Anadolu Agency: News in English, 00-04-25

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[01] AA News

25 April 2000 Tuesday

[02] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

HURRIYET (LIBERAL)

TURKEY SPOKEN IN IMF
Michael C. Deppler, the Chairman of the IMF's European Desk, said that there is no other economic programme in the world which is similar to the one implemented in Turkey. IMP speaks mostly the programme implemented by Turkey, said Deppler and added that ''the programme is implemented well. If Turkey becomes successful, this will also show the success of IMF.''

MILLIYET (LIBERAL)

FAITHFULNESS OF ANZACS
The Anzacs who came to Turkey to join the ceremonies held to mark the 85th anniversary of the Anzac landing, visited quake-hit Izmit province. The Anzacs played with the quake survivor children and distributed them toys. The Anzacs said that they want to please the quake survivors.

TRNC PRESIDENT DENKTAS: ''NOT WITHOUT TURKEY''
Rauf Denktas, the President of Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), took oath and started his new term as the president. After he took the oath, Denktas said that his status is above parties and that his doors are open to all parties since he is unbiased. Denktas noted that his duty is to have cooperation with all the parties since it is in the benefit of the nation. Denktas also said that he will use his authorities to the interest of his people. Denktas added that living peacefully in TRNC depends on Turkey's interest, assistance and support.

SABAH (LIBERAL)

BAHCELI'S RESPONSE TO YILMAZ
Mesut Yılmaz, the leader of the Motherland Party (ANAP) asked Bahceli about the attitude of Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) if he ran for presidential candidacy. Devlet Bahceli, the leader of MHP said that ''we favour solution of the issue by compromise,'' adding ''if 5+5 formula was adopted by the parliament, you could also be candidate and had a chance. But now it's up to you to be a candidate or not.''

CUMHURIYET (LEFT)

DENKTAS:TRNC HAS TO BE RESTRUCTURED
Rauf Denktas, the President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) who was re-elected to this office, said that TRNC has to be restructured. Denktas said that he expected the support of everybody and stressed that a reform in justice has to be undertaken. Denktas took oath in TRNC parliament the same day.

RADIKAL (LEFT)

Ahmet Necdet Sezer was elected as the Constitutional Court Chairman in 1998 after Yekta Gungor Ozden retired. He is married and has three children.

IMF IS MORE EXCITED THAN TURKEY
IMF Head of European Department Michael C. Deppler who described Turkish government's stability programme as ''matchless'', said Turkey's success will also prove the the success of the IMF. Deppler noted that Turkey is the most debated subject in their institution these days. The World Bank is also closely watching the programme, he added. Deppler said he is certain that the programme will be successful unles there is a big international crisis or political instability. IMF Executive Directors Board will evaluate the programme on Friday.

YENİ BİNYIL (LIBERAL)

At the trial which started on Monday, the prosecutor said that Diyarbakir mayor Feridun Celik, Siirt mayor M. Selim Ozalp and Bingol Feyzullah Karaaslan had links with the terrorist organization PKK and provided financial assistance to the organization. A total of 22 suspects were tried during Monday's hearing and seven of them were acquitted. After reading the indictment, the prosecutor asked seven years of imprisonment for Celik, Ozalp and Karaaslan who were from People's Democracy Party (HADEP).

WORKERS WALKING TO ANKARA
Chairmen and executives of the Confederation of Turkish Labour Unions (Turk- Is) are marching to Ankara to protest high prices and the government's privitization implementations. The protestors who left Istanbul by 4 busses, and 3 minibuses are expected to arrive in Ankara on Wednesday morning. Faruk Buyukkucak, a Turk-Is representative said workers want job security and to stop privatization. He also said the government should pay extra salaries to civil servants and retirees.

TURKIYE (RIGHT)

TENDER FOR SECOND GSM LICENCE TO BE HELD ON MAY 2
The second phase of the tender for Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) phone network licence will be held on May 2. The Transportation Ministry said that the four consortia that failed in the first phase of the tender would be invited for the second phase. The Ministry also said the second phase would be held as an auction, adding that the auction's lowest price would be 2 billion 525 million U.S. dollars. The four consortia are H.O. Sabanci Holding A.S- Dogan Holding A.S- Dogus Holding A.S-Spanish Telefonica SA, GEN-PA Genel Pazarlama San. ve Tic. A.S-Atlas Finansal Kiralama A.S-Norwegian Telenor Mobile Communications-Demirbank T.A.S., Fiba Holding-Suzer Holding-Finansbank-Nurol Holding-French Telecom-Kentbank, Koctel Telekomunikasyon Hizmetleri A.S-SBC International Communications Turkey Inc.

