Anadolu Agency: News in English, 98-09-07

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

07 SEPT 1998

CONTENTS

[01] PRIME MINISTER YILMAZ IN JORDAN - YILMAZ MEETS WITH JORDANIAN CROWN PRINCE HASSAN - YILMAZ: ''AFTER ESTABLISHMENT OF A COMPREHENSIVE PEACE IN THE REGION, WE SHOULD TRANSFORM IT INTO A CONFLICT-PREVENTION SYSTEM''

[02] PRESIDENT DEMIREL RECEIVES RABBANI, OUSTED PRESIDENT OF AFGHANISTAN

[03] THIRD EUROPEAN WOMENS' HANDBALL CHAMPIONSHIP - TURKEY BEATEN BY RUSSIA 27-28, RANKING FOURTH

[04] RABBANI, THE OUSTED AFGHAN PRESIDENT IN ANKARA - ABDULLAH, THE SPOKESMAN OF THE OUSTED AFGHAN GOVERNMENT: ''TURKEY CAN BRING THE AFGHAN ISSUE TO THE ATTENTION OF INTERNATIONAL PUBLIC OPINION''

[05] TURKEY PRESS REVIEW (1)

[06] TURKEY PRESS REVIEW (2)

[07] OPERATION AGAINST ILLEGAL OPERATION - NINE MEMBERS OF THE ILLEGAL DHKP/C ORGANIZATION ARRESTED

[08] A TURKISH DELEGATION WILL HOLD CONTACTS IN BRUSSELS WITH EU OFFICIALS ABOUT ABOLISHMENT OF EU BAN ON IMPORTS OF AQUACULTURAL PRODUCTS FROM TURKEY

[09] TURKEY IN BRIEF - 7 SEPTEMBER 1998

[10] PRESIDENT DEMIREL LEAVES FOR BAKU - DEMIREL: ''IF TURKEY BECOMES A PARTY TO THE SILK ROAD AGREEMENT, THIS WILL BE VERY USEFUL''

[11] PRIME MINISTER YILMAZ ARRIVES IN ISRAEL

[12] RABBANI, THE OUSTED AFGHAN PRESIDENT IN ANKARA ... - STATE MINISTER ANDICAN VISITS RABBANI, THE OUSTED AFGHAN PRESIDENT - RABBANI REQUESTS TURKEY TO GIVE THEM SUPPORT

[13] TRNC PARLIAMENT SPEAKER ATUN LEAVES FOR RUSSIA - ATUN: ''THE CONFEDERATION PROPOSAL SHOULD BE EVALUATED AS AN IMPORTANT OPPORTUNITY FOR PEACE''

[14] PRIVATIZATION OF ERDEMIR - OIB TO ARRANGE ROADSHOW FOR ERDEMIR AT THE END OF OCTOBER

[15] TRNC PRESIDENT DENKTAS: ''AS LONG AS THIS ATTITUDE OF GREEK CYPRIOTS CONTINUES, IT'S USELESS TO EXPECT THEM TO MAKE AN AGREEMENT WITH US''

[16] TISK PUBLISHES ITS BROCHURE ON ''TURKEY WITH FIGURES''

[17] PRIME MINISTER YILMAZ IN ISRAEL - YILMAZ MEETS WITH NETANYAHU, THE ISRAELI PRIME MINISTER: ''WE SUPPORT THE MIDDLE EASTERN PEACE PROCESS''

[18] PRESIDENT DEMIREL ARRIVES IN BAKU - DEMIREL MEETS WITH HAYDAR ALIYEV, THE AZERBAIJANI PRESIDENT AT BAKU AIRPORT

[01] PRIME MINISTER YILMAZ IN JORDAN - YILMAZ MEETS WITH JORDANIAN CROWN PRINCE HASSAN - YILMAZ: ''AFTER ESTABLISHMENT OF A COMPREHENSIVE PEACE IN THE REGION, WE SHOULD TRANSFORM IT INTO A CONFLICT-PREVENTION SYSTEM''

Prime Minister Yżlmaz met with Jordanian Crown Prince Hassan Bin Tallal the same day.

Addressing a joint press briefing together with the Jordanian Crown Prince Hassan after the meeting, Prime Minster Yżlmaz said that they had the opportunity to discuss bilateral and regional issues, adding that Turkey and Jordan share similar points of view concerning many issues.

Noting that Turkey attributes a special importance to the Middle East Peace Process, Yżlmaz said that Turkey supports the US plan concerning the Israeli settlers and the French-Arab proposal which aims at holding an international conference about the Middle East Peace Process.

