ANKARA MEDIA REACTION REPORT

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 03 ANKARA 000629 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 THURSDAY, APRIL 3, 2008 In Today's Papers PM Erdogan's Message from Sweden Milliyet, Sabah, Hurriyet, Turkiye, Zaman: Mainstream Sabah reports that during his meetings in Sweden, PM Erdogan said, "The Constitutional Court will do its job and we (AKP) will do our job to prepare our defense." Conservative-nationalist Turkiye reports that Erdogan commented on Turkey's relationship with the EU, "We are looking for political and economic stability in Turkey. Turkey will utilize its experience as a democracy to overcome its troubles. EU membership is a strategic goal for us." Islamist-oriented Zaman reports, "The AKP government has changed its strategy. They are focusing on EU reforms instead of constitutional amendments. Mainstream Hurriyet reports that prior to EU Commissioner Barosso's visit to Turkey on next week, EU officials warned, "Barosso will emphasize the EU's concerns regarding the party closure case. However, Barosso will also emphasize that secularism is as important as democracy." Meanwhile, Mainstream Hurriyet reports that PM Erdogan's visit to Stockholm was met with protests from PKK supporters, Armenians and Assyrians. On his way to the Swedish Parliament, eggs were hurled at PM Erdogan's motorcade during protests by Armenians and the Assyrians. Once he arrived at the Swedish Parliament, a group of PKK supporters staged a demonstration and displayed photos of jailed PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan. EDITORIAL OPINION: AKP Closure Case In Islamist-leaning Yeni Safak, Ali Bayramoglu wrote (4/3): "Since 2005, EU reforms have been neglected. However, the AKP government can overcome its problems by sticking to the EU reform process. Democratization is the key to solving these problems. A civilian and democratic constitution should be prepared as quickly as possible and taken to the people for a referendum." Hasan Cemal wrote in mainstream Milliyet (4/3): "Some circles in Turkey are very skeptical about democratic values according to EU standards; thus they advocate fear that an EU-style democracy would weaken Turkey by paving the way for internal division and the loss of secularism. These circles seem to be enjoying themselves because the court case against AKP damage Turkey's EU accession process. However, separatism and radical Islam will become a significant threat to Turkey if we turn our backs on democracy and the EU process. Prime Minister Erdogan should initiate reforms in line with EU standards and he should take efforts toward eliminating secularism-related anxieties." In mainstream Sabah, managing editor Ergun Babahan wrote (4/3): "First of all we should look at the current situation with a broader perspective. On one hand, there is an attempted coup against the democratic process, but on the other hand, the EU process has become all but insignificant during the AKP's second term. Because the AKP has neglected the EU process, worries about 'the AKP's secret agenda' have increased. Therefore, part of society feels discomfort and uneasiness toward the AKP. The current attempts against the regime can be eliminated by broadening freedoms and eliminating worries. A Western-style democratic system is the best way to turn this crisis into an opportunity." EDITORIAL OPINION: Trade Between Turkey and Iraq Meliha Okur wrote in mainstream Sabah (4/3): "There has been an important development regarding the oil trade. South Korea and the northern Iraqi Regional Kurdish Administration signed an agreement concerning rights for oil and natural gas resources in northern Iraq. Given the fact that South Korea has been a part of the occupying forces in Iraq since 2003, the northern Iraqi administration did not see any harm in signing a deal with one of the occupying forces. Then, we should ask why and for what is ANKARA 00000629 002 OF 003 Turkey still waiting? Turkey has to wake up immediately and move forward on trade opportunities with Iraq." 301 Will Be Annulled Soon Radikal, Hurriyet, Sabah, Milliyet, Cumhuriyet, Vatan and others: Mainstream Sabah reports PM Erdogan spoke about Article 301 during his meetings in Sweden. He said, "The bill changing Article 301 will be brought to Parliament after the draft law on Social Security is adopted." Liberal Radikal's headline reads, "Yet Another Promise from the Government." Reportedly, Justice Minister Mehmet Ali Sahin told AKP members that the amended bill will be submitted to parliament next week. Radikal adds that PM Erdogan told his contacts in Stockholm that Article 301 will be amended very soon. Court of Appeals Chief Prosecutor's Press Office Warning All papers report that Court of Appeals (Yargitay) Chief Prosecutor's Press Office announced that legal steps will be taken against those who say or publish insulting or threatening statements against the Court of Appeals Chief Prosecutor and those who aim to influence the trial process. NATO Summit, President Gul's Remarks All media outlets carry President Gul's refusal to send combat troops to Afghanistan yesterday and the opening of the NATO Summit in Bucharest. Mainstream Aksam writes, "The NATO summit's main priorities are to increase the combat forces in Afghanistan and to enhance the missile defense program in Eastern Europe," and President Gul noted, "As you know, Turkey is very involved in Afghanistan and will remain involved, but we will not send combat troops. We are prepared to help with civilian and reconstruction support." In "Another 'No' to the U.S.," mainstream Hurriyet writes, "President Gul reiterated Turkey has no intention to send combat troops to Afghanistan." In "No Combat Troops to Afghanistan," liberal Radikal writes, "Gul's Shield Is Hot," which is a saying in Turkish which means, "Gul is ready to fight back," against demands for more combat troops in Afghanistan. Islamist- oriented Zaman draws attention to the fact that "Ankara's fundamental point" at the summit was to communicate that, "Afghans are our allies and friends, and we will not fight against the Afghan people." Meanwhile, mainstream Hurriyet reports that President Bush warned the world at the NATO Summit by saying, "If additional troops are not sent to Afghanistan, another attack, like September 11, is inevitable." President Bush also stressed that 'despite Moscow's rejection, Ukraine and Georgia are ready for NATO membership." TV Highlights CNN Turk Domestic News - 7 more PKK terrorists were killed during operations in Sirnak's Bestler-Dereler region yesterday. - Charges have been filed in the arrest of a 13-year-old suspect in connection with the recent attack against Cumhuriyet newspaper. - Businessman Orhan Asliturk, wanted by the Justice Ministry for tax evasion, has been captured in Spain. International News - The largest NATO summit ever convened yesterday in Romania. - An opinion poll carried out for the BBC World Service suggests Turkish attitudes toward the U.S. are improving. - UN Under-Secretary for Political Affairs Lynn Pascoe completes her ANKARA 00000629 003 OF 003 contacts in Cyprus. - EU Commissioner Olli Rehn briefs the EU Commission on developments related to the closure suit against the AKP. WILSON