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Anadolu Agency: News in English, 99-09-26
AA Daily
26 Sept 1999 Sunday
CONTENTS
[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN
[02] These are some of the major headlines and their brief stories in
Turkey's press on Sept 26, 1999. The Anadolu Ajansi does not verify these
stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.
[03] HURRIYET (LIBERAL) - ------------------ ECEVIT DUE TO THE U.S. Prime
Minister Bulent Ecevit will leave for the U.S. later today as the official
guest of U.S. President Bill Clinton. He takes a copy of Fatih Sultan
Mehmet II's firman which is being displayed at a church in Bosnia-
Herzegovina, as a present to President Clinton. The firman which was issued
536 years ago, is known as a first human rights document.
[04] IMF: WE EXTEND SUPPORT TO TURKISH GOVERNMENT Michael Deppler, Director
of IMF Europe Desk, described Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit's government as
the most serious government in Turkey for the last decade. Deppler said
that they extend full support to the Turkish government which has taken
significant steps to overcome economic difficulties.
[05] AVLUCA BECOMES WORLD CHAMP Nazmi Avluca competing in the 76 kg
category in the 45th World Men's Graeco-Roman Wrestling Championships in
the Greek capital of Athens, beat his French opponent Riemer, and won gold
medal. Seref Eroglu competing in the 63 kg category, took silver medal.
[06] MILLIYET (LIBERAL) - ----------------- ALBRIGHT'S STATEMENT TO
MILLIYET Madeleine Albright, the U.S. Secretary of State, gave a special
statement to Milliyet prior to Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit's visit to the
U.S. Describing Ecevit's visit to the U.S. as a significant opportunity,
Albright said President Clinton waits for his meeting with Ecevit
impatiently. She added that they bring the issues of financial reform,
human rights, and relations between Turkey and Greece onto agenda of
Clinton-Ecevit meeting.
[07] CAKICI'S MESSAGE: ''DO NOT FORGET MY NAME'' Alaattin Cakici, a
notorious mafia boss who is currently kept in prison in France, sent a
message through his lawyer, and expressed anger at his nephew Kenan Ali
Gursel's murder. He said in his message, ''those who are responsible for
the homicide, should not forget my name.''
[08] SABAH (LIBERAL) - -------------- AKUT TEAM RETURNS TO TURKEY A 18-
member Search and Rescue Association (AKUT) team headed by Dr. Feridun
Celikmen, Deputy Chairman of the AKUT, returned to Turkey from Taiwan which
was struck by a major earthquake. Nasuh Mahruki, Chairman of the AKUT,
welcomed the team at the Ataturk Airport. Noting that they were the first
search and rescue team which arrived in Taiwan in the wake of the 7.6-
magnitude earthquake. Dr. Celikmen said that they have succeeded in
extracting alive a 45-year-old woman from rubble of a collapsed building.
[09] SITUATION OF KAVAKCI DEPENDS ON INTERIOR MINISTRY Yildirim Akbulut,
the Speaker of the Parliament, said that Merve Kavakci would be again a
member of the Parliament if the Interior Ministry sends an official
document stating that she is a Turkish citizen.
[10] CUMHURIYET (LEFT) - ---------------- QUAKE DISASTER IS NOT A LESSON
The consequences of the earthquake on August 17 revealed the point of view
in Turkey. The warnings of the experts not to build houses and business
places on soft ground were proved to be right with the earthquake which
killed ten thousands of people. However, even the earthquake was not
admonitory. It was revealed that the land belongs to TIGEM which was
determined as a permanent settlement area was not appropriate for
construction of buildings as it is a soft arable land.
[11] FAVORITE INVESTMENT FIELDS OF U.S. The U.S. Trade Department
determined the sectors which will record progress in near future in Turkey
which she had included her list of top ten emerging markets in the world in
1995, and called the American investors to interest in these fields like
power plants, telecommunications, franchise, construction, automotive spare
parts, textiles, medical equipment, tourism and the Southeastern Anatolia
Project (GAP).
[12] TURKEY MOVES TO U.S. Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit, who will meet with
U.S. President Bill Clinton, and the Presidents of the IMF and World Bank,
will attend the meetings to be organized by the Turkish-American
businessmen. Ecevit will address a meeting at the Washington Institute of
Near East Policy. There are 40 journalists and 41 businessmen in the
delegation to accompany Ecevit.
[13] RADIKAL (LEFT) - --------------- SCANDAL In the wake of the 7.4-
magnitude earthquake which devastated Marmara Region on August 17, the
disaster area became scene of scandals. Officials gave quake aid to
undamaged buildings. Meanwhile, one storey of a building was determined as
damaged while another in the same building was determined as undamaged.
[14] AFTERSHOCKS CONTINUE TO SHAKE DISASTER ZONE Aftershocks continued to
shake the disaster zone following the strong earthquake which hit
northwestern Turkey on August 17. Officials at the Bogazici University
Kandilli Observatory Earthquake Research Institute said that 10 aftershocks
occured in the region between 13:01 local time on Friday and 10:04 local
time on Saturday.
[15] STATE MINISTER USENMEZ: ''WE MUST BUILD A TOTAL OF 88,169 DWELLINGS IN
THE QUAKE ZONE'' Suayip Usenmez, State Minister, said that the number of
dwellings which must be built in the quake zone for survivors, was
determined as 88,169. Usenmez stressed that Turkey was capable of
overcoming the aftermaths of the quake disaster. Recalling that Turkey has
learned lessons from the disaster, Usenmez noted that a series of measures
should be taken to reduce deadly results of natural disasters in future.
