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Anadolu Agency: News in English, 99-10-05
AA Daily
5 October 1999 Tuesday
CONTENTS
[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN
[02] These are some of the major headlines and their brief stories in
Turkey's press on October 5, 1999. The Anadolu Ajansi does not verify these
stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.
[03] HURRIYET (LIBERAL) - ------------------ ''IT IS NOT A FAIRY TALE, IT
IS A TRUTH'' Papandreu, Greek Foreign Minister, who addressed opening
ceremony of the academic year of Istanbul University, said ''I promise for
peace.''. Papandreu said ''some people liken Turkish-Greek relations to a
fairy tale. This is not a fairy tale, but the demand of our peoples. It is
the time to dare the impossible.''
[04] ONAL: ''EFFORTS FOR STAND-BY WITH IMF WILL BE CONCLUDED BY THE END OF
THIS YEAR'' Recep Onal, Minister of State responsible for economy, said on
Monday that a letter related with the 500 million U.S. dollar emergency
loan aid, foreseen to be given by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) due
to the quake, was presented to IMF officials, adding that studies to this
end will be concluded till October 15. Addressing a news conference which
he staged at Istanbul's Ataturk Airport, Onal said the aid will begin to
come after October 15, adding that studies forwarded to stand-by agreement
are targeted to be concluded by the end of the year.
[05] MILLIYET (LIBERAL) - ----------------- REGIME CHANGES Prime Minister
Bulent Ecevit discloses that he was not of the same opinion with President
Suleyman Demirel and opposed to election of President by people. Ecevit
opposed to Demirel's proposal for the election of President by people
saying: ''functions of the government in parliamentary system will be
lifted in this model. This will create very inconvenient results when
feudal structure in several regions is taken into consideration.''
[06] PAPANDREU: LET'S BRING DOWN THE WALLS Papandreu, Greek Foreign
Minister, addressed the opening ceremony of Istanbul University new
academic year, and said ''It is time to dare the impossible. Let us bring
down the last remaining Berlin wall. Let us free Cyprus from this burden,
free ourselves from this burden.''
[07] SABAH (LIBERAL) - -------------- HOW CAN YOU COME HERE? Massimo
D'Alema, Italian Prime Minister, will participate in Organization for
Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) summit that will take place in
Istanbul between November 18 and 19. Rome Appeals Court decided to grant
Abdullah Ocalan, the head of the terrorist organization, political asylum.
Meanwhile, Ocalan is waiting for the decision of Supreme Court in Imrali
Island. The decision put D'Alema, who is getting ready to participate in
OSCE summit, into a difficult situation. Ankara harsly reacted to the
decision. Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit and Hikmet Sami Turk, Minister of
Justice, said ''it has no validity.''
[08] THEY HAVE DISCUSSED THE QUAKE Bulent Ecevit, Prime Minister and leader
of Democratic Left Party (DSP), Devlet Bahceli, Deputy Prime Minister and
leader of Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), and Mesut Yilmaz, leader of the
Motherland Party (ANAP) convened on Monday and took important decisions.
Koray Aydin, Minister of Settlement and Public Works, participated in the
meeting and briefed the leaders about the tenders of infrastructure and
prefabricated dwellings in the quake region.
[09] CUMHURIYET (LEFT) - ---------------- MILITARY EXERCISE FOR OCCUPATION
OF TRNC STAGED While Greek Foreign Minister Yorgo Papandreu blew the winds
of peace in Istanbul, the Greek Air Forces' warplanes staged the exercise
of ''occupying the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC)'' in the
airspace of Cyprus. It was mentioned that two similar scenarios would be
practiced today and tomorrow within the framework of the Nikiforos military
exercise which was followed by Glafcos Clerides, the leader of the Greek
Cypriot side.
[10] ITALY GRANTS OCALAN POLITICAL ASYLUM The Rome Court of Appeals No:2
decided to grant Abdullah Ocalan, the head of the terrorist organization,
political asylum. Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said, ''I don't know what
this will mean in practice. Because Ocalan is now in Turkey.'' Mesut Yilmaz
of ANAP said, ''it is late, too late,'' while Justice Minister Hikmet Sami
Turk said that implementation of that decision was impossible.
[11] THERE ARE PEOPLE WHO WANT TO TAKE REVENGE Addressing the ceremony held
upon the openning of the 47th academic year of the National Security
Academy, Full General Nahit Senogul said there were people who want to
''take revenge on the Ataturk Republic'' by hiding themselves behind the
concepts of democracy, human rights and supremacy of law. Senogul said
Turkey should solve those problems by herself without giving any concession
to anybody. Meanwhile, addressing the ceremony held upon the opening of the
Partnership for Peace Training Center, Full General Edip Baser said the
threats like international terrorism, fundamentalism, ethnic nationalism,
border problems, mass destruction weapons took the place of hot war.
[12] RADIKAL (LEFT) - --------------- ''WHO WOULD HAVE THOUGHT IT COULD
HAPPEN'' There were ''war screams'' in the Aegean six months ago. It is
like a dream... Papandreu, Greek Foreign Minister, addressed the opening
ceremony of the new academic year of Istanbul University, and Kyritsis,
Chairman of Greek Rectors Committee, gave ''frienship lesson'' to the
students of the Middle East Technical University (METU). Turkish-Greek
rapproachement, which started with the quake, strengthens everyday with a
new message, even it has not turned into concrete steps. Papandreu said
''Aegean will bring us together. Power of our neighbours will be our power.
Voice which comes from the Balkans will be heard in the whole world.''
[13] AID FROM KOBE TO MARMARA Japanese non governmental organization, which
was set up after massive earthquake in Kobe city of Japan in 1995, and
which held various rescue and emergency aid activities in disaster regions,
is now getting ready to heal the wounds in Turkey. The organization
established a committee delegation after August 17 quake and now prepares a
report to normalize life in the disaster region.
[14] TÜRKİYE (RIGHT) - ---------------- PRESIDENT SHOULD BE ELECTED BY
PEOPLE The public polls put forward that ''the President should be elected
by people''. Most of the coalition and opposition parties support this
opinion. The Democratic Left Party (DSP), which wants the extension of
President Suleyman Demirel's term of office, opposes to the election of the
President by people. The Motherland Party (ANAP) thinks that the
President's mandate can be extended but believes that Turkey is still not
ready for the election by people. The Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) has
still not made an opinion while different inclinations force change of the
Constitution.
[15] DO NOT WEAR THE STATE OUT Addressing the opening remarks at the
ceremony held upon the Istanbul Technical University's new academic year,
President Suleyman Demirel drew the attention to the earthquake which
devastated the Marmara Region. ''we can't do someone a kindness by
humiliating the state. Our state is neither weak nor powerless.''
[16] FIRST LESSON FROM CHIEF OF SUPREME COURT: ''SECULARISM'' Lecturing on
''secularism'' in the ceremony held upon the opening of the new academic
year of the Bilgi University, Sami Selcuk, the Chief Public Prosecutor of
the Supreme Court, said, ''I did not say that Turkey was theocratic but I
said that she was theocratic regarding organizational structure.''
[17] ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE) - -------------------- 1.8 TRILLION LIRAS OF
BRICK The ''You Too Lay a Brick'' campaign, which was launched by the
Turkish media in a bid to help the survivors of the strong earthquake, was
concluded on September 30. In the account opened at the Ziraat Bank, a
total of 663 billion Turkish Liras (TL), 2 million 253 thousand U.S.
dollars, 413 thousand German Marks and 500 thousand French Francs were
collected. The total money deposited to the account equals to 1 trillion
804 billion 353 million TL when it is converted. The Hurriyet, Zaman,
Milliyet, Yeni Safak, Sabah, Radikal, Posta, Aksam, Cumhuriyet, Milli
Gazete, Gozcu, Asabi, Finansal Forum, Fanatik, Takvim, Fotomac, Gunes,
Dunya, Turkish Daily News, Yeni Asir and Agos newspapers, and Samanyolu,
Kanal D, ATV, Star, Show, TGRT, NTV, Kanal 6 and Kanal 7 private television
channels contributed to the campaign.
[18] FRIENDSHIP HAS TO BE STRENGTHENED
[19] Abdullah Aymaz, the Editor-in-Chief of the Zaman newspaper, met with
Archbishop Hristodulos of Greece. Noting that the quakes had warmedthe
relations between the Turkish and Greek peoples, the Archbishop said, ''the
Turkish and Greek politicians have to act a spokesmen for the two people's
feelings, and strengthen the friendship.''
[20] IMPORTANT WEEK IN EU FOR TURKEY ...
[21] STRASBOURG, October 5 (A.A) - Commission, which is the executive organ
of European Union, Council, the decision organ, and Parliament, the
consultative organ, will disclose their views during general assembly
session in European Parliament (EP) on Wednesday regarding Turkey's full
membership to European Union (EU) before Helsinki summit. The meeting in EP
on Wednesday is important as it will take place just before Turkey report
of EU Commision is issued. EU sources point out that the report, which is
expected to bring a clarity to Turkey's full membership before Helsinki
Summit, will be submitted to EP Foreign relations commission meeting on
October 13. Tarja Halonen, Finnish Foreign Minister and EU Council Term
President, and German Ghunter Verheugen, EU Commision's Commissioner
responsible for expansion, in a way will have to clarify Turkey's full
membership. Meanwhile, political groups in European Parliament prepared
recommendatory draft resolutions related with Turkey to be voted after the
discussions. The recommendatory draft resolutions will be voted on Thursday
after being turned into a text. The draft resolutions prepared in EP by
Liberal and Greens Group, it is defended that Turkey should be sent an open
message about full membership before Helsinki summit. The draft resolution
prepared by Socialist Group does not make a reference to Turkey's full
membership in Helsinki summit yet includes statements like: ''Turkey is
adequate to apply for full membership and Turkey's candidacy will provide
an important contribution for EU's development and for peace and stability
in Europe.'' Joint recommendatory draft resolution will be clarified after
disclosure of views of Christian Democrats, which is the biggest group of
EU.
