Category: World

PM says EU should clear way for Turkey accession

Erdogan said Monday that EU should not block Turkey’s way to accession if it wants enlargement, zest and an alliance of civilization with its body.

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Monday that EU should not block Turkey’s way to accession if it wants enlargement, zest and an alliance of civilization with its body.

“EU should stop putting obstacles constantly,” Erdogan told a joint press conference with Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borisov in Sofia.

“Turkey has been resolutely continuing accession talks with EU,” Erdogan said. However, he said that EU has been stalling Turkey’s membership bid.

“I do not know how long such a stalling will go on,” Erdogan said. “But I must say that none of the current EU-member countries have experienced such a treatment. It has been 50 years and Turkey has been stalled since that time. Turkey has been facing different obstacles.”

In 2005, Turkey started accession talks with EU. However, a year later EU suspended talks in eight of the 35 chapters which candidate countries must successfully negotiate prior to full membership. A total of 13 chapters have opened since that date.

In response to a question whether or not Turkey would hold a referendum to decide on joining the 27-nation bloc just as Norway did in 1994, Erdogan said Norway had completed accession negotiations and then held a referendum on EU membership.

He said, “we are still in negotiation process right now. So, it is out of question to make such a decision before negotiations are concluded.”

World Bulletin

October 4, 2010
World Travel Awards Europe Ceremony held in Antalya

It was a night of elation – and some disappointment – at this year’s World Travel Awards Europe Ceremony held in Antalya, Turkey on Friday 1st October.

The industry’s top brass – including CEOs and directors of leading travel companies, government ministers and tourist board chiefs – all gathered to battle it out at the most important evening of the year in European travel and tourism.

Although it’s been a tough year for aviation on the continent, there have been a few notable exceptions. Turkish Airlines picked up the award for “Europe’s Leading Airline Business Class” following 12 months in which it posted record profits, grew market share and continued its global expansion. Meanwhile, KLM’s unrivalled air travel experience in the face of such a tough market led to it being voted “Europe’s Leading Airline”.

The luxury sector continues its recovery, led by two of Turkey’s brightest hospitality stars – Mardan Palace won “Europe’s Leading Luxury Hotel” and Cornelia Diamond Golf Resort & Spa collected “Europe’s Leading Luxury Resort”.

And there was even more good news for Turkey, which also walked away with “Europe’s Leading Meetings & Conference Hotel” for Rixos Sungate, “Europe’s Leading Tourist Board” for the Turkish Culture and Tourism Office and “Europe’s Leading Destination” for Istanbul.

Europcar received the award for “Europe’s Leading Car Hire” for an incredible eighth year running. P&O Ferries was awarded “Europe’s Leading Short Sea Ferry Operator”, Lisbon was crowned “Europe’s Leading City Break Destination” and Easyjet took away the trophy for “Europe’s Leading Low-Cost Airline”. The award for “Europe’s Leading Marketing Campaign” went to ‘Welcome to Yorkshire’.

The biggest applause of the night was saved for the Special Achievement Award which this year was presented to Talha Gorgulu for his outstanding achievement within the Turkish travel industry. His “A Group” Travel Agency, Kay?tur, brings millions of tourists to Turkey while his charter operation SKY Airlines now flies to 50 destinations with a fleet of 17 state-of-the-art aircraft. In 2006, he set a new benchmark for style, not just in Turkey but worldwide, by opening the Adam & Eve hotel in Antalya.

There were awards too for travel companies, organisations and destinations in over 50 individual countries across Europe.

Swissotel Krasnye Holmy Moscow won the award for “Russia’s Leading Hotel”, Minos Imperial Luxury Beach Resort & Spa took away the title for both “Greece’s Leading All-Inclusive Resort” and the “Mediterranean’s Leading Family Resort”. Leopolis Hotel was awarded “Ukraine’s Leading Hotel” and Grace Santorini received the award for “Greece’s Leading Boutique Hotel”.

VIPs in attendance included Ilhan Acikgoz, President of GETOB; Sururi Corabatir, President of AKTOB; Cemil Ugurlu, President of Betuyab, Andres Erm, CEO of Leopolis Hotel; Talha Gorgulu, Kayi Group Chairman; Tahir Gorgulu, Kayi Group CEO and General Manager of Sky Airlines. Jason Ngobeni, Executive Director of Economic Development for City of Johannesburg; Hamdi Topcu, Chairman of Turkish Airlines and Mohammed Al Amiri, CEO of Amiri Consultancy.

