TURKISH MEDIA REACTION

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 03 ANKARA 000776 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 TUESDAY, JUNE 2, 2009 In Today's Papers A New Oil Connection Between Northern Iraq and Turkey Sabah, Zaman, Hurriyet, Milliyet, Turkiye, Cumhuriyet and others: Today's papers reported that northern Iraq began pumping oil to Turkey through Kirkuk-Yumurtalik line yesterday. Most papers feature large photos of Iraqi President Jalal Talabani and Kurdistan Regional President Massoud Barzani at the opening ceremonies of the pipeline. Mainstream Hurriyet reports that speaking at the ceremony yesterday, Iraqi President Talabani said the deal was "important in demonstrating the unity of Iraq." KRG President Massoud Barzani, on his part, said "this was a historic step for the region and the world." KRG Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani said at the ceremony marking the occasion in Erbil "Economic cooperation within Iraq and across its borders will lay the foundation for a brighter collective future." Hurriyet notes that within a year the pipeline is planned to carry up to one hundred thousand barrels of northern Iraqi oil per day for an expected turnover of about two billion dollars per year. Editorial Commentary on northern Iraqi Oil to Turkey Fehmi Koru writes from Erbil in northern Iraq for Islamist-oriented Yeni Safak (6/2): "Until recently, Turkey's cooperation with the administration in northern Iraq seemed extremely difficult. When the Kurds in northern Iraq shifted their view of the PKK and began underlining Turkey's rightfulness, Ankara, all of a sudden, found out that the segment it can best get along with in Iraq was the Kurds. The KRG and Turkey are increasingly drawing closer to each other. The Kurds are in an effort to establish closer ties with Turkey than they have with Baghdad. Yesterday, the oil coming from the two oil zones in northern Iraq was flown to Yumurtalik port on Turkey's Mediterranean coast, and it was done at the cost of worrying Baghdad." Cengiz Candar writes in liberal Radikal (6/2): "The Iraqi Kurdish administration has enacted its own oil law in 2007, but the Iraqi Oil Law is yet to be passed -- a shortcoming which causes big problems. Despite everything, for the first time the Iraqi oil began flowing to abroad, and through Turkey. We must not be surprised if we soon see Turkey as an intermediator on energy between Erbil and Baghdad. Turkey, Iraqi Kurdistan and the Iraqi central government have a common future shaped not only by common interests but also by a partnership of interests." At ATC, General Basbug Expresses Turkey's Determination to Eradicate the PKK Anatolian Agency and CNN Turk report that addressing a conference arranged by the American Turkish Council on Turkey-US relations, Chief of General Staff General Ilker Basbug said, "Northern Iraq is no more a nest for the terrorist organization PKK as of December ¶2007. It is not possible to eliminate the terrorist organization totally unless PKK presence in northern Iraq is rooted out from there. The presence of the PKK in northern Iraq posed a threat not only for Turkey but also for Iraq and at the same time this presence has some negative impacts on Turkish-US relations." General Basbug expressed pleasure and appreciation over cooperation and coordination with the US in dealing with the PKK and for the intelligence support. Editorial Commentary on the Kurdish Question-the PKK Hasan Cemal writes in mainstream Milliyet (6/2): "If the PKK is honest in its decision to extend its ceasefire until July 15, it should withdraw to areas where it will not contract Turkish troops. If Ankara prefers a new process for a solution without weapons, it should show the necessary political will toward that end. The expectations for a settlement regarding the Kurdish question are on the rise around the country; it would be a pity if this opportunity is missed." ANKARA 00000776 002 OF 003 Rusen Cakir writes in mainstream Vatan (6/2): "It'd be wrong to think that the PKK declarations of ceasefire actually indicate a weakness in the organization. In spite of a considerable decrease in the support it receives from outside and the intense intelligence sharing between the US and Turkey, the PKK maintains its operational capabilities, as seen in the Daglica and Aktutun attacks. On the Kurdish question, the AKP government acts hesitantly. Opposition CHP leader Baykal, in an unexpected move, says amnesty could be possible if weapons are laid down. Following the local elections, the DTP no has a larger room to maneuver, and its leader Ahmet Turk participates in open debates. If President Gul can convince the government to take concrete forward steps, if the CHP does not step back from its current standpoint, and if the DTP can act a