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Anadolu Agency: News in English, 97-12-11Anadolu Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Anadolu Agency Home Page at <http://www.anadoluajansi.gov.tr/>11 DEC 1997CONTENTS
[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCANThese are some of the leading stories in Turkey's press on December 11, 1997. Anadolu Agency does not verify these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy. You will find better detailed summaries of major news reports in a few hours.HÜRRİYET (LIBERAL)COLD SHOWER IN IRANPresident Suleyman Demirel returned to Turkey at midnight before finishing his schedule in Tehran where the Organization for Islamic Conference meeting was held, which harshly criticized Turkey. President Demirel curtailed his schedule one day earlier and did not participate in the final meeting. Responding to a question on his arrival to Turkey, President Demirel confirmed that the final declaration will take decisions which can criticize Turkey, yet Demirel said that ''We put a reservation on that.'' MİLLİYET (LIBERAL)NO PARDON IN TRAFFICThe penalties are doubled, drunk drivers will pay 13 million liras. Traffic Services Directorate increased the punishments by 80 percent, thinking that recent penalties were not enough. New punishments will be discussed in Highways Supreme Council. Those drivers who are drunk and who do not have a driving-licence will pay 12,900 liras and those who took drugs while driving will have to pay 51,900 million liras. ANGRY WITH ESAD AND RETURNED TO TURKEY SABAH (LIBERAL)EUROPE: TURKEY HAS TO WAITSabah found the report of Luxembourg Prime Minister Juncker which will be submitted to member countries during EU Summit. Report confirms participation of Turkey in European Conference, yet it thinks political and economic problems of Turkey are not suitable to start full membership negotiations with Turkey for a long time. CUMHURİYET (LEFT)CENSURE MOTION REJECTEDThe censure motion which was bruoght against the Rural Affairs and Housing Minister Yasar Topcu was rejected because the votes were less than 276, which was necassary to force the minister to resign. EU MEETING IN LUXEMBOURG TÜRKİYE (RIGHT)TOPCU: I WILL NOT RESIGNThe 55th government assured its confidence during the first censure motion against it. The censure motion which was brought by members of True Path Party (DYP) was rejected in the parliament. The Rural Affairs and Housing Minister Yasar Topcu said after the vote that ''I will not resign.'' Meanwhile the Republican Peoples Party (CHP) did not participate in the vote. RADİKAL (LEFT)''THEY HID THE TRUTH''Judge Akyurek, who worked in Susurluk Commission for 2,5 months and died on Monday in a traffic accident, earlier complained about the wrong reflection of information and documents to the report and the fact that sometimes they were even not included in the report, adding that ''Commission hid the truth.'' ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)EXAMINATION PERIOD FOR RP CASEConstitutional Court delegation postponed the closure case of the Welfare Party to December 16. Several members asked for additional time to examine the report in a better way. Police took strict measures in the session yesterday, which took the interest of foreign and national press. YENİ YÜZYIL (LIBERAL)FRANCE: IT IS A HISTORICAL MISTAKETO ISOLATE TURKEY FROM EU The European Union (EU) will clarify the membership issue of Turkey in Luxembourg Summit that will be held on December 13. The decision of EU is expected not to satisfy Turkey. Jacques Chirac said that ''Europe makes a historical mistake against Turkey, we launch efforts, but the issue seems hopeless.'' FİNANSAL FORUM (ECONOMY)DECISION TIME IN EUEU will decide on its borders for the near future on Friday. EU is expected to say that 10 Eastern European states and Cyprus will be full members of EU soon and Turkey is a legitimate candidate state, yet a concrete deadline or promise is not expected to be extended to Turkey regarding full membership. [02] TURKEY-EU - PRIME MINISTER YILMAZ MEETS EU TERM CHAIRMANLUXEMBOURG/ANKARA, Dec 11 (A.A) - Prime Minister Mesut Yılmaz met EU Term Chairman Luxembourg's Prime Minister Jean Claude Juncker late on Wednesday.Foreing Minister Ismail Cem and Luxembourg Foreing Minister Jacques Poos were also present in the meeting. Prior to the meeting, Cem told reporters, ''we have said all we would say. Here we will not have discussions. If the result from the EU summit is positive, we do not have to celebrate, if it is negative, it will not be perceived as a disaster.'' Following the meeting which lasted three hours, the leaders refused to make any comments. But