Anadolu Agency: News in English, 99-05-06

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AA Daily

06 May 1999 Thursday

CONTENTS

[01] SECOND INTERNATIONAL PUPPET FESTIVAL STARTS IN ISTANBUL

[02] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

[03] CONTACTS OF TURKISH BUSINESSMEN IN WASHINGTON D.C.

[04] EXPORT RATE OF SOUTH EAST INCREASES WHILE TURKEY'S EXPORT RATE DROPS IN GENERAL

[05] MINISTERS COUNCIL APPROVES AGREEMENT WITH UNITED NATIONS POPULATION FUND

[06] PRESIDENT DEMIREL: - ''TURKEY'S LEADERSHIP ROLE WILL BRING A NEW DIMENSION TO TURKEY-THE U.S. RELATIONS IN 2000S''

[07] NUMBER OF KOSOVAR REFUGEES IN TURKEY INCREASES TO 14,454

[08] MINISTRY OF ENERGY AKTAS: ''WE WILL SUPPORT FOREIGN INVESTMENTS IN ENERGY FIELD''

[09] TWINS WHO SUFFER FROM SAME HEART CONDITION GO UNDER BY-PASS OPERATION AT SAME TIME

[10] CLINTON PRAISES TURKISH-AMERICAN RELATIONS

[11] TURKISH COMMUNITY IN GERMANY PROTESTS ARTICLE INSULTING ATATURK PUBLISHED IN DER SPIEGEL

[12] DENKTAS, PRESIDENT OF TRNC, IN SAMSUN: - ''WE EXPERIENCED IN 1963 AND 1967 WHAT THE PEOPLE OF KOSOVO ARE NOW SUFFERING. NOW, WE THANK TO GOD'' - ''THE CYPRUS ISSUE CAN BE SOLVED BY DIALOGUE, BUT GREEK-CYPRIOTS DON'T ACCEDE TO IT''

[13] NUMBER OF BLUE FLAG IN TURKISH WATERS INCREASES 64

[14] INITIATIVE OF GREEK WAR AIRCRAFTS TO LAND AT BAF MILITARY BASE IN SOUTHERN CYPRUS - ATACANLI, FM DEPUTY SPOKESMAN: ''THE GREEK AND GREEK CYPRIOT PROVOCATIONS NEGATIVELY AFFECT THE PEACE AND STABILITY IN THE EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN''

[15] FOREIGN DEBT PAYMENTS - 2.9 BILLION U.S. DOLLARS PAID IN FOREIGN DEBT SINCE JANUARY 1, 1999

[16] FOREIGN EXCHANGE RESERVES OF CENTRAL BANK INCREASE BY 2 BILLION U.S. DOLLARS IN FIRST FOUR MONTHS OF 1999

[17] TURKEY BECOMES FIRST IN 47TH EUROPEAN YOUTH MUSIC FESTIVAL

[18] TRIAL OF TERRORIST CHIEF - ATACANLI, DEPUTY SPKOESMAN OF FOREIGN MINISTRY: ''NOBODY WILL BE GRANTED WITH PRIVILEGE ABOUT ATTANDENCE TO THE TRIAL'' - ''THE STATEMENTS OF THE ITALIAN PRIME MINISTER ARE NOT SURPRISING AS HE EARLIER ASSUMED AN ATTITUDE AGAINST LAW''

[19] TURKISH FOLKLORIC HAND-MADE PUPPET ART TO OPEN TO WORLD

[20] THE 24TH ''ECONOMISTS WEEK'' - PRESIDENT DEMIREL: - ''TURKEY HAS EXPENDED GREAT EFFORTS IN LAST 75 YEARS TO REACH CONTEMPORARY CIVILIZATION LEVEL AND SHE HAD HER PLACE IN TODAY'S WORLD''

[21] FOREIGN MINISTRY CONTINUES ITS PUBLICATION SERIES REVEALING RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN GREECE AND PKK TERRORISM - FROM THE ''GREECE AND PKK TERRORISM'' BOOKLET: - ''GREEK INVOLVEMENT WITH TERRORISM CAN BE NEITHER FORGOTTEN NOR FORGIVEN''

[22] STALEV, BULGARIAN AMBASSADOR TO TURKEY: - ''THERE ARE BIG INSTABILITIES IN THE EXPORTS BETWEEN TURKEY AND BULGARIA''

[23] NATO'S AIR OPERATION AGAINST YUGOSLAVIA - TURKISH F-16 WAR PLANES ACCUMULATE A TOTAL OF 1,226 HOURS OF FLIGHT

[24] ULUSOY, CHAIRMAN OF FOOTBALL FEDERATION: ''DIVISION ONE CLUBS CAN PLAY WITH FIVE INTERNATIONAL PLAYERS''

[25] EROGLU, TRNC PRIME MINISTER: ''TRNC IS THE RESULT OF POLITICAL AND GEOGRAPHICAL SITUATION WHICH EMERGED IN 1974'' - ''FEDERATION IS EXCLUDED FROM THE AGENDA, AND IT WILL NOT BE INCLUDED AGAIN''

[26] ENRICO MACIAS IN ANKARA

[27] RAUF DENKTAS, TRNC PRESIDENT IN SAMSUN - DENKTAS: ''GREEK CYPRIOTS' AIM IS TO END TURKEY'S GUARANTORSHIP BY VARIOUS GAMES''

[28] EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT CALLS ON TURKEY TO TRY CHIEF TERRORIST FAIRLY AND ABOLISH DEATH PENALTY

[29] CONFERENCE ON TURKISH-AMERICAN RELATIONS - PARRIS, U.S. AMBASSADOR TO TURKEY: ''ELECTIONS WERE A SURPRISE''

[30] CONFERENCE ON TURKISH-AMERICAN RELATIONS - PARRIS, U.S. AMBASSADOR TO TURKEY: ''TURKEY'S ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE LAST YEAR SHOWED THAT SHE IS NOT LIKE THAILAND, BRAZIL OR RUSSIA''

[31] CONFERENCE ON TURKISH-AMERICAN RELATIONS - PARRIS, U.S. AMBASSADOR TO TURKEY: ''THE CARDS TURKEY HAS ARE VERY IMPORTANT, IF SHE PLAYS THEM WELL, SHE WILL WIN''

[32] TURKEY-US-DEFENSE - GENERAL DANDIN: ''OUR FMS DEBTS SHOULD BE CLEARED, SEIA SHOULD BE REVISED AND THE U.S. SHOULD SUPPORT US''

[01] SECOND INTERNATIONAL PUPPET FESTIVAL STARTS IN ISTANBUL

Cengiz Ozek, the Festival Manager said they will start organizing seminars next year to promote the traditional Turkish puppet and shadow shows. Ozek also stated that they wanted to repeat the international istanbul Puppet Festival every year.

