Anadolu Agency: News in English, 98-05-20

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

20 MAY 1998

CONTENTS

[01] PRIME MINISTER YILMAZ: ''PARTNERSHIP COUNCIL MAY TAKE PLACE IF THEY RESPECT OUR ATTITUDE''

[02] US: ''WE HAVE NO NEW POLICY ON THE AEGEAN AND CYPRUS ISSUE''

[03] ARMENIAN PROBLEM OVERSHADOWS RELATIONS BETWEEN TURKEY AND FRANCE - DRAFT LAW CONCERNING THE SO-CALLED ARMENIAN GENOCIDE OF THE SOCIALIST MEMBERS OF THE PARLIAMENT CAUSES TENSION BETWEEN ANKARA AND PARIS

[04] FM CEM: ''WE WANT THE PARTNERSHIP COUNCIL TO CONVENE''

[05] FIREBOMB ATTACKS IN UMRANIYE

[06] KORNBLUM, US AMBASSADOR TO GERMANY: ''THE EU MAKES A STRATEGIC MISTAKE BY NOT INCLUDING TURKEY INTO EXPANSION PROCESS''

[07] KORNBLUM, US AMBASSADOR TO GERMANY: ''THE EU MAKES A STRATEGIC MISTAKE BY NOT INCLUDING TURKEY INTO EXPANSION PROCESS''

[08] COUNCIL OF MINISTERS' MEETING ENDS

[09] MONTENEGRO PRIME MINISTER VUYANOVIC'S STATEMENT TO THE A.A: - ''WE OPPOSE THE POLICY OF MILOSEVIC, NOT SERBIA''

[10] PIPELINE SUMMIT IN ISTANBUL - INITIATIVES OF THE US ADMINSTRATION AND COMPANIES IN ISTANBUL

[11] 82 KG OF HEROIN SEIZED IN ISTANBUL

[12] TURKISH-JAPANESE COOPERATION ON MINING

[13] TURKEY-PRESS REVIEW (1)

[14] TURKEY-PRESS REVIEW (2)

[15] THE TENDER CALENDAR OF THE GAP MOTORWAY - CONSTRUCTION TENDERS OF THE MOTORWAY WILL BE HELD ON JUNE 8, 10, 12 AND 15

[16] TURKEY-WEATHER - HEAVY PRECIPITATION THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY WILL BE REPLACED BY ANOTHER WET FRONT COMING FROM THE WEST

[17] TURKEY IN BRIEF - MAY 20, 1998

[18] KAYNASLI BRIDGE ON THE ISTANBUL-ANKARA MOTORWAY BADLY DAMAGED DUE TO FLOODING

[19] NEZERITIS, THE GREEK AMBASSADOR TO TURKEY: ''THE EXISTING SYSTEM OF THE EU ISN'T CONVENIENT FOR GIVING SUCH AN ASSISTANCE TO TURKEY LIKE 14 PLUS 1''

[20] TURKEY IN BRIEF (2)- MAY 20, 1998

[21] ARMENIAN CRISIS IN RELATIONS WITH FRANCE

[22] SEKA HAS 1.8 TRILLION TL IN PROFITS IN 1995 WHILE IT HAS 242.9 BILLION TL IN LOSSES IN 1996

[23] COLLAPSE OF THE SEPARATIST TERRORIST PKK - THREE PKK TERRORISTS SURRENDER TO THE TURKISH EMBASSY IN BEIRUT

[24] IF THE EU GRANTS A SECURITY, THEN THE TURKISH-EU ASSOCIATION COUNCIL TO BE HELD - FM: ''THE EU SHOULD GRANT A GUARANTEE CONCERNING THE INTEGRITY OF THE STRATEGY DOCUMENT AND FINANCIAL COOPERATION''

[25] OPERATION IN MUS AGAINST ILLEGAL HEZBOLLAH ORGANIZATION - 26 HEZBOLLAH MEMBERS CAPTURED

[26] AEGEAN INDUSTRIALISTS IN BULGARIA

[01] PRIME MINISTER YILMAZ: ''PARTNERSHIP COUNCIL MAY TAKE PLACE IF THEY RESPECT OUR ATTITUDE''

Responding to the questions of reporters following his meeting with the British Foreign Secretary Robin Cook if Turkey would go to Cardiff, Yilmaz said, ''I told him our previous attitude. If they respect our attitude within that framework, then the Partnership Council may take place.''

When asked if the British Foreign Secretary Cook brought a new proposal, Yilmaz said ''but, the 14 countries seem to unite against us on a specific attitude. Greece still has several reservations. If they fail to prevent Greece from using her right of veto, then there is no possibility to implement their proposal.''

Cook was also received by President Suleyman Demirel.

No statement was released following the meeting.

[02] US: ''WE HAVE NO NEW POLICY ON THE AEGEAN AND CYPRUS ISSUE''

Responding to the questions of reporters about President Bill Clinton's statement issued in London, Rubin said, ''we have no new policy.'' Rubin said that the statement of Clinton was a confirmation of the US policy which has been carried out for a long time. He said that the US wants problems between Turkey and Greece to be solved peacefully.

''We want to solve the Cyprus question. We support the desires of Turkey aimed at the European Union (EU). The US doesn't propose a package or negotiation,'' he added.

The Greek Cypriot Administration rejected the offer on Tuesday of Bill Clinton, the US President, concerning taking up the Cyprus problem, and the relations between Turkey-Greece and Turkey-European Union as a package.

