Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09ANKARA815
2009-06-10 12:42:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Ankara
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UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 03 ANKARA 000815
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
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10, 2009
In Today's Papers
The EU Renews Calls for Turkey to Carry Out Reforms
Zaman, Hurriyet, Radikal, Milliyet, Yeni Safak: The European
Commission's Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn spoke to a group of
Turkish journalists in Brussels regarding the EU's expectations for
Turkey in 2009. Liberal-intellectual Radikal reports that Olli
Rehn said that Turkey "should not concentrate only on the Cyprus
issue" and that "democratic reforms were an important part of the EU
process." Islamist-oriented Zaman reports that Olli Rehn clearly
stated that the EU "expects Ankara to carry out constitutional
reforms concerning party closures by the end of 2009." Zaman quotes
Rehn as saying "We want some concrete steps to be taken in the field
of fundamental freedoms. We expect such steps to pave the way for
the strengthening of the freedom of press, freedom of expression and
freedom of religion. The amendments on the Foundations Law are
significant, but are not sufficient. Having the Labor Law adopted
by the Parliament at once has importance. Additionally,
constitutional reforms concerning political party closures, in line
with the Venice Criteria should be carried out by the end of the
year." Ruling out assumptions that Turkey has had lost its
reformist spirit, Rehn noted that 10 out of 35 chapters have been
opened since 2005 and despite all the crises Turkey has experienced
since 2005 and despite the tensions between Turkey and the EU, this
is a good result.
Editorial Commentary on EU-Turkey
Mehmet Ali Birand wrote in tabloid Posta: "The European Union is
urging Turkey to take tangible steps on the reform process. The EU
Commissioner Olli Rehn especially drew attention that nothing had
changed from their point of view, no matter what France and Germany
say, by stating, 'our target is to realize Turkey's full membership
in the European Union.' That means the idea of 'privileged
partnership' as put forth by France and Germany has not yet reached
the EU Commission. The Commission does not attach any importance to
these calls. The only expectation is that Ankara will keep its
promises by re-starting the reform process, accelerating steps
toward a solution in Cyprus, finding a formula to reopen the Halki
seminary, and overcoming limitations against the freedom of thought
and the freedom of the press."
Abdulhamit Bilici wrote in Islamist oriented Zaman: "Even the
pro-Turkey figures at European Parliament express disappointment
about the slow down in the reform process. Turkey's accession to
the EU will certainly be not as easy as the process was for Croatia
or Slovenia. Turkey should be able to accept this as a fact and
move forward on the reform process, which is important both
domestically and internationally."
Erdal Safak wrote in mainstream Sabah: "There is a clear and strong
message from the EU that Turkey has to focus on reforms rather than
harping on disappointment with the EP's more conservative
composition. The EU is still hopeful about good prospects
regardless of these. EU officials and Turkish officials in Brussels
agree that tangible steps before the end of 2009, such as reopening
the Halki Seminary, will be very helpful to ease potential problems
such as permission to allow Greek Cypriot ships to use Turkish
ports."
Ali Bayramoglu wrote in Islamist oriented Yeni Safak: "The best
answer to the growing anti-Turkey platform in the newly composed
European Parliament is for Turkey to accomplish tangible reforms.
After all, these reforms are for the good of the Turkish people and
for uplifting the standards of Turkish democracy."
Karabakh Summit to be Held in Moscow Without Turkey
Islamist oriented Yeni Safak reports that members of Minsk Group are
planning to hold a "mini summit" on the Karabakh issue in Moscow
next month.
ANKARA 00000815 002 OF 003
President Obama will go to Moscow on July 6 and French President
Sarkozy will also be in the region at that time so Obama, Sarkozy
and Russian President Medvedev will hold talks with Armenian
President Sargsian and Azerbaijani President Aliyev in Moscow. The
leaders are expected to focus on problems in Nagorno Karabakh,
energy issues and developments in the Caucasus. The paper notes
that Turkey is not invited to the summit. Normally, says Yeni Safak,
the members of the Minsk Group include the U.S., Russia, Turkey,
France, Germany, Belarus, Italy, Portugal, Holland, Sweden, Finland,
Armenia, and Azerbaijan. However, the paper says that this meeting
will only include the U.S., France, Russia, Armenia, and
Azerbaijan.
Foreign Minister Davutoglu Urges The International Community to
Boost Support for Pakistan
Sabah, Radikal, Zaman: Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu on Tuesday
urged the international community to support troubled Pakistan.
Davutoglu presented Pakistani Prime Minister Gilani with a $10
million check for humanitarian aid. Following his meeting with the
Prime Minister, Davutoglu held contacts with the Land Forces
Commander General Kayani and with the Parliament Speaker Fehmida
Mirza. Davutoglu noted that the Turkish Embassy in Islamabad would
shortly become the NATO contact point in Pakistan, operating as a
channel for disseminating information and facilitating NATO programs
while stressing the importance of improving bilateral relations
within the framework of an action plan.
European Court Fines Turkey for Failing to Protect Woman from
Domestic Violence
All papers report that The European Court of Human Rights delivered
a historic decision by fining Turkey 36,500 Euros for discriminatory
judicial passivity in a domestic violence case, which the court
ruled "created a climate in Turkey that was conducive to domestic
violence." Mainstream Hurriyet says this is the first time a state
is convicted for failing to prevent domestic violence. In 2002
Nahide Opuz applied to the European Court to file a complaint
against Turkish authorities who failed to protect her from her
abusive husband. This husband was released from prison even though
he was serving a lifetime prison sentence for murdering Opuz's
mother in 2002. The ECHR ruled that the Turkish state had violated
three articles prohibiting torture and discrimination, and ensuring
the right to life of the victim.
Guantanamo Prisoner Transferred to U.S. for Trial
Media are united in their interpretation that the success of the
prosecution of Ahmed Ghailani in a New York civil court is a key
test for President Obama's plans to close Guantanamo.
Islamist-oriented Zaman reports "This transfer is an important test
for Obama's plan to close Guantanamo and try some of the suspects in
the U.S." Mainstream Sabah headlines, "A Revolution in Gitmo: The
First Civil Prosecution Proceeds," and the paper reports, "Geylani
faces 238 separate charges related to the 1998 bombings of the U.S.
embassies in Kenya and Tanzania," which "killed 12 Americans and 224
Kenyans and Tanzanians," and Geylani has "remained in U.S. custody
since he was apprehended in Pakistan in 2004." Mainstream Haberturk
reports "the first detainee (from Guantanamo) is brought to the
U.S." which constitutes, "an important development in Obama's plan
to close Guantanamo."
George Mitchell Embarks on Tour for Mideast Peace
Media highlight President Obama's phone conversation with Israeli PM
Netanyahu ahead of George Mitchell's visit to the region and
Netanyahu's expected speech next week. Leftist Taraf headlines,
"The U.S. is Determined on Middle East Peace," and the paper notes
"prior to Israeli PM Netanyahu's speech on a new approach to peace
and security in the region, Obama talked on the phone with him," and
"in a separate development, Special Envoy George Mitchell is
travelling to Israel to discuss Jewish settlements and peace talks
with Palestinians," and the paper notes some predict, "The U.S.
could solve the crisis within two years." Liberal Radikal reports,
ANKARA 00000815 003 OF 003
"Special Envoy George Mitchell began a tour of the Middle East
yesterday with a visit to Israel, where he will begin to present
Obama's plan for peace between Israel and Palestine." In "A
Two-State Solution Plan from The U.S.," leftist-nationalist
Cumhuriyet reports "Mitchell has begun his tour of the Middle East
in order to recharge peace talks between Israel and Palestine."
Mainstream Sabah highlights that "despite the differing views
between the U.S. and Israel regarding peace talks with Palestinians
and settlements in the West Bank," Mitchell praised Israel as "Our
close ally."
Elections in Iran - "It's Not An Election, It's a Revolution."
(Hurriyet)
Media note the campaigns are heating up ahead of Friday's
presidential elections in Iran. In "A Human Chain in Tehran for
Musavi," liberal Radikal reports, "The campaigns are getting fierce
ahead of Friday's elections," as "a giant crowd of Ahmadinejad
supporters gathered in a stadium for a campaign rally, so supporters
of Musevi used Facebook and SMS to organize a long human chain along
Baghdad street." Mainstream HaberTurk reports in "Election Crowds
in Tehran," that "Supporters of both Ahmadinejad and Musavi filled
the streets of Tehran to the point that Ahmadinejad was unable to
reach a rally with 50,000 participants." Mainstream Milliyet
reports, "The Differences in The Meetings Are Obvious," as "women at
Ahmadinejad's meetings are covered from head to toe," and "Musavi's
meetings take place in a party-like atmosphere, where youth dance
and women are free to dress chicly."
TV News (CNN Turk)
Domestic
Diyarbakir Governor sets up a call center offering service in
Kurdish and Zaza language.
Bitlis Education Directorate initiates investigation against labor
union activist Kemal Gultekin who referred to the "AK party" as
"AKP."
The Ankara prosecutor has asked the Justice Ministry to annul a
ruling of Sincan criminal court giving the green light to the trial
of President Gul in connection with missing funds of the now closed
Welfare Party.
Iraqi President Talabani invited CHP leader Deniz Baykal to
Baghdad.
RTUK Chairman Akman announced he would not resign over allegations
of his connections to the German-based corruption scandal related to
the Deniz Feneri organization. Akman will complete his term as RTUK
Chairman on July 14th.
World
Search crews have recovered 28 bodies of passengers on the Air
France Flight that crashed in the Atlantic Ocean eight days ago
An Indian military plane with 12 personnel on board is reported
missing along India's borders with China.
The FBI plans to continue using informants to monitor mosques in the
U.S.
The US Army says it holds around 11,000 prisoners in Iraq.
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
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10, 2009
In Today's Papers
The EU Renews Calls for Turkey to Carry Out Reforms
Zaman, Hurriyet, Radikal, Milliyet, Yeni Safak: The European
Commission's Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn spoke to a group of
Turkish journalists in Brussels regarding the EU's expectations for
Turkey in 2009. Liberal-intellectual Radikal reports that Olli
Rehn said that Turkey "should not concentrate only on the Cyprus
issue" and that "democratic reforms were an important part of the EU
process." Islamist-oriented Zaman reports that Olli Rehn clearly
stated that the EU "expects Ankara to carry out constitutional
reforms concerning party closures by the end of 2009." Zaman quotes
Rehn as saying "We want some concrete steps to be taken in the field
of fundamental freedoms. We expect such steps to pave the way for
the strengthening of the freedom of press, freedom of expression and
freedom of religion. The amendments on the Foundations Law are
significant, but are not sufficient. Having the Labor Law adopted
by the Parliament at once has importance. Additionally,
constitutional reforms concerning political party closures, in line
with the Venice Criteria should be carried out by the end of the
year." Ruling out assumptions that Turkey has had lost its
reformist spirit, Rehn noted that 10 out of 35 chapters have been
opened since 2005 and despite all the crises Turkey has experienced
since 2005 and despite the tensions between Turkey and the EU, this
is a good result.
Editorial Commentary on EU-Turkey
Mehmet Ali Birand wrote in tabloid Posta: "The European Union is
urging Turkey to take tangible steps on the reform process. The EU
Commissioner Olli Rehn especially drew attention that nothing had
changed from their point of view, no matter what France and Germany
say, by stating, 'our target is to realize Turkey's full membership
in the European Union.' That means the idea of 'privileged
partnership' as put forth by France and Germany has not yet reached
the EU Commission. The Commission does not attach any importance to
these calls. The only expectation is that Ankara will keep its
promises by re-starting the reform process, accelerating steps
toward a solution in Cyprus, finding a formula to reopen the Halki
seminary, and overcoming limitations against the freedom of thought
and the freedom of the press."
Abdulhamit Bilici wrote in Islamist oriented Zaman: "Even the
pro-Turkey figures at European Parliament express disappointment
about the slow down in the reform process. Turkey's accession to
the EU will certainly be not as easy as the process was for Croatia
or Slovenia. Turkey should be able to accept this as a fact and
move forward on the reform process, which is important both
domestically and internationally."
Erdal Safak wrote in mainstream Sabah: "There is a clear and strong
message from the EU that Turkey has to focus on reforms rather than
harping on disappointment with the EP's more conservative
composition. The EU is still hopeful about good prospects
regardless of these. EU officials and Turkish officials in Brussels
agree that tangible steps before the end of 2009, such as reopening
the Halki Seminary, will be very helpful to ease potential problems
such as permission to allow Greek Cypriot ships to use Turkish
ports."
Ali Bayramoglu wrote in Islamist oriented Yeni Safak: "The best
answer to the growing anti-Turkey platform in the newly composed
European Parliament is for Turkey to accomplish tangible reforms.
After all, these reforms are for the good of the Turkish people and
for uplifting the standards of Turkish democracy."
Karabakh Summit to be Held in Moscow Without Turkey
Islamist oriented Yeni Safak reports that members of Minsk Group are
planning to hold a "mini summit" on the Karabakh issue in Moscow
next month.
ANKARA 00000815 002 OF 003
President Obama will go to Moscow on July 6 and French President
Sarkozy will also be in the region at that time so Obama, Sarkozy
and Russian President Medvedev will hold talks with Armenian
President Sargsian and Azerbaijani President Aliyev in Moscow. The
leaders are expected to focus on problems in Nagorno Karabakh,
energy issues and developments in the Caucasus. The paper notes
that Turkey is not invited to the summit. Normally, says Yeni Safak,
the members of the Minsk Group include the U.S., Russia, Turkey,
France, Germany, Belarus, Italy, Portugal, Holland, Sweden, Finland,
Armenia, and Azerbaijan. However, the paper says that this meeting
will only include the U.S., France, Russia, Armenia, and
Azerbaijan.
Foreign Minister Davutoglu Urges The International Community to
Boost Support for Pakistan
Sabah, Radikal, Zaman: Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu on Tuesday
urged the international community to support troubled Pakistan.
Davutoglu presented Pakistani Prime Minister Gilani with a $10
million check for humanitarian aid. Following his meeting with the
Prime Minister, Davutoglu held contacts with the Land Forces
Commander General Kayani and with the Parliament Speaker Fehmida
Mirza. Davutoglu noted that the Turkish Embassy in Islamabad would
shortly become the NATO contact point in Pakistan, operating as a
channel for disseminating information and facilitating NATO programs
while stressing the importance of improving bilateral relations
within the framework of an action plan.
European Court Fines Turkey for Failing to Protect Woman from
Domestic Violence
All papers report that The European Court of Human Rights delivered
a historic decision by fining Turkey 36,500 Euros for discriminatory
judicial passivity in a domestic violence case, which the court
ruled "created a climate in Turkey that was conducive to domestic
violence." Mainstream Hurriyet says this is the first time a state
is convicted for failing to prevent domestic violence. In 2002
Nahide Opuz applied to the European Court to file a complaint
against Turkish authorities who failed to protect her from her
abusive husband. This husband was released from prison even though
he was serving a lifetime prison sentence for murdering Opuz's
mother in 2002. The ECHR ruled that the Turkish state had violated
three articles prohibiting torture and discrimination, and ensuring
the right to life of the victim.
Guantanamo Prisoner Transferred to U.S. for Trial
Media are united in their interpretation that the success of the
prosecution of Ahmed Ghailani in a New York civil court is a key
test for President Obama's plans to close Guantanamo.
