اللجنة العربية المعنية بسورية توافق على قائمة كبار الشخصيات الممنوعين من السفر عربياً
Arab Committee on Syria agree to a list of VIP Arab travel ban
http://www.qnaol.net/QNAAr/Local_News/Politics2/Pages/ArabLeagueSyria193603122011.aspx
http://backupurl.com/jxb461
Qatar News Agency
2011.12.03
(A lsit of 19 sanctioned persons. All are either military or security personnel except for the Defense Minister, the Interior MInister and a businessman Rami Makhlouf.)
فرضوا 8 عقوبات تتضمن خفض الرحلات الجوية بمعدل 50 بالمئة من منتصف الجاري...العرب يطالبون سورية بالموافقة على بروتوكول المراقبين اليوم
8 of the Penal imposed include the reduction of flights by 50 percent from the middle of this ... the Arabs are demanding Syria's approval of the Protocol to observers today
http://www.syriandays.com/index.php?page=show_det&id=29148
http://backupurl.com/14dbs9
Sunday 04/12/2011
01:42:19
After a meeting that lasted more than six hours of the Arab ministerial committee in the Qatari capital, came out of the Committee which monitors the Syrian crisis to declare the words of its President and Qatari Foreign Minister Hamad bin Jassim Al Thani, to grant the so-called «new deadline» to Syria, continues today and demanded the Syrian authorities to declare which the approval of the Protocol to the observers, to «avoid sanctions Syria Arab» Ibn Jassim said that it has become a valid order «the solution does not come out of the hands of Arab», in the words of Ibn Jassim in a new wave of foreign intervention.
Ibn al-Jassem: «We contacted during the meeting in Damascus and answered the queries they have made immediately and asked to come tomorrow to sign and we are waiting for the answer».
The Ibn Jassim in contact with the channel «island», the Committee hopes to send Damascus approval (Today) Sunday, and could be signed later, adding that the time is short, but he added: «I am not sure of the acceptance of Damascus» He continued: The amendments carried out by the Committee of Ministers at the request of Damascus does not affect the substance of the Protocol.
Damascus and requested clarification from the Arab League on the points contained in the Protocol see it affecting the sovereignty, at the time ignored the university to answer these questions, saying that they affect the substance of the Protocol to limit the claim.
Ibn Jassim admitted the existence of a heated debate within the Committee, but he played down its significance, saying that «some want to make sure that all the solutions have been exhausted before we open the doors of other», while others see «that it does not need to give Syria any new opportunities».
Meeting, which was joined by a delegation from the Turkish Foreign Ministry, issued the statement containing eight points most important to reduce flights effective from Syria, and out at 50 percent, including the Syrian Airlines, to begin implementation of these resolutions of 15 this month and comes to an end, and to approve the list of top personalities and Syrian officials who will be denied entry to the Arab countries and the freezing of their assets », also decided to entrust the technical committee of the Executive to consider requests for exemptions from the neighboring countries and ask the technical committee to study a line of replacement of goods in transit from Turkey to Jordan and the neighboring Gulf countries.
Before the meeting, Deputy Secretary General of the League, Ahmed Ben Helli: The door of understanding with Damascus «still ajar» adding: «there are still connections between them and us».
Syrian-Iranian Cooperation in Housing Sector Discussed
http://www.sana.sy/ara/3/2011/12/04/385874.htm
http://www.sana.sy/eng/22/2011/12/04/385905.htm
Dec 04, 2011
TEHRAN, (SANA)_Minister of Housing and Construction Hala al-Nasser discussed on Sunday with the Iranian Minister of Roads and Urban Development Ali Nikzad means of bolstering bilateral cooperation in the housing and construction sectors.
Al-Nasser highlighted the investment opportunities in the housing and construction sectors in Syria, adding that there are wide prospects for bilateral cooperation to establish housing units in the Syrian governorates.
Al-Nasser pointed out to the care accorded by the Syrian state to the housing sector to provide housing units for the low-income citizens, indicating that the Ministry of Housing and Construction plans to build 50, 000 housing units in the Syrian governorates.
Nikzad underlined the importance of Syrian-Iranian relations and enhancing bilateral cooperation in the housing sector , expressing readiness for full cooperation with the Syrian side in this regard.
The Iranian minister stressed the importance of benefitting from the available potential to reach the hoped-for goals depending on Iran's successful experience in carrying out housing projects in Iraq and Venezuela.
Al-Nasser also discussed with Head of the Iranian Housing Establishment bilateral cooperation and the possibility of transferring the Iranian expertise to Syria.
