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Anadolu Agency: News in English, 99-10-07
[01] AA Daily
7 October 1999 Thursday
[02] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN
[03] These are some of the major headlines and their brief stories in
Turkey's press on October 7, 1999. The Anadolu Ajansi does not verify these
stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.
[04] HURRIYET (LIBERAL) - ------------------ DEMIR, CHAIRMAN OF RED
CRESCENT, RESIGNS Kemal Demir, Chairman of Red Crescent, who was elected as
the Chairman in 1979, shook the prestige of Red Crescent with his outdated
administration. Demir, who acted as the Chairman of the Red Crescent for 20
years, resigned in the end. Red Crescent put the quake victims in a
difficult situation with its old-fashioned tents. Public reacted to the
administration which turned Red Crescent to somewhere they profit from.
[05] EXTRADITION SIGNATURE TO CAKICI Jospin, French Prime Minister, signed
the decision regarding extradition of Cakici to Turkey. Turkey is expected
to give required guarantees to France for the extradition. Cakici will come
to Turkey soon if no administrative problem arises.
[06] MILLIYET (LIBERAL) - ----------------- NATURAL GAS DUEL Sapharmurad
Turkmenbasi, Turkmen President, Wednesday wanted Turkmen natural gas
pipeline project, which will tranport natural gas to Turkey, to be speeded
up. Pointing out that Turkmen natural gas, oil and electricity sources
should be used for the interests of the two countries, Turkmenbasi said
Turkmen natural gas which will be carried to Turkey was cheap when compared
to the others. Pointing out that one tonne of the natural gas Turkey
imported from Russia was 114 U.S. dollars, Turkmenbasi said they will give
Turkmen natural gas to 70 U.S. dollars. Turkmenbasi said several Turkish
politicians did not seem to think of the needs of Turkish people, adding
that in fact they will export natural gas to Turkey that is 50 percent
cheaper than the world prices.
[07] SABAH (LIBERAL) - -------------- IMF TO EXTEND SUPPORT TO FINANCIAL
SYSTEM International Monetary Fund (IMF) will extend technical and
financial support to further strengthen short term barrowing monitor system
in nine countries, including Turkey. Under the principle which was adopted
in IMF Transitory Committee, this system in Turkey, Argentina, Brazil,
South Korea, Mexico, Indonesia, the Phillipines, and Thailand will be
further strenghtened.
[08] GREEN LIGHT FROM EU European Union Commission gave green light to give
candidacy status to Turkey during Helsinki summit.Gunther Verheugen who is
in charge of U.N enlargement said Turkey should be given candidate status
at Helsinki Summit when he spoke at the European Parliament on Wednesday.
Verheugen said the U.N must display a clear attitute towards Turkey at
Helsinki Summit and said they would support Turkey's candidacy in the
official report which will be published by the EU Commission next week.
[09] CUMHURIYET (LEFT) - ---------------- ''WESTERN EUROPE IS RACIST''
Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit pointed out that Turkey's full membership to
European Union was its right. Ecevit said when Turkey and Greece are left
alone, they can set up extraordinary good relations between them, adding
''they should leave us alone for a certain period of time, so that we can
solve problems between us.'' Referring to the Turkish Republic of Northern
Cyprus (TRNC) in his speech, Prime Minister Ecevit stated that Cyprus issue
is not anymore a problem in respect of Turkey and the TRNC and before the
Peace Operation, there was continious fight, genocide and violence in TRNC.
[10] APPEAL HEARING OF OCALAN IS TODAY The Supreme Court will start on
Thursday to hear the appeal case of Abdullah Ocalan, the head of the
terrorist PKK organization. If the Supreme Court Criminal Department No:9
approves the death penalty handed down on Ocalan, the verdict will become
definite. In this situation, Ocalan will have the right of requesting
''correction of decision'' which is known as the extraordinary legal way.
This request has to be accepted first of all by Vural Savas, the Chief
Public Prosecutor of the Supreme Court who wants the approval of death
sentence on Ocalan. If Savas rejects that request, the internal remedies
will be exhausted for Ocalan. In this case, the dossier will be sent to the
Justice Ministry and later to the Parliament for the execution of the death
sentence. The issue of whether Ocalan will be executed depends on the
Parliament's decision. President Suleyman Demirel will say the last word.
[11] RADIKAL (LEFT) - --------------- MILITARY EXERCISE ENDS WITHOUT A
CRISIS Greek-Greek Cypriot joint manoeuvres ended without a crisis for the
first time since 1995. Same atmosphere is expeced in Toros Military
Exercise of Turkish Armed Forces.
[12] TÜRKİYE (RIGHT) - ---------------- U.S. SUPPORT TO NATURAL GAS
Turkmenbasi, President of Turkmenistan, who received Cumhur Ersumer,
Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, wanted natural gas project to be
speeded up. Meanwhile, Washington warned Russia and said ''don't obstruct
the project.''
[13] ERTUGRULOGLU: ''WE WILL NOT BOW'' Tahsin Ertugruloglu, Turkish
Republic of Northern Cyrus (TRNC) Foreign and Defense Minister, said ''we
can start talks at the minute when existance of two separate states on the
island is accepted.''