Hristos Stilyanides, the Spokesman of the Greek Cypriot administration, stated that the administration gives priority to the solution of the Cyprus problem.

[03] ARMENIAN PROBLEM OVERSHADOWS RELATIONS BETWEEN TURKEY AND FRANCE - DRAFT LAW CONCERNING THE SO-CALLED ARMENIAN GENOCIDE OF THE SOCIALIST MEMBERS OF THE PARLIAMENT CAUSES TENSION BETWEEN ANKARA AND PARIS

Sonmez Koksal, the Turkish Ambassador to France, will meet with Bertrand Dufurcq, the French Undersecretary of the Foreign Ministry, to convey Ankara's discomfort regarding the incident.

The socialist members of the parliament expect the draft law, which was prepared with the initiative of Rene Rouquet, to be taken up for the first time on May 29.

The so-called Armenian genocide message of Lionel Jospin, the French Prime Minister, dated April 24, 1998, and the aforementioned draft law were criticised by the Union of Turkish Associations in France.

The Union started a signature campaign to protest Jospin's message. The campaign wants the Turkish people living in France to join actively in the protest activities against the message of Jospin, who made the statement with the aim of collecting the votes of the nearly 400 thousand Armenians living in France.

Protest letters which were prepared to be sent to Jospin and to the Socialist Party, remind that more than 3 million Turkish soldiers lost their lives during the First World War, noting that 350 thousand Turkish people living in France are embarrassed by the message concerning the so- called Armenian genocide.

Meanwhile it was reported that Koksal will also meet with Laurent Fabius, the Speaker of the French Parliament, to discuss the draft law.

[04] FM CEM: ''WE WANT THE PARTNERSHIP COUNCIL TO CONVENE''

Cem spoke to the journalists following the meetings with Cook, who came to Ankara as the ''EU Term President''. Turkey decided not to discuss political issues with the EU following the Luxembourg Summit.

Speaking to reporters Cem expressed pleasure about the term Presidency of Britain and said both sides were willing to improve economic relations with the EU.

''We aren't offended by anyone,'' said Cem, stressing that talks with Cook took place within the framework drawn by the government on Dec 14, not to discuss political issues, the Cyprus question and several domestic problems.

Reiterating that the EU implemented discrimination against Turkey, Cem said, ''restrictions which we put on political relations with the EU will continue unless this discrimination is removed.'' Cem also emphasized that bilateral relations with the EU countries may be improved.

Cem stressed that the talks developed within the framework to further improve ''economic and social'' issues, adding ''if both sides are satisfied that a maturity is reached, we want the Turkish-EU Partnership Council Meeting to convene.''

Noting that dialogue and contacts with Cook will continue to this end, Cem said that such meetings contribute to the Turkish-EU relations. Cem pointed out that Turkey never departed from her principles, ''I hope the coming days will provide us with opportunities to realize important developments.''

Cem stressed that the Partnership Council was a ''positive step'', adding that Turkey's approach wasn't that it should be realized whatever the cost.

Responding to a question Cem said that Cook didn't bring a special package for Turkey, adding that during the meeting they discussed how the ''EU Strategy for Turkey'' document will be developed.

Cem said Turkey didn't need the 300-400 million US dollars which the EU would give to Turkey, adding ''the issue is important as the EU begins to fulfill its promises.''

Cem said that they discussed the increasing trade volume between the two countries of six billion US dollars, improvement of political relations and the issue of terrorism. Cem also said that the British Foreign Secretary disclosed his views regarding the Cyprus and Aegean issues.

[05] FIREBOMB ATTACKS IN UMRANIYE

The incident happened when five or six unidentified people tossed three firebombs at the MHP Representation on Gazi Mustafa Kemal street at 3:00 p.m.

Two of the firebombs exploded causing a fire. The fire was extinguished by the fire brigades.

Large scale operations have started to investigate the incident.

[06] KORNBLUM, US AMBASSADOR TO GERMANY: ''THE EU MAKES A STRATEGIC MISTAKE BY NOT INCLUDING TURKEY INTO EXPANSION PROCESS''

Addressing a conference on ''The Change and Perception in Europe-Atlantic Relations'' staged in Berlin by the German Konrad Adenauer Foundation, Kornblum said that although the US and the European Union (EU) were in a consensus of opinion on the issue of interests, there was a difference between them on the issue of Turkey.

Kornblum said this difference stemmed from the willingness of the US ''to act jointly in this changing world'', defending that the EU was trying to form its own order against the US.

''The exclusion of Turkey is really a problem that should be solved. Europe is closer to Turkey than the US, so it should see this clearly and bring a clear solution,'' said Kornblum.

Kornblum said that they didn't want a war between Turkey and Greece, adding that they favored these two countries living peacefully and together in their regions.

Kornblum noted that Turkey, whose economy is strengthened and which has a political stability, will contribute to the ''vision of a united Europe.''

''Here,'' Kornblum said, ''the interests of the US and Europe contradict each other, Europe fails to perceive the incidents clearly.''

Noting that new concepts will be required in the coming century, Kornblum said, ''some of the EU member countries didn't want the Turkey issue to be solved within the NATO.'' The US Ambassador said that the solution of this question would be beneficial for everybody.