The world-famous Fire of Anatolia dance act provided the entertainment for the evening as the stunning cast of 45 dancers stepped, stomped and swirled to traditional folk music from the Black Sea to the Balkans. Hosting the event was Turkish presenter and journalist Seda Akgul. Other entertainment on the night included The Magic Drifters.

Thousands Voted

The winners were selected with the help of thousands of industry professionals worldwide who have been voting online.

Graham E. Cooke, Founder and President of World Travel Awards said that in addition to the prestige for their respective companies and destinations, the winners also gain considerable commercial benefit.

“Because of its global reach and reputation, World Travel Awards is unique and regularly referred to as the ‘Oscars’ of travel and tourism”, said Cooke. “This means that consumers are increasingly using our portfolio of winners as a reliable and independent guide when booking their travel.”

Established 17 years ago, the awards are committed to raising the standards of customer service and overall business performance throughout the international industry.

“What is so encouraging is the strength demonstrated by European travel and tourism in the face of adversity. Tonight’s winners represent the cream of the industry, and those players that are leading the continent’s recovery,” he added.

Winners of the regional ceremony will now go on to compete in World Travel Awards 2010 final in London, immediately before World Travel Market on Sunday 7 November.

It was a night of elation – and some disappointment – at this year’s World Travel Awards Europe Ceremony held in Antalya, Turkey on Friday 1st October. The industry’s top brass – including CEOs and directors of leading travel companies, government ministers and tourist board chiefs – all gathered to battle it out at the most important evening of the year in European travel and tourism.Although it’s been a tough year for aviation on the continent, there have been a few notable exceptions. Turkish Airlines picked up the award for “Europe’s Leading Airline Business Class” following 12 months in which it posted record profits, grew market share and continued its global expansion. Meanwhile, KLM’s unrivalled air travel experience in the face of such a tough market led to it being voted “Europe’s Leading Airline”.
The luxury sector continues its recovery, led by two of Turkey’s brightest hospitality stars – Mardan Palace won “Europe’s Leading Luxury Hotel” and Cornelia Diamond Golf Resort & Spa collected “Europe’s Leading Luxury Resort”.
And there was even more good news for Turkey, which also walked away with “Europe’s Leading Meetings & Conference Hotel” for Rixos Sungate, “Europe’s Leading Tourist Board” for the Turkish Culture and Tourism Office and “Europe’s Leading Destination” for Istanbul.
Europcar received the award for “Europe’s Leading Car Hire” for an incredible eighth year running. P&O Ferries was awarded “Europe’s Leading Short Sea Ferry Operator”, Lisbon was crowned “Europe’s Leading City Break Destination” and Easyjet took away the trophy for “Europe’s Leading Low-Cost Airline”. The award for “Europe’s Leading Marketing Campaign” went to ‘Welcome to Yorkshire’.
The biggest applause of the night was saved for the Special Achievement Award which this year was presented to Talha Gorgulu for his outstanding achievement within the Turkish travel industry. His “A Group” Travel Agency, Kay?tur, brings millions of tourists to Turkey while his charter operation SKY Airlines now flies to 50 destinations with a fleet of 17 state-of-the-art aircraft. In 2006, he set a new benchmark for style, not just in Turkey but worldwide, by opening the Adam & Eve hotel in Antalya.
There were awards too for travel companies, organisations and destinations in over 50 individual countries across Europe.Swissotel Krasnye Holmy Moscow won the award for “Russia’s Leading Hotel”, Minos Imperial Luxury Beach Resort & Spa took away the title for both “Greece’s Leading All-Inclusive Resort” and the “Mediterranean’s Leading Family Resort”. Leopolis Hotel was awarded “Ukraine’s Leading Hotel” and Grace Santorini received the award for “Greece’s Leading Boutique Hotel”.
VIPs in attendance included Ilhan Acikgoz, President of GETOB; Sururi Corabatir, President of AKTOB; Cemil Ugurlu, President of Betuyab, Andres Erm, CEO of Leopolis Hotel; Talha Gorgulu, Kayi Group Chairman; Tahir Gorgulu, Kayi Group CEO and General Manager of Sky Airlines. Jason Ngobeni, Executive Director of Economic Development for City of Johannesburg; Hamdi Topcu, Chairman of Turkish Airlines and Mohammed Al Amiri, CEO of Amiri Consultancy.
The world-famous Fire of Anatolia dance act provided the entertainment for the evening as the stunning cast of 45 dancers stepped, stomped and swirled to traditional folk music from the Black Sea to the Balkans. Hosting the event was Turkish presenter and journalist Seda Akgul. Other entertainment on the night included The Magic Drifters.
Thousands VotedThe winners were selected with the help of thousands of industry professionals worldwide who have been voting online.Graham E. Cooke, Founder and President of World Travel Awards said that in addition to the prestige for their respective companies and destinations, the winners also gain considerable commercial benefit.
“Because of its global reach and reputation, World Travel Awards is unique and regularly referred to as the ‘Oscars’ of travel and tourism”, said Cooke. “This means that consumers are increasingly using our portfolio of winners as a reliable and independent guide when booking their travel.”
Established 17 years ago, the awards are committed to raising the standards of customer service and overall business performance throughout the international industry.
“What is so encouraging is the strength demonstrated by European travel and tourism in the face of adversity. Tonight’s winners represent the cream of the industry, and those players that are leading the continent’s recovery,” he added.
Winners of the regional ceremony will now go on to compete in World Travel Awards 2010 final in London, immediately before World Travel Market on Sunday 7 November.

