Cablegate: Ankara Media Reaction Report

This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 05 ANKARA 003473

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
SUBJECT: ANKARA MEDIA REACTION REPORT
FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 2005

THIS REPORT PRESENTS THE TURKISH PRESS SUMMARY UNDER THREE
THEMES:

HEADLINES
BRIEFING
EDITORIAL OPINION
--------------------------------------------- -----
HEADLINES

MASS APPEAL
Edelman: Turkish Government Successful in Economy, Reforms -
Milliyet
US Worried About `Unjust' Arrests of Turkmen in North Iraq -
Aksam
Schroeder: Turkey, Western Enlightenment Must Meet -
Hurriyet
Blair, Schroeder, Chirac Try to Overcome EU Expansion Crisis
- Sabah
Bush: Iranian Elections Not Democratic - Milliyet
Rafsanjani Is Iranian Women's Favorite - Hurriyet
Hamas Crisis Between Israel, EU - Aksam

OPINION MAKERS
Edelman Gives `Ataturk Message' Before Leaving Turkey -
Radikal
Turkey Turns a New Page With Lebanon - Radikal
Berlin Indirectly Endorses Armenian `Genocide' Claims -
Zaman
Senator Durbin Compares Gitmo Prisoner Abuse to Nazi Actions
- Cumhuriyet
Durbin: US Conduct in Gitmo No Better Than Pol Pot Regime -
Yeni Safak
5 US Troops Killed in Iraq - Cumhuriyet
Runoff Likely in Iranian Polls; Rafsanjani Close to
Presidency - Zaman
Karimov Burns Bridges, US to Take Bases Out of Uzbekistan -
Zaman
Ramsey Clark Calls for Fair Trial for Saddam - Yeni Safak

BRIEFING

Ambassador Edelman Interview With "Milliyet": The following
is a summary of an interview with Ambassador Edelman carried
today in "Milliyet."

`There has been an ongoing debate about whether Turkey's
relations with the United States constitute an alternative
to Turkey's full membership in the European Union. I
believe this is not the right way to look at it, because
Turkey's relationship with the US and full membership in the
EU are complementary.'

`The Turkish government should be praised for its hard work
during the process that led to December 17, for making the
reform process a reality, for meeting the Copenhagen
Criteria, and for putting the economy on the right track.'

`Anti-American statements have come from various circles in
Turkey. Whether it comes from the government or the
opposition, people need to be aware of their responsibility
while they are speaking. I am not objecting to criticism of
US policies. You may not agree with any of the policies of
the United States, and voicing criticism of US policies is
fine. But the criticism should have a basis in fact. If
you say the US has a bad record on Abu-Gharib, that would be
a fair criticism. There are a number of investigations
continuing on that issue. But if people start saying that
US military operations are like genocide, or if they compare
President Bush to Saddam, or they claim that the Broader
Middle East and North Africa Initiative is an effort by the
US to achieve world domination, these statements fall in the
category of anti-Americanism. I expect responsible Turkish
leaders, whether they are in the government or the
opposition, in the universities or in the press, to raise
their voices against such statements. Because I believe
that while we are trying to manage our bilateral
relationship, this kind of language will not bring any
benefit to anyone.'
`Historically, Turkey has had a great tradition of
tolerance, from which the Jewish community in this country
has benefited. My grandparents arrived in Istanbul after
fleeing Bolshevsm. My mother was born in Istanbul in 1926.
In that sense, you can say that I have personally benefited
from this tradition of Turkish tolerance. There has been an
increase in Turkey in the sales of some books with anti-
Semitic content, including "Mein Kampf." Taken together
with some anti-Semitic content in some parts of the Turkish
press, there are some reasons for concern on the question of
anti-Semitism. However, I think the issue should be put
into a proper framework. When the synagogues in Istanbul
were bombed, Prime Minister Erdogan visited the Chief Rabbi
and the Jewish community and gave the right messages. He
made a very important and strong statement there. Erdogan's
recent statements condemning anti-Semitism and
characterizing the Holocaust as one of the greatest crimes
in human history were also very positive. There is always a
need for such leadership. But it is clear that the situation
is still worrisome. This is not just my view. Some members
of the Jewish community have voiced their concerns as well.
But we know that Turkey's historical traditions are in a
different direction.'

`I fully agree with Prime Minister Erdogan that anti-
Americanism will bring no benefit to Turkey. Recently, he
has made very important statements, such as his address to
the AKP group last month and his statements in Washington
and New York. I should also mention similar positive
statements by National Security Council Secretary-General
Yigit Alpogan, and TGS Chief General Hilmi Ozkok.'

`We have entered a new period in US-Turkish relations, in
which public opinion has become more important that it had
been in the past. This relationship used to be carried out
among national security elites on both sides. But today,
public opinion has a growing importance in both countries.'

