GOOD MORNING--TURKEY PRESS SCAN ON JAN 1

HURRIYET
--CEO POCKETS TO GO PUBLIC
Turkey's Capital Market Board (SPK) will examine in detail earnings of high-level executives --including chief executive officers-- working at publicly-held companies. The Board aims to protect the rights of silent partners and other partners of these companies.

--UN SECURITY COUNCIL MEMBERSHIP STARTS
Turkey has become a member of the United Nations Security Council for the first time since 1961. Turkey's membership starts today. The Council is expected to discuss developments in Gaza. Turkey will encounter tough discussions and diplomatic maneuvers without acclimating to world's most important political organization.

MILLIYET
--AMERICAN STYLE NEIGHBORHOOD PRESSURE
Milliyet reporter spoke with the family of Serdar Tatar (25), who was found guilty in the United States for preparing to attack Fort Dix military base with three Albanian and a Jordanian migrants. FBI had deployed an Egypt native Omar to infiltrate into this suspected group. And Serdar had become suspicious about Omar, who was talking about Bin Ladin and asked him to find the map of the military base. Serdar informed the police and FBI several times on Omar.

However, the jury found Serdar guilty too. And his family is really down-and-out. The family has closed the pizza restaurant they were running and they have all become depressed after numerous death threats. The family expects Turkish authorities to help them.

--NATIONAL PROGRAM FINALLY APPROVED
Turkish President Abdullah Gul approved the third National Program that covers Turkey's commitments on the way to EU for the next four years. The draft program was made public in August however the actual program was pending for months. The 400-page program includes Turkey's reform pledges on several issues such as fundamental rights and freedoms, democracy, law and minorities.

SABAH
--ERDOGAN DEPARTS FOR PEACE
Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan began his Middle East tour that would cover four countries --Syria, Jordan, Egypt and Saudi Arabia-- in a bid to stop Israeli attack and tragedy in Gaza. During his tour, Erdogan will exert efforts to establish a permanent truce in Gaza. "These incidents in Gaza are very dangerous developments that we can not remain silent in the name of regional peace and stability," Erdogan said. before his departure to Syria on Wednesday.

VATAN

--CEO SALARIES WILL BE SECRET NO MORE

Turkish Capital Market Board (SPK) will examine salaries of chief executive officers which were kept secret so far. The board will fine the company that would not give information about financial earnings of key executives. The goal is to have companies put CEO salaries to balance sheets just like in the United States.

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CUMHURIYET

--PRIVATE LIFE IS OVER

Despite all advances in informatics, legal gaps in Turkey made it impossible to protect personal information and confidentiality of private life. Foreign diplomats in Ankara describe recent "bug scandals" as "the last period of Soviet Union." Diplomats say they make less phone calls and avoid private life information in their electronic communication.

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--GUL APPROVES NATIONAL PROGRAM

Turkish President Abdullah Gul approved Turkey's "3rd National Program" which is a road map in relations with EU.

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RADIKAL

--MIT TO BEGIN NEW YEAR WITH A NEW STRUCTURE

Turkish National Intelligence Agency (MIT) is restructuring. Intelligence and operations will be gathered under one deputy undersecretary. Internal and external intelligence departments will reorganize. The importance of anti-spy division will be raised. Psychological intelligence department will be abolished.

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--"AK PARTY WILL GO IF THEY WIN LESS VOTES"

Main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) chairman Deniz Baykal said that the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) would be seen unsuccessful if it wins less than 47 percent --AKP's votes in latest general election-- in upcoming local election.

 

"If they win less than 47 percent, their legitimacy would be controversial," Baykal said.

 

YENI SAFAK

--BUG WAR

The main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) is mixed up after a bug was found at party headquarters. Deputy Secretary-General Algan Hacaloglu said the bugs could not be hidden at CHP headquarters without an insider help.

 

"I think someone inside the party had put these bugs," he said.