Anadolu Agency: News in English, 99-12-09

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[01] AA News

09 December 1999 Thursday

[02] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

HURRIYET (LIBERAL)

AIM IS TO PREVENT CAKICI
Firstly, the murder of Kenan Ali Gursel, the nephew of Alaattin Cakici, later the assasination of mafia boss Nihat Akgun, a close friend of Cakici, and lastly armed attack on Cakici's brother Gencay Cakici and his girlfriend led to interesting comments. According to the police, these three incidents were the parts of an organized movement aimed at destroying the power of Alaattin Cakici. The main reason is to prevent return of Cakici to Turkey, and his deployment in Turkey. Cakici is currently staying in prison in France.

MILLIYET (LIBERAL)

''RED'' PRAISE'' TO BAHCELI
Daniel Cohn Bendit who is the well-known name of the Europe-68 movement and has a nickname ''Red Dany'', gave information about his meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Devlet Bahceli saying, ''he is iltelligent. He told me that the Parliament would not take a decision about Ocalan for 2 or 3 years.'' Defining the meeting as an interesting meeting, EU Commission Co-Chairman Bendit said Bahceli needed time to explain annulment of death sentence to his party. According to Bendit, the only problem on the path to EU was Cyprus issue.

SABAH (LIBERAL)

AND HERE ANSWERS OF EMPLOYERS
The businessmen, who attended the meeting of the Association of Turkish Industrialists and Businessmen (TUSIAD) in Ankara, put forward their point of view toward Turkey's most important problems: Question: ''Who will be the President, how he must be elected? Answer: People should elect, Demirel have to be the President for five years more. Question: Will Turkey's candidacy be approved in Helsinki? Answer: Yes, we will be a candidate in Helsinki, and a member in 2010. Question: What are Turkey's most important problems? Answer: Inflation, failure in bringing a new leader and energy. Qestion: Should Ocalan be executed immediately? Answer: The result of his appeal of the European Court of Human Rights should be waited. Question: What will be the inflation rates in next three years? Answer: 35 percent in 2000, 25 percent in 2001 and 15 percent in 2003. Question: What kind of reforms must be made by the government? Answer: Privatization, democratization, and human rights.

CUMHURIYET (LEFT)

I WANT TO WORSHIP IN TURKISH LANGUAGE
Former Chief Commander of Turkish Air Forces General Ilhan Kilic requested a reform in the religion, and said, ''I do want to worship in Turkish language, not in a language I don't know.''

RADIKAL (LEFT)

TURKIYE (RIGHT)

CEM: ''WE DON'T WANT KINDNESS''
Foreign Minister Ismail Cem said that Turkey fulfilled what is necessary for EU candidacy, and they did not want a favour of EU. Meanwhile, European Commission Chairman Romano Prodi announced that Turkey was a candidate country.

ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)

BAD NEWS TO PUBLIC
The Turkish Sugar Factories Directorate General announced on the eve of Ramadan that sugar prices were increased by 17 percent. The increase in sugar prices entered into effect as of yesterday.

[03] HELSINKI SUMMIT TO START ON FRIDAY - TURKEY'S CANDIDACY IS ONE OF MOST IMPORTANT ISSUES ON AGENDA

The heads of states and governments of EU member countries will convene in Helsinki on Friday to discuss several issues including Turkey's candidacy.

Term President Finland, which undertook the mission of bringing the EU into the new century with success, is displaying an attitude for a solution that will please the sides concerning Turkey's candidacy.

The Finnish television channels defend that Turkey, of which candidacy was not announced in Helsinki, would feel isolated from Europe, and that Turkey would orientate toward radical Islam.

Diplomatic sources said the issues of Turkey's candidacy was locked in Greece's attitude like it happened in previous EU Summits.

Greek officials gave the message that they would continue bargainings till the last minute while they expend intense efforts to prevent a pause in the Greek Cypriot side's full-membership process.

