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Anadolu Agency: News in English, 99-10-03
AA Daily
3 October 1999 Sunday
CONTENTS
[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN
[02] These are some of the major headlines and their brief stories in
Turkey's press on October 3, 1999. The Anadolu Ajansi does not verify these
stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.
[03] HURRIYET (LIBERAL) - ------------------ SPANISH CREDIT TO SALT LAKE
Foreign credit, worth of 87 million U.S. dollars, was provided from Spain
to save Salt Lake which meets 67 percent of Turkey's salt needs and which
is one of the natural miracles of the world. Nail Tasdelen, Konya Deputy
Governor, said an important step was taken to save Salt Lake, adding that
''this lake has an important contribution to the economy. The lake is an
important chance for tourism.''
[04] WORLD BANK TO COME FOR STRUCTURAL HARMONIZATION CREDIT Recep Onal,
Minister of State responsible for economy, said a delegation composed of
the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) experts will come to
Turkey on October 26 for ''Structural Harmonization Credit'' talks. Onal
pointed out that this credit will be 750 million U.S. dollars.
[05] MILLIYET (LIBERAL) - ----------------- ECEVIT'S DOCTOR ANNOUNCES:
''ECEVIT'S HEALTH IS VERY WELL'' Arif Abaci, Prime Minister Ecevit's doctor
who was with him during his U.S. visit said both Ecevit and Rahsan Ecevit,
his wife did not show any signs of discomfort while some delegation members
who were much younger than Ecevit suffered minor problems caused by the
time difference. ''I check Ecevit's blood every three months. His blood
tests look normal. When we consider his age, his hardwork and his
responsibilities, he is healtier than I am,'' Abaci said. Ecevit only has a
hearing impairment.
[06] MILLENIUM RAISE TO CIVIL SERVANTS: 25 PERCENT According to the
agreement reached between the Turkish economy delegation and IMF on
Saturday, the inflation is targeted to be pulled down to 25 percent. It was
decided at the meeting to keep pay increases of civil servants at 25
percent in 2000. The inflation is targeted to pulled down to 10 percent by
2010. Important steps were taken during Saturday's meeting towards the
stand-by agreement.
[07] SABAH (LIBERAL) - -------------- ISTANBUL IS MOVING Serious changes
took place in real estate market in Istanbul after the earthquake. Those
who are not happy with their houses or people who are looking for a place
to move prefer one or two story buildings. People also started to look for
ways to settle in north of Istanbul because it is far from the fault line.
Istanbul's Catalca, Silivri, Bahcesehir, Kermerburgaz, Sariyer, Zekeriyakoy,
Kilyos, Kavacik, Beykoz, Sile districts became popular.
[08] CUMHURIYET (LEFT) - ---------------- ''TURKEY AND THE U.S. ARE
STRATEGICAL PARTNERS'' Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit returned to Turkey
concluding his six day visit to the U.S. Ecevit said his visit once again
proved that the two countries were strategical partners, adding that he and
Bill Clinton, the U.S. President, decided to strengthen economic and
political relations.
[09] PARTIES ARE CAUTIOUS ABOUT DEMIREL'S PROPOSAL President Demirel's
views regarding re-institutionalization of ''senate'' were generally
supported in the Parliament, yet, other parties apart from True Path Party
(DYP), approached with a ''distance'' to Demirel's proposal about electing
the President with two tour elections and by people. Nationalist Movement
Party (MHP) defended the view that Demirel's views required a total system
change.
[10] RADIKAL (LEFT) - --------------- FRIENDSHIP WILL BE TILL BAF A crisis
may erupt if a plane lands Baf in Greek-Greek Cypriot joint manoeuvres. The
expectation that friendship winds which blow between Turkey and Greece will
bring ''tranquility'' to the Aegean, will be in vain. Ankara says
''everything depends on Athens.'' ''Toksotis'' military exercise of Greece
which was planned to take place in the Mediterranean, and ''Nikiforos''
military exercise of Greek Cypriots will be jointed on October 5. It is
reported that Greek planes will land Baf Base in southern Cyprus for
supplying. Ankara is absolutely opposed to the landings even if for
supplying.
[11] ESTIMATION OF IMF Recep Onal, Minister of State, said International
Monetary Fund (IMF) estimated that Turkish economy will enter growth trend
in the year 2000 with the effect of quake investments. According to IMF,
Turkey's rate of development will be approximately 5.5 percent next year.
[12] TÜRKİYE (RIGHT) - ---------------- ATTACKERS CLASH WITH THE POLICE
Four terrorists who attacked provincial building of Democratic Left Party
(DSP) with fire bombs, and who later tried to escape, clashed with the
police who arrived at the spot. Two police and one terrorist were wounded
in the clash.
[13] ECEVIT PLEASED Prime Minister Ecevit said his visit to the U.S. was
positive. Ecevit, who concluded his visit to the U.S., which he paid upon
the invitation of Bill Clinton, the U.S. President, said ''bases for a more
close cooperation with the U.S. are prepared. We are pleased.''
