Anadolu Agency: News in English, 98-10-21

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

21 OCT 1998

CONTENTS

[01] SYRIA PLEDGES TO MEET SECURITY CONCERNS OF TURKEY - CEM, FOREIGN MINISTER: ''WE'LL WATCH CLOSELY TO SEE THAT DAMASCUS LIVES UP TO ITS PLEDGES'' - SYRIA WOULD BRAND PKK A ''TERRORIST ORGANIZATION'' AND WOULD DENY OCALAN, PKK LEADER ACCESS INTO SYRIA

[02] SYRIA PLEDGES TO MEET THE SECURITY CONCERNS OF TURKEY - SYRIA SAYS OCALAN IS NOT IN SYRIA AND WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO ENTER IN THE COUNTRY

[03] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

[04] PROPOSAL FROM PRESIDENT RAUF DENKTAS OF THE TRNC TO THE GREEK CYPRIOTS: - ''WE CAN SIGN A NONAGGRESSION TREATY'' - ''INTERIOR MINISTERS OF THE TWO SIDES ON THE ISLAND CAN HOLD TALKS IN ORDER TO EASE THE PASSAGE OF TOURISTS TO BOTH SIDES''

[05] PARLIAMENT ACCEPTS PARLIAMENTARY INVESTIGATION MOTION AGAINST PRIME MINISTER YILMAZ

[06] CONTACTS OF ANTONOVICH, BELARUSIAN FOREIGN MINISTER, IN ANKARA - ANTONOVICH ADDRESSES A CONFERENCE AT THE ODTU: - ''TURKEY IS ATTRACTIVE COUNTRY FOR US WITH HER PROGRESS IN DEMOCRATIC REFORMS AND HER ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT''

[07] BATALLI, THE STATE MINISTER RETURNS TO TURKEY FROM IRAQ - BATALLI: ''WE LAUNCH EFFORTS TO BRING THE TRADE VOLUME BETWEEN TURKEY AND IRAQ TO ITS FORMER LEVEL''

[08] GENERAL DING WEN CHANG, POLITICAL COMMISSIONER OF CHINESE AIR FORCES, VISITS SEZGIN, DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER AND MINISTER OF DEFENCE

[09] PARLIAMENTARY INVESTIGATION MOTION AGAINST CAGAN IS REJECTED BY THE PARLIAMENT

[10] FORBES REVIEW PRAISES TURKEY - REVIEW STRESSES THE IMPORTANCE OF ECONOMIC DYNAMISM WHICH TURKEY HAS REACHED WITHIN 75 YEARS

[11] TRANSFER OF CUSTOMS UNION'S FUNDS TO TURKEY - THE EU COMMISSION TO ANNOUNCE A STATEMENT ABOUT THE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO TURKEY

[12] INVESTORS' INTEREST IN GAP INCREASES

[13] THE AGREEMENT BETWEEN TURKEY AND SYRIA - EFFORTS ARE UNDERWAY FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE INSPECTION MECHANISM CONCERNING SYRIAN COMMITMENTS ON TERRORISM

[14] SEPARATIST TERRORISTS LEAVE SYRIA FOR NORTHERN IRAQ - NEARLY 200 TERRORISTS OF THE SEPARATIST PKK ORGANIZATION GO TO THE CAMP IN ZAP AND ZELI VALLEYS - SYRIA WORRIES ABOUT TERRORIST ORGANIZATION WITHDRAWING ITS MONEY FROM SYRIAN BANKS

[15] ERBAKAN, THE FORMER LEADER OF THE BANNED WELFARE PARTY (RP) AT THE COURT

[16] TUSIAD'S ''TURKEY VISION'' REPORT TO BE DISCLOSED ON THURSDAY

[17] DENIZKURDU, THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE: ''PREPARATIONS STARTED CONCERNING EXTRADITION TO TURKEY OF OCALAN, THE CHIEF OF THE TERRORIST PKK''

[18] ECEVIT, DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER: ''IT IS UNDERSTOOD THAT TERRORIST CHIEF OCALAN TOOK SHELTER IN RUSSIA''

