Anadolu Agency: News in English, 99-05-18

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AA Daily

18 May 1999 Tuesday

CONTENTS

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

[02] BLOW ON TERRORIST ORGANIZATION PKK - 73 TERRORISTS RENDERED INEFFECTIVE IN TURKISH-IRAQI BORDER - FOUR SECURITY OFFICIALS DIE

[03] PREMIER ECEVIT TO MEET WITH YILMAZ, ANAP LEADER AFTER ANAP GROUP MEETING TODAY

[04] PRESIDENT DEMIREL RECEIVES YILMAZ, ANAP LEADER

[05] BOMB ATTACKS CAUSE MINOR MATERIAL DAMAGE IN ISTANBUL

[06] PRESIDENT DEMIREL TALKS TO ALIYEV, AZERBAIJANI PRESIDENT ON PHONE

[07] OCALAN'S FAMILY APPLIES TO ANKARA DGM TO PARTICIPATE IN COURT SESSION TO BE HELD ON MAY 31

[08] TRIAL OF CHIEF TERRORIST - OCALAN'S LAWYERS RETURN FROM IMRALI ISLAND

[09] TURKEY-EU RELATIONS - OZULKER, FM DEPUTY UNDERSECRETARY: ''OPENING CUSTOMS UNION TO DEBATE MEANS TURKEY'S COMMITTING SUICIDE'' - ''CU PROTECTED TURKEY AGAINST AN INTERNATIONAL CRISIS''

[10] SEARCH FOR NEW GOVERNMENT - MHP ALSO TAKES POSSIBILITY OF EARLY ELECTIONS TO ITS AGENDA

[11] GLIGOROV, MACEDONIAN PRESIDENT VISITS REFUGEE CAMP PROTECTED BY TURKISH RED CRESCENT

[12] TRNC PRESIDENT DENKTAS: ''CYPRUS QUESTION CAN ONLY BE RESOLVED WHEN GREEK CYPRIOT ADMINISTRATION REALIZES THEY ARE NOT THE GOVERNMENT OF WHOLE ISLAND''

[13] TURKEY DEMANDS TO PURCHASE WAR PLANE OF THE 21ST CENTURY - CONTACTS UNDERWAY FOR JSF PROJECT

[14] TRNC PRESIDENT DENKTAS: - ''THE GREEK CYPRIOTS ARE THE SIDE WHO TEACHES ETHNIC CLEANSING TO MILOSEVIC'' - ''GREEK CYPRIOTS MUST RECOGNIZE TRNC'S SOVEREIGNTY TO START NEGOTIATIONS''

[15] NATO'S AIR OPERATION AGAINST YUGOSLAVIA - TURKISH F-16 WAR PLANES ACCUMULATE A TOTAL OF 1,430 FLIGHT HOURS

[16] DELEGATION OF IZTO DUE TO CHINA

[17] TRNC OPENS HONORARY CONSULATE IN BUDAPEST

[18] TURKISH ARMENIANS PATRIARCH MUTAFYAN RETURNS TO TURKEY

[19] WORLD BANK PREPARES TO GIVE 200 MILLION U.S. DOLLARS CREDIT TO EXIMBANK

[20] PRESIDENT DEMIREL : - ''15 DAYS ARE NOT A LONG TIME TO FORM GOVERNMENT''

[21] PRESIDENT DEMIREL : - ''THERE IS NO NEED TO WORRY ABOUT A GOVERNMENT CRISIS''

[22] FORMER RP MEMBERS ARE UNDER JUDGEMENT WITH A CALL FOR CAPITAL PUNISHMENT

[23] PRESIDENT DEMIREL : - ''YOU CANNOT GET STUCK INTO THE PAST. WE SHOULD NOT TAKE RESENTMENTS FROM THE PAST. THIS IS NOT BENEFICIAL FOR NONE OF US''

[24] STRAITS TO BE DISCUSSED ONCE AGAIN AT IMO MEETING

[25] NUMBER OF KOSOVAR REFUGEES IN TURKEY INCREASES TO 16,240

[26] REACTIONS TO CLOSING OF ISKECE TURKISH UNION

[27] FIRE-BOMB ATTACK ON A DORMITORY WHICH HOSTS MOSTLY TURKISH WORKERS, IN PARIS

[28] TURKEY-EU RELATIONS - EU MONITORS POLITICAL DEVELOPMENTS IN ANKARA

[29] SECOND COMPARATIVE LAW SYMPOSIUM BETWEEN TURKEY AND TRNC TO BE ORGANIZED IN TRNC

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

HURRIYET (LIBERAL)