[14] ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE) - -------------------- AGAIN THERE IS NO HOPE FOR
EU In a recommendatory decision adopted in European Parliament (EP), they
did not adopt giving candidacy status to Turkey in Helsinki summit in
December. With this decision, giving candidacy status to Turkey was no
accepted. Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit pointed out that there were
psychological reasons of this decision. Ecevit said the first one was
religion and the second one was racial. Prime Minister Ecevit pointed out
that Europe was racist.
[15] NATURAL GAS REPROACH FROM TURKMENBASI Sapharmurad Turkmenbasi, Turkmen
President, told Cumhur Ersumer, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of
Energy and Natural Resources, that Turkey was slow to get natural gas of
Turkmenistan. Turkmenbasi said ''you are getting the natural gas by paying
more from Russia, which we will sell you for 70 dollars. Don't you think
about your people?''
[16] APPEAL HEARING OF OCALAN, THE HEAD OF THE TERRORIST ORGANIZATION -
OZBAY, INTERVENOR LAWYER, READS OUT JOINT STATEMENT OF ''ASSOCIATIONS OF
MARTYRS AND VETERANS''
[17] ANKARA, October 7 (A.A) - Sevket Can Ozbay, intervenor lawyer, who
spoke before the hearing in Supreme Court in the appeal case of Abdullah
Ocalan, the head of the terrorist PKK organization, read out a joint
statement of Associations of Martyrs and Veterans. Pointing out that
everybody waited for trial of Ocalan, the head of the terrorist
organization, to be concluded soon and wanted execution file to be sent to
the Parliament. Ozbay said ''we, who are the relatives of martyrs and
veterans, never forgive Ocalan, and we are waiting for his execution.''
Meanwhile, relatives of martyrs and veterans chanted slogans and voiced
their reaction to the terrorist organizatıon.
[18] APPEAL HEARING OF THE HEAD OF THE TERRORIST ORGANIZATION - SUPREME
COURT CRIMINAL DEPARTMENT NO:9 ADJOURNS THE APPEALS COURT HEARING TILL
OCTOBER 21
[19] ANKARA, October 7 (A.A) - Supreme Court Criminal Department no:9 on
Thursday adjourned the opening Appeals Court hearing into the death
sentence given to Abdullah Ocalan, the head of the terrorist organization,
till October 21 at 9.15 local time. Demirel Tavil, Chief of Supreme Court
Criminal Department no:9, Serif Erol, Suleyman Erkan, Yuksel Karadeli and
Ahmet Sukru Dagli, the members, arrived at 09:00 local time. Turhan Base,
Prosecutor of Republican Supreme Court also attended the hearing. Later the
intervenor lawyers and the journalists were taken in the court room. Tavil,
Chief of Supreme Court Criminal Department no:9 said the hearing started at
the date and time which was earlier determined. He said Kemal Bilgic, Aysel
Tugluk, Irfan Dundar and Ercan Kanar, lawyers of accused Ocalan gave
petitions not to attend the hearing. Intervenor lawyers will only be able
to participate in the hearings in the Appeal Court as spectators. Tavil
said that ''A decision was taken to adjourn the case until Thursday,
October 21 at 9 a.m. (0600 GMT) in order to give the defence lawyers
time.'' The decision was taken by a unanimous vote. If the lawyers of the
accused don't participate in the appeals hearing of October 21, the
delegation will appeal the case basing on the file and without a hearing.
Representatives of several countries followed the hearing which lasted for
five minutes. Under the law, following the appeals hearing that will take
place on October 21, another date will be determined where the decision
will be disclosed. If the Supreme Court Criminal Department No:9 approves
the death penalty handed down on Ocalan, the verdict will become definite.
In this situation, Ocalan will have the right of requesting ''correction of
decision'' which is known as the extraordinary legal way. This request has
to be accepted first of all by Vural Savas, the Chief Public Prosecutor of
the Supreme Court who wants the approval of death sentence on Ocalan. If
Savas rejects that request, the internal remedies will be exhausted for
Ocalan. In this case, the dossier will be sent to the Justice Ministry and
later to the Parliament for the execution of the death sentence. The issue
of whether Ocalan will be executed depends on the Parliament's decision. If
the Supreme Court Criminal Department No:9 annuls the verdict in respect of
procedure or merits of the case of the head of the terrorist organization,
Ocalan will be again tried by the Ankara DGM No:2 on Imrali Island.
Meanwhile, relatives of martyrs and veterans, who were waiting in front of
Supreme Court, protested the decision for postponement. ''His lawyers are
only prolonging his agony,'' said Can Ozbay, an ıntervenor lawyer.
[20] INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM ON TURKISH-ARMENIAN RELATIONS - RESOLUTION
STATEMENT ISSUED IN THE END OF SYMPOSIUM ASKS ARMENIANS TO WITHDRAW FROM
AZERBAIJANI TERRITORY
[21] IGDIR, Oct 7 (A.A) - An international symposium on Turkish-Armenian
relations was held in eastern Igdir county, it was reported on Wednesday. A
resolution statement was adopted in the end of the symposium in which many
Turkish and foreign participants discussed the Turkish-Armenian relations.