[19] FOREIGN MINISTER CEM MAKES EVALUATIONS ABOUT TURKEY'S FOREIGN POLICY

[20] FOREIGN MINISTER CEM RECEIVES LATIN AMERICAN JOURNALISTS

[21] OCALAN, LEADER OF SEPARATIST TERRORIST ORGANIZATION CONFIRMED TO BE BROUGHT TO ODINTSOVO - TURKISH DELEGATION IN MOSCOW

[22] STATE MINISTER CELEBI: - ''THE US EXIMBANK WILL ALLOCATE LOAN OF 827 THOUSAND US DOLLARS TO FINANCE THE BAKU-CEYHAN PIPELINE PROJECT''

[23] DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER SEZGIN: ''EVEN IF THE CRISIS WITH SYRIA HASN'T ENDED, IT COMES TO THE STAGE OF CONCLUSION''

[01] SYRIA PLEDGES TO MEET SECURITY CONCERNS OF TURKEY - CEM, FOREIGN MINISTER: ''WE'LL WATCH CLOSELY TO SEE THAT DAMASCUS LIVES UP TO ITS PLEDGES'' - SYRIA WOULD BRAND PKK A ''TERRORIST ORGANIZATION'' AND WOULD DENY OCALAN, PKK LEADER ACCESS INTO SYRIA

Following the meeting, Cem told reporters that ''Syria pledged to meet the security concerns of Turkey.''

Stating that Syria would brand the separatist terrorist PKK, a ''terrorist organization'' and would deny PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan access into Syria.

''An important foreign support to terrorism has thus been eliminated,'' Cem said, adding that Turkey will watch closely to see that Damascus lives up to its pledges.

Cem said that the attitude of Syria during the meeting was pleasing at this stage, and that they expect this constructive attitude to continue in practice.

Stating that the results of the special security meeting between the two countries were evaluated by the high level officials of the related offices, and that there is a consensus of opinion concerning these results, Cem said:

''This is a matter of 15 years. The wound was on the operation table in the last two weeks. But, I'm still precautious. I hope the plegdes will be fulfilled.''

Responding to a question concerning the whereabouts of Ocalan, Cem said, ''it is more important that a very significant support of terrorism has been eliminated, than who is where.''

Cem stressed that Syria also pledged to deny access for the members of the PKK into the country.

Emphasizing that Turkey is already able to see the controls, Cem said that no issue other than terrorism was on the agenda during the special security meeting.

Responding to another question, Cem said that a meeting between him and Farouk Al Shara was not foreseen.

''At this stage, we saw a positive approach from Syria. It is a good result. I hope this result will create the change we expect. Everybody has interests in this,'' Cem said.

[02] SYRIA PLEDGES TO MEET THE SECURITY CONCERNS OF TURKEY - SYRIA SAYS OCALAN IS NOT IN SYRIA AND WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO ENTER IN THE COUNTRY

A Foreign Ministry statement said that Syria also pledged not to allow terrorist elements enter into the country in an agreement signed by Turkish and Syrian delegates following the meeting held in Adana, a Turkish province in the south, in October 19 and 20. According to the text, Syria confirmed that the camps of the terrorist organization are not active, and these camps will not be permitted to continue their activities. Syria also stated that many terrorists were arrested and brought before the law, and the lists of these terrorists were handed over to Turkish officials.

Syria pledged not to allow any activity directed to spoil the security and stability of Turkey from her lands within the principle of reciprocality. Syria also pledged not to allow PKK propaganda, and armament, logistic, and financial support for this terrorist organization within the borders of the country.

Syria also accepted PKK as a terrorist organization, and banned all activities of the PKK and its sub-organizations.

Syria will not allow PKK to set up training camps and shelters and other facilities, and to carry out commercial activities.

Syria will not allow PKK members to use the country for transit passages to a third country.

Syria will take measures not to allow Ocalan into the country, and will inform its border gates to this end.

The two sides also decided to form some mechanisms to enforce these measures effectively and transparantly, including a direct telephone line between the high level security authorities of the two countries.

It was also decided to discuss the struggle with the PKK terrorism on a tripartite framework following the consent of Lebanon.