The puppet shows of the festival will also tour some foreign countries and be enjoyed by foreign visitors at similar festivals abroad.

France, Japan, and Portugal are participating in this year's puppet festival with their shows which can be seen at ten different places in istanbul including Yerebatan Palace, French Cultural Center, and Afife Jale Stage. The festival will last until May 12.

[02] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

HURRIYET (LIBERAL)

PROF. ALTAN GULHAN OZERKAN HAD A NARROW ESCAPE FROM DEATH
Prof. Altan Gulhan Ozerkan, Dean of istanbul University's Dentistry Faculty who is known for her strict attitude against wearing headscarf in classes, had a narrow escape from death when her driver discovered a time bomb plastered under her car. The highly destructive bomb was set up to go off at 9 a.m., the time she is usually picked up from her home. The bomb was disactivated by the experts. ''I have no problems with anyone in our faculty. I never received any bomb threats. We have no headscarf problem in our school. Nobody comes to the classes wearing a headscarf,'' Ozerkan said.

MILLIYET (LIBERAL)

SAKIK: ''I REGRET, I APOLOGIZE''
One of the chiefs of the terrorist organization, PKK, Semdin Sakik who is also known as Parmaksiz Zeki, said he regreted having been involved in terrorist activities and apologized from Turkish people. Sakik is being held responsible for the deaths of 125 security officers as well as 113 civilians. Sakik said he declined to have a lawyer because he didn't have money to hire one. Sakik's trial has been postponed to May 20.

SABAH (LIBERAL)

ONE FIFTH OF MINIMUM WAGE MELTS
The minimum wage, which is now gross 78 million 75 thousand Turkish Liras (TL) and net 57 million 620.8 thousand TL, has decreased 20 percent to 198.1 U.S. dollars since it entered into effect on January 1, 1999. The minimum wage was 247 U.S. dollars on January 1.

CUMHURIYET (LEFT)

TREMORS SHAKE SOUTHERN CUKUROVA REGION
A quake shook southern Cukurova region. The officials from Kandilli Observatory Centre said that the quake was measuring 4.1 on the Richter scale. No casulties were recorded in the quake.

RADIKAL (LEFT)

MENDERES: 'STUBBORNNESS SHOULD END'
Menderes, the Deputy Chairman of the Virtue Party (FP) stated that his party's stubbornness about the headscarf issue was wrong. Menderes stressed that the headscarf issue cannot be resolved with anger and force, but only through legal ways. He also said he was not against Kavakci's taking an oath in the Parliament wearing a headscarf.

YENİ YÜZYIL (LIBERAL)

EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT TO DISCUSS TRIAL OF
CHIEF OF TERRORIST ORGANIZATION PKK
The European Parliament (EP) will discuss the the trial of the chief of the terrorist organization PKK in its general council meeting on Thursday. The proposals of common decision submitted by the political groups in Parliament about the trial of the chief terrorist will be included in a joint document and discussed at the agenda of ''urgent issues'' session. The draft resolutions call on the Turkish government to respect ''the right of the chief terrorist to defend himself and his fair trial'', adding that the parliamentarians are concerned about the health of the chief terrorist.

TÜRKİYE (RIGHT)

TIME BOMB PLANTED UNDER CAR OF DEAN
Security forces found a time-bomb planted under the official car of Prof. Dr. Altan Gulhan Ozerkan, the Dean of Istanbul University Faculty of Dentistry. The bomb disposal experts defused the bomb. The bomb disposal experts noted that the time-bomb was more effective than the one planted under the car of Ugur Mumcu who was killed in a terrorist-attack.

ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)

THY FLIES TO CHINA
The Turkish Airlines (THY) will realize its first non-stop flight to Beijing, the capital of China, on May 19. Yusuf Bolayirli, the Director General of THY, gave a reception for the first non-stop flights to China. Bolayirli said that THY will start flying from Istanbul to Beijing on May 19, 1999, twice a week on Wednesdays and Saturdays. He also added, ''we hope that the trading volume between Turkey and China will increase by our flights to Beijing and by the flights which we plan to realize to Shanghai.''

[03] CONTACTS OF TURKISH BUSINESSMEN IN WASHINGTON D.C.

Turkish businessmen who are members of the Turkish-American Business Council acting within the structure of the Foreign Economic Relations Council (DEIK), were asked about political situation in Turkey following the April 18 general elections, efforts to form new government, the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP)'s success in general elections, issue of headscarf, relations between Turkey and Greece, and the Kosovo crisis.

Meanwhile, the 18th Turkey - U.S. Annual Conference will begin later on Thursday in Washington D.C. The conference which was organized by the American-Turkish Council (ATC), the American Friends of Turkey Association, and the Foreign Economic Relations Council (DEIK), will be held with the participation of leading names of the U.S. Administration and of the U.S. Congress, and the representatives of several U.S. companies, and organizations.

Ziya Aktas, the Energy and Natural Resources Minister, is also scheduled to attend the conference where the economic relations between Turkey and the U.S. will be taken up in detail.

