30. November 2001

1. "Turkey-prison-strike", Turkish advocates put forward new plan to end hunger strikes in Turkish jails that has already cost 42 lives

2. "Turk army fears Kurd rebels gaining political clout", Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz said on Thursday that the powerful military feared Kurdish separatists were gaining political ground despite their losses on the battlefield.

3. "Turkey is still strongly against an attack on Baghdad", Ex-diplomat Sukru Elekdag affirms Ankara's opposition to US strikes against Iraq in the course of the anti-terror campaign

4. "What a Friendship", the relations between Turkey and the US following the Sept. 11 attacks.

5. "Is the Iraqi policy changin?", some TV channels presented National Defence Minister Sabahattin Cakmakoglu's as saying if there were new conditions, Turkish options might be reconsidered

6. "Turkey clears another step toward new IMF deal", by january a strategy for dealing with banks' non-performing loans will be ready


1. - AFP - "Turkey-prison-strike":

Turkish advocates put forward new plan to end hunger strikes

ANKARA

Turkish advocates on Thursday unveiled a plan to try to end a hunger strike in Turkish jails that has cost dozens of lives, and urged strikers and the government to consider it. Since the strike movement began in October last year 42 prisoners or their supporters have starved to death, four have died after setting themselves on fire and another four have been killed by police in an operation to regain control of a jail where they were on hunger strike. The hunger strike was initiated by mainly far-left inmates across Turkish prisons against the introduction of new jails with tighter security, called type F prisons, where cells for three people at most replaced dormitories housing dozens. The strikers say the cells leave prisoners more vulnerable to mistreatment and deepen social alienation.But the government has ruled out a return to the dormitory system, arguing that the crowded compounds had become strongholds for criminal groups, which frequently rioted and took prison officials hostage. Now the advocates are urging a plan where cells in Type F prisons are grouped into threes. During the day the cells would be unlocked giving the nine detainees the ability to mix before they are locked into their cells at night. Yucel Sayman, who heads the Istanbul bar association said the proposal would help to bring the situation to an end before there was a new death, "without any architectural, structural or security changes." He said the system would bring to an end the isolation which has been one of the main complaints of the prisoners. "Opening the locks of three doors could save dozens of lives," Sayman said. Currently 172 detainees are on hunger strike to the death in type F prisons.


2. - Reuters - "Turk army fears Kurd rebels gaining political clout":

ANKARA

Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz said on Thursday that the powerful military feared Kurdish separatists were gaining political ground despite their losses on the battlefield. Yilmaz said Turkey's generals had expressed concerns at this week's National Security Council meeting that Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) guerrillas enjoyed political support in the country's impoverished southeast. "It's not just within military circles, there are these sorts of concerns in the state's different ranks," Yilmaz told reporters in remarks broadcast live on NTV television. "A state policy on this issue has not yet been made," he added. The European Union, which Turkey aspires to join, has urged Turkey to expand civil liberties for the country's 12 million Kurds, who are not officially recognised as a minority group. Parliament last month ratified sweeping amendments to the constitution, drawn up under military rule, in a bid to meet EU standards and lifted a ban on Kurdish-language broadcasting. The PKK began a violent campaign for self-rule in Turkey's mainly Kurdish southeast in 1984, but fighting, which claimed more than 30,000 lives, has dropped off sharply since PKK commander Abdullah Ocalan was captured in 1999. Ocalan, on death row for treason, has called on his followers to withdraw from Turkey and seek cultural rights through political means. The military estimates between 400 and 500 PKK fighters remain active in the southeast's rugged mountains. Turkish media reports have recently said the military, which has staged three coups since 1960, is worried that the People's Democracy Party (HADEP), Turkey's sole legal pro-Kurdish party, dominates local politics in the southeast. HADEP won several local offices in the southeast in 1999 elections but fell short of a 10 percent threshold for seats in parliament. "We are of the opinion that whichever party offers solutions will find support in the east and southeast," HADEP leader Murat Bozlak was quoted as saying on Thursday by the state-run Anatolian news agency. Bozlak said HADEP, which faces possible closure for its alleged ties to the PKK, was not just a Kurdish party. "HADEP is not just the party of one ethnic group or one region," Bozlak said. "It is not a separatist party...It's wrong to project HADEP as a party that unsettles the army."


