Turkish Digest

French Minister urges quick solution to Cyprus problem

2009-11-08T02:11:00.000-05:00

"French Minister urges quick solution to Cyprus problem
www.chinaview.cn 2009-11-08 06:03:55

NICOSIA, Nov. 7 (Xinhua) -- French Minister for European Affairs Pierre Lellouche called for an early solution to the decades-old Cyprus problem on Saturday, adding Turkey's EU aspiration will be harmed if it refuses to recognize the Republic of Cyprus."

More:French Minister urges quick solution to Cyprus problem_English_Xinhua

COMCEC ministers in Istanbul

2009-11-08T02:07:00.000-05:00

"COMCEC ministers in Istanbul
Tehran Times Economic Desk

ISTANBUL –The Turkish president made an inaugural address on Saturday at the ministerial opening meeting of the 25th Session of the Standing Committee for Economic and Commercial Cooperation (COMCEC) of the Organization of Islamic Countries (OIC)."

More:tehran times : COMCEC ministers in Istanbul

Istanbul Tourism Awards Given

2009-11-07T16:21:00.000-05:00

"Istanbul Tourism Awards Given
Published by Ozgur Tore
Saturday, 07 November 2009
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The 2nd Istanbul Tourism Awards found their owners yesterday night (6 Nov.) at Istanbul Congress Center.

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Culture and Tourism Minister Ertuğrul Günay, State Minister Hayati Yazici, Istanbul Culture and Tourism Director Ahmet Emre Bilgili attended the ceremony."

More:Focus on Travel News: Daily Travel News website and Newsletter - Istanbul Tourism Awards Given

Turkey: Iran no nuclear threat

2009-11-07T14:38:00.000-05:00

"Turkey: Iran no nuclear threat

Turkey's Foreign Minister Ahmed Davutoglu says the Islamic Republic of Iran is not a nuclear threat, urging diplomacy with Iran over its nuclear case."

More:Turkey: Iran no nuclear threat

Turkey Unsure to Look East or West for Renewable Energy Development

2009-11-07T14:35:00.000-05:00

"Turkey Unsure to Look East or West for Renewable Energy Development

Turkey seems to be becoming more interested in renewable energy these days, especially in the areas of solar, geothermal, and wind energy.

But the future of this country, which straddles the link between east and west, appears to be centered around a proposed amendment to a renewable energy law (links to PDF) , which although passed back in May, 2005, has yet to really become the norm in a land that is trying to decide whether to align itself with the west, resulting in eventual EU membership, or renew its ties with the Islamic World. Recent measures to dissociate itself with its ally Israel in recent weeks illuminate this dilemma. "

More:Green Prophet » Turkey Unsure to Look East or West for Renewable Energy Development

Turkey reinvents its geostrategic role

2009-11-07T14:32:00.000-05:00

"Turkey reinvents its geostrategic role

MJ Akbar

When Turkey’s President Abdullah Gul visits India early next year he will be representing a nation that has reinvented its geostrategic role through an independent foreign policy in barely eight years. I hope he brings along Mr Ahmet Davutoglu, who shaped the theory and then structured the practicals, first as principal adviser to Prime Minister Recip Tayyab Erdogan, and now as Foreign Minister. He must be one of the few academics fortunate enough to get a chance to make ideas work."

More:The Pioneer > Online Edition : >> Turkey reinvents its geostrategic role

Turkey – A/H1N1 flu death toll rises to 23 in Turkey – English_Xinhua | Global News Blog Headlines

2009-11-07T13:27:00.000-05:00

"Turkey – A/H1N1 flu death toll rises to 23 in Turkey – English_Xinhua

Posted on November 7th, 2009 by in Europe, Middle East, News Headlines

A/H1N1 flu death toll rises to 23 in Turkey – English_Xinhua
ANKARA, Nov. 7 (Xinhua) — Turkey reported two more influenza A/H1N1 death cases in the past 24 hours, bringing the national death toll of the novel flu to 23, Turkish Health Ministry said Saturday. The ministry said in a statement that the latest"

More:Turkey – A/H1N1 flu death toll rises to 23 in Turkey – English_Xinhua | Global News Blog Headlines

Turkish president urges Islamic countries to enhance economic co-op

2009-11-07T06:35:00.000-05:00

"Turkish president urges Islamic countries to enhance economic co-op
www.chinaview.cn 2009-11-07 18:50:09

ISTANBUL, Nov. 7 (Xinhua) -- Turkish President Abdullah Gul called on here in a meeting on Saturday Islamic countries to enhance economic and commercial relations while strengthening political solidarity."

More:Turkish president urges Islamic countries to enhance economic co-op_English_Xinhua

Intervew with Dr. Sedat Laciner on the Changing Dynamics of Turkey's Foreign Policy

2009-11-07T05:46:00.000-05:00

"Intervew with Dr. Sedat Laciner on the Changing Dynamics of Turkey's Foreign Policy

European Union With Turkey

Saturday, 7 November 2009

Dr. Sedat Laciner, Head of the International Strategic Research Organization (ISRO/USAK), offers insight into claims within the international community that a shift in Turkish foreign policy has occurred. It is argued that Turkey is diverging from a secularist, modern, western country to an Islamic state and Laciner addresses the argument in the following interview."

