Visit the Web Pages Hosted by HR-Net Read the Convention Relating to the Regime of the Straits (24 July 1923) Read the Convention Relating to the Regime of the Straits (24 July 1923)
HR-Net - Hellenic Resources Network Compact version
Today's Suggestion
Read The "Macedonian Question" (by Maria Nystazopoulou-Pelekidou)
HomeAbout HR-NetNewsWeb SitesDocumentsOnline HelpUsage InformationContact us
Thursday, 28 March 2024
 
News
  Latest News (All)
     From Greece
     From Cyprus
     From Europe
     From Balkans
     From Turkey
     From USA
  Announcements
  World Press
  News Archives
Web Sites
  Hosted
  Mirrored
  Interesting Nodes
Documents
  Special Topics
  Treaties, Conventions
  Constitutions
  U.S. Agencies
  Cyprus Problem
  Other
Services
  Personal NewsPaper
  Greek Fonts
  Tools
  F.A.Q.
 

Anadolu Agency: News in English, 99-11-04

Anadolu Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

From: The Anadolu Agency Home Page at <http://www.anadoluajansi.gov.tr/>


[01] AA Daily

04 November 1999 Thursday

[02] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

[03] These are some of the major headlines and their brief stories in Turkey's press on November 4, 1999. The Anadolu Ajansi does not verify these stories and does not vouch for their occuracy.

[04] HURRIYET (LIBERAL) - ---------------- GALATASARAY SOCCER TEAM IN EUROPE AGAIN Galatasaray beat Italy's AC Milan 3-2 in the UEFA Champions' League group match played late on Wednesday in Istanbul. Galatasaray who lost hopes for Championsships' League two weeks ago, recorded a historical night on Wednesday. Galatasary soccer team scored to goals in the last five minutes. Players of Milan soccer team left the field in tears.

[05] BAHCELI: AMNESTY MAY NOT BE ISSUED When asked ''neither Democratic Left Party (DSP) nor Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) is stepping back. What is going to happen?,'' Devlet Bahceli, Deputy Prime Minister and leader of MHP said, ''if nobody is stepping back, then you will remove the problem. That's it,'' he responded. Bahceli responded to claims of ''cracks'' in the government caused by the amnesty law draft. He said disagreements on any law were not big enough to cause instability in Turkey. ''Stability in Turkey is above everything,'' he stressed.

[06] MILLIYET (LIBERAL) - ----------------- LESSON FROM MIT TO RUSSIA Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit's visit to Moscow, which carries a vital importance, starts today. Ecevit is scheduled to bring into the agenda the actions of terrorist PKK organization in Russia. Atasagun, Undersecretary of National Intelligence Organization (MIT), will proceed to Moscow from Paris on Thursday to this end. Atasagun will submit a comprehensive PKK file to Russia.

[07] HUMANITARIAN AID TO CHECHNYA Government, which regarded Chechnya intervention as a domestic problem of Russia, focused on the humanitarian dimensions of the incident. Ankara conveyed Russia its willingness to extend humanitarian aid. Moscow administration said it allowed this. Also, international organizations were warned on humanitarian aid issue.

[08] SABAH (LIBERAL) - --------------- HEAD OF MALKI WORTHS 12 MILLION U.S. DOLLARS Erol Evcil confesses his crime: ''I ordered for the murder of Nesim Malki when my debts increased very much.'' Istanbul State Security Court (DGM) Prosecutor interrogated Evcil, suspect of Malki murder, for 8.5 hours. In the interrogation, Evcil confessed his crime and sent to prison. Evcil seemed very tired in his arrival to DGM.

[09] CRISIS IS SUSPENDED FOR NOW Government partners suspended amnesty draft law until they reach an agreement on Haluk Kirci, Esber Yagmurdereli, and head scarf issue. Coalition partners agreed to suspend the issue till they reach a compromise to negotiate the issue again. Emin Karaa, the Chairman of the Parliamentary Justice Commission, said that he thinks it will be useful to suspend the amnesty law for some time. Karaa noted that they will not discuss the amnesty law as an urgent law.