bit 'autonomously,' we can see progress in the disarming of the PKK and make peace. The PKK's recent extension of the ceasefire was good, now it's the President's and the PM's turn." The AKP Government to Announce Stimulus Package to Boost Investments Mainstream Vatan reports that PM Erdogan is expected to make public a stimulus package to boost investments to decrease unemployment and revive stumbling markets. The package includes government aid for investors to start up new business with tax reductions and exemption from customs duties. Cities in Turkey's eastern and southeastern regions will be high on the list to receive government support. The AKP is Determined to Pass Draft for De-Mining Mainstream Sabah and liberal-intellectual Radikal report that opposition parties voiced fierce reactions to a clause in AKP's draft which would allow the chosen mine clearing company to rent the territory to turn it into agricultural land for up to 44 years. However, the AKP government is determined to solve the problem by giving the General Staff a more active role in the mine clearing operations. NATO's Maintenance and Supply Agency (NAMSA) might be considered as a primary choice in the new draft prepared by the AKP. "A Star Falls in the Atlantic." (Milliyet) The top front-page story today notes a Turkish passenger, Ceren Necipoglu, was also among the passengers on board the Air France plane that was lost over the Atlantic Ocean yesterday. Mainstream Haberturk carries the banner headline, "The Only Turk on Board," and reports, "Ceren Necipoglu, an academic at Anadolu University and a musician, was on her way back home to Turkey after performing in two concerts in Rio." Mainstream Milliyet reports Anadolu University's Chairman of Art said, "It was so important for Necipoglu to attend that music festival." Leftist-nationalist Cumhuriyet notes, "she had a ticket for a later flight but she took the early one in order to reach four of her students' final exams." An American Auto Giant Declares Bankruptcy. Flashy headlines comment on GM's transformation from an American auto giant to a troubled company in need of bankruptcy protection and government intervention. Mainstream Sabah headlines, "American Dreams End as GM Declares Bankruptcy and Chrysler Goes to Fiat." Mainstream Milliyet headlines, "From Now On, GM Is The Property of the U.S. Treasury," as "A Hundred-Year-Old Industry Giant is Bankrupt." Leftist-nationalist Cumhuriyet reports, "America's Giant, GM, Crumbles." Islamist-oriented Yeni Safak headlines on its front page, "General Decline," and reports, "GM, a symbol of the American automotive industry, raises the bankruptcy flag." Mainstream Haberturk reports "The 101-Year-Old GM Becomes a State-Owned Economic Enterprise." Liberal Radikal reports, "GM Applies for Bankruptcy Protection, Will Save Itself from Ruin by Down-Sizing." Health Minister on Swine Flu Mainstream Vatan reports that Health Minister Recep Akdag says that two of the four swine flu patients in Turkey went to the hospital in the US before travelling to Turkey and they were given "light flu ANKARA 00000776 003 OF 003 drugs and been sent away." Minister Akdag noted that "the medical officials in the US do not test every flu patient for H1N1. However, they can at least prevent these patients from leaving the country." The Minister added that he would ask the World Health Organization to warn the US and other countries to tighten the measures to avoid the spread of the swine flu." Editorial Commentary on North Korea Sami Kohen observes in mainstream Milliyet (6/2): "The US and Japan are expected to ask the UN Security Council to apply heavy sanctions on North Korea. One option that is under consideration is restarting the negotiations process which was cut after long talks in the wake of North Korea's first nuclear test in 2006. North Korea, however, seems to continue to challenge the UN. Turkey's stance in the North Korean crisis is important not only because Turkey holds the temporary presidency of the UN Security Council, but it will also determine Ankara's attitude toward Iran's nuclear program. Turkey cannot afford any inconsistency in this matter." TV News (CNN Turk) Domestic - Five soldiers were injured in mine explosions in Hakkari and Sirnak. - The Turkish Air Force celebrates its 98th anniversary. - In May exports declined by 39.97 percent to $7.3 billion, while annual exports drop to $108 billion. World - Eton College in Britain has confirmed 32 suspected cases of swine flu. - Sources in northern Iraq say Turkey is going to open a consulate in Erbil in October or November. - Armed Taliban militants have abducted at least 400 people from a school in Northwest Pakistan. - Azeri President Aliyev and his Armenian counterpart Sargsian are expected to meet in St. Petersburg on June 4. SILLIMAN