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Anadolu Agency: News in English, 99-11-17
[01] AA Daily
17 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 17, 1999. The Anadolu Ajansi does not verify
these stories and does not vouch for their occuracy.
[04] HURRIYET (LIBERAL) - ---------------- CLINTON REASSURES QUAKE
SURVIVORS U.S. President Bill Clinton, his wife Ms. Hillary Rodham Clinton,
and Chelsea Clinton, the daughter of the Clintons visited Dogukisla tent-
city in Kocaeli province. He promised for the continued U.S. money and
supplies for rebuilding of the disaster-stricken area. Clinton also thanked
children who presented them with their paintings, and sang songs to them.
After visiting several families inside their tents and touring a makeshift
school, the President stood on a wooden platform to address site residents,
who applauded when he noted that most of their tents were provided by the
American military. In his speech, President Clinton eulogized those who
strived to rescue people who were trapped under toppled buildings. Clinton
said, ''We in the U.S. will do everything we can until your lives have
returned to normal.''
[05] OECD'S TURKEY REPORT The Organization for Economic Cooperation and
Development (OECD) which was based in Paris, issued a report named as,
''OECD Economic Outlook''. In the report, the OECD noted, ''within the
space of a year, the Turkish economy has been affected by two major shocks:
the Russian crisis of August 1998, and the Marmara earthquake of August
1999. The government's primary surplus, which has already declined sharply
in response to recession, and pre-election policy slippages, now face the
added burden of earthquake costs. These costs including assistance, tax
shortfalls and reconstruction of public infrastructure, are officially
estimated at around 6.2 billion U.S. dollars. Foreign official financing is
expected to cover only about half of this amount, the remainder to be met
through additional resources, including new taxes.''
[06] MILLIYET (LIBERAL) - ----------------- PRIVATIZATION OF PETROL OFISI
INC Yuksel Yalova, the Minister of State for privatization, said that the
block-sale of 51 percent of Petrol Ofisi Inc (POAS) shares will be
officially announced as of November 17 with advertisements in newspapers
published in Turkey and abroad. The privatization in question is one of the
most important projects of the Privatization Administration Board (OIB) for
its privatization programme in 2000. Yalova said the deadline for
submitting bids for the POAS tender was January 20, 2000.
[07] DEATH TOLL INCREASES TO 550 The Prime Ministry Crisis Management
Center stated that 550 people were killed while 3,299 others were injured
when a massive earthquake hit Duzce county of Bolu province on November 12.
[08] SABAH (LIBERAL) - --------------- ISTANBUL: WORLD CAPITAL Heads of
states and governments of 54 countries are expected to arrive in Turkey
today to attend the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe
(OSCE) Summit in Istanbul between November 18-19. Istanbul will host 6
thousand people at the summit. The OSCE Summit is considered as an great
opportunity to Turkey. During the OSCE Summit, an agreement regarding the
Baku-Ceyhan oil pipeline projects will also be signed.
[09] CUMHURIYET (LEFT) - ---------------- U.S. PLAN FOR 2025 President
Suleyman Demirel and U.S. President Bill Clinton discussed the deepening of
strategical partnership. The U.S. stresses that the economic, political and
security level that Turkey will reach in the year 2025 is very important
concerning the use of regional interests. The U.S. defends that Turkey, who
harmonize secularism and Islamic tolerance, will be a model for both Middle
East and Central Asia. The U.S. thinks that the continuous tension between
two NATO allies Turkey and Greece due to Cyprus creates negativity for the
stability in the region. The U.S. mentions her desire to see concrete
results of the initiative for Cyprus while she foresees that the
cooperation between Ankara and Athens will be beneficial for the NATO's
interests. The U.S. says that Russia's influence on the former Soviet Union
republics will be decreased if Turkey becomes the country via which the
energy lines pass.
[10] ECEVIT: ''CLINTON'S VISIT IS VERY POSITIVE'' Prime Minister Bulent
Ecevit said Clinton welcomed the support that Turkey wants for important
economic issues. Noting that there was not a serious obstacle in front of
the Cyprus question, Ecevit said, ''however, there are points that Turkey
can't take a backward step.''
