Toptan Speaker of Parliament, Gul heads for presidency

The Parliament elected Koksal Toptan of the AK Party in the first round of balloting with an unprecedented 450 votes. Meanwhile, Abdullah Gul strongly backed by the AK party and Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan is marching ahead to become the new president of Turkey.


August 9, Thursday


Turkey lodges complaint against Austria for releasing Riza Altun

Turkey has lodged complaint at the United Nations against Austria which released Riza Altun, one of the leaders of PKK terrorist organization, and sent him to Iraq. Diplomatic sources said that Turkey sent a letter to UN's counter-terrorism unit and lodged complaint against Austria regarding Austria's stance towards terrorist Altun. Riza Altun, who is one of the leaders of terrorist organization PKK in Europe, was detained on July 4 while entering Austria but later released on July 13 by decision of a court. Altun was allowed to go to Erbil city in northern Iraq from Vienna.


Koksal Toptan elected Parliament Speaker


Justice and Development (AK) Party deputy from Zonguldak Koksal Toptan was elected Speaker of Parliament winning a record of 450 votes in the 549-seat Parliament. Toptan received the votes of the opposition parties.

Before the voting started Toptan visited Republican People's Party (CHP), Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), Democratic Society Party (DTP) and Democratic Left Party (DSP) and asked for their support for his nomination.

Speaking after the results were announced, Toptan said "I am a deputy of Justice & Development (AK) Party, but now I am the speaker of parliament; and I embrace all parties and parliamentarians."

He said that it is time to work to set targets and achieve them. "It should not be forgotten that running for big ideals, achieving big targets and fulfilling big missions only belongs to those who think big. If we listen to each other, provide a consensus, love each other and sincerely believe that we can achieve big missions, then there will be no obstacles," he said.


Turkish Cypriot Foreign Minister Avci in Syria


Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) Deputy Prime Minister & Foreign Minister Turgay Avci made a surprise visit to Syria shocking the Greek Cypriots.

It was also reported that the visit was made public on Thursday after Avci arrived in Damascus to prevent the Greek Cypriot administration from blocking the trip.


Group protests water cuts in Ankara


A group of people, gathered in front of Greater Municipality headquarters in Ankara, protested water cuts in the capital, chanting slogans against the city's metropolitan mayor Melih Gokcek.

Demonstrators from an Ankara-based NGO blamed the water shortage on Gokcek's policies. "Ankara now faces a renewed crisis because of Melih Gokcek," group's spokesman said.

Metropolitan Municipality began imposing two-days on, two-days off of water cuts early August but residents of the capital have been out of water since Monday due a rupture of one of the main pipelines carrying water to the city from nearby reserves.


BDDK blocks Greece bank from buying Turkish stake


Banking watchdog blocked Greek Alpha Bank's purchase of a 47 percent stake of Turkey's Alternatif Bank (Abank) from the Anadolu group on the grounds that the Greek bank did not meet legal requirements.

"Our agency has not authorized the transfer of shares in light of the fact that Alpha Bank does not meet all of the requirements listed in Article 8 of the banking law," the Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency (BDDK) said in a statement received Thursday.

The said article lists the qualifications that the founders of a bank must have but the BDDK did not specify which of the conditions Alpha Bank failed to meet.

In November 2006, Alpha Bank said it would form a 50:50 holding company to hold both its 47 pct stake and Anadolu's 47 pct stake in Abank. Alpha and Anadolu would have had an equal presence on the company's board of directors. Had the deal gone ahead, Alpha Bank would have become the third Greek institution to acquire a stake in the Turkish banking sector.

The holding company also planned to own 95 pct of Alease, an 100 pct indirect stake in brokerage firm Alternatif Yatirim, and a 45 pct stake in listed closed-end investment fund Alternatif Yatirim Ortkaligi.

Alpha Bank was also planning to launch a public offer with Anadolu to buy the remaining stakes in Abank and Alease.

Last year, the National Bank of Greece acquired 46 percent of Finansbank and EFG Eurobank bought a 70-percent stake in Tekfenbank.


August 10, Friday


Percussion bomb goes of at Ankara Court House


A percussion bomb went off on the fourth floor of Ankara's Court House. The explosion caused damage in the building by shattering windows. There were no immediate reports of casualties in the explosion.


THY staff agrees to go on strike


Turkish Airlines (THY) staff agreed with the Turkish Civil Aviation Union (Hava-Is) which decided to go on strike.