[07] KORNBLUM, US AMBASSADOR TO GERMANY: ''THE EU MAKES A STRATEGIC MISTAKE BY NOT INCLUDING TURKEY INTO EXPANSION PROCESS''

Addressing a conference on ''The Change and Perception in Europe-Atlantic Relations'' staged in Berlin by the German Konrad Adenauer Foundation, Kornblum said that although the US and the European Union (EU) were in a consensus of opinion on the issue of interests, there was a difference between them on the issue of Turkey.

Kornblum said this difference stemmed from the willingness of the US ''to act jointly in this changing world'', defending that the EU was trying to form its own order against the US.

''The exclusion of Turkey is really a problem that should be solved. Europe is closer to Turkey than the US, so it should see this clearly and bring a clear solution,'' said Kornblum.

Kornblum said that they didn't want a war between Turkey and Greece, adding that they favored these two countries living peacefully and together in their regions.

Kornblum noted that Turkey, whose economy is strengthened and which has a political stability, will contribute to the ''vision of a united Europe.''

''Here,'' Kornblum said, ''the interests of the US and Europe contradict each other, Europe fails to perceive the incidents clearly.''

Noting that new concepts will be required in the coming century, Kornblum said, ''some of the EU member countries didn't want the Turkey issue to be solved within the NATO.'' The US Ambassador said that the solution of this question would be beneficial for everybody.

[08] COUNCIL OF MINISTERS' MEETING ENDS

Ahat Andican, the Minister of State and Government Spokesman staged a news conference following the Council of Ministers' meeting briefing about the issues that were negotiated and the decisions made.

Andican said that during the meeting, Necdet Menzir, the Minister of Transportation and Communications briefed about his visit to Georgia and his contacts there. Within the framework of the contacts Menzir held there, and by considering the hardships of the Georgian government as well, the ministers decided that Turkey would give support to this country for the construction of the 32 km section of the Kars-Tbilisi railway which is on the borders of this state.

The tender for the 92 km section of the Kars-Tbilisi railway project, also within the borders of Georgia, which is very important due to the links of Turkey with Caucasia and the Central Asian republics, was realized earlier.

The ministers also decided in principle that Turkey would repair the international airport in the city of Batumi that couldn't be used due to negligence and provide for its usage as a regional airport for domestic flights. They also decided that the talks related to the issue would be carried out by the Ministry of Transportation and Communications.

The Council of Ministers also discussed the Tube Tunnel Project and gave authorization to Menzir to hold the required contacts on the national and international platforms for the realization of the project.

Ibrahim Gurdal, the Minister of Tourism, gave information about developments regarding tourism in the meeting. According to the evaluations, the number of tourists coming from countries like Germany decreased, but the number coming from the Central European countries and the Commonwealth of Independent States increased a lot.

Ismet Sezgin, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, briefed on the flood disaster experienced in the Aegean Region based in Western Aydin Province. According to the information the wool and vegetables products in 148 villages and in 10 counties received damages.

Mustafa Tasar, the Minister of Agriculture, said that activities to determine the damages were still underway and that the damage determined so far was 11 trillion Turkish Liras.

Burhan Kara, the Minister of State, briefed about the Expo-98 Fair. The ministers decided to allocate 8.5 million US dollars to provide historical, cultural and economic promotion for Turkey at the fair which will last for four months.

The ministers also adopted a decision that Turkey would contribute one million US dollars to the international project, brought onto the agenda by the OSCE, to provide for the return of the Crimean Turks to their countries.

It was also reported that preparations were about to be concluded regarding the activities to transport water with balloons to meet the water needs of the TRNC.

Andican said that the ministers also took up the activities carried out to provide security of life and property for passages in the Straits.

Recalling that providing the security of the Straits was decided to be left to an international commission during the Maritime security meeting held in 1996, Andican said that Turkey didn't participate in the meeting and didn't accept the decision.

Andican said that Turkey launched efforts to prepare the necessary infrastructure to prevent the founding of such an organization.

[09] MONTENEGRO PRIME MINISTER VUYANOVIC'S STATEMENT TO THE A.A: - ''WE OPPOSE THE POLICY OF MILOSEVIC, NOT SERBIA''

Vuyanovic told the A.A correspondent that the reactionary forces lead by Milosevic put the country in a political crisis, adding, ''Milosevic brings Yugoslavia to the brink''. Describing Milosevic as the ''man of the old order'', Vuyanovic accused Milosevic of causing Yugoslavia to be excluded from the international platform.

Noting that the Montenegrin Administration isn't opposed to Serbia and the Yugoslavian Federation, Vuyanovic said, ''what we are opposed to is the wrong policy imposed by Milosevic. A Serbian opposition was also formed against this policy''.

Responding to a question, ''can Montenegro leave the Yugoslavian Federation'', Vuyanovic said that it is impossible. He reminded that the Montenegrians set forth their decisions at the referendum held in 1992.

Filip Vuyanovic stated that the only person responsible for the Kosovo problem is Slobodan Milosevic. Noting that Milosovic both creates the crisis and prevents the solutions of this crisis, Vuyanovic stressed that the Kosovo problem can only be solved by giving autonomy. He claimed that giving Kosovo the status of an independent republic will give rise to problems, not only in the region, but in the world, adding, ''if it happens all the national minorities will act to establish their own states and this will cause a worldwide chaos.''

Vuyanovic also pointed out that the educational, cultural, social and political rights of the Albanians living in Kosovo should be guaranteed.

Vuyanovic added, ''Our national minority formula is extremely democratic and fair. The Albanians and Muslim peoples living in Montenegro have the right of representation both in the Parliament and in the Government.''