More:Intervew with Dr. Sedat Laciner on the Changing Dynamics of Turkey's Foreign Policy

Asian Energy: Turkish Oil Consumption Is Forecast To Total 801,000b/d By The End Of 2018

2009-11-07T02:47:00.000-05:00

"Turkish Oil Consumption Is Forecast To Total 801,000b/d By The End Of 2018

The latest Turkey Oil & Gas Report from the forecasts that the country will account for 5.98% of Middle Eastern (ME) regional oil demand by 2013, while providing an insignificant contribution to supply. Regional oil use of 8.24mn barrels per day (b/d) in 2001 rose to 11.25mn b/d in 2008. It should average 11.30mn b/d in 2009 and then rise to around 12.17mn b/d by 2013. Regional oil production was 22.87mn b/d in 2001, and in 2008 averaged 26.29mn b/d. It is set to rise to 28.01mn b/d by 2013. Oil exports are growing steadily, because demand growth is lagging the pace of supply expansion. In 2001, the region was exporting an average 14.63mn b/d. This total had risen to 15.04mn b/d in 2008 and is forecast to reach 15.84mn b/d by 2013. Iraq has the greatest production growth potential, followed by Qatar."

More:Asian Energy: Turkish Oil Consumption Is Forecast To Total 801,000b/d By The End Of 2018

ElBaradei Suggests Turkey as Compromise on Iran Nuclear Impasse - Bloomberg.com

2009-11-07T02:44:00.000-05:00

"ElBaradei Suggests Turkey as Compromise on Iran Nuclear Impasse

By Bill Varner

Nov. 6 (Bloomberg) -- Iran’s enriched uranium could be shipped to Turkey as a means of easing U.S. and European concerns over the Persian Gulf country’s nuclear ambitions, the head of the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog agency said."

More:ElBaradei Suggests Turkey as Compromise on Iran Nuclear Impasse - Bloomberg.com

Turkey energy report - Energy and Utilities Market

2009-11-07T02:42:00.000-05:00

"Turkey energy report (Enerdata)

* Market: Energy and Utilities
* Published Date: 01/09/2009
* Report Title: Turkey energy report
* Table of Contents: View Table of Contents
* Report Type: Market Report
* Country: Turkey
* Number of Pages: 30

The Turkey energy market report offers a precise and reliable overview of the energy sector in the country. With a focus on oil, gas, coal and power markets, the report provides a complete picture of the country situation, dynamics, current issues and future prospects. With timely updated market data and continuous follow-up of markets news, this report brings clear and concise insights, to help tackle national energy challenges and opportunities."

More:Turkey energy report - Energy and Utilities Market

Diyarbakır feels the pinch on the pitch

2009-11-07T02:41:00.000-05:00

"Diyarbakır feels the pinch on the pitch

IŞIL EĞRİKAVUK
ISTANBUL - Hürriyet Daily News
Recent trouble at matches involving Diyarbakırspor has brought racism in football and in society as a whole to the fore of public discussions. Diyarbakırspor once enjoyed the advantages of state support, but the government’s recent Kurdish initiative has led to questions about why the team has become the target of protests"

More: Diyarbakır feels the pinch on the pitch - Hurriyet Daily News and Economic Review

CEZ group eliminated from 2nd Turk power grid tender | Markets | Reuters

2009-11-07T02:39:00.000-05:00

"CEZ group eliminated from 2nd Turk power grid tender
Fri Nov 6, 2009 6:00pm IST

ANKARA, Nov 6 (Reuters) - A consortium of Turkish Akenerji (AKENR.IS: Quote, Profile, Research) and Czech CEZ (CEZPsp.PR: Quote, Profile, Research) was eliminated from a privatisation tender for Turkey's Yesilirmak power grid, Turkey's Privatisation Administration (OIB) acting chief Ahmet Aksu said on Friday."

More:CEZ group eliminated from 2nd Turk power grid tender | Markets | Reuters

Turkey warms to Greek government

2009-11-07T02:34:00.000-05:00

"Turkey warms to Greek government

ANKARA, Turkey, Nov. 6 (UPI) -- The Turkish government approached its Greek counterparts to discuss forming a strategic cooperation council to improve bilateral relations."

More:Turkey warms to Greek government - UPI.com

Bids for Turkey’s power grids reach $1.2bn

2009-11-07T02:23:00.000-05:00

"Bids for Turkey’s power grids reach $1.2bn

By Delphine Strauss in Ankara

Published: November 7 2009 02:23 | Last updated: November 7 2009 02:23

Turkey’s privatisation administration (OIB) received bids totalling $1.2bn at an auction of three power grids in Ankara on Friday, a test of market conditions that has persuaded it to press ahead with sales to ease strains on public finances."

More:FT.com / Europe - Bids for Turkey’s power grids reach $1.2bn

Turkey and EU in spat over Bashir

2009-11-07T02:22:00.000-05:00

"Turkey and EU in spat over Bashir

Abdullah Gul, Turkey's president, has accused the European Union of 'interfering' after the bloc asked Ankara to reconsider its decision to allow Omar Hassan al-Bashir, the indicted Sudanese president, to attend an Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC) summit in Istanbul."