[03] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

HURRIYET (LIBERAL) TURKEY WANTS OCALAN FROM RUSSIA
Prime Minister Mesut Yılmaz said ''we know the location of Abdullah Ocalan, the chief of the separatist terrorist organization, and he is being watched in one of the suburbs of Moscow, he can't give orders to the terrorist organization, because he is too far away. We have significant initiatives concerning his extradition.''

HISTORICAL AGREEMENT
Syria withdrew her support to the separatist terrorist PKK organization with the agremeent signed with the Turkish officials in the southern province of Adana. Syria accepted all the security demands of Turkey and said that she won't permit Ocalan to take shelter in her territory from now on. Ismail Cem, the Foreign Minister, said ''we will closely monitor the fulfillment of the Syrian commitments.''

MILLIYET (LIBERAL)

BUSINESS WORLD IN SHOCK
The murder of Nesim Malki, a usurer, continues to shake Turkey, and last night Sukru Karahasanoglu, the General Director of Etibank, and Emin Cankurtaran, a businessman, were taken into custody by the police inspectors.

SABAH (LIBERAL)

CUMHURIYET (LEFT)

RADIKAL (LEFT)

GANG EXCUSE FOR ELECTIONS
Prime Minister Mesut Yılmaz said that elections can't be held in December by saying ''we can't do that unless our struggle with the gangs and Mafia is completed.'' Bulent Ecevit, the Deputy Prime Minister, who met with Mesut Yılmaz said ''the Motherland Party (ANAP) wants the election to be held in a period between April and December.''

YENİ YÜZYIL (LIBERAL)

TÜRKİYE (RIGHT)

ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)

FIRST AGREEMENT WITH SYRIA
Ismail Cem, the Foreign Minister, said that the meeting held between Turkey and Syria was completed and an agreement was reached on a draft text. ''However we'll continue to be cautious and we will closely monitor Syria, '' added Cem.

[04] PROPOSAL FROM PRESIDENT RAUF DENKTAS OF THE TRNC TO THE GREEK CYPRIOTS: - ''WE CAN SIGN A NONAGGRESSION TREATY'' - ''INTERIOR MINISTERS OF THE TWO SIDES ON THE ISLAND CAN HOLD TALKS IN ORDER TO EASE THE PASSAGE OF TOURISTS TO BOTH SIDES''

Addressing a television programme, Denktas asked the ministers of the interior of the two sides on the island to hold talks in order to ease the passage of tourists to both sides of Cyprus.

Denktas requested the help of the United Nations for such meetings and said, ''the two states can sign a nonaggression treaty. They have been demanding disarmament since 1960, but the real purpose of their demands is to remove the Turkish guarantee system.''

Mentioning the ''Niciforos maneuvers'', Denktas stressed, ''the Greek Cypriots confirm constantly that they don't want to make peace with us and aim at making Cyprus a Greek island, with activities such as the Niciforos maneuvers. Who will they fight against? Against the 65 million people from Turkey? Turkey has said that whoever disturbs the TRNC, it will also disturb herself.''

Pointing out that they try to increase cultural activities on the island by bringing the Othello Opera to Cyprus and by organizing concerts at the Bellapais Monastery once every two weeks, Denktas noted that the Greek Cypriots, meanwhile, are busy with filling Southern Cyprus with weapons, ammunition, missiles and Mafia.

Mentioning the general elections in the TRNC on 6 December, Denktas asked the Turkish Cypriots to vote for the candidates in whom they believe.

[05] PARLIAMENT ACCEPTS PARLIAMENTARY INVESTIGATION MOTION AGAINST PRIME MINISTER YILMAZ

Nevfel Sahin, a deputy from the True Path Party (DYP) brought the motion against Yılmaz claiming that he misused his authority by remaining indifferent concerning the corruption which occurred concerning the tender of the Izmit Tube Tunnel Project.

Yusuf Bahadır a deputy of the DYP, claimed that the ENKA Company was discriminated against the other firms in the tender opened for the construction of the tube tunnel.

Cengiz Altınkaya, a deputy from the Motherland Party (ANAP) told the Parliament that the Prime Minister doesn't have any legal responsibility concerning the tender and the tender was prepared and realized by a technical committee.

