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Anadolu Agency: News in English, 99-10-01
AA Daily
1 October 1999 Friday
CONTENTS
[01] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT STAYS IN A HOTEL IN WHICH ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT
STAGED AGAINST HIM 23 YEARS AGO
[02] NEW YORK, Oct 1 (A.A) - Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit stays in a hotel
in New York, the U.S. in which an assassination attempt was staged against
him 23 years ago, it was reported on Friday. Prime Minister Ecevit and his
wife Rahsan Ecevit settled in Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York after
wrapping up his contacts in Washington D.C. A Greek Cypriot fanatic tried
to kill Ecevit in Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York he came after taking
the decision of intervening on Cyprus in 1974 to prevent genocide attempt
of Greek Cypriots on the Turkish society living on the island. Stavro
Sykoperides, the cashier of the hotel, attempted to assassinate Ecevit and
it was found out that he was member of the Greek Cypriot terrorist
organization EOKA-B. The bullet hadn't hit Ecevit but created panic in the
hotel. Turkish and American intelligence services took extraordinary
security measures in the floor where Ecevit and his wife stay.
[03] ECEVIT MEETS WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF JEWISH ASSOCIATIONS IN NEW YORK
[04] NEW YORK, Oct 1 (A.A) - Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit met with
representatives of Jewish associations as his first contact in New York, it
was reported on Friday. After receiving representatives of Jewish
associations in his hotel room, Ecevit said ''Jews are ready to extend all
kinds of help regarding the problems Turkey face.'' Issuing a statement
after the meeting which lasted for 45 minutes, Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit
said ''it was a very friendly meeting. They help us in all issues and they
asked how could they help us from now on. It was a very beneficial
meeting.'' ''How will they help?'' asked journalists to Ecevit who replied
that ''we have economic problems and problems about military cooperation.
They told me that they would help us within the framework of their own
understanding about our problems. Besides we know that they collected a
great amount of money for the earthquake survivors in Turkey.'' Upon
another question, Ecevit said ''I reiterated our own views about the Cyprus
question,'' without giving any details. Meanwhile it was reported that an
institution namely ''American Jewish World Service'' (AJWS) has collected
900,000 dollars for earthquake survivors in Turkey till today. Ruth
Messinger, the Chairman of AJWS was among the representatives of Jewish
institutions who came together with Premier Ecevit today. AJWS noted in a
statement that they would construct an ''Israeli village'' for survivors in
Turkey. 25 temporary huts out of 525 ones which were planned for 2000
people, will be constructed by using 175,000 dollars. The project foresees
construction of a school, one clinic and road in addition to the huts. The
construction of the Israeli village is likely to be completed at the end of
October. Meanwhile Jewish institutions will give 11,000 dollars for trauma
traning center in which earthquake victims will be treated. Jewish
societies will also give 125,000 dollars for the project that foresees
psychological treatment of women and children. A tent city that is
resistant to winter will be built in Adapazarę province of Turkey that will
shelter 18,000 people during winter by 300,000 dollars that will be
provided by AJWS. Kitchens, toilets, showers, one school and one clinic
will be in this tent city.
[05] PREMIER ECEVIT MEETS WITH ANNAN, U.N. SECRETARY GENERAL -
ECEVIT:''ANNAN'S BEING SECRETARY GENERAL IS A CHANCE FOR WORLD''
[06] NEW YORK, Oct 1 (A.A) - Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit, who is currently
in New York, met with Kofi Annan, the U.N. Secretary General, it was
reported on Friday. Speaking to journalists after his half an hour meeting
with Annan, Ecevit said that ''Kofi Annan's being the U.N. Secretary
General is a chance for our world. I explained my views about Cyprus
question to him and wished him success.'' Upon a question, Premier Ecevit
said ''he asked my views about the Cyprus question, and I told him my views,
which you know.'' ''Will Kofi Annan appoint a special envoy and start
shuttle diplomacy between the two sides on the island?'' asked journalists
to Ecevit who replied that ''we'll see it in time.'' Meanwhile the U.N.
Press Office said that ''the recent earthquake disaster in Turkey, Cyprus
negotiations and the situation in Iraq'' were taken up in Ecevit-Annan
meeting.