Al-Nasser said in a statement that the Syrian state accords great care to the housing sector, adding that her visit to Tehran is aimed at getting a closer look at the Iranian expertise in housing and establishing housing units to benefit from it in Syria.
الأردن تطلب من الجامعة إعفائها من تطبيق عقوبات ضد سوريا
Jordan requests Arab League of exemption from the application of sanctions against Syria
http://www.aksalser.com/index.php?page=view_news&id=ffcc42d8f14f084ccfd8612940d3aa9e&ar=647992194
Sunday - December 4 - 2011 - 10:25:12
The spokesman of the Foreign Jordanian Muhammad Kayed in contact with the channel the "new" that "Jordanian Foreign requested in the Doha meeting Jordan exemption from the application of sanctions on Syria items of trade and aviation."
And was awarded the Arab Ministerial Committee on the Syrian crisis, additional time until Sunday to sign the Protocol in Doha Observer Mission of the Arab League of fact-finding in Syria.
The Qatari Prime Minister Chairman of the Committee, Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jabr al-Thani on Saturday evening at the conclusion of the Committee's meeting in the Qatari capital, "we contacted during the meeting today in Damascus and the duty to inquiries they made immediately and asked to come (to the Qatari capital) to sign and we are waiting for the answer."
In the same context, the Commission adopted a decree banning the Arab 19 personal travel to Syria from the Arab countries, and also decided to freeze their assets in Arab banks.
And issued by the Committee's meeting in Doha, a statement containing eight points summarize the sanctions imposed by the Commission to Syria, and most importantly, "to approve the list of dignitaries and Syrian officials who will be denied entry to the Arab states and the freezing of their assets."
The statement was attached a list of 19 names of personalities Syria.
Truck owners mull Iraq as alternative route to Turkey, Europe
http://www.jordantimes.com/?news=43933
By Omar Obeidat
4 December 2011
AMMAN –– Owners of cargo trucks are mulling using Iraq as an alternative transit route to Turkey and Europe as just a few trucks enter Syria per day due to the turbulence in the northern neighbour.
According to Mohammad Dawood, president of the Jordan Truck Owners Association (JTOA), over the past two weeks Jordanian trucks carrying vegetables and other goods to Turkey and Europe have "rarely" travelled through Syria due to the ongoing instability.
He told The Jordan Times over the phone on Saturday that although Syrian authorities are not banning the entry of Jordanian cargo trucks through their land, owners and drivers are reluctant to enter the violence-hit country.
Dawood indicated that before the current situation, where Syrian security forces are cracking down on protesters in several areas, between 200-300 cargo trucks used to cross the border with Syria every day carrying various goods to Turkish and European markets, adding presently just a few trucks go to Syria, although there have no reports that drivers have experienced trouble in the Syrian territories.
According to the JTOA president, Syrian border authorities on Friday banned Turkish trucks laden with vegetables from Jordan to Europe to enter the country.
He said that there have been talks with the Iraqi side to use Iraq as a conduit for Jordanian trucks heading for Turkey.
Asked whether safety issues would be a source of concern for truck owners and drivers, Dawood replied that in recent months Jordanian trucks have travelled almost across all Iraqi cities without recording any security threats.
"We are ready to enter Turkey and Europe through Iraq but are awaiting a response from Iraqi authorities," he said.
Last week, the Turkish government announced that it would be considering using Iraq as a transit route for trade with the Middle East if the situation in Syria worsens.
In regards to passenger movement between Jordan and Syria, Ikhlas Yousef, spokesperson of the Land Transport Regulatory Commission, told The Jordan Times yesterday that the number of transport vehicles going to Syria has dropped sharply over the past few months due to the situation in Syria.
The border between the two countries is open and there have been no changes in cargo and passenger transport procedures, she added, indicating, however, that Syrian authorties sometimes decide to temporarily close the border crossing.
Arab, Foreign Figures Express Support to Syria in Face of Western Conspiracies
http://www.sana.sy/eng/337/2011/12/04/385877.htm
Dec 04, 2011
CAPITALS, (SANA)- Hundreds of the Turkish people on Saturday demonstrated outside the US Embassy in Ankara to express condemnation of the visit of the US Vice-President Joe Biden to Turkey and rejection of the US policy which exploits of the Turkish Justice and Development Party (AKP) government as a tool to implement its project in the region through targeting Syria.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9gnYzBu4YVQ
Participants in the demonstration, which was organized by the Turkish Youth Union, stressed the unity of the Syrian and Turkish peoples in the face of the Western imperialism, voicing rejection of the current Turkish government's collusion with the US and Western policies against Syria.