STATE MINISTER TOSKAY: ''EXIMBANK LOAN INTEREST RATES
WERE DECREASED BY FOUR POINTS''
Tunca Toskay, the State Minister said that the Turkish Eximbank loan interest rates had been decreased by four points and maturity of the Turkish Lira (TL) loans had been increased from four months to six months. Toskay noted that the decrease in loan interest rates since December 1999 had reached 50 percent. Toskay added that the loans with the highest interest rate of 36 percent were given to the tourism sector.

ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)

[03] ANAP DEPUTY CHAIRMAN TASAR SAYS AHMET NECDET SEZER'S CANDIDACY WAS PROPOSED BY ECEVIT

Following the leaders summit, ANAP leader Mesut Yilmaz had a meeting with some ministers and ANAP executives at his residence.

Responding to reporters' questions, Tasar said Ecevit proposed Sezer as a president candidate. When asked about the opposition's stance over the issue, he said ''we will wait and see.''

Tasar also told reporters that at the leaders summit they agreed that if five parties compromise, government partners will also compromise.

When asked if the coalition partners could have another meeting, Tasar said they might.

ANAP Acting Chairman Beyhan Aslan also said the opposition should support the candidacy of Sezer. Zeki Cankan, another Acting Chairman of ANAP noted that ANAP shared the same views with Ecevit and assured that they will give full support to the issues that were agreed during the leaders summit.

[04] GAP TO BE INTRODUCED IN AUSTRALIA

A delegation from ABC, the state-run television channel of Australia, came to southeastern Sanliurfa province to make a ''Documentary Film on GAP.''

The documentary film will be about the development process of the GAP and the dams which are constructed within the framework of the project.

Officials of the GAP Regional Development Administration said on Tuesday that the Australian ABC TV delegation including reporters Mark Andrew, Grahman Kathryn Louise, and Geofrey Stewart Clegg, will make a documentary film of the Harran Plain, Birecik, and Batman dams.

The documentary film will also be about Halfeti township of Sanliurfa and Hasankeyf township of Batman, the officials noted.

The officials stated that the Australian delegation will interview Erkan Alemdaroglu, the Director of the GAP Regional Development Administration, and Gulabi Polat, the State Water Works (DSI) 16th Regional Director.

The Australian delegation will depart from the region on April 30, 2000, the officials added.

[05] SOUTHEAST WISHES TO IMPROVE TRADE WITH IRAQ, SYRIA AND IRAN

The businessmen in Southeast Turkey believe that if this comes true, the export to these countries will reach 15 billion dollars and there will be economic revival in the region.

Exports worth of 16.2 milion dollars were sold to Iraq in the first three months of 1994, 21.1 million dollars in the same period of 1995 and 20 milion dollars in the first three months of 1996. The export figures to Iraq was not announced after 1996.

The exports to Iran which were 4.1 million dollars in the first three months of 1994 decreased to 1.3 millions in the same period in 1995 and 368, 000 dollars in 1996. The trade increased to 1.4 million dollars in the first three months of last year and it was 351,000 dollars in the same period this year.

Turkey exported goods to Syria worth of 5.6 million dollars in the first three months of 1994; 4.5 million dollars in the same period of 1995; 7 million in 1996; 12.4 million in 1997; 16,1 million dollars in 1998 and 22.2 million dollars in 1999. The exports decreased to 8.3 million dollars in the same period this year.

Abdulkadir Cıkmaz, the Chairman of the South East Anatolian Exporters' Union (GAIB) said on Tuesday that the priority should be given to Iraq. ''Iraq is a market of one billion dollars only for the south East Turkey, you can think the rest,'' he said.

Mehmet Aslan, the Chairman of Gaziantep Trade Chamber said in his part that ''no result can be taken from the efforts exerted to develop the Eastern and Southeastern Turkey unless commercial relations are not developed with Iraq, Iran and Syria.''

Nejat Kocer, the Chairman of the Sanlıurfa Trade and Industry Chamber (STSO) said that ''today if Syria buys drinking water from Europe and if Iraq buys its eggs from Europe, this is a shame for them and us.''

[06] FOUNDATION ANNIVERSARY OF CONSTITUTIONAL COURT - PREMIER ECEVIT:''CONSTITUTIONAL COURT IS AN EFFECTIVE GUARANTEE OF SECULAR TURKISH REPUBLIC''

Issuing a message upon the 38th foundation anniversary of the Constitutional Court, Premier Ecevit said that ''the Court is respected in the world by its independent attitude and its decisions which constitute examples for other decisions.''

Ecevit wished success to the members of the Constitutional Court.

[07] IMF EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS' BOARD MEETING TO BE HELD ON FRIDAY

The IMF Executive Directors' Board will discuss the developments recorded since December 22, 1999, by when the Stand-By agreement was signed, and the Additional Letter of Intent which includes the commitments and measures.