Travel Daily News

October 4, 2010
Blame Nobel for crisis, says author of “Black Swan”

By Adam Cox

STOCKHOLM (Reuters) – Did the Nobel prize help trigger the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression?

Nassim Taleb, who shot to fame with his ideas about risk in the book “The Black Swan,” believes the economics award and the theories it celebrates deserve their share of blame.

“I want to remove the harm from these economic models. And the Nobel is not helping. They should be held partly responsible, if not largely responsible, for the crisis,” Taleb told Reuters by telephone.

The first of the Nobel awards will be announced next Monday, with the economics prize due a week later on Oct 11.

According to Taleb, there are a number of mistaken ideas about forecasting and measuring risk, which all contribute to events like the 2008 global crisis. The Nobel prize, he says, has given them a stamp of approval, allowing them to propagate.

Taleb is a former trader who took advantage of the mispricing of derivatives to make his fortune in the years before the crisis. He published “The Black Swan” in 2007 and went on to make millions more during the upheaval.

He rattles off a list of Nobel prize winners who make his blood boil. They include: Harry Markowitz, William Sharpe, Robert Merton, Myron Scholes, Robert Engle, Franco Modigliani and Merton Miller — a virtual “Who’s Who” of the economic world.

Merton and Scholes, for instance, were recognized for their work in valuing derivatives. Modigliani and Miller are known for a theory which some have argued promotes financing by debt.

Taleb attacks their works for how they are constructed and what they lead to. “There is no world in which these ideas can work mathematically,” he said.

Forecasting methods, which he discusses in detail in his book, create a false sense of security or, worse, send people in the wrong direction. Universities then compound the problem by teaching these Nobel-approved ideas as orthodoxy.

His conversation is peppered with metaphors. “If I give you a map of Sparta when you’re in Johannesburg, you will definitely have a problem,” he says of the tools used in modern finance.

Taleb said he has met with the King of Sweden and suggested he do something about the economics prize, which was an addition in the 1960s to the roster of prizes awarded since 1901 for science, literature and peace.

“HE CRASHED THE PLANE”

But if he is unable to make headway in Stockholm, does Taleb believe his new influence can help him change the practices of important policy makers? He will be the first to say that his blunt, uncompromising manner make that highly unlikely.

He says he walked out of a meeting that included Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner and other luminaries and wouldn’t feel comfortable shaking their hands.

Federal Reserve Governor Ben Bernanke he calls “a true charlatan,” arguing his idea of a “Great Moderation” made the world more dangerous because it masked underlying risks.

“He got us here. He crashed the plane,” Taleb said. “I say it literally, he doesn’t know what’s going on.”

In Europe, Taleb’s ideas have found more favor. He spent time with British Prime Minister David Cameron and said the new leader’s policies are visibly influenced by “The Black Swan.”

Asked if he would accept a Nobel prize himself if selected, Taleb is uncharacteristically hesitant. People might think he had sold out, he worries. But he concludes: “If it would help society that I got something like that, I probably would.”