Later the motion was voted and accepted.

[06] CONTACTS OF ANTONOVICH, BELARUSIAN FOREIGN MINISTER, IN ANKARA - ANTONOVICH ADDRESSES A CONFERENCE AT THE ODTU: - ''TURKEY IS ATTRACTIVE COUNTRY FOR US WITH HER PROGRESS IN DEMOCRATIC REFORMS AND HER ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT''

Addressing the conference on ''Regional Security and Cooperation'' at the Middle East Technical University (ODTU), Antonovich pointed out, ''we have realized that the system of the Soviet Union couldn't be improved and then abondoned the mentioned system in 1991. Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, Belarus has found herself as an independent state, although she had no request for independence.''

Stressing that they have been working for improving the economy and democracy in Belarus for seven years, Antonovich noted, ''Belarus has been criticized for not being quick in the transition to democracy and a market economy. However, a country that has had no previous experience with democracy like Belarus, should first form the institutions of democracy. We needed institutions which will make the necessary economic analyses in order to realize democratic reforms. Meanwhile, corruptions that have emerged in the privatization activities in Russia, made us more deliberate in the period of transition into the market economy.''

Antonovich also emphasized that they don't plan to become a member of the European Union (EU), although they are working for attaining the economic standards of the member states of the EU.

Antonovich left Turkey for Belarus later on Tuesday.

[07] BATALLI, THE STATE MINISTER RETURNS TO TURKEY FROM IRAQ - BATALLI: ''WE LAUNCH EFFORTS TO BRING THE TRADE VOLUME BETWEEN TURKEY AND IRAQ TO ITS FORMER LEVEL''

Addressing a statement at the Ataturk Airport after returning from Iraq, Batallı stated that they have paid a comprehensive visit to Iraq after the Gulf Crisis, adding that his contacts in Iraq were very successful.

Batallı pointed out that he held a series of contacts with the Iraqi ministers, including Vice President Taha Yasin Ramazan and he aimed at the development of food and medicine exports of the Turkish firms to Iraq within the framework of the UN programme for Iraq concerning the purchase of food and medicine in return for oil.

Noting that he discussed the issues of improving the border trade, cooperation in oil pipelines, communications and in transportation, Batallı stated that they didn't discuss the tension between Turkey and Syria with the Iraqi officials.

Batallı added that the relations between Turkey and Iraq will improve in the coming period, noting ''the Turkish Ambassador and Commercial Consultant will start to work in Iraq within ten days.''

[08] GENERAL DING WEN CHANG, POLITICAL COMMISSIONER OF CHINESE AIR FORCES, VISITS SEZGIN, DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER AND MINISTER OF DEFENCE

Addressing the meeting, Sezgin stressed that political, social, economic and military cooperation has been improving recently between Turkey and China.

Reminding that the two countries have historical and friendly relations, Sezgin noted that Turkey puts into practice the ''peace in the nation, peace in the world'' principle of Ataturk, the founder of the Republic of Turkey. He also pointed out that Turkey following a peaceful policy, attributes great importance to establishing relations with the people of Turkish origin living in China.

General Wen Chang described Turkey as one of the best friends of China. He emphasized that his visit to Turkey aims at improving understanding, friendship and security between the two countries.

General Ilhan Kilic, the Commander of the Air Forces, was also in attendance at the meeting.

[09] PARLIAMENTARY INVESTIGATION MOTION AGAINST CAGAN IS REJECTED BY THE PARLIAMENT

The motion which was submitted by Mehmet Ali Sahin, a deputy from the Virtue Party (FP), to the Parliament claimed that Cagan misused his authority by staying indifferent to the illegal procedures concerning the personnel of the Social Security Administration (SSK).

Sahin told the Parliament that Cagan misused his authority by firing 80 SSK employees, claiming that they entered the SKK with an unlawful examination in 1996.

Cagan said that the reports of Police Institute show that the examination was unlawful, so he started an investigation about this examination when he became the minister.

Later the motion was voted on and rejected by the Parliament.

[10] FORBES REVIEW PRAISES TURKEY - REVIEW STRESSES THE IMPORTANCE OF ECONOMIC DYNAMISM WHICH TURKEY HAS REACHED WITHIN 75 YEARS

The opinions of Osman Birsen, the Chairman of the Istanbul Stock Exchange (IMKB), were also in the supplement. Birsel noted that Turkey won't be affected by the economic stagnation that hit the Far East.

Birsen stressed that the daily trading volume of the IMKB has reached an average of 330 million US dollars in 1998 despite all the negativities. He reminded that this figure was about 230 million US dollars last year.

Pointing out that the dynamic private sector works miracles in Turkey, the Forbes Review emphasized the investments of the Esbank in the field of art along with technology.

Reminding that Global One, one of the largest telecommunications organizations in the world, realizes joint activities with the Turkish Telecom on the Internet, the Review described Turkey as one of the future promising countries in the communications sector.

[11] TRANSFER OF CUSTOMS UNION'S FUNDS TO TURKEY - THE EU COMMISSION TO ANNOUNCE A STATEMENT ABOUT THE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO TURKEY

The EU Commission, which has difficulties in fulfilling its financial obligations towards Turkey due to the Greek veto, has been searching for legal ways to overcome the Greek veto for a long time. The EU Council, which is the decision-maker of the EU, had officially asked the Commission to find a solution to this problem.

The project, which is kept confidential, is expected to be announced on Tuesday.

The EU sources say that one article of the Maastricht Treaty (130 W) will be brought onto the agenda in order to give the financial aid, worth 375 million ECUs (approximately 450 million US dollars) to Turkey. The EU Commission thinks that the ''majority of votes'' rather than ''unanimity'' will be enough for the EU Council to approve the transfer of this financial aid to Turkey.

If the European Parliament (EP) rejects the decision which will be approved by the EU Council by a majority, then the issue will again be voted on at the EU Council with an unanimity vote required.

The EU sources said that Turkey will be considered among the ''developing countries,'' in order to realize this project.

[12] INVESTORS' INTEREST IN GAP INCREASES

A total of 21 companies started production, while six companies are being constructed and the projects of 90 companies have been continuing in the region since 1994.

A report prepared by the GAP Regional Development Administration said that 13 companies are in business in Sanlıurfa Province, three of them in Mardin Province, two of them in Gaziantep and Diyarbakır Provinces and one of them operates in Sırnak Province.

The companies which started business, work in the fields of textiles, agricultural products, metal-industry, tourism and the agro-industrial sector.

Six companies, which are being constructed, will carry out activities in the fields of textiles, plastics and metal industry.

The activities of all of these companies are in Sanlıurfa.

Besides, Israeli, American, Iraqi and Bulgarian companies are interested in projects in the GAP region.

While, the Tahal firm of Israel aims at constructing irrigation installations, transfer of technology and aquacultural products, several Israeli and American companies plan to work in poultry farming, including chicken and turkeys.

The Mass Jordan company of Iraq and Sanex company of Bulgaria are considering working together in the field of marketing.

Meanwhile, seven joint investments are planned with companies from South Korea, Israel, Germany and France.

The Italian Lafer company and Has Dis Ticaret will establish an integrated textile installation in Diyarbakır Province.

[13] THE AGREEMENT BETWEEN TURKEY AND SYRIA - EFFORTS ARE UNDERWAY FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE INSPECTION MECHANISM CONCERNING SYRIAN COMMITMENTS ON TERRORISM

Diplomatic sources said that the inspection mechanism is composed of three main elements including direct telephone lines between the two countries, special officials to be appointed and inspection in the appropriate locations.

The direct telephone lines will be established between the high ranking officials of the two countries.

A high ranking diplomatic official said that this system was also implemented between Turkey and Syria between 1992-1993 when Esref Bitlis was the Commander of Gendarmerie and successful results had been achieved.

Another official noted that Syria is sensitive about the ''inspection at the appropriate locations,'' adding that ''however Syria accepted the formation of this mechanism in principle, by permitting the inclusion of this provision in the agreement reached.''