[11] RADIKAL (LEFT) - ------------- WE LOVE BILL VERY MUCH During his visit
to Kocaeli, it was as if U.S.President Bill Clinton was in his election
district. Bill Clinton, his wife and daughter, who visited the tent-city
erected by the U.S., were welcomed with flood of love by quake survivors.
The Clintons boosted morale in the 400-tent city in Dogukisla in Kocaeli.
The Clintons talked with quake survivors and showed great interest in
children. Children shouted, ''we love you.''
[12] TWO IMPORTANT LOANS READY The American Eximbank approved one billion
U.S. dollars loan which was announced by the U.S.President Bill Clinton two
days ago. The World Bank finalized the procedures for the 757.5 million
U.S. dollars loan.
[13] TURKIYE (RIGHT) - --------------- WARMNESS OF THE PRESIDENT Bill
Clinton, the U.S. President, his wife, and daughther visited quake
survivors in Izmit. Clinton said ''we will do everything for you to return
to life. We always support you to reach good days.'' Clinton visited the
tent site set up by the U.S. in Izmit. Clinton, who embraced Erkan, a seven-
month old baby, kissed him and wispered something to his ear. Erkan
returned to this love. He squeezed nose of the President.
[14] SUPPORT PROMISE TO ECEVIT The U.S. President Clinton said he will do
his best to recover the economy. Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit pointed out
that during his meeting with the U.S. President, he said ''Stand-By was not
adequate to meet primary needs, and I requested more support. He said he
found us rightful.''
[15] ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE) - ------------------ TURKISH STYLE SCIENTIFIC
DISCUSSION Quake polemics demoralize people and give damage to trust on
science. Discussions of Istanbul quake which make people panic, shakes the
trust on science institution. The experts should continue discussion on
platforms that is appropriate to science morals and logic instead of
televisions.
[16] EUROPE DETERMINES ITS HORIZONS Istanbul to host a very big
organization today. Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe
(OSCE) Summit, which is defined as the last world summit, and which will
give a shape to Europe's security model in the next century, will start
today. ''Istanbul Charter, which will determine the horizons of Europe in
the 21st century is expected to be signed during the summit in which many
leaders will attend.
[17] TURKISH AND GREEK ASSOCIATIONS IN THE U.S. ISSUE A JOINT STATEMENT: -
''WE SUPPORT FURTHER IMPROVEMENT OF RELATIONS BETWEEN TURKEY AND GREECE''
[18] WASHINGTON D.C., Nov 17 (A.A) - Leaders of the Turkish-American and
the Greek-American associtaions in the U.S. issued on Wednesday a joint
statement regarding U.S. President Bill Clinton's official visit to Turkey.
In the statement issued by Andrew A. Athens, the Chairman of World Council
of Hellens Living Abroad, E. Manatos, the Chairman of the Hellens'
Coordinated Works Association, and Tolga Cubukcu, the Chairman of Turkish-
American Associations, it was stressed that they supported further
improvement of relations between Turkey and Greece. The associations
underlined that they approved severely the resolution which was adopted on
October 7 by the U.S. Senate to support improving bilateral relations
between Turkey and Greece in the wake of the earthquake disasters. The
mentioned resolution was submitted to the U.S. Senate by Olympia Snowe, and
supported by Jesse Helms, the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of
the U.S. Senate, Paul Sarbanes, and Joseph Biden. Meanwhile, the Turkish
and Greek association have also approved the resolution of the U.S. House
of Representatives to encourage renewal of cooperation between Turkey and
Greece, and solution of problem between two countries. The resolution was
submitted to the U.S. House of Representatives by Mike Bilirakis, and
supported by Carolyn Maloney, Janice Schakowsky and Dan Burton. The
statement also added, ''we believe that cooperation between Turkey and
Greece will further increase prosperity and security in both countries.''
