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Anadolu Agency: News in English, 99-03-17

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

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

AA Daily

17 March 1999 Wednesday


CONTENTS

  • [01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN
  • [02] NEW ARRANGEMENT IN THE BANKS - THE PAID CAPITAL OF THE BANKS TO BE SET UP IN TURKEY NOT TO BE LESS THAN 9 TRILLION TL
  • [03] THE HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTED BETWEEN TARSUS AND SANLIURFA TO COST 2,4 BILLION U.S. DOLLARS
  • [04] DENKTAS, TRNC PRESIDENT, OPENS A PHOTOGRAPH EXHIBITION - DENKTAS: ''AS LONG AS THE WORLD SAYS THE GREEK CYPRIOTS 'YOU ARE THE LEGAL CYPRUS GOVERNMENT', THE GREEK CYPRIOTS WILL NATURALLY BE INTRANSIGENT''
  • [05] THE PARLIAMENT ACCEPTS THE DECREE CONCERNING THE USE OF THE NATURAL GAS
  • [06] TALAY, MINISTER OF CULTURE IN ISRAEL - TALAY OPENS TURKISH CARPET EXHIBITION
  • [07] EROGLU, TRNC PRIME MINISTER: ''EOKA'S AGRESSIVE AND EXPANSIONIST TARGETS ARE STILL VALID''
  • [08] PRESIDENT DEMIREL RETURNS TO TURKEY - DEMIREL: ''MY VISIT WAS VERY SUCCESSFUL IN STRENGTHENING THE UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN US''
  • [09] LOGAN, BRITISH AMBASSADOR TO TURKEY: ''THE FUTURE OF OCALAN IS A JUDICIAL ISSUE''
  • [10] ''PEACE STICK'' PLANTED IN TRNC - JAPANESE PEOPLE PRAY IN TRNC FOR A PERMANENT PEACE IN WORLD
  • [11] POSTERS HUNG EVERYWHERE IN ISTANBUL TO HELP YOUTH WHO FELL INTO PKK'S TRAP
  • [12] SMUGGLED OTTOMAN COINS AND OLD WOODEN PANELS TO BE RETURNED TO TURKEY AFTER LONG LEGAL STRUGGLE
  • [13] TURK, MINISTER OF NATIONAL DEFENSE: ''TURKEY WISHES ROMANIA AND BULGARIA TO JOIN NATO''
  • [14] LOGAN, BRITISH AMBASSADOR TO TURKEY SAYS TURKEY IS A MORE IMPORTANT MARKET THAN CHINA AND INDIA
  • [15] FELDKAMP OF GERMANY TO COACH BESIKTAS FOR 1.5 YEARS - FELKDAMP: ''I AM GLAD TO COACH BESIKTAS''
  • [16] OZTEK, TURKISH AMBASSADOR TO BRUSSELS, REQUESTS FOR THE CLOSURE OF THE MED-TV, THE BROADCASTING ORGAN OF PKK
  • [17] TURKISH-GREEK RELATIONS - ATACANLI, FOREIGN MINISTRY DEPUTY SPOKESMAN: ''IT IS SEEN THAT GREECE'S CUTTING OFF HER SUPPORT TO TERRORISM IS AN ESSENTIAL CONDITION FOR PROVIDING PROGRESS IN THE RELATIONS BETWEEN TURKEY AND GREECE''
  • [18] TAN, MINISTER OF TOURISM: - ''TERRORISM REALIZES ITS AIM OF SPREADING THE FEAR OF DEATH BY THE PRESS''
  • [19] A DEMONSTRATION CONDEMNING THE TERRORIST ORGANIZATION PKK AND GREECE HELD IN ERUH COUNTY OF SOUTHEASTERN SIIRT PROVINCE
  • [20] HACIHASANOGLU, THE CONSULTANT OF THE TOBB: - ''THE INTERNATIONAL CONTACTS CARRIES GREAT IMPORTANCE FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL VALUES''
  • [21] DENKTAS, TRNC PRESIDENT: - ''TURKEY AND TRNC WILL CONTINUE THEIR PATH, WE WILL CONTINUE TO HAVE INTEGRATION, WE DO NOT HAVE ANOTHER CHOICE''
  • [22] CHHIBBER, THE TURKEY DIRECTOR OF THE WORLD BANK: - ''REALIZING THE EARLY ELECTIONS ON TIME AND THE NEW GOVERNMENT'S STARTING TO TAKE STRUCTURAL MEASURES WILL GIVE THE OPPORTUNITY FOR THE INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS TO SUPPORT TURKEY''
  • [23] A LAWSUIT FILED AGAINST THE ''DISGRUNTLED'' DEPUTIES
  • [24] AWARDS FROM THE SOUTH KOREAN AMBASSADOR TO THE TAEKWONDO NATIONAL TEAM
  • [25] THE SIGNATURE CAMPAIGN OF THE TURKISH PEOPLE LIVING IN FRANCE AGAINST THE DRAFT LAW ON THE SO-CALLED ARMENIAN GENOCIDE TO BE SUBMITTED TO THE FRENCH SENATE
  • [26] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT: - ''THE POLLS WILL BE HELD BECAUSE THERE IS NO OTHER WAY'' - ''EVALUATING ALL OPPORTUNITIES OF THE CONSTITUTION, LAWS, AND REGULATIONS TO PREVENT POSTPONEMENT OF ELECTIONS IS OUR DEMOCRATIC DUTY'' - ''I DON'T CARE ABOUT CENSURE MOTION''
  • [27] SWOBODA, THE SOCIALIST GROUP FOREIGN POLICY SPOKESMAN OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT CONDEMNS THE ATTACKS OF THE TERRORIST ORGANIZATION PKK
  • [28] EXPLOSION IN KIRIKHAN - HATAY GOVERNOR AYDINER: ''IT WAS REVEALED THAT THE CAR WITH BULGARIAN LICENCE PLATE WHICH ENTERED TURKEY FROM KAPIKULE ON 14 MARCH, WAS RUNNING ON LPG'' - ''THE REASON FOR BLAST WILL BE CLEAR AFTER LABORATORY STUDIES''
  • [29] ''THE CHILDREN IN THE WATERS'' PROTECTED - ''ADOPT A MEDITERRENEAN SEAL'' PROJECT DRAWS ATTENTION
  • [30] THE RESEARCHES IN RUSSIA INDICATES THAT THE FIRST CHOICE OF THE RUSSIAN TOURISTS IS TURKEY
  • [31] THE JAPANESE OECF DELEGATION TO DECLARE ITS DECISION ABOUT THE FINANCIAL SUPPORT TO THE TUBE PASSAGE UNTIL THE END OF MARCH
  • [32] ECONOMIC RELATIONS IN TURKISH WORLD - FM CEM: ''OUR TARGET FOR 21ST CENTURY IS TO BE THE CENTER OF EURASIA''
  • [33] FM CEM: ''IT IS DOUBTLESS THAT GREECE IS A TERRORIST STATE''
  • [34] ANKARA DENIES NEWS REPORTS CLAIMING THAT UZBEK OPPOSITION LEADER IS IN TURKEY - ATACANLI, FOREIGN MINISTRY DEPUTY SPOKESMAN: ''THE TURKISH-UZBEK RELATIONS ARE SO STRONG THAT THEY CAN'T BE INFLUENCED BY SUCH RUMORS''
  • [35] LOGOGLU, FOREIGN MINISTRY DEPUTY UNDERSECRETARY: - ''TURKEY DOESN'T HAVE AN INTENTION TO PUNISH GREECE, WE EXPECT GREECE TO ABSTRACT HERSELF FROM TERRORISM'' - ''JUDGEMENT IN TURKEY IS INDEPENDENT, WE REJECT EVERY KIND OF FOREIGN INITIATIVES WHICH CAN AFFECT JUDGEMENT PROCESS'' - ''MED-TV AND OTHER BROADCAST ORGANIZATIONS OF TERRORIST ORGANIZATION BECAME THE DIRECT ELEMENT OF VIOLENCE AND TERRORISM'' - ''TURKISH GOVERNMENT IS CAPABLE OF TAKING EVERY MEASURE TO PROVIDE SECURITY OF LIVES AND PROPERTIES OF TOURISTS''

  • [01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

    These are some of the major headlines and their brief stories in Turkey's press on March 17, 1998. The Anadolu Agency does not verify these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.

