Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06ANKARA2587
2006-05-09 13:34:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Ankara
how-toVZCZCXRO8368 OO RUEHDA DE RUEHAK #2587/01 1291334 ZNR UUUUU ZZH O 091334Z MAY 06 FM AMEMBASSY ANKARA TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 5440 RUEKJCS/CJCS WASHDC IMMEDIATE RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHDC IMMEDIATE RUEKJCS/OSD WASHDC//PA RUEUITH/ODC ANKARA TU INFO RUEHTH/AMEMBASSY ATHENS 7169 RUEHIT/AMCONSUL ISTANBUL 0473 RUEHDA/AMCONSUL ADANA 0716 RUEHBS/AMEMBASSY BRUSSELS 5258 RUEHBS/USEU BRUSSELS RUEHNO/USMISSION USNATO 4970 RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK 1583 RUEUITH/DET 1 39LG ANKARA TU RHMFISS/USDOCO 6ATAF IZMIR TU RHMFIUU/39OS INCIRLIK AB TU RHMFIUU/AFOSI DET 523 IZMIR TU RHMFIUU/39ABG INCIRLIK AB TU RHMFIUU/AFOSI DET 522 INCIRLIK AB TU RUEUITH/AFLO ANKARA TU
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 03 ANKARA 002587
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
DEPARTMENT FOR INR/R/MR, EUR/SE, EUR/PD, NEA/PD, DRL
JCS PASS J-5/CDR S. WRIGHT
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OPRC KMDR TU
SUBJECT: ANKARA MEDIA REACTION REPORT
TUESDAY, MAY 9, 2006
In Today's Papers
Larijani Holds Talks in Ankara
All papers: On Monday, visiting Iranian national security
advisor and chief nuclear negotiator Ali Larijani met with
Prime Minister Erdogan, Foreign Minister Gul, and National
Security Council (MGK) Secretary-General Alpogan. Following
his meetings, Larijani told the press the US was not honest
with Turkey regarding the anti-terror fight against the PKK,
claiming US officials have been holding talks with PKK
officials in Mosul and Kirkuk. Vatan reports the US Embassy
rejected the claims, saying the US would never engage in
talks with the PKK or any terrorist organization. Larijani
proposed cooperation among Turkey, Iran and Syria to fight
against the PKK. In an interview with the all-news
broadcaster NTV, Larijani underlined the importance of the
letter sent by Iranian President Ahmadinejad to President
Bush, one which could reduce the tension surrounding the
issue. "Iran is not like Iraq," Larijani said, warning that
a US attack would be a big mistake. He called on Turkey to
resist efforts of Western countries to deprive Muslim
countries of nuclear technology. Larijani also noted that
Iran had been striving for six months to discuss the issue
of Iraq with the US.
Ankara warned Larijani to "remember the Iraq example,"
urging him to take into account world reactions and
cooperate with the international community. Ankara also
said Iranian statements against Israel further deteriorated
the image of Tehran. "How can you convince others that Iran
has peaceful purposes when you have not been able to
convince the head of the IAEA, al-Baradei? The world has
formed a united bloc against Iran, and Turkey will move
together with the international community. Iran should not
rely merely on Russia and China while making evaluations,"
Ankara reportedly told Larijani. Papers say Larijani
signaled that Iran was ready to sit at the table with the US
to resolve the nuclear crisis, and that he asked Turkey to
mediate between Iran and the West by explaining Iranian
positions. Papers say Ankara turned down the proposal.
In a move seen by the papers as a US response to the visit
of Larijani to Ankara, Ambassador Gregory Schulte briefed
Turkish reporters from Vienna through a digital video
conference held by the US Embassy. Schulte said the visit
of Larijani to Turkey was an attempt to break the
international consensus against Iran's nuclear program.
Turkey supports the international consensus against Iranian
nuclear aspirations, Schulte said, adding that Iran would
pose a big threat for the Middle East if it produced nuclear
weapons.
A delegation of US Congressmen met Foreign Minister Gul and
MGK Secretary General Alpogan on Monday, urging the Turks
not to issue messages that would encourage Larijani. Gul
told the Congressmen Turkey did not want a new crisis in the
region, assuring them strong messages urging for
transparency were conveyed to Larijani.