Greece's attitude and Turkey's EU candidacy are expected to be taken up in today's meetings between Finnish officials and Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis.

[04] HELSINKI SUMMIT TO START ON FRIDAY - TURKEY WANTS TO TAKE PLACE IN DECISION MECHANISM OF ESDI

Addressing the NATO Military Committee which convened early in November in Brussels, Chief of General Staff Full-General Huseyin Kivrikoglu expressed the Turkish Armed Forces' concerns over the issue with harsh statements.

Speaking to press, Military Committee Chairman Admiral Guido Ventroni said specific structural relations were set up between the NATO and the Western European Union (WEU), recalling that non-EU member NATO allies became associate members of the decision mechanism of the WEU and gained specific yield.

Stating that there were elements in the political field that should be clarified, Admiral Ventroni drew the attention to importance of NATO's joint force plans, security measures, and exchange of intelligence. Admiral Ventroni stressed, ''Turkey is a part of all of these.''

Foreign Minister Ismail Cem and National Defense Minister Sabahattin Cakmakoglu who reprensented Turkey in the WEU Council meetings in the second half of November in Luxembourg, gave clear messages to the EU allies.

''Turkey's contribution to the ESDI is parallel to the authorization in decision mechanism,'' Cem said.

Stressing the importance of Turkey for defense of Europe, Cakmakoglu said, ''we are opposed to use of our force without providing the legal base.''

Addressing the meeting of NATO Defense Ministers in Brussels early in December, Cakmakoglu said, ''the principles of solidarity and equality should not be overshadowed. EU countries are planning to make use of NATO facilities and capabilities. The decisions in the NATO are taken unanimously. Turkey is a NATO ally.''

Military experts at the NATO and WEU defend that the EU would in the shortest time become aware of the mistake of the opinion to exclude an ally like Turkey from the decision mechanism, and expressed that the mistaken approach should be corrected.

[05] TURKEY ATTRACTS ATTENTION OF AMERICAN INVESTORS

Sources said the investment cost of the construction of Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant reached three billion U.S. dollars which came onto the agenda in parallel to Turkey's rapidly increasing energy demand every year.

American arms producers intensified on the issue that the purchases of the Turkish Armed Forces reached 150 billion U.S. dollars aimed at meeting its requirements in next 25 years.

Meanwhile, Turkey withdrew a 1.4 billion U.S. dollars loan from the New York market in recent period.

Sources said the total loan obtained from New York market and other U.S. institutions reached 3.2 billion U.S. dollars.

Giving ingormation about the issue, the authorized circles said three billion U.S. dollars part of the loans was obtained by the Treasury while 200 million U.S. dollars part was obtained by the Eximbank.

Sources said Turkey would make a 11-12 percent interest payment.

Meanwhile, the representatives of leading organizations of the Wall Street will convene in the Turkish House within the framework of a meeting to be organized by Turkish Consul General in New York Mehmet N. Ezen.

The representatives of leading banking and financial organizations of the New York market like JP Morgan, Chase Manhattan, Citibank, and Solomon Brothers are expected to attend the meeting.

Officials said the number of organizations to attend the meeting would be between 40-50.

[06] FOREIGN EXCHANGE RESERVES OF CENTRAL BANK INCREASE TO 22.6 BILLION U.S. DOLLARS

The Central Bank data shows that the foreign exchange reserves, which climbed by 64 million U.S. dollars between November 26 and December 3, increased to 22 billion 636 million U.S. dollars as of December 3.

The Central Bank's foreign exchange reserves were 22 billion 572 million U.S. dollars on November 26.

Meanwhile, according to the 12 November-based statistics, Turkey's total international gross reserves decreased 584 million U.S. dollars to 36 billion 480 million U.S. dollars between November 12 and 19.

The international gross reserves of Turkey were 37 billion 64 million U.S. dollars on November 12.

