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Anadolu Agency: News in English, 99-12-06Anadolu Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Anadolu Agency Home Page at <http://www.anadoluajansi.gov.tr/>[01] AA News06 December 1999 Monday[02] TURKEY-PRESS SCANThese are some of the major headlines and their brief stories in Turkey's press on December 6, 1999. The Anadolu Ajansi does not verify these stories and does not vouch for their occuracy.HURRIYET (LIBERAL)HERE IS THE GANG LEADER, HERE IS THE GANGSalih Mirzabeyoglu, leader of the illegal Great Eastern Islamic Raiders' Front (IBDA-C) organization, and his terrorists, who turned Metris Prison into their farm, attacked soldiers who wanted to make ward-search, and injured 50 soldiers. BROTHER OF ALAATTIN CAKICI WAS SHOT MILLIYET (LIBERAL)VIEW OF BAHCELI TO PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONSDevlet Bahceli, deputy Prime Minister and leader of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), said if Democratic Left Party (DSP) and the Motherland Party (ANAP) reach an agreement about re-election of Suleyman Demirel, we will facilitate this. Bahceli said ''election of the President by people will contradict with the Constitution. Authority conflict may erupt.'' SAINT CLAUS TO TENT SITE SABAH (LIBERAL)WHAT AN IMPUDENCE?Salih Mirzabeyoglu, leader of the illegal Great Eastern Islamic Raiders' Front (IBDA-C) organization, even did not attend the hearings and did not allow ward-search. He wounded 50 soldiers and got what he wanted in the bargaining table. When prosecutor of State Security Court (DGM), denounced for the ones who did not bring Mirzabeyoglu to the court, an operation has been launched for the transfer of IBDA-C leader. Terrorists of IBDA-C revolted and wounded 50 soldiers. After the bargainings, permission has been given to Mirzabeyoglu till the end of Ramadan bairam. IF SO, LET US HANG APO CUMHURIYET (LEFT)DECISION WEEK FOR TURKEYThe decision regarding Turkey's candidacy to European Union (EU), will be taken in Helsinki this week. The bargainings which are intensified in European capitals for some time, are expected to continue till December 11 morning. Although Greece's position within EU is ''1 to 14'', it is reported that Turkey's candidacy status is not guaranteed. Diplomatic sources said there are pressures on Greece from everywhere, adding that Athens administration is in an effort to get some concessions it wanted against these pressures. PROVOCATION IN ENERGY RADIKAL (LEFT)STATE TAKEN HOSTAGETerrorists of the illegal Great Eastern Islamic Raiders' Front (IBDA-C) organization, who are in Metris Prison, attacked soldiers with skewers, swords, and scimitars, took 150 soldiers as hostage, and wounded 54 soldiers. Irregularities in prisons was once again revealed in revolt in Metris Prison. The revolt erupted as some of the prisoners are wanted to be transferred to several other prisons. The action ended at 16:00 local time without intervention. BROTHER OF CAKICI SHOT TURKIYE (RIGHT)MERAL RE-ELECTED AS TURK-IS CHAIRMANAn election has taken place on the fifth day of Turk-Is Regular General Committee meeting for the chairmanship and for the election of executive board members. Bayram Meral became chairman of Turk-Is with 224 votes in favour. NATO MANOEUVRES IN THE AEGEAN [03] MERAL RE-ELECTED AS CHAIRMAN OF TURK-ISANKARA - Bayram Meral was re-elected as chairman of the Confederation of the Turkish Labour Unions (Turk-Is).Meral got 224 of 441 valid votes during elections held at the 18th Regular General Committee meeting. Other candidates Zeki Polat got 201 votes and Mustafa Basoglu got 16 votes. Hasan Huseyin Karakoc, who got 234 votes, was elected as Secretary General. Meral, who spoke after the results disclosed, said it was Turk-Is who won. He said, ''we are in a ship. We will struggle against the problems with our friends. I am calling on the politicians: 'we will support the government as far as they solve the problems of the country and people.'' [04] U.N.