''This is an important opportunity and Turkey is ready to participate at this conference,'' Yżlmaz said.

Jordanian Crown Prince Hassan Bin Tallal said that the Middle East doesn't have a security programme although it is a ''very foggy region.''

Noting that Jordan has been discussing this issue with Turkey since the 1980s, Hassan Bin Tallal said ''this structure isn't a pact. The Middle East needs such a structure which will solve the problems concerning everyone. Israel is at the centre of the region and we have to be in agreement with all our neighbours. I frankly say that we do everything for the security and peace of the region.''

Responding to a question of a journalist asking whether the cooperation between Turkey and Israel can be considered as an initiative for setting up a front, Prime Minister Yżlmaz said ''our bilateral cooperation with Israel can't be considered as an initiative directed against the interests of third countries or as an initiative for setting up a regional front.''

Addressing the Turkish and Jordanian businessmen together with the Jordanian Prime Minister Fayez al-Tarawnah the same day, Prime Minister Yżlmaz said that the increase seen in the trade relations between the two countries up until 1995 didn't continue since then.

Noting that the Turkish and Jordanian private sectors will play a key role in the strengthening of relations, Yżlmaz said that cooperation can be made especially in the construction and tourism sectors.

Pointing out that a free trade agreement which will be signed between Turkey and Jordan will accelerate the economic relations, Yżlmaz asked Jordan, which is a transit country concerning the exports of Turkey to the Gulf countries, to revise her implementations which increase the costs of the transports of exports.

The Jordanian Crown Prince Hassan Bin Tallal hosted a dinner in honour of Prime Minister Yżlmaz and his wife Berna Yżlmaz the same evening.

Prime Minister Yżlmaz will proceed to Israel on Monday.

[02] PRESIDENT DEMIREL RECEIVES RABBANI, OUSTED PRESIDENT OF AFGHANISTAN

The Presidential Press Center said in a written statement that President Suleyman Demirel held the meeting upon a request from Rabbani, who stopped over in Turkey on his return from the Nonaligned Summit Meeting which was held in Durban, South Africa.

The statement said that Prof. Rabbani, the leader of the Islamic Society Party, gave information about his contacts at the Nonaligned Summit Meeting, recent developments in Afghanistan and the issues concerning the region.

''President Suleyman Demirel emphasized in the meeting that Turkey has pursued a policy in favor of the protection of Afghanistan's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity since the emergence of the problem. Turkey doesn't support any group in Afghanistan. Turkey does believe that it is impossible to solve the problem by military means. Turkey believes Afghanistan can't secure peace even if one of the sides imposes its domination by military means. Turkey believes that the lasting solution can be reached if a broad-based national compromise conference, at which the representatives of the sides will attend, is organized within the framework of the continuing goodwill mission of the UN Secretary General. Turkey launches efforts with this objective. Turkey had announced that she is ready to host such a conference. Turkey will continue to support the UN Mission and that the establishment of a permanent peace and stability is the only will and target of Turkey,'' the statement said.

''President Suleyman Demirel also mentioned that Turkey, which has always sent humanitarian aid to Afghanistan, will continue her assistance within a more extensive dimension following the final and lasting solution in Afghanistan, stressing that Turkey will help in bandaging the wounds of the Afghan people,'' the statement added.

[03] THIRD EUROPEAN WOMENS' HANDBALL CHAMPIONSHIP - TURKEY BEATEN BY RUSSIA 27-28, RANKING FOURTH

In the match for the bronze medal, Russia had also led 17-13 at halftime while Romania won the championship, beating Lithuania 33-24.

[04] RABBANI, THE OUSTED AFGHAN PRESIDENT IN ANKARA - ABDULLAH, THE SPOKESMAN OF THE OUSTED AFGHAN GOVERNMENT: ''TURKEY CAN BRING THE AFGHAN ISSUE TO THE ATTENTION OF INTERNATIONAL PUBLIC OPINION''

Dr. Abdullah, who accompanies Burhanuddin Rabbani, the ousted President of Afghanistan who came to Ankara to hold various contacts, told the A.A correspondent that their visit isn't official and it won't last long.

Noting that they will discuss the existing situation in Afghanistan and the relations between Turkey-Afghanistan with the Turkish officials during their visit, Dr. Abdullah pointed out that there are strong historical links between Turkey and Afghanistan.

''Turkey can play the most effective role for Afghanistan and she can bring this issue to the attention of the world public opinion,'' said Yżlmaz, adding that the supremacy of the Taleban in Afghanistan is based on the support of Pakistan.

