Anadolu Agency: News in English, 98-02-13

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

13 FEB 1998

CONTENTS

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

[02] TURKEY-ALBANIA - ALBANIAN PRESIDENT MEYDANI VISITS PARLIAMENT SPEAKER CETIN - MEIDANI: ''TURKEY IS IN EUROPE AND SHE WILL REMAIN SO IN SPITE OF THE PRICE SHE PAID''

[03] NORTHERN IRAQ - KDP-PUK TALKS STARTED IN SAKLAVA - KDP ANKARA REPRESENTATIVE DIZAI: ''TALKS ARE A CONTINUATION OF THE ANKARA PEACE PROCESS''

[04] BRITAIN-IRAQ - ASSURANCE FROM BRITAIN - BRITISH AMBASSADOR LOGAN: ''WE SUPPORT IRAQ'S TERRITORIAL INTEGRITY''

[05] TURKEY-EU - EU COMMISSION TO EXTEND FINANCIAL SUPPORT TO HUMAN RIGHTS AND DEMOCRATIZATION PROGRAMS IN TURKEY

[06] TURKEY-GREECE - FM CEM: ''WE HAVE PRESENTED PEACE TO GREECE WITH AN INTENTION OF GREAT GOOD WILL. NOW WE EXPECT GOOD WILL FROM GREECE''

[07] TURKEY-UKRAINE (1) - PRIME MINISTER YILMAZ IN THE UKRAINE - YILMAZ: ''TURKEY RESOLVED TO FURTHER IMPROVE RELATIONS WITH THE UKRAINE IN EVERY FIELD''

[08] TURKEY-PRESS REVIEW (1)

[09] TURKEY-PRESS REVIEW (2)

[10] TURKEY-PRESS REVIEW (3)

[11] TURKEY-INTERNAL - TELE-CONFERENCE PROJECT FOR THE COUNCIL OF MINISTERS - TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS OF THE PROJECT TO BE PREPARED WITHIN 15 DAYS AND THEN THE PROJECT BIDDING WILL BE HELD

[12] TURKEY-IRAN - FOREIGN MINISTRY UNDERSECRETARY HAKTANIR LEAVES FOR IRAN - HAKTANIR TO CONVEY PRESIDENT DEMIREL'S MESSAGE TO THE IRANIAN PRESIDENT HATEMI

[13] TURKEY-UKRAINE (2) - PRIME MINISTER YILMAZ IN THE UKRAINE - YILMAZ: ''WE HAVE AGREED TO BROADEN COOPERATION WITH THE UKRAINE ALSO IN THE DEFENSE FIELD'' - JOINT COMMUNIQUE ISSUED RELATED TO YILMAZ'S VISIT

[14] TURKEY-US - US SECRETARY OF STATE ALBRIGHT: ''PRIME MINISTER YILMAZ AND FM CEM EXPEND INTENSE EFFORTS FOR TURKEY TO TURN TOWARDS THE WEST'' - TURKEY SHOULD BE A PIECE OF THE NEW EUROPE

[15] TURKEY-IRAQI TURKMENS - TURKEY TO IMPLEMENT A ''TWO STAGED MEASURES PACKAGE'' FOR THE TURKMENS

[16] TURKEY-ARMENIA - ARMENIA AFTER TER PETROSYAN - STATE MINISTER ANDICAN: ''THE BAKU-CEYHAN OIL PIPELINE WILL BE AFFECTED NEGATIVELY IF THE NAGORNO- KARABAKH PROBLEM IS ESCALATED''

[17] TURKEY-INTERNAL - CLOSED RP TO APPLY TO EUROPEAN COURT OF HUMAN RIGHTS - CLOSED RP DEPUTY KAMALAK: ''CLOSURE OF THE RP IS CONTRARY TO ARTICLES 6, 7, 9, 10 AND 11 OF THE CHARTER''

[18] US-TURKEY - US STATE DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL PICKERING: - ''WE ARE HOLDING CLOSE CONSULTATIONS WITH TURKEY ON THE IRAQ ISSUE'' - ''IF THERE IS IMMIGRATION, PEOPLE SHOULD BE TREATED HUMANELY''

[19] AFGHANISTAN - EARTHQUAKE IN AFGHANISTAN - AFGHANISTAN'S EMBASSY TO ANKARA: ''4,400 PEOPLE DIED, 450 OTHERS SERIOUSLY WOUNDED''

[20] TURKEY IN BRIEF - FEBRUARY 13, 1998

[21] TURKEY-UKRAINE - PRIME MINISTER YILMAZ DEPARTS FROM THE UKRAINE

[22] TURKEY-IRAQ-UN - KDP OFFICIALS: ''POSSIBILITY OF AN IMMIGRATION FROM NORTHERN IRAQ TO TURKEY IS LESS'' - ''WE EXPECT IMMIGRATION FROM IRAQ TO NORTHERN IRAQ'' - ''SADDAM WILL NOT ATTACK NORTHERN IRAQ''

[23] TURKEY-IRAQ-UN - PRESIDENT DEMIREL'S TELEPHONE DIPLOMACY

[24] TURKEY-GERMANY - RELEASE OF KANI YILMAZ - FOREIGN MINISTRY: ''RELEASE OF KANI YILMAZ SHOWS THAT GERMAN JUSTICE EVALUATED TERRORIST ACTIVITIES AS CRIMINAL INCIDENTS'' - ''THIS APPROACH WHICH MEANS THE ENCOURAGEMENT OF TERRORISM CONTRADICTS THE PRINCIPLE OF COOPERATION IN THE INTERNATIONAL STRUGGLE AGAINST TERRORISM

