Anadolu Agency: News in English, 99-04-17

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

AA Daily

17 April 1999 Saturday

CONTENTS

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

[02] OYMEN, TURKEY'S PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE TO NATO: ''NONSTOP CONTINUATION OF AIR STRIKES IS THE ONLY WAY'' - ''NATO DOESN'T ASSUME A POLICY OF LEGALIZING THE UCK''

[03] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT ADDRESSES TO MACEDONIAN RADIO

[04] TREASURY UNDERSECRETARIAT: ''959 TRILLION TL WAS OBTAINED IN REVENUES AT THE END OF MARCH'' - ''AT THE END OF Q1, TURKISH LIRA LOST 17.1 PERCENT IN VALUE AGAINST U.S. DOLLAR''

[05] CELEBRATIONS FOR 700TH ANNIVERSARY OF FOUNDATION OF OTTOMANS IN HUNGARY - TURKISH DELEGATION VISITS HISTORICAL PECS CITY

[06] SYRIAN NATIONAL DAY RECEPTION - CORANDIS, GREEK AMBASSADOR TO TURKEY: ''SOLUTION OF PROBLEMS BETWEEN THE TWO COUNTRIES NECESSITATES PATIENCE AND GOOD WILL''

[07] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT: ''IF A PERSON CALLED YESIL IS ALIVE, THEN HE WILL BE CAPTURED TOO'' - ''A REFORM SHOULD BE ADOPTED IN JUDGEMENT'' - ''WE FORESEE AN ABSOLUTE CHANGE IN THE LAW TO PREVENT GANGS BY BRINGING MORE EFFECTIVE SANCTIONS''

[08] TOURISM MINISTRY INVITES FOREIGN JOURNALISTS FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD TO TURKEY

[09] PREMIER ECEVIT: ''IT WILL BE APPROPRIATE TO ATTRIBUTE IMPORTANCE TO TURKEY'S VIEWS ABOUT KOSOVO''

[10] BAKU-SUPSA PIPELINE AND SUPSA TERMINAL OPENED TODAY - PRESIDENT ALIEV OF AZERBAIJAN: - ''I HOPE CONSTRUCTION OF BAKU-CEYHAN OIL PIPELINE WILL BEGIN TILL THE END OF THIS YEAR''

[11] HUMANITARIAN AID FOR KOSOVAR REFUGEES - TRNC SENDS AID WORTH OF 13 BILLION TURKISH LIRAS

[12] 182ND TURKISH AIR FLEET UNIT CONTINUES ITS MISSION WITH SUCCESS IN ITALY

[13] TOURISM MINISTER TAN DUE TO THE U.S.

[14] PRESIDENT DEMIREL'S VISIT TO THE U.S.

[15] NUMBER OF KOSOVAR REFUGEES IN TURKEY REACHES 9,830

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

HURRIYET (LIBERAL) TURKEY SHOULD ALSO SIT AT THE NEGOTIATION TABLE
Boris Yelstin, the Russian President will propose Turkey, the U.S., Russia and Germany to hold a summit among them for the Kosovo crisis. The former Russian Prime Minister Chernomyrdin, who was appointed as the special representative for Kosovo by Yelstin will convey Yelstin's proposal to Fisher, the German Foreign Minister in the coming days. Later he will come to Turkey.

GREEK OFFICIAL TV PRAISES ECEVIT
NET, the Greek official television channel covered the elections in Turkey widely and praised Bulent Ecevit, the Prime Minister. The Greek television channel claimed that Bulent Ecevit is favourite of the elections due to the capture of Abdullah Ocalan, the chief terrorist, adding ''Ecevit refrained from making Turkish-Greek relations an element of propoganda in the election campaign.''

MILLIYET (LIBERAL)

IMF: FIRST REFORMS THEN MONEY
Carlo Coterelli, the Chief of the Turkey Desk of International Monetary Fund (IMF), said that the new Turkish government and the IMF should first discuss the structural reforms and financial measures. He noted that they can negotiate the financial support agreement with the new government of Turkey in May within the framework of the fourth Article. He also added that the possible agreement with Turkey will cover the economic programme and the financial support issue.

