TURKEY-PRESS SCAN (3)

ANKARA (A.A) - 01.04.2011 - These are some of the major headlines and their summaries in Turkish press on April 1, 2011. The Anadolu Agency does not verify these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.

TURKIYE
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8.9 PERCENT GROWTH
Turkish economy exceeded expectations and grew by 8.9 percent in 2010. Turkey has become the fastest growing country in Europe with growth rate achieved in 2010. This growth rate put Turkey also in the third spot among G20 countries. China, which saw a 10.3 percent growth rate last year, was followed by Argentina that achieved a 9.2 percent growth rate in 2010 among G20 economies. Turkey's GDP also rose to 1.1 trillion Turkish lira in current prices.

PREMIER ERDOGAN VISITS QUEEN OF UNITED KINGDOM
Turkey's prime minister, who paid a formal visit to Britain, was received by the Queen of the United Kingdom in London. The meeting between Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom took place at the Buckingham Palace. Turkish premier's spouse Emine Erdogan also attended the gathering.

ZAMAN
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PREMIER ERDOGAN SPEAKS TO BLOOMBERG
Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan made important statements to Bloomberg TV in London. Erdogan said that presidential system which has been discussed for a long time could be presented to referendum after general elections. Erdogan said that the number of ministries would be dropped to 20 after elections. Regarding the new constitution, Erdogan underlined importance of arithmetic of the parliament after elections.

U.S. AMBASSADOR EULOGIZES DEMOCRACY IN TURKEY
U.S. Ambassador to Turkey Francis J. Ricciardone said that Turkey had an open democracy now. Turkish people wanted democracy to be improved more, he said. Ricciardone visited the International Strategic Research Organization (USAK) in Ankara. There has been a great development in democratic structure in Turkey, he said.

YENI SAFAK
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NATION TO DECIDE ON PRESIDENTIAL SYSTEM
Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that "presidential system" might be carried to a referendum after June 12 elections. Describing the nation as the address to decide on the matter, Erdogan said, "Such a step can be taken if the nation reacts positively to this demand". Speaking to Bloomberg TV in London, Erdogan said that he had brought forward the presidential system issue when he had been the mayor of Istanbul.  

WE ARE THE FASTEST IN EUROPE
Turkey, with a growth rate of 9.2 percent in the last quarter of 2010, has become the fastest growing economy in Europe. Turkey's growth rate for 2010 was 8.9 percent. Commenting on the issue, Turkish State Minister & Deputy Premier Ali Babacan said that the total magnitude of Turkish economy has reached 1.1 trillion TL with current prices. He also said national income per capita has amounted to 10,079 USD, reaching pre-crisis levels.