Asking the Armenians to withdraw from Azerbaijani territory, the statement
said, ''the materials which were exhibited in the first and biggest
genocide monument and museum of Turkey, the excavations held in Hakmehmet
village on October 5, 1999 and the information which was submitted to the
symposium prove that the Turks were subject to a genocide, contrary to the
allegations of the Armenians.'' Emphasizing that the participants decided
to turn the Igdir Genocide Monument and Museum into a center which will
make examinations about Turkish-Armenian relations and to bind this center
to one of the universities in the Eastern Anatolia Region, the statement
noted that the Turkish and foreign scientists evaluated the Turkish-
Armenian relations starting from the Middle East to nowadays, by depending
it upon scientific data and they aimed at illuminating the humanity by
revailing the historical realities. Stressing that it is necessary to
establish efficient and lasting peace, security and confidence in the
Caucasus in the threshold of the 21st century, the statement emphasized
that Armenia should withdraw from the Azerbaijani territory which she
occupied unjustly, solve her problems peacefully and to give up unfounded
allegations and land demands from now on.
[22] PRIME MINISTRY CRISIS MANAGEMENT CENTER ANNOUNCES DEATH TOLL AS 15,839
[23] ANKARA, Oct 7 (A.A) - The Prime Ministry Crisis Management Center
announced death toll as 15,839 as of 11:00 local time on Thursday 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 4,047 collapsed buildings were finalized, and 980
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 68 trillion 237
billion 312 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.
[24] TURKISH-EU RELATIONS - SASI, EU TERM PRESIDENT FINLAND'S MINISTER
RESPONSIBLE FOR EUROPEAN AFFAIRS: ''STARTING OF CYPRUS TALKS WILL HELP
TURKEY TO BE ANNOUNCED AS CANDIDATE COUNTRY''
[25] STRASBOURG, October 7 (A.A) - Kimmo Sasi, European Union (EU) Term
President Finland's Minister responsible for European Affairs, said on
Thursday that starting of Cyprus talks under the U.N. supervision will help
Turkey to be announced as candidate country in Helsinki summit. Speaking to
reporters Sasi said reforms which will be made in Turkey till December, and
New York talks will also help starting of a positive atmosphere. Responding
to the question of A.A correspondent which said ''do you consider starting
of New York talks as an open precondition for Turkey's candidacy?'' Sasi
said ''no, we don't consider it as a precondition. Of course, a result is
not expected to be obtained immediately from the Cyprus talks. Yet, I think
that development of these talks will have positive effects in Helsinki.''
Noting that important reforms took place in Turkey in the recent months,
Sasi said they expected continuation of steps that will be taken in the
field of human rights and democracy. Sasi said there were responsibilities
which Turkey and the EU should fulfil till Helsinki. Meanwhile, Gunther
Verheugen, EU Commision's Commisioner responsible for enlargement, speaking
at European Parliament, wanted Turkey to be given candidacy status and
noted that EU Commion's report which will be issued next week, will make an
advise to EU Council to this end.
[26] CNN TURK TO START BROADCASTING ON OCTOBER 11
[27] ISTANBUL, Oct 7 (A.A) - The ''CNN Turk'' which was established with
the cooperation of Turkish Dogan Media Group and Time Warner Group, will
start broadcasting by the ceremony held at the Conrad Hotel of Istanbul on
October 11, 1999; it was reported on Thursday. The statement said that
President Suleyman Demirel will participate in the ceremony. Recalling that
the ''CNN Turk'' is the second foreign investment of CNN news channel which
is based in Atlanta city of the U.S., the statement noted that the ''CNN
Turk'' will be brodcasted all through Turkey. Emphasizing that the CNN Turk
has 230 staff, including 80 news team, 30 producers, more than 60
technicians and 20 programme producers, the statement stressed that the
channel will broadcast in Turkish. Noting that the ''CNN Turk'' will
broadcast news and programmes by utilizing from the news channels of the
world, the statement pointed out that the CNN Turk will have news, weather
forecast, economy, sports, talk show, discussion, technology, culture-arts,
history, cinema, music, environment, travelling, fashion, health, business
world and automative programmes. The statement added that the CNN Turk will
inform the people about the domestic and foreign developments throughout
the day and will also inform the people about the urgent developments by
its ''breaking news.''
