Anadolu Agency: News in English, 98-08-25

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

25 AUG 1998

CONTENTS

[01] ECEVIT, DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER, RECEIVES LAVASANI, IRANIAN AMBASSADOR TO TURKEY

[02] CONTACTS OF GUNES TANER, STATE MINISTER, IN MOSCOW

[03] ONE TRILLION TURKISH LIRAS MISSING FROM WELFARE PARTY FUNDS - HIGH COURT OF APPEALS DENOUNCES MEMBERS OF WELFARE PARTY RELATED TO THE MISSING MONEY

[04] INTERNATIONAL PUBLISHERS' UNION AWARDS AYSE NUR ZARAKOLU, OWNER OF BELGE PUBLISHING HOUSE, WITH ''HUMAN RIGHTS PRIZE''

[05] A BOMB EXPLODES IN TUNCELI CAUSING FINANCIAL DAMAGE

[06] ARTISTIC GYMNASTICS - ISTANBUL TO HOST INTERNATIONAL BOGAZICI TOURNAMENT

[07] RELATIONS BETWEEN TURKEY AND UKRAINE - HIGH LEVEL VISITS FROM UKRAINE TO TURKEY - POBEREZNI, UNDERSECRETARY OF UKRAINIAN EMBASSY: - ''TURKEY IS ELEMENT OF STABILITY IN REGION''

[08] ''75TH YEAR CONCERTS'' - FAHIR ATAKOGLU TO GIVE CONCERTS FOR THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF REPUBLIC OF TURKEY

[09] TURKEY-US COOPERATION IN TAX - TRAINING PROGRAM GIVEN BY HARVARD UNIVERSITY TO HIGH RANKING OFFICIALS OF GENERAL DIRECTORATE OF REVENUES BEGINS

[10] HORSEBACK RIDING - TURKOGLU TO REPRESENT TURKEY AT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS IN UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

[11] ERSUMER, MINISTER OF ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES: ''NEW CANAKKALE HARBOUR TO EASE MARMARA SEA TRAFFIC'' - TURKEY'S FIRST ENVIRONMENT-FRIENDLY THERMAL POWER PLANT TO BE CONSTRUCTED IN CAN

[12] GERMANY'S REQUEST FOR JOINING THE BSEC WITH STATUTE OF OBSERVER TO BE VOTED ON IN OCTOBER

[13] CAPTURE OF KOCKAYA - TURKEY REITERATES HER CALL FOR EXTRADITION - HUNGARIAN POLICE INTERROGATE KOCKAYA

[14] ENVIRONMENTAL ACTIVISTS PROTEST THERMAL POWER STATION PLANNED TO BE CONSTRUCTED AT CAN COUNTY OF CANAKKALE PROVINCE

[15] IT IS NOT LIKE A STRAIT BUT A MOTORWAY - ACCORDING TO THE DATA OF ENVIRONMENT MINISTRY, 50,942 SHIPS PASSED VIA ISTANBUL STRAITS AND 36,543 SHIPS VIA CANAKKALE STRAITS LAST YEAR

[16] ANNIVERSARY OF THE GREAT ATTACK - SPEAKER OF PARLIAMENT CETIN CELEBRATES THE ANNIVERSARY OF GREAT ATTACK AND THE LIBERATION DAY OF AFYON PROVINCE

[17] PLEASING MARKETS IN EXPORTS - AGRICULTURAL AND ANIMAL PRODUCTS EXPORTED TO COMMONWEATH OF INDEPENDENT STATES AND EASTERN EUROPE FROM GAP REGION

[18] FIVE VILLAGERS ABDUCTED BY TERRORISTS, RELEASED IN ELAZIG

[19] TURKISH PRESS REVIEW (1)

[20] TURKISH PRESS REVIEW (2)

[21] FOREIGN BORROWING - TURKEY GOES TO FOREIGN MARKETS AGAIN AS OF SEPTEMBER

[22] WRESTLING - NATIONAL TEAM LEAVES FOR SWEDEN IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE AT 44TH WORLD GRAECO-ROMAN WRESTLING CHAMPIONSHIP

[23] RUSSIAN TOURISTS PREFER KEMER FOR HOLIDAY - TEKIN, GENERAL DIRECTOR OF KEMER PROMOTION FOUNDATION: - ''WE EXPECT 100 THOUSAND RUSSIAN TOURISTS''

[24] IMPORT BAN ON MEAT TO BE DISCUSSED AT INTERNATIONAL DIMENSIONS - US COMPLAINT MADE TO THE WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION DUE TO TURKEY'S BAN PUT ON MEAT AND ANIMAL IMPORTS TO BE DISCUSSED BETWEEN 16-17 SEPTEMBER IN GENEVA

