENT'S AUTHORIZATION TARGETS ONLY TERRORISTS, PRESIDENT GUL
President Abdullah Gul said Wednesday that, the Turkish Parliament's extension by one year the Turkish Government's mandate to order military strikes against the PKK terrorist organization in northern Iraq, was an authorization that would only target the terrorists. When a Finnish journalist asked whether the "Kurdish issue" or the "European Union (EU) issue" was important for Turkey, Gul replied that "if the parliament makes a favorable decision to extend the period, this would not take place to bomb the Kurds."

"There are shelters of terrorist PKK organization in mountainous areas which can not be controlled by north of Iraq. PKK has been described as a terrorist organization by NATO and the EU. We must distinguish between the Kurdish people and PKK terrorist organization. In the past few days, the terrorists crossed into Turkey and attacked on Turkish security forces. Several attacks were staged in big cities. Any authorization for future military operations in north of Iraq would only target the terrorists," Gul said.

RADIKAL
--CERN TO BE ESTABLISHED IN GOLBASI
Turkey will have a scientific research center similar to the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) in Switzerland. "Turkish Accelerator Center" (TAC) will be established in Golbasi town of Ankara. A tender will be held at the end of this month for institute and laboratories of TAC which will be established with the support of State Planning Organization. Project Coordinator Prof. Dr. Omer Yavas said feasibility and infrastructure studies of TAC project had been completed at a great extent and TAC project was expected to be completed in 2011.

--TURKISH BUSINESSWOMAN ON LIST OF TEN MOST POWERFUL WOMEN IN BUSINESS
Turkish businesswoman Guler Sabanci, president of the Executive Board of the Sabanci Holding, has been ranked the ninth in the Fortune Magazine's annual international list of "50 Most Powerful Women In Business". Sabanci is the only Turkish businesswoman on the list.

YENI SAFAK
--HEART OF BALKANS TO BEAT IN ISTANBUL
Turkey is getting prepared to host an important event very soon. Chief muftis from Bosnia-Herzegovina, Albania, Kosovo, Macedonia, Bulgaria, Serbia, Montenegro, Croatia and Western Thrace will convene in Istanbul for a Balkan Symposium on October 18 and 19. The symposium will take place at the Grand Cevahir Hotel.

PROPOSAL FOR BUFFER ZONE WILL BE EVALUATED WITH TURKISH ARMED FORCES, PM ERDOGAN

Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan said that the main opposition political parties' proposal for the establishment of a buffer zone in north of Iraq would be evaluated jointly by the Turkish Government and the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK). "If this proposal would help the solution of the terror problem, then we would implement it," Erdogan said.

Hurriyet

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Six killed in bus attack in Diyarbakir

Five police officers were killed and 23 others were injured when terrorists opened fire on a police shuttle bus in the south-eastern province of Diyarbakir on Wednesday.

Terrorist attack in Diyarbakir - 08 / 10 / 2008 18:55

Five police, and a civilian driver were killed and 23 others injured in southeastern Turkey when unknown assailants with guns and explosives attacked a police vehicle, Interior Minister Besir Atalay said.

Terrorists sprayed bullets on the shuttle bus as it was passing by Azizye neighborhood.

The police shuttle bus was carrying personnel working at the Ali Gaffar Okkan Police Career Academy.

The attack came as lawmakers debate whether to extend the Turkish military's mandate to carry out cross-border operations against PKK terrorists in northern Iraq.

The police shuttle bus was carrying personnel working at the Ali Gaffar Okkan Police Career Academy.

CNN Turk said hand grenades were also used in the attack.

newstime7

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Jazz to entrance Istanbul

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

ISTANBUL - Turkish Daily News

Akbank Jazz Festival will kick off tomorrow in Istanbul. This year the event will entrance the city for the 18th time. The event, organized by Pozitif, is going to host the most influential jazz masters as well as successful young jazz artists from all around the world.

Hagia Eirini Museum, Cemal Reşit Rey Concert Hall, Akbank Art, Babylon, Talimhane Theatre and Ghetto are the venues for this year's festival, which will run through Oct. 19.

Ron Carter �Dear Miles,� James Carter Quintet, Stephan Micus, Rhoda Scott and Tomasz Stanko Band are among the legendary names who will take to the stage and are acts that should not be missed. Akbank Jazz Festival will open with the famous German musician Stephan Micus's concert in Hagia Eirini. He will display his distinctive performance style using traditional instruments. James Carter Quintet will also dazzle jazz lovers with his unique style during his concert in Cemal Reşit Rey on Oct. 17.