They expressed support to the Syrian people in achieving their home-made democracy away from the American neo-colonial methods.
In the same context, Secretary General of the International Confederation of Arab Trade Unions, Rajab Maatouk, said that the Zionist, American and Western project to target Syria has long been premeditated, but it started to be implemented through exploiting the popular move which the Arab region has witnessed in a number of countries.
In a statement to the Syrian TV, Maatouk added that targeting Syria is part of the West's efforts exerted to guarantee Israel's security as it constitutes an advanced base for its colonial interests in the region.
He pointed out that the policy of the Turkish AKP government( or the Neo-Ottomans) harmonizes with the Western project, in addition to a number of Arab countries which recently have constitute a base for the Western project, like Qatar.
For his part, Leader of the Egyptian 'Young Egypt Party' Muhammad al-Wasif criticized the AL decisions against Syria as it didn't play any role in the Middle East main issue, the Palestinian cause.
Al-Wasif stressed the conspiracy hatched against Syria, in particular and against the region, in general, aims at redrawing the map of the region and dividing it in order to create weak entities to guarantee Israel's superiority and security.
He called on the AL Secretary General to abandon the policy of his predecessors in dealing with the Arab Issues, particularly with Syria which has a pioneering role in the region.
He accused the Human Rights Council of "double standards and bias" as it turned a blind eye to the Israeli crimes against the Palestinian people.
Meanwhile, the Jordanian Popular Committee for Supporting Syria and Resistance staged a sit-in near the Syrian Embassy in Amman to express rejection of the AL economic sanctions against Syria.
Participants in the sit-in reiterated solidarity with the Syrian people, asserting that the Jordanian people are not part of these unfair sanctions.
Chairman of the Jordanian Committee Mansour Murad expressed his Committee 's condemnation of the decisions as they wage an economic war against Syria and against the peoples of the region.
مجلس الوزراء: إيقاف العمل باتفاقية الشراكة المؤسسة لمنطقة تجارة حرة بين سورية وتركيا
Cabinet Decides Ending Partnership Agreement on Establishing Free Trade Zone with Turkey
http://www.sana.sy/ara/2/2011/12/04/385894.htm
http://www.sana.sy/eng/21/2011/12/04/385922.htm
Dec 04, 2011
DAMASCUS,(SANA)- The Cabinet on Sunday held an extraordinary session under the chairmanship of Prime Minister, Dr. Adel Safar to discuss the Syrian-Turkish relations in light of the sanctions recently imposed on Syria by the Turkish Government.
In light of the national interest, and in retaliation in the same manner, the Cabinet took the following measures:
1/ Ending activities of the partnership agreement on establishing free trade zone between Syria and Turkey and all the provisions, decisions and instructions issued according to that agreement or those which are related to it, in addition to implementing the provisions of foreign trade on the Turkish goods and taking the customs duties imposed on these goods according to the tariff in force.
2/ Imposing a tariff estimated at 30 % of the value of all the Turkish goods imported to Syria that would be allocated for supporting the construction of the developing villages.
3/ Taking SYP 80 for each Fuel liter from the Turkish cars which leave Syria heading for Turkey. The SYP 80 represents the difference in the average of fuel price between Syria and Turkey and this will be done according to the allocated amounts (refrigerated vehicles/600 liters/…truck vehicles /550 liters/…buses /400 liters/…microbuses /200 liters/…other cars /50 liters/.)
4/ Implementing transit fee on the loaded or empty Turkish trucks according to the following equation…the weight of the car (standing or empty) ton ×the distance km ×2%, and this will be taken in the Euro.
In a statement to journalists after the session, Secretary-General of the Cabinet, Tayseer al-Zoubi said that the measures taken by the Government came in response to imposing economic sanctions on Syria by Turkey in a way that would harm the Syrian people' interests and based on retaliating in the same manner and preserving the national interests.
He indicated that the Turkish government has suspended the mechanism of the high-level strategic cooperation between Syria and Turkey which is based on agreements signed and approved by the governments of both countries, and it also suspended the work of all the joint committees established according to the cooperation agreements.
He added that the Turkish government has also frozen the relations with the Syrian Central Bank and the dealings with the Commercial Bank of Syria, as well as the relations with the Syrian Government in the credit sector, in addition to suspending agreements related to financing the projects of infrastructure in Syria which means that it doesn't adhere to the agreements signed between the two countries based on the high-level strategic cooperation.
