Subscribe to our Personal NewsPaper-Online (Free Custom News Service) Read the Convention Relating to the Regime of the Straits (24 July 1923) Read the Convention Relating to the Regime of the Straits (24 July 1923)
HR-Net - Hellenic Resources Network Compact version
Today's Suggestion
Read The "Macedonian Question" (by Maria Nystazopoulou-Pelekidou)
HomeAbout HR-NetNewsWeb SitesDocumentsOnline HelpUsage InformationContact us
Monday, 23 December 2024
 
News
  Latest News (All)
     From Greece
     From Cyprus
     From Europe
     From Balkans
     From Turkey
     From USA
  Announcements
  World Press
  News Archives
Web Sites
  Hosted
  Mirrored
  Interesting Nodes
Documents
  Special Topics
  Treaties, Conventions
  Constitutions
  U.S. Agencies
  Cyprus Problem
  Other
Services
  Personal NewsPaper
  Greek Fonts
  Tools
  F.A.Q.
 

Anadolu Agency: News in English, 97-12-19

Anadolu Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

From: The Anadolu Agency Home Page at <http://www.anadoluajansi.gov.tr/>

19 DEC 1997


CONTENTS

  • [01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN
  • [02] TURKISH PRESS REVIEW (1)
  • [03] TURKISH PRESS REVIEW (2)
  • [04] TURKISH PRESS REVIEW (3)
  • [05] TURKEY-PAKISTAN - PRESIDENT DEMIREL IN ISLAMABAD
  • [06] TURKEY-IMF - IMF CHAIRMAN CAMDESUS: - ''IMF IS RESOLVED TO DO EVERYTHING TO ASSIT TURKEY''
  • [07] TURKEY-US (1) - PREMIER YILMAZ IN US - YILMAZ: ''THERE IS AN EXAMPLE FRIENDSHIP BETWEEN TURKEY AND THE US''
  • [08] TURKEY-US (2) - PREMIER YILMAZ IN WASHINGTON - ''EU DOES NOT HAVE THE RIGHT TO MAKE DISCRIMINATION AGAINST TURKEY''
  • [09] TURKEY-IMF - STATE MINISTER TANER: ''WE TALK WITH IMF ON A NEW PROGRAMME''
  • [10] TURKEY-BUDGET - 11-MONTH BUDGET DEFICIT 1.2 QUADRILLION LIRA - BUDGET EXPENDITURES RISE 86,4 PERCENT TO 6.2 QUADRILLION LIRA AND BUDGET REVENUES RISE 108,1 PERCENT TO 5 QUADRILLION LIRA IN LAST 11 MONTHS
  • [11] TURKEY-EGYPT - CHIEF OF GENERAL STAFF KARADAYI RETURNS TO TURKEY
  • [12] TURKEY-PAKISTAN - PRESIDENT DEMIREL DEPARTS PAKISTAN
  • [13] TURKEY IN BRIEF, DECEMBER, 19, 1997
  • [14] TURKEY IN BRIEF, DECEMBER, 19, 1997

  • [01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

    These are some of the leading stories in Turkey's press on Dec 19, 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)

    YILMAZ SOFTENS
    Premier Yilmaz reiterated his last stake ''we will withdraw our full membership application to EU'' during his visit to Washington but this time softened it.

    APO CALLS ON SUPPORT FROM EU
    Separatist terrorist organization's chief Abdullah Ocalan tried to make use of a tension between Turkey and European Union (EU) after Luxembourg Summit and send a letter to EU leaders saying that PKK was ready for ceasefire on condition to open ways to dialogue.

    MİLLİYET (LIBERAL)

    WE ARE DECEIVED IN CYPRUS
    Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz who will meet US President Bill Clinton accused Europe implementing ''double standart.''

    COOPERATION WITH EGYPT
    Chief of General Staff Ismail Hakki Karadayi, currently holding contacts in Cairo discloses: ''I have told Mubarak that Turkey feels uneasy over Syria's support to separatist terrorist organization. They do not approve this also.''

    SABAH (LIBERAL)

    ''NO CRACK IN GOVERNMENT''
    Ecevit said he did not favor Yilmaz's six months last stake to EU yet added that there was no incongruity between them.

    YILMAZ RECEIVES AN AWARD FOR STATESMANSHIP
    Prime Minister Yilmaz received an award for statesmanship from the Jewish Anti-Defamation League for his efforts to promote democracy and religious tolerance in his country.