[19] HEALTH MINISTRY SAYS NO EPIDEMICS SEEN IN QUAKE AREA
[20] ANKARA, Nov 17 (A.A) - The Ministry of Health said on Wednesday that
no epidemics were detected in the earthquake region after Duzce was hit by
a quake last week. Two health teams of 16 people were sent to the region to
scan the area for a possibility of epidemics and traced to diseases. The
teams continue to vaccinate people also this week. ''We have made contacts
with related institutions to provide the quake survivors with clean potable
water and tap water that is needed for various uses. The Health Ministry
sent three water tanks, each with a capacity of 57 tons, along with
sufficient disinfectants. The Ministry also informed the Prime Ministry
Crisis Management Center about the mobile toilet and shower needs in the
area to be used in health services and personal hygene. All necessary
measures have been taken against a possibility of a epidemics outbreak.
Although the health personnel detected some cases of cold among quake
survivors, this is a normal increase in change of seasons and does not
constitute a epidemics threat,'' the Ministry of Health stated.
[21] RUSSIAN PRESIDENT YELTSIN LEAVES FOR TURKEY
[22] MOSCOW, Nov 17 (A.A) - President Boris Yeltsin of the Russian
Federation left for Turkey at 12:05 p.m. on Wednesday to attend the
Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Summit in
Istanbul between November 18-19. Addressing to journalists prior to his
departure, Yeltsin said, ''my mission in Istanbul will not be easy, but I
hope common sense will prevail.'' Yeltsin told reporters that he was in a
''good, businesslike mood.'' Igor Ivanov, the Russian Foreign Minister,
Igor Sergeyev, the Russian Defense Minister, Sergey Shogu, the Russian
Emergency Minister, and Aleksandr Voloshin, the Secretary General of the
Kremlin Palace, are accompanying President Yeltsin during his visit to
Turkey.
[23] SOLANA, FOREIGN POLICY REPRESENTATIVE OF EU: - ''ISTANBUL SUMMIT IS A
SIGNIFICANT OPPORTUNITY TO FURTHER STRENGTHEN THE OSCE''
[24] STRASBOURG, Nov 17 (A.A) - Javier Solana, the Foreign Policy
Representative of the European Union (EU), said on Wednesday that the
Istanbul Summit was a significant opportunity to further strengthen the
Organization for Security and Coopretion in Europe (OSCE). Addressing the
General Assembly of the European Parliament, Solana said that the European
Security Charter which will be adopted at the end of the summit, would
increase the OSCE's authority, and contribute to improvement of EU's
security policy. Solana said that Chechnya problem was one of the most
important issues to be discussed at the summit.
[25] STATE MINISTER GUREL RETURNS FROM TRNC
[26] ANKARA (A.A) - State Minister Sukru Sina Gurel said on Wednesday that
the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) will gain the esteemed place
she deserves in the international platform in near future. Gurel, who
attended the ceremonies in Lefkosa to mark the 16th anniversary of the
foundation of the TRNC, returned to Turkey after wrapping up his contacts.
Speaking to reporters in the Esenboga Airport in Ankara, Gurel said any
festival was not held due to quake disaster in Turkey but he attended the
celebrations including several international activities. ''The most
important aspect of those activities was the arrival of more than 40
international delegations in the TRNC to attend scientific ahd cultural
activities. This proves that the TRNC will gain the esteemed place that she
deserves in the international platform in near future,'' he said.
[27] GUREL, MINISTER OF STATE: ''I SUPPORT DETERMINED ATTITUTE OF DENKTAS''
[28] LEFKOSA, Nov 17 (A.A) - Sukru Sina Gurel, Minister of State, said on
Wednesday that he supported resolved attitude of Rauf Denktas, President of
Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). Gurel, who attended
celebrations to mark the 16th anniversary of the foundation of TRNC, left
for Turkey. Speaking before his departure, Gurel pointed out that Turkish
Cypriot people were an inseparable part of Turkish nation. Gurel said he
attended the ceremonies on behalf of Turkey to make the TRNC fact to be
known. Gurel said Turkish Cypriot people will take the place it deserved in
international platform very soon, adding that Cyprus question was a case of
Turkish nation. Gurel said protocols have been made to use economic
contributions that have been sent to TRNC for adjustments in infrastructure
and investment projects.