Mustafa Koc, Co-President of Turkish-American Business Council of the DEIK; Erkut Yucaoglu, Chairman of the Turkish Industrialists and Businessmen Association (TUSIAD); Uzeyir Garih, Chairman of Executive Board of ALARKO Holding; Yavuz Canevi, former Undersecretary of the Treasury and Foreign Trade; Serif Egeli and Ersin Faralyali are among the Turkish businessmen to attend the conference.

Issues such as defense, energy, industry, textile, agriculture, telecommunication, education, trade, and cooperation in the third countries, will be taken up at the conference.

[04] EXPORT RATE OF SOUTH EAST INCREASES WHILE TURKEY'S EXPORT RATE DROPS IN GENERAL

The income obtained from export in the first four months of 1998 was 173 million 693 thousand U.S. dollars. This figure increased to 182 million 675 thousand U.S. dollars in the same period of 1999. ''The people of this region are aware that export is the only way to overcome crisis. They know that they must take risks and export,'' Cikmaz pointed out.

The local markets are ''dead'', and the people of the South East see export as their only alternative, he continued.

The region's economy recovered from the Gulf Crisis with this understanding and they try to export to ''everywhere they could reach,'' he stated and said that the region's export will gain acceleration after the collection of cash from Iraq in return of the exported goods.

The exporters are not bothered by the exchange rates and the export unit prices did not drop in Turkish Liras, Cikmaz also added.

[05] MINISTERS COUNCIL APPROVES AGREEMENT WITH UNITED NATIONS POPULATION FUND

The agreement which appeared in Thursday's Official Gazette, targets to provide regular data analysis and collection of information on international migration and population dynamics in Turkey. A database will be formed using statistics for this purpose.

[06] PRESIDENT DEMIREL: - ''TURKEY'S LEADERSHIP ROLE WILL BRING A NEW DIMENSION TO TURKEY-THE U.S. RELATIONS IN 2000S''

Demirel's statement regarded with the 18th Turkey - U.S. Annual Conference which was organized by the American-Turkish Council (ATC), the American Friends of Turkey Association, and the Turkish-American Business Council acting within the structure of the Foreign Economic Relations Council (DEIK), was issued in the brochure of the conference.

In his statement, President Demirel underlined that the Black Sea Economic Cooperation Organization which was established under Turkey's leadership, bring 24 countries from eastern Europe to Central Asia, from northern Africa to the Middle East, together, adding that both Turkey and the U.S. have joint interests in these regions.

Demirel also noted, ''I am quite sure that the Turkish-American partnership will gain great successes in coming days. We should bring new dimensions to our current security and defense cooperations. We should also further improve commercial and economic relations.''

[07] NUMBER OF KOSOVAR REFUGEES IN TURKEY INCREASES TO 14,454

The Interior Ministry issued a statement saying that a total of 6,300 Kosovar refugees including 2,499 women, 2,305 men, and 1,496 children have entered Turkey from the Tekirdag-Corlu Border Gate since the beginning of NATO air operation.

The statement noted that a total of 6,849 refugees including 2,438 women, 1, 783 men, and 2,628 children have entered Turkey from the Edirne-Kapikule border gate and a total of 1,305 refugees including 475 women, 453 men, and 377 children have entered Turkey from Istanbul.

Meanwhile, a total of 5,982 Kosovars including 1,898 women, 1,681 men and 2, 403 children have been sheltered at the Gaziosmanpasa Refugee Camp in Kirklareli.

[08] MINISTRY OF ENERGY AKTAS: ''WE WILL SUPPORT FOREIGN INVESTMENTS IN ENERGY FIELD''

''What we have done in energy field is the assurance of what we will do in the future,'' Aktas told A.A. in Washington D.C where he came to attend a conference where Turkey-U.S. relations were discussed.

Aktas said, if DSP keeps the Ministry of Energy in the coalition government which will be set up soon, they will work to regulate the restrictions on ownership and management of energy centrals in a way to encourage foreign investments in Turkey.

Important developments were seen on Baku-Ceyhan oil pipeline and Trans- Hazar natural gas project during the DSP administration and the same projects will be on DSP's priority list, Aktas also said.

[09] TWINS WHO SUFFER FROM SAME HEART CONDITION GO UNDER BY-PASS OPERATION AT SAME TIME

The twins decided to come to Ankara after suffering from a heart ache for a long time. The doctors who examined the twin sisters found out that the same three veins in the twins' hearts were clogged.

Dr. Yaman Zorlutuna, the Head of Heart and Vein Surgery Department of City Hospital who performed the operation said the twins also showed the same signs during after the operation. The twins are recovering quickly and will be able to leave the hospital soon, Zorlutuna said.

[10] CLINTON PRAISES TURKISH-AMERICAN RELATIONS

Clinton issued a statement on the occasion of a joint ''Turkey-U.S. Relations'' conference organized by the American-Turkish Council (ATC) and American Friends of Turkey Association.

The relations between the U.S. and Turkey are developing in new dimensions, President Clinton said and added that the two countries have new cooperation opportunities ahead of them in the fields of energy, transportation, agriculture, trade, and communication.

Clinton went on to say that both Turkey and the U.S. work together also to improve the economic welfare of new independent states in the Caucasia and the Middle Asia and bring the conflicts to a resolution.

The U.S. President also stated that he believed that this conference would help to increase investments, trade, and cooperation in the energy field between the two countries.

[11] TURKISH COMMUNITY IN GERMANY PROTESTS ARTICLE INSULTING ATATURK PUBLISHED IN DER SPIEGEL

The representatives of Turkish associations protested Augstein by leaving a black wreath at Der Spiegel's central building.

''It is very unfortunate that Der Spiegel which is a magazine with high circulation carried this article. We hope that things like that would never occur,'' it was said during the protest.