following a question bombardment from the reporters, Junker said, ''I am neither optimistic nor pessimistic. My position is the same.'' Yılmaz and Cem later returned to Turkey. Upon his arrival at Ankara airport early on Wednesday, Yılmaz told reporters that his contacts in Luxembourg were ''useful.'' ''We conveyed certain issues very clearly, and observed and discussed approaches on these issues. For us, it was a useful meeting,'' he said. [03] TURKEY-CENSURE - NO-CONFIDENCE MOTION AGAINST RURAL AFFAIRS AND HOUSING MINISTER REJECTEDANKARA, Dec 11 (A.A) - The no-confidence motion which was brought against the Rural Affairs and Housing Minister Yasar Torcu was rejected in the parliament on Wednesday. The government survived the opposition bid to topple it in a parliamentary no-confidence vote.Deputy Parliament Speaker Uluc Gurkan said the opposition had failed to find the backing of the 276 deputies necessary to bring down the coalition government at the vote, because they could only reach 244. The parties in power rejected the censure motion, while the members of True Path Party (DYP) and Welfare Party (RP) said yes to the no-confidence voting. The members of the Republican Peoples Party (CHP) did not participate in the vote where only 464 members participated. [04] TURKEY-QUAKE - MILD QUAKE SHAKES ERZURUMERZURUM, Dec 11 (A.A) - A mild earthquake shook eastern Erzurum province on early Thursday.Ataturk University Seismology Center in Erzurum said that the quake struck at 8:25 a.m. and the epicenter of the quake with a preliminary magnitude of 3.4 was 10 kilometers southeast of Erzurum. There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage. [05] TURKEY-GREECE - GREEK FIGHTER JETS HARRASS TURKISH AIRCRAFTS - FM DENIES GREEK CLAIMS THAT TURKISH WAR PLANES FLEW OVER LARISSA AND SALONICA - ''GREECE TRIES TO CREATE A NEGATIVE IMPRESSION AGAINST TURKEY PRIOR TO EU SUMMIT''ANKARA, Dec 11 (A.A) - Turkey denied Greek televisions' claims that Turkish warplanes flew over Salonica, and Larissa cities, and Sciros island of Greece late on Wednesday.Foreign ministry sources told A.A that ''the Greek claims aim to create a negative impression against Turkey prior to EU summit to be held in Luxembourg.'' ''These claims aim to create an impression as if Turkey makes provocative actions against Greece,'' the sources said. Military sources also told A.A that Turkish fighter jets were on a routine exercise flight in the international airspace of the Aegean Sea. ''Our planes were intercepted by 10 Greek warplanes in the international airspace of the Aegean,'' the sources said, ''then upon their harassment, Turkish jets prevented the Greek fighters.'' The sources said Greek jets were four Mirage-2000s, four F-16s and two F- 4s. Emphasizing that the Turkish warplanes were flying over 12500 feet and in the international airspace, the sources said the warplanes did not come close even to the 6 miles territorial waters of Greece. The sources said that their words can be confirmed with the information given to NATO. ''The Greek claims are untrue, and have political intentions in a critical period within the blackening campaign of Greece against Turkey as it always happen,'' the sources said. [06] TURKEY-EXPORTATION - USD 207.6 MILLION OF TEXTILE PRODUCTS EXPORTED FROM GAP REGION IN LAST 11 MONTHS OF 1997GAZIANTEP, Dec 11 (A.A) - The textile products exportation from Southeastern Anatolia Project (GAP) region rose 60,3 percent to 207.6 million dollars during January-November 1997 period, it was reported on Thyrsday.The textile exportation was USD 129.5 million in the same period last year. Southeastern Anatolia Textile Exporters' Union officials told A.A correspondent that thread exportation rose 81 percent to USD 90.4 million and fabric exportation rose 65 percent to USD 107.3 million while various textile products exportation dropped 32 percent to USD 9.9 million in last eleven months of this year. Officials said they exported USD 26.8 million of cotton thread, USD 63.6 million of synthetic thread, USD 61.9 million of carpet, USD 25.5 million of fabrics, USD 14.5 million of plastic sack and USD 5.3 million of cotton and synthetic fabrics and towel in that period this year. Oficials said they exported those textile products to Syria, Saudi Arabia, Belgium, Italy, Jordan, Spain, France, Lebanon, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Romania, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Iran, USA, Israel, Greece, Russia, Algeria and Portugal. [07] TURKISH PRESS REVIEWThese are brief summaries of some of the leading stories in Turkey's press on December 11, 1997. Anadolu Agency does not verify these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.