For now, Taleb is content to write books and try to advance his ideas. He says he has given up trading, but has a clear purpose for all the profits he made. “I’m using the money now to finance the destruction of the economic establishment.”

, Sep 28, 2010

October 4, 2010
U.S. and UK raise terrorism threat level in Europe

(Reuters) – The United States and Britain warned their citizens on Sunday of an increased risk of terrorist attacks in Europe, with Washington saying al Qaeda might target transport infrastructure.

Picture from Daily Mail

The U.S. State Department issued a warning directed at American citizens travelling in Europe, without singling out any specific countries.

Britain raised the terrorism threat level in its advice for citizens travelling to Germany and France to “high” from “general.” It left the threat level at home unchanged at “severe,” meaning an attack is highly likely, and said it agreed with the U.S. assessment for the continent as a whole.

The moves came after a week in which a number of European officials had broadly confirmed media reports that new intelligence indicated possible attacks on the continent.

Western intelligence sources said militants in hideouts in northwest Pakistan had been plotting coordinated attacks on European cities, the plans apparently surviving setbacks from a September surge in drone strikes and an arrest.

The plot involved al Qaeda and allied militants, possibly including European citizens or residents, the sources said. In Washington, U.S. officials said Osama bin Laden and the top al Qaeda leadership were likely behind the plot.

Some security officials have drawn comparisons to the brazen Mumbai attacks in 2008, which targeted city landmarks including luxury hotels and a cafe and killed 166 people.

The U.S. State Department travel alert said public transportation systems and other tourism-related facilities could be targets, noting that past attacks had struck rail, airline and boat services.

“The State Department alerts U.S. citizens to the potential for terrorist attacks in Europe. Current information suggests that al Qaeda and affiliated organizations continue to plan terrorist attacks,” it said.

“European governments have taken action to guard against a terrorist attack and some have spoken publicly about the heightened threat conditions,” it added.

“You should take these threats seriously, but right now I feel very safe in Paris,” U.S. tourist Tom Steier said.

The alert was posted on its website here

“A growing body of information on terrorist plotting — gathered over time — factored into the decision to issue the alert,” the U.S. official said.

CONSTANT REVIEW French Foreign Ministry spokesman Bernard Valero said France had taken the US warning into account: “The terrorist threat remains high in France … the alert level remains unchanged at red,” he said. That is the second highest level.

A spokesman for Britain’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) declined to detail why the travel advice for France and Germany had been updated.

Reuters

October 4, 2010
Turkish minister accuses EU of political intrigues

(Reuters) – The European Union’s refusal to negotiate with Turkey over several areas required for membership is politically motivated and has deepened Turks’ frustration, the minister in charge of accession talks said on Sunday.

The EU cannot keep Turkey indefinitely “waiting at the door” of membership, State Minister Egemen Bagis said in an e-mailed statement to mark the fifth anniversary of the date the country began formal talks on joining the bloc.

Since then, Turkey has initiated talks on 13 of 33 policy “chapters” that it must close to attain full membership. Negotiations on 17 chapters have been blocked because of Turkey’s refusal to recognise arch foe Cyprus, an EU member.

“The negotiation process is interrupted by political intrigues in a way that has never been experienced by a candidate country before,” Bagis said. “This approach is neither fair nor sustainable … The Turkish public is becoming increasingly frustrated in its drive towards the EU.”

Some opinion polls show Turks’ support for joining the EU is now less than half from about 75 percent a decade ago.

Public opinion in the European Union is mostly opposed to Turkish membership amid questions about whether a poor, Muslim country of 72 million people that lies mainly in Asia belongs in the bloc.

French President Nicholas Sarkozy and German Chancellor Angela Merkel have petitioned against its full membership.

Bagis said such arguments “are losing their validity” as Turkey undergoes an economic and social transformation.

Economic output has tripled since 2002 and the government has dramatically expanded political and human rights, although the EU and the United States both say the government better protect freedom of speech and religion and enforce rule of law.

(Reporting by Ayla Jean Yackley)

Reuters

October 4, 2010
Kenan Sofuoglu Turkish professional motorcycle racer becomes World Super Sport Champion

Kenan Sofuoglu seals a second World Supersport title, as Eugene Laverty contends with second place again; Joan Lascorz is third despite missing the final three events.