`Mr. Erdogan has shown that he has the capacity for
leadership as Prime Minister. He displayed courage and
leadership on the Cyprus issue last fall, and showed
important leadership in the process that led to receiving a
date for entry talks with the EU on December 17. President
Bush expressed appreciation for Erdogan's leadership during
their meeting last week. Now the rime Minister faces an
extremely challenging test. Considering the referenda in
Europe, the upcoming elections in Germany, and other
upcoming developments, circumstances in Europe are
increasingly difficult for Turkey's EU membership.'

US Marks Independence Day in Ankara: Prior to his departure
from Turkey later this month, US Ambassador Eric Edelman
hosted a reception marking the 229th anniversary of the
independence of the United States. Edelman told his Turkish
and American guests that rights and freedoms cannot be
guaranteed anywhere in the world unless rights of
individuals are ensured everywhere. Stressing that the
United States faced one of the worst foreign threats of its
history after September 11, 2001, Edelman said noted that
President Bush has stressed social, political, and economic
factors that allowed groups like al-Qaeda to flourish.
Edelman said that Turkey, which was created by Ataturk from
the ashes of the Ottoman Empire, was based on similar
principles, and can be a source of `inspiration.' `United
States support for democracy in Turkey will continue to be
one of the basic principles of US foreign policy,' Edelman
emphasized, stressing that the common values held by the two
countries have enriched their alliance. Foreign Minister
Abdullah Gul said that global threats of the 21st century
such as the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and
terrorism have made the strategic partnership between Turkey
and the United States more important. `We consider our
relations with the United States one of the priorities of
our foreign policy. We are determined to further
consolidate our relations,' Gul said. Gul thanked Edelman
for his contributions to bilateral ties between Turkey and
the US. Several Turkish cabinet ministers, representatives
from the military and bureaucracy, politicians, and
academics participated in the reception.

Erdogan Visits Lebanon: Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan, in
Lebanon on a state visit, urged the 11th Arab Economic Forum
held in Beirut to increase international cooperation in the
region. Erdogan said Turkey aimed to improve economic and
political ties with the Arab world, adding that the
establishment of free trade zones in a vast geography from
Morocco to Syria would contribute to regional prosperity and
stability. He said trade between Turkey and Lebanon
amounted to 280 million USD a year, a figure that could be
increased to one billion USD. Addressing Turkish and
Lebanese businessmen, Erdogan said the Turkish government
wanted to create opportunities for entrepreneurs from both
countries in business dealings with third parties. Erdogan
said that rising oil prices have brought extra funds to
Middle Eastern countries. `This extra cash can be used in
joint projects,' he said, arguing that Turkey would become
more attractive after it begins entry talks with the
European Union. At a joint news conference with Lebanese
Prime Minister Najib Mikati, Erdogan said the two countries
shared similar views with regard to Cyprus and Iraq. `I
told Mikati that the Broader Middle East and North Africa
Initiative (BMENAI) is a project to increase democracy and
freedom, as well as an effort to establish a joint plan to
fight terrorism and increase prosperity in the region,'
Erdogan said. Erdogan had earlier met with President Emile
Lahoud and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri. On Thursday,
some 1,500 Armenians living in Lebanon rallied against PM
Erdogan's visit. Erdogan is the first Turkish Prime
Minister to visit Lebanon since 1965.

Bundestag Adopts Armenian `Genocide' Resolution: The German
Parliament adopted unanimously a joint motion by all
parliamentary groups in Berlin which underlined the `almost
complete extermination' of the Armenians in Anatolia during
World War I. The term `genocide' was not used in the
motion. The resolution said that over 1 million Armenians
had been killed in deportations and mass murders, according
to calculations by independent experts. The Bundestag
resolution calls on the Federal Government to ensure that
the Turkish parliament, government, and nation reappraise
their role in the Armenian tragedy.

Turkey Condemns German Approval of Armenian `Genocide'
Allegations: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA)
condemned the German parliament for endorsing a resolution
regarding the alleged mass killings of Armenians by Ottomans
from 1915-17. `The approval of such a decision by Germany,
always considered as a friend and ally by Turkey, will play
havoc with our relations,' the MFA statement said, adding
that the use of such a sensitive issue for political
purposes has shown `irresponsibility and narrow-mindedness.'
`The decision, which recommends that the German government
include `the relocation and destruction of the Armenians' in
state education programs, is `an extremely dangerous and
provocative proposal which can cause enmity among German
young people against Turks,' the MFA statement said. The
bill, which was adopted unanimously by the German parliament
earlier on Thursday, was submitted by the opposition
CDU/CSU.

