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Anadolu Agency: News in English, 98-07-20

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

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

20 JULY 1998


CONTENTS

  • [01] SEPARATIST TERRORISTS WAYLAY IN SIVAS
  • [02] ANNIVERSARY OF CYPRUS PEACE OPERATION - PRESIDENT DEMIREL SENDS A MESSAGE TO TRNC PRESIDENT DENKTAS: ''CIRCLES WHICH CAN'T STAND THE EXISTENCE AND STRENGTENING OF TRNC CONTINUE TO UNDERTAKE ACTIVITIES WHICH ESCALATE THE TENSION''
  • [03] SELEZNYOV, SPEAKER OF STATE DUMA, ARRIVES IN ANKARA - SELEZNYOV: ''S- 300 MISSILES CAN BE DISCUSSED IF THE TURKISH SIDE PUTS THE ISSUE ON THE AGENDA''
  • [04] PRIME MINISTER YILMAZ: ''THE RECENT DEVELOPMENTS SHOW THAT GREECE AND THE GREEK CYPRIOT ADMINISTRATION DIDN'T LEARN THE NECESSARY LESSONS FROM HISTORY'' - TRNC PRESIDENT DENKTAS:''THE TURKISH SOLDIER WHO CAME HERE FOR PEACE PROTECTS PEACE FOR 24 YEARS''
  • [05] CREDIT NOTE OF TURKEY - HANZ, TURKEY ANALYST OF DUFF AND PHELPS: - ''TURKEY DOESN'T DESERVE A RATING BELOW A 'BB (-)' NOTE''
  • [06] TURKISH PRESS REVIEW (1)
  • [07] TURKISH PRESS REVIEW (2)
  • [08] PRESIDENT DEMIREL VISITS PAZARKULE BORDER GATE AT TURKISH-GREEK BORDER - DEMIREL: ''TURKEY WILL CONTINUE TO BE A PEACEFUL COUNTRY IN HER REGION''
  • [09] TOURISM MINISTER GURDAL PLANTS BLUE FLAG - GURDAL: ''AT LAST, WE WILL SIT DOWN AT THE EU TABLE''
  • [10] WELCH, THE AMERICAN DIPLOMAT'S CONTACTS IN NORTHERN IRAQ - KDP: ''NEGOTIATIONS WERE FRIENDLY AND POSITIVE''
  • [11] TURKEY-RUSSIA - INTERDELEGATIONARY MEETINGS HELD, CHAIRED BY PARLIAMENT SPEAKER CETIN AND STATE DUMA SPEAKER SELEZNYOV
  • [12] THE 24TH ANNIVERSARY OF CYPRUS PEACE OPERATION - TRNC PRESIDENT DENKTAS: ''IT WAS THE GREEK CYPRIOTS WHO MADE US ESTABLISH THE TRNC''
  • [13] ISSUE OF ''SENDING TROOPS TO ALBANIA'' ON AGENDA OF PARLIAMENT

  • [01] SEPARATIST TERRORISTS WAYLAY IN SIVAS

    SIVAS, July 20 (A.A) - A group of separatist terrorists waylaid near Susehri County of eastern Sivas Province, killing two people and setting fire to one motor vehicle.

    A group of terrorists blocked a motorway between Susehri and Akincilar Counties of Sivas and stopped one TIR, one coach, one lorry, one minibus and one car travelling from Erzurum Province to Bursa Province.

    The terrorists, who forced the driver of the TIR to get out of his vehicle, killed him and set the TIR on fire.

    Later, the terrorists stopped a passenger bus and killed Yusuf Yetisken, 48, a teacher, who was trying to get out of the coach. Meanwhile, three policemen, who were also travelling in the passenger bus, got out of the rear door of the bus and opened fire on the separatist terrorists, preventing the terrorists from killing more innocent people.

    The separatist terrorists then fled from the scene.

    Security forces launched an immediate and large-scale operation.