PREPARATIONS FOR THIRD NATIONALIST FRONT
The shadow of the third ''Nationalist Front'' government which had brought Turkey to darkness before 12 September 1980 is seen again over Turkey today. The first signal came from the MHP Chairmanship Council. MHP officials said that if Ecevit hands over the mandate, MHP will do its mission to form a stable and strong government. MHP administration plans to form a coalition with the Virtue Party (FP) and the True Path Party (DYP).

MILLIYET (LIBERAL)

ECONOMY CONFUSED
A month passed since the elections held on April 18. However, the laws on new budget and the draft law on banks couldn't still be adopted as the government can't be formed.

SABAH (LIBERAL)

WE ARE PROUD
CNN, the American news channel praised our pilots who have been striking against Serbs for 20 days. Our F-16 fleet whose nickname is ''Cobra'' which has deployed in Ghedi airbase of Italy hasn't missed its targets till today.

CUMHURIYET (LEFT)

THIRD VOTING TAKES PLACE TODAY
The conflict between DSP and MHP has changed the accounts for the election of the Parliament Speaker, which will take place today. If there is not any reconciliation until the third voting today, neither of the five political parties will withdraw their candidates. Meanwhile, Bahceli, MHP leader didn't respond to the request of Uluc Gurkan, DSP's candidate who wished to get an appointment from him.

RADIKAL (LEFT)

BLACK HAWKS ON THE WAY
Finally, the U.S. Congress approved the sale permission of the 50 S-70 Black Hawk type military helicopters which Turkey wanted to purchase from the U.S. The delivery of the helicopters will start this year which costs 560 million dollars.

YENİ YÜZYIL (LIBERAL)

BUSINESS WORLD NOT HOPEFUL
The optimistic expectation of the business world which has been waiting for the formation of the government this week, has disappeared following the conflict which erupted between the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) and the Democratic Left Party (DSP) regarding the formation of a coalition government.

TÜRKİYE (RIGHT)

ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)

[02] BLOW ON TERRORIST ORGANIZATION PKK - 73 TERRORISTS RENDERED INEFFECTIVE IN TURKISH-IRAQI BORDER - FOUR SECURITY OFFICIALS DIE

The Office of the General Staff said that the security forces rendered 73 terrorists ineffective, acting on an information received from a region which is close to the Turkish-Iraqi border line.

The statement added that many weapons, munitions, and food stuff were seized during the operation.

Ilhan Avcı, Sergeant Major; Ercan Uygun, Sergeant; Serkan Temeloglu, Private; and Enver Korkmaz, Private, died in the operation.

[03] PREMIER ECEVIT TO MEET WITH YILMAZ, ANAP LEADER AFTER ANAP GROUP MEETING TODAY

Responding to questions of journalists, Ecevit said that he didn't hold any contact with the ANAP leader after Yılmaz's meeting with the President.

When asked about the reason of Yılmaz's meeting with President Suleyman Demirel, Ecevit said ''it is always his right to meet with the President. He told me that he discussed the problem of government formation with President Demirel.''

''Are you still hopeful?'' asked journalists to Ecevit who said ''don't ask me further questions.''

[04] PRESIDENT DEMIREL RECEIVES YILMAZ, ANAP LEADER

After his meeting with the President, Mesut Yılmaz said that he asked President Demirel for an appointment in order to convey his own ideas about the recent political developments and to listen to the views of the President.

Noting that they've only taken up the efforts to form a new government at the meeting, Yılmaz added that he will explain his contacts and ideas considering this issue during the ANAP group meeting which will be held in the group meeting on Tuesday.

[05] BOMB ATTACKS CAUSE MINOR MATERIAL DAMAGE IN ISTANBUL

Unknown assailants hurled a pipe-bomb on the wall of Hasan Sahin Primary School on Idealtepe Bagdat Street in Maltepe district and ran away. Due to the explosion of the bomb, several windows of the school and the Maltepe Head Office building were broken.