[22] OIC MINISTERS TO CONVENE IN ISTANBUL IN 2000
[23] NEW YORK, Oct 5 (A.A) - The foreign ministers of the Organization of
Islamic Conference (OIC) decided to hold their first meeting in the year
2000 in Istanbul, it was reported on Tuesday. In accordance with the
decision of the OIC foreign ministers, who convened in New York, the
meeting will take place in February or March 2000. The OIC foreign
ministers decided to hold their 27th regular meeting in Malaysia in June
2000. Diplomatic sources told the A.A correspondent that the major topic of
the meeting, which would be hosted by Turkey, would be ''the OIC and the
problems to be faced in new period.'' The OIC said that the foreign
ministers would review 30-year history of the OIC, and discuss the problems,
which would be faced in new period, and opportunities, which would be
offered by the new period, in that very important and special meeting in
Istanbul. Meanwhile, the OIC foreign ministers, in their final communique,
stressed that they strongly supported the rightful case of the Moslem
Turkish Cypriots. The foreign ministers called on the Turkish and Greek
Cypriots to find a solution through negotiations and accept the equal
status of each other.
[24] U.S. PRESIDENT'S SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE TO CYPRUS MOSES' VISIT TO
ISLAND POSTPONED NEXT WEEK
[25] WASHINGTON D.C., Oct 5 (A.A) - U.S. President Bill Clinton's newly
appointed Special Representative to Cyprus Alfred Moses' visit to the
island was postponed to next week, it was reported on Tuesday. Tom Weston,
the Cyprus Coordinator of the U.S. State Department, will accompany Moses'
tour covering Ankara, Athens and Lefkosa. Meanwhile, a high-level official
at the U.S. State Department, said their only aim was to let the leaders of
the two sides on Cyprus to sit at the negotiation table in the shortest
time-frame without any precondition. The official said he was sure that
those talks would absolutely be held. The official stated that the contacts
of Moses and Weston would focus on a formula that could be accepted by Rauf
Denktas, the President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC)
who opposed to the re-start of negotiations between the leaders of the two
communities on Cyprus. Stressing that there was not an American plan for
the solution of the Cyprus question, the officials said the role of the
U.S. was to accelerate the process. Emphasizing that U.S. President Bill
Clinton's statements in his meeting with Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit
saying that the there couldn't be a return to the conditions before 1974
had a meaning regarded with ''security'', the official said, ''we are
willing to think about the security of all Cypriots and listen to the
opinions to be put forward. However, there is not a developed opinion for
making security arrangements.'' When asked what kind of a position the U.S.
would adopt if the Turkish side rejects to sit at the table without the
recognition of ''principle of two states'', the official said, ''we are
exerting efforts to prevent the issue from reaching that point. I think we
will be successful.''
[26] PRIME MINISTRY CRISIS MANAGEMENT CENTER ANNOUNCES DEATH TOLL AS 15,826
[27] ANKARA, Oct 5 (A.A) - The Prime Ministry Crisis Management Center
announced death toll as 15,826 as of 11:30 local time on Tuesday in the
wake of the 7.4-magnitude 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 112,268 tents have been erected in 121 tent-sites so far. Works
to haul away rubble of 3,861 collapsed buildings were finalized, and 939
buildings which were seriously damaged in the quake, were demolished. 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, a total of 66 trillion 490
billion 210 million Turkish Liras in the bank account opened at the Ziraat
Bank. A total of 18 trillion Turkish Liras were allocated to the Natural
Disaster Fund, and 5 trillion 100 billion Turkish Liras were allocated to
the Kocaeli Logistics Support Base.
[28] EARTHQUAKE IN MARMARIS - NUMBER OF INJURED PEOPLE INCREASES TO 103
[29] MUGLA, Oct 5 (A.A) - Fazli Akgun, Acting Governor of Mugla, said on
Tuesday that number of injured people increased to 103 following the
predawn earthquake measuring 5.2 on the Richter Scale. Responding to
questions of journalists, Akgun said, ''A total of 103 people were taken to
hospitals for medical treatment. 23 of them broke their legs and arms when
they had jumped out from the windows and balconies in panic. One person who
has broken his waist jumping from the balcony, is in critical condition.''
Akgun noted that one British citizen living in Marmaris, was injured by the
right foot. The quake was also felt in other countries of Mugla province.
Several buildings were slightly damaged in the city center of Marmaris.
[30] TURKISH-ISRAELI BUSINESS COUNCIL'S MEETING TO BE ORGANIZED IN TELAVIV
IN NOVEMBER
[31] BURSA, Oct 5 (A.A) - Turkish-Israeli Business Council's joint meeting
will take place in Telaviv between November 20-24, it was reported on
Tuesday. Development of trade relations between Israel and Turkey will be
discussed at the meeting. ''Israel Export Days'' participated by 600
Israeli firms will be organized on the first day of the programme. A joint
meeting on November 22, and bilateral meetings on November 23 will follow
this activity. Trade relations between Israel and Turkey have increased
considerably since the Free Trade Agreement which came into effect on May
1997. Israel possesses wide experience in fields of electronics, automation,
defense industry, medical equipment and telecommunication which require
advance technology. Agriculture, irrigation and agriculture related methods
are also Israel's powerful areas. Israel has a developed production
industry and imports raw materials from outside, therefore it is an
important market for Turkey, it was noted. Turkey's export to Israel which
was 321 million U.S. dolllars in 1997, increased 21.6 percent and reached
to 390 million U.S. dollars in 1998. Within the framework of the Free Trade
Agreement, custom tax of all industry and textile products will be lifted
and this is expected to have a positive influence on the economic relations
between the two countries. Companies, industrialists and businessmen who
are interested in the Israeli market and who wish to attend the Turkish-
Israeli meeting should submit their application forms to the Foreing
Economic Relations Council (DEIK) until October 15.
[32] AFTERSHOCKS CONTINUE TO SHAKE DISASTER AREA
[33] ISTANBUL/KADIKOY, Oct 5 (A.A) - Aftershocks continued to shake the
disaster area in the wake of the 7.4-magnitude earthquake which devastated
northwestern Turkey on August 17, it was reported on Tuesday. Officials at
the Bogazici University Kandilli Observatory Seismology Institute told the
A.A correspondent that a total of nine aftershocks were recorded in the
region between 05:30 and 11:14 local time on Tuesday. Magnitudes and
epicenters of tremors are as follows:
[34] TIME MAGNITUDE EPICENTER - ---- --------- --------- 05:30 3.5 Marmaris
county of Mugla 05:32 3.2 Marmaris county of Mugla 07:04 2.9 Marmara Sea
07:10 3.6 Izmit 08:14 3.1 Yalova 09:42 3.0 Marmara Sea 09:59 2.8 Marmara
Sea 10:28 2.8 Marmaris county of Mugla 11:14 3.6 Duzce county of Bolu
[35] GEORGE WEBER, PRESIDENT OF INTENATIONAL RED CROSS AND RED CRESCENT
FEDERATION: - ''NO INTERNATIONAL RED CROSS OR RED CRESCENT ORGANIZATION
COULD HAVE ACTED BETTER THAN TURKISH RED CRESCENT AFTER THE EARTHQUAKE''
[36] ANKARA, October 5 (A.A) - ''No international Red Cross or Red Crescent
organization could have acted better,'' George Weber, the President of
International Red Cross and Red Crescent Federation said on Tuesday. Weber
and Kemal Demir, the President of Turkish Red Crescent, visited Husamettin
Ozkan, the Deputy Prime Minister. Weber briefed Ozkan about the activities
of their federation, and the contributions they made for quake survivors in
Turkey. Weber said they had no doubt that their donations as well as the
cash donations collected from people was distributed fairly to those who
need it by Red Crescent. Weber said the criticisms directed at Red Crescent
after the quake were unfair. He noted that because of his position he knew
how other national associations worked so he could make a comparison. ''No
international Red Cross or Red Crescent organization or a humanitarian
organization could have acted better,'' he said, and stressed that the
quake hit Turkey's industrial heartland at 03:00 local time on August 17
with a magnitude close to 8 on the Richter scale during a time when Red
Crescent was working on international projects in the Balkans. Weber said
Red Crescent was displaying a very good performance with the capacity it
has, and asked the media to support it. Upon a question, Weber said about
14,000 more tents would arrive in the disaster area in October.
[37] THE 2ND EURASIA ECONOMIC SUMMIT - PRESIDENT DEMIREL: - ''AFTER THE
COLD WAR, TURKEY HAS MADE A CONSIDERABLE CONTRIBUTION TO STABILITY AND
PEACE IN THE REGION BY PIONEERING REGIONAL COOPERATION INITIATIVES''
[38] ANKARA, Oct 5 (A.A) - President Suleyman Demirel said on Tuesday,
''Turkey's priorities in Eurasia are to construct physical and economic
infrastructures which will enable the region to unite with rest of the
world, to improve cooperation in the fields of economy, trade, and security,
and to re-establish cultural ties. Turkey has adopted a comprehensive
strategy with her economy, energy and culture diplomacies to this end.''