[10] CUMHURIYET (LEFT) - ---------------- THERE ARE SIX ISSUES IN THE BAG OF PREMIER ECEVIT Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit's visit to Russia starts today. The agenda of his meeting with Vladimir Putin, Russian Prime Minister, is expected to focus on six topics. They are: 1- Developments in the Caucasus, the Balkans, Black Sea, and Central Asia. 2- Joint struggle against terrorism. 3- Adding a new momentum to trade which decreased with the economic crisis in Russia. 4- Realization of long term joint projects in Turkey and in Russia. 5-Realization of ''Blue Stream'' natural gas pipeline project within the framework of cooperation in energy field. 6- Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) summit and global problems.

[11] WINTER INCREASE IN INFLATION Price increases can not be stopped despite all the efforts of the government. Winter expenses nourished the inflation monster. Wholesale prices increased by 4.7 percent and consumer prices increased by 6.3 percent in October.

[12] RADIKAL (LEFT) - ------------- DISAPPOINTMENT OF FP LEADER Recai Kutan, leader of Virtue Party (FP), currently holding contacts in the U.S., said he could not find the support he expected regarding the closure case opened against his party. Kutan who met with Grossman, the U.S. Assistant Secretary of State, and officials of State Department, responded to the questions of reporters in Turkish-American Associations Assembly. Kutan said they discussed with Grossman what will happen in a country when there is democracy without mentioning the name of FP. Kutan said Grossman told him that the U.S. was totally opposed to the closure of parties.

[13] BUDGET IN PARLIAMENT The draft budget of the year 2000, which will form the basis of stand-by agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), was submitted to the Parliamentary Planning and Budget Commission by Sumer Oral, Finance Minister.

[14] TURKIYE (RIGHT) - --------------- CHECHNYA CONCERN Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit, who will leave for Russia today, speaking about the operation towards Chechnya, said Chechnya issue is the internal problem of Russia. Ecevit said, '' we are saddened and concerned that the military operation is causing considerable harm to Chechen civilians. We are saddened, and we are concerned about possible migration. A group of refugees from Chechnya, mostly women and children, had already arrived in Turkey.'' ''We have decided to warn other countries and international organizations to be ready for a possible immigration,'' Ecevit added. ''We are saddened and concerned that the military operation is causing considerable harm to Chechen civilians. We are saddened in human terms and concerned about possible migration. A group of refugees from Chechnya, mostly women and children, had already arrived in Turkey.'' ''We have decided to warn other countries and international organizations to be ready for a possible immigration,'' Ecevit added. PRESIDENT APPROVES LAW WHICH ALLOWS MEN TO PAY THEIR WAY OUT OF MILITARY SERVICE President Suleyman Demirel approved the Customs Law and the bill allowing young men to pay to shorten their military service in a bid to boost revenues after devastating earthquake which hit Marmara region in August. In accordance with the law on short-military service, the men who were born before January 1, 1973 and did not start their compulsory 18-month military service before the law enters into effect, can benefit from the law. Those who want to benefit from the law have to make their applications within six months after the law enters into effect, and pay 15 thousand German Marks (8,060 U.S. dollars) to do just 60 days of military service. The men who won't be over 40 years old as of December 31, 1999, can pay 20 thousand German Marks and avoid the call-up altogether.

[15] ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE) - ------------------ ACTIONS TO PROTEST SALARY INCREASE BROADENS Civil servants began to protest government which envisaged 15 percent increase in salaries in January and 10 percent increase in July. The civil servants staged protests throughout in Turkey and protested the inadequate increase in salaries foreseen to be given to them in the year 2000.

[16] EROL EVCIL IN PRISON Erol Evcil, one of the murder suspects of Nesim Malki assasination, was brought to Istanbul under tight security measures together with eight people who were taken under custody. A. Cengiz Engin, Republican Prosecutor of State Security Court (DGM) interrogated Evcil. Three people and businessman Yuksel Caglar were released. Erol Evcil, Hakan Karakurt, Nalan Karakurt, and Huseyin Avli Silahci were arrested. Evcil was sent to Kartal prison.

