Anadolu Agency: News in English, 00-06-01

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CONTENTS

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

[02] EU JOINT DEFENSE AND FOREIGN POLICY CHIEF SOLANA IN ANKARA

[03] EU JOINT DEFENSE AND FOREIGN POLICY CHIEF SOLANA VISITS

[04] THREAD EXPORTS FROM SOUTH EAST ANATOLIA

[05] U.N SECRETARY GENERAL ANNAN: ''POSITIVE DEVELOPMENTS ARE

[06] FOUNDATION OF CAN THERMIC POWER PLANT TO BE LAID IN JUNE

[07] FOREIGN MINISTER CEM RECEIVES EU JOINT DEFENSE

[08] U.S. AMBASSADOR PARRIS IN SIRNAK

[09] WORLD'S FIRST AND ONLY OPEN-AIR SCULPTING WORKSHOP IN

[10] PRESIDENT SEZER: ''TURKISH LANGUAGE, WITH ITS HISTORICAL

[11] COUNTDOWN FOR STRIKE HELICOPTERS BEGINS

[12] U.S. AMBASSADOR PARRIS SAYS TURKEY AND U.S. HAVE WARM

[13] SOLANA ARRIVES IN ANKARA

[14] CENTRAL BANK'S ANNOUNCEMENT ABOUT FOREIGN LOANS

[15] FATIH TERIM LEAVES FOR ITALY:

[16] TAFLAN MAYOR AND HIS WIFE SHOT DEAD

[17] PRESIDENT SEZER RECEIVES SOLANA

[18] DGM PROSECUTOR SALK:

[19] PRESS CONFERENCE OF STATE MINISTER YALOVA (1)

[20] THIRD MEETING OF CONSULTATION COUNCIL

[21] PRESS CONFERENCE OF STATE MINISTER YALOVA (2)

[22] TURKEY REPAYS 674.98 MILLION U.S. DOLLARS IN FOREIGN DEBT IN MAY

[23] BAKU-CEYHAN OIL PIPELINE

[24] U.S. AMBASSADOR PARRIS SAYS THERE IS AN

[25] ANAP DEPUTY LEADER AKARCALI: ''DECISION ABOUT FEHRIYE

[26] THIRD MEETING OF CONSULTATION COUNCIL

[27] BRIEFING IN GENERAL STAFF (1):

[28] THIRD MEETING OF CONSULTATION COUNCIL

[29] U.S. AMBASSADOR PARRIS SAYS THEY WERE AGAINST FOUNDATION

[30] FM: ''IT IS TURKEY WHICH APPRECIATES HOW IT WILL USE

[31] THIRD MEETING OF CONSULTATION COUNCIL

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

HURRIYET (LIBERAL)

PARRIS IN HAKKARI
U.S Ambassador in Ankara Mark Parris, who is touring around South east Anatolia to see what the U.S can do to contribute to the social and economic development of the region, proceeded to Hakkari on the fourth day of his visit. Parris, who paid visits each to governor Orhan Isin, and Mayor Huseyin Umit, received information from officials about the economic potential of the region. Following his contacts with officials, Parris then participated in the delivery ceremony of 24 tonnes of medical aid worth 250 thousand dollars granted to the Hakkari State Hospital by the U.S Army.

SCHMITZ: WE WILL MONITOR ERDAL CLOSELY
Fernando Schmitz, the Belgian lawyer of the Sabanci family, said that they protest the stance of the Belgian authorities, in their refusal to extradite Fehriye Erdal, the defendant of the Sabanci assassination case, and that the stance of Belgian authorities regarding the matter was utterly unacceptable, and illegal in the judiciary sense. Noting that Belgium was falling into contradiction with the human rights charters, and international agreements and contracts pertaining to the extradition of criminals to which it was a signatory, Schmitz said Ozdemir Sabanci, Chairman of the Sabanci Autmotive Group, Director General of Toyota-Sa Haluk Gorgun, and their secretary Nilgun Hasefe had been victimised by Fehriye Erdal and the illegal DHKP-C organisation on January 9, 1996. Schmitz added that thay had applied to the Belgian Justice and Interior ministries regarding the matter, that they were in anticipation of a fair decision, and that they would continue to monitor Erdal closely.

MILLIYET (LIBERAL)

NO MORE 100% GUARANTEE
The state guarantee to deposits will be limited to 100 billion Turkish Liras in the first stage, and to 50 billion Turkish Liras in 2001, in an effort by the ruling government to re-enliven competition in the banking sector. Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit, who made a statement following a three hour meeting with the coalition leaders, said that a Council of Ministers decree on the matter would soon be issued. He added that the new regulations would not apply for the deposit accounts opened before the enforcement of the decree.