President Demirel sent a message to Akkan Suver, Chairman of the Marmara
Group Strategical and Social Researches Foundation, regarded with the ''2nd
Eurasia Economic Summit'' which started early today under the auspices of
President Demirel. Releasing a statement, the Presidential Press Center
quoted Demirel as saying, ''The world is getting ready for the new
millennium. Reconstruction efforts which is required by the future world in
every fields from economy to policy from culture to science and technology,
have been brought onto agenda of humanity. We are on a turning point where
rules and institutions are being questioned. The Eurasia Summit organized
by the Marmara Foundation, is a very useful civilian initiative to this
end.'' Recalling that 1999 is the 10th anniversary of collapse of the
Berlin Wall, Demirel said that the collapse of the Berlin Wall also
symbolize end of ideologic fragmentation. Stressing that the end of the
Cold War created a golden opportunity for the humanity, Demirel added,
''The golden opportunity is a global agreement envisaging improvement of a
brand-new global partnership understanding towards peace, solidarity,
cooperation, and joint prosperity in the 21st century. In fact, as we
approach to the end of the 20th century, one of the most significant
opportunities of this century is re-emergence of Eurasia which includes
sister republics. Turkey has taken serious steps to adapt herself in
changing conditions. Turkey wants Eurasia to become cradle of democracy,
peace, free trade, and superiority of law. The historical process including
the foundation of Black Sea Economic Cooperation in Istanbul in 1992, the
Silk Road Summit in Baku in 1998, and the Stability Pact in Sarajevo in
1999, is the story of a great cooperation and unification which were
unimaginable just 10 ten years ago. Turkey has been playing a pioneer role
in creating a new partnership understanding in a huge geography from
Balkans to the Great Wall of China.'' ''Main infrastructure projects such
as revitalization of the historical Silk Road, establishment of new
telecommunication networks by the Turkish satellites in the space, east-
west transportation corridor from Varna to Durres, east-west energy
corridor, Baku-Ceyhan oil pipeline project, railway between Kars and
Tbilisi, make considerable contribution to unite the region to rest of the
world via Turkey,'' Demirel emphasized. Underlining that Turkey has the
most dynamic and great economy in a vast geography including the Baltic Sea,
the Black Sea, Eastern Mediterranean, Caspian Basis, and Middle East,
Demirel said, ''Turkey aims at creating a large free trade area by signing
bilateral free trade agreements. Turkish entrepreneurs' activities in
Eurasia have made considerable contributions to settle market economy
infrastructure in this geography. In 21st cenutry when borders between
countries will disappear in economic field, a single market will emerge.
After the Cold War, Turkey has contributed to peace and stability in her
geography by pioneering regional cooperation initiatives. Turkey's economic
cooperation initiatives such as the Black Sea Economic Cooperation, the
Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), and the D-8 play key roles in
establishment of brand-new cooperation and joint activities in a geography
including 3 continents, and 24 countries.'' Noting that Turkey aims at
realizing the Baku-Ceyhan oil pipeline project and the Turkmen natural gas
pipeline project as soon as possible, Demirel said, ''When we finalize
these projects, the new energy geography in Eurasia will unite with the
world via Turkey. The U.S., Azerbaijan, Georgia, Turkmenistan, and
Kazakhstan have extended full support to these projects. Our collective
works with the U.S. and with the other related countries, are continuing.''
President Demirel added, ''Collapse of the Soviet Union in 1990, and
emergence of a new Russia which wants to unite with the world in every
field, were the important turning points of the 20th century. With these
events, a new century has begun. Russia is a world state which can affect
future of both Europe and Eurasia. Turkey attributes great importance to
the improvement of democracy, superiority of law, open regime, free market
economy in Russia. We will continue to strive with Russia for peace,
stability and prosperity in Eurasia.'' Underlining the importance of
strategical partnership that was developed by Turkey on the ground of
shared values with the U.S. with regard to make Eurasia a basin of peace,
stability and prosperity, Demirel said, ''Turkey will continue to endeavour
with friendly and allied U.S. to provide peace, stability and prosperity in
a huge geography including the Middle East, Caucasia, Eastern Europe, the
Balkans, Caspian Basin, the Black Sea and the Mediterranean. Turkey has
improved partnership with the U.S. on the ground of mutual interests, in
the issues of re-construction of global economy, establishment of democracy
and free market economy in the new political geography of Eurasia.''
[39] PRESIDENT DEMIREL RECEIVES RECTOR OF ATHENS TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY: -
''WE ARE OBLIGED TO LIVE TOGETHER, WE CANNOT CHANGE THIS FACT''
[40] ANKARA, Oct 5 (A.A) - President Suleyman Demirel said on Tuesday that
Turkey and Greece had to live together. ''Therefore, we must act together
for the benefit of our people and our region,'' he added. Demirel received
Suha Sevuk, the Rector of the Middle East Technical University (METU), and
Prof. Sypros Kyriysiz, the Rector of Athens Technical University. Prof.
Kemal Guruz, the President of Higher Education Council also attended the
meeting. Recalling the disastrous quakes which hit both Turkey and Greece,
President Demirel said the disasters made Turkey and Greece come closer,
and added that the two nations should develop relations in every field
including science, sports and trade. ''We have to live together, we cannot
change this fact. We have to act together for the benefit of our people and
our region. We are appreciating this warm atmosphere between the countries.
I am hoping that this atmosphere helps us to improve our relations. Our
bilateral relations and cooperation will be beneficial for both Turkish and
Greek people,'' Demirel said. Prof. Sevuk said he has been invited by the
University of Athens, and would be in Athens on October 14. ''We are trying
our best to help our diplomats and politicians. Even though we cannot have
much influence in politics, we are trying to bring together the academic
worlds. I am hoping that this development helps our diplomats to solve the
basic problems,'' Sevuk noted. Prof. Syriysiz stated that the latest
developments in relations between Turkey and Greece were unplanned. ''And
this shows how close we are. We discovered that we are not only neighbours,
but we are sisters and brothers,'' he said. Demirel stressed that Turkish
politicians never incited hatred against Greek people. ''In this country,
politicians never followed a hostile policy against Greek people. Yes, we
have problems and most of these problems are old ones. We are trying to
bring a solution to them through peaceful ways. I always stressed this:
Politicians on the two sides of the Aegean prevented a confrontation. I
think politicians of both countries acted very clever and they saw what
policy they had to follow for the benefit of their countries. I do not
believe that Turkish people carry any hostility in their hearts. We had
many contacts including Ataturk and Venezilos, Menderes and Karamanlis. I
think we managed to preserve peace between us. We will continue to evaluate
problems together. The existing problems are rooted from the history. What
we need to do is to learn how to live with these problems. Then, we should
discuss how we could solve them for the interest of both Greece and Turkey.
In the last 35 years, I talked to your prime ministers and presidents. Our
proposal is to solve our problems through diplomatic ways, and we still
propose that,'' Demirel explained. ''The former President Turgut Ozal and
Papandreu; Mitcotakis and I had very useful contacts. The public opinion in
both countries should help their politicians so that the politicians could
solve these problems without any public pressure. When you sit at a table,
in fact people in the street are sitting at that table. Academicians,
scientists and people should cooperate. Now there is a good atmosphere.
Foreign Ministers of Turkey and Greece are working to be closer.
Mr.Papandreu spoke at the Istanbul University yesterday. He gave a very
nice speech. The academicians should also exchange views on scientific and
academic issues,'' Demirel concluded.
[41] THE SECOND EURASIA ECONOMIC SUMMIT - TRNC PRIME MINISTER DERVIS
EROGLU: ''WE ARE EXPECTING SUPPORT FROM TURKISH REPUBLICS FOR THE
INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION OF TRNC''
[42] ISTANBUL, Oct 5 (A.A) - Dervis Eroglu, the Prime Minsiter of Turkish
Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) asked the support of Turkish Republics
for the international recognition of TRNC, it was reported on Tuesday.
Eroglu spoke at the Second Eurasia Economic Summit, and said they wanted
TRNC to be recognized internationally. ''Naturally, first we expect our
brothers to recognize us. I think, expecting their support is our national
and natural right,'' Eroglu said. ''Cyprus has always been a focus of
attention because of its jeostrategical and jeoeconomical location. The new
emerging market after the collapse of the Soviet Union further increased
this attention. The situation of Cyprus is the concern of all countries and
it is very important to be risked. Therefore stability is crucial on the
island,'' the TRNC Prime Minister said. Eroglu also stressed that an
agreement could only be reached if two states on the island are officially
recognized. Yildirim Akbulut, the Speaker of Parliament, who also spoke at
the summit said Turkey was the most important window through wich the
Turkish Republics can reach out to the world. Turkey is a big country in
the region and other sister countries can make use of Turkey's experience,
he said. Akbulut added that the integration in the region would bring peace
to the world.
[43] U.S. LOCKHEED MARTIN OVERSEAS CO. FIRM WINS TENDER FOR TRAFFIC CONTROL
IN STRAITS
[44] ANKARA, Oct 5 (A.A) - The U.S. Lockheed Martin Oversees Co. firm won
the turn-key tender of technical equipment and service of ''Ship Traffic
Management and Information System Project'' which is planned to be set up
at Istanbul and Canakkale straits for the control and guidance of ships
which pass through the straits, it was reported on Tuesday. At a press
meeting, Mustafa Korcak, Undersecretary of Maritime, reminded that the
region which covers Istanbul and Canakkale straits is faced with serious
risks because of a heavy national and international sea transport. Korcak
said they had been working on a computer supported ''Ship Traffic Control
System'' to protect human life and environment since early 1990's. The
project in question was put out to tender in 1991 and 1994 by Turkey
Maritime Management General Directorate, however no results were obtained
from either of these tenders. Later in 1996, the Council of Ministers
appointed Maritime Undersecretariat with the task. Maritime Undersecretariat
started a tender in 1998 but it was cancelled because of the lack of
necessary comptetition conditions. Latest on April 12, 1999 a tender was
put out and five firms participated in it. As a result of the technical and
administrative evaluation, only four of the firms were accepted and the
U.S. Lockheed Martin Overseas Co. won the tender after the cost-performance
analysis. Meetings will start with Lockheed Martin Overseas Co. within five
days and the project is expected to be completed in 2001. If no compromise
is reached with the U.S. firm after these meetings, the Maritime
Undersecretariat will hold meetings with other bidding firms which are the
Turkish-German consortium Simko Trade and Industry Co. - STN Alas
Electronic Gmbh; the Dutch Institute of Technology B.V. and the German
Daimlerchrysler Aerospace AG firms. The project does not currently cover
Marmara Sea, and the cost will be trippled or quadrupled when Marmara sea
is also included in the project with a minor adjustment. According to the
project, 10 radar systems in Istanbul and 7 in Canakkale will be set up.
Fourteen of these radars will be installed without any human help.