Pointing out that the dwelling problem of survivors must be solved
immediately before the winter comes, Usenmez said, ''Those who were left
homeless by the quakes which hit Dinar and Adana, were paid only 250
million Turkish Liras. They were given the promise to be paid 750 million
Turkish Liras. Turkey had failed to heal their wounds.''
[16] TÜRKİYE (RIGHT) - ---------------- CRY FOR HELP The survivors were
left alone just 40 days after the quake. The mobilization for aiding the
survivors lost its speed. When the people got rid of their fear, the
sensitivity left its place to insensitivity. They are now all alone.
Especially the ones living far away from the city centers seem like they
were forgotten. Their silent-cry like demands are not responded, and their
faces are covered with anxiety.
[17] TEN TERRORISTS KILLED Security forces killed one terrorist in rural
area in Kozluk county of Batman, five terrorists in rural area in Hani
county of Diyarbakir, two terrorists in Balveren village in Sirnak, one
terrorist near the Kaval Mountain, and one terrorist near Lac stream in
Tunceli.
[18] ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE) - -------------------- PKK TO BECOME A THING OF
THE PAST The terrorist PKK organization took a new interesting decision
after the capture of its head Abdullah Ocalan. The so-called Chairmanship
Council of the PKK, which decided to change the name of the PKK following
15-day debates, received support also from its head. It was mentioned that
there was a consensus in the council for a change in the name, which became
one with arms and violence, but there is still not a final decision for the
name. It was also mentioned that the so-called Kurdish parliament in exile
will be dissolved. Here are the alternative names: ''Democratic People's
Party, Turkey Democratic Party, Democratic Republic Party.''
[19] TURKEY TO SEEK MONEY IN U.S. Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit will leave
today for the U.S. as an official guest of U.S. President Bill Clinton. The
meeting between Ecevit and Clinton will take place at the White House on
Tuesday. Several vital issues for Turkey like the Turkish Republic of
Northern Cyprus (TRNC), Northern Iraq, energy investments will be discussed
at the meeting. Ecevit, who will also meet with the Presidents of the World
Bank and the IMF, is expecting serious support from these organizations due
to the quake. The Turkish delegation which is currently holding contacts
with the officials of these two organizations, sent a message saying that
at least three billion U.S. dollars loan was on the agenda.
[20] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT STARTS HIS VISIT TO THE U.S.
[21] WASHINGTON D.C., Sept 26 (A.A) - Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit is
expected to arrive in Washington D.C. early on Monday as the guest of U.S.
President Bill Clinton, it was reported on Sunday. Airplane carrying Ecevit
and accompanying delegation will land at the Andrews Military Air Base.
Prime Minister Ecevit will proceed to Washington D.C. by a helicopter.
Cumhur Ersumer, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy and Natural
Resources; Recep Onal, State Minister responsible for the Treasury; Ismail
Cem, Foreign Minister; Ahmet Kenan Tanrikulu, Industry and Trade Minister;
and several deputies will accompany Prime Minister Ecevit during his visit
to the U.S. Prime Minister Ecevit is scheduled to meet with U.S. President
Bill Clinton on Tuesday at the White House. Prior to his meeting with
President Clinton, Ecevit will come together with Al Gore, the U.S. Vice
President. Rahsan Ecevit, wife of Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit, will come
together with Hillary Clinton, first lady of the U.S. in a luncheon. At the
meeting between Prime Minister Ecevit and President Clinton, issues of
relations between Turkey and the U.S.; the Cyprus question; relations
between Turkey and Greece; quake disaster in Turkey; the Baku-Ceyhan oil
pipeline project; the latest developments in Iraq, the Middle East,
Caucasia, and in the Balkans; and financial reforms in Turkey; will be
taken up. A Trade and Cooperation Agreement is expected to be signed during
Prime Minister Ecevit's visit to the U.S. Meanwhile, President Clinton is
expected to underline his full political support to Turkey regarded with
the Baku-Ceyhan oil pipeline project. The two countries will also
scrutinize the their agreement on the struggle against drug trafficking.
Cumhur Ersumer, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy and Natural
Resources, will hold talks with the high-level U.S. officials on the issue
of energy.
[22] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT LEAVES FOR THE U.S.
[23] ANKARA, Sept 26 (A.A) - Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit left for the U.S.
as the official guest of U.S. President Bill Clinton at 10:40 local time on
Sunday. Rahsan Ecevit, wife of Prime Minister; Cumhur Ersumer, Deputy Prime
Minister and Minister of Energy and Natural Resources; Recep Onal, State
Minister responsible for the Treasury; Ismail Cem, Foreign Minister; Ahmet
Kenan Tanrikulu, Industry and Trade Minister; and several deputies will
accompany Prime Minister Ecevit during his visit to the U.S. Devlet Bahceli,
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State, will be the Acting Prime
Minister during Ecevit's visit to the U.S.