[17] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT LEAVES FOR RUSSIA

[18] ANKARA, Nov 4 (A.A) - Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit left for Russia on 10:20 local time Thursday as the official guest of Vladimir Putin, Russian Prime Minister. A delegation composed of Cumhur Ersumer, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources; Suayip Usenmez, Minister of State; Rustu Kazim Yucelen, Minister of State; Ismail Cem, Foreign Minister; Yusuf Gokalp, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs; Senkal Atasagun, Undersecretary of National Intelligence Organization (MIT); businessmen, and journalists accompany Ecevit. Foreign Minister Cem and State Minister Yucelen will attend the delegation in Russia.

[19] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT LEAVES FOR RUSSIA - ECEVIT: ''WE WILL BE ABLE TO DISCUSS BILATERAL RELATIONS AS WELL AS PROBLEMS OF REGION AND THE WORLD''

[20] ANKARA, Nov 4 (A.A) - Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said on Thursday that bilateral relations as well as problems of the region and the world would be discussed during his official visit to Russia. Ecevit who spoke at Ankara's Esenboga Airport before leaving for Russia, said friendly relations based on mutual confidence would be for the benefit of the two countries. He said important developments were recorded in economy and trade field in the recent years. ''Yet, negative influence of world economic crisis on Russian economy caused narrow straits on our trade volume and economic relations,'' Ecevit said, adding that during the visit they will look for ways to enliven relations. Ecevit said concrete steps should be taken at the same time to improve political dimensions of relations. He said: ''Besides, we will have the opportunity to remind that the support given to terrorist PKK organization by some circles in Russia contradict with the friendly relations. We attribute a special importance to the solution of Chechnya problem through peaceful ways and within the territorial integrity of Russia. Yet, we are sad because of humanitarian concerns that civilian people are harmed in recent weeks. We are worried because of the possibility that Turkey may face a new migration problem. A group of refugees, mostly composed of women and children, has already come to Turkey. We have called on Russia's confirmation for Red Crescent's sending humanitarian aid to Chechnen people. Russian government found this request as positive,'' he said. Ecevit noted that many tensions are experienced in the Caucasus, adding that he will have the opportunity to discuss with Russian officials what could be done to provide tranquility in this sensitive region. Ecevit pointed out that ''Blue Stream'' natural gas project carried a vital importance in relations with Russia, and noted that ''under the project which was signed at the end of 1997, Russia will transport a great quantity of natural gas to Samsun under the Black Sea through pipelines. Ecevit said this project will not prevent transportation of Turkmen and Azerbaijani gas to Turkey via Caspian basin and to the Mediterranean via Turkey. Ecevit said he will participate in a ceremony to lay the foundation of Turkish Trade Center in his visit and noted that this center was the evidence of the importance which Turkish entrepreneurs attribute to economic and trade relations with Russia. Ecevit said they will also seek for ways in Moscow for the solution of the problems of contractors. ''Several important documents which will add new dimensions to our cooperation, and a cooperation declaration in struggle against terrorism will be initialed and signed during the visit. I wish this visit will contribute to the peace, stability, and welfare atmosphere in our region and to the further improvement of bilateral relations'' he said. When asked if an additional protocol will be signed related with ''Blue Stream'' project, Ecevit said, ''technical works are under way. There is no problem that we can not solve.''

[21] TURKEY-ROMANIA COOPERATION IN CONSTRUCTION SECTOR

[22] ANKARA, Nov 4 (A.A) - The International Contractors' Union and the Foreign Economic Relations Council (DEIK) will hold a meeting titled ''Turkish-Romanian Construction Sector'' in Istanbul on Friday. The union and the council will hold this meeting to improve the cooperation between Turkey and Romania in the construction sector. The representatives of 45 Romanian companies, including the prefabricated hut producers and construction material producers, are expected to participate in the meeting. The Romanian delegation will be headed by Alexandru Dobre, the Chairman of the Executive Board of Romanian Contractors' Union ARACO. The participants are expected to evaluate the cooperation opportunities with Romania concerning the reconstruction of settlements in the quake-hit areas.

