|
|
|
Anadolu Agency: News in English, 99-11-10
[01] AA Daily
10 November 1999 Wednesday
[02] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN
[03] These are some of the major headlines and their brief stories in
Turkey's press on November 10, 1999. The Anadolu Ajansi does not verify
these stories and does not vouch for their occuracy.
[04] HURRIYET (LIBERAL) - ---------------- RESPECT, LOVE, AND THANKS TO YOU,
ATATURK We commemorate our great leader Mustafa Kemal Ataturk on the 61st
anniversary of his demise. Hundreds of people are carrying flowers in their
hands visit Anıtkabir, the Mausoleum of Ataturk in Ankara. The statesmen
will also be present in the Mausoleum today.
[05] WE HAVE ONLY 30 DAYS Otto Schilly, the German Minister of Interior
gave very important messages just one month before the European Union (EU)
summit that will be held in Helsinki. ''If you undertake reforms and take
sound steps in democratization and human rights, you will be a candidate of
the EU for hundred percent. Please, abolish the death sentence, this has no
connection with Abdullah Ocalan, the head of the terrorist organization
PKK. Yet there is no death sentence in Europe. We request this from
democratic Turkey,'' he said.
[06] MILLIYET (LIBERAL) - ----------------- ONLY LEADER WHO GOES BEYOND
CENTURY Lenin, Hitler, De Gaulle, Mao, Tito, and Nasir were all left in the
20th century. Even the countries of these leaders do not want to recall the
name of the most of these leaders. However, Ataturk will continue to live
in the new century and new millenium with his Republic.
[07] THREE LEADERS TO UNITE POWERS Premier Bulent Ecevit; Devlet Bahceli,
the Deputy Prime Minister and the State Minister; and Mesut Yilmaz, the
leader of the Motherland Party (ANAP); will discuss the problems as the
National Security Council (NSC) discusses. The related minister will inform
the three leaders about the problem. Then, the leaders; Husamettin Ozkan,
the State Minister; and Cumhur Ersumer, the Energy and Natural Resources
Minister; will give a decision. Thus, they will give the message, ''the
government does not creat problems, but finds solutions to the problems.''
[08] HISTORICAL BOOM IN STOCK EXCHANGE The IMKB-100 index increased to
7.593 points and the transition volume climbed to 349.4 trillion Turkish
liras in yesterday's session. Some circles ask why the stock exchange is
increasing. One of the reasons of this increase is that the possibility of
signing a stand-by agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF)
increased. The officials said that the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP),
one of the coalition parties, does not constitute a problem in the
government. The banks started to decrease the interests of the accounts by
nine points.
[09] SABAH (LIBERAL) - --------------- WE MISS YOU MUCH Five doctors told
Ataturk, the founder of modern and secular Republic, on March 6, 1938 that
they diagnosed his illness as ''cirrhosis'' which was dependent on alcohol.
However, French Professor Noel Fissenger who was invited to Turkey after 22
days had said that the cirrhosis didn't come up due to alcohol. The
diagnosis of the French doctor was kept as a secret for 61 years. Ataturk
was also telling that ''my illness is not due to alcohol, I will prove
that.'' But he couldn't live longer after saying that.
[10] ''DON'T KILL HIM, GIVE HIM TO US'' President Suleyman Demirel
requested Pakistani leader of the military administration General Pervaiz
Musharraf to forgive the life of Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.
''Don't hang him, you can give him to us,'' told Demirel to Gen. Musharraf.
[11] CUMHURIYET (LEFT) - ---------------- SCHILLY: ''TURKEY'S CANDIDACY TO
THE EU WILL SOLVE PROBLEMS'' Otto Schilly, the German Interior Minister,
visited disaster area which was devastated by a major earthquake on August
17, prior to his departure for Germany. Addressing a press conference at
the Esenboga Airport, Schilly said that problems would be resolved easily
with the recognition of Turkey's candidacy to the European Union (EU).
[12] SEVEN MEMBERS OF IBDA-C CAPTURED Security forces captured seven
members of the illegal Islamic Great Eastern Raiders-Front (IBDA-C)
organization in Istanbul. The members of the illegal organization had
staged a bomb attack in the municipality building in Eyup district of
Istanbul province.
[13] GREEK CYPRIOT ADMINISTRATION TO PARTICIPATE AT OSCE SUMMIT WITH A 30-
MEMBER DELEGATION The Greek Cypriot administration will participate at the
Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Summit in
Istanbul between November 17-19 with a 30-member delegation headed by
Glafcos Clerides. Meanwhile, President Rauf Denktas of the Turkish Republic
of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) cannot attend the last summit of the century
because the OSCE did not recognize the TRNC. The Greek Cypriot
administration was not recognized by Turkey, but the international
community has recognized it. Releasing a statement, the Foreign Ministry
said that Turkey would only host the summit, therefore participation of the
Greek Cypriot administration at the summit would not mean that Turkey
recognized the Greek Cypriot administration.
[14] RADIKAL (LEFT) - ------------- U.S. PRESIDENT CLINTON SAYS TURKEY TO
DETERMINE NEXT MILLENIUM U.S. President Bill Clinton said that the global
peace depends on Turkey's integration with Europe. Clinton noted that the
next millenium depends on how Turkey will define her role in today's and
future world because she is the intersection point of Europe, the Middle
East and Central Asia. Turkey should try to eliminate the differences in
the points of view on Cyprus question with Greece, Clinton stated. Clinton
added that she should improve the human rights.
[15] OPERATION PRIOR TO OSCE SUMMIT Eight people who were preparing to
stage attacks during the Organization for Security and Cooperation in
Europe (OSCE) summit, were captured in Kocaeli. The captured people were
planning to stage attacks during OSCE summit which will be held between
November 17 and 19, 1999 in Istanbul. Many organizational documents were
seized during the operation.
[16] 90 PERCENT OF F-16 WARPLANES PRODUCED BY TURKEY The F-16 warplane
production programme which started in 1987, will end on Friday. The
officials at the Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) said that the F-16
warplane production programme will be over as the last plane will be handed
over on Friday. The total number of the F-16 warplanes which are produced
by TAI until today, reached 286, the officials noted. The officials added
that TAI used to produce 70 percent of the F-16 warplanes in the first days,
but it is producing 90 percent of the planes today.
