Cablegate: Ankara Media Reaction Report

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UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 ANKARA 001687

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DEPARTMENT FOR INR/R/MR, EUR/SE, EUR/PD, NEA/PD, DRL
JCS PASS J-5/CDR S. WRIGHT

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OPRC KMDR TU
SUBJECT: ANKARA MEDIA REACTION REPORT
FRIDAY, JUNE 29, 2007

In Today's Papers

FM Gul: "If the US Cannot, We Can Enter Iraq and Solve the Issue";
Ambassador Wilson Comments on PKK
Radikal, Star, Turkiye, Sabah, Bugun and others: Liberal Radikal
reports that in an exclusive interview with the paper, FM Gul said
that the "government's plans for a military incursion into Northern
Iraq are ready down to every detail. Unfortunately, cooperation
with the US in the fight against the PKK is far below our
expectations. As the occupational force, the US is responsible for
the terrorist attacks launched from Iraq to Turkey. If Iraq or the
US is unable to stop the PKK threat, we will make a decision and
enter Iraq." Gul added that there is consensus about the plans for
a cross-border operation and the political decision makers are
waiting for the right time to launch an operation.

Meanwhile, papers report that during an official visit to Izmir
Governor Cahit Kirac's office, US Ambassador to Turkey Ross Wilson
said that "Iraq is Turkey's neighbor, therefore, security and
stability should be established there." Stressing that the US is
shocked by the PKK attacks against Turkey and condemns these
attacks, Ambassador Wilson added that "The US and Turkey coordinate
in order to prevent these terrorist attacks. Recently, we gave
strong messages to Iraqi officials for the terrorist attacks to be
stopped." Mainstream Sabah reports that following the visit of
Iraqi President Talabani to China, a written statement issued by the
Chinese Foreign Ministry said that "China condemns all kinds of
terrorist activities but, at the same time, respects the freedom,
sovereignty and the territorial integrity of Iraq."

Iraqi Spokesman: "Cross-Border Operation would Harm Bilateral
Relations"
In an interview with mainstream Sabah, Iraqi government spokesman
Ali-Al-Dabbagh said that "Iraq itself is plagued by terror and is
fighting against all terror organizations, including the PKK.
Nevertheless, a cross-border operation would have serious
consequences and would harm Turkey-Iraq relations."

Support Increases in the US Congress for the Armenian Resolution
Liberal Radikal reports the US-Armenia National Committee (ANCA)
announced that the number of Representatives in the US Congress who
support the Armenian resolution has reached 209. The House of
Representatives has 435 members and if the number of supporters
reaches 218, then the chances for Nancy Pelosi to carry the
resolution to the floor of the House will increase. In order to
reach these numbers, ANCA members began a telephone campaign to get
support from the members of the Congress.

GENAR Survey
Islamist oriented Yeni Safak reports about a survey conducted by
polling company GENAR. The results of survey are based on
interviews with 2007 people in 18 cities and 49 towns, and predict
that three parties will enter parliament: AKP with 40.9%, CHP 22.1%,
and MHP 10.8%. The survey also shows public preferences on the
controversy surrounding a possible military incursion into Northern
Iraq: 37.9 percent of the voters say Turkey should never launch a
cross-border operation, 33.8 percent want an immediate operation and
16.1 percent said an operation might be useful later.

EDITORIAL OPINION: US-Iraq; Middle East Quartet/Tony Blair

"Deteriorating Image of the US"
Kamuran Ozbir wrote in the nationalist Ortadogu (6/29): "The Middle
East entered into a new phase following the US occupation of Iraq.
The US, however, currently faces difficulty because it is unable to
control the course. Iraq is no longer a unified state, nor will it
be from now on. Moreover, Iraq has not emerged as a free market, as
Western powers were hoping. Iraq's future is now in complete shadow
as are the consequences for the US. Not only for Iraq, but for the
entire Middle East region, it seems that instability and insecurity

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will be even more prevalent than ever before. All of these
developments are shaking the persuasive power of the US and
increasing the level of mistrust toward the US."

"Can Blair Be Successful in His New Job?"
Kubilay Celik wrote in the nationalist Tercuman (6/29): "Tony Blair
has become the Envoy for the Middle East Quartet, which consists of
the EU, the UN, the US and Russia. Blair's main responsibility is
to work to find ways to resolve peacefully the long-term and
never-ending problems between Israel and Palestine. The main
problem vis-a-vis Blair's job is about whether or not to be
impartial. Even if he tries to be impartial between the two sides,
he cannot save himself from being labeled as a 'pro-Israel' envoy
due to the nature of the Middle East Quartet. Thus, Blair has no
chance for success in his new job. Being a partner with the US in
the Iraq war is another disadvantage for Tony Blair. He will not be
able to eliminate the overall negative image even if he makes some
personal effort. Given the depth of the problems in the Middle
East, such efforts are like treating cancer with aspirin."

TV Highlights
NTV, 7.00 A.M.

Domestic News

- Council of State members who were attacked by a gunman last year
have withdrawn from a case related to headscarf restrictions.

- The Court in Sincan has rejected a decision by the Ankara
prosecutor to dismiss charges against PM Erdogan for referring to
jailed PKK leader Ocalan as 'sayin' (an honorific).

International News

- Britain's new PM Gordon Brown unveils his new government

- Portugal announced that accession discussions with Turkey would
continue after it undertakes term presidency in July 1

- A car bomb killed 25 people yesterday at a busy intersection in
Baghdad
WILSON

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