[28] INTELLIGENCE UNITS: - ''MILITARY TRAINING IS CONTINUING IN CAMPS IN
IRAQ, IRAN, ARMENIA AND GREECE DESPITE PKK'S CALL FOR PEACE''
[29] ANKARA, Oct 7 (A.A) - It was reported on Thursday that military
training was continuing in camps in Iraq, Iran, Armenia, and Greece despite
the terrorist organization PKK's call for peace. According to the
intelligence units' reports, several activities of the terrorist
organization PKK which has pledged to withdraw from Turkey and to establish
peace upon directions of Abdullah Ocalan, the head of terrorist
organization who was sentenced to capital punishment by the Ankara State
Security Courty (DGM) No: 2, but did not take satisfactory steps towards
its promises, in September are as follows: - Nearly 30 terrorists who
concluded their military training in camps in Greece, have been sent to
Armenia. Meanwhile, 10 terrorists who have no legal problems, were chosen
to charge in propaganda activities in Turkey. - A total of 23 terrorists
from Europe, Iran, and Iraq have participated in the terrorist organization
PKK. - PKK has purchased a great deal of weapons from Iran. - About 150-
200 terrorists who proceeded to Iran from Turkey, were settled in camps in
Iran. - Military training in camp in Iraq, Iran, Armenia, and Greece are
continuing despite PKK's call for peace. - Problems emerged between PKK's
members and terrorists in mountains. PKK members in Europe has begun to
sent smaller amounts of money. - PKK is continuing to drug traficking, and
collecting illegal money. - Terrorists confessed that a number of
terrorists who wanted to make use of Repentance Law, were killed or
questioned. Meanwhile, Cemil Bayik who refused the tacticts to withdraw and
to establish peace, may take action after a period. Terrorist organization
PKK which carried out dense propaganda activities to receive people's
support, has decided to open bureaus abroad with the aim to support
political activities
[30] ISRAELI ENTERPRENEURS LOOKING FOR TURKISH PARTNER FOR SETTING UP
DIAMOND PROCESSING FACTORY
[31] DIYARBAKIR, Oct 7 (A.A) - The Israeli enterpreneurs who want to set up
a diamond processing factory in Mardin Free Zone, are looking for a Turkish
partner; it was reported on Thursday. Yusuf Yildiz, Director of Mardin Free
Zone, told the A.A correspondent that the feasibility of the project was
completed, and that the project costs for 500,000 U.S. dollars at the first
stage. Emphasizing that 50 personnel are planned to be employed for the
project, Yildiz said that the diamond raw material will be brought from
various countries, especially from South Africa. Stressing that the diamond
will be exported to Middle East and European countries after it is
processed, Yildiz noted that Israelis will start fulfilling the project as
soon as they find partners.
[32] TURKISH AND GREEK CENTRAL BANKS TO BUILD A SCHOOL TOGETHER IN DISASTER
AREA
[33] ANKARA, October 7 (A.A) - Gazi Ercel, the President of Central Bank
said on Thursday that they would build a school in the disaster area
together with the Greek Central bank. The school will be named ''Turkish-
Greek Central Banks School.'' Ercel told the A.A that his ''close friend''
Lucas Papademos, the President of Greek Central Bank, earlier proposed to
donate 250,000 U.S. dollars for quake victims. Ercel proposed to build a
school together during World Bank-IMF annual meetings in Washington D.C.
Turkish Central Bank will also contribute to the project with an equal
amount, and the school will cost 500,000 U.S. dollars. Technical details
such as the exact location and the number of classes will become clear
after consultations with the Ministry of Education. Papademos has been
working as the President of Greek Central Bank for about six years.
[34] DEMIR, CHAIRMAN OF RED CRESCENT, RESIGNS FROM HIS OFFICE - DEMIR: -
''I THINK THAT THE RED CRESCENT WHICH WAS CONSIDERED AS IT DESERVES ATATURK
INTERNATIONAL PEACE AWARD DUE TO ITS SUCCESSFUL AID OPERATIONS, DOES NOT
DESERVE THESE UNJUST TREATMENTS''
[35] ANKARA, Oct 7 (A.A) - Kemal Demir, the Chairman of the Red Crescent,
resigned from his post on Thursday. Staging a press conference, Demir said
that he resigned from his post with the aim to no longer damage the
reputation of the Red Crescent. Emphasizing that he declared that he would
resign during the General Assembly meeting held on September 22, 1999 to
prevent the Red Crescent's efforts overshadowed by the criticisms against
him, Demir noted that he had to postpone his resignment in accordance with
the decision taken unanimously in the meeting depending on the continuation
of the extraordinary situation. Demir stated that it is so unfair to
critize the Red Crescent which sent 68,000 tents to the disaster zone since
August 17, 1999, served hot food three times a day to 60,000 quake
survivors, tried to ease the pains of the region with five hospitals, two
polyclinics and 724 personnel, and increased its financial power and
services 27 times in 20 years. Demir said, ''I think that the Red Crescent
which was considered as it deserves the Ataturk International Peace Award
due to its successful aid operations does not deserve these unjust
treatments. I resign with the aim to no longer damage the reputation of the
Red Crescent.''