Turkish Milli Gazete Newspaper Criticizes Turkish Government's Stances against Syria
http://www.sana.sy/ara/3/2011/12/04/386000.htm
http://www.sana.sy/eng/22/2011/12/04/386015.htm
Dec 04, 2011
ANKARA, (SANA) – The Turkish newspaper Milli Gazete criticized the Turkish government's stances towards the current events taking place in the region, especially its recent stances and the economic and financial measures taken against the Syrian people.
The newspaper said that the government's recent decisions sparked several debates on that the same government has refrained from taking any decision to impose economic, trade or political sanctions against Israel after the Israeli attack on the Turkish Mavi Marmara aid convoy to Gaza Strip in May 2010 which claimed the lives of nine civilian Turks and injured many others.
The newspaper added that Turkey deals with Israel as "a dove of peace" while it turns into "a hawk" when dealing with Syria.
The newspaper indicated to the remarkable development in the Turkish-Israeli economic relations, with the recent statistics showing that the value of the Israeli exports to Turkey has increased to USD 1.6 billion and the Israeli imports from Turkey amounted to USD 1.86 billion.
Is Turkey running out of steam in the Middle East?
http://www.todayszaman.com/columnistDetail_getNewsById.action?newsId=264682
04 December 2011, Sunday
CUMALİ ÖNAL, Columnist
Turkey's star has been rising since the arrival of the Justice and Development Party (AK Party) government, and it has recently been ranked among the countries with the greatest branding value.
The Middle East has become an open field for Turkey following a vision formulated by Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu.
As the West struggles with economic collapse Turkey has made bold moves and the US has become more dependent upon Ankara. In addition, its tough policy vis-à-vis Israel and the Arab Spring, not to mention the popularity of Turkish TV series, has raised Turkey's profile in the region. However, as change gains momentum in the region, some commentators have begun arguing that Turkey has been unable to adapt to the circumstances. Davutoğlu, who visited the region almost on a weekly basis before the Arab Spring, has decreased the frequency of these visits in recent months.
It should be noted that Turkey's relationships with countries in the region developed by the AK Party administration gave the impression that it had become a strong and reliable player in regional affairs. This image, which was further consolidated by moves in relation to Palestine as well as certain initiatives taken to address various crises in the region, had underlined that Turkey was an important part of the balance in the Middle East.
Considering its efforts, it is difficult to argue that Turkey has achieved what it wanted in the Middle East.
Turkey has been disappointed on the Palestinian front, where it expected a lot and which had served as a cornerstone of its Middle East policy. The prime minister's showdown in Davos and his statements on Gaza may have raised his popularity on the Arab street, but its political gains for Turkey were limited.
Hamas praised Turkey out of political considerations but never sided strongly with Turkey, whereas it did not hesitate to maintain close contact with Syria or Iran. It never considered Turkey's views a priority. Al Fatah, the other major Palestinian organization, made clear from the beginning that it was not in favor of Turkey's involvement in their matters.
In fact, paying attention to the Palestinian issue bothered some regional powers including Egypt, which had strong interests in Palestine. Turkey realized this and stepped back. In respect to Israel, Turkey's strong and harsh policies have not worked out well so far, either.
Shortly after the "one minute" incident in Davos in 2009 Turkey lost nine activists in the controversial Mavi Marmara incident, eventually leading it to sever diplomatic ties with Israel, one of the strongest and leading power centers in the region. Turkey has been voicing excessive demands including compensation and an apology for the families of the victims, as well the lifting of the blockade in Gaza. Asking Israel to lift the blockade is the same as asking it to hand over East Jerusalem to the Palestinians. Ankara, which concluded that Israel would be alienated in the region after losing Turkey, has not seen any move from Israel that would meet its expectations. It is really hard to expect that Israel would knock on Turkey's door unless the region is stabilized after the turmoil associated with the outbreak of the Arab Spring has settled.
When it came to Libya, one of the most lucrative locations for Turkish businessmen, Turkey made one of its gravest mistakes in foreign policy during the time of the AK Party. Or, at least this was the impression among the public because it was not adequately explained to them. Turkey failed to sense the intention of the West to interfere in Libya and initially gave the impression that it was siding with the Gaddafi regime.
Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's opposition to the sale of arms to dissidents in Libya led to an attack on the Turkish Consulate in Benghazi. Davutoğlu stressed on many occasions that he was opposed to NATO intervention. Turkey had the chance to demonstrate initiative in the case, particularly after its successful operation of evacuating a huge number of people from the conflict zone; however, it missed its chance and instead became one of the countries that attracted anger. Although it attempted to restore its image through a number of moves, it was too late in Libya. A new government is being formed in Libya, but Turkey is not being allowed to take an active part in the process of reshaping the country.
