Anadolu Agency: News in English, 99-12-07

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[01] AA News

07 December 1999 Tuesday

[02] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

HURRIYET (LIBERAL)

UNFORTUNATE AGREEMENT
Revolt of the terrorists of the illegal Great Eastern Islamic Raiders' Front (IBDA-C) organization, who took 130 soldiers hostage and wounded 54 others in Metris Prison, was ended after accepting their conditions. Hasan Olcer, lawyer of IBDA-C terrorists, said an agreement has been reached with Justice Ministry with the mediation of Celil Demircioglu, Chief Prosecutor of Bakirkoy Republican Prosecutorship. Olcer said the hostages were released as an agreement has been reached, otherwise it could continue.

MILLIYET (LIBERAL)

Speaking about Helsinki Summit, Demirel said ''the indications are regular, yet there is hesitation about Athens. Relations will become tense, if it prevents candidacy.''

IT WILL BE UNFORTUNATE IF THEY SAY NO
Foreign Minister Ismail Cem said he hoped there will not be misfortune in Helsinki summit. Disclosing his views before European Union (EU) summit in Helsinki, Cem said, ''14 countries did not give negative signals. I hope there will not be misfortune from Greece. Because, extreme efforts were exerted to adjust relations.''

SABAH (LIBERAL)

CAKICI TO RETURN
Decision for conditional extradition of Alaattin Cakici, notorious mafia boss, was signed on Monday. Cakici will be brought to Turkey within two months if he does not oppose. Cakici is currently in prison in France on charges of bearing a false passport. Cakici earlier said he will not apply to European Court of Human Rights.

CUMHURIYET (LEFT)

RADIKAL (LEFT)

APPROVAL TO THE EXTRADITION OF CAKICI
Lionel Jospin, French Prime Minister, Monday signed the file related with extradition procedure of Alaattin Cakici, notorious mafia boss, to Turkey. 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.

TURKIYE (RIGHT)

FULL SUPPORT TO BOSNIA
President Suleyman Demirel, who went to Bosnia-Herzegovina on a two day official visit, said ''we are following an active policy in this friendly country from the very begining. Turkey will continue to support multi- cultural and democrat Bosnia.''

ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)

Turmen, Judge of ECHR, will focus on resolutions of ECHR and evaluation of these resolutions for Turkish internal laws.

TANKER ACCIDENT IN ISTANBUL STRAIT AGAIN
Maltese-flagged tanker which ran aground during its Istanbul Strait's passage to the Marmara Sea was rescued through the efforts of its own crew late on Monday.

The tanker, ''Histria Sitayt'' loaded with crude oil did not ask for help after it ran aground at about 14:45 local time.

The ship later cast an anchor offshore Ahirkapi for maintenance.

[03] PRESIDENT OF TAIWAN SENDS CONGRATULATORY PLATE TO ''NEW YUKSELTEPE GROUP''

Cem Yaglibasan, Public Relations Director of New Yukseltepe Group Culture Association, told a written statement that the seven-people team went to this country after the quake, and participated in search and rescue efforts together with British and Spanish teams.

Yaglibasan said the plate, bearing the signature of Dr. Yih Min Lin, Taiwan's Culture and Trade Office Director, was give to Umut Dinchasin, GEA coordinator.

[04] PRESIDENT DEMIREL IN BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA

Addressing the opening of Economic Forum Meeting, President Demirel said, ''each time we visit this country, we are pleased over the developments recorded in this country. Now, it is time to increase prosperity and integrate the economy of Bosnia with the economy of Europe and the world. There is a direct relation between democracy, respect to human rights, strengthening of free market economy, and economic development. Economic development will bring prosperity and tranquility. Turkey will continue to support Bosnia.''

''We will enter a new century 24 days after. I believe that we will make use of the cooperation and solidarity opportunities and act together in building up of our joint future. There is a great development potential in the region which our countries are situated in'' Demirel noted.

Pointing out that re-construction efforts of the country were speeded up after positive signals regarding implementation of Dayton Peace Agreement and after the bloodshed stopped, Demirel said, ''implementation of resolutions taken in this summit will not also heal the wounds in Bosnia and Kosovo, but also will strengthen integration of the economy of the region with the economy of Europe and the world.''