[12] DENKTAS, PRESIDENT OF TRNC, IN SAMSUN: - ''WE EXPERIENCED IN 1963 AND 1967 WHAT THE PEOPLE OF KOSOVO ARE NOW SUFFERING. NOW, WE THANK TO GOD'' - ''THE CYPRUS ISSUE CAN BE SOLVED BY DIALOGUE, BUT GREEK-CYPRIOTS DON'T ACCEDE TO IT''

Rauf Denktas, who arrived the same day in Samsun province to pay several visits and stage a conference on ''History and Today of Cyprus Issue'', received Metin Ilyas Aksoy, the Governor of Samsun; Yusuf Ziya Yilmaz, the Mayor of Samsun; and General Muammer Unal, the Commander of Garrison.

Responding a question about the developments in Kosovo, Denktas said, ''we experienced the today's situation in Kosovo in 1963 and 1967. During that period, one fourth of our people were forced to leave their homelands. We lived as immigrants for eleven years till were saved by Turkey. We once again fell the grief and and suffer when we see the people escaping from Kosovo, and we thank to God because we have a motherland who saved us. We are very lucky. If we would have waited the NATO for an intervention like the Kosovars, the Greek-Cypriots would have killed all of the Turks on Cyprus.''

Responding to another question, Denktas said the problems on the island can be solved by dialogue but the Greek-Cypriots don't accede to it.

''We are always ready for cooperation if they want peace on Cyprus. However, they prefer armament. Greek-Cypriots are making intense efforts for armament, but they can't win this race. They were obliged to send S-300 missiles to Crete, but it is a very sensitive region. Let's wait and see what they will do. The S-300s won't damage anybody except themselves. They throw their money away. They pretend not to see Turkey's strategical interest in the region,'' Denktas said.

[13] NUMBER OF BLUE FLAG IN TURKISH WATERS INCREASES 64

The European Environment Education Foundation increased the number of the blue flags in the Turkish beaches from 46 to 64 while the number of marinas with clean water increased from 10 to 11 this year.

The blue flag award is given for only one year but the owners of the beaches and the marinas who want to gain a blue flag has to renew their application to the Foundation every year.

The Foundation evaluates the beaches and marinas which apply to get a blue flag by taking into consideration 26 criteria in the beaches and 16 criteria in the marinas, including environmental education and information, environmental administration, water quality, life security services.

The analysis of the water of a beach has to be in the desired limits in the tests held every 15 days in order to gain a blue flag and the results of the micro-biological analysis which is held in three parametres should be in a determined level.

On the other hand, there should be first aid, life guard, showers, toilets, dressing rooms, telephone, parking lot in the beaches. If a beach has these criteria, then the Foundation foresees the fire extinguishing, water, electrical, and purification services.

The blue flag is given to the installations for only one season but can be taken out of their hands in case the beaches and the marinas do not comply with the necessary criteria.

The names of the installations which have a blue flag in Turkey are as follows:

Antalya:

Alanya county: Titan, Sun Shine, Alantur, Grand Kaptan, Keykubat, Damlatas, Kleopatra Bati, Fugla-1, Fugla-2, Jasmin, Kosdere and Botanik beaches.

Manavgat county: Titreyengol-1, Titreyengol-2, Sorgun-1, Sorgun-2 beaches.

Side county: Koymeydani, Side-1, Side-2 beaches.

Belek county: Iskele Mevkii, Tasliburun, Uckum Tepesi-1, Uckum Tepesi-2 beaches.

Muratpaşa county: Lara beach.

Konyaalti county: Konyaalti, Topcam, Kucuk Calticak, Buyuk Calticak beaches.

Beldibi county: Beldibi beach.

Goynuk county: Goynuk-1, Goynuk-2 beaches.

Kemer county: Palmiye, Kemer Public-1, Kemer Public-2 beaches and Kemer Holiday Resort.

Kiris county: Kiris beach.

Camyuva county: Camyuva beach.

Tekirova county: Tekirova-1, Tekirova-2, Tekirova Public Beach.

Kalkan county: Clup Patara beach.

Finike county: Inciragaci beach.

Kas county: Kucuk Cakil and Aqua Park Twins beach.

Patara county: Patara beach.

Mugla:

Fethiye county: Belcegiz beach.

Marmaris county: Pamucak, Icmeler, Turunc beaches.

Datca county: Datca-Aktur beach.

Bodrum county: Sea Garden, Bardakci, Bitek, Bodrum-Aktur, Yahsi, Akcabuk, Gumusluk, Torba Grand Yazici beaches.

Izmir:

Urla county: Health Ministry Camp beach and Cesmealti beaches.

Sinop: Kumsal and Directorate of Water Works (DSI) beaches.

Elazig: Turpol beaches.

Isparta:

Egirdir county: Altinkum Public Beach.

The names of the marinas which have a blue flag are as follows:

Istanbul:

Atakoy county: Atakoy Marina.

Izmir:

Cesme county: Setur Cesme Marina.

Balikesir:

Ayvalik county: Setur-Ayvalik Marina.

Aydın:

Kusadasi county: Seytur-Kusadasi Marina.

Mugla:

Bodrum county: Karada Marina Bodrum.

Marmaris county: Netsel Marmaris Marina, Albatros Marina.

Hisaronu county: Marmaris Marti Marina.

Antalya:

Finike county: Setur Finike Marina.

Kemer county: Kemer Antalya Marina.

Center: Setur Antalya Marina.

[14] INITIATIVE OF GREEK WAR AIRCRAFTS TO LAND AT BAF MILITARY BASE IN SOUTHERN CYPRUS - ATACANLI, FM DEPUTY SPOKESMAN: ''THE GREEK AND GREEK CYPRIOT PROVOCATIONS NEGATIVELY AFFECT THE PEACE AND STABILITY IN THE EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN''

Addressing a weekly press briefing; Sermet Atacanli, the Foreign Ministry Deputy Spokesman, recalled that the Greek Air Forces staged an operation near Cyprus and that two Greek war aircrafts made an initiative to land on Baf military airport in Southern Cyprus on Wednesday, but they did not land at the base and left the region.