[17] TURKIYE (RIGHT) - --------------- ''FRIENDSHIP TRAIN'' IN SALONICA
''Friendship Train'' left for Salonica as the envoy of friendship and peace
within the framework of a project of TRT Children and Youth Fund. The train
is expected to arrive Salonica at about 07:00 a.m. The train goes to
Salonica on the 61th anniversary of demise of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk,
Founder of modern Republic of Turkey. Passengers of the train will
participate in a ceremony in the house in Salonica where Ataturk was born
and which was later turned into a museum.
[18] LEADERS SUMMIT TO BE HELD TODAY Tension which started between the
Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) and the Democratic Left Party (DSP) with
the amnesty draft law, and escalated with the invitation crisis in Russia,
is expected to be eased at the Leaders Summit today.
[19] DRUG OPERATION IN ISTANBUL Narcotics officials confiscated a total of
3 kg of heroin, 18 kg of hashish, 70 grams of cocaine and 3 tonnes of acid
anhydride having a market price of 500 billion Turkish Liras, in five
separate operations they launched in Istanbul. A total of 17 persons,
including one foreigner, were taken into custody in the operations.
[20] ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE) - ------------------ ATATURK SAYS: NATIONAL
SOVEREIGNTY IS THE ONLY POWER Ataturk, the founder of modern and secular
Turkish Republic who died 61 years ago, still guides the Turkish nation
today with its ideas regarding some debated issues. It is everybody's
mission to understand him well. Ataturk had said many things like ''the
only power is national sovereignty, the parliament has the last word, our
religion is rational and secularism does not mean atheism.''
[21] CHECHENS ON OSCE'S AGENDA The operation of Russia continues in
Chechnya. Both the delegations of other countries that participate in the
Organization on Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) summit in
Istanbul and the Russian opposition within the country urge Russia to
negotiate with Chechens to solve the problem.
[22] TWO DRUNKEN AMERICAN SOLDIERS FALL FROM WALL - ONE OF THEM DIES WHILE
THE OTHER INJURED
[23] ANTALYA, Nov 10 (A.A) - Two drunken soldiers who were charged in a
U.S. war ship, fell from a 10-metre-height wall in southern Antalya
province on Monday night. One of them died while the other was injured. The
war ship named Whidbeyisland-41 which returned from manoeuvres in the
Mediterranean Sea, anchored in Antalya Port. A group of soldiers went to
the city center for a walk. Justin Henthorne, 19, and Mahone Brandan
Christophen, 26, fell from the wall where they were drinking alcohol. Two
soldiers were rushed to hospital for medical treatment, but Christophen
died. Doctors told the A.A correspondent that health condition of Justin
Henthorne was improving.
[24] A SHIP SINKS OFFSHORE PAZAR COUNTY IN BLACK SEA
[25] PAZAR, Nov 10 (A.A) - A cargo ship named ''Alican Deval'' sank
offshore Pazar county of Rize province in the Black Bea late on Tuesday.
Erdal Ata, the Rize Governor, told A.A correspondent that a cargo ship
which departed Hopa harbour of Artvin to go to Samsun, sank two miles
offshore Pazar county of Rize. The ship which was carrying 1,750 tons of
ore, sank offshore Pazar after it signalled S.O.S. due to the bad weather
conditions and waves, Ata noted. Ata stated that five of the 12-member crew
who achieved to get on a small boat, were rescued by the fishermen living
in Pazar. They will direct the rescue operations to save the other seven
people in accordance with the information given by the rescued people, Ata
stressed. Ata added that two military helicopters will be sent to Trabzon
Airport to help the rescue operations.
[26] JUSTICE MINISTER TURK: ''I SUPPOSE DIFFICULTY IN AMNESTY LAW WILL BE
OVERCOME IN COMING DAYS''
[27] ANKARA, Nov 10 (A.A) - Justice Minister Hikmet Sami Turk said on
Tuesday that they can't think of an amnesty which the conscience of the
society does not accept. ''I suppose the difficulty in amnesty law will be
overcome in coming days,'' said Turk. The budget of the Justice Ministry
for 2000 was accepted in the parliamentary planning and budget commission
the same day. Responding to criticisms upon the budget, Turk stated that
they prepare a draft for establishment of a Turkish Judges and Prosecutors
Union and this union will contribute to personnel rights of the judges and
prosecutors. Turk stressed that the constitution must be changed first to
set up this union. Thought is not a crime in modern democracies, said Turk
and added that, ''yet Turkey has to be sensitive to protect the secular
republic and integrity of the country in this atmosphere.'' The law must
abide by the limitations drawn by Articles 87 and 169 of the Constitution
regarding amnesty, said Turk and added that they can't think of an amnesty
which the society conscience does not accept. Later the budget of the
Justice Ministry was accepted as 360,8 trillion Turkish liras for 2000.
[28] TRANSPORTATION MINISTER OKSUZ: ''TURKEY'S THIRD COMMUNICATION
SATELLITE WILL BE LAUNCHED IN JUNE 2000''
[29] MERSIN, Nov 10 (A.A) - Enis Oksuz, the Transportation Minister, said
on Tuesday that Turkey's third communication satellite will be launched in
June 2000. Oksuz participated in the opening ceremony of Data Processing 99,
Fourth Electronics, Computer, Communication Fair in southern Mersin
province. His ministry has completed all kinds of initiatives for Turkey to
utilize the latest technological developments in the communication field,
Oksuz noted. Oksuz said, ''the satellite will broadcast from 32 channels.
It will be the biggest and the most modern satellite of Europe. Turkish
world will communicate via telephones and televisions by this satellite and
will open to the world.'' ''We aim at including Asian and North African
countries in this system. Turkey is in the space and will continue to be in
the space,'' Oksuz added. They nearly fulfilled all the legal arrangements
which are necessary for the communication field and passed the draft laws
which facilitates adaptation to the world communication system, Oksuz
stated. The ''Data Processing 99 Fair'' exhibits the new technological
systems in electronics and communication fields.
[30] TENDER TO BE PUT OUT FOR MODERNIZATION OF C-130 PLANES
[31] ANKARA, Nov 10 (A.A) - Tender will be put out to tender for
modernization of C-130 type military cargo planes in December. The firm
which will win the tender will be requested to equip C-130s with the latest
system, so C-130s will have the capacity of intercontinental flight. A
source of 20-25 million dollars has been allocated for this tender,
officials said and added that the value of the tender will be later
determined.