The Additional Letter of Intent will be discussed together with the report prepared by the IMF delegation, headed by Carlo Cottarelli, the IMF's Turkey Desk Chief.

Officials told A.A correspondent on Tuesday that Stanley Fischer, the IMF Acting Chairman, plans to chair the meeting which will be held on Friday since he attributes importance to Turkey.

The officials said that the meeting which was earlier scheduled to be held on April 26, was postponed to April 28 to give additional time to Turkey to completely fulfil the commitments.

Turkey should pass the regulation which foresees the reduction of the term in advance tax from six to three months, another draft law on the liquidation of seven funds, a legal regulation on individual retirement, the officials noted.

The officials said that Turkey should also give autonomy to the public banks, and should prepare a draft law which will enable privatization until April 28, the officials noted.

The officials stated that after the Executive Directors' Board ratifies the Letter of Intent, the second portion of assistance worth of 305 million U.S. dollars, will be deposited to the Central Bank account.

Within the framework of the stand-by agreement, Turkey will submit an additional Letter of Intent including the three-month performances and measures, to the IMF Executive Directors' Board every three months.

The Additional Letter of Intent is expected to be transmitted through the internet on April 28.

[08] QUAKES SHAKE MARMARA AND AEGEAN REGIONS

Officials of Bogazici University Kandilli Observatory Center and Seismology Institute said on Tuesday that eight earthquakes jolted Bursa, Denizli, Marmara Sea, offshore Bandirma, Aydin and Izmir on Monday and Tuesday.

Below listed the time, epicenter and magnitude of the earthquakes:

Time Epicenter Magnitude

----- --------- ---------
12.45 p.m. (Monday) Bursa-Mustafa Kemalpasa 2.9

1.01 p.m. (Monday) Denizli-Tavas 3.4

2.11 p.m. (Monday) Offshore Bandirma 2.9

4.48 p.m. (Monday) Marmara Sea 2.7

6.29 p.m. (Monday) Aydin-Kusadasi 3.0

10.58 p.m. (Monday) Aydin-Germencik 2.9

4.05 a.m. (Tuesday) Izmir-Menemen 2.9

4.08 a.m. (Tuesday) Izmir-Tire 2.7 </pre> Meanwhile, an aftershock measuring 2.8 on the Richter scale was recorded in Golkaya township of Duzce province at 1.05 p.m. on Monday.

[09] 38TH FOUNDATION ANNIVERSARY OF CONSTITUTIONAL COURT - PRESIDENT DEMIREL SENDS MESSAGE TO COURT'S CHAIRMAN

President Demirel sent a message to Ahmet Necdet Sezer, the Chairman of the Constitutional Court.

In his message Demirel said the Turkish Republic was founded by Ataturk's great genius as a democratic and secular state based on the supremacy of law. Demirel said in time, all institutions which are the requirements of a democratic state of law were founded in the Turkish Republic and noted that the Constitutional Court was one of the most important of them.

''Separation of powers is the basic principle of a democratic state of law, '' he noted.

''This principle depends on the supremacy of law. Finally, the legality of activities of legislation and execution should be inspected. The Constitutional Court has been fulfilling this task since its foundation. The Constitution is the common will of the nation. The continuation of the regime depends on the harmonious interaction between the state's institutions. Only then it is possible to guarantee human rights which is the main target of the state and democracy. The Turkish Republic has accomplished this and today democracy has become a life style for our nation which we can never give up.

I celebrate the 38th foundation anniversary of the Constitutional Court and convey my best wishes to the members of the Court.''

[10] CHADIAN PRESIDENT IDRISS DEBY DUE IN TURKEY

A Foreign Ministry statement noted on Tuesday that the opportunities to improve political, economic, commercial and cultural relations will be taken up during Deby's contacts in Turkey within the framework of Turkey's opening policy to Africa.

Regional and international issues which concern the two countries will also be discussed in the meetings.

Chadian President will proceed to Istanbul after wrapping up his contacts in Ankara. He'll visit historical and touristic places and meet with private sector representatives there, the Foreign Ministry noted.

The visit of Idriss Deby will be the first visit of a Chadian President to Turkey till today.

[11] TRNC HIGHER BOARD OF ELECTION REJECTS OBJECTION OF CTP TO PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS

YSK re-convened the same day to discuss the application of CTP which objected to the election and which requested the election to be re-held.

Salih Dayıoglu, the YSK Chairman told the press after the meeting that ''they rejected the application of CTP as it was baseless.''

Dayıoglu pointed out that the reasons will be later announced in written form. Responding to a question, Dayıoglu pointed out that the way to object to the presidential election has been closed from now on.