[10] PIPELINE SUMMIT IN ISTANBUL - INITIATIVES OF THE US ADMINSTRATION AND COMPANIES IN ISTANBUL

The international conference on the ''Transit Route of the World'' in which the pipeline routes will be discussed, will be held in Istanbul between May 27 and 29, 1998.

Federico Pena, the Secretary of Energy for the US Department of Energy, briefing before the meetings that will be realized within the context of the conference by various units of the US administration said that they opposed the Iranian route for the pipelines, stressing that the ice between the US and Iran hadn't melted.

Noting that they were harshly against the transit of oil and natural gas pipelines from Iran, Pena said ''all our attention is on the Eastern- Western corridor and the Baku-Ceyhan oil pipeline.''

Representatives of 15 countries from the Black Sea and Central Asia, officials of the US Administration and representatives from the US companies will participate at the Istanbul meetings. Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz, Eduard Shevardnadze, the Georgian Head of State, and Federico Pena will address the meetings. Talks will be held related to 64 separate projects in the region.

Pena said that the US policy related to the Caspian Basin, in which energy became a stimulating power, was ''very open'', adding that ''we support the Eastern-Western corridor strategy and in particular, the Trans-Caspian strategy that will extend to Ceyhan in the Mediterranean.''

Pena said that the Baku-Ceyhan pipeline will overcome Turkey's justified concerns related to passages from the Straits and at the same time it was ''economically operational and meaningful''. Pena identified the Trans- Caspian route as a ''new opportunity'' and added that it was beneficial for the regional countries.

Pena also said that they directed all their attention to the Baku-Ceyhan oil pipeline.

Pena said that the legal problems related to the energy power plants in which the US companies are interested in Turkey would be solved and that the Turkish leaders also wanted this. He said that an improvement would be recorded as Turkey needed these projects.

Joseph Grandmaison, the real organizator of the Istanbul meetings, said that there could be no better place than Turkey for such a meeting.

Dick Morningstart, from the White House National Security Council said energy, transportation, communications and infrastructure projects would be discussed at the meetings, adding that the Turkish private sector has experience in Central Asia and that joint ventures with the US companies were possible.

The conference aims to stress the opportunites presented by the great projects in the Black Sea, Caucasian and Central Asian regions.

Turkey's great projects related to energy, the Straits Tube Tunnel and harbours will be promoted at the conference.

[11] 82 KG OF HEROIN SEIZED IN ISTANBUL

Hasan Ozdemir, the Chief of the Security Department in Istanbul said in a press statement that the haul was seized in an operation launched by the narcotics teams which acted on a tip-off.

Ozdemir said five people were taken into custody in connection with the heroin, adding ''we have seized approximately two tons of drugs in Istanbul in the past five months.''

[12] TURKISH-JAPANESE COOPERATION ON MINING

Officials from JICA's Turkey Office told the A.A correspondent that the seminar will be held in the framework of the ''Third Country Education Programme'' which was set up in 1974.

Experts, scientists from Turkey, Japan, the Central Asian countries, Azerbaijan and Bosnia Herzegovina will attend the seminar.

The seminar's first two week session will be held at a theorical level and during the second session of the seminar a technical journey will be organized in Western Anatolia.

[13] TURKEY-PRESS REVIEW (1)

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

COOK VISITS TURKEY
Ismail Cem, the Turkish Foreign Minister, saying that Robin Cook, the British Foreign Secretary, displayed the ''correct attitude'' in their meeting in Turkey on Tuesday, reported that the European Union (EU) and the Turkish government were together laying the groundwork for a possible meeting of the Turkish-EU Association Council. Cook, who arrived for a short visit to Ankara, met with President Suleyman Demirel and Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz as well as with Cem before returning home in the evening.

Cem said that Turkey's position of refusing to conduct political dialogue with the EU remained, but said this didn't mean the two sides couldn't discuss economic and social issues. Cem added that he told Cook the EU had to abandon its stance of discriminating against Turkey if it wants to mend fences with Ankara and resume political talks. After the Cem-Cook meeting, the two sides issued a joint statement declaring they had agreed on the importance of laying the foundation for a European strategy to prepare Turkey for accession. /All papers/

YOUTH FESTIVAL CELEBRATED
The 79th anniversary of founder of the Turkish Republic, Kemal Ataturk's arrival in Samsun from Istanbul on May 19 to start the War of Independence was celebrated yesterday in Ankara and other cities. Official ceremonies in the capital were held at the May 19 Stadium, in which high school students from Ankara attended both as performers and spectators. President Suleyman Demirel and the other leading politicians attended the ceremonies. /All papers/

CELEBI AT WTO MEETING
Isin Celebi, the Turkish Minister of State, has said that the World Trade Organization (WTO), which brings together the highly developed countries and less developed countries, should adopt a balanced approach, which favours the interests of all countries. Delivering a speech at the WTO Second Ministers' Conference continuing in Geneva, Celebi noted that Turkey, which is among the first signatories of the Customs Tariffs Agreement (GATT), was also determined to support the targets of the WTO. /Milliyet/

KINKEL: ''TURKEY IS ESSENTIAL FOR GERMANY''
In a speech on German foreign policy, Foreign Minister Klaus Kinkel talked about the German-Turkish relations in detail. He said that Turkey has a strategic role in the Mediterranean and was of essential importance to Germany. Adding that Turkey was a part of Europe, Kinkel said he had started personal initiatives to normalize Turkey-Germany and Turkey- European Union (EU) relations. /Hurriyet/

