Anadolu Agency: News in English, 99-04-27

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AA Daily

27 April 1999 Tuesday

CONTENTS

[01] PRESIDENT DEMIREL MEETS WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF U.S. MASS MEDIA

[02] ''TURKISH LANGUAGE HONOURARY AWARDS''

[03] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

[04] ARMENIA SEEKS RAPPROACHEMENT WITH TURKEY - ARMENIAN PRESIDENT KOCHARYAN ASKS FOR DIPLOMATIC RELATION WITH TURKEY

[05] PREMIER ECEVIT IN TRNC: - ''THERE ARE STILL SEVERAL UNKNOWN THINGS ABOUT A POSSIBLE GOVERNMENT''

[06] KOC HOLDING REALIZES A JOINT VENTURE WITH MICHELIN

[07] TURK, NATIONAL DEFENSE MINISTER, RETURNS TO TURKEY

[08] IMF'S EVALUATIONS ABOUT TURKEY: - ''INFLATION IN TURKEY DECREASES AND THE FINANCIAL POSITION STRENGTHENS''

[09] GERMAN JOURNALISTS IN SOUTHERN ANTALYA PROVINCE

[10] HOT MESSAGES FROM SHEVARDNADZE, GEORGIAN PRESIDENT, CONCERNING TURKEY

[11] EDUCATION PROGRAM ON ''MINERAL RESEARCH AND PROCESSING'' TO START ON MAY 3

[12] TURKEY MAKES ITS STRUGGLE AGAINST TERRORISM DRAFT TO BE ADOPTED IN THE U.N.

[13] DENKTAS, TRNC PRESIDENT RESPONDS TO CLERIDES, GREEK CYPRIOT LEADER: - ''THEY STARTED THE ETHNICAL CLEANSING IN 1963, WHICH KOSOVO FACES TODAY''

[14] EUROPEAN INVESTMENT BANK TO GIVE TURKEY 38 MILLION EURO CREDIT

[15] TOWARDS EXPOTECNIA 99 FAIR - SAHIN, MINISTER OF TRADE AND INDUSTRY: ''WE WISH IMPROVEMENT OF POLITICAL, ECONOMIC AND TRADE RELATIONS BETWEEN TURKEY AND SPAIN''

[16] IDEF-99 FAIR TO BE HELD IN ANKARA BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 28 AND OCTOBER 1

[17] DENKTAS, TRNC PRESIDENT: ''WE WILL WORK IN FULL HARMONY WITH EVERY GOVERNMENT THAT TURKISH NATION HAS CHOSEN. YET, EVERYBODY KNOWS THAT MR. ECEVIT HAS A SPECIAL PLACE ON CYPRUS QUESTION''

[01] PRESIDENT DEMIREL MEETS WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF U.S. MASS MEDIA

Following his arrival in Washington from Baltimore where he went through laser surgery from his eye, President Demirel met with Larry King and Charles Bierbauer from the CNN; William Safire from the New York Times; Stephen Rosenfeld from The Washington Post; Ben Wattenberg from the Washington Times; and Cokie Roberts from the ABC at Madison Hotel.

Later, President Demirel met with James Baker and Lawrence Eagleburger, former Secretary of State of the U.S.; Anthony Lake, former advisor of the National Security; General Alexander Hage and George Joulvan, former chief commanders of the NATO; Federico Pena; former Secretary of Energy of the U.S.; and Kemal Dervis; an expert of the World Bank, in the dinner given at the Turkish Ambassador's Residence in Washington D.C.

Speaking to reporters prior to the dinner, President Suleyman Demirel said, ''I do not have a health problem. I'm fine.''

President Demirel will leave for Turkey late on the same day after wrapping up his contacts.

[02] ''TURKISH LANGUAGE HONOURARY AWARDS''

Addressing the ceremony, Erol Cakır, the governor of Istanbul referred to the importance of language element in peoples' lives, adding ''millions of people speak Turkish language in a big geography.''