[25] ALLEGATIONS THAT GENERAL DOSTUM TO VISIT TURKEY ON TUESDAY - THERE IS NO OFFICIAL INFORMATION REGARDING DOSTUM'S VISIT

[26] TANKER, FULL OF CRUDE OIL RUNS AGROUND

[27] CONTACTS OF SLOVAKIAN DELEGATION

[28] TURKEY REJECTS THE PROPOSITION OF SYRIA CONCERNING WATER ISSUE - SYRIA PROPOSES RECONVENING OF ''TURKISH-SYRIAN-IRAQI JOINT TECHNICAL COMMITTEE'' - FM: ''IT'S TOO EARLY TO REVIVE THE WATER MEETING''

[29] EDUCATION PROBLEM OF KOSOVONIAN TURKS - TURKS ASK FOR EDUCATION RIGHTS IN SEPARATE SCHOOLS JUST LIKE ALBANIANS

[30] 67TH IZMIR INTERNATIONAL FAIR TO BE OPENED ON WEDNESDAY

[01] ECEVIT, DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER, RECEIVES LAVASANI, IRANIAN AMBASSADOR TO TURKEY

Addressing the journalists after the meeting, Lavasani reminded that the Taleban forces in Afghanistan have taken 11 Iranian diplomats hostage, and pointed out that they discussed the issue with Ecevit.

Noting that the Foreign Ministry had condemned the incident previously, Lavasani stressed that Turkey and Iran share joint opinions concerning the issue.

Lavasani said that Ismail Cem's visit to Iran between 14-15 September was also discussed at the meeting.

Pointing out that President Mohammad Khatami of Iran held talks with his Sudanian counterpart General Omar Hassan Ahmad Al-Bashir, Lavasani noted that Sudan stated it was a medical drug plant which was bombed by the US last Thursday.

Reminding that President Khatami is also the Chairman of the Organization for Islamic Conference (OIC), Lavasani told the reporters that he gave information to Ecevit about these issues.

Lavasani also added that Turkey and Iran share the same ideas on the issue of Afghanistan.

[02] CONTACTS OF GUNES TANER, STATE MINISTER, IN MOSCOW

Taner is the first politician who visits Russia in order to discuss economic relations following the economic crisis in Russia at the beginning of last week.

Taner was scheduled to meet with Boris Nemtsov, the Russian Deputy Prime Minister, but surprise changes in the government have affected his plans. The programme of contacts of Taner, who is expected to stay in Russia until Friday, will become clear later.

Gazi Ercel, the Chairman of the Central Bank who is in the delegation, will hold talks with his Russian countrepart Sergey Dubnin.

[03] ONE TRILLION TURKISH LIRAS MISSING FROM WELFARE PARTY FUNDS - HIGH COURT OF APPEALS DENOUNCES MEMBERS OF WELFARE PARTY RELATED TO THE MISSING MONEY

The denouncement was made upon a report prepared by the Ministry of Finance officials who controlled the General Headquarters accounts of the Welfare Party and determined that one trillion Turkish Liras which was in the accounts before the closure of the party, was missing.

During the investigation of the past year accounts of the RP, one trillion Turkish Liras, composed of the aid obtained from the Treasury, the donations and the interests, were ''missing.''

The Ministry of Finance officials earlier said that following the decision of the Constitutional Court to close the RP on 16 January 1998, documents were prepared that the money in question was sent to the local offices, but it was later understood that the money wasn't sent to the local offices.

The officials said that Riza Ulucak, the former Ankara deputy of the closed RP, was responsible for the financial issues.

[04] INTERNATIONAL PUBLISHERS' UNION AWARDS AYSE NUR ZARAKOLU, OWNER OF BELGE PUBLISHING HOUSE, WITH ''HUMAN RIGHTS PRIZE''

The German Publishers' Union based in Frankfurt, stated that Zarakolu has deserved the prize worth 10 thousand German Mark for her struggle for the freedom of expression.

[05] A BOMB EXPLODES IN TUNCELI CAUSING FINANCIAL DAMAGE

Officials told the A.A correspondent that the bomb left in the store by an unidentified attacker or attackers exploded at 3:00 p.m. causing financial damage.

Investigation concerning the incident is underway.

[06] ARTISTIC GYMNASTICS - ISTANBUL TO HOST INTERNATIONAL BOGAZICI TOURNAMENT

Gymnasts from Turkey, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), Finland, Austria, Egypt, Switzerland, Russia, Turkmenistan, Moldova, Uzbekistan, Belgium, Latvia, Romania, Albania, Georgia, Bulgaria, Ireland, Lithuania, Algeria, Kazakhstan, Hungary, Denmark and Germany will participate at the tournament.

