ANKARA MEDIA REACTION REPORT

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 03 ANKARA 003049 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, DECEMBER 28, 2007 In Today's Papers Benazir Bhutto Killed, Pakistan in Chaos All papers report former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto was shot dead yesterday at a political rally. The assassin then blew himself up, leaving 20 others dead and dozens wounded. Former Prime Minister Bhutto is revered in the Turkish press today as "the first female prime minister in a Muslim country." Papers see the assassination as an attack on democracy and stability; papers also express fear that the event may set off a new wave of terrorism in Pakistan. According to speculation, elections could be postponed and another state of emergency declared. Mainstream papers underline emphasize that Bhutto was a "brave" politician who was "prepared for the worst." According to mainstream Sabah, al-Qaeda leader Mustafa Abu al-Yezid said from Afghanistan, "we have eliminated America's most valuable asset." Liberal Radikal notes she was the leading opposition candidate for the January 8 elections. Mainstream Hurriyet says Bhutto told President Abdullah Gul during his visit to Pakistan earlier this month that Pakistan wants to use Turkey's democracy as a model for their own democracy. Turkish Reactions to Bhutto's Assassination All papers report Turkey strongly condemned the killing of former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto. The Turkish Foreign Ministry (MFA) said Thursday "Turkey believes the people of Pakistan will act with calm and will not allow the democratization process to be destroyed." The Turkish parliament released a declaration signed by all political parties, including the ruling AKP and opposition CHP, MHP, DTP, and DSP, condemning the assassination and calling for those responsible to be brought to justice. President Abdullah Gul said he was "deeply saddened" by the assassination, stressing there should be "no more bloodshed." He added, "Pakistan is experiencing a critical period. What will happen with the elections, how will they proceed? For us, Pakistan is a brotherly country, we should help them." Prime Minister Erdogan strongly condemned the assassination and expressed his condolences to President Musharraf over the telephone. According to papers, Erdogan told Musharraf he hoped the attack would not hamper the democratization process in Pakistan. Editorial Commentary on Assassination of Benazir Bhutto Okay Gonensin commented in mainstream Vatan (12/28): "By assassinating Benazir Bhutto, radical Islamists took a significant step in their quest to dominate Pakistan. Next month's elections certainly will be postponed and this Muslim country will be dragged into chaos. Radical Islamists will benefit from this chaotic atmosphere. When we look at other Muslim countries like Iran, Palestine, Lebanon, Iraq, Afghanistan, Algeria, Malaysia and others, we see the way radical Islam's influence progresses through unstable countries. This is a very serious situation in Pakistan. So far, Turkey has managed to stay away from radicalization. That is why the Western world should acknowledge Turkey's importance for the world's future." Ergun Babahan wrote in mainstream Sabah (12/28): "Pakistan's tribal infrastructure, inadequate education system, and decrepit human rights situation formed the perfect atmosphere for violence. This bloody attack will drag Pakistan onto a darker path. As we closely follow the developments in Pakistan, I believe that we should appreciate the virtue of our own democracy." Turkish Operations against the PKK Continue Inside Turkey All papers report that military sources say Turkish forces launched fresh operations against the PKK terrorists in southeastern Turkey on Thursday. Military sources said thousands of soldiers were sent to reinforce troops in Sirnak, Hakkari and Tunceli provinces, which are near the Iraqi border. The Turkish General Staff (TGS) said 11 terrorists were killed this week in clashes on Gabar and Kupeli ANKARA 00003049 002 OF 003 mountains in Sirnak. 18 suspects have been detained in counter-terror operations in four provinces. Turkish security forces have initiated operations to capture 80 more terrorists hiding in the region. The TGS also said four PKK surrendered in Silopi, a town in the southeastern province of Sirnak. AKP's Kurdish MPs Want Amnesty for PKK, Economic Support for Southeast Liberal Radikal claims Kurdish lawmakers in the ruling AKP are abstaining from making open statements about the Kurdish question. The lawmakers await the results of today's National Security Council (MGK) meeting, which will discuss plans for getting the PKK to come down from the mountains. The Kurdish MPs believe the Turkish military operations alone will not solve the problem; an amnesty law must be passed in order to convince PKK members to surrender. In addition, the Kurdish MPs feel that economic, social and cultural steps must be taken to develop the region. Ankara Seeking Ways to Invite Talabani to Turkey Leftist-nationalist Cumhuriyet reports the ruling AKP government has decided to invite Iraqi President Jalal Talabani to Turkey during the first quarter of 2008. The Turkish government is waiting for a "suitable time" to extend an invitation to the Iraqi President. Top Turkish Court Rejects Measures against Pro-Kurdish DTP All papers report the Constitutional Court rejected the public prosecutor's demand for precautionary measures against the pro-Kurdish Democratic Society Party (DTP). The prosecutor wanted the DTP barred from elections, prevented from enrolling new members, and deprived of Treasury assistance. The court's decision stated that the conditions for such precautionary measures "have not materialized." DTP board member Nursel Aydogan said the Constitutional Court "prevented a legal scandal" by rejecting the measures. Meanwhile, DTP lawmakers, mayors, and party activists will hold a news conference in parliament to denounce the jailing of their party leader Nurettin Demirtas. Demirtas was charged with fraud after evidence emerged that he falsely claimed he had tuberculosis in order to avoid military service. New Years' Celebrations Cancelled in Istanbul All papers report that the Kadikoy Municipality in Istanbul, Turkey's largest city, has cancelled New Year's Eve celebrations due to security concerns. On Wednesday, the greater Istanbul Municipality cancelled celebrations scheduled for Taksim Square. TV Highlights NTV, 7.00 A.M. Domestic News - Turkey's top administrative court, Danistay, suspended the sale of petrochemical company Petkim. The court said the suspension would be lifted if Turkey's privatization board approved the sale of the company to a consortium including Turcas and Azeri state oil company Socar. - The prosecutor is demanding a 3 1/2 year prison sentence for Mayor Osman Baydemir. The mayor is charged with preparing invitations in Kurdish for a culture and arts festival in Diyarbakir. - On Thursday, the Turkish Parliament adopted the Witness Protection Law, which protects the identity of witnesses and secures their protection. All expenses for the protection will be covered by the Interior Ministry. - Planned price hikes for natural gas and electricity will increase Turkey's inflation by 0.5 percent in 2008, Central Bank Governor ANKARA 00003049 003 OF 003 Durmus Yilmaz said on Thursday. The ruling AKP government said earlier this week the price of electricity will be raised by 15 percent for households and 10 percent for industry. International News - Israel will deliver 10 unmanned reconnaissance aircraft called "Herons" to Turkey. - Israeli and Palestinian leaders held a summit meeting Thursday in Jerusalem in order to advance the Middle East peace process. - The Serbian Parliament has voted to prevent any attempt by Kosovo to declare independence. - An opinion poll showed Thursday the popularity of Russia's First Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev has doubled since President Putin named him his successor two weeks ago. WILSON