SABAH (LIBERAL)

DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF MONOPOLIES TO HAND OVER
MANAGEMENT OF SALT FLATS TO PRIVATE SECTOR
General Directorate of Monopolies started technical studies at salt flats in Turkey while they are getting ready to hand over their management to private sector. Following the completion of technical studies, the Directoate General of Monopolies will start receiving applications from the private sector. Applications will be responded within two months after the application date.

CUMHURIYET (LEFT)

RADIKAL (LEFT)

27 TERRORISTS KILLED
A total of 27 terrorists were killed in clashes between security forces and terrorists in Cicekli region in eastern Tunceli province. Meanwhile six people from security forces died and several others were injured during the clashes. Operations are underway in the region.

YENİ YÜZYIL (LIBERAL)

TWELVE MEMBERS OF ILLEGAL IBDA-C CAPTURED
Acting on a tip-off, security forces captured twelve members of the illegal IBDA-C (Islamic Great East Raiders-Front) organization in operations launched in Istanbul. Security forces also seized a number of weapons and three bombs ready to explode.

TÜRKİYE (RIGHT)

ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)

(UK-ÖŞ)
-ORUCREIS FRIGATE TO ARRIVE IN TURKEY ON
SATURDAY AFTER VISITING PAKISTAN AND JORDAN
ANKARA, April 17 (A.A) - The TCG Orucreis Frigate, which departed from the Golcuk Seaport 50 days ago for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to participate in the IDEX-99 International Defense Fair, will return to Turkey on 17 April after visiting Pakistan and Jordan, it was reported on Friday.

The Naval Forces Commandership issued a statement saying that the Orucreis Frigate left the Golcuk Seaport for UAE on 27 February and attended the IDEX-99 between March 14 and 18, later proceeded to the Karachi Seaport in Pakistan. The frigate participated in a joint manoeuvre exercised by the Pakistani Naval Forces elements between March 24 and 25.

During his official visit to Jordan as the guest of Field Marshal Abdal Hafez Marei Kaabneh, the Chief of Jordanese General Staff, Admiral Salim Dervisoglu, the Chief Commander of the Naval Forces, visited the Orucreis Frigate, which later casted anchor at the Aqabah Seaport in Jordan as a result of the friendly relations and cooperation between Turkey and Jordan in the field of defense.

The visit of the Orucreis to Middle East will finish when she arrives at the Golcuk Seaport on Saturday.

[02] OYMEN, TURKEY'S PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE TO NATO: ''NONSTOP CONTINUATION OF AIR STRIKES IS THE ONLY WAY'' - ''NATO DOESN'T ASSUME A POLICY OF LEGALIZING THE UCK''

Pointing out that the attacks of Serbians on civilians can be weakened and stopped by aerial bombardment on all of the targets that can be used by Serbians for military purposes, Oymen said that it would take time to reach a result, thus it can be expected that the NATO's concerted air strikes would be hardened.

Stressing that the NATO attaches great importance to protection of Yugoslavia's territorial integrity and a real humanitarian tragedy is being experienced in the region due to the mistake of the Belgrade administration, Oymen said, ''it is out of question that there is a war against Yugoslavian people. We can't pursue a policy which can destroy the future of Yugoslavia.''

Recalling that 300 thousand Turks suffered from a similar humanitarian calamity in Bulgaria in the past and at that time there was a futile attampt of ethnic cleansing, which continued for 15 days, Oymen said, ''the key is democracy.''

Oymen emphasized that the NATO doesn't have a political or military relationship with the Kosovo Liberation Army (UCK), and doesn't assume a policy to legalize such an organization.

Noting that it wasn't earlier estimated that the level of Yugoslavian President Slobodan Milosevic's cruelty will reach this dimension and there is not a ''magic formula'', Oymen said providing and securing peace in Kosovo lies on an existence of an international military force after having Serbs accept the NATO demands.

Oymen recalled that they hope Russia will normalize her relations with the NATO.

[03] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT ADDRESSES TO MACEDONIAN RADIO

Pointing out that the existing poll campaigns are very moderate, Prime Minister Ecevit said, ''it was a very civilized and calm poll campaign. The manipulation of religion was only realized by Tansu Ciller of the True Path Party (DYP). In those campaigns, the external problems were not used generally. It is seen definite that the Democratic Left Party (DSP) will be in the lead but it is difficult to estimate the government profile at the moment.''

Responding to a question about the situation of Macedonia in the Kosovo crisis, Ecevit said Macedonia is in a difficult situation due to her structure based on specific ethnic balance.

''Despite this, Macedonia managed to control the situation. Macedonia took on a difficult task and responsibility. We know it. We are trying to share this burdensome,'' Prime Minister Ecevit said.

[04] TREASURY UNDERSECRETARIAT: ''959 TRILLION TL WAS OBTAINED IN REVENUES AT THE END OF MARCH'' - ''AT THE END OF Q1, TURKISH LIRA LOST 17.1 PERCENT IN VALUE AGAINST U.S. DOLLAR''

The meeting of the ''Domestic Borrowing Advisory Committee'' concluded the same day at the Turkish Industrial Development Bank's Directorate General.

The Treasury Undersecretariat issued a statement following the meeting saying that the the balance excluding interest was minus 101 trillion TL and the cash deficit was 859 trillion TL.

Treasury officials said a Turkish delegation will leave for the U.S. on 24 April to hold talks on the ''Temporary Committee'' with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and later an IMF delegation will arrive in Turkey.

Pointing out that the target of 850 trillion TL for Net Internal Assets Increase for the first quarter within the scope of the ''IMF Staff Monitoring Agreement'', which was renewed in February 1999, was realized over the expected amount at the Net External Assets, the statement said, ''the Net Internal Assets Increase target was specified to be minus 369.1 trillion TL. Besides, in the first quarter, the Central Bank received 3.1 billion U.S. dollars of foreign exchange and in response, it repaid 1.7 billion U.S dollars in foreign debt. As a result, the increase in the foreign exchange reserves of the Central Bank was nearly 1.6 billion U.S. dollars as of 2 April 1999.''

The statement said the Turkish Lira lost 17.1 percent in value against the U.S. dollars and 8.6 percent value against the EURO.

The next meeting of the ''Domestic Borrowing Advisory Committee'' will take place in Istanbul on 14 May 1999.

[05] CELEBRATIONS FOR 700TH ANNIVERSARY OF FOUNDATION OF OTTOMANS IN HUNGARY - TURKISH DELEGATION VISITS HISTORICAL PECS CITY

The delegation paid this visit to Pecs, which was administered by the Ottoman Empire for a period, within the framework of the celebrations for the 700th anniversary of the foundation of the Ottoman State in Hungary.

The Turkish delegation including Ender Arat, the Turkish Ambassador to Budapest; Metin Er, the Director of the Turkish Airlines (THY); Suat Karakus, the Ege Seramik's Representative to the Balkans and Eastern Europe; and Osman Sahbaz, the Chairman of the Turkish-Hungarian Businessmen's Association, met with Tamas Sikfol, the Secretary General of Pecs Chamber of Industry and Commerce.

The sides reached an agreement at the meeting that Turkey and Hungary have to do their utmost to develop bilateral trade and that the construction of the Hungarian South Motorway, which will cost 3.3 billion U.S. dollars, should start as soon as possible.

The Turkish Begendik company won the tender opened for the construction of the 700-km motorway in Hungary last year.

Following their visit to Pecs Municipality, the Turkish delegation attended the opening ceremony of the exhibition including the world-famuos Zsolnay porcelains and Iznik ceramics.

The celebrations in Pecs will start on May 5.

Later, the Turkish delegation proceeded to Szigetvar city, the last spot of the Ottoman frontiers in the West, and visited the Kanuni Sultan Suleyman Park, which was opened by President Suleyman Demirel.

[06] SYRIAN NATIONAL DAY RECEPTION - CORANDIS, GREEK AMBASSADOR TO TURKEY: ''SOLUTION OF PROBLEMS BETWEEN THE TWO COUNTRIES NECESSITATES PATIENCE AND GOOD WILL''

Ambassador Corandis, who attended the reception held at the Hilton Hotel in Ankara over the Syrian National Day, responded to the questions of reporters saying that he targetted to do his utmost for the interests of the two countries during his post in Ankara.

Pointing out that it can't be expected that the problems between the two countries will be solved in just one day, Corandis said, ''the solution needs patience and good will. Besides, people should abstain from issuing statements which can harm the relations. I am hopeful for the future of the relations between Turkey and Greece.''

Responding to a question about the Cyprus issue, Corandis said that the issue should be solved in accordance with the U.N. Security Council Resolutions, adding, ''the Cyprus issue is the last remaining wall in Europe and it should be levelled.''

Responding to a question about the Kosovo crisis, Greek Ambassador Corandis recalled that Greece supports Germany's plan and she is preparing herself to convene a Balkan summit on 20 April within the framework of the solution for the crisis. Corandis said particularly the humanitarian aid dimension of the Kosovo crisis will be taken up at that summit.

Responding to a question about the support given to terrorism by Greece, Corandis said his country does not support terrorism.

Hikmet Ulugbay, the Minister of State and the Deputy Prime Minister; Aydin Tumen, the Minister of State; Mark Parris, the U.S. Ambassador to Ankara; and diplomatic representatives attended the reception.

When asked whether or not the relations between Turkey and Syria are normalized, Hikmet Ulugbay said, ''our relations with Syria are in the normalization process. In fact our relations are at a very good level compared to the situation six-seven months ago.''

Pointing out that the relations were normalized during the process which was foreseen after the Adana Agreement, Ulugbay said, ''Turkey and Syria reached a consensus on developing bilateral relations, especially the economic and commercial relations. Turkey has always approached positively to the issue of further improving the relations with her neighbours.''

[07] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT: ''IF A PERSON CALLED YESIL IS ALIVE, THEN HE WILL BE CAPTURED TOO'' - ''A REFORM SHOULD BE ADOPTED IN JUDGEMENT'' - ''WE FORESEE AN ABSOLUTE CHANGE IN THE LAW TO PREVENT GANGS BY BRINGING MORE EFFECTIVE SANCTIONS''

Adressing to a private television channel, Premier Ecevit said the most evident part of the polls on 18 April was that religion was used as an election campaign tool at the minimum level.

When asked whether or not Mahmut Yildirim known as the ''Yesil (Green)'' by the public was captured, Ecevit said, ''there was such a rumour for the last two days. I don't know whether or not a person called Yesil is alive. This issue is uncertain. If he is alive, he will be absolutely captured, but I didn't receive any information about it.''

Pointing out the politics doesn't interfere in the activities of the security and intelligence units now, enabling them to work effectively, Ecevit said, ''but this is insufficient. There is a need for change in judgement and justice systems.''

''The interrogation and investigation canals are blocked. So sufficient evidences can't be put in front of the courts and judges. And as a result of that, the judgement system can't help people.''

''A reform should be adopted in judgement system. Besides, the punishment and sanctions for gangs and organized crimes are not dissuasive. We as the Democratic Left Party, foresee an absolute change in the law to prevent these gangs by bringing more effective sanctions,'' Ecevit added.

[08] TOURISM MINISTRY INVITES FOREIGN JOURNALISTS FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD TO TURKEY

Ahmet Tan, the Tourism Minister, sent letters to the Turkish embassies abroad and requested assistance to invite leading names from foreign press, policy, art and sports to Turkey.

Within the framework of the programme, THY provides free flight tickets, the Hoteliers Union of Turkey provides free accommodation, and the Travel Agencies Union of Turkey, Tourism Investors Association, Belek Tourism Investors Union (BETUYAB) and Oger Tour extend support to the Tourism Ministry.

A Russian delegation composed of 30 journalists have been hosted in southern Antalya province for three days within the scope of the Tourism Ministry's programme. Another Russian journalists group will pay a visit to the southern part of Turkey between April 20-25.

The Topka Tour has invited eight Swiss journalists to Turkey between April 23-25 while the Oger Tour has completed preperations to host 150 German journalists in the Ceylan Inter Continental Hotel between April 20-24.

The BETUYAB has invited German, Russian, Frech, Belgian, Italian, Norwegian, Swedish and Finnish ambassadors in Turkey and their wifes to Belek for a holiday trip. The ambassadors will be asked to convey their impressions about Turkey to their countries.

Meanwhile the BETUYAB has also invited worlwide famous Bolshoi Ballet Company to Turkey. The Russian Ballet Company will present a performance in the historical Aspendos Theatre in the second week of May.

[09] PREMIER ECEVIT: ''IT WILL BE APPROPRIATE TO ATTRIBUTE IMPORTANCE TO TURKEY'S VIEWS ABOUT KOSOVO''

Responding to questions of journalists at Esenboga Airport about the proposal of Russia to convene a summit among four countries to discuss Kosovo issue, Premier Ecevit said ''I don't have official information about it, but Turkey is one of the important countries of this region and the Balkans. Taking these facts into account, it will be appropriate to attribute importance to the views and proposals of Turkey concerning our region particularly the decisions that are taken about Kosovo.''

[10] BAKU-SUPSA PIPELINE AND SUPSA TERMINAL OPENED TODAY - PRESIDENT ALIEV OF AZERBAIJAN: - ''I HOPE CONSTRUCTION OF BAKU-CEYHAN OIL PIPELINE WILL BEGIN TILL THE END OF THIS YEAR''

Azeri President Haydar Aliyev, Ukranian President Leonid Kuchma, Georgian President Eduard Shevardnadze and chairmen of the state run oil companies of Georgia and Azerbaijan attend the opening ceremony.

Metin Aral, the Undersecretary of the Energy and Natural Sources Ministry, Osman Demiral, the Acting Director General of the Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO), and Ali Yasar Hafiz, the Deputy Director General of the BOTAS, are in attendance at the ceremony on behalf of Turkey.

Addressing journalists at the Bine Airport before his departure for Supsa, President Aliyev said, ''I hope construction of Baku-Ceyhan oil pipeline will begin till the end of this year.''

Evaluating the negotiations between Turkish and Azeri working groups, President Aliyev reminded that the new protocol signed between the sides in Ankara, envisages financial and technical works regarding Baku-Ceyhan oil pipeline project, to be completed within three months.

[11] HUMANITARIAN AID FOR KOSOVAR REFUGEES - TRNC SENDS AID WORTH OF 13 BILLION TURKISH LIRAS

Addressing journalists, Semi Bora, the Mayor of Lefkosa, stressed that Kosovar refugees have encountered with difficulties which Turkish Cypriots faced in 1960s.

Bora noted that all Turkish Cypriots from elderlies to children have done their utmost to send humanitarian aid to those who were forced to leave their homes as a result of ethnic cleansing campaign carried out in Kosovo.

The TRNC's humanitarian aid for Kosovar refugees consists of 5 tonnes of sugar, 3 tonnes of rice, 3 tonnes of bean, one tonne of chick-pea, one tonne of bulgur, 200 packages of canned food, 1,600 packages of canned fish, 200 packages of tissue, 25 packages of medicine and 80 packages of cloth.

[12] 182ND TURKISH AIR FLEET UNIT CONTINUES ITS MISSION WITH SUCCESS IN ITALY

The Turkish air fleet which is described as the ''Sparrow Fleet'' will hand in its mission to the 191st air fleet, known as ''Cobra'' on April 21.