    CUMHURİYET (LEFT)

    EU CONFLICT IN GOVERNMENT
    Deputy Prime Minister Ecevit contradicts with Yilmaz. Foreign Minister Cem accuses media.

    WOMEN-MEN EQUALITY IN ADULTERY
    Parliamentary Justice Commission adopts a draft resolution which brought equal punishment to men and women in adultery.

    TÜRKİYE (RIGHT) PRIME MINISTER YILMAZ: ''NO RETURN BACK''
    Prime Minister conveys ''shock decision'' regarding EU to US officials.

    NO TO S-300 MISSILES
    Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu said ''Russian missiles which Greek Cypriots would purchase, will prevent peace.''

    RADİKAL (LEFT) EUROPE SEES LAST STAKE
    Turkey will be invited to European Conference for the last time on January 1. EU discusses not to appoint representative to Ankara for a long time.

    ENERGY AGREEMENT TO BE SIGNED WITH THE US
    The US gave the message that its support to Baku-Ceyhan oil pipeline will be put on the paper on the first day of Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz's visit to this country.

    ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)

    LAST STAKE SHAKES GOVERNMENT
    Coalition partners were shocked by Prime Minister Yilmaz's lask stake ''we will withdraw from EU.'' Ecevit and Cindoruk feel uneasy.

    FOREIGN POLICY IN PARLIAMENT
    Parliament in the end spoils its silence regarding recent developments in foreign policy. Ankara Independent Deputy Cemil Cicek and 23 other deputies called on a general talk on foreign policy.

    YENİ YÜZYIL (LIBERAL)

    EMBARGO CONCERN
    Two famous economy newspapers of the world stressed the dangerous outcomes of Turkey's distancing from Europe.

    ADVISORY DECISION FROM EUROPE
    European Parliament told Turkey to review its decision not to participate in Conference. Second Chairman Simone Veil said ''expansion of EU will take long time.''

    FİNANSAL FORUM (ECONOMY) BUDGET TARGETS FAIL TO GIVE CONFIDENCE
    Nobody in the Parliament beleives that targets of 98 budget will reach its goals. Economists think that forseeings of 1998 budget will not be a part of a stability and balancing program.

    STATE MINISTER CELEBI: NO EMBARGO TO EU
    State Minister Isin Celebi said any embargo to European Union (EU) countries was regardless of question. Celebi said Turkey would be faithful to GATT and Uruguay Round agreements.

    [02] TURKISH PRESS REVIEW (1)

    These are brief summaries of some of the leading stories in Turkey's press on December 19, 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)

    DEMIREL VISITS PAKISTAN
    President Suleyman Demirel embarked on a two-day official visit to Pakistan yesterday. During his visit, Demirel is scheduled to attend a ceremony to lay the foundations of the $640 million Islamabad-Peshavar highway, which is to be built by a Turkish firm. Her will also sign a contract for the construction of the Pehur irrigation channel, which will also be built by a Turkish company.

    Demirel is also expected to meet Pakistani leaders on Friday. During his visit, he will be accompanied by State Minister Rifat Serdaroglu, Trade Minister Yalim Erez and a large group of businessmen. /All papers/

    YILMAZ MEETS CLINTON TODAY
    Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz is meeting with US US President Bill Clinton in Washington today, where a number of critical subjects from Cyprus to energy will be highlighted. Yilmaz will also meet with Vice President Al Gore before having lunch with Secretary of State Madeleine Albright.

    Yilmaz has already had meetings with Richard Holbrooke, the special presidential envoy for Cyprus, and members of the Turkish community in New York. Answering reporters' questions during a reception given in his honour by the Federation of Turkish-American Associations at the Turkevi in New York, Yilmaz said that Turkish people living abroad are a priority on the government's agenda.

    Meanwhile, after his meeting with the Turkish prime minister, Holbrooke said that he had met with Yilmaz not to offer a new plan, but only to listen. He said that Clinton was sensitive to the improvement of Turkish- American relations, Turkish-Greek relations and the establishment of a bi- zonal and bi-communal federation in Cyprus.

