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Anadolu Agency: News in English, 99-10-15
[01] AA Daily
15 October 1999 Friday
[02] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN
[03] These are some of the major headlines and their brief stories in
Turkey's press on October 15, 1999. The Anadolu Ajansi does not verify
these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.
[04] HURRIYET (LIBERAL) - ------------------ COOPERATION REACHED FROM
HISTORICAL SUMMIT A cooperation was reached to broaden rights and freedoms
from the human rights summit held in Ankara. Non-governmental organizations
wanted 1982 Constitution to be changed. Mehmet Ali Irtemcelik, Minister of
State responsible for human rights, said they will hold such meetings
continuously.
[05] ONE CONTRACTOR ARRESTED IN ADAPAZARI Saban Kanbur, the contractor of
the building in which 23 persons died under wreckage in Adapazari in the
massive earthquake on August 17, was arrested on Thursday. After his
interrogation at Sakarya security, he was arrested by the court and put in
prison for ''causing the deaths of people by not using standard-equipment
in the construction of the building.'' Two other contractors who were also
taken into custody were released.
[06] MILLIYET (LIBERAL) - ----------------- GERMAN WHO PAVES WAY FOR EU
Gunter Verheugen, the official of the European Union (EU) Commission for
enlargement, has the biggest share in the blow of the EU wind towards
Turkey. Verheugen urged the Commission accept giving a clear message to
Turkey despite the serious pressures of some groups in the commission and
this clear message was reflected in the report.
[07] LUCKY QUAKE SURVIVOR Ramiz Uzum, a citizen whose house and workplace
was damaged in the devastating quake, won 166 billion Turkish liras from
the lottery. Uzum said that firstly, he will buy a house and a car and that
he will help the other quake survivors.
[08] DEATH TOLL EXCEEDS 17,000 The Prime Ministry Crisis Administration
Center announced the death toll as 17,118 as of 2.00 p.m. on Thursday. The
Center said that the number of the injured is 43,953. The Center added that
a total of 112,462 tents have been erected in 121 tent-sites so far.
[09] SABAH (LIBERAL) - -------------- U.S. PRESIDENT CLINTON TO SPEAK AT
PARLIAMENT Bill Clinton, the U.S. President, will come to Istanbul on
November 15, 1999 to participate in the Organization for Security and
Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) summit. Clinton will go to Ankara for one-day
official visit as the official guest of President Suleyman Demirel. Sources
said that Clinton will make a speech at the parliament.
[10] COALITION PARTNERS AGREES ON BUDGET The leaders of the coalition
parties convened under the chairmanship Premier Bulent Ecevit. The leaders
discussed the budget of 2000. Ecevit said that they target a budget which
takes into consideration the stability and decreases the inflation. Ecevit
added that the public workers will not be overwhelmed by the inflation in
2000 and the budget will be submitted to the parliament on October 17,
1999.
[11] CUMHURIYET (LEFT) - ---------------- ATHENS TO REMAIN ALONE Officials
of Foreign Ministry who said ''Advancement Report'' prepared by European
Union Commission was accepted generally by the Council, pointed out that
the report will be accepted in Helsinki Summit. Noting that oppositions to
Turkey's candidacy came from Sweden, Denmark, and Greece, the officials
said if Scandinavian countries can be convinced, Greece will remain alone
and can not oppose more.
[12] DEMIREL DUE TO KOSOVO President Suleyman Demirel will go to Kosovo
together with Gen. Huseyin Kivrikoglu, Chief of General Staff, and
Sabahattin Cakmakoglu, Minister of National Defense. Presidential Press
Center statement said Demirel will visit headquarters of Turkish Forces in
Mamusa and Prizren.
[13] RADIKAL (LEFT) - --------------- MOODY DOES NOT GIVE NOTE BUT GIVES
HOPE Hanan Amin Salem, Turkey analyst of the rating organization Moody,
thinks that Turkey will overcomethe quake disaster easily. Salem believes
that the inflation will be 75 percent due to the quake. Salem guesses that
Turkey's economy will rapidly grow in the second half of next year in case
Turkey takes some measures.
[14] MOSES, U.S. SPECIAL ENVOY TO CYPRUS, TAKES PULSE Alfred Moses, U.S.
President Bill Clinton's Special Envoy to Cyprus, started his contacts in
Ankara. Moses said that their aim is to start the comprehensive meetings
between Rauf Denktas, the President of the Turkish Republic of Northern
Cyprus (TRNC), and Glafcos Clerides, the leader of the Greek Cypriot side,
before the autumn ends. Turkey said that she wants to start indirect
meetings and these meetings to lay the groundwork for the direct meetings.
[15] TÜRKİYE (RIGHT) - ---------------- TAX REFUND CRISIS The adoptation of
ceasing the tax refund application in the Supreme Planning Board (YPK)
caused anger among the retired people who have low incomes. The people
react against the government aiming at providing 500 trillion Turkish liras
from the retired people by ceasing the tax refund application. The retired
people ask the government to give up this decision.
[16] PROMISE TO 'TIGHTEN BELT' TO IMF The letter of intent of the
government given to International Monetary Fund (IMF) for 501 million
dollars of quake aid noted that the government will reach the targets of
2000 year by a macro economic programme that will be supported by a stand-
by agreement to be signed with IMF. The letter of intent of the government
written by Recep Onal, the State Minister for Economic Affairs and Gazi
Ercel, the Governor of Central Bank said ''Extensive damage to buildings,
with an estimated 115,000–200,000 housing units and business premises
completely destroyed or requiring repair.
[17] ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE) - -------------------- DESIRED STEP Turkey who
came to the door of European Union (EU), took an important step and held a
comprehensive human rights summit embracing non-governmental organizations.
Mehmet Ali Irtemcelik, Minister of State responsible for human rights, said
Turkey has important problems regarding human rights, and noted that these
could be solved by coming together. Irtemcelik also said 1982 Constitution
should be changed.
[18] REPROACH FROM RUSSIANS Foreign Economic Relations Committee (DEIK)
Turkish-Russian Busness Council 7th Joint Meeting convened in southern
Antalya province on Thursday. Businessmen and ministers from Turkey and
Russia participated in the meeting. Poaskow Vyakhirev, Executive Board
Chairman of Russian gas company Gasprom said Russian side was ready to
fulfil its committments regarding Turkish-Russian natural gas pipeline
issue, yet added that the things were halted as the Turkish side did not
sign the protocol that was signed.
[19] PRESIDENT DEMIREL LEAVES FOR KOSOVO
[20] ANKARA, Oct 15 (A.A) - President Suleyman Demirel said on Friday that
a new era started in Kosovo after the NATO accomplished its operation, the
Peace Plan and after the resolutions of the United Nations (U.N.) Security
Council were adopted. Prior to his departure from the Esenboga Airport of
Ankara, Demirel noted that now it's time to heal the wounds and establish
peace. Stressing that he leaves for Kosovo for one-day visit, Demirel
stated that a delegation including General Huseyin Kivrikoglu, Chief of
General Staff; Sabahattin Cakmakoglu, National Defense Minister; and high-
ranking officials accompanies him during his visit. Noting that they will
visit the Turkish Mission Force Commandership working under the auspices of
Kosovo Force (KFOR), Demirel stressed that they will later visit the
Turkish Coordination Offices in Prizren and Pristina and receive
information about the efforts. Stating that he will meet with the
administrators of the U.N. Kosovo Mission which carries out efforts in
Kosovo, Demirel emphasized that he will come together with the
representatives of the Kosovars and the kinsmen and will address the
people. Recalling that the humanitarian tragedy in Kosovo had a dimension
which threatened the peace and security in the Balkans and Europe in the
first half of this year, Demirel said that this development caused many
Kosovars becoming refugees. Demirel continued, ''as a result of NATO's
determined struggle, the humanitarian tragedy ended. As the NATO
accomplished its operations and as the Peace Plan and the resolutions of
the U.N. Security Council are adopted, a new era started in Kosovo. Now,
it's time to heal the wounds and to establish peace.'' Drawing the
attention that some new problems are faced in this era, Demirel said, ''but,
the efforts to provide a safe atmosphere in Kosovo and to have a pluralist
democratic regime which will meet the expectations of all the Kosovars and
bring a lasting peace in the region by healing the wounds, continue. Turkey
actively contributes to these efforts. The Kosovars who were urged to leave
their homes, could return to their homes before the winter comes. This was
what we targeted. We are pleased about achieving our target.'' ''Turkey
will continue to contribute to the international efforts regarding the
establishment of peace and stability in Kosovo and the initiatives of
reconstruction of Kosovo from now on,'' Demirel added. Demirel will return
to Turkey this evening.
[21] PRESIDENT DEMIREL: - ''EU COMMISSION'S REPORT IS A PROGRESS''
[22] MAMUSHA, Oct 15 (A.A) - President Suleyman Demirel said on Friday that
the European Union (EU) Report on Turkey is a positive step. Responding to
questions of journalists in the plane to Kosovo, President Demirel said
''the EU report does not mean everything, but the confirmation of this
report in Helsinki meeting and declaration of Turkey as a candidate will
improve our relations with Europe.'' Noting that his visit to Kosovo is a
belated one, President Demirel said that ''the peace in the Balkans closely
interests Turkey.'' Turkey wishes stability in the Balkans, said President
Demirel, adding this is to the interest of everybody. ''We launched all
kinds of efforts both in our Balkan policy, and European policy to install
this stability,'' he said. Pointing out that he will see the situation in
Kosovo, President Demirel said that ''we'll see one million Kosovo people,
who were earlier refugees.'' Demirel reminded that there are Turkish
minority and soldiers in Kosovo. Upon a question about EU Commission's
report, President Demirel said ''this is a positive step. We always say
that there is an image problem of Turkey and I suppose that Turkey's
joining G-20 and the report of EU will contribute well to this image.''
''What do you think about the coup in Pakistan?'' asked journalists to
President Demirel, who stressed that Pakistan is a sister country of
Turkey. ''I've always wanted the solution of problems in Pakistan within
the framework of constitution. I wish such a coup didn't happen. I wish
Pakistan to stay on the legitimate basis and govern its legitimate civilian
adiminstration. This is not intervention with their internal affairs. I
hope a civilian administration can be established as soon possible by
basing on the will of the nation and within the framework of the
constitution,'' said President Demirel. ''What kind of a feeling is it to
visit Turkish soldiers again in the Balkans as a Turkish leader after 100
years,'' asked a Wall Street Journal reporter to Demirel who said that
''our historical feelings remain in the past. There are many events to be
proud of in the history, but we don't base our future on our past. We don't
carry the past to present. Today the Turkish Republic and the Turkish
nation wish to set up good relations with her neighbours. Turkish soldiers
are in the Balkans today to keep the peace.'' ''We'll see what kind of
problems the Turkish minority in Kosovo have. There are still 60,000-70,000
Turkish people there. Besides there are many people of different ethnic
origins in Kosovo. These people should be the holder of rights in the
future of Kosovo. Many painful events took place in Kosovo. We want peace
and stability, we want people to live together. There are successful steps
taken in that direction. We greet all Kosovo people,'' said President
Demirel. President Demirel later had a briefing in the Turkish Force
Headquarters in Mamusha.
[23] PRESIDENT DEMIREL IN KOSOVO - DEMIREL ADDRESSES TO KINSMEN IN MAMUSHA:
- ''A NEW PERIOD STARTED IN KOSOVO''
[24] MAMUSHA, Oct 15 (A.A) - President Suleyman Demirel arrived on Friday
in Kosovo for a one-day visit. Addressing in a meeting to the kinsmen
living in Mamusha city, Suleyman Demirel said, ''I am happy to be with you
here today. I bring you your 65 million brothers' and sisters' kind
regards. The whole world clearly knows that you have been trying to protect
your existence and live in peace under difficult conditions for long
years.'' Noting that a serious humanitarian tragedy was experienced in
Kosovo, Demirel said the people, who wanted to take revenge from the
history, caused great pains, sufferings and grief in the Balkans. ''While
you, our Kosovar brothers and sisters, are trying to protect your most
natural right of living here, the minds, hearts and prayers of the Turkish
nation are always been with you. We have always shared your grief and
concerns,'' he said. Stressing that Turkey did her best to ease those
concerns and pains, and will continue to do so, Demirel said, ''Kosovo is
very important for Turkey. Your existence here creates first of all a great
spiritual responsibility for us. Our interest in Kosovo is based on the
historical, cultural and humanitarian ties.'' ''The Turks, Albanians, Serbs
and other ethnic groups have lived in peace and harmony in the free climate
of the Balkans for centuries. However, the winds of ethnic nationalism
resulted in the definition of the region as a powder keg where a strife
could break out at any moment since the 19th century. The enmity of those
who lived together has been incited. Thus great pains have been suffered.
The aggressive ethnic nationalism, which takes the discrimination as a
basis in 20th century, has made the Balkans be one of the hot regions in
the world. The Balkans became a region, which is full of ethnic tensions.
The Balkans became a region which once again threatens the peace and
stability in whole Europe. The Balkans became a region where ethnic
cleansing policies are carried out, hundred thousands of people are forced
to abandon their homelands, innocent people are killed, mass graves are dug,
'' he said. Stating that the ethnic discrimination did not bring anything
to the Balkans except bloodshed and tears, Demirel said, ''the region,
which has suffered a lot till today, has to see the reality. The incidents
occurred in Bosnia-Herzegovina and Kosovo should not happen again.'' Noting
that a new period started in Kosovo, the President said he wants the wounds
of the past healed rapidly, the traces of war removed, and Kosovo be the
region of peace and stability in spite of being the center of disputes.
Recalling that Turkey opened her doors to the Kosovars who escaped from
ethnic cleansing, and made efforts to host those people, Demirel said this
was a humanitarian duty. ''I emphasized especially this issue at the
Stability Pact Summit in Sarajevo on July 30. We wished the Summit to be a
historical turning point in the bad fortune of the Balkans. I stressed at
that Summit that important steps should be taken in the shortest time-frame
to heal the wounds in Kosovo, otherwise, the stability pact, which aimed at
bringing stability in whole Balkans, would fail. I called on the
international cummunity to help Kosovo urgently,'' he said. ''The only way
to succeed in working and living together in peace is the respect for
democracy, supremacy of law and human rights,'' the President stressed.
''Settlement of peaceful atmosphere in Kosovo and continuation of the
Turkish existence in Kosovo are very important for Turkey. The Turkish
public opinion is very sensitive in this issue. Turkey has always been with
her kinsmen, and will continue to do so. What Turkey is seeking in Kosovo
is peace, brotherhood and cooperation. Turkey wishes these for all Kosovar
people,'' he said. Emphasizing that Turkey's support and assistance to
overcome the troublesome period in the shortest time will continue
increasingly, Demirel said, ''we opened coordination bureaus in Pristina
and Prizren. One of the basic duties of these bureaus is to contribute to
solution of problems of all Kosovar people, and help in supplying the
urgent demands of these people.'' Stressing that the Turkish military unit
serves the peace in Kosovo, Demirel said, ''within this framework,
deployment of our one squadron in Mamusha pleased both you and us.''
Stating that almost 60 thousand kinsmen are living in Kosovo, and they
announced to the world that the kinsmen have to participate in the
administration, Demirel said, ''having equal rights and the opportunity to
be represented equally as the Turkish community in the new political
structure of Kosovo is your most natural human rights. We will continue to
be the defender of your rights.''
[25] PRESIDENT DEMIREL IN KOSOVO
[26] MAMUSHA, Oct 15 (A.A) - President Suleyman Demirel said on Friday that
when the negotiations regarding the final status of Kosovo start, Turkey
will continue to defend the representation of Turkish society in Kosovo in
this process within the framework of equity principle. Addressing in a
meeting to the kinsmen living in Mamusha city, Suleyman Demirel called on
Kosovar people to help the efforts of civilized world, adding ''all
Albanians, Turks and Serbs should launch efforts to live together and help
all the U.N. officials.'' ''We are follower of your rights, but no result
can be taken if you are not in unity. We only want you to be in unity,''
said President Demirel, who was applauded by the crowd which shouted
slogans of ''father, father.'' ''All of you had lived through difficult
years. All of you share the future's fate in Kosovo,'' said President
Demirel. ''Turkey will always behind you in protecting your identity and
developing your culture,'' said President Demirel, adding ''each of you
function as a friendship bridge between the Balkans and Turkey. You lived
in these territories and will continue to live. The bad fortune of the
Balkans is behind. We must create an integrated, democratic, prosperous and
peaceful Balkans now.'' ''I all calling the countries in the Balkans from
here, let's unite our powers to write a new history. Let's build a new
Kosovo and new Balkans,'' said President thanking all U.N. officials
including Turkish soldiers who serve the peace. ''The world's eyes are on
Kosovo. I came here to help all U.N. officials and the soldiers of all
countries,'' he added.
[27] PRESIDENT DEMIREL IN KOSOVO: ''A LASTING PEACE HAS TO BE INSTALLED IN
KOSOVO IN COMING DAYS''
[28] PRIZREN, Oct 15 (A.A) - President Suleyman Demirel said on Friday that
a lasting peace has to be installed in Kosovo in the coming days. After
concluding his contacts in Mamusha, President Demirel proceeded to Prizren
by helicopter. President Demirel was welcomed by Turks there. The
representatives of kinsmen explained their problems and wishes from Turkey
to President Demirel. They told Demirel that they want Turkish language to
be official, television channels to broadcast in Turkish language, radio
TRT FM to broadcast in Prizren, a Turkish high school to be founded in
Prizren. They also stressed that a discrimination was shown against Turks
in Kosovo. ''Turkey has to help Kosovo to protect our identity, we want to
live here as Turks,'' the representatives said. ''You are the first Turkish
head of state who came here after Sultan Resad,'' they told Demirel.
President Demirel said in his part that a violence was seen in Kosovo,
although Turkey warned the world before these developments took place. ''We
owe you spiritually, therefore we closely monitor the developments in
Kosovo. We wish Kosovo to have many languages, religions, ethnics and the
Turks to get the place which they deserve in formation of Kosovo,''
President Demirel said.
[29] PRESIDENT DEMIREL IN K0SOVO - DEMIREL VISITS TOMB OF MURAT THE FIRST
[30] PRISTINA, October 15 (A.A) - President Suleyman Demirel who came to
Pristina from Prizren visited the tomb of Murat the First who was killed by
the Serbian Milos Obilic during the Kosovo Battle in 1386. Here, Demirel
prayed and later signed the special notebook of the tomb. Responding to a
question of a tv reporter, Demirel said Murat the First was one of the
first Ottoman rulers who advanced to Central Europe. Demirel also sent his
love and respect to Turks who live in Pristina. President Demirel later
went to Turkish Cooperation Bureau and met with the temporary government
authorities. He also visited the Turkish Troop in Prizren and had dinner
there. Demirel submitted 10,000 U.S. dollars to the Commander of the
Turkish Troop to be used to meet their needs. He also visited the tents
where Turkish soldiers stay. President Demirel was given a briefing when he
visited Mamusha. He later thanked Izzet Cetingoz, the Commander of the
military unit for the briefing and wished success to all the soldiers in
the unit. ''Despite all difficulties, Turkish Armed Forces is fulfiling its
task here in accordance with the decision of the United Nations. You have
come a long way to turn the life back to normal. I congragulate you and
wish you success. I am sure that you do everything perfectly. I have
brought much love to you from Turkey,'' President Demirel told Turkish
soldiers.
[31] DEMIREL IN KOSOVO
[32] PRISTINA, October 15 (A.A) - President Suleyman Demirel received
General Klaus Reinhardt, the IFOR Commander and Bernard Kouchner, the
Chairman of UNMIC at the Turkish Coordination Bureau in Pristina on Friday.
Demirel later came together with the members of Kosovo Turkish
Representation Delegation and called on Turks in Kosovo to act in unity.
President Demirel later addressed to Turks who waited for hours in front of
the Turkish Cooperation Bureau. He told them that Turkey wanted peace,
welfare and happiness in Balkans. ''The suffering will end in Kosovo.
Turkey, like it has done before, will continue to help Kosovo,'' Demirel
said. Turks, Albanians, Serbians, Bosnians and everybody who lives in
Kosovo should live in peace in a multi-national environment, Demirel
stressed.
[33] VISIT OF U.S. PRESIDENT CLINTON TO EPHESUS
[34] IZMIR, Oct 15 (A.A) - Preparations are underway due to the visit of
U.S. President Bill Clinton and his family to Ephesus and the Virgin Mary
House in Selcuk county of western Izmir province. Two high ranking U.S.
officials visited Selcuk two days ago, while a delegation of 70 persons
arrived in Selcuk county on Friday from the U.S. and they got information
from Cengiz Icten, the Ephesus museum official. A special team of 200
persons will come to Turkey from the U.S. starting from November 10 to
protect Bill Clinton and his family. Clinton will come to Turkey to
participate in the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe
(OSCE) Summit in Istanbul in November.
[35] TURKISH-GREEK FRIENDSHIP AT EU TAMPERE SUMMIT
[36] TAMPERE, Oct 15 (A.A) - The recently warming relations between the
Turkish and Greek nations once again came to the agenda during the meetings
of European Union (EU) heads of states and governments which started on
Friday in Tampere, Finland. Turks and Greeks living in Tampere together
with their Finnish friends held a demonstration in front of the building
where the meetings take place. The banners expressing the desire of the
continuation of brotherhood and friendship between the two countries were
opened in the demonstration at which the Turkish and Greek flags waved
together. The people who attended the demonstration stressed that the
development of the Turkish-Greek friendship will also contribute to
development of global peace. Meanwhile, officially announcement of Turkey's
EU candidacy at the Helsinki Summit will be discussed at the dinner of the
leaders although the issue was not included in the official agenda of the
Tampere Summit. The EU leaders will also evaluate the enlargement of EU at
the dinner. The EU Commission requested on last Wednesday the EU to grant
Turkey candidacy status at Helsinki Summit.
[37] EU TAMPERE SUMMIT - FRANCE WANTS ANNOUNCEMENT OF TURKEY'S EU CANDIDACY
AT HELSINKI
[38] TAMPERE, Oct 15 (A.A) - France requested announcement of Turkey's
candidacy to European Union (EU) at Helsinki Summit. Staging a press
conference on Friday during the EU Tampere Summit, Catherine Colana, the
Spokesman of French President Jacques Chirac, said they support
announcement of Turkey as a candidate country. Colana said Turkey's EU
candidacy will be brought onto the agenda of the dinner of the EU leaders,
and France hopes to reach a positive result till the Helsinki Summit. The
EU Commission on last Wednesday requested the EU to grant Turkey candidacy
status at the Helsinki Summit in December. Meanwhile, European Parliament
Speaker Nicole Fontaine claimed that Turkey has to make a gesture
concerning the Cyprus question before announcement of her EU candidacy in
Helsinki. Speaking to Turkish reporters, Fontaine said the start of
intercommunal talks on Cyprus under the supervision of the U.N. will be an
important gesture of Turkey, adding, ''Turkey can't prevent another's
candidacy while it wants to be a candidate.'' The European Parliament,
which is advisory organ of the EU, does not have the right of taking a
binding decision for Turkey's candidacy. However, the European Parliament
has the right to veto during the process of full-membership after
candidacy.
[39] EU TAMPERE SUMMIT - GERMANY TO SUPPORT TURKEY'S EU CANDIDACY IN
HELSINKI
[40] TAMPERE, Oct 15 (A.A) - Germany announced on Friday at the European
Union (EU) Summit in Tampere, Finland, that she will support announcement
of Turkey's EU candidacy at the Helsinki Summit. Michael Steiner, the
foreign policy advisor of German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder, said that
Germany, as its was proposed by the EU Commission, will extend support to
Turkey's candidacy. Steiner said Germany supports also the Commission's
proposal for the start of negotiations with other six countries. Catherine
Colana, the Spokesman of French President Jacques Chirac, staged a press
conference early the same day during the Tampara Summit, and said that they
support announcement of Turkey's EU candidacy in Helsinki.
[41] COUNCIL OF MINISTERS' MEETING ENDS - 2000 YEAR BUDGET TO BE
TRANSFERRED TO PARLIAMENT
[42] ANKARA, Oct 15 (A.A) - The Council of Ministers' meeting held under
the chairmanship of Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit ended on Friday. The
Council of Ministers approved the 2000 year consolidated budget bill, and
decided to transfer it to the Parliament. Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit
authorized a commission to take concrete decisions aiming at reviving the
economic life in the quake zone and concerning the situations necessitating
considerable amount of financial sources. State Minister and Government
Spokesman Tunca Toskay briefed the journalists on the issues discussed at
the 5 hour 15 minute-meeting of the cabinet. Noting that the 2000 year
consolidated budget was discussed at the meeting, Toskay said the Council
of Ministers reviewed the budget bill, which was approved by the Higher
Planning Council and on which the coalition-partner political parties'
leaders reached a complete compromise, and approved the budget bill, and
decided to transfer it to the Parliament. Pointing out that the unpaid
borrowings of the Social Security Agency for Artisans and the Self-Employed
(BAG-KUR), and Labour and Social Security Minister Yasar Okuyan briefed the
cabinet on the issue, Toskay said the cabinet took a decision to solve the
problem. Stating that Health Minister Osman Durmus presented the Draft Law
on Establishment of Directorate General of Health Fund Institution, Toskay
said the concerned ministers made their own opinions about the draft law.
Toskay said the Council of Ministers decided to transfer the draft law in
question to a commission, which will be established by the concerned
ministries. Noting that Interior Minister Sadettin Tantan, who is also the
chairman of the commission established concerning the earthquake zone,
presented a detailed information, Toskay said other ministers put forward
their own reports on the quake zone. Toskay said the information about
temporary and permanent residence were evaluated at the meeting. When asked
if he could give an amount concerning the increase in civil servants' wages,
Tunca Toskay said, ''all of the macroeconomic figures constitute an
integrity within the consolidated budget. This is now transferred to the
Parliament. You will have more detailed information on Monday by Finance
Minister Sumer Oral.'' Responding to the questions about the budget bill,
Toskay said the budget would be more than 46 quadrillion Turkish Liras, and
the budget deficit would be about 14.4 quadrillion Turkish Liras.
[43] JAPAN SENDS 500 PREFABRICATED HUTS
[44] ANKARA, Oct 15 (A.A) - Three vessels of the Japanese Fleet are
carrying 500 prefabricated huts, which were donated by the Japanese
government for the survivors of the strong earthquake in Turkey. The
vessels will arrive at the Haydarpasa Port on October 19. The General Staff
Secretariat General said on Friday that the prefabricated houses will be
transferred by train from Haydarpasa Port to Arifiye railway station in
Adapazari. The vessels which are commanded by Commodore Staff Captain
Yoshio Komoriya, departed from Kobe on September 24 and will stop by
Alexandria Port in Egypt between October 16-17. The vessels will arrive at
the Haydarpasa Port on October 19.
[45] TUSIAD'S EUROPE TOUR
[46] BRUSSELS, Oct 15 (A.A) - The Association of Turkish Industrialists and
Businessmen (TUSIAD) delegation continues its contacts in the capitals of
the European Union (EU) countries. The delegation led by Erkut Yuvaoglu,
the Chairman of the TUSIAD Board, wrapped up its contacts in Sweden and
Finland on Friday. Stressing the importance of contacts in Sweden which is
''suspicious'' about Turkey's EU candidacy, the delegation members said
they held contacts at the Union of Swedish Industrialists and the Union of
Swedish Employers, they formed the common opinion of the Turkish and
Swedish private sectors, adding, ''we conveyed the compromise we reached
with the Swedish unions that Turkey's EU membership is for the common
benefit of the two sides to the political flank.'' The TUSIAD delegation,
which met with Leif Pagrotsky, the Swedish Minister of Foreign Economic
Affairs, and the members of the Swedish Parliament's Foreign Affairs
Commission, also visited the editors in chief of two biggest dailies in
Sweden. TUSIAD emphasized that ''Turkey contributed to very clear, friendly
and detailed dialogue concerning the acceptance of her EU candidacy.'' The
TUSIAD delegation was received by Finnish President Martti Ahtissari and
government officials. Evaluating the delegation's contacts in Sweden and
Finland, Bahadir Kelagasi, the TUSIAD's Representative to Brussels, said,
''we gave the message that there can be differences in position towards the
problems and solution methods but when it is believed that Turkey's
participation will be advantageous, a compromise should be reached on the
method for reaching this target.'' ''We reached a compromise that
acceptance of Turkey's EU candidacy and her participation in the
enlargement process together with other candidates will be the rightest
thing,'' he said. The TUSIAD delegation, which defined the EU Commission's
progress report as a positive move, announced that it will continue its
contacts in EU capitals by visiting Italy and France next week, adding that
those visits will be followed by the visits to Denmark and Greece.