[07] RELATIONS BETWEEN TURKEY AND UKRAINE - HIGH LEVEL VISITS FROM UKRAINE TO TURKEY - POBEREZNI, UNDERSECRETARY OF UKRAINIAN EMBASSY: - ''TURKEY IS ELEMENT OF STABILITY IN REGION''

Addressing the press conference organized for the Ukrainian National Day, Vladimir Poberezni, the Undersecretary of the Ukrainian Embassy in Ankara, stressed that relations between Turkey develop rapidly.

Poberezni pointed out that the Speaker of the Ukrainian Parliament and the Ukrainian Minister of Defence will come to Turkey within the framework of improving relations between the two countries, reminding that the Ukrainian Prime Minister will also come to Turkey in order to attend the 75th anniversary of the Republic of Turkey.

Describing Turkey as an element of stability in the region, Poberezni stressed that they place great importance on Turkey.

Reminding that the trade volume between Turkey and the Ukraine was 100 million US dollars in 1994, Poberezni told the reporters that this number increased up to 1.2 billion US dollars in 1998.

Pointing out that T-84 tanks produced by the Ukraine are one of the best tanks in the world, Poberezni emphasized that it is up to the Turkish Government to purchase the tanks.

Poberezni said that the economic crisis in Russia isn't expected to influence the Ukraine directly, Poberezni stressed that however no one can guarantee this. He added that they will take the necessary measures to prevent the Ukraine from being affected by the economic crisis.

Meanwhile Hikmet Sami Turk, the Minister of State Responsible for Human Rights, Murat Karayalcin, the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the Parliament, Mark Parris, the US Ambassador to Turkey and other senior officials joined the reception held for the National Day of the Ukraine.

[08] ''75TH YEAR CONCERTS'' - FAHIR ATAKOGLU TO GIVE CONCERTS FOR THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF REPUBLIC OF TURKEY

Addressing a press conference, Fahir Atakoglu pointed out that he is very proud about giving concerts for the 75th year of the Republic.

Atakoglu noted that 75 years of Turkey will be shown on the Sultanate Gate at the Dolmabahce Palace by using a digital film method at the concert.

The first concerts will be organized at the Dolmabahce Palace on 31 August, the second at the ancient Aspendos Theatre in Antalya on 22 September and the third at the Ataturk Sports' Center on 10 October.

[09] TURKEY-US COOPERATION IN TAX - TRAINING PROGRAM GIVEN BY HARVARD UNIVERSITY TO HIGH RANKING OFFICIALS OF GENERAL DIRECTORATE OF REVENUES BEGINS

Zekeriya Temizel, the Minister of Finance, addressing the opening of the program, stressed that economy wasn't an arm wrestling, adding ''the implementers of the economy will abide by the decisions whatever it requires.''

Temizel said that the Ministry of Finance, Treasury, Central Bank and State Planning Organization (DPT) will disclose very important decisions, adding that the arrangements will take effect on 1 January 1999.

Temizel said that the training program will contribute to the making of more accurate decisions in the economy.

Temizel also pointed out that many sectors of the economy had begun to be strengthened.

Responding to a question about the crisis in Russia, Temizel said ''it is impossible that we won't be affected by the crisis as Turkey has a volume of trade of 6-10 billion US dollars.''

[10] HORSEBACK RIDING - TURKOGLU TO REPRESENT TURKEY AT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS IN UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

The World Championship is organized under the auspices of Sultan Zaid ibn al-Nahayan of the United Arab Emirates.

Riders from 30 countries are invited to the championship.

Turkoglu had represented Turkey at the World Championship held in Italy last year and came in first place.

[11] ERSUMER, MINISTER OF ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES: ''NEW CANAKKALE HARBOUR TO EASE MARMARA SEA TRAFFIC'' - TURKEY'S FIRST ENVIRONMENT-FRIENDLY THERMAL POWER PLANT TO BE CONSTRUCTED IN CAN

Ersumer, who was briefed about the harbour, told journalists that the harbour was constructed as an alternative to the Istanbul and Bandirma harbours.

Speaking about the Can Thermal Power Plant which will be constructed at Can County of Canakkale Province, Ersumer complained about the reactions of the environmentalist organizations who opposed the construction of the power plant that is claimed to destroy the Kazdaglari.

''We are particularly sensitive that our investements throughout Turkey and in Canakkale don't damage the environment. We do this to make Canakkale attractive for the entrepreneurs,'' Ersumer said.

