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Anadolu Agency: News in English, 99-04-26

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

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

AA Daily

26 April 1999 Monday


CONTENTS

  • [01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN
  • [02] TERRORISM WARNING FROM PRESIDENT DEMIREL TO SCHRODER
  • [03] CEM, FOREIGN MINISTER: ''NATO SUMMIT EXHIBITED POWER, SOLIDARITY, LIVELINESS AND DYNAMISM''
  • [04] TURKEY TO SERIOUSLY EXAMINE LAND OPERATION POSSIBILITY AGAINST KOSOVO IF IT COMES TO AGENDA
  • [05] PRESIDENT DEMIREL GIVES IMPORTANT MESSAGES TO TURKISH COMMUNITY IN THE U.S.
  • [06] VERY LAST MOMENT AGREEMENT IN NATO SUMMIT - STEPS WHICH EU WILL MAKE IN IMPROVING ESDI DEPEND ON DECISIONS OF NATO COUNCIL
  • [07] PRESIDENT DEMIREL SAYS HE HAS COMPLAINTS ABOUT WORLD PUBLIC
  • [08] EURAC MEETING STARTS
  • [09] 37TH ANNIVERSARY OF CONSTITUTIONAL COURT - PRESIDENT DEMIREL SENDS A MESSAGE TO SEZER, CHAIRMAN OF CONSTITUTIONAL COURT
  • [10] PREMIER ECEVIT: ''TURKEY WAS VERY SUCCESSFUL IN NATO SUMMIT''
  • [11] PRESIDENT DEMIREL GIVEN ''DISTINGUISHED LEADERSHIP PLATE''
  • [12] PRESIDENT DEMIREL HOLDS A COMPREHENSIVE MEETING WITH SCHRODER, GERMAN PM
  • [13] PRESIDENT DEMIREL: ''NOBODY CAN ESTABLISH A KURDISH STATE IN NORTHERN IRAQ''
  • [14] BELGIAN TRADE DELEGATION IN TURKEY
  • [15] NUMBER OF KOSOVAR REFUGEES IN TURKEY INCREASES UP TO 11,986
  • [16] NATO'S AIR OPERATION AGAINST YUGOSLAVIA - TURKISH F-16 WAR PLANES ACCUMULATE A TOTAL OF 875 FLIGHT HOURS
  • [17] RED CRESCENT AID CONVOY - ROBBERS STEAL A JEEP DRIVEN BY OFFICIALS GUIDING CONVOY IN BULGARIA
  • [18] TAN: ''WAR IN KOSOVO IS MAIN CAUSE OF CANCELLATIONS, TERRORISM COMES LATER''
  • [19] COE TO SEND TWO PARLIAMENTARIANS TO TURKEY TO WATCH TRIAL OF CHIEF TERRORIST
  • [20] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT MEETS WITH HIS TURKISH CYPRIOT COUNTERPART EROGLU
  • [21] PRESIDENT DEMIREL'S EYE EXAMINATION IS SUCCESSFUL
  • [22] TURK, NATIONAL DEFENSE MINISTER: ''OUR WESTERN FRIENDS USE DOUBLE STANDART''
  • [23] PRESIDENT DEMIREL GOES THROUGH A SUCCESSFUL LASER SURGERY IN BALTIMORE, U.S.
  • [24] PREMIER ECEVIT IN TRNC
  • [25] CONTACTS OF ULUGBAY, DEPUTY PREMIER IN U.S.
  • [26] STARFISH-99 CONTINUES

  • [01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

    These are some of the major headlines and their brief stories in Turkey's press on April 26, 1999. The Anadolu Agency does not verify these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.

    HURRIYET (LIBERAL)

    TURKEY'S VICTORY
    Efforts of European Union (EU) to get a priviliged position in NATO under the name of European Security and Defense Identity (ESDI), failed with the initiatives of Turkey. Turkey made its two conditions to be adopted. ESDI can make use of NATO facilities on condition that it gets permission from the NATO council.

    TERRORISM WARNING TO SCHRODER
    President Suleyman Demirel held a meeting with German Chancellor Gerhard Schroder on Sunday and complained about the support expended by several circles in Europe to terrorism. Demirel also wanted the terrorist activities of these groups in Germany to be prevented.

    Warning that the ones who were mild against terrorism received harm in the end, Demirel mentioned about terrorist PKK organization and extreme fundamentalist terrorist organizations.

    MILLIYET (LIBERAL)

    TURKISH POWER IN NATO
    Turkey, which opposed to 18 countries alone, achieved to make her demand accepted by the attendant countries. The initiative of excluding Turkey from the decision-making mechanism about the European Defense and Security Identity (EDSI) was prevented at the very last moment by the Turkish veto threats. The resolution statement was changed in a way which pleased Turkey.

    A TOTAL OF 42 TERRORISTS CAPTURED
    A total of 42 terrorists were captured and many ammunition, weapons, drugs, and organizational documents were seized in an operation held in southeastern Sirnak province.

    CONSTITUTIONAL COURT CELEBRATES ITS 37TH ANNIVERSARY
    The Constitutional Court which was set up to control whether or not the laws, the decrees in the power of laws and the Parliamentary By-law comply with the Constitution, celebrated its 37th anniversary.

    SABAH (LIBERAL) TWO CHOICES OF DSP
    Bulent Ecevit, the leader of the Democratic Left Party (DSP) will carry out initiatives firstly for the coalition which can be set up by the DSP and the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) and which will be supported by the Motherland Party (ANAP) from outside. If ANAP does not support this coalition from outside, Ecevit will launch efforts for DSP's minority government which will be set up for two years and which will be supported by ANAP and the True Path Party (DYP) from outside.