[29] MEETING OF PARLIAMENTARIANS OF TURKISH ORIGIN ENDS
[30] LEFKOSA, Nov 17 (A.A) - The Parliamentarians of Turkish origin, in
their meeting held in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC),
decided to improve every kind of relations with the TRNC. The second and
last session of the Meeting of Parliamentarians of Turkish Origin was held
on Wednesday at the Ataturk Culture Center in Lefkosa. The joint communique
was approved unanimously at the end of the two-day meeting chaired by TRNC
Parliament Speaker Ertugrul Hasipoglu. In accordance with the joint
communique, the Parliamentarians of Turkish origin will convene again in
Lefkosa between July 15 and 23, 2000. The joint communique said the
participants, who are parliamentarians in several countries, think it is
beneficial to organize such meetings frequently with a comprehensive
content. The joint communique said the participants expressed their
pleasure over having the opportunity to see the realities about the Cyprus
question. It said the parliamentarians will return to their countries with
information based on realities about the Cyprus question and they will have
the opportunity to lead the development of a realistic position toward the
Cyprus question, and increase their initiatives to this end. It said the
parliamentarians decided to lead the establishment of interparliamentary
friendship groups between the TRNC Parliament and their parliaments. The
joint communique stressed that the brotherhood and solidarity spirit, which
was observed during the meeting, intensified the belief that ''the 2000s
will be the years of Turks.''
[31] MINISTER OF LABOUR AND SOCIAL SECURITY, OKUYAN ASSURES THAT 26,000
DWELLINGS WILL BE GIVEN TO THEIR OWNERS BY NOVEMBER 30
[32] ANKARA, Nov 17 (A.A) - Yasar Okuyan, the Minister of Labour and Social
Security said on Wednesday that 26,200 dwellings will be given to their
owners by November 30. ''The 26,200 dwelllings which were put out to tender
by the Housing Ministry will be completed by November 30. There are another
6,000 prefabricated huts which are set up by foreign organizations. Last
week, I visited the quake area and it seemed like there were no problems,''
Okuyan told reporters. Okuyan also noted that the quake which hit Duzce on
November 12 brought additional burden by seriously damaging many buildings.
Minister Okuyan said instructions were given to build dwellings for those
who were left homeless after the second quake but added that this might
take a while. People who fear another quake still prefer to live in tents
and this means the tents will remain in the quake hit regions, Okuyan went
on to say. Half of the 134,000 families whose houses collapsed during the
first quake were given 100 million Turkish Liras monthy as a contribution
to their rent and others already moved to prefabricated huts, he explained
however said serious troubles existed in Duzce and Kaynasli. There is a
high demand for tents in Duzce and Kaynasli and Turkey already contacted
with some U.S. tent producers to send the survivors 10,000 tents specially
made for winter conditions. However, these tents would not suffice to solve
the housing problem in these areas, he said. Responding to a question,
Okuyan said the earthquake tax was necessary and everybody should cooperate
to help the quake survivors.
[33] BSEC SUMMIT STARTS - ''ISTANBUL DECLARATION'' EXPECTED TO BE ADOPTED
[34] ISTANBUL, Nov 17 (A.A) - The Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC)
Summit started on Wednesday by the participation of heads of states and
governments of the member countries in Musir Fuat Pasa palace (Foreign
Ministry's Representation in Istanbul). ''Istanbul Declaration'' which was
prepared by high ranking officials of the BSEC countries and which includes
the coming perspective of the BSEC, is expected to be adopted today. The
summit started by the opening remarks of President Suleyman Demirel and
statesmen of other member countries are also expected to address the summit
briefly. Azerbaijani, Bulgarian, Armenian, Georgian, Moldovian, Romanian,
Ukrainian Presidents and Albanian and Greek Prime ministers and Russian
foreign minister participate in the summit together with Turkey. BSEC was
founded on June 25, 1992 by the declaration published during Istanbul
summit. BSEC offers a model based on multilateral economic cooperation. The
organization became a regional economic organization after the BSEC Charter,
signed by member states on June 5, 1998, entered into enforcement. Thus
BSEC started to be effectively implemented. Israel, Egypt, Polonia,
Slovakia, Tunisia, and EU countries namely Austria, Italy, France and
Germany will participate in othner meetings of BSEC. While Iran, Uzbekistan,
Yugoslavia applied for full membership, Bosnia, Slovenia, Jordan,
Kazakhstan, Croatia, Greek Cypriot administration, Belarussia and Hungary
applied to be observers.
