Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
07ANKARA624
2007-03-19 15:27:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Ankara
how-toVZCZCXRO9230 OO RUEHDA DE RUEHAK #0624/01 0781527 ZNR UUUUU ZZH O 191527Z MAR 07 FM AMEMBASSY ANKARA TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 1375 RUEKJCS/CJCS WASHDC IMMEDIATE RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHDC IMMEDIATE RUEKJCS/OSD WASHDC//PA RUEUITH/ODC ANKARA TU INFO RUEHTH/AMEMBASSY ATHENS 7906 RUEHIT/AMCONSUL ISTANBUL 2353 RUEHDA/AMCONSUL ADANA 1763 RUEHBS/AMEMBASSY BRUSSELS 5808 RUEHBS/USEU BRUSSELS RUEHNO/USMISSION USNATO 5560 RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK 2182 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 02 ANKARA 000624
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, MARCH 19, 2007
In Today's Papers
Turkey Commemorates Dardanelles Campaign
All papers report Turkey on Sunday marked the 92nd anniversary of
the victory over a combined British-French fleet trying to pass
through the Dardanelles (Canakkale) to Istanbul during World War I.
Prime Minister Erdogan participated in the ceremonies on the
Gallipoli Peninsula. President Sezer stated in his speech on the
Dardanelles Campaign that the Turkish nation had gained a respected
place among the international community. Sezer also emphasized the
principle of secularism in his speech. The Turkish General Staff
(TGS) chief Yasar Buyukanit, in a statement to commemorate the
martyrs of war, said the Turkish military would continue to counter
all threats directed at Turkey. Meanwhile, families of soldiers
killed in clashes with the PKK also attended the ceremonies in
Canakkale. Another ceremony was held at Ataturk's mausoleum in
Ankara, joined by at least 25,000 people including Turkish military
personnel and the relatives of soldiers killed in action.
Ceremonies were also held across the country on Sunday.
Tensions Rising on Nevruz Eve
All papers report tensions are on the rise on the eve of Nevruz
celebrations across Turkey. Justice Minister Cemil Cicek warned
against provocative attempts during the celebrations. In Ankara, a
group was denied permission to hold a demonstration over the
weekend, and will probably hold it March 25. In Istanbul over the
weekend, police detained 22 and used tear gas to disperse
demonstrators chanting slogans supporting jailed PKK leader Abdullah
Ocalan in a separate event to celebrate Nevruz.
Anti-PKK Operations
In synchronized police operations against the PKK in Istanbul and
the nearby province of Kocaeli, 12 members were detained. Police
seized 12 kilos of A-4 plastic explosives, 10 detonators and
documents on the PKK propaganda in the search of the party members'
houses.
Ankara Wants Iraqi Kurds to Release Iraqi Turkmen
The leftist-nationalist Cumhuriyet reports the Turkish General Staff
(TGS) has given a file to US counter-terrorism envoy Joseph Ralston
for the release of the jailed Iraqi Turkmen Front (ITF) security
chief Emir Izzettin, who was sentenced to life in prison in northern
Iraq. Ralston has reportedly conveyed the file to the regional
Kurdish administration president Massoud Barzani. Iraqi sources
said Izzettin could be released within the scope of a general
amnesty to be declared by Barzani on the eve of Nevruz. Izzettin, a
former Iraqi army captain, had defected and went to Erbil to work as
the head of security for the ITF. He was detained, as a warning to
Turkey, on the eve of the March 1, 2003, vote in the Turkish
Parliament, as claims were being made that Turkish troops could
enter northern Iraq. Izzettin was sentenced to life in prison
despite the fact that no concrete evidence could be found against
him.
Editorial Commentary: Fourth Anniversary of the War in Iraq
Necati Dogru writes in the mainstream daily Vatan: "The US action
started with an argument for democracy and ended up with bloodshed.
This is also a very bad for the US because Iraq has turned into a
Vietnam-like swamp. Interestingly enough, despite the fact that
everything became pro-American in Iraq, including a puppet
government and puppet security forces and judiciary, the American
presence there still requires around 70,000 armed men for security
purposes. As for the democracy argument, the events during the last
four years worked for everything but democracy. Shiite leader
al-Sadr organized an armed force. Al Qaeda immensely increased its
power. The terrorist attacks increased seven times more than
before. Iran gained regional controlling power. And the dictators
of the region, including Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Bahrain,
enjoyed reinforcing their dictatorship after the US invasion of
Iraq. The US, once known as the world's superpower, is like a paper
ANKARA 00000624 002 OF 002
tiger after these four years."