    Yilmaz also said that Israel's right to exist is being supported by Turkey. During the ceremony organized to celebrate his being given a "Superior Statesman" award by the Jewish Anti-Defamation League, Yilmaz emphasized the common points between the Turkish and Israeli peoples. /All papers/

    EU FUNDS TO TURKEY SUSPENDED AGAIN
    The European Union (EU) has once more alloted funds to Turkey in its 1998 budget and these have once more been suspended. After voting yesterday in the European Parliament (EP), the budget put the EU's revenues as ECU 91 billion and its spending as ECU 89 billion, the Anatolia news agency reported. According to the European Commission's "special activity plan" for Turkey, ECU 375 million, previously awarded to Turkey, and ECU 53 million for the year 1998 has been suspended. The European Parliament has also decided that funds should be extended to Turkey from the Mediterranean Development and Cooperation Fund under certain conditions for certain projects.

    (CONTINUES)

    [03] TURKISH PRESS REVIEW (2)

    These are brief summaries of some of the leading stories in Turkey's press on December 19, 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)

    ISMAIL CEM MEETS HANS VAN DEN BROEK
    The European Commission yesterday called for a "period of reflection" to smooth over a dispute with Turkey after the EU excluded Ankara from a formal list of future members. EU Foreign Affairs Commissioner Hans van den Broek met Turkish Foreign Minister Ismail Cem. Van den Broek told a news conference after the meeting that he believed that Turkey did not oppose the idea of a pause to reflect. "I think Turkey needs the EU, just as I feel the EU has a very clear interest in our relationship with Turkey becoming firmer and consolidated" Broek said during a 54-nation security conference in Denmark. Turkish Foreign Minister Ismail Cem said, for his part, that EU membership should not be an "obsession" for Turkey.

    The European Parliament urged Turkey yesterday to think again and accept an invitation to a special pan-European conference next March. The assembly also urged Ankara not to oppose EU entry for Cyprus, the Mediterranean island divided between Greek and Turkish communities. Meanwhile, EU term- president Luxembourg Prime Minister Jean-Claude Juncker said yesterday that they do not want Turkey to withdraw its EU application. /All papers/

    SUNGURLU IN PARIS
    Justice Minister Oltan Sungurlu, in Paris for the signing of the OECD's convention on combatting bribery, said that Turkey was not waiting for a "concrete offer" from the EU after the Luxembourg summit. Sungurlu told Turkish journalists that, during the signing ceremony of the Convention on Combatting Bribery of Foreign Public Officials in International Business Transactions, he had a talk with Piergiorgio Mazzocchi, the permanent representative of the European Commission. "He told me that Turkey should continue to pursue the path of the EU. He said that he understood the dissatisfaction of Turkey, but the old wounds would be healed" Sungurlu said. He also added that Turkey was happy with the convention which was signed. /All papers/

    STROKE TO PKK
    The Turkish Armed Forces have completed operations in the Harkuk region in northern Iraq close to the Iranian border. During the operation conducted minus 35 degrees Celsius 50 PKK terrorists and one soldier were killed.

    Commenting on the operations, Interior Minister Murat Basesgioglu said. He added that the organization had once been known as ASALA and now it was called PKK. Basesgioglu stressed that nobody could now use the PKK against Turkey.

    Meanwhile, at the end of operation "Orient Express", launched in Impelia in north-west Italy, against a gang with has PKK affiliations helping illegal immigrants from Turkey and northern Iraq to get into European countries the leader of the gang, Mehmet Tok, a PKK member, was seized at Nice Airport. It was later announced that five of the seventeen members of the gang are PKK members. /Milliyet/Sabah/

    (CONTINUES)

    [04] TURKISH PRESS REVIEW (3)

    These are brief summaries of some of the leading stories in Turkey's press on December 19, 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)

    KARADAYI IN EGYPT
    Chief of the General Staff, General Ismail Hakki Karadayi, has completed his official visit to Egypt. In a statement on his return to Turkey, Karadayi said that in his contacts with Egyptian officials he dwelt on Turco-Israeli cooperation and managed to convince Egyptian officials that Turco-Israeli rapprochement implied no threats for Arab countries. "We have agreed to exert efforts to improve further relations between Turkey and Egypt in all fields," General Karadayi pointed out. /Milliyet/

    EFFECTS OF BAD WEATHER
    The effects of the bad weather which suddenly arrived on Wednesday are being felt nationwide. Flights to Erzurum, Kars and Erzincan have been cancelled and some roads in east Anatolia and Sakarya have been closed to traffic. Some schools in the region have also been closed for two days. Nearly 24 hours of snowfall paralyzed Istanbul yesterday, blocking roads and disrupting air and sea traffic. /All papers/