    MIDDLE EAST COUNRIES INTERCONNECTED ENERGY SYSTEM TO BE ACCELERATED
    ''The Middle East Countries Interconnected Energy System'' which is on the agenda for 10 years and in which four Middle East countries as well as Turkey are included, will be put into function again. Syria, which is included in the system, informed Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources officials that it tendered construction of 60 km energy tranfer lines which it committed to construct in its territories.

    CUMHURIYET (LEFT)

    TRANSITORY RESULTS OF ELECTIONS
    The Supreme Board of Elections (YSK) declared the ''transitory results'' of the general elections which were held together with the local elections on April 18, 1999. According to the information reached to YSK, a total of 32.589.973, out of 37.429.120 voters casted votes. A total of 31.119.242 votes were valid. The participation rate was determined as 87.07 percent. A total of 66.097 million votes were casted in customs gates in the elections while a total of 65.254 of these votes were valid.

    ITALY'S SHARE IN TURKISH EXPORTS THE SAME
    Germany becomes the first, the U.S. becomes the second while Britain the third and Italy the fourth in the list of the foreign countries which Turkey realizes exports in 1998. The figures of the Foreign Trade Bulletin indicated that the exports of Turkey to Italy increased when compared with the last year but the share of her in exports remained the same. Turkish exports to Russian Federation and Saudi Arabia decreased when compared with that of 1997 while the exports with the other 18 countries increased.

    RADIKAL (LEFT)

    TURKEY WANTED, IT HAPPENED
    Initiatives of Europe to isolate Turkey on the issue of ''joint defense'' failed and views of President Suleyman Demirel was adopted by the NATO members. President Demirel said ''50th year was a year of examination for NATO'' adding that the Alliance with the Kosovo crisis proved that it was a ''proved'' power.

    PKK COLLAPSED IN SIRNAK
    A total of 42 terrorists from the ''rural and city'' committees of the illegal PKK organization were captured. Many explosive devices and illegal documents were seized. In the statement of security forces related with the operation, it was reported that city and rural committees of the terrorist organization were collapsed.

    YENİ YÜZYIL (LIBERAL)

    WHAT ARE THEY WAITING FOR STILL?
    They did not care about the results which is revealed with the elections. They did not care although party organization reacted. They still pretend not to hear although ''resign'' calls surrounded all the administrative ranks. The two leaders of the central right, who are defeated with the elections, exert efforts not to be the first one who collapse.

    TURKISH GOAL TO EU IN NATO
    The demand of Turkey, who opposed to EU's assuming a greater role in NATO defense and who put pressure to make the initiative to remain in NATO, accepted in the very last minute. The statement changed when Turkey opposed to European Security and Defense Identity (ESDI) to use facilities and forces of NATO automatically.

    TÜRKİYE (RIGHT)

    ONE MORE MINE GAS EXPLOSION IN NORTHWESTERN ZONGULDAK PROVINCE
    Two miners died in a mine gas explosion in a mine pit which is situated in Gelik region of northwestern Zonguldak province. The owner of the pit was arrested.

    DEATH TOLL RISES TO FIVE IN TURKISH BATH
    The death toll in an explosion in a Turkish bath in Mediterranean Isparta province rose five on Sunday. The owner of the Turkish bath, who was hospitalized since he had a shock, is under the surveillance of the security forces.

    ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)

    A TOTAL OF 10 MEMBERS OF TIKKO CAPTURED
    A total of ten members of the illegal Turkish Workers and Peasant Liberation Army (TIKKO) who were preparing themselves to stage terrorist attacks on May 1, were captured.

    [02] TERRORISM WARNING FROM PRESIDENT DEMIREL TO SCHRODER

    WASHINGTON D.C., April 26 (A.A) - President Suleyman Demirel held a meeting with German Chancellor Gerhard Schroder as NATO summit is underway on Sunday and complained about the support expended by several circles in Europe to terrorism. Demirel also wanted the terrorist activities of these groups in Germany to be prevented.

    Warning that the ones who were mild against terrorism received harm in the end, Demirel pointed out he existence of terrorist PKK organization and extreme fundamentalist terrorist organizations which were known to be active in Germany.

    Pointing out the positive results of closure of MED TV, the broadcasting organ of the terrorist organization, Demirel said publications like ''Free Politics'' incited terrorism.

    Demirel stressed that a mistake had been done on the issue of Turkish- European relations during Luxembourg summit and wanted this mistake to be corrected.

    In response, Schroder said terrorist PKK organization was banned in Germany and that this ban will be permanent.

    Schroder expressed readiness to improve bilateral relations and stressed that stagnancy and tension seen in Turkish-German relations should be overcome.

    Schroder said double citizenship law will be issued, adding that this will contribute to the development of relations.

    Demirel-Schroder meeting lasted nearly 35 minutes.

    [03] CEM, FOREIGN MINISTER: ''NATO SUMMIT EXHIBITED POWER, SOLIDARITY, LIVELINESS AND DYNAMISM''

    WASHINGTON D.C., April 26 (A.A) - Foreign Minister Ismail Cem, speaking about the summit realized in Washington D.C. on the 50th anniversary of the foundation of NATO, said ''it was a positive summit. This summit exhibited power, solidarity, liveliness, and dynamism.

    Responding to the questions of reporters following NATO meetings, Cem mentioned about his meeting with Madeleine Albright, the U.S. State Minister. Cem pointed out that he had a very detailed meeting with Albright and discussed every issue, adding that ''anyway, bilateral relations with the U.S. improved a lot in the latest two years. There are different priorities on several issues, yet there are positive developments in general.''

    Cem noted that Thomas Miller, Special Coordinator of the U.S. to Cyprus; and Richard Morningstar, Representative of Bill Clinton, the U.S. President, responsible for Caspian basin were in attendance at the meeting.

