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Anadolu Agency: News in English, 99-09-24
AA Daily
24 Sept 1999 Friday
CONTENTS
[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN
[02] These are some of the major headlines and their brief stories in
Turkey's press on Sept 24, 1999. The Anadolu Ajansi does not verify these
stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.
[03] HURRIYET (LIBERAL) - ------------------ AKUT MIRACLE IN TAIWAN The
voluntary rescue team AKUT pulled out a Chinese woman under the rubble
where the other rescue teams could not enter. The AKUT team entered into
the rubble of a 18-floor building and pulled a woman 50 hours after the
quake which hit Taiwan. Lee Teng-Hui, Taiwanese President, thanked the AKUT
team for its efforts.
[04] LEADERS SUMMIT The leaders of the coalition parties had a meeting.
Premier Bulent Ecevit and the leader of the Democratic Left Party (DSP),
Devlet Bahceli, the Deputy Prime Minister and the leader of the Nationalist
Movement Party (MHP), and Mesut Yilmaz, the leader of the Motherland Party
(ANAP), had a meeting which lasted for two and a half hours. Yilmaz
informed the leaders about his visit to Russia while Ecevit gave
information about the developments about his visit to the U.S. this
weekend. The leaders discussed what Turkey's stance will be against the
possible proposals of U.S. President Bill Clinton.
[05] MILLIYET (LIBERAL) - ----------------- REPENTANCE STEP The
''surrender'' call of Abdullah Ocalan, the head of the terrorist
organization, led to some developments. The so-called chairmanship council
of the terrorist organization said that they would send a peace and
democratic solution group to Turkey. Premier Bulent Ecevit said that those
who surrender to the security forces will be tolerated and that they will
consider this as a positive development.
[06] IMF WANTS REFORMS Bargainings are expected to take place during the
meetings among the Turkish delegation, the International Monetary Fund
(IMF) and the World Bank which will start next week. The IMF asks Turkey to
start the reform preparations for the expenditures, financial sector and
the agricultural sector while the World Bank will propose that the
international aid and credits granted to Turkey after the quake should be
used ''under its coordination.''
[07] SABAH (LIBERAL) - -------------- A REPORT INCREASING MORALE The
International Monetary Fund (IMF) issued a report titled ''Appearance of
Global Economy.'' The report said that Turkish government gave the signal
that it was serious about implementing economic and structural reforms.
Emphasizing that the financial policy measures were loosened due to the
elections in April, the report noted that this loosening oppressed the debt
payment structure and increased the interest rates. Recalling that Turkey's
economy entered into the revival process by the measures taken before the
quake hit Turkey, the report stressed that the medium and long term
structural reforms carry importance and that a firmer monetary policy, and
a policy which is supported by the reforms in banking and agriculture
sectors are necessary to struggle with inflation.
[08] FM CEM: ''THERE IS NO PRESSURE ABOUT CYPRUS QUESTION'' Ismail Cem, the
Foreign Minister, met with Madelaine Albright, the U.S. Secretary of State,
and Marc Grossman, the U.S. Assistant Secretary of State responsible for
the European relations. Cem said on Friday that the U.S. did not put
pressure about Cyprus question. Responding to a question on what he thinks
about the allegations saying that there are pressures on Cyprus question,
Cem said that he has not faced any pressure and that if there were any
pressure, he would see it.
[09] CUMHURIYET (LEFT) - ---------------- CYPRUS MESSAGE TO U.S. Sukru Sina
Gurel, the State Minister, received Tahsin Ertugruloglu, the Foreign and
Defense Minister of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).
Ertugruloglu said that Turkish Cypriot side is not the one which refrains
from negotiations but that it is the side which wants and urges for
negotiations; adding that their policy about this issue cannot be made a
matter of discussion. Gurel noted that the solution on Cyprus question lies
on the truths of the Island and that those who want to find a final
solution about the Cyprus question which can satisfy everbody, should take
into consideration these truths. Gurel added that reaching final solution
is the business of the two nations living on Cyprus.
[10] BRITISH DELEGATION TO VISIT DISASTER ZONE Nick Raynsford, the British
Minister of State responsible for the public works and settlement, visited
Ali Mufit Gurtuna, Istanbul Mayor, to learn about the prior problems
following the quake. Raynsford also visited Erol Cakir, Istanbul Mayor.