(Derived from Newsspot of Turkish Directorate of General Press and Information) ICO POURS COLD WATER ON TURKEY Demirel went to Tehran with reservations, because at a meeting prior to the summit the ICO Council of Ministers had accepted two drafts condemning Turco-Israeli rapprochement and the sweeping-up operation in Northern Iraq launched by the Turkish Armed Forces against the PKK terrorist organization. High-level Turkish officials even discussed whether or not Demirel should attend the summit at all. Despite all the efforts exerted by Demirel, ICO members turned a deaf ear to Turkey's calls for cooperation in the struggle against terrorism, and two decisions criticizing operations in Northern Iraq and friendly relations with Israel were passed by the ICO summit, even though Turkey's name was not explicitly mentioned. Observers say that the final communique to be released today will harshly criticize Turkey. /Hurriyet/ EU MEETING IN LUXEMBORG Diplomatic sources later reported that Junker also met with Greek Prime Minister Kostas Simitis in Athens before he talked with Turkish Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz. It was noted that Junker suggested a troika which would be responsible only for relations with Turkey. With this formula, Turkey-EU relations would not be discussed on platforms where agreement between all the member countries would be required, noted the same sources. However, it is also reported that Turkey does not look postively at the formula. /Cumhuriyet, Milliyet/ DEMIREL: TERRORISM IS A GROSS VIOLATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS CENSURE MOTION AGAINST MINISTER TOPCU REJECTED PUBLIC SERVANTS PROTEST UNSUFFICIENT SALARY INCREASES (CONTINUES) [08] TURKISH PRESS REVIEWThese are brief summaries of some of the leading stories in Turkey's press on December 11, 1997. Anadolu Agency does not verify these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.(Derived from Newsspot of Turkish Directorate of General Press and Information) DEVELOPMENTS IN CASE FOR RP CLOSURE MERSIN NARROWLY ESCAPES DISASTER ANOTHER AEGEAN CONFRONTATION AWARD TO RETIRED TURKISH AMBASSADOR THY MAKES 2 TRILLION IN PROFITS [09] TURKEY-EXPORTATION - TURKISH EXIMBANK'S IZMIR BUREAU DIRECTOR SELIM SENGUN: - ''WE WILL GIVE 450 TRILLION LIRAS OF CREDIT TILL THE END OF 1997''IZMIR, Dec 11 (A.A) - Turkish Eximbank Izmir Bureau Director Selim Sengun said on Thursday that they gave 350 trillion liras of credit in first ten months of this year to Turkish exporters and the amount of credit will increase to 450 trillion liras till the end of 1997.Addressing a meeting titled ''Turkish Eximbank's Role In Benefiting From Aegean Region's Exportation Potential and Opportunities Offered By Turkish Eximbank'' organized by Aegean Industrialists and Businessmen Association (ESIAD), Selim Sengun said that totally 3,500 exporting companies are the customers of Turkish Eximbank. Pointing out that nominal capital of the bank is 50 trillion liras and paid- in capital is 17.5 trillion liras, Sengun said, ''government promised to raise our paid-in capital to 50 trillion liras with the additional budget. This will help us to solve our source and assets problem. We will continue to seek for foreign sources.'' Briefing on Eximbank's Turkish Lira (TL) and foreign exchange credits programmes, Sengun said they give TL credits to uninsured companies with 75 percent rate of interest and they implement interest discount to insured ones. Pointing out that there has been a huge demand for Eximbank's credits when they started to implement less interest, Sengun said that they dropped interest rate of 0,5 percent of libor in foreign exchange credit to just libor. Noting that Eximbank's foreign exchange credits slowed down since the sources have used for repayment of foreign credits, Sengun said they urge exporters to use TL credits. Pointing out that the problem in foreign exchange credit will be disappeared by January 1998, Sengun said that 250 companies in Istanbul and 150 companies in Izmir are using special-programme performance credits. [10] TURKEY-OIC - PRESIDENT DEMIREL RETURNS TO TURKEY - DEMIREL: ''ALL INTERNATIONAL AND REGIONAL ISSUES CONCERNING ISLAMIC WORLD WERE TAKEN UP IN OIC SUMMIT''ANKARA/TEHRAN, Dec 11 (A.A) - President Suleyman Demirel, who participated in the eighth Organization for Islamic Conference (OIC) Summit meeting, returned to Ankara on Wednesday night.Addressing a statement at Esenboga Airport after he arrived in Ankara, President Demirel said that all international and regional issues which concern the Islamic world were taken up during OIC summit and member countries discussed the measures that can be taken to