US Abandons Plans of Military Presence in Black Sea
Washington has canceled plans for extending the NATO-led
Mediterranean mission Operation Active Endeavor into the
Black Sea, Sabah and Yeni Safak report. Secretary Rice told
Ankara during a recent visit that the US abandoned its plan
to deploy vessels into the Black Sea to prevent arms and
human trafficking and to enhance security in the region.
Commenting on the balance of power in the region, Erdal
Safak notes in Sabah that Russian leader Putin has developed
a new doctrine: "using the power that comes with possessing
ANKARA 00002587 002 OF 003
huge amounts of oil and natural gas to be a superpower
again." Safak believes that the US has developed a policy to
counter that doctrine with three primary goals: "First, the
US aims to establish bases in the former East block
countries, an aim which has largely been achieved.
Secondly, the US has looked for ways to divert Caucasus and
Asian energy resources to European destinations in order to
minimize Russian influence. This has also been achieved to a
great extend. The third goal is to gain control over
Russian energy routes which calls for gaining control of the
Black Sea. The US proposed that Turkey expand NATO missions
in the Black Sea, using fighting human trafficking and
terrorism as pretexts for the expansion. Turkey kept a
significant distance from this proposal because of concerns
about possible violation of the Montreaux Treaty. Now the
US has withdrawn its proposal so the undeclared cold war
between the two allies regarding the Black Sea has ended.
However this does not necessarily mean all is well and the
Black Sea debate is over; there will be new tactics to gain
control of the Black Sea corridor."
Turkey Recalls Ambassadors to Paris, Ottawa over Armenian
Genocide Bill
All papers: Foreign Ministry spokesman Namik Tan stated
yesterday that both Turkish Ambassador to France Osman
Koruturk and Turkish Ambassador to Canada Aydemir Erman have
been recalled for consultations concerning the French
Parliament's possible approval of the Armenian bill and
Canada's move to recognize the 1915 events as "genocide."
The two Ambassadors are expected to return to their posts
after the consultations, Tan added. Vatan quotes the
chairman of the Parliament's Foreign Relations Committee
Mehmet Dulger as saying, "If the bill is approved by the
French Parliament, Turkey will consider applying sanctions
to French companies and goods."
Livni to Visit Turkey, Sezer to Israel
Cumhuriyet reports Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni will
visit Turkey in the third week of May to discuss Hamas and
the role of Turkey in the region. President Sezer is
expected to pay a state visit to Israel on June 7. Sources
said the visit of Livni before Sezer's trip to Israel will
help the efforts for a total normalization of bilateral
ties.
Greek EFG Purchases 70 percent of Tekfenbank
Vatan, Sabah, Referans, Dunya and others: The Greek EFG
Eurobank purchased 70 percent of Turkish Tekfenbank shares
at a price of $182 million. According to the agreement
signed by the two banks, Eurobank EFG will purchase 70
percent of Tekfenbank shares together with Tekfen financial
leasing owned by Tekfen group. Tekfen group will keep the
remaining shares and continue with its strategic partnership
in the bank.
"Dangerous Developments" In Iraq
Columnist Gunduz Aktan observed in Radikal: "A US Senator
and an American foreign policy analyst held up Bosnia-
Herzegovina as a model for the future of Iraq. In a recent
article they suggested that Iraq be divided into three
regions in a loose federation. Given such statements, it is
hard to believe AMERICA is sincere in its efforts to bring
democracy to the region. If those suggestions prove true,
US prestige will experience a serious blow, making true all
the speculation that the real US goal is to divide Iraq and
control Kirkuk oil. Even more seriously, such a development
will enhance the hand of those who have been saying that the
US is acting with anti-Islam motivations. The Turkish
parliament rejected the March 1 motion despite all its
consequences and the consequences are now becoming obvious."
ANKARA 00002587 003 OF 003
TV Highlights
NTV (8 a.m)
Domestic News
- The main opposition CHP leader Deniz Baykal said
Parliament Speaker Bulent Arinc should not be allowed to run
for president.
- Extreme nationalist party MHP and the leftist/nationalist
Workers' Party members have staged a protest against the
Greek Orthodox Patriarch Bartholomew's participation in a
sermon held in a church in Bergama near the Aegean city of
Izmir.
International News
- Iraqi President Talabani said US Secretaries Rice and
Rumsfeld had promised to prevent Turkish military incursions
into northern Iraq.
- President Bush has picked Air Force General Michael Hayden
as the new CIA chief.