Kurds Detain Turkmen in Kirkuk: Iraqi Turkmen blame US
coalition forces for not preventing Kurds from detaining and
torturing Turkmen in Kirkuk, the Turkish media reports.
Turkmeneli Party official Ali Mehdi said that despite
several written warnings, US officials did not prevent the
detentions of Turkmens by the Kurds. `At the moment, there
are more than 250 Iraqi Turkmen in prisons in northern Iraq.
Unfortunately, the Americans are aware of this. Every month
some 15 to 20 persons are released from prisons in Erbil and
Suleymaniye. No one is being held responsible for the
arrests,' Mehdi said. Armed KDP forces are in control of
Kirkuk, Mehdi said. `he security of the Iraqi Turkmen is in
danger. The Americans are the only recourse we have,' Mehdi
said, claiming that the Turkmen faced `immoral and corrupt'
methods aimed at preventing them from becoming a political
force. Meanwhile, Turkish papers report that the US State
Department has expressed concerns over developments in
Kirkuk. Department Spokesman Sean McCormack said the US had
`serious and reliable' information regarding the `unlawful'
arrests, and urged Iraqi officials to act in line with the
rule of law and respect for the rights of minorities.
Papers claim that the Turkish Foreign Ministry (MFA) has
urged the US Embassy in Ankara to make a serious
investigation into the allegations.

EU Ambassadors Concerned About Fighting in Southeast Turkey:
Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan hosted a dinner for EU
ambassadors Tuesday evening in Ankara. EU term president
Dutch Ambassador Sjoerd Gosses conveyed to Erdogan EU
concerns about the consequences of ongoing military
operations against the PKK in southeast Turkey. `The
military option cannot be the only solution for bringing
about order. We would like you to share with us your
thoughts on this problem, which we hope will not get out of
control,' Gosses said. Erdogan did not make any comment to
the Ambassadors, according to the press, but before
departing for Lebanon on Wednesday, he denied that the issue
had ever been raised at the dinner. `The operations will
continue,' Erdogan said. Deputy Chief of General Staff,
General Ilker Basbug, said that fighting against terrorists
has been the responsibility of Turkish security forces in
southeast Turkey. `This is nothing new,' Basbug said.

Germany to Delay Arms Deals With Israel, Turkey: German
defense industry sources said the German government will not
approve major arms deals with Israel and Turkey before
elections that are expected in September, Turkish papers
report. The delivery of 103 Dingo 2 armored transport
vehicles to Israel will not be approved before the election,
and a decision on whether to sell a number of used Leopard 2
tanks to Turkey will also be delayed.

EDITORIAL OPINION: Iran

"Chance for a Change in Iran"
Sami Kohen opined in the main stream daily "Milliyet"
(6/17): "It is pointless to discuss how democratic the
elections will be in Iran. From the West's point of view,
Iran's election process doesn't meet accepted standards.
But then again, full democratic steps are not taken in every
western country either. The important thing is that despite
all of the restrictions in the system, people are given the
chance to choose among rival candidates in Iran. Compared
to the times of the Shah and Khomeini, even this is some
improvement. One other interesting thing about the
elections is that almost every candidate has characterized
himself as a reformist. Even conservative candidates felt
it necessary to talk about human rights and reforms. Could
real change be expected after these elections? It is not
difficult to guess that the reform process will speed up in
Iran if the `reformist conservative' Rafsanjani takes over
as President. But one thing is certain. Regardless of who
becomes the new president in Iran, a revolution like those
seen in Georgia and Ukraine should not be expected in Iran.
First of all, the current system is not suited to such an
outcome. There has not been the necessary civil society
movement to trigger a real regime change. There is a new
generation in Iran that is seeking a freer and more
prosperous country. Iran will feel the need for political
reforms as its economy improves and Iran becomes more
modern."

"An Election for Iran's Destiny"
Erdal Safak commented in the mass appeal "Sabah" (6/17):
"The election in Iran is very much about the future destiny
of political Islam and the problems related to it. Even
though the Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood movement has been
around for more than 50 years, historians and political
scientists agree that the Iranian revolution, led by
Ayatollah Khomeini, started the real rise of political
Islam. . This time, something interesting happened during
the Iranian election campaign: none of the presidential
candidates used the Koran as part of their campaign
rhetoric. They also seem disinclined to exploit the
Palestinian tragedy to incite a public response. The
candidates tend to focus issues of daily life -- problems of
the young, unemployment, the importance of civil society,
and the expansion of individual rights and freedoms. . It
seems that Iran might start a new day full of hope for the
future after such a long period of darkness. This can also
be a message for those who are still so obsessed by the
headscarf issue."

"The Turkey Syndrome in the EU"
Kamuran Ozbir wrote in the nationalist "Ortadogu" (6/17):
"Europe is currently facing a dilemma. The EU used to be
criticized for the slowness of its reform process. But now
it it is under criticism by EU voters for rushing into the
reforms. In fact, the problem stems form a lack of proper
debate about the enlargement issue within the European
public. EU leaders treated the enlargement issue as part of
a bureaucratic procedure, and they wanted to believe that
taking on new members would be treated by the European
public as a normal event. But this has not been the case.
Hence the current dilemma. The ever-deepening economic
crisis in Europe has led to a series of concerns and
skepticism about the future. . European leaders must
address the immediate concerns of the public, and they must
do this as quickly as they can. Otherwise, the European
ideal will remain a dream, and the EU will experience worse
problems in the future."

EDELMAN

© Scoop Media