Ersumer said when it is completed the Can Thermal Power Plant will be the first environment-friendly power plant in Turkey and won't give the slightest damage to the environment.

[12] GERMANY'S REQUEST FOR JOINING THE BSEC WITH STATUTE OF OBSERVER TO BE VOTED ON IN OCTOBER

The written statement of the German Embassy in Turkey pointed out that Turkey supports Germany's request.

The statement noted, ''Turkey's support of Germany's request shows the importance that she gives to Turkish-German cooperation and her desire to deepen this cooperation.''

[13] CAPTURE OF KOCKAYA - TURKEY REITERATES HER CALL FOR EXTRADITION - HUNGARIAN POLICE INTERROGATE KOCKAYA

Turkey's Embassy in Budapest said that the extradition period of Kockaya will take place within the framework of the Council of Europe Agreement for the Extradition of Criminals, adding ''we already have a demand for the extradition of Kockaya, we will request that it is implemented.''

The Embassy officials said they didn't have proof that Kockaya hadn't committed a crime in Hungary.

[14] ENVIRONMENTAL ACTIVISTS PROTEST THERMAL POWER STATION PLANNED TO BE CONSTRUCTED AT CAN COUNTY OF CANAKKALE PROVINCE

Members of the Canakkale Environmental Platform opened placards claming that the thermal power station that is claimed to damage the wildlife on Kaz Mountain and the surroundings.

Speaking on behalf of the environmental activists who surrounded the Greenpeace's ship with the boats in the Dardanelles, Dr. Ilhan Pirincciler said that the thermal power station will also affect negatively the ancient city of Troy where the Trojan War, the most famous war in the world supposedly took place because of the beautiful Helen of Troy, according to the Iliad written by Homer.

[15] IT IS NOT LIKE A STRAIT BUT A MOTORWAY - ACCORDING TO THE DATA OF ENVIRONMENT MINISTRY, 50,942 SHIPS PASSED VIA ISTANBUL STRAITS AND 36,543 SHIPS VIA CANAKKALE STRAITS LAST YEAR

According to the data of the Ministry of the Environment, a total of 50,942 ships passed via the Istanbul Straits and 36,543 ships passed via the Canakkale Straits last year and the number of city ferry boat services is approximately 1,500.

According to the information given by the Ministry of the Environment the number of Turkish and foreign ships using the Straits in 1991 was 45,000 and in 1996, 49,952 ships passed via the Istanbul Straits and 36,198 ships passed via the Canakkale Straits. According to this, approximately 137 ships used the Istanbul Straits per day and 97 ships used the Canakkale Straits per day.

Most of the accidents in the sea were caused as the ships sailed with defective or lacking equipment. There is no obligation to take on a guide captain under the Montreux Agreement. The other reasons for accidents are passages under bad weather conditions and at night, and not abiding by the rules as well as the intense traffic.

Some of the ships which use the Straits for transit passages carry dangerous cargoes such as explosive devices, crude oil and liquid gas and the growing dimensions of the ships prepare an atmosphere for maritime accidents.

[16] ANNIVERSARY OF THE GREAT ATTACK - SPEAKER OF PARLIAMENT CETIN CELEBRATES THE ANNIVERSARY OF GREAT ATTACK AND THE LIBERATION DAY OF AFYON PROVINCE

Cetin pointed out in his message that the Turkish people united with the Turkish Army under the leadership of Ataturk, the Founder of the Republic of Turkey, in order to establish the Republic of Turkey. He stressed that the every aspect of the War of National Independence is full of examples of patriotism and bravery.

Cetin added, ''our country was saved and our nation has reached its independence at the end of the Great Attack which has a significant place in the history of world battles with its application and results. The foundation of Republic of Turkey has been laid with this battle.''

[17] PLEASING MARKETS IN EXPORTS - AGRICULTURAL AND ANIMAL PRODUCTS EXPORTED TO COMMONWEATH OF INDEPENDENT STATES AND EASTERN EUROPE FROM GAP REGION

Last year in the same period, 5.5 million US dollars in exports were realized to the CIS and 7.2 million US dollars in exports to Eastern Europe were realized.

The greatest exports were made to Russia with 6.07 million US dollars and to Romania with 17.6 million US dollars. The exports realized to Tadjikistan were interesting as they rose to 2.6 million US dollars with an increase of 611 percent.

Among the products exported to the CIS and Eastern European countries are machine made carpets, dried apricots, macaroni, plastic sack, cotton thread, synthetic thread, hazelnuts, liquid vegetable oil and candy.