[24] TURKEY-U.S. - PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT: - ''OUR CONTACTS IN THE U.S. WILL
FOCUS MAINLY ON ECONOMIC PROBLEMS''
[25] ANKARA, Sept 26 (A.A) - Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said on Sunday
that expansion of NATO's interests and Turkey's enlargement of her region
had added new dimensions into relations between Turkey and the U.S. Staging
a press conference at the Esenboga Airport prior to his departure, Prime
Minister Ecevit said that Turkey and the U.S. have friendly relations which
stem from common principles and are based on mutual confidence. Ecevit said,
''Expansion of NATO's interests and Turkey's enlargement of her region had
added new dimensions into relations between Turkey and the U.S. We have not
any further demands except our rights in economic issues. We will also hold
contacts on overcoming the problems caused by the quake.'' ''Following the
quake which devastated Marmara Region, I want to thank to the American
people especially the President for their sincere interest. The
International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank have also attached
importance to the issue. We will come together with the high-level
officials of these two organizations,'' Ecevit said. When asked what he
thought about the disputes between Turkey and the U.S. concerning the
Turkish Republic of North Cyprus (TRNC) and Northern Iraq, Ecevit said, ''I
do not believe there will be any pressure, but there may be some
differences of opinion. However, Turkey and the U.S. have a good dialogue
and friendly relations. I believe that the problems can be easily solved in
such an atmosphere.'' Meanwhile, responding to a question, Cumhur Ersumer,
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, said,
''There are important issues in the energy field like the Caspian basin oil,
natural gas and the Baku-Ceyhan oil pipeline project. We will bring these
issues onto agenda.'' Prime Minister Ecevit and accompanying delegation
will return to Turkey on October 2, after wrapping up their contacts in
Washington D.C., and New York.
[26] TURKISH DELEGATION IN U.S. READY FOR TALKS ON ECONOMY
[27] WASHINGTON D.C., Sept 26 (A.A) - A delegation headed by Recep Onal,
the Minister of State for the Treasury, who arrived in the U.S. to
accompany Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit during his visit to the U.S. and
attend the meetings with the World Bank and International Monetary Fund
(IMF) officials in Washington D.C., made preparations for the intense talks
on economy, it was reported on Sunday. State Minister Onal and the economy
bureaucrats who convened at the Turkish Embassy in Washington D.C. reviewed
the Trade and Cooperation Agreement which is expected to be signed during
Ecevit's visit and especially the meetings with the IMF officials.
Meanwhile, the talks on the textiles quota are expected to resume on
Monday. The talks were paused on Friday.
[28] RIOTS AT PRISONS - PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT: - ''THOSE WHO ARE ACCUSTOMED
TO USE PRISONS AS DENS OF MISCHIEF, REACT AGAINST STATE'S EFFORT TO
ESTABLISH ORDER''
[29] BRUSSELS, Sept 26 (A.A) - Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said on Sunday
that those who are accustomed to use prisons as dens of mischief, react
against the state's efforts to establish order regarded with the riot at
the Ankara Main Covered Prison causing casualties. Responding to questions
of journalists at the Brussels Airport prior to his visit to the U.S.,
Ecevit said, ''the state will fulfil its duty till the end. The state has
to establish its authority in the prisons.'' Recalling that eight people
were killed and a number of others were injured in the uprising, which
started early on Sunday at the Ankara Main Covered Prison, and later
spreaded to the prisons in some other provinces when the prisoners resisted
against the security forces who had entered the prison to check the rooms
and transfer some prisoners, Ecevit told the reporters, ''in fact, the
state has taken action recently to provide authority in the prisons. Those
who are accustomed to use prisons as dens of mischief, and those who are
accustomed to establish an order totaly out of state's control, react
against the state's efforts to establish order in the prisons.'' When
reminded of the news that there was a gun which couldn't be confiscated at
the Bayrampasa Prison where two underground groups had clashed a few days
ago, Ecevit said, ''I don't have information about those details but
entrance of arms into the prisons showed that there was a serious disorder.
One of the important reasons for this is the mistake in architecture of the
prisons. It is certain that there are serious administrative faults. It is
evident that the personnel faced very serious threats. However, this is not
a pretext but it is obvious that there are objections and drawbacks created
by the ward system at prisons. However, these incidents can't be prevented
in such a ward system without a change in the architecture of prisons. The
prisoners, who thought that their dens of mischief would be destroyed
against the tendency of transition into room-system or transfer to some
other prisons, attempt to riot. However, the state is obliged to settle its
authority on prisons whatever the cost is.'' When asked whether the
incidents at prisons would affect the amnesty law that was on the
parliamentary agenda, the Prime Minister said, ''on behalf of the
Democratic Left Party (DSP), I want to state that the amnesty law that we
foresee will forgive the victims of destiny, I mean the people who were
imprisoned for the crimes stemmed from injustice and inequity in economic
and social order. These riots are not staged probably by these convicts.
They are unjustly treated in these riots.'' When asked whether the sides
and reasons of the riots at prisons were clear, Bulent Ecevit said,
''according to the information came from Ankara, they resisted against the
controls and transfers. They want the state give the concession which
allows them to hold every kind of arms at prisons. This can't happen in any
part of the world. Besides, this has not a connection with democracy. The
prisons, of course, will be under supervision of the state where the state
exists. It is impossible to accept the revolts against this.''
[30] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT: - ''TURKEY'S FULL MEMBERSHIP TO THE EU IS A
RIGHT STEMMING FROM INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS''
[31] BRUSSELS, Sept 26 (A.A) - Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said on Sunday
that Turkey's full membership to the European Union (EU) was a right
stemming from international agreements, adding, ''the EU certainly will
knock at Turkey's door in future.'' Ecevit responded to questions of
journalists at the Brussels Airport prior to his visit to the U.S. When
asked, ''You are in Brussels, the capital of the EU. The Helsinki Summit
will be held in December. Are you hopeful about the summit?'' Ecevit said,
''I am not dreaming about these issues. But all I can say that Turkey's
full membership to the EU is a right stemming from the international
agreements, her history, her geography and her culture. Although several
European countries do not consider us as European, Turkey is a European
country. Turkish people are not only European, but at the same time they
are Balkanite, Mediterranean, and Asian. With her mixed identity, Turkey is
a significant country in the Eurasianization process.'' ''Actually, the EU
will soon understand that it is in need of the membership of such a
country. However, at this stage, I don't want to make an estimation whether
a very positive decision would be taken at Helsinki Summit, and I am not
carried away by great imaginings. However, as I said the EU will absolutely
knock at Turkey's door and resort to Turkey in the future. They want to
accept Turkey as a half-guest,'' he said. When asked what the top-pirority
issue of the agenda of his visit to the U.S. would be, the Prime Minister
said, ''everything.'' When reminded of the statement of the U.S. Secretary
of State which was published by a newspaper the same day saying that the
U.S. wanted the seminaries for theological education opened, Ecevit said,
''now, I don't have to explain the details of our contacts in Washington
D.C. and New York. I don't approve of starting the negotiations without
Washington D.C. I did not respond for weeks to the questions about the news
and comments concerning the expectations from the U.S. I did response to a
question and it was about Cyprus. I said that we can't be exposed to any
pressure concerning Cyprus, and we never accept even if the pressure is put
on us. I think our meetings in the U.S. especially the meeting with Mr.