[07] PREMIER ECEVIT PARTICIPATES IN MEETING HELD BY FEDERATION OF AMERICAN-
TURKISH ASSOCIATIONS IN NEW YORK - ECEVIT:''U.S. IS A WORLD STATE AND MOST
POWERFUL STATE OF THE WORLD'' - ''TURKEY NOW OPENS TO WHOLE WORLD BY THE
POWER IT GETS FROM ITS DEMOCRATIC SECULAR REPUBLIC, HISTORY AND PEOPLE''
[08] NEW YORK, Oct 1 (A.A) - Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said on Friday
that the U.S. is a world state and at the same time the most powerful state
of the world, adding ''Turkey now opens to whole world by the power it gets
from its democratic secular republic, its history and its people.'' Ecevit
stated that Turkey's military and political relations with the U.S. are
very advanced, but its economic relatkions are weak. Ecevit, who is
currently in New York, participated in the meeting held by the Federation
of Turkish-American Associations. Rahsan Ecevit, the wife of Premier Ecevit,
Cumhur Ersumer, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy and
Natural Resources, Ismail Cem, the Foreign Minister and several deputies
also participated in the meeting. Addressing the meeting Ata Erim, the
Chairman of the Federation, said that Turks living in the U.S. started an
aid campaign due to the earthquake disaster in Turkey and 1.5 million
dollars which was collected was sent to Turkey. Noting that they launch
efforts to form an effective lobby in the U.S., Erim pointed out that they
are behind lobbies of other countries regarding activities. Referring to
dual citizenship, Erim said that the support of Turkey to the Federation of
American-Turkish Associations should strengthen. ''We are devoted to our
national values, principles and reforms of Ataturk and democratic republic,
'' Erim said. Ata Erim also gave a plate to Premier Bulent Ecevit as he was
chosen by the Federation as the ''Statesman of the Year.'' Premier Bulent
Ecevit said in his part that the U.S. President Bill Clinton was the first
President who phoned him after the formation of the 57th government and
this showed the interest and trust of the U.S. in Turkey. Noting that they
took up all world issues during his meeting with U.S. President Clinton,
Premier Ecevit pointed out that ''we discussed all problems of the world in
our meeting. It was a very useful and friendly meeting. Thus I explained
clearly our expectations from the U.S. to Mr. Clinton and his friends.''
Addressing the people in the meeting, Ecevit said ''I wish you to remain as
our citizens, but at the same time the citizens of this friendly country.
There is no obstacle for that in our Constitution and laws. Those who want
to benefit from dual citizenship or who want to leave Turkish citizenship,
have to inform the state about it and get permission. But Merve Kavakcę
didn't abide with that.'' Noting that a framework-agreement was signed
between the U.S. and Turkey for improvement of economic and commercial
relations, Ecevit said the negotiations held to increase textile quotas
were concluded. Recalling that a quota of 108 billion dollars in two years
was accepted, Ecevit pointed out that Clinton and he reached full consensus
about the issues of Baku-Ceyhan Oil Pipeline and Caspian Basin Pipelines.
Issues such as relations with the EU, Bosnia, Kosovo, Turkish-Greek
relations and Cyprus issue were taken up in his meeting with Clinton, said
Premier Ecevit, adding they reached a consensus of opinion with Clinton
regarding the unacceptability of a solution which creates a situation on
Cyprus which is similar to the one in pre-1974 period. Stressing that there
was genocide, injustice, unequality and slavery on Cyprus before 1974,
Ecevit said that ''Turkey and Turkish Cypriots also can't accept a solution
which will carry the island to pre-1974 period.'' Ecevit said that the
Turkish nation is grateful for the aid provided by Turks living in the U.S.
and by Americans, adding tents given to citizens whose houses collapsed in
the quake are not solution and they examine examples of prefabricated huts
from all over the world. ''I hope this problem will end till November,''
said Ecevit, adding sources have been allocated to make the necessary aid
to earthquake survivors. Stressing that thousands of permanent houses have
to be built in the disaster region, Ecevit said that chosing the place
where they will be built is very important.
