Turkey-Press Scan (3)

TURKIYE

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"DON'T MAKE ANY CONCESSIONS IN ERGENEKON"

EU closely monitors the Ergenekon case, which is described as the "case of the century" in Turkey. Ria Oomen Ruijten, Turkey rapporteur of the European Parliament, said that Ergenekon case was an important opportunity for Turkey to have better democracy and human rights.

"That's why Ergenekon network should be unveiled," she said.

"RELIGION NOT A CRITERION FOR EU"

The meeting of foreign ministers of Turkey-EU Troika was held in Istanbul. Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu and State Minister and Chief EU Negotiator Egemen Bagis represented Turkey at the meeting. Sweden, which currently holds the rotating EU presidency, and Spain were also represented at the meeting. Swedish FM Carl Bildt said extreme right parliamentarians were against Turkey's EU membership as Turkey was a Muslim country. Bildt went on saying, "but we are committed to article 49 of the Treaty of Amsterdam which does not have a religious criterion."

ZAMAN

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CILIV BECOMES CEO OF YEAR

Sureyya Ciliv, director-general of Turkey's GSM operator Turkcell, was presented with the "CEO of the Year" in the World Communication Awards 2009 (WCA) in London. Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan called Cliv to congratulate him.

USA: TURKEY IS A AN IMPORTANT MODEL FOR REGION

The White House did not pay attention to recent negative comments against Turkey in the U.S. press. Ian Kelly, spokesman for the Department of State, said at a daily press briefing, "we see Turkey as an important model for the region in terms of its very vital democratic institutions." He added that they were looking forward to the visit of Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan next month.

YENI SAFAK

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COUNCIL OF STATE GOES TOO FAR

A Council of State ruling that cancelled the coefficient system in university exam --which could bring all high school graduates to equal position-- has drawn criticism. Students protested the court decision while unions and political parties have criticized this "political" decision.

HERE IS THE FUGITIVE

Chairman of Istek Foundation Bedrettin Dalan, one of the fugitive suspects of the Ergekenon case, has appeared in Amsterdam after one year. He spent the night at Marriot Hotel, the most luxurious hotel in town. He reacted to photographers taking his pictures.

He was angry about questions. He said, "I am not a fugitive. I am not sought by the police. I am a free man. Look, I am travelling with my green passport. Do not give credit to speculations about me."

(End) (TÇ-UK)