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Anadolu Agency: News in English, 98-02-15Anadolu Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Anadolu Agency Home Page at <http://www.anadoluajansi.gov.tr/>15 FEB 1998CONTENTS
[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCANThese are some of the major headlines and their brief stories in Turkey's press on Feb 15, 1998. The Anadolu Agency does not verify these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.HURRIYET (LIBERAL) HITMEN CAPTURED MILLIYET (LIBERAL)ERBAKAN SEARCHES FOR A LEADERNecmettin Erbakan, the leader of Welfare Party, which was closed by the Constitutional Court, asked ''who will be the leader of the new party?'' in a party meeting. Erbakan asked the party members to think about this issue. A meeting, which will discuss this leadership issue, is expected to be held on Feb 20. SABAH (LIBERAL)REASON OF 33 DEATH PENALTYAnkara State Security Court explained the reason why the death penalties given to 33 people who are convicted of responsibility for a hotel arson attack that killed 37 people in Sivas province in 1993, should not be reduced. CUMHURIYET (LEFT)LAST EFFORTS OF UNUnited Nations (UN) Secretary General Kofi Annan is expected to visit Baghdad in order to find a peaceful solution to Iraqi crisis. Meanwhile, Iraq's Permanent Representative to UN Nizar Hamdun said that Iraqi government wants Annan to visit Baghdad, adding that ''Annan promised to do his best to find a diplomatic solution to the crisis.'' RADIKAL (LEFT)A SIGN OF DIVISION IN RPNecmettin Erbakan, the leader of Welfare Party (RP) which was closed by the Constitutional Court, showed Virtue Party as the new party, while the younger generation sent a message that they will not join Virtue Party. YENİ YÜZYIL (LIBERAL)PKK IN AMBUSHKasım Omer, who is ''Turkmeneli Party'' Spokesman representing Turkmen minority in Northern Iraq, said that the separatist terrorist organization PKK might take the opportunity offered by a U.S. strike on Iraq to seize chemical and biological weapons stores in the region. TÜRKİYE (RIGHT)DOUBLE STANDART OF WORLDWhile US spends 10 million dollars in a day for a possible operation against Iraq, Afghanistan, which was shaken by an earthquake, can not even find 4,6 million dollars of assistance from any country. ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)CAUCASUS TAKEN UPThe developments in Caucasus were taken up during a special meeting held among President Suleyman Demirel, Azeri President Haydar Aliyev and Chief of General Staff Gen. Ismail Hakkı Karadayı. FİNANSAL FORUM (ECONOMY)GAP EXPORTSGAP (Southeastern Anatolian Project) region exported 7,5 million dollars of agricultural and animal products to European Union (EU) countries in January this year. [02] TURKEY-CHINA - FOREIGN MINISTER CEM ARRIVES IN BEIJINGBEIJING, Feb 15 (A.A) - Foreign Minister Ismail Cem arrived in Beijing, the capital of China on Sunday.Ismail Cem will participate in the dinner hosted by Chinese Deputy Foreign Minister Tian Zengpei the same day. Foreign Mnister Cem will meet Chinese Foreign Minister Qian Qichan and Foreign Trade and Economy Minister Wu Yi on Monday. Cem is also expected to be received by Chinese Head of State Can Zemin. After wrapping up contacts in China, Foreign Minister Cem will proceed to Vietnam on Feb 20. [03] TURKEY-TAJIKISTAN - TAJIK PARLIAMENT SPEAKER RECEBOV ARRIVES IN ISTANBULISTANBUL, Feb 15 (A.A) - Tajik Parliament Speaker Safarali Recebov arrived in Istanbul on Sunday as an official guest of Parliament Speaker Hikmet Cetin.After meeting Hikmet Cetin in Dolmabahce Palace on Monday, Tajik Parliament Speaker Recebov will proceed to Ankara. Safarali Recebov will leave Turkey on February 19. [04] TURKEY-IRAN - FOREIGN MINISTRY UNDERSECRETARY HAKTANIR CONVEYS MESSAGE OF PRESIDENT DEMIREL TO IRANIAN PRESIDENT KHATEMITEHRAN, Feb 15 (A.A) - Foreign Ministry Undersecretary Korkmaz Haktanır conveyed a message of President Suleyman Demirel regarding Iraqi crisis to Iranian President Mohammad Khatemi on Saturday.Haktanır, who arrived in Tehran on Friday, met Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Muhsin Eminzade and later was received by Iranian President Khatemi. Addressing a statement to A.A correspondent after the meeting, Korkmaz Haktanır said that he conveyed the written message of President Demirel to Khatemi and explained the attitute of Turkey concerning the Iraqi crisis. Noting that Khatemi was pleased by Demirel's message, Haktanır pointed out that he wishes to meet President Demirel again, adding that the two presidents will meet each other during Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) and D-8 countries meeting. ''We decided to be in close consultation with each other due to Iraqi crisis,'' said Haktanır, noting that Iraqi side welcomed the view of Turkey which proposed that ''if the crisis is overcomed, the two countries as being neighbouring states of Iraq, can cooperate in several issues,'' Haktanır added. Haktanır stressed that the two countries attribute great importance to territorial integrity of Iraq and they are concerned about the crisis, adding that Turkey and Iran think that peaceful efforts should