Metin Eris, the Chairman of the Association said in his part that the Turkish world which depends on nearly five thousand years, has protected its existance in spite of the influence of various nations.

Fahri Kaya from Macedonia, Kemal Pınarcı from Bulgaria, Osman Turkay, from the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) and Bahtiyar Vahapzade from Azerbaijan received their honourary awards.

Officials from some consulates in Istanbul, writers and many guests participated in the ceremony.

[03] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

HURRIYET (LIBERAL) VOICE OF LOGIC
Ahmet Necdet Sezer, the Chairman of the Constitutional Court made a historical call on the parliament which has renewed itself after the elections saying ''change the laws which restrict freedom of thought.'' The freedom to explain one's thoughts is one of the fundamental rights of a democratic country, the existing laws have to change,'' he added.

ECEVIT:''IF IT IS EASY, YOU FORM THE GOVERNMENT''
Bulent Ecevit, the leader of the Democratic Left Party (DSP) said that he waits for President Suleyman Demirel to appoint someone to form the government. ''Why do you think so much about a possible coalition government,'' asked a journalist to Ecevit who said that ''if it is that easy, you form the government.''

MILLIYET (LIBERAL)

YILMAZ REJECTS RESIGNATIONS
Mesut Yılmaz, the leader of the Motherland Party (ANAP) who convened the party's Leadership Council before the party meeting today, didn't accept the resignation of the Leadership Council's members. Supporting a coalition government between the Democratic Left Party (DSP) and the National Movement Party (MHP), Yılmaz does not support government formulas which include True Path Party (DYP) in it.

SABAH (LIBERAL)

IMF'S CURIOSITY IN MHP
Officials of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) asked Turkish economy bureaucrats about the economy programme of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) which became the second party in the elections. Micheal Camdessus, the Chairman of the IMF who met with Hikmet Ulugbay, the Deputy Prime Mnister and State Minister yesterday and asked him what will happen afterwards?'' Ulugbay told him that the resolution of the Democratic Left Party (DSP) in its struggle with the high inflation will continue.

CUMHURIYET (LEFT)

OCALAN IS AGAINST ALIVE BOMBS
Mehmet Ocalan, the brother of Abdullah Ocalan, the chief terrorist who visited Ocalan on Imralı island, said that his brother does not approve such acts of ''alive bombs.'' Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly (COEPA) will send two parliamentarians to Turkey to observe the hearings of Ocalan.

RADIKAL (LEFT)

Police detained 55 people including the administrators of Albayraklar, BELBIM, Metro TEM, BELTEM, Gunes Turizm and Sistem companies.

ANAP NOT TO GIVE EXTERNAL SUPPORT
The resignation petitions of the Motherland Party (ANAP) Leadership Council members were rejected by Mesut Yilmaz.

The ANAP administration, which welcomes a coalition possibility with Democratic Left Party (DSP) and Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), decided not to give external support to any government.

YENİ YÜZYIL (LIBERAL)

TÜRKİYE (RIGHT)

Pointing out that Turkey should have another general elections for stability and some laws should be changed for a two-party-coalition, Demirel said, ''there is no need for being biased. Let's wait and see. President called the People's Democracy Party (HADEP) not to carry out separatist campaign.

ECEVIT: ''THESE ARE TOUGH MATTERS''
Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit, who is resting in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), keeps secret his coalition plans although he created several formulas. Responding to questions of reporters about coalition, Ecevit said, ''you form it, if it is so simple.''

Sending message to the Greek Cypriots who were got hot with his visit to the TRNC, Ecevit said, ''they can't perceive in one way or another that the TRNC is an independent state.''

ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)

The Virtue Party (FP), which received 15 percent of the votes, will hold a great congress in autumn. There are many candidates for leadership. Recai Kutan of the FP said, ''I do not have an insistence that I will be the leader of the FP at the congress.''

GUZEL GIVES UP TOO
Hasan Celal Guzel, the leader of the Rebirth Party (DOGUS), said that his party failed to collect sufficient votes and it won't be true to continue under those conditions.

