Anadolu Agency: News in English, 99-02-04

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AA Daily

04 February 1999 Thursday

CONTENTS

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

[02] RESPONSE FROM PREMIER ECEVIT TO D'ALEMA...

[03] U.S. SAYS IT STRONGLY RECOGNIZES AND SUPPORTS TURKEY'S TERRITORIAL INTEGRITY

[04] JERVOLINIO, ITALIAN INTERIOR MINISTER, SAYS OCALAN NOT TO BE LET TO ENTER TO ITALY AGAIN

[05] TURKEY-ECONOMY - WHOLESALE PRICES INCREASE 3.6 PERCENT AND CONSUMER PRICES INCREASE 4.8 PERCENT IN JANUARY

[06] COUNCIL OF MINISTERS MEETING - TEMIZEL, MINISTER OF FINANCE: ''BANKS LAW TO BE DISCUSSED BEFORE PARLIAMENT GOES ON HOLIDAY''

[07] YILMAZ MEETS WITH RUSSIA'S AMBASSADOR

[08] EVALUATIONS OF THE U.S. UNDERSECRETARY AND ADANA CONSUL FOR IRAQ

[09] DINCMEN, TREASURY UNDERSECRETARY: ''NOT ONLY TURKISH PUBLIC BUT ALSO ALL INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTIONS AND FINANCE CIRCLES EXPECT TURKEY TO REALIZE STRUCTURAL REFORMS''

[10] AMBASSADOR UTKAN LEAVES FOR ITALY

[11] TRNC PRESIDENT DENKTAS MEETS WITH HERCUS

[12] THE U.S. TEXTILE MACHINE PRODUCERS IN THE SOUTHEAST - JONES, THE U.S. CONSUL IN ADANA: ''DELEGATION MEMBERS HAD POSITIVE FEELINGS ABOUT THE ECONOMIC FUTURE OF THE REGION''

[13] CONTACTS OF IMF DELEGATION...

[14] EXTRADITION OF TERRORIST CHIEF TO TURKEY - SINAGRA, TURKEY'S ITALIAN LAWYER, CONTINUES CONTACTS

[15] BAKU-CEYHAN PIPELINE ... - MORNINGSTAR, CLINTON'S SPECIAL CONSULTANT FOR CASPIAN BASIN, SAYS THE U.S. ADMINISTRATION WOULD DO ITS BEST FOR THE REALIZATION OF BAKU-CEYHAN OIL PIPELINE

[16] LEPESKHO, AMBASSADOR OF BELARUS TO ANKARA IN FOREIGN MINISTRY

[17] GLOBAL CRISIS AND ITS EFFECTS IN TURKEY - GAZI ERCEL, THE HEAD OF THE CENTRAL BANK: - ''TURKEY WILL BE PROTECTED FROM THE EFFECTS OF THE GLOBAL CRISIS''

[18] HEAVY SNOWFALL PARALYZES DAILY LIFE AND TRAFFIC IN THE EASTERN BLACK SEA REGION - A TOTAL OF 316 VILLAGE ROADS IN REGION, CLOSED TO TRAFFIC

[19] BAKU-CEYHAN OIL PIPELINE PROJECT - ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES MINISTER AKTAS MEETS WITH MORNINGSTAR, CLINTON'S SPECIAL CONSULTANT FOR CASPIAN BASIN

[20] FOREIGN EXCHANGE RESERVES OF CENTRAL BANK INCREASE TO 20.3 BILLION U.S. DOLLARS

[21] TURKISH WEEK IN THE HAGUE

[22] FOREIGN DEBT PAYMENTS - 617.6 MILLION US DOLLARS PAID IN FOREIGN DEBT SINCE JANUARY 1, 1999

[23] TURK, NATIONAL DEFENSE MINISTER: - ''TURKEY WILL PURSUE OCALAN WHEREVER HE GOES'' - ''OCALAN WILL ACOUNT FOR HIS TERRORIST CRIMES SOONER OR LATER''

[24] CONTACTS OF THE IMF DELEGATION

[25] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT RECEIVES MORNINGSTAR, CLINTON'S SPECIAL CONSULTANT FOR CASPIAN BASIN

[26] TOFAS, OYAK RENAULT AND NERGIS HOLDING BECOME THE FIRST THREE OF THE BIGGEST 500 COMPANIES IN BURSA - SONMEZ, THE HEAD OF THE BTSO: ''WE WILL DECLARE THE FIRST 500 BIGGEST COMPANIES IN BURSA EVERY YEAR''

[27] MIGRATION TO THE CITIES CONTINUE - THE POPULATION OF THE PEOPLE LIVING IN THE CITIES WERE 43 % IN 1980 WHILE THIS FIGURE REACHES TO 65 % IN 1997

[28] BRITISH-TURKISH WATER SECTOR SEMINAR - MACPHERSON, THE BRITISH ECONOMY AND TRADE ATTACHE TO TURKEY: - ''WE WANT TO IMPROVE THE TRADE AND INVESTMENTS IN WATER SECTOR IN THE GAP REGION''

[29] EXTRADITION OF OCALAN, CHIEF OF SEPARATIST TERRORIST ORGANIZATION - SINAGRA, TURKEY'S ITALIAN LAWYER, HOLDS CONTACTS AT FOREIGN MINISTRY

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

HURRIYET (LIBERAL)

RUSSIAN AMBASSADOR: I AM BORED OF THIS APO
Aleksandr Lebedev, Russia's Ambassador to Turkey, who was summoned to Foreign Ministry on Wednesday upon the information that Abdullah Ocalan, chief of the separatist terrorist organization, was in Russia, said Ocalan was not in Russia, adding that he was bored of Ocalan. Foreign Ministry also warned five other countries again not to permit Apo.

MILLIYET (LIBERAL)

ECEVIT'S FUNDAMENTALISM MEMORANDUM
The circular, carrying the signature of Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit, pointed out that Premiership Inspection Committee will continue its function and wanted all public officials to struggle effectively against activities targetting secular regime. Also a briefing given to Cahit Bayar, Interior Minister, in Security Department General Directorate, said ''fundamentalists will exploit election squares. They may hold armed activities.''

SABAH (LIBERAL)

ITALY: APO WILL NOT BE LET TO ENTER THE COUNTRY AGAIN
Rosa Russo Jervolinio, Italian Interior Minister, said on Wednesday that Abdullah Ocalan, chief of the separatist terrorist organization, would not be let to enter to Italy again. Responding to an interrogation motion given by Italian opposition parties, Jervolinio said all the borders were taken under control and pointed out that Ocalan would not be let to enter to Italy again. Government circles say this statement of Jervolinio could be interpreted as political asylum will not be granted to the terrorist chief.

CUMHURIYET (LEFT)

RUSSIAN AMBASSADOR SAYS HE WAS BORED OF OCALAN
Turkey is in an effort to clarify the information that Abdullah Ocalan, chief of the separatist terrorist organization, was in Russia. Yevgeny Primakov, Russian Prime Minister, sent a message to Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit and said Ocalan wa not in his country. Ecevit said geography of former Soviet Union was very big, adding that several things may happen apart from the information of Russian government. Meanwhile, Aleksander Lebedev, Russian Ambassador, said he was bored of Ocalan issue.

RADIKAL (LEFT)

SO-CALLED PARLIAMENT SEEKS FOR A PLACE
''So-called kurdish parliament in exile'', which is in an effort to get the support of European communists, launched initiatives to hold its next meeting in European Parliament. ''So-called parliamentarians'' applied to Communist Group in the parliament and conveyed their willingness to hold their meeting in their hall in April. Spokesman of the Communist Group said they have not decided yet, adding that the decision will be taken in a group meeting that will take place in Strasbourg next week.

YENİ YÜZYIL (LIBERAL)

SUCCESS IN INFLATION IS 50 PERCENT
For the first time after 11 years inflation rates fell to 50 percent. Annual wholsale prices recessed to 50 percent and consumer prices 65.9 percent in January. Wholesale prices in January is 3.6 percent and consumer prices are 4.8 percent in January.

TÜRKİYE (RIGHT)

MURDERER OF BABIES COULD NOT FIND A CAVE
Sermet Atacanli, Foreign Ministry Deputy Spokesman, said they did not have a concrete information regarding whereabouts of Abdullah Ocalan, chief of the separatist terrorist organization adding that it was not so easy to determine that place.

ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)

Mourners gathered around the Ataturk Culture Center to show their last respect to their beloved singer, chanted slogans as ''Dear Baris, You will Never Fade Away'', ''We will Never Forget You'', ''Rest in Peace'' and sang the famous songs composed and written by Manco.

EYUP ASIK ACQUITTED
Istanbul State Security Court (DGM), by a majority of vote, decided to acquit Eyup Asik, former Minister, saying that the material and moral aspects of the crime of ''aiding a gang to commit crime'' were not constituted. Meanwhile, Sedat Karagul, chairman of the delegation, opposed to the decision and said the crime under 314/1 Article of the Turkish Penal Code was formed according to the written reports about taped conversations.

[02] RESPONSE FROM PREMIER ECEVIT TO D'ALEMA...

Ecevit responded to a question related with the statement of Italian Prime Minister D'Alema about himself.

When recalled the statement of D'Alema which said a mediatic game was played on the issue of terrorist chief and that facts were hidden in the Southeast and that people were killed, Ecevit said ''it is the separatist terrorist PKK organization which kills people in the Southeast. Mr. D'Alema fell into a difficult situation in Italian public opinion due to his uncertain and conflicted attitude and is in an effort to compensate this with me.''

[03] U.S. SAYS IT STRONGLY RECOGNIZES AND SUPPORTS TURKEY'S TERRITORIAL INTEGRITY

Responding to a question about the statements of Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit, Rubin said Turkey was a vital NATO ally, adding that they supported Turkey's territorial integrity and at the same time they also recognize and support territorial integrity of Iraq.

Rubin called Turkey a vital NATO ally which continues to provide critical support for international efforts to ensure that Iraq complies with U.N. Security Council resolutions.

''In particular, we are very appreciative of being able to share Incirlik Air Base for the purposes of Operation Northern Watch,'' he said, adding ''We understand that there has been no change to Turkish resolve in this regard.''

Rubin said the important thing was the cooperation about the Operation Northern Watch and that they believed that this cooperation continues.

Responding to another question, the U.S. Spokesman said they did not have information regarding whereabouts of the terrorist chief.

The U.S. administration wants Ocalan, the terrorist chief, to be judged with the crime of terrorism.

[04] JERVOLINIO, ITALIAN INTERIOR MINISTER, SAYS OCALAN NOT TO BE LET TO ENTER TO ITALY AGAIN

Responding to an interrogation motion given by Italian opposition parties, Jervolinio said all the borders were taken under control and pointed out that Ocalan would not be let to enter to Italy again.

Government circles say this statement of Jervolinio could be interpreted as political asylum will not be granted to the terrorist chief.

Ocalan's demand to get political asylum will be taken up in Rome Civilian Court of Italian Interior Ministry on Feb 24.

[05] TURKEY-ECONOMY - WHOLESALE PRICES INCREASE 3.6 PERCENT AND CONSUMER PRICES INCREASE 4.8 PERCENT IN JANUARY

DIE statement said annual inflation, as of January is 50.0 percent in wholesale and 65.9 percent in consumer prices.

Annual inflation according to 12-months average is 68.2 percent in wholesale prices and 68.2 percent in consumer prices.

It was also reported that inflation, as of January, in monthly and annual base, recessed when compared to the same period of the previous year.

In January 1998, increase in wholesale prices was 6.5 percent and 7.2 percent in consumer prices.

Monthly and annual comparison of the price increases in the recent five years is as follows:

    Monthly inflation
    ---------------

 
                     Wholesale                Consumer
    .     ----------------------------- -----------------------------
    Months 1995  1996  1997  1998  1999  1995  1996  1997  1998  1999
    ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
    Jan    10.3   9.8   5.6   6.5   3.6  7.1   8.3   5.9   7.2    4.8
    Feb     7.1   5.8   6.2   4.6        4.9   4.5   5.7   4.4
    March   5.5   7.0   6.0   4.0        4.5   5.6   5.4   4.3
    April   5.1   8.1   5.5   4.0        5.8   6.7   6.6   4.7
    May     1.9   4.1   5.2   3.3        3.3   4.5   4.7   3.5
    June    1.3   2.7   3.4   1.6        2.6   2.5   2.9   2.4
    July    2.3   2.4   5.3   2.5        3.1   2.1   6.3   3.4
    August  2.3   3.8   5.3   2.4        4.3   4.8   6.2   4.0
    Sept    4.6   5.1   6.3   5.3        7.7   6.1   7.3   6.7
    Oct     3.7   5.5   6.7   4.1        6.3   6.5   8.3   6.1
    Novem   3.5   5.1   5.6   3.4        4.7   5.2   6.6   4.3
    Decem   4.4   3.9   5.4   2.5        3.8   3.4   5.1   3.3
 
 
    Annual Inflation
    -----------------
               Wholesale                      Consumer
    .     ----------------------  -----------------------------------
    Months1995  1996  1997  1998  1999  1995  1996  1997  1998   1999
    ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
    Jan   139.9  64.9  78.0  92.5  50.0 125.9  78.1  75.7 101.6  65.9
    Feb   138.4  63.0  78.6  89.6       122.4  77.5  77.7  99.3
    Marc  135.0  65.3  77.0  86.0       119.7  79.3  77.3  97.2
    April  92.4  69.9  72.8  83.3        88.4  80.8  77.2  93.6
    May    80.6  73.7  74.6  79.9        79.8  82.9  77.5  91.4
    June   78.1  76.2  75.7  76.7        80.7  82.9  78.0  90.6
    July   77.8  76.3  80.7  72.1        80.6  81.2  85.2  85.3
    Augus  76.2  79.0  83.4  67.4        83.3  81.9  87.8  81.4
    Sept   76.5  79.8  85.4  65.9        85.8  79.3  89.9  80.4
    Oct    72.4  82.8  87.5  62.0        84.2  79.6  93.2  76.6
    Novem  68.9  85.7  88.4  58.6        81.5  80.4  95.8  72.8
    Decem  65.6  84.9  91.0  54.3        76.1  79.8  99.1  69.7

[06] COUNCIL OF MINISTERS MEETING - TEMIZEL, MINISTER OF FINANCE: ''BANKS LAW TO BE DISCUSSED BEFORE PARLIAMENT GOES ON HOLIDAY''

Speaking to journalists after Council of Ministers Meeting, Temizel said an agreement was reached on the issue of Banks Law adding that ''agenda of the meeting could be determined on Thursday. Yet, this law will be taken up in any case before the Parliament goes on a holiday.''

Temizel also said decrease in inflation will continue in the coming months within the framework of the program, adding that they will reach the targets planned for the year 1999.

[07] YILMAZ MEETS WITH RUSSIA'S AMBASSADOR

Speaking to journalists following the meeting, Yilmaz said ''Apo crisis'' formed the focus of the meeting, adding that ''I have told Russia's Ambassador that there was no reason for us to act in opposite to the written assurance given by the Russian government earlier.''

Noting that Russia was aware of the sensitivity of the issue for Turkey, Yilmaz said ''I told him that I hoped that several information which appeared regarding Russia were not true.'' Yilmaz said Lebev conveyed him a message of Yevgeny Primakov, Russian Prime Minister.

Yilmaz said ''the Ambassador in all the meetings pointed out that terrorist chief was not in Russia and that his residence there would not be permitted. They also expressed readiness to investigate all the evidences Turkey has. I have told him that I trust on the Russian government that it will not be involved in a wrong attitude in the coming period.''

Yilmaz pointed out that Turkish-Russian relations were taken up and willingness to further improve bilateral relations was voiced.

Mentioning about his meeting with Dimitrios Nezeritis, Greece's Ambassador to Ankara, Yilmaz said, ''I have told the Ambassador that we are pleased with the recent attitude of Greece assumed on the issue of terrorist chief.''

Yilmaz recalled that he had met with Costas Simitis, Greek Prime Minister, last October during Balkans Summit in southern Antalya province and that Simitis gave him assurances related with the separatist terrorist organization and that he acts according to this assurance now.

[08] EVALUATIONS OF THE U.S. UNDERSECRETARY AND ADANA CONSUL FOR IRAQ

Undersecretary Helena Finn, during a visit to Cukurova Journalists' Association, said the operation of the U.S. which was jointly launched with Britain against Iraq was realized against military threats of Saddam Hussein, Iraqi Head of State and against his efforts to have mass destruction weapons.

Finn said the U.S. policy towards Iraq was to form a strategy to take under control military threats of Iraqi Head of State, Saddam Hussein, and his gathering of mass destruction weapons, and to take under control the conventional forces. To seek for ways to meet urgent humanitarian needs of Iraqi people.

Finn pointed out that Operation Northern Watch was still underway and added that the U.S. and Turkey are ally and friendly countries. Finn said security of people living in this region concern them as much as the security of their people, adding that the aim of Operation Northern Watch was to provide stability in the region.

Responding to questions related with killings of civilian people during attacks, the embargo imposed on Iraq, and the children who die due to lack of medicine, Finn said they have deep concerns about the people living in Iraq, and added that Saddam Hussein, who construct palaces for himself and who formed a wealth chamber around himself, is responsible for these sufferings. Finn said the foodstuff and medicine aid given to Iraq under the name of humanitarian aid does not reach those people.

Noting that they also express concern on the issue of Kosovo, Finn said the U.S. was in an effort to find a solution to this end and that any decision that will be taken to this end will be supported by NATO.

[09] DINCMEN, TREASURY UNDERSECRETARY: ''NOT ONLY TURKISH PUBLIC BUT ALSO ALL INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTIONS AND FINANCE CIRCLES EXPECT TURKEY TO REALIZE STRUCTURAL REFORMS''

Undersecretary Dincmen briefed about the contacts of the delegation of International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Ankara.

Recalling that staff monitoring agreement signed between Turkey and IMF was valid for 1.5 years, Dincmen said the part for the year 1999 was taken up during ongoing talks with the IMF.

Dincmen said ''there are some indefiniteness at the moment. We have a six- months transitory budget. The budget could not be issued yet. Nevertheless, I can say IMF saw the results we could reach in the year 1998 as success.''

Dincmen said the government disclosed that it will continue the economic policy in 1999 in the same line which was implemented in the year 1998 and expressed hope that Banks Law, which is still on the agenda of the Parliament, will be issued.

Dincmen pointed out that issuing of Banks Law would be accepted as a very positive development in Turkish and World finance circles, adding that ''banks law is a reform which everybody accepted as necessity.''

Treasury Undersecretary Dincmen said several changes should take place in the law about social security issue, it should be more comprehensive and that it should be turned into a reform.

Responding to a question, Dincmen said structural reforms were very important, adding that those were the elements providing continuation of the order of economic progam within economic stability in the coming years, adding that ''Everybody attributes importance to this. There is not a rule or dicipline that Turkey cannot be barrowed.''

Dincmen said targets announced regarding growth and inflation were still valid, adding that the Treasury has no problems about repayment of domestic borrowing in February and March.

Treasury Undersecretary said a very short time after the financial crisis in Russia, 7.1 billion U.S. dollars capital has outflowed from Turkey.

When asked about the effects of financial crisis in Brazil on Turkey, Dincmen said ''a crisis which erupted in developing markets in such an atmosphere in the world effects existing situation in the other countries generally. Yet, it can be said this did not effect Turkey much. Before all, own performances of a country and its economic performance proved to the world were important for a country to get rid of the crisis. I can say that Turkey is an example country on this issue as of the year 1998.''

Dincmen said Turkey successfully implemented its program despite the negative developments recorded in global level and so was not affected so much from the crisis.

Responding to a question about the reasons of high interests, Dincmen said there were lots of reasons for this yet, added that ''the most important was the waitings and instability.''

[10] AMBASSADOR UTKAN LEAVES FOR ITALY

Speaking to journalists, Utkan said his duty was to provide a suitable atmosphere to improve relations between Turkey and Italy. Noting that his aim would be to preserve Turkey's national interests while doing this, Utkan said ''there is a destruction in Turkish-Italian relations. This should be remedied. Both sides will expend efforts to this end.''

Responding to a question if terrorist chief was in Italy or not, Utkan said the information he has received proved that he has left Italy and that he did not come back to this country. Utkan said ''it is clear that there is not a country which wants to take him.''

[11] TRNC PRESIDENT DENKTAS MEETS WITH HERCUS

Speaking before the meeting Denktas said the confederation was on the table, adding that the government decided in this direction and accepted the confederation.

Ann Hercus did not make a statement.

[12] THE U.S. TEXTILE MACHINE PRODUCERS IN THE SOUTHEAST - JONES, THE U.S. CONSUL IN ADANA: ''DELEGATION MEMBERS HAD POSITIVE FEELINGS ABOUT THE ECONOMIC FUTURE OF THE REGION''

Jones said in a written statement that the delegation formed by the textile machine producers had observations in Adana and Gaziantep provinces, and had positive results in spite of the current economic crisis.

Stating that the delegetaion members had 40 meetings in Adana and more than 30 meetings in Gaziantep, Jones said that they had positive impressions about the economic future of the region.

[13] CONTACTS OF IMF DELEGATION...

Following his two-hour meeting with Ugur Bayar, Chairman of Privatization Administration, Hardy said privatization was a very important activity for Turkey that should be realized, adding that privatization played a very important role in solution of Turkey's economic and financial problems.

Noting that confusion in international markets prevented privatization activities, Hardy said many projects in Privatization Administration wait for accomplishment and expressed hope that government would promote privatization.

Responding to a question if he found 1999 privatization program realistic, Hardy said realization of it depends on the method of implementation of privatization program. ''Determination is required for this,'' he added.

Hardy pointed out that lowness of inflation was the outcome of the economic policies covered since last year, adding that he hoped these policies will be maintained.

[14] EXTRADITION OF TERRORIST CHIEF TO TURKEY - SINAGRA, TURKEY'S ITALIAN LAWYER, CONTINUES CONTACTS

Sinagra, who arrived in Turkey to make an evaluation before the hearing which will take place on Feb 24 regarding the extradition demand, met officials of Foreign Ministry Law Department.

Sinagra refrained from responding to the persistent questions of reporters.

There are still three legal procedures in Italy regarding terrorist chief. There is Turkey's request for extradition as well as terrorist chief's applications to administrative and legal courts to get political asylum.

Detailed information was taken from the Italian lawyer about these three procedures and the developments that may be revealed under Italian law.

[15] BAKU-CEYHAN PIPELINE ... - MORNINGSTAR, CLINTON'S SPECIAL CONSULTANT FOR CASPIAN BASIN, SAYS THE U.S. ADMINISTRATION WOULD DO ITS BEST FOR THE REALIZATION OF BAKU-CEYHAN OIL PIPELINE

Morningstar, who met with Eduard Shevardnadze, Georgian President, staged a news conference in the U.S. Embassy in Tbilisi. Morningstar said the issue of Baku-Ceyhan route was discussed during the meeting, adding that this project was supported by Georgian administration.

Morningstar pointed out that talks about the route of the pipeline which will transport Caspian oil to the world markets will be concluded soon.

Morningstar said making project cost of Baku-Ceyhan route 2.7 billion U.S. dollars would be a positive step for the realization of the route.

Morningstar later left for Turkey.

[16] LEPESKHO, AMBASSADOR OF BELARUS TO ANKARA IN FOREIGN MINISTRY

Lepesko responded to the questions of reporters following his meeting with Faruk Logoglu, Foreign Ministry Deputy Undersecretary.

Lepeskho said Belarus was not a country in which Abdullah Ocalan, chief of the separatist terrorist organization, can officially reside, adding that high level officials of Belarus gave assurances to this end.

Responding to the questions that plane of terrorist chief landed Belarus technically, Lepeskho said this is based on assumptions, adding that they need time to investigate it.

Responding to another question which said supporters of terrorist chief applied to Belarus for political asylum right to be given to him, Lepeskho said they did not have an official information.

Lepeskho said if there was such an application, it would be rejected.

Lepeskho says they had given assurances to Foreign Ministry to this end. He said Foreign Ministry did not give him a message that they only exchanged views.

[17] GLOBAL CRISIS AND ITS EFFECTS IN TURKEY - GAZI ERCEL, THE HEAD OF THE CENTRAL BANK: - ''TURKEY WILL BE PROTECTED FROM THE EFFECTS OF THE GLOBAL CRISIS''

The special issue of a magazine in Turkey discussed the global crisis and its effects in Turkey.

Ercel said in his article published in the magazine that there were the banking and foreign exchange dimensions of the economic crisis which occur since 1970, adding that the crisis with these dimensions lead to significant costs.

Stating that the production loss can reach to 15 percent in the crisis and that the effects of the losses last for three to six years, Ercel said, ''the monetary cost of the global crisis we faced is evaluated as one trillion U.S. dollars in 1998 and one and a half trillion U.S. dollars in 1999.''
Noting that the effects of the crisis in Turkey will be less than the expected, Ercel said, 'the globalization degree of Turkey is lower than that of many countries. This protects Turkey and decreases the effect of the crisis in the crisis period. Turkey has experienced administrators for the crisis.''

The balance of payment, growth, the performance of the market system, dynamism of the private sector and the banking sector with a strong infrastructure are our advantages which will protect us from the effects of the crisis. The Central Bank provides the liquidity without shaking the market and without causing any panics in the crisis,'' Ercel added.

[18] HEAVY SNOWFALL PARALYZES DAILY LIFE AND TRAFFIC IN THE EASTERN BLACK SEA REGION - A TOTAL OF 316 VILLAGE ROADS IN REGION, CLOSED TO TRAFFIC

A total of 316 village roads in Rize, Trabzon, Giresun, Gumushane, Bayburt and Artvin provinces were closed to the traffic.

Highway teams continue their activities to re-open the roads.

Many villages can not be reached by phone and several others can not be given electricity in the region.

Meanwhile, the officials from the Meteorology Regional Directorate said that the bad weather conditions will continue in coming days.

[19] BAKU-CEYHAN OIL PIPELINE PROJECT - ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES MINISTER AKTAS MEETS WITH MORNINGSTAR, CLINTON'S SPECIAL CONSULTANT FOR CASPIAN BASIN

As the negotiations to put into practice the Baku-Ceyhan oil pipeline project which will transport the Caspian oil to the European markets, come to the last stage, Morningstar holds high-level contacts in Ankara.

The interdelegationary talks under the chairmanship of Yurdakul Yigitguden, the Undersecretary of the Energy and Natural Resources Minstry, were also held following the meeting between Morningstar and Aktas.

Morningstar who will be received by Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit later today, is expected to leave Turkey tonight.

Richard Morningstar had paid an official visit to Turkey on December 27, 1998.

His visit to Ankara came on the eve of the negotiations among Turkey, Azerbaijan and the representatives of the Azeri International Oil Company (AIOC) within this month.

[20] FOREIGN EXCHANGE RESERVES OF CENTRAL BANK INCREASE TO 20.3 BILLION U.S. DOLLARS

The Central Bank data shows that the foreign exchange reserves, which climbed by 104 million U.S. dollars between 22-29 January, increased to 20 billion 277 million U.S. dollars as of 29 January.

The Central Bank's foreign exchange reserves were 20 billion 163 million U.S. dollars on 22 January.

Meanwhile, according to the 15 January-based statistics, Turkey's total international gross reserves decreased 169 million U.S. dollars to 32 billion 515 million U.S. dollars between 15-22 January.

The international gross reserves of Turkey were 32 billion 684 million U.S. dollars on 8 January.

As of 15 January, Turkey's international reserves were composed of 1 billion 125 million U.S. dollars in gold reserves; 20 billion 393 million U.S. dollars in the Central Bank's foreign exchange reserves; and 10 billion 997 million U.S. dollars in the commercial banks' foreign exchange reserves.

[21] TURKISH WEEK IN THE HAGUE

Several culture and art activities will be held during the week which was organized in order to promote Turkish and Dutch cultures to each other and further improve relations between the two societies.

Alev Alatli, a leading Turkish writer, will address the Dutch audience at a meeting on the ''Turkish Literature'' in the Central Library of the Hague.

Arif Sag and Belkis Akkale, two important names in the Turkish Folk Music, will give a concert on Saturday.

The long feature film ''Istanbul Under My Wings (Istanbul Kanatlarımın Altinda)'' directed by Mustafa Altioklar, will be shown on Sunday.

The ''Turkish Week'' is being organized with the financial contribution of the Hague Municipality and the RSA, an organization to support foreigners.

[22] FOREIGN DEBT PAYMENTS - 617.6 MILLION US DOLLARS PAID IN FOREIGN DEBT SINCE JANUARY 1, 1999

The Central Bank data shows that the Treasury paid 468.96 million U.S. dollars; the Central Bank repaid 44.63 million U.S. dollars; the Ministry of National Defense and the Defense Industry paid 57.95 million U.S. dollars in foreign debt since the beginning of this year.

Meanwhile, a total of 185.62 million U.S. dollars of foreign debt was repaid within the first three days of February.

Turkey had repaid a total of 12 billion 494.2 million U.S. dollars last year.

[23] TURK, NATIONAL DEFENSE MINISTER: - ''TURKEY WILL PURSUE OCALAN WHEREVER HE GOES'' - ''OCALAN WILL ACOUNT FOR HIS TERRORIST CRIMES SOONER OR LATER''

Admiral Salim Dervisoglu, the Commander of Naval Forces, visited Turk.

Addressing the meeting, Turk described Ocalan as a persona non grata, Turk stressed, ''Turkey's initiatives has come to a conclusion. No country wants to shelter Ocalan on its territories.''

[24] CONTACTS OF THE IMF DELEGATION

Members of the delegation visited Kubilay Atasay, the Secretary General of the Confederation of Turkish Employers' Unions (TISK), after they met with Ugur Bayar, the Chairman of the Privatization Administration.

General aspect of the Turkey's economy and the difficulties which the economy encounter with, were discussed at the meetings.

The IMF delegation was later informed by the officials from the

State Statistical Institute (DIE) about activities of the institude.

Members of the delegation also came together with the senior officials at the Undersecretariat of Treasury in order to discuss the issue of inspection of banks.

A reseption will be given in honour of the IMF delegation this night by the Undersecretariat of Treasury.

[25] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT RECEIVES MORNINGSTAR, CLINTON'S SPECIAL CONSULTANT FOR CASPIAN BASIN

Addressing the journalists following the meeting, Morningstar stressed that the U.S. supports the Baku-Ceyhan oil pipeline project.

Describing hes meetings with Prime Minister Ecevit and Ziya Aktas, the Energy and Natural Resources Minister, as very positive and productive, Morningstar underlined that Ecevit and Aktas accept the energy projects as the prior projects of Turkey.

Responding to a question, Morningstar pointed out that he is hopeful on the realization probability of Baku-Ceyhan pipeline.

Morningstar also added that he believes that the negotiations will result in success.

[26] TOFAS, OYAK RENAULT AND NERGIS HOLDING BECOME THE FIRST THREE OF THE BIGGEST 500 COMPANIES IN BURSA - SONMEZ, THE HEAD OF THE BTSO: ''WE WILL DECLARE THE FIRST 500 BIGGEST COMPANIES IN BURSA EVERY YEAR''

The research which was held by Bursa Chamber of Industry and Commerce (BTSO) and which pointed out the biggest 500 companies in Bursa was completed and the results was published as a booklet.

The turnovers of the companies in 1997, their gross value added tax, self- capital, net actives, their profits in the period, exports and the number of workers were the criteria in the list of the biggest companies in Bursa.

TOFAS, Turkish Automobile Factory Incorp., was declared as the biggest of the companies in Bursa with a turnover of 136.8 trillion Turkish liras, with 85 trillion Turkish liras net actives, 42.2 trillion self-capital, with 25.3 trillion value added tax and 15.2 trillion profit. The TOFAS company with 4.673 workers realized 807 million U.S. dollars of export in 1997.

OYAK Renault Automobile Factory was the second biggest company in Bursa having all the criteria less than the TOFAS but having a productivity which was more than the TOFAS company.

Nergis Holding Incorp, became the third biggest company in Bursa with a 400 million U.S. dollar exports.

The list of the first ten biggest companies in Bursa:

2-OYAK Renault Automobile Factory Incorp.

3-Nergis Holding Incorp.

4-TEDAS Bursa Electricity Distribution Company

5-Nergis Textile Industry and Trade Incorp.

6-Sifas Synthetic Fibre Factory Incorp.

7-Borcelik Steel Industry and Trade Incorp.

8-Polylen Synthetic Fibre Industry Incorp.

9-Bosch Industry and Trade Incorp.

10-Turk Siemens Cable and Electricity Industry Incorp.

The research indicated the biggest 500 companies in Bursa, including 164 textile companies, 65 automotive companies, 64 machines and metal companies, 42 food companies, 24 engineering companies, 13 forestry works companies, 12 publishing companies, 7 cement factories, 17 plastics and rubber companies, 11 electrical companies, 12 chemistry companies and 4 educational companies.

Celal Sonmez, the head of BTSO, said that they will declare the biggest 500 companies in Bursa every year from now on.

[27] MIGRATION TO THE CITIES CONTINUE - THE POPULATION OF THE PEOPLE LIVING IN THE CITIES WERE 43 % IN 1980 WHILE THIS FIGURE REACHES TO 65 % IN 1997

A total of 85 percent of the population in Turkey will live in the cities in the years of 2000 in case the migration to the cities continue.

The research of the Egekent House Construction Cooperation Union (EGE-KOOP) indicated that the population of the people living in the cities reached to 65 percent in 1997.

An official from the EGE-KOOP said that 57.9 percent of the population living in the cities prefer living in public licenced and mass housing areas and 42.1 percent live in the squatter areas.

Pointing out that the people who migrate to the cities continue their lives as if they were in the villages in the squatter areas, the official noted that the construction of the squatter areas increased in the hills of the cities between the years 1975 and 1985.

Stating that the people had a tendency to live in licenced houses following the initiatives of the government on the mass housing areas, the official added that the squatter area phenomenon can never be overcome because the local governments and the government of Turkey cannot protect the lands which belong to the Treasury.

Stressing that Turkey is the thirteenth in the world in the list of the countries' urban population, the official said that 40.6 million of the 62.8 million population of Turkey is living in the cities.

Noting that the deficit of houses and the squatter area problem can only be overcome by the improvement of the mass housing areas, the official said that the Turkish government and the local governments have many tasks in this issue.

[28] BRITISH-TURKISH WATER SECTOR SEMINAR - MACPHERSON, THE BRITISH ECONOMY AND TRADE ATTACHE TO TURKEY: - ''WE WANT TO IMPROVE THE TRADE AND INVESTMENTS IN WATER SECTOR IN THE GAP REGION''

Addressing a speech in the opening ceremony of the British-Turkish Water Sector Seminar in which the representaties of the British companies and many officials from the local governments and companies of the region attended, Macpherson defined Turkey as a country of opportunities for the investments in the water sector.

Stating that the British companies realized significant investments and services in Turkey, Macpherson said that the seminar will be useful in searching new opportunies of investments and cooperation in water industry and sector and in evaluating these opportunities.

Noting that southern Gaziantep province is the most important city in the GAP region, Macpherson stressed that they see Gaziantep as a transition path in reaching the opportunities in the water sector, adding that the seminar will lead to a cooperation between the British and Turkish representatives and the improvement of the bilateral trade relations between the two countries.

The representatives of the British companies gave information about their activities in water sector and said that they aim at realizing new projects in Turkey and the GAP region.

[29] EXTRADITION OF OCALAN, CHIEF OF SEPARATIST TERRORIST ORGANIZATION - SINAGRA, TURKEY'S ITALIAN LAWYER, HOLDS CONTACTS AT FOREIGN MINISTRY

Sinagra, who arrived in Turkey to make an evaluation before the hearing which will take place on February 24 regarding Turkey's extradition demand, met with senior officials at the Foreign Ministry today.

Augusto Sinagra also held talks with Faruk Logoglu, the Deputy Undersecretary of the Foreign Ministry.

A.A

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