Raynsford said that he aims at observing the effects of the quake and what
they can do for the humanitarian aid and reconstruction activities in the
quake zone.
[11] RADIKAL (LEFT) - --------------- ''LET'S DEMOLISH THIS WALL BETWEEN
TWO PEOPLES ON CYPRUS'' Yorgo Papandreu, the Greek Foreign Minister told
the U.N. General Assembly meeting that ''this artificial Berlin wall
between two peoples on Cyprus should be demolished.'' Foreign Minister
Ismail Cem evaluated this statement by saying that ''Greece thinks now that
the interests of Greece are in line with making friendship with Turkey.''
[12] U.S.'S NEW FORMULA FOR CYPRUS The U.S. which focused on the Cyprus
question aims at bringing the two sides on Cyprus together in West Point.
After pursuing shuttle diplomacy, the U.N. Secretary General will bring
TRNC President Rauf Denktas with Glafcos Clerides, the Greek Cypriot
leader. It is claimed that this call will be announced one or two days
following the meeting between Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit and U.S.
President Bill Clinton.
[13] TÜRKİYE (RIGHT) - ---------------- MEETING IN PRESIDENTIAL PALACE
Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit informed President Suleyman Demirel about the
details of his visit to the U.S. which will start on Sunday. Ecevit said
that certain internal and foreign issues were also taken up in his meeting
with President Demirel.
[14] TANTAN RESOLVED TO SOLVE MURDERS Saadettin Tantan, the Minister of
Interior set up a special team in Ankara Security to solve such murders,
which couldn't be clarified. Tantan stressed that the team will solve the
mysterious murders of Ugur Mumcu, a famous journalist-writer, Bahriye Ucok,
a professor and Muammer Aksoy.
[15] ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE) - -------------------- MAFIA FIGHT EXPECTED
Sources close to the mafia world say that the news about the fight in
Bayrampasa prison can provoke Alaattin Cakıcı, a famous mafia boss who is
imprisoned in France and new clashes can take place.
[16] PREMIER ECEVIT: MEASURES WILL BE TAKEN Premier Ecevit accepted the
fact that prisons are one of the most important problems of Turkey. ''In
some prisons, terrorists and criminals use these places as training centers,
'' said Ecevit, noting that the government will take the necessary measures
to prevent this.
[17] PRIME MINISTER BULENT ECEVIT DISCUSSES DETAILS OF HIS U.S. VISIT WITH
PRESIDENT DEMIREL
[18] ANKARA, Sept 24 (A.A) - Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said that he
discussed some details of his U.S. visit with President Suleyman Demirel,
it was reported on Thursday. Ecevit will leave for the U.S. on Sunday.
Responding to a question about reorganization of Red Crescent's activities,
Ecevit stated that Red Crescent had very important functions. ''It gave
very important services in the past. However, the earthquake was massive.
The government is taking some measures to remove Red Crescent's handicaps
and to equip it with modern equipment,'' he explained. Ecevit said who will
be appointed as a coordinator governor to the disaster area will soon be
announced. About the fight that broke at Bayrampasa Prison, Ecevit noted
that prisons were one of the leading problems of Turkey. The Prime Minister
said the architectures of some prisons should be changed and noted that the
Justice Ministry has a project on this subject which is in its advance
stages.
[19] TURKEY-U.S. TEXTILE QUOTAS TALKS EXTEND SINCE PARTIES CANNOT REACH
AGREEMENT
[20] WASHINGTON D.C., Sept 24 (A.A) - The meetings held between the Turkish
and U.S. delegations to rearrange the quotas imposed on Turkish textile and
ready-made clothes exports, extended since the delegations couldn't reach
an agreement on Friday. A Turkish official told A.A correspondent that they
have enhanced their expectations but the U.S. delegation does not tend to
accept their expectations. The official said that since they could not
reach an agreement, the textile talks extended for a few more days. A
delegation headed by Kursad Tuzmen, the Foreign Trade Undersecretary,
represents Turkey in the meetings. Tuzmen will meet with David Aaron, the
U.S. Department of Trade Undersecretary, today. Madeleine Albright, U.S.