'BRITAIN' ON FIRE
A fire broke out in the British Consulate in Istanbul the other night at around 02.30. Fire brigdes from five municiplities could extinguish the fire in four hours. The rooftop blaze, whose cause is yet unknown, wrought little damage on the building itself. Officials are now investigating into the cause of the fire.

SABAH (LIBERAL)

BUMIN ELECTED AS CONSTITUTIONAL COURT CHAIRMANSHIP
Mustafa Bumin was elected as the Constitutional Court Chairmanship, which became vacant as former chairman Ahmet Necdet Sezer became the President. Bumin received six of 11 votes in the founth round of voting. Bumin is known as a liberal person.

COTTARELLI WARNS
Carlo Cottarelli, the International Monetary Fund's (IMF) Turkey Desk Chief, said that realization of revenue targets, mainly the revenue that will be obtained from the strategic block sell-off of Turkish Telekom, was important in order to prevent current budget deficit to exceed the programmed budget deficit figure. Cottarelli pointed out the importance of cash revenues that will be obtained from privatization, and said that all the revenue that will obtained after privatization of Turk Telekom should be tranferred to the Treasury after the sale.

CUMHURIYET (LEFT)

BUMIN REPLACES SEZER
Mustafa Bumin was elected to the Presidency of the Constitutional Court for a four year term. The Constitutional Court Council convened at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday to elect its new president, following Ahmet Necdet Sezer's resignation from office to become the 10 President of the Republic of Turkey. At the end of the 25-minute vote, Hasim Kilic, the Acting Chairman of the Constitutional Court, said that Bumin who had received six votes in the fourth round of vote, was elected as the new chairman.

RADIKAL (LEFT)

COTTARELLI: TRY AND REACH AN AGREEMENT
IMF's Turkey Desk Chief Carlo Cottarelli said that the public and private sectors have to reach a comromise over one common working policy, whose principles are to be determined at the Economic and Social Council in collective bargainings. Cottarelli also touched on the importance of privatisation programs in preventing the budget deficit from exceeding the targets set for this year within the framework of the economic reform program.

THREE POLICEMEN CONVICTED OF TORTURE
Three policemen were arrested on the charge of torturing Emrullah Duman, whom they had detained for involving in a theft case in Zeytinburnu. The policemen, Ali Riza Kurt, Ibrahim Ozen, and Tayfun Cetin were sentenced to imprisonment on the charge of torture by a Bakirkoy Court.

YENI BINYIL (LIBERAL)

WE HAVE PRODUCED 3.5 MILLION BARRELS OF OIL
A total of 3 million 580 thousand 664 barrels of crude oil was produced in Adiyaman and the neighbouring provinces in first five months of 2000. The Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO) produced 90.1 of the crude oil and the rest of the oil was produced by private companies.

TURKIYE (RIGHT)

TBILISI ALSO RATIFIES
Following Azerbaijan, the Georgian Parliament also ratified the agreements on the Baku-Ceyhan Oil Pipeline Project. Georgian Foreign Minister Menagavirisli said that this project is the guarantee of peace.

WELCOME RIZE
Caykur Rizespor became the third football team which qualified to the Turkish Division One. Caykur Rizespor defeated Diyarbakirspor 2-0 in the play-off final and qualified to the Turkish Division One. No goals were scored in the full time of the match which was played in Antalya's Ataturk Stadium. Umit and Cengiz, two footballers of Caykur Rizespor, scored goals in the extra time and made their team qualify to the Turkish Division One.

ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)

ALSO FOOTBALLER HAKAN IS TO LEAVE FOR A FOREIGN TEAM
Following the transfer of Fatih Terim to the Italian Fiorentina football team, Hakan Sukur, a Galatasaray footballer, said that he can be transferred to the German B. Munich football club. Hakan said, ''I would like to play in a leading club in the world.''

[02] EU JOINT DEFENSE AND FOREIGN POLICY CHIEF SOLANA IN ANKARA

The Foreign Ministry officials welcomed Solana and the accompanying delegation at the Esenboga Airport.

Solana told reporters that he will visit President Ahmet Necdet Sezer and hold contacts with several officials during his visit to Ankara.

Issues which concern Turkey and the EU, including new mechanisms in the Balkan-Europe defense, will be taken up during his contacts, Solana said.

[03] EU JOINT DEFENSE AND FOREIGN POLICY CHIEF SOLANA VISITS

Inan said that the Helsinki Summit was very positive in respect of the Turkey-EU relations.