The text of the agreement notes ''the Turkish side proposed to the Syrian side to establish a system to control the efficiency of the security measures taken to struggle against terrorism. The Syrian side said that it would submit this proposal for the approval of the Syrian officials and give information to Turkey about the results that will be taken as soon as possible.''

Thirdly, the inspection mechanism envisages the appointment of two special officials to the diplomatic representations of the two countries.

Officials say that new meetings can be held between the two countries.

[14] SEPARATIST TERRORISTS LEAVE SYRIA FOR NORTHERN IRAQ - NEARLY 200 TERRORISTS OF THE SEPARATIST PKK ORGANIZATION GO TO THE CAMP IN ZAP AND ZELI VALLEYS - SYRIA WORRIES ABOUT TERRORIST ORGANIZATION WITHDRAWING ITS MONEY FROM SYRIAN BANKS

The local sources in the Northern Iraq told the A.A correspondent that nearly 200 terrorists left Syria in small groups between 16 and 19 October for Northern Iraq.

The terrorists used primitive boats in order to cross the stream between Syria and Northern Iraq, and then moved from Dahuk-Mosul border to the border region with Iran.

Local sources pointed out that the terrorists will possibly settle in the camps in the Zeli and Zap Valleys.

Meanwhile, the same sources noted that a great deal of money which the separatist terrorist PKK organization gained from drug smuggling and from the other illegal activities, is in the Syrian banks. Sources stressed that Syria's economy can be run into difficulty in case of the withdrawal of mentioned money. They added, ''Syria allowed Abdullah Ocalan, the leader of the separatist terrorist organization, to stay in Syria because of this money. The Syrian officials are worried about the withdrawal of money.''

[15] ERBAKAN, THE FORMER LEADER OF THE BANNED WELFARE PARTY (RP) AT THE COURT

Erbakan is being tried for his speech in the eastern province of Bingol. The court didn't accept the claim of Erbakan, who said that ''the case can't be heard due to statute of limitations.''

Necmettin Erbakan didn't attend the court session held the same day and the testimony of Erbakan taken at the State Security Court in Ankara was read.

Mehmet Ener, the lawyer of Erbakan said that Erbakan reiterated his testimony before the State Security Court in Ankara and they didn't accept the tapes and video cassettes which were presented as evidence concerning the claims brought against Erbakan.

The judge postponed the case to a later date and rejected the demand of Erbakan's lawyer, who said that the case encountered the statute of limitations. Therefore, the tapes and cassettes will be sent to the State Security Court in Ankara and a report will be prepared by a delegation including three experts on these cassettes and tapes.

A suit was filed against Erbakan, the former leader of the banned Welfare Party (RP) claiming that he provocated hatred and animosity among people based on differences of religion, race, sect and region during his speech given in the eastern province of Bingol in 1994. The State Security Court in Ankara said that it didn't have the authority to hear the case and transferred the case to the State Security Court in Diyarbakır.

The prosecution requests the imprisonment of Erbakan from one to three years under Article 312/2 of the Turkish Penal Code.

[16] TUSIAD'S ''TURKEY VISION'' REPORT TO BE DISCLOSED ON THURSDAY

The 300-page report was prepared by Mehmet Ogutcu, one of the high ranking officials of the OECD, responsible for the Asia Pacific, Latin America Department.

The TUSIAD has prepared a report with views of the experts related to the important political, economic and social issues that are in the agenda in Turkey and presents it to the related persons and the public.

[17] DENIZKURDU, THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE: ''PREPARATIONS STARTED CONCERNING EXTRADITION TO TURKEY OF OCALAN, THE CHIEF OF THE TERRORIST PKK''

Responding to a question about the extradition of Ocalan to Turkey the same day, Denizkurdu said, ''firstly, we have to determine the place where Ocalan is staying, but efforts are also underway concerning the extradition to Turkey of Ocalan.''

When a journalist recalled the statement of Prime Minister Mesut Yılmaz who said that Ocalan is in Moscow, Denizkurdu said that he didn't want to talk any more about this issue.

[18] ECEVIT, DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER: ''IT IS UNDERSTOOD THAT TERRORIST CHIEF OCALAN TOOK SHELTER IN RUSSIA''

Addressing the DSP Parliamentary Group meeting, Ecevit said that the gangs, which emerged in the period of the former governments and the dark relations were revealed one by one during the period of the 55th government.