The other distinctive artist of the festival is the sixth best trumpet player in the world; the famous composer and group leader Tomasz Stanko. He will spread the power of mystical music throughout the audience. The next day Cemal Reşit Rey will welcome audiences for Ron Carter, who is accepted as one of the best jazz musicians of all times, and the bold artist Jason Moran, who shares his open-minded attitude to art with audiences around the world with his group, The Bandwagon. Rhoda Scott, master organist of hard bop and soul jazz, is also one of the most anticipated names of the festival. His performance, certain to be impressive, will be at Hagia Eirini on Oct. 10.

The projects of Jonas Knutsson Quartet, Far East Revisited, Büyükberber, Klein Electro Acoustic Duo, Smadj Feat, Ibrahim Malouf & Talvin Singh, Erdem Helvacıoğlu & Elliot Sharp and I Led 3 Lives are other delights being brought to the festival. There will also be workshops and panels as part of the festival.

turkishdailynews

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Berlin's music festival partners up with Turkey

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Popkomm Festival, which kicked off yesterday in Berlin, will be focused on Turkey and its music industry. With new series of portraits, topics such as music in cars and the black market in concert tickets will be discussed during the festival

ISTANBUL – Turkish Daily New

The Popkomm Festival, one of the world's major showcase festivals, with more than 400 solo artists, bands and DJs playing in over 25 official locations, kicked off yesterday in Berlin. Popkomm is an international music, entertainment and business trade show. Visionaries, analysts, managers, artists, critics, lawyers, researchers, journalists, and many other visitors and guests from around the world will meet again this year at the Popkomm conference. The focus this year will be on Turkey as the partner country of the festival. Two events, �The Turkish music industry and Turkish music in Germany� and the �Market Review Turkey,� will examine the state of the Turkish music market at home and abroad.

A panel Friday will concentrate on Romania and Moldova, and Thursday an event called �Music Matters� will examine the Asian music market. Next year Popkomm will be the guest of Music Matters in Hong Kong. Popkomm has always been and still is a venue for debates about cultural and economic policy. The world's largest association of authors and composers, CISAC; the International Music Managers' Forum; the World Intellectual Property Organization; and others are making use of the international meeting place provided by the conference not only to discuss pressing issues with leading representatives of business and politics but also to seek solutions. A series begun at last year's conference, �Automotive/Automobile Music,� will continue this year, starting Thursday. It will deal with what is, for many people, their pride and joy � their cars � and all the links between automobile culture and music. On Wednesday an event titled �Secondary Ticketing-Curse or Blessing?� will address the problem of the black market in tickets for live entertainment. Friday attention turns to �The Concert Business 2008-When Record Companies want a Piece of the Cake!� As sales of sound media continue to fall, people demand something new, but what happens in reality when promoters and labels clash? Also Friday, �The Future of Music� features one of the most fundamental and therefore one of the most keenly discussed issues: genres, styles, technical innovation and the vital question of what comes next. What would music be like if there was no one to discover or hear new developments? This is the main question of Friday's discussions. This used to be the function of the A&R, or artist and repertoire, manager. The festival examines if the emergence of such platforms as MySpace and YouTube mean that bands are no longer being discovered by agents in smoky clubs.

This year sees the introduction of a series of portraits titled �How did you do it?: the Popkomm (pro)files,� featuring outstanding artists. As part of the event, artists and reporters will tell their stories of success. It promises to provide a suitable conclusion to the day's activities. The Popkomm Conference, together with the exhibition and festival, forms part of the integrated Popkomm concept, which from Wednesday to Friday will provide visitors and guests from around the world with more than 35 panel discussions, discussions, workshops, papers and keynote speeches.

turkishdailynews

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http://www.turkeyismusic.com/en

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Turkish culture month in Helsinki

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

ANKARA - Anatolia News Agency

A month of Turkish Culture will begin in Finland's capital this week. Turkish cinema, folklore, music and cuisine will be promoted during the event, which runs through Oct. 26 in Helsinki.

Organized in cooperation with the Turkish Culture and Tourism Ministry, Foreign Ministry and Turkish Embassy in Helsinki, the events will be held in the International Culture Center CAISA. The Month of Turkish Culture will start Thursday with a cocktail party to be attended by 500 guests from culture, art and diplomatic circles.

As part of the event, seven Turkish films that recently won awards at festivals will be screened throughout the month. There will be a painting and photograph exhibition on Istanbul. Producer Mustafa Aksay will open his photograph exhibition, titled Mimar Sinan the Architect. A documentary on Sinan will also be shown.