Inan noted that at least four countries which are the EU members, do not have any contributions to NATO's structuring and that these countries did not do anything in the cold war era, either.

However, these countries have more power than Turkey in the NATO operations and decision-making mechanisms within the framework of EU, Inan emphasized.

President Ahmet Necdet Sezer will receive Solana.

Solana will also meet with Foreign Minister Ismail Cem.

[04] THREAD EXPORTS FROM SOUTH EAST ANATOLIA

Last year's January-April hread export revenue was 57 million 171 thousand U.S dollars.

According to figures released by the South East Anatolian Exporters' Union, nearly 7 tonnes of cotton thread worth 16,8 million U.S dollars, and about 9 tonnes of synthetic thread worth 26,5 million U.S dollars were exported.

Among the importers were Syria, Saudi Arabia, Belgium, Italy, Jordan, Spain, the United States, Israel, Portugal, Germany, Romania, Britain, France, and Greece.

[05] U.N SECRETARY GENERAL ANNAN: ''POSITIVE DEVELOPMENTS ARE

Annan, who submitted his latest Cyprus report to the Security Council on Wednesday, said one of the positive developments was the lifting of certain measures against Greek Cypriot and Maronite visits to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) by officials, and the other was the recently strengthening dialogue between the two communities.

He also recommended the extension of the U.N Peacekeeping Force's mandate for another 6 months.

In his report, Annan said the green line was much calmer as compared to 6 months ago, but added that the presence of the peacekeeping force was vitally important for the sustainability of the ceasefire between the sides.

Annan reiterated that the third round of proximity talks would take start on July 5 in Geneva.

The U.N Security Council is expected to discuss and accept Annan's recommendation to extend the mandate of the peacekeeping force before June 15.

[06] FOUNDATION OF CAN THERMIC POWER PLANT TO BE LAID IN JUNE

The Can Thermic Power Plant will be constructed by the ''fluid bed'' technology and be financed with 370 milion U.S. dollar loan.

All the loan agreement on the Can Thermic Power Plant were signed a short time ago.

The thermic power plant will be constructed by Teknotes, Gec Alsthom Electricity company headed by French Alsthom company, and Turkish companies consortium within the framework of the agreement signed between French group and Turkish Electricity Production and Transmission Corp. (TEAS).

The agreement was signed on October 8, 1998.

The thermic power plant which was planned to be constructed between Yaya and Kulfa villages, 10 kilometre away from Can, will be composed of two units.

The first unit will start functioning 34 months after the construction is started and the second unit will start operating 36 months after the launching of the construction.

The Can Thermic Power Plant can also produce electricity for Bulgaria and other European countries in case of demand.

A total of 2.5 billion kilowatts of energy per hour will be produced from the power plant.

The Can power plant will use lignite as fuel.

[07] FOREIGN MINISTER CEM RECEIVES EU JOINT DEFENSE

Following the tete-a-tete meeting between Cem and Solana, inter-delegationary meetings started.

Uluc Ozulker, the Foreign Ministry Deputy Undersecretary, also joined the inter-delegationary meetings.

The European Security and Defense Initiative (ESDI) and Turkey-EU relations are expected to be taken up in the inter-delegationary meetings headed by Cem and Solana.

[08] U.S. AMBASSADOR PARRIS IN SIRNAK

Parris visited Huseyin Baskaya, the Sirnak Governor.

Mark Parris said that he has learned many new things during his visit and thanked Baskaya for hosting them in his house.

Baskaya said that he was very pleased to host Parris.

The meeting later closed to the press.

Parris is accompanied by U.S. Agriculture Attache Susan Schayer, U.S. Trade Attache John Breidenstine, and U.S. Consul to Adana Stuart James.

[09] WORLD'S FIRST AND ONLY OPEN-AIR SCULPTING WORKSHOP IN

The A.A correspondent reported that studies are being continued to turn Yesemek into a ''field of statues'' by re-arranging about 300 statues and statuettes.

The Gaziantep Tourism Directorate prepared books, booklets, video cassettes, and CD-Roms to introduce the open-air workshop to the world.

Yesemek was discovered in 1890 by Felix Von Luschan, during the course of excavations in the Zincirli township. Further excavations carried out between 1958 and 61 by Dr Bahadir Alkim had revealed nearly 200 ancient statues.

Recently, more findings were unearthed by Archaeologist Ilhan Temizsoy.

Research made on the area indicated that the workshop had employed the residents of an ancient Hittite town between 1375-35 B.C.

Hittite towns had been invaded one by one, by seagoing communities, and regressing inland towards South East Anhatolia, they had turned into feudal kingdoms. This age is known as the Late Hittite Period.

