Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
07ANKARA1888
2007-07-24 13:15:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Ankara
how-toVZCZCXRO0877 OO RUEHDA DE RUEHAK #1888/01 2051315 ZNR UUUUU ZZH O 241315Z JUL 07 FM AMEMBASSY ANKARA TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 3105 RUEKJCS/CJCS WASHDC IMMEDIATE RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHDC IMMEDIATE RUEKJCS/OSD WASHDC//PA RUEUITH/ODC ANKARA TU INFO RUEHTH/AMEMBASSY ATHENS 8245 RUEHIT/AMCONSUL ISTANBUL 3060 RUEHDA/AMCONSUL ADANA 2165 RUEHBS/AMEMBASSY BRUSSELS 6024 RUEHBS/USEU BRUSSELS RUEHNO/USMISSION USNATO 5836 RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK 2435 RUEUITH/DET 1 39LG ANKARA TU RHMFIUU/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 02 ANKARA 001888
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, JULY 24, 2007
In Today's Papers
All Eyes on Opposition CHP
Hurriyet, Milliyet, Cumhuriyet, Radikal, Bugun, Vatan, Yeni Safak:
Papers report that all eyes turned to CHP leader Deniz Baykal for
his response to the results of the election. Mainstream Hurriyet
reports that Baykal, in his initial assessment of elections to his
close friends said that the party organization did its best in the
election campaign. Baykal said "the popularity of CHP and
nationalist MHP increased but the center right collapsed" and those
votes went to AKP. Discussing the election results with his
advisors, Baykal indicated that he would not resign. Hurriyet adds
that the biggest support to Baykal came from former President
Demirel. Reportedly, Demirel called Baykal and advised him not to
resign. Speaking to Hurriyet, Demirel said that Baykal is a
well-educated politician and he fulfilled his duties completely.
Meanwhile, opposing groups in CHP are urging Baykal to resign,
papers report.
In the early afternoon, on live TV, Baykal said he would not step
down from his party's leadership, saying "things will be different
in the next election."
The New Cabinet
Hurriyet, Milliyet, Sabah, Vatan and others: Papers report that PM
Erdogan plans an extensive cabinet re-shuffle. Milliyet reports
that there is a belief that new names Ertugrul Gunay (possible
Deputy PM),Zafer Caglayan (possible Industry Minister),Mehmet
Simsek (possible Economy Minister) and Mehmet Saglam (possible
Education Minister) will have ministerial positions. Deputy PM
Mehmet Ali Sahin, Agriculture Minister Mehdi Eker, Public Works
Minister Faruk Ozak and Forestry Minister Osman Pepe are expected to
lose their posts. According to AKP circles, before the cabinet, the
first important hurdle in front of PM Erdogan will be the election
of the Parliament Speaker. It is not clear whether or not the
current speaker Bulent Arinc would run for the position of Speaker
again.
Commentators began urging the AKP to think of foreign policy
matters. Sami Kohen writes in the mainstream daily Milliyet: "The
power of the AKP to form a solo government paves the way for the
continuation of policy and ensures stability. As some EU officials
have already pointed out, the EU should be facilitative and helpful
toward the AKP government in the integration process. Another issue
the new government will have to deal with is Northern Iraq. The
possibility of a cross-border operation has been a hot topic but the
discussion was interrupted by election campaigning. This issue will
certainly be on the parliament and government's agenda. The
necessary diplomatic and political contacts on this issue,
interrupted by the elections, are expected to speed up. For
instance, the Iraqi Prime Minister is going to visit Ankara soon.
On the other hand, Turkey strongly hopes to see some concrete steps
taken in Northern Iraq against the PKK. That said, Ankara should be
able to see some signs of these steps both from the US and Iraq."
Kubilay Celik writes in the nationalist daily Tercuman: "The AKP
should immediately take up the following urgent pending foreign
policy issues: the terrorist organization PKK in the north of Iraq,
the EU process, Cyprus, gas deal with Iran and both the US and
Russian efforts to prevent it. The EU and the US feel relieved with
the solo AKP government, as both worked with them closely during the
last five years. Yet the AKP government will also put pressure on
the EU because of the steps that they will have to take to continue
the negotiation process. As for the US, the PKK issue is the most
urgent one to resolve. The US knows Turkey's sensitivity on this
and must take action regarding the PKK as soon as possible."