[45] THE 2ND EURASIA ECONOMIC SUMMIT - ALIYEV, AZERI TRADE MINISTER: - BAKU-
CEYHAN OIL PIPELINE PROJECT IS PROCEEDING WITHIN FRAWEFORK OF THE PROTOCOL
WHICH WAS SIGNED EARLIER''
[46] ISTANBUL, Oct 5 (A.A) - Serhad Aliyev, Azeri Trade Minister, said on
Tuesday that the Baku-Ceyhan oil pipeline project was proceeding within
framework of the protocol which was signed between Azerbaijan and Turkey on
October 29, 1998. Addressing the 2nd Eurasia Economic Summit, Aliyev said
that the packet of agreements will be signed for the Caspian oil. Noting
that a ten-year investment worth of 60 billion U.S. dollars with the
participation of 33 petroleum companies from 14 countries for production of
19 pipelines was envisaged, Aliyev said that they foresee an investment of
1.5 billion U.S. dollars till the end of this year. Aliyev also added that
political problems should be solved for unity in Eurasia. A meeting on
''Silk Road Trade'' and commission meetings on ''industry, investment,
construction, finance, transportation, and natural disasters'' will be held
tomorrow within scope of the summit.
[47] SECOND EURASIA ECONOMIC SUMMIT - ERSUMER, MINISTER OF ENERGY AND
NATURAL RESOURCES: ''OUR TRADE VOLUME WITH TURKISH REPUBLICS REACHED 1,5
BILLION US DOLLARS''
[48] ISTANBUL, October 5 (A.A) - Cumhur Ersumer, the Minister of Energy and
Natural Resources said on Tuesday that trade and economic relations between
Turkey and Turkish Republics was increasing. ''Our trade volume with
Turkish Republics reached 1.5 billion U.S. dollars and our investments and
projects cost 7 billion U.S. dollars,'' Ersumer said. Ersumer who spoke at
the Second Eurasia Economic Summit said important developments took place
after the collapse of the Soviet Union and also added that these countries
should act quickly to make up for the delay. ''All findings clearly show
that there is an increasing trade and economic potential between Turkey and
Turkish Republics. The second summit we are having today is another
indication. We must make good use of this,'' Ersumer noted. Energy projects
form the most important element of trade between Turkey and Turkish
Republics. Important legal and institutional developments were observed in
oil, gas and electricity sectors to open the way for energy projects, the
Minister said. Ersumer also said his Ministry is working on activities to
form a transparent and trustable environment to fulfil the requirements of
international integration. The Minister briefed some basic legal
regulations needed in natural gas field and said Turkey would take an
important step if these regulations pass from the Parliament. The
consumption of natural gas which entered Turkey in 1990's is increasing
every day and this year's natural gas consumption is expected to be around
13 billion cubicmeters and climb up to 82 billion cubicmeters in 2020,
Ersumer said. The negotiations over Baku-Ceyhan oil pipeline came to its
final stages and now Turkey focuses on the transportation of Turkmen oil
via Turkey. ''Turkey is in a fast integration process with the world and is
evaluating changes occurring in the energy field with all its dimensions.
Turkey's electricity need is increasing faster than its growth rate. Half
of our annual energy need is met by oil. In 1998, 11 percent of our 20
million tons of oil consumption was met by local production. Our oil
consumption is expected to increase while local production drops.
Unfortunately, our dependency on foreign countries grows,'' Ersumer said.
[49] ECONOMIC MEASURES IN QUAKE REGION - KIRAC, SAKARYA GOVERNOR ANNOUNCES
REPORT OF ECONOMIC PROPOSALS
[50] SAKARYA, Oct 5 (A.A) - M. Cahit Kırac, the governor of Sakarya said on
Tuesday that necessary measures must be taken to make Sakarya, which
contributed to economy of Turkey in a considerable degree before the quake,
to be active in respect of economics again. Presenting a report titled
''Economic Measures'' to the meeting namely ''Reviving Economy of Sakarya,
'' Kırac stated that Sakarya was a province which contributed much to the
economy of Turkey by 21,000 small enterpreneurs, 6000 merchants and
industrialists and 16,000 industrial employees before the quake disaster.
Noting that the city needs re-construction, the report stressed that
measures have to be taken in such issues of drinking water network and
sewage system, repair of inner city roads and reconstructing fire brigades.
The report also pointed out that the share taken from Provincial Bank
should be distributed to quake regions in proportion to damage, listing
some of these measures as ''removing the tax and electricity debts of the
municipality and its debt to the Social Security Authority (SSK) or
providing natural gas and finance to the city.''
[51] ERSUMER, DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER: ''WE'LL TAKE CONTROL OF ADMINISTRATION
OF AKTAS ELECTRICITY TRADE INC. STARTING FROM TOMORROW''
[52] ASHKABAT, Oct 5 (A.A) - Cumhur Ersumer, the Minister of Energy and
Natural Resources and Deputy Prime Minister said on Tuesday that they will
take control of the administration of Aktas Electricity Trade Inc.; which
distributes electricity to the Anatolian part of Istanbul; starting from
tomorrow, it was reported on Tuesday. Speaking to reporters when he arrived
in Ashkabat Airport of Turkmenistan, Ersumer pointed out that the general
council of cases departments of Council of State decided to stop the
execution regarding Aktas Electricity Inc. ''This decision was confirmed
and we decided to implement it. We, as the Ministry respect the verdicts of
courts. We'll take control of the administration as the Ministry of Energy
starting from tomorrow,'' he said. Noting that the decision is not a final
one, Ersumer said that ''the decision is a temporary measure. There is no
decision concerning the cancellement of the privatization which has been
concluded.'' The main decision concerning Aktas Electricity will be taken
in the court session that will be heard by the Council of State Department
No. 10 on November 2. Meanwhile Ersumer said that he will take up the
issues of participation of Turkish Petroleum Inc. (TPAO) in natural gas
production in Turkmenistan and Turkmenistan Natural Gas Pipeline Project in
his contacts in Turkmenistan.
[53] TRNC PRESIDENT DENKTAS: ''MANOEUVRE OF GREEK CYPRIOTS IS TO CLEAN
NORTHERN CYPRUS FROM ENEMY...ENEMY IS TURKISH CYPRIOTS AND TURKEY''
[54] LEFKOSA, Oct 5 (A.A) - Rauf Denktas, the President of the Turkish
Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) said on Tuesday he hoped that the
''Nikiforos Manoeuvre'' and the words of Yorgo Papandreu, the Greek Foreign
Minister opened the eyes of everybody. Noting that the manoeuvre is to
clean Northern Cyprus from enemy, which is the Turkish Cypriots and Turkey,
Denktas said Greek Cypriots continue to be armed and try to reach this
goal. Denktas said that he is not sorry as he is accused of being
uncompromising, because he knows for what Turkish Cypriots struggle, adding
''we protect our freedom and sovereignty, we protect Turkey's rights and
guarantorship on Cyprus.'' Noting that he is concerned about the fact that
Greek Cypriots want Turkish Cypriots to give up sovereignty and guarantee
agreement, Denktas said that ''this is what I am worried about. Indeed I am
not uncompromising,'' adding the Turkish Cypriots are not a minority on the
island.
[55] PRESIDENT DEMIREL RECEIVES MARMARA FOUNDATION DELEGATION DUE TO SECOND
EURASIA ECONOMIC SUMMIT
[56] ANKARA, Oct 5 (A.A) - President Suleyman Demirel said on Tuesday that
Turkey will continue to extend all kinds of support to Eurasia in all
fields. ''The next ten years will be brighter than the last 10 years in
Euasia,'' said President Demirel. Receiving Akkan Suver, the Chairman of
Marmara Foundation and the accompanying delegation due to the Second
Eurasia Economic Summit, President Demirel stated that he believes Eurasia
summit which still continues will be succesful. ''Good results will come
out from this summit for benefit of sister nations in Eurasia continent.
These nations mostly speaking Turkish are coming closer to each other and
their population is nearly 200 million;'' said Demirel, adding that Turkey
will continue to help integration of them with the world.
[57] EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT - DRAFT RESOLUTIONS OF POLITICAL GROUPS BECOME ONE
TEXT WHICH DOES NOT MENTION GIVING CANDIDACY STATUS TO TURKEY
[58] STRASBOURG, Oct 5 (A.A) - The common recommendary draft resolution
prepared by the political groups in European Parliament (EP) didn't mention
giving candidacy status to Turkey during Helsinki Summit, it was reported
on Tuesday. The recommendations of Liberal and Green groups which want to
give candidacy perspective to Turkey were taken out from the common text
due to the pressure of Christian Democrats and Socialist groups having a
great number of seats in EP. The text only mentions words like ''Turkey is
capable of applying for full membership and Turkey's candidacy will
contribute a lot to development of the EU and stability and peace in
Europe.'' The Liberal and Green groups will submit a change in the draft
for giving an open message to Turkey at Helsinki Summit during the voting
that will take place on Wednesday. Yet these proposals are not expected to
be accepted. The draft stresses that it welcomes the efforts of Turkey to
fulfil political and economic criteria of Copenhagen. Recalling that the
softening of relations between Turkey and Greece is pleasing, the draft
calls on Turkey to continue making reforms in human rights, democracy and
contribute to starting of intercommunal talks between the two sides on
Cyprus under the auspices of U.N. The draft, which will be discussed by the
EP general council on Wednesday, also calls on Turkey not to execute death
penalty on Ocalan, the head terrorist and abolish death sentences.
[59] OPERATION IN SOUTHERN ADANA PROVINCE - TWO TERRORISTS KILLED, ANOTHER
ONE CAPTURED ALIVE
[60] ADANA, Oct 5 (A.A) - Security officials killed two terrorists and
captured another one alive, who were preparing to stage attacks on local
offices of certain political parties, it was reported on Tuesday. Sukru
Yetimoglu, the director general of security in Adana told A.A that they
killed two terrorists and captured another one in an operation they staged
in a flat in Akıncılar district of Adana the same evening. Yetimoglu
stressed that they seized many bombs and many organizational documents in
the house in which terrorists took shelter and the terrorists would stage
attacks on political party offices in the city the same night by remote-
control bombs. Sukru Yetimoglu added that the operation against the members
of the terrorist organization continues.
