Turkish Digest

Sabanci Sees Policies Buoying Markets as Turkey Drops IMF Plan - BusinessWeek

noreply@blogger.com (Turkish Digest) — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 11:14:00 +0000

"Sabanci Sees Policies Buoying Markets as Turkey Drops IMF Plan
March 18, 2010, 5:52 AM EDT

By Mark Bentley

March 18 (Bloomberg) -- Guler Sabanci, the businesswoman who heads Turkey’s second-biggest industrial group, said the government’s policies are strengthening the economy, boosting bonds and the lira."

More:Sabanci Sees Policies Buoying Markets as Turkey Drops IMF Plan - BusinessWeek

Turkey Aims to Renew Oil Pipeline Accord with Iraq

noreply@blogger.com (Turkish Digest) — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 10:45:00 +0000

"Turkey Aims to Renew Oil Pipeline Accord with Iraq

From Reuters

Turkey is negotiating the renewal of an agreement on operating a pipeline that carries Iraqi crude oil to world markets and hopes to extend the deal by up to 20 years, Energy Minister Taner Yildiz said on Tuesday."

More:Energy Tribune- Turkey Aims to Renew Oil Pipeline Accord with Iraq

EU to discuss with Turkey resuming Syrian-Israeli negotiations

noreply@blogger.com (Turkish Digest) — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 10:42:00 +0000

"EU to discuss with Turkey resuming Syrian-Israeli negotiations
18.03.2010 12:04

EU Foreign Minister Catherine Ashton said at a meeting with reporters in Damascus during her first visit to the Middle East that she will discuss the resumption of talks between Syria and Israel with Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu, the Cihan news agency reported."

More:Trend News: EU to discuss with Turkey resuming Syrian-Israeli negotiations

State Department denies deal to block Armenian genocide resolution opposed by Turkey | Washington Examiner

noreply@blogger.com (Turkish Digest) — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 01:48:00 +0000

"State Department denies deal to block Armenian genocide resolution opposed by Turkey
By: DESMOND BUTLER
Associated Press
03/17/10 6:10 PM EDT

WASHINGTON — A congressional resolution that would recognize World War I-era killings of Armenians by Ottoman Turks as genocide could go forward despite opposition from the Obama administration.

Assistant Secretary of State Philip Gordon told reporters there is no deal with Democratic congressional leaders to block the resolution. That contradicts earlier claims by the State Department."

More:State Department denies deal to block Armenian genocide resolution opposed by Turkey | Washington Examiner

The United States and Turkey: A View from the Obama Administration

noreply@blogger.com (Turkish Digest) — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 21:11:00 +0000

"The United States and Turkey: A View from the Obama Administration

Philip H. Gordon
Assistant Secretary, Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs
Sabanci Lecture, The Brookings Institution
Washington, DC
March 17, 2010

As prepared

Thank you, Strobe. It’s a great pleasure to be back at Brookings to deliver the sixth annual Sakip Sabanci Lecture. This is a homecoming of sorts for me and it’s great to see so many good friends here today. I’ve worked with Strobe both in the U.S. government, during the Clinton administration, and outside of it, during my tenure at Brookings. Throughout that time, he has been a constant source of wise counsel and clear-headed leadership. And though the Obama Administration has done its best to deplete the ranks of his staff, I am happy to see that Brookings under his direction is still thriving. Thank you for inviting me here today."

More:The United States and Turkey: A View from the Obama Administration

Turkey welcomes EU efforts against PKK - UPI.com

noreply@blogger.com (Turkish Digest) — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 18:32:00 +0000

"Turkey welcomes EU efforts against PKK

ANKARA, Turkey, March 17 (UPI) -- The effort by the European community to round up scores of suspected Kurdish militants in recent weeks is a welcome development, Turkish leaders said."

More:Turkey welcomes EU efforts against PKK - UPI.com

Mouthpieces for Turkish Interests: Ankara Seeks Influence through Turks Living Abroad - SPIEGEL ONLINE - News - International

noreply@blogger.com (Turkish Digest) — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 17:43:00 +0000

"Mouthpieces for Turkish Interests
Ankara Seeks Influence through Turks Living Abroad

By Anna Reimann and Katrin Elger

Leaders of Turkish descent across Europe recently received an invitation to a fancy event in Istanbul, all expenses paid. But what sounded innocent enough appears to have been an attempt by Ankara to get members of the Turkish diaspora to represent Turkish interests abroad. Turkish-German politicians have reacted angrily to the brazen lobbying."

