Anadolu Agency: News in English, 98-10-27

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

27 OCT 1998

CONTENTS

[01] ERDOGAN, MAYOR OF ISTANBUL, RESIGNS FROM VIRTUE PARTY

[02] NARCOTICS OFFICIALS DESTROY TWO TONNES OF DRUGS

[03] TORRENTIAL RAINS IN ISTANBUL - MANY HOUSES AND BUSINESS PLACES INUNDATED

[04] PRESS CONFERENCE OF THE SEPARATIST TERRORIST ORGANIZATION AT ITALIAN SENATE ON WEDNESDAY CANCELED AS A RESULT OF INITIATIVES OF BATU, TURKISH AMBASSADOR TO ITALY

[05] TURKEY AND SOUTH KOREA SIGN A COOPERATION AGREEMENT ENVISAGING THE USAGE OF NUCLEAR ENERGY FOR PEACEFUL PURPOSES - STATE MINISTER CELEBI: ''TRADE VOLUME BETWEEN TURKEY AND SOUTH KOREA WILL FURTHER INCREASE''

[06] SEZGIN, THE NATIONAL DEFENSE MINISTER: ''RUSSIA WON'T SPOIL HER RELATIONS WITH TURKEY BECAUSE OF THE CHIEF OF THE SEPARATIST TERRORIST ORGANIZATION''

[07] TURKEY EXTENDS SUPPORT TO THE UN DRAFT RESOLUTION SUBMITTED BY LIBYA

[08] THE US: ''BAKU-CEYHAN ROUTE IS THE BEST ALTERNATIVE''

[09] IMF DELEGATION'S CONTACTS IN TURKEY - TANER, THE STATE MINISTER: TURKEY HAS A STRONG ECONOMIC STRUCTURE''

[10] HARDY, THE CHIEF OF IMF TURKEY DESK DESCRIBES 1999 BUDGET AS COURAGEOUS AND PRETENTIOUS - ''TURKEY WON'T BE AFFECTED TO MUCH BY GLOBAL ECONOMIC CRISIS BECAUSE SHE HAS TAKEN NECESSARY MEASURES BEFORE''

[11] TURKEY-IMF JOINT DECLARATION

[12] TORRENTIAL RAINS PARALYZE DAILY LIFE AND TRAFFIC IN TRACIAN REGION

[13] EXTRADITION OF SEPARATIST TERRORIST ORGANIZATION TO TURKEY - ATACANLI, THE FM DEPUTY SPOKESMAN: ''IT'S RUSSIA'S TURN TO TAKE ACTION''

[14] BAKU-CEYHAN OIL PIPELINE - PARRIS, THE US AMBASSADOR TO TURKEY: ''THE SUPPORT OF THE US TO BAKU-CEYHAN CONTINUES''

[15] TURKEY IN BRIEF - OCTOBER 27, 1998

[16] TURKISH-KOREAN BUSINESS COUNCIL MEETING

[17] TOWARDS THE IMPORTANT SUMMIT IN ANKARA

[18] PAKISTAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE DELEGATION VISITS IZMIR CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

[19] TASKENT, TURKISH AMBASSADOR TO KAZAKHSTAN: - ''BAKU-CEYHAN PROJECT IS MOST APPROPRIATE ROUTE FOR TRANSPORT OF CASPIAN OIL TO WESTERN MARKETS''

[20] NSC MEETING ENDS

[01] ERDOGAN, MAYOR OF ISTANBUL, RESIGNS FROM VIRTUE PARTY

Erdogan has sent his resignation to the FP headquarters through the 10th Notary Public saying, ''I have resigned from the Virtue Party because of the legal obligations.''

Erdogan was convicted for provoking hatred in one of his speeches and sentenced to 10 months in prison by the State Security Court in the eastern province of Diyarbakır.

[02] NARCOTICS OFFICIALS DESTROY TWO TONNES OF DRUGS

Officials told the A.A correspondent that the drugs including hashish, heroin, pills and cocaine, were burnt at the Sabanci Cement Factory under the supervision of Salman Akyol, the Attorney General, and Ferruh Tankus, the Director of the Narcotics Department.

Special filters were used during the operation in order to protect the environment.

[03] TORRENTIAL RAINS IN ISTANBUL - MANY HOUSES AND BUSINESS PLACES INUNDATED

The heavy-rain affected the Eyup, Alibeykoy, Zeytinburnu, Merter, Kagithane and Fatih Districts inundating many houses and business places.