    [02] ANNIVERSARY OF CYPRUS PEACE OPERATION - PRESIDENT DEMIREL SENDS A MESSAGE TO TRNC PRESIDENT DENKTAS: ''CIRCLES WHICH CAN'T STAND THE EXISTENCE AND STRENGTENING OF TRNC CONTINUE TO UNDERTAKE ACTIVITIES WHICH ESCALATE THE TENSION''

    ANKARA, July 20 (A.A) - President Suleyman Demirel said on Monday that circles which can't stand the existence and strengthening of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) continue to undertake activities which escalate the tension, adding that ''the Turkish Cypriot people should be at ease, Turkey carefully evaluates these provocative developments within the framework of her past experience and takes all the necessary measures.''

    Sending a message to Rauf Denktas, the TRNC President for the 24th anniversary of the Cyprus Peace Operation, President Demirel congratulated the Peace and Freedom Day of Denktas and the Turkish Cypriot people, noting that the Peace Operation undertaken by Turkey on 20 July 1974 ended the pressure, violence and pain upon the Turkish Cypriot people and created the conditions which were necessary for permanent peace on Cyprus.

    President Demirel stressed that the continuation of the atmosphere of peace and tranquility, which has been continuing for 24 years on Cyprus is very important for the stability and security of the Mediterranean basin.

    ''The permanency of the TRNC is the cornerstone of the peace and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean, in this respect we launch efforts to provide a more prosperous future for the Turkish Cypriot people. I believe that the TRNC, which is a secular, democratic and peaceloving country, will enter the 21st century as a developing country with the strong solidarity and cooperation between the TRNC and Turkey,'' President Demirel added.

    [03] SELEZNYOV, SPEAKER OF STATE DUMA, ARRIVES IN ANKARA - SELEZNYOV: ''S- 300 MISSILES CAN BE DISCUSSED IF THE TURKISH SIDE PUTS THE ISSUE ON THE AGENDA''

    ANKARA, July 20 (A.A) - Gennadi Seleznyov, the Speaker of the State Duma, the lower chamber of the Parliament of the Russian Federation, and the accompanying parliamentary delegation arrived in Ankara on Sunday.

    Seleznyov, who arrived in Turkey as the official guest of Hikmet Cetin, the Speaker of the Parliament, was welcomed by Uluc Gurkan, the Acting Speaker of the Parliament, and other officials at the Esenboga Airport.

    Speaking to reporters at the Airport, Seleznyov said that there were several issues to be discussed explicitly between the two countries during his official visit to Turkey.

    Responding to a question, Seleznyov said that the S-300 missiles can be discussed when the Turkish side puts the issue on the agenda.

    Pointing out that there were positive developments in the economic and cultural relations between the two countries, the guest speaker said that they were pleased with the activities of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC).
    Uluc Gurkan, the Acting Speaker of the Parliament, said that he believed the visit would contribute to the development of relations between the two countries. Stressing that the relations failed to reach the desired level for hundreds of years, Gurkan said that the politicians have the duty to bring the relations to the desired level.

    ''The rapidly developing economic relations prove that our people charged us with such a duty in the political dimension. Our two countries may be in different positions in the near future on the issues of the Central Asian oil routes and the relations with Europe. The way to live in friendship should absolutely be found despite the different attitudes that Turkey and Russia can take,'' Gurkan said.

    Seleznyov who will start contacts on Monday, is scheduled to be received by President Suleyman Demirel and Hikmet Cetin, the Speaker of the Parliament.

    Seleznyov will also meet with businessmen in Ankara and Istanbul.

    The issue of the S-300 missiles is expected to be brought onto the agenda during Seleznyov's contacts. Glafcos Clerides, the leader of the Greek Cypriot side, during his visit to Moscow said that the S-300 missiles would be deployed despite the pressure of Turkey.

    Seleznyov and the accompanying delegation will leave Turkey on 22 July.