overcome the difficulties of Moslem societies. ''In the final declaration, which will be published by the end of the Summit on Thursday, OIC member countries extend support to the peace process regarding the solution of the Middle East problem. The declaration calls for strenghtening of Islamic solidarity regarding the situation of our kinsmen in Cyprus, Western Thrace and Azeri-Armenian conflict. Moreover, OIC Summit will take a decision about international cooperation against terrorism due to our extensive activities,'' said President Demirel. President Demirel stated that he also made another speech as the Chairman of OIC Permanent Committee for Commercial and Economic Cooperation and said that OIC members can have a more effective place in world affairs by strenghtening their solidarity and cooperation among them. Demirel pointed out that he gave information to OIC members about the sources of terrorism which effects Turkey very much and called those countries supporting terrorism to give it up. He said that OIC will adopt a decision on international cooperation against terrorism, as a result of Turkey's efforts. Responding to a question if Iranian President Khatami's statement concerning the closure case of Welfare Party in Turkey created tension between Ankara and Tehran, or not, Demirel said, ''claims of tension are fabrications, scenarios.'' When one reporter asked ''Are you disappointed with the critics of Khatami against Turkey?'' Demirel said, ''no, I am not.'' Following a question if there will be a text concerning Iraq in the final declaration, Demirel said, ''there will be a condemnation text concerning border violations. The necessary explanations were made on this issue, and were recorded.'' Demirel stated that he held a productive meeting with Iranian President Mohammed Khatami and also met Presidents of TRNC, Azerbaijan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Nigeria, Gambia, Jordanian Crown Prince, Pakistani and Nigerian Prime Ministers, Krygyz Assistant President and Omani Deputy Prime Minister in Tehran. Responding to a question about the final declaration which can include an article calling OIC countries to react against those countries which cooperate with Israel in the miliary field, President Demirel pointed out that ''we did what we could do and we have a reservation on that.'' Responding to a question of a foreign journalist in Tehran before leaving for Ankara on why he is leaving the summit early, President Demirel said that ''I have wrapped up all my work here, besides that I came here earlier on Monday. My departure in the morning or after midnight does not change anything and I do not have any problem with anybody or anything.'' [11] TURKEY-D-8 GROUP - D-8 LEADERS CONVENE IN A DINNER IN TEHRAN - PRESIDENT DEMIREL: ''TURKEY TO SUPPORT ACTIVITIES OF D-8 WORKING GROUPS''TEHRAN, Dec 11 (A.A) - President Suleyman Demirel said on Wednesday that Turkey will support the activities of D-8 Group (Developing Countries) working groups.The leaders of D-8 countries met in an unofficial consultation dinner, headed by President Suleyman Demirel the same day and they took up and exchanged views about the developments regarding the D-8 group. D-8 Executive Director Ayhan Kamel submitted a report to the leaders in the dinner regarding the progress recorded by working groups since Istanbul Summit was held on June 15, 1997 and his contacts with member countries. President Demirel said that establishment of a D-8 Trade and Marketing Firm will contribute to improvement of insufficient trade volume between member countries. Demirel also stressed that the pre-condition of a successful D-8 Group depends on the fact that it should attract the attention of private sector. [12] TURKEY-TOURISM - TOURISM MINISTRY TO ADD ''PHOTO SAFARI'', ''WIND SURF'' AND ''THERMAL TOURISM'' TO ALTERNATIVE TOURISMSANKARA, Dec 11 (A.A) - Tourism Ministry continues its tourism diversification studies to meet consumers' changing preferences and holiday understanding and to widen tourism to the whole year.Tourism Ministry officials told A.A correspondent that the Ministry aims to improve alternative tourisms like ''Belief Tourism'', ''Green Tour'', ''Steam Train Tour'', ''Rafting'', ''Trekking'', ''Photo Safari'', ''Wind Surf'' and ''Thermal-Health Tourism''. The Ministry is planning to organize a ''Photo Safari'' tour covering the historical sites and natural regions having cultural values, flora and fauna-rich regions and bird heavens to this end. This tour is expected to cover Istanbul, Kayseri, Denizli, Pamukkale, Selcuk, Sultan Bird Heaven, Cappadocia, Izmir Agora Bird Heaven, Bandirma, Manyas Bird Heaven. Tourism Ministry plans to organize