The torrential rains also paralyzed the daily life and traffic in Istanbul.

Rescue activities are underway in Istanbul.

[04] PRESS CONFERENCE OF THE SEPARATIST TERRORIST ORGANIZATION AT ITALIAN SENATE ON WEDNESDAY CANCELED AS A RESULT OF INITIATIVES OF BATU, TURKISH AMBASSADOR TO ITALY

Responding to the questions of the A.A correspondent, Batu stressed, ''we have succeeded in canceling the convention of the separatist terrorist organization at the Italian Senate.

The so-called representative of the separatist terrorist organization to Europe would have staged a press conference at the Italian Senate on Wednesday with the participation of several Italian deputies.

Sources at the Turkish Embassy in Rome pointed out that Batu has held talks with Nicola Mancino, the Floor Leader of the Italian Senate and with the high-level officials from the Italian Prime Ministry and Foreign Ministry in order to remind that such a convention can bring the good relations between Turkey and Italy into a deadlock.

[05] TURKEY AND SOUTH KOREA SIGN A COOPERATION AGREEMENT ENVISAGING THE USAGE OF NUCLEAR ENERGY FOR PEACEFUL PURPOSES - STATE MINISTER CELEBI: ''TRADE VOLUME BETWEEN TURKEY AND SOUTH KOREA WILL FURTHER INCREASE''

Addressing the signing ceremony, Mehmet Batalli, the Minister of State, stressed that the security of the Turkish people against the dangers of radiation, is more significant than anything.

Pointing out that his ministry and the Atomic Energy Commission of Turkey, attribute great importance to the issue and endeavour in order to bring the most secure and the most modern technology to Turkey.

Batalli reminded that the agreement envisaging technology transfer between the two contries in the fields of nuclear power, searching reactors and nuclear fuel, will be in force for 15 years. Noting that a joint working group will be established within the scope of the agreement, Batalli added that the two countries will exchange scientific and technical staff, information and data, and provide technical consultations and services to each other. Dr. Duck-Soo Han, the South Korean Minister of State Responsible for Commercial Affairs, pointed out that they have been meeting 30 percent of their energy requirements from nuclear power stations.

Stressing that there exists a large cooperation potential between the two countries, Han also described the usage of the technology transfer and cooperation for peaceful purposes as very meaningful.

Meanwhile Isin Celebi, the Minister of State, gave a reception in honour of the South Korean trade delegation.

Addressing the reception, Celebi stressed, ''the commercial potential between Turkey and South Korea will further increase in the near future. The two countries will improve the existing potential by setting up strategical partnerships with the Asian and developing countries.''

Celebi added that he believes South Korea will overcome the economic crisis that has hit the Southern Asian countries and will become more powerful.

Dr. Duck-Soo Han stressed that Turkey and South Korea also have historical, social and cultural similarities along with commercial ones and share common feelings.

[06] SEZGIN, THE NATIONAL DEFENSE MINISTER: ''RUSSIA WON'T SPOIL HER RELATIONS WITH TURKEY BECAUSE OF THE CHIEF OF THE SEPARATIST TERRORIST ORGANIZATION''

Responding to the questions of journalists during the reception held by the UN Representation to Turkey upon the 53rd foundation anniversary of the UN, Sezgin stated ''it's not easy to ask for extradition of Ocalan from Russia. There isn't any agreement between Turkey and Russia concerning the extradition of criminals. Russia won't easily leave the chief of a terrorist group who took shelter in Russia, which defended their actions and helped them. However, Russia doesn't also want to spoil her friendly, neighbourly, economic and political relations with Turkey.''

When asked whether or not there is a development concerning the extradition, Sezgin said that the necessary procedures have been made within the framework of the rules of diplomacy.

[07] TURKEY EXTENDS SUPPORT TO THE UN DRAFT RESOLUTION SUBMITTED BY LIBYA

The draft resolution envisages the lifting of the embargo that is unilaterally imposed by the US to Libya. The draft resolution was adopted by the UN General Assembly with 80 votes in return for two votes against the proposal.

Addressing the UN General Assembly, Tuluy Tanc, Turkey's Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN said ''Turkey rejects in principle the view that the laws of one country should also be valid for other countries, therefore Turkey supports the draft proposal in that respect.''

''The vote which we gave in favour of the proposal doesn't mean that we also extend support to the attitude or policy of Libya,'' added Tanc.