[32] AKIT NEWSPAPER JOURNALIST KARAKAYA AT ANKARA DGM
[33] ANKARA, Nov 10 (A.A) - Hasan Karakaya, a journalist of Akit newspaper,
was transferred to Ankara State Security Court (DGM) on Wednesday. Karakaya
is claimed to offer 2 million dollars to Kasım Gencyılmaz in return of
murdering Yekta Gungor Ozden, the Chairman of Kemalist Thought Association
and former Chairman of the Constitutional Court. Gencyılmaz identified
Karakaya after he was taken into custody last Friday in Istanbul. His
custody period which was earlier extended for three days ended today and
Karakaya was brought to DGM. DGM Prosecutor Nuh Mete Yuksel, who carries
out the investigation, will take the testimony of Karakaya.
[34] FINNISH FOREIGN MINISTER HALONEN: ''WE SUPPORT TURKEY'S EU
MEMBERSHIP''
[35] WASHINGTON D.C. Nov 10 (A.A) - Finnish Foreign Minister Tarja Halonen
who is currently in Washington D.C. to participate in the EU-U.S. ministers
meeting, said on Wednesday that they strongly support Turkey's membership
to the EU. Speaking in a joint press briefing together with U.S. State
Secretary Madeleine Albright, Chairman of EU Council Javier Solona and EU
Commissioner responsible for foreign affairs Chris Patten; Halonen said
that there is a very positive atmosphere in the EU in the direction of
enlargement. Turkey is ''a very interesting issue,'' said Halonen and noted
that they received very positive signals after the meetings with Foreign
Minister Ismail Cem. Halonen also praised the improving relations between
Turkey and Greece and said ''foreign ministers of the two countries
succeeded in a very important mission.''
[36] DEPPLER, CHAIRMAN OF EUROPE DEPARTMENT OF IMF, DUE IN TURKEY
[37] ANKARA, Nov 10 (A.A) - Michael C. Deppler, the Chairman of Europe
Department of International Monetary Fund (IMF), will come to Turkey on
Friday. Releasing a statement, the Undersecretariat of Treasury said on
Wednesday that Deppler would attend stand-by meetings, and hold high-level
contacts in Ankara. Deppler is expected to depart Turkey on November 13.
Meanwhile, the IMF delegation headed by Carlo Cottarelli, the Chief of IMF
Turkey Desk, will proceed to Istanbul tomorrow to meet with representatives
of the private sector and of the finance sector.
[38] OPERATIONS TO RESCUE SEVEN MEMBERS OF SUNK SHIP
[39] PAZAR, Nov 10 (A.A) - The operations to rescue seven members of the
cargo ship which sank late on Tuesday offshore Pazar county of Rize
province, were launched on Wednesday morning. The rescue operations could
not be launched on Tuesday evening due to the storm. As the storm ended
this morning, the rescue operations were launched from the air and the sea.
A military helicopter, two boats which belonged to Coastal Security
Commandership and many fishermen boats participate in the rescue
operations. Five members of the cargo ship who were rescued yesterday, said
that their friends wore life jackets and to this end, they can still be
alive. The officials said that the rescued five members of the crew were in
good condition. The cargo ship named ''Ali Can Deval'' sank after it had
signalled S.O.S. on Tuesday evening. The ship was carrying 1750 tons of
copper ore from Hopa Harbour of Artvin to Samsun.
[40] WE COMMEMORATE GREAT LEADER ATATURK - AN OFFICIAL CEREMONY TAKES PLACE
IN MAUSOLEUM
[41] ANKARA, Nov 10 (A.A) - Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the Founder of the
modern Republic of Turkey, was commemorated on Wednesday throughout Turkey
at the 61st anniversary of his demise. An official ceremony took place in
the mausoleum of Ataturk. Pillars of the state headed by President Suleyman
Demirel, laid a wreath, and observed a minute of silence in spiritual
presence of Ataturk. President Demirel signed the special book of the
Ataturk's mausoleum, saying, ''Great Ataturk, we are in your presence to
mark the 61st anniversary of your demise. Turkish nation has taken its
place on the stage of history with the Independence War under your command.
You have opened doors of modernity by establishing the Republic. The
Republic of Turkey has become one the most significant countries of the
world. We will portect the indivisible integrity of democratic and secular
Republic of Turkey, and uphold it forever. You are the most precious source
of light for us. We will continue to go forward on your way. Rest in peace,
Great Ataturk. We are grateful to you.'' President Suleyman Demirel;
Yildirim Akbulut, the Speaker of Parliament; Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit;
General Atilla Ates, the Commander of Land Forces, on behalf of the Office
of General Staff; Recai Kutan, the leader of the Virtue Party (FP); Ahmet
Nejdet Sezer, the Chairman of the Constitutional Court; Sami Selcuk, the
Chairman of the Supreme Court; Devlet Bahceli, the Deputy Prime Minister
and leader of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP); the Council of
Ministers; the commanders of the air and naval forces; Mesut Yilmaz, the
leader of the Motherland Party (ANAP); Tansu Ciller, the leader of the True
Path Party (DYP); Vural Savas, the Republican Chief Prosecutor of Supreme
Court; bureaucrats; deputies; and representatives of political parties were
in attendance at the official ceremony in Ataturk's mausoleum. A number of
civilians carrying pictures of Ataturk and waving Turkish flags, paid their
tribute to Ataturk. At 09:05 local time when Ataturk passed away 61 years
ago, sirens were heard throughout Turkey as an expression of respect to
Ataturk. People in the streets, schools, and business places observed a
minute of silence in memory of the Great Founder. Meanwhile, a people named
Salih Kaya chanted slogans saying, ''Messiah Menderes'' during the official
ceremony in the mausoleum. Kaya was taken into custody by security forces.
[42] ''FRIENDSHIP TRAIN'' IN SALONICA
[43] SALONICA, Nov 10 (A.A) - ''Turkey-Greece Friendship Train'' which was
organized by the Turkish Radio and Television Broadcast Organization (TRT),
arrived in Salonica, Greece, on Wednesday. Couetidis Loudouicos, the
Director General of Greek Railways, welcomed the train in the Salonica
Train Station. Addressing the ceremony, Loudouicos said that the friedship
train would accelerate relations and coopetaion between Turkey and Greece.
Loudouicos recalled that ceremonies also took place in Greece to mark the
61th anniversary of demise of Ataturk, the Great Founder of modern Republic
of Turkey. Yucel Yener, the Director General of the TRT, noted that the
friendship train would make a considerable contribution to relations
between two countries. Hasan Mollaoglu, the Director General of the State
Railways, said that they would hold meetings about railways, and
transportation of commercial goods with Greek officials. Passengers of the
friendship train later participated in a ceremony in the house where
Ataturk was born and which was later turned into a museum. The friendship
train will leave for Athens later today.
