Anadolu Agency: News in English, 98-09-29

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

29 SEPT 1998

CONTENTS

[01] PRIME MINISTER YILMAZ: - ''WE HAVE WARNED ITALY ABOUT THE SO-CALLED KURDISH PARLIAMENT THAT WILL CONVENE IN ROME'' - ''WE HOPE OBJECTIVE CRITERIA WILL DOMINATE GERMANY'S POLICY CONCERNING THE RELATIONS BETWEEN TURKEY AND EU''

[02] PRIME MINISTER IN MEXICO - PRESIDENT ZEDILLO OF MEXICO WELCOMES YILMAZ WITH AN OFFICIAL CEREMONY AT NATIONAL PALACE - SEVERAL AGREEMENTS SIGNED DURING YILMAZ'S CONTACTS IN MEXICO

[03] TURKISH BUSINESSMEN IN MACEDONIA - BUSINESSMEN MEET WITH SENIOR MACEDONIAN OFFICIALS IN ORDER TO DISCUSS THE VARDAR VALLEY PROJECT

[04] STATE MINISTER ISIN CELEBI IN BULGARIA

[05] ATTACKS WITH MOLOTOV COCKTAILS ON TWO BANK BRANCHES IN ISTANBUL CAUSE FINANCIAL DAMAGE

[06] PRIME MINISTER YILMAZ: ''WE EXPECT SUPPORT OF MEXICO FOR TURKEY'S MEMBERSHIP IN THE UN SECURITY COUNCIL''

[07] PRESIDENT DEMIREL CONGRATULATES IZETBEGOVIC WHO HAS BEEN ELECTED AS THE BOSNIAN MEMBER OF PRESIDENTIAL COUNCIL OF BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA

[08] FOREIGN MINISTER CEM HOLDS POSITIVE CONTACTS IN CANADA

[09] ERDOGAN MEETS WITH HAGINS, THE US COUNSUL GENERAL TO ISTANBUL

[10] ANOTHER CASE FOR OZER CILLER - ANKARA REPUBLIC CHIEF PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE FILES A SUIT AGAINST OZER CILLER, CALLING FOR IMPRISONMENT TERMS VARYING FROM SIX MONTHS TO THREE YEARS ON GROUNDS THAT HE GAVE MISINFORMATION TO THE COMMISSION ESTABLISHED TO INVESTIGATE THE ASSETS OF TANSU CILLER, DYP LEADER

[11] TRNC PRESIDENT DENKTAS' STATEMENT TO THE A.A: - ''THE GREEK CYPRIOTS DON'T NEED TO REACH AN AGREEMENT WITH US'' - ''WE PROPOSE COOPERATION BETWEEN TWO AUTONOMOUS, INDEPENDENT AND SOVEREIGN STATES. NOTHING ELSE CAN BE DONE ON CYPRUS.'' - ''GREECE SHOULD ABANDON PROVOKING AND ENCOURAGING GREEK CYPRIOT SIDE IN ORDER TO REALIZE COOPERATION ON ISLAND''

[12] SEPARATIST TERRORIST ORGANIZATION'S CAMPS IN IRAN - TERRORIST ORGANIZATION HAS COMMUNICATION BUREAUS IN FIVE CITIES ALONG WITH 16 CAMPS

[13] DENOUNCEMENT FROM SAVAS, CHIEF PROSECUTOR AGAINST ERDOGAN

[14] STATE MINISTER TANER: - ''WE HAVE CHOOSEN MEXICO AS THE GATE TO LATIN AMERICA''

[15] TURKISH-INDIAN HEARING AT WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION - TURKEY TO CONVEY THAT ITS IMPLEMENTATION DOESN'T CONTRADICT WITH ARTICLE 24 OF GATT AGREEMENT

[16] NSC TO CONVENE ON WEDNESDAY

[17] TURKISH PRESS REVIEW (1)

[18] TURKISH PRESS REVIEW (2)

[19] ''RELIGIOUS BELIEF TOURISM TOUR'98 TURKEY'' - THE TOUR WHICH INCLUDES SOUTHEASTERN PROVINCES TO START ON WEDNESDAY

[20] WRIGHT, CANADIAN DEPUTY TRADE MINISTER: ''CANADA EXIMBANK'S EXTENDING 50 MILLION US DOLLAR CREDIT TO TURKISH EXIMBANK FOR NETAS PROJECTS IS ON THE AGENDA''

[21] KARS-TBILISI RAILWAY PROJECT - COUNTDOWN STARTS FOR KARS-TBILISI RAILWAY LINE WHICH WILL BE CONSTRUCTED WITH FOREIGN CREDIT

[22] ALIYEV, THE PRESIDENT OF AZERBAIJAN: ''THERE IS NO BORDER BETWEEN TURKEY AND AZERBAIJAN''

[23] TRNC PRESIDENT DENKTAS LEAVES FOR THE US: ''WE DON'T RECOGNIZE THE GREEK CYPRIOT ADMINISTRATION AS OUR GOVERNMENT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES''

[24] THE MEETING OF THE SO-CALLED ''KURDISH PARLIAMENT'' STARTS IN ITALY - ITALIAN GOVERNMENT:''WE CAN'T DO ANYTHING''

[25] TURKEY-IRAQ - IRAQ IS CAUTIOUS ABOUT THE STATEMENTS OF ECEVIT, THE DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER

[26] DENIZOLGUN, MINISTER OF TRANSPORTATION AND COMMUNICATIONS, LEAVES FOR THE US - DENIZOLGUN: ''OUR PRIMARY TARGET IS TO IMPLEMENT THE TUBE TUNNEL PROJECT FOR BOSPHORUS''

[27] TURKEY CONDEMNS GREEK PARLIAMENT WHICH DECLARES 14 SEPTEMBER AS ''THE ANNIVERSARY OF THE GENOCIDE OF HELLENES OF ASIA MINOR BY TURKISH STATE''

[01] PRIME MINISTER YILMAZ: - ''WE HAVE WARNED ITALY ABOUT THE SO-CALLED KURDISH PARLIAMENT THAT WILL CONVENE IN ROME'' - ''WE HOPE OBJECTIVE CRITERIA WILL DOMINATE GERMANY'S POLICY CONCERNING THE RELATIONS BETWEEN TURKEY AND EU''

Responding to the questions of the journalists, Yilmaz pointed out that they are hopeful that Italy will prevent the initiatives concerning the so- called Kurdish Parliament.