3. - The Daily star (Lebanon) - "Turkey is still strongly against an attack on Baghdad":

Ex-diplomat affirms Ankara's opposition

Despite speculation to the contrary, Turkey's opposition to any renewed American military assault on Iraq appears firm and unbending, the former Turkish ambassador to the US, Sukru Elekdag, told the Daily Star. Expectations that Washington might make Iraq the next target of its "war on terror" were raised again on Monday after President George W. Bush demanded that Baghdad re-admit the UN arms inspectors withdrawn ahead of the December 1998 Anglo-American aerial bombardment of Iraq. The prospect of Turkey dropping its objections to a blitz on Iraq was raised a few days earlier, when the country's ambassador in Washington, Faruk Logoglu, stated that it may re-examine its position if the US came up with solid evidence that Iraq has links with Osama bin Laden's Al-Qaeda network The statement was regarded by the Turkish press and by many Turkish commentators as a green light to the US for a strike on Iraq, despite a disclaimer by Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit. Declaring that he did not know "with what intention Mr. Logoglu made these remarks," Ecevit declared: "I wish that such a harmful intervention would not occur near our borders." The Turkish prime minister reasoned: "Now all attention should be focused on Afghanistan. The Taleban have been vanquished, but there is no government, no legal authority in Afghanistan. Consequently, instead of envisaging operations regarding the other countries, we should direct all our attention on the establishment of healthy and stable state governance in Afghanistan." According to former ambassador Elekdag, this affirms that "the Turkish government's firm opposition to any possible military campaign against Iraq is continuing." Elekdag, speaking to The Daily Star by telephone from Istanbul, said his own inquiries with Turkish policy makers, including Foreign Minister Ismail Cem, "also led me to believe that there is no change in the Turkish government's position. Ankara is firmly opposed to any possible military campaign against Iraq." He explained that Ankara shared the concerns of others that a military operation aimed at bringing down President Saddam Hussein would be de-stabilizing for Iraq's neighbors. "Other countries in the region, such as Saudi Arabia, are also opposed to a US military intervention in Iraq," he said. "The Saudi authorities refuse to believe there is any evidence of the Iraqi government providing support to bin Laden (that would justify) making Iraq a military target in the war on terror." Elekdag said that other Gulf countries "fear that a military campaign against Iraq will entail the disintegration of the country and will lead to the establishment of a Shiite state in the south, in the buffer area. They regard this as a scourge since on both sides of the Gulf there would then be a Shiite state. This development would change the balance in the Gulf area and will lead to dangerous instability and Turkey shares that view." Ankara also has "serious pre-occupations that a military intervention in Iraq would lead to the establishment of an independent Kurdish state in the (Iraqi) north," he said. But Elekdag said fears that Turkey might invade Iraq in the event of a US attack were misplaced. "Turkey does not have any ambition regarding the Mosul and Kirkuk oil areas," he said. "Top-level Turkish foreign service sources have confirmed that to me. They said such an action would create a new confrontation front which would deplete Turkey's energy and resources." Turning to developments in Afghanistan, Elekdag said the troops Turkey pledged to send would not be dispatched until such time as some of the political uncertainties surrounding the country's immediate future are resolved. And he made clear that while Ankara would be willing to join a future UN peacekeeping operation in Afghanistan, it was not keen on the idea of a multinational force drawn from pro-Western Muslim countries, as has been suggested. "We are not sending our military contingent there because perhaps there is no need for them now. If a peace corps is established under the United Nations, then a larger Turkish military unit would be sent. But for this, the situation has to be cleared up," he said. Elekdag denied that Ankara was being deterred from getting directly involved in Afghanistan by domestic opposition to the American-led war there, especially on the part of the country's two Islamist-leaning parties. He noted that the parties formed by rival factions of the former Islamist opposition Fazilet (Virtue) Party after it was banned by Turkey's constitutional court in June did not in any case see eye to eye on the matter. While the more conservative of the two, Recai Kutan's Saadet Party is "totally against" sending the Turkish military to Afghanistan, the Justice and Development Party (AK) led by former Istanbul mayor Recep Tayyip Erdogan "is not as strongly opposed," Elekdag judged. The AK's position is, in effect, that "under other circumstances it would have supported (sending military units) but as it is an opposition party it has to be in harmony with the opposition." Elekdag stressed that, even though it was too early to tell what role Turkey would play in the political restructuring of Afghanistan, its strong historic and cultural ties to the country gave it an enduring interest in its future. Turks have a "strong affinity" with Afghanistan even though the younger generation may be less conscious of it and "show great interest in what is going on."