Economy News
- Turkey is ranked 13th in foreign investment trust index
with direct foreign investments predicted to exceed USD 1
billion in 13 years. State Minister for Economy, Ali
Babacan said investments in Turkey had increased by 3.5
percent in the past year.
- Council of State (Danistay) has rejected a request to
annul the privatization of 51 percent stake of Turkish oil
refiner Tupras.
- Financial Times reported Sabanci Group, one of Turkey's
largest industrial conglomerates, plans to spend up to USD 3
billion over the next five years building new power stations
and electricity distribution systems to help feed Turkey's
growing economy.
Visit Ankara's Classified Web Site at
http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/eur/ankara/
WILSON
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
DEPARTMENT FOR INR/R/MR, EUR/SE, EUR/PD, NEA/PD, DRL
JCS PASS J-5/CDR S. WRIGHT
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OPRC KMDR TU
SUBJECT: ANKARA MEDIA REACTION REPORT
TUESDAY, MAY 9, 2006
In Today's Papers
Larijani Holds Talks in Ankara
All papers: On Monday, visiting Iranian national security
advisor and chief nuclear negotiator Ali Larijani met with
Prime Minister Erdogan, Foreign Minister Gul, and National
Security Council (MGK) Secretary-General Alpogan. Following
his meetings, Larijani told the press the US was not honest
with Turkey regarding the anti-terror fight against the PKK,
claiming US officials have been holding talks with PKK
officials in Mosul and Kirkuk. Vatan reports the US Embassy
rejected the claims, saying the US would never engage in
talks with the PKK or any terrorist organization. Larijani
proposed cooperation among Turkey, Iran and Syria to fight
against the PKK. In an interview with the all-news
broadcaster NTV, Larijani underlined the importance of the
letter sent by Iranian President Ahmadinejad to President
Bush, one which could reduce the tension surrounding the
issue. "Iran is not like Iraq," Larijani said, warning that
a US attack would be a big mistake. He called on Turkey to
resist efforts of Western countries to deprive Muslim
countries of nuclear technology. Larijani also noted that
Iran had been striving for six months to discuss the issue
of Iraq with the US.
Ankara warned Larijani to "remember the Iraq example,"
urging him to take into account world reactions and
cooperate with the international community. Ankara also
said Iranian statements against Israel further deteriorated
the image of Tehran. "How can you convince others that Iran
has peaceful purposes when you have not been able to
convince the head of the IAEA, al-Baradei? The world has
formed a united bloc against Iran, and Turkey will move
together with the international community. Iran should not
rely merely on Russia and China while making evaluations,"
Ankara reportedly told Larijani. Papers say Larijani
signaled that Iran was ready to sit at the table with the US
to resolve the nuclear crisis, and that he asked Turkey to
mediate between Iran and the West by explaining Iranian
positions. Papers say Ankara turned down the proposal.
In a move seen by the papers as a US response to the visit
of Larijani to Ankara, Ambassador Gregory Schulte briefed
Turkish reporters from Vienna through a digital video
conference held by the US Embassy. Schulte said the visit
of Larijani to Turkey was an attempt to break the
international consensus against Iran's nuclear program.
Turkey supports the international consensus against Iranian
nuclear aspirations, Schulte said, adding that Iran would
pose a big threat for the Middle East if it produced nuclear
weapons.
A delegation of US Congressmen met Foreign Minister Gul and
MGK Secretary General Alpogan on Monday, urging the Turks
not to issue messages that would encourage Larijani. Gul
told the Congressmen Turkey did not want a new crisis in the
region, assuring them strong messages urging for
transparency were conveyed to Larijani.
US Abandons Plans of Military Presence in Black Sea
Washington has canceled plans for extending the NATO-led
Mediterranean mission Operation Active Endeavor into the
Black Sea, Sabah and Yeni Safak report. Secretary Rice told
Ankara during a recent visit that the US abandoned its plan
to deploy vessels into the Black Sea to prevent arms and
human trafficking and to enhance security in the region.
Commenting on the balance of power in the region, Erdal
Safak notes in Sabah that Russian leader Putin has developed
a new doctrine: "using the power that comes with possessing
ANKARA 00002587 002 OF 003
huge amounts of oil and natural gas to be a superpower
again." Safak believes that the US has developed a policy to
counter that doctrine with three primary goals: "First, the
US aims to establish bases in the former East block
countries, an aim which has largely been achieved.