[09] PREMIER ECEVIT PARTICIPATES IN MEETING HELD BY FEDERATION OF AMERICAN-
TURKISH ASSOCIATIONS IN NEW YORK
[10] NEW YORK, Oct 1 (A.A) - Premier Bulent Ecevit said on Friday that the
government in Turkey works in full harmony and in such a speed which was
not seen in Turkish political life before. Addressing the meeting held by
the Federation of Turkish-American Associations in New York, Premier Ecevit
said that the goverment made the parliament pass 67 laws and constitutional
changes in a short period of time, ''many of them are laws having the
character of reform,'' he added. Ecevit gave information about the laws
adopted and when he mentioned the law that will give opportunity to release
of writers from prisons, persons in the hall applauded him. Noting that the
Turkish economy was struck twice by the economic crisis first and then the
earthquake, Ecevit said that many efforts have to be exerted in the
economic field. Both World Bank and IMF promised to provide at least 3
billion dollars of aid to meet the needs of earthquake surviviors in Turkey,
he added. ''Our military and political relations with the U.S. are very
advanced, but our economic relations are weak,'' said Premier Ecevit,
adding the trade volume between the two countries was only 6.3 billion
dollars in 1997, this number didn't change in 1998 and it decreased by 29.3
percent in the first half of 1999. ''This upsets us very much. You, our
citizens in the U.S., should try to orient American investors to Turkey,''
he said. Pointing out that Turkey is one of the most important countries of
the world in respect of historical and natural sightseeings, Ecevit said
that 9-10 million tourists come to Turkey annually, but only 5 percent of
them is American. Speculations such as ''There is terrorism in Turkey'' are
spread and tourists who want to visit Turkey are deterred, said Ecevit,
calling on Turkish citizens in the U.S. by saying ''Aegean and
Mediterranean are among the safest regions of the world. Please encourage
our American friends to come to Turkey.'' Referring to the damage Turkey
suffered due to the embargo imposed on Iraq after the Gulf Crisis, Ecevit
said that Turkey lost 30-35 billion dollars in eight years. ''Opportunity
has been given to Jordan to compensate that, but this opportunity was not
given to Turkey,'' he added. Stressing that Turkey is a country which makes
the biggest contribution to the policy pursued by the U.S., Ecevit said
Turkey also suffers from great damage due to the same reason, adding he
told about this injustice to U.S. President Bill Clinton. Premier Ecevit
was applauded frequently during his speech. After Ecevit's speech, Ali
Sencer, the Chairman of the Federation of American-Turkish Cypriot
Associations gave a plate to Ecevit for the 25th anniversary of Turkish
Republic of Northern Cyprus' (TRNC) gaining freedom.
[11] PRIME MINISTRY CRISIS MANAGEMENT CENTER ANNOUNCES DEATH TOLL AS 15,814
[12] ANKARA, Oct 1 (A.A) - The Prime Ministry Crisis Management Center
announced the death toll as 15,814 as of 11:00 local time on Friday in the
wake of the strong earthquake which devastated Marmara Region on August 17.
A total of 43,953 people were injured in the quake. Officials at the Prime
Ministry Crisis Management Center told the A.A correspondent that a total
of 112,445 tents were distributed in the disaster area so far. 44,488 tents
were provided by the Red Crescent, 3,195 others were provided by the
Turkish Armed Forces, 39,359 tents were provided by foreign countries, and
25,403 tents were provided by several organizations. Works to haul away
rubble of 3,210 collapsed buildings were finalized. A total of 5,768
collapsed buildings will be removed, and 8,720 others which were seriously
damaged in the quake, will be demolished in coming days. A total of 66,441
dwellings and 10,901 business places were seriously damaged, and a total of
80,160 dwellings and 9,712 business places were slightly damaged while
moderate damage were determined in a total of 67,242 dwellings and 9,927
business places. Construction of prefabricated houses is continuing in the
disaster zone. Meanwhile, there are 63 trillion 63 billion 544 million
Turkish Liras in the bank account opened at the Ziraat Bank as of September
29, 1999. A total of 18 trillion Turkish Liras were allocated to the
Natural Disaster Fund.
