NEWS SCAN for Turkey – April 18th, 2013
Down below you will find a summary of topics from major Turkish papers and internet sites.
Turkish & Russian Foreign Ministers do not agree over Assad’s withdrawal
In a meeting held at the Çırağan Palace in Istanbul Davutoğlu and Lavrov discussed the most recent situation in Syria and President Assad’s withdrawal. While Lavrov said it would be wrong to present Bashar al-Assad’s withdrawal from office as a precondition and if Assad relinquished his position in power, Syria’s state structure would collapse, Davutoğlu maintained that Assad should step aside in order for a political transition to begin immediately even though the situation would pose more difficulties for Turkey”. Lavrov added in case of a controlled transition period to be established, Assad might resign.
Gold: Demand skyrockets due to worldwide drop of gold prices
It is reported that people are rushing to buy gold coins at bargain prices, aiming to benefit from gold prices plunging worldwide, while jewelers warn customers to choose plain gold to eliminate craftsmanship costs. Business owners in Grand Bazaar say the number of gold buyers daily has risen substantially due to the price drop.
Minister Muammer Güler says Taksim Square may be closed for May Day events
Interior Minister Muammer Güler told members of the press that only union leaders, and nongovernmental organization representatives would be allowed to commemorate the fallen in Istanbul’s Taksim square this year. Minister added the reason for this was that the square was not physically suitable for the celebrations this year due to the current pedestrianization project in the area. Güler added “It is difficult for police officers to take security measures in the area due to the project. We will negotiate with labor unions to fix another venue for the mass rally”.
Court says Turkish pianist Say sought to “humiliate religious values” with tweets
The court which sentenced world-renowned Turkish pianist Fazıl SAY to a 10-month suspended jail term for blasphemous tweets released its justification for the conviction saying the musician’s aim was to “humiliate religious values.” The decision said 43 old pianist’s remarks on Twitter did not aim to contribute to any public debate but caused harm to the religious values shared by people. On the other hand a minister from the cabinet was reported to comment that the freedom of speech did not extend to “insults and swearing,” responding to a question from the press.
Main opposition party troubled by resignation of Deputy Chairwoman
CHP, main opoosition party was in a difficult situation yesterday when Public Relations Deputy Chairwoman Gülseren Onanç announced her resignation from the party. Prior to this move the deputy had made a statement saying 65 percent of the party base supported the ongoing peace process to put an end to the Kurdish issue. Both Following said statement discomfort was expressed by Kılıcdaroglu, the leader who said that there was no such poll to base the statement on.
American investors grow interest in Turkey
In parallel to the positive developments in the economy of Turkey, it is reported that there is a rising interest in Turkey from businessmen. Investment Support and Promotion Agency of Turkey President Aycı have begun closely monitoring U.S. firms. Aycı says said businessman have either unfamiliar with the country up until now or are just discovering the opportunities Turkey offers.
İşbank General Manager say Kurdish opening to boost region’s economy
Bali has said Turkey’s peace process will lead to economic growth in the southeast of the country. Giving an interview on a private TV channel the GM of Isbank, the largest local lender in Turkey based on assets, said “Poverty has been like a destiny in the region during the 30-year conflict. Unemployment, particularly youth unemployment, is above Turkey’s average,” Bali also stated that migration back to the region might also begin due to the peace process.
18.04.2013
SOURCE: MEDIA
We do not verify above stories neither do we vouch for their accuracy.
