ANKARA MEDIA REACTION REPORT

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 04 ANKARA 001187 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, JUNE 30, 2008 In Today's Papers Malaysia's Ibrahim Seeks Refuge in Turkish Embassy All papers report Malaysia's opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim, who was released from prison in 2004 over charges of corruption and sexual assault, has sought refuge in the Turkish embassy in Kuala Lumpur. Ibrahim's blog states he went to the Turkish embassy because of fears for his personal safety. Ibrahim also claimed he had information from credible sources within the government and military that there were plots to harm his family and supporters. A supporter told the press Ibrahim was "not seeking political asylum, but needs to be in a safe place where he can think of what to do next." Monday morning television reports noted Ibrahim emphasized he did not apply for political asylum and he would leave the Turkish Embassy soon. CHP Will Not Participate in the Socialist International Meetings in Athens All papers report Turkey's main opposition CHP will not participate in the meeting of Socialist International (SI) in Athens. CHP deputy chairman Onur Oymen said his party did not have any problem with SI and its principles. "We, however, differ with several SI member countries and politicians regarding the independence of the judiciary and the supremacy of law in Turkey," Oymen said. Islamist-oriented Zaman writes party leader Deniz Baykal, "will not attend the Athens meetings because there were no guarantees that SI chairman Yorgos Papandreou would not warn or expel the CHP from the organization." Hersh: A Secret Partnership between the U.S. and PJAK Today's major international story focuses on Seymour Hersh's claims that the U.S. and PJAK are working together in secret operations against the regime in Iran. Coverage is largely straightforward, but more emphasis is on Hersh's claims of a partnership between PJAK and the U.S. than emphasis on U.S. attempts to topple the Iranian regime. In, "Many Secrets Are in Iran," mainstream Hurriyet writes, "In an effort seeking regime change in Iran, President Bush asked the U.S. Congress for $400 million dollars to initiate a secret operation," and, "both Democrats and Republicans approved the measure." Mainstream Vatan writes, "America and PJAK are Dealing a Daunting Strike against Iran," but notes, "according to a Gallup poll, 73% of Americans are opposed to a strike against Iran, while only 18% support such a strike." In addition, the paper notes, "PJAK terrorists have increased attacks against the Iranian military," which has "created tensions between the government of Turkey and the government of the United States." Mainstream Sabah writes in, "Washington Will Attack Iran with PJAK," that Hersh is, "the winner of the prestigious Pulitzer Prize and the man who uncovered the Abu Ghraib torture scandal." Islamist-oriented Yeni Safak writes, "The U.S.' Puppet Invasion of Iran Is Found in Secret Documents." Islamist-oriented Zaman carries the headline, "The U.S. Speeds up Its Secret Operations against the Iranian Administration." Leftist Taraf writes, "The US Even Enters Iran." Far right Ortadogu reports, "The Iranian administration is taking necessary measures to defend itself," against such an operation. Mainstream Milliyet writes, "PJAK is working in Iran in the name of the U.S." and the paper accuses the U.S. of "lying in previous statements regarding relations between the U.S. and PJAK." General Staff Statement on Allegations against Turkish Armed Forces Weekend papers: The Turkish General Staff (TGS) posted a statement on its web site Saturday that denied allegations of a plan to manipulate public opinion and allegations that no measures were taken after an intelligence warning regarding an impending attack in Daglica last year, in which eight Turkish soldiers were taken hostage by the PKK. The statement said "A report was published in the June 20 edition of a daily newspaper in which it was claimed that there existed an Information Support plan prepared by the office of the Chief of the ANKARA 00001187 002 OF 004 General Staff. There is no such plan in the Turkish Armed Forces. The same paper, in its June 25 edition, published a message, classified "SECRET", from a command organization regarding possible actions of the PKK/Kongra-Gel terrorist organization, and claimed that, despite the attack that was to be made against Daglica having been reported in this message, no measures were taken. The message published was a genuine document and carried the intent of warning all units at risk. To assess rumors received and turn them into intelligence, and to distribute these as warnings of possible actions, is a standard practice utilized by the Turkish Armed Forces. Indeed, in accord with the warning in question, security precautions in units in the region were stepped up, and our elements deployed at Daglica, by displaying the proper response, prevented the treacherous attack from attaining its real goal. As the judicial process involving the matter continues, the display of provocative approaches of this type is cause for concern. The leaking of military documents bearing the "SECRET" classification, and their publication by means of the press, is a wholly illegal act, and the matter has been placed in the hands of the judiciary. It has been determined by an investigation conducted within the institution from where and by whom the message was conveyed to the outside, and the necessary legal procedures have been instituted against those responsible. The Turkish Armed Forces are aware that they are facing an abhorrent attack conducted by certain circles within an organized framework. The Turkish Armed Forces will take measures to defend themselves against these attacks, which are destined to remain