Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09ANKARA234
2009-02-13 05:02:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Ankara
Cable title:
ANKARA MEDIA REACTION REPORT
how-toVZCZCXRO0931 OO RUEHDA DE RUEHAK #0234/01 0440502 ZNR UUUUU ZZH O 130502Z FEB 09 FM AMEMBASSY ANKARA TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 8769 RUEKJCS/CJCS WASHDC IMMEDIATE RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHDC IMMEDIATE RUEKJCS/OSD WASHDC//PA RUEUITH/ODC ANKARA TU INFO RUEHTH/AMEMBASSY ATHENS 9468 RUEHIT/AMCONSUL ISTANBUL 5370 RUEHDA/AMCONSUL ADANA 3601 RUEHBS/AMEMBASSY BRUSSELS 7116 RUEHBS/USEU BRUSSELS RUEHNO/USMISSION USNATO 6978 RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK 3567 RUEUITH/DET 1 39LG ANKARA TU RHMFISS/USDOCO 6ATAF IZMIR TU RHMFISS/39OS INCIRLIK AB TU RHMFISS/AFOSI DET 523 IZMIR TU RHMFISS/39ABG INCIRLIK AB TU RHMFISS/AFOSI DET 522 INCIRLIK AB TU RUEUITH/AFLO ANKARA TU
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 03 ANKARA 000234
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: ANKARA MEDIA REACTION REPORT
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2009
In Today's Papers
Mubarak Lauds Turkey's 'Supportive Stance' on Arab Issues
Media outlets report President Abdullah Gul and visiting Egyptian
President Hosni Mubarak met Wednesday to discuss Middle East peace
in Istanbul's Ciragan Palace.
Mainstream Hurriyet reports that during a joint press avail with Gul
after the meeting, Mubarak "did not even utter the name of Hamas."
Mubarak said the sole legitimate representative of Palestine was the
Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO). Papers report that in
their meeting, a "roadmap" was drawn for Palestine, which aims for a
lasting ceasefire to be followed by securing unity among the
Palestinian groups and rebuilding Gaza. Mubarak said Egypt backed
Turkey's role in the region, and praised "Turkey's supportive stance
regarding the Arab issues." "Next month in Cairo, we will host an
international conference for raising funds for Gaza's
reconstruction," said Mubarak.
Meanwhile, a group of about 200 demonstrators rallied in Taksim in
the heart of Istanbul, protesting the visit of Mubarak. The
protestors also called for the opening of Rafah border crossing.
Erdogan: My Davos Message Found its Place in Israel
Media outlets report Prime Minister Erdogan, in Kastamonu yesterday
for his party's municipal elections campaign, said on the outcome of
the Israeli elections that "the message he gave in Davos found its
place in Israel." Erdogan did not elaborate further on how the
Israeli election results prove that his message "found its place."
"We always do what is best for Turkey's honor; we did it before and
we can do it today and tomorrow," said Erdogan.
Editorial Commentary on Turkey-Israel
Erdal Safak wrote in mainstream Sabah: "The results of the Israeli
elections do not give any hope for peace in the foreseeable future.
As for the other key players in the region, Egypt has lost its
significance while Turkey remains objective and more welcoming by
people in the region. Ankara will undoubtedly play its role,
whether it as mediator or go-between, according to the situation."
Kadri Gursel wrote in mainstream Milliyet: "PM Erdogan talked about
redefining terrorism at the Davos conference, but we are still
waiting for some elaboration of this. Given the U.S. official
definition of terrorism as well as PM Erdogan's Hamas rhetoric, it
is very obvious that Erdogan was implying the acceptance of Hamas as
a legitimate resistance movement as opposed to a terror
organization. His wish will not come true because stretching the
definition of terrorism can not do any good for Hamas who is not
only responsible for military attacks but also responsible for
civilian killings. PM Erdogan needs to clarify his intentions on
this as soon as possible before further negative speculations
begin."
Mehmet Ali Birand wrote in tabloid Posta: "As expected, the Gaza
issue has become an internal political propaganda item and those who
exploited it during the election campaign have become winners.
However, the current election results will not take Israeli politics
further than coalition governments. Israel will not be capable of
acting arbitrarily any more, even though hawkish figures remain
powerful. Unconditional U.S. support for Israel can no longer be
taken for granted, especially with the new Obama administration.