''The 55th government has achieved many successes in 15 months and realized many reforms. Now, the struggle against the Mafia and gangs is added to these successes. The government is resolved to eradicate these gangs and the Mafia,'' he added.

Stressing that the government achieved another success in the Turkish- Syrian tension, Ecevit said that it was understood from the agreement, which was reached on Tuesday in Adana by the Turkish and Syrian officials that Syria accepted all the conditions of Turkey.

''It is understood that the terrorist chief Abdullah Ocalan was obliged to leave Syria and, most probably, took shelter in Russia. If Syria keeps her promises, the prime source of the separatist terrorism will be annihilated and the effect of the terrorist chief Ocalan, who has thrown the young people into the fire for years from his shelter, will be reduced. Thus, these young people, whose lives were risked, will comprehend that continuing this fight won't bring any benefits for them. I hope, from now on, a period of warm and friendly relations can start with our neighbor Syria,'' Ecevit emphasized.

''It is understood that the terrorist chief Ocalan took shelter in Russia. I hope Russia will act with the responsibility of a great state,'' Ecevit emphasized.

[19] FOREIGN MINISTER CEM MAKES EVALUATIONS ABOUT TURKEY'S FOREIGN POLICY

Cem noted that the result that has been obtained is positive, but added that Turkey has a cautious behavior to this end.

Cem said that Turkey wanted Syria to continue her positive attitude in this implementation, adding that thus the terrorism problem will be limited.

Mentioning the agreement reached with Syria on Tuesday evening, Cem said that President Suleyman Demirel played a very important role in the solution of the problem. Cem said that President Demirel gave a strong support to the ministry and contributed a lot to the result which pleased all of us.

In his speech Cem also thanked the Turkish Armed Forces. Cem said ''as the Foreign Ministry, we felt the existence, effectiveness and common sense of the Turkish Armed Forces while we brought the issue to this point.''

Cem also thanked the Foreign Ministry personnel and foreign ministers of Egypt and Iran for the efforts they expended for the solution of this problem.

Cem pointed out that Turkey would feel confident the more she follows the Middle East policy, adding that Turkey has carefully followed this region for 15 months.

Noting that Turkey's relations with the Middle East and the Arab world weren't satisfactory, but that they showed significant developments, Cem said that Turkey began to be evaluated differently in the Middle East now.

Cem said an agreement was reached with Syria at this stage, but also added that this agreement should be lasting. ''We will do what is necessary politically, but I don't want to mislead myself to this end. Strengthening of these agreements depends on the economic relations with the country with which you signed the agreement. Industrialists should launch initiatives to strengthen this. Reciprocal relations should be established. Turkey and Syria should propose mutual economic projects aimed at each other.''

Speaking about the Baku-Ceyhan oil pipeline, Cem said ''everyone should know that Turkey, within the framework international law, will raise difficulties in passage from our own straits. Everyone has to take this into consideration. We won't turn our straits into an oil pipeline, because some companies will make more money. The lives and health of our children and people aren't less important than the others.''

[20] FOREIGN MINISTER CEM RECEIVES LATIN AMERICAN JOURNALISTS

Speaking during his meeting with three journalists who came from Brazil, Chile and Argentina Cem briefed the journalists about the expansion program of Turkey which it initiated for Latin America.

Cem also briefed the journalists about the aim of his scheduled visit to Latin America, that is expected to be held in the coming months and stressed the importance Turkey attaches to the region.

Also, basic issues of Turkish foreign policy were discussed and Cem informed the journalists about the recent developments with Syria and about the Cyprus question.

[21] OCALAN, LEADER OF SEPARATIST TERRORIST ORGANIZATION CONFIRMED TO BE BROUGHT TO ODINTSOVO - TURKISH DELEGATION IN MOSCOW

Odintsovo, where Ocalan is confirmed to be staying by a reliable source, has a population of 50,000 and is a town where there are known and secret state installations.