[23] WORLD BANK AND IMF DELEGATION TO CONTINUE THEIR FINANCE SECTOR REFORM INITIATIVES BY NEW YEAR

[24] ANKARA, Nov 4 (A.A) - The World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) delegation will continue their finance sector reform initiatives by the new year. The delegation headed by Lalit Raina, an official from the World Bank Finance Sector Department, left Turkey last week. The delegation held contacts for reforms to be implemented in the finance sector. Two experts from this delegation did not leave Turkey and participated in the contacts of the IMF delegation headed by Carlo Cottarelli, the Chief of Turkey Desk of IMF. The officials told A.A correspondent on Thursday that the World Bank thinks of resuming the contacts in the new year because they want to see the result of the stand-by agreement which is planned to be signed between Turkey and the IMF. The World Bank delegation recommended that Turkey should privatize the Emlak Bankasi firstly and then privatize the Halk Bankasi, the officials said. The officials noted that the delegation also advised that the banks which face financial problems should be united and the bank marriages should be encouraged. The delegation also recommended that the independent internal and external control mechanisms should be fortified and the quality of the financial assets of the banks should be improved, the officials stated. The officials stressed that the delegation emphasized that the 100 percent public guarantee on the bank accounts encourages the banks which have difficulties in finding foreign credits and whose capital structure are not strong, to collect money by higher costs. This fact endangers the system and surpasses the power of the Saving Account Insurance Fund, the officials added. The officials pointed out that Turkey started to adopt the view that the 100 percent public guarantee should be gradually decreased to the European Union (EU) standards. The World Bank and IMF delegation also said that the groundwork should be laid to ensure the banks gain money from the banking transactions rather than the finance of the public securities, the officials emphasized. The officials added that the World Bank will grant Turkey 750 million U.S. dollar financial sector credit next year within the framework of the reconstruction of the finance sector.

[25] FP APPLIES TO CONSTITUTIONAL COURT FOR ANNULMENT OF SOCIAL SECURITY LAW

[26] ANKARA, Nov 4 (A.A) - The Virtue Party (FP) applied to the Constitutional Court for the annulment of the Social Security Law on Thursday. A FP delegation including the FP group acting leaders Abdullatif Sener, Bulent Arinc, Ismail Kahraman, and a group of FP deputies, handed over the deposition asking for the annulment of the Social Security Law to Sadi Buyukeren, the Secretary General of the Constitutional Court. When leaving the Constitutional Court, Sener said that they asked for the annulment of all the articles of the law except the article on the unemployment insurance. Sener claimed that the law does not comply with the social state, state of law, and equality principles foreseen in the Constitution. They continuously say that the law does not comply with the realities of Turkey, Sener noted. A total of 54 million people lost their hopes for the future, Sener stated. Sener stressed that the True Path Party (DYP) also prepares a petition for the annulment of the Social Security Law. However, the number of deputies of this party is not enough to apply for the annulment, Sener recalled. Sener emphasized that the deputies of the DYP will support FP's petition with their signatures. When asked whether or not the Constitutional Court will annul the law, Sener said that the Court will see that the law is contrary to some articles of the Constitution when it examines their deposition. Sener added that the law is against the Article 2, 10, and 60 of the Constitution and prevents the vested interests.

[27] COTTARELLI, IMF TURKEY DESK CHIEF, VISITS ZIRAAT BANKASI

[28] ANKARA, Nov 4 (A.A) - Carlo Cottarelli, the Chief of Turkey Desk of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), met with the officials of the Ziraat Bankasi on Thursday. Following the two-hour meeting, Cottarelli told A.A correspondent that they discussed the prior issues including Turkish banking system and the monetary markets. When asked about the deficits and losses of the public banks, Cottarelli said that the works on the deficits and losses of the public banks continue. The IMF delegation headed by Cottarelli visited Halk Bankasi on Wednesday.