In terms of Egypt, the big brother in the region, Turkey made a historic move and became the first country to stand up against the Mubarak regime; many people have still not forgotten Erdoğan's statement. High-level visits to this country were made by Turkish officials after the end of Mubarak's rule, but now almost nobody mentions Turkey in Egypt. Maybe the rapid change in the country is the primary reason for this situation. Erdoğan's visit to Egypt was undermined by the Muslim Brotherhood, which organized a crowd to stage a demonstration against him because of its anti-Israeli stance; this seriously bothered some pro-Turkey groups. The Muslim Brotherhood is now uncomfortable with references to the Turkish model as an alternative for Egypt. This movement displays nationalistic tendencies and holds that Egypt should be the leader of the Middle East and Arab world.
In Turkey's own backyard, Syria, Ankara has put a lot of effort into avoiding a repeat of its mistakes in Libya. Since the beginning it has brought together different opposition groups and made them into a unified coalition. However, with international actors now getting involved, Turkey's influence over Syria is fading. The opposition groups are now flirting with the Arab League and France. Turkey's regular threats are not being taken seriously by the Damascus administration.
It is possible to argue that this is also similar to the cases of Iran and Iraq.
Why is it that Turkey is unable to get the results it desires despite what seems like pretty active efforts in foreign policy?
As diplomats note, the main response to this question is that Turkish foreign policy adopts an identity similar to that of the Turkish national football team; it does not have a precise and certain style, so it sometimes makes a striking performance vis-à-vis strong teams but ends up being defeated by relatively insignificant teams. A second response is that its foreign policy was formulated solely by Davutoğlu's identity and personality and that he is the one showing all the initiative. Third, there are not enough Turkish diplomats with a good knowledge of the region, nor do they speak the dominant language in the region, Arabic. The fact that Turkish diplomats follow developments and protests on Turkish TV rather than Arabic TV confirms the gravity of this state of affairs. Also, Turkey still does not have any press secretaries in most countries in the region; in rare instances where they do have them, they are often not sufficiently trained or equipped.
In a region where even communists have extensive knowledge about religion, Turkish diplomats in Egypt in particular have little information on their own religion irrespective of whether they practice it or not.
Foreign policy decisions are not made based on the voices on the streets. The impact of rhetorical approaches is not lasting. Therefore, Turkey's policy towards influential intellectuals who may be able to shape the decisions of a country is unknown. Conferences held by think tanks financed by the state are used as opportunities for meeting with other academics and colleagues; however, it is a great disadvantage that these are always the same people attending these events. Likewise, failure to diversify the range of intellectuals and journalists invited to Turkey shows that Turkey is unable to carry out good PR.
The same also applies to Turkish universities: Universities where intellectuals and future politicians are supposed to be nurtured are not open to the Arab world and are not known by people in the region.
The notion of neo-Ottomanism, a term attributed to Davutoğlu, who is dismissive of arguments that he relies on this ambition to further Turkey's foreign policy goals, is being used effectively in the region against Turkey. Turkey's opponents frequently refer to this notion in an attempt to undermine Ankara's reputation.
Turkey once had a reputation greater than its ability and size; however, over time it has become apparent that this reputation has no substantial basis.
Arabs, Turks attempt to redefine Arab uprisings, political trajectories
04 December 2011, Sunday / MAHİR ZEYNALOV , GAZİANTEP
http://www.todayszaman.com/news-264723-arabs-turks-attempt-to-redefine-arab-uprisings-political-trajectories.html
A large gathering of Turkish and Arab intellectuals discussing the uncertain political trajectories of post-revolution Arab states has kicked into gear in a southeastern Turkish city on the border with Syria -- a country that has put Turkey's assertive foreign policy to a difficult test in the face of unrest that has been rocking the Middle East for nearly a year.
It was the 25th in a series of gatherings organized by Zirve University and the Abant Platform, yet this time participants found a rare opportunity to discuss political developments elsewhere and the possible role Turkey might have in this political turmoil.
Comprising largely Turkish intellectuals both from Turkey and from around the world, Arab and Western commentators, activists and professors also joined in during the three-day event. Discussions primarily centered on redefining the Arab Spring, ways to cushion the pain of the transition period in post-revolution Arab nations and Turkey's contribution to political developments participants hoped signaled the birth pangs of consolidated democracies.