Sam'al, known today as Zincirli, was the kingdom to rule over the region, which embraced also Yesemek in the 9th century B.C. From the first quarter of the century onwards, the workshops of the town resumed production, but the period itself imposed Assyrian influences on the workshop's artistic production. In the following decades, other nations ruled over the region, each leaving their own artistic influences.

The Sam'al Kingdom went under Assyrian dominance in the final quarter of the 8th century B.C, and Yesemek workshop was closed forever, until 1890, when excavations brought it back into light.

The rich collection of the ancient workshop, presently on exhibit at the open-air workshop are sphinxes, depictions of lions, mountain gods, creatures, and various cult characters.

[10] PRESIDENT SEZER: ''TURKISH LANGUAGE, WITH ITS HISTORICAL

Sezer issued a message upon the Turkish Language Feast and Yunus Emre Commemoration Week in which he noted that Turkish language is the most important factor of national unity and solidarity.

''Our history is full of distinguished personalities, including Karamanoglu Mehmet Bey, who adopted Turkish as the official language in Anatolia, and Yunus Emre, who expressed the loftiest feelings by Turkish language. Great Leader Ataturk, the founder of our Republic, made Turkish the language of modern education, science, culture and arts,'' Sezer said.

Sezer continued, ''Yunus Emre is an important personality who used Turkish in an efficient way. He is also a personality having historical importance, with his friendship, fraternity and humanity which shed light on today's world. Universal messages of Yunus Emre, which are the products of his deep humanity, can help end the violence which is the biggest problem of today's world and help have fraternity throughout world.''

''Turkish language, with its historical values and modern structure, is one of the mostly-spoken languages of the world. Our authors, scientists, educational institutions, and press undertake responsibilities in improving Turkish language and transferring it to the forthcoming generations,'' Sezer added.

Sezer called on all the Turkish citizens to speak and write correct Turkish and to understand the peaceful messages of Yunus Emre.

[11] COUNTDOWN FOR STRIKE HELICOPTERS BEGINS

The Defense Industry Undersecretariat (SSM) has completed, to a great extent, its assessments of offers it received for the 3 billion dollar international tender, where the Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) is the main undertaker as the producing company.

The Defense Industry Executive Committee will make an evaluation of the latest stage reached within the framework of the project, which foresees the production of 145 strike helicopters in packages of 50, 50 and 45.

Defense Miniter Sabahattin Cakmakoglu said that the Executive Commitee meeting, which will be presided by Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit on Friday, could stage discussions on the said project, and the SSM could submit its ''bidders report'', assessing the three consortia which have made offers for the project.

Three consortia are vying in the tender. Bell Helicopter Textron of the United States is offering Ah-IZ King Cobra helicopters; Italy's Agusta is offering A-1291 International; and Kamov-A of Russia combined with Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) is offering Ka 5-Erdogan.

One of the three will fill the gap in Turkey's defense industry, and will thus gain the abilities needed for production, assemblage, tests, and delivery, ''know-how'' technology transfer with TAI, and the intefgration of existing subsystems.

The project will allow production of helicopter subsystems by TAI and oher domestic industries. The project foresees technology and license transfer in order to be able to meet the future demands of the Turkish Armed Forces from domestic producers. The production process is planned to involve more than 130 domestic companies.

The delivery of the first helicopter is planned to take place in November 2002, and the 145th in January 2011.

[12] U.S. AMBASSADOR PARRIS SAYS TURKEY AND U.S. HAVE WARM

Parris and the accompanying delegation visited Sait Namdar, the Mayor of southeastern Sirnak province.

Parris said that the relations between two countries at the most-developed stage at the moment and that these relations will have contributions on the Southeastern Anatolia Region.

He is pleased about the ideas of the local administrations regarding the ''Return To Village Project'', Parris noted.

Parris stated that they also welcomed the developments recorded in security of the region.

The infrastructural works should be supported to ensure the citizens who will return back to their villages, to live a happy life, Parris stressed.

Parris said that the Turkish officials should firstly deal with this issue and have cooperation with the citizens.

Parris wished that this process will be successful.

The visits to the region will continue, and these visits will contribute to the economic growth and business opportunities in the region, Parris emphasized.

Sait Namdar said that the region suffered much from terrorism in the recent 15 years but that the terrorism does no more exist in the region.

The ''Return To Village Project'' which has vital importance for the region, should be implemented, Namdar noted.

Namdar continued, ''the roots of the friendship between Turkey and go back to old days. We wish the friendly countries will not only pay visits to our region but also make economic investments in our region.''

''The population of the provinces in the region increased by four times due to immigration. The infrastructure and the budgets of the municipality are not suitable for this immigration. We expect financial support of friendly countries in the Return To Village Project,'' Namdar added.

[13] SOLANA ARRIVES IN ANKARA

Cem, who made a joint statement with European Union's Foreign Affairs and Defense Chief Javier Solana, said that Solana had provided great support to Turkey on the eve of the Helsinki summit, and expressed belief that they would continue to work in a productive manner as they did in the past.

Noting that they had made an evaluation of Turkey's relations with the European Union and NATO, and Turkey's concerns about the ESDI, Cem said, ''Of course, these are tough matters. There exists a great difference between the opinions of Turkey and those of the EU regarding the ESDI. But I believe that we will come up with a compromise that would be satisfactory for both sides.''

Solana, who took the floor after Cem, first expressed contentment over visiting Turkey, and said he and Cem would make an assessment of the Turkey-EU relations in the post-Helsinki period.

Solana pointed out that he and Cem were in full accord over NATO's being the keystone of Europe's defense.

The non-EU member NATO allies, namely Turkey, Norway, Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic want to take part in the decision-making mechanisms of the ESDI.

[14] CENTRAL BANK'S ANNOUNCEMENT ABOUT FOREIGN LOANS

The Central Bank said the interest rate in question would be in effect for one month as of June 1, 2000.

[15] FATIH TERIM LEAVES FOR ITALY:

Speaking to reporters prior to his departure from Istanbul, Terim said, ''I am leaving for Italy to sign a one-year contract with Fiorentina. This is life, you know. Everything ends.''

Noting that he had taken a radical and very important decision by accepting Fiorentina's offer, Terim said, ''I am leaving Galatasaray as a team which achieved great successes in last four years. This is not a decision that everybody can easily take. I decided to add new victories and successes in my career.''

Terim said that Italy was not a country where he had worked for long years to gain a credibility, adding, ''there will be difficulties, of course but I will overcome all of these problems.''

''As a Turkish citizen, I will continue to serve football in Italy. It is certain that the Turkish people and I will never forget each other,'' he said.

When asked whether he would bring a Turkish player with him, Terim said, ''I did not discuss such a transfer and besides, even I have not signed a contract yet.''

Fatih Terim added that he had proposed Gheorghe Hagi of Romania to Galatasaray as the new coach of Galatasaray.

''I don't think that I will suffer adaptation problem in Italy. There is not a difference between Turkey and Europe any more,'' he said.

[16] TAFLAN MAYOR AND HIS WIFE SHOT DEAD

Sources said Selami Taskiran, the driver of the Mayor, had seen a ladder put against the window of the Mayor's three-storey house when he had rung the bell.

Sources said the driver later had entered the house, and seen that Ali Ozturk, 54, and his wife Muzeyyen Ozturk, 54, had been shot dead in the bedroom.

Gendarme officials said it was understood that the Mayor and his wife had been murdered at about 03:30 a.m. on Thursday.

Investigation into the murder is under way.

Ali Ozturk who had three children, was elected as the Taflan Mayor in general and local election on April 18, 1999 as the candidate of the True Path Party (DYP).

[17] PRESIDENT SEZER RECEIVES SOLANA

Foreign Minister Ismail Cem and other Foreign Ministry officials also participated in the meeting.

[18] DGM PROSECUTOR SALK:

These persons will be brought to Ankara, Talat Salk said.

Responding to questions of journalists about fictitious exports and corruption, Salk said that the investigation continues and its content can be broadened. The completion of the investigation can take a few months, said Salk.

Salk noted that he does not think of listening to Guner Ozmen, the Governor of Kilis within the framework of the investigation for the moment.

He added that the number of those who were taken into custody within the framework of the investigation reached 22.

Firms other than the four firms mentioned in the investigation were also determined, said Salk and noted that ''we haven't seen the connection between Altınbas Holding and Yaprak television channel that broadcasts in Gaziantep.''

Salk added that 10-12 of the suspects who are under custody will stand trial at DGM on Friday and the remaining on Saturday.

[19] PRESS CONFERENCE OF STATE MINISTER YALOVA (1)

Staging a press conferrence at the Council of Ministers meeting hall, Yalova explained works on privatization of Vakifbank.

Yalova said the change in Vakifbank's regulations foresaw public offering of 20 percent of Group B shares, and later sale of 55 percent of Group A shares with a method that would be decided by the Council of Ministers.

Yalova added that some part of the 20 percent of Vakifbank Group B shares would be sold to international markets like in the privatization of the Turkish Oil Refineries Inc (Tupras).

(to be continued)

[20] THIRD MEETING OF CONSULTATION COUNCIL

Speaking in the opening of the meeting, TRNC President Rauf Denktas said that TRNC attained its freedom, now its economic fight continues, adding arrival of foreign aid and tourists to TRNC is important in overcoming the economic difficulties.

Addressing to the Council members, Denktas said that ''please tell the people you meet abroad that there is a peaceful life in north of Cyprus. The tourism agents of Greece and Greek Cypriot side try to prevent the arrival of tourists in TRNC.''

Denktas reminded the words of Glafcos Clerides, the Greek Cypriot leader who said that ''when our EU membership is accepted, Turkey's guarantorship will be removed, all the immigrants will return home and the Hellenism will win a victory.''

The main target of the Greek Cypriot side is to enter EU without an agreement on the island, said Denktas.

Denktas noted that they proposed making an agreement on the principle of two states, and noted that they can deal with the EU issue after such an agreement. They can never give up the guarantee of Turkey, said Denktas and stressed that security is more important than anything for them.

[21] PRESS CONFERENCE OF STATE MINISTER YALOVA (2)

Staging a press conference, Yalova said Vakifbank had an important place in the Turkish economy with its 331 offices, 101 payment bureaus, 220 trillion Turkish Lira (TL) capital, 3.3 quadrillion TL assets and 39 participations, adding that it had made a 85.7 trillion TL net profit as of end-1999.

Yalova said, ''as of April 30, 2000, Vakifbank had a 260 trillion 13 billion TL equity capital, 2 quadrillion 985 trillion 231 billion TL total resources, 2 quadrillion 733 trillion 798 billion TL credits.''

Yalova added that 55 percent (Group A shares) of Vakifbank's capital belonged to Foundations Directorate General, 20 percent (Group B shares) belonged to subsidiary foundations and 25 percent belonged to real and legal persons including especially Pension's Fund.

Yalova stated that Group C shares were open to public, and could be traded in accordance with regulations.

''We will imeediately start working on 20 percent public offering. However, The next two or three months after June will be the earliest schedule for the public offering,'' he said.

Yalova added that the income from sale of 55 percent Group B shares would be transferred to the Foundation Directorate General.

(End)

[22] TURKEY REPAYS 674.98 MILLION U.S. DOLLARS IN FOREIGN DEBT IN MAY

The Central Bank data shows that the Treasury repaid 541.60 million U.S. dollars; the Central Bank repaid 28.96 million U.S. dollars; the administrations with general and added budgets repaid 104.42 million U.S. dollars in foreign debt in May 2000.

Meanwhile, a total of 4 billion 411.05 million U.S. dollars of foreign debt has been repaid since the beginning of the year.

[23] BAKU-CEYHAN OIL PIPELINE

The draft law foresees change in intergovernmental agreement and in some of its annexed documents including the rules for transportation of Caspian basin oil to world markets with the Baku-Ceyhan pipeline.

The draft law stressed that the approval of protocol on the pipeline which will start from Baku and reach Ceyhan via Tbilisi was ''vital'' for implementation of the project which constitutes the first part of the East-West Energy Corridor.

The draft law emphasized that transportation of Caspian basin oil and natural gas to the world markets was very important for ties between the regional countries and the Western world, the level of their prosperity and protection of their independence.

''This project will increase Turkey's geostrategical importance and help development of economic and social relations among the reional countries,'' it said.

''Besides, transportation of oil through this pipeline which has a one million barrel daily capacity via Ceyhan Port to the whole world will make the Ceyhan Port be an important international oil market center,'' it stated.

''When the project is put into practice, the tanker traffic in Black Sea and Turkish Straits will be reduced, contributing to environmental safety of Istanbul and the Straits,'' it added.

The draft law will be discussed by the Parliamentary Foreign Affairs Commission on Friday.

Energy and Natural Resources Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Cumhur Ersumer said the Baku-Ceyhan oil pipeline was another expression of the Silk Road, and it would make Turkey an energy corridor.

Ersumer stressed that Turkey played the leadership role in realization of the project.

[24] U.S. AMBASSADOR PARRIS SAYS THERE IS AN

''Unfortunately Americans don't know many things about this country. Their information about the Southeastern Turkey is very limited. I will try to make the American businessmen be aware of the opportunities in the region.''

Visiting Sırnak Trade and Industry Chamber Yusuf Som, Parris said that he had the opportunity to see a big part of the region during his visit.

Parris noted that an American ambassador visits the region in 20 years for the first time, adding the security in the region has been provided since 1999.