[25] TURKEY-JOURNALIST - SLAIN JOURNALIST GOKTEPE CASE - PROSECUTOR DEMANDS 8-15 YEARS PRISON FOR POLICEMEN IN SLAIN REPORTER CASE

[26] TURKEY-IRAQ-UN - VIEW OF SCIENTISTS ABOUT THE UN-IRAQ CRISIS - PROF. DR. ONEN: ''IRAQ DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A THREAT FOR TURKEY'' - ''THE REAL INTENTION OF THE US IS TO TAKE UNDER CONTROL THE OIL REGION IN THE MIDDLE EAST''

[27] TURKEY-TERRORISM - 11 TERRORISTS KILLED, TWO TERRORISTS CAPTURED DURING OPERATIONS IN SOUTHEAST

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

HURRIYET (LIBERAL) PRIME MINISTER YILMAZ: WE ARE CAUTIOUS ABOUT THE KURDISH
STATE

Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz said he had concerns that a Kurdish state would be established in Northern Iraq after the US operation in Iraq.

MILLIYET (LIBERAL) NORTHERN IRAQ ON THE TABLE
A pre-summit took place for the Barzani-Talabani meeting. Yilmaz: ''Turkey is cautious about the possible establishment of a Kurdish plan.

SABAH (LIBERAL) OLIVE BRANCH TO GREECE
Turkey on Thursday conveyed a note to Greece and called on her to solve all the problems in the Aegean through peaceful methods and also wanted a high level meeting to be realized between the foreign ministries of the two countries before the end of March. Foreign Minister Cem said that Turkey was willing to talk and make peace.

CUMHURIYET (LEFT) DIPLOMACY GATE IS OPEN
Iraq's proposal to open eight palaces for control was rejected. The efforts of Russia and UNESCO are underway.

RADIKAL (LEFT) RESPONSE FROM LONDON TO ECEVIT
Deputy Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit's statement that ''Britain may drag the US to employ several tricks on the Iraqi issue'' received reaction. Logan, Britain's Ambassador to Ankara said the statement was in contradiction with friendly relations.

YENİ YÜZYIL (LIBERAL) ADVANCE TAX ALARM IN BANKS
If the draft taken up in the Parliament is legalized as it is, then the banks will have to pay tax every three months, their balance sheets will be undermined and they would have diffuculty in finding credit.

TÜRKİYE (RIGHT) PRIME MINISTER YILMAZ DETERMINED OVER FAIT ACCOMPLI IN
NORTHERN IRAQ
Yilmaz: ''we will not let a Kurdish state to be established.'' He said that Turkey is cautious even if there is not a US project to establish a Kurdish state in Northern Iraq.

ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE) SUSURLUK SUMMIT
Necati Bilican, the Chief of the Security Department had a meeting with the chiefs of the security departments from 16 provinces and talked about Susurluk and organized crimes. Bilican said they would take up issues mentioned in the Susurluk report together with organized crimes and terrorism incidents.

FINANSAL FORUM (ECONOMY) ELECTION PREPARATIONS IN ECONOMY
State Minister Gunes Taner's statement that talks which were to take place with the IMF in Washington were cancelled was interpreted that the government was possibly thinking seriously of an election.

[02] TURKEY-ALBANIA - ALBANIAN PRESIDENT MEYDANI VISITS PARLIAMENT SPEAKER CETIN - MEIDANI: ''TURKEY IS IN EUROPE AND SHE WILL REMAIN SO IN SPITE OF THE PRICE SHE PAID''

Speaking during the meeting, Cetin said ''the Albanian people have 63 million friends in Turkey and the Turkish people have five million friends in Albania.''

President Recep Meidani said that Albania wishes to benefit from the experience of the parliament in the field of legislation, as they are preparing a new democratic constitution.

The guest president stressed that there are strong political relations between the two countries, adding that ''we will broaden our strong relations to the economic, military and cultural fields.''

Addressing the parliament, Recep Meidani stressed that ''Turkey is in Europe and she will remain so in spite of the price she paid. The European cultural heritage will be lacking without the cultural traces in Turkey.''

''We can say that Turkey was one of the countries which extended support to Albania in order to help her to solve the civil crisis,'' said Meydani.

Noting that Turkey has always had an important place in the foreign policy of Albania, the Albanian President added that ''we wish to see Turkey which is a large country of the Balkan peninsula, as a more developed country.''

Meidani stressed that they have approved the policy of making the Balkans European and they think that the best method for protecting peace in the Balkans is dialogue.

[03] NORTHERN IRAQ - KDP-PUK TALKS STARTED IN SAKLAVA - KDP ANKARA REPRESENTATIVE DIZAI: ''TALKS ARE A CONTINUATION OF THE ANKARA PEACE PROCESS''

KDP's representative to Ankara Safeen Dizai told the A.A correspondent that ''the starting of talks does not mean that a new process has started. These talks which are taking place in Saklava that is under the KDP's control are a continuation of the Ankara process.''

Dizai said proposals of both sides would be discussed during the talks and that the sides would make an effort to find mutual points and ''the security issue would mainly be discussed,'' he added.

This is the first time that the sides have convened at the highest level after the operation of the Turkish Armed Forces which was staged in the region in May. The KDP and PUK delegations convened at a low level after this period to find a solution to local problems.

The KDP Leader Massaud Barzani issued a written statement in response for the PUK Leader Jalal Talabani's call for peace and in the written statement Barzani thanked Talabani's call for peace and called on the sides to be faithful to the talks in Ankara and wanted to work jointly to ensure a democratic atmosphere.