More:Al Jazeera English - Europe - Turkey and EU in spat over Bashir

Lives - Appointment in Istanbul - NYTimes.com

2009-11-07T02:02:00.000-05:00

"Appointment in Istanbul

By HENRY ALFORD
Published: November 5, 2009

Sometimes what you get is not what you thought you wanted. I had just broken up with my boyfriend of 10 years back in New York, and had flown to Istanbul to try to sightsee my heartbreak away. But then here, unexpectedly, was this very handsome Istanbul native sitting in the placid park just outside the Hagia Sophia: we’d been staring at each other admiringly from our respective park benches. After our glances grew less furtive, he waved me over. I feigned surprise, introduced myself and sat down. His name was Zia, he said, and he had been studying English for three years. He proudly pulled a Turkish-English phrase book from his pocket. His slightly awkward manner seemed situational — but I couldn’t tell whether the situation was that his English was halting, or that he was Muslim and flirting with a man, or that he was Muslim and flirting with a man in front of such a historic mosque."

More:Lives - Appointment in Istanbul - NYTimes.com

Atlantic Council brought together the Turkish and Iraqi Kurdish officials | soL English

2009-11-06T14:25:00.000-05:00

"Atlantic Council brought together the Turkish and Iraqi Kurdish officials
Friday, 6 November 2009

On November 2-3, representatives of the Iraqi Kurdish Regional Administration were in Turkey for the “The last developments in the Turkey-North Iraq Relations” meeting organized by the US orginated The Atlantic Council. At the meeting cooperation between Turkey and the Northern Iraq in the fields of energy and economy were discussed."

More:Atlantic Council brought together the Turkish and Iraqi Kurdish officials | soL English

Turkey defends Sudan leader visit

2009-11-06T13:19:00.000-05:00

"Turkey defends Sudan leader visit
Abdullah Gul, 16 Oct

Turkish President Abdullah Gul has accused the EU of interfering after Istanbul was asked to reconsider an invitation to the president of Sudan."

More:BBC NEWS | Europe | Turkey defends Sudan leader visit

Turkish assets make slim gains, borrowing weighs - Forbes.com

2009-11-06T12:35:00.000-05:00

"Turkish assets make slim gains, borrowing weighs
11.06.09, 11:38 AM EST

ISTANBUL, Nov 6 (Reuters) - Turkish bonds and the lira made modest gains on Friday, but lingering worries about high government borrowing kept the rise in check, and higher U.S. unemployment data tipped shares into the red by the close."

More:UPDATE 1-Turkish assets make slim gains, borrowing weighs - Forbes.com

Turkey sells off power grids, prices seen high - Forbes.com

2009-11-06T11:42:00.000-05:00

"Turkey sells off power grids, prices seen high
11.06.09, 10:27 AM EST

By Hatice Aydogdu

ANKARA, Nov 6 (Reuters) - Turkey's privatisation agency auctioned off the first two of three planned power distribution grids on Friday for a higher than expected $926.5 million, with privatisation funds seen entering state coffers next year."

More:UPDATE 2-Turkey sells off power grids, prices seen high - Forbes.com

Winning Turkey’s Support on Iran

2009-11-06T11:01:00.000-05:00

"Winning Turkey’s Support on Iran
by Volha Charnysh | November 6th, 2009

There’s enough Turkey for everyone this season. The United States has Ankara’s support for stopping the spread of nuclear weapons in the Middle East, and the Islamic Republic of Iran enjoys Ankara’s backing of the Iranian nuclear program. One day, however, Turkey will need to choose whose side it is on. With the American and Turkish foreign policy preferences increasingly divergent, Washington may lose an important ally in the region vital to its security, unless it reinvigorates its strategic partnership with Turkey and starts paying more attention to Turkey’s security concerns."

More:Across the Aisle: The PSA Blog » Winning Turkey’s Support on Iran

Calik Enerji submits top bid for 2nd Turk power grid | Markets | Reuters

2009-11-06T09:38:00.000-05:00

"Calik Enerji submits top bid for 2nd Turk power grid
Fri Nov 6, 2009 7:22pm IST

ANKARA, Nov 6 (Reuters) - Turkish energy firm Calik Enerji submitted the highest bid of $441.5 million for Turkey's Yesilirmak electricity distribution grid in a tender broadcast live on television on Friday."

More:Calik Enerji submits top bid for 2nd Turk power grid | Markets | Reuters

Sudan leader's planned visit sparks Turkey-EU row | Reuters

2009-11-06T09:37:00.000-05:00

"Sudan leader's planned visit sparks Turkey-EU row
Fri Nov 6, 2009 8:48am EST

ANKARA (Reuters) - Turkey's President Abdullah Gul accused the European Union on Friday of 'interfering' after the bloc asked Ankara to reconsider a decision to invite indicted Sudanese President Omar Hassan al-Bashir to an Islamic summit."

More:Sudan leader's planned visit sparks Turkey-EU row | Reuters