[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN
[02] These are some of the major headlines and their brief stories in
Turkey's press on October 5, 1999. The Anadolu Ajansi does not verify these
stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.
[03] HURRIYET (LIBERAL) - ------------------ ''IT IS NOT A FAIRY TALE, IT
IS A TRUTH'' Papandreu, Greek Foreign Minister, who addressed opening
ceremony of the academic year of Istanbul University, said ''I promise for
peace.''. Papandreu said ''some people liken Turkish-Greek relations to a
fairy tale. This is not a fairy tale, but the demand of our peoples. It is
the time to dare the impossible.''
[04] ONAL: ''EFFORTS FOR STAND-BY WITH IMF WILL BE CONCLUDED BY THE END OF
THIS YEAR'' Recep Onal, Minister of State responsible for economy, said on
Monday that a letter related with the 500 million U.S. dollar emergency
loan aid, foreseen to be given by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) due
to the quake, was presented to IMF officials, adding that studies to this
end will be concluded till October 15. Addressing a news conference which
he staged at Istanbul's Ataturk Airport, Onal said the aid will begin to
come after October 15, adding that studies forwarded to stand-by agreement
are targeted to be concluded by the end of the year.
[05] MILLIYET (LIBERAL) - ----------------- REGIME CHANGES Prime Minister
Bulent Ecevit discloses that he was not of the same opinion with President
Suleyman Demirel and opposed to election of President by people. Ecevit
opposed to Demirel's proposal for the election of President by people
saying: ''functions of the government in parliamentary system will be
lifted in this model. This will create very inconvenient results when
feudal structure in several regions is taken into consideration.''
[06] PAPANDREU: LET'S BRING DOWN THE WALLS Papandreu, Greek Foreign
Minister, addressed the opening ceremony of Istanbul University new
academic year, and said ''It is time to dare the impossible. Let us bring
down the last remaining Berlin wall. Let us free Cyprus from this burden,
free ourselves from this burden.''
[07] SABAH (LIBERAL) - -------------- HOW CAN YOU COME HERE? Massimo
D'Alema, Italian Prime Minister, will participate in Organization for
Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) summit that will take place in
Istanbul between November 18 and 19. Rome Appeals Court decided to grant
Abdullah Ocalan, the head of the terrorist organization, political asylum.
Meanwhile, Ocalan is waiting for the decision of Supreme Court in Imrali
Island. The decision put D'Alema, who is getting ready to participate in
OSCE summit, into a difficult situation. Ankara harsly reacted to the
decision. Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit and Hikmet Sami Turk, Minister of
Justice, said ''it has no validity.''
[08] THEY HAVE DISCUSSED THE QUAKE Bulent Ecevit, Prime Minister and leader
of Democratic Left Party (DSP), Devlet Bahceli, Deputy Prime Minister and
leader of Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), and Mesut Yilmaz, leader of the
Motherland Party (ANAP) convened on Monday and took important decisions.
Koray Aydin, Minister of Settlement and Public Works, participated in the
meeting and briefed the leaders about the tenders of infrastructure and
prefabricated dwellings in the quake region.
[09] CUMHURIYET (LEFT) - ---------------- MILITARY EXERCISE FOR OCCUPATION
OF TRNC STAGED While Greek Foreign Minister Yorgo Papandreu blew the winds
of peace in Istanbul, the Greek Air Forces' warplanes staged the exercise
of ''occupying the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC)'' in the
airspace of Cyprus. It was mentioned that two similar scenarios would be
practiced today and tomorrow within the framework of the Nikiforos military
exercise which was followed by Glafcos Clerides, the leader of the Greek
Cypriot side.
[10] ITALY GRANTS OCALAN POLITICAL ASYLUM The Rome Court of Appeals No:2
decided to grant Abdullah Ocalan, the head of the terrorist organization,
political asylum. Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said, ''I don't know what
this will mean in practice. Because Ocalan is now in Turkey.'' Mesut Yilmaz
of ANAP said, ''it is late, too late,'' while Justice Minister Hikmet Sami
Turk said that implementation of that decision was impossible.
[11] THERE ARE PEOPLE WHO WANT TO TAKE REVENGE Addressing the ceremony held
upon the openning of the 47th academic year of the National Security
Academy, Full General Nahit Senogul said there were people who want to
''take revenge on the Ataturk Republic'' by hiding themselves behind the
concepts of democracy, human rights and supremacy of law. Senogul said
Turkey should solve those problems by herself without giving any concession
to anybody. Meanwhile, addressing the ceremony held upon the opening of the
Partnership for Peace Training Center, Full General Edip Baser said the
threats like international terrorism, fundamentalism, ethnic nationalism,
border problems, mass destruction weapons took the place of hot war.
[12] RADIKAL (LEFT) - --------------- ''WHO WOULD HAVE THOUGHT IT COULD
HAPPEN'' There were ''war screams'' in the Aegean six months ago. It is
like a dream... Papandreu, Greek Foreign Minister, addressed the opening
ceremony of the new academic year of Istanbul University, and Kyritsis,
Chairman of Greek Rectors Committee, gave ''frienship lesson'' to the
students of the Middle East Technical University (METU). Turkish-Greek
rapproachement, which started with the quake, strengthens everyday with a
new message, even it has not turned into concrete steps. Papandreu said
''Aegean will bring us together. Power of our neighbours will be our power.
Voice which comes from the Balkans will be heard in the whole world.''
[13] AID FROM KOBE TO MARMARA Japanese non governmental organization, which
was set up after massive earthquake in Kobe city of Japan in 1995, and
which held various rescue and emergency aid activities in disaster regions,
is now getting ready to heal the wounds in Turkey. The organization
established a committee delegation after August 17 quake and now prepares a
report to normalize life in the disaster region.
[14] TÜRKİYE (RIGHT) - ---------------- PRESIDENT SHOULD BE ELECTED BY
PEOPLE The public polls put forward that ''the President should be elected
by people''. Most of the coalition and opposition parties support this
opinion. The Democratic Left Party (DSP), which wants the extension of
President Suleyman Demirel's term of office, opposes to the election of the
President by people. The Motherland Party (ANAP) thinks that the
President's mandate can be extended but believes that Turkey is still not
ready for the election by people. The Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) has
still not made an opinion while different inclinations force change of the
Constitution.
[15] DO NOT WEAR THE STATE OUT Addressing the opening remarks at the
ceremony held upon the Istanbul Technical University's new academic year,
President Suleyman Demirel drew the attention to the earthquake which
devastated the Marmara Region. ''we can't do someone a kindness by
humiliating the state. Our state is neither weak nor powerless.''
[16] FIRST LESSON FROM CHIEF OF SUPREME COURT: ''SECULARISM'' Lecturing on
''secularism'' in the ceremony held upon the opening of the new academic
year of the Bilgi University, Sami Selcuk, the Chief Public Prosecutor of
the Supreme Court, said, ''I did not say that Turkey was theocratic but I
said that she was theocratic regarding organizational structure.''
[17] ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE) - -------------------- 1.8 TRILLION LIRAS OF
BRICK The ''You Too Lay a Brick'' campaign, which was launched by the
Turkish media in a bid to help the survivors of the strong earthquake, was
concluded on September 30. In the account opened at the Ziraat Bank, a
total of 663 billion Turkish Liras (TL), 2 million 253 thousand U.S.
dollars, 413 thousand German Marks and 500 thousand French Francs were
collected. The total money deposited to the account equals to 1 trillion
804 billion 353 million TL when it is converted. The Hurriyet, Zaman,
Milliyet, Yeni Safak, Sabah, Radikal, Posta, Aksam, Cumhuriyet, Milli
Gazete, Gozcu, Asabi, Finansal Forum, Fanatik, Takvim, Fotomac, Gunes,
Dunya, Turkish Daily News, Yeni Asir and Agos newspapers, and Samanyolu,
Kanal D, ATV, Star, Show, TGRT, NTV, Kanal 6 and Kanal 7 private television
channels contributed to the campaign.
[18] FRIENDSHIP HAS TO BE STRENGTHENED
[19] Abdullah Aymaz, the Editor-in-Chief of the Zaman newspaper, met with
Archbishop Hristodulos of Greece. Noting that the quakes had warmedthe
relations between the Turkish and Greek peoples, the Archbishop said, ''the
Turkish and Greek politicians have to act a spokesmen for the two people's
feelings, and strengthen the friendship.''
[20] IMPORTANT WEEK IN EU FOR TURKEY ...
[21] STRASBOURG, October 5 (A.A) - Commission, which is the executive organ
of European Union, Council, the decision organ, and Parliament, the
consultative organ, will disclose their views during general assembly
session in European Parliament (EP) on Wednesday regarding Turkey's full
membership to European Union (EU) before Helsinki summit. The meeting in EP
on Wednesday is important as it will take place just before Turkey report
of EU Commision is issued. EU sources point out that the report, which is
expected to bring a clarity to Turkey's full membership before Helsinki
Summit, will be submitted to EP Foreign relations commission meeting on
October 13. Tarja Halonen, Finnish Foreign Minister and EU Council Term
President, and German Ghunter Verheugen, EU Commision's Commissioner
responsible for expansion, in a way will have to clarify Turkey's full
membership. Meanwhile, political groups in European Parliament prepared
recommendatory draft resolutions related with Turkey to be voted after the
discussions. The recommendatory draft resolutions will be voted on Thursday
after being turned into a text. The draft resolutions prepared in EP by
Liberal and Greens Group, it is defended that Turkey should be sent an open
message about full membership before Helsinki summit. The draft resolution
prepared by Socialist Group does not make a reference to Turkey's full
membership in Helsinki summit yet includes statements like: ''Turkey is
adequate to apply for full membership and Turkey's candidacy will provide
an important contribution for EU's development and for peace and stability
in Europe.'' Joint recommendatory draft resolution will be clarified after
disclosure of views of Christian Democrats, which is the biggest group of
EU.