Presidential Election Process
All papers report that the critical process of the Presidential
ANKARA 00001888 002 OF 002
election has started again. Since the AKP does not have enough
seats in Parliament to elect the President, signals of compromise
started coming from AKP. Milliyet says, despite the messages from
Erdogan of compromise, opposition parties display a cautious
attitude and they want to see the candidates considered by AKP for
the Presidency. Leftist-nationalist Cumhuriyet and mainstream
Milliyet say that Erdogan will bring out a candidate who would be
accepted by both CHP and MHP. However, Foreign Minister Abdullah
Gul's stance will play a determining role in Erdogan's approach. If
Gul insists on running, Erdogan may not seek compromise with the
opposition.
PKK Leader Expects Cross-border Operation, US General Says "No Need
for Alarm"
Hurriyet, Zaman: Islamist-oriented Zaman reports that PKK leader in
Northern Iraq Murat Karayilan said in an interview with AP that the
PKK is expecting a Turkish cross-border operation just after the
election and that the organization is prepared for it. Hurriyet
reports that US General Benjamin Mixon in Northern Iraq, at an
interview with the AP, said that "the US is planning to withdraw its
troops from Iraq soon and starting from August the control will be
fully transferred to Iraqi authorities." When General Mixon was
asked about a possible Turkish cross-border operation, he said "I am
not alarmed on that issue. I believe that the issue will be
resolved in the long run."
TV Highlights
NTV, 7.00 A.M.
Domestic News
As a formality following the election, PM Erdogan submitted his
resignation to President Sezer, who asked Erdogan to stay on in an
interim capacity until the new government is formed
MHP Leader Bahceli promised to boost compromise and dialogue in the
new era
The Istanbul Stock Market's IMKB-100 indicator of 100 top shares hit
a record high of 55,058.80 points yesterday following the AKP
election victory
Turkish Industrialists and Businessmen's Association (TUSIAD) has
called on the Parliament to work in spirit of compromise in the
presidential elections
International News
In a message sent to PM Erdogan, Iraqi President Jalal Talabani
called for the improvement of bilateral relations
EU Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn said "it is essential that the
new government re-launch the legal and economic reforms with full
determination and concrete results"
Former Afghan King Mohammed Zahir Shah died on Monday aged 92
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, JULY 24, 2007
In Today's Papers
All Eyes on Opposition CHP
Hurriyet, Milliyet, Cumhuriyet, Radikal, Bugun, Vatan, Yeni Safak:
Papers report that all eyes turned to CHP leader Deniz Baykal for
his response to the results of the election. Mainstream Hurriyet
reports that Baykal, in his initial assessment of elections to his
close friends said that the party organization did its best in the
election campaign. Baykal said "the popularity of CHP and
nationalist MHP increased but the center right collapsed" and those
votes went to AKP. Discussing the election results with his
advisors, Baykal indicated that he would not resign. Hurriyet adds
that the biggest support to Baykal came from former President
Demirel. Reportedly, Demirel called Baykal and advised him not to
resign. Speaking to Hurriyet, Demirel said that Baykal is a
well-educated politician and he fulfilled his duties completely.
Meanwhile, opposing groups in CHP are urging Baykal to resign,
papers report.
In the early afternoon, on live TV, Baykal said he would not step
down from his party's leadership, saying "things will be different
in the next election."
The New Cabinet
Hurriyet, Milliyet, Sabah, Vatan and others: Papers report that PM
Erdogan plans an extensive cabinet re-shuffle. Milliyet reports
that there is a belief that new names Ertugrul Gunay (possible
Deputy PM),Zafer Caglayan (possible Industry Minister),Mehmet
Simsek (possible Economy Minister) and Mehmet Saglam (possible
Education Minister) will have ministerial positions. Deputy PM
Mehmet Ali Sahin, Agriculture Minister Mehdi Eker, Public Works
Minister Faruk Ozak and Forestry Minister Osman Pepe are expected to
lose their posts. According to AKP circles, before the cabinet, the
first important hurdle in front of PM Erdogan will be the election
of the Parliament Speaker. It is not clear whether or not the
current speaker Bulent Arinc would run for the position of Speaker
again.