[36] GOSSES, DUTCH AMBASSADOR TO ANKARA: - ''NETHERLANDS' GENERAL POLICY
CONCERNING TURKEY'S FULL MEMBERSHIP TO EU, IS TO IMPROVE THE ECONOMIC
RELATIONS WITH THE FUTURE EU MEMBER
[37] ANTALYA, Oct 7 (A.A) - Sjoerd F.H. Gosses, the Dutch Ambassador to
Ankara, said on Thursday that the general policy of the Netherlands
concerning Turkey's full membership to the European Union (EU) is to
improve the economic relations with the future EU member. Visiting Bekir
Kumbul, Antalya Mayor, Gosses and Gerard Terbess, Dutch Agriculture
Consultant, noted that they will receive information about the economy and
the economic potentials of southern Antalya province. Stressing that
Antalya is an important center not only for Turkey but also for the
Netherlands, Gosses stated that he will meet with the officials of the
companies which are based in Antalya and which have joint initiatives with
the Netherlands. Referring to Turkey's full membership to the EU, Gosses
stressed that they are trying to improve the relations with Turkey when
Turkey's full membership is on the agenda and that there are many things
that Turkey should do before becoming a full member of the EU. Noting that
they have a net policy for the candidacy of Turkey, Gosses emphasized that
they accept the candidacy of Turkey without any doubts. Stating that they
will not continue the visa procedures in case Turkey integrates with the EU,
Gosses said that there are nearly 300,000 Turks in the Netherlands and that
Turkey's EU membership will provide easiness for the Turkish citizens
living in their country and those who have dual citizenships.
[38] FOREIGN DEBT PAYMENTS - 9.4 BILLION U.S. DOLLARS REPAID IN FOREIGN
DEBT SINCE JANUARY 1, 1999
[39] ANKARA, Oct 7 (A.A) - Turkey has repaid a total of 9 billion 420.43
million U.S. dollars of foreign debt since the beginning of this year, it
was reported on Thursday. The Central Bank data shows that the Treasury
paid 8 billion 145.35 million U.S. dollars; the Central Bank repaid 319.26
million U.S. dollars; the Ministry of National Defense and the Defense
Industry paid 580.69 million U.S. dollars and the Defense Fund paid 17.33
million U.S. dollars in foreign debt between January 1 and October 6, 1999.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) was repaid 357.80 million U.S.
dollars of foreign debt in the same period. Meanwhile, a total of 116.63
million U.S. dollars of foreign debt was repaid between October 1 and 6.
The foreign debt payment was 432.01 million U.S. dollars in January; 765.75
million U.S. dollars in February; 770.55 million U.S. dollars in March;
836.41 million U.S. dollars in April; 680.99 million U.S. dollars in May; 1
billion 718.55 million U.S. dollars in June; 714.64 million U.S. dollars in
July; 1 billion 22.99 million U.S. dollars in August; and 2 billion 361.91
million U.S. dollars in September 1999.
[40] FOREIGN EXCHANGE RESERVES OF CENTRAL BANK INCREASE TO 23.5 BILLION
U.S. DOLLARS
[41] ANKARA, Oct 7 (A.A) - The foreign exchange reserves of the Central
Bank increased to 23 billion 587 million U.S. dollars, it was reported on
Thursday. The Central Bank data shows that the foreign exchange reserves,
which climbed by 4 million U.S. dollars between September 24 and October 1,
increased to 23 billion 587 million U.S. dollars as of 1 October. The
Central Bank's foreign exchange reserves were 23 billion 583 million U.S.
dollars on September 24. Meanwhile, according to the 17 September-based
statistics, Turkey's total international gross reserves decreased 550
million U.S. dollars to 36 billion 187 million U.S. dollars between 10-17
September. The international gross reserves of Turkey were 36 billion 737
million U.S. dollars on September 10. As of 17 September, Turkey's
international reserves were composed of 1 billion 12 million U.S. dollars
in gold reserves; 23 billion 529 million U.S. dollars in the Central Bank's
foreign exchange reserves; and 11 billion 647 million U.S. dollars in the
commercial banks' foreign exchange reserves.
[42] TURKISH ARMED FORCES CONTINUE TO SERVE QUAKE VICTIMS WITH ITS 63,579
PERSONNEL
[43] ANKARA, Oct 7 (A.A) - Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) continue to serve
quake victims with its 63,579 personnel in the disaster area, it was
reported on Thursday. TSK's millitary units are working in the fields of
security, management of facilities, transportation and work machine support,
water supply and logistic support. A total of 432 work machines are present
in quake hit regions. Airplanes, helicopters and sea vehicles are assigned
when necessary. TSK's planes transported 473 personnel and more than 719
tons of supplies to the region so far. As a result of damage assessment
works, 863 buildings of TSK suffered minor to heavy damage, and 11 of them
completely collapsed. In the region, 4 mobile hospitals of the Health
Ministry give medical service to quake survivors along with 10 foreign
ones. More than 200 patients who were injured in the quake, are treated at
14 military hospitals in various provinces. Currently 10,562 people stay in
tent cities erected by TSK. A total of 775 rooms have been assigned for
quake survivors who applied to TSK's private and local training centers. In
the meantime, 1 trillion 176 billion Turkish Liras were collected in the
bank account opened by the Office of General Staff. This money was
transferred to Central Aid Account of the Prime Ministry Crisis Management.
[44] ERSUMER, ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES MINISTER: - ''CONSORTIUM IN
CASPIAN-TRANSITE TURKMENISTAN NATURAL GAS PROJECT SAYS THE FINANCE WORKS
WILL BE COMPLETED IN 2000, THE CONSTRUCTION WILL START IN 2001 AND THE
PIPELINE CAN REACH TURKISH BORDER NO LATER THAN 2002''
[45] ASKABAD, Oct 7 (A.A) - Cumhur Ersumer, the Energy and Natural
Resources Minister, said on Thursday that the consortium in the Caspian-
transite Turkmenistan Natural Gas project said that the finance works will
be completed in 2000, the construction will start in 2001 and the pipeline
can reach Turkish border no later than 2002. Following his meeting with
Yollu Gurbanmuradov, the Turkmen Deputy Prime Minister and the Foreign
Economic Relations Minister, Ersumer responded to questions of journalists.
Pointing out that he and Gurbanmuratov evaluated his meeting with the
officials of the PSG consortium, Ersumer noted that he and the PSG
officials discussed the last stage of the project, the latter works and
what the contribution of Turkey can be. Ersumer said, ''the consortium said
that it will complete the finance works in 2000 and that they do not have
any finance problems. Especially, it said that the U.S. government not only
financially support them, but also assist them in the other works. It also
said that the construction will start in 2001 and the pipeline will reach
the Turkish border no later than 2002.'' Stressing that the consortium is
composed of General Electric Capital, Bechtel construction group and Sheel,
Ersumer stated that the efforts regarding the production, are carried out
by the Shell company. Noting that the Shell informed himself that it will
carry out efforts until February 2000 to determine the fields and wells
which will allocate gas for the pipeline, Ersumer stressed that working
together with Pipeline Oil Transportation Corp. (BOTAS) and Turkish
Petroleum Corp. (TPAO) during the production of the consortium is very
pleasing. Stating that most of the problems resulting from the purchase of
electricity from Turkmenistan were solved, Ersumer said that they received
some information that an agreement will be reached in the end of the
meetings. When asked what he thinks about the reproaches of President
Turkmenbasi saying that the natural gas project was delayed, Ersumer said,
''I told him that there is not a delay arising from Turkey, that we support
the project from the very beginning and that we are doing our best. If
there were a delay from Turkey, Turkey would be waiting and would not
purchase the Turkmen gas although it arrived at Turkey's border. Turkey
does not have any initiatives to delay the schedule of the project.'' When
asked what Turkey will do after this phase and whether or not a bargaining
process with Azerbaijan will start, Ersumer said, ''I do not consider this
as bargaining. Turkey carries out shuttle diplomacy among these countries.
We continue our efforts to find solutions to the problems. In order to sign
a document in November, Turkey, the U.S. and Turkmenistan should complete
the meetings among themselves. Responding a question about the purchase of
electricity, Ersumer noted that they did not change the formula that
Turkmenistan is the seller, Turkey is the purchaser and Iran is the
transite country. When asked about the position of TPAO in the Turkmenistan
natural gas project, Ersumer said, ''the procedures about the pipeline have
various stages. The Shell company will carry out efforts concerning how
much gas the wells in six or seven regions in Turkmenistan produce a year.
The TPAO is also within the framework of the efforts of Shell. TPAO will be
the partner of the company which will allocate gas for the consortium.''
[46] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT: - ''FULL MEMBERSHIP TO THE EU IS OUR NATURAL
RIGHT, BUT WE CANNOT JEOPARDIZE OUR NATIONAL UNITY FOR THE SAKE OF EU
MEMBERSHIP''
[47] ANKARA, Oct 7 (A.A) - Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit, Leader of the
Democratic Left Party, said on Thursday, ''full membership to the European
Union (EU) is our natural right, but we cannot jeopardize our national
unity for the sake of the EU membership.'' Addressing the group meeting of
the DSP, Prime Minister Ecevit evaluated latest developments both in Turkey
and abroad. Referring to his visit to the U.S., Ecevit said that he had
held very positive contacts with the high-level U.S. officials. Ecevit
noted that the U.S. Senate and the House of Representatives have assumed a
positive attitude towards Turkey except for two senators who are active
members of the Greek Cypriot lobby. Ecevit added, ''U.S. officials have a
great confidence in the 57th government. They knew laws which were passed
by the parliament recently, and constitutional changes in detail, and they
expressed profound satisfaction over them. I told them that the embargo
which has been imposed on Iraq since the Gulf War, has caused major
financial damage for Turkey. They told me that we were right in our
complaints, and said that they would try to solve these problems. I also
told them that it was a contradiction that military cooperation between
Turkey and the U.S. improved considerably, but we had not received any
military aid since the beginning of this year.'' Stressing that the U.S.
officials had attributed great importance to the ''Trade and Coopearation
Agreement'' which was signed between Turkey and the U.S., Ecevit said,
''They told me that with the agreement, a perpetual dialogue door has been
opened. The U.S. is very positive about the call on to make investments in
Southeastern Anatolia region. Several businessmen will pay a visit to the
region in coming days. The U.S. has also extended support to the Baku-
Ceyhan oil pipeline project.'' Referring to the Cyprus question, Prime
Minister Ecevit pointed out, ''U.S. President Bill Clinton's statement as
''there could be no return to the status quo on Cyprus to the pre-1974
period,'' is the expression of a realistic approach. There is not any
pressure on Turkey regarded with the Cyprus question. We held a very
positive meeting with Kofi Annan, Secretary General of the United Nations.