continue to find a solution to the crisis and UN Secretary General Kofi Annan should visit Iraq to this end. Foreign Ministry Undersecretary Haktanır pointed out that he informed Iranian officials about the visit of Foreign Minister Ismail Cem to Bagdad. Responding to a question about Northern Iraq, Haktanır stressed that the two countries should not believe in every news about this region, unless its accuracy is confirmed. Pointing out that the two countries are worried about the fact that a crisis in Iraq can result in a migration, Haktanır said that Turkey does not aim to set up a security zone in Northern Iraq, yet it will try to provide humanitarian aid in case of a migration. Undersecretary Haktanır stated that bilateral relations were also taken up during the meetings, the two sides decided to activate joint security commissions and these commissions and Joint Economic Commission will convene in March. Later the same day, Haktanır met Iranian Foreign Minister Kemal Harrazi and they took up bilateral relations and the US-Iraqi crisis. Foreign Mniistry Undersecretary Haktanır will return to Turkey on Sunday. [05] TURKEY-AZERBAIJAN - PRESIDENT DEMIREL: ''TURKEY AND AZERBAIJAN ARE RESOLVED TO DEVELOP WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF DEMOCRACY AND FREE MARKET ECONOMY'' - AZERI PRESIDENT ALIYEV LEAVES TURKEYISTANBUL, Feb 15 (A.A) - Azeri President Haydar Aliyev and an accompanying delegation left Turkey on Saturday.Addressing a joint press briefing with Azeri President Aliyev before his departure, President Suleyman Demirel said that Turkey and Azerbaijan are resolved to develop within the framework of democracy and free market economy and work together for the common prosperity of their people. President Demirel stressed that such kind of high ranking visits further improve friendship and solidarity between the two countries and also contribute to consolidation of peace, stability and prosperity of the region. Noting that important steps have been taken to set up a clean society in Turkey, President Demirel pointed out that international cooperation is necessary to correct several mistakes and find out the truth to this end. President Demirel stated that they evaluated the recent developments in the region with the Guest President Aliyev, adding that ''we reciprocally confirmed our determination to broaden our cooperation in every field, particularly in security regarding the success of development efforts and protection of peace and stability in Caucasus. In this framework, I would like to stress this point that Georgia is an indispensable strategical partner for both Turkey and Azerbaijan. We attribute vital importance to peace, stability and prosperity of this country. We are resolved to continue to extend our support to Georgia and Georgian Head of State Mr Eduard Schevardnadze.'' President Demirel said that they expect the solution of Nagorno-Karabakh problem within the framework of Organization on Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Lisbon Summit Statement and the report submitted by MINSK Group during OSCE Copengahen Foreign Ministers meeting, adding that he appointed Ali Hikmet Alp as a special representative to bring a new dimension to the solution of this problem. ''I would like to say something to Armenian administration in this respect: Caucasus needs peace, stability and development. It is not possible to accept a solution other than the principle of protection of Azeri territorial integrity. Armenian administration should refrain from taking any step that could escalate the tension,'' said Demirel. President Demirel pointed out that Baku-Ceyhan oil and natural gas pipelines carry a strategical importance in respect of transportation of Central Asian and Caucasusian natural resources to world markets. Speaking on the Iraqi crisis, President Demirel underlined the fact that the two countries believe that Iraq should fully abide with UN Security Council Resolutions and this crisis should be solved by diplomatic ways. Azeri President Haydar Aliyev said in his part that he shares the statements of President Demirel, adding that ''we do not have any divergence of opinion regarding the issues explained by President Demirel.'' Alivey stressed that they aim to protect the''ceasefire regime'' between Azerbaijan and Armenia, which is in force for three years, till the two countries sign a peace agreement. Azeri President Aliyev reiterated that Azerbaijan will continue to extend support in order to put Baku-Ceyhan Pipeline into force. [06] TURKEY-IRAQ-UN - PRESIDENT DEMIREL HAS A PHONE CALL WITH EGYPTIAN PRESIDENT MUBARAK - PRESIDENT DEMIREL TO MEET LEADERS OF SEVERAL GULF COUNTRIES IN THE COMING DAYSANKARA, Feb 15 (A.A) - President Suleyman Demirel had a phone call with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak on Saturday evening within the framework of consultations he held with regional leaders regarding the situation in Iraq.President Demirel, who called Jordanian King Hussein Bin Tallal on Saturday, will continue to hold consultations with leaders of several Gulf countries. Presidency Press Center said that President Demirel explained the views of Turkey regarding