[29] 5TH EU-MEDITERRANEAN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COUNCILS SUMMIT

[30] ANTALYA, Nov 4 (A.A) - President Suleyman Demirel said on Thursday that Turkey was determined to defend her full membership rights which stemmed from the Partnership Agreement which was signed between Turkey and the European Union (EU) in 1963. The 5th EU-Mediterranean Economic and Social Councils and Similar Institutions Summit has begun in Antalya on Thursday. Addressing the summit, President Demirel stressed, ''process which started in Barcelona, Spain, in November, 1995 reflected a common politicial vision that aimed at connecting Europe and Mediterranean to each other with strong ties. We could not reach our common target yet. We should accelerate our efforts, and seize new opportunities for our joint well- being.'' Demirel continued, ''the historical Silk Road has re-emerged after the collapse of the Iron Curtain. The Caspian, Black Sea, and Mediterranean have begun to unite with new transportation, communication, and energy corridors. Europe is intermingling with Asia via Mediterranean. Eurasia has become a political fact. Possibility of peace increased in the Middle East. The Balkans have recorded significant progress in uniting with Europe. All these developments will bring forth peace, cooperation, and prosperity in Mediterranean's huge geography, including Europe.'' President Demirel underlined that Turkey was the only country which signed the Customs Union with the EU. He added that Turkey was ready to cooperate with other regional countries within the framework of the European-Mediterranean partnership. ''Cooperation was our joint target in the Barcelona Decleration in 1995. We stressed in this document that dialogue, and mutual respect among cultures and religions, were the preconditions of good relations among nations,'' Demirel emphasized. President Demirel pointed out Turkey believed a united Europe which is constructed on solidarity among constitutional democracies sharing the common values and the same ideals. He added, ''discrimination against Turkey at the EU's Luxembourg Summit created a profound disappointment among Turkish people. This discrimination was considered as an effort to define the EU on religious ground. It was an unfairness towards joint ideals which we have defended altogether for 50 years. Suc a discriminative attitude also received harsh reaction from several circles in the EU. And it proved that Turkey was not alone in her belief in a pluralist and united Europe. Defenders of the pluralist and united Europe have extended efforts to correct this historical mistake.'' Demirel emphasized that Turkey was determined to defend her full membership rights stemmed from the Partnership Agreement which was signed between Turkey and the EU in 1963, adding that Turkey expected the EU to assume Turkey the same attitude with the other candidates. ''Within this framework, the European Commission's recommandation report dated October 13, 1999 to the Council of Europe was a milestone. Declaring Turkey's candidacy to the EU at the Helsinki Summit in accordance with the report, will further strengthen Mediterranean dimension of the EU. Turkey's full membership to the EU will make a considerable contribution to peace, prosperity, and stability in the Meditarranean Basin, '' Demirel said. He underlined, ''Turkey is one of the biggest economies of Mediterranean Region, Eastern Europe, the Balkans, Black Rea Region, and in Caspian Basin. Turkey is the sixth biggest economical partner of the EU. Our three-and-a-half-year experience of Customs Union showed that Turkey was able to adopt herself to the competition within the EU. Turkey's trade volume has reached to 75 billion U.S. dollars. Turkey is a trade and investment partner of European and Mediterranean countries. Istanbul has become the finance and trade center of Eurasia. New energy geography which emerged in Caspian Basin, will mingle with global markets with natural gas and oil pipelines via Turkey. Turkey exports industrial products to 135 countries. Turkey has become a world state as a result of her successes. She is a very significant economic power in her geography. Turkey is the founder member of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation, the ECO, and the D-8. She is the heart of the economic cooperation network including 24 countries and 3 continents.'' Demirel also added, ''let's unite our powers for a new peace and prosperity vision. Lets provide cooperation and solidarity instead of dispute and hostility. Lets constitute together our joint future.''

[31] 5TH EU-MEDITERRANEAN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COUNCILS SUMMIT