Mentioning the general elections in Germany, Yilmaz congratulated Gerhard Schroder who won an overwhelming victory over Kohl. He stressed, ''we hope the objective criteria will dominate Germany's policy concerning the relations between Turkey and the European Union (EU), not the prejudices''.

Yilmaz also noted, ''Syria is aware of Turkey's attitude towards her support to the separatist terrorism. She has to bear the outcomes if she fails to realize the facts. We only request her to stop supporting the separatist terrorist organization which has claimed thousands of innocent lives. If she insists on supporting terrorism, bilateral relations with Syria will become worse.''

Responding to a question about the gang scandal in Turkey, Yilmaz emphasized, ''Eyup Asik, the former Minister of State and deputy of the Motherland Party (ANAP) has done what was right when he resigned from the cabinet in response to the accusations that he held contacts with Alaattin Cakici, the notorious Mafia boss.''

Mentioning the compromise reached between the Northern Iraqi Kurdish leaders Massoud Barzani and Jalal Talabani in Washington, D.C., Yilmaz told the reporters that it is an initiative aimed at excluding the Ankara Process. He also added that Turkey has decided to upgrade her representation in Iraq to the Embassy level.

[02] PRIME MINISTER IN MEXICO - PRESIDENT ZEDILLO OF MEXICO WELCOMES YILMAZ WITH AN OFFICIAL CEREMONY AT NATIONAL PALACE - SEVERAL AGREEMENTS SIGNED DURING YILMAZ'S CONTACTS IN MEXICO

Addressing the ceremony, Zedillo expressed satisfaction at hosting a Turkish Prime Minister for the first time.

Zedillo stressed, ''despite the distance between our two countries, we share many joint points of view. I believe our bilateral relations will become closer. Mexico has a cultural and national tradition of thousands of years just like Turkey. Economic relations between Turkey and Mexico should be improved as soon as possible, we have the opportunities in order to realize it. There is a great commercial potential between the two countries.''

Mesut Yilmaz has conveyed President Suleyman Demirel's invitation to Zedillo to visit Turkey.

Meanwhile several agreements aimed at improving political, economic and commercial relations between Turkey and Mexico, were signed by Gunes Taner and Cavit Kavak, the Ministers of State, and Rosario Green, the Mexican Foreign Minister, during Yilmaz's contacts with the senior Mexican officials. The two countries have also reached an agreement on the struggle against drug trafficking.

Bilateral relations with Mexico are expected to ease Turkey's opening into the Latin American countries and Mexico's relations with Turkey aim at encouraging Mexico to realize initiatives in the Central Asian countries and the Middle East.

Responding to the questions of the Turkish journalists, Rosario Green pointed out, ''a new era has begun in the bilateral relations between the two countries.''

Noting that Yilmaz and Zedillo have discussed the economic crisis which has hit several countries and the possible solutions to the crisis, Green said that the Mexican Minister of Trade will visit Turkey in October.

[03] TURKISH BUSINESSMEN IN MACEDONIA - BUSINESSMEN MEET WITH SENIOR MACEDONIAN OFFICIALS IN ORDER TO DISCUSS THE VARDAR VALLEY PROJECT

The meeting focused on the place, role and methods of the permanent working group that has been planned to be established in the near future.

The senior Macedonian officials pointed out that they have previously realized such activities with Bulgaria, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Albania and Yugoslavia.

[04] STATE MINISTER ISIN CELEBI IN BULGARIA

Valentin Vasilev, the Bulgarian Minister of Trade and Tourism, and officials from the Turkish Embassy in Bulgaria, welcomed Celebi at the Sofia Airport.

Celebi's meeting with the high-level Bulgarian officials will focus on the necessary measures that will be taken in order to further develop economic relations between the two countries and the participation of the Turkish companies in the infrastructure projects in Bulgaria.

Isin Celebi will also hold talks on the ''Turkey-Bulgaria Free Trade Agreement'' approved by both the Bulgarian and Turkish Parliaments, during his contacts in this country.

[05] ATTACKS WITH MOLOTOV COCKTAILS ON TWO BANK BRANCHES IN ISTANBUL CAUSE FINANCIAL DAMAGE

Officials told the A.A correspondent that the investigation concerning the attacks are underway.

[06] PRIME MINISTER YILMAZ: ''WE EXPECT SUPPORT OF MEXICO FOR TURKEY'S MEMBERSHIP IN THE UN SECURITY COUNCIL''

Yilmaz who is the first Turkish Prime Minister officially visiting Mexico, addressing a dinner hosted by the Mexican President Ernesto Zedillo in his honor, said that Mexico plays the role of a bridge like Turkey.

Noting that Turkey was the strongest country in the region and that it assumed active role for peace in Kosovo, Bosnia and Nagorno-Karabakh, Yilmaz said ''Turkey is a good example, with its secular and democratic structure, to the Moslem communities, which appeared after the collapse of the former Soviet Union.'

