Turkish Daily News, Turkey
Nov 26 2008

ANKARA IS WELL-SITUATED

>From the day that crises discussions started, I am not sure whether
you ever noticed, but there was a striking difference in attitude
between Ankara and the business world, foremost represented by
Istanbul. For us, the concept "Ankara" is a mixture of
bureaucrats-politicians-soldiers; meaning a portion of society
receiving income from the state and bearing no risk of job loss.

Whereas "Istanbul" is a concept comprising the business milieu. A
mixture of employer-employee-artisan; meaning the portion of society
that bears the risk. Employers have the biggest risk. Employees as
well, are affected in every way by the crisis. To put it this way,
Ankara is comprised of people who are well-situated. Whereas Istanbul
is represented by people who assume responsibility.

As Bilal Cetin, the representative of Vatan Gazetesi in Ankara, put it
recently, the latest crises that we are living through shows the
difference between Istanbul and Ankara very clearly. There is
excitement in Istanbul. Fear, even panic. People are concerned their
employer will become bankrupt and thus they will be unemployed. That
is why they constantly pressure the administration. They want the
package to pass as soon as possible.

In such a situation the media furiously broadcast, "the crisis is
coming, where are you?" Those who listen to Istanbul see a mood of
panic. Behind closed doors precautions are taken incessantly in order
to "tighten the belt." Employees are waiting in agitation. They are
trying to figure out whether they will be laid off one day or
not. They are bitterly trying to come up with what to do if they are
laid off.

Ankara, on the other hand, monitors this scene cold-blooded. They have
a look as if they are living in outer space. Taking one step further,
they claim "these people, employers, try to screw money out of the
state while calling it help." They believe Istanbul is exaggerating
everything. They describe Istanbul as the weakest link in the country.

This difference between Ankara and Istanbul is extremely important and
as I see it, harmful. For let us not forget, if the private sector is
unable to earn money then one day those in Ankara will reach a point
where they will not receive their pay.

If Ankara does not accept that they are in the same boat and as long
as it views the private sector as "grafters" and itself as "protector
of state property," we will not escape our difficulties.

[HH] Armenian front relaxes gradually

The latest meeting between Armenian Foreign Minister Edvard Nalbantyan
and Babacan, and declarations thereafter, caused us to raise our
hopes. In the Caucasus everything might just change any
minute. Therefore, we should not be too exited but our expectations
still rise. Turkey and Armenia for the first time are able to really
look each other in the eye. They seem to be convinced that easing
relations will be beneficial for both.

Yerevan finally wants to develop and enrich its population. Finally it
plans on expanding and relaxing its relationship with Europe through
Turkey. We should not expect Armenia to back off the genocide
allegations. Generations have been brought up with the genocide belief
and it has been branded into their skin. We can not erase it. If we
want to develop our relations we need to give up reservations. Easing
relations will bring great advantages for both countries, Turkey and
Armenia.

Turkey bears a heavy burden. Genocide allegations are unfortunately
accepted all over the world. We can deny as much as we want but it is
perceived as reality. If Turkey wants to ease its burden, it has no
choice but to keep up good relations. It will not accept genocide
allegations but learn to live with them. Armenians advantage will be
reached through finally stepping onto the right track with
Turkey. There is no end to living with genocide allegations. The time
has finally come to see the truth and establish an order that better
responds to its peoples needs. My only concern within this
Turkish-Armenian approach is that militants on both sides will
sabotage development. They will definitely do this, you will see. They
will push and pull, and try to ruin everything. Let us see if those
who embrace this approach will behave smart and be successful.