    [04] PRIME MINISTER YILMAZ: ''THE RECENT DEVELOPMENTS SHOW THAT GREECE AND THE GREEK CYPRIOT ADMINISTRATION DIDN'T LEARN THE NECESSARY LESSONS FROM HISTORY'' - TRNC PRESIDENT DENKTAS:''THE TURKISH SOLDIER WHO CAME HERE FOR PEACE PROTECTS PEACE FOR 24 YEARS''

    LEFKOSA, July 20 (A.A) - Prime Minister Mesut Yılmaz, who is currently in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) for the 24th anniversary of the Peace Operation, said on Monday that the recent developments showed that Greece and the Greek Cypriot side didn't learn the necessary lessons from history, adding ''nobody should hesitate about the fact that we will retaliate against all kinds of threats which are directed against the security of Turkey and the TRNC.''

    Addressing a statement upon his arrival on the island, Prime Minister Mesut Yılmaz said that 20 July is an important turning point in the history of Cyprus, stressing that Turkey ended the Greek violence on the Turkish Cypriots within the framework of her rights stemming from the treaties and also prevented the attempt of Greece to annex Cyprus on 20 July 1974.

    Noting that he will evaluate the recent situation on Cyprus together with Denktas, the TRNC President and Dervis Eroglu, the TRNC Prime Minister, Prime Minister Yılmaz said ''the Greek-Greek Cypriot front, which interpretes the commencement of full membership negotiations with the Greek Cypriot side by the European Union (EU) as a green light concerning every issue, have increased their activities to provocate tension on Cyprus and in the region and they upset the security, stability and balances there. Such developments as the deployment of the S-300 missiles on Southern Cyprus, construction of military air and naval bases for Greece and heavy armament efforts show that Greece and the Greek Cypriot side didn't learn lessons from history. I would like to once again stress that this adventurous steps, which recall the pre-1974 period, are dangerous and wrong.''

    Emphasizing that Turkey is an element of peace and stability in her region, Prime Minister Yılmaz said, ''peace is our passion. The uninterrupted atmosphere of peace, which has been established on Cyprus for 24 years is the work of our will.''

    ''The Turkish nation doesn't have any hostility against the Greek people, however if Greece and the Greek Cypriot side continue to show a hostile attitude, then they will be liable for it. The continuation of the TRNC's existence as an independent, sovereign state is our basic aim. The strong cooperation between the TRNC and Turkey carries great importance for regional peace and stability,'' he added.

    TRNC President Rauf Denktas also said ''the Turkish soldier who came here for peace has been protecting peace for 24 years.''

    [05] CREDIT NOTE OF TURKEY - HANZ, TURKEY ANALYST OF DUFF AND PHELPS: - ''TURKEY DOESN'T DESERVE A RATING BELOW A 'BB (-)' NOTE''

    ANKARA/NEW YORK, July 20 (A.A) - Hyme Hanz, the Turkey Analyst of one of the largest American rating organizations Duff and Phelps (D and P), said on Monday that Turkey didn't deserve a rating below a ''BB (-)'' note.

    Speaking to the A.A correspondent, Hyme Hanz said that he paid a visist to Turkey two weeks ago and held several contacts in Ankara and Istanbul, and got information about the latest developments in the Turkish economy.

    Pointing out that the D and P committee would convene within next two weeks and determine its new Turkey note, Hyme Hanz said, ''the economy in Turkey is developing positively.''

    ''The budget realizations are very positive. I saw that Turkey started to provide financial discipline. Also, Turkey started to decrease inflation by means of financial discipline. The agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) made a positive effect at the international platform. The tax reform is nearly concluded and privatization still continues. Besides, the interest rates are decreasing due to the concordant activities of the Treasury and the Central Bank,'' he said.

    Noting that the domestic borrowing capacity of Turkey was getting full, Hanz said that Turkey can pursue a policy of foreign debts in order not to increase the interests.

