Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09ANKARA1665
2009-11-19 11:55:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Ankara
how-toVZCZCXRO2529 OO RUEHDA DE RUEHAK #1665/01 3231155 ZNR UUUUU ZZH O 191155Z NOV 09 FM AMEMBASSY ANKARA TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 1271 RUEKJCS/CJCS WASHDC IMMEDIATE RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHDC IMMEDIATE RUEKJCS/OSD WASHDC//PA RUEUITH/ODC ANKARA TU INFO RUEHTH/AMEMBASSY ATHENS 0150 RUEHIT/AMCONSUL ISTANBUL 6545 RUEHDA/AMCONSUL ADANA 4277 RUEHBS/AMEMBASSY BRUSSELS 7652 RUEHBS/USEU BRUSSELS RUEHNO/USMISSION USNATO 7558 RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK 4151 RUEUITH/DET 1 39LG ANKARA TU RHMFIUU/39OS INCIRLIK AB TU RHMFIUU/AFOSI DET 523 IZMIR TU RHMFIUU/39ABG INCIRLIK AB TU RHMFIUU/AFOSI DET 522 INCIRLIK AB TU RUEUITH/AFLO ANKARA TU
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 03 ANKARA 001665
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
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2009
Media Highlights
FBI Director Mueller Visit Dominates News: Biometrics Top Issue
All papers extensively cover FBI Director's visit to Ankara
yesterday, with many using key messages from a US Embassy press
release in reports. Mainstream Sabah headline reads "FBI Director:
Six Hours, Three Important Meetings" and reports that Mueller met
with Deputy PM Cicek, Justice Minister Ergin and Security Department
Director Koksal to discuss the PKK elements in Northern Iraq, the
situation in Makhmur refugee camp and next steps in the process
after the Treasury Department's sanctions against the three "drug
kingpin" PKK leaders. Sabah notes that Deputy PM Cicek said that
"Mueller reiterated support for cooperation between Turkey and the
US in the fight against terror, but we did not discuss Makhmur and
nuclear issues." Mainstream Aksam headline reads "Either Try Them
or Return to Us" and claims Cicek asked Mueller for closer
cooperation in the extradition of PKK terrorists to Turkey. In an
interview with Aksam, Cicek said he emphasized that all three of the
accused PKK drug smugglers were hiding in Northern Iraq, in an area
under the control of the US. Cicek added that they also discussed
Turkey's preparation of new terror regulations, the establishment of
a public order under secretariat and the draft law concerning the
protection of personal information that is now in parliament. Aksam
also notes that the US Embassy remained silent before the visit, but
yesterday released a statement announcing that the visit focused on
the fight against terror. Liberal Radikal headline on the front
page reads "A Shocking Demand from the US" and, based on information
provided by "high level sources," reports that Mueller asked Turkey
to collect the biometrical data of all people using Turkish airports
and harbors and to share this information with the US to better
monitor terrorists travelling through Turkey. Radikal reports that
the demand was rejected outright by the Turkish side because both
Turkish and EU harmonization laws do not permit compiling of this
kind of information. Most papers referred to the US Embassy press
release in saying that the FBI Director came to Turkey to discuss
ongoing and important cooperation on counter terrorism and
law-enforcement matters. Meanwhile, leftist-nationalist Cumhuriyet
rebuffed these US assertions for the visit, noting that the "main
issue" was the security of US troops withdrawing from Iraq.
Energy Minister On Cancelled Nuclear Tender; Notes Parris Visit
HaberTurk TV and online website report extensively on remarks by
Energy Minister Yildiz at a press conference before an Energy Summit
in Ankara. Most of the article is about how Yildiz is expecting the
final TETAS decision regarding the cancellation of the nuclear power
plant tender before next week's Bayram holiday. HaberTurk also
notes that Energy Minister Yildiz confirmed that President Obama's
"Special Energy Envoy" Mark Parris arrived yesterday and that they
discussed regional issues. Regarding a question on Iran uranium,
Minister Yildiz said "We did not say the uranium must be kept in
Turkey. If Iran and the UN put a demand in this regard we are going
to evaluate it. Our approach on this issue is positive because
Turkey has technical capacity."
Iran Rejects Nuclear Deal. Continued coverage in today's newspapers
on Iran's rejection of the IAEA nuclear proposal to store LEU in
Turkey. Mainstream Sabah headline reads "Iran Doesn't Make Any
Effort," saying "Iran blocked the way to the UN's nuclear proposal."
In "A Clear NO from Iran," leftist-nationalist Cumhuriyet
emphasizes the "UN has offered the proposal to overcome the crisis
over Iran's nuclear program and Turkey was one of the potential
candidates for storing Iranian uranium." Islamist-oriented Zaman
carries the headline, "Iran Rejects Demand for Storing Uranium
Abroad," and opines "Iran's decision will raise tensions between the
sides." In "I Won't Send Uranium," liberal Radikal highlights
international reaction saying "France is disappointed with Iran's
decision while US indicated that Iran has little time left for a
positive reply."
US Model for Presidential Election
ANKARA 00001665 002 OF 003
Intellectual/Islamist oriented Zaman and mainstream Hurriyet report
that the Council of Ministers adopted a bill that sets up the
infrastructure for presidential elections by popular vote for the
first time in 2012. Based on the US election model, candidates must
have transparent election bank accounts and all income and
expenditures during campaigns must be registered in these accounts.
No financial assistance will be given from the Treasury. Zaman
notes that the 26-article bill is expected to go to parliament
soon.
Pundits' Focus: Iraq; Turkish Foreign Policy Direction and
Turkey-Armenia Normalization
Prominent Turkish pundits today address a variety of issues mostly
through philosophical arguments. In mainstream Hurriyet, Cuneyt
Ulsever comments on the growing Turkey, Iraq and the US cooperation,
which he believes makes for "the essence of Kurdish initiative."
He calls on the government to explain to the public what exactly
Turkey has promised to contribute in Northern Iraq/PKK and in the US
troop withdrawal process. Semih Idiz of mainstream Milliyet is
interested in the aftermath of Iraq war which he believes "despite
strongly negative expectations, Turkey has started enjoying economic
benefits by increasing trade and cooperation with Iraq."
Milliyet's Kadri Gursel has an objection regarding the Turkey-EU
process. He argues that Turkey's engagement in the Alliance of
Civilization "is working against Turkey's integration with the EU."
His advice is that Turkey stops acting as speaker for the Islamic
world, and "focus merely on full democracy and rule of law"
instead.
Regarding Turkey-Armenia normalization, panelist Hasan Cemal notes
that signing protocol is only a beginning and should be fulfilled by
a campaign "to win hearts and minds." Attending a Harvard
University panel discussion, Cemal is suggesting that "a liberal
debate on genocide and facing up to history" is needed urgently.
GMO Debate: "US Firm Bribed the Agriculture Ministry" (HaberTurk)
Mainstream HaberTurk reports that the US authorities identified a
bribery case by an American firm while doing business with Turkey in
order to promote GMO-engineered cotton seeds. The report claims:
"American Capital Board (SEC) examined the documents related to
Delta & Pine Land (DPL) company's efforts during the 2001-2007
period in Turkey. SEC concluded that DPL gave bribes to Turkish
agriculture ministry officials while selling genetically modified
cotton seeds." The bribery case was also admitted by Monsanto,
which took over DPL in 2007 and committed the company to pay 300,000
USD fine to the SEC, the story adds. HaberTurk also tells its
readers that the amount of the bribe has not been clearly
identified, however there was credible evidence regarding DPL's
gratuities to Turkish authorities such as paid travel,
refrigerators, computers and office furniture. Talking with the
then Director General at the Turkish Ministry of Agriculture,
HaberTurk quoted the former manager as saying "Let's not forget that
we live in Turkey. All companies distribute presents to
authorities."
Upcoming events
--November 19: Martti Ahtisaari, chair of the EU's Independent
Commission on Turkey is in Ankara and will hold meetings with PM
Erdogan,
Chief EU negotiator Egemen Bagis, and President Gul.
