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Turkish Press Review, 99-09-15Turkish Press Review Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs <http://www.mfa.gov.tr>15.09.99Summary of the political and economic news in the Turkish press this morningCONTENTS
[01] DINI: "TURKEY BELONGS BOTH HISTORICALLY AS WELL AS GEOGRAPHICALLY TO EUROPE"[02] FROM THE COLUMNS...FROM THE COLUMNS...FROM THE COLUMNS...[03] AID TO VICTIMSThe number of aircraft which have brought aid to Turkey from foreign countries in the aftermath of the earthquake which happened in the Marmara Region on August 17 has reached 352. A statement issued by the Foreign Ministry said that together with the two aircraft which brought humanitarian aid from Canada and Iran, the number of aircraft which carried humanitarian aid and search and rescue teams to Turkey amounted to 352. The statement remarked that in addition to these aircraft, two more were expected from the United Arab Emirates; one each from China, Kuwait and Britain will also arrive in Turkey today. Meanwhile, the amount of aid collected in the account opened by the Foreign Ministry to help the victims of the earthquake from both inside and outside of Turkey now exceeds 3.3 trillion TL, the Anatolia News Agency reports.[04] DGPI BROADCASTS A SLOT ON MCMThe International Music Channel, MCM, has begun to broadcast a slot in English to help the victims of the earthquake with the initiatives of the Directorate General of Press and Information (DGPI) and the Turkish Embassy in Paris. A statement issued by the DGPI said that the slot, supposed to continue for two weeks will be broadcast four times a day on MCM and can be seen in 60 countries. Information concerning the aid accounts opened by offices representing Turkey in foreign countries is being broadcast. Furthermore, the DGPI is continuing with its efforts to broadcast these types of slots on other international channels, the Anatolia News Agency reports.[05] OPERTTI CALLS UPON INTERNATIONAL PUBLIC OPINIONThe Chairman of the UN General Council, Didier Opertti, called upon international public opinion to generously aid both Turkey and Greece in the aftermath of the earthquakes in these countries. Opertti delivered a speech at the closing session of the 53rd UN General Council yesterday and expressed his condolences to those whose loved ones lost their lives during the earthquakes both in Turkey and in Greece. Opertti said, "I hope that international public opinion will display the spirit of solidarity and positively respond to aid requests from these two countries", the Anatolia News Agency reports.[06] DILEK ZAPTCIOGLU RECEIVES GERMAN AWARDDilek Zaptcioglu, a story-writer, has been awarded the Gustav-Heinemann Peace Award in Germany. Zaptcioglu will receive her award during a ceremomy to be held in Essen, Germany, in October, the Anatolia News Agency reports. Zaptcioglu has written on the views of young foreigners following the demolition of the Wall in Berlin.[07] TURCO-GREEK DIALOGUE PROCESSThe Greek delegation which will attend Committee meetings as part of the Turco-Greek dialogue process arrived in Ankara yesterday. The delegation was welcomed by Turkish Foreign Ministry Deputy Undersecretaries, Ambassador Faruk Logoglu, Ambassador Mithat Balkan and the Greek Ambassador to Ankara, Yannis Korandis, at Ankara's Esenboga Airport. The delegation will attend the second round of meetings which will start at the Foreign Ministry this morning. The delegation is expected to return to Greece following the completion of the meetings on Thursday, the Anatolia News Agency reports.[08] 100 MILLION EUROS FROM THE EUThe EU Commission will donate 100 million Euros to support the educational project in Turkey. This amount, allocated from the Mediterranean Cooperation Fund MEDA, has been described as the largest amount released by the EU as part of its financial cooperation with Turkey. The aid envisaged to be granted to support the reforms implemented in Turkey for an eight-year uninterrupted education programme will be used in particular, in Adiyaman, Agri, Sakarya, Ardahan, Bayburt, Bingol, Diyarbakir, Erzurum, Kars, Mus, Sanliurfa and Siirt, the Anatolia News Agency reports.