The BSEC summit will be held on June 25, in Istanbul on the 15th anniversary of the organization. The summit will not focus on the observer status problem. Following the meeting between the heads of states a declaration will be issued that summarizes the policies of BSEC on energy, environment, trade and the struggle with organized crime, according to BSEC sources.

  “During the summit, the two institutions, BSEC and EU will not make a joint declaration on structural cooperation since there is not enough time to get the approval of all 27 EU members. But the declaration will focus on relations with the EU,” said a well-placed diplomat from BSEC.

  After Turkey took over the term presidency of BSEC in May, contacts for structural cooperation increased between the two institutions. The BSEC wants to strengthen its ties with the EU and calls for a detailed neighborhood policy from the Union. Turkish diplomats pointed to Romania's desire to be an actor in the Black Sea and accused Bucharest for preventing intense cooperation.

Putin and Karamanlis to come to Istanbul

  Russian President Vladimir Putin, Greek Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis, Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko, the presidents of Bulgaria, Romania, Azerbaijan and Georgia will attend the summit. The Vice President of the European Commission, Günter Verheugen, will represent the EU and Armenia's Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanyan will be present, although Robert Kocharian, the Armenian President was invited.

  The summit will get underway with opening remarks by President Ahmet Necdet Sezer and Sezer will host his guests in Dolmabahçe Palace while Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdo?an will have lunch with the heads of states at Ç?ra?an Palace.

Turkey's goals

  Turkey, as the term president, aims to complete the Black Sea coastal highway and sea lanes according to Turkish sources.

  “By establishing scheduled sea travel, the aim is to lessen the traffic on the highways and to promote tourism in the Black sea,” said a diplomatic source.

  Another aim that Turkey has is to publicize the BSEC and to establish intense cooperation with the EU. As well as transportation, Turkey's other priorities are the environment, energy, telecommunication and the fight against organized crime. Turkey also aims to open a BSEC trade center in Bursa this year.

First Black Sea Games in Trabzon

  The first Black Sea Games will be held with the participation of 12 member countries from July 2 to 8 in the northern Anatolian cities of Trabzon, Rize and Giresun. At an event promoting the Games, 1,500 athletes below the age of 18 will compete in 10 different events.