[04] BRITAIN-IRAQ - ASSURANCE FROM BRITAIN - BRITISH AMBASSADOR LOGAN: ''WE SUPPORT IRAQ'S TERRITORIAL INTEGRITY''

David Logan, the British Ambassador in a written statement recalled the British Foreign Secretary Robin Cook's statements regarding the issue and said they supported Iraq's territorial integrity and that they wanted Iraq to participate in the international community.

Logan also said ''claiming that Britain incorporated a policy aiming at Iraq's separation, which was never uttered by Britain, would mean an investigation of the British Government's honesty. This is unacceptable and in contradiction with the friendly relations which Britain was willing to maintain with her ally Turkey.''

[05] TURKEY-EU - EU COMMISSION TO EXTEND FINANCIAL SUPPORT TO HUMAN RIGHTS AND DEMOCRATIZATION PROGRAMS IN TURKEY

The European Commission Turkey Representation gave a statement that the financial support will be extended within the framework of the MEDA Project which foresaw giving support to reforms that will be realized in the economic and social structures in the Mediterranean countries that are not members of the EU.

The statement said that the total cost of the projects which will be supported was 6.49 million ECU (7.13 million dollars) and that the European Commission would meet 4.6 Million ECU (5.05 million dollars) of this.

It was reported that financial support agreements would be signed with the concerned organizations.

[06] TURKEY-GREECE - FM CEM: ''WE HAVE PRESENTED PEACE TO GREECE WITH AN INTENTION OF GREAT GOOD WILL. NOW WE EXPECT GOOD WILL FROM GREECE''

Speaking to reporters, Cem said the world public expected Greece to give a positive response to this initiative from Turkey and stressed that problems between the two countries should be solved soon. ''We did our best, I hope Greece would do so,'' he added.

Turkey on Thursday conveyed a note to Greece and called on her to solve all the problems in the Aegean through peaceful methods and also wanted a high level meeting to be realized between the foreign ministries of the two countries before the end of March.

After this Greece issued a statement and said she did not find the proposal package submitted by FM Cem to be positive.

[07] TURKEY-UKRAINE (1) - PRIME MINISTER YILMAZ IN THE UKRAINE - YILMAZ: ''TURKEY RESOLVED TO FURTHER IMPROVE RELATIONS WITH THE UKRAINE IN EVERY FIELD''

Prime Minister Yilmaz participated in a work luncheon with the Ukranian Head of State Leonid Kuchma on the first day of his visit. He later met with the Ukrainian Council of Ministers headed by Prime Minister Valeri Pustovoytenko.

Yilmaz later participated in the Turkish-Ukrainian Foreign Economic Relations Council meeting.

Addressing the meeting, Yilmaz said that the Ukraine has successfully implemented a new political and economic model, adding that Turkish- Ukrainian relations have gained momentum due to the policies implemented by the Ukrainian government.

Yilmaz said integration of the Ukraine with the globalizing world economy would make this country very powerful in the future. He also said that the success of political and economic reforms would be a guarantee for the improvement of the relations between the two countries.

Prime Minister Yilmaz said Turkey was one of the very important trade partners of the Ukraine, adding that Turkey's trade volume with this country was more than one billion dollars.

Meanwhile, the Ukrainian Prime Minister Valeri Pustovoytenko said they had taken important steps to proceed to a free market economy stressing that they attributed a special importance to privatization.

[08] TURKEY-PRESS REVIEW (1)

(Derived from Newsspot of the Turkish Directorate of General Press and Information.)

PRIME MINISTER YILMAZ IN THE UKRAINE
Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz started on Thursday a two-day official visit to the Ukraine with the goal of boosting political and economic cooperation between the two countries.

Yilmaz was welcomed by his Ukrainian counterpart Valery Pustovoytenko and later had a working dinner with President Leonid Kuchma./Milliyet/

ANKARA IN NEW BID FOR BETTER TIES WITH GREECE
In a substantial display of goodwill towards Greece, Ankara called yesterday for the settlement of all the Aegean disputes between the two countries by peaceful means, proposing a high-level meeting between the two foreign ministries before the end of March.

Turkey proposed a five-point set of suggestions to the Greek government to solve existing problems. Foreign Minister Ismail Cem presented the Turkish proposal verbally to Dimitris Nezeritis, the Greek Ambassador to Ankara. The UN secretary-general, the NATO secretary-general and NATO members have also been informed about the initiative. Speaking at his meeting with Ambassador Nezeritis, Cem expressed his hope that Greece ''would also display that it is as peaceful and conciliatory as Turkey.'' But the Greek government spokesman Dimitri Reppas, in commenting on the proposals, did not sound very encouraging. Some of the propoals ''are already the subject of dialogue'' he said giving as an example the dialogue on developing and implementing confidence-building measures in the Aegean within the framework of NATO. Reppas also said that the only problem between Turkey and Greece in the Aegean was that of the continental shelf. He did not comment on the proposal for a meeting before the end of March. /All papers/

YILMAZ: ''A KURDISH STATE IN N.IRAQ IS OUR MAIN WORRY''
On his way to the Ukraine, Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz told reporters yesterday that the possibility of the establishment of an independent Kurdish state in northern Iraq is Turkey's main concern. ''We should be prepared for such a development and must be alert'' Yilmaz said. He also noted that the US is well aware of Turkey's concerns. The prime minister told reporters that Turkey's border with Iraq is completely under control. In a related development, Deputy Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said he had been assured by the US that there is no plan to establish a Kurdish state. ''I will take their word for it,'' Ecevit said.