    PUNISHMENT FOR ADULTERY IS TWO YEARS' IMPRISONMENT
    The Justice Commission of Parliament has agreed to legalize the punishment of men for adultery, in order to equalize the sexes under the law. According to the commission's final decision, a man can be imprisoned from between six months to two years for committing adultery. The draft has to be accepted by Parliament's General Assembly in order to become a law. /All papers/

    [05] TURKEY-PAKISTAN - PRESIDENT DEMIREL IN ISLAMABAD

    PESHAVER, Dec 19 (A.A) - President Suleyman Demirel arrived in Islamabad on Thursday.

    Addressing a ceremony staged to lay the foundation of Islamabad-Peshaver Motorway, President Demirel said he regarded such ceremonies as the light giving hope for a more shiny future for people.

    Demirel said he appreciated great developments of Pakistani people and government to be a leader country in the 21st century.

    Demirel said the motorway in question would not only link Peshaver to Islamabad but at the same time would link Peshaver to Lahor which is an important trade and industry center.

    He said roads not only facilitated circulation of items but also the circulation of people adding that it was inevitable to set up a modern road network in our era.

    Noting that Turkey was a friendship and cooperation bridge between East and the West, North and South, Demirel said ''Turkey formed harmonized and beneficial relations with all countries.''

    President Demirel said Turkey was proud of its dynamic private sector adding that construction companies concluded lots of projects making use of modern technology. Yet he also added that this development was not satisfactory.

    Pakistan's acting President Wasim Sajjad Friday conferred the country's highest civil award "Nishan-e-Pakistan" on visiting Turkish President Suleyman Demirel. The award was conferred in recognition of his services for promotion of democracy in Turkey, long-standing contribution to the strengthening and consolidation of ties between Pakistan and Turkey and his efforts for world peace.

    [06] TURKEY-IMF - IMF CHAIRMAN CAMDESUS: - ''IMF IS RESOLVED TO DO EVERYTHING TO ASSIT TURKEY''

    WASHINGTON, Dec 19 (A.A) - International Monetary Fund (IMF) Chairman Michel Camdesus said on Friday that ''IMF is resolved to do everything to assist Turkey.''

    Following his meeting with Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz, Camdesus told reporters that ''the biggest problem in Turkey is the inflation. The right solution for this prblem is very important. IMF is determined to do everything within its capacity. Our talks will not produce a stand-by accord but other alternatives. And those alternatives are open. Turkish government has already provided a positive development. We will pay an official visit to Ankara. The meeting with Premier Yilmaz was very positive.''

    Meanwhile, US Defense Secretary William Cohen after his meeting with Premier Yilmaz said, ''the meeting was very positive. Turkey's friendship is very important for the US. Turkey is a strong ally of the US.''

    Cohen said that there has not been any development in the permit for American companies' bidding for ''helicopter tender'' in Turkey. American companies should take permit document from US State Department for bidding for the project worth of USD 4.5 billion.

    Companies should submit their biddings to Turkey until December 31.

    [07] TURKEY-US (1) - PREMIER YILMAZ IN US - YILMAZ: ''THERE IS AN EXAMPLE FRIENDSHIP BETWEEN TURKEY AND THE US''

    NEW YORK, Dec 19 (A.A) - New York Times, one of the most effective newspapers of the US, issued an addition about Turkey due to Prime Minister Yilmaz's visit to the US.

    Prime Minister Yilmaz in his message issued in the newspaper said Turkey was after realizing the principle of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, Founder of Modern Turkish Republic, and recalled that Turkish and the US soldiers clashed shoulder to shoulder in Korea, Somali and many places.

    Yilmaz also mentioned that US was the country which could understand Turkey better adding that Ankara called on customs obstacles to be lifted in its trade with the US and also needed the support of the US to play the role of a bridge on the issue of transportation of Caucasus and Central Asian petroleum to the West.

    Yilmaz, currently in Washington, met the US Defense Secretary William Cohen in Washington.

    Responding to the questions of reporters before meeting with Yilmaz Cohen said the US supported Turkey's struggle launched against separatist terrorist organization.

    Cohen said the US struggled against terrorism in international arena adding that Washington maintained its cooperation with Ankara on struggle against terrorism.