[18] FIVE VILLAGERS ABDUCTED BY TERRORISTS, RELEASED IN ELAZIG

Mustafa Kocamis, Mirzali Ozkan, Suleyman Tarhan, Ubeytullah Bozkurt and Hussein Guclu who were abducted by the terrorists while they were working in Bozlama Village, have taken shelter at the Gendarme Headquarters near Pericayi.

Operations are underway in the region in order to capture the separatist terrorists.

[19] TURKISH PRESS REVIEW (1)

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

11 PKK TERRORISTS KILLED
During operations carried out by the Turkish security forces in the Kozluk District of Batman Province, 11 members of the PKK terrorist organization have been killed. The Governor of the Emergency Rule Region noted that security operations in the region are continuing. /Cumhuriyet/

ECEVIT MEETS WITH LAVASANI
Bulent Ecevit, the Deputy Prime Minister, received Huseyin Lavasani, the Iranian Ambassador to Turkey, yesterday. In a statement following the meeting, Lavasani noted that they talked about the issue of the taking prisoner of 11 Iranian diplomats by Afghanistan. /Cumhuriyet/

MEDITERRANEAN COASTAL INSTITUTE
The ''Fourth International Mediterranean Coastal Institute'' organized by the Middle East Technical University (METU Department of Mediterranean Coasts will start today. A total of 25 persons chosen from the Mediterranean and Black Sea countries will enjoy seminars at the Mediterranean Coastal Institute '98, which will last until 11 September. Lecturers from Turkey, the US, Britain, the Netherlands, France, Italy, Croatia and Malta will speak at the institute. /Cumhuriyet/

TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS: 53 DEAD
A total of 53 persons died and 68 persons were injured over the weekend in various traffic accidents through Turkey. The accidents happened in Istanbul, on the Canakkale-Bursa highway, in Balikesir, Erzincan, Izmir, Kayseri, Adana, Bolu, Mus, Gaziantep, Kocaeli, Samsun, Giresun, Kutahya, Corum, Tokat, Zonguldak and Aksaray. /Cumhuriyet/

UN SUPPORT FOR DEVREK WALKING CANES
The United Nations (UN) has granted 25,000 US dollars to the makers of ''Devrek Walking Canes'', noted walking canes produced in the Devrek District of Zonguldak Province. Murvet Okur, the Deputy Chairman of the 67 member Devrek Association of Walking Cane Producers, said that initiatives were continuing for the development of the production of walking canes. /Cumhuriyet/

67TH IZMIR INTERNATIONAL FAIR
The International Izmir Fair will be opened for the 67th time tomorrow. It was reported that the international part of the fair will last until 3 September while the national part will last until 10 September. A total of 1,607 firms including 432 foreign firms from 44 countries will participate at the fair. Burhan Ozfatura, the Mayor of Izmır, recalled yesterday that the contribution of the fair to Turkey's economy was 6 trillion Turkish Liras last year and noted that they were expecting 10 trillion Turkish Liras in income this year. /Cumhuriyet/

STATE MINISTER TANER IN RUSSIA
Gunes Taner, the Minister of State Responsible for the Economy, flew to Moscow yesterday accompanied by Gazi Ercel, the Chairman of the Central Bank and Cuneyt Sel, the Deputy Undersecretary of the Treasury. Speaking to reporters before departing from the Ankara Airport, Taner said that the aim of his visit would be to explore ways of contributing to the revival of Russia's economy. ''Turkey and Russia enjoy very close economic relations. These relations should be further strengthened. We will examine the situation first-hand and seek to outline how Turkey is able to contribute to the reconstruction of the Russian economy within the scope of her opportunities'' Taner said. /All papers/

[20] TURKISH PRESS REVIEW (2)

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

NSC MEETING
The National Security Council (NSC) discussed ways to fight organized crime in its Monday meeting. After a briefing by security officials on organized crime and recent developments concerning this issue, the NSC recommended that the intensive fight against organized crime should continue. Recent foreign political developments were also evaluated at the meeting and developments in Northern Iraq were broadly discussed. /All papers/

DEPOSITS, LOANS INCREASE
In Turkey, deposits in bank accounts and bank loans increased greatly over the first seven months of 1998. The volume of both deposits and loans increased by 23.7 percent in real terms. Bank deposits accounts, which brought in a more stable income when compared to other instruments, reached 8 quadrillion 256.1 trillion Turkish Liras, increasing by 60.3 percent. /Hurriyet/

FOREIGN MINISTER TO VISIT TEHERAN
According to a statement issued yesterday by Huseyin Lavasani, the Iranian Ambassador to Turkey, Ismail Cem, the Foreign Minister, will be in Teheran between 14-15 September to pay an official visit. /Hurriyet/