THY staff began voting on Monday at Ankara's Esenboga Airport to decide whether or not to go on strike. 12,670 personnel of THY had the right to cast their votes.

As most of votes are in favor of Hava-Is's strike decision, Hava-Is will be able to go on strike on the condition that they inform the employer six work days before the strike.


Yetenc resigns from CHP


Erdogan Yetenc, Republican People's Party (CHP) deputy from the western city of Manisa, resigned from his party. With Yetenc's resignation CHP's seats in the parliament fall to 98 as previously DSP deputies who ran under CHP ticket in the general elections resigned from CHP.

TAV signs contract to manage Batumi Airport

TAV Airports Corp. signed a contract to manage Batumi International Airport for a period of 20 years.

A statement issued to the Istanbul Stock Exchange by TAV reminded that Georgian Council of Ministers had adopted a decree to hand over management rights of the airport to TAV's Batumi Operations LLC, on May 23rd, and announced that TAV signed a contract yesterday with the Georgian Ministry of Economic Development.

The management of the airport includes all services except air traffic control and security. The services at the airport will cost $12 for international passengers, $7 for domestic passengers and $4 for passengers traveling to destinations within Turkey, it was reported.


August 11, Saturday


Train derails in eastern Turkey, no casualties


A train derailed in the southeastern Turkish province of Mus but there were no casualties. Eight carriages overturned in the accident, blamed on rails expanded by the heat, officials told the agency. There were 20 passengers in three of the carriages. The remaining five stock freight wagons.


August 12, Sunday


Twelve soldiers were wounded in a landmine explosion


Twelve soldiers were wounded in a landmine explosion in southeast Turkey blamed on separatist Kurdish terrorists, military officials said. The blast occurred on a rural road in Siirt province when militants from the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) detonated a remote-control landmine while two vehicles carrying soldiers were passing, the sources said.


Greek Cypriots threaten Turkey with EU card


The Greek Cypriots have said that tension-raising Turkish threats over oil exploration could mean obstacles being placed on Ankara's path towards European Union membership. Foreign Minister Erato Kozakou-Marcoullis told reporters that Turkey could not persist in trying to derail Greek Cypriot efforts for oil search by demanding in a threatening manner that the internationally recognised government stop the venture.
She said Ankara's behavior was being monitored by Brussels and its attitude towards the country's oil exploration could not go unchecked, otherwise "certainly there will be repercussions. "There is already one serious consequence relating to the energy chapter" of EU accession negotiations, Kozakou-Marcoullis added, saying that because of Turkish behaviour "it would be inconceivable to open" the chapter.

She was responding to Turkey reiterating that it would secure its "legal rights and interests" if the Greek Cypriots go ahead with oil and gas exploration off the eastern Mediterranean island's south coast.


Avci: Syria is a friendly country


"I had very fruitful talks as regards to the openings my country plans to make," Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Turgay Avci said. Avci released a written statement following his 2-day visit to Syria.

Avci met high ranking Syrian executives during his visit to Syria within the scope of the tours to OIC member countries aiming to ensure TRNC's opening to foreign countries. Stating that Syria and Turkey were the key points of economic development in East Mediterranean basin, peace and stability, Avci said TRNC was resolved to boost ties with Syria. Avci said Syria was one of the most important countries of the East Mediterranean, and defined Syria "friendly country."


August 13, Monday


2 PKK terrorists arrested in Hakkari


Turkish security forces arrested two PKK terrorists in south-eastern province of Hakkari. One of the terrorists was slightly wounded.

Security forces arrested the two terrorists in an operation conducted in the region. One Kalashnikov rifle, 15 bullets and one charger were found on the terrorists.

Meanwhile, Turkish police in eastern province of Van detonated two A-4 explosives planted on different locations on the Van-Ercis road on Monday. Each A-4 explosive was 2 kg.


Ferry collides with ship off coast of Turkey, 40 injured


A Turkish ferry rammed head-on into a Ukranian-flagged freighter ship anchored off the northwest coast on Monday, slightly injuring 40 ferry passengers, officials said.

The ferry, although damaged, returned to dock in Istanbul shortly after the accident. Ambulances and helicopters took the the injured to nearby hospitals, the Maritime Affairs office said in a statement.

The accident occurred near the entrance to Istanbul's busy Bosporus, a narrow waterway which bisects the city and is part of the only sea link between the Black and the Mediterranean Seas.

Ship accidents are not uncommon in and around the Bosporus, which is frequently used by freighters loaded with flammable gas and domestic ferry boats carrying passengers between the two sides of Istanbul.