    Pointing out that they also discussed economic issues with Albright, Cem said Turkey filled its textile quota, adding that they wanted the U.S. to make a new study to this end, and that this was accepted. Cem said there was 12 percent increase in Turkey's exportation to the U.S.

    Cem said both sides were satisfied from the cooperation in the Caucasus and in energy corridor. Pointing out that struggle against international terrorism was also in the agenda, Cem said both sides agreed that a step could be taken to this end and that the cooperation was beneficial.

    Cem noted that Turkish-Greek relations and Cyprus issue were taken up during the meeting, adding that Turkey has a very open and clear attitude on Cyprus issue and that this attitude was comprehensible to the U.S. Cem said methods, which were found earlier, did not work on Cyprus issue, and pointed out that Turkish side made a concrete proposal and revealed the idea of confederation.

    Cem said, ''the U.S. took into consideration the proposal for conferederation. It is one of the very few countries which fixed several important aspects and assumed there would be a development in this respect.''

    Cem said, ''the U.N. says 'only one Cyprus' in which there is not war. It calls for a solution that both sides will abide by. We are abiding by the promises yet others not. We propose a change of method. Let us give up the method which did not bring any result for ten years.'' Foreign Minister Cem said confederation was the change of method, and noted that similar things which happened in Cyprus, Bosnia, and Kosovo will not happen in Cyprus.

    Responding to a question if Albright voiced her views that Kosovo issue might pave ways for Turkish-Greek war, Cem said the U.S. also knew that Kosovo issue was not a factor that will cause Turkish-Greek conflict.

    Cem said Turkish government did its best to adjust relations with Greece and submitted a five-article proposal package to Greece last year in February, adding that ''everybody welcomed this, Greece rejected. There is another obstacle to this plan, that is the support of Greece to terrorism.'' Cem also noted that Greece should cut its relations with terrorism and thus ways for dialogue could be opened with Greece again.

    Cem said they did not talk much with Albright about the issue of human rights and noted that he told Albright that the U.S. reports to this end were the exaggerated form of the facts even if they are not unreal.

    Foreign Minister Cem said Northern Iraq issue did not come to the agenda of the meeting with Albright and pointed out that Turkey and the U.S. have priority difference to this end. He said ''priority of the U.S. is the change of this regime, ours is the political unity of Iraq and continuation of territorial integrity.''

    Cem said they talked about April 18 elections with Albright and noted that ''as far as I guess, the U.S. had thought of another table. I had the impression that they expected sensitivity for religion will grow much. They made a wrong calculation there.'' Cem said the elections were democratic, adding that he estimated the results of the elections, but not number of votes the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) had.

    Responding to the questions of reporters about the judgement of Abdullah Ocalan, the terrorist chief, Cem said, ''they ask us if it will be open or just. Do they have the right to do this? Second, name of the terrorist organization is under judgement for one year, nobody thought of him. This is the normal way. They ask if observers will come or not. With what position and authority? Turkey's procedure laws are better than all the Western European countries. There is not a position like the observer. This will be a normal case.''

    Foreign Minister Ismail Cem said that ''the doors are open to everybody. But there will not be a private lounge for the ambassadors. The times of those who think that they are the governors of colonies have ended long time ago.''

    [04] TURKEY TO SERIOUSLY EXAMINE LAND OPERATION POSSIBILITY AGAINST KOSOVO IF IT COMES TO AGENDA

    WASHINGTON D.C., April 26 (A.A) - Turkey will seriously examine the land operation possibility against Kosovo if it comes to agenda; it was reported on Sunday.

    Ismail Cem, the Foreign Minister, declared the stance of Turkey in a press conference in Washington D.C. following the NATO summit.

    Clarifying the objection of Ankara government about the European Security and Defense Identity (ESCI) upon which the NATO countries had come to an agreement at the very last moment, Cem said, ''Turkey makes financial and moral contribution to NATO for 50 years. Now, the usage of these contributions by an another institution for its own needs is foreseen and Turkey is wanted to be excluded from the decision-making mechanism. We cannot permit such thing. The reason of our objection is this.''

    Cem noted that the proposal prepared by Britain and other European Union (EU) countries foresees the development of the European defense identity out of NATO but that the Turkish proposal foresees the development of it within the framework of NATO; adding that the difference arose from this.

    Stressing that the agreement envisages that every proposal should be examined within the auspices of NATO and that then the proposals should reach a result, Cem emphasized that this should be done by the consensus of the 19 contries.

    Thanking the allies for understanding the uneasiness of Turkey on ESCI issue, Cem drew the attention that both Turkey and the EU will benefit from the membership of Turkey in case Turkey is included in the EU.

    Stated that Yorgo Papandreu, the new Greek Foreign Minister, supported Turkey by saying he feels himself closer to the Turkish position at one stage of the bargaining in the NATO summit, Cem pointed out that Papandreu contributed to the negotiations.

    [05] PRESIDENT DEMIREL GIVES IMPORTANT MESSAGES TO TURKISH COMMUNITY IN THE U.S.

    WASHINGTON D.C., April 26 (A.A) - President Suleyman Demirel on Sunday participated in a ball hosted by Turkish-American Associations Assembly in Was Marriott Hotel.

    In his speech, Demirel invited Turkish people living in the U.S. to contribute to the process to improve Turkish-U.S. relations in every field. Demirel said one of the most important problems in this respect was the lobby activities against Turkey, adding that ''our target is clear. It is to improve Turkish-American relations within the framework of bilateral interest and to brief the American community correctly on issues concerning Turkey.''

    Stressing that Turkey was a stability island in a region full of fluctiations, Demirel said, ''Turkey, with the position of one of the respectable members of international community, reached to facilities and capabilities that can play the pioneer role in the 21st century in its region.''

    Demirel concluded his words as saying:

    ''Turkey has the power to overcome every kind of problem easily with its democratic and secular regime and with the will and determination of nation. Our economy has become one of the 16th biggest economy of the world. Our armed forces is one of the most strong and respectable armies of the world. Southeastern Anatolian Project (GAP), is the mutual pride of ours like the magnificent work of art. Turkey, due to its 75 year of secular, democratic structure, is a world country which has come to the threshold of the 21st century.''

    [06] VERY LAST MOMENT AGREEMENT IN NATO SUMMIT - STEPS WHICH EU WILL MAKE IN IMPROVING ESDI DEPEND ON DECISIONS OF NATO COUNCIL

    WASHINGTON D.C., April 26 (A.A) - The parties in the NATO summit agreed the very last moment on Sunday that the steps which the European Union (EU) will take in the improvement of the European Security and Defense Identity (ESCI) which was discussed in the summit should be connected to the decisions of the NATO Council.

    A Turkish Embassy in Washington D.C. statement said that the updated Strategic Concept and the resolution statement of NATO was adopted in the end of long negotiations in the Council meeting which was held on April 24.

    Stressing that the issue was transferred to the Foreign Ministers since the Council could not agree upon the two statements, the statement noted that Turkey achieved to realize the changes she wanted to have in the statements by continuing her determination throughout the negotiations.

    The NATO statement which emphasized that the steps of the EU for the improvement of the ESCI should depend on the decisions of the NATO council said, ''the reflection of this issue in the related parts of the strategic concept was made under the provisions of the decision which the Alliance took in 1996 concerning the improvement of ESCI within the framework of NATO. Within this context, the allocation of the resources and capacity of NATO in an operation which will be realized within the leadership of the EU is taken under the decision of the NATO Council and that the prior position of NATO and its allies is once more confirmed.''

    ''By this decision, the steps which will be taken by the EU and the West European Union (WEU) about the ESCI is connected to the NATO; and that the principle saying that the other allies which are not members of the EU, including Turkey, will be included in this process, was accepted,'' the NATO statement added.

    The ESCI initiative was prepared by the EU countries, including Britain, France, and Germany to put forward the role of the EU in the defense of Europe. The initiative foresaw the usage of the resources and the power of NATO automatically and without its special consent in the missions which the EU found appropriate. However, Turkey opposed to this initiative since she would be excluded from the decision-making organ of ESDI since she was not a member of the EU.

    [07] PRESIDENT DEMIREL SAYS HE HAS COMPLAINTS ABOUT WORLD PUBLIC

    WASHINGTON D.C., April 26 (A.A) - President Suleyman Demirel, speaking about the terrorist chief, said ''I have complaints about the world public. The rights of the death are not sought for, yet, there is pity to the killer,'' it was reported on Monday.

    Addressing a news conference staged for Turkish journalists, Demirel gave messages regarding ''trial of Ocalan, formation of new government, Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), Peoples' Democracy Party (HADEP),and economic issues.''

    Speaking about the trial of terrorist chief, Demirel said ''this case will be just and transparent. This person will be judged with the accusation of killing 30,000 people. Why will Turkey apply to fait accompli? Why will it be wrong when its right?''

    Demirel said, ''I am not saying it will not get criticism, yet Turkey will make this trial in such a way that it will get the least criticism.'' Demirel said, ''also, there are 30,000 deaths here. Five thousand of them are innocent civilians and five thousand of them are soldiers who were sent to protect people. They are not mentioning about these. There are also 20, 000 young people who were made terrorists. They are the children of this country.''

    Speaking about the new government, Demirel said, ''it seems that it can be formed in the first week of May'', adding that what has been revealed from the ballot boxes were legal. He said there will be a coalition government composed of three parties. If they want a two party coalition, some changes may be required on election law.

    Speaking about MHP, who became the second party in the elections, Demirel said, ''it is not necessary to be prejucided on the issue of MHP. We should wait and see the results. Everybody in my country should accept each other.''

    Mentioning about his views about HADEP, Demirel said, ''HADEP's ratio of votes in national level is 4 percent. It is not so strange that it won some mayorships in some provinces and counties. What is important is they they should not make separatism. Democracy will not allow itself to be devastated. Internal peace should be protected.''

    Demirel pointed out that it was not possible for Turkey to give up privatization, adding that ''the state will get out of economy, that is the requirement of era. A total of 400 billion U.S. dollars are circulating around the world. Portugual and Poland get five billion U.S. dollars from these. We can not get even one billion U.S. dollars from this.''

    [08] EURAC MEETING STARTS

    ANKARA, April 26 (A.A) - The Meeting of European Air Forces Commanders (EURAC) started on Monday within the auspices of General Ilhan Kilic, the Air Forces Commander.

    An Air Forces Commandership statement said that the meeting will end on April 29, 1999 and that a total of 17 air forces commanders of the European countries, including 12 NATO countries, participated in the EURAC meeting which is held twice a year.

    Stressing that the threat and security perceptions of many countries changed in parallel with the latest developments in the global politic- military field, the statement noted that the usage of military force in the solution of the international disputes changed and that the armed forces have undertaken new roles like crisis administration, humanitarian aid, and peace operations.

    The statement emphasized that the usage of the air force is the most appropriate means in realizing the targets of political will since the air force has many special features like the capacity of the systems, rapid preparation, responding simultaneously, and speed.

    The statement said, ''the usage of the economic, military, and political power of the countries for their own interests together with the enhancement of the regional and global peace and stability, makes it necessary to consider the present new balances and the adoptation of multi- national approaches. Within this framework, the European Air Forces Commanders started the EURAC meetings to exchange views in all kinds of isues on which they need help in doctrine, joint operation procedures and education; to increase their experiences; to approach the air forces; to improve their capacity and to discuss the opportunities of coopearation.''

    ''The EURAC meetings which is an unofficial forum and which do not aim at producing binding decisions for the countries, do not only produce opportunities for mutual cooperation, but also contribute to setting up new relation with the European countries which are not the members of the NATO, '' the statement said.

    [09] 37TH ANNIVERSARY OF CONSTITUTIONAL COURT - PRESIDENT DEMIREL SENDS A MESSAGE TO SEZER, CHAIRMAN OF CONSTITUTIONAL COURT

    ANKARA, April 26 (A.A) - President Suleyman Demirel said on Monday that Constitutional Court, established with the Constitution of 1961, was one of the basic institutions of Turkish Republic, adding that ''establishment of Constitutional Court is an important step taken to reach legal system to a contemporary structure.''

    President Demirel sent a message to Ahmet Necdet Sezer, Chairman of Constitutional Court, on the 37th anniversary of Constitutional Court.

    In the message, Demirel said legal state required the existence of a legal order drawing the framework of power and target of the state to live together.

    Demirel pointed out that Turkish Republic is a secular, democratic, and constitutional legal state based on the free will of the nation.

    Demirel said Constitutional Court, established with the Constitution of 1961, is one of the basic principles of Turkish Republic. Establishment of Constitutional Court is an important step taken to make our legal system reach to a contemporary structure.

    [10] PREMIER ECEVIT: ''TURKEY WAS VERY SUCCESSFUL IN NATO SUMMIT''

    GIRNE, April 26 (A.A) - Premier Bulent Ecevit said on Monday that Turkey was very successful in NATO summit although she was tried to be given a second-class position.

    Speaking the journalists, Ecevit noted that he talked with President Suleyman Demirel on the phone the day before and that they did not discuss the domestic policy issues.

    When recalled that his visit led to reactions in the Greek Cypriot side, Ecevit stated that the Greek Cypriots are very angry and that they cannot understand and accept that the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) is an independent state.

    Responding a question, Ecevit reiterated that he is determined not to say anything about the formation of the government before President Suleyman Demirel gives the mandate to somebody.

    Responding another question, Ecevit stressed that he sees TRNC economically more developed every time he comes and that the touristic and some infrastructural plants of TRNC gradually improves by the contributions of Turkey.

    [11] PRESIDENT DEMIREL GIVEN ''DISTINGUISHED LEADERSHIP PLATE''

    WASHINGTON D.C., April 26 (A.A) - President Suleyman Demirel was given ''distinguished leadership plate'' by the Turkish-American Associations Assembly (ATAA) on Monday.

    Addressing a speech in the ball held in Washington D.C., Demirel said that he came to the U.S. 50 years ago as a young engineer and that he himself was the best witness of the 75 years history of the Turkish Republic.

    Stating that Turkish population increased from 12 million to 65 million and the income per person increased from 50 U.S. dollars to 9,000 U.S. dollars in 75 years.

    Pointing out that Turkey, which is situated in the most stormy regions of the world, is today face to face with instigation which she did not face since she was established, Demirel said, ''they killed the babies and the elderly. They killed 5,000 soldiers who went to protect the citizens there.''

    Stressing that Turkey should solve everything in the beginning of the next century, Demirel stated that there are many things to be solved in front of the new government and said that the compulsory education period will be increased from eight to ten years to adopt the conditions of the developing world.

    [12] PRESIDENT DEMIREL HOLDS A COMPREHENSIVE MEETING WITH SCHRODER, GERMAN PM

    ANKARA, April 26 (A.A) - President Suleyman Demirel held a comprehensive meeting with Gerhard Schroder, the German Prime Minister, on Monday.

    Demirel and Schroder discussed the situation in Kosovo, the bilateral relations, the position of the Turks living in Germany, cooperation in struggle against terrorism and the Turkish-European Union (EU) relations.

    A Presidential Press Center statement said that Demirel underlined his determined stance on Kosovo dispute, adding that the solution of the dispute by NATO means until winter, there is a vital issue by taking into consideration the position of the refugees who were forced to leave their homes due to the ethnical cleansening.

    Demirel also said that Turkey attributes importance to the friendship and cooperation of Germany and that he thinks that it will be useful to consider how bilateral relations can be improved, the Presidential statement emphasized that Turkey and Germany have a joint commitment for having cooperation in struggle against terrorism within the framework of international law.

    The statement said, ''Schroder said that he himself attributes importance to the Turkish-German friendship and relations, and that the terrorist organization PKK was banned in Germany, adding that this ban will no way be lifted. Schroder noted that they gave importance to the international cooperation in struggle against terrorism. Stressing that they carry out efforts to come out of the bottleneck in the Turkish-European Union (EU) relations, Schroder stated that he emphasized that Turkey was a member state in the enlargement process of the EU when reading his governmental programme and that he wanted to work together with Turkey on this issue. Schroder also said that the dual citizenship issue will be solved until the end of May.''

    Pointing out that the discrimination imposed on Turkey in Luxembourg Summit of the EU led to disappointment in the Turkish people, Demirel emphasized that Turkey always complies with her commitments to the EU but that he cannot say the same thing for the EU.

    Demirel added that Turkey will continue to defend her rights which foresee the full membership of Turkey to the EU.

    [13] PRESIDENT DEMIREL: ''NOBODY CAN ESTABLISH A KURDISH STATE IN NORTHERN IRAQ''

    WASHINGTON D.C., April 26 (A.A) - President Suleyman Demirel said on Monday that nobody will have the power to establish a Kurdish state in Northern Iraq.

    Addressing a news conference which he staged in Washington related with the contacts he held there, Demirel briefed in details about Turkey's foreign relations extending from Iraq to Kosovo, from European Security and Defense Identity (ESDI to the details of bilateral contacts.

    Responding to a question if the developments which led several groups to form an ''army'' in northern Iraq will pave ways to the establishment of a Kurdish state, Demirel said, ''no, nobody can do it.''