Pointing out that the military activities of the Greek war aircrafts in the southern Cyprus increased after the Baf military base became operational, Atacanli noted that the flights of Greek war planes on the Island indicate that the Greek and Greek Cypriot side are insistent on escalating the tension on Cyprus.

When asked why the Greek aircrafts did not land on the base, Atacanli said that he does not have any information about the military part of the issue.

[15] FOREIGN DEBT PAYMENTS - 2.9 BILLION U.S. DOLLARS PAID IN FOREIGN DEBT SINCE JANUARY 1, 1999

The Central Bank data shows that the Treasury paid 2 billion 230.6 million U.S. dollars; the International Monetary Fund (IMF) was repaid 239.3 million U.S. dollars; the Central Bank repaid 167.3 million U.S. dollars; the Ministry of National Defense and the Defense Industry paid 299.5 million U.S. dollars and the Defense Fund paid 6.4 million U.S. dollars in foreign debt between January 1 and May 6, 1999.

Meanwhile, a total of 138.3 million U.S. dollars of foreign debt was repaid in the first week of May.

The foreign debt payment was 432 million U.S. dollars in January; 765.8 million U.S. dollars in February; 770.5 million U.S. dollars in March and 138.3 million U.S. dollars in April 1999.

[16] FOREIGN EXCHANGE RESERVES OF CENTRAL BANK INCREASE BY 2 BILLION U.S. DOLLARS IN FIRST FOUR MONTHS OF 1999

The Central Bank data shows that the foreign exchange reserves, which was 19 billion 721 million U.S. dollars at the end of 1998, increased 2 billion 18 million U.S. dollars to 21 billion 739 million U.S. dollars on April 30.

In the last week of April, the foreign exchange reserves increased by 418 million U.S. dollars.

Meanwhile, according to the 16 April 1999-based statistics, Turkey's total international gross reserves decreased 770 million U.S. dollars to 32 billion 169 million U.S. dollars between April 9 and 16.

The international gross reserves of Turkey were 32 billion 939 million U.S. dollars on April 9.

As of April 16, Turkey's international reserves were composed of 1 billion 12 million U.S. dollars in gold reserves; 20 billion 448 million U.S. dollars in the Central Bank's foreign exchange reserves; and 10 billion 708 million U.S. dollars in the commercial banks' foreign exchange reserves.

[17] TURKEY BECOMES FIRST IN 47TH EUROPEAN YOUTH MUSIC FESTIVAL

Turkish group named ''Anatolia Kontrabas Kwartet'' became the first in the C category of the festival which has been held for 47 years and in which Turkey participated for the first time.

The Turkish group which became the winner among 103 groups which came from 20 countries was awarded by the ''Summa Cumlarde'' award, which the highest award of the jury.

The Turkish group said that they participated in the festival by the contributions of Istemihan Talay, the Culture Minister, and that they are pleased to have a degree in the festival.

[18] TRIAL OF TERRORIST CHIEF - ATACANLI, DEPUTY SPKOESMAN OF FOREIGN MINISTRY: ''NOBODY WILL BE GRANTED WITH PRIVILEGE ABOUT ATTANDENCE TO THE TRIAL'' - ''THE STATEMENTS OF THE ITALIAN PRIME MINISTER ARE NOT SURPRISING AS HE EARLIER ASSUMED AN ATTITUDE AGAINST LAW''

Staging his weekly press conference, Sermet Atacanli, the Deputy Spokesman of the Foreign Ministry, responded the questions about the conditions for the attendance of foreign people to the continuous trial of terrorist chief.

Atacanli stressed that the people of foreign origin, who want to watch the trial, can't make application with their identity cards given by the organizations at which they are working.

Recalling that the Ankara State Security Court (DGM) Chief Public Prosecutor's Office issued a statement on April 30 about the methods of watching the trial, Atacanli said that the people of foreign origin, who want to watch the trial within the framework of the existing procedures, have to apply to the Ankara DGM Chief Public Prosecutor's Office through their Embassies.

Stressing that the approval or rejection of those applications are based on the evaluation of the Ankara DGM Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, Atacanli said that nobody will be granted with privilege about the attendance to the trial.

Responding to a question, Atacanli said that Faruk Logoglu, the Deputy Undersecretary of the Foreign Ministry, briefed on Wednesday the representatives of nearly 40 countries on the trial of the terrorist chief.

Atacanli said Logoglu in that briefing gave information about the capacity of the court room, transportation opportunities, and security measures.

Responding to a question about the statements of the Italian Prime Minister Massimo D'Alema about the trial, Atacanli said Italian Premier showed a biased approach to the issue.

Recalling that D'Alema made a statement saying that the method of trial of Ocalan is unacceptable, Atacanli said he didn't find those statements as surprising.

''It is still of remembrance that the Italian Prime Minister hosted terrorist chief for a long time, and beyond this, he bargained with several countries for providing shelter for Ocalan by violating the laws and international agreements, and consequently, he expelled the terrorist chief from Italy,'' Atacanli stressed.

Atacanli emphasized that D'Alema's making such a biased statement before the start of trial was not surprising as he earlier assumed an attitude against the law.

[19] TURKISH FOLKLORIC HAND-MADE PUPPET ART TO OPEN TO WORLD

Tulay Aktas, a lecturer of Hand Arts Department of a university in western Canakkale province, will join the contest named ''Hand-Made Dolls with Folkloric Clothes'' which will be held in Poland.

Aktas said that she will join the contest in Poland which will be held in Warsaw in June, and that she became the fourth in the world contest which was held in Portugal.

Aktas noted that 2500 hand-made dolls from 45 countries will join the contest in Poland and that she will join with two different compositions, adding that she will introduce Turkish folkloric art to the world and that she aims at being the winner in the contest.