Steam train tour, bird watching, film and photograph contests within the framework of that project lasted for 10- 12 days. Tourism Ministry will start to set up qualified installations and determine thermal resources for improving thermal tourism. A thermal tourism project will be implemented after foreign market research. The wind surf activity to which Turkish and foreign sportsmen and reporters will attend in Isparta Egridir will be realized within the content of 1998 tourism diversification project. [13] TURKEY-US - PRIME MINISTER'S CONTACTS IN THE USWASHIGTON, Dec 11 (A.A) - Prime Minister Mesut Yılmaz will meet US President Bill Clinton, Vice President Al Gore and former President George Bush during his stay in US between December 17-21, it is reported on Thursday.Prime Minister Yılmaz will participate in a reception that will be held by Federation of Turkish-American Associations in New York on December 17. Later on, effective Jewish institution named ''Anti Defamation League'' will give ''Distinguished Statesman Award'' to Prime Minister Mesut Yılmaz. Yılmaz will later address a statement to New York Times and to Wall Street Journal on December 18 and he will ring the ''famous'' bell and open New York Stock Market the same day. Prime Minister Yılmaz will proceed to Washington on December 18, and he will participate and make a speech in a dinner called ''International Forum'' hosted by American trade circles. Prime Minister Yılmaz will receive US Energy Secretary Federico Pena, Defense Secretary William Cohen, State Secretary Madeleine Albright, Commerce Secretary William Daley, Treasury Secretary Robert Rubin, IMF Director Michel Camdesus and World Bank Director James Wolfenshon in Washington. Later Yılmaz will meet leading American journalists and meet directors of various American firms in a dinner. Prime Minister Yılmaz will hold separate meetings with US Vice President Al Gore and President Bill Clinton on December 19 and meet Former President George Bush on December 21 and leave US the same day. During his stay in US, Yılmaz will participate in conversation programmes in various TV channels. US Vice President Al-Gore and Prime Minister Yılmaz will mainly take up energy issues, while the important issues of bilateral political and military relations, commercial and economic relations, Turkish-Greek relations, Cyprus, the Middle East, Central Asia, the Balkans and Caucasus, Iraq and struggle against terrorism will all be taken up during Clinton- Yılmaz meeting. US administration is expected to permit American firms to bid in a tender that has been put out by Turkey for the joint production of helicopters, which is worth of 4,5 billion dollars. [14] TURKEY-ECONOMY - DOMESTIC AUTOMOBILE SELLINGS RISE BY 18 PERCENT AND IMPORTED AUTOMOBILE SELLINGS BY 128 PERCENT IN LAST 11 MONTHS OF 1997 - IMPORTED AUTOMOBILES' MARKET SHARE RISES TO ITS MAXIMUM AVERAGE OF 37 PERCENT IN LAST 6 YEARS - AUTOMOBILE IMPORTATION FROM EU COUNTRIES INCREASES BY 128 PERCENT AND LIGHT-WEIGHT COMMERCIAL VEHICLES BY 533 PERCENTISTANBUL, Dec 11 (A.A) - Automobile importation rose 128 percent to 107,323 each from 47,012 each in last eleven months of this year compared to same period last year, it was reported on Thursday. The increase in domestic automobile sellings was 18 percent.The market share of imported automobiles rose to its maximum average of 37 percent in last six years. Automotive Industry Association (OSD) officials told A.A correspondent that the automobile importation from European Union (EU) countries increased by 128 percent; automobile importation from Far East countries rose by 160 percent while automobile importation from former Soviet Union States decreased to 26 percent. Automobile total market share rose by 43 percent. The importation of light-weight commercial vehicles (minibus and van) rose 112 percent to 52,875 each from 24,901 each during January-November 1997 period compared to same period in 1996. Light-weight commercial vehicles importation's market share reached to 59 percent. Domestic minibus and van selling increase average was 49 percent in the same period. The motor vehicles importation from EU countries increased by 533 percent; motor vehicles importation from Far East countries rose by 59 percent and motor vehicles importation from former Soviet Union States increased by 61 percent. Total sellings of light-weight commercial vehicles in last eleven months of 1997 rose by 81 percent compared to total amount in same period last year. Meanwhile, total production in automotive industry in November was 38,359 each while this number was 354,639 each between January-November 1997. The automobile selling statistics during January-November