[14] CYPRUS SUPPORT FROM OIC Foreign Ministers of Organization of Islamic
Conference (OIC) said they were together with Turkish Cypriots and that
they wanted a fair solution.
[15] ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE) - -------------------- ECEVIT RETURNS FROM U.S.
OPTIMISTIC Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit who returned from a five day visit
to the U.S. returned home very optimistic. Ecevit described his contacts
with Clinton as fruitful and said ''his visit showed once again that Turkey
and the U.S. are strategic partners''. The U.S. will increase Turkey's
textile quotas 108 million U.S. dollars, Ecevit said and also noted that
the U.S. adopted a more realistic approach on the Cyprus issues.
[16] TURKEY TO FOCUS ON ECOLOGIC AGRICULTURE Husnu Yusuf Gokalp, the
Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs said that there was a great shift
to ecologic agriculture in the world and added that Turkey also started
activities in this field. Ecologic agriculture is an agriculture model
which does not harm human health, environment, plants and animals in all
its stages. Some developments in this field, although insufficient, took
place in Turkey in recent years, the Minister said. Turkey grew 67 kinds of
ecologic products in 1998. Last year, 8,199 farmers grew 99,300 tons of
ecologic products. Turkey exported more than 19,000 tons of this amount,
kept some of it as frozen and consumed the rest of it as processed food.
[17] ''JUDGE-PROSECUTOR-DEFENDER SEMINAR IN TURKISH AND AMERICAN PENALTY
TRIALS'' SEMINAR STARTS
[18] ISTNABUL, October 3 (A.A) - The seminar titled ''Judge-Prosecutor-
Defender in Turkish and American Penalty Trials'' started in Istanbul on
Saturday. The seminar is organized by Istanbul Bar Human Rights Center and
Human Rights Lawyers Committee. Dr. Seref Unal, the Deputy Undersecretary
of Justice Ministry spoke about structural problems regarding independence
of justice in Turkish and American penalty trials. Unal denied that the
Higher Council of Judges and Prosecutors (HSYK) damaged the independence of
justice and stressed that the independence of justice was protected by
constitutional rights in Turkey. Justice in Turkey has been neglected for
long years, Unal noted and said justice will become more independent once
its share in the budget increases. Nancy Gertner, the Prosecutor of
Massachusetts Region Court pointed out that the justice was seperate from
politics in the U.S. ''For example, Clinton cannot call me and tell me what
I should do,'' Gerner said. Judges can be dismissed for neglecting their
jobs, otherwise they can keep their post for a lifetime, she added. ''We
are responsible against people. Our decisions are inspected by higher
courts. Disciplinary punishments could be given. We are dependent on the
Congress. We get our money, our stationary from it,'' Gertner explained and
also noted that the media had a function of correcting justice. John Keker,
the Chief Prosecutor of Oliver North case and Deputy Prosecutor of North
Carolina said all legal systems including the U.S. system gave very wide
authority to prosectors. Keker stressed that the prosecutors always used
their authority for the benefit of people. Prosecutors' rights are limited
only in issues like protection of the defender's rights. Keker pointed out
that the U.S and the Turkish legal systems were very different because of
the differences in political systems of two nations.
[19] TRIAL OF THE HEAD OF THE TERRORIST ORGANIZATION - APPEALS HEARING IN
SUPREME COURT TO TAKE PLACE ON OCTOBER 7
[20] ANKARA, October 3 (A.A) - Appeals hearing of Abdullah Ocalan, the head
of the terrorist organization, will take place in Supreme Court on October
7. Ankara State Security Court (DGM) no:2 had sentenced Ocalan to capital
punishment on grounds that he incited and led terrorist PKK organization
with the orders aiming at putting whole or a part of state's territories
under a foreign state's sovereignity, diminishing state's independence, or
separating a part of territories which are under state's sovereignity from
the state's administration. Hearing of the head of the terrorist
organization in the 9th Crımınal Panel of the Supreme Court will start at
09:00 local time on October 7, 1999. Accused Ocalan, who is under arrest in
Imrali Island, will not participate in the hearing. The lawyers will make
defense towards the direction of the reasons of the appeal. Under the
Supreme Court law, intervenors and their lawyers can not participate in the
appeals hearings. To this end, relatives and lawyers of martyrs and the
ones who were wounded by the terrorist organization can only attend the
hearing as audiences. Five-person 9th Crımınal Panel of the Supreme Court,
which is led by Demirel Tavil, will determine the date when the decision
will be disclosed after the hearing of October 7. The date will be
announced to the sides. Meanwhile, the file of the head of the terrorist
organization was examined by a judge before the hearing. The judge will
tell the delegation the contents of the file, including the statements of
lawyers of the accused, following the hearing. The decision will be
disclosed in a day that will be determined after the members of the
delegation hold required negotiations on the file. If 9th Crımınal Panel of
the Supreme Court approves the capital punishment given to Ocalan, his
death sentence will become certain. In that case, the accused Ocalan holds
the right to call for ''decision correction'', which is known as an
extraordinary method. This call should be first approved by Vural Savas,
Supreme Court Republican Chief Prosecutor, who wanted death sentence
against the accused to be ratified. If Savas rejects this call, all the
internal legal ways that Ocalan may appy will be exhausted. In that case,
the file will be sent to Justice Ministry and from there to the
Parliamentary Chairmanship for the execution of his sentence. Execution of
Ocalan's death sentence will depend on the decision of the Parliament. If
9th Crımınal Panel of the Supreme Court reverses the sentence given to
Ocalan from the procedure and principle, Ocalan will again be judged by
Ankara DGM no:2 on Imrali Island. If the sentence is reversed from the
procedure, 9th Crımınal Panel of the Supreme Court will discuss the appeal
request of Ankara DGM. Two possibilities will arise if the sentence is
reversed by the principle. The first possibility is that, if Ankara DGM
no:2 insists on the first decision that was reversed by the Supreme Court,
the request for appeal will this time be discussed by the General Board of
the Criminal Penals of the Supreme Court of Appeals. The second possibility
is that Ankara DGM no:2 abides by the decision, and the sentence may be
appealed to Supreme Court. Yet, the Supreme Court will ratify this decision
of DGM which abides by its decision. Lawyers of the accused appealed
capital punishment decision, given by Ankara DGM no:2. The file was sent to
Supreme Court Republican Chief Prosecutorship on July 27, 1999. Meanwhile,
it was reported that security forces will take tight security measures
around Supreme Court starting from early hours of the morning due to the
appeals hearing of the head of the terrorist organization on October 7,
1999.