The US imposes an economic, commerical and financial embargo on Libya by saying that Libya extends support to terrorist activities.

Addressing the UN General Assembly, Peter Burleigh, the US Representative said, ''Libya doesn't abide by international law and doesn't even implement the UN Security Council Resolutions, which are binding. All independent countries have the right to decide with which countries they will engage in trade.''

The adopted draft resolution requests the UN member states not to submit to the demands of countries which force other countries to abide by their laws.

[08] THE US: ''BAKU-CEYHAN ROUTE IS THE BEST ALTERNATIVE''

Addressing the journalists, James Rubin, the Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs of the US Department of State, gave information about the meeting held in White House concerning the improvement of the Caspian energy sources and the main route that will transport the Azerbaijani oil to the Western markets.

Reminding that high-level officials from the US Administration and senior officials from the American oil companies which are in the Azerbaijani Oil Consortium, were in attendance at the meeting, Rubin stressed, ''every one at the meeting has reached a consensus of opinion on that the Baku-Ceyhan route is the best alternative for the main transportation line of the Azerbaijani oil.'' Noting that several governments and concerned organizations are still discussing the issue, Rubin pointed out that the US understands Turkey's concern on the passage of oil tankers from the Straits.

Rubin emphasized that they support the Baku-Ceyhan pipeline route for easing the traffic in the Straits.

James Rubin also stressed that Richard Morningstar, the US President Bill Clinton's Special Representative to the Caspian

Region, will visit Turkey between 28-29 October in order to hold contacts with the senior Officials and to attend the celebration for the 75th anniversary of the Republic of Turkey.

Responding to a question about the presence of Abdullah Ocalan, the leader of the separatist terrorist PKK organization, in Russia, Rubin reminded that Madeleine Albright, the US Secretary of State, has previously declared the PKK as a terrorist organization.

Rubin noted that he cannot confirm where a terrorist takes shelter. He also added, ''we should be very careful in establishing relations with the countries with which we will be in cooperation against terrorism.''

[09] IMF DELEGATION'S CONTACTS IN TURKEY - TANER, THE STATE MINISTER: TURKEY HAS A STRONG ECONOMIC STRUCTURE''

Addressing a joint press briefing with Martin Hardy, the Chief of the IMF Turkey Desk, Taner stated that they are trying to implement such an economic programme in Turkey which will eliminate all the negative effects of the crisis seen in the foreign markets.

Emphasizing the fact that the government increased the foreign exchange reserves from 16 billion to 27 billion US dollars when it came to power, Taner said that the economic crisis which is going on in the world will also be experienced in the future and its effects will also be felt in Turkey.

Pointing out that Turkey has to strengthen her structure to overcome the negative effects of the crisis, Taner said that there are other measures which have to be taken in addition to the borrowing that are provided from foreign markets.

''The Republican People's Party (CHP) has to extend support to us concerning the ten draft laws about social insurance and financial markets, because we have made agreements with the CHP. The Parliament has to adopt these laws and make structural reforms so that Turkey will also have a strong structure in 1999,'' added Taner.

Recalling that the ''close monitoring agreement signed with IMF'' covers a period of 18 months, Taner said that changes have to be made in the programme due to the changing conditions.

Taner stressed that the programme of the 1999 budget will be revised and the measures that have to be taken will be discussed during the meetings that will be held with IMF officials in Washington, D.C., next week.

[10] HARDY, THE CHIEF OF IMF TURKEY DESK DESCRIBES 1999 BUDGET AS COURAGEOUS AND PRETENTIOUS - ''TURKEY WON'T BE AFFECTED TO MUCH BY GLOBAL ECONOMIC CRISIS BECAUSE SHE HAS TAKEN NECESSARY MEASURES BEFORE''

Addressing a press conference along with Gunes Taner, the Minister of State, after the IMF delegation concluded its contacts in Ankara, Hardy said, ''following the staff monitoring programme signed between Turkey and the IMF, negative developments have occurred in the financial markets at the global level. The targets for 1999 which were envisaged in the staff monitoring programme, therefore, should be changed inevitably.''

Pointing out that the developments in the Russian economy have affected Turkey negatively, Hardy noted that they couldn't estimate how the shuttle trade between Turkey and Russia will be affected by the current crisis.

Hardy stressed that Turkey can be confronted with difficulties on reaching international capital because of the global financial crisis.