BELGIUM WANTS CAKICI
The Belgian officials have requested France to hand over Alaattin Cakici, the head of a large criminal organization, to Belgium where he is accused of being involved in a murder. Belgium will also issue a ''red bulletin'' to apprehend Alper Gozelli, who killed Osman Nuri Van on 25 December 1997 in Liege on the order of Cakici. /Hurriyet/

DEUTSCHE BANK, 'STORY OF TWO COUNTRIES'
The Deutsche Bank, one of the world's leading investment banks, has completed a study on comparing the Russian and Turkish economies within the framework of the Asian economic crisis. The study, called ''Story of Two Countries'', says that foreign investors evaluated Turkey and Russia according to the same investment areas and notes that both countries have the same economic characteristics. However, the report says that after June 1998, Turkey and Russia applied different economic measures to avoid the negative effects of the Asian crisis. ''Turkey followed an economic policy in line with the market conditions that protected the stable structure of the Turkish Lira. However, the Russian ruble lost value because of the negative effects of the Asian crisis. Although Russia and Turkey have similar economic characteristics, there are differences in the application of economic measures. Russia couldn't prevent her economy from entering into a serious crisis, whereas Turkey successfully continued on her course, '' says the study. /Milliyet/

SAVING HASANKEYF
Hasankeyf, located on the historical route that linked Mesopotamia to the southeast, will be under water in two years' time after the Ilisu and Karkamis dams are completed within the framework of the Southeastern Anatolia Project (GAP). The Ministry of Culture has decided to exhibit movable artifacts in museums and document the areas which will be inundated. The Ministry has signed a protocol for ''Rescuing the Cultural Heritage of Hasankeyf'' with the Middle East Technical University (METU) and the State Water Works. Istemihan Talay, the Minister of Culture, said that excavations to map the archaeological structure and document the cultural heritage of the region started last week and would end on 15 September. /Sabah/

[21] FOREIGN BORROWING - TURKEY GOES TO FOREIGN MARKETS AGAIN AS OF SEPTEMBER

The Treasury officials stressed that Turkey was one of the three countries having a chance to enter into markets following the crisis in Russia and named the other two countries as Poland and Hungary.

Officials said that despite the Asian crisis, Turkey which got the support of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and international rating institutions, came to a point among the developing markets that it may engage in borrowing. They said despite the negative effect of the Russian crisis, it was pleasing that Turkey was one of the countries having the opportunity of entering into the market.

Officials pointed out that the Russian crisis negatively affected the international markets, adding that it will inevitably affect Turkey which is considered on the same investment line with Russia.

Officials said it was also inevitable that the Russian crisis will increase foreign borrowing costs.

[22] WRESTLING - NATIONAL TEAM LEAVES FOR SWEDEN IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE AT 44TH WORLD GRAECO-ROMAN WRESTLING CHAMPIONSHIP

Addressing the journalists at the Ataturk Airport, Salih Bora, the Technical Director of the National Team, said, ''our aim is to return to Turkey as the winners of the championship.''

The wrestlers who will represent Turkey at the championship are as follows:

54 kilo, Ercan Yildiz; 58 kilo, Erguder Bekisdamat; 63 kilo, Seref Eroglu; 69 kilo, Mecnun Guler; 76 kilo, Nazmi Avluca; 85 kilo, Hamza Yerlikaya; 97 kilo, Hakki Basar; and 130 kilo, Saban Donat.

The national team will return to Turkey on 31 August.

[23] RUSSIAN TOURISTS PREFER KEMER FOR HOLIDAY - TEKIN, GENERAL DIRECTOR OF KEMER PROMOTION FOUNDATION: - ''WE EXPECT 100 THOUSAND RUSSIAN TOURISTS''

Abdullah Tekin, the General Director of the Kemer Promotion Foundation (KETAV), told the A.A correspondent that they have hosted mostly German tourists so far, adding, ''German tourists account for 40 percent of the tourists visiting Kemer, but the number of German tourists were low this year. Russian tourists have begun to show interest in Kemer. We had invited the Russian painters to Kemer last year and I think they have promoted Turkey in Russia with their paintings reflecting Turkey's natural assets.''

Tekin pointed out that 85 thousand Russian tourists came to Turkey within the first seven months and they expect this number to increased up to 100 thousand by the end of this year.

[24] IMPORT BAN ON MEAT TO BE DISCUSSED AT INTERNATIONAL DIMENSIONS - US COMPLAINT MADE TO THE WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION DUE TO TURKEY'S BAN PUT ON MEAT AND ANIMAL IMPORTS TO BE DISCUSSED BETWEEN 16-17 SEPTEMBER IN GENEVA

The US complaint about Turkey to the World Trade Organization at the beginning of June on grounds that Turkey prevented free trade by implementing this ban. This complaint will be discussed between 15 and 16 September.