Yilma said ''today, both Turkey and Mexico realized the inevitablity of being included in globalization, adopted liberal democracy and preferred the course for attaining prosperity by opening their economies to the outside world.''

Identifying the Mexican economy as ''healthy'', Yilmaz said that the Turkish economy has a rapid rate of development and that they were proud of this.

Yilmaz said ''we have realized significant activities to develop relations with Mexico and Latin America in every field and we are trying to create new opportunities. Our relations should be improved at every level. There are opportunities for cooperation in bilateral free trade, science, technology, agriculture and transportation. We may also improve cooperation in international organizations. In this respect, we expect the support of Mexico for Turkey's membership in the UN Security Council.

Ernesto Zedillo, the Mexican President, addressing the dinner emphasized that each of these countries played the role of a bridge and that he was proud of the splendid cultures of these countries.

Zedillo said ''we are proud that Turkey gives priority to Mexico in her efforts to diversify relations with our continent.'' He stated following the meeting with Yilmaz, his belief that relations between the two countries can be extended to various fields.

Zedillo said ''important steps'' were taken to realize cooperation between Turkey and Mexico to struggle against drug trafficking and terrorism. ''Our mutual points form a solid base for strong relations'' he added.

Yilmaz also met with members of the Mexican Businesmens' Association. Yilmaz briefed the Mexican businessmen about the 20-year development of the Turkish economy and submitted comprehensive data and told about the opening abroad of the Turkish economy and told about the radical changes she had experienced.

Emphasizing that the US Secretary of Commerce officially declared Turkey as one of the ''10 newly emerging markets'', Yilmaz stressed that Turkey was the shortest route for the transport of energy sources from the Caspian Basin to the West.

Yilmaz noted, ''we attribute importance to the entrance of foreign capital to Turkey and we realized the required constitutional changes aimed at this objective.'' Yilmaz also pointed out the importance given to privatization.

Yilmaz noted that the Turkish-Mexican trade relations weren't at a satisfactory level, adding that opportunities should be made to develop bilateral trade. Yilmaz asked the Mexican Businessmens' Association to form a business council in Turkey and make investments in Turkey. Mentioning the free trade zones in Turkey, Yilmaz said that there are important opportunities in the GAP region for the foreign markets.

[07] PRESIDENT DEMIREL CONGRATULATES IZETBEGOVIC WHO HAS BEEN ELECTED AS THE BOSNIAN MEMBER OF PRESIDENTIAL COUNCIL OF BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA

The Presidenial Press Center quoted Demirel as saying, ''Turkey will continue her support to Bosnia-Herzegovina's democracy and development efforts and to the Dayton Peace Agreement.''

[08] FOREIGN MINISTER CEM HOLDS POSITIVE CONTACTS IN CANADA

Cem was received by Prime Minister Jean Chretien of Canada and he later came together with his Canadian counterpart Lloyd Axworthy.

The meeting of the two foreign ministers focused on the economic and political relations between Turkey and Canada. The international issues such as Northern Iraq, Kosovo, Russia and Bosnia-Herzegovina, were also discussed at the meeting.

Meanwhile Ismail Cem visited the Canadian Parliament and was welcomed by the deputies with a standing ovation.

Vildas Mogat, the Chairman of the Canadian Senate, receieved Cem.

Ismail Cem also held talks with Ralph Goudale, the Canadian Minister of Natural Resources.

Cem is expected to leave Canada for Turkey later today.

[09] ERDOGAN MEETS WITH HAGINS, THE US COUNSUL GENERAL TO ISTANBUL

Speaking after the meeting, Hagins said ''this is a very serious issue when elected persons, expose crimes as political figures. Such developments will weaken confidence in the Turkish democracy.''

Hagins, before the meeting said that they would exchange opinions.

Responding to a question about the US view regarding the ratification of the penalty of the Istanbul Mayor Erdogan, Hagins said ''there are reports telling about the view of the US to this end. They will be announced later.''

Meanwhile, Erdogan said that he met with Consul General Hagins from time to time and that Monday's visit was a ''coincidence.''

When asked about his view related with the statement of the European Union (EU) regarding the punishment given to him, Erdogan said ''I was not judged on grounds of corruption, gangs or Mafia. I was only judged due to a poem of one of our national poets. I am confident as I am in a democratic struggle. I will continue to struggle in this manner.''

Responding to questions about the denouncement about him by Vural Savas, the Chief Prosecutor of Supreme Court of Appeals, Erdogan said ''this is distant from techniques of law, we are confronted with an announcement in which political views are reflected.''

[10] ANOTHER CASE FOR OZER CILLER - ANKARA REPUBLIC CHIEF PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE FILES A SUIT AGAINST OZER CILLER, CALLING FOR IMPRISONMENT TERMS VARYING FROM SIX MONTHS TO THREE YEARS ON GROUNDS THAT HE GAVE MISINFORMATION TO THE COMMISSION ESTABLISHED TO INVESTIGATE THE ASSETS OF TANSU CILLER, DYP LEADER

The indictment prepared by Bekir Selcuk, the Acting Chief Prosecutor, recalled that Finance Ministry Accounts Experts Committee and Sabri Ergul, the Izmir Deputy of the Republican People's Party (CHP) denounced Tansu Ciller.

A court earlier this year convicted Ozer Ciller of presenting false translations of his U.S. financial documents to the same inquiry.

The court sentenced him to five months in prison, but commuted the prison term to a small fine, suspended for five years.

