|
Books on Turkey
REPUBLICAN REFERENCE
Area (sq.km)
780,580
Population
68,893,918
Capital
Ankara
Currency
Lira
President
Ahmet Necdet Sezer
|
Update No: 094 - (24/02/05)
Rice reassures Turkish leaders on Iraq
US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice told Turkish leaders that Washington is
fully committed to a unified Iraq. She wrapped up a two-day visit to Ankara on
Sunday, 6th February, aimed at reassuring officials concerned about ambitions by
some Kurds to create a Kurdish region in Iraq, with Kirkuk as its capital. She
told a local TV channel that Washington would not ignore "any kind of
terrorism stemming from Iraq".
Following his meeting with Rice, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan
said relations between Turkey and the United States are at a "positive and
mature point". Rice met with President Ahmet Necdet Sezer and Foreign
Minister Abdullah Gul before heading on to Israel.
Actually, relations with America have cooled since Turkey refused to let US
troops attack Iraq from its territory in March 2004; blunt comments from Mr
Erdogan have harmed those with Israel, another ally.
Nevertheless, the Erdogan-Rice meeting may prove a breakthrough. It was noted
that they discussed Afghanistan, Iraq, the Middle East, and Cyprus but did not
touch on the issues of Iran and the Incirlik air base.
Turkey's concerns over recent developments in Kirkuk were also relayed to the
US. According to sources, while Erdogan spoke of Turkey's sensitivities
regarding Kirkuk to the visiting US Secretary of State, he also emphasized that
he was speaking as a "friend and ally". Rice, on the other side,
stressed that Kirkuk belongs to the whole of Iraq and its future will be
determined by all Iraqis: "There will be no permission for any
excessiveness in the city. The Iraqi administration will not allow for any
excessiveness. That's why we have been working for an election to be held and
democracy to be consolidated."
Rice also conveyed that they know of Turkey's sensitivities in all issues and
will continue the "dialogue of strategic co-operation". Signifying
that they want good relations with Turkey, Rice noted that they have been
working to end the isolation of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).
AKP totally dominant
The Justice and Development Party (AKP), which came to power in the November
2002 election, as Turkey's first single-party government in 15 years, has
changed the political landscape. Under Premier Erdogan-who belatedly became
prime minister in March 2003-the conservative AKP has hit on a winning formula.
It has undertaken ambitious reforms with the long-term aim of Turkey joining the
European Union. These have weakened the country's meddlesome generals and
reversed decades of corruption, economic mess and authoritarian abuse of power.
Turkey's 14m Kurds, who secured an interim constitution in March 2004, have been
among the main beneficiaries. Turkish-Cypriot support for a UN-backed
reunification plan for the island (it was the Greek Cypriots that voted it
down), also aided Turkey's European aspirations, and in October 2004 the EU
recommended the opening of membership talks.
Western states remain suspicious of the depth of Turkey's reforms and fear that
its prime minister (and his equally pious wife) will put the country on a more
Islamic path. But a personal friendship between the Turkish and Greek prime
ministers could improve relations between the two traditional enemies.
OECD positive about the economy
The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) states that
it envisages annual growth of GDP at 5.7% between 2006 and 2009.
The rate of inflation has come right down into single figures, where it is
likely to remain. But the rate of unemployment is likely to continue to hover
about 10%.
The Turkish economy needs a new dispensation and that is still likely to be from
closer association with the EU.
EU membership the main issue
Turkey's EU membership continues to be a hot topic on the international
agenda, triggering the unconcealed doubts of some Europeans as to how
"Western" the country really is. Turkey has a lot to gain from its
membership, politically, economically and strategically. Joining the EU would
bolster Turkey's civil society and democracy bringing a definite end to the era
of military interventions; accord her a more privileged place in the Islamic
world; diminish the state's role in the economy and the state's centralizing
command over the society; render Turkish Armed Forces a significant part and
parcel of any European Army; and provide many young Turks access to new
opportunities for better education. A number of European politicians seem to
contend that this is too much to bestow to a country whose position in the map
of civilizations is still notoriously dubious.