[44] GREAT LEADER ATATURK ALSO COMMEMORATED IN SALONICA
[45] SALONICA, Nov 10 (A.A) - Great leader Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the
founder of modern and secular Turkish Republic, was also commemorated on
Wednesday in Salonica city of Greece where he was born. The commemoration
started as the participants observed a minute of silence at 9.05 a.m. in
the house where Ataturk was born. Seckin Cetinelli, Turkey's Consul General
to Salonica, said that Ataturk established the Republic of Turkey with his
loyal friends. It is necessary to know the history of Turkey to understand
the greatness of the Republic of Turkey, Cetinelli noted. After Cetinelli's
speech, Ataturk's ''Nutuk'' (Speech) was listened. The young people who
participated in the commemoration, read Ataturk's address to the young
people and sang anthems. Then, Birol Akifoglu, a deputy from Xanthi; Yucel
Yener, Director General of Turkish Radio and Television; Hasan Mollaoglu,
the Director General of Turkish State Railways; and Sabriye Delioglu, the
Chairman of Xanthi Turkish Union, all spoke in the ceremony. Later, Ataturk
was commemorated in Turkey's Consulate. The delegation which came to
Salonica by the Turkey-Greece Friendship Train, a delegation from Tekirdag
and Turks living in Xanthi participated in this commemoration. The
participants later visited the house where Ataturk was born.
[46] TRNC PRIME MINISTER EROGLU IN LONDON - EROGLU ADDRESSES TURKISH
CYPRIOTS IN A CONFERENCE
[47] LONDON, Nov 10 (A.A) - Dervis Eroglu, the Prime Minister of the
Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) said on Wednesday that his
country is an independent state although it is not recognized by world
states. Speaking in a conference held in north London where many Turkish
people live, Eroglu said that TRNC has certain economic and social problems
like other countries, but many of them stem from the fact that TRNC is not
recognized officially by the world. Turkish Cypriot nation is right, said
Eroglu and added that all western people who ask themselves the reasons of
''the foundation of a Cyprus Republic in 1960, isolation of Turks from it
in 1963 and the military operation staged by Turkey in 1974,'' have to give
this right to Turkish Cypriot nation. Eroglu pointed out that providing
peace in Cyprus and Mediterranean, concerns not only Turkey, but also the
U.S. and Britain, yet these two countries think of their interests more
than those of Turkish and Greek Cypriots. The U.N. Security Council
mentions calling the concerned sides for negotiation without precondition,
but discussing a federation on the island is a precondition, said Eroglu.
''Does this mean 'negotiations without any precondition?' If we accept this,
this will cause disappearance of our state,'' he said. ''We must confess
that Turkish Cypriots need peace more than Greek Cypriots, because our link
with the world weakens every day. But we can't submit decisions taken or
pressures imposed on TRNC overseas,'' he said. Eroglu added that ''if you
attempt to sit a negotiation table for EU membership without an agreement
on the island, it means that you've accepted the existance of one Cyprus
Republic on the island and only minority rights for Turkish Cypriots. We
are not against the idea of joining the EU, but priority has to be given to
reaching an agreement first.''
[48] CEREMONIES TAKE PLACE IN CENTRAL ASIA TO MARK 61ST OF ATATURK'S DEMISE
[49] ALMATY, Nov 10 (A.A) - Ceremonies were held in Kazakhstan and in
Kyrgyzstan on Wednesday to mark the 61st anniversary of demise of Mustafa
Kemal Ataturk, the Great Founder of modenr Republic of Turkey. The ceremony
at the Turkish Embassy in Almaty started at 09:05 a.m. by observing a
minute of silence in memory of Ataturk. Cinar M. Aldemir, the Turkish
Ambassador to Kazakhstan, Yunus Akgur, the Turkish Military Attache, and
Turkish businessmen living in Kazakhstan, were in attendance at the
ceremony. In Kyrgyzstan, Dogan Akdur, the Turkish Ambassador to Kyrgyzstan,
laid a wreath in the park carrying the name of Ataturk in the capital
Bishkek. The ceremony ended with a panel on ''Ataturk and Modernization in
Turkey'' at the Turk-Kyrgyz University.
[50] FUNDAMENTALIST DEMOSTRATOR TAKEN INTO CUSTODY
[51] ANKARA, Nov 10 (A.A) - Salih Kaya, who chanted slogans at the official
ceremony in mausoleum of Ataturk, the Founder of modern Republic of Turkey,
was taken into custody on Wednesday. Kaya chanted slogans by saying,
''Messiah Menderes'' at the official ceremony which took place in the
mausoleum to mark the 61st anniversary of Ataturk's demise. Security forces
rendered ineffective Kaya. He was later taken into custody, and
interrogated in the Office of Commandership in the mausoleum. Kaya was
carrying a book of Said-i Nursi, the founder of a religious sect. He was
sent to Anti-terrorism Department of Directorate General of Security.
Officials told the A.A correspondent that Kaya was taken into custody
several times in the past due to similar demonstrations.
[52] CONTACTS OF IMF DELEGATION TO END ON WEDNESDAY
[53] ANKARA, Nov 10 (A.A) - The International Monetary Fund (IMF)
delegation, led by Carlo Cottarelli, the chief of the Turkey Desk, will end
their contacts with the public institutions on Wednesday. The IMF
delegation held contacts with State Planning Institute (DPT), Finance
Ministry, Treasury Undersecretariat, Privatization Administration Board,
and Central Bank officials for nearly 10 days. The IMF delegation was
briefed about the 2000 year budget, and projections of the year 2001, and
assessed performance criteria. Public sector balance and primary surplus of
public sector are among the performance criteria adopted as the report of
Stand-By agreement that will be signed with the IMF. Other performance
criteria are international reserves and public section borrowing
requirement. IMF delegation, which is expected to conclude shuttle meetings
with the public institutions, will meet with Turkish Industrialists and
Businessmen Association (TUSIAD), Istanbul Chamber of Industrialists (ISO)
and Banks Union officials to get information about Turkish economy. IMF
delegation will start to prepare Stand-By text as of the weekend. Officials
said Turkish side will begin to write ''Intention Letter'' next week. The
letter will be sent to IMF. Meanwhile, Michael C. Deppler, official of the
IMF responsible for Europe's first region including Turkey, will visit
Turkey on November 12 for a one day visit. Michael C. Deppler will have a
look at the information prepared by the IMF, and talks with Turkish
officials. Officials said this visit proved the importance IMF attributed
to Turkey. It was reported that Deppler will discuss the amount of the
financial aid that may be extended to Turkey. Officials said Deppler, in
his return to Washington D.C., will discuss his assessments regarding
Turkish economy and the amount of the financial aid with Stanley Fisher,
IMF Deputy Chairman. It is reported that Deppler may meet with Prime
Minister Bulent Ecevit. The IMF delegation, led by Cottarelli, will return
to Washington D.C. on November 19 together with Stand-By Text and
''Intention Letter.'' Turkey's request for Stand-By and Stand-By text will
be discussed in IMF Executive Directors Committee in the first half of
December and is expected to take effect as of the begining of the year 2000
after being signed in Washington D.C.
[54] ILLEGAL IBDA/C ORGANIZATION MAIN CASE - DETAINEES OF THE CASE COULD
NOT BE BROUGHT TO THE COURT AGAIN
[55] ISTANBUL, Nov 10 (A.A) - Salih Izzet Erdis, known as ''Salih
Mirzabeyoglu'', leader of the illegal IBDA/C organization, and two other
detainees could not be brought to the court again. The court delegation
decided to denounce the officials who could not bring the detainees to the
court for four hearings. Salih Izzet Erdis, Sadettin Ustaosmanoglu, Mehmet
Faruk Aslanturk, and Husnu Goktas, could not be brought to the hearing in
Istanbul State Security Court (DGM) no:6. Husnu Goktas is tried without
being under arrest. Erdis and other two detainees, currently in Metris
Prison, sent a fax to the court. In the fax message, the detainees said
they protested DGM as they did not accept the Constitution of Turkish
Republic and that they will not attend the hearing. Harun Yuksel, lawyer of
the detainees, said attitude of his clients was not against the court
delegation, and claimed that it was against the legal system in Turkey. DGM
Prosecutor said he was of the opinion that the detainees who could not be
interrogated, should be brought to the next hearing by force. The court
delegation later adjourned the hearing after deciding to denounce the
officials who could not bring the detainees to the court for four hearings,
and also decided to inform Justice Ministry about the incident. The
indictment prepared by Istanbul DGM Republican Chief Prosecutor's office,
calls on Salih Izzet Erdis, so-called leader of the illegal organization,
to be sentenced to capital punishment under Article 146/1 of the Turkish
Penal Code on charges of ''trying to change current constitutional order by
force.'' The indictment also wants Saadettin Ustamosmanoglu and Mehmet
Fazil Aslanturk to be sentenced to imprisonment terms up to 22,5 years on
charges of being the members of illegal IBDA-C organization. The indictment
requests Husnu Goktas to be sentenced to imprisonment terms up to 7,5 years
on charges of aiding and abetting the members of the illegal organization.
[56] OSCE REVIEW CONFERENCE DISCUSSES MINORITIES IN TURKEY, HUMAN RIGHTS
ISSUES IN CHECHNYA, AND CAUCASIA
[57] ISTANBUL, Nov 10 (A.A) - The Review Conference is continuing prior to
the OSCE summit which will be held in Istanbul on November 18 and 19. The
compatibility of member countries with the organization's principles, human
rights, security, and economy are discussed at these meetings that take
place at Ciragan Palace. Akin Birdal, the Chairman of Human Rights
Association (IHD) spoke at the ''Minority Rights in Turkey'' meeting
organized by the U.S. non-governmental organization, "Human Rights
Alliance". Birdal stressed that all individuals living in a society must be
free and have equal rights. Everybody should be free to speak his own
language and develop his own culture without being exposed to any kind of
pressure, Birdal said. These rights and freedoms are not only desired by
the human rights defenders, but they are also rights granted by the
international agreements which Turkey signed, Birdal continued. He added
that these freedoms can be only guaranteed in a complete democracy. "We
want all the obstacles to be removed in front of freedom of thought and
expression," Birdal said and asked non-governmental organizations,
intellectuals, and artists to be sensitive about this issue. Nimet
Tanrikulu spoke on behalf of "Saturday Mothers", an organization which is
formed by the relatives of people who were missing when they were under
custody. Tanrikulu said that a total of 543 detainees were missing since 12
September 1980. Kathryn C. Porter, the Chairwoman of Human Rights Alliance,
claimed that minorities in Turkey were exposed to pressure. "If you are a
minority in Turkey, you have two choice: You either deny your identity or
will be exposed to pressure," she said. In the afternoon session of the
OSCE Review Conference, problems and human rights issues in Chechnya and
Caucasia will be discussed. Kai Eide, the Norwegian Ambassador who is also
supervising the OSCE Review Conference, will summarize Wednesday's meetings
in the afternoon. Wednesday's conference was attended by the
representatives of 54 OSCE member countries, executives of 170 Turkish and
foreign non-governmental organizations, member countries of Mediterranean
Coopration Partners, Japan, and South Korea.
[58] STATE MINISTER UNLU: ''KARANIKOLAS' PROPOSAL REFLECTS A THOUGHT WHICH
SHOULD BE WELCOMED''
[59] ANKARA, Nov 10 (A.A) - Fikret Unlu, the State Minister responsible for
youth and sports, said on Wednesday that the propasal of Karanikolas, the
Chairman of the Greek Red Cross Egio Branch, reflects a thought which
should be welcomed. Karanikolas who carried out efforts in the quake zone
as a pediatrician, sent a letter to Turkey which proposed that Turkey and
Greece should carry out joint initiatives to stage the 2010 World Cup
together. Unlu responded to this letter, stating that increasing the sports
activities to improve the close relations between Turkey and Greece carries
importance. The sports clubs held foolball, basketball, and volleyball
matches for the quake survivors after the quake disasters which hit both
countries, Unlu recalled. Unlu continued, ''to this end, Karanikolas'
proposal reflects a thought which should be welcomed. As it is known,
Turkish and Greek Football Federations are holding contacts to hold the
2008 European Football Championship together.''
[60] TURKISH-U.S.-ISRAELI JOINT NAVAL MANOEUVRES
[61] TEL AVIV/ANKARA, Nov 10 (A.A) - Joint manoeuvres between Turkey, the
U.S., and Israel will take place by mid December. ''Seach and Rescue
Manoeuvres'' in which naval and air units of the three countries will join
in, are expected to take place in Turkish coasts between December 14 and
17. Turkey participates in ''Reliant Mermaid-2'' manoeuvres with nearly 500
helicopters and frigates. Israel is expected to send a Saar 5 type corvette,
as well as many sea vehicles. Meanwhile, it was reported that Jordan and
Egypt, who were invited as observers to the manoeuvres, refused the
invitation. Egypt had earlier critized Turkey harshly because of the
manouvres. The first one was held in Eastern Mediterranean in January 1998.