[11] TRNC PRESIDENT DENKTAS' STATEMENT TO THE A.A: - ''THE GREEK CYPRIOTS DON'T NEED TO REACH AN AGREEMENT WITH US'' - ''WE PROPOSE COOPERATION BETWEEN TWO AUTONOMOUS, INDEPENDENT AND SOVEREIGN STATES. NOTHING ELSE CAN BE DONE ON CYPRUS.'' - ''GREECE SHOULD ABANDON PROVOKING AND ENCOURAGING GREEK CYPRIOT SIDE IN ORDER TO REALIZE COOPERATION ON ISLAND''

Nothing else can be done on Cyprus. The world should realize this fact before it is too late.''

Responding to the questions of the A.A correspondent, Denktas reminded that the Cyprus question has begun after the Greek Cypriots demolished the partnership republic in 1963 and started a civil war in order to make the island a ''Republic of Cyprus''.

Denktas pointed out, ''the Greek Cypriots were encouraged by the world that treated them as the government of all of Cyprus. The world told the Greek Cypriots that the Cyprus question is nothing but the uprising of the Turkish Cypriots against the legal government of Cyprus. The Greek Cypriots have begun to claim that the Cyprus question is a matter of occupation. They have forgotten what they did between 1963 and 1974 and also have made rest of the world forget. They have been given aid worth 3 or 4 billion US dollars following their efforts aimed at tricking the whole world. They try to continue their acts by accusing both Turkey and the TRNC. In this case, they don't need to reach an agreement with us.''

Responding to a question about whether or not he is hopeful for the solution of the Cyprus question, Denktas stressed, ''I am not hopeful for a solution unless the European countries, the US and especially Britain, one of the three guarantor countries, tell Glafcos Clerides, the Leader of the Greek Cypriot side Administration, ''you aren't the government of the Turkish Cypriots''. Countries making efforts to solve the Cyprus question, should realize that the problem has already been solved. The Greek Cypriots aim at establishing a one hundred percent Greek Cypriot administration on the island and they have done this. But they couldn't spread the administration to the north of the island, because our purpose isn't to be dominated by the Greek Cypriots and we have succeeded in this. We have also protected our own rights. Therefore, there are two sides on the island; both have overcome their cases. We are an autonomous, independent and sovereign state. The Greek Cypriots' claims on the north show their truculence.''

Denktas stressed, ''now we purpose to set up a bridge of cooperation between the two communities on the island, but Greece should abandon provoking and encouraging the Greek Cypriot side in order to realize this purpose.''

Mentioning the 15th anniversary of the TRNC, Denktas emphasized, ''we will celebrate the anniversary along with the 75th anniversary of the Republic of Turkey. Our policy is to make the TRNC more lasting and more prosperous. We aim at peace and stability on

Cyprus.''

Comparing the past and present of Cyprus, Denktas pointed out, ''if Turkey hadn't realized the Peace Movement, there wouldn't be Turkish Cypriots on the island. Half of us would be decaying graves and the other half would be in exile. However, Turkey has prevented such a destiny.''

Meanwhile, President Rauf Denktas of the TRNC will go to New York on Tuesday in order to explain the rightful cause of the Turkish Cypriots to the United Nations (BM) and the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC).

Denktas will meet on Wednesday with Kofi Annan, the Secretary General of the UN. He will later meet with Izzettin Laraki, the Secretary General of the OIC.

President Rauf Denktas is scheduled to hold talks with Richard Holbrooke, the Special Representative of US President Bill Clinton to Cyprus on Wednesday.

Denktas is expected to meet on Thursday with Graf Rantzau, the German Special Representative to Cyprus.

Later the same day Denktas will address the annual coordination meeting of the OIC. His speech is expected to focus on the Cyprus question. Denktas will request support from the Islamic countries for the rightful cause of the Turkish Cypriots.

Denktas will meet on Friday with Jeremy Greenstock, the Representative of Britain, the term president of the UN Security Council.

President Denktas of the TRNC will proceed to Toronto, Canada, on 4 October in order to participate at the meetings organized by the Turkish Cypriot- American Associations. He is expected to proceed to Washington, D.C., and continue his contacts in the capital of the US.

[12] SEPARATIST TERRORIST ORGANIZATION'S CAMPS IN IRAN - TERRORIST ORGANIZATION HAS COMMUNICATION BUREAUS IN FIVE CITIES ALONG WITH 16 CAMPS

Following the statements of Bulent Ecevit, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State, claiming ''Iran provokes the separatist terrorist PKK organization against Turkey. There are forces in Iran on which President Mohammad Khatami has no sufficient influence''. The existence of the separatist terrorist organization in this country has been brought onto the agenda again.

The 16 camps near the border region with Turkey are as follows:

''Mako, Givik, Gulali, Melhem, Urumiye, Aylferez, Geysan, Zive, Nove, Beriguere, Suledukal, Kozvih, Kocala, Jerme, Gader and Kotur.''

Meanwhile, the separatist terrorist organization has communication bureaus in Orumiyeh, Mashhad, Qom, Ahvaz and Bandar-e Bushehr cities of Iran.

[13] DENOUNCEMENT FROM SAVAS, CHIEF PROSECUTOR AGAINST ERDOGAN

In the denouncement Savas said that Erdogan in a ceremony staged in Tuzla, following the resolution of the Supreme Court of Appeals to sentence him to 10 months imprisonment, spoke against him.

Savas said tht Erdogan in the speech said, ''Here is the army and here is the Commander'', adding that he incited the angry crowd against him.

Savas said, ''the crime will be completed by 'provocation' and ''by a showing target.'' It isn't important if the provocation will be effective or not. If the provocation becomes effective and the crime is committed, the provocator will be the real criminal.

Savas said he complainted about the defendant, Erdogan, and wanted the required procedures to be taken.