Turkey might have a lot to gain from her full membership but so has the EU much
to gain from her inclusion. Once the Baku-Ceyhan oil pipeline is completed, the
EU will have one less worry about her energy needs. Given that the EU is
Turkey's number one trading partner this large, dynamic, and young society will
provide an important market for Europe and will further help to overcome the
paucity in Europe's labour, land and natural sources. Furthermore, it is
apparent that in the years to follow the world's mapping will shift again, as it
has many times in history, and the Middle East will attain enormous importance
in shaping both international and domestic politics. Within this framework,
Turkey's full membership will help the EU to strengthen its hand regionally and
globally, furnishing it with a more credible role vis-a-vis ethnic, religious
and national tensions around the world. After Turkey's inclusion the Islamic
world would have a better view of the EU and hopefully, the EU will have a
better view of Islam.
It is a truism that there is an ongoing clash today. But unlike what many like
to think, this is not a clash of civilizations between Islam and the West. It is
not a clash between an imaginary Turkishness frozen in time and an imaginary
Europeanness thriving upon homogeneity. On the one hand are those who want to
live a life primarily, if not entirely, surrounded by people who are like them,
who think and act and dress and talk and pray just like them, who are each
other's mirror images. On the other hand are those others who are more
cosmopolitan, more ready to welcome ethnic, religious, national diversity, those
who are not so obsessed with their mirror image. The clash between these two
mentalities is an ongoing tension that recognizes no map, cutting across
national, geographical and religious boundaries.
Foreign minister Gul in Israel
Turkish-Israeli ties have weakened in recent times, in part due to Tel
Aviv's hard line against the Palestinians. Restoring ties between Ankara and Tel
Aviv and restarting the Middle East peace process topped the agenda of Turkish
Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul during his three day visit to Israel and Palestine
recently.
Gul held meetings in Tel Aviv with Israeli President Moshe Katsav, Prime
Minister Ariel Sharon and Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom. He also met with
Palestinian leaders. In late December, Turkey offered to act as a mediator in
the Middle East Peace Process, saying that its good relations with all parties
involved could help promote an end to the instability in the region
Turkey, Russia celebrate trade ties, while probing an expansion of
geopolitical contacts
Russian President Vladimir Putin hopes that trade with Turkey will rise by
50 per cent in the near future, hitting US$15bn. He expressed this hope on
January 11th at a meeting with Erdogan, who arrived in Moscow on that day for a
three-day working visit.
"Your and our best suppositions on the development of relations in the
economic sphere have come true," the Russian head of state said. "I
agree with forecasts that trade may reach US$15bn in the near future."
Suggesting to concentrate at the talks "mostly on economic
cooperation", Putin noted that "energy and transport are
priorities" in this sphere. He specified that he had in mind "the
power industry, supplies of raw materials and construction of infrastructure
projects".
The Russian leader reported at the same time that he would also like to discuss
the development of military cooperation. "We had plans in this sphere, and
I should like to say a few words on this topic," the president said, adding
that he also intends to speak on social issues.
In turn, the Turkish premier claimed that Moscow and Ankara should develop the
tourist industry. "Along with the development of trade and economic
relations, the development of tourism gives a chance to the peoples of our
countries to learn better each other, and prospects for rapprochement
emerge," he noted.
Erdogan noted that trade rose to ten billion dollars in 2004. "I believe
that we shall score new results in a very short period of time," the
Turkish premier continued. He held that "this process will accelerate even
more, thanks to investments in Russia and Turkey as well as in third
countries".
