Portal:Current events/Turkey/2007 August 9

August 9, 2007 (Thursday)

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The ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Parti) turned its attention to the upcoming presidential election after picking former center-right politician Köksal Toptan to lead Parliament. (Today's Zaman)
Leader of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) Devlet Bahçeli said that his party's positive attitude toward deputies from the pro-Kurdish Democratic Society Party (DTP) in Parliament should not be interpreted as a step backward in the MHP's sensitivity in the fight against the outlawed PKK. (Today's Zaman)
Turkey has lodged complaint at the United Nations against Austria which released Rıza Altun, one of the leaders of PKK terrorist organization, and sent him to Iraq. (The New Anatolian)
Republican People's Party (CHP) Chairman Deniz Baykal said on Thursday that the parties cannot take a group decision in the election of parliament speaker, yet noted that he would support Justice and Development Party deputy from Zonguldak Köksal Toptan, nominated for the speaker of parliament by his party. (The New Anatolian)
Beşiktaş beat Sheriff Tiraspol of Moldova 3-0 in the second leg of the European Champions League second qualifying round match in Tiraspol on Wednesday night. Beşiktaş advanced to 3rd qualifying round. The match took place in Sheriff Stadium where Beşiktaş' Bobo scored two goals (min. 57 and 69) and Koray's goal (min. 90) defined the match score. (The New Anatolian)
Even if Foreign Minister Abdullah Gül became the Justice and Development Party's (AKP) candidate for the presidency, there will be no crisis in Turkey, the AKP deputy from Gaziantep Mehmet Şimşek, seen as a contender for the post of economy minister, reportedly told foreign investors. (Turkish Daily News)
The Turkish-Greek natural gas pipeline will be officially inaugurated by the prime ministers of the two countries between August 16 and 26, Turkish Energy Minister Hilmi Güler announced yesterday. (Turkish Daily News)