Meanwhile, British Ambassador to Ankara David Logan made a written statement yesterday. The statement referred to the statement made by the British Foreign Secretary Robin Cook in the British Parliament on February 12. ''We support the territorial integrity of Iraq and would like to see it rejoin the international community'' Cook said. /Sabah/

(To be continued)

[09] TURKEY-PRESS REVIEW (2)

(Derived from Newsspot of the Turkish Directorate of General Press and Information.)

TURKEY AND ALBANIA BOOST BILATERAL TIES
Turkey and Albania took a step towards accelerating bilateral ties yesterday by signing an agreement of cooperation and political solidarity. An agreement on mutual cooperation between the two countries' customs administrations was also signed. Speaking after the signing ceremony, President Suleyman Demirel and his Albanian counterpart, Rexhep Meidani, expressed pleasure over the current state of relations between the two countries and pledged to further improve them.

Earlier in the day, Meidani held talks with Parliament Speaker Hikmet Cetin and Chief of General Staff Gen.Ismail Hakki Karadayi. The Albanian president was accompanied by Albanian Foreign Minister Paskal Milo, Economy Minister Yili Bufi, Chief of General Staff Alex Andoni and other high-level officials and businessmen. /All papers/

TRAIN CRASH AT PENDIK, 23 INJURED
Twenty-three people were reported injured when two commuter trains collided between Pendik and Kaynarca just west of Istanbul yesterday morning. Those wounded were taken to nearby government and private hospitals for treatment. /All papers/

COURT CANCELS PRIVATIZATION OF 12 POWER PLANTS
Administrative court No.1 in Ankara annulled the privatization of 12 power plants yesterday. After the announcement of the court verdict, the Chamber of Electrical Engineers released a statement, pointing out that the court's decision would be the first step towards cancelling the privatization of the electrical power distribution network. The release also said that the Energy Ministry should stop the practice of illegal privatization initiatives. /All papers/

EU SUPPORT FOR TURKISH PROJECTS
The European Union (EU) Commission has stated that it will extend financial support to 22 Non-Governmental Organizations in Turkey for human rights and democratization programmes. A statement made by the EU Commission Representation in Turkey said that the financial support would be extended within the framework of the MEDA project, which supports reforms to be realized in the economic and social structures of Mediterranean countries which are not EU members. The statement noted that the total cost of the projects amounted to USD 7-13 million and that the EU Commission would meet a USD 5 million part of it. /Hurriyet/

YILMAZ: MEETINGS WITH IMF CAN START IN MARCH
Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz said that meetings with IMF could start in March. In a statament while going to Ukraine by plane, Yilmaz noted that meetings with the IMF were not cancelled, only postponed. He said: ''There are some steps that we should take. Now we are trying to achieve them. Meetings can re-start in the middle or at the end of March.'' /Hurriyet/

(To be continued)

[10] TURKEY-PRESS REVIEW (3)

(Derived from Newsspot of the Turkish Directorate of General Press and Information.)

SECURITY MEASURES EASED IN GERMANY
In Germany, where PKK terrorist Kani Yilmaz was recently released, a pro- PKK stance is becoming increasingly prevalent. Security measures at the Turkish Official Representation Bureau in North Rhine Westphalia, have been eased on the condition that ''the PKK is not a threat anymore.'' Guards stationed at the Turkish Consul-General have been withdrawn by German police authorities. /Hurriyet/

TURKISH TELECOM TO BE PROMOTED IN US
During an ''Annual Conference and Trade Fair'' organized by the Turkish- American Business Council to be held between 25-28 February in Washington, Turkish-American relations will be taken up. During the meeting, the fields of telecommunications, tourism, energy, banking, finance, aviation, culture, food and agriculture will be discussed. This year Turkish Telecom, 34 percent of shares of which are envisaged to be privatized, will be offered to leading US investors. Ugur Bayar, the Head of the Privatization Administration and Mustafa Horata, the Deputy General Director of Turkish Telecom, will also attend the meeting. /Milliyet/

TURKEY PAYS OUT USD 1.7 BILLION IN FOREIGN DEBTS
Turkey paid out USD 393.7 million in foreign debts between 2-11 February. Thus, the total foreign debts paid out by Turkey since the beginning of this year amounts to USD 1.7 billion. Meanwhile, the Central Bank foreign exchange reserves increased by 177 million USD and reached 20.037 billion USD on 6 February. /Milliyet/

PARRIS: ''WE DO NOT WANT A WAR''
Mark Parris, the US Ambassador to Ankara, who went to Sanliurfa to participate in a meeting also attended by officials from the US municipalities, said that they also did not want a war in the Gulf. Noting that people living in Southeast Anatolia suffered a lot during the 1991 Gulf War, Parris said, ''Diplomatic efforts are continuing. Many countries, including Turkey, do not want a war in the region. We want Iraq to comply with the UN resolutions. If it does not, we will not hesitate to take action. /Milliyet/

US SUPPORTS TURKEY'S RIGHT TO FIGHT THE PKK
The Clinton administration continued its traditional support for Turkey's right to enter northern Iraq in order to fight the PKK terrorist organization. The PKK has been fighting the Turkish state since 1984 in an effort to establish an independent Kurdistan and is on the US State Department's ''foreign terrorist organizations'' list.

The US State Department spokesman James Rubin in reply to a question said, ''Turkish forces have entered northern Iraq for limited periods in the past to destroy bases and arms caches of the terrorist PKK organization. We have consistently supported the right of the Turkish government to defend itself against terrorism, as long as any incursions are limited in scope and duration and fully respect the rights of the civilian inhabitants in the region.''