4. - Cumhuriyet -"What a Frienship":

The relations between Turkey and the US following the Sept. 11 attacks.

ANKARA / by Cuneyt Arcayurek

The West has two faces: When they need Turkey, Turkey is 'in,' but then when it suits their purposes, Turkey becomes 'out.' Since the Sept. 11 attacks, they have been buttering Turkey up. Turkey is in the foreground with its soldiers, who are due to be sent to Afghanistan as peace forces in the course of that country's political reconstruction. However, during the international meetings meant to lay out Afghanistan's future development, the doors were slammed in Turkey's face. The US, France, Britain, Germany and Pakistan were present during the international conference organized by the UN Development Program, World Bank and the Asian Development Bank in Islamabad, but Turkey was not invited. Actually Turkish contractors could have helped in many areas such as boasting the fertility of Afghanistan's land and improving its education and health. The above-mentioned countries' ambassadors were invited to the meeting attended by 350 people, but Turkish ambassadors and contractors were excluded. Furthermore, it has often been said in recent weeks that Turkey would have a major role in the new Afghanistan. Really? Turkey wasn't included in meetings convened to draw the outline of a new Afghan state. But when we are asked to be prepared to sacrifice the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) and leave the entire island to the Greek Cypriots in exchange for EU membership, Europe comes knocking at Ankara's door. When our manner becomes harsher concerning the European Security and Defense Policy (ESDP), Belgian Prime Minister Guy Verhofstadt (who represents the current EU term president) comes knocking on Bulent Ecevit's door. I think they must have thought that they would be able to make Turkey fear the attacks of those who are accustomed to street violence like Daniel Cohn-Bendit. The National Security Council's (MGK) attempt to protect TRNC President Rauf Denktas blow to the repeated mentor "give up and you will be free." Why would the Turkish government find sufficient Verhofstadt's guarantee that 'The European army wouldn't intervene in crises around the Aegean or Cyprus issues or disputes between two NATO countries'? Consider this strange logic: an army that will use all of NATO's assets is guaranteeing that it won't threaten a NATO country (Turkey) with weapons. Bravo! The EU thinks that Turkey will be satisfied with such a guarantee, which is only a dream. The EU doesn't think that Turkey needs a place in the ESDP. The sudden change in the US, which had supported our policy on the ESDP issue before the Sept. 11 attacks, makes our eyes water in the name of friendship and alliances. The US gives is now fully supporting the EU on the European army issue. Some even say that it told Ankara, "If you resist, the European army might be established without Turkey, which is a NATO country." In addition, there have been scenarios floating around since the Gulf War, suggesting that northern Iraq would be given to Turkey. Every day another US commentator writes of removing Saddam Hussein with Turkey in the mix. If Saddam is overthrown with Turkey's support, Ankara's reward has even been determined: a piece of Iraq's oil. One cannot help but feel that the US is preparing to play the same game as in Afghanistan, but this time in Iraq through using us. The US has trounced the Taleban regime by supporting the Northern Alliance with money and materials, and is now searching for Bin Laden, whom it plans to hang - all in territory that was cleansed without losing a single US soldier. Why wouldn't the US think of leaving us to tame the enemy-ridden Iraqi deserts (note: This column was written before the confirmed combat death of a CIA operative in Afghanistan( and then coming to Baghdad with a clear path and enjoying overthrowing Saddam? The US puts its own national interest first and foremost; it would certainly do this.