the peaceful solution of tension in Iraq without resorting to any military measures. The statement said that: ''President Demirel attributed importance to the necessity of Iraq to abide by UN Security Council Resolutions and stressed that all the concerned sides should fulfil their responsibilities in order to ensure peace and stability of the region. In this framework, President Demirel expressed his pleasure over the consultation carried out with Egypt.'' The statement went on saying that President Mubarak shared the views of President Demirel and appreciated the initiatives of Turkey regarding the solution of Iraqi crisis. [07] TURKEY-IRAQ - IRAQI DEPUTY HEAD OF STATE RAMAZAN ADDRESSES TO A.A: ''TURKEY SHOULD NOT BASE ITS RELATIONS WITH IRAQ ON SHORT TERM CONCERNS''BAGHDAD, Feb 15 (A.A) - Iraqi Deputy Head of State and Revolution Commandship member Taha Yasin Ramazan said on Sunday that Turkey should not base its relations with Iraq on short term concerns, rather on a wider vision.Addressing a statement to A.A correspondent, Ramazan stated that Turkish- Iraqi relations should come to the level which was before 1990s, adding that ''we wish normal and good relations with Turkey. Turkey needs economic and political security and stability. We do not want Turkey to suffer in the future due to instability in the region.'' Noting that Turkey should not be attracted by ''US policies,'' Ramazan claimed that if Turkey implements US policies and extends support to them, it can not set up a mutual agreement base with Iraq. Ramazan stressed that opening of the eight presidential sites to UN Special Committee (UNSCOM) control is out of question, adding that they can ''only be visited, not controlled.'' Responding to the question of A.A correspondent about this issue, Ramazan stated that ''we do not have any secret weapons in these sites. US claims that we hide weapons of mass destruction there, this is not true. I would like to underline the fact that these sites were constructed for administrative purposes, rather than military ones. We took the first step regarding the visit of representatives sent by UN Security Council permanent members to these sites. Negotiations are underway and views of Russia and Arab Union are also taken regarding this issue. Meanwhile, UN Secretary General Kofi Annan works to set up a regular procedure to this end.'' [08] TURKEY-CHINA - FOREIGN MINISTER CEM IN BEIJING - CEM: ''CHINA IS AMONG THE COUNTRIES WHICH HAS SUPPORTED TURKEY'S INITIATIVE REGARDING IRAQI CRISIS''BEIJING, Feb 15 (A.A) - Foreign Minister Ismail Cem became the first Turkish Foreign Minister who visited China after 14 years, it is reported on Sunday.Foreign Minister Cem, who started his contacts by meeting Chinese Deputy Foreign Minister Tian Zengpei in an unofficial dinner the same day, told journalists that his visit to China is important in respect of not only politics, but also economics, adding that he will search for ways to improve the economic relations between the two countries and also take up the Iraqi issue during his stay in China. Foreign Minister Cem said that China, as a permanent member of UN Security Council, is an important and effective country in political issues like the the solution of Iraqi crisis and Middle East peace. ''China was among the countries which has supported the initiative of Turkey regarding the solution of Iraqi crisis. Havign good relations between the two countries will strengthen the importance of both countries in the international platform,'' said Cem. Noting that this visit to China was planned five monhts ago, Cem said that ''I attribute great importance to foreign economic relations of Turkey and my visit to China is very important in this respect.'' Cem pointed out that Turkey's export to China is 100,000 million dollars and import from China is 500,000 million dollars due to 1991 figures, adding that ''our economic relations with such a country, which has 350,000 billion dollars of foreign trade in 1997, are not sufficient.'' Foreign Minister Cem stressed that a trade center will be set up in Shangai, recalling that he will also be received by Chinese Head of State Can Zemin and convey President Demirel's good will message to Zemin. [09] TURKEY-THIRD SATELLITE - TRANSPORTATION MINISTER MENZIR LEAVES FOR MONACO TO SIGN AGREEMENT ON THIRD SATELLITEISTANBUL, Feb 15 (A.A) - Transportation Minister Necdet Menzir said on Sunday that ''Turkey, which has subsidized its agricultural and industrial sectors till today, should also subsidize and encourage information from now on.''Addressing a statement before leaving for Monaco to sign an agreement on Turksat-3 Satellite there, Menzir stated that the marketting of the satellite which will cost 260 million dollars, will be realized by a foreign firm namely Eurasiasat, therefore Turkey will not pay for that. Menzir stressed that the marketting chance of the sattelite is 70-80 percent and after that Turkey will think of ordering the fourth satellite this year. Transportation Minister Necdet Menzir and accompanying delegation including five parliamentarians will return to Turkey on February 17. Anadolu Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |