TURKISH MEDIA REACTION

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 04 ANKARA 000714 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 MONDAY, MAY 18, 2009 IN TODAY'S PAPERS In Poland, Erdogan Repeats the Karabakh Condition to the Turkey/Armenia Roadmap Weekend papers and television news broadcasts reported PM Erdogan mentioned Armenia during his speech at Gdansk University during his visit to Poland on Friday. Media report Erdogan said, "Relations between Turkey and Armenia are not independent from other things. There are other issues related to the region and we cannot pretend as if they do not exist. The trouble between Azerbaijan and Armenia is a binding concern for us. We want one thing from Armenia at this point, and that is a withdrawal from Nagorno Karabakh. This is not our decision. It is a U.N. decision. Armenia acknowledges itself as an occupier in Nagorno Karabakh. So, Armenia should withdraw from there. Turkey closed the border because of this occupation. The border will be opened once the Armenia ceases to occupy Nagorno Karabakh. Currently there are 40,000 Armenians who are illegally residing and working in my country. They are here because things are grave in Armenia and there is poverty. Armenians are struggling. We could send these 40,000 Armenians back to Armenia if we wanted to. But we don't think this is the right thing to do because such a thing would not be humanitarian." Papers report today that PM Erdogan addressed Sunday the ruling AKP's provincial party congress in the city of Bursa. Erdogan criticized the "efforts" to cause "artificial problems" between Turkey and Azerbaijan, and "sour the relationship between the two countries." "In Turkey, those who don't even know which way Azerbaijan lies make suggestions on the matter. My visit to Baku and the meeting with President Aliyev, however, left them out in the open," emphasized Erdogan. Editorial Commentary on Turkey-Armenia-Azerbaijan Ferai Tinc wrote in mainstream Hurriyet: "It is totally confusing to hear remarks from PM Erdogan on Armenia which question the future of a road map on Turkish-Armenian relations. First of all, when the road map was made public we did not hear any political remark from the government. And now Prime Minister Erdogan is threatening to send Armenians living in Turkey back to their country. Given this picture, how come one can expect Turkish public opinion to be supportive about the Turkish-Armenian rapprochement?" Ceyda Karan wrote in liberal-intellectual Radikal: "Prime Minister Erdogan made it very clear in Baku that Nagorno Karabakh remains a precondition to the roadmap with Armenia. Even though this approach clearly conflicts with the road map between Turkey and Armenia, maybe it is time to reconsider the whole process. The current road map was hastily designed and announced to prevent President Obama from using the word 'genocide' in his April 24 message. It does not necessarily go down the drain because of Erdogan's commitment to support Baku but the road map requires a revision to balance it properly. A balanced road map should be free from U.S. impositions and should not contain any worries in Baku and Moscow." Semih Idiz wrote in mainstream Milliyet: "Although the Prime Minister has not said anything new by creating a link between Nagorno Karabakh and the Armenian border opening, he has clearly acted under Baku's will. After Ankara bowed to Azerbaijan's push, the future of the current road map for Turkish-Armenian ties remains questionable. It is absolutely not clear how this process can possibly progress given the Baku-favored policy line." Erdogan and Putin Meet in Sochi Mainstream Milliyet reports today that "For the first time, Erdogan and Putin declare to the world that Turkey and Russia are cooperating with each other regarding economic, political, and energy initiatives." Mainstream Vatan reported over the weekend, "Putin said that they wanted a settlement regarding Nagorno Karabakh, and added that the other states will be guarantors in a ANKARA 00000714 002 OF 004 settlement." All weekend papers reported on the Putin-Erdogan joint press conference where Erdogan said, "Only a Russian company remains in the bid for Turkey's nuclear energy contract after all the other countries withdrew from the bid. We're working to finalize this bidding process over the coming days. Our work on Blue Stream continues as well. We've also discussed importing electricity from Russia. Another matter I deem very important is carrying out bilateral trade with national currencies - I believe this will relieve both countries' distress over currency exchange. We've also agreed to stage the Turkish-Russian Joint Economy Meeting in Turkey in June." The PM added, "Another step which we also deem very important is the regional cooperation between Turkey and the Russian Federation. Turkey has become an interim member of the UN Security Council, of which the Russian Federation is a permanent member. We must take some steps for the well being of the region. These steps include the Nagorno Karabakh, the Middle East question, the Cyprus question... etc. I believe that solidarity will provide a means to overcome these questions, at least make some progress toward that end." PM Putin pointed to the positive trend in the ties between the two countries, and underlined that the relationship has made great progress since the Ankara Treaty was signed. Putin said, "Turkey has become the fifth largest trade partner for Russia. We extend importance to the diversification of our energy ties. We also discussed the nuclear energy issue." Regarding Nagorno-Karabakh, Putin said, "Our view on this matter is that the sides reach a mutually acceptable agreement on this conflict. The countries in the Minsk Group can only help find a solution which will be acceptable for both sides. If need be, these countries can be the guarantors of an agreement to be reached. Turkey and Russia want a solution to be found to this problem in a timely manner. On this question, both countries are ready to do whatever is necessary." Gul in Syria President Gul met with Syrian President Assad during his three-day official visit to Syria. Gul said during his visit in Syria that he is "waiting on the new government in Israel to indicate an interest in continuing the indirect talks between Syria and Israel." Gul emphasized Turkey's role as a neighbor, and "a friend and a brother" to Syria. Gul also mentioned the annual $2 Billion trade between Turkey and Syria. He also emphasized support for Iraq's territorial integrity and for a solution in Palestine. He wants global dialogue and a peace agreement regarding Palestine. Meanwhile, CNN Turk reported over the weekend, "Syria Says Israeli Government is Not A Good Peace Partner," as Syria's president said Friday that his country is interested in resuming indirect peace talks with Israel but does not believe the new Israeli government will make a good negotiating partner. Syria has said it is willing to resume the talks mediated by Turkey as long as they focus on a complete Israeli withdrawal from the Golan Heights. But Israel's new prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has said he would not be willing to cede the territory Syria wants. "Syria is keen about peace as much as it is keen about the return of its occupied territories," Syrian President Bashar Assad said during a joint press conference with Turkish President Abdullah Gul in the Syrian capital, Damascus. Sabah and Yeni Safak report today that Israeli President Peres send a message from Jordan that Israel is interested in direct talks with Syria, which would bypass Turkey's role as a mediator. Mainstream Milliyet reports Syrian President Assad said, "We will not sit at the table unless Turkey is present. We're waiting for a message from Israel via Turkey." Editorial Commentary on Turkey-Syria Mustafa Unal wrote in Islamist oriented Zaman (5/17): "The ties between Syria and Turkey make a good example of strong friendship. The visit of President Gul in Damascus demonstrated Turkey's power not only on a political level but more importantly on a street ANKARA 00000714 003 OF 004 level. It is a great diplomatic success that the two countries were on the verge of war 10 years ago, and now present a deep friendship on all levels." Gul on Turkey's 'Kurdish Question' Media outlets report President Gul, in Syria on a state visit, talked Sunday to Turkish journalists in Damascus. Gul said all in Turkey should ask "where have we made mistakes" in the Kurdish question, and noted the resolution of "big problems" should not be left to the government alone. "The opposition must also contribute to a solution. In this regard, dialogue is essential. This problem is the opposition's problem as well," said Gul. The President added the existing opportunity for a solution should not be missed, and expressed content that for the first time in Turkey's political history, there was agreement and unity among the state institutions regarding the efforts for a solution to the problem. Meanwhile, Islamist-oriented Zaman reports the pro-Kurdish DTP lawmaker Akin Birdal welcomed Gul's "Kurdish initiative." "It's clear that the AKP has a project for a solution; the opposition must also support this," said Birdal. 