Describing the Taleban as a ''terrorist organization,'' Abdullah said that the Taleban constitutes a danger not only for Afghanistan, but also for the region and even for the world.

Abdullah stressed that the establishment of peace and stability in the region can only be possible with the support that will be extended by the international public opinion.

Noting that the Taleban, which is successful concerning the military, isn't generally liked in Afghanistan, Dr. Abdullah said ''because they use terrorism as tactics their behaviour isn't supported by the people.''

''The Taleban doesn't implement Islam, shariah or humanity, this is only a way of killing people. The Taleban controls Afghanistan by terrorist methods, it tries to destroy the ethnical groups,'' said Dr. Abdullah, adding that they have to fight because the Taleban doesn't seem to stop.

[05] TURKEY PRESS REVIEW (1)

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

DEMIREL TO PARTICIPATE AT SILK ROAD CONFERENCE
President Suleyman Demirel will participate on Monday and Tuesday at a high- level conference in the Azerbaijani capital of Baku, convening to outline the necessary working ground for the establishment of the vital transportation links from Europe via the

Caucasus to Asia. Demirel will deliver a speech at the conference entitled ''Silk Road''. /All papers/

YILMAZ VISITS MIDDLE EASTERN COUNTRIES
Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz left Turkey yesterday to pay a three-day visit to Jordan, Israel and Palestine. The Foreign

Ministry said that regional and international problems, particularly bilateral relations and the Middle Eastern Peace

Process will be discussed during Yilmaz's visit to these countries. The Foreign Ministry said that several agreements will also be signed which will constitute the legal framework for the cooperation among Israel, the Palestinian National Administration and Turkey.

Prime Minister Yilmaz was welcomed by Jordanian Prime Minister Fayez Tarawneh with a military ceremony yesterday. Ministers of State Yucel Seckiner and Isin Celebi and Mustafa Tasar, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, many businessmen and journalists are accompanying Yilmaz during his visit. Yilmaz and Tarawneh held a bilateral meeting and then headed the official meetings between the delegations of the two countries. Three agreements, which foresee cooperation in sports, agriculture and standardization were signed yesterday.

Meanhwhile, Damascus reacted to Yilmaz's visit to Israel. In an editorial published in the daily Al-Baath, run by the governing Baath party, the visit of Yilmaz was condemned and labeled a ''hostile step''. /All papers/

ECEVIT IN TRNC
Bulent Ecevit, the Deputy Prime Minister, paid a visit on Saturday to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) as the official guest of President Rauf Denktas. Ecevit noted during his meeting with Denktas that the proposal for the establishment of a

''Cyprus Confederation'' made by Denktas was the last chance and said that however the Greek Cypriots haven't taken advantage of this opportunity. /Cumhuriyet/

GREEK PRIME MINISTER TO VISIT TURKEY IN OCTOBER
Kostas Simitis, the Greek Prime Minister, yesterday attended the 63rd International Salonika Fair, and said that he plans to visit

Antalya on 12 October. Stating that he would participate in a meeting among the leaders of the Balkan states, Simitis added that he would also meet with Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz. Noting that he didn't want any problems with Turkey in the region, the Greek Prime Minister said, ''I don't believe there will be a crisis in the Aegean''. Commenting on the tensions in the Balkan states, Simitis likened them to powderkegs which would spread to neighbouring countries. /Sabah/

RABBANI IN ANKARA
Burhaneddin Rabbani, the ousted President of Afghanistan, arrived in Ankara yesterday to hold various contacts. Rabbani was welcomed by the Foreign Ministry officials at Ankara's Esenboga Airport. Burhaneddin Rabbani was received by President Suleyman Demirel yesterday.

Rabbani furnished information to Demirel concerning the recent situation in Afghanistan and wanted moral support from Demirel on the international platforms to stop terrorism in Afghanistan.

JOSPIN'S STATEMENT ON CYPRUS
Lionel Jospin, the French Prime Minister, has said that the division of Cyprus isn't acceptable from the standpoint of international law. According to a statement made by Jospin to To Vima magazine published in Greece, Jospin said that the basic problem on Cyprus was the division of the island which has been lasting for 25 years. Jospin added, ''those who oppose a political solution determined by the UN resolutions and block the negotiation process between the two communities on the island will have a great responsibility on behalf of their nations and history''. /Milliyet/

HEROIN OPERATIONS IN IZMIR
During operations carried out by the Izmir Narcotics Department, 19.5 kilograms of hashish, 2,550 Indian hemps and one pistol without license have been seized. According to a statement made by the Izmir Security Office, during nine separate operations carried out between 28 August and 4 September, 17 persons were arrested regarding these crimes.