The grid may have been thin at times and it was clear from the outset who would emerge as the only realistic title contenders, but the 2010 World Supersport Championship has once again served up some enthralling races.

New champion Kenan Sofuoglu, Eugene Laverty and also Joan Lascorz before his accident threw up some outstanding performances that were a class above the competition.

In the end, consistency won out over raw speed as Sofuoglu’s three wins and impeccable podium record was enough to see off Laverty’s eight wins and single DNF, the Irishman finishing up as bridesmaid for a second season in a row.

Nonetheless, with Laverty confirmed as heading to Yamaha in World Superbikesnext year, and Lascorz apparently also heading in that direction, as well as Sofuoglu pitching for Moto2, the gulf they leave behind will be massive.

Indeed, no other rider got close in 2010, though that doesn’t mean to say their performances were any less worthy.

Chaz Davies deserves a special mention for his incredible performances on the Triumph Daytona 675, a bike that clearly didn’t have the performance of the top Hondas and Kawasakis. Nonetheless, the Welshman was a three-time podium winner, finished all but two races inside the top five and should have overhauled the absent Lascorz for third were it not for his Imola heartbreak.

He was also well clear – 54 points – of his nearest rival, that of Michele Pirro, who led a tight fight for fifth with just 16 points covering five riders. In the end, the Italian’s fortuitous win at Imola saw him sneak ahead of Triumph’s David Salom on count-back after they both finished on the same points. One point further back, Robbin Harms was seventh in his first season as a rider-manager, while Massimo Roccoli rather luckily edged Gino Rea – second across the line in Germany – for eighth after the Briton failed the score in the final three races.

As mentioned, however, the Supersport grid suffered from a lack of entries at times, though interestingly wild-cards ensured there would be 38 riders on the final points’ table – one more than 2009.

Perhaps the more telling statistic, however, is that – whether through injury, wild-cards or financial woes -, just managed a complete season in 2010.

With the top three set for pastures new in 2011, the Supersport series has some serious thinking to do over the winter…

Final 2010 World Supersport Championship rider standings

1. Kenan Sofuoglu Ten Kate Honda 263 points
2. Eugene Laverty Parkalgar Honda 252
3. Joan Lascorz Motocard Kawasaki 168
4. Chaz Davies BE1 Triumph 153
5. Michele Pirro Ten Kate Honda 99
6. David Salom BE1 Triumph 99
7. Robbin Harms Harms Benjan Honda 98
8. Massimo Roccoli Intermoto Honda 84
9. Gino Rea Intermoto Honda 83
10. Katsuaki Fujiwara Motocard Kawasaki 81
11. Matthieu Lagrive BE1 Triumph 70
12. Miguel Praia Parkalgar Honda 66
13. Fabien Foret Lorenzini Kawasaki 65
14. Roberto Tamburini Bike Service Yamaha 32
15. Broc Parkes Motocard Kawasaki 29
16. Alexander Lundh Cresto Guide Honda 24
17. Jason DiSalvo BE1 Triumph 21
18. Vittorio Iannuzzo BE1 Triumph 15
19. Danilo Dell’Omo Kuja Honda 13
20. Gianluca Vizziello Verimotor 2000 Honda 10
21. Mark Aitchison Kuja Honda9
22. Cristiano Migliorati Puccetti Kawasaki8
23. Alessio Palumbo Puccetti Kawasaki 8
24. Bastien Chesaux Harms Benjan Honda 8
25. Sam Lowes GNS Honda 6
26. Lance Isaacs BikeFin SafeSky Honda 5
27. Axel Maurin Falcone Yamaha 5
28. James Westmoreland CAME Yamaha 5
29. Florian Marino Ten Kate Junior Honda 4
30. Christian Iddon Cresto Guide Honda 4
31. Daniel Bukowski Bogdenka Honda 3
32. Billy McConnell CAME Yamaha 3
33. Andrea Boscoscuro Kuja Honda 3
34. Sebastien Charpentier BE1 Triumph 3
35. Paola Cazzola Kuja Honda 3
36. Imre Toth Toth Honda 2
37. Giuseppe Barone RCGM 2B Yamaha 2
38. Thomas Holubec Intermoto Honda 1

Final 2010 World Supersport Championship manufacturer standings

1. Honda 320 points
2. Kawasaki 211
3. Triumph 168
4. Yamaha 37

www.crash.net

October 3, 2010