[35] BSEC SUMMIT STARTS - PRESIDENT DEMIREL ADDRESSES SUMMIT
[36] ISTANBUL, Nov 17 (A.A) - The Organization of the Black Sea Economic
Cooperation (BSEC) started its summit meeting on Wednesday. In his opening
remark, President Demirel said that: ''It is a great pleasure to open the
meeting of the fellow heads of state or government of the organization of
the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC). This meeting is taking place at
the very heart of our organization. This is the building which hosts the
BSEC International Permanent Secretariat with a beautiful view of the
Bosphorus that connects the Black Sea with the rest of the world. I would
like to take this opportunity to express, on behalf of the Turkish people,
our heartfelt thanks to the BSEC member states for the solidarity and
support shown by them in the relief efforts following the recent
earthquakes that devastated an important region of western Turkey. Our
organization has a vital mission. This mission is to act as a vital and
vibrant link between Europe and Asia; between the Caspian, Black Sea and
Mediterranean basins. At the dawn of a new century, these seas that once
divided our peoples apart are embracing one another again through new
cooperation mechanisms such as the BSEC. Two momentous developments in this
respect clearly stood out recently. The first was the signing of the Black
Sea Cooperation Charter in Yalta, Ukraine, on 5 June 1998. With this step
the BSEC will now better deal with the task of creating a free trade area
in the Black Sea basin. This will also contribute to the future European
common economic zone. It was not any easy journey that brought us all the
way from Yalta of 1945 to Yalta of 1998. Since the world of Yalta 1945 that
divided us is not history, we have a chance to build a Black Sea region
undivided, democratic, prosperous, and at peace. The second major event for
the future of Eurasia and the Black Sea region, was the Silk Road Summit
which was convened in Baku on 7 September 1998 with the participation of 34
countries. It was a golden occasion displaying the international
recognition of the new opportunities that exist in Eurasia and the BSEC
region for peace, cooperation and prosperity. Crucial joint projects that
constitute the infrastructure of the re-emerging Silk Road are already
being built within the BSEC area as integral parts of the Black Sea rign
corridor. Today, ancient Silk Road is not only reappearing, but is also
bringing new opportunities, commercial, economic, cultural and political,
to the nations of the countries involved. As the BSEC we should seize this
historic opportunity. In our wider region, ethnic cleansing, first in
Bosnia-Herzegovina then in Kosovo, has been stopped thanks to the resolute
stand and effective intervention of the international community.
Furthermore, the international community has been quick to establish such
formations as the stability pact and the South East European cooperative
initiative. These formations aim to promote peace, stability and prosperity
in the Balkans by achieving the much needed reconstruction and
rehabilitation. The BSEC is looking forward to working in close
collaboration with these new initiatives. On the other hand, building
lasting peace in the Caucasus on the basis of international legitimacy
remains crucial for reaching the goals of the BSEC. Undoubtedly, the
strengthening of the BSEC will generate stability and promote democracy in
our wider region.
[37] The promotion of intra-regional trade and investment in economic and
social infrastructures are vital for fostering the overall economic
development of the whole BSEC region. In this respect, we welcome the
launching of the Black Sea Trade and Development Bank since last June. Now
it falls to all member countries to give their financial support to the
bank to be able to realize our common objectives. Regarding our regional
economic cooperation, I would like to underline the leading role that our
private sectors can be expected to play in expanding and diversifying this
cooperation. Therefore, the creation in our member countries of a
favourable economic, commercial, industrial, fiscal and legal environment
to facilitate the activities of our private sectors remains crucial. As the
host country of the BSEC business council, we will continue to lend our
strong support for more private sector involvement in all of our economic
cooperation activities. With its charter and other related documents, its
Parliamentary Assembly, the Business Council, the Bank and the
International Center for Black Sea studies as well as the other related
organs, the BSEC has completed its formative stages and has become a full-
fledged regional organization. It is the responsibility of each and every
BSEC member state not to take up the challenge and work together in this
well-designed and well-developed cooprative scheme. At this juncture, I
would like to stress the positive effect of regional economic cooperation
on the OSCE process as a whole and its security element in particular. It
is acknowledged by the OSCE that sub-regional cooperation has become an
important factor to enhance security across the OSCE area. In this respect,
the contribution of the BSEC should be a source of pride for all of us.
[38] Terrorism is one area where we should strengthen our cooperation.
Terrorism is a threat to the well-being and stability fo the civilized
world. According to the international law, it cannot and should not be
justified under any circumstances. The UN General Assembly adopted a
resolution on 18 October 1999, which establishes the guidelines for the
fight of the international community against terrorism. The BSEC countries
should draw on this resolution and develop bilateral or multilateral
cooperation schemes based on their specific needs and conditions. The
member states of the organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation has
successfully concluded an agreement on ''Cooperation In Combatting Crime,
In Particular In Its Organized Forms.'' I welcome the efforts of BSEC to
create a mechanism for the implementation of this agreement. Before
concluding my remarks, I extend my congratulations to the Greek authorities
for having conducted in the best possible manner the chairmanship of the
BSEC during the past six month which brought about fruitful results. I am
convinced that the cooperation within the BSEC will be strengthened during
the current chairmanship of Moldova which took over from Greece recently.
Finally, I wish to thank the Secretary General of the BSEC, Mr. Vassil
Bytchev, for his efforts to ensure the success of the BSEC and congratulate
our upcoming Secretary General, Mr. Valery Chechelashvili on his
appointment. I would also like to thank the outgoing Deputy Secretaires
General Ambassador Nurver Nures, Mr. Alexei Nistrean and Mr. Shamil
Aleskerov for their most effective services to the organization.''
[39] U.N. SECRETARY GENERAL ANNAN DUE IN TURKEY
[40] ANKARA, Nov 17 (A.A) - Kofi Annan, the Secretary General of the United
Nations (U.N.), will arrive in Turkey on Wednesday evening. A statement
from the Foreign Ministry said that Annan and the accompanying delegation
will arrive in Turkey to participate in the Organization for Security and
Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) summit and to hold some official contacts.
Foreign Minister Ismail Cem will meet with Annan during the OSCE summit,
the statement noted. The statement stressed that Annan is expected to visit
the quake-hit areas in the Marmara Region following the OSCE summit. Annan
will proceed to Ankara on November 22, 1999, the statement emphasized. The
statement pointed out that Annan will be received by President Suleyman
Demirel and Parliament Speaker Yildirim Akbulut in Ankara. Annan is also
expected to meet with Premier Bulent Ecevit, the statement said. The
statement noted that Annan is expected to exchange views about the
significant political and economic issues, some regional issues, and the
Turkey-U.N. relations during his contacts. The statement added that Annan
and the accompanying delegation will depart Turkey on November 23, 1999.
[41] BSEC ISTANBUL SUMMIT DECLARATION PUBLISHED
[42] ISTANBUL, Nov 17 (A.A) - The Black Sea Economic Cooperation summit
ended on Wednesday by the publication of ''Istanbul Summit Declaration''
prepared by the high ranking officials of the member countries. The
declaration is as follows: ''1-We, the Heads of State or Government of the
Member states of the Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation
(BSEC) gathered in Istanbul on November 17 1999 to appraise, in the light
of the latest political, economic and security developments in Europe, the
new opportunities created by the transformation of the BSEC into a regional
economic cooperation. Following the achievements since the adoption of the
Istanbul and Moscow Summit Declarations, we confirm our adherence to the
provisions of the Yalta Summit Declaration and solemnly reaffirm our
political will to contribute to peace and security in the BSEC area by
means of multilateral economic cooperation.
[43] 2-Having held our gathering on the eve of the OSCE Istanbul Summit of
1999, we reaffirm our adherence to the principles of the UN Charter, the
Helsinki Final Act and the OSCE principles, norms and decisions. We believe
that the new Charter for European Security, to be adopted within the
framework of the OSCE will strengthen the non-hierarchical and mutually
benefical cooperation among the OSCE and other organizations and
institutions. In that context enhanced cooperation between the BSEC and the
OSCE in their respective fields of competence will serve the goals of a
stable peace and prosperity in the whole of the OSCE area.