SECURITY NETWORK TO STRAITS
Several leading companies are preparing themselves to bid for the tender opened for the installation of a ''Maritime Traffic Management and Data System at the Bosphorus and Dardanelles Straits''. More than 10 famous companies are expected to submit bids for the tender to be realized by the Undersecretariat of Maritime Affairs on 21 September.

GREEK CYPRIOTS PURCHASE ARMS
The Greek Cypriot Administration, which increases the tension on Cyprus with the purchase of the Russian-made S-300 missiles, has prepared a new armament programme. According to Mahi newspaper published at Southern Cyprus, Antonis Karas, the Deputy Chief of the Defense Committee of the Greek Cypriot House of Representatives, as, made a statement and said that 20 fighter planes and 12 helicopters will be purchased for the Greek Cypriot National Army in line with the 1997-2001 armament programme. Karas stated that it was essential to accelerate the armament competition and to strengthen the Greek

Cypriot National Army. /Cumhuriyet/

TURKEY AFFECTS GERMANY
An official from the German Foreign Ministry responsible for Turkish-German relations, Von Ploetz, has said that a stable and peaceful atmosphere should be established in the region for the secure future of Turkey. Ploetz received Turkish journalists, who are visiting Germany as the guests of a newspaper organization called Journalist Network and evaluated Turkish- German relations.

Von Ploetz noted that Germany had expressed her positive views for Turkey's entry into the European Union (EU) and said that Turkey, which is a NATO member, was a successful country but she had some homework to do. /Cumhuriyet/

OPERATIONS IN SOUTHEAST
During operations carried out by the Turkish security forces in Southeastern Anatolia, 12 members of the PKK terrorist organization have been killed according to a statement made by the Emergency Rule Region. Two terrorists have surrendered to the security forces.

Meanwhile, a group of PKK terrorists on the Sihli Mountain of Bardakci Village in Cat, Erzurum, killed 20 animals on the mountain. Governor Ahmet Kayhan noted that five PKK terrorists kidnapped 1,300 animals. /Cumhuriyet- Hurriyet/

ROLE OF GAP IN STRUGGLE AGAINST TERRORISM
Salih Yildirim, the Minister of State, stressed the role of the Southeastern Anatolia Project (GAP) in the struggle against terrorism. He complained that the Turkish private sector isn't sufficiently interested in the project. He stated that shrewd entrepreneurs have targeted the GAP for promising investments and this trend will intensify in the near future.

The World Bank, the UN, the European Union (EU), Germany, Canada, France, Israel, Japan, the US, Austria and Britain are currently in contact with the Ministry of State Responsible for the GAP to invest and provide loans. /All papers/

NEW MEDICAL TREATMENT FOR HEPATITIS B
The Internal Medicine Department of Karadeniz Technical University's School of Medicine has developed a new medical treatment method for Hepatitis B. A research group of six doctors headed by Dr. Sait Kapicioglu came up with the treatment following a five-year research. The treatment method will be announced to the world by Kapicioglu in Vienna on 9 September at the 11th World Gastroenterology Congress. /All papers/

[06] TURKEY PRESS REVIEW (2)

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

SUCCESS OF A TURKISH DOCTOR
Saadettin Kupeli, has found a new painless, method of surgery with no side effects for prostatitis patients. The new method found by Prof. Dr. Saadettin Kupeli has received positive reactions. Prof. Kupeli explained his method at the 16th World

Indourology Congress in New York to 2,600 urology specialists. /Sabah/

'TURKEY SHOULDN'T BE EXCLUDED'
Viktor Klima, the Austrian Prime Minister, who is the term-president of the European Union (EU), made a statement to the Der Spiegel Magazine published in Germany and said that Turkey shouldn't think that the EU doors are closed. Replying to a question regarding the deployment of the Russian-made S-300 missiles on southern Cyprus, Klima said, ''the deployment has been postponed until November. We are exerting efforts for the extension of this moratorium process. If we can achieve this, then a sound base will be established for meetings. However, the recovery of relations with Turkey are also very important''. /Hurriyet/

4500 YEAR OLD HUMAN SKELETON FOUND
In excavations near Harmanoren village, Isparta, 4500 year-old human skeletons have been found. The leader of the excavation team, Prof. Dr. Mehmet Ozsait from Faculty of Literature, Istanbul University, said that the works of art found during the excavations would be examined by a group of archaeologists and displayed at the Isparta Museum. /Sabah/

