NEWS SCAN for Turkey – May 16th, 2013
Down below you will find a summary of topics from major Turkish papers and internet sites.
Foreign spirits company expresses concerns over planned alcohol restrictions in Turkey
The Turkish Parliament’s Planning and Budget Commission has submitted a proposal to a sub-commission for further restrictions on the sale and promotion of alcoholic drinks. It is reported that Diageo, London-based company which owns global brands such as Johnnie Walker and Smirnoff as well as Turkey’s leading rakı brand, has expressed concerns over planned alcohol restrictions.
The company made a statement saying “While we have regard and respect for both the views of the Turkish government and the country’s legislative and regulatory processes, we would be highly disappointed if the most restrictive scenario came to pass. Diageo is proud of its products, its brands and its commitment to responsible drinking.”
Diaego had acquired Mey İçki for $2.1 billion early in 2011.
Court rejects release request for 74 arrested “post-modern coup” suspects
An court in Ankara rejected a release request for 74 arrested suspects yesterday to include former Higher Education Board of Turkey (YÖK) Chairman Kemal Gürüz and retired Gen. Çetin Doğan, in the Feb. 28 coup attempt case.
It is reported that the lawyers of said suspects filed new requests in line with recent legal changes that were implemented with the fourth judicial package. However it was decided by the judge that the 47 suspects should remain under arrest.
Chelsea beats Benfica 2-1 to grasp the UEFA Europa League Cup for 2013
English football club Chelsea won Europa League after a 2-1 victory over Portugese side Benfica on Wednesday May 15th.
The victory came when Branislav Ivanovic the Serbian defender climbed high at the far post to meet a Juan Mata corner and place a header back across helpless goalkeeper Artur into the net sending Benfica home all disappointed. This way Chelsea became the first English club to win all three of UEFA’s major trophies.
Fernando Torres had put Chelsea in front with a breathtaking solo goal in the 59th minute before Oscar Cardozo equalised with a penalty nine minutes later.
PM Erdoğan says Turkish company to become a partner with Exxon and the KRG for Iraq oil
Prime Minister Tayyip Erdoğan is reported to have said before his flight to the USA that an agreement to go joint venture with with Exxon and the KRG for oil venture in Iraq was on their agenda.
It is understood said Turkish company is state-run TPAO and its expected to partner up with the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and Exxon Mobil to carry out oil exploration in northern Iraq.
This is interpreted as Turkey’s cooperation with Iraqi Kurds will improve one step further.
EU Socialist group head Hannes Swoboda cancels meeting with CHP leader Kılıçdaroğlu
It is reported that the meeting between the president of the group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament and Republican People’s Party (CHP) leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu on May 15th was canceled byhead Swoboda after Kılıçdaroğlu likened Erdoğan to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad who is blamed for tens of thousands of killings in Syria.
Kılıçdaroğlu had told reporters there was little difference between Erdoğan and al-Assad in terms of democracy saying “Between al-Assad and Erdoğan there is only a difference of shades. Both are oppressive, both have special courts and prosecutors. Media bosses call and ask which journalist is to be put [in jail]. Instructions are given to media. What difference do they have in terms of democracy?”
It is understood said remarks made by CHP leader after the first meeting with the EU Socialist group head Hannes Swoboda caused unease.
16.05.2013
SOURCE: MEDIA
We do not verify above stories neither do we vouch for their accuracy.