Reminding that the negative developments in the foreign markets cause the interest rates in Turkey to be increased and it affected the public finance negatively, Hardy told the reporters that the Central Bank was right in increasing the interest rates. He requested that tough measures be taken on public finance.

Mentioning the privatization programme in Turkey, Hardy said that he doesn't want to comment on the recent ''unlucky developments'', but he attracted attention to the developments which cause the public opinion to be reduced, increase the opposition against privatization.

Stressing that privatization should be continued and the energy sector enterprises should be handed over to the private sector. Responding to a question about the Central Bank, Hardy told the reporters that they support the decisions of the Central Bank in order to reduce the open foreign exchange positions of the banks.

Stressing that the banking system should be taken under tough control, Hardy pointed out that they expect several overdue regulations, including social security and private consumption tax, to be adopted as soon as possible.

Hardy also noted that Turkey won't be affected too much by the global economic crisis because she has taken all the necessary measures before and she has enough foreign exchange.

[11] TURKEY-IMF JOINT DECLARATION

A joint declaration was issued the same day concerning the contacts of the IMF delegation in Turkey about the targets reached by the Turkish government within three months due to the close monitoring programme signed with IMF.

The joint declaration is composed of three parts and 20 articles.

The statement evaluates the ''financial, structural and monetary policies'' under the name of ''policies pursued until September 1998''.

The beginning of the declaration focuses on the reasons for the visit of the IMF delegation to Ankara and the reasons for the close monitoring agreement signed with Turkey.

In the first three articles of the joint declaration, it is noted that the financial crisis seen in the world has deepened although a short period of time passed since the signing of the close monitoring programme signed between Turkey and the IMF.

The declaration stresses that the Turkish economy officials continue to implement the economic programme in spite of the financial crisis in Russia, which is an important market for Turkish exports.

The joint declaration points out that Turkey has to continue implementing financial policies which will strengthen public finance and realize structural reforms, noting that Turkey abides by the provisions of the close monitoring programme and will is needed in Turkey to resist the internal pressures before the general elections and the negative developments in the world economy.

''The strengthening of the financial policy of Turkey remains as the basic principle of the programme and the budget incomes except privatization have exceeded the targets envisaged in the close monitoring programme for the third quarter of 1998,'' noted the statement.

Noting that the performance of the fourth quarter of 1998 will depend on the success of tax collection and the pressure upon the expenditure items, the statement stressed that the privatization process which would help in decreasing public borrowing won't reach the targets that were envisaged in the programme.

Stressing that the efforts exerted to improve the tax administration were effective to a certain degree, the statement noted that the decision to decrease the proportions of income tax and to decrease investment incentives without guaranteeing a regular increase in tax incomes wasn't approved.

The joint declaration stresses that the economy bureaucrats have to increase their controls on the bank sector due to the recent developments in the world, recalling that the negative developments in the world caused the full change of monetary policy determined in the close monitoring programme.

[12] TORRENTIAL RAINS PARALYZE DAILY LIFE AND TRAFFIC IN TRACIAN REGION

The Service-bridge on the D-100 highway between Istanbul and Edirne has collapsed because of the flood waters. Following the incident, the highway has been closed to traffic.

The heavy-rain affected Sarkoy County of Tekirdag Province inundating many houses and business places.

Rescue activities are underway in the affected areas.

Meanwhile, the officials from the Meteorology Regional Directorate said that the heavy-rains will continue.

[13] EXTRADITION OF SEPARATIST TERRORIST ORGANIZATION TO TURKEY - ATACANLI, THE FM DEPUTY SPOKESMAN: ''IT'S RUSSIA'S TURN TO TAKE ACTION''

Sermet Atacanlı, the Deputy Spokesman of the Foreign Ministry, who confirmed that Turkey's request concerning the extradition of Ocalan and his previous convictions were conveyed to the Russian side with a note, said that Prime Minister Mesut Yılmaz wrote a letter to Yevgeny Primakov, the Russian Prime Minister. Thus, Prime Minister Yılmaz took a political initiative and the note submitted by the Foreign Ministry constituted the technical aspect of the issue, Atacanlı said.

Atacanlı told the A.A correspondent ''the Russian side hasn't still confirmed that Ocalan is in Russia, she has neither confirmed it nor rejected it. Therefore, Russia has to respond to us concerning this issue, she is the one who will take action.''

''They will either tell us that Ocalan isn't in Russia or they will tell us that Ocalan entered illegally to Russia, but later he left or they will say that he is in Russia, they are examining Turkey's request, but can't give him to Turkey,'' said Atacanlı.

