Anadolu Agency: News in English, 98-11-10

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

10 NOV 1998

CONTENTS

[01] SEPARATIST TERRORISTS WAYLAY IN ORDU PROVINCE - ONE PRIVATE DIES, ONE OTHER INJURED IN CLASHES WITH TERRORISTS

[02] BAKU-CEPHAN PIPELINE - ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES MINISTRY: - ''BAKU- CEYHAN MAIN OIL PIPELINE IS THE ONLY SOLUTION TO TRANSPORT CASPIAN OIL TO INTERNATIONAL MARKETS'' - ''WE BELIEVE IN THAT CASPIAN-MEDITERRANEAN ROUTE IS THE MOST APPROPRIATE AND SUITABLE PROJECT''

[03] SEZGIN, DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER AND MINISTER OF NATIONAL DEFENCE, IN BELARUS

[04] EU COUNCIL OF MINISTERS MEETING - FRANCE, GERMANY, NETHERLANDS AND ITALY ISSUE A JOINT STATEMENT: ''FULL MEMBERSHIP NEGOTIATIONS BETWEEN THE GREEK CYPRIOT SIDE AND THE EU WILL BE PROBLEMATIC UNLESS CYPRUS QUESTION REACHES A PEACEFUL SOLUTION''

[05] THE EU COUNCIL OF MINISTERS MEETING - 14 MEMBER STATES EXPRESS WILL AT FINANCIAL AID TO TURKEY - FISCHER, GERMAN FOREIGN MINISTER: - ''TURKEY TAKES PLACE WITHIN THE ENLARGEMENT PROCESS OF THE EU''

[06] CONTACTS OF DENIZOLGUN, TRANSPORTATION MINISTER, IN THE TRNC - TRNC PRIME MINISTER EROGLU RECEIVES DENIZOLGUN

[07] PUK LEADER TALABANI'S CONTACTS IN ANKARA - TALABANI: ''IRAQ WON'T BE THE SHELTER OF PEOPLE FIGHTING AGAINST TURKEY''

[08] ATBA DELEGATION IN TRNC - TRNC PRESIDENT DENKTAS: - ''WE WANT YOU TO INVEST IN THE TRNC AND CONTACT WITH UNIVERSITIES''

[09] TRNC PRESIDENT DENKTAS RESPONDS TO GREEK CYPRIOT BUSINESSMAN: ''OPENING SCHOOLS IN BUFFER ZONE CAN ONLY BE REGULATED BY THE LAWS OF THE TWO COUNTRIES''

[10] FOREIGN MINISTRY DELEGATION MAKES OBSERVATIONS ON BORDER WITH BULGARIA AND GREECE

[11] IRAQI-UN CRISIS - ANKARA ANXIOUS ABOUT THE ESCALATION OF TENSION

[12] TREASURY REALIZES 175 TRILLION LIRAS IN SALES OF TEN-MONTH TERM BONDS

[13] EU-GREEK CYPRIOT SIDE FULL-MEMBERSHIP NEGOTIATIONS - FOREIGN MINISTRY: ''THIS DECISION IS ILLEGAL AND CONTRARY TO INTERNATIONAL LAWS''

[14] NORTHERN IRAQ - TURKEY'S CONCERNS STEMMING FROM WASHINGTON AGREEMENT OVERCOMED IN TRIPARTITE JOINT DECLARATION OF TURKEY US AND BRITAIN

[15] TURKEY-UZBEKISTAN - ERSUMER, MINISTER OF ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES MINISTER: - ''THE TALKS ABOUT PURCHASING OF THREE BILLION CUBIC METERS OF NATURAL GAS FROM GEORGIA CONTINUE''

[16] VESSEL WHICH CARRIED ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS TO ITALY - FOREIGN MINISTRY: ''FIRST OF ALL, THE ORIGIN OF THE SHIP SHOULD BE SPECIFIED''

[17] TURKISH-GERMAN COOPERATION COUNCIL MEETING - DOUBLE CITIZENSHIP AND TURKEY'S PARTICIPATION TO EU DISCUSSED

[01] SEPARATIST TERRORISTS WAYLAY IN ORDU PROVINCE - ONE PRIVATE DIES, ONE OTHER INJURED IN CLASHES WITH TERRORISTS

Security forces clashed with separatist terrorists to rescue Yuce in Kabaktepe region in Aybasti County of Ordu Province.

Private Murat Kurtulus died and Private Ismail Aygun was injured during the clashes with the terrorists.

Tacettin Yuce has been rescued in the operation.

Operations are underway in the region to capture the separatist terrorists.

[02] BAKU-CEPHAN PIPELINE - ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES MINISTRY: - ''BAKU- CEYHAN MAIN OIL PIPELINE IS THE ONLY SOLUTION TO TRANSPORT CASPIAN OIL TO INTERNATIONAL MARKETS'' - ''WE BELIEVE IN THAT CASPIAN-MEDITERRANEAN ROUTE IS THE MOST APPROPRIATE AND SUITABLE PROJECT''

Energy and Natural Resources Ministy issued a statement saying, ''Decision regarded with the Baku-Ceyhan main oil pipeline is expected to be taken in December. We believe in that the Caspian-Mediterranean route is the most appropriate and suitable project in respects of policy, environment, technique and trade. Our contacts and consultations continue with the producer companies and concerned companies to share such beliefs. It is clear that all of the related organizations act on the main oil pipeline with the same belief.''

[03] SEZGIN, DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER AND MINISTER OF NATIONAL DEFENCE, IN BELARUS

Sezgin came together with his Belarusian counterpart Aleksandr Chumakov. Meeting of the two defence ministers focused on military and technical cooperation within the framework of agreement envisaging military cooperation signed between the two countries.

Ismet Sezgin visited the Military Academy where the staff are being trained for the S-300 missiles.

President A. Lukashenko of Belarus is expected to receive Sezgin on Tuesday.

Meanwhile a commemoration ceremony was held in the Turkish Embassy in Minsk in 10 November when Ataturk passed away 60 years ago.

[04] EU COUNCIL OF MINISTERS MEETING - FRANCE, GERMANY, NETHERLANDS AND ITALY ISSUE A JOINT STATEMENT: ''FULL MEMBERSHIP NEGOTIATIONS BETWEEN THE GREEK CYPRIOT SIDE AND THE EU WILL BE PROBLEMATIC UNLESS CYPRUS QUESTION REACHES A PEACEFUL SOLUTION''

Underlining the main problems that will be caused in security and foreign policy of the EU by the division of the island, joint statement said out, ''France, Germany and Netherlands are aware of difficulties which will emerge during membership negotiations.''

[05] THE EU COUNCIL OF MINISTERS MEETING - 14 MEMBER STATES EXPRESS WILL AT FINANCIAL AID TO TURKEY - FISCHER, GERMAN FOREIGN MINISTER: - ''TURKEY TAKES PLACE WITHIN THE ENLARGEMENT PROCESS OF THE EU''

As Greece opposed the proposals, other 14 countries expressed will at adopting the proposal of the EU Commission that does not need unanimity and opening the doors of financial aid to Turkey.

The EU Council earlier instructed the EU Commission, the executive body of the EU, to find a proposal to overcome the difficulties on the financial aid to Turkey within the framework of strategy aiming at improving the relations with Turkey and deepening the Customs Union, following the Cardiff Summit.

The EU Commission has decided to give Turkey financial aid worth of 15 million ECU for three years within the framework of deepening the Customs Union, and 135 million ECU for three years within the framework of assisting Turkey in her economic and social development, and presented the decision to the approval of the Council.

The financial aid worth of 135 million ECU comprises elements such as, ''reducing the development difference among the regions, providing necessary aid in the fields of democracy and human rights, protection of minorities, superiority of law and providing all kinds of support to improve the relations between Turkey and the EU.''

The EU Council gave the sign of that the financial aid worth of 135 million ECU will be approved during the meeting in 7 December despite of Greece's opposition.

Meanwhile Greece which accuses her partners with ''betraying'', stated that she will veto the financial aid worth of 15 million ECU that needs unanimity in the Council, and will appeal to the Court of Justice for the other package of financial aid.

Committee of the Permanent Representatives (COREPER) will examine the issue in coming days to make the judicial bases clear.

Officials stressed that Greece's appeal to the Court of Justice cannot delay or stop the execution, adding that such an appeal will be risky for herself.

Meanwhile Joschka Fischer, German Foreign Minister, said on Monday that Turkey takes place within the enlargement process of the EU.

Addressing a press conference during the EU Council meetings, Fischer stressed that Turkey should fulfil several criteria just like the other candidates.

Fischer also added that there is no fundamental changes in Germany's policy towards the enlargement of the EU.

[06] CONTACTS OF DENIZOLGUN, TRANSPORTATION MINISTER, IN THE TRNC - TRNC PRIME MINISTER EROGLU RECEIVES DENIZOLGUN

Addressing the meeting, Eroglu stressed that the TRNC has still problems of transportation and telecommunication.

Eroglu thanked Turkey for her support to the improvement of the TRNC's economy and prosperity of the Turkish Cypriots.

Ahmet Denizolgun in his part stressed that Turkey will maintain her support to the TRNC also on the international platform.

Noting that the activities for the satellite-communication in the TRNC will be completed as soon as possible, Denizolgun pointed out that they will also realize reforms in the TRNC in the fields of transportation and telecommunication.

[07] PUK LEADER TALABANI'S CONTACTS IN ANKARA - TALABANI: ''IRAQ WON'T BE THE SHELTER OF PEOPLE FIGHTING AGAINST TURKEY''

Talabani met on Monday with high-level officials from the Foreign Ministry and discussed developments regarding Northern Iraq and the agreement signed between the PUK and KDP on 17 September in Washington D.C., the US.

Speaking to reporters following the meeting, Talabani said they wanted to contribute to the security of the Turkish borders and to prevent ecevry kind of violation. ''Iraq won't be the shelter of people fighting against Turkey,'' Talabani said.

Pointing out that he believed that in the meeting, they had managed to clarify the issues, which were important for Turkey, Talabani said that they want to set up good relations with Ankara.

When asked whether or not they will contribute to the Turkish Armed Forces' operations in Northern Iraq aiming at eradicating the separatist terrorist, Talabani said they will give every support to Turkey.

Meanwhile, a high-level official from the Foreign Ministry said that the PUK had shown a new approach to Ankara with the commitment that it won't allow the separatist terrorist PKK's taking shelter in its region, adding that this commitment removed Ankara's concerns about the PKK's existence in Northern Iraq.

''The important thing for Ankara was the determination of the PUK and KDP in cooperation. Our concerns abouth the Washington Agreement were removed by the statements of Barzani and Talabani,'' the official said.

[08] ATBA DELEGATION IN TRNC - TRNC PRESIDENT DENKTAS: - ''WE WANT YOU TO INVEST IN THE TRNC AND CONTACT WITH UNIVERSITIES''

The ATBA delegation was received by the TRNC President Rauf Denktas and the Prime Minister Dervis Eroglu.

Addressing the meeting, TRNC President Denktas said that the existence of Turkish people was important for telling the realities about the Cyprus issue, calling the businessmen to invest in the TRNC and contact with the universities.

Pointing out that the Turkish young people, who live in Germany, will contribute to the TRNC if they study at the universities in the TRNC, Denktas called the associations to encourage the German jurists to visit the TRNC for getting true information about the Cyprus issue.

Later, the delegation was received by Dervis Eroglu, the Prime Minister of the TRNC. Addressing the meeting, Eroglu said that the TRNC had expected for years foreign entrepreneurs to make investments which will create employment, adding that they were pleased with the visit of young entrepreneurs to the TRNC.

Stressing that the Turkish businessmen realized successful projects in foreign countries in recent years, Eroglu, ''I hope some of these businessmen will come to the TRNC to make successful investments.''

[09] TRNC PRESIDENT DENKTAS RESPONDS TO GREEK CYPRIOT BUSINESSMAN: ''OPENING SCHOOLS IN BUFFER ZONE CAN ONLY BE REGULATED BY THE LAWS OF THE TWO COUNTRIES''

The Greek Cypriot businesmen had earlier said that he planned to open a school in the buffer zone between the Greek Cypriot side and TRNC which will give education in Greek and Turkish languages.

Noting that such an application to open a school in the buffer zone has not been made to the TRNC government, TRNC President Denktas stated that ''if the idea is to open a school in the buffer zone, this depends on the laws.''

''The control of the Ministry of Education is needed concerning this issue, this is not the job of Lordos or businessmen,'' said Denktas.

Pointing out that such kind of initiatives are launched in order to make the world forget the existence of the TRNC, Denktas said that the education system depends on the state and nobody can intervene with that from outside.

TRNC President Denktas stressed that they are ready for all kinds of cooperation on equal conditions, TRNC President Denktas said that ''the cooperation between the two states on the island will also bring reciprocal respect. Those who refrain from that approach does not respect our people and our state.''

[10] FOREIGN MINISTRY DELEGATION MAKES OBSERVATIONS ON BORDER WITH BULGARIA AND GREECE

Erkan Gezer, the Chairman of the delegation, told the A.A coorespondent that they will check the border stones and border lines during their activities in Edirne and Kýrklareli Provinces. Pointing out that they will check the border line which starts from Enez County of Edirne County and ends in Rezve Stream in Kýrklareli Province, Gezer noted, ''we observe whether the border line is distorted by the natural reasons or not. Merich River forms the border between Turkey and Greece, but the border can sometimes changes because of the streams in the river.''

Border delegation will complete its studies in Edirne and Kýrklareli Provinces in 13 November.

-PRESIDENT DEMIREL ADDRESSES THE WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM (WEF):
''TURKEY IS STILL THE BIGGEST ECONOMY IN EASTERN EUROPE, THE BLACK SEA, THE
BALKANS, CASPIAN BASIN AND THE MIDDLE EAST''
-''NO CANDIDATE COUNTRY TO THE EU HAS MORE DYNAMIC AND PROMISING ECONOMY
THAN TURKEY''
ISTANBUL, Nov 10 (A.A) - President Suleyman Demirel said on Monday that ''Turkey is still the biggest economy in Eastern Europe, the Black Sea, the Balkans, Caspian basin and the Middle East.''

Addressing the World Economic Forum (WEF), President Demirel stated that globalization continues to determine the basic parameters of the discussions concerning the future of the world economy.

''What we need today is liberation of trade and markets in the global dimension and making the institutions more transparent. Another important thing is providing appropriate conditions for competition,'' said President Demirel.

Noting that ''economies which have global responsibility have to take measures on time against the danger of global recession,'' President Demirel said that ''we have to keep the concept of free trade alive if we want the continuation of the economic success realized after the end of the Second World War.''

President Demirel said that Istanbul, which has the character of being a global city has become a financial and trade centre of Eurasia.

Noting that the Turkish entrepreneur has understood the importance of competition in this framework, President Demirel stressed that the integration of Turkey with developed economies and the fact that she has a transparent financial system which prevented her from being affected much by the existing global crisis.

Pointing out that Turkey has changed into an industry and urban society, President Demirel said that Turkey has not been assisted by the European Union (EU) since 1981 while achieving that and Turkey is one of the leading trade partners of the EU.

Recalling that a report prepared by the World Bank and which was issued at the beginning of this year describes Turkey- with approximately 380 billion dollars of gross national product- as one of the 17 biggest economies of the world, President Demirel said that Turkey has a growth rate which is bigger than other 11 candidate countries, which want to be members of the EU. ''Since 1980, Turkey has realized a rapid structural transformation. Particularly our sector of financial service, our stock exchange, insurance institutions and global economy have fully integrated with global economy, '' he said.

''Turkey is an industrial and urban society, 70 percent her population lives in cities. Her gross national product in 1997 increased by 8,3 percent and her growth rate for this year seems to be 6 percent. In August this year, the inflation rate decreased from 67,7 percent from 91 percent in 1997. Turkey is having stable prices,'' President Demirel added.

Stressing that the total investment amount of Turkish industry was 8 billion dollars in 1997, President Demirel stated that ''today the Turkish industry can sell her products to 135 countries. Our trade volume for this year is more than 75 billion dollars and it tends to reach 100 billion dollars.''

President Demirel added that 80 percent of the construction activities in Caucasus and Central Asia are carried out by Turkish enterprenuers.

''Turkey is resolved to realize all kinds of reforms in every field and the reports of the EU Commission about Turkey praise for Turkish economy,'' added Demirel.

Mentioning about the issue of terrorism and Syria, President Demirel said that Turkey has been patient towards Syria for 15 years, adding that problems can occur between neighbouring countries. Recalling that Turkey has been suffering from terrorism for years, Demirel pointed out that 10, 000 people lost their lives due to terrorism.

[11] IRAQI-UN CRISIS - ANKARA ANXIOUS ABOUT THE ESCALATION OF TENSION

Addressing a weekly news conference, Atacanli pointed out that Iraq should fully abide by the UN resolutions before paving way for a hot clash.

[12] TREASURY REALIZES 175 TRILLION LIRAS IN SALES OF TEN-MONTH TERM BONDS

The lowest composite interest rate became 125.41 percent and the highest cdmposite interest became 132.36 percent in the ten-month bond tender at which the total offer was 731.4 trillion TL.

The simple annual interest rate of bonds became 126.41 percent while the highest simple annual interest rate was 126.42 percent and the lowest simple annual interest rate became 120 percent.

The value date of the bonds was specified to be 11 November 1998 while the repayments will be made on 6 October 1999.

The Treasury, in the previous six-month (182-day) bond tender on 3 November 1998, realized 662 trillion 159.4 billion TL in sales while the simple annual interest rate was 113.47 percent and the gross composite interest rate became 145.66 percent.

[13] EU-GREEK CYPRIOT SIDE FULL-MEMBERSHIP NEGOTIATIONS - FOREIGN MINISTRY: ''THIS DECISION IS ILLEGAL AND CONTRARY TO INTERNATIONAL LAWS''

Responding to a question in his weekly press conference, Foreign Ministry Deputy Spokesman Atacanli said that Turkey's views about the issue were known and those opinions still protect their validity.

Stressing that giving a start for full-membership negotiations was illegal and contrary to the international laws, Atacanli said, ''Turkey thinks this decision is a wrong step, which cannot help the initiatives to bring a peaceful solution to the Cyprus issue and makes the situation more complicated.''

[14] NORTHERN IRAQ - TURKEY'S CONCERNS STEMMING FROM WASHINGTON AGREEMENT OVERCOMED IN TRIPARTITE JOINT DECLARATION OF TURKEY US AND BRITAIN

The Joint Declaration issued by the three countries said, ''Turkey, the US and the United Kingdom, as co-sponsors of the Ankara Process, welcome the recommitment to the principles of the Ankara Statements embodied in the September 17 Joint Statement by the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) in Washington. With this joint declaration, efforts at reconciliation between the KDP and the PUK have reached an important new stage.''

The declaration said, ''Turkey, the US and the UK reiterate the importance of preserving the unity and territorial integrity of Iraq. We are particularly pleased to note the prominence the KDP and the PUK accord this principle in their joint declaration. Within this context, we note that arrangements to implement the Ankara Statements and the Joint Statement have the objective of an interim solution for the current temporary situation in northern Iraq.''

The declaration went on as saying, ''clearly, the co-sponsors as well as the parties believe that key decisions on Iraq's future should be made by all the Iraqi people together at an appropriate time and as part of a regular political process. The Ankara Statements and the Joint Statement are thus meant to implement a framework of regional administration until key decisions about the political system of Iraq can be made by the Iraqi people within a united Iraq. We welcome the joint declaration as an important step in that direction.''

It said, ''we also welcome the clear commitment by the KDP and PUK to deny sanctuary to the PKK, to eliminate all PKK bases from the region and to safeguard the Turkish border. Turkey's legitimate security concerns and its right to defend itself against terrorism should be respected. We look forward to full implementation of these and other provisions in the Joint Statement and Ankara Statements designed to eliminate terrorism.''

The Joint Declaration said, ''we recognize the possible role of humanitarian, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in supporting the goals of the Ankara Statements. In the past, the activities of some NGOs in northern Iraq may not have conformed with their status. The Government of Turkey has established principles to regulate the passage of NGO workers to the region.''

It concluded as saying, ''Finally, our government's wish to recognize the statesmanlike, cooperative achievement of Mr. Barzani and Mr. Talabani in making possible this initiative. We welcome their visit to Ankara and suggest that they continue their involvement in the Ankara Process and implementation of its goals.''

[15] TURKEY-UZBEKISTAN - ERSUMER, MINISTER OF ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES MINISTER: - ''THE TALKS ABOUT PURCHASING OF THREE BILLION CUBIC METERS OF NATURAL GAS FROM GEORGIA CONTINUE''

Ersumer received Abdulahat Calilov, the Uzbek Ambassador to Ankara. Speaking to reporters following the meeting, Ersumer said that the DSI was carrying out activities in Uzbekistan about the development of water sources, provision of ecological balance in the Aral Lake and the hydroelectric power plants.

Ersumer said that they discussed the cooperation opportunities to operate underground riches of Uzbekistan.

Ersumer stated that the talks about the purchase of three billion cubic meters natural gas from Georgia continue.

Pointing out that the negotiations, which started following the offer came from Georgia, were being carried out by the Pipeline Oil Transportation (Botas), Ersumer said that the natural gas, which will be purchased from Georgia, will be used at the tea factories in the Black Sea Region.

Touching on the Baku-Ceyhan Pipeline Project, Ersumer said that the Turkish and Azerbaijani delegations were holding meetings in Istanbul, adding that the Turkish side, in these meetings, will convey its opinions about the ''share and specification of tariffs'', ''transportation fee'', and ''taxation''.

[16] VESSEL WHICH CARRIED ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS TO ITALY - FOREIGN MINISTRY: ''FIRST OF ALL, THE ORIGIN OF THE SHIP SHOULD BE SPECIFIED''

''First of all, the origin of the vessel should be clarified,'' Atacanli stressed.

Emphasizing that there were evidences that the ship didn't depart from Turkey, Atacanli stated that they will do what is required in case if the source of the ship is Turkey.

The Italian police seized a vessel in the north of Otranto city of Italy while she was carrying illegal immigrants.

It was claimed that the vessel namely ''Zeynep'' departed from Turkey.

[17] TURKISH-GERMAN COOPERATION COUNCIL MEETING - DOUBLE CITIZENSHIP AND TURKEY'S PARTICIPATION TO EU DISCUSSED

Foreign Ministry officials said Turkish businessmen and bureaucrats briefed German side about Southeastern Anatolia Project (GAP), privatization, tax reform and free zone implementations during meeting on Nov 5.

German side evaluated business and investment facilities in Turkey and briefed Turkish side about investment and business facilities in Germany.

Meanwhile, Korkmaz Haktanir and Von Ploetz, the Foreign Ministry Undersecretaries of the two countries, took up the outcomes of the studies of the groups established in the fields of trade, industry, tourism and energy.

Economic and trade relations were later reviewed in bilateral political consultations. Also, Turkey's evaluation regarding a report issued by EU Commission about Turkey's participation to EU, was conveyed to German side.

During the talks, it was pointed out that legalization of double citizenship, included in coalition protocol of new German government, will help the integration of Turkish citizens living in Germany with the German community and cooperation facilities against the circles which hold anti- Turkish activities were reviewed.

Also, the sides exchanged information about the daily international issues concerning the two countries.

Next meeting of Turkish-German Cooperation Coucil is envisaged to take place between Nov 4-5, 1999 in southern Antalya province.

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