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Anadolu Agency: News in English, 00-06-06Anadolu Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Anadolu Agency Home Page at <http://www.anadoluajansi.com.tr/>ANADOLU AGENCYNEWS 06 JUNE 2000 Thursday CONTENTS
[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCANThese are some of the major headlines and their brief stories in Turkey's press on June 6, 2000. The Anadolu Ajansi does not verify these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.HURRIYET (LIBERAL)INTERVIEW SHOCKThe U.S. CBS reporter's interview with Ahmet Behbahani, an Iranian intelligence official who took shelter in a refugee camp which was under special guard, led to scandal. The entrance of U.S. CBS reporter into the refugee guard led to comments that a person who wants to kill Behbahani can easily assasinate him. The U.S. CBS television channel claimed that Turkish authorities are interrogating Behbahani regarding the terrorist attacks staged by Iran in Turkey. SPECIAL ENVOY COMES TO INVITE PRESIDENT SEZER MILLIYET (LIBERAL)TRILLIONS COME OUT OF SUITCASESA total of 150 million British pounds was seized in three months as the security forces captured people who were trying to smuggle drugs between Turkey and Britain. The British police is searching the cargos of the planes flying to Turkey, with specially-trained dogs. The British police seized 150 million British pounds gained by drug smuggling, in these searches. 12 EARTHQUAKES JOLT DENIZLI SABAH (LIBERAL)TWO MESSAGES IN ONE SENTENCEPremier Bulent Ecevit said, ''if this government is in office for a few years, we will fulfil the European Union (EU) full membership criteria.'' Ecevit gave message to Turkey. This message was, ''Europe appreciates the reforms of our government, including the democratization, human rights and economy reforms. If we continue like this, we will start negotiations for the full membership in 2004. Don't make this target an unreachable one by unnecessary discussions that can endanger the government.'' Ecevit also gave a message to foreign countries. This message was, ''this government will continue and Turkey will fulfil the criteria obligatory for EU full membership in a few years. Those who say that Turkey cannot be ready for the EU full membership before 2010-2015, will be mistaken. We will knock on the door of the EU in 2004.'' ''YOU PAY WITH CARD, I WILL LATER PAY FOR IT'' CUMHURIYET (LEFT)WEST FLOODED, EAST DROUGHT-STRICKENDamage assessment studies have been started in the wake of the floods in the Western Black Sea region and Central Anatolia. While violent waters pulled down bridges, killed livestocks, and damaged fields, drought dried South East Anatolian agricultural lands, giving farmers a hard time now, and promising even worse for the summer. SEZER: ''BASIC PRINCIPLE SHOULD RADIKAL (LEFT)PRIVATISATION BOARD TRANSFERS MONEY TO TREASURYPrivatization Administration Board transferred 220 million U.S. dollars to the Treasury. The total amount of 1 billion 1 million U.S. dollars, foreseen by the board to have been paid to the Treasury, has thus been totalled. Th board announced that it fulfilled its responsibilities by closing its payments earlier than the calendar set. NO CLEAR RESPONSE FROM SEZER TO IRAN YENI BINYIL (LIBERAL)QUAKE PANIC IN DENIZLIDenizli was rocked on Sunday and Monday by 12 mild tremors, which claimed no lives or caused material damage, but caused great panic among the locals, who still remember the 5.2 strong tremor one months ago. The Governorship of Denizli closed schools for one day, to let the students calm down after the consecutive tremors. Officials noted that Denizli was surrounded by eight fault lines, whih made the city more dangerous than normal, but reassured that the frequency and the strength of these minor tremors were a preventing factor against major ones. DOMESTIC CIGARS ON THE WAY TURKIYE (RIGHT)THE LOWEST INFLATION OF RECENT 12 YEARSThe inflation rate in the first five months of this year is the lowest rate in the recent 12 years. The Treasury Undersecretariat said that the inflation in Wholesale Prices Index (WPI) increased 1.7 percent and the inflation in Consumer Prices Index (CPI) increased 2.2 percent in May when compared to April. The Treasury Undersecretariat said that this year's WPI rate is 1.5 percent below than that of 1999 and this year's CPI rate is 0.7 percent below that of 1999. 