[21] INTERIOR MINISTER TANTAN: ''OUR EFFORTS CONTINUE TO SECURE A SAFE
PLACE FOR QUAKE SURVIVORS BEFORE THE WINTER COMES''
[22] SAKARYA, October 3 (A.A) - Sadettin Tantan, the Interior Minister said
quake survivors will be provided a safe place before the winter, it was
reported on Sunday. Following an eight hour meeting with governors and
mayors of disaster areas, Tantan answered the questions of reporters.
Tantan said some discrepencies were observed in the activities carried out
so far and added that they prepared a calander for future arrangements in
these areas. ''We are working to provide a safe environment for our people
before the winter arrives,'' Tantan said. Quake survivors will be given
food, clothing, educational material and health supplies, the Minister also
assured. ''Meetings are planned in Sakarya and Kocaeli in the coming days
to revive economy. We will decide on the needs and demands of industry and
we will work to meet these demands,'' Tantan said. The Minister also
pointed out that there were people who lived in individual tents outside
tentcities and said that these people who live seperately will also be
provided aid in the days to come.
[23] OZDEMIR, CHIEF OF ISTANBUL SECURITY DEPARTMENT SAYS SEVEN MEMBERS OF
AN ILLEGAL LEFTIST ORGANIZATION CAPTURED
[24] ISTANBUL, October 3 (A.A) - Hasan Ozdemir, Chief of Istanbul Security
Department, said on Sunday that seven members of an illegal organization
(DHKP/C) were captured who were responsible for bomb attacks on Labour and
Social Security Ministry Istanbul Regional Directorate and Premiership
Treasury and Foreign Trade Undersecretariat service buildings. Speaking at
Istanbul Struggle Against Terrorist Department Directorate, Ozdemir said
the bomb attacks which wounded 20 people, were realized with cellular phone
and remote control bomb mechanisms. Ozdemir said those people were getting
prepared for attacks against high level officials of public institutions
and organizations.
[25] GAP '99 TO OPEN MONDAY IN SANLIURFA
[26] SANLIURFA, October 3 (A.A) - Southeastern Anatolia Project (GAP) '99,
Second International Industry and Technology Fair is opening on Monday in
Sanliurfa. The fair is sponsored by Ministry of Agriculture and Rural
Affairs, Ministry of Industry and Trade, and Foreign Ministry, Sanliurfa
Governorship, GAP Region Development Administration and the Union of
Chambers and Commodity Exchanges (TOBB). Many firms from agriculture, stock
breeding, plastic packaging, textile, construction, automotive, electronics,
computers, telecommunication, tourism, banking, leasing, insurance,
advertising sectors will participate in the fair. The fair aims to bring
together exporters, importers, distributors, investors, enterpreneurs and
consumers together and it will stay open until October 10.