Meanwhile, unknown assailants hurled bombs to Is Bank branch of Senesenevler on Gunaltay Street in Kadıkoy district and to Vakıfbank branch in Kartal district.

While the windows of Vakıfbank were broken, the bomb explosion caused material damage at ATM of Is Bank.

Unknown assailants hurled pipe-line bombs to BIM market in Maltepe district and to Esen Cafe in Kartal district breaking the windows of the two.

Police said that operations are underway to capture the assailants who ran away after staging the bomb attacks.

[06] PRESIDENT DEMIREL TALKS TO ALIYEV, AZERBAIJANI PRESIDENT ON PHONE

Azerbaijani Presidential Press Centre said that President Demirel suggested Aliyev, who is expected to receive the Ataturk Peace Award on May 19 in Ankara, to take a rest in Turkey.

The statement noted that Aliyev recovered and accepted the invitation of President Demirel.

Aliyev thanked to President Demirel for his close interest, the statement added.

[07] OCALAN'S FAMILY APPLIES TO ANKARA DGM TO PARTICIPATE IN COURT SESSION TO BE HELD ON MAY 31

Ender Buyukculha, one of the lawyers of Ankara Bar came to Ankara DGM the same day and applied to the Chief Prosecution to request the participation of 12 relatives of the suspect Ocalan in the court sessions.

Buyukculha also informed the DGM No. 2 about the names of 12 lawyers, including himself who will defend Ocalan.

The court sent the list of lawyers to DGM Chief Prosecution the same day. It has been seen that the names of Zeki Okcuoglu and his brother Selim Okcuoglu are not included in the list.

Meanwhile, Ocalan requested the court to give him a typewriter to prepare his written defense till the court hearing that will be heard on May 31.

[08] TRIAL OF CHIEF TERRORIST - OCALAN'S LAWYERS RETURN FROM IMRALI ISLAND

Arriving in Mudanya at 18.30 local time, Ercan Kanar, one of the lawyers claimed that ''the impediments that stand in front of the defense right continues and there isn't any change regarding the isolation conditions of Ocalan although the trial date is soon.''

Alleging that newspapers belonging to two-three days earlier are given to his client, Kanar said ''we can meet with our client only under very strict conditions; thus, we won't be able to defend our client in a true manner.''

Kanar claimed that ''unless the parliament adopts a change in laws, the State Security Court should not hear this case.''

Responding to a question asking ''will the non-existence of Ahmet Zeki Okcuoglu and Selim Okcuoglu among the 12 lawyers who will defend Ocalan cause trouble in respect of defense?'' Kanar said, ''all lawyers will determine their attitude by their own free decisions. We informed the Ankara State Security Court about the names of lawyers who want to participate in the court sessions. The non-existence of Ahmet Zeki Okcuoglu ve Selim Okcuoglu won't cause trouble in respect of defense, the thing that matters is the preparation of the appropriate conditions which will ease the defense and this doesn't depend on lawyers or persons.''

Noting that the case file is composed of 45-50 folders and they won't be able to prepare a convenient defense till May 31, Kanar said, ''if the conditions don't change, we can request time for our defense in the first court session.''

[09] TURKEY-EU RELATIONS - OZULKER, FM DEPUTY UNDERSECRETARY: ''OPENING CUSTOMS UNION TO DEBATE MEANS TURKEY'S COMMITTING SUICIDE'' - ''CU PROTECTED TURKEY AGAINST AN INTERNATIONAL CRISIS''

Addressing a conference held at State Statistics Institute (DIE), Ozulker evaluated the relations between Turkey and the EU.

Noting that the customs deal is not an agreement, but the implementation of an agreement, Uluc Ozulker pointed out that ''the customs union protected Turkey against an international crisis. If Turkey suffered from the international crisis in the minumum level, this was probably due to the fact that more than 50 percent of our market share is in EU countries.''

''In a period in which our exports is in recession, the only bloc in which our exports didn't decrease is the EU,'' said Ozulker, adding if Turkey gives up the customs union deal with the EU, 25 percent of her experts on the average will immediately stop.

Recalling that seven out of ten countries which invest in Turkey are EU countries due to the stability atmosphere the customs union has provided, Ozulker stressed that Turkey can't give up customs union, adding if Turkey also gives up her political target of being a full member of the EU, it will be difficult to make the customs union survive.

''Customs union is implementation of an agreement. Following EU's opening of its markets to Turkey on January 1, 1973, the customs union is the response given by the EU to Turkey after 22 years. It is a part of the agreement and its duration is definite. The stage in which a certain period was completed is December 31, 1995. Only after 1984, Turkey took up the issue of full membership to the EU seriously. We lost 11-12 years in vain, '' said Ozulker.

Pointing out that Europe has not given up its relations with Turkey in its real meaning, Ozulker said ''I can say that our margin of bargaining with Europe can be very high, if Turkey can fulfil her homework.''

Stressing that if the factor of Greece didn't exist, the official confirmation of Turkey's candidacy would be realized, Ozulker said that EU has understood the mistake it made during the Luxembourg Summit and it believes that Turkey's isolation from the EU is harmful for everbody.

Noting that if Turkey is not a full member of the EU, it won't be the end of the world, Ozulker said that Turkey will continue to live remaining as a part of the west and a closer ally of the U.S.

''The current situation shows that Turkey is missing the train, if the train goes far and if we can't give our decision, we won't be able to join the EU. This does not mean that Turkey goes away from Europe, Turkey is a part of Europe,'' he added.

[10] SEARCH FOR NEW GOVERNMENT - MHP ALSO TAKES POSSIBILITY OF EARLY ELECTIONS TO ITS AGENDA

MHP officials told A.A correspondent that Bulent Ecevit, the Premier and the leader of DSP was assigned by President Suleyman Demirel to form the government on May 3, 1999, adding ''these 14 days is a very long time. Mr. Ecevit who concluded the first round contacts, has to hand over the mandate after the second round.''

Noting that there is also the possibility of formation of a government among DSP, ANAP, and the True Path Party (DYP), MHP officials said that if the DSP can't form the government, this mission will be given to them in line with the political customs.

MHP officials added that the efforts to form the 57th government can also be unsuccessful, adding the possibility of early elections is also on their agenda.

[11] GLIGOROV, MACEDONIAN PRESIDENT VISITS REFUGEE CAMP PROTECTED BY TURKISH RED CRESCENT

Welcomed by Mustafa Fazlı Kesmir, the Turkish Ambassador to Macedonia on his arrival in the Kosovar refugee camp, Gligorov thanked to Turkey for her support extended to Macedonia regarding the issue of refugees.

Gligorov said, ''Turkey has extended all kind of support to Macedonia from the beginning, she has been besides us in our most difficult days, and has not refrained from giving material support,'' adding the 100,000 dollars President Demirel donated to Macedonia will be spent to meet the needs of refugees in the camps.

[12] TRNC PRESIDENT DENKTAS: ''CYPRUS QUESTION CAN ONLY BE RESOLVED WHEN GREEK CYPRIOT ADMINISTRATION REALIZES THEY ARE NOT THE GOVERNMENT OF WHOLE ISLAND''

Denktas received General Cevik Bir in Istanbul on Monday. Denktas told reporters prior to the meeting that the Greek Cypriots continue provocations, and added that ten thousand Greek Cypriots held a demonstration on Sunday to show their support for the Serbs.

''I hope the world sees and realizes what these people are trying to do. They want to look like the sole owners of the Island,'' the TRNC President stated and continued:

''We emphasize this: The Cyprus problem can only be resolved when the Greek Cypriot administration realizes that they are not the government of the whole island. They want to include Cyprus in the European Union, and take the possession of the whole island and leave no rights for Turkey. This is a big dream.''

Denktas pointed out that he made it clear to the whole world that Turkey who sacrificed her sons for Cyprus, cannot give up its rights on the island.

''Turkish-Greek balance must be maintained for peace and stability in the region. We want the world to realize these facts,'' Denktas concluded.

[13] TURKEY DEMANDS TO PURCHASE WAR PLANE OF THE 21ST CENTURY - CONTACTS UNDERWAY FOR JSF PROJECT

According to the news published in Defense News magazine, which is known as the publication organ of the defense circle in the U.S, the Turkish government officials and the Turkish Aviation and Space Industry (TAI) started to hold contacts with the American administration and the firms to this end.

Kathy Crawford, the Pentagon's Spokesperson, of the JSF Program confirmed the news saying that initial contacts were held about this issue.

Military experts in the Washington D.C. told A.A correspondent that JSF is the most correct choice which will improve the talent of the Turkish Air Forces in the coming ten years. Experts said that they expect the U.S to accept the request of Turkey.

Turkey plans to change its existing F-16 war planes with JSF which has superior features towards 2010.

TAI which produces jointly the F-16 planes of the Turkish Armed Forces, plans to take part in the JSF project.

TAI officials have recently held contacts with representatives of Lockheed Martin and Boeing firms which are the American partners of the new project.

The project which is planned to come true within the U.S. Air Forces after six years, is estimated to cost 85 billion dollars.

Therefore, Turkey has determined the main air plane she will use in the coming 25 years. Eurofighter improved by European countries and modernized F-15 planes of the U.S had earlier been regarded as alternatives to the JSF.

[14] TRNC PRESIDENT DENKTAS: - ''THE GREEK CYPRIOTS ARE THE SIDE WHO TEACHES ETHNIC CLEANSING TO MILOSEVIC'' - ''GREEK CYPRIOTS MUST RECOGNIZE TRNC'S SOVEREIGNTY TO START NEGOTIATIONS''

Denktas spoke at a meeting at Yunus Emre Cultural Center in Istanbul. The TRNC President said Turkish troops came to the island in 1960 to guarantee that Turkish and Greek Cypriots will have equal rights and the Greek Cypriots will not have tyranny over the Turks on the Island.

The TRNC President described the Greek side as ''Milosevic's teacher'' and said, ''the Greek Cypriots are the side who teaches ethnic cleansing to Milosevic. Makarios had said 'If Turkey enters Cyprus, it cannot find any Turks on the Island'. If we had said this, they would have been contemptful towards us. Now, they are rewarding those who killed babies, women, and the elderly, and they recognize them as 'legal government'. If Turkey hadn't intervened, there would have been no Turks left alive on the Island.''

The TRNC President stated that the Greek side is trying to spoil the balance on the Island by bringing in the multi-national NATO force and taking the Turkish soldiers off the Island.

''We told them that if the Greek Cypriots get closer to Greece, we will get close to Turkey. If the EU disregards that the application of the Greek Cypriot side for full membership is for political purposes, and continues to exclude us and Turkey, this would build higher walls between two countries,'' Denktas said.

Reminding the words of Ataturk who has said 'the law and rights which are not based on sovereignty cannot be considered as law and rights', Denktas pointed out that the rights given only on paper are not rights, and this problem has emerged because the papers on which the rights are written have been torn apart in the past.

''We can only start the negotiations if the Greek side recognizes our sovereignty. Turkey has given this message to the world: Whoever attacks the TRNC, attacks Turkey. The world should know this. This has given us relief,'' Denktas concluded.

The TRNC President, after completing his contacts in Istanbul, returned to the Island on Monday night.

[15] NATO'S AIR OPERATION AGAINST YUGOSLAVIA - TURKISH F-16 WAR PLANES ACCUMULATE A TOTAL OF 1,430 FLIGHT HOURS

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 14 hours on May 17.

Meanwhile, a total of 859,788 Kosovar people were displaced so far as a result of ethnic cleansing campaign in Kosovo. According to the latest figures, there are 14,231 refugees in Turkey; 50 thousand in Serbia; 64,400 in Montenegro; 430 thousand in Albania; 236,500 thousand in Macedonia; 18, 500 in Bosnia-Herzegovina, and 46,257 in other countries.

A total of 14,231 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 6,953 Kosovars have been sheltered at Gaziosmanpasa Refugee Camp in Kirklareli province.

Turkey has provided shelters for a total of 5,700 Kosovar refugees in camps in Macedonia and Albania. Both camps have capacity to host 20 thousand refugees.

[16] DELEGATION OF IZTO DUE TO CHINA

The delegation headed by Mehmet Akyelli, the Acting Chairman of Executive Board of IZTO, will make observations in the 6th International Beijing Technology Fair, and will hold bilateral talks with the representatives of firms in the fair.

Members of the delegation is also scheduled to visit the Turkish Embassy in Beijing, and the Chinese Council to Improve International Trade.

In a written statement, Ekrem Demirtas, the Chairman of Executive Board of IZTO, reminded that the IZTO pays a business visit to People's Republic of China every year.

Demirtas added, ''Our visit to China aims at improving commercial relations between the two countries. In the last three years, we have recorded significant developments in commercial relations with China.''

Omer Kaplan, the Acting Chairman of IZTO, Halil Ozsarlak, the Director General of Provincial Industry and Trade, and members of the Executive Board of IZTO are in the delegation.

[17] TRNC OPENS HONORARY CONSULATE IN BUDAPEST

Following the opening of an Embassy by the Greek Cypriot administration in Budapest, the TRNC assigned John McGough, a U.S. and Swiss citizen as the Honorary Representative of the TRNC in Hungary. McGough was given his title by Gulsen Bozkurt, the TRNC Minister of Health who was in Budapest to attend an international health conference. During the conference Bozkurt, briefed about children's health problems in the TRNC. The TRNC flags were hoisted both outside and inside the conference hall were noticeable.

[18] TURKISH ARMENIANS PATRIARCH MUTAFYAN RETURNS TO TURKEY

Mutafyan told reporters at Istanbul's Ataturk Airport that his visit to Armenia had a very positive effect on Armenian people which will help to improve bilateral relations between Turkey and Armenia.

Papa Jean Paul's visit to the Armenian Church in 2001 during the 1700th anniversary celebrations of the Church was discussed at the Convention, Mutafyan added.

The Patriarch, during his visit to Armenia, also had contacts with government authorities during which he discussed the development of bilateral ties between the two countries.

[19] WORLD BANK PREPARES TO GIVE 200 MILLION U.S. DOLLARS CREDIT TO EXIMBANK

The contacts between the Turkish Treasury and the World Bank authorities which lasted for two weeks in Washington have been finalized.

The World Bank will soon give the 200 million U.S. dollars credit to Eximbank which will be used in export sector. The authorities stated that this credit which has reasonable conditions was very valuable during a time when the export sector shrank and foreign borrowing became difficult.

The World Bank had previously announced that it could give Turkey Structural Adjustment Credit of 3 billion U.S. dollars for the materialization of structural reforms if Turkey makes an agreement with the IMF.

[20] PRESIDENT DEMIREL : - ''15 DAYS ARE NOT A LONG TIME TO FORM GOVERNMENT''

Responding to questions of journalists, Demirel pointed out that the issue of forming a new government goes on in its course.

Noting that there is no difficulties for a government to get vote of confidence, but the new government can encounter with complication to work in harmony, President Demirel told reporters, ''I believe that these complications can be overcomed easily. I want public opinion to be calm and coolheaded over the issue.''

Reminding that tendency of the public opinion following the April 18 general elections is a coalition government among the Democratic Left Party (DSP), the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) and the Motherland Party (ANAP), President Demirel also added, ''today, public opinion's tendency is the same.''

[21] PRESIDENT DEMIREL : - ''THERE IS NO NEED TO WORRY ABOUT A GOVERNMENT CRISIS''

When asked, ''general elections were held nearly one month ago, but a negative picture has appeared in formation of new government. Is Turkey heading to a government crisis,'' Demirel told reporters, ''the Higher Elections Board announced results of general elections on April 28. Five days later, the Parliament convened. A mechanism has been set in motion on May 3 for the formation of new government. Following the talks with political party leaders, I considered Mr. Ecevit's Democratic Left Party (DSP) as the nearest party to the vote of confidence. I have designated Mr. Ecevit to form the government on May 3. Fifteen days passed from then till now. 15 days are not a long time to form government. There is no need to worry about a government crisis. The issue of forming a new government goes on in its course.''

Reminding that tendency of the public opinion following the April 18 general elections is a coalition government among the Democratic Left Party (DSP), the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) and the Motherland Party (ANAP), President Demirel also added, ''today, public opinion's tendency is the same. Mr. Ecevit endeavours to realize this tendency.''

[22] FORMER RP MEMBERS ARE UNDER JUDGEMENT WITH A CALL FOR CAPITAL PUNISHMENT

The defendants Ahmet Tekdal, Erol Yarar, Chairman of the Independent Industrialist and Businessmen Association (MUSIAD), Ali Bayramoglu, Deputy Chairman of MUSIAD and their lawyers attended the first hearing of the case in Ankara State Security Court (DGM) which was opened by Nuh Mete Yuksel, Republican Prosecutor.

Tekdal read out his 13 page defense after the indictment was read. Tekdal said there were statements in the indictment which were attributed to several people, adding that ''even if we accept that there are such statements, although there are not such statements in fact, they should be evaluated within the context of freedom of thought.''

Tekdal defended that these statements were repeated in various parts of the indictment to show as if there were many crimes, and he claimed that material and moral aspects of the crime were not formed in the case.

Tekdal said the indictment was prepared with a political aim targetting National Youth Foundation (MGV) ''I have no connection with this foundation'' he added. Tekdal said he did not commit the crime that was forwarded to him and wanted to be exempted from the hearings on grounds that he did not have links with this case that was opened against MGV.

The 75-page indictment, prepared by Nuh Mete Yuksel, Ankara DGM Prosecutor, including information about National View, says ''National View aims at establishing a state order based on principles of Shariah after damaging secular and democratic Republican regime in Turkey whose qualities were determined in the Constitution. The indictment said there is an organized link between the closed RP, the Virtue Party (FP) and National View Organization.

The indictment says money which was collected under the name of aid to Bosnia, were spent within the cadres of national view organization.

The last part of the indictment calls for capital punishment of the defendants on grounds that they committed the crime of trying to change the political, economic and legal basic orders of Constitutional order of the state according to the religious basis.

The indictment also calls for closure of MGV and MUSIAD, which expends support to this foundation.

[23] PRESIDENT DEMIREL : - ''YOU CANNOT GET STUCK INTO THE PAST. WE SHOULD NOT TAKE RESENTMENTS FROM THE PAST. THIS IS NOT BENEFICIAL FOR NONE OF US''

Responding to questions of journalists, President Demirel noted, ''there are five political parties in the parliament. This means that there are many alternatives to form the new government.''

When asked about a possible minority government, Demirel told the reporters, ''minority government is formed in necessary situations, but minority government encounters with difficulties to stimulate the Parliament. The 56th government could not stimulate the government at all, even 55th government had encountered with difficulties to do this.''

Responding to a question about the Nationalist Front governments formed in the past, Demirel emphasized, ''there is no need for such discussions, otherwise we will hurt each other once again. We did it many times before. You cannot get stuck into the past. We should not take resentments from the past. This is not beneficial for none of us. As we approach to the 21st century, I want Turkey to leave behind all resentments and angers.''

When asked about the presidency system, President Demirel said, ''Turkey should be administrated in a better way. No one can reject this. A better administration depends on a state reform. And such a reform includes many reforms in the Elections Law, the Political Parties Law, education, local administration, and the social security.''

[24] STRAITS TO BE DISCUSSED ONCE AGAIN AT IMO MEETING

Omer Kilic, the Maritime Acting Undersecretary and a delegation of 26 headed by Mithat Rende, Turkey's IMO Representative will represent Turkey during the meeting which will last for 12 days. The delegation formed by the representatives of the Maritime Undersecretariat, the Foreign Ministry, universities, and private sector will resist against the efforts of some countries led by Russia and Greece to change the regulations of the Straits.

Greece and Russia who also received support from Bulgaria, Ukrania, Greek Cypriot administration and some other countries, had started a struggle in the previous meetings to change the ''one way traffic'' regulation in the Straits, claiming that it causes delays in the Straits. The report they prepared was taken back even before it was submitted to confirmation due to the efforts of the Turkish delegation. The Committee had proposed making of another report. Turkey must be among the countries who will prepare the report, the Committee had said.

Turkey will continue its defense on the same basis about the Straits regulations and the delays that occur because of the ''traffic separation schemes''. The Maritime Security Committe had approved the ''traffic separation schemes'' in 1994.

The existing regulations are the best ones and any deviations from these would result in disasters, the Turkish delegation will explain. The tankers, mostly carrying oil, wait while the traffic flows in the opposite direction and this is the most effective way to prevent accidents, it will be noted. They will defend the view that delay for safety is indispensable. The delegation will also brief about the new radar system ''VTS'' which will start to be used to regulate the Strait traffic.

The delegation also aims to include the responsibilities of those who use the Straits in the report. The Turkish delegation will remind the sides of the ''strong recommendation to use a guide captan'' which was approved by the IMO Assembly in 1995.