Islamist-oriented Zaman reports "This transfer is an important test
for Obama's plan to close Guantanamo and try some of the suspects in
the U.S." Mainstream Sabah headlines, "A Revolution in Gitmo: The
First Civil Prosecution Proceeds," and the paper reports, "Geylani
faces 238 separate charges related to the 1998 bombings of the U.S.
embassies in Kenya and Tanzania," which "killed 12 Americans and 224
Kenyans and Tanzanians," and Geylani has "remained in U.S. custody
since he was apprehended in Pakistan in 2004." Mainstream Haberturk
reports "the first detainee (from Guantanamo) is brought to the
U.S." which constitutes, "an important development in Obama's plan
to close Guantanamo."
George Mitchell Embarks on Tour for Mideast Peace
Media highlight President Obama's phone conversation with Israeli PM
Netanyahu ahead of George Mitchell's visit to the region and
Netanyahu's expected speech next week. Leftist Taraf headlines,
"The U.S. is Determined on Middle East Peace," and the paper notes
"prior to Israeli PM Netanyahu's speech on a new approach to peace
and security in the region, Obama talked on the phone with him," and
"in a separate development, Special Envoy George Mitchell is
travelling to Israel to discuss Jewish settlements and peace talks
with Palestinians," and the paper notes some predict, "The U.S.
could solve the crisis within two years." Liberal Radikal reports,
ANKARA 00000815 003 OF 003
"Special Envoy George Mitchell began a tour of the Middle East
yesterday with a visit to Israel, where he will begin to present
Obama's plan for peace between Israel and Palestine." In "A
Two-State Solution Plan from The U.S.," leftist-nationalist
Cumhuriyet reports "Mitchell has begun his tour of the Middle East
in order to recharge peace talks between Israel and Palestine."
Mainstream Sabah highlights that "despite the differing views
between the U.S. and Israel regarding peace talks with Palestinians
and settlements in the West Bank," Mitchell praised Israel as "Our
close ally."
Elections in Iran - "It's Not An Election, It's a Revolution."
(Hurriyet)
Media note the campaigns are heating up ahead of Friday's
presidential elections in Iran. In "A Human Chain in Tehran for
Musavi," liberal Radikal reports, "The campaigns are getting fierce
ahead of Friday's elections," as "a giant crowd of Ahmadinejad
supporters gathered in a stadium for a campaign rally, so supporters
of Musevi used Facebook and SMS to organize a long human chain along
Baghdad street." Mainstream HaberTurk reports in "Election Crowds
in Tehran," that "Supporters of both Ahmadinejad and Musavi filled
the streets of Tehran to the point that Ahmadinejad was unable to
reach a rally with 50,000 participants." Mainstream Milliyet
reports, "The Differences in The Meetings Are Obvious," as "women at
Ahmadinejad's meetings are covered from head to toe," and "Musavi's
meetings take place in a party-like atmosphere, where youth dance
and women are free to dress chicly."
TV News (CNN Turk)
Domestic
Diyarbakir Governor sets up a call center offering service in
Kurdish and Zaza language.
Bitlis Education Directorate initiates investigation against labor
union activist Kemal Gultekin who referred to the "AK party" as
"AKP."
The Ankara prosecutor has asked the Justice Ministry to annul a
ruling of Sincan criminal court giving the green light to the trial
of President Gul in connection with missing funds of the now closed
Welfare Party.
Iraqi President Talabani invited CHP leader Deniz Baykal to
Baghdad.
RTUK Chairman Akman announced he would not resign over allegations
of his connections to the German-based corruption scandal related to
the Deniz Feneri organization. Akman will complete his term as RTUK
Chairman on July 14th.
World
Search crews have recovered 28 bodies of passengers on the Air
France Flight that crashed in the Atlantic Ocean eight days ago
An Indian military plane with 12 personnel on board is reported
missing along India's borders with China.
The FBI plans to continue using informants to monitor mosques in the
U.S.
The US Army says it holds around 11,000 prisoners in Iraq.
JEFFREY