Anadolu Agency: News in English, 99-02-19

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AA Daily

19 February 1999 Friday

CONTENTS

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

[02] MEETING BETWEEN DEMIREL AND ECEVIT ENDS

[03] PENTAGON SAYS REQUIRED MEASURES TAKEN IN INCIRLIK

[04] TURKISH-EU JPC MEETING - AKYOL, TURKEY'S PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE TO EU: ''TURKISH-EU RELATIONS ARE BASED ON A SENSITIVE STRUCTURE AND AN INSTABLE BALANCE''

[05] ABOUT 46 PROTESTORS DETAINED AND 3 POLICEMEN WOUNDED IN THE SEPARATE DEMONSTRATIONS OF THE SUPPORTERS OF PKK IN IZMIR AND ADANA

[06] ISTANBUL GOVERNORSHIP ISSUES STATEMENT: ''EVERY KIND OF ASSAULT WILL BE RETORTED IMMEDIATELY AND AS FAR AS THE LAWS ENABLE''

[07] TURKMEN NATURAL GAS PROJECT - TRANS-CASPIAN NATURAL GAS PIPELINE AGREEMENT SIGNED

[08] DANKERT, TURKEY-EU JPC CO-PRESIDENT: - ''THE CAPTURE OF OCALAN CAN BE A TURNING POINT IN THE RELATIONS BETWEEN TURKEY AND THE EU''

[09] ALBRIGHT, THE U.S. STATE SECRETARY SAYS OCALAN'S JUDGEMENT SHOULD BE JUST, OPEN AND TRANSPARENT

[10] TUGRUL ERKIN, THE CO-PRESIDENT OF THE HUNGARIAN-TURKISH WORKING COUNCIL, AWARDED BY HUNGARIAN MEDAL OF HONOUR - THE TRADING VOLUME BETWEEN THE TWO COUNTRIES REACHES TO 200 MILLION U.S. DOLLARS IN THE LAST FOUR YEARS

[11] JCR DELEGATION DUE IN TURKEY

[12] HEAVY SNOWFALL PARALYZES DAILY LIFE AND TRAFFIC IN ANKARA AND ISTANBUL PROVINCES AND IN MARMARA REGION - THE SCHOOLS RECESSED IN ISTANBUL AND ANKARA FOR A DAY - THE CRUISES OF SHIPS FROM BANDIRMA, YALOVA AND MUDANYA CANCELLED

[13] BAKU-CEYHAN PIPELINE PROJECT - MORNINGSTAR, THE U.S. PRESIDENT CLINTON'S SPECIAL CONSULTANT FOR CASPIAN BASIN ENERGY POLICIES, TO COME TO ANKARA

[14] CROSS BORDER OPERATION, BACKED BY PESHMERGAS OF BARZANI, AGAINST SEPARATIST TERRORIST ORGANIZATION CONTINUES SUCCESSFULLY IN NORTHERN IRAQ

[15] INTERNATIONAL TRAVELLING HEALTH CENTRE TO BE SET UP IN TURKEY

[16] 12 SEPARATIST TERRORISTS ARRESTED IN THE NETHERLANDS - 220 SEPARATISTS UNDER CUSTODY

[17] AGREEMENT ON THE EXTENSION OF THE TIPH OPERATION

[18] INTERROGATION OF TERRORIST CHIEF - SALK, DGM PROSECUTOR: ''WE WILL CONCLUDE THE INTERROGATION IN THE POSSIBLE SHORTEST TIME''

[19] BAKU-CEYHAN PIPELINE TALKS - BARGAINING TALKS REGARDING PIPELINE TO START AT THE BEGINNING OF MARCH

[20] NEZERITIS TO DEPART TURKEY

[21] ANKARA-KAYSERI HIGWAY CLOSED TO TRAFFIC DUE TO HEAVY SNOWFALL

[22] PROFILE OF EXPORTS FROM GAP REGION - IN JANUARY, 37.2 MILLION U.S. DOLLARS OF AGRICULTURAL AND ANIMAL PRODUCTS EXPORTED TO 52 COUNTRIES

[23] SUPPORTERS OF OCALAN, CHIEF OF SEPARATIST TERRORIST ORGANIZATION, ATTACK ON TURKISH CONSULATE IN URUMIYEH IN IRAN - ONE DEMONSTRATOR DIES WHILE TWO POLICEMEN INJURED

[24] PRESIDENT DENKTAS OF THE TRNC: - ''CONDITIONS HAVE BECOME MORE DIFFICULT ON CYPRUS AFTER THE CAPTURE OF OCALAN''

[25] BALANCE SHEET OF TERRORIST ACTIONS IN GERMANY - FEDERAL CRIMINAL DEPARTMENT: - ''500 PEOPLE HAVE BEEN ARRESTED SINCE TUESDAY'' - ''14 DIPLOMATIC REPRESENTATIONS WERE OCCUPIED, 26 TURKISH AND 14 GERMAN ORGANIZATION WERE ATTACKED''

[26] PRESIDENT DEMIREL DUE TO THE PHILIPPINES

[27] GREEK PRIME MINISTER SIMITIS DISMISSES STAVROKAKIS, CHAIRMAN OF GREEK SECRET SERVICE

[28] BAD WEATHER CONDITIONS PARALYZE DAILY LIFE AND TRAFFIC IN DIFFERENT PARTS OF TURKEY

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

HURRIYET (LIBERAL)

TOURISM SECTOR MEETS IN ISTANBUL
EMITT '99 Voyager, the International Eastern Europe Tourism and Travelling Fair, opened in Istanbul. About 80 foreign companies from 33 different countries and 250 Turkish companies join the fair.

MILLIYET (LIBERAL)

President Suleyman Demirel said the Parliament should convene soon, adding that he will talk to Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit to this end. Speaking about Greece, Demirel said ''I hope Greece is beginning to change attitude on the issue of separatist PKK. Greek Prime Minister Simitis acted smartly when he said he would not sow discord with Turkey.''

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Ecevit said ''unfortunately, it is seen that the Parliament will not be able to convene in this election atmosphere.'' Ecevit also said Greece was captured red handed on the issue of terrorism, adding that ''they are trying to weaken Turkey. Yet, Turkey increased its power and importance following the cold war period.''

INTERNAL CONFLICT IN PKK
Pictures of Abdullah Ocalan, chief of separatist terrorist organization, in weakness and his statements saying ''I am ready to serve Turkey'', demoralized the separatist terrorist organization. When struggles to become the new leader added to this, internal conflicts started. Two terrorists were killed and another one was wounded in a PKK group in southeastern Tunceli province when an argument about Apo turned into an armed clash.

SABAH (LIBERAL)

SECOND ECEVIT QUAKE IN GREECE
Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit who caused military regime in Athens to collapse with the Peace Operation in Cyprus in the year 1974, now made three Greek ministers, who supported terrorism, to resign. Peace operation in 1974 brought freedom to Turkish Cypriots and democracy to Athens. Now in 1999, three Greek ministers caused a serious crisis by making Apo to enter to Greece with a false passport. Foreign Minister Pangalos, Interior Minister Papadopulos and Public Order Minister Pecalnikos were taken from the office.

CUMHURIYET (LEFT)

CASES AGAINST APO WILL BE BROUGHT TOGETHER
Officals of chief prosecutorship said European countries will be taken as the base both in interrogation and judgement. They said all cases against Ocalan will be united under a file and that the judgement will continue two sessions maximum. Interrogation of Ocalan is expected to be concluded within five days. Hamza Keles, Nuh Meter Yuksel and Talat Salk, who were designated to judge Ocalan, left for Imrali island.

RADIKAL (LEFT)

ATHENS IN CHAOS
Costas Simitis, Greek Prime Minister whom the European Union (EU) accused of not complying with the principles of the EU, forced Theodoros Pangalos, the Foreign Minister, Alekos Popodopoulos, the Interior Minister, and Philipos Petsalnikos, the Minister of Public Order, to resign. The Greek government now faces toppling down.

YENİ YÜZYIL (LIBERAL)

FEBRUARY HAPPINESS IN EXPORTS: 14.3 PERCENT INCREASE
Turkish export which recessed 14.1 percent in January due to the holidays increased by 14.3 percent in the first fifteen days of February. The Foreign Trade Undersecretariat started to meet with the officials of the sectors to determine the problems of the exportation.

TÜRKİYE (RIGHT)

OCALAN WILL BE CONFRONTED WITH SAKIK
Abdullah Ocalan, chief of the terrorist organization, will be brought face to face with Semdin Sakik, another leading name of the terrorist organization, who is still in Diyarbakir prison. Ocalan and Sakik accused each other related with the incident which had resulted in the killings of 33 soldiers on the main Elazig-Bingol highway. It will be revealed who is true.

ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)

[02] MEETING BETWEEN DEMIREL AND ECEVIT ENDS

Speaking after his 45-minute meeting with President Suleyman Demirel, Ecevit said they evaluated latest developments with the President.

Noting that they covered the developments closely following the capture of Abdullah Ocalan, chief of the separatist terrorist organization, Ecevit noted that one of the methods to save the members of the terrorist organization was to issue the Repentance law.

Ecevit pointed out that both the President and Chief of General Staff attributed great importance to the issuing of this law and mentioned the difficulty of convening the Parliament in the election atmosphere.

''We have contacted with the high level administrators of the two parties who expended support to election government. They support our proposal for the Repentance Law in principle,'' Ecevit said, and added that ''they think that this issue could be discussed primarily after the elections.''

Ecevit said he submitted the proposal to President Suleyman Demirel which envisage encouraging the members of the terrorist organization to make use of Repentance Law.

''We will say to the young people that: Come and surrender to the state if you want to make use of the Repentance Law and save yourselves from the separatist organization to return to your families and to a normal life,'' Ecevit said, adding that ''we will help you to get prepared to life in the period till this Law is issued. We will provide you professional training and technical facilities.''

Ecevit said this was welcomed by President Demirel and pointed out that a circular will be sent to the governorships in the East and the Southeast to announce the situation. Ecevit said, ''thus, we will provide them an opportunity to get rid of the people who dragged them to murders.''

Noting that they were resolved to speed up investment projects in the East and the Southeast with the starting of construction season, Ecevit said thus an atmosphere will be provided in which all kinds of exploitation will be prevented. Ecevit said a law was issued in the time of 55th government, including every kind of promotions to the region and pointed out that implementation of this law will be speeded up starting next month.

Ecevit also said he ordered the preparation of an appreciation letter to be given to the members of the team who contributed to the capture of the head of the separatist terrorist organization.

[03] PENTAGON SAYS REQUIRED MEASURES TAKEN IN INCIRLIK

Michael Doubleday, the Pentagon Spokesman, responding to a question if Iraq was getting prepared for an attack against Turkey, said there was no sign indicating that Iraq was getting prepared for an attack.

When recalled that Iraq had threatened to hit Incirlik Base several times, Doubleday said the primary target of all the commanders is to protect the power they command. Commanders in Incirlik Base know the threats of Iraq and get required measures.

Taha Yasin Ramazan, Iraqi Vice President, had threatened Incirlik Base several times.

Madeleine Albright, the U.S. Secretary of State and Sandy Berger, White House National Security Consultant, said it would be a mistake to attack Incirlik, adding that this attack will be retorted immediately.

[04] TURKISH-EU JPC MEETING - AKYOL, TURKEY'S PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE TO EU: ''TURKISH-EU RELATIONS ARE BASED ON A SENSITIVE STRUCTURE AND AN INSTABLE BALANCE''

Addressing the Turkish-EU Joint Parliamentary Commission meeting held in Istanbul, Akyol said a deep wound was opened when the candidate status, which was given to the countries that had applied, was not given to Turkey during Luxembourg summit.

Akyol noted that results of Vienna Summit were not able to create the changes desired by Turkey and pointed out that they failed put an end to the crisis by calling Turkey as candidate openly.

Akyol said, ''our mutual interests within the framework of Turkish-EU relations require preservation of the level of partnership and strengthening of Turkey's full membership to EU. Despite the problems, created by discrimination met during candidacy period, the results gained in trade dimension of our relations in 1998, form the indications of the importance of relations.''

Recalling that he, many times, announced Turkey's readiness to improve and deepen relations with the EU, Akyol said ''realization of this depends on the EU and its ability to give the required and convenient responses by being conscious of its commitments.''

Christiane Geissler Kuss, Consul General of Germany to Istanbul, said Turkish-EU relations have political and economic dimensions, adding that they knew the importance of Turkey for the stability in the region.

Kuss said EU was ready to help Turkey for the solution of problems, adding that they wanted the dialogue, which Turkey stopped after Luxembourg summit, to re-start.

Bulent Akarcali, co-Chairman of JPC, said the real reason of the interruption of the dialogue was the failure to convene Partnership Council and pointed out that Germany, the term president, was responsible for convening the Council.

Turkish-EU JPC meeting to end on Friday.

[05] ABOUT 46 PROTESTORS DETAINED AND 3 POLICEMEN WOUNDED IN THE SEPARATE DEMONSTRATIONS OF THE SUPPORTERS OF PKK IN IZMIR AND ADANA

An official from Izmir Police Organization told A.A correspondent that they detained 60 persons, but later released 14 of them who were not involved in the demonstration, adding that they will hand over the protestors to the justice organs after their interrogation.

Mehmet Oklu, Ceyhan Head Official, said in his statement that the supporters of the separatist terrorist organization opened fire to the security forces who tried to disperse the protestors.

Oklu added that two policemen were injured by gunshots and another was hurt when he was beaten by protestors with stones and clubs, while only one protestor was injured.

Meanwhile, the supporters of the separatist terrorist organization hurled petrol bombs to the building of a local newspaper in southern Mersin, causing fire which was immediately put out by the fire brigade.

[06] ISTANBUL GOVERNORSHIP ISSUES STATEMENT: ''EVERY KIND OF ASSAULT WILL BE RETORTED IMMEDIATELY AND AS FAR AS THE LAWS ENABLE''

The statement of the Governorship said, following the capture of the terrorist chief, who claimed more than 30,000 lives and who caused financial and spiritiual losses, supporters of the separatist organization were involved in an effort to give damage to the security of life and property of citizens and the public with the hit and run tactics which is the easiest assault method.

The statement said security forces were on alert against such activities and pointed out that mass transportation vehicles, bus terminals, train stations and big shopping centers were under control throughout the day to provide security of life and property of citizens.

The statement said some persons who were responsible from the terrorist attacks which occured in the past two days were captured and that their interrogations were underway.

The statement pointed out that sensitivity of the citizens against the incidents and their help in conveying information to Security forces will be useful in capture of the terrorists and in taking precautionary measures.

[07] TURKMEN NATURAL GAS PROJECT - TRANS-CASPIAN NATURAL GAS PIPELINE AGREEMENT SIGNED

Addressing the signature ceremony which was staged in Presidential Palace, Turkmenbasi said efforts of Richard Morningstar, the U.S. President Bill Clinton's Special Consultant for Caspian Basin Energy Policies, played an important role in the implementation of this project.

Turkmenbasi also pointed out that this was a historical date for Turkey and Turkmenistan.

Richard Morningstar in his part said with the project, Turkmen people will be able to use the natural resources on their territories and increase the level of life standarts.

Morningstar said this project will not only increase the importance of Turkmenistan among the regional countries but also increase the importance of this country in international platform.

[08] DANKERT, TURKEY-EU JPC CO-PRESIDENT: - ''THE CAPTURE OF OCALAN CAN BE A TURNING POINT IN THE RELATIONS BETWEEN TURKEY AND THE EU''

Addressing a speech in the opening ceremony in the Turkey-EU JPC meeting, Dankert said that there were hard and troublesome times in the relations between Turkey and the EU during his presidency and emphasized that the most important issues in the years of 1980 were human rights and democracy, but that they had an advance in these issues now.

Stating that the dimensions of the discussions between Turkey and Europe widened, Dankert noted that the each side is now more interested in the problems of the other side.

Stressing his ideas that the relations between EU and Turkey can improve after the terrorist chief is captured, Dankert said that there can be new perspectives.

Pointing out that it is necessary to have good political relations to have good economic relations, Dankert claimed that the issues including torture, State Security Courts (DGM), banned parties and military judges will continue to be on the agenda of the EU.

Noting that the Turkish parliament should be more active in the proposals of new reforms, Dankert emphasized that Premier Bulent Ecevit needs the support of the parliament to keep up to his ideas, adding that in case the parliament supports, the relations between Turkey and the EU can improve.

Claiming that the ongoing violence in Europe following the capture of the terrorist chief puts forward the political side of this issue, Dankert added that the EU will follow the developments in human rights and democracy in Turkey.

[09] ALBRIGHT, THE U.S. STATE SECRETARY SAYS OCALAN'S JUDGEMENT SHOULD BE JUST, OPEN AND TRANSPARENT

Responding to the questions of PBS tv related with the capture of terrorist chief and terrorist activities and demonstrations of the separatists in Europe, Albright said they grew violent, such a coordinated reaction was not expected.

Noting that they worked hard for a long time to bring terrorist chief in front of justice, Albright stressed the importance of judgement's taking place in Turkey.

Albright said it was a very important period for Turkey now, adding that the judgement's being just and open will be an opportunity for Turkey to show that it understood that legal process and the case should be taken within the principles of law. Albright said the just judgement is a court where open and transparent legal principles are implemented, and pointed out that this should happen in Turkey.

Albright said many questions were brought to the agenda about the implementation of justice in Turkey, and stressed that this brought an important facility to Turkey and expressed hope that Turkey would do what was required.

When recalled the statement of Turkish Foreign Ministry that judgements were independent in Turkey and that anybody should not interfere, Albright said if courts work independently and if the judgement is just, that was the key.

Albright said she hoped that Turkey would not consider her words as an intervention, and added that it was a real opportunity to be used for Turkey.

Responding to another question, Albright said they used diplomatic ways to bring terrorist chief in front of justice and helped Turkey in that regard. She said they did not play a role in capture of terrorist chief.

Meanwhile, Voice of America radio, which reflects the views of the U.S. administration, commenting on the issue, identified separatist PKK as a cruel terrorist organization targetting ''establishing a Kurdish state.'' It said separatist organization was responsible for many terrorist incidents in Turkey and Western Europe.

Meanwhile, a small group of separatist terrorists staged a demonstration in front of White House. The terrorists dispersed after chanting slogans for two hours.

[10] TUGRUL ERKIN, THE CO-PRESIDENT OF THE HUNGARIAN-TURKISH WORKING COUNCIL, AWARDED BY HUNGARIAN MEDAL OF HONOUR - THE TRADING VOLUME BETWEEN THE TWO COUNTRIES REACHES TO 200 MILLION U.S. DOLLARS IN THE LAST FOUR YEARS

Erkin was awarded by this medal in a ceremony held in the Hungarian Embassy in Ankara by Gyorgy Kerry, the Hungarian Ambassador to Turkey on behalf of Arpadg Gonez, Hungarian President.

Addressing a speech in the ceremony, Kerry said that Erkin has significant contributions in improving the trade and economic relations between the two countries, adding that the trading volume between Turkey and Hungary reached to 200 million U.S. dollars in the last four years by increasing third times.

Erkin said in his speech that the origin of the relations between Turkey and Hungary goes back to old times.

Stressing that the relations between Turkey and Hungary are beyond the friendship ties, Erkin recalled that there were some Hungarians who influenced and contributed the history of Turkey, including Urban Usta, who prepared the artilleries for the conquer of Istanbul by Fatih The Conquerer; Ibrahim Muteferrika, who brought first printer to Turkey, and Count Secini, who set up the Turkish fire brigade.

Erkin noted that the people of the two countries still carry out joint projects.

Emphasizing that they carry out intensive efforts to improve the trade and economic relations and the friendship between the two countries for more than 27 years, Erkin stated that the Turkish-Hungarian Working Council brings a new dimension to the bilateral relations.

Noting that the free trade agreement which was put into effect in 1998 contributed the trade between the two countries in a short time, Erkin said that Turkey can have an important role in the opening of Hungary to Asia and the Middle East, and Hungary can have an important role in the opening of Turkey to Europe.

[11] JCR DELEGATION DUE IN TURKEY

JCR officials had earlier postponed their planned visit which would take place on February 16 with a request coming from the government because of the intensity of economy agenda in Turkey. The JRC officials will meet with the private sector representatives during their visit to Istanbul which will last on February 23.

JCR delegation will proceed to Ankara on February 23 and meet with Yener Dincment, Treasury Undersecretary and officials of Finance Ministry, State Planning Institude, Central Bank and Privatization Administration.

The delegation which is expected to return to Tokyo on February 26 will evaluate the information they gathered about Turkish economy and will disclose Turkey's new rating note.

JCR, in November 1997, did not change ''BB'' which it had given to Turkey and reiterated it.

The note, which JCR will give, is important for Turkey's borrowing from the Samurai bond market, which Turkey found borrowing facilities with the cheapest cost, and for the Japanese investments.

[12] HEAVY SNOWFALL PARALYZES DAILY LIFE AND TRAFFIC IN ANKARA AND ISTANBUL PROVINCES AND IN MARMARA REGION - THE SCHOOLS RECESSED IN ISTANBUL AND ANKARA FOR A DAY - THE CRUISES OF SHIPS FROM BANDIRMA, YALOVA AND MUDANYA CANCELLED

The heavy snowfall which started at 4.00 a.m. local time in Ankara paralyzed the traffic in Ankara. The schools are recessed for one day in Ankara.

Meanwhile, the heavy snowfall which started at 6.45 a.m. this morning in Istanbul paralyzed the daily life and traffic. The schools recessed for one day due to the heavy snowfall. The traffic slowly moves in the Bogazici and Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridges and many accidents happened in Istanbul. The cruises of ships and the flights from the Ataturk Airport can be made with difficulties.

Moreover, the heavy snowfall and storm in the south of Marmara region paralyzed the naval traffic.

The cruises from Yalova, Bandirma and Mudanya to Istanbul could not be made due to heavy snowfall and storm. The waves in Armutlu, Gemlik and Mudanya coasts led to financial damages in some vessels.

The highway teams continue their efforts to re-open the roads and high-ways which are closed to traffic and which are frozen due to the heavy snowfall, but the continuing snowfall caused the closure of the roads which are re- opened to traffic.

The officials of the Meteorology said that the snowfall will continue until tomorrow and will stop on Saturday afternoon, adding that today's highest temperature will be two degrees Celsius at noon and zero degrees Celsius at night.

[13] BAKU-CEYHAN PIPELINE PROJECT - MORNINGSTAR, THE U.S. PRESIDENT CLINTON'S SPECIAL CONSULTANT FOR CASPIAN BASIN ENERGY POLICIES, TO COME TO ANKARA

Morningstar will proceed to Ankara following his one-day visit to Azerbaijan, which will take place on February 22, and exchange views with officals of Turkish energy sector regarding the latest developments on Baku- Ceyhan pipeline project.

Morningstar, who also meet with Ziya Aktas, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, is expected to depart Turkey the same day.

The visit of Morningstar takes place at the same time with the ongoing talks between Turkey, Azerbaijan and AIOC, the operation company of the consortium about the Baku-Ceyhan pipeline project.

The consortium, who waits for the conclusion of the talks between the sides, is expected to convene in February and determine the route of the main pipeline which will transport Caspian oil to western markets.

[14] CROSS BORDER OPERATION, BACKED BY PESHMERGAS OF BARZANI, AGAINST SEPARATIST TERRORIST ORGANIZATION CONTINUES SUCCESSFULLY IN NORTHERN IRAQ

As the operation continues, the separatist terrorist organization, which had settled in the mountainous sections of Northern Iraq, after being forced to leave Syria, began to escape to Iranian border and the region outside 36th parallel, which is under control of Iraq.

During the operations, war planes, super cobra and cobra helicopters devastated many shelters and camps, and land searches are being made in regions which are eradicated from the terrorists.

It was reported that peshmergas of Barzani expend support to the operation in which terrorists suffered a great loss.

Mass surrenders and break offs are expected from the separatist organization, which is in panic due to the capture of their chief in Kenya.

The terrorists began to escape towards Mosul camp, which is outside the 36th parallel, and which was evacuated when the U.N. cut the support expended to Atrush camp. Iraq wanted Mosul camp, which is within its territories to be evacuated soon and, called on the people to go the places which is in the 36th parallel. The familities, upon this attitude of Iraq, will come within 36th parallel.

It was also reported that attitude of Jalal Talabani, leader of Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), changed towards the separatist organization as terrorist chief was captured in Kenya.

Meanwhile, it was also reported that so-called high level officials of the separatist organization put pressure on the terrorists not to surrender.

[15] INTERNATIONAL TRAVELLING HEALTH CENTRE TO BE SET UP IN TURKEY

An official from the Ankara Health Directorate told A.A correspondent that the Turkish people have difficulties and trouble in getting the health document required for travelling abroad since the diseases and vaccines are not recorded in Turkey and that the people have difficulty in reaching the relevant institutions.

Stating that the persons who apply to the centre by internet can learn the vaccines against the contagious diseases which are obligatory to be done before going to some foreign countries, the official noted that whether the person has measles, mumps, yellow fever, German measles and hepatite viruses can be determined by testing his or her antibody level in the laboratory set up in the centre.

Stressing that the vaccines of the desired diseases to the person who is not immune to the diseases will be done by the centre, the official noted that they will give an international travelling vaccination document to the person.

[16] 12 SEPARATIST TERRORISTS ARRESTED IN THE NETHERLANDS - 220 SEPARATISTS UNDER CUSTODY

Prosecutorship of the Hague said 12 of the terrorists, who convened in Schilderswijk district and clashed with the police to expend support to the ones who occupied Greek Embassy last Tuesday, were arrested.

Nearly 80 supporters of terrorist organization had been taken under custody in incidents which happened the same day in the evening.

The separatists clashed with the police with sticks and stones who prevented them and gave damage to many buildings, including shopes and business places belonging to Turkish citizens, in Schilderswijk district. They also broke the windows and doors of many vehicles.

The terrorists who were arrested, will be judged till July.

Meanwhile, it was reported that nearly 200 supporters of separatist terrorist organization were still under custody.

[17] AGREEMENT ON THE EXTENSION OF THE TIPH OPERATION

The TIPH agreement which foresees the extension of the presence of the governments of Denmark, Italy, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland and Turkey, was started by the subsequent exchanges of letters between the mentioned governments and the government of Israel and the Palestinian Liberation Organization for the benefit of the Palestinian authority.

The extension of the agreement will be for a period of three months starting from February 1, 1999 and renewable for an additional period of three months by agreement of the two sides.

[18] INTERROGATION OF TERRORIST CHIEF - SALK, DGM PROSECUTOR: ''WE WILL CONCLUDE THE INTERROGATION IN THE POSSIBLE SHORTEST TIME''

Talat Salk, Nuh Mete Yuksel and Hamza Keles, prosecutors of DGM, who had arrived in Bursa province on Thursday evening, were not able to proceed to Imrali Island due to the bad weather conditions.

Salk, the DGM prosecutor, speaking to reporters said, they will go to the Imrali Island on Friday if possible and conclude the interrogation in the shortest time.

When asked if Semdin Sakik, another leading name of the terrorist organization, would be brought to Imrali Island to come face to face with the terrorist chief, Salk said he did not know but that it was not possible at the moment.

When asked how the cases will take place that were previously opened against Ocalan, Salk said ''we will unite all the files.''

[19] BAKU-CEYHAN PIPELINE TALKS - BARGAINING TALKS REGARDING PIPELINE TO START AT THE BEGINNING OF MARCH

Bargaining talks will take place in Istanbul or in Baku, apart from Ankara.

Officials of Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources told A.A correspondent that the sides conveyed their views to each other writtenly. Officials also said both two sides are in a comprehensive preparation.

Officials aid bargaining talks will probably take place after the conclusion of technical talks, adding that the talks may take place in Istanbul or in Baku.

[20] NEZERITIS TO DEPART TURKEY

Nezeritis, in an interview to the A.A correspondent, conveyed his experiences during his four years in Turkey and evaluated the recent situation in Turkish-Greek relations.

Pointing out that main reason of the problems between the two countries was ''lack of confidence'', Nezeritis said ''how will we overcome this problem, that is important in relations between the two countries and how we will build the confidence atmosphere. This is not something that will be realized within a few years, it will take time.''

Defending that the most important problem which erupted between Turkey and Greece lately was the Kardak crisis, Nezeritis said ''there are many problems between the two countries. Some of them are of long term, some of them momentarily, but dangerous.'' Nezeritis showed Kardak crisis as an example to such dangerous problems. Developments related with Kardak island was the most difficult one both countries, he said.

Nezeritis also claimed that the most important difference which differentiated Kardak crisis from the others was that Turkey threatened territorial integrity of Greece.

Nezeritis said there were several positive developments in relations of the two countries, adding that there was a noteworthy development in bilateral trade relations.

Nezeritis said he preferred to see the positive developments and pointed out that it was a positive development that that was no other incident which brought to the two countries into the threshold of war, apart from Kardak crisis.

Nezeritis said he could not forget the times he experienced during Kardak crisis, and added that he had the most difficult times of his duty.

Stressing that he was always welcomed with courtesy and hospitality in Turkey, Nezeritis said he did not experience an individual problem in Turkey.

Meanwhile, it was reported that new Ambassador of Greece to Ankara will come by the end of March.

[21] ANKARA-KAYSERI HIGWAY CLOSED TO TRAFFIC DUE TO HEAVY SNOWFALL

The officials of Kirsehir Police Organization told A.A correspondent that the heavy snowfall which started early this morning paralyzed the traffic between Kirsehir and Akpinar, adding that ten vehicles which slipped because of the frozen road caused the closure of traffic in Ankara-Kayseri highway.

The highway teams continue their efforts to re-open the traffic in this highway, while the vehicles going from Kayseri to Ankara are headed from Kalaba county to Avanos, Nevsehir and Aksaray.

[22] PROFILE OF EXPORTS FROM GAP REGION - IN JANUARY, 37.2 MILLION U.S. DOLLARS OF AGRICULTURAL AND ANIMAL PRODUCTS EXPORTED TO 52 COUNTRIES

In the same period last year, the region exported 46 million 49 thousand U.S. dollars of agricultural, animal and industrial products to 49 countries.

In January 1999 period, Turkey entered into new markets like Qatar, Bosnia- Herzegovina, South Africa, Sudan, Tunisia, Dominica,

South Korea, India, Singapore and New Zeland while she lost China

Palestine, Ukraine, Czech Republic, Albania and Afghanistan's markets.

Abdulkadir Cikmaz, the Chairman of the Southeastern Anatolia Exporters' Union, told the A.A correspondent that in the first month of the year, they exported 23 million 565 thousand U.S. dollars in textiles; 5 million 267 thousand U.S. dollars in grain-cereals; 3 million 342 thousand U.S. dollars in dried fruits, 761 thousand U.S. dollars in livestock and 4 million 226 thousand U.S. dollars in industrial products.

''The majority of the goods were exported to Iraq, Syria, Saudi

Arabia, Romania and Germany, and the Turkish goods in greatest demand were carpets, synthetic thread, cotton thread, dried apricot and textile products,'' he mentioned.

''We realized 10.9 million U.S. dollars to Europe in exports; 15.9 million U.S. dollars in exports to the Middle East; 2.8 million U.S. dollars in exports to the Turkish Republics; 292 thousand U.S. dollars in exports to the Commonwealth of Independent States; 555 thousand U.S. dollars to Africa; 1.5 million U.S. dollars to the American continent; 119 thosand U.S. dollars to Asia and 4.8 million U.S. dollars in exports to other countries in January, 1999,'' Cikmaz added.

[23] SUPPORTERS OF OCALAN, CHIEF OF SEPARATIST TERRORIST ORGANIZATION, ATTACK ON TURKISH CONSULATE IN URUMIYEH IN IRAN - ONE DEMONSTRATOR DIES WHILE TWO POLICEMEN INJURED

Meanwhile nearly 800 separatist terrorists raided the customs area in Bazargan, near border region between Turkey and Iran.

Terrorists attacked on 14 Turkish registered trucks and 7 Iranian registered ones with iron clubs, causing financial damage.

No casualties were reported at the incident.

Police intervened the terrorists chanting slogans against Turkey.

[24] PRESIDENT DENKTAS OF THE TRNC: - ''CONDITIONS HAVE BECOME MORE DIFFICULT ON CYPRUS AFTER THE CAPTURE OF OCALAN''

Noting that a face-to-face meeting between Glafcos Clerides, the leader of the Greek Cypriot side administration, and himself is not on the agenda, Denktas stressed that such a meeting can be possible only after the recognition of the TRNC.

President Denktas also added that they will be more careful in the coming days following the hospitality of the Greek Cypriot side towards Abdullah Ocalan and the separatist terrorist PKK.

[25] BALANCE SHEET OF TERRORIST ACTIONS IN GERMANY - FEDERAL CRIMINAL DEPARTMENT: - ''500 PEOPLE HAVE BEEN ARRESTED SINCE TUESDAY'' - ''14 DIPLOMATIC REPRESENTATIONS WERE OCCUPIED, 26 TURKISH AND 14 GERMAN ORGANIZATION WERE ATTACKED''

Meanwhile German police have taken nearly 1600 demonstrators who joined the violent protests, under custody.

Separatists terrorists occupied 14 diplomatic representations in several towns of Germany.

During the same period, 26 business places and associations belonging to the Turkish people living in Germany, were set on fire by the Kurdish demonstrators.

Meanwhile 14 German organizations including the Social Democrat Party headquarters, were attacked.

A total of 44 police were injured during the incidents.

The Federal Criminal Department warned that attacks may continue in the coming days.

[26] PRESIDENT DEMIREL DUE TO THE PHILIPPINES

The Foreign Ministry issued a statement saying that Demirel will leave for the Philippines as the official guest of his Filipino counterpart Joseph Estrada.

Hikmet Sami Turk, the National Defense Minister; Metin Sahin, the Industry and Trade Minister; Ahmet Tan, the Tourism Minister, senior officials, academicians, businessmen and journalists will accompany Demirel during his visit to the Philippines.

The statement pointed out that bilateral relations between Turkey and Philippines, regional and international questions regarding both countries will be taken up during the contacts of Demirel.

Agreements envisaging economic and technical cooperation, mutual encouragement of investments are expected to be signed during the official visit of President Demirel.

Demirel is scheduled to meet with his Filipino counterpart Estrada. He will also receive Gloria Macapagal Arrayo, the Deputy President of the Philippines, Marcello Fernan, the Chairman of the Filipino Senat, and Manuel Villar, the Chairman of the Filipino House of Representatives.

[27] GREEK PRIME MINISTER SIMITIS DISMISSES STAVROKAKIS, CHAIRMAN OF GREEK SECRET SERVICE

Responding to questions of journalist over the issue, Dimitris Reppas, the spokesman of Greek government, said that Simitis asked

Stavrokakis to resign and Stavrokakis submitted his resignation immediately.

Reppas stressed that they plan to reconstruct the Greek Secret Service in the coming days.

Stavrokakis and the EYP were known to play a significant role in Ocalan's visits to Greece and his presence in Kenya.

[28] BAD WEATHER CONDITIONS PARALYZE DAILY LIFE AND TRAFFIC IN DIFFERENT PARTS OF TURKEY

Primary and secondary schools were closed temporarily in Keles, Orhaneli, Buyukorhan, Iznik, Karacabey and Mudanya counties of Bursa Province in the Marmara Region, as a result of snowstorm which began overnight.

A number of traffic accidents occured Mesken, Kaplikaya, Siteler, Teleferik and Yesilyayla Districts, causing financial damages while many village roads were closed to the traffic.

Meanwhile storm in the Southern Adana Province caused several trees and buildings to collapse. Two people died and another one was seriously injured in the storm.

Officials at the Meteorology Regional Directorate said that the storm will continue until the weekend.

A.A

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