[22] OIC MINISTERS TO CONVENE IN ISTANBUL IN 2000
[23] NEW YORK, Oct 5 (A.A) - The foreign ministers of the Organization of
Islamic Conference (OIC) decided to hold their first meeting in the year
2000 in Istanbul, it was reported on Tuesday. In accordance with the
decision of the OIC foreign ministers, who convened in New York, the
meeting will take place in February or March 2000. The OIC foreign
ministers decided to hold their 27th regular meeting in Malaysia in June
2000. Diplomatic sources told the A.A correspondent that the major topic of
the meeting, which would be hosted by Turkey, would be ''the OIC and the
problems to be faced in new period.'' The OIC said that the foreign
ministers would review 30-year history of the OIC, and discuss the problems,
which would be faced in new period, and opportunities, which would be
offered by the new period, in that very important and special meeting in
Istanbul. Meanwhile, the OIC foreign ministers, in their final communique,
stressed that they strongly supported the rightful case of the Moslem
Turkish Cypriots. The foreign ministers called on the Turkish and Greek
Cypriots to find a solution through negotiations and accept the equal
status of each other.
[24] U.S. PRESIDENT'S SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE TO CYPRUS MOSES' VISIT TO
ISLAND POSTPONED NEXT WEEK
[25] WASHINGTON D.C., Oct 5 (A.A) - U.S. President Bill Clinton's newly
appointed Special Representative to Cyprus Alfred Moses' visit to the
island was postponed to next week, it was reported on Tuesday. Tom Weston,
the Cyprus Coordinator of the U.S. State Department, will accompany Moses'
tour covering Ankara, Athens and Lefkosa. Meanwhile, a high-level official
at the U.S. State Department, said their only aim was to let the leaders of
the two sides on Cyprus to sit at the negotiation table in the shortest
time-frame without any precondition. The official said he was sure that
those talks would absolutely be held. The official stated that the contacts
of Moses and Weston would focus on a formula that could be accepted by Rauf
Denktas, the President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC)
who opposed to the re-start of negotiations between the leaders of the two
communities on Cyprus. Stressing that there was not an American plan for
the solution of the Cyprus question, the officials said the role of the
U.S. was to accelerate the process. Emphasizing that U.S. President Bill
Clinton's statements in his meeting with Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit
saying that the there couldn't be a return to the conditions before 1974
had a meaning regarded with ''security'', the official said, ''we are
willing to think about the security of all Cypriots and listen to the
opinions to be put forward. However, there is not a developed opinion for
making security arrangements.'' When asked what kind of a position the U.S.
would adopt if the Turkish side rejects to sit at the table without the
recognition of ''principle of two states'', the official said, ''we are
exerting efforts to prevent the issue from reaching that point. I think we
will be successful.''
[26] PRIME MINISTRY CRISIS MANAGEMENT CENTER ANNOUNCES DEATH TOLL AS 15,826
[27] ANKARA, Oct 5 (A.A) - The Prime Ministry Crisis Management Center
announced death toll as 15,826 as of 11:30 local time on Tuesday in the
wake of the 7.4-magnitude 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 112,268 tents have been erected in 121 tent-sites so far. Works
to haul away rubble of 3,861 collapsed buildings were finalized, and 939
buildings which were seriously damaged in the quake, were demolished. 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, a total of 66 trillion 490
billion 210 million Turkish Liras in the bank account opened at the Ziraat
Bank. A total of 18 trillion Turkish Liras were allocated to the Natural
Disaster Fund, and 5 trillion 100 billion Turkish Liras were allocated to
the Kocaeli Logistics Support Base.
[28] EARTHQUAKE IN MARMARIS - NUMBER OF INJURED PEOPLE INCREASES TO 103
[29] MUGLA, Oct 5 (A.A) - Fazli Akgun, Acting Governor of Mugla, said on
Tuesday that number of injured people increased to 103 following the
predawn earthquake measuring 5.2 on the Richter Scale. Responding to
questions of journalists, Akgun said, ''A total of 103 people were taken to
hospitals for medical treatment. 23 of them broke their legs and arms when
they had jumped out from the windows and balconies in panic. One person who
has broken his waist jumping from the balcony, is in critical condition.''
Akgun noted that one British citizen living in Marmaris, was injured by the
right foot. The quake was also felt in other countries of Mugla province.
Several buildings were slightly damaged in the city center of Marmaris.
[30] TURKISH-ISRAELI BUSINESS COUNCIL'S MEETING TO BE ORGANIZED IN TELAVIV
IN NOVEMBER
[31] BURSA, Oct 5 (A.A) - Turkish-Israeli Business Council's joint meeting
will take place in Telaviv between November 20-24, it was reported on
Tuesday. Development of trade relations between Israel and Turkey will be
discussed at the meeting. ''Israel Export Days'' participated by 600
Israeli firms will be organized on the first day of the programme. A joint
meeting on November 22, and bilateral meetings on November 23 will follow
this activity. Trade relations between Israel and Turkey have increased
considerably since the Free Trade Agreement which came into effect on May
1997. Israel possesses wide experience in fields of electronics, automation,
defense industry, medical equipment and telecommunication which require
advance technology. Agriculture, irrigation and agriculture related methods
are also Israel's powerful areas. Israel has a developed production
industry and imports raw materials from outside, therefore it is an
important market for Turkey, it was noted. Turkey's export to Israel which
was 321 million U.S. dolllars in 1997, increased 21.6 percent and reached
to 390 million U.S. dollars in 1998. Within the framework of the Free Trade
Agreement, custom tax of all industry and textile products will be lifted
and this is expected to have a positive influence on the economic relations
between the two countries. Companies, industrialists and businessmen who
are interested in the Israeli market and who wish to attend the Turkish-
Israeli meeting should submit their application forms to the Foreing
Economic Relations Council (DEIK) until October 15.
[32] AFTERSHOCKS CONTINUE TO SHAKE DISASTER AREA
[33] ISTANBUL/KADIKOY, Oct 5 (A.A) - Aftershocks continued to shake the
disaster area in the wake of the 7.4-magnitude earthquake which devastated
northwestern Turkey on August 17, it was reported on Tuesday. Officials at
the Bogazici University Kandilli Observatory Seismology Institute told the
A.A correspondent that a total of nine aftershocks were recorded in the
region between 05:30 and 11:14 local time on Tuesday. Magnitudes and
epicenters of tremors are as follows:
[34] TIME MAGNITUDE EPICENTER - ---- --------- --------- 05:30 3.5 Marmaris
county of Mugla 05:32 3.2 Marmaris county of Mugla 07:04 2.9 Marmara Sea
07:10 3.6 Izmit 08:14 3.1 Yalova 09:42 3.0 Marmara Sea 09:59 2.8 Marmara
Sea 10:28 2.8 Marmaris county of Mugla 11:14 3.6 Duzce county of Bolu
[35] GEORGE WEBER, PRESIDENT OF INTENATIONAL RED CROSS AND RED CRESCENT
FEDERATION: - ''NO INTERNATIONAL RED CROSS OR RED CRESCENT ORGANIZATION
COULD HAVE ACTED BETTER THAN TURKISH RED CRESCENT AFTER THE EARTHQUAKE''
[36] ANKARA, October 5 (A.A) - ''No international Red Cross or Red Crescent
organization could have acted better,'' George Weber, the President of
International Red Cross and Red Crescent Federation said on Tuesday. Weber
and Kemal Demir, the President of Turkish Red Crescent, visited Husamettin
Ozkan, the Deputy Prime Minister. Weber briefed Ozkan about the activities
of their federation, and the contributions they made for quake survivors in
Turkey. Weber said they had no doubt that their donations as well as the
cash donations collected from people was distributed fairly to those who
need it by Red Crescent. Weber said the criticisms directed at Red Crescent
after the quake were unfair. He noted that because of his position he knew
how other national associations worked so he could make a comparison. ''No
international Red Cross or Red Crescent organization or a humanitarian
organization could have acted better,'' he said, and stressed that the
quake hit Turkey's industrial heartland at 03:00 local time on August 17
with a magnitude close to 8 on the Richter scale during a time when Red
Crescent was working on international projects in the Balkans. Weber said
Red Crescent was displaying a very good performance with the capacity it
has, and asked the media to support it. Upon a question, Weber said about
14,000 more tents would arrive in the disaster area in October.
[37] THE 2ND EURASIA ECONOMIC SUMMIT - PRESIDENT DEMIREL: - ''AFTER THE
COLD WAR, TURKEY HAS MADE A CONSIDERABLE CONTRIBUTION TO STABILITY AND
PEACE IN THE REGION BY PIONEERING REGIONAL COOPERATION INITIATIVES''
[38] ANKARA, Oct 5 (A.A) - President Suleyman Demirel said on Tuesday,
''Turkey's priorities in Eurasia are to construct physical and economic
infrastructures which will enable the region to unite with rest of the
world, to improve cooperation in the fields of economy, trade, and security,
and to re-establish cultural ties. Turkey has adopted a comprehensive
strategy with her economy, energy and culture diplomacies to this end.''