The Supreme Court of Appeals approved by a majority of votes the verdict of the Diyarbakir State Security Court concerning the pecuniary punishment and ten months imprisonment of Erdogan. Erdogan will serve a four months sentence under the Sentence Enforcement Law on grounds that he provoked hatred among people with his speech issued in the southeastern province of Siirt by discriminating against race, religion and region.

[14] STATE MINISTER TANER: - ''WE HAVE CHOOSEN MEXICO AS THE GATE TO LATIN AMERICA''

Responding to the questions of the journalists about Yilmaz's contacts in Mexico, Taner pointed out that Turkey can benefit from the Northern American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) formed by Mexico, the US and Canada, and can open into the Central and South American markets easily.

Emphasizing that the ministerial level visits including Mexican businessmen, will be realized from Mexico to Turkey in the coming months, Taner stressed that Mexico can contribute to the global economy by opening to the Turkish Republics in Central Asia and the Middle East via Turkey.

Taner also noted that new agreements are being prepared in order to develop bilateral economic relations, adding that the cooperation in the textile sector will ease Turkey's entrance into the American markets in the near future.

[15] TURKISH-INDIAN HEARING AT WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION - TURKEY TO CONVEY THAT ITS IMPLEMENTATION DOESN'T CONTRADICT WITH ARTICLE 24 OF GATT AGREEMENT

India last April complained about Turkey to the WTO on grounds that Turkey made limitations in textile importations which contradicted with the principles of the world trade law.

In the complaint application India criticized Turkey's implementations of the textile quotas of the European Union, following the Customs Union Agreement and applied to WTO to investigate the issue and act as referee.

Diplomatic sources told the A.A correspondent that Turkey, in the hearing, will convey that such a limitation took effect due to her responsibilities stemming from the Customs Union she signed with the EU.

Turkey will also say that her implementation doesn't contradict with Article 24 of the GATT agreement signed in 1994.

[16] NSC TO CONVENE ON WEDNESDAY

This will be the regular meeting of the NSC for September.

Gen. Huseyin Kivrikoglu, the Chief of General Staff, Gen. Atilla Ates, the Land Forces Commander, and Gen. Rasim Betir, the General Commander of Gendermerie, will participate at the meeting. This will be the first meeting of these commanders after being appointed to their posts.

Recent developments regarding domestic and foreign incidents will be evaluated during the meeting.

[17] TURKISH PRESS REVIEW (1)

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

TURKEY HANDS NOTE TO ITALY
Turkey has handed a note to Italy, which has given permission for a meeting of the so-called Kurdish Parliament in-exile in Rome following initiatives of the ERNK which describes itself as the political wing of the PKK separatist terrorist organization, with a group of Italian parliamentarians. Ismail Cem, the Foreign Minister, sent the letter to his Italian counterpart Lamberto Dini and said that allowing the meeting of the so- called Kurdish Parliament would only mean further encouragement of terrorism. Cem added, ''it isn't in line with friendship and alliance. This meeting will deteriorate Turkish-Italian relations''. Hikmet Cetin, the Speaker of the Parliament, also sent a letter to his Italian counterpart Luciane Violante expressing views similar to those of Cem. Cem and Cetin said in their letters that the meeting of the Kurdish Parliament should not be permitted to be held today in Rome. Inal Batu, the Turkish Ambassador to Italy has held talks with the high-level Italian officials in order to convey Turkey's deep concern about the meeting. Massimiliano, the Italian Ambassador to Turkey, was summoned to the Foreign Ministry last week and a protest note regarding the meeting was handed to him. Meanwhile, Bulent Ecevit, the Deputy Prime Minister, has also criticized the meeting of the so-called Kurdish Parliament in-exile. /Sabah/

ERSUMER VISITS BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA
Cumhur Ersumer, the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, and an accompanying delegation went to Bosnia-Herzegovina yesterday for a three- day visit on the invitation of Edhem Bicakcic, the Prime Minister of the Bosnia-Herzegovinian Federation. According to a written statement made by the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, Ersumer will meet with many high-level officials including Haris Slajdzic and Edhem Bicakcic, the co- premiers of Bosnia-Herzegovina. During the visit, a memorandum of understanding, which comprises mutual cooperation opportunities in line with the joint interests of the two countries in the energy sector and a protocol for an exchange deal for natural gas between the Directorate- General of the Turkish Pipelines Transportation Joint Stock Company (BOTAS) and the Bosnia-Herzegovinian Gas Company will be signed by the officials.

TURKISH-EU STRATEGY
A report on the ''Development Strategy for Turkish-European Union (EU) Relations'' prepared as a result of studies which lasted for seven months under the coordination of Sukru Sina Gurel, the Minister of State, has been sent to Brussels. According to a list in the report, the EU commitments for credits and grants towards Turkey total 2.8 billion ECU. The report notes that financial cooperation between Turkey and the EU should be reviewed. /Sabah/

TURKISH REPRESENTATIVE IN GERMAN ASSEMBLY
Ekin Deligoz (27) joined the German Federal Assembly when the Greens Party won 5.9 percent of the votes in the Baverian province of Germany during the German general elections on Sunday. Deligoz said in a statement to the Sabah daily newspaper that he wanted a seat in the Youth Commission of the Federal Assembly. /Sabah/