    HURRIYET (LIBERAL) BOMB EMERGENCY RULE
    The security measures against bomb attacks have been determined. The places which are possible targets of terrorists will have an emergency rule within a month at the latest. The citizens have to definitely abide with the security measures. A total of 30,000 brochures which warn citizens against terrorism have been published. The measures will also be published in the Official Gazette. Turkey will start to live under a life order similar to those of Britain, Israel, Spain which have lived under ethnical terrorism for years. Meanwhile, approximately 300 terrorist attacks occured as of 16 February. Cakır said that 13 people were killed, and 45 people, including 5 policemen, were wounded as a result of these attacks.

    POSTPONEMENT OF ELECTIONS NOT TO BE END OF WORLD
    President Suleyman Demirel said on Tuesday that the postponement of the elections won't be the end of the world. ''But please don't think that I support the postponement of the elections,'' he added.

    MILLIYET (LIBERAL)

    WHAT A ''SWEET'' ACTION!
    The parliament which convened by the initiative of the deputies most of whom are disgruntled because of their exclusion from candidate lists rejected yesterday the resignation of Bahattin Seker (Sweet), a deputy from the True Path Party (DYP), who is accused of falsifying his documents in order not to serve his military service.

    CRITICAL DAY IN PARLIAMENT
    The parliament which started to work upon the initative of the disgruntled deputies will have a critical day today. The Virtue Party (FP) will submit a proposal to the Parliamentary Consultation Council which will convene in the morning. The proposal of FP foresees a change in Article 312 of the Turkish Penal Code and making the parliament work at the weekends.

    SABAH (LIBERAL)

    THEY FALL INTO THEIR TRAP
    The terrorists fell into their own trap this time. While they were on their way from Hatay province to Iskenderun province, they died due to the explosion of their bomb in the car. The PKK terrorists were going to Iskenderun to carry out a bomb attack there.

    10.5 YEARS REQUESTED FOR AHMET KAYA
    The State Security Court in Istanbul has completed its investigation about Ahmet Kaya, a Turkish singer. The Prosecution requests imprisonment of Kaya for 10.5 years as he gave a concert in front of a Kurdish flag in Germany. Kaya is accused of being a ''separatist and helping the separatist terrorist organization.''

    CUMHURIYET (LEFT)

    FOREIGN PRESS: PKK STRIKES A BLOW ON ITSELF
    Izvestiya, one of the leading Russian newspapers reacted to the threats of the terrorist organization PKK to tourists who think of coming to Turkey. The Russian paper said that the terrorist PKK strikes a blow on itself by this way and the possibility of its getting assistance from Europe decreases. Several British travel agencies said that such kind of threats are reiterated at the beginning of every summer and their aim is to frighten the foreign tourists who think of visiting Turkey.

    CRISIS CONTINUES IN EU
    The relations between European Union (EU) and Turkey will be affected in a negative way by the resignation decision of the European Commission taken last night. Emre Gonen, the Secretary General of Economic Development Foundation (IKV) which regulates the relations of Turkish businessmen with the EU, stated that the resignation of EU Commission can negatively effect such institutions like IKV. ''The few relations between the EU and Turkey can be shelved after the resignation of the EU Commission. The projects worth of 300 million ECUs which will be carried out in Turkey can also be delayed,'' Gonen said.

    RADIKAL (LEFT)

    KOC HOLDING'S SAMKOC AUTO OPENS IN UZBEKISTAN
    President Demirel and his Uzbek counterpart opened on Tuesday SamKoc Auto Factory in Uzbekistan. The factory will produce midibuses and trucks. The factory, which is Koc Holding's biggest foreign investment, is also one of the few international enterprises in Central Asia.

    REVITALIZATION IN TEXTILE SECTOR
    In Bursa, one of Turkey's most important textile centers, the investors have speeded up their preperations after getting orders from Europe and the U.S. The foreign demand has also revitalized the domestic markets. Turkey has passed the critical time period regarding its domestic and foreign credit repayment and this spirited the industrialists.

    TURKEY NOW HAS TISSUE BANK
    Turkey's first tissue bank has been founded at Turkish Atomic Energy Institution's Cekmece Nucleer Research and Training Center. The bank which is in its trial period will produce tissue using the bones and placenta which is discarded after operations. The thigh bone and the placenta will be packed and sterilized using radiation. These tissues can be kept in room temperature for five years.

    YENİ YÜZYIL (LIBERAL)

    ELECTION GAMBLE
    Bulent Ecevit, the leader of the Democratic Left Party (DSP), Mesut Yılmaz, the leader of the Motherland Party (ANAP) and Tansu Ciller, the leader of the True Path Party (DYP) act together in order to hold April 18 elections. The alliance between Necmettin Erbakan, the former leader of the banned Welfare Party (RP) and the disgruntled deputies tries to lift the political ban and postpone the elections.

    PROTESTORS ARE BEATEN
    A total of 209 people who wanted to put flowers in front of Istanbul University in order to protest the bomb attack which caused the deaths of seven students, and 41 leftist students on March 16, 1978, were taken into custody. Ufuk Uras, the leader of the Freedom and Solidarity Party (ODP), who was also taken into custody said that March 16 is the dark side of this regime. Meanwhile, police beat a group of students who convened in front of the university in order to protest the March 16 massacre.

    TÜRKİYE (RIGHT)

    TWO TERRORISTS ALSO CAPTURED
    Three terrorists including one woman who hurled a molotov cocktail to a billiards saloon in Kagıthane district of Istanbul around 01.30 on Monday night were captured by policemen.

    ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)

    STRICT PROTECTION
    Security forces have taken very strict security measures against bomb attacks which disturb everybody in Istanbul. Erol Cakır, the governor of Istanbul held a press briefing yesterday and said all the defense mechanisms of the state have been activated. Responding to a question, Cakır said inclusion of Istanbul to emergency rule is out of question, as the existing legal opportunities are enough.

    [02] NEW ARRANGEMENT IN THE BANKS - THE PAID CAPITAL OF THE BANKS TO BE SET UP IN TURKEY NOT TO BE LESS THAN 9 TRILLION TL

    ANKARA, March 17 (A.A) - The paid capital of the banks which will be set up in Turkey will not be less than nine trillion Turkish liras, it is reported on Wednesday.

    The ''decree about the law on banks'' was published in the Official Gazette and put into effect on Tuesday.

    The decree in which the monetary limits are increased foresees that all the shares of the banks which will be set up in Turkey should be 'written in name', should be issued in return of cash, should not exceed one and a half billion Turkish liras and should be quoted in the stock exchange.

    Moreover, it will be obligatory for all the chairmen and the members of the Executive Committee of the banks to have a share which represents at least one percent of the capital and to deposit these shares to the Turkish Central Bank or to Ziraat Bank in case there is no Turkish Central Bank in return of receipt.

    The decree also foresees that the owners of the accounts who have not used their account which exceeds 3,7 million Turkish liras for over ten years, will be informed by a letter about their amount of accounts.

    All kinds of accounts which are not used after six months when their owners are informed, will be transferred to the Turkish Central Bank after the name, address, and the interests of the accounts are stated by a schedule, while the accounts which do not exceed 3,7 million Turkish liras will be transferred to the Saving Account Insurance Fund.

    [03] THE HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTED BETWEEN TARSUS AND SANLIURFA TO COST 2,4 BILLION U.S. DOLLARS

    GAZIANTEP, March 17 (A.A) - The highway which is totaly 471.5 kilometers in length and which will be constructed between Tarsus county of southern Mersin province and southeastern Sanliurfa province will cost 2,4 billion U.S. dollars, it is reported on Wednesday.