periods between 1992-1997 are as follows: AUTOMOBILE SELLINGS DURING JANUARY-NOVEMBER PERIOD 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 ------------------------------------------------------------ Domestic 229722 299773 180286 170929 156879 184451 Imported 55123 84508 25045 17643 47012 107323 Total 284845 384281 205331 188572 203891 291774 Market share 19 22 12 9 23 37 of importation (percent) The light-weight commercial vehicles selling statistics during January- November periods between 1992-1997 are as follows: LIGHT-WEIGHT COMMERCIAL VEHICLES SELLINGS DURING JANUARY-NOVEMBER PERIOD 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 -------------------------------------------------------------- Domestic 25817 28813 12653 19067 24649 36713 Imported 11785 24707 7028 9818 24901 52875 Total 37602 53520 19681 28885 49550 89588 Market share 31 46 36 34 50 59 of importation (percent) [15] TURKEY-POLITICS - DTP DEPUTY SOYLEMEZ RESIGNS FROM HIS PARTY - INDEPENDENT DEPUTY PEKER JOINS DTPANKARA, Dec 11 (A.A) - Democratic Turkey Party (DTP) Deputy Chairman and parliamentarian from Izmir province Ufuk Soylemez resigned from his party on Thursday, while Independent parliamentarian Hasan Peker from Tekirdag province joined DTP.Addressing a statement to A.A correspondent, Ufuk Soylemez said that ''I could hear about government decisions in the field of economy only in the newspapers and complained about this issue in the party administration, yet the latter did not take my complaints into account.'' Soylemez pointed out that True Path Party (DYP) leader Tansu Ciller is his lecturer in the fields of ''customs union and privatization'', adding that he will again join his former party DYP next week. With the resignation of Soylemez and participation of Peker to DTP, the recent number of chairs represented in the parliament according to the political parties is as follows: Welfare Party (RP).....................150 Motherland Party (ANAP)................139 True Path Party (DYP)...................91 Democratic Left Party (DSP).............63 Republican People Party (CHP)...........55 Democratic Turkey Party (DTP)...........20 Great Union Party (BBP)..................8 National Movement Party (MHP)............2 Democratic Party (DP)....................1 Independents............................19 Vacant...................................2 [16] TURKEY-MARITIME - STATE MINISTER KARA: ''OUR TARGET FOR MARITIME INCOMES IS 10 BILLION DOLLARS A YEAR'' - ''ESTABLISHMENT OF MARITIME MINISTRY WILL ENABLE US TO COMPETE WITH GREECE''BOLU, Dec 11 (A.A) - State Minister Burhan Kara said on Thursday that Turkey's maritime incomes will rise to ten billion dollars a year from existing USD six billion with the establishment of Maritime Ministry.Kara told A.A correspondent that former government had planned to change existing Maritime Undersecretariat into Maritime Ministry but they will gather all organizations in maritime industry within Maritime Ministry structure. Pointing out that Turkey has 8300 kilometers of coast and is more adventageous than its neighbours, Kara said, ''our aim is to increase ship construction volume from 500 thousand deadweight ton (dwt) to one million dwt and to be one of the top five countries in Naval Trade Fleet from existing 17th place by increasing our Naval Trade Fleet's volume from 11 million dwt to 20 million dwt.'' Burhan Kara said that Turkey had signed Naval Trade Agreements with Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan and Turkey will be enable to compete with Greece in the near future with the establishment of Maritime Ministry. [17] EIGHTH OIC SUMMIT - ALL DRAFT RESOLUTIONS ADOPTEDTEHRAN, Dec 11 (A.A) - The Organization for Islamic Conference (OIC) adopted 142 draft resolutions on Thursday, which were prepared during OIC Foreign Ministers meeting and later submitted to the Summit.The draft resolutions, which were submitted by Iraq and Syria were also adopted. Turkey had earlier put reservations on them. Meanwhile, several member countries in a special session stated the amount of financial assistance they will extend to OIC, which has economic problems. Saudi Arabia promised to give 10 million dollars, Qatar and Kuwait three million dollars, Iran one million dollar and Egypt will give 500,000 dollars to OIC. Turkey did not promise to extend any financial assistance to OIC. A final communique titled ''Tehran Declaration'' is expected to be released in the closing session the same day. [18] TURKEY-UN - UN SECRETARY GENERAL ANNAN'S CYPRUS REPORT DISTURBS BALANCE IN THE ISLANDNEW YORK, Dec 11 (A.A) - The Cyprus report which was submitted by United Nations (UN) Secretary General Kofi Annan to UN Security