Bill Clinton will be very comprehensive. Because, after the two-pole world
came to an end, the NATO's functions and responsibilities were expanded de
facto. Meanwhile, Turkey's region was also expanded, and these two
processes enabled Turkey and the U.S. to come more closer to each other
compared to past, and share a common fate. Thus all of the global problems
are actually on the common agenda of Turkey and the U.S.''
[32] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT: - ''IT WILL BE NOT REALISTIC TO EXPECT CYPRUS
QUESTION TO BE SOLVED WITH GREECE'S CONTRIBUTION WHILE MAIN PROBLEMS
BETWEEN TURKEY AND GREECE REMAINED UNSOLVED''
[33] BRUSSELS, Sept 26 (A.A) - Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said on Sunday
that it would be not realistic to expect Cyprus question to be solved with
Greece's contribution while main problems between Turkey and Greece
remained unsolved. Ecevit responded to questions of journalists at the
Brussels Airport prior to his visit to the U.S. When reminded of U.S.
Secretary of State Madeleine Albright's statement saying that Greece and
Turkey should hold negotiations on the Cyprus issue,'' Ecevit said, ''First
of all, Turkey and Greece should come to the level of negotiating Aegean
dispute. They should accept our invitation to hold talks on the issue. A
promising dialogue has started recently. But this dialogue did not bring
main problems between the two countries onto its own agenda. It cannot
bring it for the time being anyway. It will be not realistic to expect
Cyprus question to be solved with Greece's contribution while main problems
between Turkey and Greece remained unsolved. Cyprus question shold be
solved between the two communties on the island. In accordance with our
opinion, there is not any problem on Cyprus. But those who claim that there
is problem, should leave its solution to the communities on the island.
Otherwise, I do not think that it would not be useful to add Cyprus
question to the problems which were not even discussed between Turkey and
Greece.'' When asked what his policy towards Northern Iraq was, Ecevit said,
''as I have just mentioned I am taking pains not to say anything except the
Cyprus question prior to our talks in Washington D.C. Otherwise, my visit
to the U.S. became unnecessary. I want you to show patience. The Northern
Iraq issue will be discussed at the meetings. Turkey's increasing
responsibilities and intensified burden on her due to the situation in
Northern Iraq will be discussed. However, I don't want to talk on the
details. Even I don't know whether there is an American plan that can be
realistic and reasonable at this moment. We will together know this in
coming days.'' When asked what his expectations for the economic field were,
the Prime Minister said, ''as I said early this morning, they are moderate
and rightful expectations. These rightful expectations have not been met up
until now. Of course, we will want these expectations responded. For
example, the embargo imposed on Iraq is seriously harming Turkey after
Iraq. the direct damage is at least 30-35 billion U.S. dollars. Because,
the situation in Iraq made the crossing ways to the gulf difficult. Besides,
the authority gap in Northern Iraq escalated terrorism in Turkey. Thus
these put very serious burden on Turkey. However, even a single step to
balance or compansate this burden was not taken.'' ''I think the U.S. does
not collect duty on the textiles and ready-made clothing exported by the
European Union (EU) countries while she wants the EU accept our membership.
Thus I think that the U.S. has to logically give the same means to Turkey
as the EU members concerning textiles,'' he said.
[34] WORKS TO HAUL AWAY RUBBLE OF COLLAPSED BUILDINGS CONTINUE IN KOCAELI -
A TOTAL OF 68,232 QUAKE VICTIMS TAKE SHELTER IN 39 TENT-CITIES
[35] KOCAELI, Sept 26 (A.A) - Works to haul away rubble of collapsed
buildings continued in Kocaeli province, one of the worst hit areas in the
strong earthquake which devastated Marmara Region on August 17, it was
reported on Sunday. Rubble of 664 buildings which collapsed or were
seriously damaged, have been removed so far in Korfez, Karamursel and Gebze
counties of Kocaeli. Alemdaroglu, Duysak, Ozhak and Yildizlar firms which
have bid for the tender opened by the Public Works and Settlement Ministry,
are carrying out works to haul away rubble of the collapsed buildings.
Meanwhile, officials at the Crisis Management Center told the A.A
correspondent that a total of 68,232 quake victims have taken shelter in 39
tent-cities in the province. A total of 835 new tents will be erected in
Kocaeli in coming days. 391 doctors, 1,388 medical staff, and 37 ambulances
are serving in the province.
[36] INCIDENTS AT ANKARA PRISON - DEATH TOLL INCREASES TO EIGHT
[37] ANKARA, Sept 26 (A.A) - The number of people killed in the incidents
at the Ankara Main Covered Prison increased to eight, it was reported on
Sunday. Officials said one of the 24 people who had been taken to the
Ankara Numune Hospital died despite the intense efforts of doctors.