SUMMIT ON STRUGGLE AGAINST TERRORISM
A summit on the ''Struggle Against Smuggling and Organized Crime'' led by the General Directorate of Security started yesterday in Istanbul. Fifty- two representatives from 11 countries including Germany, Holland and Belgium and 40 representatives from Turkey are attending the meeting. Emin Arslan, the Head of the Department for the Struggle Against Smuggling and Organized Crimes, said in an opening speech that international cooperation must be achieved in the struggle against organized crime. Arslan added, ''we know that narcotics are one of the most important financial resources of the terrorist organizations. A total of 40 percent of the drugs seized in Europe have been confiscated with the help of Turkey''. Arslan also noted that Turkey was a signatory to all the UN agreements regarding the struggle against drug smuggling. /Sabah/

CEM IN CANADA
Ismail Cem, the Foreign Minister, met with his Canadian counterpart Lloyd Axworthy yesterday in Ottowa, the capital of Canada, where he has gone for an official visit. During the meeting, steps for the further development of bilateral relations between the two countries were discussed. /Sabah/

13 PERSONS TAKEN INTO CUSTODY
A total of 13 persons, who laid bombs in the Yenibosa-Aksaray subway, were taken into custody during operations in the Esenler, Gaziosmanpasa and Okmeydani Districts of Istanbul. /Cumhuriyet/

US REPLIES TO TURKEY
The US Department of State has stated that Turkey's concerns about the ''establishment of a temporary administration'' foreseen in an agreement signed in Washington, D.C., between the two Kurdish groups conflicting in Northern Iraq are understood. According to a statement made by the US Press Counsellor in Ankara, James Rubin, the Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs of the US Department of State, evaluated the issue on Friday. Rubin claimed that the agreement signed between the two Kurdish groups was in line with the 1996 Ankara Process which supports the territorial integrity of Turkey and the other countries in the region. Rubin stressed again that the US administration views the PKK as a terrorist organization. /Cumhuriyet/

100 BUSINESSMEN TO VISIT EGYPT
A 100-member Turkish businessmen's delegation will leave for Egypt in October to promote Turkish export products there. The Turkish businessmen's visit organized under the coordination of the Undersecretariat of Foreign Trade (DTM), will be held between 16-19 October.

TURKISH DELEGATION IN WASHINGTON, D.C.
Joint annual meetings of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), will start today in Washington, D.C.. The meetings will last until 8 October. A delegation headed by Gunes Taner, the Minister of State Responsible for the Economy, will represent Turkey. Besides attending the meetings, they are expected to hold meetings with senior administrators from the international investment institutions. /Hurriyet/

FIRST FINANCE FAIR IN TURKEY
The first finance fair to be organized in Turkey will be held between 19-22 November at the Tepebasi Tuyap Exhibition Centre in Istanbul. During the fair, firms active in the finance sector will have an opportunity of promoting themselves directly. In addition to a ''finance summit'', a series of meetings on the stock exchange, banking and finance will be held during the fair./Hurriyet/

TURKISH, SOUTH AFRICAN BUSINESS COUNCILS HOLD MEETING
At a meeting jointly held by the Turkish and South African Business Councils yesterday, sought ways to develop commercial relations between Turkey and South Africa. Necdet Colpan, the Chairman of the Turkish-South African Business Council said that they aimed to raise the volume of trade between the two countries, which was 254 million US dollars last year, to one billion US dollars during the next five years. He also said that Turkish firms, which want to expand into the African countries and South African firms, which want to expand into countries in Central Asia and the Black Sea, could benefit from each other. /Hurriyet/

[18] TURKISH PRESS REVIEW (2)

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

PERINCEK IN PRISON
Dogu Perincek, the Spokesman of the Worker's Party, was imprisoned in Ankara yesterday to serve a 14 month sentence, which he received in 1991 for separatism. Perincek was taken into custody five days ago for his party's alleged ties with the PKK terrorist organization, but was not found guilty yesterday at the State Security Court. /Hurriyet/

FIRST MESSAGE TO TURKEY
Gerhard Schroeder, the leader of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), who won the victory at the end of last week's German general elections, said that they would improve Turco-German relations. He added that the European Union (EU) membership should always be open to Turkey. Schroeder stressed that the new goverment will review the dual citizenship law. Hikmet Cetin, the Speaker of the Parliament, congratulated the Social Democratic Party for their victory. Cetin noted that the Turkish and German Parliaments have long been working in cooperation and he believed that this cooperation would continue and improve. Noting that Germany would soon take over the term presidency of the EU, Cetin pointed out that Turkey hoped that this new term would lead to ensuring closer relations between the two countries./Milliyet/

ECEVIT: ''IRAN PROVOKES PKK''
Bulent Ecevit, the Deputy Prime Minister, has criticized Iran by saying that Iran provoked the PKK against Turkey and opened her borders to the PKK terrorists. He called upon the Iranian administration saying that Iran would benefit nothing by protecting those terrorists who would like to divide Turkey. Ecevit also stressed that there were no problems in Turco- Iran relations from the standpoint of Turkey. /Milliyet/

TURKEY-GREECE TOGETHER IN NATO EXERCISES
It was announced yesterday that Turkey and Greece for the first time will participate together in military exercises organized by the NATO in the Aegean Sea. According to the Office of the Chief of General Staff both Turkey and Greece will attend the ''Dynamic Mix'' military exercises which will last 21 days. /Milliyet/

ANKARA REACTS AGAINST WASHINGTON, D.C.
Turkey has reacted against the Washington, D.C., administration initiatives which have brought the Northern Iraqi rival leaders together.