[09] TREASURY GATHERS $3.1 BILLIONThe Treasury has gathered $3.144 billion (one quadrillion 440 trillion TL) during the last two days. The Treasury, which issued six-month term bonds two days ago, achieved an income of 587 trillion TL and received 853 trillion TL from yesterday's three-year term bills. /Milliyet/[10] TUPRAS LOSSES AMOUNT TO $1 BILLIONThe Treasury Undersecretary, Selcuk Demiralp, said that the losses incurred at the TUPRAS oil factory in Izmit exceeded $1 billion thanks to the earthquake disaster. Demiralp stated that this amount included production losses. Demiralp delivered a speech at a seminar on the 'Earthquake Danger in Turkey and Insurance' held by the Treasury Undersecretariat yesterday and remarked that in addition to the social devastation caused by the earthquake, there were also economic losses in the short-term. He added, "The lesson which we had to learn from the earthquake is that the concept of earthquake insurance should be essential in Turkey". /Milliyet/[11] SYNDICATION LOAN OF $200 MILLION FOR AKBANKAkbank has received a syndication loan of $200 million from international markets. The Akbank General Director, Ozen Goksel, issued a statement concerning the loan agreement signed in Luxembourg and said that the loan showed the trust created by Akbank in international markets and its success in its international banking relations. /Milliyet/[12] LETTER OF INTENTION PASSED TO IMFA letter of intention has been passed to the IMF concerning the loan to be offered to Turkey in the aftermath of the earthquake. The Treasury Undersecretary, Selcuk Demiralp, stated that the letter of intention, with reference to the emergency aid loan of $330 million committed by the IMF to Turkey, had been delivered to the IMF Turkey-Desk Chief Carlo Cotarelli and remarked that Cotarelli would present the letter to Washington. Demiralp pointed out that the amount of foreign aid would total $2.5 billion. Carlo Cotarelli visited the earthquake disaster region yesterday and said, "The Turkish economy will further continue with its development. Economic growth is of great importance in addition to aid". Cotarelli pointed out that they were ready to make every effort for the development of the Turkish economy and added, "I believe that Turkey will overcome these hard days extremely quickly". /Milliyet-Star/[13] SCHUSSEL: "TURKEY CAN BE A 'PARTIAL MEMBER'"The Austrian Foreign Minister, Wolfgang Schussel, has proposed that Turkey can be a 'partial member'. Schussel stated that partial membership should not be regarded as a waste of time. He said, "Partial membership should be viewed as an opportunity for the candidates to become involved in certain political areas of the EU prior to full membership". Meanwhile, the Austrian press has pointed out that the positive response of Turkey towards the EU invitation and Cem's visit to Brussels were pleasing developments. The Austrian press also claimed that if Turkey becomes a full EU member, this will separate Europe. /Milliyet/[14] ATHENS TO DECREASE MILITARY EXERCISESThe Greek Army has decided to decrease the number of its military exercises which were planned to be held in the coming years. According to a decision taken by the Greek Defence Minister, Akis Cohacopoulos, the number of exercises by Greek Land, Air and Naval Forces would be decreased and the extent of the exercises would be limited. It is reported that the peaceful atmosphere prevailing in Turco-Greek relations has brought about this decision. /Milliyet/[15] FORMULA FOR CYPRUSThe U.S. President's Special Representative to Cyprus, Alfred Moses, who met the President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) for the third time in New York two days ago, has proposed 'extensive participative negotiations' in which the UN Security Council members will play an active role. According to this proposal, direct meetings between the Turkish- and Greek- Cypriot will be implemented with the participation of Turkey and Greece in addition to the five permanent members of the UN Security Council, Britain, the U.S., France, China and Russia. However, it is reported that TRNC President Rauf Denktas does not positively view the 'extensive participative negotiations' unless 'equal and sovereign' status is recognized for the TRNC. /Milliyet/[16] WORLD BANK REPORT: "GOVERNMENT PERFORMANCE IS GOOD"A report prepared by the World Bank said that the Turkish Government which was highly effective and rapid in clearing up the damage from the earthquake in Adana, also displayed a good performance in its rescue and relief efforts following the earthquake disaster in the Marmara Region. /Hurriyet/[17] IRIDIUM TELEPHONE IN SERVICEThe 'Iridium', a global telephone network without cables based on satellite, went into service with the cooperation of Turkish Telekom and Iridium Africa. Turk Telekom General Director Fatih Yurdal said that this system was a global system. Iridium Africa's General Director Paul Fitchet said that Turkey was one of the most important markets for the Iridium and described the Iridium as one of the most wonderful systems from the technological standpoint in the world. /Hurriyet/[18] WARM RELATIONS BETWEEN TURKEY AND BRITAINSympathy from the Western countries towards Turkey is increasing day by day in the aftermath of the earthquake in the Marmara Region. British Prime Minister Tony Blair sent a letter dated September 2, 1999, to Turkish Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit beginning 'Dear Bulent' and expressing his deep sorrow over the tragedy. Blair stated that Britian would continue to support Turkey. He said, "I wrote a letter to