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Cablegate: Ankara Media Reaction Report

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UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 ANKARA 002516

SIPDIS

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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
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2007

In Today's Papers

US House Committee Approves Armenian Genocide Resolution
All papers report that despite the warnings issued by US President
Bush and his Administration, the US House of Representatives
Committee on Foreign Affairs approved a resolution concerning the
incidents of 1915 27 votes to 21. Papers highlighted the last
minute efforts by President Bush and his Administration to prevent
passage of the resolution. President Bush appeared on CNN just 2
hours before the voting and urged the Committee to oppose the
resolution. Secretary Rice also made a statement saying that the
resolution would have a destabilizing effect on US interests in the
Middle East. Secretary of Defense Gates said that the US needs the
logistical support of Turkey in Iraq. Mainstream Hurriyet reports
that the meeting of the Committee was opened with prayers of
Armenian Patriarch Karekin II.

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President Gul termed the decision of the House Committee as
unacceptable and added that Turkish people do not respect it.

Motion for Cross-Border Operation Ready to be Sent to Parliament
All papers cite PM Erdogan's CNN Turk interview as a source to
report that the motion asking authorization from Parliament for a
cross-border operation into Iraq would be presented to Parliament
either today or following the long holiday weekend. PM said that
the duration of the authorization will be one year. "Turkey is not
aiming at the territorial integrity of Iraq, however, neither the
Iraqi administration nor the US have done anything. Turkey has run
out of patience and needs to see actions rather than words," added
PM Erdogan.

Meanwhile, papers report that operations against PKK terrorists
continue intensively in Sirnak. Tanks have been sent to the region.
F-16, F-4 and Cobra helicopters are bombing the area between Kupeli
and Gabar mountains. And demonstrations to protest terrorist
incidents have been held in Denizli, Mersin, Zonguldak, Adana,
Antalya, Sanli Urfa, Izmir and Rize.

"CBO and Question Marks"
Ergun Babahan wrote in mainstream daily Sabah (10/11): "Turkey
should be careful not to present the image that it is planning an
operation against all Kurds, rather than just the PKK. Such
perceptions will help the terrorist organization to garner more
support in the region. In fact, this may be a reason for some
deliberate efforts by the PKK to drag Turkey into Northern Iraq.
The ADP parliamentary deputies from Turkey's southeast region are
talking about the disadvantages of a cross border operation, and
their voices should definitely be taken into account."

"Don't Leave Everything to the Hands of Military"
Hasan Cemal wrote in the mainstream daily Milliyet (10/11): "This
issue is too complex to wait for a miracle solution or an overnight
solution. This is not a solely PKK or terrorism issue. The roots
of the problem go way back - much earlier and deeper - and we can
simply call it the Kurdish problem. The problem is gaining more
international prominence with the help of the Iraqi Kurdish entity.
We should be thinking about minimal goals to work towards, including
a comprehensive reform process, and take steps towards civilian
initiatives to marginalize violence and terror. Civilian
initiatives must be the key for solution. We should not leave
everything in the hands of military."

"Terror Is a Game By Itself"
Fehmi Koru wrote in the Islamist-leaning daily Yeni Safak (10/11):
"The mounting PKK terror is leading us to address the situation in
Northern Iraq in a way which advocates anger and calls for cross
border operations. Especially in times such as this, it is better
to think twice and in an unemotional manner. Looking at the issue
from a distance, it is clear that the PKK is trying to drag us into
Northern Iraq and once we go ahead with the cross border operation,

ANKARA 00002516 002 OF 002


the terrorists will be even happier. We better realize the game
being played and think outside the box before we are hit by another
terror wave."

TV Highlights
NTV

Domestic News

- One policeman was killed and four others were injured in explosion
caused by hand-grenade thrown into a tailor shop in Diyarbakir

- The wedding of President Abdullah Gul's daughter is scheduled for
Sunday in Istanbul

- Government has completed preparations for Social Security reforms
which will be enforced by the end of the year

- PM Erdogan demands a lower increase on electricity prices.
Ministers have demanded 26 percent increase


International News

- The US Military released about 1400 Iraqi detainees to mark the
Muslim fasting month of Ramadan

- The Kurdish Administration in Northern Iraq has been alarmed by
Turkish preparations for a cross-border operation against the PKK in
Iraq

- The EU Commission and Russia urged restraint from Turkey in
dealing with PKK terrorists

WILSON

© Scoop Media

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