The Turkish side will stress that only 38 percent of tankers listen to this advice and the tanker captains who don't want to spend 1000-1500 U.S. dollars cause delays. This will also disprove the claims of those who quote the Montreux Agreement which says tankers can use guide captains ''if they wish''.

Statistics will also be shown by the Turkish side to prove that 50 percent of tankers violate the ''report system'' and the delegation will ask all the tankers to obey this rule.

[25] NUMBER OF KOSOVAR REFUGEES IN TURKEY INCREASES TO 16,240

The Interior Ministry issued a statement saying that a total of 6,994 Kosovar refugees including 2,504 women, 1,797 men and 2,693 children have entered Turkey from the Kapikule Border Gate in Edirne; 7,414 others including 2,862 women, 2,630 men and 1,922 children have arrived at the Corlu Airport in Tekirdag, and 1,083 of them, including 659 women, 642 men, and 531 children have arrived at the Ataturk Airport in Istanbul as of 10:00 local time on Tuesday.

The statement noted that 7,099 Kosovar refugees including 2,187 women, 1, 951 men, and 2,961 children have been provided shelters in the Gaziosmanpasa Refugee Camp in Kirklareli province.

[26] REACTIONS TO CLOSING OF ISKECE TURKISH UNION

Hasanoglu said that the first case to close the Iskece Turkish Union was opened in 1984 only because it has the word ''Turk'' in it. This shows that Greece misused its justice mechanism in its assimilation policy by closing the Union 15 years after the case was opened, he added.

He described the situation ''shameful'' and stated that Greece, with this decision, violated Lausanne and other agreements which protects the minority rights.

[27] FIRE-BOMB ATTACK ON A DORMITORY WHICH HOSTS MOSTLY TURKISH WORKERS, IN PARIS

Four persons who were injured in the blast, were taken to hospital.

Fire brigade teams succeeded in taking fire under control.

A full investigation regarded with the attack, is underway.

Meanwhile, French security forces noted that tension escalated between Turkish immigrant workers and supporters of terrorists organization PKK some time ago.

Officials also added that this tension could be the motive of the attack.

[28] TURKEY-EU RELATIONS - EU MONITORS POLITICAL DEVELOPMENTS IN ANKARA

While the EU Commission's spokesmen noted that they do not want to evaluate result of general elections before formation of new Turkish government, reliable sources within structures of the Union said that they expect the new government to be formed before the Koln Summit which will be held between June 3-4.

Defending that Germany's term presidency period was a ''loss'' for the political dialogue with Turkey, the EU sources described the Koln Summit, the elections for the European Parliament, and formation of new Turkish government as ''significant corners'' for all sides.

They said that decision regarded with the European Security and Defense Identity which will be taken at the Koln Summit, will take into consideration Turkey's expectations which she had put forward at the Washington Summit.

The same sources said that structure of ESDI will be determined at the end of 2000, adding that Turkey's importance within the framework of this formation, cannot be ignored.

Sources stressed that Turkey's importance have been revealed once again during the Kosovo crisis.

Reminding that Turkey will attend the Stability Pact meeting on May 27 in Germany besides Russia, the U.S., and Canada, the same sources noted that the meeting will be repeated at ministry level in coming months. They also underlined importance of Ankara's role in the Balkans.

Addressing a press conference, Niko Wegter, the EU Commission Spokesman, said that the EU thinks about signing partnership agreements with several Balkan countries such as Macedonia and Albania, and stressed that Turkey's situation is totaly different because she has been a partner of the Union since 1963.

The EU sources also added that actual discussions and bargainings such as ESDI and the Stability Pact, are new opportunities to revive political dialogue with Turkey.

[29] SECOND COMPARATIVE LAW SYMPOSIUM BETWEEN TURKEY AND TRNC TO BE ORGANIZED IN TRNC

Mehmet Uygun, the Head of the Supreme Court; Vural Savas, the Republic Chief Prosecutor; Erol Cirakman, the Head of the State Council; and Bahadir Dogusoy, the Justice Ministry Undersecretary will attend the symposium which aims to offer an opportunity to the jurists to exchange views on certain subjects. The law students will also be given information about the following matters.

The symposium will have four categories which are the current problems of law education in Turkey and the TRNC, the legal frame of Turkish-TRNC common economic field, justice institutions in the TRNC and some current problems of the law.

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