Yet, Jordan attended the first manoeuvres in observer status. The different
attitude of Jordan is regarded as an important development because a close
cooperation has started between Turkey, Israel, and Jordan following the
Israeli-Jordanian 1994 peace agreement. These three are defined as the
democratic countries of the Middle East favoring the West. The U.S., Israel,
and Turkey continue their insistency on Jordan to participate in the
manoeuvres. Atacanli, Deputy Spokesman of Foreign Ministry pointed out that
the manoeuvres were still in the planning stage, and it was still possible
to invite Jordan and Egypt as observers. Responding to a question, Atacanli
said the manoeuvres will take place in international waters off the
Mediterranean coast of Turkey towards the end of this year.
[62] CYPRUS ARGUMENT IN SOCIALIST INTERNATIONAL - OYMEN RESPONDS TO THE
PROVOCATION OF LISSARIDES, GREEK CYPRIOT SIDE SOCIALIST LEADER - OYMEN:
''CYPRUS QUESTION STARTED IN 1963 WITH THE ETHNIC CLEANSING ON TURKISH
CYPRIOTS BY GREEK CYPRIOTS''
[63] PARIS, Nov 10 (A.A) - A very harsh argument on Cyprus issue took place
in the final session of the Social International General Congress. Vasos
Lissarides, Socialist Party leader of Greek Cypriot side, addressing the
Socialist International session, made baseless accusations against Turkey.
Lissarides blamed Turkey for occupation and ethnic cleansing. Altan Oymen,
leader of Republican People's Party (CHP), who spoke after Lissarides, said
Representative of Greek Cypriot side tried to enter into polemics and
deviate the facts as it happened in every international meeting. Oymen said
Cyprus problem started in 1963 and continued afterwards with ethnic
cleansing campaign of Greek Cypriot side against Turks. He said it did not
start in 1974 as Greek Cypriot representative claimed. Pointing out the
positive and peaceful atmosphere created between Turkish and Greek people
following the quakes, Oymen said statements of Greek Cypriot representative
failed to help this.
[64] TURKISH DELEGATION'S VISIT TO ZIMBABWE AND REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA
[65] ANKARA, Nov 10 (A.A) - The delegation headed by Ambassador Numan Hazar,
the Chairman of the Organization for Islamic Conference (OIC) visited
Pretoria, the capital of the Republic of South Africa, Johannesburg which
is the trade center of this country and Harare, the capital of Zimbabwe
Republic between October 31 and November 7. Representatives from the
Foreign Ministry, Finance Ministry, Treasury, State Planning Organization,
Foreign Trade Undersecretariat and Turkey Contractors Union were in the
delegation. Two representatives of General Staff Directorate also joined
the delegation in Zimbabwe. In the Republic of South Africa, Ambassador
Hazar was received by acting Foreign Minister Aziz Pahad. Hazar presented
Pahad a letter of Foreign Minister Ismail Cem inviting Dlamini Zuma, the
Foreign Minister of the Republic of South Africa. The two countries agreed
to sign agreements on trade, economic and technical cooperation, mutual
encouragement of investments and their protection, and to prevent double
taxation when Zuma visits Turkey. A protocol suggesting political
solidarity mechanism between the foreign ministries of the two countries
will also be signed during Zuma's visit. In Zimbabwe, the delegation was
received by Stanley Mudenge, the Foreign Minister; Moven Mahacci, the
Defense Minister; John Nkomo, the Defense Minister and local
administrations. Turkey and Zimbabwe will cooperate in trade, economy, and
technology fields as well as military training, the two sides agreed during
the talks. Related agreements are expected to be signed when Orbert Mpofu,
the Minister of Industry and Trade and Mahacci visit Turkey. During the
meetings, the Turkish side briefed the Zimbabwean authorities about the
Cyprus issue, relations with Greece and the EU, the Middle East and other
regional and international matters. The Zimbabwean side said they still
remembered the medical aid Turkey sent to them in 1970 during their
struggle against the racist regime and expressed gratitude. It was said
that both visits were very fruitful for the development of political,
economic, and cultural ties with both Zimbabwe and the Republic of South
Africa.
[66] FOREIGN MINISTRY THINKS CHECHNYA PROBLEM WILL NOT AFFECT CFE REVISION
AGREEMENT THAT IS EXPECTED TO BE SIGNED AT THE SUMMIT
[67] ANKARA, Nov 10 (A.A) - Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday that it
thought ongoing Russian operations against Chechnya will not affect the
Conventional Forces in Europe (CFE) Revision Agreement, that is expected to
be signed during Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE)
Summit in Istanbul. Sermet Atacanli, Foreign Ministry Deputy Spokesman,
responded to the questions at a weekly news conference. Responding to the
questions about CFE agreement and Chechnya problem, Atacanli said that
''there is not a reason to expect that this problem will effect the summit
and CFE Agreement negatively.'' Atacanli recalled that CFE was a
comprehensive and important agreement and signed after tough negotiations,
and added that several important developments occurred in global level like
splitting up of Soviet Union and Yugoslavia. Atacanli pointed out that
adaptation of the agreement to new conditions came to the agenda following
the changes, adding that consultations to revise the agreement still
continue in Istanbul. He said all countries that are a side to the
agreement are in an effort to obtain the best result according to their own
interests. Atacanli said there were several efforts for reconciliation and
expressed hope that these will be concluded till the summit and that an
agreement will be signed during the summit. Responding to another question,
Atacanli said many bilateral contacts may take place during the summit
where head of states and governments of 54 countries will attend. He said
the only scheduled program was the dinner which Foreign Minister Ismail Cem
will host for the foreign ministers of EU member countries. When recalled
the request of Knut Vollebaek, Foreign Minister of Norway, Term President
of OSCE, to meet the expenses of the summit by OSCE Secretariat, Atacanli
said he was not informed about a concrete development to this end. Atacanli
pointed out that Turkey prepared the summit, including the financing, by
itself. Vollebaek and Tarja Halonen, Foreign Minister of the Netherlands,
the EU Term President, visited Turkey following quake disaster. Vollebaek
said Turkey had economic difficulties due to the quake, and noted that he
will ask for the finance of the summit to be met by OSCE. When asked about
the official visits Bill Clinton, the U.S. President, will pay to Turkey
prior to the summit, Atacanli said they have not received any information
about a change in the program, and noted that they expected the U.S.