28 CUSTOMS OFFICIALS DISMISSED ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)MIT DOES NOT BELIEVE IN IRANIANThe National Intelligence Organization (MIT), which confirmed that Iranian Behbahani was in Turkey for three months, said that he did not contribute to the solution of terrorist attacks and the ''Umut'' (Hope) operation. Turan Genc, the Director General of Security, said that they do not have any information about Behbahani, who was claimed to conduct the terrorist attacks that Iran staged in foreign countries. Genc said, ''we did not benefit from this person during Umut operation.'' CRISIS OVERCOMED [02] STRONG EARTHQUAKE JOLTS CANKIRI-TWO PEOPLE DIE WHILE SEVEN OTHERS INJUREDANKARA - A total of two people died while seven others were injured when a 5.9-magnitude earthquake hit Cerkes township of central Cankiri province at 05:41 a.m. on Tuesday. Officials at the Interior Ministry told the A.A correspondent that one person who jumped out of window in panic died in Cerkes. In the township, three people were injured due to panic. Meanwhile, one person died in Cubuk township of Ankara while four others were injured. The quake caused cracks in some buildings in Sabanozu township of Cankiri. Meanwhile, two full-equipped civil defense teams left Ankara for Cankiri at 06:35 a.m. [03] STRONG EARTHQUAKE JOLTS CANKIRI-CANKIRI GOVERNOR ULUSOY:-''26 PEOPLE WERE INJURED IN THE QUAKE'' CANKIRI - Halil Ulusoy, the Governor of central Cankiri province, said on Tuesday that 26 people were injured in the strong earthquake which was centered on Cerkes township of Cankiri. Ulusoy told reporters that the epicenter of the quake was Cerkes and Orta townships and that the strongest tremor was felt in Orta township. Several buildings were damaged in the quake, Ulusoy noted. Ulusoy added that 26 people, including 14 in Orta township, 5 in Cerkes township, 4 in Cankiri, 2 in Kursunlu township, and one in Sabanozu township, were injured in the earthquake measuring 5.9 on the Richter scale. [04] PRESIDENT SEZER RECEIVES FRENCH FOREIGN TRADE MINISTERANKARA - President Ahmet Necdet Sezer received on Monday Francois Huwart, the French Foreign Trade Minister.The Presidential Press Center said that Sezer noted in the meeting that Turkey believes France, which will take over the European Union (EU) Term Presidency as of July 1, 2000, will have significant contributions to Turkey's full membership process. Sezer said that Turkey attributes importance to exerting joint efforts with France in the restructuring of Europe's joint future. Significant developments have been marked in the economic and commercial relations between two countries in recent years, Sezer emphasized. Sezer stated that France is standing in the first place among the foreign countries investing in Turkey and that Turkey is determined to improve its cooperation with France in every field. Turkey appreciates the support that France gave when Turkey's EU candidacy was being voted, Sezer added. The Presidential Press Center said that Huwart submitted congratulary letter of French Prime Minister Lionel Jospin to Sezer who was sworn in as the 10th President of Turkey on May 16. The Presidential Press Center quoted Huwart as saying that the French government is determined to promote its current friendly connection with Turkey. Huwart said that they pursue the successful developments marked in the economic program, and that the French government will continue to extend full support to increase the French investments in Turkey. France is always beside Turkey as it was beside Turkey at the EU's Helsinki Summit held in December 1999, Huwart noted. Huwart added that France is ready to fulfil its responsibilities in contributing to the improvement of Turkey-EU relations and Turkey's integration process during its EU Term Presidency and afterwards. French State Minister Huwart will participate in the opening ceremony of the ''France 2000 Exhibition'' which will be held in Istanbul between June 6 and 10. [05] NATIONAL DEFENSE MINISTER CAKMAKOGLU MEETS MEMBERSOF TURKISH-AMERICAN ASSOCIATIONWASHINGTON D.C. - National Defense Minister Sabahattin Cakmakoglu, who is paying a visit to the U.S. upon the invitation of U.S. Secretary of Defense William Cohen, met on Monday with the members of Turkish-American Association. Several U.S. businessmen also joined the meeting between Cakmakoglu and the members of the Turkish-American Association. Sources said that Turkey's relations with its neighbours, its bilateral relations with the U.S., and the military and political policies were discussed in the meeting. Cakmakoglu is expected to depart from the U.S. later in the day after he participates in the