23:53   (GEN) SECURITY FORCES ARRESTED 45 ILLEGAL MIGRANTS
Security forces arrested 45 migrants in Soke and Didim towns of the western Turkish province of Aydin as they were trying to proceed to Greece illegally.
   The migrants of Somalian and Palestinian descent including three women will be deported once the legal proceedings are completed.
   (UK)

23:41   (DIP) TURKISH MINISTER FOR EU MEETS WITH BRITISH MINISTER FOR EUROPE
Turkish State Minister & chief negotiator for EU talks Egemen Bagis said, "it is not easy to defend Turkey in Europe and defend Europe in Turkey."
   Bagis, who is currently in London to attend a seminar on "Turkey's Role in Rising Network World" held by the Global Strategy Forum, partook in a reception hosted by British Minister for Europe Chris Bryant.
   During the reception, Bagis thanked British political parties for extending support to Turkey's EU membership process.
   Bryant, on his part, highlighted importance of sound relations between Turkey and the United Kingdom. He said that Turkey would become one of the biggest economies of the world in the next ten years.
   Bryant also added that they attached great importance to their relations with Turkey as a strategic partner, and that they considered Turkey a significant ally on numerous issues from energy to fight against terrorism, from security to combat against illicit drug trafficking.
   When asked about the Cyprus issue, Bagis said, "if the EU put into practice the decision it made in 2004 to lift isolations on the Turkish Cypriots, we will be happy to allow the Greek Cypriots to use our airports and ports."
   Replying to another question, Bagis said, "Turkey has been taking steps since 2002 in an effort to find a solution to the Cyprus issue. We have taken a number of steps so far. Now, it is time for the Greek Cypriot party to take some steps."
   Bagis is expected to depart from London on Tuesday.
   (UK)

22:49   (DIP) TURKISH MINISTER IN LONDON
Turkish State Minister & chief negotiator for EU talks Egemen Bagis said, "the EU is a significant process, but it is not that significant to sacrifice Cyprus".
   Bagis, who is currently in London to attend a seminar on "Turkey's Role in Rising Network World" held by the Global Strategy Forum, said at a news conference at the Turkish Embassy in London, "it is certain and clear who supports a solution on the island and who prevents it. Turkey and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) have always supported solution, peace and integration. And the world knows that the other party rejected all our proposals and tried to prevent all our initiatives. We are happy that we managed to change the international perception without withdrawing a single soldier from the island and giving a smallest part of land. The EU is a significant process for Turkey, but it is not that significant to sacrifice Cyprus."
   Upon a question about Turkey's relations, Bagis said, "Turkey is normalizing. Turkey is strengthening its relations with both the east and the west at the same time with the aim of further consolidating its ties."
   Bagis is set to partake in a reception to be hosted by British Minister for Europe Chris Bryant later in the day. He is expected to depart from London on Tuesday.
   (UK)

22:01   (DIP) TURKISH STATE MINISTER IN GERMANY
Turkish State Minister Nafiz Ozak visited Germany's biggest skiing center, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, as part of his official visit to Germany.
   Ozak, who is currently in Germany to visit the international trade fair for sporting goods and sports fashion in Munich, received information from officials about the center.
   He said that they promoted the World Universiade Winter Games to be held in the eastern Turkish province of Erzurum in 2011, during the trade fair.
   Ozak is expected to leave Germany for Turkey later in the day.
   (UK)

21:53   (DIP) TURKISH MINISTER LEAVES FOR FRANCE
Turkish State Minister Zafer Caglayan left for France to attend the ongoing "Turkish Season" activities in Paris.
   Caglayan is set to attend the "Central Asia-Europe-Africa Interregional Business Forum on February 9 and 10. He will also visit the trade shows of "Texworld" and "Premiere Vision".
   He is expected to return to Turkey on February 11.
   (UK)