Secondly, the US has looked for ways to divert Caucasus and
Asian energy resources to European destinations in order to
minimize Russian influence. This has also been achieved to a
great extend. The third goal is to gain control over
Russian energy routes which calls for gaining control of the
Black Sea. The US proposed that Turkey expand NATO missions
in the Black Sea, using fighting human trafficking and
terrorism as pretexts for the expansion. Turkey kept a
significant distance from this proposal because of concerns
about possible violation of the Montreaux Treaty. Now the
US has withdrawn its proposal so the undeclared cold war
between the two allies regarding the Black Sea has ended.
However this does not necessarily mean all is well and the
Black Sea debate is over; there will be new tactics to gain
control of the Black Sea corridor."
Turkey Recalls Ambassadors to Paris, Ottawa over Armenian
Genocide Bill
All papers: Foreign Ministry spokesman Namik Tan stated
yesterday that both Turkish Ambassador to France Osman
Koruturk and Turkish Ambassador to Canada Aydemir Erman have
been recalled for consultations concerning the French
Parliament's possible approval of the Armenian bill and
Canada's move to recognize the 1915 events as "genocide."
The two Ambassadors are expected to return to their posts
after the consultations, Tan added. Vatan quotes the
chairman of the Parliament's Foreign Relations Committee
Mehmet Dulger as saying, "If the bill is approved by the
French Parliament, Turkey will consider applying sanctions
to French companies and goods."
Livni to Visit Turkey, Sezer to Israel
Cumhuriyet reports Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni will
visit Turkey in the third week of May to discuss Hamas and
the role of Turkey in the region. President Sezer is
expected to pay a state visit to Israel on June 7. Sources
said the visit of Livni before Sezer's trip to Israel will
help the efforts for a total normalization of bilateral
ties.
Greek EFG Purchases 70 percent of Tekfenbank
Vatan, Sabah, Referans, Dunya and others: The Greek EFG
Eurobank purchased 70 percent of Turkish Tekfenbank shares
at a price of $182 million. According to the agreement
signed by the two banks, Eurobank EFG will purchase 70
percent of Tekfenbank shares together with Tekfen financial
leasing owned by Tekfen group. Tekfen group will keep the
remaining shares and continue with its strategic partnership
in the bank.
"Dangerous Developments" In Iraq
Columnist Gunduz Aktan observed in Radikal: "A US Senator
and an American foreign policy analyst held up Bosnia-
Herzegovina as a model for the future of Iraq. In a recent
article they suggested that Iraq be divided into three
regions in a loose federation. Given such statements, it is
hard to believe AMERICA is sincere in its efforts to bring
democracy to the region. If those suggestions prove true,
US prestige will experience a serious blow, making true all
the speculation that the real US goal is to divide Iraq and
control Kirkuk oil. Even more seriously, such a development
will enhance the hand of those who have been saying that the
US is acting with anti-Islam motivations. The Turkish
parliament rejected the March 1 motion despite all its
consequences and the consequences are now becoming obvious."
ANKARA 00002587 003 OF 003
TV Highlights
NTV (8 a.m)
Domestic News
- The main opposition CHP leader Deniz Baykal said
Parliament Speaker Bulent Arinc should not be allowed to run
for president.
- Extreme nationalist party MHP and the leftist/nationalist
Workers' Party members have staged a protest against the
Greek Orthodox Patriarch Bartholomew's participation in a
sermon held in a church in Bergama near the Aegean city of
Izmir.
International News
- Iraqi President Talabani said US Secretaries Rice and
Rumsfeld had promised to prevent Turkish military incursions
into northern Iraq.
- President Bush has picked Air Force General Michael Hayden
as the new CIA chief.
Economy News
- Turkey is ranked 13th in foreign investment trust index
with direct foreign investments predicted to exceed USD 1
billion in 13 years. State Minister for Economy, Ali
Babacan said investments in Turkey had increased by 3.5
percent in the past year.
- Council of State (Danistay) has rejected a request to
annul the privatization of 51 percent stake of Turkish oil
refiner Tupras.
- Financial Times reported Sabanci Group, one of Turkey's
largest industrial conglomerates, plans to spend up to USD 3
billion over the next five years building new power stations
and electricity distribution systems to help feed Turkey's
growing economy.
Visit Ankara's Classified Web Site at
http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/eur/ankara/
WILSON