He added, ''The United States recognizes Turkey's very real security concerns and its desire to avoid a repeat of the massive incursion of refugees seen in 1991. We want to work constructively with the government of Turkey on these issues. We have no information on such an operation or a refugee movement of that kind. Should the question arise, we will consult with the government of Turkey regarding a proper response.'' /All papers/

MENZIR COMPLETES HIS ''INTERNET TOUR''
Necdet Menzir, the Minister of Communications, said that the conventional concept of state will be replaced by a new concept of state in which electronic devices will have much more influence, adding that Turkey should take the necessary steps towards the information age. Menzir returned home yesterday after participating in a conference on ''Information Technology in the State and Education in the 21st century'' organized by the Microsoft software computer company in Seattle, where he was invited by Bill Gates. Menzir said that he had met with Bill Gates and also visited the Boeing aircraft firm. /Hurriyet/

LLOYD CORPORATION: ''TURKEY NOT A RISK''
The Lloyd Company, one of the leading British insurance companies yesyerday declared that there was no reason for considering investments in Turkey as ''risky'' because of a probable gulf war. A high ranking director of the company, Keith Harris, in a statement to Cumhuriyet daily newspaper noted that British companies with commercial connections with Turkey would not be damaged by the critical situation in the region and stressed the impossibility of a risky situation developing that these companies should feel concern about.

[11] TURKEY-INTERNAL - TELE-CONFERENCE PROJECT FOR THE COUNCIL OF MINISTERS - TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS OF THE PROJECT TO BE PREPARED WITHIN 15 DAYS AND THEN THE PROJECT BIDDING WILL BE HELD

Prof. Dr. Murat Askar, Chairman of the Scientific and Technical Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK) Information Technologies and Research Institute (BILTEN) told the A.A correspondent that SONY, Picture Tel, V-Con and V-Tel companies are bidding for the tele-conference system. These companies install video-conference systems.

Prof. Dr. Askar said that the Prime Minister and other Ministers can transmit their documents to members of the cabinet with a ''scanner''.

Pointing out that working-rooms will be set up in the offices of the Prime Minister and for members of the cabinet, Askar said that mobile equipment will be given to members of the cabinet who wants to access into the system.

[12] TURKEY-IRAN - FOREIGN MINISTRY UNDERSECRETARY HAKTANIR LEAVES FOR IRAN - HAKTANIR TO CONVEY PRESIDENT DEMIREL'S MESSAGE TO THE IRANIAN PRESIDENT HATEMI

The message which Haktanir conveyed to the Iranian President advanced the diplomatic relations between the two countries which have been tense since last year.

The Foreign Ministry statement said that Haktanir will hold talks on bilateral relations as well as recent developments related to Iraq and the regional situation during his stay in Iran.

[13] TURKEY-UKRAINE (2) - PRIME MINISTER YILMAZ IN THE UKRAINE - YILMAZ: ''WE HAVE AGREED TO BROADEN COOPERATION WITH THE UKRAINE ALSO IN THE DEFENSE FIELD'' - JOINT COMMUNIQUE ISSUED RELATED TO YILMAZ'S VISIT

Yilmaz, currently officially visiting the Ukraine, signed various cooperation agreements with the Ukrainian Prime Minister Valeri Pustovoytenko. The agreements foresaw cooperation between the authorized officials of the two countries related to maritime affairs and a cooperation between the TRT and Ukrainian TV.

Addressing the signature ceremony Yilmaz said they had held constructive talks with the Ukrainian administratrators on regional cooperation as well as bilateral relations.

Yilmaz said they had taken up regional cooperation during the meetings adding that they also agreed that the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC) would be an important factor in bilateral relations.

Prime Minister Pustovoytenko said Turkey was an important country in the region as well as an important country of Europe and stressed that bilateral relations between the two countries would contribute to peace and stability in the region.

Meanwhile, a joint communique was issued related to Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz's visit to the Ukraine.

The communique said that both sides expressed the pleasure felt over the rapid improvement of ties between the two countries which formed an important aspect in the development of regional stability, cooperation and welfare. It said the sides, in the Turkish-Ukrainian Friendship and Cooperation Agreement dated May 4, 1992, expressed willingness to take the necessary steps to improve cooperation relations.

It said ''these two sides welcomed the successes recorded in economy, trade, transportation and communication fields and decided to make joint efforts to deepen abilities of the business circles for initiatives. It said the sides agreed to enrich economic and trade relations by increasing construction activities and investments. The two sides confirmed that improvement of energy cooperation between Turkey and the Ukraine would add a new dimension to the relations.

The communique said the sides in an effort to strengthen their contributions to international peace and security, decided to deepen their dialogue on security issues as well as military issues.

The communique said the sides strenghened their determination to improve cooperation in the field which included the ''Cooperation Agreement Against Crime'' signed on April 14, 1994.

''Also, these two countries stressed the necessity of strengthening their abilities to struggle against the threat of terrorism which forms a danger counter to the stability and territorial integrity of the states and a violation of human rights.

The sides reiterated their faithfulness to the development of fruitful cooperation within the framework of the BSEC.

[14] TURKEY-US - US SECRETARY OF STATE ALBRIGHT: ''PRIME MINISTER YILMAZ AND FM CEM EXPEND INTENSE EFFORTS FOR TURKEY TO TURN TOWARDS THE WEST'' - TURKEY SHOULD BE A PIECE OF THE NEW EUROPE

Speaking at the US Representatives Assembly Foreign Affairs Commission's session and responding to questions, Albright said they supported Turkey's willingness to be a full member of the European Union (EU).