    [08] TURKEY-US (2) - PREMIER YILMAZ IN WASHINGTON - ''EU DOES NOT HAVE THE RIGHT TO MAKE DISCRIMINATION AGAINST TURKEY''

    WASHINGTON, Dec 19 (A.A) - Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz who proceeded from New York to Washington said the European Union (EU) does not have the right to behave discriminatively against Turkey. Yilmaz said his government was lasting and has to power to give diffucult decisions. Yilmaz also called on the US companies and businessmen to invest in Turkey.

    Yilmaz participated in the luncheon hosted by American Chamber of Commerce in his honor. The Union Chairman Tom Donahue said Turkey was not only a strategic ally but an important trade partner ''we are ready to assist Turkey'' he added. He also said they welcomed Turkey's privatization program.

    Meanwhile, the US Minister of Energy Federico Pena said Turkey and the US were in a strategic energy alliance in the region. Pena identified Euroasia energy corridors as ''vital veins of the region'' and stressed that Turkey played a leader role in Trans-Caspian and Baku-Ceyhan oil pipelines. He said Turkey's leadership in the region was very vital.

    Pena said ''we strongly support Turkey and willing for the realization of Baku-Ceyhan oil pipeline in the soonest time.''

    Yilmaz said there was a functioning democracy due to Ataturk's vision adding that Turkish government was resolved to solve economic problems.

    Yilmaz also called on European Union (EU) to review its recent decision adding Turkey might withdraw its full membership application.

    Yilmaz, who also addressed a news conference staged for foreign journalists said resolutions of EU Summit held in Luxembourg may lead to the partition of Cyprus.

    Yilmaz said majority of EU should correct the views of the minority and stressed that EU played an ''ugly game.''

    Foreign Ministry Spokesman Necati Utkan briefed Turkish journalists about the press conference.

    When recalled that EU invited Southern Cyprus to full membership negotiations and isolated Turkey, and when asked about Ankara's plans, Yilmaz said ''There is 1960 London and Zurich Agreements. Under these agreements, Cyprus could not participate in an international organization without the consent of Turkey and Greece. We have warned EU on the issue. We said entrance of Cyprus to EU would be the violation of the agreements. They did not listen to us and decided to initiate negotiation. They also wanted us to persuade Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) to this end.''

    ''We have a joint declaration with TRNC. It says Turkey and TRNC would go to partial integration if EU invites Soutern Cyprus and JEC would be set up. We decided to develop this process in parallel to union process of EU and Southern Cyprus'' Yilmaz added.

    Yilmaz said a federal solution could only be realized between two equal political units and stressed that there would be a ''spontenous partition''.

    Yilmaz said European Conference has nothing to do with the expansion process adding that there was an opportunity to discuss the articles put by the EU in the conference in forums like OSCE and Council of Europe.

    Yilmaz also thanked to US for the support it extended on EU issue. ''Yet, Clinton could not persuade German leader'' he added.

    ''They should have openly say this if they did not want us among themselves. EU did not have the right to make discrimination against Turkey. You will see that Turkey is more improved than the other 11 countries in many fields. We have told EU that Luxembourg decisions also interests future of Europe. Will it be a Christian Club or a national and civilized like the US?''

    Yilmaz recalled a statement of German Chancellor Helmut Kohl which said ''any country which does not have a Christian identity will not have a place in the EU'' and added he meant Turkey.

    Responding to a question Yilmaz said Turkey was willing to improve economic relations with Iran.

    Yilmaz said Turkey struggled against separatist terrorism for years and able to take terrorists under control now. He said one of the basic goals of the government was to provide improvement in human rights adding they could take steps to this end.

    [09] TURKEY-IMF - STATE MINISTER TANER: ''WE TALK WITH IMF ON A NEW PROGRAMME''

    WASHINGTON, Dec 19 (A.A) - State Minister Gunes Taner Friday said that they are working on a new programme that can also be implemented in other countries, adding that the programme foresees decreasing high-inflation and strengthening economy.

    Responding to the questions of reporters regarding the talks with International Monetary Fund (IMF), State Minister Taner said, ''of course there has been a development in our talks. Our contacts are positive and will continue until the weekend. World Bank and IMF will come to Turkey in January 1998 and we will find the opportunity to hold contacts in details.''