    When asked what kind of an Iraq he wanted, ''with Saddam or without Saddam'', Demirel said, ''I am the neighbour. I cannot respond to this. An Iraq which preserved its unity, made peace with the world and within itself and abided by the resolutions of the U.N. is a positive Iraq.''

    Demirel said he voiced during his meeting with Gerhard Schroder, the German Chancellor, that the issue of terrorist PKK organization received support from Europe.

    Demirel pointed out that ''we are trying to cut foreign relations of PKK. Problem with Syria was because of that and it is the same with Greece. We make agreements with Romania, Bulgaria, Azerbaijan, and Georgia to this end. That is again the reason of getting in contact with Iran and the operations of Turkish Armed Forces in Northern Iraq. We will cut foreign support. Terrorism will not be able to live without foreign support. This is one of the most important problems lying in front of the new government.''

    In his meeting with Schroder, Demirel showed the banning of Med-tv broadcastings as example and noted that he gave German Chancellor a document related with the support ''Özgür Politika'' daily expended to terrorism. Demirel said, ''Med-tv incites murders. That daily does the same things. This has nothing to do with democratic rights. It is a direct provocation to murder.''

    Demirel said meetings held due to the 50th anniversary of the foundation of NATO, were mostly evaluation meetings focusing Kosovo question. Demirel said, ''the world showed unity and integrity, what is experienced in Kosovo is not a border quarrel, or struggle for interest, but a crime against humanity.''

    Noting that solution of Kosovo question has a vital importance for NATO, Demirel said, ''everything will be done for success. Everbody who came to the summit was very angry, yet there was the strong conviction that NATO would overcome this problem.''

    Meanwhile, Demirel warned the problem in Kosovo not to continue until winter, adding that ''there will be a great problem if people are obliged to spend the winter in tents. They should return to their houses.''

    Noting that politicians decided for the war, Demirel said ''this is an undeclared war. Soldiers will make this war instead of people from everywhere and everyday. The soldiers get directives from the civilians.''

    President Demirel said formation of ESDI was brought to the direction Turkey desired, adding that he congratulated Foreign Minister Ismail Cem due to his efforts. Demirel said the statement would not be issued if they did not go to the direction Turkey desired.

    Demirel said, ''EU, by making use of NATO, will order NATO to do this or that on security issues. EU decision mechanism will give the decisions. There is Turkey, Iceland, Norway, the U.S. and Canada who are not members of the EU. You are not participating in the decision but you are ordering the duty to be fulfilled. What will we say to our people?''

    Demirel said he conveyed his views about the issue to Tony Blair, British Prime Minister and told him that Turkey was not opposed to ESDI, but want to be involved in it.'' Demirel said nothing that Turkey did not say ''yes'', can happen.

    When recalled that Bill Clinton, the U.S. President requested to hold a meeting with him, Demirel said ''I am the President of Turkey. I am staying in the most important place of the world.''

    Demirel said he gave these messages to Clinton:

    ''There will be many problems if Turkey is not stable. We are near Azeri- Armenian, Israeli-Palestinian, Kosovo and Iraq problems. We want to overcome these problems by preserving peace.''

    Demirel said Clinton urged Turkish-Greek problems to be solved and that this was a condition to provide stability in Europe. Demirel said he told Clinton that:''we have problems with Greece. None of them are invented today. These are historical problems stemming from liquidation of the Ottoman Empire. These are complicated problems. It is not impossible to solve, but they could not be solved. Yet, although there were harsh arguements, there was no clash. If you can not solve some problems, you should learn to live with them. We should be patient until they are solved.''

    Demirel said the U.S. spent 11 million U.S. dollars for Washington Summit, ''we will stage organization of Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) summit in Istanbul in November. We have allocated seven million dollars.''

    President Demirel said he will leave for France immediately after his return to Ankara, adding that this visit was related with 700th anniversary celebrations of the foundation of the Ottoman Empire.

    [14] BELGIAN TRADE DELEGATION IN TURKEY

    ANKARA, April 26 (A.A) - A Belgian trade delegation came to Turkey on Monday.

    A Belgian Embassy statement said that the delegation which was set up by 30 companies and various federations will hold contacts in Ankara, Istanbul, and Izmir until April 30, 1999.

    The delegation will meet with the Turkish businessmen, the Turkish Association of Businissmen and Industrialists (TUSIAD), the Foreign Economic Relations Council (DEIK) and the officials of the chamber of commerce.

    The statement noted that the Turkish-Belgian relations improved in the last years and that Belgium is among the most important ten trading partners of Turkey.

    Recalling that the Belgian businessmen are in the tenth place in the list of foreign investors in Turkey, the statement stressed that the Belgian companies make investments in energy, metal, industry, food production, plastics, chemicals, medicine, and telecommunication sectors of Turkey.

    Emphasizing that the Belgium companies try to find new ways to improve the cooperation possibilities and investments in Turkey, the statement said that the special geography and the cultural position of Turkey which is caused by being a country in the intersection point of the Central Asia, Caucasus, Middle East and Europe increases the attraction of Turkey.

    [15] NUMBER OF KOSOVAR REFUGEES IN TURKEY INCREASES UP TO 11,986

    ANKARA, April 26 (A.A) - The number of Kosovar refugees who were forced to leave their homes as a result of ethnic cleansing campaign in Kosovo, increased up to 11,986, it was reported on Monday.

    The Interior Ministry issued a statement saying that a total of 4,712 Kosovar refugees including 1,973 women, 1,845 men and 894 children have entered Turkey from the Tekirdag-Corlu Border Gate since the beginning of NATO air operation.

    The statement noted that a total of 6,592 refugees including 2,337 women, 1, 748 men and 2,507 children have entered Turkey from the Edirne-Kapikule border gate and a total of 682 refugees including 263 women, 233 men and 186 children have entered Turkey from Istanbul.

    Meanwhile a number of 4,451 Kosovars including 1,432 women, 1,275 men and 1, 744 children have been sheltered at the Gaziosmanpasa Refugee Camp in Kirklareli.

    [16] NATO'S AIR OPERATION AGAINST YUGOSLAVIA - TURKISH F-16 WAR PLANES ACCUMULATE A TOTAL OF 875 FLIGHT HOURS

    ANKARA, April 26 (A.A) - Turkish F-16 war planes that participate at the NATO's air operation against Yugoslavia accumulated a total of 875 flight hours, it was reported on Monday. The General Staff Information Center issued a statement saying that 41 hours of flight has been planned for the Turkish F-16 war planes which are deployed at the Ghedi Airbase in Italy, between April 26-27.

    Meanwhile a total of 678 Kosovar people were forced to leave their homes so far. According to the latest figures, there are 12 thousand refugees Turkey; 50 thousand in Serbia; 70 thousand in Montenegro; 363 thousand in Albania; 135 thousand in Macedonia; 33 thousand in Bosnia-Herzegovina; 10 thousand in Germany and 6 thousand in other countries. A total of 875 Albanian people who remained in Kosovo, have also been forced to move.

    A total of 11,986 Kosovar refugees including 4,573 women, 3,826 men and 3, 587 children have entered Turkey since the beginning of NATO air operation.

    Number of Kosovar people who have been sheltered at the Gaziosmanpasa Refugee Camp in Kirklareli increased up to 4,451 including 1,432 women, 1, 275 men and 1,744 children.

    [17] RED CRESCENT AID CONVOY - ROBBERS STEAL A JEEP DRIVEN BY OFFICIALS GUIDING CONVOY IN BULGARIA

    SOFIA, April 26 (A.A) - A jeep leading the lorries, which carry Kizilay's (Red Crescent) humanitarian aid from Turkey to Kosovar refugees in Albania and Macedonia, was stolen in Bulgaria, it was reported on Monday.

    The Interior Ministry said 13 lorries and a jeep in the Red Crescent aid convoy, which is composed of 35 lorries and two jeeps, gave a break at the Terova car park between Plovdiv and Sofia.

    The Red Crescent officials guiding the lorries went to a hotel in Pazarcik, 30 km away the parking lot, with their Nissan jeep. The officials parked their jeep in front of the hotel and spent their night at the hotel. When they woke up in the morning, they saw thet the jeep belonged to the Red Crescent was stolen.

    The Plovdiv police found the jeep eight hours later. However, the tyres of the jeep and two radios and a number of documents in the jeep were stolen.

    The investigation into the incident continues.

    [18] TAN: ''WAR IN KOSOVO IS MAIN CAUSE OF CANCELLATIONS, TERRORISM COMES LATER''

    ISTANBUL, April 26 (A.A) - Ahmet Tan, the Tourism Minister stated on Monday that the war in Kosovo is the main reason for the cancellations of the this season's hotel reservations.

    Tan who attended the United Nations ''Sustainable Development and Tourism'' meeting in New York came back to Turkey the same day.

    The Tourism Minister who had held contacts with magazine and newspaper editors and tour operators during his visit to the United States, said his ministry is putting every effort to overcome this difficult period in Turkey. ''The number of tourists coming from the U.S. is very important for us. A total of 440 thousand tourists visited Turkey from this country last year and we are working to keep this number at the same rate,'' he pointed out.

    ''The war in Kosova is the major reason for the cancellations. Those which are caused by terrorism are fewer,'' Tan said.

    [19] COE TO SEND TWO PARLIAMENTARIANS TO TURKEY TO WATCH TRIAL OF CHIEF TERRORIST

    STRASBOURG, April 26 (A.A) - The Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly (COEPA) will send two parliamentarians to Turkey to watch the hearing of Abdullah Ocalan, the chief of the terrorist PKK organization, it was reported on Monday.

    Staging a press conference, Russel Johnston, a British Parliamentarian and the Chairman of the COEPA, said that Andreas Barsony, a Hungarian Parliamentarian; and Gunnar Jansson, a Finnish Parliamentarian, will watch the hearing of the chief terrorist.

    Stressing that these two parliamentarians won't attend the trial as the observers, but they will watch it on behalf of the COEPA, Johnston said that he wants to pay a visit to Turkey concerning the issue.

    Issuing a statement following the apprehension of the chief terrorist, the COEPA called Turkey to put Ocalan on a fair and just trial and annul the capital punishment, recalling that Turkey signed the COE and European Human Rights Charters.

    [20] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT MEETS WITH HIS TURKISH CYPRIOT COUNTERPART EROGLU

    LEFKOSA, April 26 (A.A) - Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit who is currently in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) for holiday, met on Monday with his Turkish Cypriot counterpart Dervis Eroglu.

    Addressing journalists following the meeting, Prime Minister Eroglu stressed that they exchanged opinions on further improvement of the TRNC economy.

    Prime Minister Eroglu pointed out that economic consultations at technical level between the Turkish delegation accompanying Ecevit and the TRNC officials continue within the framework of the Joint Economic Council.

    Meanwhile Prime Minister Eroglu thanked Ecevit and his wife for spending their holiday in the TRNC, saying that Mr. and Mrs. Ecevit have preferred the TRNC as a result of their affection towards the Turkish Cypriots.

    [21] PRESIDENT DEMIREL'S EYE EXAMINATION IS SUCCESSFUL

    WASHINGTON D.C., April 26 (A.A) - The medical examination of President Suleyman Demirel in Eye Clinic of John Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore was successful, it is reported on Monday.

    President Demirel who left for Baltimore for an eye examination, returned to Washington D.C. three hours earlier than expected.