'Republic Rally' Protests the AKP, the 'Ergenekon' Investigation, and Record Levels of Unemployment Media outlets report tens of thousands of demonstrators rallied Sunday in Ankara in a show of support for secularism as well as to protest the controversial 'Ergenekon' investigation, the economic meltdown and rising unemployment. Two years after the first 'republic rallies,' thousands at yesterday's rally protested the arrest of academics, journalists and others suspected of involvement in plots to oust the ruling party. Following the demonstration, the crowd marched to Ataturk's mausoleum. The rally was organized by the Kemalist Thought Association (ADD) and over 130 NGOs. Papers give different estimates of the size of the crowd, with mainstream Hurriyet putting the figure at over 100,000 whereas the pro-government dailies Sabah and Zaman at 40,000 and 35,000 respectively. Erdogan, Davutoglu on Turkey-EU Media outlets reported over the weekend Prime Minister Erdogan told a conference held Friday at Poland's Gdansk University that French President Sarkozy and German Chancellor Merkel's objections to Turkey's EU entry were "political maneuvers." Erdogan said Sarkozy gave "different messages in bilateral meetings," and stressed that such an approach was "not nice." Erdogan said the EU has been "deceiving" Turkey for 50 years. He said the ongoing controversy would end if the EU countries openly express their reluctance to admit Turkey into the bloc. In a related story, Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu told the press over the weekend that for 50 years, the EU has been one of the parameters shaping Turkish politics. Davutoglu stressed Turkey would continue to carry out the reforms for EU accession, and noted the EU was expected to honor its commitments made in dealings with Turkey. Israeli PM Netanyahu To Meet Obama at The White House Today Media are speculating regarding how the Obama administration will approach Israel - media ask will the White House push the two state solution or will the White House give in to Israel's demands? Mainstream Hurriyet reports, "Today The White House Shows Its Middle East Cards," and reports, "Today President Obama is meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu" and the paper asks, "Will the White House take a harsher stance against Israel?" and "What will Netanyahu say about the two state solution?" Liberal Radikal reports in "Bibi Is Talking Outcomes With Obama," that "prior to today's meeting, the Obama administration has not voiced support for a the two-state solution." Islamist-oriented Yeni Safak says Obama is being told, "Don't give a blank check to Israel and do whatever Israel wants." ANKARA 00000714 004 OF 004 Women Parliamentarians Elected in Kuwait Media laud the victory of four women parliamentarians in Kuwait. Mainstream Hurriyet reports in "High Heel Voices in Kuwait," that "All of the women elected to the Kuwaiti parliament were educated in the U.S." Mainstream Vatan headlines, "For The First Time in Kuwaiti History, Women Are Elected to The Parliament," and the paper notes, "for the first time women have won the right to join parliament." Mainstream Milliyet reports, "In Kuwait, The Women Won and The Islamists Lost." Islamist-oriented Yeni Safak headlines, "A Women's Revolution in the Kuwaiti Parliament." TV News (CNN Turk) Domestic - An Iraqi American and his family traveling from the US to Turkey are held under observation at Istanbul's Haseki Hospital after the Iraqi American and his mother tested positive for H1N1 flu. -At party congresses held in Ankara over the weekend, Husamettin Cindoruk was elected the chairman of Democratic Party (DP) and Masum Turker of the Democratic Left Party (DSP). - On Wednesday, a parliamentary committee will discuss a draft bill for the establishment of a 'special undersecretariat for public order and security.' - The unemployment rate for February stood at 16.1 percent, increasing the number of the unemployed by 1.1 million and reaching 3.8 million, the Turkish Statistics Institute said. World - Iraqi PM al-Maliki told the opening of a Turkish hospital in Karbala that they would "finish off the PKK" through "cooperation with Turkey." - Two European and two UAE companies have formed a consortium to pump gas from northern Iraq to kick-start the Nabucco project. - On May 21, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva will visit Turkey. Silva will be accompanied by the representatives of Petrobras, a company that signed an agreement for oil exploration in the Black Sea with the Turkish petroleum company TPAO. JEFFREY