CTP said in the application it submitted to the YSK on Saturday that the president was not elected by absolute majority and Denktas and Eroglu brought to agenda the claims that the state opportunities were used by the candidates during the election.

[12] ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES MINISTRY: - ''NEGOTIATIONS ABOUT DRAFT AGREEMENT ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF BAKU-CEYHAN OIL PIPELINE PROJECT HAVE BEEN CONCLUDED''

A high-ranking official of the Energy and Natural Resources Ministry told A.A correspondent that agreement is about to be reached on the amount of money that Georgia will take from the oil which will be transferred through its territory and the transition fee tariffs.

There are not any problems in Baku-Ceyhan oil pipeline project for Turkey, the official said.

The official noted that Georgia's liabilities are being discussed in the meetings.

''The sides are searching for a model for fulfilling the liabilities, like an insurance system,'' the official said.

The official stated that the negotiations between Azerbaijan and Georgia should be completed until the middle of May and that Georgia's not signing the transit country agreement is not important.

''During the Istanbul Summit of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) which was held last year, Georgia initialled these agreements. It said that it would make some changes in the agreements. The transit country agreement will be signed after the inter- governmental agreements are sent to the parliaments of concerned countries. What is important is to reach an agreement on the draft,'' the official said.

The official noted that it is not possible to submit the agreements to parliaments of concerned countries for ratification until the end of April.

The agreements are expected to be submitted to the parliaments in May, the official stated.

The official stressed that the stories which said that the U.S. withdraw its support from the Baku-Ceyhan oil pipeline project, are not correct and that the U.S. continues to support this project.

Turkey is in a waiting period for the Trans-Caspian Natural Gas Pipeline Project, the official emphasized.

When A.A correspondent reminded the official that the validity term of the agreement signed between the PSG consortium and Turkmenistan ended, the official said that Turkmenistan should take a step for this issue.

The official told A.A correspondent that President Suleyman Demirel requested during his last visit to Turkmenistan that the validity term of the agreement should be extended, adding that Turkey is now waiting for a step from Turkmenistan.

In accordance with the Istanbul Declaration signed during the OSCE Summit, the construction of the Baku-Ceyhan oil pipeline should have been started in the beginning of 2000.

[13] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT ADDRESSES DSP PARTY GROUP MEETING

Addressing Democratic Left Party (DSP) group meeting, Ecevit said he believed that nobody will question that Necdet Sezer would be a capable candidate to this sublime assignment. Ecevit said, ''I think nobody will have doubt about Ahmet Necdet Sezer's loyalty to secular and democratic state of law.''

Evaluating the developments about presidential elections, Ecevit said Parliament was getting ready for a historic assignment like electing a new President. Ecevit recalled that Constitution banned taking decisions in groups and in government, and noted that he was careful about this restricting principles of the constitution.

Noting that there were many parliamentarians who are capable of being president, Ecevit said it was important for the parliament to unite on a candidate who nobody will question his impartiality and who will have influential contribution to politicial, stability and compromise atmosphere.

Ecevit pointed out that he was careful about this since the very beginning of presidential elections process, adding that, ''of course, the first preference of the parliamentarians and the parties is the election of president from inside the parliament. However, theycan not unite on a candidate from the parliament while each has a candidate. They said it was natural to elect a president from outside the parliament, who has several abilities and specific experiences, if they can not reach compromise on a candidate from the parliament. First of all, all the parties exerted efforts to find a candidate from the parliament, however, after realizing that it would be difficult to reach compromise in the highest level, electing a candidate from outside the parliament was brought to the agenda.''

Ecevit said in a meeting they held on Monday among the coalition partner parties, they focused on Ahmet Necdet Sezer, Chairman of Constitutional Court, as the candidate having all these qualities.

Ecevit said in many other democratic countries, it is a widespread implementation to assign chairman of supreme courts when they meet difficulty in electing the president. Ecevit said, ''so, looking for a compromise on Sezer should not be considered as odd.''

Prime Minister Ecevit said coalition partners agreed on Necdet Sezer, and noted that they were now in an effort to reach a compromise in the parliament.

Ecevit thanked to the parliamentarians of DSP due to their constructive attitude, ''I also thank to Devlet Bahceli due to his understanding and realistic attitude, and to Mesut Yilmaz due to his contributions to compromise and harmonization within the coalition.''

Pointing out that Virtue Party (FP) and True Path Party (DYP) did not announce their decisions on Monday evening, Ecevit said it was very important that the president should be the joint candidate of all the parties.

[14] FORMER VILLAGE GUARD OPENS RANDOM FIRE, KILLING ONE PERSON AND INJURING 10 OTHERS

Officials told the A.A correspondent that Basak, 45, took his colleague Medeni Ucar's kalashnikow rifle by force, and opened fire on passers-by.