Guzel announced that they will dissolve the DOGUS on May 16.

[04] ARMENIA SEEKS RAPPROACHEMENT WITH TURKEY - ARMENIAN PRESIDENT KOCHARYAN ASKS FOR DIPLOMATIC RELATION WITH TURKEY

Addressing the Carnegie Endowment, a leading think-tank organization in the U.S., Kocharyan, who is currently paying a visit to Washington D.C., did not directly talk about the so-called genocide allegations and mentioned that Armenia is ready for an unpreconditional diplomatic relation with Turkey.

Turkey rejects to set up diplomatic relation with Armenia as the latter occupied Nagorno-Karabakh region of Azerbaijan. Ankara mentions that diplomatic relations with Armenia won't be set up as long as there is any change in the situation.

Defending that one of the main factors for the problems in the region is the nonexistent relations between Turkey and Armenia, Kocharyan said, ''this is the reason for the existence of Russian bases in our territories.''

When asked whether or not Armenia claims territory from Turkey, Kocharyan said Armenia does not have such a claim and a ''small-scale'' dialogue has been started between Turkey and Armenia, but he declined to give detailed information.

Kocharyan did not give any signal for their withdrawal from Nagorno- Karabakh and claimed that the Caspian oil, which will enrich Azerbaijan, constitutes ''threat'' for Armenia.

Kocharyan, who is of Karabakh origin, took over the power last year from Levon Ter-Petrosyan who was described as a more moderate president.

In his earlier statements, Kocharyan frequently put forward allegations of massacre against Turkey and the issue of setting up diplomatic relation with Ankara was at the bottom of their agenda.

[05] PREMIER ECEVIT IN TRNC: - ''THERE ARE STILL SEVERAL UNKNOWN THINGS ABOUT A POSSIBLE GOVERNMENT''

Ecevit told Turkish journalists that ''Rauf Denktas, President of TRNC wishes to meet with you in lunch today.''

Noting that Denktas is the person who can inform the public opinion in the most authorized way regarding the Cyprus question, Ecevit said ''I can stay here one or two days taking into account the circumstances.''

''The official results of the elections have not been declared yet. Mr. President hasn't returned to Turkey from the U.S. If several issues are solved, I will have the opportunity to say something,'' said President Ecevit.

[06] KOC HOLDING REALIZES A JOINT VENTURE WITH MICHELIN

Issuing a statement, Koc Holding said that it became partners with Michelin under the auspices of Tekersan.

Under the agreement signed between Koc Holding and Tekersan and Michelin Group, the Michelin Kronprinz will maintain its 20 percent share in the company.

The rim sector in the plants of Michelin will be transferred to Turkey and Tekersan will undertake the production.

The production capacity of Tekersan will increase to 2.4 mililon rims with the project which will be in effect by the end of 2000.

Koc Holding and Michelin will export rims to Europe, Turkish Republics, Russian and Middle East countries.

[07] TURK, NATIONAL DEFENSE MINISTER, RETURNS TO TURKEY

Addressing a statement in Istanbul, Turk said that many important decisions were taken in the summit and that the alliance emphasized its determination in putting an end to the human tragedy in Kosovo.

Turk also said that all the allies confirmed that they will mark the necessary steps within the framework of unity and solidarity.

Stressing that the other important resolution of the summit is the adoptation of the concept document concerning the strategy of the NATO which will be followed in the next period, Turk said, ''the new strategic concept not only confirms the collective defense obligation of NATO but also imposes new missions in preventing the crisis administration and disputes like in Bosnia-Herzegovina and Kosovo.''

Stating that the NATO declared that it will continue to enhance the security and stability of Europe and Atlantic and that will continue to be in close relations with the member countries within this context, Turk stressed that one more result of the summit concerning Turkey is the decisions taken about the European Security and Defense Identity (ESDI) and that the members once more confirmed that the ESDI will continue to be improved within the framework of NATO.

Stating that the members accepted to start some new initiatives in the summit, Turk noted that the prevention of the weapons of mass destruction and the improvement of the defense capacity carry great importance for Turkey.

Noting that terrorism issue was included in the strategic concept and the joint statement, Turk said that the members emphasized that terrorism constitutes a serious threat and condemned terrorism by disclosing their determination for the struggle against terrorism.

Responding a question on the air operation against Kosovo, Turk pointed out that the members decided to increase the air operation and to evaluate imposing economic blockade and oil embargo.

[08] IMF'S EVALUATIONS ABOUT TURKEY: - ''INFLATION IN TURKEY DECREASES AND THE FINANCIAL POSITION STRENGTHENS''

Issuing a report named ''Overview on the Global Economy'', IMF evaluated the developments in the global economy and the contagiousness of the internatioal financial crisis.

The report said that Turkish economy was affected from the Russian crisis the most and that macro-economic unbalance occured and financial deficit increased in Turkey due to the crisis in Russia.

The report noted that the effects of the Russian crisis decreased, the international reserves reached to stability and the foreign borrowing re- started as a result of the implemented economic policies.

Pointing out to the high interest rate problem, the report stated that Turkey should implement structural reforms in order to save the chronic inflation problem by laying the economic growth on strong basis and by forming a strong public finance.

The economic estimations of the IMF on Turkish economy indicated that the rate of the Gross National Domestic Product (GSYIH) increased by two percent this year and that it will increase by 3.6 percent next year.

The IMF estimations also pointed out that the surplus of current transactions in Turkey will be one percent this year and will be 0.1 percent in the next year.

[09] GERMAN JOURNALISTS IN SOUTHERN ANTALYA PROVINCE

Tourism companies brought together the German journalists and their Turkish counterparts in Antalya Falez Hotel. German journalists said they will leave Turkey with very positive impressions.

Eva Quadbeck, journalist of German Rheinische Post daily, said that German citizens were not told about the terrorist activities of the PKK organization, adding that ''Turkish citizens can not explain themselves in Germany. Terrorist activities of the PKK organization made German citizens terrified.''

Hartmut Fiedler, journalist of WW Post newspaper, said German citizens were uneasy about the activities of the terrorist organization, adding that ''threats of terrorist organization are taken into consideration by German citizens. Turkish and German press should cooperate to solve terrorism which is the plague of the 21st century. Thus, we can prevent development of terrorism. Let us not exaggrate the incidents.''

Hartmut Fielder said the main reason of cancellation of reservations to Turkey was the message of German government to its citizens that they will not be able to provide their security in Turkey. He said ''this is an unfortunate statement for me. I have seen that there is not any terrorism incident in tourism regions. We will convey our impressions in Turkey.''

Josef Pfann, journalist of Holiday Weltweit, claimed that terrorist organization could convey itself with MED tv yet that Turkish government did not exert so much efforts. He said representations of other countries make their promotions very well. Turkey can not promote itself well and explain this problem.''

[10] HOT MESSAGES FROM SHEVARDNADZE, GEORGIAN PRESIDENT, CONCERNING TURKEY

Addressing a speech in the ceremony held for the accession of Georgia in the Council of Europe (COE), Shevardnadze evaluated the Turkish and Georgian relations as perfect.

Stressing that the economic and cultural relations between the two countries gradually improve, Shevardnadze noted that he himself is in close cooperation with President Suleyman Demirel.

Drawing the attention that he shares the similar ideas with Turkey about the international issues, Shevardnadze stated that the two countries are also in cooperation for the improvement of the Silk Road.

[11] EDUCATION PROGRAM ON ''MINERAL RESEARCH AND PROCESSING'' TO START ON MAY 3

A MTA statement said that the experts from the MTA and Japan company and the lecturers in various universities will give seminars to improve the vocational information of the attendants who will come from Middle East countries and Bosnia-Herzegovina within the framework of the program.