    Responding to the qustion ''have you reached a consensus?'', Taner said that their studies regarding the programme continue.

    Stating that Turkey and IMF have good relations and they try to find the right solution, Taner said, ''we have the necessary time to talk on the new programme as we do not consider a classical stand-by accord. Thus, we have the opportunity to talk on the content, format and several developments of the programme. From this perspective, everbody should realize and fulfil his obligations and this requires time.''

    Taner said that they want to implement that new programme in 1998, adding that the time-limit of the programme is a technical detail.

    Taner stressed that government has prepared the infrastructure of struggle against inflation in last five and a half months.

    Responding to a question, Taner said ''IMF has not said 'no' to any issue yet.''

    State Minister Taner said that the loan that IMF will give to South Korea will not affect Turkey.

    [10] TURKEY-BUDGET - 11-MONTH BUDGET DEFICIT 1.2 QUADRILLION LIRA - BUDGET EXPENDITURES RISE 86,4 PERCENT TO 6.2 QUADRILLION LIRA AND BUDGET REVENUES RISE 108,1 PERCENT TO 5 QUADRILLION LIRA IN LAST 11 MONTHS

    ANKARA, Dec 19 (A.A) - Turkey's consolidated budget deficit reached to 1.2 quadrillion lira as of the end of November 1997, it was reported on Friday.

    The budget expenditures together with the payments unregistered into expense account rose 86,4 percent to 6.2 quadrillion lira in first eleven months of this year compared to same period last year, according to the statistics of Finance Ministry General Directorate of Account.

    Total budget expenditures were constituted of 3.5 qudrillion lira of transferred expenditures, 1.9 quadrillion lira of personnel expenditures, 424 trilion lira of investment expenditures and 431 trillion lira of other current expenditures.

    Investment expenditures rose by 138,6 percent, personnel expenditures increased by 113,1 percent, transferred expenditures rose by 67,8 percent and other current expenditures increased by 115,5 percent between January- November 1997 compared to same period last year.

    Budget revenues rose 108,1 percent to 5 quadrillion lira in last eleven mohths of 1997 compared to same period last year.

    The increase in budget revenues had been 90,6 percent and 136,7 percent in expenditures in the same period in 1996.

    Tax incomes increased 107,7 percent to 4.1 quadrilion lira during January- November 1997 period.

    The total budget revenues were constituted of 328 trillion lira of normal incomes, except tax, 423 trillion lira of special incomes and funds and 79 trillion lira of added budget incomes in the same period.

    The inclining trend in the budget revenues also continued in last month, according to the statistics of Finance Ministry General Directorate of Account. The increase in budget revenues was 95,3 percent in July; 101 percent in August; 102,2 percent in September; 106 percent in October and 108,1 percent in November 1997.

    [11] TURKEY-EGYPT - CHIEF OF GENERAL STAFF KARADAYI RETURNS TO TURKEY

    ANKARA, Dec 19 (A.A) - Chief of General Staff Gen. Ismail Hakki Karadayi returned to Turkey wrapping up his visit to Egypt. Karadayi was the official guest of Egyptian Chief of General Staff Magdy Hatata.

    Karadayi, during his visit met Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, Prime Minister Kamal al-Ganzouri, Defense Minister Husien Tantawy, Chief of General Staff Gen. Magdy Hatata and other high ranking military and civil officials.

    Karadayi exchanged views with Egyptian officials regarding joint struggle against terrorism and also exchanged information about security issues.

    A statement issued about the visit of Karadayi said Turkey and Egypt shared the same views and feelings on issues concerning the region.

    The statement also said the sides exchanged views and information about the developments and studies carried out regarding Military Training Cooperation Agreement signed on June 10, 1987 and a Memorandum of Understanding on Defense Industry and Services signed on Feb 27, 1988.

    It said Karadayi visited several military installations during the visit adding that such visits would contribute to the stability of the region and the world peace.

    [12] TURKEY-PAKISTAN - PRESIDENT DEMIREL DEPARTS PAKISTAN

    PESHAVAR, Dec 19 (A.A) - President Suleyman Demirel left for Turkey on Friday afternoon concluding his contacts in Pakistan.

    Demirel came to Pakistan to attend a ceremony to lay the foundations of the 640 million dollar Islamabad-Peshavar highway, which will be built by a Turkish firm. He also signed a contract for the construction of the Pehur irrigation channel, which will also be built by a Turkish company.