Ferzande Barlak, 62, was killed in the scene of the incident while ten people including one policeman were injured.

The injured people were taken to nearby hospitals for medical treatment. Three of them are in critical condition.

Basak was captured and taken into custody following the incident.

Basak who had killed his wife in 1996, was released from prison after he was determined as mentally deranged.

He was fired from his job.

[15] DYP PARLIAMENTARY GROUP MEETING - DYP LEADER CILLER: ''SEZER IS A WORTHY CANDIDATE FOR PRESIDENCY''

Speaking at her party's parliamentary group meeting, Ciller said that the issue of presidential elections had long been occupying the top of Turkey's agenda, and said she would convey her concerns over this ''unnecessary over- engagement'' to Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit.

''The three coalition leaders got together and reached an agreement. This is perfectly good. And so is the coalition leaders' asking for support from the opposition. However, the coalition partners' consideration of the opposition's support as a condition, is awakening doubts in me; that they either do not trust each other, or they are not so able to reach a compromise,'' Ciller said.

[16] PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS - FIRST ROUND OF VOTE TO BE HELD ON APRIL 27

According to decision taken at the Advisory Committee meeting under the chairmanship of Yildirim Akbulut, the Speaker of the Parliament, the first round of vote for presidential elections would be held on April 27.

The Constitution foresees that two-thirds (367) of total number of deputies is required in the first two rounds of vote.

If this number of votes cannot be reached in the first two rounds, the absolute majority (276) of the total number of deputies is required in the third round.

The second round of vote will be held in May 1.

If one of the candidates cannot reach two-thirds in the first two rounds, the third round of vote will be held on May 5.

If the absolute majority cannot be reached, two of the candidates who receive the highest votes, will attend the fourth round on May 9.

[17] FOUNDATION ANNIVERSARY OF THE CONSTITUTIONAL COURT - CONSTITUTIONAL COURT PRESIDENT SEZER: ''THE AUTHORITIES OF THE PRESIDENT, AS DELINEATED IN ARTICLE NO. 104 OF THE CONSTITUTION, FORCE AND PASS THE LIMITS OF PARLIAMENTARY DEMOCRACY''

President Suleyman Demirel was also present at the ceremony held on the occasion of the 38th foundation anniversary of the Constitutional Court.

Parliament Speaker Yildirim Akbulut, Virtue Party (FP) leader Recai Kutan, Motherland Party (ANAP) leader Mesut Yilmaz, Secretary General to the President's Office Necdet Seckinoz, Chairman of the European Court of Human Rights Luzius Wildhaber, Supreme Court President Sami Selcuk, Council of State Chairman Erol Cirakman, Constitutional Court Chief Prosecutor Vural Savas, Justice Minister Hikmet Sami Turk, representatives of political parties, and chief civilian and military judges were present at the ceremony.

The ceremony started with a minute's silence and the National Anthem, and opened with a mini concert by State Opera and Ballet House artists.

Reading out his 13-page speech, Ahmet Necdet Sezer concentrated more on the principles upon wich a state of law is based. He pointed out that the 1961 Constitution had been aimed at establishing a social state of law, but that the 1982 Constitution had given the priority to the State and not the citizens, the latter of whom, he said, had been deprived of certain rights with the enforcement of the 1982 Constitution.

''The Republic, now identified with democracy, cannot be deprived of the assurance and guarantee of the 'State of Law'. Democracy and the state of law are complementary to one another. The principles, upon which a state of law are based, are the guarantors of the supremacy of the Constitution, and of the other characteristics of a democratic republic,'' he said.

Sezer said that the holding of regular elections did not necessarily mean that the country concerned was a democratic country, and added:

''The Constitution leaves certain individuals and institutions out of the reach of the judiciary. This is someting that can, by no means, be associated with a 'State of Law'. In a State of Law, the judiciary has to have power over all; all individuals and all institutions.''

''According to the Constitution, the president has been entrusted with authorities, putting him in a superior position against almost all institutions and bodies of the State. This falls into contradiction with the principles of a state of law.

The Constitution is not a miracle that can solve all the problems of the country. Sometimes, it may make things even harder. Our Constitution needs to be revised, updated and turned into a text that would encourage a more extensive understanding of liberalist, populist democracy, before we can be admitted as being one of the contemporary democratic nations,'' Sezer said.

(to be continued)

[18] AUSTRALIA'S PRIME MINISTER CALLS ON HIS PEOPLE TO VISIT TURKEY

Howard, who spoke to Current Affair program in Australia's Channel 9 tv, praised Turkey and hospitality of Turkish people.

Howard said he invited his people to experience the atmosphere in Turkey.

Australia's Prime Minister said they kept the promise which they made to Anzac soldiers. He also said Anzac Bay was an important point for those who visit Turkey.

[19] ECEVIT-KUTAN MEETING ENDS - KUTAN, LEADER OF FP: ''WE ARE READY TO SUPPORT SEZER IN PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS''

Kutan met with Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit.

Addressing journalists following the meeting, Kutan stressed that the FP was in favor of finalizing the presidential elections before it turns into a crisis.

Recalling that several parliamentarians had applied for the presidential candidacy, Kutan told reporters, ''we want political parties to reach an agreement on the issue to elect the new president as soon as possible. If it is necessary, we should agree on a single name from outside the parliament. To be honest, we thought two names: Ahmet Necdet Sezer and Sami Selcuk, the Chairman of the Supreme Court. Yesterday, Sezer was pronounced as the presidential candidate. We, as the FP, want the coalition partners to explain their definite opinions about the presidential elections.''

Recalling that Prime Minister Ecevit stated yesterday that the coalition partners would support Sezer in the presidential elections, Kutan noted that Ecevit invited him to discuss the issue of presidential elections.

Kutan added, ''Sezer may be elected as the new president even in the first round of vote if the coalition partners are sincere in their agreement. The FP group will fully support Sezer in the presidential elections.''

Responding to a question, Kutan said that Prime Minister Ecevit was planning to meet with Tansu Ciller, the leader of the True Path Party (DYP) later today.

When asked whether or not Nevzat Yalcintas, Istanbul deputy of the FP, would withdraw from the presidential candidacy, Kutan told reporters, ''he may not withdraw from the presidential candidacy in the first round of vote. But this not mean that we will vote in favor of him. We think that FP should have a candidate in any case.''

When recalled that Sezer voted in favor of closure of the Welfare Party (RP), Kutan stressed, ''we left the past behind. Now, we concentrate on the future.''

[20] ANAP PARTY GROUP MEETING - YILMAZ, LEADER OF ANAP, CALLS ON ''FULL SUPPORT'' FOR AHMET NECDET SEZER

Beyhan Aslan, Acting Chairman of ANAP Group, speaking after the meeting which was closed to the press, said ANAP leader Yilmaz briefed them about the point reached in searches for a president.

Aslan said Yilmaz told them that the president should be elected by considering the interests of the country, by providing the broadest compromise, and without being emotional. Pointing out that he was never been a candidate for presidency, Yilmaz said people from inside and outside the party promoted him in this respect, and thanked for the support extended to him. Yilmaz called on his parliamentarians to extend ''full support'' for Ahmet Necdet Sezer, Constitutional Court Chairman.

Pointing out that ANAP was in agreement in this respect, Aslan said ANAP leader Yilmaz wanted the president to be elected in the first round.

Aslan said Yilmaz wanted his parliamentarians not to be emotional, and noted that Sezer was a valuable jurist who can effect Turkey's image positively especially in the field of democracy and human rights.

Yilmaz also said the attitude which appeared after leaders' summit, will ba adopted by the opposition parties. Yilmaz said ANAP has 87 parliamentarians, adding that they would not be able to elect a president without the support of other parties. Stressing the importance of stability under existing conditions, Yilmaz said presidential elections process should be resulted without damaging the stability.

Responding to a question, Aslan said application of Agah Oktay Guner, ANAP Balikesir Deputy, was a ''individual attitude.'' Aslan said, ''we are considering the interests of the nation. We will not approach the issue emotionally. We will not be the one who spoils the game.''

Meanwhile, it was reported that Yilmaz will stage a news conference in the Parliament at 14:00 local time.

[21] GURES, DYP KILIS DEPUTY, APPLIES FOR PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDACY

Gures, who spoke to journalists after his application, said he thought that the President should be elected inside the parliament.

Gures said he discussed his candidacy with Tansu Ciller, leader of DYP, 3-4 months ago, and lately talked to her seven days ago. Gures said he told Ciller that he would apply today, and that Ciller found the timing as convenient.

[22] FOUNDATION ANNIVERSARY OF THE CONSTITUTIONAL COURT (2) - CONSTITUTIONAL COURT PRESIDENT SEZER: ''JUDGES ENTRUSTED WITH THE TASK OF INSPECTING THE EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE BODIES' COMPLIANCE WITH THE LAW SHOULD BE FAIR AND UNBIASED IN A STATE OF LAW''

Speaking at the ceremony held on the occasion of the 38th foundation anniversary of the Constitutional Court, Sezer said that social development and the development of the judiciary were directly related to each other, and pointed out:

''An underdeveloped country cannot enjoy a just judiciary, and vice versa, too, is impossible.''

Sezer reiterated that the 1961 agreement had, not only made a definition of a democratic state, but that it had also included the principles of a state of law among the characteristics of the republic. He underlined that it was the judiciary, and the Constitutional Court in particular, that was responsible of defining the context of the principles of the state of law.

