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Anadolu Agency: News in English, 99-11-29
[01] AA Daily
29 November 1999 Monday
[02] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN
[03] These are some of the major headlines and their brief stories in
Turkey's press on November 29, 1999. The Anadolu Ajansi does not verify
these stories and does not vouch for their occuracy.
[04] HURRIYET (LIBERAL) - ---------------- KEY CHAOS There are only 24
hours left for the date which was scheduled for the delivery of the
prefabricated huts to the quake survivors. However, only 8,500 of the 30,
000 prefabricated huts are ready and the rest has not been completed yet.
Koray Aydin, the Public Works and Housing Minister, said that 94 percent of
the construction has been completed and they will hand over the huts on
December 1, 1999. However, the searches in the locations indicated that
only the walls and the roofs of the huts were constructed and the huts
lacked of water, electricity, and sewage systems.
[05] 'INTEREST TAX' IS A CONDITION OF IMF The 'interest tax' which was
included in the scope of the tax law at the last stage, was the request of
the International Monetary Fund (IMF). It was revealed that the IMF put
forward this tax as a precondition for the stand-by agreement which will be
signed between Turkey and the IMF. MILLIYET (LIBERAL) - -----------------
PRESIDENT DEMIREL IN ISPARTA President Suleyman Demirel, Azerbaijani
President Haydar Aliyev and the President of Turkish Republic of Northern
Cyprus (TRNC) Rauf Denktas went to Isparta. Demirel and his guests attended
some opening ceremonies in Isparta. Later, Demirel decorated Aliyev and
Denktas with honorary doctorate title.
[06] SPECIAL TRANSACTION TAX TO INCREASE BY 51.5 PERCENT The Special
Transaction Tax will increase by 51.5 percent. The tax which will be taken
from the declarations given to the tax departments, Social Security Agency
(SSK), and the municipalities, will be 1.5 million Turkish liras. Six
million Turkish liras will be taken from the customs declarations while 15
million will be taken from the purchase, selling or transfer of the cars,
and 45 million will be taken from the gun licences. SABAH (LIBERAL) - ------
--------- ISMAIL CEM IN BEST MINISTERS LIST Foreign Minister Ismail Cem was
included in the ''Dream Government'' which was announced by the World
Economy Forum. Cem was nominated among the best five foreign ministers. Cem
was appreciated by the jury due to his honesty and and efforts he exerted
for better relations between Turkey and Greece. However, German Foreign
Minister Joschka Fischer became the first in this list.
[07] 5.4 BILLION U.S. DOLLAR TAX Turkey is expected to gain 2.7 quadrillion
Turkish liras which is equal to 5.4 billion U.S. dollars from the tax law.
Most of this revenue will be gained from the interest tax. Turkey will gain
1.7 quadrillion Turkish liras from the interest tax. Thus, Turkey will have
an additional revenue which is equal to the 2.5 percent of the national
income. CUMHURIYET (LEFT) - ---------------- RUSSIA USES PKK Russia, which
gave assurances to Turkey, gave permission to the demonstration staged by
terrorists in Moscow two days ago. Russia, which is trying to expend
efforts to cooperate with Turkey in struggle against terrorism, once again
allowed an activity of terrorist PKK organization in Moscow. The terrorist
PKK organization held a so-called celebration upon 21st anniversary of its
foundation at a theatre in city-center of Moscow two days ago.
[08] THREAT OF VETO FROM GREECE Greek Foreign Minister Yorgo Papandreou
said they would use veto in Helsinki if Greece's demands from Turkey and
the EU were not met. Speaking to a newspaper, Papandreou included execution
issue of Abdullah Ocalan into Greece's expectations from Turkey and the EU.
[09] RADIKAL (LEFT) - ------------- TAX QUAKE The banks, which have a total
of 8 quadrillion 856 trillion Turkish Liras (TL) of Treasury bonds and
debenture bonds, will have nearly three billion U.S. dollars loss due to
the tax quake. Meanwhile, according to a survey among the members of the
Ankara Chambers of Commerce and Industry, 88.9 percent of businessmen are
opposed to the quake tax.
[10] IT WON'T HIT FOR A THIRD TIME RIGHT AFTER Earthquake Engineer Prof.