-CYPRUS - SECURITY COUNCIL TO DISCUSS CYPRUS THIS WEEKNEW YORK - United Nations (U.N.) Security Council will discuss Cyprus question this week.The Council is expected to adopt an attitude on Cyprus issue during consultation meeting on Tuesday, and is expected to extend the mandate of U.N. Peace Forces deployed on the Island till June 15, 2000, during Wednesday session. Security Council always talked about Greek Cypriot administration as ''Cyprus government'' in draft resolutions it adopted so far, and said that existing status quo on the island was ''unacceptable''. The draft resolutions are not accepted by Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) to this end. They are waiting for the new resolution of the Council and wonder if the Council will make the same mistake again. The Council, in a draft resolution it adopted last June, envisaged the parameters of the solution that will be brought to Cyprus question, to include single sovereignty, single international personality, single citizenship, two communities that are politically equal, and bi-communal, bi-zonal federation. Meanwhile, it was reported that proximity talks on Cyprus question will continue on Monday in U.N. headquarters. Rauf Denktas, President of TRNC, will meet with Alvaro de Soto, Special Representative of Kofi Annan, the U.N. Secretary General, on Monday at 19:15 local time. De Soto will also hold a separate meeting with Glafcos Clerides, leader of Greek Cypriot side. [05] JOSPIN, FRENCH PRIME MINISTER, SIGN CAKICI'S EXTRADITION FILEPARIS - Lionel Jospin, French Prime Minister, Monday signed the file related with extradition procedure of Alaattin Cakici, notorious mafia boss, to Turkey.Jean Francois Pascal, Prosecutor of Aix-En Provence Court, who responded to the questions of A.A. correspondent, said Jospin signed the file. French prosecutor said nevertheless another hearing will take place in Aix- En-Provence Court on December 16 related with a case opened by lawyers of Cakici for the release of Cakici. Aix-En Provence Appeal Court responded positively for three of five separate crime files, which Turkey sent, on condition that Turkish government gives assurances to French government that it will not implement capital punishment. The same court two times rejected the requests of Cakici's lawyers for conditional release till extradition procedure ends. Jospin's signature in the extradition file was required to send Cakici to Turkey. [06] DEMIREL RESPONDS TO THE QUESTIONS ON HIS WAY TO BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINASARAJEVO - President Suleyman Demirel on Monday reiterated his choice on election of President by people, and noted that ''election of President by people is the most proper one.''Demirel, who arrived at Bosnia-Herzegovina on a two-day official visit, responded to the questions of reporters on various issues. Responding to the questions about Presidential elections, Demirel said this was not his problem, but the problem of the state. Demirel noted that election of president by people will help system to function better. ''If politicians are not ready for election of President by people, if Turkish parliament is not ready for this election, we should continue existing system. Yet, several changes may take place in the current system. Seven years is too much for Presidency. We should reduce this to five years. According to my opinion election of president by people is the most proper one. If this can not be implemented, than double five-year period implementation may take place. This means election for a second time.'' Speaking about the execution of Abdullah Ocalan, the head of the terrorist organization, Demirel defined it as a sensitive issue that the government should decide. Demirel said, ''the sensitive issue here is whether we are a part of Europe or not. Turkey should take a principle decision. If Turkey is to enter Europe, we should accept the conditions in Europe.'' Pointing out that indications about Helsinki summit seemed well, Demirel said he has hesitations that Greece may create a problem in the last minute. Demirel said, ''if Greece adopts a negative attitute and prevent Turkey's candidacy to European Union (EU), the moderate atmosphere will be spoilt, and Turkish-Greek relations will be tensed. Solution of problems between Turkey and Greece will be harder.'' [07] PRESIDENT DEMIREL RESPONDS TO THE QUESTIONS (2) ON HIS WAY TO BOSNIA- HERZEGOVINAANKARA-SARAJEVO - President Suleyman Demirel said on Monday that Turkey was interested in Bosnia-Herzegovina from the very beginning, adding that the aim of his visit was to keep relations with this country warm.Evaluating his visit to Bosnia to reporters, Demirel said it was hard to calm the incidents in Bosnia after the splitting up of Yugoslavia. Demirel said, ''of course we are interested in these incidents. There was bloodshed in incidents which occurred in Bosnia and Kosovo. There is not bloodshed today, but the political targets have not been reached.'' Demirel stressed that Dayton Agreement, which formed current political order in Bosnia, was ''very fragile'', and noted that this agreement should strengthen the state and the community. Demirel noted that the first ethnic problems erupted in Cyprus, adding that ''Ethnic Cleansing'' in 1960's was seen in Cyprus and later experienced in Bosnia after the splitting up of Yugoslavia. Demirel said Slobodan Milosevic, Yugoslavian Head of State, had visited Turkey in 1992 and talked to him. Recalling that Turkey was interested in the incidents in the region and that he visited Bosnia 7-8 times, Demirel said joint action of Croatians and Bosnians was important. Responding to a question, Demirel said there was improvement in Bosnia, yet there were still several bottlenecks in the administration. [08] DEMIREL RESPONDS TO THE QUESTIONS ON HIS WAY TO BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINASARAJEVO - President Suleyman Demirel defined execution of Abdullah Ocalan, the head of the terrorist organization, as a ''fragile issue the government has to decide'', and noted that ''the fragile issue here is that: Are we a part of Europe? Turkey has to make its decision. If Turkey will enter the EU, we have to accept the minimum conditions there.''Responding to the questions of reporters related with execution of Abdullah Ocalan on his way to Bosnia-Herzegovina, Demirel said, ''this is a very fragile issue the government has to decide after the conclusion of legal procedure. The fragile issue here is that: Are we a part of Europe? They will discuss if Turkey will be among candidate countries on December 11. We have signed many agreements, and entered several frameworks of Europe. We have entered customs union. We have accepted European Human Rights Court. Under Article 92 of the Constitution, European legislation became a part of our law. What will happen? Will we abide by the decision of European Court of Human Rights after the conclusion of legal ways in Turkey. The government will take a decision.'' Demirel said the government and the Parliament should balance all negative and positive aspects and take a decision. When asked if Turkey will meet a unpleasant suprise in Helsinki, Demirel said ''I hope not. The indications seem proper. Yet, there are hesitations that Greece may create a problem in the last minute. Common sense says it should not. If Greece once again prevents Turkey's candidacy, the mild atmosphere that has been going for a while, will disappear.'' ''Turkish-Greek relations will become tense. Solving problems between Turkey and Greece will become even more difficult,'' Demirel noted. When asked if he wrote a letter to Greek President or not, Demirel said, ''no I didn't. All the contacts have been made.'' Responding to another question Demirel said efforts were underway to find a political solution on Cyprus, and noted that ''you can not reach anywhere by force. Talks are underway now by a mediator. We can not know where it will lead to. We will be pleased if it reaches a result.'' Responding to a question about membership of Southern Cyprus to EU, Demirel said ''membership of Cyprus to EU, where Turkey is not a member of, is impossible.'' When a journalist asked what will happen if ''it becomes a member'', Demirel said ''then, there will be a de facto situation.'' [09] ACCIDENT IN ISTANBUL STRAIT (2) - TANKER, LOADED WITH 45,753 GROSSTONES OF CRUDE OIL, TRIES TO RESCUE BY ITS OWN EFFORTSISTANBUL - Maltese flagged tanker which ran aground in Marmara exit of Istanbul Strait, tries to rescue itself by its own efforts. The tanker is loaded with crude oil.''Histria Sitayt'', the tanker, was transporting 45,753 grosstones of crude oil to Italy's Agusto Harbour. The tanker ran aground in Ahirkapi offshores as it was about to conclude its transit passage in Marmara Sea. The tanker did not request for help. Officials said there was no leakage from the tanker to the sea. [10] DEMIREL HAS MEETING WITH BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA PRESIDENTIAL COUNCIL CHAIRMAN AND MEMBERSSARAJEVO - President Suleyman Demirel had a one-hour meeting with Bosnia- Herzegovina Presidential Council Chairman Ante Jelavic and Council members Alia Izzetbegovic and Zivko Radisic on Monday.This was followed by the meetings between the delegations of two countries. State Minister Mehmet Ali Irtemcelik; Culture Minister Istemihan Talay, and Turkish Ambassador to Sarajevo Ahmet Erozan represented Turkey during the meetings. [11] PREFABRICATED HEALTH CENTER OPENED IN IZMITKOCAELI - A prefabricated health center which was set up in Mehmetcik tent- city in Izmit by the German Red Cross and Turkish associations in Germany, was opened on Monday.Kocaeli Governor Kemal Onal, German Consul to Istanbul Rudiger John and Brandenburg Turkish Communicty Association Director Kenan Polat attended the opening of the health center which is built on 257 