(omitted)
Former CHP politician Ambassador Batu: Waters not quiet in CHP
04 December 2011, Sunday / YONCA POYRAZ DOĞAN, İSTANBUL
http://www.todayszaman.com/news-264766-former-chp-politician-ambassador-batu-waters-not-quiet-in-chp.html
'Waters have not been quiet in the CHP. There is a widespread view in the party cadres that the CHP lost in the general election under Kılıçdaroğlu's leadership and the party would never go anywhere with his leadership. Now, competition has started for leadership in the party' (Photo: Today's Zaman)
A former CHP politician and retired diplomat has said that the waters have not been quiet in the Republican People's Party (CHP) as the party cadres try to bring its leader, Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, down using the issue of Dersim.
"There is a widespread view in the party cadres that the CHP lost in the general election under Kılıçdaroğlu's leadership, and the party would never go anywhere with his leadership. Now, competition has started for leadership in the party," said İnal Batu answering questions for Monday Talk.
According to Batu, there is no chance that the CHP is going to have a heartfelt debate on the issue of Dersim, and its politicians are just going to use this issue or another issue to weaken Kılıçdaroğlu.
A call by Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on the CHP to apologize for the killing of thousands of people in the Kurdish-Alevi region of Dersim -- now known as Tunceli as a result of a name change in 1936 -- in the 1930s has caused disarray within the CHP. The apology came after a war of words between Erdoğan and Kılıçdaroğlu. Erdoğan called on the CHP leader to offer apologies as well, as the CHP led the country during the one-party era at the time. Kılıçdaroğlu failed to offer an apology, but called on the government to release documents from the state archives that pertain to Dersim.
'Waters have not been quiet in the CHP. There is a widespread view in the party cadres that the CHP lost in the general election under Kılıçdaroğlu's leadership and the party would never go anywhere with his leadership. Now, competition has started for leadership in the party'
The issue of Dersim was first brought to the fore by former CHP deputy chairman Onur Öymen. In a speech in Parliament in November 2009, Öymen said, "Didn't mothers also cry at the time of the Sheikh Said Rebellion? Didn't mothers also cry at the time of the Dersim Rebellion?" in response to the government's use of the phrase "Let no more mothers cry" as part of its efforts to end the Kurdistan Workers' Party's (PKK) campaign of terror. His remarks, which were defensive of the Dersim killings, left Alevis, who traditionally give considerable support to the CHP, infuriated.
More recently, CHP's Tunceli deputy Hüseyin Aygün said that the1937 Dersim massacre occurred with the consent of the state and the ruling CHP. Aygün also said that the Dersim massacre occurred with the knowledge of Atatürk whom the CHP had always dissociated from the killings.
Acting independently of the CHP decision-making process, some 12 CHP deputies demanded that Aygün be expelled from the party. Kılıçdaroğlu accused the deputies of using the Aygün case to rebel against the central party.
As polls show that most people in the country are not uncomfortable with the emergence of the Dersim issue and see it as a confrontation with the past, Batu, who was CHP deputy chairman from 1999-2003, elaborated on the intricacies of the matter.
There was a great expectation from the CHP with the leadership of Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu. Now it seems like those expectations are not high. What is your evaluation of the situation regarding the CHP?
In modern social democratic political parties, nobody would rise to the leadership position by taking advantage of some video tape scandals [involving previous party leader Deniz Baykal]. In a serious social democratic party, leadership is a very serious issue -- some political party members are prepared for leadership over a period of many years. And a leader leaves the post if that leader loses in an election. In a modern democratic state, it would be impossible to retain the leadership position as Baykal did after losing seven elections. Indeed, the CHP is not a social democrat party. If it were, becoming leader of the party might happen like it occurs in modern democratic states. I say this as somebody who served as deputy chairman of the CHP for many years: First, it is not a social democrat party; second, the CHP's leader stayed in power even though he lost elections; and the new leader came to power without any preparation.
Who do you think pushed Kılıçdaroğlu for leadership in the party?
Kılıçdaroğlu was pushed for this position thanks to Önder Sav [former CHP secretary-general]. Prior to his leadership, he would repeatedly say on the record that he would never think of being in a leadership position in the CHP.
Do you know Kılıçdaroğlu well?
We served on the Central Executive Board [MYK] of the party in the same period, in about 1999-2003. I'd never think that Kılıçdaroğlu would be the leader of the party. And also nobody would think that Baykal would leave the leadership of his own will. There was no such option -- even though he could have lost yet another election. His retreat in the past when Altan Öymen took over the leadership was only a tactical move. However, Baykal should have left long ago, and somebody who had served in the party for years and whose name could have been accepted by consensus in the party should have risen to the leadership. And if that person lost in elections, s/he should have left.