[20] THE 24TH ''ECONOMISTS WEEK'' - PRESIDENT DEMIREL: - ''TURKEY HAS EXPENDED GREAT EFFORTS IN LAST 75 YEARS TO REACH CONTEMPORARY CIVILIZATION LEVEL AND SHE HAD HER PLACE IN TODAY'S WORLD''

Suleyman Demirel attended the same day the 24th Week of Economists and addressed the opening speech of the session on ''World Economy and 21st Century''.

President Demirel said that Turkey reached a level enabling her to compete with the other civilized countries on the eve of the 21st century.

''For my point of view, the most important event of the century was Turkey's reaching a level of competing with the contemporary world at contemporary civilization,'' Demirel said.

President Demirel said the education of 200 thousand children by 10 thousand teachers in yesterday's Turkey with a population of 12 million, reached an education of 15 million children by 650 thousand teachers in today's Turkey with a polulation of 65 million.

''This is a good figure. The total number of children registered to primary schools in 1998-99 education year is more than the total number of registrations in primary schools in Germany, France, and Britain. This is a young Turkey, but there are very heavy burdens on her shoulders,'' Demirel said.

''Turkey is now selling every kind of product to the countries from where she had purchased everything in the past. The Turkish refrigerator factories have 15 percent stake in the British refrigerator market. Turkey is now making 70 percent of her total exports to Europe from where she had purchased everything in the past. The trade volume, which failed to increase over to 1.5 million U.S. dollars, is now reaching 100 billion U.S. dollars. Turkey achieved 28 billion U.S. dollars in exports last year despite tough conditions,'' Demirel stated.

[21] FOREIGN MINISTRY CONTINUES ITS PUBLICATION SERIES REVEALING RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN GREECE AND PKK TERRORISM - FROM THE ''GREECE AND PKK TERRORISM'' BOOKLET: - ''GREEK INVOLVEMENT WITH TERRORISM CAN BE NEITHER FORGOTTEN NOR FORGIVEN''

The Foreign Ministry tells the story of Greek support to PKK terrorism, Ocalan's arrival in Greece for three times and his stay at the Greek Embassy in Kenya in its latest booklet titled ''Greece and PKK Terrorism II''.

The booklet, which was sent to foreign missions in Ankara by Korkmaz Haktanir, Korkmaz Haktanir, the Undersecretary of the Foreign Ministry, is the continuation of the booklet on ''Greece and PKK Terrorism'' which was issued in February 1999.

The first booklet includes terrorist organization's sheltering in Greece and the statements of Greek state officials in favor of the terrorist organization. The second booklet tells in detail the story of Greek support to Ocalan and his travels to Greece and Kenya following his escape from Syria.

The introduction part of the booklet stresses that Greece was caught red- handed, and says, ''in the following pages, the readers will find the story of Greek support to PKK terrorism, symbolized in the Greek effort to help Ocalan escape justice. This is just the tip of the iceberg. The trial of Ocalan can be expected to shed further light on the details of the external support given to the PKK, most notably by Greece, an ally and neighbor of Turkey. While international attention is for the time being focused on the crisis in Kosovo, Greek involvement with terrorism can be neither forgotten nor forgiven. And the disturbing question remains yet to be answered: What happens when a member country betray another allied country?''

In the annex part of the booklet includes the photograph showing Greek intelligence officer Kalenderidis hand in hand with terrorist chief Ocalan; the statements of Greek officials about the issue; Ocalan's Greek-Cypriot passport; Ocalan's authorization of his Greek lawyer to follow up on his application for political asylum in Greece, and snapshots of the PKK supporters who stormed the Greek embassies following Ocalan's capture on February, 16, 1999.

The Annex part also includes the press statement made by Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit on February 16, 1999; Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit's opening remarks at the press conference for international journalists in Ankara on February 21; President Demirel's answer to a question by the Philippines Television regarding Greek support to PKK terrorism on February 22; the letter of Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit to the Heads of Government of the member states of NATO on March 2; and the letter of Foreign Minister Ismail Cem to Mr. Kofi Annan, Secretary General of the U.N., on March 9.

[22] STALEV, BULGARIAN AMBASSADOR TO TURKEY: - ''THERE ARE BIG INSTABILITIES IN THE EXPORTS BETWEEN TURKEY AND BULGARIA''

Addressing a speech in the meeting with the industrialists and businessmen from Kayseri Chamber of Industry, Stalev noted that his country overcame the political transition period and that his country completed the privatization initiatives in many fields other than heavy industry.

Noting that the tragical incidents in Kosovo and the crisis in Yugoslavia affects the economy of Bulgaria in a large scale, Stalev stated that the steps of the international community taken for providing security and peace in Yugoslavia are very pleasing.

Recalling that the foreign exchange reserves of Bulgaria increased to 5 billion German marks after the single party government started to lead Bulgaria, Stalev stressed that the inflation decreased to 5 to 6 percent last year but that the banks do not easily give credit.

Stalev said that to this end, the investments are not in the desired level and that there is significant unemployment in Bulgaria, adding that the foreign capital realized investments worth of 1.8 billion U.S. dollars since 1990 and that Germany is the foreign country which realizes the most of the investments in Bulgaria.

Stressing that Bulgaria and Turkey should benefit from the economic potentials more, Stalev emphasized that they are open to have cooperation with the Turkish businessmen.

Recalling that they realized 700 million U.S. dollar investments to Turkey last year, Stalev pointed out that there are instabilities in the exports between Turkey and Bulgaria.

Stalev said that his country carries out tax free applications in some of Bulgaria for five years in order to encourage the foreign investors to make investments in Bulgaria, adding that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) forced them to lift this application.

Pointing out that the Turkish businessmen will participate in activities of constructing a free way and a power plant in Bulgaria and Bulgaria will sell two times more electricity to Turkey, Stalev noted that the foreign investors do not have to take permission to construct factories other than banks and defense industry and that they have liberal conditions for investment.

[23] NATO'S AIR OPERATION AGAINST YUGOSLAVIA - TURKISH F-16 WAR PLANES ACCUMULATE A TOTAL OF 1,226 HOURS OF FLIGHT

The General Staff Information Center issued a statement saying that the Turkish F-16 war planes which are deployed at the Ghedi Airbase in Italy, stayed in air for 42 hours on May 5.

