TURKPULSE No: 64-66.................................................... MARCH 2002

TURKPULSE No:64 NO ELECTIONS BEFORE APRIL 2004 - REFORMS TO CONTINUE  

Despite fresh rumours or wishful thinking on the part of certain domestic and external quarters, it is almost certain that there will be no early elections in Turkey in this 5-year term of Parliament. Turkey has finally found a coalition government that has continued for two and a half years and this political stability is needed for the solution of the accumulated social and political problems of the nation. But the real reason for the above assurance about not holding early elections this time rests in a constitutional mechanism that has finally been worked out. For the details of this mechanism and its consequences, please see the article below. 

TURKPULSE No:65 TURKEY’S “CENTRE OF ATTRACTION” FOR EURASIA

  As expected, General Kilinc’s suggestion of a new “search” for cooperation with Russia and Iran as against the EU’s ongoing lack of understanding towards Turkey evoked extensive interest throughout the country. External quarters are silent, but they are certainly watching over the developments with a hawk’s eye, as it is more than a milestone for Turkey, a crossroads. For the background and future implications of the whole story please see the article below.

TURKPULSE No:66 THE MOST IMPORTANT ASPECT OF CHENEY’S VISIT

Washington’s insistence on Dick Cheney having a talk with top Turkish commanders was an embarrassment for the Ecevit Government, but it was a good opportunity to show the harmony that exists in the Turkish Administration today. It was also an occasion to make the point of the Turkish military’s outlook at today’s world in its globalisation drive. General Kivrikoglu had already announced the highlights of this outlook back in January 1999 and the recent step that the West has taken as a new threat and risk for Turkey by politicising the PKK terrorism is proof of the far sight of the Turkish military.

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