ANKARA MEDIA REACTION REPORT

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 03 ANKARA 001549 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 WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2008 In Today's Papers Russia Defies the World Media see Russia's decision to recognize the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia as a power game that defies the world and raises international tensions. Mainstream Sabah reports, "Russia's decision increases world tensions," while Islamist-oriented Yeni Safak agrees, "Russia Defies the World," and "turns up the heat in the Caucasus." Leftist Taraf accuses Russia of "paving the way to the most intense tension since the Cold War." Islamist-oriented Zaman characterizes Russia's decision as "Russia's Kosovo Missile." Liberal Radikal reports, "Russia Pulls the Pin on the Grenade," as "the noose is tightening in the Caucasus crisis," and "the winds of the Cold War are blowing in the Black Sea." Mainstream Vatan reports in, "A Huge Crisis!" that "Russia recognizes separatist regions, the West reacts harshly, and Moscow says they are scared of nothing." Meanwhile, Vatan notes, "Turkey is worried" about being caught between the U.S. and Russia. Leftist-nationalist Cumhuriyet reports, "NATO is Establishing Itself," in the Black Sea, as Russia claims, "the number of NATO war ships in the Black Sea has climbed to 10." Cumhuriyet also criticizes Russia for "the dismemberment of Georgia." Mainstream Milliyet carries the headline, "Russia Burns Its Bridges with the West." The media also characterizes the uniquely difficult situation in which Turkey finds itself. Hurriyet reports, "Ankara is trapped. If Ankara opposes Russian recognition of the breakaway regions, it will create problems with Ankara's position regarding northern Cyprus. If Ankara opposes independence for South Ossetia and Abkhazia, Russia could retaliate against Ankara's efforts for the recognition of northern Cyprus." Editorial Commentary on Russia/Caucasus Ismet Berkan wrote in liberal-intellectual Radikal: "Interestingly enough Russia recognized independence for South Ossetia and Abkhazia while the same Russia brutally stopped independence efforts in Chechnya. Recognition of their independence is likely to have no significance, as both will be under Moscow's full control. However, Russia succeeded in establishing itself as the leader of a bloc against the Western bloc, which is led by the United States. In the end, this is a global competition for power. The terms of the game may not be the same as they were in the Cold War, but the methodology will be the same." Oktay Eksi wrote in mainstream Hurriyet: "The broader picture of current developments in the Caucasus indicates that this struggle is about control of the Black Sea. When the U.S. made a similar move in Afghanistan, Russia lost its influence there completely. Since the demise of Soviet Union, former Soviet countries almost entirely joined the Western community, while Russia's consolation prize was the Commonwealth of Independent States. The formerly Soviet areas are occupied by Western powers but not with military force. Now Russia has told the Western world "Enough is enough." Whether Russia is right or wrong for intervening in Georgia, this is the background that created this situation." Ibrahim Karagul wrote in Islamist leaning Yeni Safak: "The United States is working on a long term strategy to create its own silk road by controlling energy resources from Europe to the Pacific. Russia and China are doing their best to prevent this from happening. Now there is a giant energy power game between the NATO Pact and the Shanghai Pact. During this game a lot of things could happen. For instance, Armenia may change its political stance, the Karabakh issue could be resolved and the Black Sea may turn into a very troublesome area." Sami Kohen in wrote mainstream Milliyet: "The crisis in the Caucasus reflects negatively on stability in the Middle East. Russia's success in Georgia has prompted initiatives to extend Russian influence to the Middle East. Already, Russia has managed to pull Syria to its side. If the crisis in Caucasus continues and the tensions between the West and Russia escalate, there will be a ANKARA 00001549 002 OF 003 power struggle in the Middle East among the big players. Georgian intervention into South Ossetia and Russia's radical retaliation sent shockwaves throughout the world. These shockwaves are already being felt in the Middle East. All these developments strike a big blow against the U.S. vision of a greater Middle East. For the time being, Russia seems to be the winner, but the big game continues!" Sinan Ogan analyzed in Islamist leaning Zaman: "Medyedev's recognition of the independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia shows that Russia is ready for anything and everything and will take all kinds of risks with relations with the Western world. However, this means the Caucasus Stability Platform initiative is weakened. Turkey's position is very sensitive because of Russia's recognition of the two breakaway republics. Both NATO and U.S. war ships passed through Turkish straits under the Montreux convention. However, just a little spark between these ships and the Russian ships will cause a very big fire. Leaning on the West's support, Georgia can attack once again. If a war starts again, Turkey, this time, might find itself as a mediator between Russia and the West instead of between Russia and Georgia. Turkey's role and stance will determine the end of these crises. Turkey should continue to remain impartial. These crises show the importance of the Caucasus and the Black Sea Region for Turkey and for the entire world." Lugar Asks Turkey to Put Brakes on Caucasus Stability Pact Mainstream Milliyet reports in "No Support from the U.S. for the Caucasus Pact," that Senator Richard Lugar spoke with Foreign Minister Ali Babacan yesterday and "said it was necessary to postpone the initiative until after Russia withdraws from the region." Liberal Radikal reports Lugar "expressed his anxiety" regarding the proposal and noted that "the crisis in the Caucasus is a crisis for Turkey." Mainstream Vatan reports, "Without American Consent, the Caucasus Pact Cannot Be Established." Russia Warned about Customs Restrictions on Turkish Products Bugun, Star, Milliyet: Papers report that State Minister Kursad Tuzmen sent a warning message to Russia on Tuesday over customs restrictions imposed against Turkish trucks transporting Turkish exports to Russia. Tuzmen said "it really bothers us that our trucks have been delayed by Russian customs officials for three weeks now." Tuzmen warned Russia that, "Turkey might be forced to retaliate against these disturbing restrictions." Operations Continue against PKK Mainstream dailies Hurriyet, Sabah and Milliyet report PKK terrorists raided a village in the Mus province and 5 village guards were killed during clashes. In return, the military launched operations in pursuit of the culprits and killed 15 of them. Reports also mention a separate operation against PKK terrorists in Mardin province, in which significant amounts of A-4 explosives and ammonium nitrate were seized. During this operation, Security forces killed two PKK terrorists who were preparing the explosives for use. Former Gendarme Commander Complains All papers carry highlights from Gendarme Commander General Kosaner's remarks during a change of command ceremony as he bade farewell and congratulated the new Gendarme Commander Atila Isik. Papers note that General Kosaner made a clear reference to the ongoing Ergenekon case and complained about the general tendency to accuse institutions of crimes. Regarding the Gendarme's duty to fight against terrorism, General Kosaner expressed concern about EU-harmonization laws which he believes 'make it more difficult for security forces to do their jobs properly.' Kosaner added that "Turkey does not have the luxury to pretend as if it does not have terrorism problem." TV News: CNN Turk ANKARA 00001549 003 OF 003 Domestic News - Opposition party MHP leader Devlet Bahceli calls for Constitutional reforms. - CHP Deputy Hakki Suha Okay says his party will not support MHP's proposals for constitutional reforms. - President Gul approves 114 laws during his first year in office. - Ferda Paksut, the wife of Constitutional Court vice-president Osman Paksut , has been summoned for questioning in the Ergenekon case. International News - White House spokesman Tony Fratto said North Korea would stay on the U.S. terrorism black list until all sides agree on a protocol to verify North Korea's accounting and dismantling of its nuclear programs - A Sudanese passenger plane with more than 100 people on board was hijacked and landed in Libya. - A suicide bomb attack killed 28 people in Baghdad. WILSON