''Meanwhile, our immense contacts with the German industrialists and
companies continue,'' Kelagasi said.
[47] 316 PREFABRICATED HUTS TO BE DELIVERED ON SUNDAY IN KOCAELI
[48] KORFEZ, Oct 15 (A.A) - The keys to 316 prefabricated houses, which
were erected in Korfez county of Kocaeli, will be delivered with a ceremony
on Sunday to those who were left homeless in the strong quake. A total of
eight thousand families were left homeless in Korfez county in the quake.
The keys to 30 square-meter 216 huts, which were constructed by the Sabanci
Holding and Philips Morris, and first 100 of the 500 huts, which were
erected by the Ministry of Public Works and Housing, will be given to 316
of those families. President Suleyman Demirel, Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit
and Public Works and Housing Minister Koray Aydin are expected to attend
the ceremony on October 17.
[49] PREFABRICATED HUTS IN DISASTER AREA - DISASTER AREA COORDINATOR
GOVERNOR: - ''WE GAVE ANOTHER ORDER FOR 40 THOUSAND WINTER-TENTS''
[50] KOCAELI, Oct 15 (A.A) - Kutluay Oktem, the Disaster Area Coordinator
Governor, said on Friday that they gave another order for 40 thousand
winter-tents. Staging a press conference in Kocaeli, Oktem said a total of
126,325 people are now living in the 133 tent-cities established by the
state. Stressing that they are making every kind of efforts before the
winter to enable the survivors to live in more healthy conditions, Oktem
said, ''we have erected a total of 2,700 winter-tents in Kocaeli, Adapazari,
Yalova, Golcuk and the surroundings. We gave another order for 40 thousand
winter-tents. All of these tents are purchased from foreign countries
especially from Pakistan.'' Oktem said the construction of prefabricated
houses by the Ministry of Public Works and Housing will be concluded by
November 30.
[51] CUSTOMS TO BE MODERNIZED - ULUDAG, CUSTOMS UNDERSECRETARY: ''120
CUSTOMS GATE CLOSED, 50-60 OTHER TO BE CLOSED ALSO''
[52] ANTALYA, October 15 (A.A) - Ramazan Uludag, Undersecretary of Customs,
saıd on Friday that efforts are underway for the modernization and
automation of Turkey's customs. Uludag told A.A correspondent that the
number of Turkey's customs gates will be decreased within the framework of
the modernization initiatives. Emphasizing that they attributed importance
to modernization and automation of Turkey's customs to adopt them to the
global norms, Uludag noted that Turkey should dominate the customs and
modernization is necessary for this domination. Stressing that 120 customs
gates out of 414 were closed within a month, Uludag stated that 50 or 60
customs gates will also be closed soon. Uludag continued, ''the world
starts using electronic systems. It is too hard to work with 'manual'
systems in the customs as we do. We are working with a foreign trade system
worth of two billion U.S. dollars in the customs nowadays. But, our foreign
trading volume is around 100 billion U.S. dollars at the moment. Our
foreign trading volume will be 200 billion U.S. dollars in 2010. We cannot
fulfil this trading volume by using manual system.'' Noting that half of
Turkey will buy products through the Internet in 2010, Uludag stressed that
to this end, it is necessary to fulfil the infrastructural works in legal,
financial and telecommunication fields for this. Stating that the countries
that are the members of World Trade Organization (WTO) will lift the
customs tax in 2005, Uludag emphasized that the customs will be lifted in
2005 in the WTO member countries in accordance with a related agremeent.
Uludag said, ''customs tax will be taken from the products of the countries
which are not the members of WTO. The role of the customs will change as of
this date. The role of customs will only be the prevention of the illegal
product trade. The drugs and arms cannot pass from the customs. Present
functions of the customs will end.''
A.A
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