Noting that the attitude of Turkey is clear, Atacanlı said that ''we told the Russian side that we determined that this man is in Russia and requested Russia to give him to us.''

Atacanlı added that it is confirmed that Igor Ivanov, the Russian Foreign Minister, will arrive in Ankara on 29 October to participate in the ceremonies that will be held for the 75th foundation anniversary of the Republic of Turkey.

[14] BAKU-CEYHAN OIL PIPELINE - PARRIS, THE US AMBASSADOR TO TURKEY: ''THE SUPPORT OF THE US TO BAKU-CEYHAN CONTINUES''

Addressing a seminar on ''Trade and Investments of the US in the Caucasus, '' Parris said that the speculations saying that the US withdrew her support from the Baku-Ceyhan pileline are ''misleading.''

Noting that all kinds of solutions concerning this issue should be taken into consideration, the protection of the Turkish straits and environment, Parris stressed that even the recent technology won't help the Straits to bear such an intensive oil traffic.

Mark Parris said that the Baku-Ceyhan pipeline is also the best solution concerning the environment, economy and strategy.

[15] TURKEY IN BRIEF - OCTOBER 27, 1998

Dr. Ibrahim Birkan, the Director of the Club Alda, has received the prize in a ceremony held in Manila, the capital of the Philippines.

ISTANBUL - Vladimir Jirinovski, the leader of the far-nationalist Liberal Democrat Party in Russia, arrived in Turkey on Monday.

Officials from the Russian Consul General in Istanbul, has welcomed him at the Ataturk Airport.

Addressing the journalists, Jirinovski stressed that he came to Turkey for a three-day visit in order to hold business talks.

Responding to a question about the presence of Abdullah Ocalan, the leader of separatist terrorist PKK organization, in Russia,

Jirinovski said, ''he isn't in Russia.''

ROME - Three Turkish movies participated at the Mediterranean Film Festival in Rome, it was reported on Tuesday.

''Letter'' directed by Ali Ozgenturk, ''Women Smelling Like a Candle'' directed by Irfan Tozum and ''De Profundis Klamavi'' directed by Cuneyt Cerit, will compete at the festival held between 25 and 31 October.

A total of 30 long-feature and 50 short-feature films from 34 countries have participated at the festival.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Three American scientists will be given the medals of merit on behalf of Turkey.

Prof. Justin McCarthy, Prof. Bernard Lewis and Prof. Stanford Shaw have been awarded with medals of Merit because of their contribution to the promotion of Turkey.

Baki Ilkin, the Turkish Ambassador to the US, will present the medals to the scientists.

[16] TURKISH-KOREAN BUSINESS COUNCIL MEETING

Addressing the joint meeting of the Turkish-Korean Business Council, which carries out activities within the structure of the Foreign Economic Relations Committee, Han said that both Turkey and South Korea established committees in the field of strategical cooperation and those committees will work for overcoming the problems and difficulties between the two countries, touching on the agreements signed on Monday in Ankara between the two countries.

Recalling that Turkey has free trade agreements with more than ten countries, the guest minister said that this number will increase more and Turkey constitutes an alternative for them.

Noting that Korea has a developed structure in the fields of telecommunications, conductors, infrastructure and vessel construction industry, Han said, ''we have the second largest vessel construction industry in the world. These are great advantages for us.''

Ali Kibar, the Co-Chairman of the Turkish-Korean Business Council, said that Turkey is an appropriate country for investing and Turkey and South Korea can realize joint investments in third countries after the determination of the strategical spots.

[17] TOWARDS THE IMPORTANT SUMMIT IN ANKARA

The Baku-Ceyhan project is expected to be included in the text as a ''joint intention'' on the issue of the main pipeline route which will transport the Caspian oils to the Western markets.

It was reported that President Suleyman Demirel and Turkmen Head of State Turkmenbasi will sign an agreement envisaging transport of the Turkmen natural gas to Turkey and to Europe via Turkey.

The Memorandum of Understanding, expected to be signed by President Demirel and the guest heads of states, includes improvement of the oil-natural gas beds in Central Asia and Caucasia.

Talks are underway between officials of the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources and Azerbaijani officials related to the transport of the Caspian oil to the Western markets through the Baku-Ceyhan oil pipeline.

An inter-government agreement came to a stage of conclusion and activities are newly started for a post-government agreement.