Nuray Aydinoglu said, ''the possibility for occurance of three major
earthquakes one after another is very low. Istanbul is lucky because the
ground is sound in most of the places. Almost 70 thousand of 700-800
thousand buildings in Istanbul may collapse in a possible quake.'' TURKIYE
(RIGHT) - --------------- REACTIONS INCREASE The reactions against the
supplementary taxes, which the government decided to collect to meet the
losses of the quake, are increasing. It was mentioned that these new
arrangements, which was opposed by the employers, employees, banking, and
other sector, will hamper the economy, which is actually in bad condition.
Businessman Uzeyir Garih said, ''these taxes will mortgage the future and
this will lead to pause in investments.'' The Chairman of the Ankara
Chamber of Commerce said, ''what did you want from people and tradesmen?
They don't have no more force to make savings. This can be called only
unfairness.'' Tradesmen said, ''we may pull down the shutters.''
[11] MANUKYAN: ''TURKEY IS AN IDEAL COUNTRY FOR SPIES'' Manukyan, who
worked for the KGB, the intelligence and internal-security agency of the
former Soviet Union, for fourteen years in Turkey, said, ''it is so easy to
spy in Turkey that everyone assists you.''
[12] ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE) - ------------------ TAX LAW TO BE SENT TO
CONSTITUTIONAL COURT The reactions to the tax law which the government
passed from the parliament by saying that it was necessary due to the quake
disasters, continue. Following the True Path Party (DYP), the Virtue Party
(FP) said that it will apply to the Constitutional Court for the annulment
of the law.
[13] FIRST OFFICIAL DECISION FROM EUROPE The attitude of Europe towards the
capital punishment given to Abdullah Ocalan, the head of the terrorist
organization, will be officially announced this week. The European Court of
Human Rights (ECHR) will discuss this issue on Tuesday. The court can
decide to suspend the execution in the end of this meeting.
[14] TRNC: ''THERE ARE TWO DIFFERENT STATES IN CYPRUS''
[15] LEFKOSA, Nov 29 (A.A) - Tahsin Ertugruloglu, the Foreign and Defense
Minister of Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), said on Sunday that
there are two different states in Cyprus. Ertugruloglu spoke to A.A
correspondent after Dimitris Hristofias, the Secretary General of communist
AKEL party of the Greek Cypriot side, was not permitted to enter into the
TRNC when he opposed to the identity control at the border by saying that
they do not recognize TRNC. There is a procedure which should be applied
when entering a country, Ertugruloglu noted. Ertugruloglu recalled that
they implement the regulation which is in force and this regulation
foresees fee payment and registration when entering from the Greek Cypriot
side to the TRNC. Those who want to think that they are travelling within
the borders of one country, cause this problem, Ertugruloglu pointed out.
Ertugruloglu continued, ''there are procedures we should obey when we
travel from one country to another. It is a strange thing that the AKEL
delegation thought that it can enter into the TRNC without these
procedures. Those who invited the AKEL delegation should have known this
and should have taken precautions.'' The AKEL delegation, including nearly
ten people, had wanted to enter into TRNC to participate in the congress of
Patriotic Union Movement (YBH). The delegation which had reached the Ledra
Palace, had opposed to the procedures by saying that they did not recognize
the TRNC and had not permitted the TRNC police to control their passports.
Thus, the TRNC police had not permitted the AKEL delegation to enter into
the country.
[16] 70TH WORLD MEN'S WEIGHT-LIFTING CHAMPIONSHIP - TURKEY CAN PARTICIPATE
IN OLYMPIC GAMES IN ALL CATEGORIES
[17] ATHENS, Nov 29 (A.A) - Turkey can participate in the Sydney Olympic
Games in all categories by becoming the fourth in team standings in the
70th World Men's Weight-Lifting Championship. The championship which was
being held in Athens, ended on Sunday. Greece became the first, Bulgaria
became the second, China became the third, and Turkey became the fourth in
the team standings. Turkey won three gold and one bronze medals in the
championship. Thus, she can attend the Sydney Olympic Games in all
categories.