the EU President calling for a substantial aid package for Turkey". /Hurriyet/[19] THE COUNCIL OF EUROPE PREPARES TO SPEND MONEYThe Council of Europe's Social Development Fund, Banking Branch's Chairman, Juan F.Seco Gurllot, stated that they would give priority to urgent projects and would donate 300 million Euros to Turkey. Gurllot said, "We will support the project building prefabricated houses in those villages, whose infrastructure is ready. Turkey has been a member of this Council since 1956. Therefore, we will support the efforts required". /Aksam/[20] JAPANESE EXPERT: "BE AFRAID OF EARTHQUAKES"The Chairman of the Japanese Civil Engineers' Chamber, Professor Masanori Hamada, who went to one of the earthquake-hit regions, Adapazari, to inspect the damage there, advised the Turkish people to be afraid of earthquakes. Professor Hamada said, "In Japan, we are living with the fear of an earthquake every day and thus, take the required precautions." After his inspection, Professor Hamada spoke to `Aksam' newspaper's reporter and said, "None of these buildings' foundations have been inspected properly. No one can guess when an earthquake may occur. In this respect, everyone, from the contractor to his worker, is guilty. We are looking for ways to cope with an earthquake, sustaining the least damage. If you had done the same, there would not have been so much damage in your country." Hamada further stated that they would investigate the reasons behind the destruction in Turkey and then they would present their report to the Turkish Earthquake Foundation. /Aksam/[21] ECEVIT: "NO COMPROMISE ON THE TRNC"Prime Minister, Bulent Ecevit, who has completed his preparations before his critical U.S. journey, decided that "Turkey will not take a backwards step on the Cyprus issue" during a meeting that was held by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Furthermore, the Turkish Prime Minister was briefed by officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Energy and the General Staff's Office about the issues to be discussed during the meetings that will be held in the U.S. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ismail Cem, Undersecretary Korkmaz Haktanir, the Minister of Energy, Cumhur Ersumer, Undersecretary Yurdakul Yigitguden, State Minister Recep Onal, the Minister of Industry and Trade, Kenan Tanrikulu, Undersecretary of Foreign Trade Kursat Tuzmen and officials from the General Staff's Office attended the meeting held in the Prime Minister's Office. Haktanir informed Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit about the political situation between Turkey and the U.S., concentrating on the Northern Iraq and Cyprus issues. Haktanir stated that they would not compromise on the Cyprus issue. Haktanir also pointed out the differences between the U.S. Administration concerning Northern Iraq and the formal policy in Turkey. He also evaluated the latest developments in relations between Turkey and the U.S. /Aksam/[22] SIMITIS: "GREEK-CYPRIOTS ARE READY TO MEET"Greece's Prime Minister, Kostas Simitis, stated that the Greek-Cypriot part of Cyprus was ready to attend the meetings designed to solve the Cyprus issue without any precondition under the relevant UN resolutions. Simitis met the leader of the Greek-Cypriot part of Cyprus, Klerides, who came to Athens before his visits to London and New York. Simitis pointed out that the international community saw Greece as important regarding her involvement in solving the Cyprus problem. Simitis said, "Turkey's manner is very important in this respect, in the sense that it will display Turkey's respect for decisions taken by the international community. This attitude will play an important role for Turkey, who wants to become a member of the EU, in the sense that it may guarantee her European future." /Aksam/[23] CLINTON'S NEW REPORT ON CYPRUSThe Anatolian News Agency has reported that President Bill Clinton's new report on Cyprus points out that the U.S. is determined to find a `permanent and fair' solution to the Cyprus problem.President's Cyprus report which consists of the letter that was sent by President Clinton to the leaders of Congress had been disclosed on Friday, however, the report in its entirety had been made known yesterday. In his Cyprus report encompassing two months, Clinton summarized the improvements that occurred in June and July regarding the Cyprus issue. In Clinton's report, these develepments took place: On the 1st of July, U.S. Ambassador to the Greek-Cypriot Administration, Kenneth Brill and the Greek-Cypriot Administration's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yannis Kasulides discussed the following steps taken. Donald Bandler had been appointed to the post held by Brill as of the 9th of June. The leaders of the G-8 met in Cologne on 20th June and published an explanation about the invitation of the Secretary-General of the UN to the parties