PANGALOS CRITICISES US AND EU
Theodoros Pangalos, the Greek Foreign Minister held a press conference yesterday and turned down a US suggestion for solving the Cyprus and the Aegean issues. He also criticised the European Union (EU) efforts to break the Greek veto in order to extend financial aid to Turkey. He added that Cyprus and the Aegean issues shouldn't be mixed with each other, and that the Cyprus issue should be solved within the framework of the United Nations (UN). Pangalos said that they wouldn't lift their veto on financial aid to Turkey until Turkey changed her policies towards Greece and the EU. /Hurriyet/

CEM EVALUTES VISITS TO BULGARIA, ROMANIA AND ENGLAND
Ismail Cem, the Foreign Minister, who returned home on Monday, evaluated his visits to Bulgaria, Romania and England to the Turkish press members. Cem said, ''During the visits I stressed that Turkey had formulated a Eurasian policy. Turkey places importance not only on her relations with Europe, but also with the Eurasian countries, where interest in Turkey has been increasing.'' /Hurriyet/

KARADAYI IN MOSCOW
Ismail Hakki Karadayi, the Chief of General Staff, continued his contacts during his second day in Russia. Karadayi visited the Jukovka Military Base and examined the KA-52 type Russian helicopters there. Later he laid a wreath at the Unknown Soldier Monument in Moscow and also visited the Trtyakovskaya Art Gallery during the same day. Karadayı will start his official contacts today. It is expected that at the end of the meetings a memorandum of ''mutual understanding'' will be signed between the delegations. /Sabah/Hurriyet/

SWEDISH BUSINESSMEN TO VISIT GAP
A delegation of Swedish businessmen will visit Turkey between 24-28 May. There are high-level representatives from the multinational Swedish companies in the delegation. After holding contacts in Istanbul and Ankara, the delegation will visit the Southeastern Anatolia Project (GAP) Office and the European Commission Representative Office. /Sabah/

GIANT PROJECTS FOR TURKEY
A conference on ''Point at the crossroads of the world'' to be held between 27-29 May by the ''Trade and Development Agency'' annexed to the US Department of Commerce will be hosted by Turkey. It is expected that nearly 500 people will attend the conference, during which over 65 projects in the energy, mining and transportation sectors of 14 countries, including Turkey, will be discussed. /Sabah/

[14] TURKEY-PRESS REVIEW (2)

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

TURKISH AND BULGARIAN BUSINESSMEN TO MEET ON INTERNET
The Aegean businessmen are discussing opportunities for cooperation with their Bulgarian counterparts. Members of the Aegean Chamber of the Industry and Trade are in Bulgaria for a Turkish-Bulgarian Businessmen's Meeting organized by the Bulgarian Chamber of Industry and Trade and discussed opportunities to further develop economic and commercial relations between the two countries. An agreement was signed between the two chambers for the exchange of information on the Internet. /Sabah/

FOUR PKK TERRORISTS KILLED
During current operations carried out by the Turkish forces in the Hafik district of Sivas Province, four members of the PKK terrorist organization have been killed. Meanwhile, the ''Murat Operation'' carried out by the Turkish Armed Forces in the southeastern region of Turkey ended on May 10. It is reported that security forces are preparing to launch a new cross- border operation along the Northern Iraqi border, aiming to eradicate the PKK terrorists from the region. During another operation carried out against the illegal fundamentalist Hizboullah organization in Mus, 44 members of this organization were arrested. /Sabah/

GREEK CYPRIOTS ARREST TURKISH SOLDIER
Greek Cypriots have arrested a Turkish soldier in the Akincilar region of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). The TRNC officials noted that the UN Peace Force had informed them that the Turkish soldier had crossed the Greek Cypriot border, and added that the investigation into the incident was continuing. /Milliyet/

ARMENIAN PROBLEM CASTS SHADOW ON TURCO-FRENCH RELATIONS
The Armenian issue, which dominated Turco-French relations in the early 1980s, has again disturbed the otherwise smooth relations between Ankara and Paris. A new initiative on the Armenian issue by some socialist party deputies led to a meeting yesterday between Sonmez Koksal, Turkey's Ambassador to France, and Bertrand Dufurcq, the Secretary General of the Foreign Ministry. The socialist deputies want to present on May 29 ''an Armenian resolution'' on the so-called Armenian genocide between 1915 and 1921. /All papers/

US REVEALS SALE OF MISSILES TO TURKEY AND GREECE
Washington, D.C., is planning to sell Turkey and Greece anti-ship and air- to-ground missiles, it was reported yesterday. A statement made by the Pentagon officials said that the total sales, pending approval by Congress, would be worth 67 million US dollars. Turkey's 43 million US dollar share of the proposed deal is expected to be in the form of 30 anti-ship Harpoon missiles plus spare parts. Defense Department officials said that the sale will serve the security interests of the US by contributing to Turkey's military and security needs. Turkey currently has McDonnel Douglas-made Harpoons in its military inventory. /All papers/

GREEN LIGHT FOR PIPELINE VIA IRAN
After the US declared that it won't impose sanctions on French, Russian and Malaysian companies, all of which have made natural gas agreements with Iran, hopes have risen that the proposed Turkmen natural gas pipeline via Iran to Turkey and Europe will actually be built. /Sabah/