Why do you think it was Kılıçdaroğlu who was dragged into the leadership?
Because he had some sensational moves -- he had some dossiers that he shared with the press regarding corruption allegations against the mayor of Ankara. He also had public polemics with former AKP [ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party)] deputies Dengir Mir Mehmet Fırat and Şaban Dişli, again related to some corruption allegations. In addition, he had brought success to the CHP in İstanbul in local elections as he worked with Gürsel Tekin [then İstanbul provincial chairman of the CHP]. Indeed, if Kılıçdaroğlu became a candidate for mayor of Ankara, he could have won. That would have been the right move for him to take.
'Dersim issue swept under carpet'
In our previous interview on the phone for a news story, you had said that the Dersim issue is symbolic for the CHP because it represents an excuse for intra-party fighting in the CHP. Would you elaborate on that issue?
The waters have not been quiet in the CHP. There is a widespread view in the party cadres that the CHP lost in the general election under Kılıçdaroğlu's leadership, and the party would never go anywhere with his leadership. Now, competition has started for leadership in the party. To make this fight obvious, there was a need for an issue. Dersim is a place where there was lots of blood shed. What happened in Dersim is well known, but nobody would like to talk about it; on the contrary, everybody, especially people who adhere to Atatürk, wanted to forget about what happened in Dersim. Those people, including me, did not want to bring to light again what happened in Dersim. It was an issue swept under the carpet. But who did this?
CHP's Onur Öymen.
And then what happened? A person from Dersim, Hüseyin Aygün, who had researched the issue of Dersim and who had no relation to the CHP, became a deputy from the CHP in order to increase CHP votes in that region. While doing that CHP cadres never thought that Aygün would continue his research and would be willing to speak out about it. If they did, they would have told him about the CHP's red lines about the issue of Dersim and how they would not like to bring out the name of Atatürk in relation to what happened in Dersim. Aygün, rightly so, continued his research on the Dersim issue. As you know, 12 deputies from the CHP harshly reacted to Aygün's remarks. CHP cadres used this golden opportunity as Kılıçdaroğlu was not able to take a stance on the issue; he neither supported Aygün nor opposed him as he tries to please everybody.
So Dersim was a tool or excuse to weaken Kılıçdaroğlu?
Yes, it was a tool. If there was not the Dersim issue, another issue would be brought up in order to weaken Kılıçdaroğlu further because Kılıçdaroğlu has been zigzagging too much in relation to too many issues. He has not been a decisive leader.
You said that the issue of Dersim was swept under the carpet by members of the CHP, and they did not want to relate Atatürk to the events. Hasn't there been a debate in the CHP about this issue at all?
Not at all. There is no need to bring up the painful issues of the past to light everyday. For example, there has never been a debate in the CHP as to whether the Armenian genocide occurred or not. Historians and researchers can do their work on those issues but those issues should not be used as tools to incite fights in society. Dersim would never have become an issue in the CHP if Onur Öymen hadn't talk about it, and if Aygün wasn't made a deputy.
'CHP cannot perform as main opposition party'
But the issue is out there right now. It is being debated in the media everyday. Is there any chance that the CHP will debate the issue?
I'll be very cynical and say that the issue of Dersim could be forgotten in a few days because the daily agenda in Turkey changes quite frequently. After Dersim, it is possible that another issue will come up in the CHP for use in their internecine fight because the structure of the party allows fights. And this is because the main concern of CHP politicians is to become the leader of the party, not the leader of Turkey. This is how it has been going on in the CHP: All fights are made to gain leadership within the party -- excluding the [Bülent] Ecevit era in the '70s. As I mentioned before, the CHP is not a social democratic party, its leader stayed in power despite losing in elections, and its current leader came to power without being prepared for the post. In addition, I detect something else in the CHP and that is that CHP politicians do not like each other much. Therefore, when there are no modern criteria and contemporary standards on becoming a leader, politicians try to oust their rivals through ugly games. There is a great lack of fondness for each other. Remember, Baykal's nickname was "factionary." Today, there are many factionaries in the CHP.
But when there is a need for a main opposition party, isn't that situation dangerous as the party politicians are so consumed in an internecine fight?
The CHP cannot perform its function as the main opposition party. I just read the results of a public poll. Pollsters asked people who voted for the CHP in the June 12 election whether or not they believe the CHP will ever come to power, and the response was "no" by 65 percent. When there is no hope of becoming the ruling party, then that party is merely a political faction.
