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Anadolu Agency: News in English, 98-11-24

Anadolu Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

24 NOV 1998


CONTENTS

  • [01] THE US ADMINISTRATION REITERATES: - ''OCALAN IS A TERRORIST AND HE SHOULD BE BROUGHT TO JUSTICE''
  • [02] SEZGIN, DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER AND MINISTER OF NATIONAL DEFENSE: - ''ITALY SHOULD DO AT LEAST WHAT SYRIA AND RUSSIA DID BEFORE''
  • [03] BRITISH INDEPENDENT TELEVISION COMMISSION WARNS MED-TV, THE TV CHANNEL OF THE SEPARATIST TERRORIST PKK TO CANCEL ITS BROADCAST LICENCE
  • [04] BATU, THE TURKISH AMBASSADOR TO ITALY: ''THE PROMISES THAT HAVE BEEN GIVEN TO US HAVE BEEN FULFILLED AFTER THE COURT DECISION OF COMPULSORY RESIDENCE OF OCALAN, THE TERRORIST CHIEF''
  • [05] TURKEY'S REQUEST OF EXTRADITION TO BE CONVEYED TO ITALY BY SPECIAL COURIER
  • [06] TURKISH-BRITISH FRIENDSHIP ASSOCIATION CONDEMNS ITALY
  • [07] REACTION FROM THE TRNC TO ITALY - TRNC DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER SERDAR DENKTAS CONDEMNS ITALY
  • [08] REACTIONS TO THE DELAY OF GALATASARAY-JUVENTUS MATCH - TERIM, THE COACH OF GALATASARAY SOCCER TEAM: ''WHAT WILL CHANGE IN ONE WEEK? IMPORTANT PLAYERS OF JUVENTUS ARE INJURED BUT THEY ALLEGE THAT THERE IS A HIGH TENSION''
  • [09] TBB SENDS A LETTER TO ITALIAN PREMIER D'ALEMA: - ''KILLING OF INNOCENT PEOPLES CANNOT BE FORGIVEN''
  • [10] CAGAN, THE MINISTER OF LABOUR AND SOCIAL SECURITY IN TRNC - TRNC PRESIDENT DENKTAS: ''THESE VISITS GIVE IMPORTANT MESSAGES TO THE OTHER SIDE''
  • [11] EUROMED MEETINGS IN BRUSSELS - SEARCH FOR COMMON ATTITUDE AGAINST TERRORISM
  • [12] BALANCE SHEET OF SPERATIST TERRORISM FOR 15 YEARS - A TOTAL OF 4,457 CIVILIANS, 3,834 SOLDIERS, 247 POLICEMEN, 1,218 VILLAGE GUARDS AND 115 TEACHERS KILLED IN 5,969 ATTACKS SINCE 1984
  • [13] THE US OFFICIALS: - ''OUR ATTITUDE ON EXTRADITION OF OCALAN IS CLEAR'' - ''OCALAN IS A TERRORIST AND HE SHOULD BE BROUGHT TO JUSTICE'' - ''THE US WILL PRESENT ITALY A FILE PERTAINING THE TERRORIST ACTIONS OF PKK''
  • [14] PRESIDENT DEMIREL ADDRESSES TO BRT, THE TURKISH CYPRIOT TV CHANNEL: ''TURKEY IS THE MOST POWERFUL STATE OF THE REGION, AND WHO TRIES TO CAUSE A PROBLEM WITH TURKEY, WILL REGRET THAT''
  • [15] PARLIAMENT DISCUSSES THE CENSURE MOTIONS BROUGHT AGAINST PRIME MINISTER YILMAZ AND TANER, THE STATE MINISTER - MOTIONS TO BE VOTED ON WEDNESDAY
  • [16] TURKEY-US - THE TURKISH-AMERICAN BUSINESS COUNCIL AND COMMERCIAL CONSULTATION COMMITTEE MEETINGS END
  • [17] FM CEM MEETS WITH HIS LITHUANIAN COUNTERPART SAUDARGAS
  • [18] REACTION FROM TRNC TO ITALY - CYPRUS TURKISH JOURNALISTS UNION: ''WE ARE COVERING THE DEVELOPMENTS WITH CONCERN''
  • [19] TURKEY AND TRNC SIGN COOPERATION PROTOCOL IN THE FIELD OF SOCIAL SECURITY
  • [20] ITALY'S EUROPEAN COMMISSIONER EMMA BONINO: - ''ITALY'S CALLS FOR THE EU ARE NOT TRUE'' - ''IT IS NOT LEGALLY APPLICAPLE TO GRANT POLITICAL ASYLUM TO OCALAN''
  • [21] SEZGIN, DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER: ''ITALY CAN NOT SHELTER APO ANYMORE''
  • [22] TURKISH-EU RELATIONS
  • [23] YILMAZ, PRIME MINISTER: ''EXTRADITION OF CHIEF OF SEPARATIST ORGANIZATION TO GERMANY OR SENDING HIM TO A THIRD COUNTRY IS IN QUESTION''
  • [24] TUYGAN, TURKEY'S AMBASSADOR TO GREECE, IN WESTERN THRACE - TUYGAN: ''IMPROVEMENT IN THE TURKEY-EU RELATIONS CAN CONTRIBUTE TO TURKISH-GREEK RELATIONS''

  • [01] THE US ADMINISTRATION REITERATES: - ''OCALAN IS A TERRORIST AND HE SHOULD BE BROUGHT TO JUSTICE''

    WASHINGTON D.C., Nov 24 (A.A) - James Rubin, the Spokesman of the US State Department, reiterated on Monday that Abdullah Ocalan, the chief of separatist terrorist organization PKK, is a ''terrorist'' and he should be brought to justice.

    Addressing the journalists, Rubin noted that the US hopes that Ocalan should be brought to justice within the framework of the international laws and laws of the related countries.

    Stressing that Turkey, Italy and Germany scrutinize overall alternatives to bring Ocalan to justice, Rubin pointed out that there are evidences proving Ocalan's involvement to a series of terrorist action, therefore he should account for the terrorist activities of the separatist terrorist organization PKK.

    Rubin reminded that Madeleine Albright, the US Secretary of State, held talks with her Italian counterpart Lamberto Dini, and Strobe Talbott, the Deputy Secretary of the US State Department maintains his contacts with the high-level Italian officials over the issue.

    Responding to a question, Rubin emphasized that Ocalan has committed most of his crimes in Turkey and against Turkish people, therefore should be extradited to Turkey although there is arrest warrant in Germany for him.

    Rubin also stressed that the cooperation is extremely significant to bring Ocalan to justice.

    [02] SEZGIN, DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER AND MINISTER OF NATIONAL DEFENSE: - ''ITALY SHOULD DO AT LEAST WHAT SYRIA AND RUSSIA DID BEFORE''

    ANKARA, Nov 24 (A.A) - Ismet Sezgin, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense, received on Monday Hans Stercken, Chairman of the Turkish-German Freedom-Lover Friendship Association and members of the administrative board.

    Addressing the meeting, Sezgin stressed that Italy should do at least what Syria and Russia did before on the issue of Abdullah Ocalan, the chief of separatist terrorist organization PKK.

    Noting that Italy which approach emotionally and ideologically to the issue of extradition of Ocalan, is in dilemma, Sezgin stressed that the attitudes of the several Italian deputies supporting Ocalan and separatist terrorist organization PKK, are oppesed to the laws, agreements, the principles of the NATO, relations with Turkey and Italy's interests.

    Sezgin added, ''I am sure that Italy will not want to be a country protecting a drug smuggler and a murderer who claimed 30 thosand lives and is recognized as terrorist by whole world. Italy should do at least what Syrias and Russia did before.

    Dr. Hans Stercken, in his part, expressed gratification over visiting Turkey.

    Stercken stressed that the terrorism is not only the problem of Turkey, but the problem of whole world, adding that all countries shold struggle against terrorism targeting innocent lives.

    Pointing out that the German people are also disturbed by the terrorist actions of the PKK, Stercken also noted that Turkey and Germany should act together against the separatist terrorist organization and the fundamentalists organizations.

    [03] BRITISH INDEPENDENT TELEVISION COMMISSION WARNS MED-TV, THE TV CHANNEL OF THE SEPARATIST TERRORIST PKK TO CANCEL ITS BROADCAST LICENCE

    LONDON, Nov 24 (A.A) - Med TV, the television channel of the separatist terrorist organization PKK which broadcasts from London was warned on Monday by the British Independent Television Commission (ITC) which said that ''the Med-TV will be banned within six months if it does not abide with the principles of broadcast.''

    Recalling that the Med TV had been earlier punished for violating the principles of broadcast in Britain, the ITC said that the Med-TV was punished because of ''encouraging violence and terrorism.''

    ITC warned the Med-TV by saying that Med-TV should take such steps to harmonize its broadcasts with the principles of broadcast, adding that Med- TV should inform ITC about the measures that will be taken to this end.

    ITC said that Med-TV should also inform it about the details of its programmes and the participants, who will attend the programmes.

    ITC also banned Med-TV from broadcasting in support of any organization including the PKK or participation of a member of the organization under the guise of ''journalist.''

    The period of six months will end on May 20, 1999.

    [04] BATU, THE TURKISH AMBASSADOR TO ITALY: ''THE PROMISES THAT HAVE BEEN GIVEN TO US HAVE BEEN FULFILLED AFTER THE COURT DECISION OF COMPULSORY RESIDENCE OF OCALAN, THE TERRORIST CHIEF''

    ROME, Nov 24 (A.A) - Inal Batu, the Turkish Ambassador to Italy said on Monday that the prevention of Abdullah Ocalan, the chief of the separatist terrorist organization PKK from launching activities against Turkey and the removal of the supporters of the PKK from the Celli Square in Rome are positive developments after the verdict of the Italian court concerning the compulsory residence of Ocalan.

    Responding to questions of A.A correspondent, Batu said that ''the contacts of Ocalan with his supporters and journalists have ended and the promises that were given to us after the decision of compulsory residence have been fulfilled and we expect this to continue. We will closely monitor the attitude of Italy from now on.''

    Noting that November 27 is the 20th foundation anniversary of the separatisbt terrorist organization PKK, Batu stressed that the supporters of the separatist terrorist organization wish to carry out activities on that date in Rome. Everybody should monitor the developments,'' Batu added.

    Meanwhile, the appeal of Turkey to the verdict of the Italian court of appeal has been postponed by the invitation of Attilio Caroselli, the Italian lawyer to Turkey by the Ministry of Justice.

    Turkey is expected to appeal the court decision till November 30.

    Diplomatic sources say that there are two consensus of opinion from the far rightist to the far leftists in Italy. First of them is to ''get rid of Ocalan'' and the second one is ''prevention of extradition of Ocalan to Turkey.'' The same sources point out that Italy tries to find a middle way between these two views.

    They added that ''Italians try to find a third country, this is for sure, at least they think of Germany.''

    [05] TURKEY'S REQUEST OF EXTRADITION TO BE CONVEYED TO ITALY BY SPECIAL COURIER

    ANKARA, Nov 24 (A.A) - The file concerning Turkey's request of extradition of Abdullah Ocalan, the chief of the separatist terrorist organization PKK, who was arrested in Italy, is expected to be conveyed to Italian officials on Wednesday or Thursday, it is reported on Monday.

    An official from the Foreign Ministry told A.A correspondent that the file concerning the extradition of Ocalan, the terrorist chief can be completed till November 25, Thursday.

    The request of extradition will be conveyed to Italian Foreign Ministry by the special diplomatic courier of the Foreign Ministry.

    The same official stressed that the same method was applied for the extradition request of Turkey about Alaattin Cakıcı, the notorious mafia boss who was captured in Nice city of France.

    [06] TURKISH-BRITISH FRIENDSHIP ASSOCIATION CONDEMNS ITALY

    ANKARA, Nov 24 (A.A) - Burak Bekdil, the Chairman of the Turkish and British Friendship Association condemned on Monday Italy that abstains from judging and punishing Abdullah Ocalan, the chief of separatist terrorist organization PKK.

    Bekdil requested Italian Government to start the legal process at once, noting that they support the boycotting campaign against Italian goods.

    Stressing that supporting approach of Italian Government towards Ocalan and separatist terrorist organization PKK has aroused hatred among the Turkish people, Bekdil noted that they saw that Italy did respect neither to Turkey's territorial integrity nor to the 30 thousand victims of terrorism.

    Describing Ocalan as one of the biggest terrorist of the world,

    Bekdil also added that separatist terrorist organization PKK has claimed 30 thousand lives including village-guards, families, teachers, children and babies, within 15 years.

    [07] REACTION FROM THE TRNC TO ITALY - TRNC DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER SERDAR DENKTAS CONDEMNS ITALY

    LEFKOSA, Nov 24 (A.A) - Serdar Denktas, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), condemned on Monday Italy's supporting attitude towards Abdullah Ocalan, the chief of separatist terrorist organization who was captured in Italy two weeks ago.

    Denktas also warned the Greek Cypriot side which supports the separatist terrorist organization.

    Requesting Italian Government to extradite Ocalan to Turkey,

    Serdar Denktas stressed that the Turkish Cypriots support Turkey.

    [08] REACTIONS TO THE DELAY OF GALATASARAY-JUVENTUS MATCH - TERIM, THE COACH OF GALATASARAY SOCCER TEAM: ''WHAT WILL CHANGE IN ONE WEEK? IMPORTANT PLAYERS OF JUVENTUS ARE INJURED BUT THEY ALLEGE THAT THERE IS A HIGH TENSION''

    ANKARA, Nov 24 (A.A) - Fatih Terim, the coach of Galatasaray soccer team reacted strongly on Monday to the delay of the match to December 2 by the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) that would be played between Galatasaray soccer team and Italian Juventus soccer team on November 25.

    Noting that a mistake has been done to the essence of the sports, Terim said that the decision is not fair and it would further escalate the tension.

    ''We gave the necessary assurances to UEFA and we decreased the tension by issuing statements. What will change in one week? We have another match on December 2, moreover we have to play another game with Athletico Bilbao, the Spanish team next week. We have other internal matches. How will we play all of these matches? UEFA included political issues to the scope of sports, but it will be in trouble for that,'' said Terim.

    Pointing out that the important players of Juventus are injured, Terim said that ''I think Juventus has such expectations like playing the game in another place. We can play soccer with Juventus in all the places of the world, but there is no meaning in playing the game in another place as if we are not right.''

    [09] TBB SENDS A LETTER TO ITALIAN PREMIER D'ALEMA: - ''KILLING OF INNOCENT PEOPLES CANNOT BE FORGIVEN''

    ANKARA, Nov 24 (A.A) - The Turkish Press Union (TBB) sent letters on Monday to Italian Premier Massimo D'Alema; Violente, Speaker of Italian Parliament; Lamberto Dini, Italian Foreign Minister; Oliviero Diliberto, Italian Justice Minister; Rosa Russo Jervolino, Italian Interior Minister, and leaders of the opposition parties, saying that the killing of innocent peoples cannot be forgiven.

    In the letters, it was pointed out that Italian officials' modern, and peaceful side will emerge sooner or later and they will not tolerate terrorism any more.

    TBB also condemned the pressure, violence and intimidating towards Turkish journalists covering the developments in Italy following the capture of Abdullah Ocalan, the chief of separatist terrorsit organization PKK.

    TBB requested the Italian officials to scrutinize the decision they have taken about Ocalan, and not to allow Turkish people to further suffer from terrorism.

    [10] CAGAN, THE MINISTER OF LABOUR AND SOCIAL SECURITY IN TRNC - TRNC PRESIDENT DENKTAS: ''THESE VISITS GIVE IMPORTANT MESSAGES TO THE OTHER SIDE''

    LEFKOSA, Nov 24 (A.A) - Nami Cagan, the Minister of Labour and Social Security arrived on Monday in Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) as an official guest of Onur Borman, the TRNC Minister of Labour and Settlement.

    Rauf Denktas, the TRNC President said that ''these kind of visits give important messages to the other side,'' adding that they live in security today and the Turkish Cypriot people are not concerned about their lives.

    Noting that a bridge of dialogue has to be set up between the two states on the island, Denktas stressed that his proposal of confederation has to be accepted to this end.

    ''We can't live together with Greek Cypriots and we can't allow Greek Cypriots to do the things they had done in Crete. Thus we can live side by side by being two good neighbours,'' said Denktas, adding that the Greek Cypriots get wealthy day by day and the economy of the TRNC will further improve.

    Nami Cagan, the Minister of Labour and Social Security said in his part that he has close cooperation with his Turkish Cypriot counterpart particularly concerning the social security reform that is planned to be undertaken in TRNC.

    Stressing that the reality of TRNC has to be accepted by the world, Cagan said that some EU countries have started to realize the problems that will come out if the Greek Cypriot side joins the EU.

    [11] EUROMED MEETINGS IN BRUSSELS - SEARCH FOR COMMON ATTITUDE AGAINST TERRORISM

    BRUSSELS, Nov 24 (A.A) - European-Mediterranian (EUROMED) meetings were held in Brussels on Monday and the issue of struggle with terrorism was taken up at the meetings.

    Sina Baydur, the Chairman of the Research Department of the Foreign Ministry and Selim Yenel, the Undersecretary of Turkey's Permanent Representation to the EU represented Turkey in the meetings in which 12 Mediterranean countries including Turkey and representatives of the EU countries participated.

    The Turkish representatives explained the difficulties of Turkey stemming from terrorism, her sufferings and her security problems and they had also referred to the fact that the chief of the separatist terrorist organization is in Italy.

    Turkish officials stressed that this issue does not have to be discussed by the EU or taken up within the framework of the EUROMED, noting that this is a bilateral issue between Turkey and Italy.

    The Turkish side also noted the threat and danger which is caused by the fundamentalist terrorists groups who take shelter in Germany and who planned to launch a suicide attack on the Mausoleum of Ataturk, the founder of modern and secular Turkey on October 29.

    The representatives of EU and Mediterranean countries could not reach a consensus of opinion concerning the joint struggle against terrorism.

    [12] BALANCE SHEET OF SPERATIST TERRORISM FOR 15 YEARS - A TOTAL OF 4,457 CIVILIANS, 3,834 SOLDIERS, 247 POLICEMEN, 1,218 VILLAGE GUARDS AND 115 TEACHERS KILLED IN 5,969 ATTACKS SINCE 1984

    ANKARA, Nov 24 (A.A) - The separatist terrorist organization PKK massacred a total of 9,871 innocent people including civilians, village guards, soldiers, teachers and even babies, since 1984, it was reported on Tuesday.

    Officials at the Anti-Terrorism Department of the Directorate General of Security, reminded that the separatist terrorist organization has started its armed actions against the Republic of Turkey with the attacks in Eruh County of Siirt Province and Semdinli County of Hakkari Province in August 15, 1984.
    Separatist terrorist organization planning to establish a state comprising Eastern and Southeastern Anatolia Regions, killed 4,457 civilians, 3,834 soldiers, 247 policemen, 1,218 village-guards and 115 teachers in 5,969 attacks since 1984.

    Meanwhile 17,878 separatist terrorists were killed, 614 terrorists were injured, and 48,779 terrorists were captured during the operations launched by the Turkish Armed Forces.

    A total of 2,039 separatist terrorists have surrendered to the security forces.

    Only 2,685 of the 5,031 persons who were abducted by the separatist terrorist organization, have succeeded in returning their homes.

    [13] THE US OFFICIALS: - ''OUR ATTITUDE ON EXTRADITION OF OCALAN IS CLEAR'' - ''OCALAN IS A TERRORIST AND HE SHOULD BE BROUGHT TO JUSTICE'' - ''THE US WILL PRESENT ITALY A FILE PERTAINING THE TERRORIST ACTIONS OF PKK''

    WASHINGTON D.C., Nov 24 (A.A) - The US Officials said on Tuesday that their attitude on the extradition of Abdullah Ocalan, the chief of separatist terrorist organization PKK, is clear since the capture of his in Italy two weeks ago.

    Officials told the A.A correspondent that overall US officials including Madeleine Albright, the US Secretary of State, described the PKK as an ''international terrorist organization'' and underlined that Ocalan should be should be brought to justice.

    Reminding that the US is a leading country on the international struggle against terrorism, offcials stressed that the US hopes that Ocalan should be brought to justice within the framework of the international laws and laws of the related countries.

    Officials told the A.A correspondent that Strobe Talbott, the Deputy Secretary of the US State Department who is currently in Rome, maintains his contacts with the high-level Italian officials over the issue, pointing out that they will present Italy a file pertaining the terrorist actions of the PKK.

    James Rubin, the Spokesman of the US State Department, emphasized that Ocalan who is responsible for the killings of 30 thousand people, should not be granted with political asylum. He added that Ocalan should be brought to justice and receive the punishment he deserved.

    Rubin noted that Ocalan has committed most of his crimes in Turkey and against Turkish people, therefore should be extradited to Turkey although there is arrest warrant in Germany for him.

    The US has officially declared the PKK as an international terrorist organization.

    [14] PRESIDENT DEMIREL ADDRESSES TO BRT, THE TURKISH CYPRIOT TV CHANNEL: ''TURKEY IS THE MOST POWERFUL STATE OF THE REGION, AND WHO TRIES TO CAUSE A PROBLEM WITH TURKEY, WILL REGRET THAT''

    LEFKOSA, Nov 24 (A.A) - President Suleyman Demirel said on Monday that Turkey is the most powerful state of the region, adding that ''if one country tries to cause a problem with Turkey, she will regret that. I don't say this to threaten anyone.''

    Addressing to the Turkish Cypriot television channel (BRT), President Demirel said that Turkey is a peaceful country and the military operation which was staged on Cyprus in 1974 was fulfillment of the promises that had been given to Turkish Cypriot people and also was a self-defense.

    Noting that being peaceful does not cause weakness, President Demirel said that ''nobody should try to test the power of Turkey. As I always say, the army of Turkey is one of the most educated, disciplined and well-equipped armies of the world. We have this army not to threaten anybody, but to provide our security.''

    Pointing out that the Peace Operation staged on Cuyprus in 1974 stopped bloodshed on the island, President Demirel stated that the Turkish Army, not the UN forces, installed peace on the island.

    Stressing that there is a de facto situation on the island, President Demirel said that Turkish Cypriots are not minority on the island, but partners of the 1959-1960 treaties, adding that ''two separate peoples live on the island, their languages, religions, races and cultures are different. They used to live together, but they completely separated from each other due to the attacks on Turkish people. They can't live together now and Turkey can't leave these people to the violence seen in the past.''

    Emphasizing the fact that the Cyprus question has been solved in respect of the Turkish side, Demirel said that ''the Turkish Cypriots have to stand upright, because Turkey is behind them, but we don't want to govern them, we only complete their deficiencies.''

    [15] PARLIAMENT DISCUSSES THE CENSURE MOTIONS BROUGHT AGAINST PRIME MINISTER YILMAZ AND TANER, THE STATE MINISTER - MOTIONS TO BE VOTED ON WEDNESDAY

    ANKARA, Nov 24 (A.A) - Gunes Taner, the State Minister said on Monday that ''no credits have been given to Korkmaz Yigit within his information or order.''

    Speaking in the name of the government about the censure motions and responding to claims brought against him saying that he had given credits to Yigit, a businessman, so he won the tender put out for privatization of Turkbank, Taner denied the whole claims.

    Noting that Korkmaz Yigit purchased Bankexpress when the Welfare Party and the True Path Party (DYP) were in power, Taner said that it was not legally possible to prevent Yigit from competing in the tender of Turkbank and Yigit offered the highest amount and won the tender.

    After the speeches, the censure motions brought against the government separately by the Virtue Party, True Path Party (DYP) and Republican Peoples Party (CHP) were read out by the parliament.

    Uluc Gurkan, the Deputy Speaker of the parliament said that the censure motions will be voted on November 25 and he closed the parliament session.

    Korkmaz Yigit was arrested and was accused of committing fraudelent act during the tender.

    [16] TURKEY-US - THE TURKISH-AMERICAN BUSINESS COUNCIL AND COMMERCIAL CONSULTATION COMMITTEE MEETINGS END

    ANKARA, Nov 24 (A.A) - The second term meetings of the Turkish-American Council for Promotion of Business Opportunities and Commercial Consultation Committee ended in Washington D.C., the US on Tuesday.

    Undersecretariat for Foreign Trade said that Yavuz Ege, the Undersecretary of Foreign Trade and David Aaron, the Deputy Secretary of the US Department of Commerce presided the meetings which were held between November 17-18.

    Yavuz Ege also met with Don Johnson, an official from the US Department of Commerce and Rita Rodrigez, the Director of the US Eximbank during his stay in Washinton D.C., the US.

    The Turkish and American officials took up proposals which foresee establishment of private sector working groups in the fields of energy, finance, defense, tourism, agricultural production, transportation, steel- iron, textile, health and environment in order to improve cooperation in these fields during the meetings of the Turkish-American Business Council. The officials from the two countries also decided to hold the third term meetings of the Turkish-American Council for Promotion of Business Opportunities in May next year in 1999 in Istanbul.

    Meanwhile, the meetings within the framework of the Turkish-American Commercial Consultation Mechanism were held on November 18.

    Commercial delegations from the two countries evaluated the commercial relations between the two countries and took up the measures that can be taken to improve these relations, intellectual rights, cooperation in the field of energy, the Turkish-American textile commerce and effects of the global crisis on the economies of the two countries and they also evaluated the proposals of the private sector.

    [17] FM CEM MEETS WITH HIS LITHUANIAN COUNTERPART SAUDARGAS

    ANKARA, Nov 24 (A.A) - Ismail Cem, the Foreign Minister, said on Tuesday that Turkey and Lithuania will cooperate in the field of military training.

    Foreign Minister Cem met the same day with Algirdas Saudargas, the Foreign Minister of Lithuania, who proceeded to Ankara after participating in the Turkish-Lithuanian Business Council meeting in Istanbul.

    Speaking to reporters prior to the meeting, Cem said that Lithuania is on the way of reaching the NATO's military standards and Turkey is an important side for Lithuania concerning the issue, adding that they will evaluate all these issues.

    Cem stressed that such meetings were important as the Baltic countries including Lithuania are on a geography with which Turkey was improving her relations.

    ''Turkey has always supported the Baltic countries and Lithuania. Turkey has never accepted that their independence and existence were removed. Turkey is one of the countries which officially recognized Lithuania shortly after her declaration of independence,'' Cem stated.

    Lithuanian Foreign Minister Saudargas said that both Turkey and Lithuania have common political and economic interests. Pointing out that they held a successful meeting in Istanbul, Saudargas said, ''our goal is to broaden the relations in every field.''

    Zekeriya Temizel, the Minister of Finance, and Lithuanian Foreign Minister Saudargas will sign the agreement for ''prevention of double taxation'' which was initialed in January.

    Saudargas, who will be received by President Suleyman Demirel and Parliament Speaker Hikmet Cetin, will leave Turkey on Wednesday.

    Later, Foreign Minister Ismail Cem gave a luncheon in the honor of Algirdas Saudargas.

    Halina Kobeckatie, the Lithuanian Ambassador to Ankara, also attended the luncheon at the Foreign Minister's Residence.

    [18] REACTION FROM TRNC TO ITALY - CYPRUS TURKISH JOURNALISTS UNION: ''WE ARE COVERING THE DEVELOPMENTS WITH CONCERN''

    LEFKOSA, Nov 24 (A.A) - Cyprus Turkish Jounalists Union said on Tuesday that they covered with concern the developments following the capture of Abdullah Ocalan, chief of separatist terrorist PKK organization, in Italy.

    Ozgul Gurkut Mutluyakali, Chairman of the Union, issued a written statement and said attitude of Italy confused the issue and caused the intense reaction of Turkish people.

    Mutluyakali said what was expected from Massimo D'Alema, Italian Prime Minister, who disclosed that they ''condemned PKK terrorism'', to extradite Ocalan to Turkey to be judged, by taking into consideration the 30,000 innocent civilians who were killed by PKK.

    Mutluyakali wished the justified reaction of Turkish people to Italy to be continued but not damaging Italy.

    Pointing out that they want to believe that ''Italy would not want to be a country who protects terrorism'', Mutluyakali said, ''meanwhile, we condemn the attacks forwarded to Turkish journalists who aim at informing the public with reliable news reports in difficult conditions. We also said such kind of attacks to Turkish journalists cause Italian democracy to lose points.''

    [19] TURKEY AND TRNC SIGN COOPERATION PROTOCOL IN THE FIELD OF SOCIAL SECURITY

    LEFKOSA, Nov 24 (A.A) - Turkey and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) signed on Tuesday in Lefkosa a protocol foreseeing cooperation in the field of social security.

    The protocol aiming at realizing a reform in the existing social security system in the TRNC was signed by Nami Cagan, the minister of Labor and Social Security, and by Onur Borman, the Minister of Labour and Housing of the TRNC.

    Onur Borman said that the aim of the protocol was to develop the existing cooperation between Turkey and the TRNC.

    Borman stressed that the protocol, which targeted at forming a single social security system and protecting the rights of the people who are the members of the social security organizations, foresaw the formation of a unity of norms and standards based on the balance of benefaction and burden.

    Pointing out that Turkey will provide every kind of assistance to the TRNC in the implementation of the social security reform in the TRNC, Borman said that the changes for which they recently gave start, will enable them to transit into ''Single Social Security System''.

    Dervis Eroglu, the Prime Minister of the TRNC; Serdar Denktas, the Minister of State and the Deputy Prime Minister of the TRNC; Ertugrul Apakan, the Turkish Ambassador to Lefkosa, and other officials attended the signing ceremony.

    Labour and Social Security Minister Nami Cagan and the accompanying delegation will leave the TRNC on Wednesday.

    [20] ITALY'S EUROPEAN COMMISSIONER EMMA BONINO: - ''ITALY'S CALLS FOR THE EU ARE NOT TRUE'' - ''IT IS NOT LEGALLY APPLICAPLE TO GRANT POLITICAL ASYLUM TO OCALAN''

    ROME, Nov. 24 (A.A) - Emma Bonino, Italy's Humanitarian Aids Commissioner for European Union, said on Tuesday that Italy's calls for the EU about Abdullah Ocalan, the chief of the separatist terrorist organization, were not completely true and that it was not legally applicable to grant asylum for Ocalan, who was caught in Italy.

    In an interview with the ''Corriera della Sera'' newspaper, Emma Bonino, who is also a member of Italian Radical Party, defined the visit of Congo President Laurent Kabile, who committed serious humanity crimes, to Italy as ''astonishing''.

    In the interview, Bonino said, ''Since Italy assumes that Turkey's demand for the extradition of Ocalan is legally impossible, the fact that granting asylum is also impossible should be proved. Thus, the disputes between Italy and Turkey will soon be over.''

    Bonino said that it was really too difficult to recognise Ocalan and his party (PKK) that were accused with terrorist acts in Turkey, as the legal representatives of Kurds.

    Also stating that the political asylum issue was not under the authority of EU, Bonino added that she wanted that the issues concerning Italy's foreign policy to be preassessed as in the case of Kabila's visit to Italy.

    [21] SEZGIN, DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER: ''ITALY CAN NOT SHELTER APO ANYMORE''

    ANKARA, Nov 24 (A.A) - Ismet Sezgin, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense defended on Tuesday that Italy can not shelter chief of the separatist terrorist organization on its territories anymore, adding that ''if hosting someone whom the world called as terrorist would befit Italy's dignity, it may befit.''

    Responding to the questions of reporters, Sezgin said he covered from the media the news reports related with efforts to send chief of separatist terrorist organization to Libya, adding that there were several rumors when he was in Rome.

    ''Italy can not shelter Apo anymore. Italy acts emotionally towards the issue within the confusion of this incident which happened spontenously,'' Sezgin said, adding that this country left law, agreements, NATO alliance and friendship aside.

    Sezgin pointed out that Italy is now evaluating the incident and seeking for ways how it can get rid of this, adding that Italy also refrained from the reaction of the West.

    Recalling that Syria sheltered chief of separatist terrorist organization for 10-14 years, Sezgin said ''what is the difference between Italy and Syria?''

    ''Italian government is in dilemma as it is a government composed of nine parties, as communist and Greens are in majority and as they have organic links,'' Sezgin said and expressed hope that they will get rid of this dilemma soon and give up protecting this murderer. They will fulfil the requirements of NATO solidarity.

    Sezgin said there is a NATO Defense and Foreign Ministers meeting in Brussels in December, adding that they will take up the issue openly and complain about Italy to NATO.

    Sezgin said Italian administrators assumed an attitude saying they will prevent Turkey's entrance to EU if Turkish people continue to boycott Italian goods, adding that ''I hope I have misunderstood. I hope they did not talk about it. Even this shows that they will apply to blackmail. Italy showed enmity, of course, we will re-evaluate every kind of relations.''

    Responding to questions about the attitude of UEFA which postponed soccer match between Juventus and Galatasaray clubs, Sezgin said UEFA may be influenced by Italian government and defended that UEFA may have taken such a decision to decrease tension and to prevent any possible incident. Stressing that any wrong act may put Turkey into a diffucult position, Sezgin said bad intention should not be sought under everything.

    [22] TURKISH-EU RELATIONS

    BONN, Nov 24 (A.A) - Ozan Ceyhun, a European Parliament deputy from the Germany's Unity 90/Greens party, said on Tuesday that Turkey should be a member of the European Union (EU).

    Addressing to his party's magazine, the''Schraegstrich'', Ceyhun said Turkey, which is a democratic country like Germany, should be a EU member.

    Pointing out that he will support the people launching initiatives for democracy in Turkey, Ceyhun said that he will support the people carrying out activities in the fields of democracy and human rights as long as he is a member of the European Parliament.

    Noting that he will address for the first time to the European Parliament during its meetings between 2 and 3 December in Brussels where the ''Swoboda Report'' and Turkey will be discussed, Ceyhun said that he adopted the development of the relations between Turkey and the EU as an urgent and necessary attitude.

    [23] YILMAZ, PRIME MINISTER: ''EXTRADITION OF CHIEF OF SEPARATIST ORGANIZATION TO GERMANY OR SENDING HIM TO A THIRD COUNTRY IS IN QUESTION''

    ANKARA, Nov 24 (A.A) - Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz said on Tuesday that extradition of chief of separatist terrorist organization to Germany or sending him to a third country is in question. Yilmaz said ''granting this person with political asylum in this country and his walking around freely or his extradition to Turkey is the smallest possibility.''

    Addressing ANAP Party Group meeting, Yilmaz said Turkey was disappointed by the attitude of Italian government, which is in power, on the issue of chief of separatist terrorist organization, as there has always been positive relations between the two countries.

    Yilmaz said, ''approach of Italian government to the issue not only offended us but at the same time full of mistakes that may give damage to the justice feelings of humanity.''

    Evaluating that attitude of Italian government as a political attitude having no links with justice, Yilmaz said ''solution of this situation in Italy half depends on the politics and half depends of legal authority.''

    Noting that legal system of Italy was somewhat confusing, Yilmaz said confirmation of political authority is required even if legal system decides, Yilmaz recalled that a commission linked with Interior Ministry grants political asylum.

    Yilmaz pointed out that new developments are expected related with the situation of Ocalan, adding that his extradition to Germany or sending him to a third country may be in question.

    Yilmaz said prior goal of Turkey is to prevent the activities of the separatist terrorist organization and the second goal is the manifestation of justice to put an end to the sorrows of people who suffered from the terrorist activities.

    ''No legal state can ignore this when lives of 27.600 people are in question. We think that activities of the separatist organization would not be carried out in any country like it was in the past. We are not a stranger to the effort of separatist terrorist organization to carry its movements to the political platform,'' Yilmaz said.

    Noting that mistaken statements of Italy caused the reactions of Turkish people to be revealed more intensely, Yilmaz said the state shared the sentivity of its people fully yet that sensitivity did not distance the state and the government from their responsibilities.

    Yilmaz said the state would continue to show its determination to this end in the highest level, adding that ''yet, our citizens should preserve their calmness while showing their reaction.''

    [24] TUYGAN, TURKEY'S AMBASSADOR TO GREECE, IN WESTERN THRACE - TUYGAN: ''IMPROVEMENT IN THE TURKEY-EU RELATIONS CAN CONTRIBUTE TO TURKISH-GREEK RELATIONS''

    KOMOTINI, Nov. 24 (A.A) - Ali Tuygan, Turkey's Ambassador to Greece, said on Tuesday that improvement of relations between Turkey and the European Union could contribute to the Turkish-Greek relations.

    Tuygan, who is currenty in Komotini to hold contacts with Turkish Minority and Greek officials in Western Thrace, told Turkish and Greek journalists that Turkey would always keep its goal of full membership to the European Union.

    Stating that Turkey's being in good relations with the EU was to the benefit of Greece, Tuygan said, ''everyone should keep this in mind.''

    Responding to a question on the reaction of Turkish people against Italy, Tuygan expressed that these protests were instinctive reactions of people who faced great losses from terrorism and that they should be met with understanding.

    Tuygan also said, ''how many of you have visited Turkey in recent years and seen the problems with which Turkey has faced? Turkey has lost 30.000 of her citizens in the last 14 years. Of course, Turkey and her citizens are curious about the position of a person responsible of all this crime. For this reason, these reactions should be considered within this framework.''

    Meanwhile, Ali Tuygan met with Turkish Minority representatives on his second day in Western Thrace.

    Ambassador Tuygan held contacts with Greek officials on Monday.


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