[13] NEW LEGISLATIVE YEAR STARTS WITH PRESIDENT DEMIREL'S REMARKS
[14] ANKARA, Oct 1 (A.A) - The new legislative year started with President
Suleyman Demirel's opening remarks on Friday. Arriving at the parliament at
2:50 local time, Demirel was welcomed by a military ceremony at the
parliament. Yildirim Akbulut, Parliament Speaker, opened the first session
of the 21st Term legislative year at 3:00 local time. Expressing the deep
sorrow Turkey felt over the quake which hit the Marmara Region in August,
Akbulut said that the parliament would do its best to overcome the material
and moral losses of Turkey. Wishing that mutual respect, love and tolerance
would be experienced in the new legislative year, Akbulut noted that he
believed that the parliament would solve all the problems by Ataturk's
nationalism understanding, principles and reforms, democratic
parliamentarian system and the supremacy of law. After Demirel entered the
General Assembly Hall, the National Anthem was sung. Later, Demirel started
to make his speech on the occasion of the new legislative year.
[15] NEW LEGISLATIVE YEAR IN TRNC STARTS
[16] LEFKOSA, Oct 1 (A.A) - The new legislative year in the Turkish
Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) started on Friday. Rauf Denktas, TRNC
President, Sukru Sariisik, the Turkish Cypriot Peace Forces Commander,
Ertugrul Apakan, Turkey's Ambassador to Lefkosa, and Ali Nihat Ozeryanli,
TRNC Security Forces Commander, participated in the opening session of the
TRNC parliament. Ertugrul Hasipoglu, TRNC Parliament Speaker, said that the
republic develops day by day and that the TRNC constitution should be
rearranged in accordance with today's conditions. Dervis Eroglu, TRNC Prime
Minister, said that the foreign policy will be in the first place of the
agenda of the new legislative year; adding that the fair and lasting
solution on Cyprus can only be reached when the two sides are considered
equal. Emphasizing that Premier Bulent Ecevit told Bill Clinton, U.S.
President, that Turkey cannot make a concession about the sovereignty of
the Turkish Cypriots one more time, Eroglu noted that they find the
approach saying, ''there will not be a return to the days before 1974 on
Cyprus'' positive. Eroglu added that Turkey will not give up her
guarantorship on Cyprus.
[17] TURKISH-FRENCH COOPERATION IN DEFENSE - HELMER, CHAIRMAN OF FRENCH
ARMAMENT DEPARTMENT: - ''FRANCE SUPPORTS TURKEY'S CANDIDACY TO THE EU''
[18] ANKARA, Oct 1 (A.A) - Jean-Yves Helmer, the Chairman of the French
Armament Department, said on Friday that France supported Turkey's
candidacy to the European Union (EU). Jean-Yves Helmer stage a press
briefing on the relations between Turkey and France in the defense industry
within the scope of the Fourth International Defense Industry, Aviation and
Maritime Fair (IDEF-99) taking place at the Turkkusu facilities in
Etimesgut county of Ankara. Helmer stated that Major General Salih
Cetinkaya, the Deputy Undersecretary of the National Ministry, and he
signed an agreement on research-develop on Thursday at the French Embassiy
in Ankara. Noting that he arrived in Turkey as the representative of Alain
Richard, the Defense Minister of France, Helmer said they wanted to improve
the cooperation between Turkey and France in defense industry. Stressing
that Turkey had to take place in defense system in Europe, Helmer said
defense of Europe would be impossible without Turkey. Recalling that the
relations between Turkey and France in defense industry had been developed
following the Defense Cooperation Agreement signed in 1991, Helmer said
there were some examples like Thomsan-Tekfen cooperation, Nurol-GIAT joint
project and Eurocopter-Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) joint projects
within that framework. Jean-Yves Helmer stated that the first of the Cougar
helicopters, which were produced with a joint project of the TAI and
Eurocopter, would be dispatched to Turkey through the end of 1999. Helmer
stressed that half of the 20 thousand long-range anitank missiles would be
produced by the Turkish industry. Pointing out that they offered the Tiger
helicopters to Turkey within the framework of the Turkish Armed Forces'
Attack Helicopter Project, Jean-Yves Helmer said the Tiger helicopters
would be tested in southern Antalya province on Saturday.