Turkey, on the other hand, has great capability to communicate and
collaborate with all players in the Middle East issue, including
Washington."
EP Committee Approves Turkey Draft Report
All papers report the European Parliament's Foreign Affairs
Committee has approved a draft report on Turkey, in which the EU
welcomes Turkey's new National Program, the launch of broadcasts in
the Kurdish language, and appointment of Egemen Bagis as the chief
ANKARA 00000234 002 OF 003
EU negotiator. Oomen-Ruijten, EU's Turkey rapporteur, urged Turkey
for "new systemic reforms." Leftist-nationalist Cumhuriyet says the
report asks the Turkish government to work in close cooperation with
the judiciary regarding the Islamist-oriented Deniz Feneri scandal
in Germany. "The report criticizes PM Erdogan for targeting the
Turkish media, but welcomes the trial of the suspects in the
Ergenekon case," says Cumhuriyet. The report calls on Turkish
authorities to inspect more closely the claims of links between the
Ergenekon network and the assassination of Armenian-Turkish
journalist Hrant Dink. It also underlines the problems Alevis face,
and adds that politicians should be allowed to use the Kurdish
language in election campaigns, say papers.
Azerbaijan's AIR FORCE Commander Shot Dead in Baku
Papers report the commander of Azerbaijan's AIR FORCE was gunned
down outside his Baku home yesterday. Lt. Gen. Rail Rzayev was
"shot in the head, and died in a military hospital in Baku shortly
thereafter." Experts said the killing may be linked to Rzayev's
role in the large-scale military acquisitions Azerbaijan has made in
recent years. Commentators point out that the assassination happened
on the eve of Azerbaijani-Armenian negotiations on the controversial
issue of Nagorno-Karabakh.
'Kadiri' Sect Leader Joins CHP
Media outlets report Abdul Hafiz Aydin, one of the leaders of the
"Kadiri" religious order, joined Wednesday the opposition CHP at the
party's branch office in Istanbul's conservative district
Sultanbeyli. Papers claim Aydin would be bringing 30,000 votes with
him. "Kadiri" is a Sufi religious order founded by Abdulkadir
Geylani (1077-1166),and has many followers in Egypt, Iraq and
Turkey.
Survey: 39 Percent of Married Women Suffer from Domestic Violence
Mainstream Hurriyet reports State Minister for women, Nimet Cubukcu,
disclosed at a press briefing Thursday new research on "female
victims of domestic violence." According to the survey, which was
conducted in 51 Turkish provinces by canvassing the view of 12,795
women, 39 percent of women were subjected to physical violence by
their current or former husbands. The physical violence rate stands
at 38 percent in cities, and 43 percent in rural areas. 41.9
percent of women say they have suffered from physical violence
coupled with sexual violence. 48.5 percent say they could not tell
anyone about the abuse. One out of every ten women has been
subjected to physical violence during their pregnancy, and 92
percent did not apply to authorities after facing abuse, according
to the survey.
Division in Sabanci Group
Media outlets report Sevket Sabanci, a large shareholder in the
Sabanci Holding Group of Companies, and his children have decided to
part ways with the Istanbul-based leading Turkish conglomerate.
Nine members of the Sabanci family will sell their shares in the
group, including the group's bank Akbank. Mainstream Hurriyet says
the 6.97 percent fall in Akbank's shares prior to the announcement
of Sevket Sabanci's decision raised questions whether the decision
was known by some beforehand.
TV News:
CNN Turk
Domestic News
- On Thursday, Turkey will attend an international summit on Iraqi
oil to begin in Istanbul, where proposals for tenders for Iraqi oil
and natural gas fields will be put forward. The two-day summit is
organized by the Iraqi Oil Ministry.
- Finance Minister Kemal Unakitan will undergo bypass surgery next
week in the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio. Professor Murat Tuzcu, one of
the leading doctors in the clinic, said the minister could start
ANKARA 00000234 003 OF 003
working again in two months.
- Deputy Prime Minister Hayati Yazici said in a press conference the
AKP municipalities' distribution of aid and white goods to the poor
families will continue.
- An IMF report predicts that in 2009, the world will grow 0.5
percent but Turkey will shrink 1.5 percent, saying Turkey was the
only G-20 country that has not taken measures to revive its economy.