Meanwhile, a total of 803,342 Kosovar people were forced to leave their homes so far as a result of ethnic cleansing campaign in Kosovo. According to the latest figures, there are 12,978 refugees in Turkey; 50 thousand in Serbia; 63,300 in Montenegro; 396,300 in Albania; 204,070 in Macedonia; 9, 974 in Germany; 45,500 in Bosnia-Herzegovina and 21,220 in other countries.

A total of 12,978 Kosovar refugees have entered Turkey from Istanbul, the Tekirdag-Corlu border gate, and from the Edirne-Kapikule border gate since the beginning of NATO air operation.

A total of 5,554 Kosovars have been sheltered at Gaziosmanpasa Refugee Camp in Kirklareli.

Turkey has provided shelters for a total of 9 thousand Kosovar refugees in camps in Macedonia and Albania. Both camps have capacity to host 20 thousand refugees.

[24] ULUSOY, CHAIRMAN OF FOOTBALL FEDERATION: ''DIVISION ONE CLUBS CAN PLAY WITH FIVE INTERNATIONAL PLAYERS''

At the meeting presided by Haluk Ulusoy, the Chairman of the Federation, will discuss the new status of the Turkish Cup and its schedule, the international player limit for the Division One clubs, determination of the second team to attend the UEFA Cup.

Speaking to reporters following the meeting Haluk Ulusoy recalled that they earlier decided to allow the division one teams to play with five international players.

''There is not ant difference in that decision. However, we'll announce after the meeting that the teams will be allowed to play with five international players as of June 1999,'' he added.

[25] EROGLU, TRNC PRIME MINISTER: ''TRNC IS THE RESULT OF POLITICAL AND GEOGRAPHICAL SITUATION WHICH EMERGED IN 1974'' - ''FEDERATION IS EXCLUDED FROM THE AGENDA, AND IT WILL NOT BE INCLUDED AGAIN''

Eroglu told a conference in Lefke Europe University that federation is excluded from the agenda not be included once again. As long as the existence of two states on the island is not accepted, it won't be possible to reach an agreement, he said.

Emphasizing that there are two states on Cyprus, and the talks must be based on this principle, Eroglu said that Turkish side made it very clear that it won't sit at the negotiation table otherwise.

Eroglu said that the UN Security Council's decision on March 4, 1964 which foresees sending Peace Force to Cyprus was an historical mistake, and the World accepts the Greek Cypriots as the legal government of Cyprus due to this decision. Eroglu said that another historical mistake was made by European Union with its decision to start membership talks with the Greek Cypriot side on December 1997.

Eroglu said that the Lefke and Guzelyurt regions are not and will not be given up, stating that they are planning to take measures to develop the region. Eroglu said that they had support with the agreements made with Turkey, and the development is speeded up.

[26] ENRICO MACIAS IN ANKARA

Addressing a press briefing at Sheraton Hotel, Macias said that ''you can also call me Ottoman; because I have Ottoman culture.''

Thanking to the music listeners in Ankara who bought all the tickets of his concert, Macias said that he loved classic Turkish music.

Pointing out that he has a historical and cultural link with Turkey, Macias said he had earlier told the foreign press that he loved and appreciated Turkey very much.

''I don't care how the world knows Turkey, I am the person of this country. Many years ago, when the queen Elizabeth told my ancestors either to be Katholics or leave her country, only Ottomans protected them,'' said Macias, who is also peace envoy of the United Nations (U.N).

Enrico Macias will give a concert tonight in Ankara.

[27] RAUF DENKTAS, TRNC PRESIDENT IN SAMSUN - DENKTAS: ''GREEK CYPRIOTS' AIM IS TO END TURKEY'S GUARANTORSHIP BY VARIOUS GAMES''

Addressing a conference titled ''Cyprus Question'' in Samsun 19 Mayıs University, Denktas stated that an event similar to Kosovo had taken place on Cyprus in the past.

Noting that a possible Turkish massacre was prevented on Cyprus by the intervention of Turkey in time, Rauf Denktas said that ''when we see Kosovo, we remember the massacre that took place on Cyprus, the same pain and the same pictures. There is Orthodox Christianity behind it. We suffered from the things Kosovo suffers today for 11 years.''

Stressing that the Greek Cypriot side continues to pursue an uncompromising attitude, Denktas said ''after they understood that their Enosis ideal won't be realized, they now wish to isolate the Turkish side by the help of Europe and to disturb the balance installed by the Lausanne Treaty. Europe insists on not seeing the realities on the island.''

TRNC President Denktas said that Cyprus will never be a Greek colony, adding Turkey has always been besides Turkish Cypriots.

Referring to the strategical importance of Cyprus for Turkey, Rauf Denktas said that ''Turkey will never permit Cyprus to be a Greek castle against Anatolia.''

[28] EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT CALLS ON TURKEY TO TRY CHIEF TERRORIST FAIRLY AND ABOLISH DEATH PENALTY

The draft resolution, which was submitted by seven political groups in EP, was discussed during the general council session and adopted.

The resolution also invites the European Union (EU) and the Council of Europe (COE) to watch the court sessions regularly and send observors. The resolution claimed that the court sessions should be open to the public opinion.

Inviting the new government that will be formed in Turkey to take all kinds of steps regarding the solution of the ''Southeastern problem,'' the resolution extended full support to the statements issued by Ahmet Necdet Sezer, the Chairman of the Constitutional Court regarding the right to express one's thoughts and the right to freedom of thought.

[29] CONFERENCE ON TURKISH-AMERICAN RELATIONS - PARRIS, U.S. AMBASSADOR TO TURKEY: ''ELECTIONS WERE A SURPRISE''

Addressing the opening of the 18th Turkish-American Relations Council meeting, which is held by the Turkey's American Friends, Turkish-American Council and Foreign Economic Relations Council, Parris listed the important developments that took place in Turkey as follows:

''-the Turkish economy survived in winter and entered the second quarter of the 1999 in an increasing optimism. Turkish businessmen were affected by the international financial crisis, but didn't collapse. The elections didn't cause traditional gaps in the budget.