Meanwhile, officials said the people who were killed in the incidents were
the prisoners.
[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN
[02] These are some of the major headlines and their brief stories in
Turkey's press on Sept 26, 1999. The Anadolu Ajansi does not verify these
stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.
[03] HURRIYET (LIBERAL) - ------------------ ECEVIT DUE TO THE U.S. Prime
Minister Bulent Ecevit will leave for the U.S. later today as the official
guest of U.S. President Bill Clinton. He takes a copy of Fatih Sultan
Mehmet II's firman which is being displayed at a church in Bosnia-
Herzegovina, as a present to President Clinton. The firman which was issued
536 years ago, is known as a first human rights document.
[04] IMF: WE EXTEND SUPPORT TO TURKISH GOVERNMENT Michael Deppler, Director
of IMF Europe Desk, described Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit's government as
the most serious government in Turkey for the last decade. Deppler said
that they extend full support to the Turkish government which has taken
significant steps to overcome economic difficulties.
[05] AVLUCA BECOMES WORLD CHAMP Nazmi Avluca competing in the 76 kg
category in the 45th World Men's Graeco-Roman Wrestling Championships in
the Greek capital of Athens, beat his French opponent Riemer, and won gold
medal. Seref Eroglu competing in the 63 kg category, took silver medal.
[06] MILLIYET (LIBERAL) - ----------------- ALBRIGHT'S STATEMENT TO
MILLIYET Madeleine Albright, the U.S. Secretary of State, gave a special
statement to Milliyet prior to Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit's visit to the
U.S. Describing Ecevit's visit to the U.S. as a significant opportunity,
Albright said President Clinton waits for his meeting with Ecevit
impatiently. She added that they bring the issues of financial reform,
human rights, and relations between Turkey and Greece onto agenda of
Clinton-Ecevit meeting.
[07] CAKICI'S MESSAGE: ''DO NOT FORGET MY NAME'' Alaattin Cakici, a
notorious mafia boss who is currently kept in prison in France, sent a
message through his lawyer, and expressed anger at his nephew Kenan Ali
Gursel's murder. He said in his message, ''those who are responsible for
the homicide, should not forget my name.''
[08] SABAH (LIBERAL) - -------------- AKUT TEAM RETURNS TO TURKEY A 18-
member Search and Rescue Association (AKUT) team headed by Dr. Feridun
Celikmen, Deputy Chairman of the AKUT, returned to Turkey from Taiwan which
was struck by a major earthquake. Nasuh Mahruki, Chairman of the AKUT,
welcomed the team at the Ataturk Airport. Noting that they were the first
search and rescue team which arrived in Taiwan in the wake of the 7.6-
magnitude earthquake. Dr. Celikmen said that they have succeeded in
extracting alive a 45-year-old woman from rubble of a collapsed building.
[09] SITUATION OF KAVAKCI DEPENDS ON INTERIOR MINISTRY Yildirim Akbulut,
the Speaker of the Parliament, said that Merve Kavakci would be again a
member of the Parliament if the Interior Ministry sends an official
document stating that she is a Turkish citizen.
[10] CUMHURIYET (LEFT) - ---------------- QUAKE DISASTER IS NOT A LESSON
The consequences of the earthquake on August 17 revealed the point of view
in Turkey. The warnings of the experts not to build houses and business
places on soft ground were proved to be right with the earthquake which
killed ten thousands of people. However, even the earthquake was not
admonitory. It was revealed that the land belongs to TIGEM which was
determined as a permanent settlement area was not appropriate for
construction of buildings as it is a soft arable land.
[11] FAVORITE INVESTMENT FIELDS OF U.S. The U.S. Trade Department
determined the sectors which will record progress in near future in Turkey
which she had included her list of top ten emerging markets in the world in
1995, and called the American investors to interest in these fields like
power plants, telecommunications, franchise, construction, automotive spare
parts, textiles, medical equipment, tourism and the Southeastern Anatolia
Project (GAP).
[12] TURKEY MOVES TO U.S. Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit, who will meet with
U.S. President Bill Clinton, and the Presidents of the IMF and World Bank,
will attend the meetings to be organized by the Turkish-American
businessmen. Ecevit will address a meeting at the Washington Institute of
Near East Policy. There are 40 journalists and 41 businessmen in the
delegation to accompany Ecevit.
[13] RADIKAL (LEFT) - --------------- SCANDAL In the wake of the 7.4-
magnitude earthquake which devastated Marmara Region on August 17, the
disaster area became scene of scandals. Officials gave quake aid to
undamaged buildings. Meanwhile, one storey of a building was determined as
damaged while another in the same building was determined as undamaged.
[14] AFTERSHOCKS CONTINUE TO SHAKE DISASTER ZONE Aftershocks continued to
shake the disaster zone following the strong earthquake which hit
northwestern Turkey on August 17. Officials at the Bogazici University
Kandilli Observatory Earthquake Research Institute said that 10 aftershocks
occured in the region between 13:01 local time on Friday and 10:04 local
time on Saturday.
[15] STATE MINISTER USENMEZ: ''WE MUST BUILD A TOTAL OF 88,169 DWELLINGS IN
THE QUAKE ZONE'' Suayip Usenmez, State Minister, said that the number of
dwellings which must be built in the quake zone for survivors, was
determined as 88,169. Usenmez stressed that Turkey was capable of
overcoming the aftermaths of the quake disaster. Recalling that Turkey has
learned lessons from the disaster, Usenmez noted that a series of measures
should be taken to reduce deadly results of natural disasters in future.