ISTANBUL GRAND PRIX '98
The Istanbul Grand Prix '98, the fourth stage in the World Offshore Class 1 Power Boat Championship was held yesterday at the Bosphorus. Among the 18 participant boats, the Jolly Motor from Italy, the Spirit of Norway from Norway and Victory-4 from the United Arab Emirates were the top three boats. /Sabah/

TURKISH FINANCE FAIR TO OPEN IN NOVEMBER
The first international finance, banking and finance technology fair in Turkey will be held between 19-22 November supported by the Prime Ministry, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Capital Market Board and sponsored by Istanbul Stock Exchange, Privatization Administration, Global Stock Exchange and Park Holding in Istanbul. Osman Birsen, the Chairman of the Istanbul Stock Exchange, said that important steps were taken to make Istanbul a financial centre. He stated that this fair would be an opportunity to attract the interest of foreign investors to Turkey. /Sabah/

KOC HOLDING TO OPEN A CAR PLANT IN SAMARKAND
The car plant to produce minibuses and trucks constructed by the Koc Holding will be opened on 24 October. Hikmet Ozdemir, the Director of the plant, stated that the opening of the plant, an Uzbek-Turkish joint venture, will be held within the framework of the ceremonies to take place for the 1225th anniversary of the birth of Al Buhari who is an important personality both in Turkish and Islamic history. /Sabah/

900 EUROPEAN BANKERS TO MEET IN CANNES
A total of 900 bankers representing 7,000 banks in Europe including Turkey will meet in Cannes, France, between 9-11 September. The Fourth Banks' Conference organized by Europay International will mainly take up competition and new technologies in the banking sector. /Hurriyet/

RIOT TEAMS RAID CELLS OF GANGSTERS IN ANKARA PRISON
Riot teams from the gendarmerie and the police carried out an operation in the cells of the convicted gang members at the Ankara Central Prison early yesterday morning following increasing incidents of murder and other attacks among the inmates. As a result of the search, three cellular telephones as well as a large number of skewers, rods and sharp instruments were confiscated.

NEW VISA APPLICATION OF SYRIA
The Syrian Embassy in Jordan stopped giving visas to Turkish citizens who don't reside in Jordan. The Foreign Ministry said that Turkish citizens, who are living on the Arabian Peninsula, particularly those who will return to Turkey via the Jordanian-Syrian route, have to get visas from the Syrian Representations in the countries where they are residing or from the Syrian Embassy in Ankara.

TURKISH UNION OF TOURIST GUIDES ESTABLISHED
The tourist guidance organizations in Ankara, Istanbul, Izmir and Antalya which have six thousand guide-members, established the Turkish Union of Tourist Guides (TUREB). Ahmet Sensilay, the Chairman of the TUREB and Chairman of the Istanbul Chamber of Guides said that they will publicly announce the goals and activities of the union at a press conference on 12 September.

[07] OPERATION AGAINST ILLEGAL OPERATION - NINE MEMBERS OF THE ILLEGAL DHKP/C ORGANIZATION ARRESTED

The Anti-Terrorism Office in Istanbul said that nine members of the illegal organization including one member responsible for the region, were taken into custody during the operations carried out between 3-7 September.

These people were questioned by the police and it has been determined that these people hung up a banner of the illegal organization on 12 June 1997 in the Zeytinburnu District of Istanbul, participated in unlawful demonstrations held on 1 May 1996, 1997 and 1998, beat someone, who was a tradesman in the Zeytinburnu District and collected money in various places on behalf of the illegal organization.

The suspects, who are in custody, will be transferred to the State Security Court in Istanbul after the completion of their legal proceedings.

[08] A TURKISH DELEGATION WILL HOLD CONTACTS IN BRUSSELS WITH EU OFFICIALS ABOUT ABOLISHMENT OF EU BAN ON IMPORTS OF AQUACULTURAL PRODUCTS FROM TURKEY

The Turkish delegation, which has already left for Brussels, will give information to the EU officials about Turkey's efforts aimed at providing the technical and hygienic conditions at all levels in the aquacultural products sector.

The delegation will also explain that the laboratories of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs have been strengthened with an appropriation of 350 billion Turkish Liras and they have been transformed to such a level that can undertake all the analyses that are required by the EU.

At the end of the meetings, the EU will either lift its ban on the imports of aqucultural products from Turkey or send its experts to Turkey again for control.