When a commission member from the Greek Cypriot-Greek lobby linked the issue of the EU full membership to the Cyprus question, Albright said ''these issues are so much confused'' and went on by saying, ''Turkey is a very important country. Turkey's turning towards the West, not the East or South, is very important for all of us. We should make Turkey a part of the new Europe. We have taken up the issues together with Prime Minister Yilmaz and FM Cem.''

The US Secretary of State said they expended intense efforts to find a solution to the Cyprus question, adding that they wanted the Turkish government to help them in this respect. Albright said that Cyprus is one of the questions which has lasted very long. Albright said that after the elections on the Greek Cypriot side, the US President Bill Clinton's Special Representative to Cyprus Richard Holbrooke will intensify efforts for a solution on the Island.

Meanwhile, Martin Indyk, the US Assistant Secretary of State, responsible for Near East Affairs stressed that the Northern Iraqi issue was a conflicting one, adding that there were different groups in the region and stressed that the US and her allies, with the help of Poised Hammer, protected the Kurds against Saddam. Recalling the attacks of the Baghdad regime against the Kurds, Indyk said they could not overcome the clashes between the Kurds living in the region.

Indyk said that the separatist terrorist PKK is the organization applying the most fierce terrorism incidents. ''It is not true that we extended limitless confirmation to Turkey on cross border operations. We were always persistent that the operations should be limited in time and scope. One thing should not be forgotten is that Turkey's operations in the region were forwarded to the separatist terrorist PKK organization which nested in the region. Thus, a double standard is not a question. The concern here is the attack of Saddam on the region with chemical gases. We do not want a repetition of this.''

[15] TURKEY-IRAQI TURKMENS - TURKEY TO IMPLEMENT A ''TWO STAGED MEASURES PACKAGE'' FOR THE TURKMENS

Speaking to the A.A correspondent, Andican said ''In the first stage, a measure plan will be implemented to provide for the security of the Turkmens during the bombing of Mousul and Kirkuk. In the second stage, special and appropriate sheltering and nourishment facilities will be provided to the Turkmens if an operation takes place against our border.'' Andican did not give detailed information about the measures but said ''of course, humanitarian aid will be extended to everybody not only the Turkmens.''

Meanwhile, Mustafa Kemal Yaycili, the leader of the Iraqi National Turkmen Party said Turkey's humanitarian aid would not be sufficient in case a possible US attack takes place on Iraq and stressed that the Turkmens needed a more ''significant'' protection.

Yaycili said ''the line which Turkey would form for humanitarian aid is inadequate for us.'' He said, ''we will have to leave our houses, our city, we will have financial and moral losses. Yet, the Turkmen front will not rebel by falling into this game.'' He said Kirkuk, where the Turkmens live intensively, was under threat.

Yaycili said if Iraq is hit there will be a lack of authority in the Turkmen regions of Kirkuk and Mousul which are under Baghdad's rule, adding that ''as it happened in the Gulf War, these regions would be plundered by peshmergas.''

Yaycili said especially Kirkuk should be saved from the danger of plundering. ''There is no question in the Talabani and Barzani regions. They are in a position of protecting themselves yet, Turkmens need a significant protection,'' he said.

[16] TURKEY-ARMENIA - ARMENIA AFTER TER PETROSYAN - STATE MINISTER ANDICAN: ''THE BAKU-CEYHAN OIL PIPELINE WILL BE AFFECTED NEGATIVELY IF THE NAGORNO- KARABAKH PROBLEM IS ESCALATED''

Responding to the questions of the A.A correspondent, Andican said the resignation of Ter Petrosyan from his assignment will pave the way for Prime Minister Robert Kocaryan and the hardliners to rule. As this will directly affect Azerbaijan, there is a risk that the Baku-Ceyhan Oil Pipeline to fall into danger.

Andican said the reason of Ter Petrosyan's resignation was his positive views regarding the OSCE Minsk process, adding that ''Ter Petrosyan, with his peaceful approach, was doing the best for his country. The problem of the Nagorno-Karabakh issue could enter into a process of escalation again.''

Although there are obstacles concerning the Armenian Prime Minister Kocaryan becoming President in elections that will take place between March 15 and 16, there is a great possibility that the person who would be elected as the President would be someone who is very close to Kocaryan or the hardliners.

Andican said re-opening of the Nationalist Tasnak Party by Kocaryan is evaluated as a signal that a policy that favors hardness would be incorporated. Andican said, ''if there is political instability in the region, then international capital would avoid taking risks. There could be problems in a multi-national project like Baku-Ceyhan if a political consensus could not be realized among the countries.''

President Suleyman Demirel's Private Representative to Nagorno-Karabakh Ali Hikmet Alp said the ones who call on strict attitude to be assumed on the Nagorno-Karabakh issue are expected to rule in the region after the resignation of Ter Petrosyan.

Responding to the questions of the A.A correspondent, Alp said ''Ter Petrosyan was not a person who supported every policy wanted by the international community. Yet, his attitude on the Karabakh issue, his peaceful leadership and his view that the OSCE could be a solution made Ter Petrosyan a positive leader. Yet, the supporters of war won.''

Alp said studies were underway on the plans initiated by the OSCE since 1992, adding that ''the words of Kocaryan indicate that he would meet with the rebels and solve the question. If this group assumes the rule, then Armenia which is in economic difficulty and isolated on the international platform, will fall into a worse situation.''