''Secularism has been defined in the Constitution, as one of the basic characteristics of the republic, and indeed it is; since it guards the democratic state of law, and renders its existence sustainable,'' Sezer said.

''It is stipulated in Article no. 11 of the Constitution, that the Constitution has supremacy, and the State of Law is its guard. Inspecting if a majority of the parliament is acting in compliance with the Constitution is the State's most natural need. Because, a state of law, is the outcome of the individuals' need for protection against the state; and the main design in its foundation is to prevent the State from turning into an oppressive power over the citizens,'' he said.

''A state of law is an harmonious whole constituted by laws, regulations and institutions functioning for the good of the citizens. Its principles are a common characteristic between all populist democracies. Although there exist definitions fo a state of law in the Constitution; however, there are no concrete grounds upon which these principles can stand upright. The amendments to the 1961 Constitution, made in 1971 and 1973, gradually limited the rights and freedoms of the individual, and disturbed the independence of the judiciary; and eventually, the 1982 Constitution was enforced, with which Turkey drifted a little further away from being a State of Law.

Sezer pointed out that the generality of the laws, in theory, had to seek no priviledges among special, actual or temporary conditions, or among individuals, and said all were equal before the law.

''It is clearly stated in the Constitution that it is against the Constitution to file cases against decrees issued in times of martial law or warfare on grounds that they are against the Constitution, since such cases do not involve a 'regime of law','' Sezer said.

The constitutional Court President criticised the 1982 Constitution on limiting the authorities of the administrative judiciary and said:

''According to article no. 105 of the Constitution, presidential decrees, which the President of the Republic is empowered to enact by himself without the signatures of the Prime Minister and the minister concerned, are beyond the judiciary's authorities and capabilities. This however, a case in which the president becomes the head of the Judiciary and not only of the State, falls contrary to the basic principles of a State of Law.''

He stressed, once again, on the necessity of abolishing the articles that fell into contradiction with the principles of a state of law, and those which limited the authorities and capabilities of the administrative judiciary.

Later on in the ceremony, President Suleyman Demirel presented retired member of the Constitutional Court Lutfi Tuncel, with a certificate of honor.

[23] ATHENS CONDEMNS DEMONSTRATIONS AGAINST TURKEY

The statement which was signed by Panos Beglitis, the Spokesman of Greek Foreign Ministry, stressed, ''we consider all attacks targeting the flag that is a national symbol of every country, as unacceptable.

We condemn yesterday's demonstrations.''

[24] ECEVIT-CILLER MEETING ENDS

Speaking to journalists following her meeting with Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit which lasted nearly 15 minutes, Ciller said Ahmet Necdet Sezer, Constitutional Court Chairman, who the coalition partner parties determined as candidate for presidency, was a ''good jurist and a reliable person.'' Ciller said they thought that Sezer would be convenient for presidential candidacy.

Noting that there were several difficulties regarding 5+5 formula which has been put forward earlier, Ciller said from the very beginning they were insistent that president should be elected by people. ''Today, I say I wish it had been like that. However, a compromise has been found at the point we have reached. Three leaders said 'yes' to Prime Minister Ecevit's offer.''

Ciller said she convened party group today and learned about the tendencies of the parliamentarians, ''by our positive and constructive approach, we have conveyed our ideas and support to Ecevit,'' Ciller said.

[25] CEREMONIES TO MARK 85TH ANNIVERSARY OF ANZAC LANDING

New Zealander Prime Minister Helen Clark, Australian Prime Minister John Howard and Cumhur Ersumer, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, were in attendance at the ceremony.

Addressing the ceremony, Clark said, ''we shared the calamity of war. Things that happened here tied us together forever. We share the grief of our losses.''

''We gathered here to commemorate those who could not return home. Let's maintain our determination to keep the next generations away from the terror of war,'' Clark noted.

Eulogizing bravery of the Turkish soldiers who lost their lives to defend their homeland under the leadership of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, Clark said that they always appreciate Ataturk's spiritual support to families of the soldiers from other countries who had died in the Canakkale (Dardanelles) War.

Emphasizing that lessons learnt from the past, should never be forgotten, Clark thanked the Turkish government which formed a 'Peace Forest' in the peninsula.

Meanwhile, Australian Prime Minister John Howard said that Gelibolu had a special place in the Australian people's hearts.

Prime Minister Howard thanked President Suleyman Demirel for the Peace Forest Project.

Addressing the ceremony, Deputy Prime Minister Cumhur Ersumer said, ''the Canakkale War is the only war in history that had bred mutual sympathy and respect, instead of enmity and hate between the adversaries.''