to the meeting in the fall 1998. The Secretary-General of the UN, Kofi Annan published a report and explained the activities regarding the island of Cyprus in the last six months including the representative of the UN, Ann Hercus' meetings on the 22nd June. In the report, it was pointed out that the Secretary-General was ready to call the parties to enter a process of constructive discussion without any precondition and in an atmosphere of agreement and solidarity. Brill met President, Rauf Denktas on June 29th and discussed the subject of the meetings in the fall. In Clinton's report, the followig phrase was written: "The Ambassador pointed out that his government was determined to find a permanent and fair solution to the Cyprus problem." On the 1st of July, the U.S. Senate approved the appointment of Donald Bandler to the post of ambassador to the Greek-Cypriot administration. On July 9th, Brill met Kasulides and discussed the subject of summoning parties to a meeting in the fall as for the statement released by the G-8. On July 14th and 15th, U.S. Secretary of Defence, William Cohen visited Greece and Turkey. During his visits, Cohen noted the necessity for a peaceful solution to solve Cyprus problem. He further stated that the U.S. was supporting the comprehensive meetings and all the parties involved since they are taking positive steps directed to this aim. On July 20th, Ambassador Brill, met the Greek-Cypriot leader, Glafkos Klerides. Brill stated that their efforts to start the comprehensive meetings were continuing. On July 21st, the U.S. State Department's special coordinator to the Greek-Cypriot administration, Tom Miller, went to Athens and London for consultations regarding the Cyprus issue. Miller met the British special representative to the Greek-Cypriot administration, Sir David Hannay. On July 28th, the Secretary-General of the UN, Kofi Annan reported that the UN's special coordinator to Cyprus, Ann Hercus resigned due to personal reasons. It was further reported that Hercus will be at his work until the end of September. [24] FULL SUPPORT TO TURKEY FROM THE U.S.The Anatolian News Agency has reported that a high-ranking official of the U.S. government stated that the meetings that were held by Turkey's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ismail Cem with the EU in Brussels yesterday were considered "very positive". He further added that Washington was "fully supporting" Turkey's efforts with regard to becoming a member of the EU.The official, who voiced his opinions to the Anatolian News Agency, said, "Melting the ice between Turkey and the EU made the U.S. very happy. Washington will support Ankara's formal nomination to the EU. We are limited in so far as this issue is concerned for we are not a member of the EU. However, we are encouraging the parties concerned so that the EU further develops its relations with Turkey with regard to membership." After Cem's attendance at the EU's Foreign Affairs' dinner, the political relations between Turkey and the EU, which have been cool for nearly two years, have become active again. The EU is expected to render its decision on Turkey's becoming a formal member of the EU during the Helsinki Summit that will be held in December. [25] 'CYBER MEMBERSHIP' FOR TURKEYThe new Chairman of the EU Commission, Romano Prodi, said that a kind of a 'cyber membership' could be given to such countries as Turkey by the EU. Prodi delivered a speech at the General Council of the European Parliament and said that the requirements of the countries which are currently far away from full membership should be seriously dealt with and close cooperation should be established with these countries. /Turkiye/[26] DINI IN TURKEYItalian Foreign Minister Lamberto Dini will arrive in Turkey today as the official guest of Turkish Foreign Minister Ismail Cem. Dini will meet State Minister Mehmet Ali Irtemcelik on September 16. Dini will also be received by President Suleyman Demirel, Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit and Foreign Minister Ismail Cem. /Turkiye/[27] DEMIREL RECEIVES TOBB DELEGATIONPresident Suleyman Demirel received a delegation from the Turkish Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges (TOBB) headed by Fuat Miras yesterday. Demirel expressed his thanks for the 10 trillion TL in TOBB aid to help the victims of the earthquake and said that $5 billion was needed for the reconstruction of the disaster region. Meanwhile, it is reported that 92 prefabricated houses will be delivered to the people in the Duzce district of Bolu during a ceremony to be held on September 18. /Turkiye/[28] CEM: "TURCO-GREEK RAPPROCHEMENT IS OUT OF MY CONTROL"Foreign Minister Ismail Cem has said the unprecedented outbreak of Turco-Greek solidarity folowing the quakes in the two Aegean countries is now out of his control and warned that any negative development in bilateral ties could lead to an equally big disappointment. Speaking to reporters yesterday, Cem said he had planned a 'calm and silent' improvement in ties when he and his Greek counterpart, George Papandreu, agreed in June to mend fences and start low-level dialogue on cooperation in six areas. /All papers/[29] DINI: "TURKEY BELONGS BOTH HISTORICALLY AS WELL AS GEOGRAPHICALLY TO EUROPE"Italian Foreign Minister Lamberto Dini said his country believed Turkey belonged to Europe 'historically as well as geographically'. In an interview with the Turkish Daily News, Dini, who is arriving in Ankara today, said even at the worst times he believed that normal ties would be restored. Dini said his country considered Turkey a 'partner with whom we are tied by traditional and solid friendship bonds and by common interests'. /All papers/[30] RED CRESCENT FROM IRAQ TO TURKEYThe Iraqi Red Crescent has cooperated with the Turkish Red Crescent and laid the foundations of a settlement area consisting of 500 prefabricated houses in Izmit, a city which was seriously affected by the earthquake disaster in the Marmara Region. According to information received from the Turkish Red Crescent, the settlement area would be called 'Iraqi Hilal-i Ahmer Village". /Turkiye/[31] MESUT YILMAZ'S VISIT TO THE U.S.The Motherland Party (ANAP) Chairman, Mesut Yilmaz, met White House officials and officials from the Departments of Energy and State in Washington. In a statement to the Anatolia News Agency reporter Yilmaz said that, during his talks with the US officials, they had discussed the Baku-Ceyhan pipeline, Turkmen gas, trans-Caucasian line, energy investments in Turkey, developments in Russia and the earthquake disaster.Yilmaz noted that he had expressed Turkey's desire to the US officials to implement the Baku-Ceyhan pipeline as soon as possible and to solve its financing problem. He added that, on these points, some companies had some reservations and the subject will be discussed again when Prime Minister Ecevit goes to Washington. [32] IMF DELEGATION IN EARTHQUAKE ZONEInternational Monetary Fund Turkey Desk-Chief, Carlo Cotarelli stated that he would prepare a report on the aid to be given to Turkey, over $330 million, for the earthquake following his meetings and inspections. Cotarelli flew to Adapazari in a helicopter belonging to Ground Forces Command accompanied by his deputy Abebe Selassie, Deputy Undersecretary of the Treasury, Ferhat Emil, and Department Head Vural Kural. Cotarelli and the delegation accompanying him met Sakarya Governor Yener Rakicioglu. In a statement to journalists, Cotarelli said that in case of disasters they were increasing their aid quota by 25%. Cotarelli said that following his observations in Golcuk and Izmit he would prepare a report on the disaster, the Anatolia News Agency reported. Cotarelli and his accompanying delegation then proceeded on to Izmit.[33] TURCO-EU JOINT CONSULTATIONS COMMITTEE SUMMITThe eighth meeting of the Turco-EU Joint Consultations Committee, established in 1963 according to the Ankara agreement, will be held in Trabzon on 17 September. Turco-EU Joint Parliamentary Commission co-Chairman Dr. Kursat Eser and the EU Commission's Permanent Representative to Ankara, Ambassador Karen Fogg, will attend the meeting. At the meeting, the social and economic cost of the recent earthquake disaster and its impact on Turco-EU relations will be discussed in addition to the recent state of Turco-EU relations, Anatolia News Agency reports.[34] TURCO-GREEK FOOTBALL FRIENDSHIPThe owner and officials of the Greek second division football team, Walyos Rhodes, who came to help those suffering from the earthquake disaster were welcomed by the Antalya Metropolitan Municipality and Antalyaspor Football Club's Chairman. During a dinner given in honour of the Greek officials, Antalyaspor Chairman Bekir Kumbul said that Turkey and Greece shared the same geography and fate. Noting that the earthquake disaster had affected first Turkey, then Greece, Kumbul stated that there may be some problems existing between the two States but sportsmen had to enhance friendship and peace. He added that this friendship should be the result of positive developments instead of disasters.The Chairman of Walyos Rhodes FC, Iakavos Hajimihalis, who is also the Greek delegate in the EU and chief councillor of the Greek Labour Ministry, replied that from now on their only ideal would be to further develop friendship between the two countries, reported Anatolia News Agency. [35] CRACK-DOWN IN SOUTHEASTERN REGIONDuring crack-downs in Bitlis, Diyarbakir, Bingol, Hakkari and Tunceli, two terrorists were killed while seven others were seized by security forces. Meanwhile, three terrorists have surrendered to security forces in Bitlis' Mutki district, Hakkari's Semdinli district and Sirnak's Uludere district. Security operations are underway in the region, the Anatolia News Agency reports.[36] WORLD BANK IS PESSIMISTICThe World Bank's representative to Turkey, Chibber, declared the outcome of the two team's reports. One of the subjects of these reports was the physical destruction due to the earthquake and the other was the earthquake's damage on the budget and the economy. Chibber said, "A board will come to Turkey in order to determine where to use the donation of 1 billion 50 million dollars that will be transferred from the World Bank to Turkey". /Cumhuriyet/[37] "IT IS NOT THE TIME TO MEET FACE-TO-FACE YET"The TRNC's President, Rauf Denktas, stated that during the meetings in the U.S., they had given the message that it was not yet time to invite the leaders of Turkey and the Greek-Cypriot part of Cyprus to meet face-to-face to discuss the Cyprus issue. Denktas said, "These meetings had produced no results, without giving us equality." President Denktas made a statement after arriving at Ataturk Airport from his visit to the U.S. and said, "If there is an invitation from the U.S. to meet Glafkos Klerides face-to-face, then we will not accept this invitation. After this visit, I am not expecting such an invitation. American officials said that they were looking for other solutions. If this solution can save our rights, then we can consider this. Everybody is pleased about the rapproachement between Turkey and Greece. However, Turkey is expected to make compromises."/Cumhuriyet/[38] TEXTILE FAIR IN ALEPPOGATEMCM'99, the 4th International Textile Machinery Fair, which was organized by Arsan Fair Organizers, will be opened in Aleppo, in Syria. The Fair will be open until 19th September. Textile machinery producers from Turkey, South Korea, Switzerland and Germany, a total of 56 firms, will attend the Fair. /Cumhuriyet/[39] MINISTER OKSUZ GOING TO JAPANThe Minister of Transport, Prof. Dr. Enis Oksuz, will go to Japan for the first stage of negotiations for a loan to build a railway tunnel under the Bosphorus. In a statement by the Ministry of Transport, Bakan Oksuz held a press meeting in Ciragan Hotel about the "Bosphorus rail tunnel". Oksuz is going to Japan today for a loan agreement that amounts to 870 million dollars; the agreement will be signed in Japan on 17th September./Turkiye/[40] HEALTH EDUCATION COOPERATION AGREEMENT WITH EGYPTAn agreement that relies on cooperation between Turkey and Egypt in the fields of health and medicine has been approved by the Turkish President, Suleyman Demirel. As part of the agreement, which was promulgated in the Official Gazette and entered into force yesterday, the two countries will exchange information on medicine, education and health. As part of the agreement, the parties will promote solidarity in the fields of health and medicine based on the principle of mutual benefit and equality. Egypt and Turkey will cooperate in order to implement an exchange programme obtaining direct links between experts and the institutions, foundations and organizations involved in order to achieve the exchange of information, improve short-term education and increase both knowledge and experience. /Turkiye/[41] EXCAVATIONS ENDThe 51st period of excavations in the Kultepe-Kanis Tumulus carried out by a group of archaeologists headed by Prof. Dr. Tahsin Ozguc and begun 59 days ago, have been completed. During the excavations 150 monuments dating from 2000 BC were brought to ligth. /Cumhuriyet/[42] 270 IMMIGRANTS CAPTUREDIn Edirne, 270 foreign immigrants have been captured since they attempted to pass the border illegally and enter Greece. /Cumhuriyet/[43] ACTION PLAN BY MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT FOR QUAKE ZONEThe Ministry of the Environment has prepared an action plan including the work which has to be done in the earthquake region. According to the plan, the changes which occured to the shoreline will be observed by satellite. To prevent pollution, an urgent action plan will be implemented. The effects of pollution in Izmit Gulf, Marmara Sea and Straits system will be looked into. Biological, chemical, geological and physical measurements and analyses will be done periodically in Izmit Gulf, the Bosphorus and the Marmara Sea and the data will be compared with that taken previously. The hydrographic and ecological effects of the quake will also be investigated. Furthermore, the drinking water and sewerage systems of the settlements in the region will be examined. /Cumhuriyet/[44] COOPERATION BETWEEN CHP AND PASOKThe Deputy Chairman of the Republican People's Party (CHP), Inal Batu, declared that the CHP has forged ties with the ruling party in Greece, PASOK. Stressing that the Greek State Minister responsible from European Affairs, Yannis Kranidiotis, has invited the CHP to Athens in the name of PASOK, Batu said that the CHP has also invited PASOK representatives to Ankara. Inal Batu talked about the European Socialist Parties' Meeting which was held in Brussels last week and his dialogues with the Greek Minister. He pointed out that their meeting was held in a warm and friendly atmosphere. /Cumhuriyet/[45] FROM THE COLUMNS...FROM THE COLUMNS...FROM THE COLUMNS...[46] BAKU-CEYHAN -BY TAHA AKYOL (MILLIYET)Columnist Taha Akyol expresses his opinion on the Baku-Ceyhan pipeline, which he believes will hold an important place in the talks between Prime Minister Ecevit and President Clinton. A summary of his column is as follows:"One of the important issues Ecevit will discuss during his visit to the US is the "energy problem" and the most important file oo this subject is the one on the "Baku-Ceyhan pipeline". Negative signals are being sent out by petroleum companies on the issue. Although the problem seemed to be solved, concern over the issue has been increasing again in Ankara. Last week Energy Ministry officials briefed President Demirel on the question. In fact, they have informed the President about some alarming signals. An expert following the issue closely has said that the Baku-Ceyhan pipeline is getting harder to implement. Although Turkey has provided the cost and profit guarantees required by foreign companies, no action has been taken concerning the issue. As time goes on, the tendency to transport Azerbaijani oil through the port of Supsa is getting stronger. Turkey has given all the necessary guarantees valid throughout the world but the oil companies now want unlimited guarantees against all risks. They are even talking about difficulties in financing. They are claiming that the construction of Baku-Ceyhan will take too long and increasing the capacities of both the pipeline from Baku to Supsa and the port of Supsa itself would cost less. A source of concern in official circles is that even though Azerbaijani officials want to transport oil through the Baku-Ceyhan pipeline, as time goes on due to the delays caused by foreign companies their patience is wearing thin. They need the money which would come from the sale of oil. Prime Minister Ecevit will discuss the subject during his talks in Washington as the Baku-Ceyhan pipeline has a strategic importance and, therefore, the US Administration has to act with determination on this issue. The transport of oil through the Black Sea will continue to threaten the Straits, but as some foreign environmental organizations are supported by foreign oil companies they cannot act as sensitively on the issue as before." [47] ALL DEPENDS ON GREECE -BY EROL MANISALI (CUMHURIYET)Columnist Erol Manisali writes on the recent improvement of relations between Turkey and Greece. A summary of his column is as follows:"Following the earthquake in the Marmara region a warm atmosphere was observed in relations between Turkey and Greece. The rescue teams and the positive articles seen in the press within this context are the concrete results of this warm atmosphere. Until today Greece rejected the olive branches extended by Turkey- she had done everything in her power to annex Cyprus from 1950 onwards, had claimed that the Aegean was a Greek Sea excluding Turkish territorial waters and violated international treaties by arming the Islands, the latest being the deployment of S-300 missiles on Crete. She was acting together with countries such as Syria, Armenia and Iran who had problems with Turkey. She had kept the Turkish minority in Western Thrace under continual pressure and provided every assistance to the PKK terrorist organization during the last 7-8 years. What happened that changed Greece? Was Greece changing her policy towards Turkey? At present there does not seem to be concrete and convincing evidence of such a policy. We shall understand if the Greek policy concerning Turkey has changed if she accepts "equality" between Turkish-Cypriots and Greek-Cypriots on the Island of Cyprus, if she assists Turkey in creating a balance between Turkey and Greece over this issue. She has to recognize the right of the Turkish side as well as the Greek side. If she accepts that we can believe that she wants to establish a balanced friendship with Turkey. Furthermore, she has to accept Turkey has rights in the Aegean, one of the most important being the continental shelf. Can she change her policy of rejecting dialogue with Turkey concerning the Aegean? She also has to say that she will not support the PKK terrorist organization directly or indirectly and state that she will cooperate with Turkey on the issue. Will she halt the cooperation initiatives she has launched with Armenia and Iran against Turkey? Certainly, she has to stop the anti-Turkish lobbying policies she has been following in the US Congress and the EU institutions. If no concrete steps are taken, the words of friendship will be floatingin the air. We shall have to wait and see if Greece is sincere is becoming friends with Turkey." Turkish Press Review Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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