    Pakistan's acting President Wasim Sajjad Friday conferred the country's highest civil award "Nishan-e-Pakistan" on Demirel. The award was conferred in recognition of his services for promotion of democracy in Turkey, long- standing contribution to the strengthening and consolidation of ties between Pakistan and Turkey and his efforts for world peace.

    Addressing the ceremony Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said the road was ''a symbol of bilateral cooperation'', which would ''translate the government's vision of a 21st century Pakistan.'' Sharif also talked about close friendship between Pakistan and Turkey.

    [13] TURKEY IN BRIEF, DECEMBER, 19, 1997

    ANKARA - Minister of Justice Oltan Sungurlu left Paris on Thursday, after paying an official visit to France to sign a contract within the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).

    Sungurlu signed the ''Contract to Prevent Bribe given to Foreign Public Officials in International Operations'' on behalf of Turkey and completed his contacts.

    BUDAPEST - Deputy Prime Minister and National Defense Minister Ismet Sezgin met on Friday Hungarian Prime Minister Gyula Horn.

    In his speech Horn said that Hungary liked Turkish visitors.

    Sezgin met with Parliament Speaker Zoltan Gal. After visiting parliament building and having being informed on its architecture Sezgin has completed his contacts in Hungary.

    ANKARA - ''Health and Medical Cooperation Treaty'' signed between Turkey and Kyrgyzstan is issued on Friday in the Official Gazzette, after being approved by the Council of Ministers.

    The parties will exchange information and also experts for long-term education, practice, and advisory services. A direct contact will be established between related institutions, establishments and organizations.

    GAZİANTEP - One British and three Turks working in Birecik Dam, were seized with 223 historical pieces, on Friday.

    There were historical coins, rings, animal icons among the pieces.

    The suspects were taken under custody. The inspection and inquiry on the pieces are underway.

    ANKARA - Turism Minister Ibrahim Gurdal said on Friday that Turkey was already entered to the European Union with tourism. Gurdal said that Turkey hosted 10 million tourists coming from various parts of the world, on 1997.

    ''We will work on Belief Tourism and Silk Road projects during 1998. We will construct holiday villages with 50 thousand bed capacity in Turkey,'' he said.

    Addressing the issue of full membership to the EU Gurdal said ''Now, it is time to think for the ones who set limits to us. We are a secular Republic. We believe in democracy. We want to present the our values to the world.''

    KAYSERİ - Erciyes, famous with its snow and ski runs, will be opened on Saturday.

    Snow thickness reached to 60 cm. after heavy snow that was continued since last week.

    Ski season of Erciyes Ski Center lasts until mid-April, every year.

    [14] TURKEY IN BRIEF, DECEMBER, 19, 1997

    ANKARA - Turkey and Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) Friday signed Additional Social Security Agreement and Social Security Cooperation Protocol.

    Deputy Undersecretary of Labour and Socal Security Ministry Mustafa Gur said that existing strong cooperation between Turkey and TRNC in every area, will be further improved with this agreement and protocol.

    LEFKOSA - President of Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) Rauf Denktas met with Deputy Special Cyprus Representative of UN General Secretary Gustave Feissel, on Friday.

    They took up latest two reports submitted to the Security Council, by UN General Secretary Kofi Annan, during the meeting.

    In one of the reports Annan had proposed the renewal of term of office of the Peace Force in the Island to 30 June 1998 and in the other, he had given information about their good will initiatives directed to Turkish and Greek Cypriot Leaders.

    BERGAMA - Committee of experts carried an investigation on Friday in the gold mine of Eurogold in Ovacik, after the call of Bergama Municipal Sefa Taskin and governors of Camkoy, Narlica and Pinarkoy provinces

    Technical expert of the mine Hasan Gokvardar said ''as it is seen, cyanide is not used in the mine. On the other hand, delivery of cyanide is under the permission of the ministry. The mine is ready for gold production using cyanide, however the permission of the ministry is expected.''

    The committee will complete its reports within one week.


    Anadolu Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article
    Back to Top
    Copyright © 1995-2023 HR-Net (Hellenic Resources Network). An HRI Project.
    All Rights Reserved.

    HTML by the HR-Net Group / Hellenic Resources Institute, Inc.
    anadolu2html v1.00 run on Saturday, 20 December 1997 - 15:58:06 UTC