[01] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT STAYS IN A HOTEL IN WHICH ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT
STAGED AGAINST HIM 23 YEARS AGO
[02] NEW YORK, Oct 1 (A.A) - Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit stays in a hotel
in New York, the U.S. in which an assassination attempt was staged against
him 23 years ago, it was reported on Friday. Prime Minister Ecevit and his
wife Rahsan Ecevit settled in Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York after
wrapping up his contacts in Washington D.C. A Greek Cypriot fanatic tried
to kill Ecevit in Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York he came after taking
the decision of intervening on Cyprus in 1974 to prevent genocide attempt
of Greek Cypriots on the Turkish society living on the island. Stavro
Sykoperides, the cashier of the hotel, attempted to assassinate Ecevit and
it was found out that he was member of the Greek Cypriot terrorist
organization EOKA-B. The bullet hadn't hit Ecevit but created panic in the
hotel. Turkish and American intelligence services took extraordinary
security measures in the floor where Ecevit and his wife stay.
[03] ECEVIT MEETS WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF JEWISH ASSOCIATIONS IN NEW YORK
[04] NEW YORK, Oct 1 (A.A) - Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit met with
representatives of Jewish associations as his first contact in New York, it
was reported on Friday. After receiving representatives of Jewish
associations in his hotel room, Ecevit said ''Jews are ready to extend all
kinds of help regarding the problems Turkey face.'' Issuing a statement
after the meeting which lasted for 45 minutes, Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit
said ''it was a very friendly meeting. They help us in all issues and they
asked how could they help us from now on. It was a very beneficial
meeting.'' ''How will they help?'' asked journalists to Ecevit who replied
that ''we have economic problems and problems about military cooperation.
They told me that they would help us within the framework of their own
understanding about our problems. Besides we know that they collected a
great amount of money for the earthquake survivors in Turkey.'' Upon
another question, Ecevit said ''I reiterated our own views about the Cyprus
question,'' without giving any details. Meanwhile it was reported that an
institution namely ''American Jewish World Service'' (AJWS) has collected
900,000 dollars for earthquake survivors in Turkey till today. Ruth
Messinger, the Chairman of AJWS was among the representatives of Jewish
institutions who came together with Premier Ecevit today. AJWS noted in a
statement that they would construct an ''Israeli village'' for survivors in
Turkey. 25 temporary huts out of 525 ones which were planned for 2000
people, will be constructed by using 175,000 dollars. The project foresees
construction of a school, one clinic and road in addition to the huts. The
construction of the Israeli village is likely to be completed at the end of
October. Meanwhile Jewish institutions will give 11,000 dollars for trauma
traning center in which earthquake victims will be treated. Jewish
societies will also give 125,000 dollars for the project that foresees
psychological treatment of women and children. A tent city that is
resistant to winter will be built in Adapazarę province of Turkey that will
shelter 18,000 people during winter by 300,000 dollars that will be
provided by AJWS. Kitchens, toilets, showers, one school and one clinic
will be in this tent city.
[05] PREMIER ECEVIT MEETS WITH ANNAN, U.N. SECRETARY GENERAL -
ECEVIT:''ANNAN'S BEING SECRETARY GENERAL IS A CHANCE FOR WORLD''
[06] NEW YORK, Oct 1 (A.A) - Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit, who is currently
in New York, met with Kofi Annan, the U.N. Secretary General, it was
reported on Friday. Speaking to journalists after his half an hour meeting
with Annan, Ecevit said that ''Kofi Annan's being the U.N. Secretary
General is a chance for our world. I explained my views about Cyprus
question to him and wished him success.'' Upon a question, Premier Ecevit
said ''he asked my views about the Cyprus question, and I told him my views,
which you know.'' ''Will Kofi Annan appoint a special envoy and start
shuttle diplomacy between the two sides on the island?'' asked journalists
to Ecevit who replied that ''we'll see it in time.'' Meanwhile the U.N.
Press Office said that ''the recent earthquake disaster in Turkey, Cyprus
negotiations and the situation in Iraq'' were taken up in Ecevit-Annan
meeting.