Parris said that it is still early to declare that Turkey won its fight against terrorism which has been continuing for 15 years, but the success reached last year created important expectations in respect of the civilian life and business world.

The U.S. supports the legitimate struggle of Turkey against terrorism and will do its best to contribute to this process, said Parris and noted that American cattle-men came to Turkey five times. They want to increase the productivity of Turkish animal husbandry by selling animals for breeding to Turkey and make joint investments, he said.

Parris said the U.S. supports the steps taken by the Turkish government to make the emergency rule more suitable as it is not easy for foreign capital and business partners to make investment in a region where emergency rule dominates.

The great hydroelectric potential in the region also attracts the U.S. energy firms, said Parris and noted that Raytheon, one of the biggest energy firms of the U.S. prepares the engineering services of a new dam in Hakkari.

American firms are ready to sign agreements to meet the infrastructure needs of the region by build-operate and build-operate-transfer models, he said.

Parris noted that the U.S. will set up a ''business centre office'' in Diyarbakır which will open on July 15.

Som said in his part that if the embargo imposed on Iraq is lifted, a big economic revival is expected in the region.

We will be very happy to make cooperation with American firms in Sırnak, he said.

[25] ANAP DEPUTY LEADER AKARCALI: ''DECISION ABOUT FEHRIYE

Bulent Akarcali called Sabanci family to have the European public opinion be aware of this attitude by using all of their financial facilities.

Staging a press conference at the Parliament, Akarcali congratulated the Parliamentary Human Rights Commission for their initiatives against torture. He noted that Turkey had the courage to display this crime against humanity with a ''torture report, but there was not a single person in the Belgian Parliament to react against protection of a terrorist.

Stressing that Turkey was waiting for the decision of the European Court of Human Rights on the death sentence on head terrorist Abdullah Ocalan, Akarcali, ''while this is the existing situation, Belgium's rejection of Turkey's request for extradition of Fehriye Erdal with the pretext of capital punishment in Turkey was nothing but prejudice. This is not only Turkey's issue but also the EU's problem. On behalf of Belgium, the EU must display whether it is in favor of human rights or a terrorist. This decision will remain as a bad record of Belgium and the EU. They have to look at the mirror before coming to the Southeastern Anatolia to make statements.''

[26] THIRD MEETING OF CONSULTATION COUNCIL

Speaking in the opening of the meeting, Gurel stated that they don't regard TRNC citizens different from Turkish citizens and they work to give all the rights Turkish citizens have, also to TRNC citizens.

The immigration of Turkish citizens abroad started 40 years ago, said Gurel and added that the racist attacks intensified in Europe particularly after the unification of Germany.

''Today more than 73,000 Turkish enterpreneurs contribute to European economies with a 350,000 people of employment potential, 61.6 billion German Marks of sales and 15.4 billion German Marks of investment potential. The total contribution of Turks working in the EU countries is annually 108 billion German Marks,'' Gurel said.

Gurel added that the Turkish Republic recognizes dual citizenship to its citizens, adding this law entered into enforcement in 1964 and using the right to renounce Turkish citizenship is also a freedom.

The German government put into enforcement the German Citizenship Law on January 1, 2000 and this recognizes the principle of only one citizenship, said Gurel and added that they enacted a law no. 4112 in 1995 and the use of ''pink cards'' instead of identity cards will enable Turkish citzens who rennounce citizenship, to benefit from the same rights as Turkish citizens.

[27] BRIEFING IN GENERAL STAFF (1):

Colonel Fahir Altan, the Director of the General Staff's Department of Press, Public Relations and Promotion held a press briefing on Thursday.

Upon the information received from Colonel Altan, the efforts of the Turkish Armed Forces against terrorism and to overcome the damage caused by terrorism continue.

''The number of terrorist incidents which were 3,300 in 1994, decreased by 50 percent to 1500 in 1995 and 1996. It decreased to 919 in 1997 and 488 in 1998. The terrorist organization PKK has 5000-5500 terrorists today and 500 of them are in Turkey. What makes us unpleasant regarding this situation is that some circles and sometimes even the media try to give a peaceful appearance to the terrorist organization PKK consciously or not. We shouldn't forget that there are still armed terrorists abroad and they can re-start their activities if they find the opportunity. We must remember that these terrorists don't still come and surrender although there is repentance law. One has to watch the MED-TV, the broadcasting organ of the PKK which hates Turkish nation and which plans dividing Turkey, to see the real face of the terrorist organization PKK. Turkish Armed Forces is aware of that and it continues to implement the measures it took in the region. This resolution will continue till the last terrorist is rendered ineffective,'' he said.