International News
- Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says Russia will not retaliate
against the planned US missile defense shield unless it is
physically deployed.
- British Home Secretary Jacqui Smith's decision to prohibit Dutch
film-maker Geert Wilders from broadcasting his anti-Muslim film,
Fitna, in the House of Lords triggers a diplomatic row between
Britain and The Netherlands.
- Lawmakers in the US House of Representatives introduced a bill to
allow US nationals' unrestricted travel to Cuba.
- Muslim clerics in Sudan urge young couples to boycott Valentine's
Day, saying it is a Western tradition that could lead couples
astray.
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: ANKARA MEDIA REACTION REPORT
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2009
In Today's Papers
Mubarak Lauds Turkey's 'Supportive Stance' on Arab Issues
Media outlets report President Abdullah Gul and visiting Egyptian
President Hosni Mubarak met Wednesday to discuss Middle East peace
in Istanbul's Ciragan Palace.
Mainstream Hurriyet reports that during a joint press avail with Gul
after the meeting, Mubarak "did not even utter the name of Hamas."
Mubarak said the sole legitimate representative of Palestine was the
Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO). Papers report that in
their meeting, a "roadmap" was drawn for Palestine, which aims for a
lasting ceasefire to be followed by securing unity among the
Palestinian groups and rebuilding Gaza. Mubarak said Egypt backed
Turkey's role in the region, and praised "Turkey's supportive stance
regarding the Arab issues." "Next month in Cairo, we will host an
international conference for raising funds for Gaza's
reconstruction," said Mubarak.
Meanwhile, a group of about 200 demonstrators rallied in Taksim in
the heart of Istanbul, protesting the visit of Mubarak. The
protestors also called for the opening of Rafah border crossing.
Erdogan: My Davos Message Found its Place in Israel
Media outlets report Prime Minister Erdogan, in Kastamonu yesterday
for his party's municipal elections campaign, said on the outcome of
the Israeli elections that "the message he gave in Davos found its
place in Israel." Erdogan did not elaborate further on how the
Israeli election results prove that his message "found its place."
"We always do what is best for Turkey's honor; we did it before and
we can do it today and tomorrow," said Erdogan.
Editorial Commentary on Turkey-Israel
Erdal Safak wrote in mainstream Sabah: "The results of the Israeli
elections do not give any hope for peace in the foreseeable future.
As for the other key players in the region, Egypt has lost its
significance while Turkey remains objective and more welcoming by
people in the region. Ankara will undoubtedly play its role,
whether it as mediator or go-between, according to the situation."
Kadri Gursel wrote in mainstream Milliyet: "PM Erdogan talked about
redefining terrorism at the Davos conference, but we are still
waiting for some elaboration of this. Given the U.S. official
definition of terrorism as well as PM Erdogan's Hamas rhetoric, it
is very obvious that Erdogan was implying the acceptance of Hamas as
a legitimate resistance movement as opposed to a terror
organization. His wish will not come true because stretching the
definition of terrorism can not do any good for Hamas who is not
only responsible for military attacks but also responsible for
civilian killings. PM Erdogan needs to clarify his intentions on
this as soon as possible before further negative speculations
begin."
Mehmet Ali Birand wrote in tabloid Posta: "As expected, the Gaza
issue has become an internal political propaganda item and those who
exploited it during the election campaign have become winners.
However, the current election results will not take Israeli politics
further than coalition governments. Israel will not be capable of
acting arbitrarily any more, even though hawkish figures remain
powerful. Unconditional U.S. support for Israel can no longer be
taken for granted, especially with the new Obama administration.
Turkey, on the other hand, has great capability to communicate and
collaborate with all players in the Middle East issue, including
Washington."