official opening ceremony of the Victory Day Musuem. Cohen and high-ranking representatives of several NATO countries will also join the ceremony. [06] NATIONAL DEFENSE MINISTER CAKMAKOGLU MEETS MEMBERSOF TURKISH-AMERICAN ASSOCIATIONWASHINGTON D.C. - National Defense Minister Sabahattin Cakmakoglu, who is paying a visit to the U.S. upon the invitation of U.S. Secretary of Defense William Cohen, met on Monday with the members of Turkish-American Association. Several U.S. businessmen also joined the meeting between Cakmakoglu and the members of the Turkish-American Association. Sources said that Turkey's relations with its neighbours, its bilateral relations with the U.S., and the military and political policies were discussed in the meeting. Cakmakoglu is expected to depart from the U.S. later in the day after he participates in the official opening ceremony of the Victory Day Musuem. Cohen and high-ranking representatives of several NATO countries will also join the ceremony. [07] STRONG EARTHQUAKE JOLTS CANKIRI-128 DWELLINGS AND A PRIMARY SCHOOL COLLAPSE-RED CRESCENT SENDS HEALTH TEAM TO CANKIRI CANKIRI - The 5.9-magnitude earthquake which was centered on Cerkes township of central Cankiri province, caused serious damage in Orta township of the province. Officials told the A.A correspondent that a total of 128 dwellings and a primary school collapsed in Ozlu, Kayilar, Incecik and Golecoren villages in Orta township, some 35 km from Cerkes. Civil defense and health teams were sent to Orta township. Local officials requested the Red Crescent to sent tents to the region. Meanwhile, the Red Crescent sent health teams to Cankiri. Releasing a statement, the Directorate General of Red Crescent stated that one ambulance, one doctor and two nurses were sent to Cerkes township shortly after the quake hit the area. Anorther health team was sent to Cubuk township of Ankara where one person died and four others were injured. [08] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT IN NORWAYOSLO - Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said on Monday that Turkey and Norway resisted the security system imposed by the European Union (EU), with determination. Ecevit noted that Turkey would fulfil the criteria required by the EU for full membership.Prime Minister Ecevit, who is continuing his contacts in Norway, partook in a dinner hosted on Monday evening in his honor by his Norwegian counterpart Jens Stoltenberg. The Norwegian Premier said in the speech he delivered at the dinner, that he was happy to host Ecevit in his country. ''Turkey is Norway's partner and ally,'' said Stoltenberg, and added that Norwegians, who had visited Turkey with discovery and trade purposes for centuries, were now visiting Turkey in their holidays. Referring to the visit that King Sguad of Norway had paid to Istanbul in the 12th century, Stoltenberg said that the two countries had shared similar values through the ages. Stoltenberg said that the human rights constituted an indispensible part of their ever deepening relations, and pointed out that there existed good opportunities from which Turkey and Norway benefit greatly, particularly in the field of energy. ''Under your leadership, Turkey took highly important steps towards integrating with Europe. Your stance regarding the abolishment of the capital punishment is the shared opinion of the civilized European nations. Your successful union of different peoples living on Turkish territories will lead you to full membership in the EU Turkey and Europe have much to give to one another,'' Stoltenberg said, and express full belief that Turkey would emerge victorious from her meticulous efforts to become an integrated part of Europe with her democratic values. Prime Minister Ecevit said in his speech, that he had always been very impressed by Norway's beauties, and her stable socio-economic system, and underlined that he had learnt important lessons from Norway's political life. He stressed that democracy, as an understanding of rapprochement, was being increasingly welcomed by the Turkish people. Noting that the two countries had been cooperating as NATO allies for years, Ecevit said that Turkey and Norway were standing up against the security system that the EU was imposing with determination. Ecevit said that Turkey had turned into a major energy terminal as a result of the Baku-Ceyhan Oil Pipeline and Turkmen Natural Gas projects, and that Turkey was aiming at making energy investments worth of 30 billion dollars in the forthcoming 10 years with the purpose of