Meanwhile, a promising dialogue has started between Turkey and Greece.
Ismail Cem, Foreign Minister, and Yorgo Papandreu, Greek Foreign Minister,
have made considerable contributions to this process. We have been
defending for a long time that problems between the two countries can be
solved only by dialogues. Greece has been refraining from dialogues. Now,
dialogue process has begun. But it will be too optimistic to expect
sensitive problems concerning Aegean Sea will be taken up immediately.
There are many cooperation opportunities. If this dialogue process can
contribute to the improvement of recent positive psychological atmosphere,
then Aegean dispute can be discussed in a productive way.'' Referring to
the eartqhquake disaster which devastated Marmara Region on August 17,
Prime Minister Ecevit stressed that the government has given priority to
solve the problems of quake victims. Noting that the Red Crescent should
not be overshadowed, Ecevit said that Prime Ministry Inspection Committee's
works were underway.
[48] PROF. DR. BOZER, MEMBER OF CENTRAL ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL, APPOINTED
AS NEW CHAIRMAN OF RED CRESCENT
[49] ANKARA, Oct 7 (A.A) - Prof. Dr. Yuksel Bozer, member of the Central
Administrative Council, was appointed as the new Chairman of the Red
Crescent, on Thursday. Speaking to the journalists after the Red Crescent
General Assembly extraordinary meeting, Bozer said that they hope to
improve the reputation of the Red Crescent. Emphasizing that the Marmara
quake which is also called as ''the quake of the century'' has taught many
lessons to the administrations, society and the Red Cerscent, Bozer noted
that Turkey gained new experiences from the quake. Stressing that Kemal
Demir, the former Chairman of the Red Crescent, resigned from his post by
his own will; Bozer thanked him for all his efforts and services. Noting
that the new executive board undertakes heavy responsibilities, Bozer said,
''we are non-governmental organizations. We are not intimidated by problems
or disasters. We will continue to serve the Turkish nation. I wish
everybody will be beside the Red Crescent.''
[50] TURKEY-IMF RELATIONS - ONAL, STATE MINISTER: - ''ANOTHER AGREEMENT
EXCEPT STAND-BY AGREEMENT, CAN BE SIGNED WITH IMF''
[51] ANKARA, Oct 7 (A.A) - Recep Onal, the State Minister responsible for
Treasury, said on Thursday that another agreement except the Stand-By
agreement can be signed with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Speaking to private NTV news channel, Onal recalled that there are four
types of agreements with the IMF in accordance with the status of the Fund,
Onal noted that Turkey does not need a direct monetary support from the
IMF. Onal continued, ''we do not need some cash support from the IMF since
our foreign currency stocks are sufficient and we do not have a problem in
the balance of payments. This increases our bargaining power. Thus, we will
apply the decision we took, to make our target of decreasing the inflation
by our own power, true. ''As you know, the Stand-By is a short-term
programme ranging from 12 months to 22 months. Our Stand-By will have 24-
month maturity if we can reach the agreement. Three-month performance
criteria will be declared and these criteria will be financially supported
by the IMF.
[52] CAKMAKOGLU, NATIONAL DEFENSE MINISTER: - ''TSK LOST 459 PERSONNEL FROM
VARIOUS RANKS IN THE QUAKE''
[53] ANKARA, Oct 7 (A.A) - Sabahattin Cakmakoglu, the National Defense
Minister, said on Thursday that the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) lost 459
personnel from various ranks in the quake. Giving information about the
loses and the efforts of the TSK in the disaster zone, Cakmakoglu noted
that the TSK carried out efforts in the disaster zone without waiting for a
call and that the soldiers will continue their efforts there until the
order is ensured. Cakmakoglu said, ''A total of 3,526 people were taken
under medical treatment in 14 military hospitals by the TSK. These people
were pulled alive from rubble by the facilities of the TSK. A total of 86
battalians and 68,000 personnel, including eight brigades, worked in the
quake zone. Our soldiers erected tents and assisted efforts to erect tents
and establishment of security in the tent-sites. Most importantly, the
soldiers provided the order in the region. There was indiscipline and lack
of control in the region beacuse those who would carry out efforts, were
all exposed to the quake.'' Stressing that the foreign aid which arrived at
the Ataturk Airport of Istanbul were sent to the region by the TSK and were
distributed in the quake zone, Cakmakoglu stated that six mobile kitchens
and three bakeries continue to send aid to the region. Noting that the
applications in the region nearly normalized in the end of the measures
taken, Cakmakoglu stressed thet the soldiers will continue to carry out
efforts in the region until the civil administrative order is provided.