[18] SOUTHEAST EXPORTS 9.2 MILLION U.S. DOLLAR PRODUCTS TO CIS
[19] GAZIANTEP, Nov 29 (A.A) - The Southeastern Anatolia Region exported
9.2 million U.S. dollar agricultural products to the Commonwealth of
Independent States (CIS) between January and October 1999. The officials at
the Southeastern Anatolia Exporters Union said on Monday that they exported
27.7 million U.S. dollar agricultural products to the Eastern Europe
countries. The exports to CIS countries decreased 27.9 percent and the
exports to the Eastern Europe countries reduced 18.6 percent in the
mentioned period, the officials noted. The officials stated that 4.6
million U.S. dollar cereals, 48,000 U.S. dollar dried fruit, 4.5 million
U.S. dollar textile products were exported to the CIS countries. A total of
312,00 U.S. dollar cereals, 1.1 million U.S. dollar dried fruit and 26.2
million U.S. dollar textile products were exported to the Eastern Europe
countries in the mentioned time, the officials stressed. Russia and Romania
were among the countries which the Southeastern Anatolia Region had
exported the most in the mentioned period, the officials emphasized.
[20] DEMIREL: ''THE FUTURE OF TURKEY IS BRILLIANT''
[21] ISPARTA, Nov 29 (A.A) - President Suleyman Demirel said on Sunday that
the future of the Republic of Turkey was brilliant. Noting that the targets
set forth by Great Leader Ataturk were being carried out in a large scale,
Demirel said, ''these stem from the belief, confidence, and persistence.''
President Suleyman Demirel, Azerbaijani President Haydar Aliyev and the
Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) President Rauf Denktas attended
a ceremony for the foundation of the Medical Faculty Hospital in the
Suleyman Demirel University in Isparta. Addressing the ceremony, Demirel
said, ''the Republic of Turkey was founded when Great Leader Ataturk saved
the country from the enemies, and now the Republic is celebrating the 76th
anniversary of its foundation.'' ''Turkey is now playing an important role
in the region and in the world. Turkey, who purchased everything from
abroad in the beginning, is now producing planes, submarines, and
automobiles, and selling industrial goods to 135 countries. This did not
happen automatically. This stems from belief, confidence, and persistence,
'' he said. Following the ceremony, Demirel and Denktas returned to Ankara
while Haydar Aliyev left Turkey. TRNC President Rauf Denktas later
proceeded to Istanbul.
[22] FRANCE TO DELIVER FIRST OF 30 COUGARS IN DECEMBER
[23] ANKARA, Nov 29 (A.A) - The first of the 30 Cougar AS-532 helicopters
will be delivered in December. The Cougars will be included in the defense
system within the framework of the PHENIX-I Programme. Sources said the
first Cougar helicopter would be brought to Turkey in December within the
framework of a deal between the Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) and
French Eurocopter. The first helicopter's system integration was concluded
in two years at the Eurocopter Marignane facilities in France. The Cougar,
which will be once again tested in the TAI facilities in Ankara, will be
handed over to the Turkish Air Forces on December 15. The second Cougar of
which production still continues in France was planned to be delivered to
the TAI in May 2000. The second Cougar will have general-purpose features.
The Military Electronics Industry and Trade Inc (Aselsan) and Northern
Electronic Telecom Inc (Netas) of Turkey are also contributing to the works
for the integration of these two helicopters. Meanwhile, the first of the
28 Cougars, which are foreseen to be produced at the TAI facilities, was
planned to be delivered in May 2000. Within the framework of the protocol
between the TAI and the French Eurocopter, ten of these helicopters will be
delivered to the Land Forces, and 20 of them will be handed over to the Air
Forces. The production programme was planned to be concluded by January
2005.
[24] ECONOMY-TURKEY'S RATING - FITCH-IBCA: ''AGREEMENT REACHED WITH IMF FOR
A STAND-BY, WAS A VERY IMPORTANT STEP''
[25] LONDON/ANKARA, Nov 29 (A.A) - The first signal relating to an increase
in Turkey's rating following the agreement reached between Turkey and the
International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a stand-by came from the London-based
international rating organization Fitch-IBCA. Fitch-IBCA's Turkey Analyst
Neil Wigan told the A.A correspondent that the agreement reached between
Turkey and the IMF for the arrangement of a stand-by deal was a very
important step concerning Turkey's rating. Neil Wigan said they would
inspect in early 2000 whether the conditions of the stand-by were fulfilled
to confirm a higher rating for Turkey. Wigan said Turkey recorded important
progress in social security reform and international arbitration, and took
necessary economic decisions. Wigan said they were closely following the
developments in the Turkish economy, and the developments including
especially the stand-by gave hope to the process of increase in Turkey's
rating. Fitch-IBCA did not make a change and confirmed ''B+'' rating for
Turkey in August 1999. Fitch-IBCA keeps Turkey's economic vision at
''stable''.