--November 19: Syrian Parliament Speaker Mahmoud Al-Abrash will
meet with Parliament Speaker Sahin and with PM Erdogan
--November 19:PM Erdogan will hold weekly meeting with Chief of the
General Staff General Basbug
--November 19: The head of Iraq's Islamic Supreme Council Ammar
Al-Hakim will hold talks with PM Erdogan
TV News (CNN Turk)
ANKARA 00001665 003 OF 003
Domestic
-Finance Minister Mehmet Simsek inaugurates call center of the
Revenue Administration Department
-FM Davutoglu meets AmmarAl-Hakim, leader of the Supreme Iraqi
Islamic Council, to discuss the situation in Iraq
World
-Denmark invites Sudanese leader Omar Al-Bashir to the Copenhagen
climate change summit to be held in December.
-Schools in Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus are closed until
December 1 against the swine flu outbreak
JEFFREY
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
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2009
Media Highlights
FBI Director Mueller Visit Dominates News: Biometrics Top Issue
All papers extensively cover FBI Director's visit to Ankara
yesterday, with many using key messages from a US Embassy press
release in reports. Mainstream Sabah headline reads "FBI Director:
Six Hours, Three Important Meetings" and reports that Mueller met
with Deputy PM Cicek, Justice Minister Ergin and Security Department
Director Koksal to discuss the PKK elements in Northern Iraq, the
situation in Makhmur refugee camp and next steps in the process
after the Treasury Department's sanctions against the three "drug
kingpin" PKK leaders. Sabah notes that Deputy PM Cicek said that
"Mueller reiterated support for cooperation between Turkey and the
US in the fight against terror, but we did not discuss Makhmur and
nuclear issues." Mainstream Aksam headline reads "Either Try Them
or Return to Us" and claims Cicek asked Mueller for closer
cooperation in the extradition of PKK terrorists to Turkey. In an
interview with Aksam, Cicek said he emphasized that all three of the
accused PKK drug smugglers were hiding in Northern Iraq, in an area
under the control of the US. Cicek added that they also discussed
Turkey's preparation of new terror regulations, the establishment of
a public order under secretariat and the draft law concerning the
protection of personal information that is now in parliament. Aksam
also notes that the US Embassy remained silent before the visit, but
yesterday released a statement announcing that the visit focused on
the fight against terror. Liberal Radikal headline on the front
page reads "A Shocking Demand from the US" and, based on information
provided by "high level sources," reports that Mueller asked Turkey
to collect the biometrical data of all people using Turkish airports
and harbors and to share this information with the US to better
monitor terrorists travelling through Turkey. Radikal reports that
the demand was rejected outright by the Turkish side because both
Turkish and EU harmonization laws do not permit compiling of this
kind of information. Most papers referred to the US Embassy press
release in saying that the FBI Director came to Turkey to discuss
ongoing and important cooperation on counter terrorism and
law-enforcement matters. Meanwhile, leftist-nationalist Cumhuriyet
rebuffed these US assertions for the visit, noting that the "main
issue" was the security of US troops withdrawing from Iraq.
Energy Minister On Cancelled Nuclear Tender; Notes Parris Visit
HaberTurk TV and online website report extensively on remarks by
Energy Minister Yildiz at a press conference before an Energy Summit
in Ankara. Most of the article is about how Yildiz is expecting the
final TETAS decision regarding the cancellation of the nuclear power
plant tender before next week's Bayram holiday. HaberTurk also
notes that Energy Minister Yildiz confirmed that President Obama's
"Special Energy Envoy" Mark Parris arrived yesterday and that they
discussed regional issues. Regarding a question on Iran uranium,
Minister Yildiz said "We did not say the uranium must be kept in
Turkey. If Iran and the UN put a demand in this regard we are going
to evaluate it. Our approach on this issue is positive because
Turkey has technical capacity."
Iran Rejects Nuclear Deal. Continued coverage in today's newspapers
on Iran's rejection of the IAEA nuclear proposal to store LEU in
Turkey. Mainstream Sabah headline reads "Iran Doesn't Make Any
Effort," saying "Iran blocked the way to the UN's nuclear proposal."
In "A Clear NO from Iran," leftist-nationalist Cumhuriyet
emphasizes the "UN has offered the proposal to overcome the crisis
over Iran's nuclear program and Turkey was one of the potential
candidates for storing Iranian uranium." Islamist-oriented Zaman
carries the headline, "Iran Rejects Demand for Storing Uranium
Abroad," and opines "Iran's decision will raise tensions between the
sides." In "I Won't Send Uranium," liberal Radikal highlights
international reaction saying "France is disappointed with Iran's
decision while US indicated that Iran has little time left for a
positive reply."