    Stressing that the costs on the bond markets increased due to the Asian crisis, Hanz said that despite all of these developments, Turkey, as one of the countries less affected by the Asian crisis, can realize the issues of bonds at a lower cost.

    Mentioning that the goals can be achieved if the programme, which Turkey wants to implement is fully implemented, Hanz said, ''the economy administration shouldn't give concessions from its economic policy for the sake of political anxieties.''

    Pointing out that they gave a ''BB (-)'' note to Turkey in their previous evaluation, Hyme Hanz said, ''our note was higher than the notes given by the other rating organizations. We earlier gave this note to Turkey as an advance, but now Turkey has reached a level to fully deserve that note. Turkey doesn't deserve a rating below the 'BB (-)' note. However, it is very early to increase the rating above this note.''

    ''I can say nothing about a change in Turkey's credit note because the committee will make a decision. However, my view for Turkey regarding the rating monitor is positive,'' he added.

    The D and P gave a ''BB (-)'' note to Turkey in March 1997.

    [06] TURKISH PRESS REVIEW (1)

    These are brief summaries of some of the leading stories in Turkey's press on 20 July 1998. The Anadolu Agency doesn't verify these stories and doesn't vouch for their accuracy.

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

    DEMIREL TO MEET WITH BUSINESSMEN FROM SOUTHERN ANATOLIA
    President Suleyman Demirel is going to meet with businessmen from the southeastern regions to increase investments and to find solutions to the problems there. Demirel and the businessmen from the southeast will meet at the Cankaya Presidential Residence tomorrow. /Milliyet/

    COOPERATIVE KEY-98 EXERCISE
    'Cooperative Key-98', one of the planned exercises of the NATO and Partnership for Peace (PFP) member countries, started yesterday with a ceremony held at the Akinci Fourth Main Jet Base Command. The exercise hosted by Turkey will last until 24 July. /Cumhuriyet/

    MEANINGFUL CEREMONY
    The 62nd anniversary of the Montreux Straits Treaty will be celebrated tonight at the Montreux Palace in Switzerland. The 62nd anniversary of the treaty signed on 20 July 1936, will be celebrated within the framework of activities planned for the 75th anniversary of the Republic of Turkey. The celebration, hosted by Taner Baytok, the Ambassador to Switzerland, will be attended by many guests from Turkey and Switzerland. /Cumhuriyet/

    SELEZNYOV: ''WE CAN TALK ABOUT S-300s IF TURKEY WANTS''

    Gennadi Seleznyov, the Speaker of the Duma, the lower chamber of the Russian Federation Parliament, said yesterday that they could talk about the Russian-made S-300 missiles to be deployed in southern Cyprus during their contacts in Turkey. Seleznyov and his accompanying delegation arrived in Turkey yesterday as the official guests of Hikmet Cetin, the Speaker of the Parliament. In a statement at the airport, Seleznyov noted that there were many issues to be discussed in detail between Turkey and Russia. Seleznyov will be received by President Suleyman Demirel and Hikmet Cetin, the Speaker of the Parliament today. /Cumhuriyet/

    CELEBRATIONS IN TRNC
    On the occasion of the 24th anniversary of the 20 July 1974 Cyprus Peace Operation by the Turkish Armed Forces, Turkish warplanes and naval vessels are visiting the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). Rauf Denktas, the TRNC President said in a statement yesterday that although the Turkish Cypriots suffered a lot, they never became the slaves of the Greek Cypriots. Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz will arrive today in the TRNC and deliver a speech to the Turkish Cypriot nation. /Cumhuriyet/

    STRAITS BEING DISCUSSED IN LONDON
    The 44th regular session of the Sub-Committee of the Coast Guard of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) started yesterday in London. During the five-day meeting, Turkey is expected to encounter criticism for implementations regarding the routing of ships and ship report systems. A particular group of countries is expected to try to corner Turkey during the meeting. The group, led by Russia, also includes Greece, Bulgaria, the Ukraine and Greek Cyprus. They will try to confront Turkey, putting forward a report by the World Chamber of Trade, which deals with the subjects in question.