[27] INCIDENTS IN ISTANBUL PRISONS - 39 PRISONERS DIED IN RIOTS, CLASHES
AND MURDERS WHICH OCCURRED IN SIX PRISONS IN ISTANBUL
[28] ISTANBUL, October 3 (A.A) - Prisons in Istanbul were brought to the
agenda again with hostage taking incidents following the intervention in
Ankara Main Covered Prison. A total of 39 prisoners died, 42 people from
security forces and 109 prisoners were injured in riots, clashes and
murders in Istanbul prisons in the past six years. According to the reseach
made by A.A correspondent from the arhieves related with the incidents
experienced in the past six years in Bayrampasa, Umraniye, Metris, Kartal,
Pasakapisi, and Bakirkoy Women and Children jail, many riots, clashes,
killings, and hostage taking incidents happened. A total of 36 prisoners
and 12 people from security forces were injured during the riot, which was
started by illegal organization members in Uskudar E Type Prison on
December 13, 1995. The prisoners in the same Prison, claiming that the
promises that were given to them to end the riot were not kept, started a
riot again on January 4, 1996. Abdulmecit Seckin, Riza Boybas, Orhan Ozen
ve Gultekin Beyhan, the members of the illegal organization were killed at
the end of this riot which ended through the efforts of security forces. 36
prisoners, 20 soldiers and 10 prison guards were injured. During the
''hunger strike'' which started in July 1996, and which lasted for 69 days,
six prisoners related with terror incidents, died. Another big riot
occurred in Metris Prison on July 9,1997. When this riot was ended, it was
revealed that Kubilay Biciciler, Feyzullah Ozmen, Sedat Demiroz, Semsettin
and Muhammet Demir were beaten and burnt by other prisoners and some parts
of the prison were also burnt. Again in Metris Prison, members of illegal
Anatolian Federation Islam State (AFID) hold a group of prison guards in an
argument and damaged the wards by breaking the windows. On May 14, 1999, a
group of child prisoners, who did not want their friend, who wounded
himself, to be put into separation room, set the cushions and quilts into
fire in the wards. Salih Izzet Erdis, known as ''Salih Mirzabeyoglu'',
which is claimed to be the leader of illegal IBDA/C organization, broke the
windows and devastated the computers in Metris Prison on September 10, 1999
when their demands to stay with their relatives throughout the day was not
accepted. Lastly, members of illegal leftist organization held 17 prison
guards in Umraniye Prison, and four prison guards in Bayrampasa prison to
protest the incidents which happened in Ankara Main Covered Prison that
happened on September 26, 1999. This riot ended after talks with the
prisoners on September 30. In some other actions and riots in Bayrampasa,
Umraniye and Metris prisons, five people, who were responsible for rape,
were killed on May 9, 1994.
[29] WORLD ANIMAL DAY - CANKAYA MUNICIPALITY TO BUILD BETTER SHELTER FOR
STRAY DOGS
[30] ANKARA, October 3 (A.A) - Foundation to Protect Stray Animals
(KORUSEV) and Cankaya Municipality organized a festival at the
municipality's Animal Shelter for the benefit of stray animals. Haydar
Yilmaz, the Cankaya Mayor who spoke at the festival said they would build a
better shelter 20-30 kilometers outside of Ankara for stray animals which
also need affection like house pets. The Animal Shelter which was
originally built to shelter 150-200 animals is housing 500 dogs, Yilmaz
noted. ''There are 25,000 dogs in Cankaya. We are against killing stray
animals. We will built a place which has better conditions for stray dogs
in the shortest time possible. People who go on a vacation will be able to
leave their pets when they are out of town. At the same time, it will be
possible to breed certain breeds of dogs,'' Yilmaz explained and stressed
that private policlinics, as well as the municipality, should participate
in efforts to neuter stray animals. Nurcan Sivgin, KORUSEV's Ankara
Representative said that the dogs brought to the shelter are fed and
treated by the contributions of volunteers and called on animal lovers to
become members of KORUSEV. ''Regular payment of monthly fees and its
continutity is crucial,'' Sivgin stated. Animal lovers can work in
different committees of the foundation. They can donate cash or real
estate. They can help to find homes for stray animals, feed them or do
other jobs. KORUSEV holds a meeting every third Sunday of every month and
all volunteers are welcome to attend their meetings, Sivgin said. The cash
obtained from the festival will be donated to KORUSEV.
[31] TURKEY-ECONOMY - WHOLESALE PRICES INCREASE BY 5.9 PERCENT AND CONSUMER
PRICES INCREASE 6 PERCENT IN SEPTEMBER
[32] ANKARA, October 3 (A.A) - Wholesale prices increased by 5.9 percent
and consumer prices increased by 6 percent in September when compared to
the figures of the previous month, it was reported on Sunday. State Statics
Institute (DIE) said annual inflation in wholesale prices is 54.4 percent,
and 64.3 percent in consumer prices as of September. The nine month
inflation as of September is 40 percent in wholesale prices and 43.8
percent in consumer prices. Meanwhile, it was also reported that annual
inflation in wholesale is 52.5 percent, and 66.1 percent according to 12
months average as of September.
[33] GERMANY SENDS HIGHEST NUMBER OF TOURISTS TO TURKEY BETWEEN JANUARY AND
AUGUST 1999
[34] ANKARA, October 3 (A.A) - More than 5,051,000 tourists visited Turkey
between January and August 1999, it was reported on Sunday. Germany sent
904,500 tourists which is the highest number. Britain and Romania followed
Germany, according to the figures of State Statistics Institute. In the
same period 558,731 British; 322,416 Romanian; 298,745 Russian; 251,265
American; 227,313 Iranian; 211,099 French; 154,953 Deutch; 140,327
Bulgarian and 139,828 Israeli tourists visited Turkey. The figures also
show that Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD)
countries sent a total of 2,488,000 tourists to Turkey. When compared to
the same period of last year, there is a 10.8 percent increase in the
number of African tourists who visited Turkey.