Washington, D.C., however, didn't give Ankara sufficient information regarding the peace move and didn't show enough care for Turkey's sensitivities regarding this issue. Bulent Ecevit, the Deputy Prime Minister, expressed Turkey's uneasiness in a written statement last week, saying that the suggestion of a federal structure for Iraq as mentioned in the agreement reached between the leaders of the Kurdistan Democratic Party and the Kurdistan Patriotic Union, Massoud Barzani and Jalal Talabani on 17 September in Washington, D.C., has caused uneasiness in Ankara./Milliyet/

PRIME MINISTER YILMAZ IN MEXICO
The arrival of Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz in Mexico on Monday marked not only the first Turkish prime ministerial visit to the country but also the start of a comprehensive Turkish plan aimed at developingg relations with the Latin American countries. Yilmaz and the Turkish delegation accompanying him were welcomed during an official ceremony by Mexican President Ernesto Zedillo. After the ceremony several bilateral agreements, including one on boosting economic cooperation, were signed at the end of the meetings between the Turkish and Mexican delegations. Following Yilmaz's visit to Mexico, Ismail Cem, the Foreign Minister, will tour Brazil, Argentina and Chile in October. /Milliyet/

ATATURK DOCUMENTARY BEGINS FILMING IN LONDON
A documentary entitled ''Founder of Modern Turkey: Ataturk'', will begin filming in London next week. The 75 minute television documentary will be shot with the cooperation of Fuat Kavur, the senior director at Alpha Broadcasting. The documentary, which will be prepared in English, presents the story of Ataturk's life and the founding of the republic. During the documentary many well-known English and US historians, Turcologists and journalists will be interviewed. It will be completed in nine months and will be shot in several countries. During a press meeting to be held on 30 September at the Video London Studio, details about the documentary will be given to the press. /Sabah/

THE GUARDIAN: ''TURKS SNUB WEST ABOUT NORTHERN IRAQ''
One of Britain's most influential dailies, the Guardian, wrote on Monday that Turkey's decision to send an ambassador to Iraq was a reaction to an agreement signed in the United States earlier this month between the two Kurdish factions. ''The decision is a direct response to an agreement signed earlier this month in Washington, D.C., by the leaders of the two main Kurdish factions in Northern Iraq,'' the article by Chris Morris stated. Morris said Turkey felt left out of the latest agreement and emphasized Turkey's worry that the agreement would increase demands for Kurdish autonomy in Turkey. /Sabah/

NATO CRISIS MANAGEMENT MEETING UNDERWAY
A meeting of the NATO Crisis Management Wargames (CMX-99) has begun in Antalya. General Yasar Buyukanit of the General Staff made the opening speech at the meeting during which systems to fight against economic crisis, earthquakes, floods and military crisis will be discussed. The meeting will be attended by 140 participants and will end on 3 October./Milliyet/

[19] ''RELIGIOUS BELIEF TOURISM TOUR'98 TURKEY'' - THE TOUR WHICH INCLUDES SOUTHEASTERN PROVINCES TO START ON WEDNESDAY

The activities of the Ministry of Tourism, initiated by considering the choices of diversified consumers, continue aiming to spread tourism to 12 months a year. The Religious Belief Tourism will be held on the Istanbul, Tarsus, Adana, Antakya, Hatay, Gaziantep, Adiyaman, Sanliurfa, Mardin and Diyarbakir route.

With the program, masterpieces of Islam, Christianity and Judaism will be promoted and the program also aims at increasing the number of tourists and foreign currency revenues. Turkey, within this framework, targets to get a larger share from the great activity that will be stemming from the celebrations of the 2000th anniversary of the birth of Jesus Christ.

[20] WRIGHT, CANADIAN DEPUTY TRADE MINISTER: ''CANADA EXIMBANK'S EXTENDING 50 MILLION US DOLLAR CREDIT TO TURKISH EXIMBANK FOR NETAS PROJECTS IS ON THE AGENDA''

Wright, who held contacts in Turkey on the weekend, spoke to the A.A correspondent before departing from Turkey. He said that the economic crisis, which started in Japan and Southeaster Asia in the past one year period, spread to Russia as a political and economic crisis.

Noting that there are positive relations between Turkey and Canada, Robert Wright said that significant developments were recorded in the past ten years in Canada's exports, adding that Turkey had experienced a process of opening abroad.

Wright said that the volume of trade between the two countries was 166 million US dollars in 1991, this figure increased to 530 million US dollars in 1997 and that a 219 percent increase was recorded in this field.

Wright said ''Turkey is in 37th place in Canada's export markets and in 47th place in her import markets.'' He also said that Canada, with an investment of 335 million US dollars is one of the 10 largest foreign entrepreneur countries in Turkey.

[21] KARS-TBILISI RAILWAY PROJECT - COUNTDOWN STARTS FOR KARS-TBILISI RAILWAY LINE WHICH WILL BE CONSTRUCTED WITH FOREIGN CREDIT

The international tender, which was opened for the construction of the Kars- Tbilisi railway line, that was foreseen to be constructed under an agreement signed by the governments of Turkey and Georgia, is at the final stage.

The Republic of Turkey State Railroads (TCDD) officials said that confirmation of the Ministry of the Treasury is being waited for the construction of the line planned to be realized by a Turkish and French- Georgian company group.

Of the 124-km railway line, which is foreseen to be realized with a loan of 350 million US dollars, a 92.5 km section will be constructed on Turkish territories and remaining section will be on Georgian territories.

The railway lưne is expected to be completed in 36 months.

[22] ALIYEV, THE PRESIDENT OF AZERBAIJAN: ''THERE IS NO BORDER BETWEEN TURKEY AND AZERBAIJAN''

Addressing the opening ceremony of the NTV, a Turkish private channel in Baku, Aliyev stated that the friendly relations between Azerbaijan and Turkey are at its peak and these relations improve every day.

Noting that Turkey is the closest friend and supporter of Azerbaijan at the international arena, Aliyev pointed out that Azerbaijan has gained the place she deserved, has always supported Turkey and she will continue to do so.