-Turkey mobilized F-16s to Kosovo as a member of NATO and announced that it will accept 25,000 Kosovar refugees and help the 20,000 refugees in Macedonia and Albania.

-The capture of Abdullah Ocalan has been an important step in the struggle of Turkey with terrorism. Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit promised that a fair trial will be held for Ocalan and he announced the investment plan to meet socio-economic needs of the Southeastern Turkey.

-Finnally, April 18 Elections caused a surprise, this is what can be said or what should be said at the moment. There are many questions to be responded and Turks will answer them.''

[30] CONFERENCE ON TURKISH-AMERICAN RELATIONS - PARRIS, U.S. AMBASSADOR TO TURKEY: ''TURKEY'S ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE LAST YEAR SHOWED THAT SHE IS NOT LIKE THAILAND, BRAZIL OR RUSSIA''

Addressing the opening of the 18th Turkish-American Relations Council meeting, which is held by the Turkey's American Friends, Turkish-American Council and Foreign Economic Relations Council, Parris said that Turkey is an important power in the region with her western and secular values, moslem culture and traditions, modern armed forces and experiences in the field of international security.

Parris noted that the capture of the chief terrorist Ocalan brought victory to Turkey in her struggle with the terrorist PKK and the closure of the MED- TV, the mouthpiece of the terrorist PKK was one of this successes.

Parris stated that the new government can work not for few months but for years backed by a strong majority in the parliament.

Noting that many things are changing in Turkey, Parris noted that there is no change in the U.S.'s policy for Turkey and their aims are same.

''We wish a democratic and stable Turkey having a territorial integrity and which does not have any conflicts. We wish a Turkey which can adjust herself to economic developments in the region and which is dynamic. We favour such a Turkey which has relations with the West, which is responsible and which can play a constructive role in the region,'' said Parris.

Parris listed the issues that are at the agenda of Turkey and the U.S. as follows:''energy, economic reform and trade, regional cooperation, security cooperation and issues of Greece, Cyprus and Aegean.''

Parris said that U.S. is pleased about the development of relations between Turkey and Israel and the trade volume between the two countries reached one billion dollars.

Referring to the developments in the field of defense, Parris stated that the Sikorsky helicopter agreement signed in February and which is worth of 517 million dollars shows that Turkey's interest in American defense equipment continues.

[31] CONFERENCE ON TURKISH-AMERICAN RELATIONS - PARRIS, U.S. AMBASSADOR TO TURKEY: ''THE CARDS TURKEY HAS ARE VERY IMPORTANT, IF SHE PLAYS THEM WELL, SHE WILL WIN''

Addressing the opening of the 18th Turkish-American Relations Council meeting, Parris said that if Turkey and Greece have good will, common points can be found.

Noting that they were pleased with working with the government of Yılmaz and Ecevit, Parris stated that they wish to work together with the new government upon the issues at the agenda.

Stressing that Turkey has important cards in her hand, Parris said that if she can play them well, she will win and the role that will be played by the new government is important in this respect.

Parris said that the U.S. is pleased about the efforts of the Association of Turkish Industrialists and Businessmen (TUSIAD) regarding human rights and democracy and the statements of the Chairman of the Constitutional Court.

Baki Ilkin, the Turkish Ambassador to the U.S. said in his part that the April 18 elections didn't permit the formation of a government by one party, but Turkey is used to coalitions.

''I am sure that Turkey will continue to have stable economy with her tradition of democracy,'' said Ilkin, adding Turkey is in cooperation with the U.S. regarding the Middle East Peace Process and in the Balkans and the Northern Watch continues in Northern Iraq. Ilkin pointed out that the cooperation with the U.S. in the fields of defense, trade, tourism and energy continues.

Mustafa Koc, the Chairman of the Turkish-American Business Council said that Turkey is the only democracy in the region and the recent elections showed the compromising attitude of Turkey.

Koc added that businessmen believe that a stable government will be set up and economic stability will continue in Turkey.

[32] TURKEY-US-DEFENSE - GENERAL DANDIN: ''OUR FMS DEBTS SHOULD BE CLEARED, SEIA SHOULD BE REVISED AND THE U.S. SHOULD SUPPORT US''

General Dandin said that the U.S. gradually becomes a source which can't be trusted, adding ''if the U.S. wishes to get shares from our defense purchases, they should support our demands of purchase.''

Addressing the defense group of the 18th anniversary of the Turkish- American Relations Council meeting, General Dandin said that the Agreement on the Defense and Economic Cooperation which was signed in 1980 is being implemented in a way which does not meet the demands of Turkey.

Recalling that the U.S.'s military assitance and credits reached 800-900 million dollars annually in recent years, General Dandin said that this assistance was also cut off last year, adding these developments and the unwillingness of the U.S. in providing various weaponry systems to Turkey is negative.

Noting that the U.S. brings the issue of human rights to the agenda when selling weapons to Turkey, General Dandin said that double standart is applied against Turkey regarding this issue.

Turkish sources said that the U.S's giving the statute of most favoured nation statute to China, where human rights are seriously violated and her selling weapons to Saudi Arabia show the double standart against Turkey.

''Our purchase of weapons from a country which does not limit our purchases will be quite normal,'' said Dandin, recalling that Turkey will buy 150 billion dollars of weapons in 30 years and the U.S. has to take this reality into account.

Noting that the ethnical lobbies in the U.S. effects the U.S. administration which negatively influences Turkish-American relations, adding ''issues like the Cyprus problem and human rights should not come to the agenda of all Turkish-American contacts. The U.S. should rather attribute importance to issues like the Middle East and Caucasus which are to the interests of the two countries.''

A.A

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