US Model for Presidential Election
ANKARA 00001665 002 OF 003
Intellectual/Islamist oriented Zaman and mainstream Hurriyet report
that the Council of Ministers adopted a bill that sets up the
infrastructure for presidential elections by popular vote for the
first time in 2012. Based on the US election model, candidates must
have transparent election bank accounts and all income and
expenditures during campaigns must be registered in these accounts.
No financial assistance will be given from the Treasury. Zaman
notes that the 26-article bill is expected to go to parliament
soon.
Pundits' Focus: Iraq; Turkish Foreign Policy Direction and
Turkey-Armenia Normalization
Prominent Turkish pundits today address a variety of issues mostly
through philosophical arguments. In mainstream Hurriyet, Cuneyt
Ulsever comments on the growing Turkey, Iraq and the US cooperation,
which he believes makes for "the essence of Kurdish initiative."
He calls on the government to explain to the public what exactly
Turkey has promised to contribute in Northern Iraq/PKK and in the US
troop withdrawal process. Semih Idiz of mainstream Milliyet is
interested in the aftermath of Iraq war which he believes "despite
strongly negative expectations, Turkey has started enjoying economic
benefits by increasing trade and cooperation with Iraq."
Milliyet's Kadri Gursel has an objection regarding the Turkey-EU
process. He argues that Turkey's engagement in the Alliance of
Civilization "is working against Turkey's integration with the EU."
His advice is that Turkey stops acting as speaker for the Islamic
world, and "focus merely on full democracy and rule of law"
instead.
Regarding Turkey-Armenia normalization, panelist Hasan Cemal notes
that signing protocol is only a beginning and should be fulfilled by
a campaign "to win hearts and minds." Attending a Harvard
University panel discussion, Cemal is suggesting that "a liberal
debate on genocide and facing up to history" is needed urgently.
GMO Debate: "US Firm Bribed the Agriculture Ministry" (HaberTurk)
Mainstream HaberTurk reports that the US authorities identified a
bribery case by an American firm while doing business with Turkey in
order to promote GMO-engineered cotton seeds. The report claims:
"American Capital Board (SEC) examined the documents related to
Delta & Pine Land (DPL) company's efforts during the 2001-2007
period in Turkey. SEC concluded that DPL gave bribes to Turkish
agriculture ministry officials while selling genetically modified
cotton seeds." The bribery case was also admitted by Monsanto,
which took over DPL in 2007 and committed the company to pay 300,000
USD fine to the SEC, the story adds. HaberTurk also tells its
readers that the amount of the bribe has not been clearly
identified, however there was credible evidence regarding DPL's
gratuities to Turkish authorities such as paid travel,
refrigerators, computers and office furniture. Talking with the
then Director General at the Turkish Ministry of Agriculture,
HaberTurk quoted the former manager as saying "Let's not forget that
we live in Turkey. All companies distribute presents to
authorities."
Upcoming events
--November 19: Martti Ahtisaari, chair of the EU's Independent
Commission on Turkey is in Ankara and will hold meetings with PM
Erdogan,
Chief EU negotiator Egemen Bagis, and President Gul.
--November 19: Syrian Parliament Speaker Mahmoud Al-Abrash will
meet with Parliament Speaker Sahin and with PM Erdogan
--November 19:PM Erdogan will hold weekly meeting with Chief of the
General Staff General Basbug
--November 19: The head of Iraq's Islamic Supreme Council Ammar
Al-Hakim will hold talks with PM Erdogan
TV News (CNN Turk)
ANKARA 00001665 003 OF 003
Domestic
-Finance Minister Mehmet Simsek inaugurates call center of the
Revenue Administration Department
-FM Davutoglu meets AmmarAl-Hakim, leader of the Supreme Iraqi
Islamic Council, to discuss the situation in Iraq
World
-Denmark invites Sudanese leader Omar Al-Bashir to the Copenhagen
climate change summit to be held in December.
-Schools in Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus are closed until
December 1 against the swine flu outbreak
JEFFREY