Commentators began urging the AKP to think of foreign policy
matters. Sami Kohen writes in the mainstream daily Milliyet: "The
power of the AKP to form a solo government paves the way for the
continuation of policy and ensures stability. As some EU officials
have already pointed out, the EU should be facilitative and helpful
toward the AKP government in the integration process. Another issue
the new government will have to deal with is Northern Iraq. The
possibility of a cross-border operation has been a hot topic but the
discussion was interrupted by election campaigning. This issue will
certainly be on the parliament and government's agenda. The
necessary diplomatic and political contacts on this issue,
interrupted by the elections, are expected to speed up. For
instance, the Iraqi Prime Minister is going to visit Ankara soon.
On the other hand, Turkey strongly hopes to see some concrete steps
taken in Northern Iraq against the PKK. That said, Ankara should be
able to see some signs of these steps both from the US and Iraq."
Kubilay Celik writes in the nationalist daily Tercuman: "The AKP
should immediately take up the following urgent pending foreign
policy issues: the terrorist organization PKK in the north of Iraq,
the EU process, Cyprus, gas deal with Iran and both the US and
Russian efforts to prevent it. The EU and the US feel relieved with
the solo AKP government, as both worked with them closely during the
last five years. Yet the AKP government will also put pressure on
the EU because of the steps that they will have to take to continue
the negotiation process. As for the US, the PKK issue is the most
urgent one to resolve. The US knows Turkey's sensitivity on this
and must take action regarding the PKK as soon as possible."
Presidential Election Process
All papers report that the critical process of the Presidential
ANKARA 00001888 002 OF 002
election has started again. Since the AKP does not have enough
seats in Parliament to elect the President, signals of compromise
started coming from AKP. Milliyet says, despite the messages from
Erdogan of compromise, opposition parties display a cautious
attitude and they want to see the candidates considered by AKP for
the Presidency. Leftist-nationalist Cumhuriyet and mainstream
Milliyet say that Erdogan will bring out a candidate who would be
accepted by both CHP and MHP. However, Foreign Minister Abdullah
Gul's stance will play a determining role in Erdogan's approach. If
Gul insists on running, Erdogan may not seek compromise with the
opposition.
PKK Leader Expects Cross-border Operation, US General Says "No Need
for Alarm"
Hurriyet, Zaman: Islamist-oriented Zaman reports that PKK leader in
Northern Iraq Murat Karayilan said in an interview with AP that the
PKK is expecting a Turkish cross-border operation just after the
election and that the organization is prepared for it. Hurriyet
reports that US General Benjamin Mixon in Northern Iraq, at an
interview with the AP, said that "the US is planning to withdraw its
troops from Iraq soon and starting from August the control will be
fully transferred to Iraqi authorities." When General Mixon was
asked about a possible Turkish cross-border operation, he said "I am
not alarmed on that issue. I believe that the issue will be
resolved in the long run."
TV Highlights
NTV, 7.00 A.M.
Domestic News
As a formality following the election, PM Erdogan submitted his
resignation to President Sezer, who asked Erdogan to stay on in an
interim capacity until the new government is formed
MHP Leader Bahceli promised to boost compromise and dialogue in the
new era
The Istanbul Stock Market's IMKB-100 indicator of 100 top shares hit
a record high of 55,058.80 points yesterday following the AKP
election victory
Turkish Industrialists and Businessmen's Association (TUSIAD) has
called on the Parliament to work in spirit of compromise in the
presidential elections
International News
In a message sent to PM Erdogan, Iraqi President Jalal Talabani
called for the improvement of bilateral relations
EU Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn said "it is essential that the
new government re-launch the legal and economic reforms with full
determination and concrete results"
Former Afghan King Mohammed Zahir Shah died on Monday aged 92
WILSON