ANKARA MEDIA REACTION REPORT

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 03 ANKARA 002063 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, NOVEMBER 28, 2008 In Today's Papers EU Draft Report on Turkey Media outlets report a draft report on Turkey, penned by European Parliament rapporteur Ria Oomen-Ruijten, criticizes the Turkish government over the "continuous slowdown" of the reform process, "despite the ruling government's strong mandate." It highlights with concern the ongoing polarization within the society and the main political parties, which "negatively affects political institutions and the reforms process." The draft calls on the government to work on a "new, civilian constitution" in a process in which political parties, civil society, and ethnic and religious minorities will be involved. The draft urges the pro-Kurdish DTP to distance itself clearly from the PKK, while calling on the Turkish government to launch a political initiative for the settlement of the Kurdish question, and improve the Kurds' cultural rights. The draft applauds the "communication and cooperation developed over the last year between Turkey and the Kurdish Regional Government," and encourages both sides to further intensify cooperation. It also calls on the Turkish government to improve the rights and freedoms of Alevis. The European Parliament will begin the debate of the draft report on Tuesday. Meanwhile, papers report Hannes Swoboda, acting president of the European Parliament's foreign affairs committee, told the press yesterday the Turkish government must "move forward on the Kurdish issue and on giving Alevis more room to maneuver." Swoboda criticized the government's failure to act on these two topics even though it "often sees and speaks about the problem." He also warned that a closure of the DTP would be a "disaster" for Turkey's image in Europe, and instead called for criminal prosecution of party members if they have ties with the PKK. He also called on the DTP to "cut its ties" with the PKK. "You cannot be in the mountains and in the parliament at the same time," Swoboda said, "You have to decide one way or another." Swoboda also voiced hope regarding opposition CHP's recent registration of women wearing the headscarf or chador. "It's important that out from spectacular action of Mr Baykal a reorientation of the CHP comes; I can't imagine CHP will be successful if it maintains its rigid stance on issues such as the headscarf," emphasized Swoboda. Terrorists Hit India's Financial Capital All media outlets give extensive coverage to the deadly terrorist attacks on at least ten targets in India's financial capital of Mumbai killing more than 125 people. Islamist-oriented Zaman reports in "India's 9/11," that "the attackers targeted tourists, primarily Westerners including American, British citizens and Jewish." The paper also focuses on the increased tension with neighboring Pakistan, "the attacks in Mumbai raised tensions between the two neighbors; Islamabad and New Delhi," adding "Indian PM Manmohan Singh criticized Pakistan and said the soil of neighbor states shouldn't be used for attacks against India." Meanwhile, leftist-nationalist Cumhuriyet reports "Pakistan warned India not to make accusations without evidence." Liberal Radikal carries the front page banner headline, "The Day of Terror" as, "Armed terrorists hit luxurious hotels, hospitals, restaurants and movie theaters in India's Mumbai." Mainstream Milliyet writes in the banner headline "They Released Us When We Said 'We're Muslim'," saying "Turkish tourists survived the terror attack in Mumbai when attackers learned they were Turks." Mainstream Sabah writes in "Mumbai Massacre," that "more than 300 people were wounded in the attacks while Indian military tries to free people trapped by Indian militants." The paper notes, "The militants knew who they intended to take hostage, and asked if there were any British or Americans." Mainstream Hurriyet writes in "They Hit Mercilessly," that "a group called Deccan Mujahideen said they carried out the attacks." Islamist-oriented Yeni Safak carried the headline, "Dead Visa for Their Passports," and reports, "The militants killed people after examining their passports and all hostages were Westerners." ANKARA 00002063 002 OF 003 Editorial Commentary on Mumbai Terrorist Attacks Sami Kohen wrote in mainstream Milliyet: "As India's trade, finance, industry, film and tourism center, Mumbai is the window of developing India. It is not