A total of 22 people, including four officials from each Azerbaijan and Bosnia-Herzegovina, three officials from each Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzistan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan and one from Turkmenistan will participate in the seminar.

[12] TURKEY MAKES ITS STRUGGLE AGAINST TERRORISM DRAFT TO BE ADOPTED IN THE U.N.

In the U.N. resolution, the member countries were reminded of their responsibilities on the issue of struggle against terrorism and their committments regarding the international agreements under which they put their signature. The resolution wanted cooperation to make the terrorists to suffer for their crimes.

In this Article, which Turkey made the U.N. to adopt following long debates, warned Italy, which sheltered terrorist chief for sometime and Germany which did not want terrorist chief from this country although there was the arrest warrant.

The resolution recalled that terrorism targetted right of living, which is one of the basic human right, adding that terrorist activities can not be justified whatever its reason is.

The resolution noted that terrorism was the biggest threat to legal state, democracy and civilian community, and pointed out that terrorist organizations have direct relations with other organized crime organizations which are involved in money laundering, drug trafficking, collect illegal money.''

The resolution noted that cooperation between the countries should be increased in struggle against terrorism and called on non-governmental organizations to assume joint actions against terrorism.

[13] DENKTAS, TRNC PRESIDENT RESPONDS TO CLERIDES, GREEK CYPRIOT LEADER: - ''THEY STARTED THE ETHNICAL CLEANSING IN 1963, WHICH KOSOVO FACES TODAY''

Denktas stated that Glafcos Clerides, the leader of the Greek Cypriot side, revealed in the press conference he held on Monday night that he approached the Kosovo issue from the point of view he has approached to the Cyprus issue.

Issuing a written statement, Denktas noted that the Greek Cypriot leadership supported the Serbians who carry out an ethnical cleansıng in Kosovo because they did the same thing on Cyprus in 1963.

Denktas stressed that they could save their lives, honour and freedom by the peace operatıon of the guarantor Turkey after a struggle which lasted for 11 years.

Noting that the two parties accepted the exchange of people and the principle that the two nations will live on the island without dominating and oppressing the other, and that this seperation is the basis of the peace; Denktas emphasized that they regain a humanistic life after 11 years when the separation was realized.

Recalling that the Greek Cypriots staged more barbarism than that of Slobodan Milosevic, the leader of Yugoslavia, Denktas said. ''Clerides has still a desire to be our government. The agreement which was signed in 1960 does not give him this right. The 1960 state was a cooperation state. They ended this with their barbarism which overshadows that of Milosevic. Our answer and the remedy is the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.''

''Clerides should accept this phenemenon. Because, the architect of this result which occured by the mass graves and ethnical cleansing campaigns is the producers of the ''Akritas Plan'' (the plan for eradicating the Turks). Clerides played the leading role among these people. He is still wrong and on a dangerous path.''

[14] EUROPEAN INVESTMENT BANK TO GIVE TURKEY 38 MILLION EURO CREDIT

The European Investment Bank which evaluated the investment programs worth of 82 million Euro which is foreseen for the improvement of the infrastructural systems of Tarsus, said that the Turkish government attributes importance to the projects.

Issuing a statement, the European Investment Bank emphasized that the Tarsus projects will be completed in 2003 and that the projects foresee the renewal of the water refinement, distribution and sewage systems and the improvement of the environmental and life conditions.

[15] TOWARDS EXPOTECNIA 99 FAIR - SAHIN, MINISTER OF TRADE AND INDUSTRY: ''WE WISH IMPROVEMENT OF POLITICAL, ECONOMIC AND TRADE RELATIONS BETWEEN TURKEY AND SPAIN''

Sahin noted that relations of Spain with Latin America, and the relations of Turkey with Turkish Republics, constitute opportunities for the two countries.

A promotion meeting was held in Ankara Sheraton Hotel for ''Expotecnia 99'', the Spanish Industry and Technology Fair, which will be held in Istanbul between June 1-6.