TURKEY AMONG THE CHEAPEST HOLIDAY COUNTRIES IN THE MEDITERRANEAN
It is reported that Turkey is the third cheapest holiday country in the Mediterranean after Tunisia and Malta. According to the Turkish Tourism Investors' Association (TYD), one week hotel costs during the high-season at a three star hotel in Turkey is DM 1077, whereas it is DM 1270 in Spain or DM 1160 in Greece. However, it was also reported that costs in Turkey are 14 percent more than in Tunisia and 6 percent more than in Malta. /Hurriyet/Sabah/

JAPANESE COMPANY IN ISTANBUL
The Japanese NSK-RHP Company, the second largest ball-bearing producer in the world, has announced that they will use Turkey as a base and has already started activities in Istanbul. Toshia Arata, the chairman of the company, and other high level officials of the company attended the opening ceremony of the Istanbul office yesterday. Arata said in a speech that they will sell internationally the spare parts that they produce in Istanbul. /Hurriyet/

[15] THE TENDER CALENDAR OF THE GAP MOTORWAY - CONSTRUCTION TENDERS OF THE MOTORWAY WILL BE HELD ON JUNE 8, 10, 12 AND 15

The tender can be participated in by the companies which have been granted with a sufficiency document and is expected to be concluded in July.

Officials from the General Directorate of Highways told the A.A correspondent that the Gaziantep-Sanliurfa motorway will be constructed in four separate parts. The construction of the motorway which will cost 616 million US dollars, will be financed by the foreign loans provided by the companies. The nearly 160 kilometre long motorway will be concluded within 3 years.

Meanwhile it was reported that the General Directorate of Highways will accept offers from the companies which don't have tax debts for the last 5 years.

[16] TURKEY-WEATHER - HEAVY PRECIPITATION THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY WILL BE REPLACED BY ANOTHER WET FRONT COMING FROM THE WEST

The officials of the Meteorology General Directorate said that the rainy weather began to affect the country last weekend.

The rainy weather will end after continuing in the Marmara, Black Sea, northern and eastern parts of Central Anatolia.

Meanwhile, it was reported that nearly 50 houses were inundated due to heavy rain in Izmit Province. Evacuation efforts initiated by the Izmit Municipality are still underway.

Flow of traffic on the TEM motorway was prevented due to heavy rain.

[17] TURKEY IN BRIEF - MAY 20, 1998

There are five F-16 war planes and nearly 100 Turkish officers in the Fleet Command deployed at Ghedi.

General Kilic will join the European Air Forces Commanders' meeting between May 21-25 with the commanders from 17 countries.

ISTANBUL - The ''10th International Istanbul Theatre Festival'' organized by the Istanbul Foundation of Culture and Art, began on Tuesday.

Sakir Eczacıbasi, the Chairman of the Istanbul Foundation of Culture and Art, said that they are very pleased to host the festival.

He noted that the cooperation initiative of the Foundation with the cultural capitals of the world is continuing with France this year.

Melih Cevdet Anday, the writer of the plays such as ''Immortals'' ''Rubbish of Micado'', was granted with the Honourary Award and Yuri Lubimov, the Director of the Russian Tanganka Theatre, with the Life Long Success Award at the festival.

The festival will last for three weeks.

ANKARA - The first day competitions of the International Motocross Vestel Ataturk Cup were concluded with the success of the

Spanish and Italian racers, it was reported on Tuesday.

The Spanish racer Xaver Rico came in first, the Italian Balducci second and the Spanish Dgarr Toronteras third at the competitions held at the Middle East Technical University.

Two Turkish racers were eliminated at the semi-final tour.

USKUP - A symposium on ''Manastır and Ataturk'' will be held in Manastır, Macedonia, at the beginning of the October, it was reported on Tuesday.

Prof. Dr. Enver Hasanoglu, the Rector of the Gazi University, and Prof. Dr. Radmila Sofronieva, the Rector of the Manastir University, said that they decided to organize a symposium in Manastir where Ataturk went school.

Hasanoglu and Sofronieva signed a protocol which foresees cooperation between the two universities.

The delegation of the Gazi University lead by Prof. Hasanoglu, was received by Kiro Gligorov, the Macedonian President. Gligorov told the members of the delegation that they are ready to provide support for the symposium.

ANKARA - President Suleyman Demirel will go to the Ukraine tomorrow for an official visit as the guest of Leonid Kuchma, the Ukranian President, it was reported on Wednesday.

Demiral will also hold talks in the Crimea, and return to Turkey in May 23.

Several ministers, businessmen and members of the press will accompany Demirel during his visit to the Ukraine.

MERSIN - Police captured 9 members of the illegal ''Hezboullah'' organization in Mersin on Wednesday.

Offİcials from Icel Directorate for the Struggle Against Terrorism told the A.A correspondent that those captured gave a course with the name of ''Koran course'', to propagandize the illegal organization and try to get members for the organization.

ANTALYA - The 11th Golden Arrow Grand Prix Championship began in Antalya on Wednesday.

180 athletes, including 65 women, from 25 countries are participating at the championship.

ANKARA - Zurab Jvania, the Speaker of the Georgian Parliament and a delegation including 40 members of the parliament came on Wednesday to Turkey to hold official talks.

Jvania will be received by President Suleyman Demirel after he meets with Hikmet Cetin, the Speaker of Parliament.

The guest delegation will hold talks with Yucel Seckiner, the Minister of State, and Suleyman Hatinoglu, the Chairman of the Georgia Friendship Group tomorrow.

