TURKISH MEDIA REACTION

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 ANKARA 001467 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 PREL KPAO SUBJECT: TURKISH MEDIA REACTION FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2009 Media Highlights: President Obama Wins Nobel Peace Prize; Turkey Armenia Signing Ceremony; Minsk Meeting Moldova; President Gul in France; Baykal-MHP Letters; Papandreou Visits Istanbul; U/S Tauscher Comments on Missiles President Obama Wins Nobel Peace Prize CNN Turk and all other channels were fast in announcing that US President Obama has won the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize. He wins over more than 200 nominees. Most coverage was straightforward. At mainstream NTV, the morning anchor hosted a call in program, commenting that the win was unusual because "Obama has not made all his campaign pledges and that he's sped up the war in Afghanistan." Soli Ozel, a respected columnist for Haber Turk newspaper, commented that "I'm extremely surprised because the Afghanistan/Iraq war has been the US weak point and so far we've only heard expressions of intentions... the Nobel Peace Prize should not be given to intentions." Ozel continued: "I truly believe that Obama wants peace but we don't have anything concrete yet. He's made a change in discourse regarding US policies around the world but that shouldn't be enough for the Nobel Prize." Secretary Clinton to Attend Turkey-Armenia Reconciliation Signing Ceremony in Zurich, October 10 All papers report that Secretary Clinton will attend the signing in Zurich at the start of her European tour. Mainstream Hurriyet gives details of the unusual "unofficial" invite by the Swiss. Mainstream Hurriyet claims that because the Swiss were concerned about riling the Armenia Diaspora, they released an invitation by email just to the Turkish press corps and suggested they get there in time for the signing at the Zurich University Paleontology Institute. Turkey's new ambassador to Switzerland Oguz Demiralp will attend as part of the Turkish delegation. Leftist Taraf claims Armenia insisted on signing the protocols in the presence of witnesses from the EU and the Council of Europe. Media also report FM Davutoglu yesterday stressed that the protocols recognize the current borders. Papers also report Armenian PM Tigran Sarkisian as saying they recognize the existing borders with Turkey. Hurriyet says PM Sarksian was also quoted as saying that property claims will be considered after the signing. On Thursday, Davutoglu was widely quoted that he expected "no surprises" regarding the signing. 
 "Not Only About Armenia:" Deniz Ulke Aribogan thinks Turkey-Armenia normalization will better serve Azerbaijan's interests. In mainstream Aksam, she writes: "Turkey-Armenia normalization process has more geopolitical importance than improvement of bilateral ties. Turkey not only opens itself up to Armenia but also expands influence toward the Caspian Sea. At the same time Turkey helps Azerbaijan to open toward the Black Sea. At the end of the day, this process will provide win-win opportunities for everybody in the region." In an article "Armenian Diaspora Sins Again" columnist Mehmet Ali Birand believes Turkish-Armenian process will continue despite all counter efforts by the Diaspora. In mainstream Posta, he writes: "The Foreign Ministers of Armenia and Turkey will sign a protocol to reorganize relations. This protocol includes a process of mutual understanding, a peaceful attitude, a new research method for genocide allegations, the opening of borders between the two countries and other issues.The upcoming visit of Armenian President to Turkey for watching the national football game between Turkey and Armenia with the Turkish President is going to be a signal of a brand new start. This is the possibility that makes the Armenian Diaspora revolt. Sarksian visiting Turkey and thus starting the protocol process does not fit the Diaspora's general politics. The Diaspora is afraid of losing enforcement power over Turkey. President Gul's appeal to the Armenian Diaspora in this respect is very appropriate. Sarksian coming to Turkey is crucial. In times in which the Turkish public for the first time started to relax and the idea of living with Armenia sounds right, the Diaspora's efforts will backfire just like the Asala operation." ANKARA 00001467 002 OF 002 Minsk Group Meeting in Moldova Papers report the Armenian and Azerbaijani Presidents met Thursday in Kishinev, Moldova for 3.5 hours. Papers report Ambassador Bradtke said the meeting was "very positive, serious and constructive." Islamist-oriented Zaman reports talks will continue today with the participation of Russian President Medvedev. President Gul in France Papers are quoting Gul's comments to French PM Fillon as "don't prevent Turkey's EU membership" and "a privileged partnership is not wanted." Le Monde, according to Milliyet, commented that Gul's official dinner last night to kick off the Turkey celebration in France was a very low profile affair -- no French minister attended. CHP Leader Baykal Receives the Long Expected Letter from PM Erdogan Today's papers and TV channels comment on the letter CHP leader Baykal received from PM Erdogan. Mainstream Milliyet says that Baykal did not find the letter satisfactory and said that it was only a request for an appointment to discuss democratic opening issue. Islamist-oriented/intellectual Zaman, in turn says that Erdogan said in his letter that terrorism problem could not be resolved only by means of armed fight. Social consensus and support from political parties were needed in this process. Greek "Foreign Minister" to Istanbul Vast coverage of Papandreou's visit to Istanbul for SE Europe Foreign Ministers Conference. Papandreou, who is dual-hatted as PM and FM, will attend in his FM capacity. In Istanbul, Papandreou will visit the Patriarch. His first "PM" official visit will be to Cyprus on October 19. U/S Tauscher: Turkey may become part of the new missile shield program Papers report Ellen Tauscher, undersecretary of state for arms control and international security, said "PAC-3 Missiles that Turkey will buy might become part of the new missile shield program..." Tauscher invited "all NATO allies, including Turkey," to join the project. She said the new system would result in more protection for countries like Turkey. Meanwhile, mainstream Sabah notes Russian Foreign Ministry announced Secretary Clinton will go next week to Moscow to discuss Missile Shield issues. Upcoming events: Q October 13: Foreign Minister Davutoglu will attend High Level Strategic Cooperation meeting with Syrian cabinet ministers in Aleppo. Q October 14: The EU will release its "progress report" on Turkey in Brussels. Q On October 15: Prime Minister Erdogan and Turkish cabinet will gather with the Iraqi cabinet for the "strategic-cooperation council" meeting in Baghdad. Q October 21: Foreign Minister Davutoglu will hold a meeting with French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner in Paris. JEFFREY