square-meter land. The hospital has two treatment rooms, one laboratory, two patient rooms each having three beds. The prefabricated hospital which was completed in one month cost 400,000 German Marks. [12] TURKEY EXCLUDED FROM DECISION MECHANISM IN ESDI PROJECTBRUSSELS - The European Union (EU) foreign ministers, who convened in Brussels within the framework of the EU General Affairs Council, reached a compromise on the Term President Finland's draft report on European Security and Defense Identity (ESDI), and confirmed their will to exclude non-EU member European NATO allies like Turkey from the decision mechanism.The draft report stressed that the EU had the desire to set up political and military organs within the framework of ESDI and to play a role in operations like crisis management and peacekeeping within the framework of a trasparent cooperation with the NATO. The draft report said, ''the EU will guarantee cooperation, counseling and dialogue with EU candidates and non-EU member NATO allies but it will keep the decision mechanism completely in its own institutional frame.'' The draft report said the EU the structures which will provide exchange of opinion and dialogue with NATO's non-EU member allies and candidate countries in the crisis management, joint defense and security policy concerning the ESDI project. ''In case of a crisis, these structures will offer counseling opportunity before the EU Council's decision making process,'' it said. The draft report said the non-EU member NATO's European allies and EU candidates could participate in the implementation after the EU Council's decison if they wish and if an operation in which NATO facilities and capabilities would be used was in question. The draft report said those countries could be invited for participation in operations in which NATO's facilities and capabilities wouldn't be used if the EU Council gave a decision. The ESDI project will be effective after the approval of the heads of states and governments in the Helsinki Summit. [13] PRIME MINISTRY CRISIS MANAGEMENT CENTER ANNOUNCES DEATH TOLL AS 807ANKARA- The Prime Ministry Crisis Management Center announced the death toll as 807 following the earthquake which hit Duzce county of Bolu on November 12 measuring 7.2 on Richter scale, as of Monday.A total of 4,947 people were injured in the quake which damaged 8,390 buildings and 519 work places. 622 prefabricated huts and a school were set up in Bolu and 344 of them have been already given to quake survivors. More than 48,000 tents were also sent to the area. Currently, there are 12,083 personnel are working in the region equipped with 2,223 work machines, 23 helicopters, 4 rescue planes and 274 vehicles. Red Crescent, Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) and other institutions sent 197 field kitchens, 155 mobile showers, 1 laundry place, 3 bakeries, many beds, sleeping beds, duvets, blankets and heaters for quake survivors. The food sent to the area is close to 3 million kilograms. Quake survivors are given food three times a day. A total of 472 doctors, 343 nurses and 1,102 health personnel are in charge in the disaster area. Below is the distribution of death toll by province: Place Killed Injured --------------------------------------------- Akcakoca 2 96 Beykoy 9 120 Cumayeri 0 39 Duzce center 396 2,800 Duzce's villages 34 408 Golyaka 1 67 Gumusova 0 34 Kaynasli 310 544 Yigilca & its villages 0 42 Zonguldak 3 189 Eskisehir 1 0 Adapazari 4 168 Kocaeli 0 27 Golcuk 0 34 Yalova 1 25Total 807 4,947</pre> [14] BELGIAN FM: ''IT WILL BE A HISTORICAL MISTAKE IF TURKEY IS NOT GRANTED EU CANDIDACY''BRUSSELS - Belgian Foreign Minister Louis Michel said on Monday during the European Union (EU) Council meetings in Brussels that it would be a historical mistake if Turkey's EU candidacy was not officially accepted in the Helsinki Summit.Michel said Turkey's EU candidacy issue would be discussed by the heads of states and governments during the Summit to take place on next Friday and Saturday. Michel defended that a failure in this issue would block the searches for a solution of the Cyprus issue. Michel said that Turkey shouldn't be regarded differently, and especially the reoccurance of the negative situation in the Luxembourg Summit should be prevented. ''Currently, Athens seems like it is the only member in favour of Turkey's candidacy. However, a field of manoeuvre should be left to Greece,'' said Michel, implying that the recent developments and the atmosphere of bargaining were the necessities of Athen's domestic policy. [15] Anadolu AjansıAnadolu Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |