NEWS SCAN for Turkey – May 9th, 2013
Down below you will find a summary of topics from major Turkish papers and internet sites.
Turkish PM says Turkey is a natural part of the European family
While celebrating “Europe Day” Erdoğan stated that Turkey was a natural part of European family.
Erdogan referred to the establishment of the EU and also said that he expected the EU to re-accomplish the courageous vision of its founders and show the determination of welcoming Turkey into the union as a full member.
World Bank to arbitrate EU, Turkey trade accord
It is reported that Turkey and the European Union have applied to the World Bank for arbitration and asked the bank to prepare a report on the functioning of the Customs Union system between parties.
The report to be prepared is expected to cover the pros and cons of the Customs Union in response to complaints raised by both Turkey and the EU. The issue has been on the agenda of Turkey in particular especially since the emergence of the possibility of the EU and US reaching free trade deal supposed to effect Turkey, in a negative manner.
EU Minister BAGIS says EU will be incomplete without Turkey
Minister and Chief Negotiator BAGIS who made a statement on “Europe Day” emphasizing European Union would be considered incomplete without Turkey.
The Minister also reminded that Turkey was a permanent member of extended EU family and now closer to EU membership thanks to the steps taken by the Turkish government during the last 11 years.
Parliamentary commission agrees to carry on with its work to draft new constitution
The Constitutional Reconciliation Commission which met on Tuesday evening to make a decision about the draft new constitution agreed to continue its work until the end of June to finish writing the draft.
After a meeting of two hours Justice and Development Party (AK Party) deputy Mehmet Ali Şahin, who is among the members of the commission, spoke to reporters saying the commission would move forward with its work until the end of June. Şahin also said, “Then our parliament speaker will hold meetings with the leaders of the four political parties to urge them to agree on a draft as soon as possible.”
Britain offers support to peace process launched by Turkey
Turkey has received a support offer from UK to the peace process launched by the government to solve the Kurdish issue. The administration is not expected to approach to this offer in a negative manner to show its stance “to solve the issue at home”.
FM Davutoglu is reported to have expressed earlier that Turkey considers the problem “a family matter”.
Main opposition decides to start country-wide “Democracy Rallies”
CHP (Republican People’s Party) has decided to hold rallies due to the need to get directly in touch with the public. bypassing the media’s intermediation
Party deputies have been given the assignment to convene “Freedom and Democracy” rallies all across the country to promote its “Democracy Manifesto,” in an effort to get directly in touch with the people. Accordingly a series of rallies are scheduled to take place. The first event will be held in Aydın on May 18, to be followed by rallies in İstanbul, Mersin and Ordu.
09.05.2013
SOURCE: MEDIA
We do not verify above stories neither do we vouch for their accuracy.