Addressing the opening ceremony of the meeting, Sahin said trade volume between Turkey and Spain did not reflect existing potential between the two countries, adding that existing facilities should be broadened to improve the relations.

Sahin also stressed that political, economic and trade relations between the two countries should be increased as far as possible.

Noting that Turkey transferred to free market economy system, Sahin said facilities were given for the free circulation of goods within the framework of customs union and noted that the subjects under discussion were harmonized with the EU.

Meanwhile, Yavuz Ege, Foreign Trade Undersecretary, said studies were underway to conclude the infrastructure of economic and trade relations between Turkey and Spain.

Ege said trade relations between the two countries will be further increased with the prevention of double taxation, adding that Turkey's relations increased with Spain as of 1996.

Meanwhile, Jesus Atienza, Ambassador of Spain to Ankara, said Expotecnia 99 was the biggest industry fair staged in Turkey among foreign countries, adding that there were relations due to geographical closeness and historical partnerships.

Noting that Spain supported Turkey's EU membership, Atienza said Spanish government will form Servantes Institute in Istanbul in October, and that this institute will assume the role of a catalyst in cultural relations.

Atienza said Expotecnia was not a Spanish project but a long term Spanish- Turkish cooperation project.

[16] IDEF-99 FAIR TO BE HELD IN ANKARA BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 28 AND OCTOBER 1

The CNR, an international fair organization, statement said that the fair will be held in Turkkusu base in Etimesgut district of Ankara.

The statement noted that the defense needs of Turkey increased as her geopolitic and geostrategic position becomes more important, adding that a total of 150 million U.S. dollar expenditure will be made in the following 25 years within the framework of the modernization of the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK).

The defense industry producers and buyers of more than 50 countries which are situated in the Middle East, Central Asia, Northern Africa, the Balkans, and the Black Sea, participate in the IDEF fair which is held every two year.

[17] DENKTAS, TRNC PRESIDENT: ''WE WILL WORK IN FULL HARMONY WITH EVERY GOVERNMENT THAT TURKISH NATION HAS CHOSEN. YET, EVERYBODY KNOWS THAT MR. ECEVIT HAS A SPECIAL PLACE ON CYPRUS QUESTION''

Responding to the questions of journalists related with the results of elections in Turkey, Denktas said none of the parties talked about Cyprus during the elections, adding that this proved that Cyprus was a national issue and that this position will not change whatever party comes to the ruling.

''We will work in full harmony with every government which Turkish nation chose. We can not make a choice about the government model. Yet, everybody knows that Mr. Ecevit has a special place on Cyprus question,'' Denktas said and pointed out that Ecevit was the person who brought tranquility to Cyprus following 11-years of tragedy.

Noting that improvement of economic relations between Turkey and TRNC will further relax Turkish Cypriot people, Denktas urged customs walls to be removed between the two countries.

Noting that they learned that Britain worked on preparation of a constitution on Cyprus issue, Denktas said this could be an issue that can be discussed only when an agreement is reached between the two sides.

Denktas said he brought the issue into the agenda of a meeting he held with Joyce Queen, British Foreign Ministry Undersecretary, last week, adding that the British officials did not say anything to him. ''From several other sources we have determined that Britain asked a lawyer to prepare a constitution,'' Denktas said and pointed out that ''we have told them that these efforts were in vain. The issue of Constitution is disturbing.''

Responding to questions related with armament of Greek Cypriots, Denktas said following the decision of annulment of coming of S-300 missiles to Greek Cypriot side, now Greek Cypriots want to purchase medium-term missiles ''they do not have the right to bring any missile.''

Denktas said the Greek Cypriots will use the missiles in protecting the bases they have given to Greece, ''I mean there is a plan for the preparation of a murder. The problem is not the range of the missile, but its purpose. The aim is murder. Turkey will also oppose to this.''

Denktas said Greek Cypriots wanted to get Cyprus by force and tried this for a few times in the past but that they did not take Turkey into consideration.

A.A

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