Anadolu Agency: News in English, 98-11-03

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

03 NOV 1998

CONTENTS

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

[02] PRESIDENT DENKTAS OF THE TRNC: - ''THE ESSENTIAL ISSUE WAS NOT BROUGHT ONTO THE AGENDA OF HERCUS' CONTACTS''

[03] A TOTAL OF 18 BUSINESSMEN FROM THE US DUE IN TURKEY IN 10 NOVEMBER TO MAKE OBSERVATIONS IN THE GAP REGION

[04] FIRE IN DISCO IN SWEDEN - THE TURKS WHO DIED IN THE FIRE ARE IDENTIFIED

[05] DENIZKURDU, THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE MEETS WITH TARSCHYS, THE COE SECRETARY GENERAL

[06] TURKISH PAVILION AT THE BAGHDAD FAIR - STATE MINISTER BATALLI RETURNES TO TURKEY

[07] ISTANBUL STATE SECURITY COURT SUMMONS ASIK, THE FORMER STATE MINISTER TO GIVE TESTIMONY

[08] CASPIAN OILS - THE US: ''BAKU-CEYHAN ROUTE GAINS IMPORTANCE''

[09] PROF. DR. INONU IN AZERBAIJAN: - ''PRESIDENT ALIEV OF AZERBAIJAN HAS SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION ON SIGNING OF THE ANKARA DECLARATION''

[10] ETKIN, TRNC FOREIGN AND DEFENSE MINISTER: ''THE AIM OF THE GREEK CYPRIOT SIDE BY APPLYING TO THE EU IS TO GET POLITICAL INTERESTS''

[11] STATE SECURITY COURT PROSECUTION FILES A SUIT ABOUT PERINCEK, THE LEADER OF WORKERS PARTY (IP) ACCUSED OF ''AIDING THE SEPARATIST TERRORIST ORGANIZATION PKK''

[12] PROFILE OF EXPORTS FROM GAP REGION - IN FIRST TEN MONTHS, 437 MILLION US DOLLARS OF AGRICULTURAL AND ANIMAL PRODUCTS EXPORTED

[13] STANDART AND POOR'S EVALUATES ON THE TURKISH BANKING SYSTEM: ''TURKEY'S BIG PRIVATE BANKS ARE READY FOR THE UNSTABLE ECONOMIC ATMOSPHERE''

[14] AWARDS OF THE TUBITAK AND THE TUBA - SCIENTISTS RECEIVE THEIR AWARDS IN A CEREMONY IN THE CANKAYA PALACE

[15] THE 14TH MEETING OF ISLAMIC COUNTRIES' PERMANENT COMMITTEE FOR ECONOMIC AND COMMERCIAL COOPERATION - PRESIDENT DEMIREL: ''ECONOMIES WHICH CARRY GLOBAL RESPONSIBILITIES HAVE TO TAKE MEASURES ON TIME TO OVERCOME THE EXISTING ECONOMIC CRISIS''

[16] PRIME MINISTER YILMAZ IN THE TRNC

[17] SEPARATIST TERRORIST PKK ORGANIZATION IS GIVEN HEAVIEST BLOW OF THE LAST 15 YEARS ON 1998

[18] TREASURY SELLS 662.1 TRILLION LIRAS OF BONDS IN SIX-MONTH TERM TENDER

[19] PRIME MINISTER YILMAZ IN TRNC - DENKTAS, TRNC PRESIDENT: ''EUROPE'S PUTTING CONDITION ON OUR SOVEREIGNTY IS UNACCEPTABLE''

[20] PRIME MINISTER YILMAZ MEETS EROGLU AND MEMBERS OF COUNCIL OF MINISTERS

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

HURRIYET (LIBERAL) WE WANT THE TRAITOR
Initiatives are underway for the extradition of Metin Kaplan from Germany; who ordered the suicide attack to the Mausoleum of Ataturk, the founder of modern and secular Republic. Necati Bilican, the Director General of Security said that a dreadful event was prevented at the last minute.