President Demirel sent a message to Akkan Suver, Chairman of the Marmara
Group Strategical and Social Researches Foundation, regarded with the ''2nd
Eurasia Economic Summit'' which started early today under the auspices of
President Demirel. Releasing a statement, the Presidential Press Center
quoted Demirel as saying, ''The world is getting ready for the new
millennium. Reconstruction efforts which is required by the future world in
every fields from economy to policy from culture to science and technology,
have been brought onto agenda of humanity. We are on a turning point where
rules and institutions are being questioned. The Eurasia Summit organized
by the Marmara Foundation, is a very useful civilian initiative to this
end.'' Recalling that 1999 is the 10th anniversary of collapse of the
Berlin Wall, Demirel said that the collapse of the Berlin Wall also
symbolize end of ideologic fragmentation. Stressing that the end of the
Cold War created a golden opportunity for the humanity, Demirel added,
''The golden opportunity is a global agreement envisaging improvement of a
brand-new global partnership understanding towards peace, solidarity,
cooperation, and joint prosperity in the 21st century. In fact, as we
approach to the end of the 20th century, one of the most significant
opportunities of this century is re-emergence of Eurasia which includes
sister republics. Turkey has taken serious steps to adapt herself in
changing conditions. Turkey wants Eurasia to become cradle of democracy,
peace, free trade, and superiority of law. The historical process including
the foundation of Black Sea Economic Cooperation in Istanbul in 1992, the
Silk Road Summit in Baku in 1998, and the Stability Pact in Sarajevo in
1999, is the story of a great cooperation and unification which were
unimaginable just 10 ten years ago. Turkey has been playing a pioneer role
in creating a new partnership understanding in a huge geography from
Balkans to the Great Wall of China.'' ''Main infrastructure projects such
as revitalization of the historical Silk Road, establishment of new
telecommunication networks by the Turkish satellites in the space, east-
west transportation corridor from Varna to Durres, east-west energy
corridor, Baku-Ceyhan oil pipeline project, railway between Kars and
Tbilisi, make considerable contribution to unite the region to rest of the
world via Turkey,'' Demirel emphasized. Underlining that Turkey has the
most dynamic and great economy in a vast geography including the Baltic Sea,
the Black Sea, Eastern Mediterranean, Caspian Basis, and Middle East,
Demirel said, ''Turkey aims at creating a large free trade area by signing
bilateral free trade agreements. Turkish entrepreneurs' activities in
Eurasia have made considerable contributions to settle market economy
infrastructure in this geography. In 21st cenutry when borders between
countries will disappear in economic field, a single market will emerge.
After the Cold War, Turkey has contributed to peace and stability in her
geography by pioneering regional cooperation initiatives. Turkey's economic
cooperation initiatives such as the Black Sea Economic Cooperation, the
Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), and the D-8 play key roles in
establishment of brand-new cooperation and joint activities in a geography
including 3 continents, and 24 countries.'' Noting that Turkey aims at
realizing the Baku-Ceyhan oil pipeline project and the Turkmen natural gas
pipeline project as soon as possible, Demirel said, ''When we finalize
these projects, the new energy geography in Eurasia will unite with the
world via Turkey. The U.S., Azerbaijan, Georgia, Turkmenistan, and
Kazakhstan have extended full support to these projects. Our collective
works with the U.S. and with the other related countries, are continuing.''
President Demirel added, ''Collapse of the Soviet Union in 1990, and
emergence of a new Russia which wants to unite with the world in every
field, were the important turning points of the 20th century. With these
events, a new century has begun. Russia is a world state which can affect
future of both Europe and Eurasia. Turkey attributes great importance to
the improvement of democracy, superiority of law, open regime, free market
economy in Russia. We will continue to strive with Russia for peace,
stability and prosperity in Eurasia.'' Underlining the importance of
strategical partnership that was developed by Turkey on the ground of
shared values with the U.S. with regard to make Eurasia a basin of peace,
stability and prosperity, Demirel said, ''Turkey will continue to endeavour
with friendly and allied U.S. to provide peace, stability and prosperity in
a huge geography including the Middle East, Caucasia, Eastern Europe, the
Balkans, Caspian Basin, the Black Sea and the Mediterranean. Turkey has
improved partnership with the U.S. on the ground of mutual interests, in
the issues of re-construction of global economy, establishment of democracy
and free market economy in the new political geography of Eurasia.''
[39] PRESIDENT DEMIREL RECEIVES RECTOR OF ATHENS TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY: -
''WE ARE OBLIGED TO LIVE TOGETHER, WE CANNOT CHANGE THIS FACT''
[40] ANKARA, Oct 5 (A.A) - President Suleyman Demirel said on Tuesday that
Turkey and Greece had to live together. ''Therefore, we must act together
for the benefit of our people and our region,'' he added. Demirel received
Suha Sevuk, the Rector of the Middle East Technical University (METU), and
Prof. Sypros Kyriysiz, the Rector of Athens Technical University. Prof.
Kemal Guruz, the President of Higher Education Council also attended the
meeting. Recalling the disastrous quakes which hit both Turkey and Greece,
President Demirel said the disasters made Turkey and Greece come closer,
and added that the two nations should develop relations in every field
including science, sports and trade. ''We have to live together, we cannot
change this fact. We have to act together for the benefit of our people and
our region. We are appreciating this warm atmosphere between the countries.
I am hoping that this atmosphere helps us to improve our relations. Our
bilateral relations and cooperation will be beneficial for both Turkish and
Greek people,'' Demirel said. Prof. Sevuk said he has been invited by the
University of Athens, and would be in Athens on October 14. ''We are trying
our best to help our diplomats and politicians. Even though we cannot have
much influence in politics, we are trying to bring together the academic
worlds. I am hoping that this development helps our diplomats to solve the
basic problems,'' Sevuk noted. Prof. Syriysiz stated that the latest
developments in relations between Turkey and Greece were unplanned. ''And
this shows how close we are. We discovered that we are not only neighbours,
but we are sisters and brothers,'' he said. Demirel stressed that Turkish
politicians never incited hatred against Greek people. ''In this country,
politicians never followed a hostile policy against Greek people. Yes, we
have problems and most of these problems are old ones. We are trying to
bring a solution to them through peaceful ways. I always stressed this:
Politicians on the two sides of the Aegean prevented a confrontation. I
think politicians of both countries acted very clever and they saw what
policy they had to follow for the benefit of their countries. I do not
believe that Turkish people carry any hostility in their hearts. We had
many contacts including Ataturk and Venezilos, Menderes and Karamanlis. I
think we managed to preserve peace between us. We will continue to evaluate
problems together. The existing problems are rooted from the history. What
we need to do is to learn how to live with these problems. Then, we should
discuss how we could solve them for the interest of both Greece and Turkey.
In the last 35 years, I talked to your prime ministers and presidents. Our
proposal is to solve our problems through diplomatic ways, and we still
propose that,'' Demirel explained. ''The former President Turgut Ozal and
Papandreu; Mitcotakis and I had very useful contacts. The public opinion in
both countries should help their politicians so that the politicians could
solve these problems without any public pressure. When you sit at a table,
in fact people in the street are sitting at that table. Academicians,
scientists and people should cooperate. Now there is a good atmosphere.
Foreign Ministers of Turkey and Greece are working to be closer.
Mr.Papandreu spoke at the Istanbul University yesterday. He gave a very
nice speech. The academicians should also exchange views on scientific and
academic issues,'' Demirel concluded.
[41] THE SECOND EURASIA ECONOMIC SUMMIT - TRNC PRIME MINISTER DERVIS
EROGLU: ''WE ARE EXPECTING SUPPORT FROM TURKISH REPUBLICS FOR THE
INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION OF TRNC''
[42] ISTANBUL, Oct 5 (A.A) - Dervis Eroglu, the Prime Minsiter of Turkish
Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) asked the support of Turkish Republics
for the international recognition of TRNC, it was reported on Tuesday.
Eroglu spoke at the Second Eurasia Economic Summit, and said they wanted
TRNC to be recognized internationally. ''Naturally, first we expect our
brothers to recognize us. I think, expecting their support is our national
and natural right,'' Eroglu said. ''Cyprus has always been a focus of
attention because of its jeostrategical and jeoeconomical location. The new
emerging market after the collapse of the Soviet Union further increased
this attention. The situation of Cyprus is the concern of all countries and
it is very important to be risked. Therefore stability is crucial on the
island,'' the TRNC Prime Minister said. Eroglu also stressed that an
agreement could only be reached if two states on the island are officially
recognized. Yildirim Akbulut, the Speaker of Parliament, who also spoke at
the summit said Turkey was the most important window through wich the
Turkish Republics can reach out to the world. Turkey is a big country in
the region and other sister countries can make use of Turkey's experience,
he said. Akbulut added that the integration in the region would bring peace
to the world.
[43] U.S. LOCKHEED MARTIN OVERSEAS CO. FIRM WINS TENDER FOR TRAFFIC CONTROL
IN STRAITS
[44] ANKARA, Oct 5 (A.A) - The U.S. Lockheed Martin Oversees Co. firm won
the turn-key tender of technical equipment and service of ''Ship Traffic
Management and Information System Project'' which is planned to be set up
at Istanbul and Canakkale straits for the control and guidance of ships
which pass through the straits, it was reported on Tuesday. At a press
meeting, Mustafa Korcak, Undersecretary of Maritime, reminded that the
region which covers Istanbul and Canakkale straits is faced with serious
risks because of a heavy national and international sea transport. Korcak
said they had been working on a computer supported ''Ship Traffic Control
System'' to protect human life and environment since early 1990's. The
project in question was put out to tender in 1991 and 1994 by Turkey
Maritime Management General Directorate, however no results were obtained
from either of these tenders. Later in 1996, the Council of Ministers
appointed Maritime Undersecretariat with the task. Maritime Undersecretariat
started a tender in 1998 but it was cancelled because of the lack of
necessary comptetition conditions. Latest on April 12, 1999 a tender was
put out and five firms participated in it. As a result of the technical and
administrative evaluation, only four of the firms were accepted and the
U.S. Lockheed Martin Overseas Co. won the tender after the cost-performance
analysis. Meetings will start with Lockheed Martin Overseas Co. within five
days and the project is expected to be completed in 2001. If no compromise
is reached with the U.S. firm after these meetings, the Maritime
Undersecretariat will hold meetings with other bidding firms which are the
Turkish-German consortium Simko Trade and Industry Co. - STN Alas
Electronic Gmbh; the Dutch Institute of Technology B.V. and the German
Daimlerchrysler Aerospace AG firms. The project does not currently cover
Marmara Sea, and the cost will be trippled or quadrupled when Marmara sea
is also included in the project with a minor adjustment. According to the
project, 10 radar systems in Istanbul and 7 in Canakkale will be set up.
Fourteen of these radars will be installed without any human help.