[44] 3-We share a common view that during its seven years of existence, the
BSEC has contributed substantially to the process of enhancement of peace
and security in the BSEC area by applying the pragmatic concept that
economic cooperation is an effective confidence-building measure and serves
as a pillar in the new European architecture.
[45] 4-We confirm our commitment to promote effective economic, social and
democratic reforms in the BSEC area, the establishments of vigorous market
economies and the development of civil socities, which are of importance
for the BSEC area cooperation. This commitment will also be instrumental to
meeting the aspirations of the member states wishing to fully integrate
into Europe.
[46] 5-We appreciate the role attached to the BSEC by the Stability Pact
for South Eastern Europe in promoting mutual understanding, improving the
overall political climate and fostering economic development in the BSEC
area. We welcome the fact that the Stability Pact emphasizes the BSEC
engagement to peace, security and stability through economic cooperation
and invites our Organization to participate in its implementation. We are
committed to the implementation of the Stability Pact objectives in full
conformity with the BSEC objectives and goals, in close cooperation with
the other international organizations and in accordance with the
''Contribution of the BSEC to the Stability Pact'', adopted by the
Thessaloniki Council of Ministers on 27 October 1999.
[47] 6. We welcome the continuation of the BSEC-EU dialogue at the BSEC
Thessaloniki Ministerial Council and we regard the BSEC Platform for
Cooperation with the EU as an appropriate basis for interaction in fields
of common interest. Therefore, we appeal to the EU to develop a
comprehensive strategy towards the BSEC area and to assist the BSEC in the
elaboration and implementation of concrete regional projects.
[48] 7. We are convinced that the new identity, acquired by the BSEC as a
regional economic organization requires, whenever possible, resolutions and
decisions with a mechanism for their implementation, as well as a rapid
evolution from the stage of project developmet into the one of project
implementation. We consider as a high priority the establishment of an
implementation mechanism of the BSEC Agreement on Emergency Assistance and
Emergency Response, in view of the recent tragic disasters in the region.
[49] 8. We share the conviction that at the new stage of consolidation of
the BSEC, the implementation of concrete joint projects for cooperation
shoud be the core of its activites. The most rewarding perspective before
the Black Sea Trade and Development Bank is the realization of viable and
bankable projects of interest to the Member States with as large as
possible co-financing by other interested banking and financial
institutions. We reiterate our commitment to support and promote BSTDB as
the financial pillar of the BSEC for enhancing the economic development of
the region.
[50] 9. We applaud the U.N. General Assembly for granting Observer Status
to the BSEC. This act enabled the BSEC to join the family of international
organizations as an equal partner, assisting the region to engage in a more
competitive manner in the globalization process.
[51] 10. We emphasize the role of the Parliamentary Assembly as the
parliamentary dimension of the BSEC, providing effective and close
interaction among national parliaments and cosistent support to the BSEC
cooperation process.
[52] 11. We highly appreciate the contribution of the Republic of Turkey
for the establishment of further development of the BSEC and express our
gratitude to the Government and people of Turkey for the opportunity to
meet in Istanbul, the birth place of the BSEC.''
[53] OSCE SUMMIT - FM:''CYPRUS QUESTION IS NOT A TURKISH-GREEK PROBLEM, IT
SHOULD BE SOLVED BETWEEN TWO SIDES''
[54] ISTANBUL, Nov 17 (A.A) - Sermet Atacanlı, the Foreign Ministry Deputy
Spokesman said on Wednesday that the Cyprus question is not a problem of
Turkey and Greece and added that it should be solved between the two sides
on the island. Responding to a question in an information meeting he held
within the framework of the OSCE summit, Atacanlı stated that the decision
of the concerned sides to hold indirect talks in New York is a positive
step. He added that if a positive development is recorded regarding this
problem, it will naturally influence Turkish-Greek relations in a positive
way. Upon questions about the news published in press claiming that Turkey
will accept bringing bilateral problems to the International Court of
Justice in the Hague by making a gesture, Atacanlı said that the Court in
the Hague is one of the existing methods of solving bilateral problems, but
the most important of them is solving the problems between the two sides.