KIRCA IS WELCOMED IN ANKARA
Levent Kırca, a famous comedian came to Ankara from Istanbul to give a petition to the parliament requesting a change in the law concerning the Supreme Board of Radio and Television (RTUK). Kırca and his friends met with Hikmet Cetin, the Parliament Speaker and he was welcomed by people in his arrival in Ankara. Kırca said that if RTUK does not withdraw its fine from a private television channel, he will go on a hunger strike.

MILLIYET (LIBERAL)

TWO MESSAGES TO TURKEY
Schroder, the new German Prime Minister paid his first official visit to Britain. British and German Prime Ministers met with each other in London. Schroder told Milliyet that ''the doors are open to Turkey, the religious difference is not an impediment for Turkey to be a member of the European Union (EU).'' British Prime Minister Blair said in his part that ''we do our best to realize Turkey's membership to the EU.''

SABAH (LIBERAL)

NEW PROTECTOR OF APO IS LIBYA
Russia asked Libya and Sudan to permit Abdullah Ocalan, the leader of the separatist terorist organization PKK to take shelter in these countries. The two countries have not still responded to the demand of Russia. Turkey is closely monitoring the developments. Meanwhile, Russia prohibited Ocalan to talk on the phone.

CUMHURIYET (LEFT)

GOVERNMENT-GANG CONNECTION
Deniz Baykal, the leader of the Republican Peoples Party (CHP) said that they will disclose very important documents soon which will reveal the connection of the government with the gangs.

RADIKAL (LEFT)

YENİ YÜZYIL (LIBERAL)

DECISION TO BE TAKEN CONCERNING EXTRADITION OF CAKICI
Alaatin Cakıcı, a famous mafia boss who was arrested in Nice city of France, will be at court in France on November 5. The court will give its verdict concerning the extradition request of Turkey.

TÜRKİYE (RIGHT)

ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)

[02] PRESIDENT DENKTAS OF THE TRNC: - ''THE ESSENTIAL ISSUE WAS NOT BROUGHT ONTO THE AGENDA OF HERCUS' CONTACTS''

Denktas stressed that the UN Secretary General did not authorize Hercus to take up the essential question, but dwell upon the confidence building measures.

Reminding that the Turkish Cypriot side has accepted the confrontation (removing the military troops on the border region mutually from each other) 18 months ago while the Greek Cypriot side refused it, Denktas pointed out that the issues of purifying the island from the land-mines and of exchanging property will be brought onto the agenda in coming days. Denktas also reminded that they have offered to set up an autonomous and independent committee between the two sides for the exchanging the property as in the issue of the missing people before.

Stressing that Hercus does not convey neither his words to Glafcos Clerides, the leader of the Greek Cypriot administration, nor Clerides' words to him in the period of shuttle diplomacy, Denktas noted that the success of the shuttle diplomacy is neccessary for direct negotiations.

Pointing out that full membership negotiations will begin officially in 10 November between the European Union (EU) and the Greek Cypriot side, Denktas emphasized that they will take effective measures against it and declare the measures in 10 November to the whole world.

Noting that ''we will not be in the same position in 10 November compared with our position in 9 November'', Denktas said that they will not give any concession from their positions whether they are influential or not. He also added, ''we will further turn our back to the EU and strengthen the relations with Turkey.''

[03] A TOTAL OF 18 BUSINESSMEN FROM THE US DUE IN TURKEY IN 10 NOVEMBER TO MAKE OBSERVATIONS IN THE GAP REGION

A statement from the State Ministry responsible from the GAP pointed out that the US delegation formed by the representatives of the leading companies of the US will visit Turkey within the framework of the joint organization of the Undersecretariat of Economy of the Turkish Embassy in the US and the company that performs Turkey's lobby activities in the US.

