ANKARA MEDIA REACTION REPORT

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 ANKARA 001687 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 FRIDAY, JUNE 29, 2007 In Today's Papers FM Gul: "If the US Cannot, We Can Enter Iraq and Solve the Issue"; Ambassador Wilson Comments on PKK Radikal, Star, Turkiye, Sabah, Bugun and others: Liberal Radikal reports that in an exclusive interview with the paper, FM Gul said that the "government's plans for a military incursion into Northern Iraq are ready down to every detail. Unfortunately, cooperation with the US in the fight against the PKK is far below our expectations. As the occupational force, the US is responsible for the terrorist attacks launched from Iraq to Turkey. If Iraq or the US is unable to stop the PKK threat, we will make a decision and enter Iraq." Gul added that there is consensus about the plans for a cross-border operation and the political decision makers are waiting for the right time to launch an operation. Meanwhile, papers report that during an official visit to Izmir Governor Cahit Kirac's office, US Ambassador to Turkey Ross Wilson said that "Iraq is Turkey's neighbor, therefore, security and stability should be established there." Stressing that the US is shocked by the PKK attacks against Turkey and condemns these attacks, Ambassador Wilson added that "The US and Turkey coordinate in order to prevent these terrorist attacks. Recently, we gave strong messages to Iraqi officials for the terrorist attacks to be stopped." Mainstream Sabah reports that following the visit of Iraqi President Talabani to China, a written statement issued by the Chinese Foreign Ministry said that "China condemns all kinds of terrorist activities but, at the same time, respects the freedom, sovereignty and the territorial integrity of Iraq." Iraqi Spokesman: "Cross-Border Operation would Harm Bilateral Relations" In an interview with mainstream Sabah, Iraqi government spokesman Ali-Al-Dabbagh said that "Iraq itself is plagued by terror and is fighting against all terror organizations, including the PKK. Nevertheless, a cross-border operation would have serious consequences and would harm Turkey-Iraq relations." Support Increases in the US Congress for the Armenian Resolution Liberal Radikal reports the US-Armenia National Committee (ANCA) announced that the number of Representatives in the US Congress who support the Armenian resolution has reached 209. The House of Representatives has 435 members and if the number of supporters reaches 218, then the chances for Nancy Pelosi to carry the resolution to the floor of the House will increase. In order to reach these numbers, ANCA members began a telephone campaign to get support from the members of the Congress. GENAR Survey Islamist oriented Yeni Safak reports about a survey conducted by polling company GENAR. The results of survey are based on interviews with 2007 people in 18 cities and 49 towns, and predict that three parties will enter parliament: AKP with 40.9%, CHP 22.1%, and MHP 10.8%. The survey also shows public preferences on the controversy surrounding a possible military incursion into Northern Iraq: 37.9 percent of the voters say Turkey should never launch a cross-border operation, 33.8 percent want an immediate operation and 16.1 percent said an operation might be useful later. EDITORIAL OPINION: US-Iraq; Middle East Quartet/Tony Blair "Deteriorating Image of the US" Kamuran Ozbir wrote in the nationalist Ortadogu (6/29): "The Middle East entered into a new phase following the US occupation of Iraq. The US, however, currently faces difficulty because it is unable to control the course. Iraq is no longer a unified state, nor will it be from now on. Moreover, Iraq has not emerged as a free market, as Western powers were hoping. Iraq's future is now in complete shadow as are the consequences for the US. Not only for Iraq, but for the entire Middle East region, it seems that instability and insecurity ANKARA 00001687 002 OF 002 will be even more prevalent than ever before. All of these developments are shaking the persuasive power of the US and increasing the level of mistrust toward the US." "Can Blair Be Successful in His New Job?" Kubilay Celik wrote in the nationalist Tercuman (6/29): "Tony Blair has become the Envoy for the Middle East Quartet, which consists of the EU, the UN, the US and Russia. Blair's main responsibility is to work to find ways to resolve peacefully the long-term and never-ending problems between Israel and Palestine. The main problem vis-a-vis Blair's job is about whether or not to be impartial. Even if he tries to be impartial between the two sides, he cannot save himself from being labeled as a 'pro-Israel' envoy due to the nature of the Middle East Quartet. Thus, Blair has no chance for success in his new job. Being a partner with the US in the Iraq war is another disadvantage for Tony Blair. He will not be able to eliminate the overall negative image even if he makes some personal effort. Given the depth of the problems in the Middle East, such efforts are like treating cancer with aspirin." TV Highlights NTV, 7.00 A.M. Domestic News - Council of State members who were attacked by a gunman last year have withdrawn from a case related to headscarf restrictions. - The Court in Sincan has rejected a decision by the Ankara prosecutor to dismiss charges against PM Erdogan for referring to jailed PKK leader Ocalan as 'sayin' (an honorific). International News - Britain's new PM Gordon Brown unveils his new government - Portugal announced that accession discussions with Turkey would continue after it undertakes term presidency in July 1 - A car bomb killed 25 people yesterday at a busy intersection in Baghdad WILSON