Meanwhile, CHP provincial head for Tunceli [formerly Dersim] Hüseyin Güneş recently said that CHP's votes in Tunceli have decreased because of the Dersim debate…
Determining how the CHP is able to garner that many votes in Tunceli is really an excellent research area for sociologists!
Why do you think people of Tunceli support the CHP?
Yes, the CHP carries the weight of an evil action in Dersim on its shoulders, but at least after what happened in Dersim, the CHP is the only party that gives positions to Alevis. The AKP [AK Party] talks about the Alevi initiative, but it gave nothing to the Alevis, and Alevi citizens are aware of that fact. The AKP still appoints Sunni imams to Alevi villages, and Alevi cemevi are still not considered an official house of worship. There are probably no Alevi provincial heads of the AKP. The CHP at least supports Alevis on their basic issues, and there are Alevi deputies as well as other party officials. Alevis choose the CHP despite its Dersim sins because it is the lesser of two evils.
'CHP cadres working to bring Kılıçdaroğlu down'
Would the CHP issue an apology in relation to Dersim?
There is no such tradition in Turkish politics. One exception to this was Özal's apology [Turkey had abstained from voting for Algeria's self-determination right in the United Nations General Assembly in 1958, but the tension between the two countries eased after Prime Minister Turgut Özal visited Algeria in 1985 and apologized for Turkey's abstention from the UN vote]. Özal had shown extraordinary leadership then.
What do you think of the current prime minister's apology on behalf of the state over Dersim?
It is completely about weakening Kılıçdaroğlu and the CHP, nothing else.
So it was not surprising to you?
It was not because Erdoğan is a courageous and bold leader; he has no problems with his party. When Kılıçdaroğlu does or says something, his party does not back him. But this is completely different for Erdoğan; when he says something, his party completely stands behind him.
Do you expect the fall of Kılıçdaroğlu in the next party congress?
CHP cadres are working hard to bring Kılıçdaroğlu down. The waters will not be quiet in the CHP. But it is hard to tell what is going to really happen.
Who are the emerging leaders in the CHP?
There are Haluk Koç, Muharrem İnce… And there is a possibility that Mustafa Sarıgül's movement could gain strength.
'Syria policies need reconsidering'
Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu and the CHP never supported the government's policy of not supporting the Syrian regime. What is your evaluation of this stance?
For a political party that claims to be social democratic, it is not appropriate to support a regime that is killing thousands of its citizens. It was strange for the CHP to send delegations to Syria. On the other hand, it is not appropriate for the government to say that what is happening in Syria is Turkey's domestic issue. The Free Syrian Army (FSA) and Syrian National Council (SNC) should not be based in Turkey, even though they could hold their meetings in Turkey among many other countries. Both the CHP and the AKP have some faults in their approach to the issue.
What is your opinion about the Turkish sanctions against Syria?
The government acted correctly. The sanctions are quite moderate and not directed at punishing the Syrian people. Positively, there are no adventurous schemes like" human corridors" or "buffer zones."
Do you see an international military intervention in Syria?
No. Even Israel does not want it because there are fears that radical Islamists would replace the Assad regime.
'Turning point nears regarding Cyprus'
What are your expectations regarding the future of Cyprus?
Everybody -- despite some people's pro-Greek stance -- understands now that these farcical talks cannot last forever. The two-state solution slowly starts to rise to the agenda of the world. Turkey has a major task ahead. The increased weight and prestige of Turkey in the world arena should be used in order to have the KKTC [Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus recognized only by Turkey] internationally recognized. There is the example of Kosovo. The KKTC can be considered in the same category as Palestine and Abkhazia.
İnal Batu, veteran Turkish diplomat, former politician
He entered the Foreign Ministry in 1960. He became the first ambassador from Turkey to the KKTC established in 1983 and recognized only by Turkey. In 1984, he served as ambassador to Pakistan, and in 1987 he was Turkey's ambassador in Prague, Czechoslovakia. In 1992, he became the Turkish ambassador to the United Nations. When he was the assistant undersecretary at the Turkish Foreign Ministry back in Ankara, the Kardak/Imia crisis erupted, and Amb. Batu is well-known for his proposal to send soldiers to the smaller rock near Kardak, averting a war between Turkey and Greece. During his final months at the Foreign Ministry, he served as ambassador to Rome, which had strained relations with Turkey because of the Kurdish issue. Ambassador Batu entered politics in 1999 through an invitation from CHP leader Baykal. Batu was CHP deputy chairman in 1999-2003. He ended his active political career in 2007.
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