5. - Milliyet - "Is the Iraqi policy changin?":

ANKARA / by Sami Kohen

It might be thought that there has been a change in Turkey's policy towards Iraq. Along these lines, yesterday some TV channels presented National Defense Minister Sabahattin Cakmakoglu's words that 'if there are new conditions, we might reconsider our options' as a sign of such a change. Previously there were people who interpreted Turkish Ambassador to Washington Faruk Logoglu's words in the same way. The seasoned diplomat said if the US puts for convincing evidence that Iraq has something to do with the Sept. 11 attacks, then Ankara might 'review its policy.' The fact that some American commentators have spread the interpretation that the US might open a second front in Iraq after Afghanistan has created the impression that Ankara might agree with such an action, in other words, that it might change its policy in this direction. As I wrote last week, the US has not yet decided whether to act against Iraq, or even how this would be carried out. No strategy has been determined, one can only read position papers from think tanks and the like. Another interesting issue now is that a different rationale is being put forward for possible action against Iraq. The previous argument spoke of punishing Iraq due to its links to the Sept. 11 attacks and terrorism in general. However, US officials have come to accept that there is not enough evidence concerning this issue. So now Washington has changed its reasoning entirely: Iraq has weapons of mass destruction and as Saddam has driven out the UN inspectors, there is no way to check or control him. Thus the Bush administration now says to Baghdad "Either you let the inspections resume, or else...' The meaning of 'or else' is unspoken but clear. Even Bush says 'they will see' and closes the subject. Actually this situation could help Turkey show its position more openly. If the US attacks Iraq due to its 'support for terrorism' and wants Turkey to second this cause, Ankara will evaluate the issue. According to Turkish officials, it would be impossible for Turkey, whose stance against terrorism is so open, to say 'No, it isn't our business.' If this is so then Ankara's support is inevitable. Otherwise, if the US acts against Iraq for its rejection of inspections of its weapons of mass destruction,' Ankara might not feel obliged to support it. In that case Ankara would evaluate the new conditions according to the situation. Turkish officials think that the US might want to solve this problem through other means. The US might involve the UN Security Council or it might use other ways to depose Saddam, or it might attack using its own military capabilities, not including Turkey's. Thus, one should not conclude after reading and listening to every statement and article that the US will open a second front against Iraq and that Turkey would participate in this.


6. - Turkish Daily News -"Turkey clears another step toward new IMF deal":

