PULSE of TURKEY No15

PULSE of TURKEY No: 47-56 .................................................... SEPTEMBER 1998

PULSE of TURKEY No:47 FACTS AND FIBS ABOUT THE TURKISH ECONOMY
Indicators and fundamentals clash in the Turkish economy. While the former gives signs of a patient taking his last gasps, the latter points to the image of a promising athlete for the Olympics ahead.

PULSE of TURKEY No:48 KURDISH PROBLEM HEADS FOR CRITICAL FINAL STAGE

Will Ankara and Washington be able to work out a consensus and what will the outcome be? Kurdish leaders meet in Washington under Ankara’s hawk-eyed watch to avoid an unpleasant surprise of far-reaching strategic importance. Barzani’s stopover in Ankara on his way to Washington raises equally keen interest and concern in the West.

PULSE of TURKEY No:49 PRESIDENT DENKTAS LAUNCHES CYPRUS CONFEDERATION

President Denktaş’s timely move was devoid of extremism and contained suggestions to address the needs of all the parties concerned with the Cyprus problem. The Greek refusal was prompt, but emotional rather than rational. International reception was a quiet and reserved approval and promising for the future. The proposal kills several birds with one stone and paves the way for eliminating several thorny questions such as S-300 missiles and accessions to the EU. Wahington, Moscow and other main capitals keep quiet, manifesting tacit approval.

PULSE of TURKEY No:50 ECONOMIC CRISIS MAY CAUSE ELECTION POSTPONEMENT, BUT…

At a time when all hope was dashed of deferring general elections from April 1999, CHP Chairman Deniz Baykal, the politician who forced PM Yılmaz to an early election next April, spoke from the Georgian frontier, “I’m herewith releasing the PM from his promise to me. He can do whatever he wants about postponing the elections.” Instrumental in this development were the economic crisis in Russia and Turkey and business quarters’ threats that during the election campaign they would hold Baykal responsible for upsetting the economic program. A little known Constitutional obligation puts Baykal in a corner. So does the Government’s ongoing anti-Mafia policy.

PULSE of TURKEY No:51 HOTTEST TOPIC IN ELECTION CAMPAIGN – HEADSCARVES

Amidst a number of national and international problems and an economic crisis, the election campaign is revolving around the headscarf issue. A certain subversive centre is keeping the issue alive and an unwise politician, Tansu Çiller, has jumped into the fray, while Erbakan followers are six times shy having been bitten three times. The headscarf issue embarrasses ANAP as Mesut Yılmaz is frustrated in his wish to be “flexible” about it.

PULSE of TURKEY No:52 TURKISH-AMERICAN RELATIONS UNDER MAGNIFYING GLASS

Nearly one-year practice of 5-point action plan points to need for fresh arrangements. PM Mesut Yılmaz’s forthcoming visit to New York will provide opportunity to review shortcomings and to seek remedies. Preparatory consultations are promising, but benefits at stake being too great, give and take is not for granted. It concerns world balances in the new century and Turkey’s role and place in it.

PULSE of TURKEY No:53 HOT MONEY MOVEMENTS UNDER REVIEW

Recent economic crises in various countries and the effect of the Russian crisis on Turkey have induced the Government to carry out a scientific survey into the problem. The matter is closely concerned with the second item of the Turkish-American Action Plan. Is foreign capital a blessing or a scourge as international rules and practice stand now?

PULSE of TURKEY No:54 ECONOMY HOLDS ON TO PROGRAM BY THE SKIN OF ITS TEETH

Annual budget estimates still hold good after budget deficit widened in August. Public investments are meagre in the budget, but additional TL134 trillion has been allotted. Privatisation revenue will be used for this purpose. The opposition sees it as populist move for elections. After a lull in privatisation efforts activities will be stepped up as from October. Global financial crisis countered by Turkey with loyalty to economic stability program.

PULSE of TURKEY No:55 TURKEY VIEWS KURDISH ARRANGEMENTS IN WASHINGTON AS TEMPORARY

Turkey has officially informed the U.S. that the Washington summit with Barzani and Talabani is a temporary arrangement requiring final adjustments with the participation of Iraq. Ambassadors will be exchanged with Iraq by stepping up mutual diplomatic relations. The Ankara process is coming to an end, says Ecevit.

PULSE of TURKEY No:56 TURKEY ACTIVELY OPPOSES TALIBAN IN AFGHANISTAN

President Demirel sends special envoys to Central Asian republics about Afghan developments and works for the consolidation of secular, democratic rules in the region. Turkey’s exemplary relations with Pakistan are soured over the Taliban militia’s attacks and brutality. Turkey calls for negotiated compromise for Afghanistan and emphasizes that transitional military victories cannot solve the problem. Afghan developments are only a small part of the “great game” for central Asia.

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