Turkey wants the inter-government agreement to be signed soon and waits for the conclusion of the post-government agreement upon the request of Azerbaijan.

Meanwhile, it was also reported that President Demirel and Turkmen Head of State Saparmurad Niyazov Turkmenbasi, will sign an agreement envisaging transport of the Turkmen natural gas to Turkey via Azerbaijan and Georgia after passing under the Caspian and transport of the natural gas from Turkey to Europe.

The Turkmen natural gas agreement was initialed by Cumhur Ersumer, the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, on 20 October during his visit to Turkmenistan.

Also, it was reported that Richard Morningstar, the Private Representative of the US President Bill Clinton to the Caspian Region, will meet with Cumhur Ersumer on Wednesday.

Morningstar is also expected to be received by Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz and Foreign Minister Ismail Cem.

[18] PAKISTAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE DELEGATION VISITS IZMIR CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

The Pakistan Chamber of Commerce delegation visited the IZTO. Addressing the meeting, Akyelli explained the obstacles preventing the development of the economic relations. Akyelli said that the greatest obstacle was the long distance between the two countries causing higher freight charges for cargo.

Akyelli stressed that the two countries have similar foreign trade structures and thus the variety of goods in trade was limited, so the countries couldn't improve the commercial relations.

Pointing out that the foreign trade between Turkey and Pakistan had been unstable since 1990, Akyelli said, ''since 1990, the volume of trade has reached its highest level in 1995 with 244.5 million US dollars. But then it decreased to 160.3 million US dollars in 1996 and to 115 million US dollars last year.''

Akyelli stressed that the balance of trade since 1990 was against Turkey for five years.

Mehmet Akyelli said that Turkey and Pakistan have comparative superiorities in textiles and ready-to-wear products based on cotton and that the two countries can realize joint investments in these fields.

Noting that they consider the developments of the commercial and economic relations between Turkey and Pakistan as a mission, Akyelli said that they will give the start for several activities with this objective.

Sardar Muhammad Ali Jogezai, the Chairman of the Pakistan Chamber of Commerce, said that they took a step for the development of the commercial relations between Turkey and Pakistan.

Pointing out that they want to export dried fruits and grains to Turkey, Jogezai said that most of the members of the Pakistani delegation are the representatives of these sectors.

Following the meeting, the Turkish and Pakistani businessmen held bilateral contacts.

[19] TASKENT, TURKISH AMBASSADOR TO KAZAKHSTAN: - ''BAKU-CEYHAN PROJECT IS MOST APPROPRIATE ROUTE FOR TRANSPORT OF CASPIAN OIL TO WESTERN MARKETS''

Stressing that the total cost of the construction of the Baku-Ceyhan oil pipeline project was between 2 and 2.5 billion US dollars, Taskent said that Turkey is a stable country and her foreign policy can't change according to the conditions.

Pointing out that the transport of oil, which will be drilled in Central Asia and the Caucasus, via the Turkish Straits was infeasible due to ecological security, Taskent said that annually, a total of 45 thousand different vessels were crossing the Straits and raising this number was impossible.

Ambassador Taskent stressed that the number of the vessels crossing the Turkish Straits in one year was the three-fold the number of vessels crossing the Suez Canal in one year.

Recalling that a total of eleven serious vessel or tanker accidents occur at the Straits annually, Taskent said that Turkey can't permit the transport of great amounts of oil via her Straits.

[20] NSC MEETING ENDS

The NSC General Secretariat statement said ''the National Security Committee held its monthly regular meeting on 27 October 1998 under the chairmanship of President Suleyman Demirel and the participation of Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz, Gen. Huseyin Kivrikoglu, the Chief of the General Staff, Ministerial members of the Council, force commanders, General Commander of the Gendarmerie and Secreteray General of the NSC.

The statement said ''as an outcome of the evaluations, a consensus of opinion was reached in the struggle against fundamentalist, separatist elements and determination in the struggle against organized crimes.

Also, they decided to extend the period of the state of emergency implemented in southeastern Diyarbakir, Hakkari, Siirt, Sirnak, Tunceli and Van Provinces for another four months starting from 30 November 1998.

Foreign political developments regarding the security of Turkey in the past one month period were discussed and measures that may be taken against probable developments in Northern Iraq were taken up and also the participants decided to closely monitor the implementation of the measures envisaged in the protocol signed between the Turkish and Syrian officials to put an end to the existence of the separatist terrorist organization in Syria.

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