Informing the Turkish press members about their mission, Lieutenant General Nahit Kokmen, the Commander of the 182th Air Fleet unit said that a crime against humanity is being committed in the middle of Europe and in front of the eyes of the whole world, adding ''innocent people from different religions and sects who are victims of this crime against humanity including thousands of Turks, are forced to leave their homes and lands as a result of Serbian pressure and they suffer from genocide and immigration in our modern world. Our commandership continues its mission to stop the Serb violence and to provide the safe return of innocent people to their country.''

Noting that the 182nd air unit started its mission on October 8, 1998, Kokmen pointed out that ''our mission has been praised by those who planned the NATO Air Operation against Yugoslavia and we've proved our talent to all NATO countries.'' Kokmen added that the 182th air unit totally flied for 639 hours including both day time and night time, stressing 130 personnel work in the 182nd air unit.

Turkish pilots who fly by F-16 aircraft said that the risk of danger in the region is high, adding they fulfil their mission in the best way.

[13] TOURISM MINISTER TAN DUE TO THE U.S.

Tan is scheduled to make a speech on Turkish government's approach to the ''Tourism's Contribution to Sustainable Development'' in the meeting which will be held in the U.N. Headquarters in New York on April 21.

Ahmet Tan who will come together with Turkish tour operators in the U.S., is expected to meet with foreign journalists in order to explain the fact that Turkey is a safe country for tourists.

Tan will stage a press conference for Turkish press members.

Tourism Minister is expected to visit several newspapers and magazines to give information about Turkey and Turkish tourism.

Seyhun Ors, the Deputy Undersecretary of the Tourism Ministry, and Selami Karaibrahimgil, the Tourism Promotion Attache in New York, will accompany Tan during his visit to the U.S.

Ahmet Tan is expected to return to Turkey on April 26.

[14] PRESIDENT DEMIREL'S VISIT TO THE U.S.

Foreign Ministry said that President Demirel will participate in the celebrations that will be held upon the 50th foundation anniversary of the NATO on April 23, North Atlantic Council meetings, NATO-Ukrainian Commission meeting and European-Atlantic Association Council meetings on April 24 and 25.

President Demirel who is planning to meet with other heads of states and governments in the U.S., will also address to academic circles in Pittsburgh University which will give honourary doctorate award to him.

President Demirel will issue speeches in Philadelphia Eisenhower Foundation and Washington Institute for Near Eastern Policy, and leaders of several think-tanks and several groups.

Meeting with representatives of American-Turkish Council including high ranking officials and businessmen, he will discuss opportunities of further improving commercial and economic relations between the two countries. He will also hold contacts with the Assembly of Turkish-American Associations.

President Demirel will open the new secretariat office of the Turkish Embassy in Washington D.C. and attend the celebrtations that will be held there upon the 23 April-National Sovereignty and Children's Feast.

President Demirel will hold a conversation meeting with Turkish and American media members and will be interviewed in several American television channels.

Foreign Minister Ismail Cem and Hikmet Sami Turk, the National Defense Minister will accompany President Demirel in his visit to the U.S.

[15] NUMBER OF KOSOVAR REFUGEES IN TURKEY REACHES 9,830

The Interior Ministry issued a statement saying that a total of 9,830 refugees including 3,213 children 3,627 women and 2,990 men, have come to Turkey so far.

A total of 1,451 women, 1,221 men and 932 children have entered into Turkey from Tekirdag-Corlu Border; 2,047 women, 1,657 men and 2,194 children from the Edirne-Kapikule Border Gate; and 129 women, 11 men and 87 children from Ataturk Airport in Istanbul since March 22.

Meanwhile a total of 3,452 refugees including 1,097 women, 1,001 men and 1, 354 children, have been sheltered in Gaziosmanpasa camp-site in Kirklareli province.

A.A

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