TRKNWS-L Turkish Press Review (February 14, 1996)

From: TRKNWS-L <trh@aimnet.com>

Turkish Press Review Directory

CONTENTS

TURKISH PRESS REVIEW

WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 14, 1996

Summary of the political and economic news in the Turkish press this morning

[01] TURKMEN GUARANTEE FOR NATURAL GAS

President Demirel and Prime Minister Tansu Ciller attended a later ceremony during which the golden key of Ankara was presented to President Turkmenbasi. /Hurriyet-Cumhuriyet/

[02] RED CRESCENT TO SEND 111 TONS OF FOOD TO BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA

[03] TURKEY PROTESTS TO FRANCE OVER BIRSEL

Turkish parliamentarians and citizens were "unfairly treated" and harassed by customs officials in their entries and exits. The

Turkish note of protest asked France to take the necessary measures to prevent the ill-treatment of Turks. /All papers/

[04] LETTER TO THE NEW YORK TIMES ABOUT KARDAK CRISIS

Bulent Erdemgil said that Greece had always ignored international law and ruled out peaceful dialogue and drew attention to Greek provocation that increased tension during the Kardak incident. Erdemgil, stating that Greek claims over the Kardak islets had no legal basis, said that Greece had avoided meeting round the negotiation table. Erdemgil declared that Turkey was ready to negotiate with Greece over every issue related to the Aegean Sea. /Sabah/

[05] EUROPEANS SEEKING KARDAK ISLANDS SOLUTION

There are reports from the EP however, that factions in the EP are pushing for more support for Greece. A draft bill is being readied that will claim Turkey threatened Greek sovereignty during the Kardak island dispute because in reality the islands belong to Greece.

With this and other evidences of EU preferences for one side or another, Foreign Minister Deniz Baykal has stressed again that the EU must be impartial in its dealings with Greece and Turkey. During visits to London, Brussels and Paris, Baykal will clarify Turkey's viewpoint on the matter, and on Friday will have talks with top EU officials. /Cumhuriyet/

[06] US SUPPORTS 'INTERNATIONAL TRIBUNAL' TO HANDLE KARDAK ISSUE

"We are all concerned about the recent dispute over the island of Imia (Kardak)" Clinton said in his message to AHEPA. Referring to his series of telephone calls to Turkish and Greek leaders, he said he was personally involved in efforts to convince the two NATO allies to pull back from the dangerous confrontation. "I want to assure you that the US strongly supports the principle of respect for international treaties, for internationally recognized borders and for territorial integrity. Greece and Turkey, can, and must, resolve their disagreements by peaceful means" Clinton said.

Meanwhile, Turkish-American associations in the US appealed to President Clinton to "contribute to a solution of the Turco-Greek conflict through peaceful dialogue". In a letter to Clinton, representatives of about 100 Turkish groups in the US asked Clinton to play a constructive role in the conflict and praised his role in the Kardak crisis. Problems between the two countries have continued because of Greek resistance to "meaningful dialogue" the letter said, adding that Greek claims to own the Kardak/Imia rocks were "completely baseless". /All papers/

[07] TURKISH AND GREEK DOCTORS CALL FOR AEGEAN AMITY

"We, as Greek and Turkish doctors, refuse to take part in this madness. The Aegean is a bridge between our countries and not a field of war" the accompanying letter said. /All papers/

[08] TURKEY SEIZES 233 KG OF HEROIN

[09] ETHNIC TENSION IN BULGARIA INCREASES ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION

The MRF representative blamed the Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP) government for pursuing separatist policies, and added that they would fight against the attitude of the BSP. /Milliyet/

[10] RUSSIA-PKK MEETING

Although Russia denies support for the PKK, only a few months ago the so-called "Kurdish parliament-in-exile" was revealed to have property in Moscow. Now this round table meeting has taken place, also suggesting that ties between the PKK and Russia are being maintained.

On the other hand, reports from the southeast deny PKK claims made at the Moscow meeting that PKK membership now hovers around twenty million. Officials in the regions of the southeast and border regions between Turkey and northern Iraq say that the PKK is on the run, and suffering serious losses at the hands of Turkish security forces.

Reports note that the PKK appears to be desperate, resorting to unusual violence. In statements to the security forces, captured PKK terrorists say that they want to get to Turkey where they can hand themselves over to the authorities. /Milliyet/

[11] PKK TRYING TO MOVE INTO WESTERN REGIONS

Guclu noted that the PKK was trying to break through the ring of steel round the southeastern regions and reform in areas relatively free from terrorism. "We must view operations in the Sivas region from this perspective" said Guclu.

Security operations to prevent PKK expansion were being carried out with full respect for human rights, and in full harmony with democratic principles and the rule of law, claimed Guclu, who described any movement of the local population as "normal" in the circumstances. /Cumhuriyet/

[12] TURKEY NOT RESPONSIBLE TO ARAB LEAGUE

Turkey has replied by saying that Turkey is in no way responsible to the Arab League, and has again stressed that the problem will not be solved by resorting to political pressure. Turkish officials have also noted again that Turkey must be involved in talks about the issue and its solution. Ankara is adamant that a solution must be found according to the needs and requirements of the region, not just political demands. /Cumhuriyet/

[13] TURKEY TO SIGN ANOTHER PIPELINE AGREEMENT

Officials representing Turkey's pipeline authority (BOTAS) said yesterday that the project was very close to final agreement, and noted that it was a "prestige" project that equalled the Baku-Ceyhan pipeline project in importance. /Sabah/

[14] TURKEY FILLING EU AGENDA