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Anadolu Agency: News in English, 98-03-01Anadolu Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Anadolu Agency Home Page at <http://www.anadoluajansi.gov.tr/>01 MARCH 1998CONTENTS
[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCANThese are some of the major headlines and their brief stories in Turkey's press on March 1, 1998. The Anadolu Agency does not verify these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.HURRIYET (LIBERAL) COALITION SUMMIT Issues like religious head covers, religious courses, elections, the proposals of True Path Party (DYP) leader Tansu Ciller, inflation, tax reform and economy administration will be discussed during the meeting. MILLIYET (LIBERAL)PATARA CONFLICTTourism Ministry desires to construct an airport in Patara, which is a special environmental protection area between Kas and Fethiye touristic villages. Ministry of Environment opposes this idea by saying that Patara is historical and natural beauty. SABAH (LIBERAL)PRESIDENCY OF RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS' COMMENTPresidency of Religious Affairs claimed that the female students studying in religious schools should put on head covers, because this is a religious order. CUMHURIYET (LEFT)BAKU-CEYHAN LOBBYTurkey brings Georgia, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan alltogether in Istanbul in order to market Azeri and Kazakh oil from Baku to Turkish Mediterranean port of Ceyhan. Russia has not been invited to the meeting. RADIKAL (LEFT)VIRTUE PARTY UNDER CUSTODYWestern Working Group (BCG) which was set up to monitor religious activities, keeps an eye on the Virtue Party, as the former deputies of the banned Welfare Party (RP) joined in it. YENİ YÜZYIL (LIBERAL)AVCI IN TROUBLEAnkara State Security Court asked for 15 year-imprisonment for Hanefi Avcı, who was the former Deputy Chairman of Police Intelligence Office. TÜRKİYE (RIGHT)''RELATIONS SHOULD DEVELOP''Addressing a speech to a dinner held in Washington, where more than 1500 Turkish and American businessmen participated, A. Mucahid Oren, Deputy President of Ihlas Firm, said that Ihlas, as a private sector institution, will do its best to improve the relations between Turkey and America. ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)''TURKEY COULD NOT GET USED TO WELFARE PARTY''Abdullah Gul, who joined Virtue Party after the closure of the Welfare Party by the Constitutional Court, said that RP was the only civilian party in respect of Western understanding, adding that Turkey could not get used to it. FİNANSAL FORUM (ECONOMY)BRITAIN KEEPS AN EYE ON TURKISH ECONOMYBritian, which is the EU Term President, keeps an eye on Turkish economy. Andrew Price, who is an official from the British Foreign Office, will visit Ankara next week to examine the recent developments in Turkish economy. [02] TURKEY-CASPIAN OIL (3) - GEORGIAN FOREIGN MINISTER MENAGARISHVILI: ''THE SHORTEST AND THE MOST ECONOMICAL ROUTE REGARDING TRANSPORTATION OF CASPIAN OIL IS BAKU-CEYHAN PIPELINE'' - KAZAKH FOREIGN MINISTER TOKAYEV: ''WE ARE POSITIVE ABOUT BAKU-CEYHAN PIPELINE''ISTANBUL, March 1 (A.A) - Georgian Foreign Minister Iraklı Menagarıshvılı said on Sunday that the shortest and the most economical route regarding the transportation of Caspian oil is Baku-Ceyhan pipeline.Addressing the Five-Way Meeting held to discuss the transportation of Central Asian oil to western markets, Menagarıshvılı stated that they proposed construction of several pipelines to transport regional oil, adding that the investments will increase in the region if Karabakh and Abkhasia conflicts are solved. Kazakh Foreign Minister Kassymzhomart Tokayev emphasized the importance of ''overcoming the dependency on Russia'' by saying that new alternatives should be formed. Noting that Kazakhstan is well aware of the insufficiency of the Straits concerning the transportation of regional oil, Tokayev pointed out that they are positive about Baku-Ceyhan pipeline, but this issue should be solved before autumn. Turkmen Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Boris Sıhmuradov said in his part that Turkmenistan does not favour a permanent and limited pipeline, adding