Turkey's revolution
During his speech at a press conference in Moscow, Turkish Union of Chambers
and Commodity Exchanges head Rifat Hisarciklioglu stressed the importance of the
'entrepreneur middle class' in improving nations' economies. 'The Soviet
Republic collapsed because there was no entrepreneur middle class to act as the
engine of the economy,' he said. 'Since Turkey has reached the capacity to
create such a class, its exports, which was two billion dollars in early 1980s,
has today reached to US$63bn. He gave the following figures: 'The number of our
industrialists was about a thousand, and nearly all of our exports were
agricultural products. Today, 85% of our US$65bn exports is industrial products.
We have 25 thousand industrialist companies and 40 thousand exporters.'
Therefore, today Turkey is more developed, free and powerful than the past!
Transition to a middle class society is also changing our political culture.
'Let the state do it,' we said for ages, but today 'Don't let the state
intervene,' we insist. The strengthening of the middle class is also improving
its ethics and artistic taste. We know that transparency is the most effective
measure against corruption. More developed Turkey means more decent Turkey.
Turkey must trade in US$8bn more services and products to the Russian Federation
in order to reach a balance of foreign trade. According to State Minister Kursad
Tuzmen, our target is US$150bn. Our entrepreneur middle class will grow bigger,
and will pave the way for more employment and production, and then sell these
products to the world market.
'We want nothing from the state,' Hisarciklioglu said. 'The state should only
make the structural reforms. It should take effective measures to crack down on
unregistered economy. Briefly speaking, we want the state to establish a
political and economic structure similar to that of the developed countries. We
will then be able to compete with the giants of the world, and our country then
will become one of them!'
Turkey's future depends on the self-confidence of the middle class. Turkey is on
the right track.
«
Top
BANKING
Sabanci to sell 1.4% of Akbank stake
The Sabanci family, one of Turkey's wealthiest currently owns 18.4% of Akbank,
Turkey's biggest bank by market value and part of the Sabanci industrial group.
Akbank recently declared that Sabanci will sell 1.4% of Akbank to foreign
institutional investors in a deal worth 123m Euro. The share sale in the
Istanbul Stock Exchange wholesale market was scheduled for January 26th at a per
share price of 7.90 Turkish liras (5.86 Euro), Anadolu News Agency reported.
The deal which responds to demand from foreign institutional investors to
increase their holdings in Akbank, will amount to 165.9m Turkish liras (123m
Euro). Akbank shares fell 2.9%, a 0.4% decline in Istanbul blue chip index.
"Although it might have a negative impact on the short-term market
performance of the stock, for the medium term it is positive as it increases the
free float," said Oyak Securities' Figen Cevik. Akbank's free float should
increase to 33.65% through this transaction, she added.
«
Top
CONSTRUCTION
Soyak plans to build 4,000 houses in Izmir
Building contractor Soyak Yapi Insaat Sanayi plans to build and hopes to sell
4,000 houses in Izmir in 2005, assistant general manager, Aybars Kizilsencer,
said, Anatolia News Agency reported.
During a meeting introducing company plans for 2005, Kizilsencer said they plan
to enter the Izmir housing market. "Our target for 2005 is to get out of
the borders of Istanbul. Izmir is our first choice. We will build 2,000 houses
in Karsiyaka. All necessary work and planning have already begun. We hope to
start selling come summer." Kizilsencer noted that the company had a very
successful year in 2004 and that the goal is to carry this success into 2005.
"Last year we had revenues totalling 250m Euro. We are planning to increase
this figure to 550m Euro in 2005," Kizilsencer said. "In addition to
those in Karsiyaka, we also plan to build 2,000 houses along the Canakkale
highway, putting the total of houses we plan to build and sell in Izmir alone at
4,000 in 2005," said Kizilsencer. Stating that the price and other details
of the houses to be built in Izmir will be released over the coming days,
Kizilsencer said they are trying to make them available to the masses.