    Further, Russia is expected to try to increase the chances of the harbor of Novorossiysk being made the transport centre for the Central Asian and Azerbaijani oils. /Cumhuriyet/

    TURKISH AIRLINER FORCED TO LAND
    A Turkish Airlines passenger plane was forced to land at the Ataturk Airport in Istanbul, because of an unexplained malfunction in one of its engines yesterday, it was reported. The Turkish Airlines (THY) Airbus-310 was on a flight from Istanbul to Dusseldorf with 200 passengers on board and had to turn back only 10 minutes after take-off. THY officials stated that the pilot of the plane had been forced to dump some of its fuel into the Marmara Sea before it could land. /Hürriyet/

    [07] TURKISH PRESS REVIEW (2)

    These are brief summaries of some of the leading stories in Turkey's press on 20 July 1998. The Anadolu Agency doesn't verify these stories and doesn't vouch for their accuracy.

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

    INCREASE IN EXPORTS FROM DENIZLI
    Textile exports from Denizli increased by 13 percent, reaching 219.4 million US dollars during the first six months of this year when compared with the same period last year. According to the Denizli Chambers of Trade, 94 types of textile goods were exported to 62 countries all around the world from Denizli between 1 January - 30 June of this year. Germany is the largest market for textile goods produced in Denizli, added the same sources. /Milliyet/

    TERRORISTS COOPERATE IN GERMANY
    The outlawed separatist terrorist organizations have established a union called ''Revolutionist United Forces'' in Germany.

    According to a report by Focus magazine based on Federal Criminal Information Bureau, the union has been formed by the PKK, an outlawed Turkish communist party, the Marxist/Leninist Communist Party (MLKP), the Revolutionist Left (DevSol) and auxiliary organizations. The report also noted that the Federal Bureau doesn't see the union as a threat. /Milliyet/

    ''ASIA TO EUROPE SWIMMING CONTEST''
    The Bosphorus Straits were closed yesterday to shipping traffic for a swimming contest. The tenth International Bosphorus-98 from Asia to Europe Swimming Contest took place yesterday. A total of 256 swimmers participated in the contest but only 155 swimmers completed the race. Prior to the contest ''Fighters for Nature'' demonstrated with posters, shouting ''the Turkish Straits should be roads of friendship and peace''. /Sabah/

    ''LET'S NOT REPEAT PAST MISTAKES''
    Iannos Kranioditis, the Greek Deputy Foreign Minister, in a private interview with Sabah, stated that the EU could solve not only the Turkish- Greek disputes and the Cyprus problem, but also be a guarantee for the future prosperity of Turkey. Noting that Turkey would benefit from a change of mind on Cyprus, Kranioditis said that Greece had repeatedly voiced its desire for Turkey to advance along the road leading to the EU and take her due place in the European family. He added however that they couldn't disregard the negative stance of the Turkish governments and their opposition to the territorial integrity and sovereignty of his country. /Sabah/

    GREEK BAN
    Turkish pop music singers Harun Kolcak, Ebru Aydin and a technical team of 14, booked to give concerts for the Turkish communities living in Western Thrace, were denied entry by the Greek border customs officers. Customs officers claimed their visas were invalid and then asked for cigarettes and wine, manager Ozgur Aras said. /Sabah/

    PKK WAYLAID IN SIVAS
    PKK terrorists yesterday blocked the road between Akincilar and Susehri Counties of Sivas Province. The terrorists stopped two trucks and a minivan, forced the drivers and passengers out. After killing two of the passengers and burning a truck they fled.