unsuccessful. The Turkish Armed Forces' most important security against attacks of this sort are the legal organs and the infallible justice of the Turkish judiciary. As always, the limitless affection and confidence felt towards the Turkish Armed Forces by our beloved nation are our greatest support." EDITORIAL OPINION: The Military, the Press, and Politics "A Bridge from Daglica to Karabuk" Ferai Tinc wrote in mainstream Hurriyet (6/30): "The AKP mayor of Karabuk, a town on the Black Sea, rushed to insult Turkey's prominent writer Latife Tekin when she criticized the government's nuclear energy policy. If instead Tekin praised nuclear power plants, I am sure she would be deemed a great novelist. This is where modernity draws its limit in Turkey. Compliments and positive remarks are always welcomed, but there is no tolerance for criticism. Because Turkey lacks a culture of democracy, criticism is interpreted in a special way. For instance, the Turkish General Staff (TGS) issued a statement on recent stories in newspapers regarding a plan to manipulate public opinion and an intelligence report that warned of a PKK attack against the Daglica station last year. The language in the TGS statement is interesting because it charges the media with "deliberate efforts that seek to harm military." Unfortunately this statement does not address the concerns at hand. In a democracy, institutions answer to the public and the public is likely to ask questions. When someone is criticized in Turkey, the media is accused of making mistakes or making deliberate plans. This weekend, the TGS asked the media to verify documents and sources before printing. Nevertheless, the question remains: Do certain journalists have easy access to Turkish military sources? Has the military established a working relationship with all members of the media? Before accusing the media's approach as a deliberate effort to discredit the military, the military should establish a non-discriminatory communication mechanism with the press." "Thoughts about the TGS Statement" Samil Tayyar wrote in mainstream Star (6/30): "Following the reports regarding the military's alleged plan to manipulate public opinion, TGS denied the high command had any information about such a plan. This weekend, the military issued a strongly-worded statement to deny the existence of 'an action plan to manipulate public opinion.' However, this statement does not clear up the confusion in public opinion. Because the military instituted a plan to manipulate ANKARA 00001187 003 OF 004 public opinion by using writers, politicians and academics during the February 28 process, I am afraid such denials from the military have little credibility." State Minister Kursad Tuzmen in Baghdad Sunday's Hurriyet reports that State Minister Kursad Tuzmen went to Baghdad to make preparations for PM Erdogan's upcoming visit there. Today's Sabah reports that Tuzmen met with Iraqi Oil and Trade Ministers and signaled that Turkey could make investments in the Kurdish region of Iraq. Anadolu Agency reports that Tuzmen spoke to the inauguration of the Turkish-Iraqi Business Forum in Baghdad and said, "I believe that we can create a joint economic zone at the Turkish-Iraqi border. Such a zone would be a good role model to other countries. We are making plans for the free movement of goods and services between Turkey and Iraq. Within this framework, we may be able to sign a free trade agreement with Iraq." Sabah reports that around 40 Turkish businessmen accompanied Tuzmen to Iraq. Tourism Diplomacy between Yerevan-Ankara Saturday's Hurriyet reported that "diplomacy through tourism" between Yerevan and Ankara has improved recently. Turkey is expected to have 50,000 Armenian tourists this year. Today's liberal Radikal reports that Yerevan-Antalya flights have started, in addition to twice weekly Istanbul-Yerevan flights. Despite obstacles from initiatives by Armenian lobbies in the US, Turkey is trying to improve humanitarian relations with Armenia. Within this framework, the Turkish labor ministry is stretching its rules and regulations regarding illegal Armenian workers in Turkey. Radikal reports that there are around 70,000 Armenians living and working in Turkey. TV News: CNN Turk Domestic News - The Turkish Constitutional Court will listen to the verbal statements of Chief Prosecutor of the Supreme Court of Appeals Abdurrahman Yalcnkaya on July 1st, 2008 in the closure case filed against ruling Justice & Development (AK) Party. The top court will also listen to the verbal defense of AK Party executives on July 3rd. Following this process, the Constitutional Court rapporteur will prepare a report on the merits of the case. In this phase, the chief prosecutor can submit further evidence and AK Party can submit additional material to the rapporteur. Then, the report will be distributed to court members for consideration. At a later stage, Constitutional Court chief justice Hasim Kilic will set a date and the court will examine the case on its merits. According to the Constitution, at least 7 of the 11 members of the court have to vote for closure in order to shut down a political party. - Former Deputy Prime Minister Abdullatif Sener said Turkey's economic indicators were deteriorating, warning the administration needs to mobilize all its powers for stability. - Some 2,500 people went to the hospitals in the central Anatolian province of Kayseri with diarrhea complaints over the last two days. International News - Israel's cabinet approves a deal with Hezbollah for the release of Lebanese and Palestinian prisoners in exchange for the return of two Israeli soldiers. - Spain's equality minister, Bibiana Aido, angers Muslims by alleging the Islamic headscarf undermines women's rights. - Pope Benedict XVI joins Orthodox leader Bartolomew I to launch a year dedicated to St. Paul. ANKARA 00001187 004 OF 004 WILSON