Messages from US on Joint Operations against the PKK
Hurriyet: Columnist Fatih Cekirge reports that three important
messages came from the US during AKP Deputy Egemen Bagis's recent
trip to the US as part of a Parliamentary delegation to lobby
against the passage of the Armenian resolution. Bagis said he had
met with the Under Secretary of State Nicholas Burns and Burns gave
the delegation three important messages, messages which Bagis
thought were conveyed to Ankara officially just a short time ago:
first, General Ralston has completed all the preparations for an
operation against the PKK; second, the Administration will do its
best not to allow the passage of the Armenian resolution in
Congress; and third, the US will start an initiative to lift the
embargo on northern Cyprus.
DTP Sends Letters of Complaint to Officials
Sabah reports that leaders of the Democratic Community Party (DTP),
Turkey's main Kurdish party, sent letters to PM Erdogan, Justice
Minister Cicek, Interior Minister Aksu, Chairmen of the Court of
Cassation, Constitutional Court and State Prosecutor's Office,
complaining that legal pressure against the DTP offices had
increased and that investigations were launched against almost every
DTP district office just after the party announced its intension to
participate in the upcoming elections by fielding independent
candidates.
TV News:
(NTV, 8 A.M.)
Domestic News
- A delegation of Turkish lawmakers said after wrapping up talks in
Washington that the atmosphere in the US is changing in favor of
Turkey with regard to the Armenian genocide resolution.
- On Monday, the international donor community of 19 countries, the
UN, the World Bank, and the IMF will gather in Istanbul for the
fifth round of Iraq Reconstruction Forum to support Iraqi
reconstruction efforts and to enhance partnerships with the Iraqi
government.
- Armenian Culture Minister Hasmik Poghosian said she will
participate in the inauguration of the newly renovated Akhdamar
Church in Van on March 29.
- 178 illegal migrants were captured in the western coastal town of
Ayvalik.
International News
- The UN Security Council has agreed to allow President Ahmadinejad
to speak in defense of Iran's nuclear program at a session to be
held next week in New York.
- Austrian Chancellor Alfred Gusenbauer said the EU was not ready
for Turkey's membership. German Chancellor Angela MERKEL said
Turkey's EU accession was not the best solution.
- Israeli Prime Minister Olmert said he will not work with the new
Palestinian government, but pledged to maintain limited contacts
with President Abbas.
- A Catalan newspaper survey shows about 60 percent of Spaniards
want government peace talks reopened with the separatist group ETA.
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
MONDAY, MARCH 19, 2007
In Today's Papers
Turkey Commemorates Dardanelles Campaign
All papers report Turkey on Sunday marked the 92nd anniversary of
the victory over a combined British-French fleet trying to pass
through the Dardanelles (Canakkale) to Istanbul during World War I.
Prime Minister Erdogan participated in the ceremonies on the
Gallipoli Peninsula. President Sezer stated in his speech on the
Dardanelles Campaign that the Turkish nation had gained a respected
place among the international community. Sezer also emphasized the
principle of secularism in his speech. The Turkish General Staff
(TGS) chief Yasar Buyukanit, in a statement to commemorate the
martyrs of war, said the Turkish military would continue to counter
all threats directed at Turkey. Meanwhile, families of soldiers
killed in clashes with the PKK also attended the ceremonies in
Canakkale. Another ceremony was held at Ataturk's mausoleum in
Ankara, joined by at least 25,000 people including Turkish military
personnel and the relatives of soldiers killed in action.
Ceremonies were also held across the country on Sunday.
Tensions Rising on Nevruz Eve
All papers report tensions are on the rise on the eve of Nevruz
celebrations across Turkey. Justice Minister Cemil Cicek warned
against provocative attempts during the celebrations. In Ankara, a
group was denied permission to hold a demonstration over the
weekend, and will probably hold it March 25. In Istanbul over the
weekend, police detained 22 and used tear gas to disperse
demonstrators chanting slogans supporting jailed PKK leader Abdullah
Ocalan in a separate event to celebrate Nevruz.
Anti-PKK Operations
In synchronized police operations against the PKK in Istanbul and
the nearby province of Kocaeli, 12 members were detained. Police
seized 12 kilos of A-4 plastic explosives, 10 detonators and
documents on the PKK propaganda in the search of the party members'
houses.