[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN
[02] These are some of the major headlines and their brief stories in
Turkey's press on October 3, 1999. The Anadolu Ajansi does not verify these
stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.
[03] HURRIYET (LIBERAL) - ------------------ SPANISH CREDIT TO SALT LAKE
Foreign credit, worth of 87 million U.S. dollars, was provided from Spain
to save Salt Lake which meets 67 percent of Turkey's salt needs and which
is one of the natural miracles of the world. Nail Tasdelen, Konya Deputy
Governor, said an important step was taken to save Salt Lake, adding that
''this lake has an important contribution to the economy. The lake is an
important chance for tourism.''
[04] WORLD BANK TO COME FOR STRUCTURAL HARMONIZATION CREDIT Recep Onal,
Minister of State responsible for economy, said a delegation composed of
the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) experts will come to
Turkey on October 26 for ''Structural Harmonization Credit'' talks. Onal
pointed out that this credit will be 750 million U.S. dollars.
[05] MILLIYET (LIBERAL) - ----------------- ECEVIT'S DOCTOR ANNOUNCES:
''ECEVIT'S HEALTH IS VERY WELL'' Arif Abaci, Prime Minister Ecevit's doctor
who was with him during his U.S. visit said both Ecevit and Rahsan Ecevit,
his wife did not show any signs of discomfort while some delegation members
who were much younger than Ecevit suffered minor problems caused by the
time difference. ''I check Ecevit's blood every three months. His blood
tests look normal. When we consider his age, his hardwork and his
responsibilities, he is healtier than I am,'' Abaci said. Ecevit only has a
hearing impairment.
[06] MILLENIUM RAISE TO CIVIL SERVANTS: 25 PERCENT According to the
agreement reached between the Turkish economy delegation and IMF on
Saturday, the inflation is targeted to be pulled down to 25 percent. It was
decided at the meeting to keep pay increases of civil servants at 25
percent in 2000. The inflation is targeted to pulled down to 10 percent by
2010. Important steps were taken during Saturday's meeting towards the
stand-by agreement.
[07] SABAH (LIBERAL) - -------------- ISTANBUL IS MOVING Serious changes
took place in real estate market in Istanbul after the earthquake. Those
who are not happy with their houses or people who are looking for a place
to move prefer one or two story buildings. People also started to look for
ways to settle in north of Istanbul because it is far from the fault line.
Istanbul's Catalca, Silivri, Bahcesehir, Kermerburgaz, Sariyer, Zekeriyakoy,
Kilyos, Kavacik, Beykoz, Sile districts became popular.
[08] CUMHURIYET (LEFT) - ---------------- ''TURKEY AND THE U.S. ARE
STRATEGICAL PARTNERS'' Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit returned to Turkey
concluding his six day visit to the U.S. Ecevit said his visit once again
proved that the two countries were strategical partners, adding that he and
Bill Clinton, the U.S. President, decided to strengthen economic and
political relations.
[09] PARTIES ARE CAUTIOUS ABOUT DEMIREL'S PROPOSAL President Demirel's
views regarding re-institutionalization of ''senate'' were generally
supported in the Parliament, yet, other parties apart from True Path Party
(DYP), approached with a ''distance'' to Demirel's proposal about electing
the President with two tour elections and by people. Nationalist Movement
Party (MHP) defended the view that Demirel's views required a total system
change.
[10] RADIKAL (LEFT) - --------------- FRIENDSHIP WILL BE TILL BAF A crisis
may erupt if a plane lands Baf in Greek-Greek Cypriot joint manoeuvres. The
expectation that friendship winds which blow between Turkey and Greece will
bring ''tranquility'' to the Aegean, will be in vain. Ankara says
''everything depends on Athens.'' ''Toksotis'' military exercise of Greece
which was planned to take place in the Mediterranean, and ''Nikiforos''
military exercise of Greek Cypriots will be jointed on October 5. It is
reported that Greek planes will land Baf Base in southern Cyprus for
supplying. Ankara is absolutely opposed to the landings even if for
supplying.
[11] ESTIMATION OF IMF Recep Onal, Minister of State, said International
Monetary Fund (IMF) estimated that Turkish economy will enter growth trend
in the year 2000 with the effect of quake investments. According to IMF,
Turkey's rate of development will be approximately 5.5 percent next year.
[12] TÜRKİYE (RIGHT) - ---------------- ATTACKERS CLASH WITH THE POLICE
Four terrorists who attacked provincial building of Democratic Left Party
(DSP) with fire bombs, and who later tried to escape, clashed with the
police who arrived at the spot. Two police and one terrorist were wounded
in the clash.
[13] ECEVIT PLEASED Prime Minister Ecevit said his visit to the U.S. was
positive. Ecevit, who concluded his visit to the U.S., which he paid upon
the invitation of Bill Clinton, the U.S. President, said ''bases for a more
close cooperation with the U.S. are prepared. We are pleased.''
[14] CYPRUS SUPPORT FROM OIC Foreign Ministers of Organization of Islamic
Conference (OIC) said they were together with Turkish Cypriots and that
they wanted a fair solution.