Foreign Policy Institute Chairman Seyfi Tashan said Armenia should not contradict Russian policy as it will not contribute to the solution.

[17] TURKEY-INTERNAL - CLOSED RP TO APPLY TO EUROPEAN COURT OF HUMAN RIGHTS - CLOSED RP DEPUTY KAMALAK: ''CLOSURE OF THE RP IS CONTRARY TO ARTICLES 6, 7, 9, 10 AND 11 OF THE CHARTER''

Responding to the questions of the A.A correspondent, Kamalak said that they are working on a written application to the ECHR and that they are trying to prove the closure of the RP is contrary to the European Human Rights Charter.

The written application will state that the closure of the RP is contrary to Articles 6, 7, 9, 10 and 11 of the Charter.

The closed RP will state that everybody can voice his or her thoughts in a democratic society within the framework of freedom of thought, emphasizing that everybody has the right to freedom of thought and liberty of faith and religion for its application.

The written application will also state that the parties can only be closed if they engage in ''terrorist activities and activities which are aimed at the inseparable integrity of the countries''.

[18] US-TURKEY - US STATE DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL PICKERING: - ''WE ARE HOLDING CLOSE CONSULTATIONS WITH TURKEY ON THE IRAQ ISSUE'' - ''IF THERE IS IMMIGRATION, PEOPLE SHOULD BE TREATED HUMANELY''

Pickering, responsible for political affairs, responding to the questions of reporters said they favored a diplomatic solution but added that Baghdad should abide fully by all the UN resolutions. Pickering also said that Iraq's recent proposals were ''unacceptable'' adding that UNSCOM should make its investigations without having any obstacles or restrictions.

Thomas Pickering said they have come to the end of diplomatic efforts.

Speaking about their dialogue with Ankara on the Iraqi crisis Pickering said that they have very close consultations with Turkey to this end. Stating that he has met with the Turkish Foreign Ministry Undersecretary, and the US Deputy Chief of General Staff Ralston and Assistant Secretary of State Marc Grossman made contacts in Turkey, Pickering said they have discussed in detail their policy towards Turkey, and Turkey's concerns.

Noting that they were faithful to Iraq's territorial integrity, Pickering said that the entire UN system would collapse if the UN bows its head to Saddam's demands and bargains on the decisions it has made.

He said the US takes into consideration the views of Moscow but that Russia should also take the views of the US into consideration. We favor a diplomatic solution but Russia should understand that we will use force if these initiatives fail to produce solutions, he said.

[19] AFGHANISTAN - EARTHQUAKE IN AFGHANISTAN - AFGHANISTAN'S EMBASSY TO ANKARA: ''4,400 PEOPLE DIED, 450 OTHERS SERIOUSLY WOUNDED''

The Afghan Embassy told the A.A that people living in the disaster region, where there are heavy winter conditions, were in diffuculty, adding that ''we call on all the world aid institutions to be sensitive towards the cry of the suffering people in the region.''

The statement said according to the latest information, 15,000 people living in the disaster region are homeless and face to face with hunger and pointed out that the Red Crescent and Red Cross have sent aid to the region, but this aid is not adequate as the number of dead and wounded people is high.

[20] TURKEY IN BRIEF - FEBRUARY 13, 1998

The same exports from the region during the same period last year was 29.6 million US dollars.

Sahin Batalli, the Chairman of the Southeastern Anatolia Grain-Cereals Exporters' Union told the A.A correspondent that their grain-cereals exports were reduced due to the Gulf crisis.

Batalli said they exported grain-cereals to Germany, Iraq, Iran, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Jordan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Syria, Saudi Arabia and Romania.

ANKARA - Mehmet Kececiler, the Motherland Party (ANAP) Acting Chairman said on Thursday that the crisis in Iraq should be resolved diplomatically, adding that they are not in favour of a hot clash only if Iraq does not comply with the UN resolutions.

Abdullah Al Murat, the Kuwaiti Ambassador to Ankara met with Mehmet Kececiler.

Stating that the aim of the visit is to exchange views regarding the Gulf crisis, Al Murat presented the joint statement of the Gulf Countries' Cooperation Council regarding the issue to Kececiler and to the reporters.

Emphasizing that Kuwait and the other Gulf countries are not in favour of a military strike and want the crisis be resolved diplomatically, Al Murat said that Iraq should abide by the UN decisions and all of inspectors who make the observations.

Stressing that Iraq would take all the responsibility if it will not comply with the UN decisions and that peace or war is in the hands of Iraq, Al Murat said that they will take the necessary measures if hopes for peace end.

ANKARA - Maria Livanos Cattaui, the Secretary General of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) will visit Turkey on February 16, it was reported on Friday.

The Turkish Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges (TOBB) said in a written statement that Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz will receive Cattaui and that Cattaui will hold a meeting with Isin Celebi, the Minister of State to give information about the activities of the ICC the same day.

Cattaui will also meet with Fuat Miras, the TOBB Chairman and with Zafer Caglayan, the TOBB Deputy Chairman.

[21] TURKEY-UKRAINE - PRIME MINISTER YILMAZ DEPARTS FROM THE UKRAINE

The Ukrainian Prime Minister Pustovoytenko has seen off Yilmaz with an official state ceremony.

Yilmaz this morning visited the Ukrainian Parliament and held a meeting with Moroz, the Speaker of the Parliament.

Prime Minister Yilmaz's visit to the Crimea was cancelled due to heavy winter conditions.