[32] ANTALYA, Nov 4 (A.A)- Yildirim Akbulut, the Parliament Speaker, said on Thursday that Turkey supports the cooperation fields which were brought to the agenda within the framework of the European Union (EU)- Meditterranean Partnership. Akbulut spoke in the ''Fifth EU-Mediterranean Economic and Social Councils and Similar Institutions Summit'' which is being held in southern Antalya province. He adopts the policies which were set up within the framework of this partnership, Akbulut noted. Akbulut stated that he believes that a firm cooperation which will be set up in the region will be useful for all the regional countries. The Mediterranean basin carries a strategic importance for the EU, Akbulut stressed. The regional stability and welfare will also be useful for the European countries, Akbulut emphasized. Akbulut pointed out that the cooperation foreseen by the EU-Mediterranean Partnership gradually improves. Akbulut said that the relations which firstly started by the trade agreements, are being improved in a way that they cover nearly all the fields, including political, economic, and social. The Mediterranean countries are handled as a whole within the framework of the partnership process which started by the Barcelona Conference on November 1991, Akbulut noted. Akbulut stated that they are trying to determine the cooperation fields. The EU- Mediterranean Partnership united in a single economic programme titled ''Meda'' in 1996, Akbulut stressed. The programme provides funds for the bilateral and regional projects, Akbulut recalled. Akbulut emphasized that Turkey cannot utilize the assistance foreseen by the Meda due to the political reasons. The relations between Turkey and the EU go back to older days when compared with the relations between the EU and the other Mediterranean countries, Akbulut pointed out. Akbulut continued, ''these relations are as improved as the full membership targets. Signing the customs union agreement between Turkey and the EU provided an economic unity which is beyond the general framework of the Mediterranean Partnership. Moreover, Turkey supports the cooperation fields which are brought on the agenda within the framework of the EU-Mediterranean Partnership.'' ''Turkey adopts the policies set up within this framework and believes having firm cooperation in the region will be useful for not only herself but for all the other regional countries. To this end, Turkey will continue to contribute to the establishment of a peaceful and stable region,'' Akbulut added.

[33] TURKISH-GERMAN COOPERATION COUNCIL CONVENES

[34] ISTANBUL, Nov 4 (A.A) - The 6th meeting of the Turkish-German Cooperation Council started in Istanbul on Thursday. Addressing the opening ceremony, Sevinc Dalyanoglu, the Director General of Economic Affairs Department of the Foreign Ministry, said that the Council had become the sign of institutionalization of cooperation in the field of economy. The Undersecretariat of Treasury gave information to participants on the issues such as recent legal arrangements in Turkish economy, patent, energy projects, and tourism in Turkey. A joint protocol will be signed, and a press conference will be staged about bilateral contacts tomorrow.

[35] 5TH EU-MEDITERRANEAN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COUNCILS SUMMIT

[36] ANTALYA, Nov 4 (A.A) - Mehmet Ali Irtemcelik, the State Minister, said on Thursday that Turkey is conscious about the conditions which are necessary for the full membership to the European Union (EU). Irtemcelik spoke in the Fifth EU-Mediterranean Economic and Social Councils and Similar Institutions Summit which is being held in southern Antalya province. Realistic targets should be determined to be successful in the Europe-Mediterranean cooperation, Irtemcelik noted. Turkey always gives priority to the cooperation in the economic field, Irtemcelik stated. Irtemcelik recalled that Turkey attributes a special importance to the role of women in the society which is included in the agenda of the summit, since the first days of the Republic. Referring to the Turkey-EU relations, Irtemcelik stressed that Turkey is the oldest partner of the EU. Turkey had applied to become a member of the former European Economic Community (EEC) before some other European countries, Irtemcelik stressed. The Custom Union agreement which was signed in 1995 was a significant step taken in the direction of full membership to the EU, Irtemcelik said. Irtemcelik pointed out that Turkey is the only country which has custom union with the EU. Turkey does not think that she will become a full member very soon, but she will do her best, Irtemcelik said. Irtemcelik noted that the EU earlier had a discriminative attitude towards Turkey, but that Turkey's expectations are modest. Turkey wants to have a similar and equal attitude which the EU has shown towards the other candidates, Irtemcelik stated. Irtemcelik stressed that Turkey does not claim that she fulfils all the conditions for the full membership, and even she does not insist on the determination of a date to start the full membership negotiations. The equal status which is given to the other candidates should also be given to Turkey without any additional conditions, Irtemcelik emphasized. Irtemcelik added that when this status is given, the rest will be Turkey's responsibility.