«
Top
CREDIT RATINGS
Fitch upgrades Turkish credit rating
International ratings agency, Fitch, recently said it raised several of its
credit ratings on Turkey. Fitch upgraded Turkey's sovereign credit rating to BB-
from B+, still a speculative grade, but the firm said fiscal policy discipline
and a start to European Union accession talks contributed to the move, Anatolia
News Agency reported.
Fitch's decision to raise Turkey's long-term foreign currency and local currency
ratings brought with it a decision to move its outlook to stable from positive.
"The upgrade is driven by prospects for continued policy discipline,
underpinned by domestic political stability, the adoption of a new International
Monetary Fund (IMF) reform programme and the approach of European Union
accession talks scheduled for October 2005," the agency said.
"Government commitment to structural reforms and fiscal consolidation will
help cement the macroeconomic improvements of the past two years, encouraging
more predictable and sustainable growth, but there are formidable hurdles ahead
and the government will have to make tough decisions," added Nick Eisinger,
director in Fitch's Sovereign Group.
Fitch noted that the general government budget deficit is expected to come to
six per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) this year, down from eight per cent
in 2004. Growth in 2005 is forecasted at 6.8 per cent. The agency said its
ratings upgrade also reflected central bank success in lowering inflation, which
came to 9.3 per cent in 2004, below the official target for the third year in a
row. It added that the eight per cent inflation target for 2005 is
"challenging but achievable."
Fitch said in its report that Turkey's "large and relatively unfavourable
external financing mix" leaves the economy exposed to shocks and possible
rises in global interest rates.
«
Top
ENERGY
2004 electricity output up 6.8%
Turkey's electrical energy output rose 6.8% year-on-year to nearly 150bn
kilowatts per hour in 2004, according to latest data from the energy ministry.
Electricity production of thermal power plants went down 0.9% to 103.777bn kWh,
accounting for 69.2% of the total output. The production of hydroelectric power
plants surged 30.4% to 46.049bn kWh, representing 30.7% of the entire output. A
total 52.6% of the total electrical energy was produced with imported fuel and
the public sector accounted for 45.4% of the electricity generated in the
country, up from 44.9%. Turkish electricity output rose by 6.9% year-on-year to
13.838bn kWh in December 2004, Anadolu News Agency reported.
«
Top
FOREIGN ECONOMIC COOPERATION
Canadian PM talks energy with Turkey
On a recent visit to tsunami-hit Thailand, Canadian Prime Minister, Paul Martin,
made a brief stop in Ankara to discuss possible energy projects with Turkey.
Turkish Energy Minister, Hilmi Guler, said after meeting with Martin that Canada
was willing to invest in energy projects in the country, Anatolia News Agency
reported.
"They are particularly interested in hydroelectric and coal power
plants," Guler said. Ankara is also planning to build three nuclear power
plants over the next few years that should become operative from 2011 to avoid a
possible energy shortage. In 2000 Canadian company AECL vied with Westinghouse
of the United States and NPI of France in a tender to build a nuclear plant on
Turkey's southern coast, but Ankara abandoned the project amid financial
troubles and protests from environmentalists and neighbouring countries.
Turkey, Ethiopia sign civil aviation, road transport deal
Turkey and Ethiopia on January 14th signed an agreement in civil aviation and
road transport and resolved to improve bilateral trade through a joint
ministerial economic commission, Deutsche Presse-Agentur (dpa) reported.
The agreement was signed between Turkish Transport Minister, Binali Yildirim,
and Ethiopian Trade and Industry Minister, Fantaye Biftu, at the end of three
days talks in Addis Ababa. Both sides had reached a consensus to cooperate in
various sectors aimed at promoting trade and cooperation, particularly in the
textiles and leather sectors, according to a statement. They also agreed to
monitor the implementation of the various agreements reached since signing
economic trade and technical agreement in 1993.
«
Top
FOREIGN RELATIONS
Erdogan seeks stronger Turkey-Russia relations
On January 10th Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan met Russian
President Vladimir Putin as he began a 3-day visit to Russia aimed at further
improving the economic ties between the 2 ex-Cold War foes. Erdogan told
reporters at Ankara airport before flying out that the volume of bilateral trade
surpassed 10bn Euro in 2004, setting the new target at 25bn Euro.