The delegation will visit the Ataturk Dam, the Koruklu Research Center and the Sanliurfa Organized Industry Region to determine the investment fields following the briefing of Olcay Unver, the Chairman of the GAP Development Administration.

The US companies are mostly interested in the fields of toy making, textile, computer, fresh and dried fruit, insurance, energy, tv, plastic, banking, telephone cards, fuel, airline services, livestock and agricultural equipments.

[04] FIRE IN DISCO IN SWEDEN - THE TURKS WHO DIED IN THE FIRE ARE IDENTIFIED

Osman Aksoy, the Turkish Ambassador to Sweden told A.A correspondent the identities of the nine people and said that the Turkish people who died in the fire lived in Sweden, thus their funerals will be held in Sweden except two, who will be buried in Turkey.

Aksoy added that he did not think the number of the Turks who died in the fire would increase.

[05] DENIZKURDU, THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE MEETS WITH TARSCHYS, THE COE SECRETARY GENERAL

Addressing a statement to journalists after the meeting, Denizkurdu said that in the meeting he summed up his opinions which he told the Chairman of the European Court of Human Rights the same day. Denizkurdu stated that Tarschys told him that he was impressed by the celebrations held upon the 75th foundation anniversary of the Turkish Republic.

Noting that he expressed the uneasiness of Turkey concerning the double standart shown against Turkey in the decisions taken by the European Court of Human Rights, Denizkurdu said that ''Turkey is one of the pioneers of the COE. Turkey was inspired by COE's values and principles of human rights and democracy and effectively contributed to them. Turkey has always been a reliable member of the COE. We regard COE as the cradle of democracy and civilization. Turkey has always extended support to democracy and human rights. We also launch great efforts to harmonize the Turkish law with human rights standarts of the European Convention on Human Rights. Various Turkish law provisions are being changed in this framework. I believe that the new European Court of Human Rights won't permit itself to be used for political purposes and will refrain from creating such results which can impede the efforts aiming at installation of international peace.''

''Unfortunately several countries prefer to think that Turkey has many things to learn in the field of human rights, but they don't understand the realities of Turkey. One of the important fact which is going on in Turkey for more than 10 years is terrorism. Terrorism is also a violation of human rights, but attention is paid to the state more than the terrorists,'' said Denizkurdu.

[06] TURKISH PAVILION AT THE BAGHDAD FAIR - STATE MINISTER BATALLI RETURNES TO TURKEY

Addressing the journalists, Batalli stressed that a total of 38 firms represent Turkey at the fair where firms from 43 countries take part.

Reminding that he held talks with the Iraqi ministers to further improve the commercial relations between Turkey and Iraq, Batalli stressed that his contacts have resulted in success. He added that he told the Iraqi ministers Turkey defends the territorial integrity of Iraq.

Meanwhile Dr. Mohammed Mehdi Salih, the Iraqi Trade Minister, joined the activities which were held for the Turkish Day at the International Baghdad Fair.

Dr. Salih was welcomed by Selim Karaosmanoglu, the Turkish Ambassador to Iraq, and Bilgin Aygin, the Director General of the Turkish Pavilion.

Responding to the questions of the A.A correspondent, Aygin stressed that the commercial relations between the two countries improve despite the embargo imposed on Iraq by the United Nations after the Gulf War.

Aygin pointed out that Iraqi people show great interest to the

Turkish goods displayed at the fair.

Reminding that Iraq was the second country on the list of the countries having good commercial relations with Turkey before the Gulf War, Aygin stressed that the trade between the two countries increase within the framework of the UN Resolution and on the bases of border trade and private sector.

Aygin also added that they aim at organizing a Turkish Industry Products Fair in Baghdat next April.

[07] ISTANBUL STATE SECURITY COURT SUMMONS ASIK, THE FORMER STATE MINISTER TO GIVE TESTIMONY

The State Security Court Prosecution in Istanbul summoned Asık, the State Minister to give testimony before the court.

Officials said that the technical experts council, which was established to check whether or not the cassette was real, concluded its studies and sent its report to the Prosecution.

[08] CASPIAN OILS - THE US: ''BAKU-CEYHAN ROUTE GAINS IMPORTANCE''

Pointing out that he believes in AIOC, the Consortium of the Azeri Oils, will choose the Baku-Ceyhan route, Morningstar stressed that the timing of the construction of the pipeline is not clear yet.

Stressing that the US is ready to take encouraging steps to make the Baku- Ceyhan route more attractive, Morningstar reminded that the signing of the Ankara Declaration and the Turkish Government's proposals have changed the situation.

Morningstar noted that he has no opinion whether the AIOC should take decisions concerning the pipeline route on this stage or not.

Morningstar also added, ''I believe in that intensive talks will be held between the companies, Turkey and Azerbaijan to realize the Baku-Ceyhan pipeline in the coming days.''

[09] PROF. DR. INONU IN AZERBAIJAN: - ''PRESIDENT ALIEV OF AZERBAIJAN HAS SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION ON SIGNING OF THE ANKARA DECLARATION''

Addressing the meeting, Prof. Dr. Inonu stressed, ''Aliev has significant contribution on the signing of the Ankara Declaration regarded with the Baku-Ceyhan oil pipeline, by the presidents of Azerbaijan, Turkey, Georgia, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan in 29 October.''

Emphasizing the importance of the Ankara Declaration for both Turkey and Azerbaijan, Prof. Dr. Inonu congradulated Aliev who has been re-elected as the president at elections last month.

Haydar Aliev in his part pointed out that Prof. Dr. Inonu contributed to the further improvement of the relations between the two contries when he was serving as the deputy prime minister.

[10] ETKIN, TRNC FOREIGN AND DEFENSE MINISTER: ''THE AIM OF THE GREEK CYPRIOT SIDE BY APPLYING TO THE EU IS TO GET POLITICAL INTERESTS''

Etkin stated in a written statement that Glafcos Clerides, the Greek Cypriot leader explains this aim by saying that ''the membership of the Greek Cypriot side to the EU will render Turkish guarantee on the island ineffective. The rights promised to Turkey will not be implemented as they are contrary to the EU law, therefore the Greek Cypriot immigrants will return to the places they used to live and the Hellenism will be victorious.''

Noting that the thing which should be solved is the problem which stems from the claim of the Greek Cypriot side to be the ''Cyprus government'' and to be the owner of the whole Cyprus, Etkin said ''they use the EU for this purpose, they think they can reach their targets by using the EU. They will soon realize that they are mistaken. The track on which they are walking will not give an end to division on the island, on the contrary it will further strengthen the division.''

''TRNC exists and will also exist in the future,'' added Etkin.

[11] STATE SECURITY COURT PROSECUTION FILES A SUIT ABOUT PERINCEK, THE LEADER OF WORKERS PARTY (IP) ACCUSED OF ''AIDING THE SEPARATIST TERRORIST ORGANIZATION PKK''

The Chief Prosecution also asks for imprisonment of other eight administrators of the Workers Party including Mehmet Bedri Gultekin, the Secretary General of the party up to 13 years claiming that they committed the same crimes.

The indictment prepared by Nuh Mete Yuksel, the Attorney General quotes the statement of Sami Demirkan, a former member of the PKK who confessed that ''Perincek had direct connections with the separatist terrorist organization, visited camps in Bekaa Valley in 1991, met with Abdullah Ocalan, the chief of the separatist terrorist organization PKK and became the second secret leader of the PKK after that meeting.''

The indictment also notes that two books written by Ocalan namely ''Militant Personality in Peoples' Struggle'' and ''Path to Kurdistan Revolution'' were seized in Perincek's house.

[12] PROFILE OF EXPORTS FROM GAP REGION - IN FIRST TEN MONTHS, 437 MILLION US DOLLARS OF AGRICULTURAL AND ANIMAL PRODUCTS EXPORTED

In the same period last year, the region exported 511.8 million US dollars of agricultural and animal products.

Abdulkadir Cikmaz, the Chairman of the Southeastern Anatolia Exporters' Union, told the A.A correspondent that in the first ten months of the year, they exported 246 million 745 thousand US dollars in textiles; 134 million 136 thousand US dollars in grain-cereals; 43 million 511 thousand US dollars in dried fruits and 12 million 645 thousand US dollars in livestock.

Cikmaz added that export of textile increased 35 percent while the export of livestock decreased 73 percent, export of grain-cereals dropped 44 percent and export of dried fruit reduced 1 percent compared with the figures of the same period of last year.

[13] STANDART AND POOR'S EVALUATES ON THE TURKISH BANKING SYSTEM: ''TURKEY'S BIG PRIVATE BANKS ARE READY FOR THE UNSTABLE ECONOMIC ATMOSPHERE''

S and P noted in its report on the Turkish banking system that big private sector banks like Turkish Isbank, Akbank, Yapı Kredi Bank and Garanti Bank which had good credit marks are not expected to be negatively effected from the global economic crisis.

Noting that Turkish banks can make up for the negative effects of Russian crisis on them by increasing their trade volume with Europe, S and P stated that the foreign borrowing has become difficult in the Turkish banking sector since from August.

The indefiniteness in the dates of the elections which are foreseen to be held in Turkey causes political ambiguity, stressed S and P, adding that the big private sector banks have the capacity to carry out their activities in the financial markets in spite of the economic crisis in the world.

S and P said that big private sector banks are profitable in the whole world, adding that the situation is reverse for the public banks.

[14] AWARDS OF THE TUBITAK AND THE TUBA - SCIENTISTS RECEIVE THEIR AWARDS IN A CEREMONY IN THE CANKAYA PALACE

The names of the winners are as follows:

Science Award of the TUBITAK: Prof. Dr. Onder Pekcan, Prof. Dr. Turgay Uzer, Prof. Dr. Vedat Arpaci, Prof. Dr. Derin Orhon, Prof. Dr. Ayten Arcasoy and Dr. Gonul Velicelebi.

Service Award of the TUBITAK: Prof. Dr. Sirri Erinc and Prof. Dr. Asuman Muftuoglu.

Encouragement Award of the TUBITAK: Dr. Haluk Resat, Dr. Alphan Sennaroglu, Dr. Gurol Seyitoglu, Dr. Billur Barshan, Dr. Adil Denizli, Dr. Hasan Mandal, Dr. Suleyman Ali Tuncel, Dr. Hulusi Hakan Caner, Dr. Hakan Sedat Orer, Dr. Captain Metin Ozata, Dr. Seza Ozen, Dr. Hakak Yararli, Dr. Mustafa Ersoz and Dr. Hasan Gumral.

Service Award of the TUBA: Prof. Dr. Dogan Aksan, Prof. Dr. Bahri Savci, Prof. Dr. Metin And and Prof. Dr. Teo Grunberg.

Encouragement Award of the TUBA: Prof. Dr. Erinc Yeldan, Prof. Dr. Erol Taymaz and Dr. Ethem Eldem.

[15] THE 14TH MEETING OF ISLAMIC COUNTRIES' PERMANENT COMMITTEE FOR ECONOMIC AND COMMERCIAL COOPERATION - PRESIDENT DEMIREL: ''ECONOMIES WHICH CARRY GLOBAL RESPONSIBILITIES HAVE TO TAKE MEASURES ON TIME TO OVERCOME THE EXISTING ECONOMIC CRISIS''

Addressing the opening session of the 14th meeting of the Islamic Countries' Permanent Committee for Economic and Commercial Cooperation, President Demirel said that the whole world advances to one market rapidly and this brings countries and nations together.

''A reconstruction process started in the world in political, economic, social, cultural fields and in other fields. The consciousness concerning the fact that peace, democracy and development are inseparable gets stronger every day,'' said Demirel.

Noting that the results of surveys show that the developing countries including OIC countries (Organization of Islamic Conference) are the ones which were affected most from the economic crisis, Demirel stated that ''the decrease in economic growth in developing countries show that these countries will face with serious economic and social problems.''

President Demirel stated that the world trade volume which increased by 10 percent in 1997 is expected to fall in 1998.

''Within the framework of our existing solidarity and cooperation in OIC, which was established nearly 30 years ago, we carry out a new economic cooperation strategy and Action Plan in order to go over our relations in parellel with the developments in the world,'' said Demirel, stressing that OIC countries should benefit from guarantee mechanisms such as medium term trade finance, export credits insurance and investments, which have been realized by the efforts of the Islamic Countries' Permanent Committee for Economic and Commercial Cooperation.

President Demirel welcomed the fact that during the meetings the participants will discuss and exchange views about issues like

''trade among member states, investments, economic stability and structural reforms.''

''I believe that our countries should diversify their foreign trade on the one hand and they should also liberate their foreign trade regimes and encourage regional trade and investments by taking the necessary measures on the other hand,'' said President Demirel.

Demirel stressed that OIC countries should closely monitor the developments concerning the World Trade Organization (WTO) system which will play a significant role in integration of member states' economies to the world.

''Turkey believes that regional cooperation is the key for international peace, stability and prosperity. Turkey strongly supports the Middle East Peace Process and believes that the golden opportunities which came out for installation of permanent and fair peace in the region should not be missed. The concerned sides should fulfil their obligation, the principle of pacta sunda servanda is very important,'' said President Demirel.

Pointing out that Turkey welcomes the ''interim period agremeent'' which was signed between Yaser Arafat, the Palestinian leader and Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli Prime Minister on October 23 in Washington D.C. the US, President Demirel said that ''we hope that this agremeent will lead the way to negotiations and speed up the peace process. The continuation of the Peace Process in the region carries vital importance for the stability of the Eastern Mediterranean.''

President Demirel said that Turkey believes that a solution in Kosovo; which will guarantee the legitimate rights of the ethnic groups in Kosovo and which are based on the principles of UN, Council of Europe (COE) and Organization on Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and which will lead to installation of a pluralist democracy; will be permanent.

Noting that the realization of a permanent peace in the Caucasus depends on securing international legitimacy, President Demirel said, ''I invite Armenia once again, which occupied the territories of Azerbaijan, to abide by the requirements of the international law.''

Stressing that the situation in Afghanistan carries vital importance for the stability of the Central Asia, Demirel said that the Afghan problem can't be solved by military means.

President Demirel said that Turkey gives priority to the integration of the new energy geography in the Caspian Basin which has new energy resources to the world.

Noting that the friendly countries which produce energy are members of the OIC and the Islamic Countries' Permanent Committee for Economic and Commercial Cooperation, President Demirel said that ''the only reliable and stable project, namely Baku-Ceyhan pipeline which will carry energy resources to world markets, will be the one of the most promising peace and cooperation projects of the 21st century.''

President Demirel added that ''Turkey will continue to extend support to OIC and the activities of the Islamic Countries' Permanent Committee for Economic and Commercial Cooperation.''

[16] PRIME MINISTER YILMAZ IN THE TRNC

Addressing the journalists at the airport, Yilmaz stressed, ''those who expect the Turkish Cypriots to abandon the independent TRNC state and to become contented with the autonomy administration, are doing nothing but dreaming. The TRNC will live and Turkey will do her utmost to help her.''

Reminding that the 75th anniversary of the foundation of the Republic of Turkey was celebrated in 29 October, Yilmaz pointed out that the 15th anniversary of the foundation of the TRNC will be celebrated in 15 November. Yilmaz added, ''the TRNC has succeeded in implementing a pluralist and participated democracy and in setting up an order which is respectful for the human rights and basic freedoms despite all difficulties and pain that the Turkish Cypriots faced with. Now, the only alternative on the island is the two states to overcome the problems between themselves and to form the conditions of cooperation and a peaceful future. I recommend the Greek Cypriot side to admit the confederation proposal of President Denktas of the TRNC and begin negotiations by accepting the presence of an equal, sovereign and democratic administration on the island.''

Pointing out that the Greek Cypriot side and Greece appeared to prefer the way of escalating tension on the island instead of friendship, Yilmaz noted, ''they insist on deploying the Russian made S-300 missiles, accelerating the activities aiming at adding a sea-base to the air base at the Southern Cyprus and showing Girne and Magosa as their target.''

Quoting the Greek officers who said, ''we will drink Turkish blood'', Yilmaz emphasized, ''Greece tries to examine our patience and determination by making the Southern Cyprus as a land threatening Turkey and arming the Dodecanese islands in the Aegean Sea. The primary target of her foreign policy is to hamper Turkey's interests in every field. I advise Greece and the Greek Cypriot side to leave such a risky way instantly, because Turkey will never abandon her strategical and vital interests neither on Cyprus nor in the Aegean. She will not allow any threat targeting the Turkish Cypriots.''

Mentioning the issue of the full membership negotiations between the Greek Cypriot side and the European Union (EU), Yilmaz stressed that Turkey has opposed such an illegal membership application from the very beginning. He added that the membership process will strengthen the division on the island, and damage the balance between Turkey and Greece, and carry the Cyprus into more negative conditions. Noting that their warnings were ignored before, Yilmaz told the reporters that the EU has preferred to apply a policy on the island imposed by Greece.

Reminding that full membership negotiations will begin officially in 10 November between the (EU) and the Greek Cypriot side, Yilmaz added, ''I warn the member states of the EU once again that to accept the Greek Cypriot side to the Union as a full member before the Cyprus question is solved, is to add another problem onto the agenda of the EU. Turkey and the TRNC has choosen their ways following the Luxembourg Summit. The similar of the unification process between the Greek Cypriot side, Greece and the EU, has also realized between Turkey and the TRNC.''

[17] SEPARATIST TERRORIST PKK ORGANIZATION IS GIVEN HEAVIEST BLOW OF THE LAST 15 YEARS ON 1998

Reliable sources told A.A correspondent that the number of terrorists who were rendered ineffective by the security forces reached 1960 this year. During the operations carried out in the region, 1684 terrorists were killed, and 27 terrorists were wounded. 138 terrorists were captured alive, and 111 terrorists were surrendered. A total of 280 security officials were also killed during the operations.

Stating that the separatist terrorist organization PKK was given the heaviest blow this year since 1984 when it started its armed attacks, the officials pointed out that Abdullah Ocalan, the chief of the PKK, escaped to Moscow from Syria after goverments's resolved attitude towards Damascus. And also hundreds of terrorists in the camps inside Syria escaped to Northern Iraq and took shelter in the camps near Iranian border, the officials added.

The officials also reminded that Semdin Sakık who is code named as ''Fingerless Zeki'', one of the leading names in PKK, was caught in an operation in Northern Iraq and brought to Turkey, and handed over to justice.

As parallel to these shocking developments, the continuous operations of the security forces in the region speeded up the collapse of the separatist terrorist organization, the officials said.

With the non-stop operations, the movement capability and the logistic support of the terrorist organization were limited to a great extent, the officials added.

During the operations, significant amounts of weapons, amnution, clothing, and food, and 27 mules, and great number of sheep and cattle were also seized.

[18] TREASURY SELLS 662.1 TRILLION LIRAS OF BONDS IN SIX-MONTH TERM TENDER

Also, a total of 82.9 trillion TL of bonds were sold to public enterprises over the interest formed at the tender.

The annual interest was 145.66 percent at the tender for which the offer had been 1 quadrillion 257 trillion 528.8 billion TL.