Council on Wednesday is ''incomplete and disturbs balance,'' it is reported on Thursday.Secretary General Annan asked Council members for the extension of United Nations Peace Keeping Forces in Cyprus' (UNFICYP) mission for another six months, until June 30, 1998, because Annan said that the situation in Cyprus continued to be marked by tension. The Security Council will take up the Cyprus issue probably on December 19 and give its decision concerning this issue. Kofi Annan will submit another report on his good will mission before that date. Diplomatic sources told A.A that ''If the aim of the report is to give correct information to Security Council, so that the latter can take a right decision, but the report is lacking several points.'' Annan's report stressed that TRNC has modernized its tanks and bought 12 mortar guns, but it did not mention about the 50 battle tanks that were imported from Greece by the Greek Cypriot side, and the anti-aircrafts that the Greek Cypriot side will buy from Russia to protect its S-300 missiles, and the issue of Greek mercenaries in Greek Cypriot side. These issues have recently been made public by the Greek Cypriot leader Glafcos Clerides. The report did not mention either the kidnapping of two Turkish Cypriots by the Greek Cypriot police who entered into the buffer zone without permission in October 23. [19] TURKEY IN BRIEF - DECEMBER 11, 1997CHICAGO - Turkish scientist Dr. Ali Erdemir working for state-run Argon Laboratories in Chicago broke one of 20th century's technological records by inventing a kind of carbon-film-cover that is more resisting and smoother than diamond, it was reported on Thursday.Dr. Ali Erdemir broke the friction coefficient 20 times by his invention. U.S Department of Energy officials said that the invention of Dr.Ali Erdemir decreased the friction coefficient to almost zero. ANKARA - Council of Ministers on Thursday approved the protocols signed between Turkey and TRNC. The ''Cooperation Protocol'' signed between State Ministry and TRNC National Education, Culture, Youth and Sports Ministry, the ''Cooperation Protocol'' signed between State Ministry and TRNC Agriculture and Forestry Ministry and the ''Cooperation Protocol'' signed between State Ministry and TRNC Economy Ministry were published in the Official Gazette on Thursday. ANKARA - State Minister Mehmet Batalli and an accompanying delegation including Turkish businessmen on Thursday left for Eritrea to hold official contacts. State Ministry said in a written statement that State Minister Mehmet Batalli and the accompanying delegation will take up the issues of ''setting up the legal infrastructure of bilateral trade and economic relations'' and ''signing of commercial, economic and technical cooperation agreement to create new foreign markets'' during their contacts in Eritrea with Eritrean high-ranking officials. Batalli will then proceed to Ethiopia and return to Turkey on December 19. ANKARA - State Minister Yucel Seckiner responsible for Youth and Sports and Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) National Education, Culture, Youth and Sports Minister Gunay Caymaz on Thursday signed the final communique of the meetings regarding the sportive relations between two countries. The communique, which was issued after the contacts between two countries' youth and sports ministers between December 8-11 in Ankara, stated that the sports embargo, which has been laid on TRNC youth and sportsmen for years, was against to human rights and should be lifted immediately. The communique also stated that some changes will be realized in concerned regulations to lift of TRNC sportsmen's foreign statue implementation in Turkey. The communique foresees the necessary studies for the organization of tournaments of every sports-branches also in TRNC. Turkish sports federations will launch every initiatives for the attendance of TRNC representatives and sportsmen to meetings, courses, seminars, international tournaments and championships of international sports federations within the opinion of international federations. ISTANBUL - Businessman and industrialist Jak Kamhi was entitled with French government's honorary order of merit ''Commandeur dans L'Ordre National du Merite a'' (French National Order Of Merit), it was reported on Thursday. Addressing the ceremony held in French Consulate in Istanbul, French Ambassador to Ankara Lebedel said that Kamhi is Turkey's and world's peace and economy envoy. Deputy Prime Minister and National Defense Minister Ismet Sezgin also participated in the ceremony. ISTANBUL - A 12-member trade delegation led by Romanian Prahova Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chairman