Erdogan visited Putin's country residence outside the Russian capital, Novo-Ogaryevo,
where both leaders held talks over an informal dinner. "We will have the
opportunity to talk about bilateral issues and exchange views about the
international situation, and tomorrow we will meet with business
representatives," Putin said. The Turkish premier, who was scheduled to
meet Putin for further talks the following day at the Kremlin, welcomed the
strengthening relations between Ankara and Moscow. "My arrival here comes a
very short time after your visit (to Turkey), which shows the warm ties between
Turkey and Russia," Erdogan said, Anadolu News Agency reported.
His trip follows a high-profile visit to Ankara in December by Putin, during
which the two sides decided to rest tensions that arose from mutual accusations
of harbouring terrorists and often marred bilateral ties in the past. Erdogan
said: "Cooperation between our countries has recorded serious progress in
the past 10 years… Both countries have a strong political will to further
improve economic and commercial relations."
Later, he was scheduled to attend a meeting of Turkish and Russian businessmen
and inaugurate a Turkish Trade Centre, a 9,000sqm complex of shops and business,
in downtown Moscow. Erdogan said cooperation in the field of energy would also
be high on his agenda, but did not elaborate.
According to Turkish media reports, Ankara is seeking a new discount in the
price of the natural gas that Turkey is importing from Russia via the so-called
Blue Stream pipeline, which runs under the Black Sea. Anadolu reported that
officials from the two sides are also expected to discuss the possibility of
extending the Blue Stream conduit to Israel. The Turkish ministers of energy,
foreign trade, industry and labour as well as about 500 business people
accompanied Erdogan on his trip to Moscow.
«
Top
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Gilat signs deal with IsNet
IsNet, a leading ITC company in Turkey, provides enterprises, organisations and
consumers with services, such as Internet, security solutions, co-location,
voice communication, web design, software development and IT system maintenance.
IsNet on January 20th signed a deal with Gilat Satellite Networks for the supply
of a SkyEdge network to include 2 hubs and 1,500 VSAT terminal sites, Anatolia
News Agency reported.
The satellite-based remote sites will be dispersed throughout Turkey. The
SkyEdge network will allow IsNet to provide data, voice, embedded VPN and video
applications to its wide customer base. With a satellite-based network, the
IsNet plans on expanding its solution offering throughout its coverage in
Turkey. IsNet general manager Ismail Hakki Aksener said, "We look forward
to our cooperation and feel that the introduction of VSAT technology will prove
to be a positive in the market." On the other hand, Gilat associate for VP
sales for Central Asia, Caucasus and Turkey Rudy Colson said: "IsNet is a
very important and reputable service provider in Turkey and Gilat is proud to
provide the company with the latest in VSAT technology. We believe that due to
Gilat's experience in Turkey and the solid support from our local partner Setkom,
in marketing, sales and post sales activities throughout Turkey, we are well
equipped in providing our customers in the country with superior means of
communications."
«
Top
TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Two more Turkish firms to take part in Telekom sale
Two more Turkish firms are willing to participate in a tender for a majority
stake in state telecom monopoly Turk Telekom, Anadolu News Agency reported.
The deadline for pre-qualification applications expired on January 11th. A
subsidiary of leading Turkish mobile phone operator, Turkcell, Turkcell Bilisim,
and media giant, Dogan Holding, announced their plans to join the race for a 55%
block sale for Turk Telekom, a fixed line operator. According to analysts, it
might be worth several billion Euro. Officials have said that the tender which
was launched last year in November and was central to Turkey's privatisation
efforts under a multi-billion Euro International Monetary Fund (IMF) loan
accord, has attracted 13 other expressions of interest, from both domestic and
international players.
« Top
|