[22] TURKEY-IRAQ-UN - KDP OFFICIALS: ''POSSIBILITY OF AN IMMIGRATION FROM NORTHERN IRAQ TO TURKEY IS LESS'' - ''WE EXPECT IMMIGRATION FROM IRAQ TO NORTHERN IRAQ'' - ''SADDAM WILL NOT ATTACK NORTHERN IRAQ''

The KDP officials and local sources in the region said, ''the US will not harm the settlement places at the 36th parallel. Saddam before the crisis started a dialogue with the Kurdish groups. The possibility of an attack on Northern Iraq is out of question. Thus Saddam will not attack Northern Iraq. From this perspective, there will not be an immigration influx from Northern Iraq to Turkey. However, in case of an attack, Turkey will aid civilians living in Northern Iraq as she did before.''

[23] TURKEY-IRAQ-UN - PRESIDENT DEMIREL'S TELEPHONE DIPLOMACY

Demirel will also have a telephone conversation with Egyptian Arab Republic President Hosni Mubarak on Saturday.

The Presidential Press Center statement said that in the telephone conversation which Demirel had with King Hussein, he said ''everybody has to fulfill their responsibilities without resorting to military measures and within this framework, Iraq should abide by all the related UN Security Council resolutions fully.''

Demirel also said that military measures were not preferrable due to their grave outcomes and stressed that Iraq's territorial integrity should be preserved.

Demirel said he was sure that Jordan, being a neighboring country, would continue to make the necessary initiatives on the issue and briefed King Hussein about the initiatives Turkey has launched to prevent the crisis. Demirel also expressed pleasure over the constructive negotiations held on the issue.

King Hussein said that he shared the same views with the President and that they were resolved to continue negotiations with Turkey.

[24] TURKEY-GERMANY - RELEASE OF KANI YILMAZ - FOREIGN MINISTRY: ''RELEASE OF KANI YILMAZ SHOWS THAT GERMAN JUSTICE EVALUATED TERRORIST ACTIVITIES AS CRIMINAL INCIDENTS'' - ''THIS APPROACH WHICH MEANS THE ENCOURAGEMENT OF TERRORISM CONTRADICTS THE PRINCIPLE OF COOPERATION IN THE INTERNATIONAL STRUGGLE AGAINST TERRORISM

Sermet Atacanli, the Foreign Ministry Deputy Spokesman said the decision in question was an indication that Germany evaluated terrorist activities as ''criminal incidents'' now, adding that ''this approach which means the encouragement of terrorism openly contradicts the principle of cooperation in the international struggle against terrorism.''

Atacanli stressed that Kani Yilmaz who is known as a terrorist within the context of the separatist terrorist PKK organization, was found guilty only of being responsible for a series of activities aimed at Turkish institutions and organizations. Atacanli recalled a statement of the German Federal Chief Prosecutor which was issued a while ago that said, ''the PKK was not a terrorist organization any more but it preserved its criminal speciality.''

Atacanli also stressed that the release of a terrorist who took part in violent acts of the PKK which the international community confirmed was a dangerous terrorist organization, gave serious harm to justice.

[25] TURKEY-JOURNALIST - SLAIN JOURNALIST GOKTEPE CASE - PROSECUTOR DEMANDS 8-15 YEARS PRISON FOR POLICEMEN IN SLAIN REPORTER CASE

Prosecutor Ismail Ilhan asked that the six be convicted of manslaughter and of committing a criminal offense while on official duty.

Five other police officers accused in the killing should be acquitted, Ilhan said.

The police officers are standing trial for the 1996 slaying of Metin Goktepe, a 27-year-old reporter.

Demand by the suspects for release was rejected by the court.

[26] TURKEY-IRAQ-UN - VIEW OF SCIENTISTS ABOUT THE UN-IRAQ CRISIS - PROF. DR. ONEN: ''IRAQ DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A THREAT FOR TURKEY'' - ''THE REAL INTENTION OF THE US IS TO TAKE UNDER CONTROL THE OIL REGION IN THE MIDDLE EAST''

Istanbul University Communication Faculty International Affairs Professor Dr. Mesut Onen told the A.A correspondent that Turkey's basic policy is to protect the territorial integrity of Iraq and that a possible gap of authority in Iraq would badly affect Turkey.

Evaluating the attitude of the US on the establishment of a Kurdish state in Northern Iraq, Onen said, ''in my opinion, they had such plans in the 1990-91 crisis. They were not able to overthrow Saddam but they were thinking of establishing a Kurdish state after the military strike. They were thinking of the integration of Turkmens by providing a compromise between the two Kurdish parties. However, that plan also failed. This intention was proved when they re-called their spies in the region.''

Onen said that the US's real intention is to take under control the oil region in the Middle East.

Pointing out that a war in Iraq will badly affect Turkey, Onen said, ''because, Turkey, although she wants the crisis be resolved diplomatically, it would be one side. Turkey has several problems like the usage of the Incirlik Base, the Iraqi border and influx of immigration. Turkey would have the danger of a great economic loss.''

''Iraq does not constitute a threat for Turkey because Iraq sees Turkey as the only neighbor that she can count on,'' he added.

[27] TURKEY-TERRORISM - 11 TERRORISTS KILLED, TWO TERRORISTS CAPTURED DURING OPERATIONS IN SOUTHEAST

The Emergency Rule Governor's Office said that security forces killed four terrorists in the rural part of Hani township of Diyarbakir province, three terrorists in the rural part of Genc township of Bingol province, three terrorists in the rural part of Sason township of Batman province and one terrorist in the rural part of Kurtalan township of Siirt province during the operations.

Security forces captured two terrorists in Hani township of Diyarbakir province.

The operations are underway in the region.

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