Responding to another question, Atacanlı stated that the direction in
Turkish-Greek relations is promising and there is a positive ongoing in the
studies of the committees formed. Atacanlı noted that precaution has to be
reserved about Turkish-Greek relations and time will show for how long this
goings-on will continue.
[55] ''LYRICAL HISTORY PERFORMANCE'' STARTS
[56] ISTANBUL, Nov 17 (A.A) - The only cultural activity at the
Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Summit started
in Istanbul on Wednesday evening. The ''Lyrical History Performance'' of
the Istanbul State Opera and Balet, started at Lutfi Kirdar Congress and
Exhibition Hall at 7.45 p.m. The performance was organized by the Foreign
Ministry under the auspices of President Suleyman Demirel, and his wife Ms.
Nazmiye Demirel. President Demirel and his wife Nazmiye Demirel; U.S.
President Bill Clinton, his wife Hillary Clinton and daughter Chelsea;
Georgian President Eduard Sevardnadze; Parliament Speaker Yildirim Akbulut
and his wife; many other officials from Turkey and the delegation which
will join the OSCE summit are watching the performance. The performance
aims at describing Turkey's multi-cultural mosaic by music. A total of 450
persons created the performance. Serdar Yalcin is the conductor of the
orchestra. Many members of the Istanbul State Opera and Ballet, Janissary
band, many Turkish singers, Seferad Synagogue Hymn Chorus, Istanbul
Orthodox Church Chorus and State Folk Dancing Team take stage.
[57] PRESIDENT DEMIREL MEETS WITH ARMENIAN PRESIDENT KOCHARYAN
[58] ISTANBUL, Nov 17 (A.A) - President Suleyman Demirel met on Wednesday
with Armenian President Robert Kocharyan, who is in Istanbul for the
Organization on Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) summit. The
meeting took place in Cıragan Palace. When Kocharyan saw the crowded press
members waiting to follow the meeting, he smiled and said ''there are so
many journalists.''
[59] PRESIDENT DEMIREL MEETS WITH ARMENIAN PRESIDENT KOCHARYAN
[60] ISTANBUL, Nov 17 (A.A) - President Suleyman Demirel said on Wednesday
that starting diplomatic relations between Turkey and Armenia depends on
the result of Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict. Responding to questions of
journalists after meeting with Armenian President Robert Kocharyan, Demirel
stated that ''the start of diplomatic relations between the two countries
depends on the peaceful and fair solution of the conflict between Armenia
and Azerbaijan.'' ''Did you suggest Kocharyan to continue the Armenian-
Azerbaijani dialogue?'' asked journalists to Demirel, who said ''yes.''
''Armenia is our neighbour and it is a new country, which gained
independence eight years ago. We want peace in the Caucasus. If there is
peace there, this is to the interest of Turkey, Armenia, Georgia and also
Azerbaijan. We are very sincere about this issue,'' said President Demirel.
''Are you seeking alternatives to Baku-Ceyhan route?'' was another question
to Demirel. He stated that ''not now, maybe in the future. This dependes on
Armenia and Azerbaijan. They must work together and we will do our best.''
''Have you seen a positive on-going about Caucasus issue in your
contacts?'' asked journalists to Demirel who said that ''Yes, I see.''
Journalists asked ''What was your message to Russian President Boris
Yeltsin about Chechnya?'' Demirel responded to that saying ''there are
certainly other elements. Our views are known about the issue. We wish
solution of problems in this country by peaceful means. We are against
terrorism, but it is wrong of a state to attack its own people while saying
it wants to eliminate terrorism.'' When asked whether or not the Blue
Stream project came to the agenda of his meeting with Yeltsin, Demirel said
''there is an agreement between us and it is being implemented. We need gas,
we can buy natural gas both from Russia and Turkmenistan.'' ''Did you give
this message to Yeltsin?'' asked journalists and Demirel said ''Mr. Ecevit
had already conveyed this message to Russian officials. They know that and
I reiterated the same message.''
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