During the talks, the World Trade Organization will request Turkey's defense. If Turkey is found unjust, then a panel could be set up to take up the issue extensively.

Officials said that the EU was supporting the US on the issue and that talks were underway multilaterally.

After Turkey's entrance into the Customs Union with the EU, India complained about Turkey to WTO due to the quota imposed on textiles and ready-to-wear products and that WTO decided to set up a panel discussion with this objective.

EU, which sent delegations to Turkey many times to remove the ban, which didn't have a positive outcome, asked Turkey for consultations in Brussels on 30 June. However, Turkey didn't participate in the consultations as there was no change in Turkey's views.

[25] ALLEGATIONS THAT GENERAL DOSTUM TO VISIT TURKEY ON TUESDAY - THERE IS NO OFFICIAL INFORMATION REGARDING DOSTUM'S VISIT

The same official said ''however, we have no such information at the moment.''

The Foreign Ministry official, responding to the allegations that Huseyin Lavasani, Iran's Ambassador to Turkey requested Turkey to launch initiatives with Pakistan to provide for the release of the 11 Iranian diplomats which Taleban arrested, said ''if Iran has such a request, then we will be pleased to fulfill this.''

The same official said ''both Pakistan and Iran are friends of Turkey. Iran itself may launch initiatives with Pakistan. Turkey earlier condemned the arrest of the 11 Iranian diplomats by Taleban.''

Meanwhile, it was reported that there were no casualities among the Uzbek, Turkoman and Tadjiks during the US strike on Afghanistan and Sudan. The extreme fundamentalist Taleban forced the Uzbeks, Turkomans and Tadjiks to immigrate to the southern parts of Afghanistan. It was also reported that the Uzbeks, Turkomans and Tadjiks in the southern parts, which the Taleban rules with all its principles and rules, will be pacified and won't be a threat to the Taleban.

The Taleban forced nearly 50,000 Uzbeks, Turkomans and Tadjiks to immigrate to the southern parts of Afghanistan and sent them to Qandahar and Jelalabad, which are near the borders of Pakistan.

[26] TANKER, FULL OF CRUDE OIL RUNS AGROUND

Officials said that the Greek flagged tanker, named ''Crudegulf'' going from Italy to Russia, ran aground due to a technical failure at around 9:30 a.m. as it was passing via the Istanbul Straits.

Officials said that the tanker, which was loaded with 140,000 tonnes of crude oil was 274 meters in height and 23 meters in width, adding that a request came from the Captain for rescue.

[27] CONTACTS OF SLOVAKIAN DELEGATION

Jan Mraz, the Minister of Construction and Public Works of Slovakia and the accompanying delegation met with Minister of State Seckiner.

Seckiner said during the meeting that the existing potential between Turkey and Slovakia should be well-evaluated, stressing, ''the fields of cooperation between our two countries should be enlarged.''

Seckiner said that the cooperation between the two countries in the fields of telecommunications, contracting, natural gas, energy, industry and free zones continue, and that they will start cooperation also in the sports and defence industry in the near future.

Seckiner mentioned that if the sides reach an agreement, then Turkish Armed Forces and Slovakia will jointly produce tanks at the arms factory which now works with a 20 percent output.

Yucel Seckiner added that he was pleased with the contributions of the Slovakian Prime Minister and Ambassador on the issue of banning the broadcasts of the Med TV via Slovakia.

[28] TURKEY REJECTS THE PROPOSITION OF SYRIA CONCERNING WATER ISSUE - SYRIA PROPOSES RECONVENING OF ''TURKISH-SYRIAN-IRAQI JOINT TECHNICAL COMMITTEE'' - FM: ''IT'S TOO EARLY TO REVIVE THE WATER MEETING''

A Foreign Ministry official said that ''it's still very early to revive the water meeting, we don't consider it possible in the short term. First of all, Syria has to take many positive steps particularly in the field of terrorism.''

The triple Joint Technical Committee was established during the Joint Economic Council meeting which was held between Turkey and Iraq in Ankara in December 1980 in order to examine problems concerning regional waters. Syria participated in the Committee in 1983.

A total of 16 sessions were held until the last one in 1992, however a result hasn't been obtained. Turkey and Syria signed ''a security and cooperation protocol'' in 1987 when the late ex-President Turgut Ozal visited Damascus. Turkey promised to give 500 cubic meters of water per second during the JEC meeting in Damascus. However, the relations between the two countries were destroyed by the escalation of terrorism and when Syria didn't fulfill her obligations towards Turkey.