The minimum interest became 111.12 percent while the maximum interest rate was specified to be 146.64 percent.

The repayment of bonds, which will be issued on Wednesday, will be made on 5 May 1999.

In the previous 182-day bond tender on 15 September, the Treasury sold 587 trillion 437.5 billion TL in bonds while the annual gross interest had been 110.95 percent and the annual gross composite interest became 141.75 percent.

Meanwhile, the Treasury will realize 416 trillion 672.2 billion TL in domestic borrowing repayment on 4 November.

[19] PRIME MINISTER YILMAZ IN TRNC - DENKTAS, TRNC PRESIDENT: ''EUROPE'S PUTTING CONDITION ON OUR SOVEREIGNTY IS UNACCEPTABLE''

Speaking to reporters together with Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz, Rauf Denktas recalled a statement of Yorgo Vasiliu, one of the former leaders of Greek Cypriot side which said ''sovereignty of a country within the framework of European Union (EU) is to oppress the other side'' and said that ''Europe's putting condition on our sovereignty is unacceptable.''

Denktas pointed out that they used sovereignty not give up their rights and to provide peace, not to oppress the other side, and added that ''this peace can be realized by accepting the existence of two equal states.''

Speaking after the speech of Yilmaz, Denktas thanked for ''the strong voice of Turkey'' and wanted the message given by Yilmaz to be understood well. Denktas said that the Greek Cypriot side should give up their thesis and sit at negotiation table soon.

[20] PRIME MINISTER YILMAZ MEETS EROGLU AND MEMBERS OF COUNCIL OF MINISTERS

Speaking after meeting of Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz with TRNC Prime Minister Dervis Eroglu, members of the Council of Ministers and leaders of several opposition parties, Denktas said there were two separate states in Cyprus since 1960, adding that ''we have never come together since 1963. There has never been a joint administration in Cyprus. There has been two separate administrations in Cyprus for 35 years.''

Noting that Greek Cypriot side, with a racist approach and a false title, announced to the whole world that they are also the government of Turkish side, Denktas said that this was not acceptable. Denktas pointed out that ''the confederation will either be accepted or not. EU's intervention has spoilt Greek Cypriot side more.''

Denktas said ''as Alberto Dini,Italian Foreign Minister pointed out, all the world should accept that there are two separate states in Cyprus,'' and reiterated that the Greek Cypriot side can not represent Turkish Cypriots.

Noting that the rights of Turkey on Cyprus cannot be denied, Denktas said that they will not let these rights to be diluted. Denktas also said, ''we can sit at negotiation table if they accept that they are not the government of TRNC.''

Pointing out that Cyprus question did not require a mediation, Denktas said ''there is an administration which claimed for the past 35 years with a false title that it was Cyprus administration. Cyprus question will be solved when they give up this understanding.''

Attributing to a statement of Prime Minister Yilmaz made in Ercan Airport today, Denktas said ''Yilmaz announced Turkey's justified and strong voice to the whole world. I hope they got this message.''

Meanwhile, during his contacts in TRNC, Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz pointed out that they are determined to continue the integration process started between Turkey and TRNC.

Yilmaz said that depite all injustice, embargo and the pressure, the TRNC implemented pluralist democracy successfully for the past 15 years and continued its resolved attitude as a sovereign and independent state despite all injustice. Yilmaz pointed out that Turkey expended efforts to strengthen Turkish Cypriot people economically to make TRNC continue its resolved attitude. Yilmaz noted that Turkey will never leave TRNC alone.

Yilmaz said that the integration process initiated between Turkey and TRNC following Luxembourg summit was carried out successfully, adding that they reached to a consensus of opinion with the TRNC administrators that several new steps should be taken to this end. Yilmaz said that the justified attitude of Turkey on Cyprus case will continue.

Prime Minister Yilmaz stressed that no initiative will result in a positive outcome unless Greek Cypriot side gives up its immature dreams and accept to sit at negotiation table with the TRNC under equal conditions.''

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