[07] PREMIER ECEVIT PARTICIPATES IN MEETING HELD BY FEDERATION OF AMERICAN-
TURKISH ASSOCIATIONS IN NEW YORK - ECEVIT:''U.S. IS A WORLD STATE AND MOST
POWERFUL STATE OF THE WORLD'' - ''TURKEY NOW OPENS TO WHOLE WORLD BY THE
POWER IT GETS FROM ITS DEMOCRATIC SECULAR REPUBLIC, HISTORY AND PEOPLE''
[08] NEW YORK, Oct 1 (A.A) - Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said on Friday
that the U.S. is a world state and at the same time the most powerful state
of the world, adding ''Turkey now opens to whole world by the power it gets
from its democratic secular republic, its history and its people.'' Ecevit
stated that Turkey's military and political relations with the U.S. are
very advanced, but its economic relatkions are weak. Ecevit, who is
currently in New York, participated in the meeting held by the Federation
of Turkish-American Associations. Rahsan Ecevit, the wife of Premier Ecevit,
Cumhur Ersumer, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy and
Natural Resources, Ismail Cem, the Foreign Minister and several deputies
also participated in the meeting. Addressing the meeting Ata Erim, the
Chairman of the Federation, said that Turks living in the U.S. started an
aid campaign due to the earthquake disaster in Turkey and 1.5 million
dollars which was collected was sent to Turkey. Noting that they launch
efforts to form an effective lobby in the U.S., Erim pointed out that they
are behind lobbies of other countries regarding activities. Referring to
dual citizenship, Erim said that the support of Turkey to the Federation of
American-Turkish Associations should strengthen. ''We are devoted to our
national values, principles and reforms of Ataturk and democratic republic,
'' Erim said. Ata Erim also gave a plate to Premier Bulent Ecevit as he was
chosen by the Federation as the ''Statesman of the Year.'' Premier Bulent
Ecevit said in his part that the U.S. President Bill Clinton was the first
President who phoned him after the formation of the 57th government and
this showed the interest and trust of the U.S. in Turkey. Noting that they
took up all world issues during his meeting with U.S. President Clinton,
Premier Ecevit pointed out that ''we discussed all problems of the world in
our meeting. It was a very useful and friendly meeting. Thus I explained
clearly our expectations from the U.S. to Mr. Clinton and his friends.''
Addressing the people in the meeting, Ecevit said ''I wish you to remain as
our citizens, but at the same time the citizens of this friendly country.
There is no obstacle for that in our Constitution and laws. Those who want
to benefit from dual citizenship or who want to leave Turkish citizenship,
have to inform the state about it and get permission. But Merve Kavakcę
didn't abide with that.'' Noting that a framework-agreement was signed
between the U.S. and Turkey for improvement of economic and commercial
relations, Ecevit said the negotiations held to increase textile quotas
were concluded. Recalling that a quota of 108 billion dollars in two years
was accepted, Ecevit pointed out that Clinton and he reached full consensus
about the issues of Baku-Ceyhan Oil Pipeline and Caspian Basin Pipelines.
Issues such as relations with the EU, Bosnia, Kosovo, Turkish-Greek
relations and Cyprus issue were taken up in his meeting with Clinton, said
Premier Ecevit, adding they reached a consensus of opinion with Clinton
regarding the unacceptability of a solution which creates a situation on
Cyprus which is similar to the one in pre-1974 period. Stressing that there
was genocide, injustice, unequality and slavery on Cyprus before 1974,
Ecevit said that ''Turkey and Turkish Cypriots also can't accept a solution
which will carry the island to pre-1974 period.'' Ecevit said that the
Turkish nation is grateful for the aid provided by Turks living in the U.S.
and by Americans, adding tents given to citizens whose houses collapsed in
the quake are not solution and they examine examples of prefabricated huts
from all over the world. ''I hope this problem will end till November,''
said Ecevit, adding sources have been allocated to make the necessary aid
to earthquake survivors. Stressing that thousands of permanent houses have
to be built in the disaster region, Ecevit said that chosing the place
where they will be built is very important.
[09] PREMIER ECEVIT PARTICIPATES IN MEETING HELD BY FEDERATION OF AMERICAN-
TURKISH ASSOCIATIONS IN NEW YORK
[10] NEW YORK, Oct 1 (A.A) - Premier Bulent Ecevit said on Friday that the
government in Turkey works in full harmony and in such a speed which was
not seen in Turkish political life before. Addressing the meeting held by
the Federation of Turkish-American Associations in New York, Premier Ecevit
said that the goverment made the parliament pass 67 laws and constitutional
changes in a short period of time, ''many of them are laws having the
character of reform,'' he added. Ecevit gave information about the laws
adopted and when he mentioned the law that will give opportunity to release
of writers from prisons, persons in the hall applauded him. Noting that the
Turkish economy was struck twice by the economic crisis first and then the
earthquake, Ecevit said that many efforts have to be exerted in the
economic field. Both World Bank and IMF promised to provide at least 3
billion dollars of aid to meet the needs of earthquake surviviors in Turkey,
he added. ''Our military and political relations with the U.S. are very
advanced, but our economic relations are weak,'' said Premier Ecevit,
adding the trade volume between the two countries was only 6.3 billion
dollars in 1997, this number didn't change in 1998 and it decreased by 29.3
percent in the first half of 1999. ''This upsets us very much. You, our
citizens in the U.S., should try to orient American investors to Turkey,''
he said. Pointing out that Turkey is one of the most important countries of
the world in respect of historical and natural sightseeings, Ecevit said
that 9-10 million tourists come to Turkey annually, but only 5 percent of
them is American. Speculations such as ''There is terrorism in Turkey'' are
spread and tourists who want to visit Turkey are deterred, said Ecevit,
calling on Turkish citizens in the U.S. by saying ''Aegean and
Mediterranean are among the safest regions of the world. Please encourage
our American friends to come to Turkey.'' Referring to the damage Turkey
suffered due to the embargo imposed on Iraq after the Gulf Crisis, Ecevit
said that Turkey lost 30-35 billion dollars in eight years. ''Opportunity
has been given to Jordan to compensate that, but this opportunity was not
given to Turkey,'' he added. Stressing that Turkey is a country which makes
the biggest contribution to the policy pursued by the U.S., Ecevit said
Turkey also suffers from great damage due to the same reason, adding he
told about this injustice to U.S. President Bill Clinton. Premier Ecevit
was applauded frequently during his speech. After Ecevit's speech, Ali
Sencer, the Chairman of the Federation of American-Turkish Cypriot
Associations gave a plate to Ecevit for the 25th anniversary of Turkish
Republic of Northern Cyprus' (TRNC) gaining freedom.
[11] PRIME MINISTRY CRISIS MANAGEMENT CENTER ANNOUNCES DEATH TOLL AS 15,814
[12] ANKARA, Oct 1 (A.A) - The Prime Ministry Crisis Management Center
announced the death toll as 15,814 as of 11:00 local time on Friday in the
wake of the strong earthquake which devastated Marmara Region on August 17.
A total of 43,953 people were injured in the quake. Officials at the Prime
Ministry Crisis Management Center told the A.A correspondent that a total
of 112,445 tents were distributed in the disaster area so far. 44,488 tents
were provided by the Red Crescent, 3,195 others were provided by the
Turkish Armed Forces, 39,359 tents were provided by foreign countries, and
25,403 tents were provided by several organizations. Works to haul away
rubble of 3,210 collapsed buildings were finalized. A total of 5,768
collapsed buildings will be removed, and 8,720 others which were seriously
damaged in the quake, will be demolished in coming days. A total of 66,441
dwellings and 10,901 business places were seriously damaged, and a total of
80,160 dwellings and 9,712 business places were slightly damaged while
moderate damage were determined in a total of 67,242 dwellings and 9,927
business places. Construction of prefabricated houses is continuing in the
disaster zone. Meanwhile, there are 63 trillion 63 billion 544 million
Turkish Liras in the bank account opened at the Ziraat Bank as of September
29, 1999. A total of 18 trillion Turkish Liras were allocated to the
Natural Disaster Fund.
[13] NEW LEGISLATIVE YEAR STARTS WITH PRESIDENT DEMIREL'S REMARKS
[14] ANKARA, Oct 1 (A.A) - The new legislative year started with President
Suleyman Demirel's opening remarks on Friday. Arriving at the parliament at
2:50 local time, Demirel was welcomed by a military ceremony at the
parliament. Yildirim Akbulut, Parliament Speaker, opened the first session
of the 21st Term legislative year at 3:00 local time. Expressing the deep
sorrow Turkey felt over the quake which hit the Marmara Region in August,
Akbulut said that the parliament would do its best to overcome the material
and moral losses of Turkey. Wishing that mutual respect, love and tolerance
would be experienced in the new legislative year, Akbulut noted that he
believed that the parliament would solve all the problems by Ataturk's
nationalism understanding, principles and reforms, democratic
parliamentarian system and the supremacy of law. After Demirel entered the
General Assembly Hall, the National Anthem was sung. Later, Demirel started
to make his speech on the occasion of the new legislative year.
[15] NEW LEGISLATIVE YEAR IN TRNC STARTS
[16] LEFKOSA, Oct 1 (A.A) - The new legislative year in the Turkish
Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) started on Friday. Rauf Denktas, TRNC
President, Sukru Sariisik, the Turkish Cypriot Peace Forces Commander,
Ertugrul Apakan, Turkey's Ambassador to Lefkosa, and Ali Nihat Ozeryanli,
TRNC Security Forces Commander, participated in the opening session of the
TRNC parliament. Ertugrul Hasipoglu, TRNC Parliament Speaker, said that the
republic develops day by day and that the TRNC constitution should be
rearranged in accordance with today's conditions. Dervis Eroglu, TRNC Prime
Minister, said that the foreign policy will be in the first place of the
agenda of the new legislative year; adding that the fair and lasting
solution on Cyprus can only be reached when the two sides are considered
equal. Emphasizing that Premier Bulent Ecevit told Bill Clinton, U.S.
President, that Turkey cannot make a concession about the sovereignty of
the Turkish Cypriots one more time, Eroglu noted that they find the
approach saying, ''there will not be a return to the days before 1974 on
Cyprus'' positive. Eroglu added that Turkey will not give up her
guarantorship on Cyprus.
[17] TURKISH-FRENCH COOPERATION IN DEFENSE - HELMER, CHAIRMAN OF FRENCH
ARMAMENT DEPARTMENT: - ''FRANCE SUPPORTS TURKEY'S CANDIDACY TO THE EU''
[18] ANKARA, Oct 1 (A.A) - Jean-Yves Helmer, the Chairman of the French
Armament Department, said on Friday that France supported Turkey's
candidacy to the European Union (EU). Jean-Yves Helmer stage a press
briefing on the relations between Turkey and France in the defense industry
within the scope of the Fourth International Defense Industry, Aviation and
Maritime Fair (IDEF-99) taking place at the Turkkusu facilities in
Etimesgut county of Ankara. Helmer stated that Major General Salih
Cetinkaya, the Deputy Undersecretary of the National Ministry, and he
signed an agreement on research-develop on Thursday at the French Embassiy
in Ankara. Noting that he arrived in Turkey as the representative of Alain
Richard, the Defense Minister of France, Helmer said they wanted to improve
the cooperation between Turkey and France in defense industry. Stressing
that Turkey had to take place in defense system in Europe, Helmer said
defense of Europe would be impossible without Turkey. Recalling that the
relations between Turkey and France in defense industry had been developed
following the Defense Cooperation Agreement signed in 1991, Helmer said
there were some examples like Thomsan-Tekfen cooperation, Nurol-GIAT joint
project and Eurocopter-Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) joint projects
within that framework. Jean-Yves Helmer stated that the first of the Cougar
helicopters, which were produced with a joint project of the TAI and
Eurocopter, would be dispatched to Turkey through the end of 1999. Helmer
stressed that half of the 20 thousand long-range anitank missiles would be
produced by the Turkish industry. Pointing out that they offered the Tiger
helicopters to Turkey within the framework of the Turkish Armed Forces'
Attack Helicopter Project, Jean-Yves Helmer said the Tiger helicopters
would be tested in southern Antalya province on Saturday.
A.A
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