Colonel Altan pointed out to the damage caused by terrorism, adding ''we must not feel sluggish thinking that terrorism has ended. Turkish Armed Forces can't forget the pain and bloodshed that continued for years. Armed Forces will continue to fulfil its obligation today like in the past.''

[28] THIRD MEETING OF CONSULTATION COUNCIL

Speaking in the opening of the meeting, Gurel stated that they don't regard TRNC citizens different from Turkish citizens and they work to give all the rights Turkish citizens have, also to TRNC citizens.

The immigration of Turkish citizens abroad started 40 years ago, said Gurel and added that the racist attacks intensified in Europe particularly after the unification of Germany.

''Today more than 73,000 Turkish enterpreneurs contribute to European economies with a 350,000 people of employment potential, 61.6 billion German Marks of sales and 15.4 billion German Marks of investment potential. The total contribution of Turks working in the EU countries is annually 108 billion German Marks,'' Gurel said.

Gurel added that the Turkish Republic recognizes dual citizenship to its citizens, adding this law entered into enforcement in 1964 and using the right to renounce Turkish citizenship is also a freedom.

The German government put into enforcement the German Citizenship Law on January 1, 2000 and this recognizes the principle of only one citizenship, said Gurel and added that they enacted a law no. 4112 in 1995 and the use of ''pink cards'' instead of identity cards will enable Turkish citzens who rennounce citizenship, to benefit from the same rights as Turkish citizens.

[29] U.S. AMBASSADOR PARRIS SAYS THEY WERE AGAINST FOUNDATION

Speaking to reporters, Parris said the struggle against terrorism was very important for the Southeastern Anatolia.

Responding to questions about the embargo imposed on Iraq and the gulf crisis, Parris said the U.S.'s policy for this issue will be consistent. One of the factors of this policy is to prevent Saddam Hussein from gaining facilities to threaten his people and region as he had frequently done in the past, Parris said, adding that he had done this for several times sacrificing Turkey and the region.

The other factor is to remove the negative effects on the Iraqi people and the people of this region since 1990s, he added.

Shortly after the Gulf War in 1991, the United Nations took a decision under the leadership of the U.S. allowing sale of oil to meet requirements of people, Parris recalled, adding that the aim of this was to overcome the problems of especially this region in Turkey.

Parris said they are against declaration and foundation of a Kurdish state in Northern Iraq, and their policy that they have always supported before and after 1990 was to protect territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independency of Iraq.

Noting that the U.N. had issued another decision under the leadership of the U.S. concerning oil-for-food, Parris said this decision had increased the amount of oil that Iraq sold in open market.

Pointing out that it was said that oil would be exported via Turkey, and this allowed repair of Iraq-Turkey oil pipeline that had been closed since 1990, Parris said the amount of oil exported from this pipeline is currently equivalent to the amount transferred before the Gulf War.

Stating that the regime in Iraq had played some games in purchases in order to put pressure on Turkey and especially on the people of this region, Parris said they are aware of the effects of the embargo on this region.

My government and the international community are pleased with Turkey's position towards Iraq, Parris said.

The U.S. Ambassador and the accompanying delegation later proceeded to Midyat township of southeastern province of Mardin.

[30] FM: ''IT IS TURKEY WHICH APPRECIATES HOW IT WILL USE

''The use of this right depends on the appreciation of Turkey,'' said Foreign Ministry Deputy Spokesman Sermet Atacanlı.

Responding to a question about the issue, Atacanlı said that ''Turkey has the right to take controlling measures about the planes which fly in its airspace under the International Convention on Civil Aviation.''

''The use of this right including getting information from the planes which pass from Turkish airspace about their cargo, depends on the appreciation of Turkey. The claims and news about the issue other than that are not correct,'' he said.

The Israeli Radio broadcast a news on Wednesday claiming that ''Iran sent weapons to Hezbollah in planes from Syria; the planes flied over Turkey and the Israeli and the U.S. administration requested Turkey to control the planes and Turkey accepted that.''

[31] THIRD MEETING OF CONSULTATION COUNCIL

These persons should apply to Directorate General of Citizenship Affairs and foreign representatives to maintain their citizenship, told Gurel in the third meeting of Consultation Council of Citizens living abroad held in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRCN).

Gurel said that the casting votes in general elections of Turkey by Turkish citizens' living abroad is at the agenda of the parliamentary foreign affairs commission.

As there is no social security agreement between Turkey and the U.S., Turkish citizens and students living in the U.S. lose rights concerning their retirement, said Gurel and noted that they are trying to solve this issue.

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