As of 19 November, Turkey's international reserves were composed of 1 billion 11 million U.S. dollars in gold reserves; 23 billion 407 million U.S. dollars in the Central Bank's foreign exchange reserves; and 12 billion 61 million U.S. dollars in the commercial banks' foreign exchange reserves.

[07] FOREIGN DEBT PAYMENTS - 11.7 BILLION U.S. DOLLARS PAID IN FOREIGN DEBT SINCE JANUARY 1, 1999

The Central Bank data shows that the Treasury paid 10 billion 135.61 million U.S. dollars; the Central Bank repaid 383.99 million U.S. dollars; the Ministry of National Defense and the Defense Industry paid 760.80 million U.S. dollars and the Defense Fund paid 24.61 million US dollars in foreign debt between January 1 and December 8, 1999. The International Monetary Fund was repaid 398.16 million U.S. dollars.

Meanwhile, a total of 124.88 million U.S. dollars of foreign debt was repaid between December 1 and 8.

[08] FOREIGN MINISTER CEM: - ''OUR CANDIDACY CHANCE IS 50 PERCENT''

Cem visited Recai Kutan, the Leader of the Virtue Party (FP), on the eve of the EU's Helsinki Summit which will be held between December 10-11.

Addressing the journalists after the meeting, Cem said that Kutan had conveyed his party's criticisms and proposals on the issue of the EU.

He told reporters, ''Turkey's candidacy chance is 50 percent. But if Turkey is not granted candidate status, it will not be the end of the world for her.''

[09] PRESIDENT ALIYEV OF AZERBAIJAN RECEIVES ULUDAG, UNDERSECRETARY OF CUSTOMS

Addressing the meeting, President Aliyev recalled that a customs organization had been newly instituted in Azerbaijan, and noted that Azerbaijan needed to make use of Turkey's experiences.

President Aliyev said that Hasret Bridge in Nahcevan which is the only border gate between Turkey and Azerbaijan, could not give enough service, adding that customs activities at the border gate should be increased.

President Aliyev reminded that President Suleyman Denktas and himself had inaugurated the Hasret Border Gate in 1992.

Meanwhile, Uludag said that necessary capital had been provided in a bid to improve customs activities in Nahcevan.

[10] FOREIGN AID TO DISASTER AREA

Officials told the A.A correspondent that Turkish-American Society (ATS) had collected 1.5 million U.S. dollars from Turkish citizens living in the U.S., and 3 million U.S. dollars from organizations in Turkey in a bid to assist quake survivors.

The donation will be used to construct school and hospital in the quake- stricken area.

Meanwhile, Mehmet N. Ezen, the Turkish Consul General in New York, said that 373 firms had dispatched a total of 867 thousand 843 U.S. dollars to Turkey through the Ziraat Bank.

Ezen added that 5,226 people, most of them are the U.S. citizens, had donated a total of 787 thousand 970 U.S. dollars for quake survivors.

[11] TURKISH CYPRIOT NATIONAL DETERMINATION PLATFORM CONDEMNS ATTACK ON TURKISH CYPRIOT POLICE OFFICER

Releasing a statement, Ahmet Otuken, the Term President of the Turkish Cypriot National Determination Platform, underlined that the provocative attack had taken place as the proximity talks were continuing in New York.

Otuken stressed, ''this attack proved once again that the TRNC was rightful to insist on Turkey's influential guarantorship, and separate sovereignty right.''

Meanwhile, health condition of Bahce is getting better.

A group of Greek Cypriots crossed into buffer zone by violating the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) border. They opened fire at the sentry post in Duzce region, wounded Bahce by opening gunfire.

[12] AGRICULTURE MINISTER GOKALP IN CUBA

The Ministry issued a statement and said Gokalp, who was currently paying an official visit to Cuba, met with Cuban Light Industry Minister Jesus Perez Othon.

It said agricultural mechanization, industry sector and commercial relations were discussed in the meeting at which Gokalp stated that they wanted to improve cooperation with Cuba, and the trade should be increased in balance.