Secretary of State, earlier said that the U.S. will rearrange the textile
quotas to assist Turkey which faced significant economic losses. Turkish
diplomatic sources in Washington D.C. said that they are hopeful about the
results of the meetings because the U.S. proposed having a meeting for
rearranging the textile quotas although this issue has been a very
sensitive issue for years. The U.S. imposes 42 different quotas to Turkish
textile and ready-made cloth products. The sources in Washington D.C. said
that Turkey uses only eight of these quotas while the diplomatic sources
said that the U.S. is in favour of transfering the quotas which are not
used, to the other quotas which are used rather than increasing the textile
quotas.
[21] NARCOTIC TEAMS SEIZE 172 KILOGRAMS OF HEROIN IN ISTANBUL
[22] ISTANBUL, Sept 24 (A.A) - Hasan Ozdemir, the Istanbul Security
Director, said on Friday that a total of 172 kilograms of heroin was seized
in two separate operations in Istanbul and seven people were arrested
related to the incidents during the past week. The total market value of
the heroin is about 5 trillion Turkish Liras, it was reported. Ozdemir said
166 kilograms of heroin was found hidden in a truck in Silivri two days
ago. The heroin which came from Iran was going to be sent to Holland. Three
people were taken under custody related to the incident. In a seperate
operation, more than six kilos of heroin was hidden in book covers in
Gungoren. Four people were caught during the operation. In both operations,
one truck, two cars, one unlicenced gun and five books were confiscated.
Ozdemir said their determined struggle against drug dealers will continue.
In the last month, Istanbul Narcotic teams seized 285 kilograms of heroin,
21.5 kilograms of hashish, 78 grams of cocaine, and more than 292,000
pills. They also arrested 111 people and confiscated 9 guns.
[23] PRESIDENT DEMIREL COMES TOGETHER WITH ALIA IZZETBEGOVIC, MEMBER OF
BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA TRIPLE CHAIRMANSHIP COUNCIL
[24] ANKARA, Sept 24 (A.A) - President Suleyman Demirel came together with
Alia Izzetbegovic, member of Bosnia-Herzegovina Triple Chairmanship Council
on Friday. Demirel said Turkey was grateful to Bosnia-Herzegovina for the
close attention they showed to Turkey since the first days of the disaster.
Prior to their meeting, Demirel said that Izzetbegovic bravely stood
against the shame of humanity in Bosnia and represented his country's hope.
President Demirel said Turkey always supported its Bosnian brothers during
their struggle. Izzetbegovic said he came to Turkey to examine the disaster
area and express feelings of solidarity to Turkish people one more time.
Turkish people's struggle during the War of Independence was an example for
people of Bosnia-Herzegovina, he noted and also said that Turkey always
gave them courage when they went through hard times. Izzetbegovic also
expressed grief over the quake disaster. ''This disaster will bring Turkish
people closer,'' he pointed out. The economy of Bosnia-Herzegovina is not
very strong, therefore they cannot send as much aid as they desired,
Izzetbegovic said and added that they will try to contribute to aid efforts
as much as they could.
[25] BAKU-CEYHAN OIL PIPELINE TALKS - ERSUMER, MINISTER OF ENERGY AND
NATURAL RESOURCES: ''TALKS CARRIED OUT ON THE ISSUE OF BAKU-CEYHAN PIPELINE
PROJECT REACHED AN IMPORTANT STAGE''
[26] ANKARA, Sept 24 (A.A) - Cumhur Ersumer, Minister of Energy and Natural
Resources, said on Friday that talks related with Baku-Ceyhan oil pipeline
which envisages transporting Caspian oil to western markets, reached an
important stage. Ersumer said ''I have the hope that ongoing meetings of
working groups will be the last meeting.'' Ersumer evaluated the final
stage reached in Baku-Ceyhan oil pipeline project, Turkmen natural gas and
''Blue Stream'' projects. Speaking to A.A correspondent Ersumer recalled
that meetings of working groups, composed of Turkey, AIOC, Azeri and
operation company of the international consortium and BP-Amaco companies,
formed for Baku-Ceyhan pipeline project, started on Thursday. Ersumer said
''the talks reached an important stage'', adding that ''I have the hope
that the ongoing talks in Ankara will be the last talks. We are in a
position to put an end to this.'' Ersumer said if an agreement is reached
between the sides and if the memorandum of understanding is initialed
during the talks that are under way in Ankara, finance issue of Baku-Ceyhan
pipeline project will be taken up during the scheduled visit of Prime
Minister Ecevit to the U.S. Ersumer said Turkey has announced the cost of
the project which it envisaged on Baku-Ceyhan pipeline project. It has
given gurantee that it will meet the cost if it is above this. Price
guarantee has been provided. Minister of Energy said efforts were under way
related with a project foreseeing transferring Turkmenistan natural gas to
Turkey and from there to Europe through a pipeline that will be installed
under the basis of Caspian sea. Ersumer noted that searches for finance on
the issue of ''blue stream'' project continued, and added that during the
talks Turkey has conveyed to the other side that it has not taken a
decision yet regarding the additional protocol which Russia demanded from
Turkey.
[27] COUNCIL OF EUROPE PARLIAMENTARIAN ASSEMBLY TO FORM NEW COMMITTEE TO
FOLLOW NEW DEVELOPMENTS REGARDING THE TRIAL OF OCALAN
[28] STRASBOURG, Sept 24 (A.A) - Council of Europe Parliamentarian Assembly
(COEPA) decided to form a new committee to follow new legal developments
about the trial of Ocalan, the head of the terrorist organization, it was
reported on Friday. At Friday's meeting of COEPA Chairmanship Council, the
Dutch parliamentarian Erik Jurgens' proposal was discussed. Jurgen's
proposal includes a research on Ocalan's trial which will take place at the
Supreme Court and European Human Rights Charter. At the end of Friday's
discussions, COEPA Council decided to form a new committee to follow the
developments regarding Ocalan's trial. COEPA President Russel Johnson will
also be the chief of the committee. Other members are Swedish Ruffy Victor,
the President of Political Affairs Commission; Finnish Funnar Jansson, the
President of Legal Affairs Commission; Hungarian Andreas Barsonny and
German Hornhues Karl-Heinz who are Rapporteurs to Turkey. The first
committee who watched the first trial at Imrali Island was annuled after it
submitted its report to the Chairmanship Council. The report which was
published this month states that Ocalan was tried in accordance with the
law. The report also said that it was very important for Turkish
authorities to carry out this trial openly in front of the world's public
opinion and Turkey respected international human rights.
[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN
[02] These are some of the major headlines and their brief stories in
Turkey's press on Sept 24, 1999. The Anadolu Ajansi does not verify these
stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.
[03] HURRIYET (LIBERAL) - ------------------ AKUT MIRACLE IN TAIWAN The
voluntary rescue team AKUT pulled out a Chinese woman under the rubble
where the other rescue teams could not enter. The AKUT team entered into
the rubble of a 18-floor building and pulled a woman 50 hours after the
quake which hit Taiwan. Lee Teng-Hui, Taiwanese President, thanked the AKUT
team for its efforts.
[04] LEADERS SUMMIT The leaders of the coalition parties had a meeting.
Premier Bulent Ecevit and the leader of the Democratic Left Party (DSP),
Devlet Bahceli, the Deputy Prime Minister and the leader of the Nationalist
Movement Party (MHP), and Mesut Yilmaz, the leader of the Motherland Party
(ANAP), had a meeting which lasted for two and a half hours. Yilmaz
informed the leaders about his visit to Russia while Ecevit gave
information about the developments about his visit to the U.S. this
weekend. The leaders discussed what Turkey's stance will be against the
possible proposals of U.S. President Bill Clinton.
[05] MILLIYET (LIBERAL) - ----------------- REPENTANCE STEP The
''surrender'' call of Abdullah Ocalan, the head of the terrorist
organization, led to some developments. The so-called chairmanship council
of the terrorist organization said that they would send a peace and
democratic solution group to Turkey. Premier Bulent Ecevit said that those
who surrender to the security forces will be tolerated and that they will
consider this as a positive development.
[06] IMF WANTS REFORMS Bargainings are expected to take place during the
meetings among the Turkish delegation, the International Monetary Fund
(IMF) and the World Bank which will start next week. The IMF asks Turkey to
start the reform preparations for the expenditures, financial sector and
the agricultural sector while the World Bank will propose that the
international aid and credits granted to Turkey after the quake should be
used ''under its coordination.''