Demirel said this development will strengthen the belief regarding inseparability of peace, democracy, and sustainable development, and will increase prosperity of the region.

''Our countries which are located in an important intersection point like Southeastern Europe should make use of the opportunities presented by history and geography. We are ready to extend every kind of support to the efforts of enterpreneurs who play a pioneer and determining role in construction of our joint future,'' he said.

Demirel said Turkish constructions were willing to play a more active role in re-construction of Bosnia, and noted that Turkish contruction sector became the 10th with a work volume that is more than 40 billion U.S. dollars. Demirel said 80 percent of construction activities in Central Asia was made by Turkish constructors.

Demirel pointed out that improving trade relations between the two countries gained momentum in the recent years, adding that there is a stable increase in Turkey's trade volume since 1994. Demirel said trade volume increased to 43 million U.S. dollars in 1998.

President Demirel said reaching a result in the draft Agreement to Prevent Double Taxation, which was conveyed to Bosnian authorities in 1998, was very important. He said signing of this agreement will improve cooperation.

Ante Jelavic, Bosnia-Herzegovina Council Chairman, in his part called on improvement of bilateral economic relations. He said, ''our doors are open.''

Pointing out that they realized several economic reforms, Jelavic said they wanted to make use of Turkey's experiences, and noted that ''we are always ready to negotiate.''

[05] INDIFFERENCE OF QUAKE SURVIVORS TO PREFABRICATED HUTS CONTINUE IN YALOVA

Provincial Crisis Coordination Center officials said quake survivors shelter in only in 690 prefabricated huts out of 2620.

Officials said nobody applied to shelter in 254 prefabricated huts constructed in Cinarcik county.

Quake survivors, who responded to the questions of A.A. correspondent, said they did not prefer prefabricated huts due to transportation, foodstuff, and security problems.

Pointing out that they did not like the places of prefabricated huts, the quake survivors said, ''these are more costly than the tents, and they are far away from the tent site region. Also, life conditions are more healthier in tent sites.''

Housing and Public Works Ministry planned to construct 5576 houses, and private sector planned to construct 680 prefabricated huts in Yalova.

[06] TURKEY AND CUBA TO PRODUCE CIGAR JOINTLY

TEKEL-Catec Joint Cigar Production and Trade Corporation will be founded to make joint cigar production.

Directorate General of Monopolies will provide a pre-finance worth of 3 million U.S. dollars to meet partnership and tobacco needs.

A statement was issued after a meeting between Rustu Kazim Yucelen, Minister of State responsible for TEKEL, and Jesus Peres Othon, Cuba Light Industry Minister, during his visit to Turkey. The statement said Cuba's tobacco will be brought to Turkey after High Planning Committee approves the decision, and that production of mini cigar will start.

[07] TURKEY-EU JPC DELEGATION DUE IN ANKARA

Kursat Eser, Turkish-EU JPC Co-Chairman, issued a written statement and noted that visit of the guest delegation was very important in the direction of the sensitivity of Turkish-EU relations.

Eser pointed out that during the JPC talks, the developments recorded by Turkey will be focused to overcome the drawbacks of European Parliament particularly in the field of human rights and democratization. Eser said they will also reiterate the determination to continue the improvements.

Eser said development of Turkish-EU relations in a healthy way will bring important political and economic benefits.

''Having a position to provide the connection needed between the EU, Middle East and Asia, being a market having high purchase power, and having an importance for the security of Western Europe, are some of the contributions that Turkey provides to the Europe's integration process. As the Turkish side, we expect our European friends to review these, and also expect them to include Turkey to the membership competition under equal conditions with the other candidates. We believe that there are no problems that can not be solved with reciprocal understanding and good will.''

Turkish-EU JPC European flank delegation will hold contacts in Ankara for two days. The delegation is expected to be received by Mehmet Ali Irtemcelik, Minister of State and Foreign Minister Ismail Cem.

Turkish-EU JPC meeting will take place in the Parliament on Thursday morning. A joint news conference will be held in the Parliament afterwards, and information will be given about the talks.

[08] ECEVIT RECEIVES OFFICIAL LETTER OF INVITATION TO LUNCHEON ON SECOND DAY OF HELSINKI SUMMIT

Diplomatic sources told the A.A correspondent that Ecevit received the letter of invitation on Tuesday.

The letter of invitation, which was sent by EU Term President Finland, called Turkey ''applicant country'' as other candidate countries.

[09] MODERATE AFTERSHOCK IN EASTERN SENKAYA COUNTY - SMALL EARTHQUAKE IN TOKAT PROVINCE IN BLACK SEA REGION

There were no immediate reports of any casualties or damage.

Ataturk University Seismology Center in Erzurum said the epicenter of the aftershock was Gaziler village in Senkaya county which was 130 kilometers away from Erzurum.

The aftershock was felt also in surrounding counties and provinces.

The Center said a total of 53 aftershocks were recorded in the region since last Friday.

Meanwhile, a mild earthquake measuring 3.5 on the Richter scale shook Resadiye county of Tokat province in the Black Sea region.

Bogazici University Kandilli Observatory and Seismology Institute said the quake in Resadiye occurred at 17:36 local time the same day.

[10] PRESIDENT DEMIREL RESPONDS TO QUESTIONS IN PLANE - ''VERY SERIOUS INCIDENTS ARE OCCURING IN CHECHNYA'' - ''WE ARE CLOSELY INTERESTED IN CAUCASIA''

President Demirel answered the questions of journalists during his flight to Ankara after wrapping up his two-day official visit to Bosnia- Herzegovina.

Responding to a question, Demirel said, ''almost everybody criticized Russia during the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Summit in Istanbul. It is seen that Russia did not take enough lessons from those criticisms.''

''Of course, Russia can say that it is a domestic problem. However, it is impossible to solve the problem by saying 'this is a domestic problem' if it is a member of the OSCE or a members of similar organizations in Europe. Because, everbody accepted that assault on civilians can't be accepted by anybody, and this was mentioned in both the Helsinki Document and other documents. The incident in Chechnya is not combatting the people revolted against the state but an assault on the civilians. This is very wrong and very distressing,'' he said.

When asked whether he would launch an initiative for Caucasia since he contributed to peace in the Balkans, Demirel said, ''of course, these are two different issues. We are closely interested in Caucasia. The most serious problem in Caucasia is the dispute between Azerbaijan and Armenia. The solution of this dispute will bring many good results. One of these consequences is that one million refugees will return to their homeland. However, Grozny and Chechnya issue is very different. I mean that Ajerbaijan and Armenia are independent states while Chechnya is a country in the Federation of Russia. Thus, the issue has a courtesy. We fulfilled our responsibilities.''

[11] PRESIDENT DEMIREL RETURNS TO TURKEY (2) - DEMIREL: ''I OBSERVED THAT THE DAYTON PEACE AGREEMENT IS NOT FULLY IMPLEMENTED''

President Demirel returned to Turkey after wrapping up his two-day official visit to Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Speaking to reporter at the Esenboga Airport in Ankara, Demirel said he held meetings with Bosnia-Herzegovina Presidential Council members Ante Jelavic, Zivko Radisic and Alia Izzetbegovic during his official visit.

Noting that he found the opportunity to observe the developments about the implementation of the Dayton Peace Agreement signed in 1995, Demirel said he determined that all security problems in Bosnia-Herzegovina were removed by the international Stabilitiy Force (SFOR) led by the NATO.

''I once again felt proud by seeing that our soldiers who are carrying out their mission within the structure of this international force contribute to the settlement of atmosphere of confidence,'' he said.

''Every personnel of the courageous Turkish Armed Forces win international community's approval as a result of their contributions to international peace and security. We feel proud of our soldiers serving peace,'' he stressed.

''I observed that all of the problems in Bosnia-Herzegovina have not been solved yet despite the positive developments which encourage our optimism, and that the Dayton Peace Agreement is not fully implemented,'' he stated,

''The Dayton Peace Agreement must be fully implemented to enable Bsnia- Herzegovina to gain a lasting peace and stability, and gain the place it deserved in international community as a state together with its all institutions as soon as possible. There is not an alternative to the Dayton Peace Agreement,'' Demirel noted.

Suleyman Demirel said the people of Bosnia-Herzegovina and its administrators had more responsibilities than the international community concerning implementation of the Dayton Agreement.

''I was very pleased to see that there is a harmony and will among the members of the Bosnia-Herzegovina Presidentail Council to this end, and I was very pleased to see that concrete steps were taken forn a lasting peace, '' he said.

Demirel said Turkey would continue to contribute to initiatives for a lasting atmosphere of confidence and stability in Bosnia-Herzegovina.

''Turkey will continue its interest and support to the Balkans and Bosnia- Herzegovina. Our powerful will aiming at serving peace and stability in the region was once again put forward with my visit to Bosnia-Herzegovina,'' he added.

[12] RIOT IN ANKARA PRISON QUELLED - FIVE PRISONERS AND THREE PRISON GUARDS INJURED

In a written statement, the Justice Ministry said the riot of supporters of convicted Mehmet Fatih Bucak and his six men in First, Second, Third and Seventh Wards was quelled, and the fire started by those inmates in those wards was extinguished at about 19:30 local time.

It said the prisoners revolted and started fire to protest the transfer of Bucak and his six men to some other prisons.

The statement added that the three prison guards and five prisoners who were slightly injured were hospitalized, and the investigation into the incident started.

[13] ECEVIT: ''IT IS A GENERAL INVITATION MADE BY THE EU''

Ecevit answered the questinos of journalisits while leaving the Prime Ministry building.

When reminded of the Government's announcement abuot Chechnya issue, Ecevit said, ''civilians were called to abandon the capital. They were told that otherwise, they would be tearted as terrorists. This is very upsetting. We experessed our concerns.''

When reminded of the EU's letter inviting Turkey to the Helsinki Summit, Ecevit said, ''it is a general invitation. It is an invitation that is sent to all candidate and applicant countries. However, I can't say anything as we don't know the result at the moment.''

When asked wheter Turkey was invited as an applicant country, Ecevit said, ''thes is not clear. Our status is still not clear.''

Responding to a question about the riot broke out in the Ankara Ulucanlar Prison, Ecevit said, ''we should absolutely find a solution to this problem. Of course, it is not easy. Because, it is an outcome of buildup over long years. Besides, the architectural structure of the prisons must be changed. There are several projects to this end,, they started. However, these projects needs time and money. However. this is one of the most serious problems of the state. I hope we will overcome this.''

[14] PRESIDENT DEMIREL EVALUATES HIS VISIT TO BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA - ''PEACE AND PROGRESS CLOSELY CONCERN TURKEY''

''Peace and progress in these regions closely concern Turkey'' he said.

President Demirel evaluated his official visit to Bosnia-Herzegovina during his flight to Ankara.

''Peace in these regions is in favour of Turkey. Turkey will be harmed if there are problems in these regions. Actually, many of them are Turkey's exits to abroad.''

Demirel said the calamity in Bosnia-Herzegovina following the dissolution of Yugoslavia now changed into peace, adding, ''peace is very difficult. War is easier than peace. However, today, the three different societies, Muslim Bosnians, Catholic Croatians and Orthodox Berbians in Bosnia- Herzegovina are obliged to live together and build their future.''

Recalling that the Dayton Peace Agreement was based on this principle, Demirel said he held meetings with the three members of the State Council, which was one of the institutions formed by the Dayton Peace Agreement, and with Prime Minister Haris Siladzic.

Demirel said they briefed him on the difficulties encountered in implementation of the Dayton Agreement, and he conveyed Turkey's opinions about the issue to them.

Noting that the bottlenecks in bilateral relations were also disucssed in the meetings, Demirel said the Stability Pact in Sarajevo on July 30 was vital important for peace, and it should function.

Pointing out that he conveyed his opinions about the pact to U.S. President Bill Clinton when he came to Turkey, Demirel said he discussed the issue also with French President Jacques Chirac and German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder during the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Summit in Istanbul.

Demire said he would convey his observations during his visit to Bosnia- Herzegovina to the Presidents of great countires, and within thes framework he would emphasize that some joint measures must be taken for the process of the Stability Pact.