Pointing out that the dwelling problem of survivors must be solved
immediately before the winter comes, Usenmez said, ''Those who were left
homeless by the quakes which hit Dinar and Adana, were paid only 250
million Turkish Liras. They were given the promise to be paid 750 million
Turkish Liras. Turkey had failed to heal their wounds.''
[16] TÜRKİYE (RIGHT) - ---------------- CRY FOR HELP The survivors were
left alone just 40 days after the quake. The mobilization for aiding the
survivors lost its speed. When the people got rid of their fear, the
sensitivity left its place to insensitivity. They are now all alone.
Especially the ones living far away from the city centers seem like they
were forgotten. Their silent-cry like demands are not responded, and their
faces are covered with anxiety.
[17] TEN TERRORISTS KILLED Security forces killed one terrorist in rural
area in Kozluk county of Batman, five terrorists in rural area in Hani
county of Diyarbakir, two terrorists in Balveren village in Sirnak, one
terrorist near the Kaval Mountain, and one terrorist near Lac stream in
Tunceli.
[18] ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE) - -------------------- PKK TO BECOME A THING OF
THE PAST The terrorist PKK organization took a new interesting decision
after the capture of its head Abdullah Ocalan. The so-called Chairmanship
Council of the PKK, which decided to change the name of the PKK following
15-day debates, received support also from its head. It was mentioned that
there was a consensus in the council for a change in the name, which became
one with arms and violence, but there is still not a final decision for the
name. It was also mentioned that the so-called Kurdish parliament in exile
will be dissolved. Here are the alternative names: ''Democratic People's
Party, Turkey Democratic Party, Democratic Republic Party.''
[19] TURKEY TO SEEK MONEY IN U.S. Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit will leave
today for the U.S. as an official guest of U.S. President Bill Clinton. The
meeting between Ecevit and Clinton will take place at the White House on
Tuesday. Several vital issues for Turkey like the Turkish Republic of
Northern Cyprus (TRNC), Northern Iraq, energy investments will be discussed
at the meeting. Ecevit, who will also meet with the Presidents of the World
Bank and the IMF, is expecting serious support from these organizations due
to the quake. The Turkish delegation which is currently holding contacts
with the officials of these two organizations, sent a message saying that
at least three billion U.S. dollars loan was on the agenda.
[20] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT STARTS HIS VISIT TO THE U.S.
[21] WASHINGTON D.C., Sept 26 (A.A) - Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit is
expected to arrive in Washington D.C. early on Monday as the guest of U.S.
President Bill Clinton, it was reported on Sunday. Airplane carrying Ecevit
and accompanying delegation will land at the Andrews Military Air Base.
Prime Minister Ecevit will proceed to Washington D.C. by a helicopter.
Cumhur Ersumer, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy and Natural
Resources; Recep Onal, State Minister responsible for the Treasury; Ismail
Cem, Foreign Minister; Ahmet Kenan Tanrikulu, Industry and Trade Minister;
and several deputies will accompany Prime Minister Ecevit during his visit
to the U.S. Prime Minister Ecevit is scheduled to meet with U.S. President
Bill Clinton on Tuesday at the White House. Prior to his meeting with
President Clinton, Ecevit will come together with Al Gore, the U.S. Vice
President. Rahsan Ecevit, wife of Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit, will come
together with Hillary Clinton, first lady of the U.S. in a luncheon. At the
meeting between Prime Minister Ecevit and President Clinton, issues of
relations between Turkey and the U.S.; the Cyprus question; relations
between Turkey and Greece; quake disaster in Turkey; the Baku-Ceyhan oil
pipeline project; the latest developments in Iraq, the Middle East,
Caucasia, and in the Balkans; and financial reforms in Turkey; will be
taken up. A Trade and Cooperation Agreement is expected to be signed during
Prime Minister Ecevit's visit to the U.S. Meanwhile, President Clinton is
expected to underline his full political support to Turkey regarded with
the Baku-Ceyhan oil pipeline project. The two countries will also
scrutinize the their agreement on the struggle against drug trafficking.
Cumhur Ersumer, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy and Natural
Resources, will hold talks with the high-level U.S. officials on the issue
of energy.
[22] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT LEAVES FOR THE U.S.
[23] ANKARA, Sept 26 (A.A) - Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit left for the U.S.
as the official guest of U.S. President Bill Clinton at 10:40 local time on
Sunday. Rahsan Ecevit, wife of Prime Minister; Cumhur Ersumer, Deputy Prime
Minister and Minister of Energy and Natural Resources; Recep Onal, State
Minister responsible for the Treasury; Ismail Cem, Foreign Minister; Ahmet
Kenan Tanrikulu, Industry and Trade Minister; and several deputies will
accompany Prime Minister Ecevit during his visit to the U.S. Devlet Bahceli,
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State, will be the Acting Prime
Minister during Ecevit's visit to the U.S.
[24] TURKEY-U.S. - PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT: - ''OUR CONTACTS IN THE U.S. WILL
FOCUS MAINLY ON ECONOMIC PROBLEMS''
[25] ANKARA, Sept 26 (A.A) - Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said on Sunday
that expansion of NATO's interests and Turkey's enlargement of her region
had added new dimensions into relations between Turkey and the U.S. Staging
a press conference at the Esenboga Airport prior to his departure, Prime
Minister Ecevit said that Turkey and the U.S. have friendly relations which
stem from common principles and are based on mutual confidence. Ecevit said,
''Expansion of NATO's interests and Turkey's enlargement of her region had
added new dimensions into relations between Turkey and the U.S. We have not
any further demands except our rights in economic issues. We will also hold
contacts on overcoming the problems caused by the quake.'' ''Following the
quake which devastated Marmara Region, I want to thank to the American
people especially the President for their sincere interest. The
International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank have also attached
importance to the issue. We will come together with the high-level
officials of these two organizations,'' Ecevit said. When asked what he
thought about the disputes between Turkey and the U.S. concerning the
Turkish Republic of North Cyprus (TRNC) and Northern Iraq, Ecevit said, ''I
do not believe there will be any pressure, but there may be some
differences of opinion. However, Turkey and the U.S. have a good dialogue
and friendly relations. I believe that the problems can be easily solved in
such an atmosphere.'' Meanwhile, responding to a question, Cumhur Ersumer,
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, said,
''There are important issues in the energy field like the Caspian basin oil,
natural gas and the Baku-Ceyhan oil pipeline project. We will bring these
issues onto agenda.'' Prime Minister Ecevit and accompanying delegation
will return to Turkey on October 2, after wrapping up their contacts in
Washington D.C., and New York.