''Our two countries have many opportunities to this end. The representatives of the private sector carrying out activities in the fields of cotton, textiles, and ready-to-wear are also in the delegation accompanying me to increase the commercial relations between our two countries. I believe the contacts of private sector delegation will contribute to commercial relations, cooperation, and joint investments,'' he said.

''There are many fields we can cooperate especially in agriculture and industry based on agriculture. The tractor and other agricultural machines technology in Cuba is very old. We can sell tractors, tractor engines, and other agricultural machines to Cuba. Cuba can make use of Turkey as an industry base for its commercial relations with Central American countries and other islands,'' he added.

[13] RELATIVES OF MARTYRS: ''WE WILL LEAVE OUR MEDALS IN FRONT OF THE PARLIAMENT IF OCALAN IS NOT EXECUTED''

The Iskenderun Relatives of Martyrs Assistance and Solidarity Association Chairman Fevzi Mercanoglu said their reaction would be great if Ocalan was not executed, adding, ''we will altogether leave our medals in front of the Parliament.''

Noting that they couldn't accept even the possibility of non-execution of a person who was responsible for the deaths of 30,000 people, Mercanoglu defended that deliberate speculations were made about the issue, and relatives of martyrs were tried to be incited.

Mercanoglu added that relatives of martyrs were expecting the politicians' decision with common sense.

The Kayseri Relatives of Martyrs Social Assistance and Solidarity Association Chairman Serafettin Inceturkmen said they wanted to see Ocalan hanged.

''The families of martrys will give their medals back to the state if Ocalan is not executed,'' he said.

[14] TURKISH-EU JPC CO-CHAIRMAN VISITS PARLIAMENT SPEAKER

Bendit said he hoped Turkey would continue its tradition of disapproval of death sentence and it would make necessary legal arrangements to advance in the path to Europe.

Parliament Speaker Yildirim Akbulut received Bendit and the accompanying delegation.

Addressing the meeting, Akbulut said Turkey waited for a long time for being a full-member of the EU, and it carried out necessary arrangements in its regulations to provide harmonization.

Noting that he hoped Turkey's candidacy would be accepted in a few days, Akbulut said, ''after it is granted EU candidacy, Turkey will fulfil better its responsibilities in human rights and democratization.''

Daniel Marc Cohn Bendit said the Helsinki Summit, at which Turkey's candidacy would be discussed, would not be the conclusion, and the last word would be made by the European Parliament.

Pointing out that there were different opinions about the issue at the European Parliament, Bendit said, ''there is long sensitive road in front of us. We have to carry out an intense work. I hope that confirmation of Turkey's EU candidacy will be a magnificent adventure for not only Turkey but also the EU.''

[15] SEN, DIRECTOR OF TAM: - ''TURKEY WILL BE A USEFUL MEMBER FOR THE EU''

Releasing a statement, Sen stressed, ''Turkey is a part of Europe. This fact gives rise to discussions on whether Turkey will become a member of the EU. Turkey can fulfil overall duties including the Copenhagen criteria.''

Noting that Turkey had recorded significant progress, Sen pointed out that Turkish economy would further improve with the EU's economic support.

Sen added, ''we hope that Greece which is concentrated on the Cyprus question, will not obstruct positive developments. The Cyprus question can be resolved easily with a Turkey which is integrated with Europe. If the EU aims at becoming a regional political element in medium and long term, it should take into consideration Turkey's influence in the Eastern Mediterranean, Caucasia, and the Middle East.''

[16] JOINT NEWS CONFERENCE OF TURKISH-EU JPC CO-CHAIRMEN

Daniel Cohn-Bendit, co-Chairman of Turkish-EU JPC European Flank, and Kursat Esen, co-Chairman of Turkish flank, staged a joint news conference following the JPC meeting in the Parliament.

Addressing the news conference Esen said Turkey reached a very important period in membership to EU, adding that ''Cyprus issue, human rights problem, and our relations with Greece have come to the agenda during the meeting. Greece's attitude in using its veto right against Turkey from time to time caused sourness in relations. Yet, I believe that all problems will be overcome within EU.''

Pointing out that there was a great difference in position of Turkey in 1997 and 1999, Esen said, ''several neighbouring countries were supporting terrorism in 1997. This is not so at the moment. There was a discrimination against Turkey in 1997, yet today's process is positive. Also, important documents, that can change Turkey's future political tendency, have been signed during Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) summit held in Istanbul. Coalition government in Turkey took important decisions about human rights and democracy. We know our deficiencies on this issue. We could not take steps so far because of terrorism.''

Esen said, ''I believe that EU will have important contributions to the peace in Turkey and in the region.''

Bendit, speaking about Turkey's integration to EU, said there were serious differences of view within EU, adding that ''we should be in a very intense effort from now on. I don't know what will be issued in Helsinki summit. We have very conflicted information to this end. Yet, I can say that majority of people support Turkey's candidacy. However, there is a long way to membership. Difficulties wait for Turkey to this end.''

Stressing that Turkey will have to work hard starting as of Monday, after her candidacy is announced at Helsinki summit, Bendit called on Turkey to provide social peace after Helsinki summit. He pointed out that such a social peace should include conditional release of those who served 50 percent of their imprisonment term. Bendit said that to release Leyla Zana and to grant Akin Birdal free travel would be extremely positive steps.

Bendit told reporters that they decided to hold the joint parliamentary meeting in Ankara in December 22-23.

He emphasized that Turkey should sign the agreement envisaging lifting of capital punishments. He noted that modern world entailed to lift the death sentence.

When asked whether or not execution of capital punishment given to Abdullah Ocalan, the head of the terrorist organization PKK, will close the EU's doors to Turkey forever, Bendit said that he was sure that Turkey would not execute any capital punishment from then on.

Meanwhile, responding to a question, Esen said, ''Turkey has been complaining that the EU did not fulfil its responsibilities. Now it is the EU's turn to speak of the same things. We have to work hard as from Monday. We share the same opinion with Bendit that Turkey should conform the Copenhagen criteria on human rights. We have common opinions on the issues of human rights, the Copenhagen criteria, and democratization. Actually, our government has taken a series of steps to this end. I believe that the government would continue to do so in the future.''

[17] STATE MINISTER CAY IN KYRGYZSTAN

State Minister Abdulhaluk Mehmet Cay continued to hold contacts on Thursday within the framework of his visit to Kyrgyzstan.

Cay and the accompanying delegation met with Kyrgyz Deputy Industry and Foreign Trade Minister Arzimat Sulaymankulov.

The Kyrgyz side, at the meeting, expressed its desire to improve the bilateral relations, and asked help from Turkey for economic development.

Requesting Turkey to be the mediator in foreign capital inflow to Kyrgyzstan in 2000, the Kyrgyz side expressed its opinion that the number of Turkish companies in their country should be increased.

Later, Cay and the accompanying delegation visited the Bishkek Heavy Machinery Industry Factory which was working with 10 percent capacity.

Cay also visited the Free Area in Bishkek, Office of the Turkish International Cooperation Agency in Bishkek, and International Ataturk Foundation.

Getting information about the activities of the International Ataurk Foundation, State Minister Cay said Kyrgyzastan should immediately adopt Latin alphabet as it was suitable for the liguistic differences between Turkish dialects, and for the phonetic structure.

Abdulhaluk Mehmet Cay will receive the same day the representatives of Ahiska Turks.

Cay will later attend the dinner which will be hosted in Kyrgyz President Askar Akayev's honour by his Advisor for Foreign Affairs Askar Aytmatov.

[18] PRESIDENT DEMIREL RECEIVES PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT

Addressing journalists after the 50-minute weekly meeting, Ecevit said that the meeting focused on problems both in Turkey and abroad.

Referring to the European Union's (EU) Helsinki summit which will be held between December 10-11, Ecevit said, ''we are waiting for the EU's decision. The Council of Ministers will convene at 18:00 local time on Friday. I hope that the EU would have taken a decision till that time. Then, the government will evaluate the decision.''

When asked whether or not he will partake in the EU's luncheon which will be hosted on December 11, Ecevit refrained from responding to the question.

Responding to a question whether or not he held talks with President Rauf Denktas of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) who is attending proximity talks in New York, Ecevit said, ''we are exchanging opinions from time to time. He is very determined and hopeful.''

Prime Minister Ecevit stressed that economical difficulties would be overcome by the government's determined attitude.

''Political stability is necessary to provide economical stability. The 57th government has succeeded in providing a considerable political stability for the first time in a long period.

The latest progress which Turkey recorded, has increased confidence towards us both in Turkey and abroad. The government's determined attitude also increased willingness of Turkish and foreign investment circles. The stock exchange has recovered, and the firms which were affected negatively by the economic crisis, have begun to record positive progress. A comprehensive Customs Law was passed by the parliament after the aacceptance of the Social Security Reform. Now, The government is working on the agricultural reform,'' Ecevit said.

At the meeting, Ecevit briefed President Demirel about his visit to Bosnia- Herzegovina.

Prime Minister Ecevit also celebrated the holy month of Ramadan, which began at sunrise Thursday.

Expressing profound sorrow over the Russia's continuing military operation against Chechnya, Ecevit called on the Russian Federation to scrutinize her attitude towards Chechnya.

He added, ''it is impossible to understand Russia's declaration that whole residents in Grozny would be considered as terrorists, if they do not leave the capital. I wish that the Russian officials would scrutinize their cruel attitude towards Chechen civilians during the holy month of Ramadan.''

[19] CYPRUS TALKS UNDER WAY IN NEW YORK - ANNAN MEETS WITH DENKTAS AND CLERIDES ONCE AGAIN

Diplomatic sources told A.A that the message which Secretary General will give to the leaders in Helsinki following this meeting was very important.

The same sources pointed out that if Secretary General sends a message saying that ''difference of opinions between the sides are in a level that can not reach a compromise'', this will effect Helsinki resolution negatively. They said if Secretary General sends an opposite decison, a positive result may be issued from Helsinki.

Meawhile, it was reported that Turkish side did not give assurances about participating in the second tour of talks that is claimed to start on January 8.

A Turkish source said ''Turkish side will make an evaluation and reach a decision.''

The same source pointed out that map and territory issues were not taken up during the negotiations.

Denktas met with Vladmir Chizov, Russia's Cyprus Coordinator, before meeting with Annan. Denktas is scheduled to meet with Alfred Moses, the U.S. President Bill Clinton's Special Representative to Cyprus, on Thursday evening, and will exchange views.

[20] EU TERM PRESIDENCY EXPRESSEB HOPE OVER ANNOUNCEMENT OF TURKEY'S CANDIDACY

Staging a press conference on the eve of the Helsinki summit, Alec Aalto, the Spokesman of Finland, said that they had recorded progress in developments regarding Turkey's candidacy.

Recalling that negotiations on Turkey's candidacy were still continuing, Aalto noted they hoped that the EU would take a decision before the official luncheon on Friday.

When asked about ''road map'' which was put forward by Greece as a precondition, Aalto noted that the EU did not support Greece's proposal.

He said that the EU's basic approach was to implement Turkey the same rights and responsibilities with the other candidate countries.

Noting that they also took into consideration the proximity talks which were underway in New York, Aalto emphasized that they were in favor of finding a political solution to the Cyprus question.

When asked whether or not Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit will partake in official luncheon at Helsinki summit, Aalto expressed hope over seeing Prime Minister Ecevit at the luncheon.

[21] Anadolu Ajansı

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