The Georgian delegation will proceed to Trabzon on Friday and leave Turkey for Georgia on Saturday.

ANKARA - Bill Graham, the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs and International Trade Commission of the Canadian Parliament, will come Turkey tomorrow as the official guest of the Turkish Parliament, it was reported on Wednesday.

Graham will be received by Hikmet Cetin, the Speaker of the Parliament tomorrow.

Bill Graham will leave Turkey on Saturday after meeting with Korkmaz Haktanir, the Undersecretary of the Foreign Ministry, Murat Karayalcin, the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the Parliament, and Hikmet Sami Turk, the Minister of State.

[18] KAYNASLI BRIDGE ON THE ISTANBUL-ANKARA MOTORWAY BADLY DAMAGED DUE TO FLOODING

Responding to the questions of the A.A correspondent, Nusret Miroglu, the Governor of Bolu Province said that the Kaynaslı Bridge was closed to traffic in the morning.

The new bridge was constructed a month ago and a backup of vehicles approximately 10-kilometers long accumulated on the motorway.

Efforts are underway to open the new bridge to traffic.

[19] NEZERITIS, THE GREEK AMBASSADOR TO TURKEY: ''THE EXISTING SYSTEM OF THE EU ISN'T CONVENIENT FOR GIVING SUCH AN ASSISTANCE TO TURKEY LIKE 14 PLUS 1''

Responding to the questions of journalists, Nezeritis stated that ''I haven't heard the statement of Robin Cook, the British Foreign Secretary concerning this issue. I don't want to say more about this issue, however I think that the 14 plus 1 formula isn't convenient for extending financial assistance to Turkey.''

The document titled, ''the EU Strategy for Turkey,'' which was published by the European Commission on May 3 and which foresees improvement of the Turkish-EU relations, was discussed during the one-day visit to Turkey of Robin Cook, the British Foreign Secretary. The British Foreign Secretary proposed ''the 14 plus 1 formula'' to lift the Greek veto on financial assistance to Turkey, which is an important part of the Strategy. The formula foresees the 14 EU countries except Greece extending the promised financial assistance to Turkey by forming a special fund.

[20] TURKEY IN BRIEF (2)- MAY 20, 1998

Addressing the conference on ''Youth and Turkey in the European Union (EU)'' organized in the southeastern Gaziantep Province, Salman said that the Forum is an European students' organization established in the French capital of Paris in 1995, adding that the aim of the Forum is to provide cooperation and integration among the youth, especially students, in Europe.

''The representatives of the Forum are in Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir. Our university students may participate in the activities of the Forum more effectively, contributing to the membership of Turkey in the EU,'' Salman said.

ANKARA - Hikmet Cetin, the Speaker of the Parliament, received on Wednesday Zurab Jvania, the Speaker of the Georgian Parliament, and the accompanying delegation.

Cetin said in the meeting that the positive relations between Turkey and Georgia were contributing to peace and stability in the region.

Zurab Jvania said, ''Turkey that is in the atmosphere of free trade in Europe is an important potential for us. Turkey always supports us on the international issues. Turkey and Georgia will launch great efforts to utilize this potential.''

LEFKOSA - The ''75th Year Mediterranean Culture and Art Ship'' belonging to the Ministry of Culture will arrive at the Girne Harbour on Thursday within the framework of the celebrations for the 75th anniversary of the foundation of the Republic of Turkey.

The ship, which departed from Istanbul on May 16, is carrying a total of 275 people including Istemihan Talay, the Minister of Culture, high-level bureaucrats, artists and reporters.

The artists on board will perform artistic activities at the 20 Temmuz Stadium in Girne late on Thursday.

The ship will leave Girne for Antalya the same day.

LEFKOSA - Hikmet Ulugbay, the Minister of National Education, will arrive on Friday in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) to sign a cooperation protocol in the field of education, it was reported on Wednesday.

Hikmet Ulugbay and Gunay Caymaz, the Minister of National Education, Youth and Sports of the TRNC, will sign the agreement on Saturday.

Ulugbay and the accompanying delegation will leave the TRNC on Sunday.

IZMIR - The Association of Young Businessmen in Izmir will open a representation in the Belgian capital of Brussels to closely follow the developments in the European Union (EU) and to lobby on behalf of Turkey, it was reported on Wednesday.

The Association said in a written statement that they signed a cooperation protocol in the fields of joint investments and exchange of information with the Association of Belgian Turkish Businessmen.

The statement said that the aim of the cooperation protocol was to strengthen the ties between the Turkish and Belgian-Turkish businessmen.

ANKARA - Burhan Kara, the Minister of State, will leave on Thursday for Portugal to attend the opening of the International Maritime Fair EXPO'98, it was reported on Wednesday. Refaiddin Sahin, the Minister of State and the Chairman of the Turkish-Portugese Joint Economic Commission (JEC), will accompany Kara.

The Ministry of State said that the fair on ''Oceans and Heritage for the Future'' will be opened on Friday and will remain open for four months.

[21] ARMENIAN CRISIS IN RELATIONS WITH FRANCE

Addressing a weekly press briefing, Necati Utkan, the Foreign Ministry Spokesman, confirmed the preparations of the draft law in France, adding that Turkey has taken various initiatives to prevent the adoption of the draft law.