Niculae Constantin on Thursday visited Istanbul Chamber of Commerce (ITO). ITO Deputy Secretary General Dr. Cengiz Ersun said in the meeting that the trade volume between Turkey and Romania is insufficient. Prahova Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chairman Niculae Constantin said that the number of Turkish-Romenian corporations recently reached to 92 from 42 in 1994. ANKARA - An Ukranian delegation including 20 importers and investors will come to Istanbul on December 16 within the framework of Foreign Trade Undersecretariat's ''increase in exportation project'', it was reported on Wednesday. Foreign Trade Undersecretariat said in a written statement that Miidle East Anatolia Exporters' Union (OAIB) will hold a seminar to brief Ukranian importers on Turkey's exportation potential and general position. [20] TURKEY-OIL - OIL PRODUCTION - TPAO PRODUCES 1.1 MILLION TONS OF OIL IN BATMAN REGION IN LAST 11 MONTHS OF 1997BATMAN, Dec 11 (A.A) - Turkish Petroleums Corporation (TPAO) Batman Region General Director Talat Atalay said on Thursday that TPAO produced 1,138 thousand tons of oil in Batman region in last eleven months of this year.Atalay told A.A correspondent that thay realized 83,781 meters of drilling studies in 26 research and 14 production wells during January-November 1997 period. Pointing out that crude oil production rose 2 percent to 7,570 thousand
barrels in first eleven months of 1997 compared to same period last year,
Atalay said, ''we think oil production will rise to 8 million barrels at
the end of the year. Oil production in Batman region rose by 1,4 percent
compared to 1996. Drilling meter rose by 40 percent this year compared to
1996.'' [21] TURKEY-TERRORISM - 17 TERRORISTS KILLED IN SOUTHEASTERN AND EASTERN TURKEY - APPROXIMATELY 100 TERRORISTS KILLED IN CROSS-BORDER OPERATIONBINGOL/HIZAN/DIYARBAKIR/HABUR, Dec 11 (A.A) - Security Forces killed 17 terrorists during the operations launched in Eastern and Southeastern Turkey, it is reported on Thursday.Emergency Rule Regional Governor's Office said that security forces killed five terrorists in rural areas of Direkli village of Bingol province, five terrorists near Yerkaya village of Bingol province, four terrorists in Hizan township of Bitlis, two terrorists near Derince village of Batman province and one terrorist in Cal region of Siirt province. Meanwhile, one terrorist in Direkli village of Genc province and another one in Kulp region of Diyarbakır province surrendered to the security forces. While the operations against the separatist terrorist organization are underway in Eastern and Southeastern Anatolia, the cross border operation staged by Turkish Armed Forces in Northern Iraq also continues. Turkish Armed Forces staged air operations the same day on Hakurk region where the separatist terorist organization settled. Turkish Forces continue to hit the targets, which were earlier determined. F-4 and F-16 aircrafts bombed the routes of the terrorists where they tried to escape to Iran on Wednesday. After the bombardement, Cobra and Super Cobra helicopters searched valleys and killed many terrorists. Noting that the main goal of the operation is to hit winter stocks of terrorists, officials stressed that Turkish troops discovered many shelters in the triangle between Turkey-Iran-Northern Iraq. Officials said that the cross-border operation has been succesful and approximately 100 terrorists have been killed so far. [22] TURKEY-EU - GERMAN FOREIGN MINISTER KINKEL: ''TURKEY IS A MEMBER OF EUROPEAN FAMILY''BONN, Dec 11 (A.A) - German Foreign Minister Klaus Kinkel said on Thursday that Germany supports Turkey as a potential European Union (EU) candidate in the future.Addressing a speech in German parliament, Kinkel stated that EU should expand step by step, adding that ''EU should not be forced concerning its expansion process.'' Stating the EU Summit that will be held in Luxembourg, Kinkel pointed out that 11 candidate states of Central and Eastern Europe and Cyprus should be given full membership perspective during the Summit. Evaluating the status of Turkey in EU expansion process, Kinkel added that ''we are resolved to support further improvement of EU-Turkish relations and we know that strengthening of Turkey's status in Europe is also to our interest.'' Noting that ''Turkey belongs to European family'', German Foreign Minister Kinkel added that they owe Turkey an honest answer, and ''in that respect, we should not stay indifferent regarding free movement, human right applications and Kurdish issue. EU asked Turkey to solve these issues and we are ready to help them to this end,'' Kinkel said.
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