More:Mouthpieces for Turkish Interests: Ankara Seeks Influence through Turks Living Abroad - SPIEGEL ONLINE - News - International

Turkey’s Budget Deficit Narrows on Jump in Revenue (Update1) - BusinessWeek

noreply@blogger.com (Turkish Digest) — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 17:25:00 +0000

"Turkey’s Budget Deficit Narrows on Jump in Revenue (Update1)
March 17, 2010, 12:52 AM EDT

By Ali Berat Meric

March 16 (Bloomberg) -- Turkey’s budget deficit narrowed 69 percent in February from the year earlier on a surge in tax revenue and a drop in interest payments, the Finance Ministry said."

More:Turkey’s Budget Deficit Narrows on Jump in Revenue (Update1) - BusinessWeek

Swedish tourists charter travels to Turkey are up 40 percent compared to last year but tightest on Cyprus

noreply@blogger.com (A-News) — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 17:15:00 +0000

The most popular summer destination for Swedes is Turkey's Alanya and the most popular country is Greece, according to new figures by Ticket Travel Group. Sales of charter travels to Turkey are up 40 percent compared to last year and to Greece with 25 percent.

For more: Swedish tourists tightest on Cyprus

Pro-Kurdish party leader warns Turkey's football federation

noreply@blogger.com (Turkish Digest) — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 17:07:00 +0000

"Pro-Kurdish party leader warns Turkey's football federation

A pro-Kurdish party leader has warned the Turkish Football Federation, or TFF, to be “careful and sensitive” when handling the decision on the outcome of a suspended Diyarbakırspor game."

More:Pro-Kurdish party leader warns Turkey's football federation - Hurriyet Daily News and Economic Review

Turkey, IMF Fail to Agree on Loan Deal: Minister

noreply@blogger.com (Turkish Digest) — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 17:05:00 +0000

"Turkey, IMF Fail to Agree on Loan Deal: Minister
2010-03-17 23:43:47
Turkey and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have failed to agree on a new stand-by loan deal, Minister for Economy Ali Babacan told Turkish media Wednesday."

More:Turkey, IMF Fail to Agree on Loan Deal: Minister

News Essentials: Turkey’s prime minister has signaled that he is unlikely to participate in the international energy summit

noreply@blogger.com (Turkish Digest) — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 14:18:00 +0000

"Turkey’s prime minister has signaled that he is unlikely to participate in the international energy summit

Tuesday, March 16, 2010
ANKARA - Hürriyet Daily News

In an indication that diplomatic tensions continue between Ankara and Washington, Turkey’s prime minister has signaled that he is unlikely to participate in the international energy summit U.S. President Barack Obama will host in April."

More:News Essentials: Turkey’s prime minister has signaled that he is unlikely to participate in the international energy summit

Turkish soldier commits suicide over Ergenekon case

noreply@blogger.com (Turkish Digest) — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 14:11:00 +0000

"Turkish soldier commits suicide over Ergenekon case
Wed, 17 Mar 2010 03:34:04 GMT

A Turkish soldier has reportedly committed suicide in Karabuk province in the Black Sea region of Turkey as the probe into the Ergenekon underground terrorist organization continues."

More:Turkish soldier commits suicide over Ergenekon case

Washington 'interested' in Azerbaijan's comprehensive support to Turkey

noreply@blogger.com (Turkish Digest) — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 13:57:00 +0000

"Washington 'interested' in Azerbaijan's comprehensive support to Turkey

Wed 17 March 2010 | 09:24 GMT Text size:
15832

STRATFOR says that Azerbaijan’s place in this situation is an interesting one, especially the US view of Baku’s support for Ankara."

More:News.Az - Washington 'interested' in Azerbaijan's comprehensive support to Turkey

Turkey PM warns might deport up to 100,000 Armenians | World | Reuters

noreply@blogger.com (Turkish Digest) — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 13:55:00 +0000

"Turkey PM warns might deport up to 100,000 Armenians
Wed Mar 17, 2010 3:46pm IST

ANKARA (Reuters) - Turkey's prime minister has warned that he might deport up to 100,000 Armenians living in Turkey without citizenship after resolutions passed by U.S. and Swedish lawmakers defining World War One-era killings of Armenians by Ottoman Turks as genocide."

More:Turkey PM warns might deport up to 100,000 Armenians | World | Reuters

Turkish lira at 3-wk high, stocks up as finmin upbeat on econ | Markets | Reuters

noreply@blogger.com (Turkish Digest) — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 13:54:00 +0000

"Turkish lira at 3-wk high, stocks up as finmin upbeat on econ
Wed Mar 17, 2010 10:43am GMT

ISTANBUL, March 16 (Reuters) - The Turkish lira hit a three-week high on Wednesday and stocks rose, helped by a brighter global mood and comments by the finance minister that economic growth will exceed the government's 3.5 percent forecast this year."

More:Turkish lira at 3-wk high, stocks up as finmin upbeat on econ | Markets | Reuters

Turkey's Gul calls for 'fair, balanced' ties with Africa

noreply@blogger.com (Turkish Digest) — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 13:52:00 +0000

"Turkey's Gul calls for 'fair, balanced' ties with Africa

Turkey wants to build relations with Africa on a 'fair, balanced basis', Turkish President Abdullah Gul said in Cameroon where he was wrapping up a two-day official visit on Wednesday."

More:IC Publications

Maxx Intermodal opens in Istanbul

noreply@blogger.com (Turkish Digest) — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 13:08:00 +0000

"Maxx Intermodal opens in Istanbul
17/Mar/2010

Maxx Intermodal Systems is continuing to expand its network by opening an office in Istanbul. The company has been offering intermodal container shipments to and from the Commonwealth of Independent States and all over the world from its office in Turkey since 1 March 2010."

More:Maxx Intermodal opens in Istanbul - Transport Intelligence - logistics research, analysis, solutions, services, trends, third party logistics.

Connecting on Film: Second Turkish festival in Yerevan - Arts & Culture | ArmeniaNow.com

noreply@blogger.com (Turkish Digest) — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 13:04:00 +0000

"Connecting on Film: Second Turkish festival in Yerevan
Connecting on Film: Second Turkish festival in Yerevan

By Karine Ionesyan

While protocol talks have stalled, “normalization” between Armenia and Turkey, is being felt in film as filmmakers from the two countries prepare a second year of film exhibit – documentary, feature and animation -- in Yerevan."

More:Connecting on Film: Second Turkish festival in Yerevan - Arts & Culture | ArmeniaNow.com

Istanbul concert in New York

noreply@blogger.com (Turkish Digest) — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 04:00:00 +0000

"Istanbul concert in New York

Pledging their support to the second “Istanbulive” concert to be held this summer in New York’s Central Park, Turkish singers Sertab Erener and Demir Demirkan will perform “My Turkish Songs” on April 9."

More:Istanbul concert in New York - Hurriyet Daily News and Economic Review

Turkish PM threatens to expel Armenian workers

noreply@blogger.com (Turkish Digest) — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 01:46:00 +0000

"Turkish PM threatens to expel Armenian workers
ANKARA (AFP) - Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has threatened to expel thousands of illegal Armenians workers amid tensions over allegations that Armenians were victims of genocide under the Ottoman Empire."

More:Turkish PM threatens to expel Armenian workers

Cypriot leaders discuss European Union in latest round of UN-backed talks

noreply@blogger.com (Turkish Digest) — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 01:45:00 +0000

"Cypriot leaders discuss European Union in latest round of UN-backed talks
[UNFICYP on patrol]

UNFICYP on patrol
16 March 2010 – European Union (EU) issues were the focus today of the latest round in the United Nations-backed process of reunification talks between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot leaders, one of the last meetings before an expected break for elections in the north."

More:Cypriot leaders discuss European Union in latest round of UN-backed talks

Erdogan cancels visit to US

noreply@blogger.com (Turkish Digest) — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 19:33:00 +0000

"Erdogan cancels visit to US
Tuesday, 16 March 2010 12:32

Turkish Premier Recep Tayyip Erdogan has canceled his visit to the United States due on April 13-14.

He told reporters in the airport before the visit to Great Britain that the Cabinet decided to cancel his visit to the United States and send another government member there."

More:Erdogan cancels visit to US

Turkish Airlines unveils a special Manchester United logojet

noreply@blogger.com (Turkish Digest) — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 19:09:00 +0000

"Turkish Airlines unveils a special Manchester United logojet

Turkish Airlines (Istanbul) this month has unveiled this special color scheme to celebrate its new relationship with the Premier League Champions. The airliner is marked as the "Official Partner of Manchester United"."

More:Turkish Airlines unveils a special Manchester United logojet

Turkey pushes again for EU visa exemption - UPI.com

noreply@blogger.com (Turkish Digest) — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 19:08:00 +0000

"Turkey pushes again for EU visa exemption

ANKARA, Turkey, March 16 (UPI) -- The Turkish government has renewed its call for the European Union to remove visa requirements on its citizens within Europe."

More:Turkey pushes again for EU visa exemption - UPI.com