[15] ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE) - -------------------- ECEVIT RETURNS FROM U.S.
OPTIMISTIC Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit who returned from a five day visit
to the U.S. returned home very optimistic. Ecevit described his contacts
with Clinton as fruitful and said ''his visit showed once again that Turkey
and the U.S. are strategic partners''. The U.S. will increase Turkey's
textile quotas 108 million U.S. dollars, Ecevit said and also noted that
the U.S. adopted a more realistic approach on the Cyprus issues.
[16] TURKEY TO FOCUS ON ECOLOGIC AGRICULTURE Husnu Yusuf Gokalp, the
Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs said that there was a great shift
to ecologic agriculture in the world and added that Turkey also started
activities in this field. Ecologic agriculture is an agriculture model
which does not harm human health, environment, plants and animals in all
its stages. Some developments in this field, although insufficient, took
place in Turkey in recent years, the Minister said. Turkey grew 67 kinds of
ecologic products in 1998. Last year, 8,199 farmers grew 99,300 tons of
ecologic products. Turkey exported more than 19,000 tons of this amount,
kept some of it as frozen and consumed the rest of it as processed food.
[17] ''JUDGE-PROSECUTOR-DEFENDER SEMINAR IN TURKISH AND AMERICAN PENALTY
TRIALS'' SEMINAR STARTS
[18] ISTNABUL, October 3 (A.A) - The seminar titled ''Judge-Prosecutor-
Defender in Turkish and American Penalty Trials'' started in Istanbul on
Saturday. The seminar is organized by Istanbul Bar Human Rights Center and
Human Rights Lawyers Committee. Dr. Seref Unal, the Deputy Undersecretary
of Justice Ministry spoke about structural problems regarding independence
of justice in Turkish and American penalty trials. Unal denied that the
Higher Council of Judges and Prosecutors (HSYK) damaged the independence of
justice and stressed that the independence of justice was protected by
constitutional rights in Turkey. Justice in Turkey has been neglected for
long years, Unal noted and said justice will become more independent once
its share in the budget increases. Nancy Gertner, the Prosecutor of
Massachusetts Region Court pointed out that the justice was seperate from
politics in the U.S. ''For example, Clinton cannot call me and tell me what
I should do,'' Gerner said. Judges can be dismissed for neglecting their
jobs, otherwise they can keep their post for a lifetime, she added. ''We
are responsible against people. Our decisions are inspected by higher
courts. Disciplinary punishments could be given. We are dependent on the
Congress. We get our money, our stationary from it,'' Gertner explained and
also noted that the media had a function of correcting justice. John Keker,
the Chief Prosecutor of Oliver North case and Deputy Prosecutor of North
Carolina said all legal systems including the U.S. system gave very wide
authority to prosectors. Keker stressed that the prosecutors always used
their authority for the benefit of people. Prosecutors' rights are limited
only in issues like protection of the defender's rights. Keker pointed out
that the U.S and the Turkish legal systems were very different because of
the differences in political systems of two nations.
[19] TRIAL OF THE HEAD OF THE TERRORIST ORGANIZATION - APPEALS HEARING IN
SUPREME COURT TO TAKE PLACE ON OCTOBER 7
[20] ANKARA, October 3 (A.A) - Appeals hearing of Abdullah Ocalan, the head
of the terrorist organization, will take place in Supreme Court on October
7. Ankara State Security Court (DGM) no:2 had sentenced Ocalan to capital
punishment on grounds that he incited and led terrorist PKK organization
with the orders aiming at putting whole or a part of state's territories
under a foreign state's sovereignity, diminishing state's independence, or
separating a part of territories which are under state's sovereignity from
the state's administration. Hearing of the head of the terrorist
organization in the 9th Crımınal Panel of the Supreme Court will start at
09:00 local time on October 7, 1999. Accused Ocalan, who is under arrest in
Imrali Island, will not participate in the hearing. The lawyers will make
defense towards the direction of the reasons of the appeal. Under the
Supreme Court law, intervenors and their lawyers can not participate in the
appeals hearings. To this end, relatives and lawyers of martyrs and the
ones who were wounded by the terrorist organization can only attend the
hearing as audiences. Five-person 9th Crımınal Panel of the Supreme Court,
which is led by Demirel Tavil, will determine the date when the decision
will be disclosed after the hearing of October 7. The date will be
announced to the sides. Meanwhile, the file of the head of the terrorist
organization was examined by a judge before the hearing. The judge will
tell the delegation the contents of the file, including the statements of
lawyers of the accused, following the hearing. The decision will be
disclosed in a day that will be determined after the members of the
delegation hold required negotiations on the file. If 9th Crımınal Panel of
the Supreme Court approves the capital punishment given to Ocalan, his
death sentence will become certain. In that case, the accused Ocalan holds
the right to call for ''decision correction'', which is known as an
extraordinary method. This call should be first approved by Vural Savas,
Supreme Court Republican Chief Prosecutor, who wanted death sentence
against the accused to be ratified. If Savas rejects this call, all the
internal legal ways that Ocalan may appy will be exhausted. In that case,
the file will be sent to Justice Ministry and from there to the
Parliamentary Chairmanship for the execution of his sentence. Execution of
Ocalan's death sentence will depend on the decision of the Parliament. If
9th Crımınal Panel of the Supreme Court reverses the sentence given to
Ocalan from the procedure and principle, Ocalan will again be judged by
Ankara DGM no:2 on Imrali Island. If the sentence is reversed from the
procedure, 9th Crımınal Panel of the Supreme Court will discuss the appeal
request of Ankara DGM. Two possibilities will arise if the sentence is
reversed by the principle. The first possibility is that, if Ankara DGM
no:2 insists on the first decision that was reversed by the Supreme Court,
the request for appeal will this time be discussed by the General Board of
the Criminal Penals of the Supreme Court of Appeals. The second possibility
is that Ankara DGM no:2 abides by the decision, and the sentence may be
appealed to Supreme Court. Yet, the Supreme Court will ratify this decision
of DGM which abides by its decision. Lawyers of the accused appealed
capital punishment decision, given by Ankara DGM no:2. The file was sent to
Supreme Court Republican Chief Prosecutorship on July 27, 1999. Meanwhile,
it was reported that security forces will take tight security measures
around Supreme Court starting from early hours of the morning due to the
appeals hearing of the head of the terrorist organization on October 7,
1999.