Ankara Wants Iraqi Kurds to Release Iraqi Turkmen
The leftist-nationalist Cumhuriyet reports the Turkish General Staff
(TGS) has given a file to US counter-terrorism envoy Joseph Ralston
for the release of the jailed Iraqi Turkmen Front (ITF) security
chief Emir Izzettin, who was sentenced to life in prison in northern
Iraq. Ralston has reportedly conveyed the file to the regional
Kurdish administration president Massoud Barzani. Iraqi sources
said Izzettin could be released within the scope of a general
amnesty to be declared by Barzani on the eve of Nevruz. Izzettin, a
former Iraqi army captain, had defected and went to Erbil to work as
the head of security for the ITF. He was detained, as a warning to
Turkey, on the eve of the March 1, 2003, vote in the Turkish
Parliament, as claims were being made that Turkish troops could
enter northern Iraq. Izzettin was sentenced to life in prison
despite the fact that no concrete evidence could be found against
him.
Editorial Commentary: Fourth Anniversary of the War in Iraq
Necati Dogru writes in the mainstream daily Vatan: "The US action
started with an argument for democracy and ended up with bloodshed.
This is also a very bad for the US because Iraq has turned into a
Vietnam-like swamp. Interestingly enough, despite the fact that
everything became pro-American in Iraq, including a puppet
government and puppet security forces and judiciary, the American
presence there still requires around 70,000 armed men for security
purposes. As for the democracy argument, the events during the last
four years worked for everything but democracy. Shiite leader
al-Sadr organized an armed force. Al Qaeda immensely increased its
power. The terrorist attacks increased seven times more than
before. Iran gained regional controlling power. And the dictators
of the region, including Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Bahrain,
enjoyed reinforcing their dictatorship after the US invasion of
Iraq. The US, once known as the world's superpower, is like a paper
ANKARA 00000624 002 OF 002
tiger after these four years."
Messages from US on Joint Operations against the PKK
Hurriyet: Columnist Fatih Cekirge reports that three important
messages came from the US during AKP Deputy Egemen Bagis's recent
trip to the US as part of a Parliamentary delegation to lobby
against the passage of the Armenian resolution. Bagis said he had
met with the Under Secretary of State Nicholas Burns and Burns gave
the delegation three important messages, messages which Bagis
thought were conveyed to Ankara officially just a short time ago:
first, General Ralston has completed all the preparations for an
operation against the PKK; second, the Administration will do its
best not to allow the passage of the Armenian resolution in
Congress; and third, the US will start an initiative to lift the
embargo on northern Cyprus.
DTP Sends Letters of Complaint to Officials
Sabah reports that leaders of the Democratic Community Party (DTP),
Turkey's main Kurdish party, sent letters to PM Erdogan, Justice
Minister Cicek, Interior Minister Aksu, Chairmen of the Court of
Cassation, Constitutional Court and State Prosecutor's Office,
complaining that legal pressure against the DTP offices had
increased and that investigations were launched against almost every
DTP district office just after the party announced its intension to
participate in the upcoming elections by fielding independent
candidates.
TV News:
(NTV, 8 A.M.)
Domestic News
- A delegation of Turkish lawmakers said after wrapping up talks in
Washington that the atmosphere in the US is changing in favor of
Turkey with regard to the Armenian genocide resolution.
- On Monday, the international donor community of 19 countries, the
UN, the World Bank, and the IMF will gather in Istanbul for the
fifth round of Iraq Reconstruction Forum to support Iraqi
reconstruction efforts and to enhance partnerships with the Iraqi
government.
- Armenian Culture Minister Hasmik Poghosian said she will
participate in the inauguration of the newly renovated Akhdamar
Church in Van on March 29.
- 178 illegal migrants were captured in the western coastal town of
Ayvalik.
International News
- The UN Security Council has agreed to allow President Ahmadinejad
to speak in defense of Iran's nuclear program at a session to be
held next week in New York.
- Austrian Chancellor Alfred Gusenbauer said the EU was not ready
for Turkey's membership. German Chancellor Angela MERKEL said
Turkey's EU accession was not the best solution.
- Israeli Prime Minister Olmert said he will not work with the new
Palestinian government, but pledged to maintain limited contacts
with President Abbas.
- A Catalan newspaper survey shows about 60 percent of Spaniards
want government peace talks reopened with the separatist group ETA.
http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/eur/ankara/
WILSON