that the projects should be finished as soon as possible and in an economical way. Noting that the transportation of Turkmen energy resources abroad is important for them, Sıhmuradov stressed that the pipelines should not be manipulated in respect of politics and economics. Azeri Deputy Foreign Minister Araz Azimov said that Baku-Ceyhan pipeline will be the main line in transportation of Caspian oil to the west and there is no alternative pipeline when one takes security and environmental factors into account. ''Benefiting from energy resources in the region is very important regarding the independence and development of regional countries,'' said Azimov. Later, Turkish state run pipeline company (BOTAS) informed the participant states about ''Caspian-Mediterranean Pipeline Feasibility and Environmental Study Report.'' The meeting will end on Monday after the signature of the Joint Decleration. [03] TURKEY-CASPIAN OIL - PRESIDENT DEMIREL: ''I BELIEVE THAT COUNTRIES WILL REACH AN AGREEMENT REGARDING THE TRANSPORTATION OF CASPIAN OIL AND NATURAL GAS TO INTERNATIONAL MARKETS BY PIPELINES DURING THE MEETING''ANKARA, March 1 (A.A) - President Suleyman Demirel said on Sunday that he believes an agreement will be reached regarding the transportation of Caspian oil and natural gas to international markets by pipelines during the meeting namely ''Caspian Basin Energy Production and Transportation Lines'' which will be held in Istanbul the same day.''Therefore it will be possible to give correct and open messages to both other concerned countries and commercial circles,''added President Demirel. Sending a message to the meeting where Azeri, Georgian, Kazakh, Turkmen and Turkish officials participate, President Demirel noted that ''this meeting will contribute to create a political and economic cooperation basis among all countries of the region and also to consolidate peace and stabilty in the region.'' ''The determination of an effective strategy and targets by making a cooperation between the five participant states, will contribute to set up the necessary basis to reach significant results in future meetings'' said President Demirel. [04] TURKEY-TERRORISM - 155 TERRORISTS KILLED IN SOUTHEAST TURKEY SO FAR IN 1998DIYARBAKIR, March 1 (A.A) - Turkish security forces killed 155 terrorists in operations staged in Southeast Turkey so far this year, it is reported on Sunday. Security forces captured 24 terrorists and nine others surrendered in January and February this year.During the operations, security forces found nine corpses buried by terrorists in the region. Meanwhile, 14 members of the security forces died and three others were injured in the same period. Operations are underway in the region. [05] TURKEY-HUMAN RIGHTS - NORTH ATLANTIC ASSEMBLY CIVIL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE IN DIYARBAKIRDIYARBAKIR, March 1 (A.A) - North Atlantic Civil Affairs Committee met on Saturday Aydın Arslan, State of Emergency Regional Governor, Mayor Ahmet Bilgin, military officials and representatives of non-governmental organizations in Diyarbakır, it is reported on Saturday.Addressing a statement before the meeting, Bilgin, Mayor of Diyarbakır province, said that ''I hope this meeting will contribute to overcome the problems particularly in the field of economy.'' Gian Giacomo, the Chairman of the Committee, said in his part that they came to Diyarbakır to get information from the local officials in the field of human rights. ''We have so far met Aydın Arslan, several military officials and representatives of non-governmental organizations. We will also exchange views with Bilgin, who is mostly effected by the problems. We will do what is necessary to solve these problems,'' said Giacomo. [06] TURKEY-CHINA - TURKISH-CHINESE JEC MEETING TO BE HELD IN BEIJING IN APRIL - CHINESE ECONOMY AND COMMERCE ATTACHE YANJIU: ''600 MILLION DOLLARS OF TRADE VOLUME BETWEEN TURKEY AND CHINA IS NOT ENOUGH''ANKARA, March 1 (A.A) - The 12th Turkish-Chinese Joint Economic Commission (JEC) meeting will be held in Beijing, in April, it is reported on Sunday. The Turkish side will be headed by State Minister Isın Celebi in the meetings which will focus on improvement of trade and investment opportunities between the two countries.Zhao Yanjıu, the Chinese Economy and Trade Attache, told A.A correspondent that the 600 million dollars of trade volume between the two countries does not reflect the existing potantial, adding that ''this number is not satisfying for both countries.'' Noting that the economic and commercial relations between Turkey and China have recently been improving, Yanjiu said that a group of Turkish businessmen together with State Minister Celebi will leave for Beijing for JEC meeting and hold contacts there. Yanjiu stated that the diplomatic relation between Turkey and China was set up in 1971, adding that the trade volume between the two countries exceeded 100 million dollars after 1985 and reached 663 million dollars in 1993. Yanjıu recalled that the foreign trade volume of China was 325 billion dollars last year and Turkey's was 70 billion dollars. ''Chinese market is very big and strong. Western countries invest in China and earn a lot of money. Turkish businessmen can also do that. We launch efforts to increase the exports of Turkish firms to China, yet Turkish firms should visit China more frequently.'' said Yanjiu. Yanjiu added that the two countries should also examine the opportunities to invest together in third countries. [07] TURKEY-ILLEGAL MIGRATION - 37 IRAQIS DETAINED IN MERIC TOWNSHIP OF EDIRNEEDIRNE, March 1 (A.A) - Gendarme captured 37 Iraqis in a prohibited zone in Meric township of Edirne near the Turkish-Greek border, it is reported on Sunday.The Iraqi people, including small children, attempted to enter Greece illegally. [08] TURKEY-US - MINISTER OF ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES ERSUMER RETURNS TO TURKEYISTANBUL, March 1 (A.A) - Cumhur Ersumer, the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources said on Sunday that the Energy Cooperation Agreement signed between Turkey and the US has started a new period between the two countries in the field of energy.Ersumer wrapped up his oficial contacts in the US and returned to Turkey the same day. Addressing a statement at Ataturk Airport, Ersumer stated that his visit to the US was very positive, ''for the first time we have signed an agreement with the US just like the ones we signed with European countries. I believe that Turkey will overcome its problem of electrical energy in a considerable way as a result of the investments that will be made in Turkey by American firms,'' he said. Noting that the interest of US officials in Baku-Ceyhan Pipeline has increased after the signature of energy agreement, Ersumer pointed out that several US firms have demanded to construct this pipeline. Cumhur Ersumer, the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, added that he had also the chance to explain the energy policies of Turkey not only to the US government officials, but also to private sector representatives. [09] TURKEY-CASPIAN OIL (2) - FOREIGN MINISTER CEM: ''WE FAVOUR CONSTRUCTION OF A PIPELINE NETWORK IN CASPIAN-MEDITERRANEAN ROUTE''ISTANBUL, March 1 (A.A) - Turkish, Kazakh, Georgian and Turkmen Foreign Ministers and Azeri Deputy Foreign Minister convened in Istanbul on Sunday to discuss the issue of transportation of Central Asian oil to Western markets via Baku-Ceyhan.Addressing an opening speech at the meeting, Foreign Minister Ismail Cem said that ''I believe that this meeting is a preparation meeting for the 21st century.'' Noting that the energy resources of the Caspian basin carry a great importance in respect of consolidation of economic development, independence and security of the regional countries, Cem stated that the regional countries should first of all create the political basis and show their resolved attitude to determine their energy policies as soon as possible. Cem pointed out that Turkey held this Istanbul meeting, which can be regarded as a ''regional meeting'' to evaluate and exchange views about these issues. ''I believe we need to have close cooperation with two countries not here today, Russia and the US,'' Cem added. Noting that Turkey has shown its political determination in this issue, ''we favour construction of a pipeline network in Caspian-Mediterranean route, as this will provide the