Haydar Aliyev told the NTV that the decision concerning the Baku-Ceyhan oil pipeline will be made by the end of this year, adding that he will be elected again in elections that will be held on 11 October.

[23] TRNC PRESIDENT DENKTAS LEAVES FOR THE US: ''WE DON'T RECOGNIZE THE GREEK CYPRIOT ADMINISTRATION AS OUR GOVERNMENT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES''

Addressing a statement at the Ataturk Airport before leaving for New York, in the US, Denktas stated that he will meet with Kofi Annan, the UN Secretary General and the coordinators to Cyprus from several countries during his visit.

Noting that he will meet basically with the media representatives, Denktas said that he will participate at conferences.

''The message that we will give is very simple and it is the fact that the Greek Cypriot administration doesn't have the right to represent all of Cyprus. We don't recognize the Greek Cypriot side as our government. We don't consider valid the application of the Greek Cypriots to the European Union (EU) under the name of the Government of Cyprus. I suppose there may be pressure, threats on us, but we get our power from our people and from the Republic of Turkey which is 65 million,'' said Denktas.

Stressing that his visit doesn't aim at reaching a result, but to announce once again the fake tactics of Glafkos Clerides, the Greek Cypriot leader to the whole world, Denktas said that Russia aims at reaching the Mediterranean behind her attempts to deploy the S-300 missiles on Cyprus.

[24] THE MEETING OF THE SO-CALLED ''KURDISH PARLIAMENT'' STARTS IN ITALY - ITALIAN GOVERNMENT:''WE CAN'T DO ANYTHING''

The Turkish Embassy in Rome said that the Italian government gave the final response to the Turkish side concerning the latter's concern about the press briefing. ''We did everything that we could do, but we can't change the place of the meeting,'' Italian officials said.

Meanwhile, the press briefing of the ''the so-called Kurdish Parliament members'' together with a group of Italian deputies started at the Italian Parliament the same day.

Besides the Italian deputies, namely Ramon Mantovani and Walter De Cesaris from the Italian Communist Re-Foundation Party, Giovanni Bianchi from the Italian People's Party, Paulo Cento, from the Italian Greens Party, Marco Pezzoni from the leftist Democrat Party; two Russian deputies, the leader of the Armenian Party in Lebanon, Panos Kamenos from the Greek Parliament, Dimitru Samdu from Romania, a deputy of Palestinian origin from Israel and one politician and lastly a Greek Cypriot representative are participating at the press briefing.

Turkey had submitted a note to Massimilino Bandini, the Italian Ambassador to Turkey concerning the press briefing and also Inal Batu, the Turkish Ambassador to Italy took many initiatives in Italy. However, the pressure of the Italian government on Luiciano Violante, the Italian Speaker of the Parliament, and the deputies didn't produce a result.

[25] TURKEY-IRAQ - IRAQ IS CAUTIOUS ABOUT THE STATEMENTS OF ECEVIT, THE DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER

Mohammed Mehdi Salih, the Iraqi Minister of Commerce told a press briefing that they are positive about the decision of Turkey.

Noting that there are historical relations between Turkey and Iraq, Salih said that Iraq hopes that Turkey will return to her former policy by setting up good relations with the Arabic countries and she won't join alliances which are against Iran and the Arabic countries.

Salih claimed ''a lack of authority had arisen in Northern Iraq and southeastern Turkey with the acceptance of the no-flight zone in Iraq by Turkey.''

[26] DENIZOLGUN, MINISTER OF TRANSPORTATION AND COMMUNICATIONS, LEAVES FOR THE US - DENIZOLGUN: ''OUR PRIMARY TARGET IS TO IMPLEMENT THE TUBE TUNNEL PROJECT FOR BOSPHORUS''

Denizolgun left for the US to attend the World Economic Developments Summit Ministers' Meeting to take place in Washington, D.C.

Prior to his departure from the Ataturk Airport, Denizolgun said that the latest developments, especially in the field of telecommunications will be taken up in the meeting in which the transportation and communications ministers of several countries will participate.

Pointing out that the representatives of the private sectors investing in the telecommunications field will also attend the summit, Denizolgun said that during his contacts, he will give information about the latest developments in the transportation and telecommunications fields in Turkey.

Responding to a question, Denizolgun said that the construction of the third bridge at the Bosphorus, enabling the transportation by both motorway and railway will damage the historical structure of Istanbul. Noting that the construction of only a railway will be more beneficial for Istanbul in terms of transportation and financing, Denizolgun stressed, ''our primary target is to start the tube tunnel project as soon as possible.''

[27] TURKEY CONDEMNS GREEK PARLIAMENT WHICH DECLARES 14 SEPTEMBER AS ''THE ANNIVERSARY OF THE GENOCIDE OF HELLENES OF ASIA MINOR BY TURKISH STATE''

The Foreign Ministry said that Turkey condemns and protests the decision of the Greek Parliament.

''The Greek Parliament which has to apologize to the Turkish people for the damage and massacre of the Turks in Anatolia, doesn't only go beyond the traditional Greek policy aimed at distorting history, but also shows that the Greek expansionist mentality is still valid,'' added the Foreign Ministry.

Recalling that Greece invaded Turkish territory during the First World War and committed massacres against the Turkish people in Anatolia between 1919- 1922 as it was also confirmed by the Lausanne Treaty, the Foreign Ministry said, ''the adventure of Greece in Anatolia is a black stain on Greek history and the Greek invasion ended with the Turkish War of Independence''.

''This mentality in Greece shows the reason why Greece doesn't respond to the positive policies of Turkey, which has adopted the principle of ''peace in the nation, peace in the world,'' added the statement.

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