a coincidence that the terrorists picked Mumbai for their attack. Their aim was to damage this image and threaten other countries who have close relationships with India. Although, the "Dekkan Mucahidin" terrorist group claimed the attack, no one ever heard of this group, including Indian intelligence. The terror experts believe that this group has close connections with a more powerful, bigger group or with an outside terrorist group. Indian PM Manmohan Singh also indicated a foreign connection at his speech of yesterday. Whether foreign or local, the fact is that the ideologies and the strategic aims of this group are obvious: These people are against the political, economic and social order of the country. Moreover, this attack proves that after Afghanistan and Pakistan, India has also become a suitable place for tensions and instability." PKK Attack Kills two Policemen Hurriyet, Milliyet, Sabah, Vatan, Posta, Cumhuriyet, Zaman and others: Mainstream Milliyet reports that three PKK terrorists came from the Amanos mountains (in Hatay province) to Iskenderun's "Bitisik" village at around 11.30 yesterday morning. Carrying Kalashnikov guns, the terrorists attacked the Municipal Garage at Denizciler town. They cut the telephone lines, taken a garage guard hostage, moved to a high point, aimed at police manning a highway checkpoint and fired. One policeman died and three civilians, including a one year old baby, were injured in their nearby houses by stray gunfire from the battle. Meanwhile, a patrolling "Special Forces" team reached the area and followed the terrorists as they fled in cars. After a two km chase, the terrorists left their hostage behind and fled on foot on a mountain path. During the clashes between the terrorists and the special forces team, another policeman was killed. Special forces and commandoes are continuing operations in the area in order to catch the terrorists. Iraqi Parliament Ratifies SOFA Agreement Media outlets feature straightforward, low-key coverage of the Iraqi parliament's approval of the military agreement that will see all US troops withdraw by the end of 2011. Liberal Radikal carries the headline, "And Iraq Reaches SOFA," and writes, "after long negotiations, the agreement was approved by 149 members of the 198 who attended the session." The paper also notes, "Turkish Foreign Ministry stated that Turkey is pleased with the passing of the agreement." Leftist-nationalist Cumhuriyet reports, "PM Nouri al-Maliki's Shiite-led government succeeded in gathering a majority to support the historic agreement." The paper also notes the US' favorable opinion of the passage, "US Ambassador to Iraq, Ryan Crocker and US Forces Commander Gen Ray Odierno hailed the passing of SOFA." PM Erdogan Widens Media Ban Mainstream Milliyet reports that the Prime Ministry's spokesman Akif Beki, after declining to renew seven press accreditations recently, has now started intervening with media covering the AKP as well. Yesterday, Milliyet's AKP correspondent Abdullah Karakus and Vatan's correspondent Veli Toprak were prevented from covering an event organized by the AKP Women's Branches at the party headquarters. Editorial Commentary on US-Russia Relations Mustafa Balbay in leftist-nationalist Cumhuriyet: "The US will continue its interest in Russia's 'backyard,' the Central Asian countries, even under the Obama Administration. The world is being rebuilt, and both the US and Russia are determined to strengthen their presence and increase their global influence. For example, Russia is changing its constitution for Putin. The Russian Parliament, the Duma, approved in a 144-1 vote a constitutional change which extends the term of president from four to six years. ANKARA 00002063 003 OF 003 This approval opens the way for Putin's reelection." TV News (CNN Turk) Domestic - Prime Minister Erdogan and leading AKP officials will meet in Kizilcahamam near Ankara over the weekend. - An Alevi delegation will meet Friday with Parliament Speaker Koksal Toptan to discuss the problems of Alevis. - Prime Minister Erdogan said Turkey has not yet reached a deal with the IMF. World - Turkish and Greek Cypriot leaders Mehmet Ali Talat and Demetris Christofias will meet December 2 to discuss federal public administration and foreign relations. - The upper house of the Czech Parliament backs US plans to install part of a missile defense shield on Czech soil. - Pope Benedict XVI is reportedly considering a visit to Israel and Palestine next year. SILLIMAN