    Following the incident, local security forces began wide-scale search operations. /Sabah/

    US LEVIES TAX ON GOLD FROM TURKEY
    After Turkey filled an 80 million US dollar quota, adopted by the US for gold imported from Turkey, the US announced that it would levy a 5.7 percent tax on gold from Turkey. The Turkish exporters will pay a 45 cent customs tax for each gramme of gold which they sell to the US, where Turkey makes the highest amount of gold exports. /Hurriyet/

    TURKISH CONTRIBUTION TO GERMAN ECONOMY
    According to a report by the Turkish Research Centre, contributions to Germany's gross national income in 1996 by more than two million Turks living in Germany reached 69 billion DM, an amount which is twice as large as Syria's gross national income. /Hurriyet/

    NEW IMPROVEMENTS IN BAKU-CEYHAN PIPELINE PROJECT
    Following a summit between 13-15 May in Istanbul where Turkish, Azerbaijani and Georgian officials decided to prepare individual reports on technical aspects of the projected Baku-Ceyhan pipeline, his ministry had completed a work on basic issues such as construction, operations, finance and ownership, said Cumhur Ersumer, the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources yesterday. He also noted that two agreements for the realization of the project would be signed by the authoritative councils. /Hurriyet/

    DEMIREL CRITICIZES EU
    In a statement to the Hurriyet newspaper over the weekend, President Suleyman Demirel said that the European Union had become a ''captive of Greece'' in its policy towards Turkey and for that reason it couldn't play the role which it was obliged to on the international platforms. ''Although some positive steps concerning Turkey were adopted at the last summit of the EU held in Cardiff, the EU's discriminatory approach to Turkey hasn't been changed yet,'' said Demirel. /Hurriyet/

    INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS FILM FESTIVAL IN ANKARA
    The first International Human Rights Film Festival will be held in Ankara between 10-17 December 1998. The festival aims to stress the importance of the concept of human rights, bring out its international dimensions through the movie sector and create a consciousness of human rights in all walks of society. /Cumhuriyet/

    [08] PRESIDENT DEMIREL VISITS PAZARKULE BORDER GATE AT TURKISH-GREEK BORDER - DEMIREL: ''TURKEY WILL CONTINUE TO BE A PEACEFUL COUNTRY IN HER REGION''

    EDIRNE, July 20 (A.A) - President Suleyman Demirel visited on Sunday the Pazarkule border gate at the Turkish-Greek border and crossed the border and gave a bunch of flowers and a box of chocolate to each of the two Greek soldiers who were on duty at the Greek side.

    President Demirel told the Greek soldiers that he came to the region for a visit and the Greek soldiers thanked President Demirel.

    Addressing the opening ceremony of the Lausanne Monument, Lausanne Square and Lausanne Museum constructed by the Trakya University in Karaagac County of Edirne Province, President Demirel said ''Turkey will continue to be a peaceful country in her region and we wish that not only our country and our region, but the world lives in peace.''

    ''A peace monument, peace square and peace museum have been built in this part of Turkey. It is the Lausanne Peace Treaty which gives us the opportunity for celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Republic of Turkey, '' said President Demirel, stressing that the Lausanne Treaty was the foundation of the Turkish unitary state.

    ''The Republic of Turkey has been living within the borders of this unitary state for 75 years and it is a more developed, advanced and large state now compared with the time when it was founded. I would like to commemorate Ismet Inonu, who was the commander of the west front during the War of Independence, our second President and the Turkish chief envoy of the Lausanne Peace Negotiations. Turkey fully abides by the Lausanne Peace Negotiations and in this respect she acquired the attribute of being a peaceful country in her region,'' Demirel said.

    Noting that Turkey will continue to be a peaceful country in her region, President Demirel stated, ''Turkey will continue to pursue her policy of solving all kinds of issues peacefully in international relations. Naturally she will protect her rights, because Turkey is a big country.''