Turkey at all points

The Tuana Art, Youth and Sports Club Association Dance Group and three members of the Antalya State Opera and Ballet will perform on-stage with huge Istanbul visuals.

Famous Turkish cooks will prepare unique tastes from Turkish cuisine and serve them to Finnish people for one week as part of the event.

The status of Turkish women will also be the subject of discussion during seminars to be held in the CAISA concert hall and Helsinki University Women's Research Center. Professor Binanz Toprak from Bosporus University will deliver a speech on the position of Turkish women in modern Istanbul.

Some lucky participants in the events will have a chance to win Istanbul-Helsinki round-trip tickets from Turkish Airlines.

Istanbul in Helsinki

The Turkish Culture and Tourism Ministry will increase Turkey's promotional activities this month in Finland to attract more participants to events.

Istanbul posters around the theme of Istanbul European Capital of Culture 2010 will be put in the CAISA Culture Center, where the events will take place. Also, photographs of Hagia Sophia, Maiden's Tower and the historic peninsula will be used in the event's schedule brochures.

turkishdailynews

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GOOD MORNING--TURKEY PRESS SCAN ON OCT 8

These are some of the major headlines and their summaries in the Turkish press on October 8, 2008. HotNewsTurkey does not verify these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.

HURRIYET
--TEN TOUGH QUESTIONS TO DENIZ FENERI
The leftist party in Germany brought the claims regarding Deniz Feneri e.V case, which is seen as the largest charity corruption scandal of the country, before the federal parliament. The motion prepared by Sevim Dagdelen, the member of parliament, approved by the party group chairmen her party, Gregor Gysi and Oskar Lafontaine.

--ALONE WITH GIGANTIC DEBT
Esat Edin, owner of the famous holiday resort Kemer Country, died in a flood together with three of his children and now 70 million USD of debts were inherited to 14-year-old Murat, Edin's only child alive.

--BESIKTAS COACH RESIGNS
Turkish soccer team Besiktas coach Ertugrul Saglam resigned after heavy criticisms when his team was eliminated from the UEFA Cup. "I started my job as a decent man and now I quit as a decent man," Saglam told a press conference.

MILLIYET
--SPENDINGS DOWN
Turkish consumers have cut their spendings because of the fear of an economic crisis. Luxury restaurants began offering economic menus while shopping malls are waiting for Arab tourists. Sale of real-estate stopped completely.

--BRAINSTORMING AT HEADQUARTERS
General Staff Chief Gen. Ilker Basbug met six academicians and they discussed the issue of terrorism. Professor Albulkadir Cevik, Professor Ali Caglar, Professor Deniz Ulke Aribagan, Professor Ihsan Bal and Professor Ali Nihat Ozcan who specialized in terrorism-clashes, political psychology and international relations, were in attendance at the five-hour meeting.

--TRACES OF ANCESTORS OF EUROPEAN FARMERS FOUND IN ISTANBUL
Stone-carved tools of some 15-20 thousand years old have been unearthed in Istanbul. Those tools prove that Istanbul was one of the first agriculture sites in Europe.

SABAH
--QUESTIONS FROM JOURNALIST ULUC TO GEN. BASBUG
Journalist Hincal Uluc opened to discussion "the method to end violence", sought by every one after the terrorist attack on Aktutun. Uluc asked, "wasn't it Gen. (Ilker) Basbug (the chief of General Staff) who drew red lines regarding an issue under the authority of the parliament in the week he was appointed to this position?" Uluc also asked, "wasn't it Gen. Basbug who said there could not be any general amnesty and who told that the only way to win the fight was to prevent people from joining the terrorist organization PKK?"

Uluc said, "then he knows or thinks about a solution that does not include amnesty. He should make it public. For the military, what is the shortest way to prevent people from joining the PKK? The public is awaiting a solution."

--HARSH WINDS IN ANKARA
Responding to the General Staff's statement regarding budget, Premier Recep Tayyip Erdogan said, "we have done what our military has wanted from us, and we will continue to do so. However, we will not take a backward step from democracy." Deniz Baykal, the chairman of the Republican People's Party (CHP), suggested that a buffer zone that could ensure regional security should be formed. Devlet Bahceli, the chairman of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), also proposed that a buffer zone should be set up in the north of Iraq.

VATAN
--CIVIL SOLUTION MEETING AT GENERAL STAFF
Representatives of six think-tanks and institutions which have different strategies and views in regard to fight against terrorism had a six-hour meeting with Chief of General Staff Gen. Ilker Basbug. Gen. Basbug who held a press conference in September said they wanted to make General Staff's Strategic Research and Study Center (SAREM) more effective and improve relations with think tanks. After these statements, Gen. Basbug had a meeting with representatives of six institutions including Turkey Economy Policies Research Foundation and International Strategic Researches Institution. They discussed fight against terrorism, regional and global developments in the meeting.

--ERDOGAN: "WE FULFILLED WHAT MILITARY DEMANDED"

Prime MinisterTayyip Erdogan delivered a speech at his party's group meeting and said this attack (terrorist attack in Aktutun in Semdinli town of southeastern province of Hakkari) targeted tranquility and stability in the country. Erdogan said his government had fulfilled what the military had demanded so far.

CUMHURIYET
--FIRE IN TURKEY
As an impact of the global economic crisis, price of one USD has risen up to 1.38 YTL in markets. Depreciation of the Turkish lira in the last three days rose to 6 percent. Also, consumer confidence index dropped to 75.3 percent in September from 80.1 percent in August.

--CEBIT OPENS
CeBIT Informatics Eurasia, the largest and the most important Information and Communication Technology (ICT) trade show in the region, has opened at Istanbul's TUYAP Fair and Congress Center. Nearly 150 thousand people from 70 countries are expected to visit the show. Over 900 companies from several countries converged on Istanbul to exhibit the very latest integrated technology solutions.

RADIKAL
--PATERNITY LEAVE LOOMS
There are a good and a bad news from the government. The good one is, men will be allowed to leave the work without pay for six months just like women workers. The bad one is, six months of leave will be shared by the father and the mother.

--BACCA'S MURDERER COULD NOT LOOK AT HER MOTHER'S FACE
Suspect of the murder of Italian artist Pippa Bacca appeared in court. Bacca's mother Elena Manzoni said, "I looked at his face but he could not dare to look at mine." Manzoni said she believed in the Turkish justice.

YENI SAFAK
--MOUNT BUZUL UNDER FIRE
The General Staff said jets bombed 21 targets on Avasin, Basyan in the north of Iraq, and Mount Iki Yaka and Mount Buzul in Hakkari. The number of terrorists killed after Aktutun attack reached 25.

--MOTION AT PARLIAMENT
The parliament will discuss on Wednesday a motion extending the authority of the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) to stage military operations in the north of Iraq as of October 17th, 2008. The Prime Ministry motion envisages extension of the authority for one more year.

--ATTACK ON COUNCIL OF STATE TO BE UNITED WITH ERGENEKON CASE
The Supreme Court of Appeals Chief Prosecutor's Office demanded that the case regarding the attack on the Council of State should be re-heard by examining all documents and statements under the Ergenekon case.

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Directorate general of press and information

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GOOD MORNING--TURKEY PRESS SCAN ON OCT 7

These are some of the major headlines and their summaries in the Turkish press on October 7, 2008. Hurriyet English does not verify these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.

HURRIYET
--RED-AND-WHITE MONDAY
After a 9-day festive holiday, Turkish people went back to their works feeling a deep pain for the 17 soldiers who lost their lives at PKK's terrorist attack in Bayraktepe region near Aktutun border military outpost of the southeastern province of Hakkari. Turkey had a "Red-And-White Monday" yesterday with millions of people carrying Turkish flags in their hands on the streets. Civil servants, workers and citizens started working after honoring the martyrs and praying for them.

--DO NOT LOSE TIME, TAKE PRECAUTIONS
After sending a harsh diplomatic note to Iraq on the day of the attack on Aktutun border military outpost, Turkey warned Iraqi officials one more time yesterday. Turkish Ambassador in Baghdad Derya Kanbay told officials with the Iraqi Foreign Ministry that Turkey did not desire to lose time with empty mechanisms that would not bear any results. Kanbay also asked Iraq to take immediate precautions at the border.

MILLIYET
--TURKISH CB HEAD WARNS AGAINST GLOBAL CRISIS
Head of the Turkish Central Bank warned that the uncertainty caused by the global economic crisis continued. "More or less, all countries will be affected by the crisis. It is not wise to think that our country will not be one of them. We need to get prepared for new surprises," Durmus Yilmaz said. "The end of the crisis is yet to be seen," he said. Turkey's main shares index, the Istanbul Stock Exchange, dropped 8.62 percent in value on Monday and U.S. dollar climbed up as high as to 1.39 YTL.

--BODIES OF MISSING TURKISH TROOPS FOUND AFTER TERRORIST ATTACK ON BORDER OUTPOST
Security teams found the bodies of two Turkish troops who were killed in a terrorist attack on an outpost in southeast Turkey. Gendarmerie soldiers Bahattin Burhan and Nurulllah Oymak were found after three days of search. PKK terrorists attacked on the Aktutun outpost on the border with Iraq and killed 17 Turkish troops on October 3.

SABAH
--WE WILL CONSTRUCT OUTPOSTS FOR 1 MILLION YTL
Housing Development Administration of Turkey (TOKI) took action upon remarks of General Staff Deputy Chief Gen. Hasan Igsiz who stated that changing the locations of outposts was extended over a period of time due to financial impossibilities. TOKI head Erdogan Bayraktar said that his agency would happily take part in the construction process of new outposts. "Construction of a strongly built outpost with a 500-squaremeter administrative building, kitchen, bathroom and dormitory costs 1 million YTL. Money can be found. I feel excited with this issue and I am ready to fulfill orders," Bayraktar said.

--WOUNDED SOLDIER FIGHTS TILL THE END
The wounded friend of Ramazan Yesil, one of the soldiers who died in the terrorist attack on Aktutun military outpost, talked about Yesil's lastmoments. Noting that the first hand grenade fell somewhere close to Yesil during the clash, his fellow soldier said, "his foot was ripped off and he was losing blood but he threw two hand-grenades that fell near him back at the terrorists before they exploded."

VATAN
--TURKISH MILITARY BOMBS PKK TERRORISTS
Turkish warplanes hit three separate targets of the terrorist PKK in a continued pursuit after an attack on a border outpost which killed 17 Turkish troops. Turkish F-16s and F-4s bombed two targets of PKK terrorists in Avashin-Basyan area in Iraq's north early Monday morning and another group of terrorists inside Turkey later in the day. Bodies of two Turkish troops who were reported to be missing after the last Friday's attack on the Aktutun outpost were found also on Monday.

--FINANCIAL EARTHQUAKE HITS MARKETS
Monday was perhaps one of worst days of the global financial crisis. European markets dropped by an average of 7.8 percent and Turkey's main shares index, the Istanbul Stock Exchange, lost as high as 9 percent in value. U.S. dollar rose up to 1.38 YTL, the highest in more than a year, and the interest rate climbed to 20.43 percent.

CUMHURIYET
--TURKISH WARPLANES HIT TERRORISTS
Turkish military said Monday its warplanes hit three separate groups of PKK terrorists in Iraq's north and inside Turkey after an attack on a border outpost last week which killed 17 Turkish troops. Terrorist targets in Avashin-Basyan area in northern Iraq, and in the southeastern provinces of Hakkari and Sirnak were hit on Monday.

--TURKISH CB HEAD WARNS GOVERNMENT OVER FINANCIAL CRISIS
Head of the Turkish Central Bank warned the government on Monday over the financial crisis, saying that no one would remain unaffected by the global fluctuation. "Slowdown in the European Union will hamper exports by Turkey. If the incomes are dropping in the markets to which you sell goods and if the demand is shrinking, than you will be affected by that," Durmus Yilmaz said. The central bank governor said the picture was not yet clear in the United States, and he added that Turkey needed to get prepared for "new surprises."

RADIKAL
--YILMAZ WARNS: "WE SHOULD BE PREPARED FOR SURPRISES"
Central Bank Governor Durmus Yilmaz said that Turkey should be prepared for surprises as the dimension of the crisis in USA was not clear yet. "Do not say 'nothing will happen to us' as you did in the 2001 crisis. The slowdown in USA may affect exports negatively," Yilmaz said.

--BOMBS OVER PKK GROUPS
It was revealed that two Turkish soldiers who were reported missing after the recent PKK attack on Aktutun outpost were also killed. On October 5 and 6, air operations were conducted in 3 different locations in Avasin Baysan region of the north of Iraq against the PKK groups that waged the attack.

YENI SAFAK
--TURKISH WARPLANES HIT TERRORIST TARGETS IN NORTHERN IRAQ
Turkish security forces launched a pursuit for the PKK terrorists who killed 15 Turkish troops last week in an attack on a border outpost in southeast Turkey. Turkish F-16s bombed terrorists target in Avashin-Basyan area in Iraq's north. Warplanes also hit two separate targets inside Turkey near Hakkari and Sirnak.

--U.S. AMBASSODOR SUMMONED AFTER TERRORIST ATTACK
U.S. Ambassador in Ankara Ross Wilson was summoned on Sunday to the Turkish Foreign Ministry after a terrorist attack on a border outpost in southeast Turkey. Turkish diplomats asked for closer cooperation against the terrorist PKK and the U.S. ambassador was told about the reaction that the attack had created on part of the Turkish people.

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