[26] JOINT MANOEUVRES OF TURKEY, ISRAEL, AND U.S. TO BE HELD ON DECEMBER 14
[27] TEL AVIV, Nov 29 (A.A) - The Israeli army officially announced on
Monday that the joint manoeuvres of Turkey, Israel, and the U.S. will be
exercised on December 14. The Israeli army, IDF, said Israel will
participate in the ''Reliable Mermaid II'' manoeuvres with two vessels. The
Reliable Mermaid II will be staged in international waters off-shore
southern Turkey and last four days. The manoeuvres aims at providing
coordination in emergency search and rescue operations. Jordan and Egypt
gave negative response to invitations for their participation as observers.
Jordan had participated as an observer in the ''Reliable Mermaid I'' joint
manoeuvres of Turkey, Israel, and the U.S. two years ago.
[28] ECHR TO TAKE UP APPLICATION OF OCALAN, HEAD OF TERRORIST PKK, ON
TUESDAY
[29] STRASBOURG, Nov 29 (A.A) - The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR)
will evaluate the application of the lawyers of Abdullah Ocalan, the head
of the terrorist organization PKK, in its session on Tuesday. The ECHR's
department no:1 will express view concerning a precuationary measure aiming
at delaying the execution of death sentence that was handed down on
Abdullah Ocalan by the State Security Court (DGM) and approved by the
Supreme Court. The ECHR will ask Turkey to postpone the execution till the
finalization of the application of Ocalan's lawyers if a precautionary
measure decision is taken. A high-level official at the ECHR told the A.A
correspondent that Turkey, which earlier accepted to obey the decisions of
the court, was obliged to obey the possible precautionary measure decision.
The lawyers of Ocalan requested the ECHR to take a precautionary measure
decision in accordance with Article 39 of the ECHR. The lawyers claimed
that Turkey abused Articles 2, 3, 5, and 6 of the European Convention on
Human Rights. Article 2 guarantees the right of living; Article 3 aims at
preventing torture and bad treatment; Article 5 includes the right of
freedom, and Article 6 includes the right of fair trial. ECHR sources
stress that the refugees lodge complaints at the ECHR, showing Article 39
as a pretext with the aim of preventing their deportation. Sources said the
Article in question was brought onto the agenda generally in exceptional
situations, adding that the the ECHR and the Chief Judge of the ECHR had
the authorization to carry out the Article in question in case of urgent
situations. A total of ten judges will attend the session of the ECHR's
department no:1. Riza Turmen will be one of these judges. Turmen served as
Turkey's Permanent Representative to the Council of Europe before he was
appointed as an ECHR judge. The ECHR will take a decision whether to
evaluate the application or not if a precautionary measure is taken
tomorrow. The normal legal process will start if the ECHR decides to
evaluate the application, and the ECHR will seek whether there can be a
friendly solution between the sides. The ECHR will give its final decision
if ther won't be a friendly solution. This legal process is expected to
continue at least two years.
[30] PREMIER ECEVIT: ''WE WILL NOT MAKE CONCESSIONS REGARDING AEGEAN AND
CYPRUS ISSUES''
[31] ANKARA, Nov 29 (A.A) - Premier Bulent Ecevit said on Monday that
Turkey will not make concessions regarding Aegean and Cyprus issues. Ecevit
responded to the questions of the journalists when leaving the Prime
Ministry. When asked about his evaluations on the statements of George
Papandreou, the Greek Foreign Minister, who said that they will veto
Turkey's candidacy to the European Union (EU) if their demands are not
accepted at the Helsinki Summit, Ecevit said, ''these are the problems of
the EU. Our attitude is definite. We will not make concessions regarding
Aegean and Cyprus issues.'' They will see the reactions of the EU to such
pressures of Greece and whether or not the EU will bow to those pressures
in the resolutions of the Helsinki Summit, Ecevit noted. Responding to a
question on the application of the opposition to the Constitutional Court
for the annulment of Additional Tax Law, Ecevit stated that they think that
the changes in tax laws carry importance for the interests of Turkey.