Ersumer quoted Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the Founder of modern Republic of Turkey, as saying in a message to the families of the soldiers from other countries who had died in the Dardanelles War, ''you brave soldiers who shed their blood on the soil of this country: You are here in a friendly country. Sleep here in comfort and peace! Mothers who sent their sons to the war from distant lands: Please stop your tears because your sons are in our hearts. Your sons became our sons after giving their lives in this country.''

The Anzac Day marks the first major engagement of Australian and New Zealander forces in the World War I.

[26] LEADERS OF FIVE POLITICAL PARTIES SIGN PROPOSAL NAMING SEZER AS PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE

Making a brief statement to journalists, Prime Minister Ecevit said, ''we will sign the application for Sezer's candidacy as the leaders of five political parties. Such a development has never occurred in history of our multi-party democratic life. This shows that we had recorded great progress in the path of compromise, one of the most important elements of demoracy.''

Later, leaders of political parties left the hall without responding to questions of journalists.

[27] PARLIAMENT SPEAKER AKBULUT APPLIES FOR PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDACY

Akbulut applied for presidential candidacy at 14:15 local time.

Speaking to reporters afterwards, Akbulut said he was elected as Parliament Speaker three times, noting that this showed that there was nothing to say about him regarding impartiality.

Akbulut said, ''I believe that all parliamentarians deserve to be president as all of them are elected people. I also believe that election of a parliamentarian as president will be democratic.''

Akbulut said election of a person from outside the parliament was envisaged in the constitution, yet noted that this was exceptional and election a person from inside the parliament was principal.

Parliament Speaker Akbulut said he got the support of many people since his candidacy was brought to the agenda, and wanted this support to continue.

[28] DRAFT LAW FROM CENTRAL BANK FOR FULL INDEPENDENCE

Speaking to reporters after Central Bank General Assembly Committee, Ercel said draft law for independence was prepared together with important participants, adding that the draft law in question was discussed together with officials of European Central Bank.

''We have exchanged views with European Central Bank. We have discussed the existing provisions in European Central Bank regarding independence. In the end, we have issued a draft. We will submit it to the government in a convenient time. We hope that it will pass from the Parliament,'' Ercel noted.

Ercel said Turkey's possessing an independent Central Bank, in relations with the European Union (EU), was an element of Copenhagen Criteria.

Pointing out that Turkey should harmonize with the articles of European Central Bank Law, Ercel said jurists discuss it among themselves, adding that they issued a text in the end.

[29] ERCEL, CENTRAL BANK GOVERNOR: ''WE ARE THINKING OF REMOVING ZEROS AT THE BEGINNING OF 2001''

Responding to the questions reporters, Ercel said they were making preparations to enter Kurus period, and noted that, ''six zero means; first we will remove the three zeros, then other three zeros technically. When we remove six zeros and decrease inflation, one Turkish lira will be equal to nearly two U.S. dollars, or two Euros. When we take into consideration our future inflation target, I think one Turkish lira will be equal to one U.S. dollars or one Euro in the next five years. And, we will start using Kurus.''

[30] ATACANLI, DEPUTY SPOKESMAN OF FOREIGN MINISTRY: ''WE HAVE STRESSED TO GREEK SIDE THAT SUCH DEVELOPMENTS FAIL TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE POSITIVE ATMOSPHERE WHICH GRADUALLY SETTLE BETWEEN THE TWO COUNTRIES''

Responding to a question on the issue, Atacanli said Danae Koumanakou, Charge D'Affairs of Greek Embassy in Ankara, was summoned to Foreign Ministry early on Tuesday, and noted that Ankara condemned the incident.

Atacanli said they conveyed Koumanakou that such developments fail to contribute to the positive atmosphere which gradually settle between Turkey and Greece.

Atacanli said Charge D'Affairs Koumanakou said they were sorry over the incident, and noted that Greek government harshly condemn the attacks towards national symbols.

Atacanli said Koumanakou also noted that he supported the view that such incidents contradicted with the cooperation and dialogue atmosphere which was created between Turkey and Greece.

Nearly 100-150 people Armenian group staged a demonstration in Athens on Monday in front of Turkey's Embassy in Athens and burned Turkish flag.

Also, nearly 200 Armenians, who started a marching following a religious ceremony staged by the Governorship in Thessaloniki, came to Turkey's Chief Consulate and burned Turkish flag.

Greek Foreign Ministry condemned demonstrations in Athens and Thessaloniki in which Armenian people set fire on the Turkish flag.

The statement which was signed by Panos Beglitis, the Spokesman of Greek Foreign Ministry, stressed, ''we consider all attacks targeting the flag that is a national symbol of every country, as unacceptable. We condemn yesterday's demonstrations.''

[31] A.A

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