[07] SABAH (LIBERAL) - -------------- A REPORT INCREASING MORALE The
International Monetary Fund (IMF) issued a report titled ''Appearance of
Global Economy.'' The report said that Turkish government gave the signal
that it was serious about implementing economic and structural reforms.
Emphasizing that the financial policy measures were loosened due to the
elections in April, the report noted that this loosening oppressed the debt
payment structure and increased the interest rates. Recalling that Turkey's
economy entered into the revival process by the measures taken before the
quake hit Turkey, the report stressed that the medium and long term
structural reforms carry importance and that a firmer monetary policy, and
a policy which is supported by the reforms in banking and agriculture
sectors are necessary to struggle with inflation.
[08] FM CEM: ''THERE IS NO PRESSURE ABOUT CYPRUS QUESTION'' Ismail Cem, the
Foreign Minister, met with Madelaine Albright, the U.S. Secretary of State,
and Marc Grossman, the U.S. Assistant Secretary of State responsible for
the European relations. Cem said on Friday that the U.S. did not put
pressure about Cyprus question. Responding to a question on what he thinks
about the allegations saying that there are pressures on Cyprus question,
Cem said that he has not faced any pressure and that if there were any
pressure, he would see it.
[09] CUMHURIYET (LEFT) - ---------------- CYPRUS MESSAGE TO U.S. Sukru Sina
Gurel, the State Minister, received Tahsin Ertugruloglu, the Foreign and
Defense Minister of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).
Ertugruloglu said that Turkish Cypriot side is not the one which refrains
from negotiations but that it is the side which wants and urges for
negotiations; adding that their policy about this issue cannot be made a
matter of discussion. Gurel noted that the solution on Cyprus question lies
on the truths of the Island and that those who want to find a final
solution about the Cyprus question which can satisfy everbody, should take
into consideration these truths. Gurel added that reaching final solution
is the business of the two nations living on Cyprus.
[10] BRITISH DELEGATION TO VISIT DISASTER ZONE Nick Raynsford, the British
Minister of State responsible for the public works and settlement, visited
Ali Mufit Gurtuna, Istanbul Mayor, to learn about the prior problems
following the quake. Raynsford also visited Erol Cakir, Istanbul Mayor.
Raynsford said that he aims at observing the effects of the quake and what
they can do for the humanitarian aid and reconstruction activities in the
quake zone.
[11] RADIKAL (LEFT) - --------------- ''LET'S DEMOLISH THIS WALL BETWEEN
TWO PEOPLES ON CYPRUS'' Yorgo Papandreu, the Greek Foreign Minister told
the U.N. General Assembly meeting that ''this artificial Berlin wall
between two peoples on Cyprus should be demolished.'' Foreign Minister
Ismail Cem evaluated this statement by saying that ''Greece thinks now that
the interests of Greece are in line with making friendship with Turkey.''
[12] U.S.'S NEW FORMULA FOR CYPRUS The U.S. which focused on the Cyprus
question aims at bringing the two sides on Cyprus together in West Point.
After pursuing shuttle diplomacy, the U.N. Secretary General will bring
TRNC President Rauf Denktas with Glafcos Clerides, the Greek Cypriot
leader. It is claimed that this call will be announced one or two days
following the meeting between Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit and U.S.
President Bill Clinton.
[13] TÜRKİYE (RIGHT) - ---------------- MEETING IN PRESIDENTIAL PALACE
Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit informed President Suleyman Demirel about the
details of his visit to the U.S. which will start on Sunday. Ecevit said
that certain internal and foreign issues were also taken up in his meeting
with President Demirel.
[14] TANTAN RESOLVED TO SOLVE MURDERS Saadettin Tantan, the Minister of
Interior set up a special team in Ankara Security to solve such murders,
which couldn't be clarified. Tantan stressed that the team will solve the
mysterious murders of Ugur Mumcu, a famous journalist-writer, Bahriye Ucok,
a professor and Muammer Aksoy.
[15] ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE) - -------------------- MAFIA FIGHT EXPECTED
Sources close to the mafia world say that the news about the fight in
Bayrampasa prison can provoke Alaattin Cakıcı, a famous mafia boss who is
imprisoned in France and new clashes can take place.
[16] PREMIER ECEVIT: MEASURES WILL BE TAKEN Premier Ecevit accepted the
fact that prisons are one of the most important problems of Turkey. ''In
some prisons, terrorists and criminals use these places as training centers,
'' said Ecevit, noting that the government will take the necessary measures
to prevent this.
[17] PRIME MINISTER BULENT ECEVIT DISCUSSES DETAILS OF HIS U.S. VISIT WITH
PRESIDENT DEMIREL
[18] ANKARA, Sept 24 (A.A) - Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said that he
discussed some details of his U.S. visit with President Suleyman Demirel,
it was reported on Thursday. Ecevit will leave for the U.S. on Sunday.
Responding to a question about reorganization of Red Crescent's activities,
Ecevit stated that Red Crescent had very important functions. ''It gave
very important services in the past. However, the earthquake was massive.
The government is taking some measures to remove Red Crescent's handicaps
and to equip it with modern equipment,'' he explained. Ecevit said who will
be appointed as a coordinator governor to the disaster area will soon be
announced. About the fight that broke at Bayrampasa Prison, Ecevit noted
that prisons were one of the leading problems of Turkey. The Prime Minister
said the architectures of some prisons should be changed and noted that the
Justice Ministry has a project on this subject which is in its advance
stages.
[19] TURKEY-U.S. TEXTILE QUOTAS TALKS EXTEND SINCE PARTIES CANNOT REACH
AGREEMENT
[20] WASHINGTON D.C., Sept 24 (A.A) - The meetings held between the Turkish
and U.S. delegations to rearrange the quotas imposed on Turkish textile and
ready-made clothes exports, extended since the delegations couldn't reach
an agreement on Friday. A Turkish official told A.A correspondent that they
have enhanced their expectations but the U.S. delegation does not tend to
accept their expectations. The official said that since they could not
reach an agreement, the textile talks extended for a few more days. A
delegation headed by Kursad Tuzmen, the Foreign Trade Undersecretary,
represents Turkey in the meetings. Tuzmen will meet with David Aaron, the
U.S. Department of Trade Undersecretary, today. Madeleine Albright, U.S.
Secretary of State, earlier said that the U.S. will rearrange the textile
quotas to assist Turkey which faced significant economic losses. Turkish
diplomatic sources in Washington D.C. said that they are hopeful about the
results of the meetings because the U.S. proposed having a meeting for
rearranging the textile quotas although this issue has been a very
sensitive issue for years. The U.S. imposes 42 different quotas to Turkish
textile and ready-made cloth products. The sources in Washington D.C. said
that Turkey uses only eight of these quotas while the diplomatic sources
said that the U.S. is in favour of transfering the quotas which are not
used, to the other quotas which are used rather than increasing the textile
quotas.
[21] NARCOTIC TEAMS SEIZE 172 KILOGRAMS OF HEROIN IN ISTANBUL
[22] ISTANBUL, Sept 24 (A.A) - Hasan Ozdemir, the Istanbul Security
Director, said on Friday that a total of 172 kilograms of heroin was seized
in two separate operations in Istanbul and seven people were arrested
related to the incidents during the past week. The total market value of
the heroin is about 5 trillion Turkish Liras, it was reported. Ozdemir said
166 kilograms of heroin was found hidden in a truck in Silivri two days
ago. The heroin which came from Iran was going to be sent to Holland. Three
people were taken under custody related to the incident. In a seperate
operation, more than six kilos of heroin was hidden in book covers in
Gungoren. Four people were caught during the operation. In both operations,
one truck, two cars, one unlicenced gun and five books were confiscated.
Ozdemir said their determined struggle against drug dealers will continue.
In the last month, Istanbul Narcotic teams seized 285 kilograms of heroin,
21.5 kilograms of hashish, 78 grams of cocaine, and more than 292,000
pills. They also arrested 111 people and confiscated 9 guns.
[23] PRESIDENT DEMIREL COMES TOGETHER WITH ALIA IZZETBEGOVIC, MEMBER OF
BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA TRIPLE CHAIRMANSHIP COUNCIL
[24] ANKARA, Sept 24 (A.A) - President Suleyman Demirel came together with
Alia Izzetbegovic, member of Bosnia-Herzegovina Triple Chairmanship Council
on Friday. Demirel said Turkey was grateful to Bosnia-Herzegovina for the
close attention they showed to Turkey since the first days of the disaster.
Prior to their meeting, Demirel said that Izzetbegovic bravely stood
against the shame of humanity in Bosnia and represented his country's hope.
President Demirel said Turkey always supported its Bosnian brothers during
their struggle. Izzetbegovic said he came to Turkey to examine the disaster
area and express feelings of solidarity to Turkish people one more time.
Turkish people's struggle during the War of Independence was an example for
people of Bosnia-Herzegovina, he noted and also said that Turkey always
gave them courage when they went through hard times. Izzetbegovic also
expressed grief over the quake disaster. ''This disaster will bring Turkish
people closer,'' he pointed out. The economy of Bosnia-Herzegovina is not
very strong, therefore they cannot send as much aid as they desired,
Izzetbegovic said and added that they will try to contribute to aid efforts
as much as they could.
[25] BAKU-CEYHAN OIL PIPELINE TALKS - ERSUMER, MINISTER OF ENERGY AND
NATURAL RESOURCES: ''TALKS CARRIED OUT ON THE ISSUE OF BAKU-CEYHAN PIPELINE
PROJECT REACHED AN IMPORTANT STAGE''
[26] ANKARA, Sept 24 (A.A) - Cumhur Ersumer, Minister of Energy and Natural
Resources, said on Friday that talks related with Baku-Ceyhan oil pipeline
which envisages transporting Caspian oil to western markets, reached an
important stage. Ersumer said ''I have the hope that ongoing meetings of
working groups will be the last meeting.'' Ersumer evaluated the final
stage reached in Baku-Ceyhan oil pipeline project, Turkmen natural gas and
''Blue Stream'' projects. Speaking to A.A correspondent Ersumer recalled
that meetings of working groups, composed of Turkey, AIOC, Azeri and
operation company of the international consortium and BP-Amaco companies,
formed for Baku-Ceyhan pipeline project, started on Thursday. Ersumer said
''the talks reached an important stage'', adding that ''I have the hope
that the ongoing talks in Ankara will be the last talks. We are in a
position to put an end to this.'' Ersumer said if an agreement is reached
between the sides and if the memorandum of understanding is initialed
during the talks that are under way in Ankara, finance issue of Baku-Ceyhan
pipeline project will be taken up during the scheduled visit of Prime
Minister Ecevit to the U.S. Ersumer said Turkey has announced the cost of
the project which it envisaged on Baku-Ceyhan pipeline project. It has
given gurantee that it will meet the cost if it is above this. Price
guarantee has been provided. Minister of Energy said efforts were under way
related with a project foreseeing transferring Turkmenistan natural gas to
Turkey and from there to Europe through a pipeline that will be installed
under the basis of Caspian sea. Ersumer noted that searches for finance on
the issue of ''blue stream'' project continued, and added that during the
talks Turkey has conveyed to the other side that it has not taken a
decision yet regarding the additional protocol which Russia demanded from
Turkey.
[27] COUNCIL OF EUROPE PARLIAMENTARIAN ASSEMBLY TO FORM NEW COMMITTEE TO
FOLLOW NEW DEVELOPMENTS REGARDING THE TRIAL OF OCALAN
[28] STRASBOURG, Sept 24 (A.A) - Council of Europe Parliamentarian Assembly
(COEPA) decided to form a new committee to follow new legal developments
about the trial of Ocalan, the head of the terrorist organization, it was
reported on Friday. At Friday's meeting of COEPA Chairmanship Council, the
Dutch parliamentarian Erik Jurgens' proposal was discussed. Jurgen's
proposal includes a research on Ocalan's trial which will take place at the
Supreme Court and European Human Rights Charter. At the end of Friday's
discussions, COEPA Council decided to form a new committee to follow the
developments regarding Ocalan's trial. COEPA President Russel Johnson will
also be the chief of the committee. Other members are Swedish Ruffy Victor,
the President of Political Affairs Commission; Finnish Funnar Jansson, the
President of Legal Affairs Commission; Hungarian Andreas Barsonny and
German Hornhues Karl-Heinz who are Rapporteurs to Turkey. The first
committee who watched the first trial at Imrali Island was annuled after it
submitted its report to the Chairmanship Council. The report which was
published this month states that Ocalan was tried in accordance with the
law. The report also said that it was very important for Turkish
authorities to carry out this trial openly in front of the world's public
opinion and Turkey respected international human rights.
A.A
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