    [09] TOURISM MINISTER GURDAL PLANTS BLUE FLAG - GURDAL: ''AT LAST, WE WILL SIT DOWN AT THE EU TABLE''

    ANTALYA, July 20 (A.A) - Ibrahim Gurdal, the Minister of Tourism, said on Sunday that Turkey, at last, will sit down at the European Union (EU) table.

    Participating in the ceremony held upon the planting of a blue flag at the Club Asteria Beach in the Belek Tourism Region in Antalya, Gurdal said that Turkey has the initiatives and claims to be European. ''We are European and world citizens. However, we couldn't join the EU. We are persistent in this issue. We will join the EU in the end. Why? Because we are waiting for the boundary of the EU. A person, who awaits at the boundary, will sit down to the meal. At last, also we will sit down at that table. This is our natural right regarding the human rights and a place that we can reach for our persistence and ideals,'' he said.

    Stressing that several tricks were played on Turkey, Gurdal said that people shouldn't be deceived by those rumours.

    Pointing out that Turkey had some problems in the economic and social fields, Gurdal said, ''don't believe the gossip such as 'tourism is over and there is a crisis in Turkey' and don't be deceived by these. Do we have problems? Yes, we have. We are celebrating the 75th anniversary of the foundation of the modern Republic of Turkey. We have claims. We have ideals dependent on the secular, social and legal state founded by Mustafe Kemal Ataturk. We never give concessions from the principles of Ataturk and from the Republic.''

    Emphasizing that Turkey will contribute to world tourism in the next century, Ibrahim Gurdal said that Turkey will realize a boom in tourism in the 21st century.

    [10] WELCH, THE AMERICAN DIPLOMAT'S CONTACTS IN NORTHERN IRAQ - KDP: ''NEGOTIATIONS WERE FRIENDLY AND POSITIVE''

    ANKARA, July 20 (A.A) - The Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) described the meetings held with David Welch, the Assistant Secretary for Near Eastern Affairs of the US Department of State, as ''friendly and positive.''

    The KDP office in London said that the visit of Welch focused on the peace process between the KDP and the Patriotic Union for Kurdistan (PUK), bilateral relations, political developments in the region and the UN humanitarian assistance programme.

    A delegation headed by Welch visited Northern Iraq last Friday and Turkish diplomats participated in the negotiations as observors. The American diplomat met with Mesut Barzani, the KDP leader in Salah ah Din and Celal Talabani, the PUK leader in As Sulaymaniyah.

    A Foreign Ministry official had told the A.A correspondent that the visit of Welch wasn't an extension of the ''Ankara Process'' which was undertaken by the US, Britain and Turkey and Turkey sent observors to the negotiations.

    [11] TURKEY-RUSSIA - INTERDELEGATIONARY MEETINGS HELD, CHAIRED BY PARLIAMENT SPEAKER CETIN AND STATE DUMA SPEAKER SELEZNYOV

    ANKARA, July 20 (A.A) - Hikmet Cetin, the Speaker of the Parliament, said on Monday that the relations between Turkey and Russia were older than the history of most of the countries. ''The relations always improved despite there being ups and downs.''

    The offical interdelegationary meetings chaired by Cetin and Gennadi Seleznyov, the Speaker of the State Duma, the lower chamber of the Parliament of the Russian Federation, were held. Prior to the meetings at the Mermerli Hall, Cetin said that Turkey and Russia are the most important countries in the region.

    ''Turkey and Russia secure peace and stability in the region. Peace can't be secured without the contributions of Turkey and Russia,'' he stressed.

    Pointing out that there were several problems in the region now, but those problems can be solved with common approaches, Cetin said, ''we hope to further develop the cooperation with Russia. We should also reflect this cooperation to the political field in addition to the fields of the economy and trade. These kinds of visits carry great importance. Important agreements were signed during the visits in the last period. This visit of Seleznyov will contribute to the relations between our people and countries and will add new dimensions.''