Recalling that Turkey was a member of the Peace Executive Committee that was set up in London following the Dayton Agreement, and the Turkish soldiers were carrying out their mission in Bosnia-Herzegovina within the framework of the Stability Force (SFOR), Demirel said Turkey played role both in civil and military services.

Demirel said he thought some obstacles would be removed in coming period and he believed the societies would together overcome those obstacles.

''The state should function and I clearly stated to them that the state can't function if there were opinions of great Serbia, great Croatia and if they think that Serbians would unite with Serbia and Croatians would unite with Cratia in the end. Than the problems will continue,'' he said.

Demirel said important progress was recorded in Bosnia-Herzegovina in last four years, and for further improvement, the three nations should orientate themselves toward their own state.

Responding to a question, Demirel explained the the dispute among those nations saying, ''there was an opinion of excluding the Muslims from the Balkans like it happened in Iberik peninsula. However, this did not work.''

Responding to another question, Demirel said, ''this opinion can't protect its validity. All of the divisions there are the sources of several problems. If you think Albanian, 30 percent of them are in Macedonia and some of them are in Kosovo. They were divided into three. Some part of Serbians are in Kosovo, some of them are in Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia and Serbia.''

When asked whether a new signal came from the european Union (EU), Demirel said, ''a signal did not come but I can't imagine a Europe without Turkey and a Turkey without Europe.''

[15] INVITATION FOR LUNCHEON FROM EU TO ECEVIT - FOREIGN MINISTRY: ''TURKEY IS INVITED AS AN APPLICANT COUNTRY''

The Foreign Ministry issued a written statement on Tuesday and said that the letter gave information about the EU Summit which would take place in Helsinki between December 10-11.

It said Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit and Foreign Minister Ismail Cem were invited to the luncheon on December 11 together with their counterparts in other applicant countries.

The statement said that the letter confirmed that the EU leaders, EU Commission Chairman and EU's High Representative responsible for Defense and Foreign Policy Jaiver Solana would attend the luncheon.

The statement said that the letter noted, ''the aim of the invitation is to offer the opportunity of getting first-hand information about the results of the talks in the Summit.''

''The letter in question is an expression of noteworthy efforts of Finland to improve the relations between Turkey and the EU. With this respect, it was welcomed with gratitude. However, this letter does not invite Turkey as a candidate country but as an applicant country. Turkey is the only country which is not given candidacy status. Any kind of indication about likely results of Helsinki Summit concerning Turkey's status are naturally not included in the letter,'' the statement said.

''This invitation was actually conveyed verbally to Turkey earlier. As we mentioned at that time, participation of Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit in such invitations would be more suitable after our candidacy becomes definite officially. The aim of this attitude that we think it is welcomed with understanding is to have the relations between Turkey and the EU settled in a mutually satisfying and healthy frame,'' it added.

[16] ''FM CEM: ''INVITATION FOR EU SUMMIT CAME 15-20 DAYS AGO. WE SAID WE WOULD CONSIDER IT AFTER THE RESULT''

Speaking to reporters during the cocktail party hosted by the Association of Turkish Industrialists and Businessmen (TUSIAD), Cem said the invitation in question, like in the past, was not considered suitable at the time being.

''We said that we would consider it after the result. Of course, we thanked the EU for this invitation,'' he said.

Responding to questions about Chechnya issue, Cem said, ''the grief in Chechnya can't be accepted but Turkey is trying to do what is necessary. Grief of people in Chechnya can't be accepted. This is our issue.''

''Turkey is still one of the countries trying to solve the problems of refugees. We are helping the refugees in Georgia and we will continue to do so,'' he said.

Summarizing Turkey's approach toward this issue, Cem said they attach importance to countries' territorial integrity and human rights issues.

The Foreign Minister said these were defended and expressed in all fragments that Turkey participates in.

Cem said human rights was the issue of not only Turkey but also whole world and everybody.

Complaining about the exploitation of the agreement for cooperation in combatting terrorism signed with Russia in Moscow last month, Cem recalled that Turkey signed anti-terrorism agreements not only with Russia but also with many other countries.

[17] Anadolu Ajansı

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