Ecevit continued, ''people used to say that the government did not take
sufficient amount of tax from the rentier sector. We have taken positive
steps about this issue. Now, the same circles are uneasy about the new tax
regulations regarding the rentier sector. This is a dilemma. I believe that
the new tax arrangement is useful for the country and complies with the
Constitution.'' When asked about the construction of prefabricated huts
which are planned to be completed on Tuesday, Ecevit stressed that Public
Works and Housing Minister Koray Aydin visited the quake-hit areas and
learned about the definite numbers today. They have nearly completed most
of the prefabricated huts despite the quake which hit Bolu province on
November 12, 1999; Ecevit emphasized. Responding to a question about the
dwelling assistance which will be given to the quake survivors, Ecevit said
that the credit which will be given will be a long term and low interest
credit.
[32] STATE MINISTER GAYDALI: ''JAPAN WAS THE FIRST COUNTRY WHICH OUTPOURED
ASSISTANCE TO TURKEY FOLLOWING AUGUST QUAKE''
[33] ANKARA, Nov 29 (A.A) - State Minister Edip Safder Gaydali said on
Monday that Japan was the first country which outpoured assistance to
Turkey following the August 17 quake. Gaydali received Shigeo Takenaka, the
Japanese Ambassador to Turkey. Following the meeting, Gaydali recalled that
the Directorate General of Mineral Research and Administration Institute
(MTA) has been in cooperation with Japanese institutions since 1980. Japan
supported Turkey in drawing the geological map of Turkey within the
framework of this cooperation, Gaydali stated. Takenaka said that they are
in cooperation with Turkey in mineral research works. They will try to
determine the new steps which will be taken from now on, Takenaka added.
[34] NATIONAL DEFENSE MINISTER LEAVES FOR BUCHAREST
[35] ANKARA, Nov 29 (A.A) - National Defense Minister Sabahattin Cakmakoglu
left on Monday for Bucharest, Romania to attend the NATO Southeastern
European Defense Ministers' Meeting. Cakmakoglu told reporters prior to his
departure, ''NATO facilities can't be used if one of the 19 NATO members
raises an objection,'' as he was responding a question on the opinion of
''Using NATO Force Through European Union (EU)'' within the scope of new
defense and security identity of Europe. Cakmakoglu said the process, which
started at the defense ministers level in the Balkans in 1996, created an
essence of cooperation which is longed for and taken as an example.
Cakmakoglu said the 1999 and 2000 budgets of the Southeastern European
Peace Force Brigade will be approved at the meeting in Bucharest.
Cakmakoglu added that he will proceed to Brussels to attend NATO Defense
Ministers' Autumn Meeting that will take place between December 1 and 3.
Cakmakoglu stated that the NATO Washington Summit, EU Cologne Summit and
Western European Union Defense Ministers' Luxembourg Meeting were the
forums at which important decisions were taken about new security and
structure of Europe. ''We will the opportunity to once again express our
opinions about the security and defense of Europe in this meeting,'' he
said.
[36] TRNC PRESIDENT DENKTAS: ''WE BELIEVE IN TURKISH-GREEK FRIENDSHIP''
[37] ISTANBUL, Nov 29 (A.A) - Rauf Denktas, the President of Turkish
Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), said on Monday that they believe in
Turkish-Greek friendship. Denktas was decorated by the ''Statesman of 99''
award in Istanbul. This friendship was deteriorated as Greece wanted to own
whole of Cyprus, Denktas recalled. Denktas noted that all of Turkey's
initiatives of friendship were rejected by Greece and Greek Cypriots, and
the war started. Denktas said, ''we put forward a federation proposal to
reach peace as soon as possible. We had put forward many proposals for
federation in various forums until 1997. But, in 1997, the Greek Cypriot
side did not need peace and compromise any more when the European Union
(EU) intervened.'' ''The leader of Greek Cypriot side said, 'I know that I
am not your government, but all the world calls me the government of
Cyprus. Do you expect me to tell them that I am not the government of
Cyprus'. I told him that I did not expect this because the Greek Cypriot
side ended the partnership to become the government of whole Cyprus,''
Denktas added. Denktas continued, ''what Greece claimed was the existence
of two equal nations and a legal government which is set up by these two
nations. However, Greece does her best to integrate the Greek Cypriot side
with the EU. If the island is included in the EU under the name 'Cyprus',
Turkey's rights on Cyprus will be removed. To this end, it will indirectly
be the 'enosis' (union with Greece). Turkey harshly reacted to this.''
Denktas said, ''I am going to New York. The indirect talks will be launched
in New York. If they continue to say that the two nations in Cyprus should
agree under the only government of Cyprus, nothing will change. Because
there are two nations, two democracies, two states, and two governments in
Cyprus. These are the realities. If these realities are not accepted, the
efforts to set up friendship bridges between the two states are not
launched, and the necessary ground for a meeting of the two sides is not
set up, then nothing will change.'' ''If Glafcos Clerides, the leader of
the Greek Cypriot side, proposes lifting of Turkish guarantee, abolishment
of the intervention right of Turkey in case of an attack towards TRNC, and
the path for the integration of Cyprus and Greece is opened in the EU;
nothing will change,'' Denktas added. Denktas continued, ''I tell all the
world not to bother Turkey's guarantee. Do not deteriorate the Turkish-
Greek balance in Cyprus. The basis of peace is Turkish-Greek balance. We
cannot go on if they say that 'we are not equal, we do not have a state,
and our state is not recognized, and to this end our state does not exist.'
I am addressing Greece: Cyprus can be a peace bridge between Turkey and
Greece.'' ''Menderes and Karamanlis set up an Association Republic by
thinking the same thing. They had accepted the principle that one side
cannot be dominated by the other. The policy of introducing Greek Cypriots
as the 'legal government of Cyprus' has deteriorated Turkish-Greek
friendship for 36 years,'' Denktas said. Denktas added, ''I wish the
establishment of a new association on the principle of two states in
Cyprus. We believe in Turkish-Greek friendship, but we will not give up our
sovereignty and equality in the name of friendship. We cannot be dominated
by the Greek Cypriots in the name of friendship.''
[38] PARLIAMENTARY HUMAN RIGHTS SUPERVISION COMMISSION: ''RUSSIAN
FEDERATION COMMITS A CRIME OF HUMANITY IN CHECHNYA BY IGNORING THE
INTERNATIONAL DOCUMENTS SHE HAD EARLIER SIGNED''
[39] ANKARA, Nov 29 (A.A) - The Parliamentary Human Rights Supervision
Commission said on Monday that the Russian Federation committed a crime of
humanity in Chechnya by ignoring the international documents she had
earlier signed. The Parliamentary Human Rights Supervision Commission
issued a statement regarding the incidents in Chechnya. The statement said
that in the end of their researches, they reached the idea that the
international documents including Universal Declaration of Human Rihgts,
the European Convention on Human Rights, and the Helsinki Act and the
agreements signed between Russian Federation and Chechnya Autonomous
Republic were violated in Chechnya. The commission feels uneasy about the
violation of human rights in Chechnya, the statement noted. The statement
continued, ''the incidents in Chechnya can be explained neither in
accordance with the rules of war nor in accordance with the rules of peace.
The people are exposed to violence in Chechnya. There can be no rightful
purpose to kill civilians without taking into consideration whether they
are women, children, or elderly.'' The commission called all the related
organizations including the United Nations (U.N.), the Organization for
Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), and the Council of Europe, to
take immediate and lasting measures to end the human rights violations in
Chechnya, the statement emphasized. The statement also included points
below: ''- Russia should be forced to fulfil the requirements of the
documents which she signed. - The government of Turkey should continue its
initiatives to make the international community take steps in Chechnya
dispute. - Russia should permit the entrance of journalists, human rights
organizations and observers in the region. An independent international
commission should be sent to the region to observe the human rights
violations. - The humanitarian aid to Chechnya should be safely sent to
the region. - Russia should end her maltreatment towards Chechens and
Caucasians.''
[40] TURKEY APPROVES UPDATED EUROPEAN CONVENTION ON PROTECTION OF
ARCHAEOLOGICAL HERITAGE
[41] STRASBOURG, Nov 29 (A.A) - Turkey approved on Monday the updated
''European Convention on Protection of Archaeological Heritage''. Alev
Kilic, the Turkish Permanent Representative, submitted the approval to
Walter Schwimmer, the Secretary General of the Council of Europe. The
convention which had been prepared in 1969, was updated in accordance with
today's conditions. In the updated convention, it was requested to give
priority to protection of archaeological heritage in provincial and
regional planning.