[26] TURKISH DELEGATION IN U.S. READY FOR TALKS ON ECONOMY
[27] WASHINGTON D.C., Sept 26 (A.A) - A delegation headed by Recep Onal,
the Minister of State for the Treasury, who arrived in the U.S. to
accompany Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit during his visit to the U.S. and
attend the meetings with the World Bank and International Monetary Fund
(IMF) officials in Washington D.C., made preparations for the intense talks
on economy, it was reported on Sunday. State Minister Onal and the economy
bureaucrats who convened at the Turkish Embassy in Washington D.C. reviewed
the Trade and Cooperation Agreement which is expected to be signed during
Ecevit's visit and especially the meetings with the IMF officials.
Meanwhile, the talks on the textiles quota are expected to resume on
Monday. The talks were paused on Friday.
[28] RIOTS AT PRISONS - PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT: - ''THOSE WHO ARE ACCUSTOMED
TO USE PRISONS AS DENS OF MISCHIEF, REACT AGAINST STATE'S EFFORT TO
ESTABLISH ORDER''
[29] BRUSSELS, Sept 26 (A.A) - Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said on Sunday
that those who are accustomed to use prisons as dens of mischief, react
against the state's efforts to establish order regarded with the riot at
the Ankara Main Covered Prison causing casualties. Responding to questions
of journalists at the Brussels Airport prior to his visit to the U.S.,
Ecevit said, ''the state will fulfil its duty till the end. The state has
to establish its authority in the prisons.'' Recalling that eight people
were killed and a number of others were injured in the uprising, which
started early on Sunday at the Ankara Main Covered Prison, and later
spreaded to the prisons in some other provinces when the prisoners resisted
against the security forces who had entered the prison to check the rooms
and transfer some prisoners, Ecevit told the reporters, ''in fact, the
state has taken action recently to provide authority in the prisons. Those
who are accustomed to use prisons as dens of mischief, and those who are
accustomed to establish an order totaly out of state's control, react
against the state's efforts to establish order in the prisons.'' When
reminded of the news that there was a gun which couldn't be confiscated at
the Bayrampasa Prison where two underground groups had clashed a few days
ago, Ecevit said, ''I don't have information about those details but
entrance of arms into the prisons showed that there was a serious disorder.
One of the important reasons for this is the mistake in architecture of the
prisons. It is certain that there are serious administrative faults. It is
evident that the personnel faced very serious threats. However, this is not
a pretext but it is obvious that there are objections and drawbacks created
by the ward system at prisons. However, these incidents can't be prevented
in such a ward system without a change in the architecture of prisons. The
prisoners, who thought that their dens of mischief would be destroyed
against the tendency of transition into room-system or transfer to some
other prisons, attempt to riot. However, the state is obliged to settle its
authority on prisons whatever the cost is.'' When asked whether the
incidents at prisons would affect the amnesty law that was on the
parliamentary agenda, the Prime Minister said, ''on behalf of the
Democratic Left Party (DSP), I want to state that the amnesty law that we
foresee will forgive the victims of destiny, I mean the people who were
imprisoned for the crimes stemmed from injustice and inequity in economic
and social order. These riots are not staged probably by these convicts.
They are unjustly treated in these riots.'' When asked whether the sides
and reasons of the riots at prisons were clear, Bulent Ecevit said,
''according to the information came from Ankara, they resisted against the
controls and transfers. They want the state give the concession which
allows them to hold every kind of arms at prisons. This can't happen in any
part of the world. Besides, this has not a connection with democracy. The
prisons, of course, will be under supervision of the state where the state
exists. It is impossible to accept the revolts against this.''
[30] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT: - ''TURKEY'S FULL MEMBERSHIP TO THE EU IS A
RIGHT STEMMING FROM INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS''
[31] BRUSSELS, Sept 26 (A.A) - Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said on Sunday
that Turkey's full membership to the European Union (EU) was a right
stemming from international agreements, adding, ''the EU certainly will
knock at Turkey's door in future.'' Ecevit responded to questions of
journalists at the Brussels Airport prior to his visit to the U.S. When
asked, ''You are in Brussels, the capital of the EU. The Helsinki Summit
will be held in December. Are you hopeful about the summit?'' Ecevit said,
''I am not dreaming about these issues. But all I can say that Turkey's
full membership to the EU is a right stemming from the international
agreements, her history, her geography and her culture. Although several
European countries do not consider us as European, Turkey is a European
country. Turkish people are not only European, but at the same time they
are Balkanite, Mediterranean, and Asian. With her mixed identity, Turkey is
a significant country in the Eurasianization process.'' ''Actually, the EU
will soon understand that it is in need of the membership of such a
country. However, at this stage, I don't want to make an estimation whether
a very positive decision would be taken at Helsinki Summit, and I am not
carried away by great imaginings. However, as I said the EU will absolutely
knock at Turkey's door and resort to Turkey in the future. They want to
accept Turkey as a half-guest,'' he said. When asked what the top-pirority
issue of the agenda of his visit to the U.S. would be, the Prime Minister
said, ''everything.'' When reminded of the statement of the U.S. Secretary
of State which was published by a newspaper the same day saying that the
U.S. wanted the seminaries for theological education opened, Ecevit said,
''now, I don't have to explain the details of our contacts in Washington
D.C. and New York. I don't approve of starting the negotiations without
Washington D.C. I did not respond for weeks to the questions about the news
and comments concerning the expectations from the U.S. I did response to a
question and it was about Cyprus. I said that we can't be exposed to any
pressure concerning Cyprus, and we never accept even if the pressure is put
on us. I think our meetings in the U.S. especially the meeting with Mr.