EP Committee Approves Turkey Draft Report
All papers report the European Parliament's Foreign Affairs
Committee has approved a draft report on Turkey, in which the EU
welcomes Turkey's new National Program, the launch of broadcasts in
the Kurdish language, and appointment of Egemen Bagis as the chief
ANKARA 00000234 002 OF 003
EU negotiator. Oomen-Ruijten, EU's Turkey rapporteur, urged Turkey
for "new systemic reforms." Leftist-nationalist Cumhuriyet says the
report asks the Turkish government to work in close cooperation with
the judiciary regarding the Islamist-oriented Deniz Feneri scandal
in Germany. "The report criticizes PM Erdogan for targeting the
Turkish media, but welcomes the trial of the suspects in the
Ergenekon case," says Cumhuriyet. The report calls on Turkish
authorities to inspect more closely the claims of links between the
Ergenekon network and the assassination of Armenian-Turkish
journalist Hrant Dink. It also underlines the problems Alevis face,
and adds that politicians should be allowed to use the Kurdish
language in election campaigns, say papers.
Azerbaijan's AIR FORCE Commander Shot Dead in Baku
Papers report the commander of Azerbaijan's AIR FORCE was gunned
down outside his Baku home yesterday. Lt. Gen. Rail Rzayev was
"shot in the head, and died in a military hospital in Baku shortly
thereafter." Experts said the killing may be linked to Rzayev's
role in the large-scale military acquisitions Azerbaijan has made in
recent years. Commentators point out that the assassination happened
on the eve of Azerbaijani-Armenian negotiations on the controversial
issue of Nagorno-Karabakh.
'Kadiri' Sect Leader Joins CHP
Media outlets report Abdul Hafiz Aydin, one of the leaders of the
"Kadiri" religious order, joined Wednesday the opposition CHP at the
party's branch office in Istanbul's conservative district
Sultanbeyli. Papers claim Aydin would be bringing 30,000 votes with
him. "Kadiri" is a Sufi religious order founded by Abdulkadir
Geylani (1077-1166),and has many followers in Egypt, Iraq and
Turkey.
Survey: 39 Percent of Married Women Suffer from Domestic Violence
Mainstream Hurriyet reports State Minister for women, Nimet Cubukcu,
disclosed at a press briefing Thursday new research on "female
victims of domestic violence." According to the survey, which was
conducted in 51 Turkish provinces by canvassing the view of 12,795
women, 39 percent of women were subjected to physical violence by
their current or former husbands. The physical violence rate stands
at 38 percent in cities, and 43 percent in rural areas. 41.9
percent of women say they have suffered from physical violence
coupled with sexual violence. 48.5 percent say they could not tell
anyone about the abuse. One out of every ten women has been
subjected to physical violence during their pregnancy, and 92
percent did not apply to authorities after facing abuse, according
to the survey.
Division in Sabanci Group
Media outlets report Sevket Sabanci, a large shareholder in the
Sabanci Holding Group of Companies, and his children have decided to
part ways with the Istanbul-based leading Turkish conglomerate.
Nine members of the Sabanci family will sell their shares in the
group, including the group's bank Akbank. Mainstream Hurriyet says
the 6.97 percent fall in Akbank's shares prior to the announcement
of Sevket Sabanci's decision raised questions whether the decision
was known by some beforehand.
TV News:
CNN Turk
Domestic News
- On Thursday, Turkey will attend an international summit on Iraqi
oil to begin in Istanbul, where proposals for tenders for Iraqi oil
and natural gas fields will be put forward. The two-day summit is
organized by the Iraqi Oil Ministry.
- Finance Minister Kemal Unakitan will undergo bypass surgery next
week in the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio. Professor Murat Tuzcu, one of
the leading doctors in the clinic, said the minister could start
ANKARA 00000234 003 OF 003
working again in two months.
- Deputy Prime Minister Hayati Yazici said in a press conference the
AKP municipalities' distribution of aid and white goods to the poor
families will continue.
- An IMF report predicts that in 2009, the world will grow 0.5
percent but Turkey will shrink 1.5 percent, saying Turkey was the
only G-20 country that has not taken measures to revive its economy.
International News
- Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says Russia will not retaliate
against the planned US missile defense shield unless it is
physically deployed.
- British Home Secretary Jacqui Smith's decision to prohibit Dutch
film-maker Geert Wilders from broadcasting his anti-Muslim film,
Fitna, in the House of Lords triggers a diplomatic row between
Britain and The Netherlands.
- Lawmakers in the US House of Representatives introduced a bill to
allow US nationals' unrestricted travel to Cuba.
- Muslim clerics in Sudan urge young couples to boycott Valentine's
Day, saying it is a Western tradition that could lead couples
astray.
JEFFREY