[42] PRESIDENT DEMIREL: ''WE SHOULD ASSIST NAHCEVAN''
[43] IGDIR, Nov 29 (A.A) - President Suleyman Demirel said on Monday that
Turkey should assist Nahcevan. President Demirel was briefed by Omer Turk,
the Governor of Igdir, a.out problems of the province. Addressing the
meeting, Demirel said that the Igdir Airport should be finalized as soon as
possible. Referring to the neighbouring Nahcevan, Demirel said, ''Nahcevan
waits for Turkey's assistance. We should assist Nahcevan. Nahcevan which
was separated from Azerbaijan, has encountered difficulties. Thus, we have
several responsibilities to fulfil until settlement of peace in Caucasia.
Lets continue to carry out our responsibilities for Nahcevan.'' President
Demirel added that Turkey would continue to assist Nahcevan.
[44] PRESIDENT DENKTAS OF THE TRNC: - ''IF GREECE AND THE GREEK CYPRIOT
SIDE ABANDON THEIR TARGET TO MAKE CYPRUS A GREEK ISLAND THERE WILL BE A
COMPROMISE ON CYPRUS''
[45] ISTANBUL, Nov 29 (A.A) - President Rauf Denktas of the Turkish
Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) said on Monday, ''if Greece and the
Greek Cypriot side abandon their target to make Cyprus a Greek island there
will be a compromise on Cyprus.'' President Denktas attended inauguration
of the Bahat Hospital in Gaziosmanpasa district of Istanbul. Addressing the
inauguration, Denktas recalled that the Turkish Private sector had taken
significant steps. Quoting Ataturk, the Founder of modern Republic of
Turkey, as saying, ''we should pay attention to Cyprus. If Cyprus is in
enemies' power, our reinforcement opportunities will end,'' Denktas noted,
''Cyprus has a geopolitical importance. We are protecting Turkey's southern
coasts from Cyprus. You have charged us with protecting security of
Anatolia by not allowing Cyprus from becoming a Greek island.'' Referring
to indirect negotiations which will start in New York, the U.S., on
December 3, Denktas said, ''if Greece and the Greek Cypriot side abandon
their target to make Cyprus a Greek island and to establish a Greek Cypriot
Republic on the island there will be a compromise on Cyprus. They cannot
eradicate our state. They cannot damage Turkey's rights on Cyprus which
were confirmed with the guarantorship agreement, and Turkish-Greek balance.
Our duty is not to sign an agreement which cannot be accepted by the
Turkish Cypriot.''
[46] THE GREEK CYPRIOTS TO PROCEED TO TRNC FOR RELIGIOUS CEREMONIES
[47] LEFKOSA, Nov 29 (A.A) - More than one thousand Greek Cypriots will
proceed to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) on Tuesday to
attend religious ceremonies in Apastopolos Andreas Monastery. The Greek
Cypriots will enter into the TRNC from the Ledra Palace Border Gate, and
will be taken to the monastery by busses. They will perform their religious
duties in the monastery, and then leave the TRNC for the Greek Cypriot side
later on Tuesday. In accordance with the good will agreement which was
signed in 1997 between President Rauf Denktas of the TRNC, and Glafcos
Clerides, the leader of the Greek Cypriot administration, two sides are
able to visit holy places in the TRNC and in the Greek Cypriot side. The
Greek Cypriots visit the Apastopolos Andreas Monastery three times in a
year while the Turkish Cypriots visit the Hala Sultan Shrine in Larnaca
which is the reputed burial place of Um Haram, an aunt of the Prophet
Mohammad, during Id al-Fitr and Id al-Adha.
[48] RUBIN, SPOKESMAN OF THE U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT: - ''INDIRECT CYPRUS
NEGOTIATIONS AIM AT PREPARING GROUND FOR MEANINGFUL CONSULTATIONS''
[49] WASHINGTON, Nov 29 (A.A) - James Rubin, the Spokesman of the U.S.
State Department, said on Monday that indirect Cyprus negotiations which
will start in New York on December 3, aimed at preparing a ground for
meaningful consultations. Addressing a press conference, Rubin expressed
satisfaction over that negotiations will start under supervision of the
United Nations. Rubin told reporters that important issues such as security
and administration would be taken up at the meetings. He added that other
issues could also be brought onto agenda of the meetings within framework
of the good will mission of Kofi Annan, the Secretary General of the United
Nations.
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