Cakmakoglu said, ''a total of 459 personnel of the TSK from various ranks
died, 293 personnel were injured and taken under medical treatment. In
accordance with the families of the personnel, 520 people died and 273
people were injured.'' Cakmakoglu added that 11 military buildings
collapsed, 110 buildings were seriously damaged, 199 buildings were
moderately damaged and 544 others were slightly damaged. Stating that a
total of 9,290 beds from the installations which belong to the TSK, were
provided for the quake survivors; Cakmakoglu said that these beds were
allocated for those who want to stay in these installations. Cakmakoglu
noted that the military planes accumulated 1,813 flight hours, carried 5,
473 injured people and 713,000 tons of humanitarian aid. Cakmakoglu ended,
''a total of 3,018 tents were erected in six tent-sites constructed by the
TSK. The TSK assisted many other tent-sites. The TSK continues to give all
kinds of infrastructural services and other services in six tent-sites.''
[54] ERSUMER, ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES MINISTER, DEPARTS ASHKHABAD
[55] ASHKHABAD, Oct 7 (A.A) - Cumhur Ersumer, Deputy Prime Minister and
Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, departed Ashkhabad, the capital
of Turkmenistan where he paid a two-day official visit, on Thursday. Prior
to his departure from Turkmenistan, Ersumer visited Turkmenbasi Jeans
Complex which was constructed by the initiatives of Ahmet Calik, a Turkish
businessmen and Turkmen Deputy Textile Minister. Ersumer said that Turkish
enterpreneurs who make investments in Turkmenistan, are the businessmen who
proved themselves in Turkey, and that Turkey is proud of these investors.
Later, Ersumer left for Turkey.
[56] JONES, U.S. CHIEF CONSUL TO ADANA: - ''U.S. GOVERNMENT WOULD LIKE TO
SEE A MORE DEVELOPED ECONOMY IN REGION''
[57] GAZIANTEP, Oct 7 (A.A) - Stuart Jones, the U.S. Chief Consul to Adana,
said on Thursday that the U.S. government would like to see a more
developed economy in the Southeastern Anatolia Region. Visiting Nejat Kocer,
the Chairman of Gaziantep Chamber of Industry (GSO), Jones noted that a 25-
member U.S. delegation including the U.S. businessmen headed by Mark Parris,
U.S. Ambassador to Ankara, will visit Gaziantep on October 20, 1999 within
the framework of a programme prepared on the instruction of U.S. President
Bill Clinton. Stressing that he believes that the visit of the U.S.
industrialists and businessmen will create significant economic
opportunities for the region and will contribute to the economic
development of the region, Kocer stated that the members of the delegation
will recognize the region and will meet with the industrialists and the
businessmen from Gaziantep to discuss various issues, including joint
ventures. Kocer said that they will be pleased to host the U.S.
industrialists and businessmen in Gaziantep and that he believes that the
U.S. businessmen will contribute to the improvement of the relations
between the two countries and the improvement of the economic potential of
the Southeastern Anatolia Project (GAP). Later, Jones visited Mehmet Aslan,
the Chairman of Gaziantep Chamber of Trade.
[58] STATE MINISTER TOSKAY: - ''PERMANENT DWELLINGS WILL BE GIVEN TO THEIR
OWNERS BEFORE OCTOBER OR NOVEMBER NEXT YEAR''
[59] YALOVA, Oct 7 (A.A) - Tunca Toskay, the State Minister, announced on
Thursday that permanent dwellings will be provided for quake survivors who
were left homeless after the quake, before October or November, 2000.
Toskay, Sadettin Tantan, the Interior Minister, Mayor of Yalova, and
representatives of Yalova Chamber of Trade and Industry attended the
meeting titled ''Restucturing and Reviving Economic Life in Disaster
Areas'' in Yalova's Termal county. Toskay stated that the government has
been working very hard to bring a solution to the problems which emerged
after the August 17 earthquake. The Minister also noted that they have been
having meetings in the last three days with the wide participation of quake
survivors of Sakarya, Kocaeli and Yalova, and the government will evaluate
the results obtained from these meetings. An earthquake with such magnitude
did not strike the European continent since the Second World War, Toskay
noted. ''We experienced discrepencies in this natural disaster. We saw that
some of our institutions were not ready for big disasters,'' he added.
''The state focused on building prefabricated dwellings for quake survivors
and these houses will be offered to the quake survivors before the end of
November. Permanent settlements will be built once city planning and
projects are prepared and people will have their permanent houses next year
in October or November. We will stick to our promise,'' Toskay said.
Sadettin Tantan noted that the government continued to work to bring life
back to normal in disaster areas, to revive economy and to limit
unemployment. Behcet Kaplan who spoke on behalf of tradesmen in Yalova,
said they suffered big losses in the quake and complained that they did not
yet see a concrete step from the government to help them. ''Deputies and
executives who visited our province took notes and left. We expected help
but didn't get it. They are talking about giving credits with low interest
rates but we cannot get these credits. The number of tradesmen in Yalova
dropped to half after the quake. They shouldn't waste our time with
baseless promises. If they tell us they cannot help us openly then we will
take the control in our hands,'' he said.
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