Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
07ANKARA25
2007-01-08 14:38:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Ankara
how-toVZCZCXRO1987 OO RUEHDA DE RUEHAK #0025/01 0081438 ZNR UUUUU ZZH O 081438Z JAN 07 FM AMEMBASSY ANKARA TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 0498 RUEKJCS/CJCS WASHDC IMMEDIATE RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHDC IMMEDIATE RUEKJCS/OSD WASHDC//PA RUEUITH/ODC ANKARA TU INFO RUEHTH/AMEMBASSY ATHENS 7708 RUEHIT/AMCONSUL ISTANBUL 1884 RUEHDA/AMCONSUL ADANA 1491 RUEHBS/AMEMBASSY BRUSSELS 5653 RUEHBS/USEU BRUSSELS RUEHNO/USMISSION USNATO 5383 RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK 2036 RUEUITH/DET 1 39LG ANKARA TU RHMFIUU/USDOCO 6ATAF IZMIR TU RHMFIUU/39OSS 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 000025
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
MONDAY, JANUARY 8, 2007
In Today's Papers
Gul on the PKK, Possible Visit to Washington
Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul told mainstream Hurriyet that Turkey
has asked the US to handover the PKK leaders Murat Karayilan and
Cemil Bayik, but Americans said their priority was the confusion in
Iraq, which prevents a division of troops from tackling the PKK
problem. Gul said Turkey's expectation was the closure of PKK camps
in Iraq, the arrest of terrorists sought by Interpol, and the
cutting of financial sources of the terrorist organization.
"Americans say they are not ready to meet Turkey's expectations in
northern Iraq, and they feel ashamed," Gul emphasized. Gul also
said he will visit Washington, without elaborating further.
Hurriyet says the visit expected next month will be a crucial one in
which all terror-related matters will be discussed, adding that if
expectations are not met, Turkey will act on its own to handle the
issue.
Struggle against the PKK
Hurriyet, Sabah, Radikal, and Zaman reported over the weekend that
the Turkish special anti-terrorism envoy, retired general Edip
Baser, responded to press questions in Istanbul with regard to a
recent statement by Prime Minister Erdogan claiming no concrete
outcome had been recorded in the fight against the PKK through the
"special envoys" mechanism. "I don't know what the PM meant in that
statement; I also don't know anything about the contents of the
talks with Americans on terrorism. I won't quit my job, because I
believe there are still things that I can do," said Baser. Baser
noted his position as special envoy was in no way an obstacle for
Turkey to launch military action, adding Turkey would do whatever it
deemed necessary, including cross-border military incursions into
northern Iraq.
Meanwhile, Monday's Zaman reports that according to the Turkish
National Police, despite the ceasefire it announced in October, the
PKK has launched 72 attacks since then, killing six troops, wounding
another 32, whereas Turkish security forces killed 22 terrorists and
captured 266. Security forces also seized 218 bombs, 51.5 kg of
C-4, 24.5 kg of A-4, 7.45 kg of TNT, and 3.86 kg of RDX explosives.
Zaman also claims the Copenhagen-based Roj-TV has been used by the
PKK to convey messages to its militants in Turkey and northern Iraq.
Editorial Commentary on Iraq
Gungor Mengi observes in the mass appeal Vatan that gaining control
of oil is the real motives of the US in Iraq: "President Bush and
supporters of the Iraq war were claiming that Iraq was on the verge
of attacking the US with atomic bombs. The opponents were
commenting that this was just a pretext for gaining control over the
world's third most oil-rich country. The new law on Iraqi oil is
just a clear indication of the naked truth. The details are very
interesting if not sickening, and nobody can claim any more that
America is not after an energy monopoly. The invasion of Iraq is
actually not Washington's last adventure to gain control over Gulf
oil. There will be more ahead. The Bush administration failed to
keep its pledge of democracy for Iraqis, but at least there is now a
gift for the American-British oil companies. The British
Independent writes the recent oil law will strengthen the 'it was
all about oil' argument. In fact the whole thing is like both Bush
and Blair being caught red-handed, but it is unlikely that they will
feel embarrassed."
Oral Calislar observes in Saturday's edition of the
nationalist-leftist Cumhuriyet that a division of Iraq is
unavoidable: "Saddam's execution sped up the conflict between Sunnis
and Shiites, making it practically impossible for them to live under
a united Iraq. The division of Iraq has become a de facto reality.
On the other hand, Iraq's division will not be a good thing for US
policy. Those who believe that the US policy is to divide Iraq
eventually do not see the fact that a divided Iraq helps Iran get
ANKARA 00000025 002 OF 003
stronger, and does not help the US. The theory that the
Sunni-Shiite conflict is part of a US plan does not have credence
for me. Nevertheless Iraq is going through a division for sure.
Turkey has been careful on the Iraq issue and took care to be seen
as available to cooperate on Iraq's stability with the regional
countries. The only exception on this very correct policy line is
the Kurdish issue. When it comes to the Kurds, Turkey prefers to
settle issues via the US. In fact, the US is incapable of solving
its own problems in this region, let alone to help Turkey on the
Kurds. Turkey should develop a bilateral and comprehensive
relationship with the Kurds in the region to establish mutual trust
and friendship. The solution is our job, not Washington's."
Lokmaci Overpass Crisis in TRNC
Weekend papers, all papers: Turkish Cypriot President Mehmet Ali
Talat met with TGS chief Gen. Buyukanit and FM Gul in Ankara on
Friday. Following his two hour meeting with FM Gul, Talat told
reporters that "the TRNC decision to demolish the Lokmaci overpass
is still relevant." Talat also dismissed press reports that
Turkey's General Staff, which has around 40,000 soldiers in Cyprus
to back the Turkish Cypriot state, was against his proposal.
However, on Saturday, Gen. Buyukanit criticized TRNC President
Talat's unilateral move to demolish bridge over Ledra, in order to
open a new crossing with the Greek Cypriot administration, by saying
"we are not against to the opening of Lokmaci gate. However, these
kinds of steps should be mutual and concurrent with steps by Greek
Cypriot side." Meanwhile, Greek Cypriot leader Papadopoulos said he
is ready to demolish the wall in front of the National Guard
observation post at Ledra within 24 hours, once necessary
preconditions for the secure movement of people are fulfilled by the
Turkish side. He described some of the preconditions as withdrawal
of the Turkish troops from the region, the unmanning of the area,
the restoration of adjacent buildings and the de-mining. Today's
mornings TV newscasts report the scheduled meeting of Turkish and
Greek Cypriot religious leaders meeting today for goodwill and
unconditional inter-religious dialogue between the two communities
has been cancelled.
Armenian Genocide Resolution
Hurriyet and Milliyet: In an interview with Milliyet, Turkey's
Ambassador to the US, Nabi Sensoy said that the so-called Armenian
genocide resolution will come up on the agenda of the House of
Representatives but unless President Bush signs it, it will not
become legislation. Hurriyet reports that US House of
Representatives member Adam Schiff announced that he is going to
present the House with a draft on the Armenian genocide issue.
Schiff also said that "the US should recognize the genocide" and he
is "very hopeful that the draft will pass the congress under the new
leadership."
Meanwhile, Yasemin Congar reports in Milliyet that the Washington
based International Armenian Politics Research Group is arranging a
conference in Yerevan on January 13-14, to discuss the economic and
social results of the opening of the Turkish-Armenian border.
Experts from eight different countries, including Turkey, will
attend the conference.
TV News:
(NTV, 7.00 A.M.)
Domestic News
- The first cabinet meeting of the new year to be held Monday will
discuss combating PKK terrorism and the mechanism of special
US-Turkey anti-terrorism envoys.
- President Sezer is to pay an official visit to Italy on January
8-10 to meet with his Italian counterpart Giorgio Napolitano. Sezer
will also attend the official opening of the exhibition "Turkey:
ANKARA 00000025 003 OF 003
7,000 Years of History" at the Italian Presidential Palace.
- Turkish Finance and Tourism ministries continue work on the
"Spanish model" for sale of assets to foreigners.
- Education Minister Huseyin Celik said 40,000 new teachers will be
appointed in 2007.
International News
- President Bush's new Iraq plan envisages deployment of 20,000
extra troops to Iraq as well as the allotment of USD 1 billion for
employment of Iraqis.
- Nancy Pelosi, the first woman Speaker of the US Congress, warned
to cut Congressional funds if President Bush proposes deploying
additional troops to Iraq.
- According to The Independent, the "lion's share" of Iraqi oil will
go to the United States and Britain.
- The Observer reports all British nationals visiting the United
States will have their fingerprints taken and archived.
http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/eur/ankara/
MCELDOWNEY
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
MONDAY, JANUARY 8, 2007
In Today's Papers
Gul on the PKK, Possible Visit to Washington
Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul told mainstream Hurriyet that Turkey
has asked the US to handover the PKK leaders Murat Karayilan and
Cemil Bayik, but Americans said their priority was the confusion in
Iraq, which prevents a division of troops from tackling the PKK
problem. Gul said Turkey's expectation was the closure of PKK camps
in Iraq, the arrest of terrorists sought by Interpol, and the
cutting of financial sources of the terrorist organization.
"Americans say they are not ready to meet Turkey's expectations in
northern Iraq, and they feel ashamed," Gul emphasized. Gul also
said he will visit Washington, without elaborating further.
Hurriyet says the visit expected next month will be a crucial one in
which all terror-related matters will be discussed, adding that if
expectations are not met, Turkey will act on its own to handle the
issue.
Struggle against the PKK
Hurriyet, Sabah, Radikal, and Zaman reported over the weekend that
the Turkish special anti-terrorism envoy, retired general Edip
Baser, responded to press questions in Istanbul with regard to a
recent statement by Prime Minister Erdogan claiming no concrete
outcome had been recorded in the fight against the PKK through the
"special envoys" mechanism. "I don't know what the PM meant in that
statement; I also don't know anything about the contents of the
talks with Americans on terrorism. I won't quit my job, because I
believe there are still things that I can do," said Baser. Baser
noted his position as special envoy was in no way an obstacle for
Turkey to launch military action, adding Turkey would do whatever it
deemed necessary, including cross-border military incursions into
northern Iraq.
Meanwhile, Monday's Zaman reports that according to the Turkish
National Police, despite the ceasefire it announced in October, the
PKK has launched 72 attacks since then, killing six troops, wounding
another 32, whereas Turkish security forces killed 22 terrorists and
captured 266. Security forces also seized 218 bombs, 51.5 kg of
C-4, 24.5 kg of A-4, 7.45 kg of TNT, and 3.86 kg of RDX explosives.
Zaman also claims the Copenhagen-based Roj-TV has been used by the
PKK to convey messages to its militants in Turkey and northern Iraq.
Editorial Commentary on Iraq
Gungor Mengi observes in the mass appeal Vatan that gaining control
of oil is the real motives of the US in Iraq: "President Bush and
supporters of the Iraq war were claiming that Iraq was on the verge
of attacking the US with atomic bombs. The opponents were
commenting that this was just a pretext for gaining control over the
world's third most oil-rich country. The new law on Iraqi oil is
just a clear indication of the naked truth. The details are very
interesting if not sickening, and nobody can claim any more that
America is not after an energy monopoly. The invasion of Iraq is
actually not Washington's last adventure to gain control over Gulf
oil. There will be more ahead. The Bush administration failed to
keep its pledge of democracy for Iraqis, but at least there is now a
gift for the American-British oil companies. The British
Independent writes the recent oil law will strengthen the 'it was
all about oil' argument. In fact the whole thing is like both Bush
and Blair being caught red-handed, but it is unlikely that they will
feel embarrassed."
Oral Calislar observes in Saturday's edition of the
nationalist-leftist Cumhuriyet that a division of Iraq is
unavoidable: "Saddam's execution sped up the conflict between Sunnis
and Shiites, making it practically impossible for them to live under
a united Iraq. The division of Iraq has become a de facto reality.
On the other hand, Iraq's division will not be a good thing for US
policy. Those who believe that the US policy is to divide Iraq
eventually do not see the fact that a divided Iraq helps Iran get
ANKARA 00000025 002 OF 003
stronger, and does not help the US. The theory that the
Sunni-Shiite conflict is part of a US plan does not have credence
for me. Nevertheless Iraq is going through a division for sure.
Turkey has been careful on the Iraq issue and took care to be seen
as available to cooperate on Iraq's stability with the regional
countries. The only exception on this very correct policy line is
the Kurdish issue. When it comes to the Kurds, Turkey prefers to
settle issues via the US. In fact, the US is incapable of solving
its own problems in this region, let alone to help Turkey on the
Kurds. Turkey should develop a bilateral and comprehensive
relationship with the Kurds in the region to establish mutual trust
and friendship. The solution is our job, not Washington's."
Lokmaci Overpass Crisis in TRNC
Weekend papers, all papers: Turkish Cypriot President Mehmet Ali
Talat met with TGS chief Gen. Buyukanit and FM Gul in Ankara on
Friday. Following his two hour meeting with FM Gul, Talat told
reporters that "the TRNC decision to demolish the Lokmaci overpass
is still relevant." Talat also dismissed press reports that
Turkey's General Staff, which has around 40,000 soldiers in Cyprus
to back the Turkish Cypriot state, was against his proposal.
However, on Saturday, Gen. Buyukanit criticized TRNC President
Talat's unilateral move to demolish bridge over Ledra, in order to
open a new crossing with the Greek Cypriot administration, by saying
"we are not against to the opening of Lokmaci gate. However, these
kinds of steps should be mutual and concurrent with steps by Greek
Cypriot side." Meanwhile, Greek Cypriot leader Papadopoulos said he
is ready to demolish the wall in front of the National Guard
observation post at Ledra within 24 hours, once necessary
preconditions for the secure movement of people are fulfilled by the
Turkish side. He described some of the preconditions as withdrawal
of the Turkish troops from the region, the unmanning of the area,
the restoration of adjacent buildings and the de-mining. Today's
mornings TV newscasts report the scheduled meeting of Turkish and
Greek Cypriot religious leaders meeting today for goodwill and
unconditional inter-religious dialogue between the two communities
has been cancelled.
Armenian Genocide Resolution
Hurriyet and Milliyet: In an interview with Milliyet, Turkey's
Ambassador to the US, Nabi Sensoy said that the so-called Armenian
genocide resolution will come up on the agenda of the House of
Representatives but unless President Bush signs it, it will not
become legislation. Hurriyet reports that US House of
Representatives member Adam Schiff announced that he is going to
present the House with a draft on the Armenian genocide issue.
Schiff also said that "the US should recognize the genocide" and he
is "very hopeful that the draft will pass the congress under the new
leadership."
Meanwhile, Yasemin Congar reports in Milliyet that the Washington
based International Armenian Politics Research Group is arranging a
conference in Yerevan on January 13-14, to discuss the economic and
social results of the opening of the Turkish-Armenian border.
Experts from eight different countries, including Turkey, will
attend the conference.
TV News:
(NTV, 7.00 A.M.)
Domestic News
- The first cabinet meeting of the new year to be held Monday will
discuss combating PKK terrorism and the mechanism of special
US-Turkey anti-terrorism envoys.
- President Sezer is to pay an official visit to Italy on January
8-10 to meet with his Italian counterpart Giorgio Napolitano. Sezer
will also attend the official opening of the exhibition "Turkey:
ANKARA 00000025 003 OF 003
7,000 Years of History" at the Italian Presidential Palace.
- Turkish Finance and Tourism ministries continue work on the
"Spanish model" for sale of assets to foreigners.
- Education Minister Huseyin Celik said 40,000 new teachers will be
appointed in 2007.
International News
- President Bush's new Iraq plan envisages deployment of 20,000
extra troops to Iraq as well as the allotment of USD 1 billion for
employment of Iraqis.
- Nancy Pelosi, the first woman Speaker of the US Congress, warned
to cut Congressional funds if President Bush proposes deploying
additional troops to Iraq.
- According to The Independent, the "lion's share" of Iraqi oil will
go to the United States and Britain.
- The Observer reports all British nationals visiting the United
States will have their fingerprints taken and archived.
http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/eur/ankara/
MCELDOWNEY