Noting that the efforts launched to make the so-called Armenian genocide be recognized have intensified like in the 1980s, Utkan said that Sonmez Koksal, the Turkish Ambassador to France will meet with the French Speaker of the Parliament to prevent the draft law.

Utkan stressed that Koksal will convey the letter of Hikmet Cetin, the Speaker of the Parliament to the French Speaker of the Parliament and Prime Minister Mesut Yılmaz will send a similar letter to the French Prime Minister.

[22] SEKA HAS 1.8 TRILLION TL IN PROFITS IN 1995 WHILE IT HAS 242.9 BILLION TL IN LOSSES IN 1996

Giving information about the activities of the SEKA in 1995 and 1996 on which the Commission made inspections, Halil Sonmez, the General Director of the SEKA said that the gross sales revenues of the SEKA in 1997 were 40.4 trillion TL, excluding the Value Added Tax.

Pointing out that the revenues obtained only from the sales of cardboard was 34.1 trillion TL last year, Sonmez said that the programmed sales income for 1998 was 82.6 trillion TL.

Stressing that a total of 80 percent of the machines and equipment used in the paper industry were now produced in Turkey, Halil Sonmez said that the SEKA was put into the scope of privatization last year.

Noting that the annual paper requirement of Turkey was 400 thousand tonnes, Sonmez said that a total of 170 thousand tonnes of this demand was supplied by the SEKA while the remaining part was imported.

[23] COLLAPSE OF THE SEPARATIST TERRORIST PKK - THREE PKK TERRORISTS SURRENDER TO THE TURKISH EMBASSY IN BEIRUT

The names of the separatist terrorists who surrendered to the Embassy are Ramazan Mahmutoglu, Fuat Karadag and Mahmut Karadayi.

These terrorists confessed that they were trained at the camps in the Bekaa Valley and that they escaped from the separatist terorrist organization and decided to surrender on May 18.

The terrorists said that disagreements occurred among the leading terrorists after the operations of the security forces in Turkey and in Northern Iraq and that these leading terrorists killed some terrorists about whom they had suspicions.

These separatist terrorists who surrendered to the Embassy will be brought to Ankara on Friday.

[24] IF THE EU GRANTS A SECURITY, THEN THE TURKISH-EU ASSOCIATION COUNCIL TO BE HELD - FM: ''THE EU SHOULD GRANT A GUARANTEE CONCERNING THE INTEGRITY OF THE STRATEGY DOCUMENT AND FINANCIAL COOPERATION''

Necati Utkan, the Foreign Ministry Spokesman told a weekly press briefing that Robin Cook, the British Foreign Secretary, said during his visit to Ankara that 14 EU countries wish to fulfill their financial promise to Turkey, but Greece blocks it.

''If a guarantee is granted, then a working basis can be formed, negotiations can be held, but the EU should grant a guarantee concerning the protection of the integrity of strategy document and its promise of financial cooperation,'' Utkan said.

The Turkish-EU Association Council is foreseen to convene in Brussels on May 25, however Turkey doesn't welcome the meeting, because the EU couldn't fulfill its promises towards Turkey.

Noting that the financial assistance is compulsory within the EU Strategy Document for Turkey, Utkan stressed that the Association Council can be held if the EU's attitude becomes clearer.

Recalling that the Turkish government said on December 14 that Turkey would continue to pursue her integration policy with the EU despite the decisions taken at the Luxembourg Summit, Utkan added that a negotiation basis can be formed concerning the ''European Strategy Document for Turkey,'' which was prepared by the EU Commission.

''The main element of indefiniteness is financial cooperation. The financial assistance which the EU promised to extend to Turkey has symbolic importance for us,'' said Utkan, adding that Cook has displayed a positive attitude concerning the EU-Turkish relations. Noting that the 15 member states or 14 plus Greece formula of Cook is both interesting and thought- provoking, Utkan said this proves that Greece is alone and she is isolated in every field.

Utkan also said that ''if the uncertainty cannot be overcomed, the Partnership Council will only be a show.''

Utkan added that Britain, the EU Term President aims ''to take another step forward'' during the EU meeting that will be held in Cardiff after the Turkish-EU Association Council meeting.

[25] OPERATION IN MUS AGAINST ILLEGAL HEZBOLLAH ORGANIZATION - 26 HEZBOLLAH MEMBERS CAPTURED

Questioning the captured members of the illegal Hezbollah organization, officials said that these people staged activities in Mus under the name of the so-called ''scientists'' and distributed organizational bulletins in mosques by using children between 7-13 years of age.

The security forces had recently seized 44 Hezbollah members in the operations in the villages of Mus Province.

[26] AEGEAN INDUSTRIALISTS IN BULGARIA

The officials from the Turkish and Bulgarian delegations conveyed their common wish of improving the economic cooperation between the two countries in the meeting organized at the fair building of the Plovdiv Chamber of Commerce and Trade.

Addressing the meeting, Ihsan Yucel, the Consulate General of Turkey to Plovdiv, said that the businessmen, who wanted to engage in business in the region, would easily find the telecommunications, banking, customs, free trade and transportation services in Plovdiv.

Dobrina Prodonova, the Chairman of the Plovdiv Chamber of Commerce and Industry, called the Aegean businessmen to engage in business in Plovdiv and to participate in privatization.

The meeting continued with the bilateral negotiations of the Turkish and Bulgarian businessmen.

Following the meeting, the businessmen visited the Celhart Paper Factory that the Turkish Isiklar Holding established in Plovdiv within the scope of privatization.

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