Zebari: Both Talabani and Barzani support Maliki's accord with Ankara


Iraq's Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari said Iraqi President Jalal Talabani and Kurdistan Region of Iraq leader Massoud Barzani, both Kurdish leaders, fully support the memorandum of understanding signed between Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan last week in Ankara.

He told The New Anaotlian electronic edition in a telephone interview from Baghdad that the statements by unqualified Iraqi Kurdish officials that the Iraqi Kurds do not recognize the statements and memorandum of understanding signed by Maliki are unbinding and should be disregarded.

He said he met Talabani and Barzani in Baghdad and they discussed the results of the Ankara visit of Maliki and they were both satisfied.

Zebari said they did not have objections to Maliki's statement that the Iraqis are against all terrorist organizations on their soil including the PKK.


Baykal remains opposed to Gul


Main opposiiton leader Deniz Baykal said "the new president will be elected by parliamentarians but they should not think about themselves or their parties. They should take into consideration entire country and its future, not its past."

In an exclusive interview with CNN Turk TV, Republican People's Party (CHP) Chairman Baykal was asked about their strategy in case Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Gul runs for president. He said that Parliament Speaker Koksal Toptan was elected after a compromise in the parliament and that this compromise should prevail in the parliament while electing the new president.

Asked why he opposes Gul, Baykal defended that Gul had pursued a political line which did not inspire confidence "that he absorbed the basic foundation philosophy of Republic of Turkey."


Cabinet moves to mediate to avert THY strike


The government decided to step in and try to avert a strike at the Turkish Airlines by mediating between the airlines management and the trade union. A commission has been set up among the ministers to look into the case, government spokesman and Deputy Prime Minister Mehmet Ali Sahin disclosed.


Iran ratifies customs and trade cooperation agreement with Turkey, Pakistan


State Minister responsible for foreign trade Kursad Tuzmen announced that Iran's parliament has ratified the commerce agreement between Turkey, Pakistan and Iran, which was signed within the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development of International Trade.

The agreement envisages drop in the customs charges between Turkey, Pakistan and Iran. Tuzmen expects the step will lead to soaring of commerce between the tree countries.


August 14, Tuesday


It's official: Gul is candidate for president


Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul announced his candidacy for president declaring his main goal will be to strengthen the secular principles of the constitution if elected president by parliament while helping the
government to strengthen the country's European Union membership bid.

Gul made his statements at a news conference after submitting to Parliament his application to run for president, a contest he is almost certain to win by the end of the month.

Opposition parties accuse Gul of having an agenda to scrap the secular traditions of the predominantly Muslim nation.

"EU membership is all governments' goal, I will help the government in reaching this target," Gul told a news conference.

"To protect secularism is one of my main principles," Gul told the news conference at the parliament. "No one should have any concerns."


Turkish Red Crescent sends donations to Iraq


Turkish aid organization Kizilay (Red Crescent) sent 16 trucks load of aid to Iraq.
Commenting on the donation Hasan Gogus, a high level diplomat at the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs said "Turkey is no longer among the countries that receive aid or donations. Turkey has become a country that provides aid and donations."

The Turkish Red Crescent's most latest aid to Iraq consists of 200 tons of food, water, medication, medical devices and cleaning materials.


Turkey congratulates 60th anniversary of Pakistan's independence


Turkey congratulated the 60th anniversary of Pakistan's independence. Releasing a statement, Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, "there are centuries-old deep-rooted historic bonds between the peoples of Turkey and Pakistan. Turkish and Pakistani peoples have always supported each other not only through the good times, but also during difficult times."

"The support of our brothers in the sub-continent with extraordinary sacrifices during our War of Liberation still remains fresh in the memories of the Turkish people. Today, the strong solidarity and common sentiments between the two peoples continue unabated," it said.

"We are determined to develop our bilateral relations and cooperation in every field on the path opened by the great leaders of the two nations, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk and Muhammed Ali Cinnah. The two countries whose foreign policies put special emphasis on peace and stability, also act in solidarity in the international arena," it continued.


Talat sends letter to Papadopoulos on upcoming summit


Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) President Mehmet Ali Talat sent a letter to Greek Cypriot leader Tassos Papadopoulos regarding their upcoming summit, TRNC presidential sokesman Hasan Ercakica announced.

In his letter, Talat expressed his views about the possible content of their meeting, Ercakica told a weekly press conference.