The same official told the A.A correspondent that Turkey fulfilled her promise towards Syria, gave 500 cubic meters of water per second to Syria and even gave 900 cubic meters of water per second on the average to Syria within the last three years.

Mahmud Ziyab Al-Ahmed, the Iraqi Minister of Irrigation had said that they would apply to international jurisdiction if Turkey continued to pursue her projects concerning water and dams. Al-Ahmed also claimed that the water policy of Turkey gives damage to Iraq and Syria.

The Foreign Ministry official said that there is no legal basis for Iraq to apply for international jurisdiction, adding that there is no international mechanism or agreement concerning this issue, adding that Turkey rejected ''the Convention on Use of International Water Ways for Purposes other than for Transportation'' and 27 countries have put reservations on this convention.

Syria and Iraq want to share water with a final agreement, but Turkey opposes the idea of sharing the water of rivers which cross international borders. Syria is concerned about the fact that there will be a decrease in the amount of water that reaches Syria due to irrigation projects of the Southeastern Anatolia Project (GAP).

''There may be a decrease in the amount of water, meaning 900 cubic meters per second, but our promise is giving 500 cubic meters per second to Syria, '' the official said.

The demand asking Turkey to stop her construction project of dams via the Fırat (Euphrates) and Dicle (Tigris) Rivers is described as an intervention in the ''national sovereignty rights of Turkey.''

''Every country has the right to carry out projects within her borders with the condition that these activities won't give an important damage to other countries. Turkey proposes for Syria to use waters in a productive way, however Syria says 'this is our own issue of sovereignty, we'll use water as we like, just give our share to us.' This mentality can't be accepted,'' another official told the A.A correspondent.

[29] EDUCATION PROBLEM OF KOSOVONIAN TURKS - TURKS ASK FOR EDUCATION RIGHTS IN SEPARATE SCHOOLS JUST LIKE ALBANIANS

The Albanians, who don't accept the education programme of the Serbian administration, continue to educate their children in private houses according to their own programmes. However, Turkish students are obliged to study at the official schools.

The Turkish students, who have been being educated in Turkish since 1951, can't find course books and other education materials today.

The Turkish students in Kosovo who will celebrate the 50th anniversary of their education in Turkish in 2001, maybe won't have the chance to get an education with computers and won't get a modern education even in the 21st century.

The joint commission composed of Albanians and Serbians in equal number, which was set up by the demonstrations of Albanian students in Kosovo, had shared schools between them. However, Turkish students who have been living under the pressure of the Serbians and Albanians are concerned that they will have new problems in the future, so they also demand to have rights in sharing schools.

Parents of Turkish students studying in high schools in Turkish said during a meeting held in June that if the Serbian and Albanian students study in different schools, then the Turkish students have to study in separate schools too, because only if this is the case, then they won't be treated as if they were second-class citizens.

[30] 67TH IZMIR INTERNATIONAL FAIR TO BE OPENED ON WEDNESDAY

Mustafa Boyacioglu, the Chairman of the Executive Board of the Izmir Fair Services Cultural and Artistic Works Trade Corp (IZFAS), said that the IEF revived Izmir, the Aegean and Turkish economy.

Pointing out that the IEF introduces the 75 year development and growth of Turkey to the world, Boyacioglu said, ''the number of participants at the fair increased 100 percent. A total of 607 companies including 423 foreign companies from 44 countries including the United Nations will participate at the 67th IEF.''

The United Nations' Office in Turkey will participate at the 67th Izmir International Fair for the first time this year.

Boyacioglu said that the international part of the fair will conclude on 3 September while the national part will finish on 10 September, adding that 44 countries including the US, Germany, Brazil, India, Britain, Iran, Sweden, Italy, Japan, Russia and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) will have stands at the 67th IEF.

A 130-member foreign delegation including ministers and bureaucrats, who arrived in Izmir for the opening ceremony, will hold contacts during the first week of the fair with the officials from the Ministry of Industry and Commerce to seek opportunities for improving economic relations between Turkey and their countries.

Together with the Fifth Izmir Fair International Folk Dances Festival and the Fourth International Art Days activities, a total of 44 commercial, 16 folk dancing, 21 art days participants from 55 countries will convene in Izmir within the framework of the 67th IEF.

The ''Businessmens' Days'' will be held between 27-29 August between 3:00- 6:00 p.m. A ''Businessmens' Office'' will be established at the Lausanne Gate for the businessmen to participate at the activity which was organized to enable the professional visitors to hold their contacts easily.

The honorary guest country, India, will promote her culture and economy with several activities.

India will give a female elephant to the Izmir Zoo on 4 September as a gift while Turkey will present a Van cat and a Kangal dog to India.

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