    Stressing that these kinds of visits will be beneficial if they are paid regularly, Cetin said, ''thus, some mistakes and misunderstandings, which may occur occasionally, can be removed.''

    Seleznyov said that Hikmet Cetin made important contributions to the relations between Turkey and Russia when he was the Foreign Minister.

    Emphasizing that the parliamentarians should be outspoken in these kinds of meetings, Seleznyev said, ''because, in these kinds of meetings, the interests of their own public and parliaments are in question. I believe the meetings will be more constructive if they are held like this. I can say that our meeting will be held within this kind of atmosphere.''

    [12] THE 24TH ANNIVERSARY OF CYPRUS PEACE OPERATION - TRNC PRESIDENT DENKTAS: ''IT WAS THE GREEK CYPRIOTS WHO MADE US ESTABLISH THE TRNC''

    LEFKOSA, July 20 (A.A) - Rauf Denktas, the President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) said on Monday that ''it was the Greek Cypriots who made us establish the TRNC.''

    Addressing the Turkish Cypriot people during the celebrations held upon the 24th anniversary of 20 July, the Peace and Freedom Day, Denktas stated that the painful days of the Turkish Cypriot people seen before the Peace Operation on 20 July 1974, will never come back again.

    ''The Greek Cypriots threw us from our common state and government by telling us that we were minority and didn't have any rights other than minority. After 13 years of inhumanitarian behaviour against the Turkish Cypriots, the latter established the TRNC. We present the Greek Cypriot side flowers of peace and say that Cyprus is large enough to let the two states live side by side in friendship. The establishment of the Greek Cypriot state on Cyprus and colonizing the Turkish Cypriots isn't rational, '' said Denktas.

    Noting that the Greek Cypriots had attempted to cleanse the Turkish people from the island for 11 years, Denktas recalled the statements of Makarios, who had said ''if Turkey comes to Cyprus to rescue the Turkish people, then she won't find any Turk to rescue.''

    Pointing out that Turkey is still patient in order to attain peace, Denktas said the Greek Cypriots sit around the negotiation table only for tactics, as Glafcos Clerides, the leader of the Greek Cypriot leader said.

    Denktas stressed that states recognize the Greek Cypriots for their own interests and the Greek Cypriots who have a fake title, don't think to set up a joint republic with the Turkish Cypriots and years are lost by negotiations held under the name of ''intercommunal talks.''

    Stressing that the Greek Cypriots came to the door of the European Union (EU) with a unilateral application, Denktas said that ''the EU is shown as a carrot to us, but the poison in this carrot is being hidden. What is this poison, if I quote the words of Clerides, this means salvation from the Turkish guarantee and abolishment of Turkey's rights on Cyprus. They wish to upset the balance between Turkey and Greece and own the island. However, Turkey having a population of 65 million, told the world that she won't abandon her rights on Cyprus.''

    Denktas added that their mission is to develop concerning the economy and this can be achieved by integration between Turkey and TRNC concerning the economy.

    [13] ISSUE OF ''SENDING TROOPS TO ALBANIA'' ON AGENDA OF PARLIAMENT

    ANKARA, July 20 (A.A) - The Prime Ministry memoranda including the ''sending of troops to Albania'' and the ''extension of Emergency Rule in six provinces for an additional four months'' were submitted to the Parliament on Monday.

    The Prime Ministry memorandum foresees the permit for the Turkish Armed Forces sending troops to Albania in accordance with Article 92 of the Constitution on the condition that the necessity, limits, scope and timing are determined by the government in accordance with the protocols signed between the General Staff and the Ministry of Defense of Albania within the framework of the activities of the Turkish Armed Forces in Albania.

    The second memorandum includes the extension of the Emergency Rule implementation in Diyarbakır, Hakkari, Siirt, Sirnak, Tunceli and Van Provinces for an additional four months. The Emergency Rule implementation will end on 27 July.

    The two Prime Ministry memoranda are expected to be discussed on Wednesday or Thursday.


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