Ercakica said that Talat also expressed his pleasure with Papadopoulos's thought that it is high time for them to meet.


Commercial contract signed for Ilisu dam


A commercial contract for construction of the Ilisu Dam and Hydroelectric Power Plant Project was signed between the Turkish Directorate General for Water Works (DSI) and the Ilisu consortium of Germany, Switzerland and Austria.

The dam and the power plant will be built nearly 45 kilometres from the border region with Syria over Dicle (Tigris) River, which has the second biggest hydroelectric potential behind the Firat (Euphrates) River.


August 15, Wednesday


Gul: Functioning democracy is not a risk


Presidential candidate Abdullah Gul who is favored to become the new head of state by the end of the month hit back at his critics who claimed he was a risk because of his Islamic roots saying "if some try to show the functioning of democracy and the constitution in a country as if it posed a risk, they would harm themselves."

Gul was speaking to reporters on Wednesday after visiting the Turkish Union of Chambers President Rifat Hisarciklioglu.

Stressing that the president represents the Turkish nation and the unity of the state, Gul said, "the president should be at equal distance to everyone and act in accordance with the principle of neutrality. The president should also protect and boost basic principles of the constitution. If I am elected, I will serve with this mentality."


Erdogan warns against interfering in democracy


Turkey's newly-triumphant prime minister has issued thinly veiled warnings to the military and nonreligious opposition, saying interfering in presidential elections would show a lack of respect for Turkish voters.

Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan defended Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul, as "the ideal candidate" for the presidency.

"If there is a backsliding in democracy it would have serious effects on the economy," Erdogan warned Wednesday. "The will of the people that was reflected in the ballot boxes must be respected."


US on Gul candidacy: We trust secular democracy


The U.S. Department of State said that presidential election is Turkey's internal affairs and that the United States has confidence in Turkey's secular democracy.

Asked about Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul's candidacy for president, spokesman Sean McCormack said his daily briefing that it is Turkey's internal affairs.

He said Turkish Parliament will decide who will be the next president of Turkey, noting that they have confidence in Turkey's secular democracy.


Hurriyet fires columnist Colasan


Mass circulation daily Hurriyet fired its controversial columnist Emin Colasan Tuesday night. Colasan was known for his strong articles highly critical of the government. In the past Colasan opposed the Ozal administration and had to pay heavy fines. His opposition to Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Foreign Minister Abdllah Gul and Ankara Mayor Melih Gokcek has been particularly strong. Colasan is known to be one of the leading columnists of the secularist front. News that Colasa was fired sparked angry reaction among some Hurriyet readers who called the paper to protest the move. There were also rumors that Bekir Coskun, another opposition columnist would also quit but Coskun denied these. Colasan's departure from Hurriyet seemed imminent when the paper recruited a new columnist Yilmaz Ozdil who is also a more moderate critic of the government.


Sungate Port Royal Hotel sold to Russian Mirax Group


Sungate Port Royal Hotel, one of the most luxurious hotels in Turkey, was sold to Russian real estate company Mirax Group for US$340 million.

Kazim Cengiz, an executive board member of Cengiz Construction Company which owned the hotel, and Mirax Group executive board deputy chairman Andrey Kletkso held a joint news conference in southern city of Antalya.

Cengiz said, "Russian tourism sector is of great importance for Antalya. The hotel was sold for a very high price."


Turkey and Iran discussing details of energy cooperation


Technical delegations from Turkey and Iran began meeting in Tehran in order to discuss details after the memorandum of understanding signed on energy last month, said sources on Wednesday.

The Turkish delegation is led by Deputy Undersecretary of the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources Selahattin Cimen while the Iranian delegation is led by Deputy Minister of Oil Huccetullah Ganimiferd.

The Turkish delegation includes Deputy Director General of Turkish Petroleum Pipeline Corporation (BOTAS) Saltuk Duzyol.

The two countries are expected to sign a comprehensive agreement on energy following the meetings between the technical delegations.


Unemployment rate 8.9 pct in 3 months to June vs 8.8 pct last year


Turkey's estimated unemployment rate rose to 8.9 pct in the three months to the end of June from 8.8 pct in the same period last year, official data showed.

A survey based on interviews with nearly 90,000 people showed the number of jobless to have increased by 50,000 to 2,265,000, the State Statistics Institute said.

The institute had put the unemployment rate at 9.8 pct in the three months to the end of May.

The jobless rate was estimated at 9.9 pct for the whole of 2006, down from 10.3 pct in 2005.