President to arrive in Ankara on Monday.
[68] FOREIGN MINISTER CEM: ''TURKEY'S PROBABLE CANDIDACY IS NOT DEPENDENT
ON ANY SPECIAL PRECONDITION''
[69] ANKARA, Nov 10 (A.A) - Foreign Minister Ismail Cem said on Wednesday
that it will not be correct to make an estimation about Turkey's candidacy
to European Union (EU), before the conclusion of EU Helsinki Summit. He
said ''Turkey's probable candidacy is not depended on any special
precondition.'' In a written statement disclosed by Foreign Ministry
Information Department and where latest developments were evaluated, Cem
conveyed his views about the table before Helsinki Summit. Cem said number
of countries approaching positively to Turkey's candidate status increased
greadually, adding that this was a late decision. Cem said this decision
was for the benefit of stability, peace and economic development in a wide
geography including EU and Turkey. Cem pointed out that making an
estimation would not be correct before seeing the results of the summit,
and added that the decision could not be taken in case even one of the 15
member countries oppose. FM noted that Turkey's probable candidacy was not
dependent on any special condition, and added that implementation of
special conditions in case of Turkey's membership, was regardless of
question. Cem said ''Turkey will be evaluated under the same criteria with
other candidates, and will take step on the way of full membership as long
as it fulfils them. Morever, Copenhagen criteria which include the criteria
in question, is not the product of EU. These are the values which all
humanity formed and shared. Turkey will continue to improve these values
which it already contributed, whether it becomes a candidate to EU or
not.'' Foreign Minister Cem pointed out that another important topic of
Turkey was the Cyprus issue. Cem noted that both Turkey and Turkish
Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) openly clarified their position about
the resolution of the U.N. Security Council which foresaw talks between the
sides in Cyprus. ''Turkey has announced to the world that proposals which
can be accepted by TRNC, can be implemented. Also, we have disclosed to all
the concerned sides that there can be no connection between Cyprus issue
and Turkey's EU candidacy. We adopt the policies implemented by Denktas and
fully support them,'' FM noted. Cem pointed out that joint working groups
formed between Turkey and Greece exhibited positive developments, adding
that ''they managed to reach a level in every issue, including struggle
against terrorism, on which Turkey is very sensitive. ''The first results
make us think that more comprehensive and deep efforts may be brought to
the agenda. The works are carried out cautiously and in a determined way
and by taking into consideration mutual sensitivities,'' he added.
Responding to the reactions shown to statements of Prime Minister Bulent
Ecevit that Chechnya problem was the domestic affairs of Russia, Cem said
''the events in Chechnya cause great concern in Turkey, the situation
presents the danger of spreading to the Caucasus and sparking regional
instability.'' Answering to the criticisms against Turkey's foreign policy
on Chechnya issue, Cem said ''Turkey is a defender of territorial
integrities of the countries under the international agreements it signed
and under its own understanding. Turkey defines Russia's preservation of
its territorial integrity as a legal concern. Turkey believes that human
rights are matters of all humanity, not a domestic matter. The disaster
which Chechen women, children, and refugees are exposed, is a great pain in
our hearts. Turkey does its best both in political and humanitarian
dimensions to ease these pains.''
[70] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT SPEAKS TO RUSSIA'S TRUD NEWSPAPER - ''WE ARE
WAITING FOR THE VISIT OF YOUR CHIEF OF GENERAL STAFF''
[71] MOSCOW, Nov 10 (A.A) - Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said on Wednesday
that Turkey expected visit of Russian Chief of General Staff, and noted
that this will speed up military-technical cooperation of the two
countries. Statement of Premier Ecevit to Trud newspaper was issued today.
Ecevit said Turkey attributed importance to military-technical cooperation
issue in his contacts held in Russia, and noted that ''we may increase
purchase of military products from Russia. Besides, we are ready to discuss
technological cooperation facilities with Russia. Morever, joint production
of several military-technical products may be included within this.''
Recalling that retired General Ismail Hakki Karadayi, former Chief of
General Staff, visited Moscow, Ecevit said, ''now, we are waiting for the
visit of your Chief of General Staff. This visit will add momentum to our
relations.'' When recalled that the additional protocol related with Blue
Stream natural gas pipeline project was not signed during the visit, Ecevit
said the issue will be discussed primarily within Turkish Government.
Ecevit said, ''agreement related with the context of the protocol has been
reached with Russia just before my visit. Yet, we could not negotiate the
issue within the government. We will negotiate the issue very soon.''
Ecevit stressed that Turkey also has interests in the Blue Stream project.
Ecevit noted that helping Russia to get rid of the economic crisis was also
in accordance with the long term interests of Ankara. He also mentioned
cooperation against terrorism. Ecevit said: ''Terrorism has turned into a
headache in recent years, and became a serious threat for peace. I am
pleased to reach an agreement with Russia to make cooperation to overcome
terrorism in our region and in the world.''
[72] LEADERS' SUMMIT - ECEVIT: ''MEETING WAS HELD IN A VERY POSITIVE AND
CONCORDANT ATMOSPHERE''
[73] ANKARA, Nov 10 (A.A) - Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said on Wednesday
that the draft laws, which had priority and were approved to be discussed
at the Parliament, were taken up at the leaders' summit at which mostly
economic issued were discussed. ''The meeting was held in a very positive
and concordant atmosphere,'' Ecevit said. Noting that the amnesty law was
not discussed at the meeting, Ecevit said the the opportunities of
compromise concerning the amnesty law should be sought more. Prime Minister
Ecevit left the Prime Ministry building to hold his weekly regular meeting
with President Suleyman Demirel while the leaders' summit continues.