[21] INTERIOR MINISTER TANTAN: ''OUR EFFORTS CONTINUE TO SECURE A SAFE
PLACE FOR QUAKE SURVIVORS BEFORE THE WINTER COMES''
[22] SAKARYA, October 3 (A.A) - Sadettin Tantan, the Interior Minister said
quake survivors will be provided a safe place before the winter, it was
reported on Sunday. Following an eight hour meeting with governors and
mayors of disaster areas, Tantan answered the questions of reporters.
Tantan said some discrepencies were observed in the activities carried out
so far and added that they prepared a calander for future arrangements in
these areas. ''We are working to provide a safe environment for our people
before the winter arrives,'' Tantan said. Quake survivors will be given
food, clothing, educational material and health supplies, the Minister also
assured. ''Meetings are planned in Sakarya and Kocaeli in the coming days
to revive economy. We will decide on the needs and demands of industry and
we will work to meet these demands,'' Tantan said. The Minister also
pointed out that there were people who lived in individual tents outside
tentcities and said that these people who live seperately will also be
provided aid in the days to come.
[23] OZDEMIR, CHIEF OF ISTANBUL SECURITY DEPARTMENT SAYS SEVEN MEMBERS OF
AN ILLEGAL LEFTIST ORGANIZATION CAPTURED
[24] ISTANBUL, October 3 (A.A) - Hasan Ozdemir, Chief of Istanbul Security
Department, said on Sunday that seven members of an illegal organization
(DHKP/C) were captured who were responsible for bomb attacks on Labour and
Social Security Ministry Istanbul Regional Directorate and Premiership
Treasury and Foreign Trade Undersecretariat service buildings. Speaking at
Istanbul Struggle Against Terrorist Department Directorate, Ozdemir said
the bomb attacks which wounded 20 people, were realized with cellular phone
and remote control bomb mechanisms. Ozdemir said those people were getting
prepared for attacks against high level officials of public institutions
and organizations.
[25] GAP '99 TO OPEN MONDAY IN SANLIURFA
[26] SANLIURFA, October 3 (A.A) - Southeastern Anatolia Project (GAP) '99,
Second International Industry and Technology Fair is opening on Monday in
Sanliurfa. The fair is sponsored by Ministry of Agriculture and Rural
Affairs, Ministry of Industry and Trade, and Foreign Ministry, Sanliurfa
Governorship, GAP Region Development Administration and the Union of
Chambers and Commodity Exchanges (TOBB). Many firms from agriculture, stock
breeding, plastic packaging, textile, construction, automotive, electronics,
computers, telecommunication, tourism, banking, leasing, insurance,
advertising sectors will participate in the fair. The fair aims to bring
together exporters, importers, distributors, investors, enterpreneurs and
consumers together and it will stay open until October 10.