Bill Clinton will be very comprehensive. Because, after the two-pole world
came to an end, the NATO's functions and responsibilities were expanded de
facto. Meanwhile, Turkey's region was also expanded, and these two
processes enabled Turkey and the U.S. to come more closer to each other
compared to past, and share a common fate. Thus all of the global problems
are actually on the common agenda of Turkey and the U.S.''
[32] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT: - ''IT WILL BE NOT REALISTIC TO EXPECT CYPRUS
QUESTION TO BE SOLVED WITH GREECE'S CONTRIBUTION WHILE MAIN PROBLEMS
BETWEEN TURKEY AND GREECE REMAINED UNSOLVED''
[33] BRUSSELS, Sept 26 (A.A) - Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said on Sunday
that it would be not realistic to expect Cyprus question to be solved with
Greece's contribution while main problems between Turkey and Greece
remained unsolved. Ecevit responded to questions of journalists at the
Brussels Airport prior to his visit to the U.S. When reminded of U.S.
Secretary of State Madeleine Albright's statement saying that Greece and
Turkey should hold negotiations on the Cyprus issue,'' Ecevit said, ''First
of all, Turkey and Greece should come to the level of negotiating Aegean
dispute. They should accept our invitation to hold talks on the issue. A
promising dialogue has started recently. But this dialogue did not bring
main problems between the two countries onto its own agenda. It cannot
bring it for the time being anyway. It will be not realistic to expect
Cyprus question to be solved with Greece's contribution while main problems
between Turkey and Greece remained unsolved. Cyprus question shold be
solved between the two communties on the island. In accordance with our
opinion, there is not any problem on Cyprus. But those who claim that there
is problem, should leave its solution to the communities on the island.
Otherwise, I do not think that it would not be useful to add Cyprus
question to the problems which were not even discussed between Turkey and
Greece.'' When asked what his policy towards Northern Iraq was, Ecevit said,
''as I have just mentioned I am taking pains not to say anything except the
Cyprus question prior to our talks in Washington D.C. Otherwise, my visit
to the U.S. became unnecessary. I want you to show patience. The Northern
Iraq issue will be discussed at the meetings. Turkey's increasing
responsibilities and intensified burden on her due to the situation in
Northern Iraq will be discussed. However, I don't want to talk on the
details. Even I don't know whether there is an American plan that can be
realistic and reasonable at this moment. We will together know this in
coming days.'' When asked what his expectations for the economic field were,
the Prime Minister said, ''as I said early this morning, they are moderate
and rightful expectations. These rightful expectations have not been met up
until now. Of course, we will want these expectations responded. For
example, the embargo imposed on Iraq is seriously harming Turkey after
Iraq. the direct damage is at least 30-35 billion U.S. dollars. Because,
the situation in Iraq made the crossing ways to the gulf difficult. Besides,
the authority gap in Northern Iraq escalated terrorism in Turkey. Thus
these put very serious burden on Turkey. However, even a single step to
balance or compansate this burden was not taken.'' ''I think the U.S. does
not collect duty on the textiles and ready-made clothing exported by the
European Union (EU) countries while she wants the EU accept our membership.
Thus I think that the U.S. has to logically give the same means to Turkey
as the EU members concerning textiles,'' he said.
[34] WORKS TO HAUL AWAY RUBBLE OF COLLAPSED BUILDINGS CONTINUE IN KOCAELI -
A TOTAL OF 68,232 QUAKE VICTIMS TAKE SHELTER IN 39 TENT-CITIES
[35] KOCAELI, Sept 26 (A.A) - Works to haul away rubble of collapsed
buildings continued in Kocaeli province, one of the worst hit areas in the
strong earthquake which devastated Marmara Region on August 17, it was
reported on Sunday. Rubble of 664 buildings which collapsed or were
seriously damaged, have been removed so far in Korfez, Karamursel and Gebze
counties of Kocaeli. Alemdaroglu, Duysak, Ozhak and Yildizlar firms which
have bid for the tender opened by the Public Works and Settlement Ministry,
are carrying out works to haul away rubble of the collapsed buildings.
Meanwhile, officials at the Crisis Management Center told the A.A
correspondent that a total of 68,232 quake victims have taken shelter in 39
tent-cities in the province. A total of 835 new tents will be erected in
Kocaeli in coming days. 391 doctors, 1,388 medical staff, and 37 ambulances
are serving in the province.
[36] INCIDENTS AT ANKARA PRISON - DEATH TOLL INCREASES TO EIGHT
[37] ANKARA, Sept 26 (A.A) - The number of people killed in the incidents
at the Ankara Main Covered Prison increased to eight, it was reported on
Sunday. Officials said one of the 24 people who had been taken to the
Ankara Numune Hospital died despite the intense efforts of doctors.
Meanwhile, officials said the people who were killed in the incidents were
the prisoners.
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