Turkey had prepared an urgent action plan after the EU decided to ban the imports of aquacultural products from Turkey and sent a file including the measures taken by Turkey concerning the issue on 17 June 1998 together with the guarantee letter of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs. The concerned experts of the EU started to discuss the file on 15 August 1998 in Brussels.

After the end of the evaluation, the EU invited the Turkish delegation on 8 September 1998 to a meeting in Brussels.

[09] TURKEY IN BRIEF - 7 SEPTEMBER 1998

The congress will continue until 9 September.

BODRUM - The European Commission of the World's Most Beautiful Beaches Club for the first time convened in Bodrum on Sunday.

The members of the commission exchanged opinions about several problems and made some decisions.

The center of the club, which was established in Berlin in 1997 with the participation of 28 members from 25 countries, is in Vannes, France.

SILIFKE - The fifth of the ''Archaeology Days'', which is organized every year by the Icel Governorship, the Icel Art Club and the Mersin University in Silifke County of Icel Province, was concluded on Sunday.

On the last day of the three-day ''Archaeology Days'', which many Turkish and foreign scientists attended, a discussion was held at the Ancient Place in Cambazli Village and the Mersin Opera and Ballet held a performance.

ANKARA - President Suleyman Demirel received on Monday Kumar Gyawali, the Nepal Kingdom's Ambassador accredited to Turkey.

Ambassador Gyawali presented his letters of credence to President Demirel.

ANKARA - General Ilhan Kilic, the Chief Commander of the Air Forces, left on Monday for London to participate in the European Air Forces Commanders' meeting (EURAC).

Gen. Kilic will also hold official contacts until 10 September.

[10] PRESIDENT DEMIREL LEAVES FOR BAKU - DEMIREL: ''IF TURKEY BECOMES A PARTY TO THE SILK ROAD AGREEMENT, THIS WILL BE VERY USEFUL''

Addressing a statement at the Esenboga Airport before his departure, President Demirel said that the head of states of the participant countries will sign the document including the ''Basic Multilateral Agreement concerning the Improvement of International Transportation on the European- Caucasian-Asian Corridor'' and its supplementary sections about transportation by land, sea and railway and about customs procedures.

President Demirel stated that these supplemental sections of the agreement foresee the accord of the legal framework concerning the transportation policies of the regional countries in order to revive the Silk Road by improving economic relations, trade and communications in Europe, the Black Sea, Caucasus, the Caspian Basin and Asia.

''Turkey has the largest motorway cargo fleet among the countries on the route of the Historical Silk Road and is at the centre of the route, if she becomes a party to this agreement, then this will be very useful,'' said Demirel, adding that they will also sign the Baku Declaration which foresees the signing of the TRACECA programme that was started to improve the transportation infrastructure which links Central Asia to Europe via the Caucasus and the Black Sea.

''I'll inform the participant countries about our projects which will provide for the connection of the TRACECA route to the European transportation network,'' said Demirel, adding that he'll stress that Turkey will start the necessary steps to improve the motorway between Samsun-Hopa, to set up the railway connection between Kars-Tiflis and to put the underground tube tunnel into force.

President Demirel said that he will hold bilateral contacts with the leaders including the Azerbaijani President Haydar Aliyev and discuss the developments concerning the Baku-Ceyhan Pipeline Project with him.

Demirel, who is accompanied by Ismail Cem, the Foreign Minister, added that Turkey attributes great importance to these issues.

[11] PRIME MINISTER YILMAZ ARRIVES IN ISRAEL

Prime Minister Yilmaz and the accompanying delegation were welcomed by Barlas Ozener, the Turkish Ambassador to Israel, and by the Israeli officials at the Telaviv Ben-Gurion Airport.

Prime Minister Yilmaz and the delegation with him later proceeded to Jerusalem. Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz visited in Jerusalem the Yad Vashem, the museum where the photographs and belongings of the people, who were killed by the Nazis during the Second World War, are exhibited. Prime Minister Yilmaz, who was briefed on the museum which is called the ''Genocide Museum'', laid wreath in the commemoration hall and observed a minute of silence.

Prime Minister Yilmaz also visited the hall, which was arranged in the memory of the children killed during the genocide and signed the special book.

[12] RABBANI, THE OUSTED AFGHAN PRESIDENT IN ANKARA ... - STATE MINISTER ANDICAN VISITS RABBANI, THE OUSTED AFGHAN PRESIDENT - RABBANI REQUESTS TURKEY TO GIVE THEM SUPPORT

Rabbani said that Turkey has never left the Afghan people alone, requesting Turkey to give them support against the Taleban. Noting that the role of foreign countries in the civilian war that is going on in Afghanistan is also effective, Rabbani pointed out that they favour a peaceful solution of the problem.

Noting that the Taleban transformed the country into a ''base of terrorists, '' Rabbani said ''if one helps the Taleban, it means one in fact supports terrorism''. Pointing out that the Taleban doesn't only wish to control Afghanistan, but the other regional countries, Rabbani stressed that ''helping us against the Taleban means contribution to the security of the region and the world.''

Responding to a question, Rabbani said that the countries which had earlier supported the Taleban have understood their mistake.

Rabbani added that they welcomed the visits of General Rasid Dostum and Melik Han, who came to Turkey a while ago, because Turkey is a friendly country.

Andican, the Minister of State, said ''Turkey carries out all kinds of diplomatic measures with the regional countries that aim to establish stability in Afghanistan.''

Responding to a question about the possibility of Iran's intervention in Afghanistan, Andican said ''these kinds of interventions harden the balances in the region and create an atmosphere of chaos.

Stressing that the Taleban violates human rights in the country, Andican said that Turkey is closely interested in the Uzbek people in the country and she also tried to set up diplomatic contacts with all of the groups in the past.

Noting that the diplomatic channels among the regional countries are open within the framework of a joint action against the Taleban, Andican said ''we expect Pakistan to use her influence on the Taleban in a positive way.''

[13] TRNC PARLIAMENT SPEAKER ATUN LEAVES FOR RUSSIA - ATUN: ''THE CONFEDERATION PROPOSAL SHOULD BE EVALUATED AS AN IMPORTANT OPPORTUNITY FOR PEACE''

Prior to his departure for Moscow to participate at the 100th Meeting of the Interparliamentary Unity Conference, Atun told the A.A correspondent that he will brief the world parliamentarians on the latest situation on Cyprus and thus he will find the opportunity to voice out the rightful cause of the TRNC.

Stressing that they will attend the Cyprus Monitoring Committee, which was established within the framework of the conference, with five parliamentarians with the same conditions as the Greek-Cypriot side, Atun said that the report, which was submitted by them to that committee and reflects the realities on the island, will be discussed and added into the minutes of the General Assembly.

Noting that they announced to the world the unfair and unjust treatments against the TRNC with that report, Atun said, ''we emphasize that it should be understood that there are two different states and two communities living under equal conditions and we stress that the Greek-Cypriots don't have the right to make statements on behalf of the Turkish Cypriots.''

Stressing that the excessive armament initiatives of the Greek-Cypriot side constitute a great obstacle for the establishment of peace on the island, Hakki Atun said, ''the Greek-Cypriots should accept and realize that they can't reach any solution by exhibiting such attitudes. The confederation proposal of President Rauf Denktas is an important opportunity for peace. We will reannounce this proposal to the world during my visit to Moscow.''

Hakki Atun, the TRNC Speaker of the Parliament, added that the Agreement on Reciprocal Exchamge of Population, which was signed in 1975 in Vienna with the Greek-Cypriots, is the proof for the existence of two different states.

[14] PRIVATIZATION OF ERDEMIR - OIB TO ARRANGE ROADSHOW FOR ERDEMIR AT THE END OF OCTOBER

The OIB officials said the iron-steel sector gained an important position following the crisis in Russia, stressing that the markets will play a determinative role in the privatization of Erdemir.

Pointing out that the sale may be delayed if a satisfactory demand isn't obtained from the funds abroad during the roadshow at the end of October for the privatization of 15-20 percent of the 51.66 percent public share in Erdemir, the officials said, ''the privatization with a lower price despite the markets is out of question.''

The OIB officials added that they targetted to finalize the privatization of Erdemir by the end of November.

Meanwhile, the model used at the Turkish Is Bank will be pursued in the privatization.

The HSBC Investment Banking (Hong Kong Shanghai Banking Corporation) will mediate in the public offering of the Erdemir.

[15] TRNC PRESIDENT DENKTAS: ''AS LONG AS THIS ATTITUDE OF GREEK CYPRIOTS CONTINUES, IT'S USELESS TO EXPECT THEM TO MAKE AN AGREEMENT WITH US''

Responding to the questions of journalists before meeting with Dervis Eroglu, the TRNC Prime Minister, President Denktas said that they have to wait for another 30 years to see the Greek Cypriots saying ''we can share our authority,'' adding that the Greek Cypriots don't have such an intention, because the world recognizes them as the ''legitimate government.''

Noting that the Greek Cypriots say ''No'' to regional autonomy and a federate state, President Denktas pointed out that the Turkish Cypriots took a step to protect their rights and founded their state.

Stressing that the European countries have to tell the Greek Cypriot side that she isn't the legitimate government of the Turkish Cypriots, because she doesn't have such a right, Rauf Denktas said ''the Turkish Cypriots are as equal as the Greek Cypriots, which should give up her claim and benefit well from the last opportunity that is put forward to her.''

''Recognizing the TRNC and making a partnership agreement with the TRNC are the most reasonable and rational things that can be done by the Greek Cypriot side,'' said Denktas, adding that the Greek Cypriots try to swallow Cyprus, however Turkey, the Turkish Cypriots and the treaties won't permit this to come true.

President Denktas added that if the Greek Cypriot side wants cooperation and partnership, then he is ready to negotiate on the two state principle, stressing that confederation is the largest sign showing that the TRNC wants to unite and a confederation will prevent division and enosis on the island.

Recalling the statement of the French Prime Minister who said ''we can't accept the division of Cyprus,'' Denktas said that he'll write how Cyprus is divided to the French Prime Minister.

Responding to a question about his visit to the US, which will start on 29 September, Rauf Denktas said ''I'll definitely visit Kofi Annan, the UN Secretary General, if he is in New York. I'll participate in annual meetings of the Islamic countries and explain the recent developments concerning the Cyprus question.''

Recalling that Thomas Miller, the US Department of State's Special Representative to Cyprus will visit the island in September, Denktas said ''I'll explain the new situation on the island to him when he comes.''

[16] TISK PUBLISHES ITS BROCHURE ON ''TURKEY WITH FIGURES''

The last edition of the TISK's brochure on ''Turkey with Figures'' including the statistics for 1997 was published.

The brochure said that the national per capita income according to the foreign exchange rate was 3,076 US dollars last year, while this amount was 6,767 US dollars when the Purchasing Power Parity is taken into consideration.

The labour force decreased from 22.9 million to 22.4 million persons and the employment reduced from 21.5 million to 21 million persons last year while the open unemployment rate went from 6 percent to 6.4 percent.

[17] PRIME MINISTER YILMAZ IN ISRAEL - YILMAZ MEETS WITH NETANYAHU, THE ISRAELI PRIME MINISTER: ''WE SUPPORT THE MIDDLE EASTERN PEACE PROCESS''

Addressing a statement to the press together with Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli Prime Minister, Prime Minister Mesut Yżlmaz said that Turkey favours stability in the whole region and she was among the first countries which recognized Israel after she was established in 1948.

Noting that the strengthening of relations between Turkey and Israel is important, not only for the two countries, but also for peace and stability in the region.

Pointing out that the Turkish-Israeli relations have developed rapidly after the Madrid Agreement which was signed in 1991, Mesut Yżlmaz said that ''I would like to stress once again that Turkish-Israeli relations have a great potential to develop and they aren't directed against anyone. There is a free trade agreement between our countries, I hope our economic relations will develop and our volume of trade will reach two billion US dollars soon.''

Later, Prime Minister Yżlmaz invited Netanyahu to Turkey.

Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli Prime Minister said that the two countries have similar targets like establishment of democracay, stability and economic prosperity. Noting that these targets can be reached with the cooperation between Turkey and Israel, Netanyahu stressed ''this cooperation is open to everyone.''

Netanyahu said that they will never forget the fact that Turkey accepted the Jewish people during the Second World War.

[18] PRESIDENT DEMIREL ARRIVES IN BAKU - DEMIREL MEETS WITH HAYDAR ALIYEV, THE AZERBAIJANI PRESIDENT AT BAKU AIRPORT

Addressing a statement at the airport, President Demirel pointed out the importance of holding such a summit in Baku, noting that the participation and interest in the meeting has shown the point of view of the world to the region.

Congratulating President Haydar Aliyev for his contributions to this summit, President Demirel said ''Asia and Europe will be integrated with this corridor.''

President Demirel will open the ISR Plaza Hotel the same day with Haydar Aliyev and later hold contacts with the Moldovan President and the Georgian President.

President Demirel, who will attend the dinner that will be hosted by Aliyev, will later meet with the Kyrgyz Head of State.

President Demirel will address the Summit of the European-Asian Transportation Corridor on Tuesday morning and he will also meet with the Bulgarian and Ukrainian Presidents.

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