[27] INCIDENTS IN ISTANBUL PRISONS - 39 PRISONERS DIED IN RIOTS, CLASHES
AND MURDERS WHICH OCCURRED IN SIX PRISONS IN ISTANBUL
[28] ISTANBUL, October 3 (A.A) - Prisons in Istanbul were brought to the
agenda again with hostage taking incidents following the intervention in
Ankara Main Covered Prison. A total of 39 prisoners died, 42 people from
security forces and 109 prisoners were injured in riots, clashes and
murders in Istanbul prisons in the past six years. According to the reseach
made by A.A correspondent from the arhieves related with the incidents
experienced in the past six years in Bayrampasa, Umraniye, Metris, Kartal,
Pasakapisi, and Bakirkoy Women and Children jail, many riots, clashes,
killings, and hostage taking incidents happened. A total of 36 prisoners
and 12 people from security forces were injured during the riot, which was
started by illegal organization members in Uskudar E Type Prison on
December 13, 1995. The prisoners in the same Prison, claiming that the
promises that were given to them to end the riot were not kept, started a
riot again on January 4, 1996. Abdulmecit Seckin, Riza Boybas, Orhan Ozen
ve Gultekin Beyhan, the members of the illegal organization were killed at
the end of this riot which ended through the efforts of security forces. 36
prisoners, 20 soldiers and 10 prison guards were injured. During the
''hunger strike'' which started in July 1996, and which lasted for 69 days,
six prisoners related with terror incidents, died. Another big riot
occurred in Metris Prison on July 9,1997. When this riot was ended, it was
revealed that Kubilay Biciciler, Feyzullah Ozmen, Sedat Demiroz, Semsettin
and Muhammet Demir were beaten and burnt by other prisoners and some parts
of the prison were also burnt. Again in Metris Prison, members of illegal
Anatolian Federation Islam State (AFID) hold a group of prison guards in an
argument and damaged the wards by breaking the windows. On May 14, 1999, a
group of child prisoners, who did not want their friend, who wounded
himself, to be put into separation room, set the cushions and quilts into
fire in the wards. Salih Izzet Erdis, known as ''Salih Mirzabeyoglu'',
which is claimed to be the leader of illegal IBDA/C organization, broke the
windows and devastated the computers in Metris Prison on September 10, 1999
when their demands to stay with their relatives throughout the day was not
accepted. Lastly, members of illegal leftist organization held 17 prison
guards in Umraniye Prison, and four prison guards in Bayrampasa prison to
protest the incidents which happened in Ankara Main Covered Prison that
happened on September 26, 1999. This riot ended after talks with the
prisoners on September 30. In some other actions and riots in Bayrampasa,
Umraniye and Metris prisons, five people, who were responsible for rape,
were killed on May 9, 1994.
[29] WORLD ANIMAL DAY - CANKAYA MUNICIPALITY TO BUILD BETTER SHELTER FOR
STRAY DOGS
[30] ANKARA, October 3 (A.A) - Foundation to Protect Stray Animals
(KORUSEV) and Cankaya Municipality organized a festival at the
municipality's Animal Shelter for the benefit of stray animals. Haydar
Yilmaz, the Cankaya Mayor who spoke at the festival said they would build a
better shelter 20-30 kilometers outside of Ankara for stray animals which
also need affection like house pets. The Animal Shelter which was
originally built to shelter 150-200 animals is housing 500 dogs, Yilmaz
noted. ''There are 25,000 dogs in Cankaya. We are against killing stray
animals. We will built a place which has better conditions for stray dogs
in the shortest time possible. People who go on a vacation will be able to
leave their pets when they are out of town. At the same time, it will be
possible to breed certain breeds of dogs,'' Yilmaz explained and stressed
that private policlinics, as well as the municipality, should participate
in efforts to neuter stray animals. Nurcan Sivgin, KORUSEV's Ankara
Representative said that the dogs brought to the shelter are fed and
treated by the contributions of volunteers and called on animal lovers to
become members of KORUSEV. ''Regular payment of monthly fees and its
continutity is crucial,'' Sivgin stated. Animal lovers can work in
different committees of the foundation. They can donate cash or real
estate. They can help to find homes for stray animals, feed them or do
other jobs. KORUSEV holds a meeting every third Sunday of every month and
all volunteers are welcome to attend their meetings, Sivgin said. The cash
obtained from the festival will be donated to KORUSEV.
[31] TURKEY-ECONOMY - WHOLESALE PRICES INCREASE BY 5.9 PERCENT AND CONSUMER
PRICES INCREASE 6 PERCENT IN SEPTEMBER
[32] ANKARA, October 3 (A.A) - Wholesale prices increased by 5.9 percent
and consumer prices increased by 6 percent in September when compared to
the figures of the previous month, it was reported on Sunday. State Statics
Institute (DIE) said annual inflation in wholesale prices is 54.4 percent,
and 64.3 percent in consumer prices as of September. The nine month
inflation as of September is 40 percent in wholesale prices and 43.8
percent in consumer prices. Meanwhile, it was also reported that annual
inflation in wholesale is 52.5 percent, and 66.1 percent according to 12
months average as of September.
[33] GERMANY SENDS HIGHEST NUMBER OF TOURISTS TO TURKEY BETWEEN JANUARY AND
AUGUST 1999
[34] ANKARA, October 3 (A.A) - More than 5,051,000 tourists visited Turkey
between January and August 1999, it was reported on Sunday. Germany sent
904,500 tourists which is the highest number. Britain and Romania followed
Germany, according to the figures of State Statistics Institute. In the
same period 558,731 British; 322,416 Romanian; 298,745 Russian; 251,265
American; 227,313 Iranian; 211,099 French; 154,953 Deutch; 140,327
Bulgarian and 139,828 Israeli tourists visited Turkey. The figures also
show that Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD)
countries sent a total of 2,488,000 tourists to Turkey. When compared to
the same period of last year, there is a 10.8 percent increase in the
number of African tourists who visited Turkey.
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