consumer states in the transit route to meet their oil and natural gas needs. Turkey is likely to complete the feasibility reports concerning this pipeline soon,'' he said. Foreign Minister Cem said that the views of Turkish side about the Straits will be explained during the meeting on Monday. Proposing the establishment of a ''Regional Working Group'' to help Turkey to complete her necessary preparations on time, Cem added that this group which will be composed of high ranking officials, can implement the decisions taken at Istanbul meeting, watch the developments and inform the regional countries about these developments. Cem said that these meetings should be held on a regular basis, adding that Turkey atributes great importance to the solidarity among the regional countries. The meetings will end on Monday. [10] TURKEY-US-DRUG - US STATE DEPARTMENT'S 1998 DRUG REPORT: ''TURKISH SECURITY OFFICIALS ARE IN CLOSE COOPERATION WITH POLICE IN EUROPE AND THE US''WASHINGTON, March 1 (A.A) - The latest drug report published by the US State Department noted that 3634 people arrested in Turkey last year due to incidents related with drug and Turkish security officials are in close cooperation with the police units in Europe and the US, it is reported on Sunday.The report also claimed that Turkish mafia regulates West European drug market in a considerable way. Noting that the legal production of opium was under strict control in Turkey, the report stressed that Turkish police are well aware of the drug problem and struggle with the crime institutions. The report noted that PKK, the separatist terrorist organization is involved in drug trafficking and it transports drug to Europe and markets them there. The report pointed out that Turkish parliament took the necessary legal steps regarding black money laundry and has recently closed casinos. [11] TURKEY-CASPIAN OIL (3) - GEORGIAN FOREIGN MINISTER MENAGARISHVILI: ''THE SHORTEST AND THE MOST ECONOMICAL ROUTE REGARDING TRANSPORTATION OF CASPIAN OIL IS BAKU-CEYHAN PIPELINE'' - KAZAKH FOREIGN MINISTER TOKAYEV: ''WE ARE POSITIVE ABOUT BAKU-CEYHAN PIPELINE''ISTANBUL, March 1 (A.A) - Georgian Foreign Minister Iraklı Menagarıshvılı said on Sunday that the shortest and the most economical route regarding the transportation of Caspian oil is Baku-Ceyhan pipeline.Addressing the Five-Way Meeting held to discuss the transportation of Central Asian oil to western markets, Menagarıshvılı stated that they proposed construction of several pipelines to transport regional oil, adding that the investments will increase in the region if Karabakh and Abkhasia conflicts are solved. Kazakh Foreign Minister Kassymzhomart Tokayev emphasized the importance of ''overcoming the dependency on Russia'' by saying that new alternatives should be formed. Noting that Kazakhstan is well aware of the insufficiency of the Straits concerning the transportation of regional oil, Tokayev pointed out that they are positive about Baku-Ceyhan pipeline, but this issue should be solved before autumn. Turkmen Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Boris Sıhmuradov said in his part that Turkmenistan does not favour a permanent and limited pipeline, adding that the projects should be finished as soon as possible and in an economical way. Noting that the transportation of Turkmen energy resources abroad is important for them, Sıhmuradov stressed that the pipelines should not be manipulated in respect of politics and economics. Azeri Deputy Foreign Minister Araz Azimov said that Baku-Ceyhan pipeline will be the main line in transportation of Caspian oil to the west and there is no alternative pipeline when one takes security and environmental factors into account. ''Benefiting from energy resources in the region is very important regarding the independence and development of regional countries,'' said Azimov. Later, Turkish state run pipeline company (BOTAS) informed the participant states about ''Caspian-Mediterranean Pipeline Feasibility and Environmental Study Report.'' The meeting will end on Monday after the signature of the Joint Decleration. Anadolu Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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