    The figures of the Directorate General of the Highways indicated that the studies in the Tarsus-Adana-Gaziantep highway is nearly completed.

    This highway will start to be used on August 31, 1999.

    The Gaziantep-Sanliurfa highway which is defined as ''Southeastern Anatolia Project (GAP) Highway'' is about 159.5 kilometres long.

    The GAP region will have the opportunity to easily reach the free zones and ports by being connected to Tarsus-Mersin highway via the Tarsus-Adana- Gaziantep-Sanliurfa highway.

    Meanwhile, Ali Ilıksoy, the Minister of Housing, will lay the foundation of the Gaziantep connection road, intersection arrangement, and the tunnel which are planned to be constructed within the framework of Tarsus-Adana- Gaziantep highway today.

    [04] DENKTAS, TRNC PRESIDENT, OPENS A PHOTOGRAPH EXHIBITION - DENKTAS: ''AS LONG AS THE WORLD SAYS THE GREEK CYPRIOTS 'YOU ARE THE LEGAL CYPRUS GOVERNMENT', THE GREEK CYPRIOTS WILL NATURALLY BE INTRANSIGENT''

    ISTANBUL, March 17 (A.A) - Rauf Denktas, the President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), opened on Tuesday a photograph exhibition which is formed by his own photographs in the Kultur University.

    Denktas said in the opening ceremony of the exhibition, ''the motherland is our most beloved. The shadow of this flag will honour everbody.''

    Requesting that the students of this university should know the value of their country, Denktas said, ''Cyprus, where 70,000 Turkish soldiers lost their lives, is our country; but the motherland is our most beloved one. The shadow of this flag will honour everybody.''

    Responding the questions of the journalists, Denktas said, ''Maras is standing right there and it is decaying day by day. The Security Council still says 'you cannot use Maras'. Maras is our region, and if we you open it now, it will cost too much.''

    When recalled the words of Glafcos Clerides, the leader of the Greek Cypriot side, saying that they do not want to have any compromise, Denktas said that Clerides clearly noted that ''they will continue their struggle until Ellenism reach victory in Cyprus, and that they will no way accept confederation, and that they will not recognize TRNC.''

    Denktas added, ''As long as the World continue to say the Greek Cypriots 'you are the legal government of Cyprus', they will naturally be intransigent. That's why, our case is not with Clerides any more. We know what they want to do. They wanted to usurp Cyprus, but they could not. But now, they want to reach the same result by deceiving the EU and getting help from the World.

    Thus, our struggle is with the U.S., Britain which is considered to be a guarantor state in Cyprus, Germany, and with the countries which are the members of the EU. We continuously tell them this injustice. They are legally unfair and they do not have de facto rights. They are saying to the Greeks that 'they can colonize the Turks and that they can eradicate the Turks'. Because, Greek Cypriots are getting armed under the title of Cyprus given to Greek Cypriots by these countries. They want Turkey to get into trouble to protect Cyprus. The ones who told them that 'they are the government of Cyprus' are in fact guilty.''

    [05] THE PARLIAMENT ACCEPTS THE DECREE CONCERNING THE USE OF THE NATURAL GAS

    ANKARA, March 17 (A.A) - The Parliamentary Planning and Budget Commission accepted on Tuesday the Decree Concerning the Use of the Natural Gas.

    The Decree Concerning the Use of the Natural Gas foresees the import of the natural gas, including liquified natural gas, by the Turkish company of Pipeline Oil Transfer Corp. (BOTAS).

    The BOTAS company will be authorized to sell the imported natural gas and the domestic natural gas which is bought by itself, and to determine the prices of the natural gas, and to distribute the natural gas.

    The Council of Ministers can permit the BOTAS company or the other campanies which will serve for the distribution of the natural gas, to set up a natural gas distribution installation, to operate them, and to sell the natural gas.

    BOTAS company will be authorized to sell the natural gas to the industrial institutions and to the organized industry zones which use more than one million cubic metres of gas a year, and it can transfer this authority to the companies which will serve for the distribution of the natural gas.

    The term of validity of the Decree Concerning the Use of the Natural Gas will end on December 31, 1999.

    [06] TALAY, MINISTER OF CULTURE IN ISRAEL - TALAY OPENS TURKISH CARPET EXHIBITION

    JERUSALEM, March 17 (A.A) - Istemihan Talay, the Minister of Culture opened on Tuesday the exhibition namely ''Magic Knots'' composed of Ottoman Turkish carpets in Israel.

    A group of traditional Turkish musicians gave a concert during the opening ceremony where Yitzak Levi, the Israeli Minister of Culture was also present. The same concert will be held in Jerusalem Museum halls on Wednesday and in Ram Allah city on Thursday which is under Palestinian rule.

    The exhibition composed of 52 Ottoman carpets woven between 13th and 19th centuries which belong to Museum of Turkish and Islamic Works of Art, will be displayed at Israeli Museum in Jerusalem for three months.

    Addressing a statement before his departure at Esenboga Airport, Talay had said that there were rooted relations between Turkey and Israel and the 700th foundation anniversary meeting of the Ottoman Empire would be firstly held abroad.

    Talay and the accompanying delegation are expected to return to Turkey on Wednesday.

    [07] EROGLU, TRNC PRIME MINISTER: ''EOKA'S AGRESSIVE AND EXPANSIONIST TARGETS ARE STILL VALID''

    LEFKOSA, March 17 (A.A) - Dervis Eroglu, the Prime Minister of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) said on Tuesday that Glafcos Clerides, the Greek Cypriot leader announced once again in a ceremony that the agressive and expansionist targets of EOKA, a Greek Cypriot terrorist organization, are still valid.

    Addressing a written statement, Eroglu quoted the words of Clerides as ''our target is not an ordinary solution, but it is to guarantee the future of Hellenism on the whole island.'' TRNC Prime Minister stressed that the Greek Cypriot leader tries to explain their target of uniting the island with Greece and they don't foresee any agreement with the Turkish Cypriots in the future.

    Noting that the Greek Cypriot side has revealed its final goal in such a clear way, Eroglu pointed out that they can even accuse the Turkish side of preventing them to reach their target of Enosis (unification with Greece).

    ''Yes we create obstacles and will continue to do so, our target is to prevent the annexation of the Island to Greece, to secure our future, and to live on this island as free and independent till the end. The Cyprus question is very clear while we are entering the 21st century. Clerides, who promised to reach this goal on his honour and all sides who encourage his expansionist policy should know that Turkish Cypriots have also promised on their honour to make the Turkish existence continue living on the island,'' he added.

    [08] PRESIDENT DEMIREL RETURNS TO TURKEY - DEMIREL: ''MY VISIT WAS VERY SUCCESSFUL IN STRENGTHENING THE UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN US''

    ANKARA, March 17 (A.A) - President Suleyman Demirel returned from Uzbekistan, where he was paying an official visit, to Turkey on Tuesday evening.

    Addressing a statement at the Esenboga Airport, Demirel said that his visit to Uzbekistan was very successful in having new areas in the economic field and in strengthening the understanding between Turkey and Uzbekistan, which play an important role in the future of Eurosia.

    Demirel noted that he discussed the bilateral relations between Turkey and Uzbekistan in his contacts with Islam Kerimov, the President of Uzbekistan.

    Stating that they exchanged views about many international and regional issues, Demirel said that he opened the new automotive factory of SAMKOCOTO which was set up in Samarqant by the Koc Holding.

    Demirel added that the total of the Turkish investments in Uzbekistan reached nearly to one and a half billion U.S. dollars.

    Stressing that he was pleased to emphasize once more the determination in transferring the energy resources of Uzbekistan to the world markets via Turkey, Demirel said, ''I also met with the Turkish businesmen and citizens living in Uzbekistan. Kerimov and I together determined that we have the potential to improve our present relations and agreed upon making new steps forward in this issue.''

    [09] LOGAN, BRITISH AMBASSADOR TO TURKEY: ''THE FUTURE OF OCALAN IS A JUDICIAL ISSUE''

    ADANA, March 17 (A.A) - David Logan, the British Ambassador to Britain said on Tuesday that the future of the chief terrorist is a judicial issue, adding ''the Turkish government does not have the authority to intervene with the judiciary process and nobody can discuss the contrary.''

    Addressing a conference on ''Turkey-Britain and European Union'' in Cukurova University in southern province of Adana, Logan stated that the concern about intervention with internal affairs of Turkey and human rights especially shows itself in the trial process of Abdullah Ocalan, the chief terrorist.

    Claiming that the trial of Abdullah Ocalan is not a political issue, but the conditions that led to that are political, Logan said that they welcome the guarantees assured by Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit regarding the fact that Ocalan, the chief terrorist will be tried fairly and openly.

    ''Turkey has to understand the fact that foreign intervention and criticisms on Turkey's trial process can't be accepted or excused. However the interest of foreign countries in trial of Ocalan is completely justified. As far as we see, the proof against Ocalan is strong and can't be rejected. Therefore, the more transparent and open the trial process of Ocalan is, the more convincing and understandable Ocalan's final conviction will be,'' said Logan.

    Responding to a question asking ''if Ocalan was the leader of a terrorist organization in U.K., what punishment would you give to him?'' Logan said ''we accept the PKK as a terrorist organization and we are glad that Ocalan was captured. In Britain, there is no capital punishment. I can't know what kind of a punishment he would get. The judicary decides that.''

    Atfer meeting with Oguz Kagan, the governor of Adana, Logan said the war planes have the right to supervise and control the no-fly zone in Northern Iraq according to the U.N. Resolutions and this is normal. ''If our planes are attacked, they have the right to protect themselves. This right is foreseen by the U.N. Resolutions,'' he added.

    [10] ''PEACE STICK'' PLANTED IN TRNC - JAPANESE PEOPLE PRAY IN TRNC FOR A PERMANENT PEACE IN WORLD

    LEFKOSA, March 17 (A.A) - The Japanese members of the ''Association of the World Peace Prayers,'' which was set up in Japan to serve the world peace after the bombardment of Hiroshima, planted on Tuesday a ''peace stick'' in Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).

    The members of the association who came to TRNC put up the metal stick on which it is written ''world peace be permanent'' in various languages.

    Kumiko Fukuse, the Chairman of the delegation said that they think TRNC is in peace, adding ''we came here from Japan to pray for a permanent peace here and put up our peace stick.''

    Noting that the prayer for all people in the world started in Japan 50 years ago under the leadership of Goi Masahisa, Fukuse pointed out that they have visited various countries in small groups and planted more than 100,000 such ''peace sticks'' there.

    ''The message of the stick which stays still is great,'' said Fukuse, adding they have chosen TRNC by chance and later they can put up a peace stick on the Greek Cypriot side.

    The association has more than 30,000 voluntary members in Japan and the association members will leave the island on Wednesday.

    [11] POSTERS HUNG EVERYWHERE IN ISTANBUL TO HELP YOUTH WHO FELL INTO PKK'S TRAP

    ISTANBUL, March 17 (A.A) - The Istanbul Governorship hang 30 thousand copies of a poster titled ''Message to our youth who fell into PKK's trap'' at many places of the province, it was reported on Tuesday.

    ''Those who fell into PKK's trap but never committed a crime, will benefit from the repentance law if they give information that might lead to the capture of the terrorists'' it said in the posters. The posters also have some pictures of the cruel acts of the terrorist organization PKK.

    The posters address to parents as well:''Parents, do not let your children be deceived by the terrorist organization and spend their future in caves or mountains. Help them to escape from misery and find shelter under the affection of the Turkish Republic.''

    [12] SMUGGLED OTTOMAN COINS AND OLD WOODEN PANELS TO BE RETURNED TO TURKEY AFTER LONG LEGAL STRUGGLE

    ANKARA, March 17 (A.A) - Istemihan Talay, the Culture Minister and Nuri Yilmaz, the chief of Religious Affairs will go to the U.S. on April 1, to bring back the historical pieces which were smuggled from Turkey long time ago, it is reported on Wednesday. It was decided that the pieces should be returned to Turkey after a long legal struggle.

    Talay and Yilmaz will be given back 1661 Ottoman coins which were smuggled from Elmali and later bought by William Koch, an American collector and the wooden panels which belonged to the Divrigi Ulu Mosque. The panels were stolen during a fire at Istanbul Yenikapi Whirling Dervishes' building where they were kept.

    The Elmali coins, after they are brought back to Turkey, will be exhibited at the Anatolian Civilizations Museum before they are transferred to Antalya Museum permanently. The wooden panels will be kept at a place which will be determined by the Culture Ministry.

    Ilhan Temizsoy, the Manager of the Anatolian Civilizations Museum and Tevfik Goktas, an old coin expert will go to New York before the ministers in order to examine the coins.

    The American businessman and collector Koch, who was holding the coins, had agreed to return them to Turkey after a long legal struggle. According to the agreement reached, the coins were taken from Koch by a law company which was representing Turkey and given to a U.S. bank to be preserved temporarily.

    The Turkish Cultural Ministry had traced down the five wooden panels at an International Asian Art Fair in New York last year and stopped their sales. It was later found out that, Oliver Hoare, an antique dealer put the five panels into market of which four of them were in London. Hoare was also later convinced to return the panels to Turkey.

    [13] TURK, MINISTER OF NATIONAL DEFENSE: ''TURKEY WISHES ROMANIA AND BULGARIA TO JOIN NATO''

    TRABZON, March 17 (A.A) - Hikmet Sami Turk, the Minister of National Defense said on Tuesday that ''we wish our neighbours especially Romania and Bulgaria to join NATO.''

    Responding to a question of press members on NATO Summit that will be held between 23-25 April 1999, Turk stated that ''the states which were enemies of NATO in the past are in NATO today or they have set up relations with NATO. The concept of danger has changed in today's world. The developments that take place after the dissolution of Yugoslavia constitute the biggest danger. NATO shouldn't stay indifferent towards such kind of developments. Intervention can come to the agenda of the NATO summit if necessary. NATO can assume new missions in the 50th anniversary of NATO. The new strategic situation will be taken up at the summit.''

    When asked whether or not Turkey will bring the attitude of Greece to the agenda of the summit, Turk said ''we complain of Greece at every opportunity. We stress that NATO's having a joint approach in the struggle against terrorism will increase the success of NATO and the struggle against terrorism.''

    ''There always exists a double standart in Europe, those who were not worried when Turkey lost 30 thousand people in 15 years, are now concerned about the trial process of Ocalan, the chief terrorist. However Turkey is a state of law and this trial will be held within the framework of legal rules. EU countries consider the terrorist acts directed against them as different from the terrorism directed against third countries. No state should use terrorism against another country,'' he added.

    [14] LOGAN, BRITISH AMBASSADOR TO TURKEY SAYS TURKEY IS A MORE IMPORTANT MARKET THAN CHINA AND INDIA

    ADANA, March 17 (A.A) - David Logan, the British Ambassador in Ankara described Turkey as a ''more important market than China and India'' in southern province of Adana on Wednesday.

    Logan, during the visit he paid to Aytac Durak, the Adana Mayor, told him that the trade volume between Turkey and the U.K. has exceeded 8 billion dollars.

    The British Ambassador also told Durak that he was pleased to see many important developments in Adana since he visited the city in 1966.

    The Adana Mayor who responded to Logan's remark said : ''Fifteen years ago, I had said that foreign resources were needed to be used to solve Adana's problems. Therefore we were always open to foreign resources. Today, investments worth of hundred billions of U.S. dollars are made by using foreign credit. We couldn't hire workers for the municipality but thousands of workers worked at jobs which were opened by foreign credit. Contractors also benefited from it.''

    [15] FELDKAMP OF GERMANY TO COACH BESIKTAS FOR 1.5 YEARS - FELKDAMP: ''I AM GLAD TO COACH BESIKTAS''

    ISTANBUL, March 17 (A.A) - Besiktas signed a one-and-a-half year of two million German Marks deal with German coach Karl Heinz Feldkamp when Welsh coach John Benjamin Toshack went to Spain and signed contract with Real Madrid, it was reported on Tuesday.

    At a signing ceremony attended by club chairman Suleyman Seba and the Besiktas board, Feldkamp said he was glad to be back in Turkey and with Besiktas.

    Feldkamp said he believed that if Galatasaray and Fenerbahce are pulled down by lower clubs, then Besiktas has a good chance of winning the League crown this season.

    This is Feldkamp's second stint in Turkey. In the 1992-1993 season, Feldkamp coached Galatasaray to the championship.

    [16] OZTEK, TURKISH AMBASSADOR TO BRUSSELS, REQUESTS FOR THE CLOSURE OF THE MED-TV, THE BROADCASTING ORGAN OF PKK

    BRUSSELS, March 17 (A.A) - Guner Oztek, the Turkish Ambassador to Brussels, conveyed on Tuesday a message of Turkey to the Belgian Foreign Ministry, which requests the closure of MED-TV, the broadcasting organ of the terrorist organization PKK, as soon as possible.

    Reliable sources said that Oztek told the officials of the Belgian Foreign Ministry that the MED-TV which broadcasts from a studio near Brussels and which joins the satellite via Britain, is the broadcasting organ of the terrorist organization PKK, and it provokes the feelings of violence and enmity, adding that it becomes ''a communication organ'' between the terrorists following the capture of the terrorist chief.

    Oztek also gave the video-cassettes concerning the broadcastings of the terrorists and their translations to be submitted to the Belgian government.

    The view that this television channel has an important role in the last terrorist acts in Turkey and that the terrorists get instructions from the MED-TV was conveyed during the contacts in which the permission given to the supporters of the terrorist organization to hold demonstrations in various parts of Belgium was also condemned.

    Meanwhile, some reliable sources said that Belgium is in contact with Britain to prevent the broadcasts of the MED-TV and that some concrete decisions can be taken in the following days.

    Luc Van Den Bossche, Belgium Foreing Minister, had warned the persons who were responsible from the broadcasting of MED-TV on February 22. The same week, the Belgium prosecutorship said that an investigation was started against MED-TV.

    [17] TURKISH-GREEK RELATIONS - ATACANLI, FOREIGN MINISTRY DEPUTY SPOKESMAN: ''IT IS SEEN THAT GREECE'S CUTTING OFF HER SUPPORT TO TERRORISM IS AN ESSENTIAL CONDITION FOR PROVIDING PROGRESS IN THE RELATIONS BETWEEN TURKEY AND GREECE''

    ANKARA, March 17 (A.A) - Sermet Atacanli, the Deputy Spokesman of the Foreign Ministry, said on Wednesday it is seen that Greece's cutting off her support to terrorism is an essential condition for providing progress in the Turkish-Greek relations.

    Responding to a question about Greece's efforts to seek dialogue with Turkey during the weekly press conference at the Foreign Ministry building, Atacanli said they didn't receive a request from official sources concerning the issue.

    Noting that they also didn't receive a signal proving that Greece stopped supporting terrorism, Atacanli said, ''sitting at a negotiation table under which conditions with a government whose support to the terrorist organization was clearly revealed, is an issue which should be seriously thought over. In any case, we think that the Greek government has to take important steps in this issue.''

    Within the framework of the European Union foreign ministers' unofficial meeting in Eltville, Germany, Greek Foreign Minister Yorgo Papandreu said, ''it will be wrong if it is claimed that we don't want to set up dialogue with Turkey,'' adding that a foreign minister should launch every kind of initiative for the interests of his country.

    [18] TAN, MINISTER OF TOURISM: - ''TERRORISM REALIZES ITS AIM OF SPREADING THE FEAR OF DEATH BY THE PRESS''

    ANKARA, March 17 (A.A) - Ahmet Tan, the Minister of Tourism, said that some of the agencies in Europe turned their microphones and cameras to the supporters of the terrorist organization PKK, adding that to this end, the news are not objective and that the terrorism realizes its aim of spreading fear of death by such press organs.

    Addressing a statement about the news in the foreign press which targeted the Turkish tourism, Tan said that as the news about bombs are reflected as big news, the bombs will continue to be exploded.

    Tan noted that the target of the terrorism is to spread the fear of death rather than to kill people.

    Stating that the terrorism has the support by the non-objective news, Tan said, ''especially, some agencies in Europe are not a good example for this issue. They direct their microphones and cameras to the supporters of the terrorist organization. They do not look for another view or evaluation on the same issue. To this end, the news are not objective and thus, the terrorism realizes its aim of spreading the fear of death by such press organs.''

    Tan added, ''they broadcast the news of the by-organizations of the terrorist organization PKK and the news of the central news source of the organization. They carry out the function of being their general distributor. May be, they do not do it on purpose, but it results in the same way.''

    Noting that the ones who has to be condemned are not the press agencies of Europe, but the governments of Europe, Tan said, ''because, these governments permit the establishment of such televisions and news agencies of the terrorist organization PKK and they support them. And they give the opportunity to support and spread the terrorism. But as the European nations became aware of this conflict, millions of European citizens including German, British, Frenchs, came to Turkey, and they continue to come to our country.''

    Stressing that Turkey has proved that her tourism will not be affected from terrorism or will be affected the least from terrorism, Tan emphasized that Turkey hosts millions of foreigners without having any troubles while she continues her struggle against terrorism.

    Tan ended as saying, ''we will exceed the former figures of tourists by the new and good weather which will occur after these negative and adverse storms.''

    [19] A DEMONSTRATION CONDEMNING THE TERRORIST ORGANIZATION PKK AND GREECE HELD IN ERUH COUNTY OF SOUTHEASTERN SIIRT PROVINCE

    ERUH, March 17 (A.A) - A demonstration which condemned the terrorist organization PKK and Greece was held in Eruh county of southeastern Siirt province.

    Thousands of Turkish citizens who gathered together in a square of Eruh county, condemned the terrorist acts of PKK which were staged in different provinces and shouted slogans against the terrorist organization PKK.

    The mayor candidates addressed speeches in the demonstration saying that they have been facing the terrorist acts of PKK since 1984 and in the most cruel way.

    The citizens who carried banners condemning PKK sent a telegram to the United Nations (U.N.) which asked for including Greece within the list of countries supporting terrorism.

    The telegram to the U.N. said, ''the real face of the terrorist organization PKK which carries out terrorist attacks and massacres to all our citizens for fifteen years without regarding whether they are children or elderly, women or men, soldiers or policemen, doctors or teachers, and which limits our freedom; is revealed. We complain about Greece, which supports this terrorism. We request that Greece should be included in the list of countries supporting terrorism and should be condemned by the whole world.''

    [20] HACIHASANOGLU, THE CONSULTANT OF THE TOBB: - ''THE INTERNATIONAL CONTACTS CARRIES GREAT IMPORTANCE FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL VALUES''

    ANKARA, March 17 (A.A) - Bilge Hacihasanoglu, the Consultant of the Turkish Union of Chambers and Stock Exchange (TOBB), said on Wednesday that the international contacts carries great importance for the protection of the environmental values.

    Addressing a speech in the meeting between the Turkish and Spanish businessmen concerning the cooperation opportunities in environmental issues, Hacihasanoglu noted that the environmental problems are the common problem of the whole world.

    Luis Orgaz, the Trade Undersecretary of the Spanish Embassy in Turkey, said that this meeting is a preparation for the Expo-Tecnia Fair which will be held in Istanbul in June 1999 and in which 300 Spanish companies will participate.

    Stating that they aim at doubling the trading volume between the two countries which is two billion U.S. dollars at the moment, Orgaz noted that they also aim at improving the joint ventures and investments.

    Noting that the companies which joins the meeting are engineering, consultancy companies, Orgaz said that Spain will provide finance for the environmental projects on project basis.

    [21] DENKTAS, TRNC PRESIDENT: - ''TURKEY AND TRNC WILL CONTINUE THEIR PATH, WE WILL CONTINUE TO HAVE INTEGRATION, WE DO NOT HAVE ANOTHER CHOICE''

    ISTANBUL, March 17 (A.A) - Rauf Denktas, the President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), said that Turkey and the TRNC will continue their path; that is, they will continue to have integration and that they do not have another choice; adding that they will definitely take the same step with Turkey in return for each initiative of the Greek Cyriot side in the integration process of the European Union (EU).

    Addressing a conference in Kultur University about the latest situation on Cyprus, Denktas summarized the history of the Cyprus issue and expressed his view about why this issue cannot be solved until today.

    Stating that the Greek Cypriots will never give up their desires as long as the world recognizes them as the ''government of Cyprus'' and supports them, Denktas noted that the Greek Cypriots become one of the wealthy countries of the Mediterrenean by getting credit from the world.

    Noting that the Greek Cypriots looks for a suitable opportunity to eradicate the Turkish Cypriots in case some chaos occured in Turkey, Denktas summarized tha latest developments on Cyprus.

    Emphasizing that the United Nations (U.N.) put forward a document concerning a paragraph saying that the two nations on Cyprus were politically equal in 1992; Denktas stressed that the same document noted that Cyprus was not a Greek island and that the guarantorship system on the Island would continue.

    Despite all these truths and the records saying that Cyprus could not integrate with a union in which Turkey and Greece did not participate under the provisions of 1960 Agreements, Denktas pointed out that Greek Cypriots refrained from negotiations and instead they applied for full membership to the EU. Denktas also pointed out that the Greek Cypriot side spends one million U.S. dollars a day for armament.

    Stressing that Turkey challenges the world about the Cyprus issue for the first time in the last days, Denktas said, ''granting passports in the Ocalan issue and sheltering these persons indicate that the real target of the Greek Cypriots is Turkey and Turkish nationality. Turkey is aware of this. Turkey is aware of the importance of Cyprus in the region.''

    Denktas added, ''when they make a step in integrating with the EU, Turkey and TRNC will definitely take the similar step in integrating with each other. All our wish is that the Motherland be more powerful. We feel very sorry when some incidents occur in Turkey.''

    When recalled that there were news reports saying that the TRNC gives up its confederation proposal, Denktas said that there was nothing like this, and he added, ''but, there is nothing to talk. You talk about confederation with a friend, not with an enemy. These (Greek Cypriots) are saying that 'all is ours'. What am I going to talk with these? It is said there is no need for confederation. It is not said that we gave up confederation proposal.''

    Stating that the diplomats of some countries think that the joining of the Greek Cypriots to the EU is endangered after their support to Ocalan, terrorist chief, is revealed, Denktas said that the diplomats of some important countries told the Greek Cypriots that 'they cannot take part in the EU if there is no unification'. Denktas stressed that peace in Cyprus can be provided only between two equal sides, stating that the TRNC's path is ethical, just, and legal.

    Denktas added that they will discuss the Cyprus issue from the perspective of law by holding an international jurists meeting in the following days.

    [22] CHHIBBER, THE TURKEY DIRECTOR OF THE WORLD BANK: - ''REALIZING THE EARLY ELECTIONS ON TIME AND THE NEW GOVERNMENT'S STARTING TO TAKE STRUCTURAL MEASURES WILL GIVE THE OPPORTUNITY FOR THE INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS TO SUPPORT TURKEY''

    ANKARA, March 17 (A.A) - Ajay Chhibber, the Turkey Director of the World Bank, said on Wednesday that realizing the early elections on time and the new government's starting to take structural measures will give the opportunity for the international organizations to support Turkey.

    Chhibber told A.A correspondent that realizing the early elections on time and starting to take structural measures will also decrease the indefiniteness.

    Emphasizing that the new government's starting to implement the structural reforms by an agreement it signs with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) will increase the foreign credibility of Turkey, Chhibber noted that to this end, Turkey can get financial support from not only the IMF and the World Bank but also from other international organizations.

    Stating that decreasing the indefiniteness in the Turkish economy will ease the decrease of the high rate of interests which is considered as an important problem in the economy at the moment, Chhibber said that despite the inflation in Turkey decreased as a result of the economic measures, the interests are still at high rates due to the indefiniteness.

    Stressing that Turkey should implement a programme which is supported by the IMF after the elections, Chhibber stated that the structural reforms should be implemented in the shortest time.

    Noting that the World Bank has made a commitment of Structural Adoptation Loan (SAL) which will not exceed three billion U.S. dollars on condition that Turkey starts to implement structural reforms after the elections, Chhibber stressed that this loan will be given for the banking sector, social security, privatization, energy sector, and agricultural reforms.

    Chibber added that the meetings between the officials of economy and the World Bank to make a contribution worth of 200 million U.S. dollars to the Turkish export sector still continues.

    [23] A LAWSUIT FILED AGAINST THE ''DISGRUNTLED'' DEPUTIES

    KONYA, March 17 (A.A) - Konya Branch of the Turkish Lecturers Trade Union (Turk Universite-Sen) filed a lawsuit on Tuesday against the deputies known as the ''disgruntled deputies''.

    An official from Konya branch of this trade union said that they filed a morale lawsuit against the ''disgruntled'' deputies on charges of ''behaving inconsistent and without principles for the sake of their own future, shadowing the respectfulness of the Parliament and causing low- spiritness in the Turkish nation.''

    The official said that these deputies do not make serious efforts to solve the economic and social problems of Turkey, but they want to postpone the elections for their own sakes, adding that they harshly condemn these deputies.

    A group of deputies, known as ''disgruntled deputies'' by the public, who were excluded from the candidate lists of their parties had called the parliament to reconvene to postpone the elections.

    [24] AWARDS FROM THE SOUTH KOREAN AMBASSADOR TO THE TAEKWONDO NATIONAL TEAM

    ANKARA, March 17 (A.A) - Sang Hoon Cho, South Korean Ambassador to Turkey, received on Tuesday the players and the trainer of the Taekwondo National Team and gave them presents.

    Adressing a speech, Cho said, ''Taekwondo is a kind of sport which is of the South Korean origin. I was thinking that only the Koreans were interested in this sport. When I came to Turkey, I saw that many young sportsmen were successful in this sport.''

    Recalling that taekwondo was accepted as an Olimpic sports branch, Cho said, ''the future of this sport is bright. I heard the successes of the Turkish sportsmen in this sport last year. I am very happy for this. I want to give your sportsmen some presents to encourage them and to make their successes continue.''

    Cho added that the efforts of Cengiz Yagiz, the head of the Federation, is the reason of the success of Turkey in taekwondo.

    [25] THE SIGNATURE CAMPAIGN OF THE TURKISH PEOPLE LIVING IN FRANCE AGAINST THE DRAFT LAW ON THE SO-CALLED ARMENIAN GENOCIDE TO BE SUBMITTED TO THE FRENCH SENATE

    PARIS, March 17 (A.A) - The signatures which are collected by the initiative of the Turkish Associations Union in France urging French Senate not to include the draft law on the so-called Armenian genocide will be submitted to the Senate on Thursday.

    The Turkish delegation headed by Mehmet Goker, the Chairman of the Turkish Associations Union in France, will be received by Christian Poncelet, the Head of the French Senate on Thursday.

    The draft law which is consisted of one single sentence and which was adopted in the French parliament last year and which foresees the recognition of the so-called Armenian genocide by France had caused diplomatic problems between Turkey and France.

    The French Senate has to ratify the draft law on the so-called Armanian genocide which is harshly criticized by Turkey to make it a law.

    [26] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT: - ''THE POLLS WILL BE HELD BECAUSE THERE IS NO OTHER WAY'' - ''EVALUATING ALL OPPORTUNITIES OF THE CONSTITUTION, LAWS, AND REGULATIONS TO PREVENT POSTPONEMENT OF ELECTIONS IS OUR DEMOCRATIC DUTY'' - ''I DON'T CARE ABOUT CENSURE MOTION''

    ANKARA, March 17 (A.A) - Bulent Ecevit, the Prime Minister and the leader of the Democratic Left Party (DSP), said on Wednesday that it is very difficult to get a result from the efforts to delay the polls, stressing, ''the elections will be held because there is no other way.''

    Addressing the DSP Parliamentary Group meeting, Ecevit said he paused preparations for elections and came to Ankara when the deputies known as ''disgruntled deputies'' called the parliament to hold an extraordinary convention.

    ''Turkey is now facing a political crisis stemming from the reaction and sulkiness of some deputies who were not selected as candidates,'' Ecevit said.

    Noting that DSP deputies, who were not selected as candidates, didn't contribute to that effort, Ecevit said, ''most of the deputies of other political parties failed to show the same attitude of DSP deputies who are now not candidates. The deputies of opponent political parties started a campaign to postpone the polls on 18 April.''

    Pointing out that the Republican People's Party (CHP) still doesn't assume a clear attitude against the campaign started by disgruntled deputies, Ecevit claimed that the Virtue Party (FP), which understood that it can't get a good result at the polls, took advantage of the campaign.

    Noting that the FP started to stage direct or indirect, clear or covered initiatives to postpone the elections, Ecevit said, ''attempting to postpone the elections at this stage is an example of serious irresponsibility. Evaluating all opportunities of the Constitution, Laws, and Regulations to prevent the postponement of the polls is our democratic duty.''

    ''The CHP, which insisted on early elections, has still not assumed a clear attitude. And this gives rise to the impression that the CHP is seeking a way to escape from the polls,'' Ecevit said.

    Pointing out that the disgruntled deputies gave censure motion against the government while there are lots of confusions, Ecevit said, ''I don't care about the censure motion.''

    Stressing that the DSP won't be responsible for the crisis to occur on the occasion of collapse of the government with censure motion, Ecevit said, ''confusions have already started to increase. As you know, the inflation decreased under 50 percent for the first time for years. In recent months, the interest rates started to drop from 150 percent to under 100 percent. However, all of these positive developments started to change. The inclining trend of the inflation and interest rates was accelerated.''

    [27] SWOBODA, THE SOCIALIST GROUP FOREIGN POLICY SPOKESMAN OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT CONDEMNS THE ATTACKS OF THE TERRORIST ORGANIZATION PKK

    STRASBOURG, March 17 (A.A) - Hannes Swoboda, the Socialist Group Foreign Policy Spokesman of the European Parliament (EP), condemned on Wednesday the attacks of the terrorist organization PKK in Turkey.

    Issuing a written statement, Swoboda noted that the terrorist attacks can no way be accepted and that nobody in Europe can tolerate violence and terrorism.

    Swoboda stressed that it cannot be accepted that the terrorist organization PKK considers all parts of Turkey as a battlefield and it threatens the civilians and the European tourists, adding that the terrorist organization PKK only gives damages to the Turkish citizens with Kurdish origin by its attacks.

    [28] EXPLOSION IN KIRIKHAN - HATAY GOVERNOR AYDINER: ''IT WAS REVEALED THAT THE CAR WITH BULGARIAN LICENCE PLATE WHICH ENTERED TURKEY FROM KAPIKULE ON 14 MARCH, WAS RUNNING ON LPG'' - ''THE REASON FOR BLAST WILL BE CLEAR AFTER LABORATORY STUDIES''

    ANTAKYA, March 17 (A.A) - The passenger car, which blasted late on Tuesday near Topbogazi region in Kirikhan county of southern Hatay province, was running on liquified petroleum gas (LPG), it was reported on Wednesday.

    Speaking to the A.A corespondent, Gokhan Aydiner, the Governor of Hatay, said it was determined that the car with CT 2026 AC Bulgarian licence plate, which blasted late on Tuesday ten kilometers away from Kirikhan, entered Turkey from Kapikule border gate on 14 March.

    Governor Aydiner said the driver of the car was burnt to death and the other person sitting near the driver was torn apart to death in the explosion.

    ''The witnesses said that the car was exploded and started to burn,'' Governor said.

    ''It was revealed that the car was running on LPG. The reason for the blast will become clear after laboratory examines and ballistics studies,'' he said.

    It was reported that an identity card issued for Dimitrof Mitre, 33, was found on one of the bodies.

    [29] ''THE CHILDREN IN THE WATERS'' PROTECTED - ''ADOPT A MEDITERRENEAN SEAL'' PROJECT DRAWS ATTENTION

    IZMIR, March 17 (A.A) - ''Adopt a Mediterrenean Seal'' Project which was launched to save the Mediterrenean seals that are facing extinction, drew the attention of more than a hundred people in two months, it is reported on Wednesday.

    An official from the Underwater Researches Association (SAD) told A.A correspondent that the interest in the ''Our Child in the Water-The Mediterrenean Seal Project'' is very hopeful, adding that the twenty people become the parents and 85 people become the cousin of the Mediterrenean seals in two months.

    Noting that they started with the slogan saying that ''the Mediterrenean Seals, the blue children of the deep waters, looks at with hope from the Mediterrenean'', the official stated that the project which is supported by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) plans different activities for the following days.

    Stating that Turkey is not late for protecting the Mediterrenean seal and her coasts, the official noted that the Mediterrenean seals are facing extinction as a result of the touristic establishments, the unconscious touristic divings, the illegal fishing, and the pollution of the sea and the coasts.

    Stressing that the SAD Mediterrenean Seal Research Group and the scientists from the Middle East Technical University (METU) Naval Sciences Institute carry out studies to protect the life zones and the reproduction areas of these seals in Foca county of western Izmir province since 1993 and in southern Mersin province since 1995, the official said that they get the results of these studies which are carried out by the contributions of the local governments, the fishermen, the regional people, related state institutions, and the other non-governmental organizations.

    The official added that some parts of the coastal line between Foca county and Mersin province were declared as historical sites.

    The official said that they think that the number of the seals in Turkish waters is changing from 160 to 250.

    [30] THE RESEARCHES IN RUSSIA INDICATES THAT THE FIRST CHOICE OF THE RUSSIAN TOURISTS IS TURKEY

    MOSCOW, March 17 (A.A) - The researches in Russia indicated that the first choice of the Russian tourists is Turkey, it is reported on Wednesday.

    The Tourism Week in Russia will start on March 23. 1999 and the Moscow International Tourism Fair (MITT/99) will start on March 24, 1999.

    Ahmet Tan, the Minister of Tourism, will go to Moscow, the capital of Russia, on March 23 to attend the International Fair.

    An official from one of the organizators of the Tourism Week said in a press conference that the first choice of the Russian tourists is Turkey, as it was in the last year.

    Stating that they predict a one-and-a half percent decrease in the number of Russian going to Turkey, the official noted that Spain follows Turkey and their domestic tourism is the third in the list of the choice of the Russian tourists due to the economic crisis in Russia.

    [31] THE JAPANESE OECF DELEGATION TO DECLARE ITS DECISION ABOUT THE FINANCIAL SUPPORT TO THE TUBE PASSAGE UNTIL THE END OF MARCH

    ANKARA, March 17 (A.A) - The officials of the Japan Overseas Economic Cooperation Fund (OECF) are expected to declare their final decision about the financial support for the Tube Passage which is planned to be constructed within the framework of the Marmaray Project in Istanbul, until the end of March 1999; it is reported on Wednesday.

    The OECF delegation which carried out researches in Turkey in February told A.A correspondent that the final evaluation studies are underway in Japan.

    It is reported that the OECF experts who updated the earlier studies cannot reach a final decision in the interest of the credit.

    It is said that the interest of the credit will be higher because Turkey, which before took credit with appropiate conditions in the status of ''a country with middle revenue'', reaches the status of ''a country with high middle revenue''.

    It is also said that the OECF will declare its final decision until the end of this month and that the cost of the credit will be determined after this.

    [32] ECONOMIC RELATIONS IN TURKISH WORLD - FM CEM: ''OUR TARGET FOR 21ST CENTURY IS TO BE THE CENTER OF EURASIA''

    KAYSERI, March 17 (A.A) - Ismail Cem, the Foreign Minister, said on Wednesday that Turkey's target for the 21st century is to be the center and guiding country of Eurasia.

    Addressing a panel discussion on ''Economic Relations In Turkish World'' at the Erciyes University in Kayseri, Ismail Cem said, ''today, we see this reality that the Turkish foreign policy has special privilege stemming from her being both European and Asian. Turkey is not obliged to prove her European structure. We have been European for 700 years. We are European with our history and culture. We don't have such a concern to put forward our European side to the registration of others. Of course, we are Asian. We are Asian with our past, language and belief similarities. Our biggest fact is that we are both European and Asian.''

    Noting that Turkey's membership to the European Union (EU) in future is an important factor, Cem said, ''Turkey in the 21st century can't limit herself and her vision as a peripheral country within the European frontiers. We have a great perspective. Our target for the 21st century is to be the center and guiding country of Eurasia. We have the opportunity and this is an important factor for our foreing policy understanding for the 21st century. Of course, we will be a EU member, and of course, we will develop our brotherhood with the Turkish Republics with whom we share common culture, language and beliefs.''

    [33] FM CEM: ''IT IS DOUBTLESS THAT GREECE IS A TERRORIST STATE''

    ROME, March 17 (A.A) - Ismail Cem, the Foreign Minister, said on Wednesday that Greece is a terrorist state.

    Speaking to the Italian Corriere della Sera daily, Ismail Cem said Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit and he are against the capital punishment, adding, ''there will be a just verdict for Ocalan. Ocalan is a terrorist but our laws will be equally implemented for Ocalan.''

    Noting that Turkey is implementing her laws like France, Italy, and Germany, Cem said, ''the Parliament will say the last word by stating that we have death penalty in our justice mechanism.''

    Responding to a question about terrorist attacks in Turkey, Cem said, ''everybody is watching the attacks. Terrorists are making massacre. This is terrorism.''

    Criticizing Italy's attitude againg the chief terrorist, Cem said he doesn't want to create polemics with Italy, adding, ''but France and Germany openly announced that they accept the PKK as a terrorist organization while Italy try to bring the issue at international level assuming a wrong attitude.''

    Stressing that Greece is a terrorist state like Syria, Cem said, ''there is no doubt that Greece is a terrorist state. Greece fed PKK by giving financial support and closed her eyes to its terrorist activities. The issue is not closed. We can't trust Greece.''

    Cem said that the news reports claiming that the Isreali intelligence organization Mossad contributed to the apprehension of the chief terrorist were baseless and totally wrong.

    [34] ANKARA DENIES NEWS REPORTS CLAIMING THAT UZBEK OPPOSITION LEADER IS IN TURKEY - ATACANLI, FOREIGN MINISTRY DEPUTY SPOKESMAN: ''THE TURKISH-UZBEK RELATIONS ARE SO STRONG THAT THEY CAN'T BE INFLUENCED BY SUCH RUMORS''

    ANKARA, March 17 (A.A) - Sermet Atacanli, the Deputy Spokesman of the Foreign Ministry, said on Wednesday that President Suleyman Demirel denied the news claiming that Uzbekistan's opposition leader Mohammad Salih is in Turkey, stressing that the Turkish-Uzbek relations are so strong that they can't be influenced by such rumors.

    Addressing the weekly press conference at the Foreign Ministry building, Atacanli said, ''during his visit to Uzbekistan, Mr. President Demirel openly told Uzbek President Mr. Islam Kerimov and Uzbek public that the person in question is not in Turkey and won't be allowed to enter into Turkey.''

    Noting that this issue should not be negatively reflected into the Turkish- Uzbek relations, Atacanli said, ''Turkey, as a country suffered a lot from terrorism, condemns every kind of terrorism and it will be wrong to expect her to show tolerance to terrorist activities in other countries. The relations between Turkey and Uzbekistan are so powerful that they can't be affected by such incidents.''

    When asked whether or not the Turkish government got information that Salih is a ''terrorist'', Atacanli said the Uzbek administration has ''serious claims and complaints'' about the issue.

    Mohammad Salih, the leader of the ERK Party in Uzbekistan, received 13 percent votes against Islam Kerimov in elections for Uzbek President and after the elections he left Uzbekistan.

    Uzbek President Kerimov told President Demirel that they applied to Interpol for issuing an arrest warrant. Kerimov said Salih is carrying Afghan, Kyrgyz, and Ukranian passports and he entered and left Turkey with false passports.

    Kerimov said they have sufficient evidence about Salih and they did not target Turkey and they expect Turkey to help Uzbekistan.

    [35] LOGOGLU, FOREIGN MINISTRY DEPUTY UNDERSECRETARY: - ''TURKEY DOESN'T HAVE AN INTENTION TO PUNISH GREECE, WE EXPECT GREECE TO ABSTRACT HERSELF FROM TERRORISM'' - ''JUDGEMENT IN TURKEY IS INDEPENDENT, WE REJECT EVERY KIND OF FOREIGN INITIATIVES WHICH CAN AFFECT JUDGEMENT PROCESS'' - ''MED-TV AND OTHER BROADCAST ORGANIZATIONS OF TERRORIST ORGANIZATION BECAME THE DIRECT ELEMENT OF VIOLENCE AND TERRORISM'' - ''TURKISH GOVERNMENT IS CAPABLE OF TAKING EVERY MEASURE TO PROVIDE SECURITY OF LIVES AND PROPERTIES OF TOURISTS''

    ANKARA, March 17 (A.A) - Faruk Logoglu, the Deputy Undersecretary of the Foreign Ministry, said on Wednesday that Turkey doesn't have an intention to punish Greece as a result of her support to terrorism, but she expects Greece to abstract herself from terrorism.

    Addressing a luncheon given to the representatives of foreign mass media organizations, Logoglu said Turkey has always brought into agenda the support given to the terrorist PKK organization by Greece and this was put forward by an indictment issued by a Greek public prosecutor.

    ''We don't have intentions to punish or corner Greece. We expect Greece to abstract herself from terrorism and put forward an persuasive attitude. The problems between Turkey and Greece can only be discussed at bilateral level if Turkey's expectations are met by Greece,'' Logoglu said.

    Noting that they followed the news from the press that Greece seeks dialogue with Turkey but they have still not received an official request from Greece to this end, Logoglu said, ''Greece should clearly and openly cut off her support to terrorism to take a step about this issue.''

    Stressing that the activities of the terrorist organization's media organizations, Med-tv, Dem Agency and Ozgur Politika (Free Politics) magazine can't be evaluated with the concepts like freedom of press and expression, Logoglu said, ''these organizations became the direct element of violence and terrorism by being the voice of the terrorist PKK organization.''

    Pointing out that the activities of these organizations gave rise to recent terrorist attacks in Turkey, Logoglu said Turkey makes efforts to put an end to the activities of these organizations.

    ''With this objective, I invited early today Hans Joachim Vergau, the German Ambassador to Turkey, and Hugh Mortimer, the Charge d'Affaires of the British Embassy in Ankara, to the Foreign Ministry and I conveyed Turkey's opinions to them,'' Logoglu said.

    Logoglu stressed that the jurisdiction process of Ocalan is under the responsibility and authority of judicial authorities.

    Stating that the trial will begin at a date decided by the related judge after the interrogation is completed, Logoglu said nobody should feel concern about the transparancy and fairness of the Turkish jurisdiction.

    Logoglu said the trials are open in principle but the related judge can take a decision for closed trials. ''The jurisdiction in Turkey is independent. It is not possible for nobody or no institution to influence the jurisdiction process. In the same way, we refuse all initiatives which may come from abroad to this end.''

    Reminding that the terrorist organization had threatened to hamper Turkish tourism in the past, Logoglu said Turkish government is capable to take necessary measures to provide the security of the tourists visiting Turkey the as it did in the past.

    Logoglu said that the tourists can have a peaceful holiday in Turkey.

    A.A


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