The place where Ocalan is staying is a region that is continuously protected by the state and to which the state attributes a special importance for its security. Ocalan is thought to be in a secret state installation around the town, not in an ordinary house.

Meanwhile, the FSB, Russia's domestic Intelligence Service, that is directly related to the issue, hasn't responded to the questions asked to this end. The FSB Press Center and officials said that they were still evaluating the written question of the A.A that had been sent three days ago, adding that an answer will be given soon.

Mehmet Ali Irtemcelik, the Deputy Undersecretary of the Foreign Ministry, arrived in Moscow on Wednesday to hold talks with Viktor Pasuvalyuk, Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister.

It was also reported that terrorists of the separatist organization continue activities in Moscow. A meeting will be staged by the Duma Geopolitical Committee, the Lower Chamber of the Federal Assembly, where the separatist terrorists will also participate. This meeting will focus on the initiative of Ocalan for the so-called ''The Means for the Solution of the Turkish-Kurdish Conflict.''

[22] STATE MINISTER CELEBI: - ''THE US EXIMBANK WILL ALLOCATE LOAN OF 827 THOUSAND US DOLLARS TO FINANCE THE BAKU-CEYHAN PIPELINE PROJECT''

Speaking to the reporters following his meeting with Stuart Eizenstat, the Undersecretary for Economic, Business and Agricultural Affairs of the US Department of State, Isin Celebi said that the loan will enter into effect together with project.

Celebi said, 'I told Mr. Eizenstat that Turkey fulfilled her obligation by accelerating the activities for the pipeline and the necessary measures were taken about the areas through which the pipeline will pass.''

When asked why the US companies didn't show more interest in the project, although the US government supports the Baku-Ceyhan oil pipeline, Celebi said, ''the reason for less interest of the US companies was that the credit financing opportunities weren't clear at that time.''

When asked whether or not the US government holds meetings with those companies to evaluate the Baku-Ceyhan issue, Celebi said, ''of course, it announces for the first time its credit financing terms.''

Isin Celebi stated that the European Union (EU) announced on 19 October that Turkey is one of the ''12 candidate'' countries within the expansion process.

Stressing that the announcement was a very important development, Celebi said, ''the announcement of the EU was a very important reference point after the Luxembourg Summit.''

Celebi recalled that the EU Commission, which is the executive organ of the EU Commission, convened at the beginning of the week in Brussels with the participation of ministers responsible for foreign trade of the 12 candidate countries.

''According to these statistics, the EU is a region having a population of 540 million and Turkey is a part of this region with her population of 62.3 million. The EU envisages the population of the countries to become the members of the EU as 168 million by also including Turkey. According to this figure, the Gross National Product (GNP) of the 12 candidate countries is 399 billion ECUs. Turkey realizes 35 percent of this total GNP and this is equal to 139.8 billion ECUs. Turkey shares 25 percent of the total exports and imports between the EU and these 12 candidate countries,'' Celebi explained.

[23] DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER SEZGIN: ''EVEN IF THE CRISIS WITH SYRIA HASN'T ENDED, IT COMES TO THE STAGE OF CONCLUSION''

Addressing a news conference, Sezgin said that the agreement reached between the experts of Turkey and Syria should be implemented fully, adding ''Syria should prove her goodwill, sincerity, state seriousness and her obligation to abide by the agreement she signed.''

When asked if the crisis between Turkey and Syria ended, Sezgin said ''even if it hasn't ended, it came to the stage of conclusion.''

Responding to a question if there may be a new crisis with Russia as it was disclosed that Ocalan is in this country, Sezgin said ''Russia is our neighbour. There are economic, social, political and cultural relations between us. Moscow had been constructed by Turkish contractors and engineers. Social, political and economic interests of these countries will prevent a crisis from erupting. So, I don't think there will be a crisis.''

Noting that Turkey will launch the required political initiatives, Sezgin said that Turkey will implement whatever international law requires. Sezgin said he didn't think Russia will use this as a trump card as no serious state will use a terrorist as a trump card.

When recalled the ''Nikiforos'' maneuver of Greece that will take place in the Aegean, Sezgin said that Turkey always favored peace, friendship and dialogue and that it preserved this for 75 years.

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