Speaking to reporters, Ecevit said he would join again the leaders' summit
after his meeting with the President. Ecevit said he briefed Mesut Yilmaz
of the Motherland Party (ANAP) and Devlet Bahceli of the Nationalist
Movement Party (MHP) on his visit to Russia. Ecevit stated that they also
discussed the agenda of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in
Europe (OSCE) Summit, and the possible problems that would be faced during
the summit in Istanbul. ''We also discussed Chechnya issue. Of course, the
gradual increase in the badly effects of the Russian military operation in
Chechenya on the civilians create sorrow among the Turkish society and
public opinion. We discussed these concerns,'' he said. ''Meanwhile, we
reviewed the draft laws on supplementary funds and tax together with the
Finance Minister and the State Minister for treasury. The Capital Market
Law is among the bills which have priority for discussion in the
Parliament. We discussed rapid ratification of the law on Second Vessel
Record and the law on Foundation of Maritime Ministry. We determined that
approval of the Arbitration Concordance Law by the cabinet will be
finalized within few days and later it will be submitted to the Parliament,
'' he said. ''Besides we discussed the revisions foreseen in the by-law of
the Parliament. These topics are on our agenda. We held the meeting in a
very positive and concordant atmosphere,'' he said. Responding to a
question, Ecevit said they discussed the oil pipelines and blue stream
project within the framework of his visit to Russia. When asked whether it
could be possible to sign an agreement on the Baku-Ceyhan oil pipeline
during the OSCE Summit in Istanbul, Ecevit said, ''we can't comment on this
at the moment. However, we are hopeful.''
[74] TURKEY-NATO - NATO MILITARY COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN: ''TURKEY CLEARLY
EXPRESSED HER CONCERNS ABOUT ESDI''
[75] BRUSSELS, Nov 10 (A.A) - The NATO Military Committee Chairman Admiral
Guido Venturoni said on Wednesday that Turkey clearly expressed her
concerns about the European Security and Defense Identity (ESDI), and the
military flank of the Alliance expected concrete solutions from the
political authorities. The Military Committee, which is composed of the
Chiefs of General Staffs of NATO members and is the highest military
decision organ of the NATO, held its two-day annual regular meeting.
Speaking to reporters following the meeting, Admiral Venturoni said nobody
was opposed to the development of the ESDI and the consolidation of the
European defense. Noting that specific structural relations were set uo
between the NATO and the Western European Union (WEU), Venturoni recalled
that the NATO allies like Turkey who are not a European Union (EU) member,
entered the decision mechanism in the WEU. ''There are elements that should
be clarified in the political field. Some countries like Turkey clearly
expressed their concerns,'' the Admiral said. Stressing the importance of
Chief of General Staff General Huseyin Kivrikoglu's warnings and importance
of ''joint force plans, security measures and intelligence exchange'', the
Admiral said, ''Turkey is a part of all of these.''
[76] DEMIREL EXPLAINS HIS OPINIONS ABOUT ELECTION OF PRESIDENT
[77] ANKARA, Nov 10 (A.A) - President Suleyman Demirel said on Wednesday
that he won't escape from his work if people want him fulfil his work.
Demirel received Zeki Celikel, the General Director of the Turkish
Parliamentarians' Association, and the accompanying delegation at the
Presidential Palace in Cankaya, Ankara. Demirel explained his opinions
about the election of the President. Noting that Turkey has to discuss the
presidency system or half-presidency system, Demirel said the President's
term of office could be re-arranged. Pointing that the seven-year term of
office was long, Demirel said the five-year presidency term of office would
be better and preferable for the administartion in Turkey, and this would
enable a person to be elected for two times. ''I have to care for my work
if people want me to fulfil the work. I won't escape. However, I won't
launch an initiative to insist on fulfilling the duty,'' the President
said. ''God knows that I helped every individual and embraced every part of
this country,'' he added.
[78] DEMIREL EXPLAINS HIS OPINIONS ABOUT ELECTION OF PRESIDENT
[79] ANKARA, Nov 10 (A.A) - President Suleyman Demirel said on Wednesday
that he would not escape from work if people want him fulfil the work.
''However, I do not launch an initiative to insist on fulfilling the duty.
I have never requested something from somebody and I won't. Because, it is
impossible to pay for it later,'' he said. President Suleyman Demirel
received Zeki Celikel, the General Director of the Turkish Parliamentarians'
Association, and the accompanying delegation at the Presidential Palace in
Cankaya, Ankara. Celikel said President Demirel was a very important
element of balance for the stability. ''Now, as the Turkish Parliamentarians'
Association, we belive that the election of Mr. Demirel once again as the
President as a resuit of an amendment to the Constitution became
obligatory. Our surveys and public polls prove this to be right. Actually,
the seven-year term of office is both long and short period according to
the personality of the President. Thus the five-year term of office
enabling a person to be elected as the President for two times is
preferable,'' Celikel said. President Suleyman Demirel said the rules for
the election of the President were mentioned in the Constitution. ''On my
personal opinion, half of the people has to support the President. The man
who will be elected as the President should be powerful. He has a political
power,'' Demirel said. ''Turkey will adopt this implementation in the end.
The Turkish administration needs stability. Today, Turkey has to discuss
the presidency systam or half-presidency system. One of these systems will
be preferred in coming years,'' he said. ''On my personal opinion, the
seven-year term of office is long for presidency. Decreasing seven years to
five years will be the most appropriate system for the administration in
Turkey. This will enable the President to be elected once again for the
next period,'' he said.
[80] GREEK AMBASSADOR TO BERLIN: ''GREECE WILL BE PLEASED WITH TURKEY'S EU
CANDIDACY''
[81] MUNICH, Nov 10 (A.A) - Dimitrios Nezeritis, the Greek Ambassador to
Berlin, said on Wednesday that they supported Turkey's European Union (EU)
candidacy for full-membership. Nezeritis, who was the former Greek
Ambassador to Ankara, staged a press conferene on Greece's foreign policy
and her changing preferences. Noting that there had been changes in
Greece's foreign policy priorities in time, Nezeritis said the continuing
Cyprus question remained a foreign policy priority that was wiating to be
solved. Calling Turkey ''the great neighbour of Greece'', Nezeritis
stressed that the political atmosphere between Turkey and Greece had been
recently recovered as a result of the meetings of the Turkish and Greek
Foreign Ministers. Nezeritis said the problems between Turkey and Greece
like the continental shelf, territorial waters and airspaces could be
solved through the laws as they were mentioned in the international
agreements. Nezeritis said they were not in favour of the bilateral
solution proposed by Turkey. ''We really want Turkey's EU candidacy.
However, the decision will be taken at the Helsinki Summit,'' he said.
A.A
|