[45] THE 2ND EURASIA ECONOMIC SUMMIT - ALIYEV, AZERI TRADE MINISTER: - BAKU-
CEYHAN OIL PIPELINE PROJECT IS PROCEEDING WITHIN FRAWEFORK OF THE PROTOCOL
WHICH WAS SIGNED EARLIER''
[46] ISTANBUL, Oct 5 (A.A) - Serhad Aliyev, Azeri Trade Minister, said on
Tuesday that the Baku-Ceyhan oil pipeline project was proceeding within
framework of the protocol which was signed between Azerbaijan and Turkey on
October 29, 1998. Addressing the 2nd Eurasia Economic Summit, Aliyev said
that the packet of agreements will be signed for the Caspian oil. Noting
that a ten-year investment worth of 60 billion U.S. dollars with the
participation of 33 petroleum companies from 14 countries for production of
19 pipelines was envisaged, Aliyev said that they foresee an investment of
1.5 billion U.S. dollars till the end of this year. Aliyev also added that
political problems should be solved for unity in Eurasia. A meeting on
''Silk Road Trade'' and commission meetings on ''industry, investment,
construction, finance, transportation, and natural disasters'' will be held
tomorrow within scope of the summit.
[47] SECOND EURASIA ECONOMIC SUMMIT - ERSUMER, MINISTER OF ENERGY AND
NATURAL RESOURCES: ''OUR TRADE VOLUME WITH TURKISH REPUBLICS REACHED 1,5
BILLION US DOLLARS''
[48] ISTANBUL, October 5 (A.A) - Cumhur Ersumer, the Minister of Energy and
Natural Resources said on Tuesday that trade and economic relations between
Turkey and Turkish Republics was increasing. ''Our trade volume with
Turkish Republics reached 1.5 billion U.S. dollars and our investments and
projects cost 7 billion U.S. dollars,'' Ersumer said. Ersumer who spoke at
the Second Eurasia Economic Summit said important developments took place
after the collapse of the Soviet Union and also added that these countries
should act quickly to make up for the delay. ''All findings clearly show
that there is an increasing trade and economic potential between Turkey and
Turkish Republics. The second summit we are having today is another
indication. We must make good use of this,'' Ersumer noted. Energy projects
form the most important element of trade between Turkey and Turkish
Republics. Important legal and institutional developments were observed in
oil, gas and electricity sectors to open the way for energy projects, the
Minister said. Ersumer also said his Ministry is working on activities to
form a transparent and trustable environment to fulfil the requirements of
international integration. The Minister briefed some basic legal
regulations needed in natural gas field and said Turkey would take an
important step if these regulations pass from the Parliament. The
consumption of natural gas which entered Turkey in 1990's is increasing
every day and this year's natural gas consumption is expected to be around
13 billion cubicmeters and climb up to 82 billion cubicmeters in 2020,
Ersumer said. The negotiations over Baku-Ceyhan oil pipeline came to its
final stages and now Turkey focuses on the transportation of Turkmen oil
via Turkey. ''Turkey is in a fast integration process with the world and is
evaluating changes occurring in the energy field with all its dimensions.
Turkey's electricity need is increasing faster than its growth rate. Half
of our annual energy need is met by oil. In 1998, 11 percent of our 20
million tons of oil consumption was met by local production. Our oil
consumption is expected to increase while local production drops.
Unfortunately, our dependency on foreign countries grows,'' Ersumer said.
[49] ECONOMIC MEASURES IN QUAKE REGION - KIRAC, SAKARYA GOVERNOR ANNOUNCES
REPORT OF ECONOMIC PROPOSALS
[50] SAKARYA, Oct 5 (A.A) - M. Cahit Kırac, the governor of Sakarya said on
Tuesday that necessary measures must be taken to make Sakarya, which
contributed to economy of Turkey in a considerable degree before the quake,
to be active in respect of economics again. Presenting a report titled
''Economic Measures'' to the meeting namely ''Reviving Economy of Sakarya,
'' Kırac stated that Sakarya was a province which contributed much to the
economy of Turkey by 21,000 small enterpreneurs, 6000 merchants and
industrialists and 16,000 industrial employees before the quake disaster.
Noting that the city needs re-construction, the report stressed that
measures have to be taken in such issues of drinking water network and
sewage system, repair of inner city roads and reconstructing fire brigades.
The report also pointed out that the share taken from Provincial Bank
should be distributed to quake regions in proportion to damage, listing
some of these measures as ''removing the tax and electricity debts of the
municipality and its debt to the Social Security Authority (SSK) or
providing natural gas and finance to the city.''
[51] ERSUMER, DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER: ''WE'LL TAKE CONTROL OF ADMINISTRATION
OF AKTAS ELECTRICITY TRADE INC. STARTING FROM TOMORROW''
[52] ASHKABAT, Oct 5 (A.A) - Cumhur Ersumer, the Minister of Energy and
Natural Resources and Deputy Prime Minister said on Tuesday that they will
take control of the administration of Aktas Electricity Trade Inc.; which
distributes electricity to the Anatolian part of Istanbul; starting from
tomorrow, it was reported on Tuesday. Speaking to reporters when he arrived
in Ashkabat Airport of Turkmenistan, Ersumer pointed out that the general
council of cases departments of Council of State decided to stop the
execution regarding Aktas Electricity Inc. ''This decision was confirmed
and we decided to implement it. We, as the Ministry respect the verdicts of
courts. We'll take control of the administration as the Ministry of Energy
starting from tomorrow,'' he said. Noting that the decision is not a final
one, Ersumer said that ''the decision is a temporary measure. There is no
decision concerning the cancellement of the privatization which has been
concluded.'' The main decision concerning Aktas Electricity will be taken
in the court session that will be heard by the Council of State Department
No. 10 on November 2. Meanwhile Ersumer said that he will take up the
issues of participation of Turkish Petroleum Inc. (TPAO) in natural gas
production in Turkmenistan and Turkmenistan Natural Gas Pipeline Project in
his contacts in Turkmenistan.
[53] TRNC PRESIDENT DENKTAS: ''MANOEUVRE OF GREEK CYPRIOTS IS TO CLEAN
NORTHERN CYPRUS FROM ENEMY...ENEMY IS TURKISH CYPRIOTS AND TURKEY''
[54] LEFKOSA, Oct 5 (A.A) - Rauf Denktas, the President of the Turkish
Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) said on Tuesday he hoped that the
''Nikiforos Manoeuvre'' and the words of Yorgo Papandreu, the Greek Foreign
Minister opened the eyes of everybody. Noting that the manoeuvre is to
clean Northern Cyprus from enemy, which is the Turkish Cypriots and Turkey,
Denktas said Greek Cypriots continue to be armed and try to reach this
goal. Denktas said that he is not sorry as he is accused of being
uncompromising, because he knows for what Turkish Cypriots struggle, adding
''we protect our freedom and sovereignty, we protect Turkey's rights and
guarantorship on Cyprus.'' Noting that he is concerned about the fact that
Greek Cypriots want Turkish Cypriots to give up sovereignty and guarantee
agreement, Denktas said that ''this is what I am worried about. Indeed I am
not uncompromising,'' adding the Turkish Cypriots are not a minority on the
island.
[55] PRESIDENT DEMIREL RECEIVES MARMARA FOUNDATION DELEGATION DUE TO SECOND
EURASIA ECONOMIC SUMMIT
[56] ANKARA, Oct 5 (A.A) - President Suleyman Demirel said on Tuesday that
Turkey will continue to extend all kinds of support to Eurasia in all
fields. ''The next ten years will be brighter than the last 10 years in
Euasia,'' said President Demirel. Receiving Akkan Suver, the Chairman of
Marmara Foundation and the accompanying delegation due to the Second
Eurasia Economic Summit, President Demirel stated that he believes Eurasia
summit which still continues will be succesful. ''Good results will come
out from this summit for benefit of sister nations in Eurasia continent.
These nations mostly speaking Turkish are coming closer to each other and
their population is nearly 200 million;'' said Demirel, adding that Turkey
will continue to help integration of them with the world.
[57] EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT - DRAFT RESOLUTIONS OF POLITICAL GROUPS BECOME ONE
TEXT WHICH DOES NOT MENTION GIVING CANDIDACY STATUS TO TURKEY
[58] STRASBOURG, Oct 5 (A.A) - The common recommendary draft resolution
prepared by the political groups in European Parliament (EP) didn't mention
giving candidacy status to Turkey during Helsinki Summit, it was reported
on Tuesday. The recommendations of Liberal and Green groups which want to
give candidacy perspective to Turkey were taken out from the common text
due to the pressure of Christian Democrats and Socialist groups having a
great number of seats in EP. The text only mentions words like ''Turkey is
capable of applying for full membership and Turkey's candidacy will
contribute a lot to development of the EU and stability and peace in
Europe.'' The Liberal and Green groups will submit a change in the draft
for giving an open message to Turkey at Helsinki Summit during the voting
that will take place on Wednesday. Yet these proposals are not expected to
be accepted. The draft stresses that it welcomes the efforts of Turkey to
fulfil political and economic criteria of Copenhagen. Recalling that the
softening of relations between Turkey and Greece is pleasing, the draft
calls on Turkey to continue making reforms in human rights, democracy and
contribute to starting of intercommunal talks between the two sides on
Cyprus under the auspices of U.N. The draft, which will be discussed by the
EP general council on Wednesday, also calls on Turkey not to execute death
penalty on Ocalan, the head terrorist and abolish death sentences.
[59] OPERATION IN SOUTHERN ADANA PROVINCE - TWO TERRORISTS KILLED, ANOTHER
ONE CAPTURED ALIVE
[60] ADANA, Oct 5 (A.A) - Security officials killed two terrorists and
captured another one alive, who were preparing to stage attacks on local
offices of certain political parties, it was reported on Tuesday. Sukru
Yetimoglu, the director general of security in Adana told A.A that they
killed two terrorists and captured another one in an operation they staged
in a flat in Akıncılar district of Adana the same evening. Yetimoglu
stressed that they seized many bombs and many organizational documents in
the house in which terrorists took shelter and the terrorists would stage
attacks on political party offices in the city the same night by remote-
control bombs. Sukru Yetimoglu added that the operation against the members
of the terrorist organization continues.
A.A
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