    ''There is nothing, everything is fine,'' said President Demirel on his arrival to the hotel where he stays.

    Osman Muftuoglu, the doctor of President Demirel is expected to issue an official statement about the examination the same day.

    [22] TURK, NATIONAL DEFENSE MINISTER: ''OUR WESTERN FRIENDS USE DOUBLE STANDART''

    WASHINGTON D.C., April 26 (A.A) - Hikmet Sami Turk, the National Defense Minister who participated in NATO summit meetings, responded to questions of journalists in Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), which is one of the most distinguished institutions of the U.S.

    Turk said that there are two choices regarding the formation of a coalition government in Turkey at the moment, one of them is among the Democratic Left Party (DSP), the Motherland Party (ANAP) and True Path Party (DYP) and the other one is between DSP and Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) supported by a third party.

    Noting that his party (DSP) will meet with all the parties, Turk said that ''but we won't set up a government with a party which uses religion as a tool in politics.''

    Pointing out that DSP is a left party, but it also focuses on national unity policies, Turk said MHP pursues similar policy regarding this issue, adding ''this may be the connection point between the two parties.''

    When asked ''whether or not inclusion of the MHP in the government will harden Turkey's foreign policy,'' Turk said that ''Turkey has always tended towards the West in her history and Turkey's certain state policies don't change.''

    Recalling that many international organizations criticize Turkey for ''putting a chief terrorist in prison,'' Turk stressed that ''these institutions ignore the rights of thousands of people who were killed by terrorists in Turkey. Our western friends use double standart.''

    ''Of course Turkey, as a NATO member will fulfil all the missions given to her by NATO,'' said Turk, adding Turkey protected Europe as a border country of NATO during the cold war, but now the EU does a great mistake by isolating Turkey.

    Turk said that he met with William Cohen, the U.S. Secretary of Defense during the NATO Summit and they took up Kosovo issue.

    [23] PRESIDENT DEMIREL GOES THROUGH A SUCCESSFUL LASER SURGERY IN BALTIMORE, U.S.

    WASHINGTON, D.C. April 26 (A.A) - President Suleyman Demirel, who is currently in the U.S. has gone through a successful laser surgery in Baltimore city of the U.S. on Monday. Prof. Dr. Osman Muftuoglu, the doctor of President Demirel said that President's eye and general health is fine.

    President Demirel left for Baltimore, which is 70 kilometers away from Washington D.C. early on Monday and had an eye examination in Wilmer Eye Institute in John Hopkins University.

    American doctors who were also present at his examination said that the eyes of President were fine.

    Prof. Harry Quicler, one of the leading doctors of the U.S examined President Demirel, who is suffering from Gleucoma and he went through a laser surgery which lasted only for few minutes. It has been seen after 45 minutes that the surgery has been very successful.

    Prof. Dr. Muftuoglu, the doctor and health adviser of President Demirel said ''Gleucoma can be controlled, but it can't be removed. President Demirel is under medical control. The medical treatment applied to him today won't effect the activities of President Demirel. He will return to Turkey tomorrow.''

    The medical treatment and eye surgery lasted for three hours and President Demirel returned to Washington D.C. in the afternoon.

    [24] PREMIER ECEVIT IN TRNC

    GIRNE, April 26 (A.A) - Bulent Ecevit, the Prime Minister and the leader of the Democratic Left Party (DSP) who is on a holiday in Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) had his dinner with Rauf Denktas, the TRNC President on Monday.

    Premier Ecevit and his wife Rahsan Ecevit left for Yılan island at 19.30 local time to eat dinner in Denktas' summer house.

    Premier Ecevit said he will be in TRNC on Tuesday.

    Sukru Sina Gurel, the State Minister also attended the dinner. (ÖŞ)

    [25] CONTACTS OF ULUGBAY, DEPUTY PREMIER IN U.S.

    WASHINGTON D.C., April 26 (A.A) - Hikmet Ulugbay, the Deputy Prime Minister and State Minister, who is currently in Washington D.C. to participate in the spring term meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank, also meets with officials of the two institutions, it is reported on Monday.

    Ulugbay who met with Michel Camdessus, the IMF Chairman last Sunday, will meet with James Wolfensohn, the Chairman of the World Bank today.

    Sources point out that Ulugbay tells IMF and WB Chairmen that ''a stable government led by the Democratic Left Party (DSP) will be formed in Turkey which will realize structural reforms.''

    The commencement of the stand-by negotiations, which are being discussed since February, is foreseen to come through just after the formation of the government.

    Ulugbay will come together with Stanley Fischer, the IMF Deputy Chairman on Tuesday and with Lawrence Summers, the U.S. Secretary of Treasury on Wednesday. Ulugbay who will later proceed to New York, will participate in U.N. Economic and Social Council meetings there.

    [26] STARFISH-99 CONTINUES

    ANKARA, April 26 (A.A) - Starfish-99 Tactic Manoeuvre, which is one of the national concerted manoeuvres of the Turkish Naval Forces, continues, it is reported on Monday.

    Frigates, submarines, assault boats, hunting and hunting bombardment planes and one Pakistani sea-plane participate in the manoeuvre which is exercised in the Marmara and Black Sea under the administration of Metin Atac, the Commander of War Fleet.

    The aim of the manoeuvre is to improve the training levels of the ships, to test existing tactics and methods, to improve reciprocal training and cooperation with countries having coasts to the Black Sea. On the seventh day of the manoeuvre, activities of shooting, search-rescue, discharge manoeuvre, boarding and fast rope operation and passex were carried out.

    Ships did not only visit Turkish ports, but also Varna port of Bulgaria and Constanta port of Romania. Ships will also visit Poti and Batumi ports of Georgia towards the end of April.

    Military observors from Azerbaijan, Romania, Bulgaria and Pakistan participate in the operation, which will end on May 3.

    A.A


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