Local media group Dogan Sirketler Grubu Holding and Dogan Yayin Holding say they have shelved plans for a $211.8 million sale of their stakes in daily newspaper Milliyet. The newspaper says contractor Korkmaz Yigit has pulled out of an agreement to buy Milliyet after public pressure in the wake of the release of a taped conversation between him and an underworld businessman wanted on criminal charges.

A labour strike has halted production at copper ore and concentrate producer Cayeli, which is 49 per cent owned by Canada's Inmet Mining Corporation. The stoppage began on 8 October. Cayeli exports its entire output mainly to Europe and the Far East.

An agreement with Syria has ended a crisis between the two neighbours over the supposed activities of a Kurdish rebel group on Syrian soil.