By january a strategy for dealing with banks' non-performing loans will be ready

Turkey plans to hammer out a new three-year economic program and present it to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) by the end of this year, aiming to focus further on banking reform, privatization, private sector development and public sector efficiency. Hoping to receive a $10 billion through a new three-year arrangement with the IMF, the government has pledged spending cuts in order to be able to handle a heavy debt load in 2002, a letter of intent published on the IMF website late on Wednesday said. The letter said that Turkey had fulfilled most of its commitments under the existing stand-by deal and contained details but little new information apart from what was leaked out during the latest IMF review earlier this month. A new IMF mission is due in Ankara on Monday to start negotiating the new program. The IMF executive directors Wednesday approved disbursement of a $3 billion tranche under the existing stand-by arrangement upon the completion of the tenth review, commending the authorities on their continued strong implementation of the challenging economic reform program. Turkey hopes the IMF will endorse the new program in January, economy officials have said. In the letter of intent dated Nov. 20, the government said it expects a 8.5 percent gross national product (GNP) contraction this year, and a 4 percent growth in 2002. It said it expects an end-2001 consumer prices index (CPI) inflation of 65 percent, revised up from an earlier projection of 58 percent, setting an end-2002 target of 35 percent. Analysts said the revised projections looked realistic, apart from CPI which has already hit 66.5 percent on an annual basis in October. Market expectations average around 70 percent for end-year CPI. "Apart from the end-year CPI-inflation rate, the rest of the projections appear realistic," Credit Suisse First Boston said in a daily note yesterday and predicted an end-2002 CPI of 45 percent. The government also said it expects current accounts to yield a deficit of $2 billion in 2002, compared to an earlier estimate of near balance, all these macroeconomic revisions reflecting the shock of the Sept. 11 events. The letter said that in order to ensure a smooth rollover of debt in 2002, the Treasury would utilize any excess liquidity of public banks to reduce its borrowing requirement from the private sector, suggesting that it would continue to restructure its debt with state banks. To further improve the prospects for a smooth rollover, Turkey pledged to issue eurobonds to the extent and pursue a vigorous privatization. In addition the Treasury will issue a broad range of instruments aimed at lengthening maturities of domestic debt, including fx-denominated, fx-indexed bonds and floating rate notes (FRNs). The letter showed that the authorities plan to keep the current monetary and exchange rate policy framework broadly in place and to introduce inflation targeting next year. The strategy will aim to support an end-2003 CPI target of 20 percent and end-2004 target of 12 percent. In order to improve the working of the flexible exchange rate system, the authorities will encourage the introduction of a Turkish Interbank Offer Rate, which will enhance the development of forward and futures exchange markets. In addition, taxation and accounting procedures of the futures contracts will be clarified. Meanwhile the Treasury and the Privatization Administration will take measures to prevent lumpy forex transactions of state economic enterprises (SEEs) from disrupting the foreign exchange market. Turkey said it hopes to meet a 5.5 percent public sector primary surplus (as a ratio of gross national product) target for 2001, cautioning, yet, of higher than expected expenditures due to indexation of wages and pensions consistent with the higher inflation rate. In the area of banking sector reform Turkey said it's pressing ahead with the strategy to strengthen the private banking system, centering on a capital adequacy ratio of at least 8 percent for all banks by end-2001. The banking watchdog remains committed to promptly imposing the sanctions prescribed in the Banking Law on any bank that doesn't fully comply with its agreed plan to achieve the minimum ratio, the letter said. would be developed, suggesting that the establishment of an asset management company would be an option. It also said an amended bankruptcy law would be submitted to Parliament by January, which will seek to facilitate corporate debt restructuring. The government also ruled out any doubts over the fate of the banks under receivership, reiterating a commitment to resolve all eight problem banks by end-2001 as planned, by selling them or transferring their deposits to the private sector and liquidating them. HC Istanbul chief economist Baturalp Candemir suggested that the plan would cause lay-offs of around 5,000 people in the sector in addition to the 15,000 that have already lost their jobs, unless a bridge bank employs all of the employees of closed banks, which the banking watchdog could keep for asset management purposes. Meanwhile, Turk Ticaret, whose banking license was revoked as of July 1, will enter voluntary liquidation once the legal appeal process has been completed, the letter also said. Based on a recent court ruling, the bank has resumed accepting deposits. As part of the process to privatize state banks, the authorities committed to invite bids for Vakifbank by early 2002, receive them by early May and pick a buyer by late May. Vakifbank sell-off is also a precondition for World Bank's $1.3 billion public and financial sector loan, which is set to deviate from an original disbursement schedule of December 2001. Turkey said it eyes $1.5 billion in sell-off proceeds next year, and has collected $2.8 billion so far this year. In order to attract foreign direct investment, the government plans to submit to parliament by Jan. 15 a new draft Law on Foreign Direct Investment and by end-December 2001 a draft law on work permits, complete by end-January 2002 draft legislation reducing red tape in obtaining investment incentives, and raise by end-January 2002 the minimum amount in VAT rebates that can be made without submitting examination reports and posting financial bond guarantees. The government also said it's reviewing the commercial law, the land development law, the tax law, and other legislation affecting the business environment, adding that further measures would be identified to combat corruption by the end of 2001. {Text}