[37] STATEMENT OF PREMIER ECEVIT TO IZVESTIA NEWSPAPER: ''ECONOMIC COOPERATION POTENTIAL WITH RUSSIA HAS NOT BEEN USED TOTALLY''

[38] MOSCOW, Nov 4 (A.A) - Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit, who spoke to Izvestia newspaper prior to his visit to Russia, said economic cooperation potential between the two countries has not been used totally. In his statement to the newspaper, Ecevit said bilateral relations improve within friendship and mutual confidence, adding that ''the most impressive side of our relations is that trade and economic relations of the two countries progress successfully despite the negative effects of Russia's economic difficulties.'' Ecevit pointed out that total economic growth of the two countries reached 8 billion U.S. dollars and that Turkish construction companies had successful works in Russia. Ecevit said Turkey hosted nearly one million Russian tourists every year, adding that ''besides, thousands of Turkish engineers and employees work in Russia. More than 1000 students are educated here. Many Turkish schools have been opened in this country. These can not even be imagined 10 years ago.'' Pointing out that Turkey will meet most of its natural gas need in the year 2010 from Russia, Ecevit said, ''I don't think we have used all cooperation potential between the two countries.'' Responding to a question about Chechnya, Ecevit said, ''we don't want to interfere to domestic affairs of Russia. We think this problem can be solved by peaceful ways.'' Prime Minister Ecevit recalled that Turkey had recognized overall states which gained their independence after the collapse of the Soviet Union, without any discrimination. Ecevit added, ''there are countries where people with Turkish origin is living among these states. Historical, cultural, and religious ties connect us with these countries. But we attribute great importance to our friendship with Russia in regard to Eurasia. Turkey considers Russia as a powerful and precious partner. We will continue to work together for the future of Eurasia.''

[39] 5TH EU-MEDITERRANEAN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COUNCILS SUMMIT

[40] ANTALYA, Nov 4 (A.A) - Husamettin Kavi, the Co-president of Turkey- European Union (EU) Joint Consultation Committee, said on Thursday that the Europe-Mediterranean region will lay the ground of the development. Kavi spoke in the Fifth EU-Mediterranean Economic and Social Councils and Similar Institutions Summit which is being held in southern Antalya province. Every step taken in the peace processes of the Balkans, the Caucasus, and the Middle East, will provide a sustainable development, Kavi noted. Kavi stated that it is obvious that peace is the focal point of the improvement of the security, cooperation, economy, and democracy. The economic improvement cannot be considered as an independent development from the democratic improvement, Kavi stressed. Kavi added that the improvements taken in democracy, law, and human rights will lead to the development of economy in the 21st century.

[41] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT ARRIVES IN MOSCOW

[42] MOSCOW, Nov 4 (A.A) - Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit arrived in Russian capital Moscow on Thursday for a three-day official visit. Vladimir Sherbak, the Russian Deputy Prime Minister, welcomed Ecevit with a military ceremony at the Sheremetyevo-1 Airport. Rustu Kazim Yucelen, the State Minister, and Nabi Sensoy, the Turkish Ambassador to Russia, were also in attendance at the ceremony. Prime Minister Ecevit, his wife Rahsan Ecevit, and accompanying delegation later left for the President Hotel.

[43] 5TH EU-MEDITERRANEAN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COUNCILS SUMMIT

[44] ANTALYA, Nov 4 (A.A) - Karen Fogg, the European Union (EU) Commission Permanent Representative to Turkey, said on Thursday that the EU Commission is very pleased to work together with the non-governmental organizations. Fogg spoke in the Fifth EU-Mediterranean Economic and Social Councils and Similar Institutions Summit which is being held in southern Antalya province. The improvement of the non-governmental organizations facilitates the integration, Fogg noted. They support the establishment of free trade zone among the Mediterranean countries, Fogg stated. Fogg stressed that such relations improve the friendly relations among the countries. Fogg emphasized that the EU proposed a participation strategy to Turkey in the direction of the full membership. The recognition of Turkey as a candidate to the EU will only be possible by implementing some measures, Fogg pointed out. The aim of these measures is to prepare Turkey to the EU, Fogg said. Fogg noted that Turkey is a part of Europe and she is the door of Europe which is opened to the Black Sea and the Central Asia. To this end, Turkey can play a more important role in the region, Fogg added.

A.A
Anadolu Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article
Back to Top
Copyright © 1995-2023 HR-Net (Hellenic Resources Network). An HRI Project.
All Rights Reserved.

HTML by the HR-Net Group / Hellenic Resources Institute, Inc.
anadolu2html v1.01 run on Friday, 5 November 1999 - 0:57:21 UTC