meeting her energy demand, adding that Turkey was wishing to make use of Norway's experience and technologies within this framework. He drew attention to tourism as an important elemement contributing to the further development of bilateral relations, Ecevit said that the Eurasia process gained Turkey a greater significance in her region, and added: ''The Turkish straits unite Europe and Asia, but certain European circles don't agree with this. At first, they did not sympathize with the idea of Turkey's prospective membership, then they expressed disbelief that Turkey would succeed to meet the Union's criteria for full membership. But they are mistaken. We have come a long way already in bettering our economy, political life, and democratization and human rights records; and wea shall continue to proceed on this path.'' [09] ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES MINISTRY:-''QUAKE DID NOT DAMAGE ENERGY TRANSMISSION LINES''ANKARA - The Energy and Natural Resources Ministry said on Tuesday that the 5.9-magnitude earthquake which was centered on Cerkes township of central Cankiri province did not damage the energy transmission lines. The Energy and Natural Resources Ministry noted that electricity was being given to the quake zone and everything was under control. The Energy and Natural Resources Ministry added that the teams are exerting efforts in the region. [10] EXPORTS TO AMERICAN CONTINENT INCREASES TO 10.7MILLION U.S. DOLLARS IN FIRST FOUR MONTHSGAZIANTEP - Agricultural products worth 10 million 750 thousand U.S. dollars were exported to the American continent in the first four months of the year, with an increase by 23 percent as compared to the same period of the previous year. Last year's figure was 8 million 740 thousand U.S. dollars. According to data released by the South East Anatolian Exporters' Union, cereals, seeds and products worth 162 thousand U.S. dollars, dried fruits worth 3 million 727 thousand U.S. dollars, and textiles worth 6 million 861 thousand U.S. dollars were exported to the American continent. Among the others, the U.S. stands out as the major exporter of Turkish goods, with 8 million 332 thousand U.S. dollars worth of goods. The major export goods are cotton thread, synthetic thread, dried apricots, and pistachios. [11] WORLD BANK COMMUNICATION DELEGATION DUE IN TUREYANKARA - A delegation consisting of World Bank's telecommunication experts will come to Ankara on Wednesday.The experts will receive information on the latest developments in Turkey's telecommunication sector and the Turkish Telecom, and will make suggestions on what could be done in the forthcoming terms. The delegation is expected to make suggestions also on the establishment of free market conditions and the adjustment of Turkey's telecommunication sector with European Union standards. Meanwhile, the draft law foreseeing the restructuring of the energy sector, one of the preconditions that the World Bank has set before providing Turkey with structural reform loans, has been completed. The draft law will be transferred either this week or next week to the Prime Ministery, and will be made ready to be submitted to the Council of Ministers. The draft law foresees the liberalization of the energy sector, and the balancing of the supply and demand. [12] GAP TO BE INTRODUCED IN GERMANYKAHRAMANMARAS - The Southeastern Anatolia Project (GAP) will be introduced with conferences that will be held in Germany with the cooperation of Kahramanmaras Sutcu Imam University (KSU) and three German universities.Prof. Dr. Osman Tekinel, the Rector of KSU; Prof. Dr. Nafi Baytorun, and Prof. Dr. Kurtulus Tuncer, the deputy rectors of KSU; will join the conferences that will be held between June 19 and July 3. Tekinel said that they will introduce the GAP in the conferences that will be staged in Germany's Munich, Dresden and Hannover technical universities. [13] IMF'S TURKEY DESK CHIEF COTTARELLI:-''PRICE INCREASE IN PRODUCTION SECTOR MIGHTHAVE RESULTED FROM TEMPORARY INCREASE IN COSTS'' WASHINGTON,D.C./ANKARA - Carlo Cottarelli, International Monetary Fund's (IMF) Turkey Desk Chief, said on Tuesday that there is nothing to worry about the increase by 1.7 percent in wholesale prices and by 2.2 in consumer prices in May, as compared to the previous month. Cottarelli told the A.A correspondent that the increase in the production prices in the month of May, might have resulted from the temporary increase in costs. Referring to the increase in consumer prices index and the wholesale price index, Cottarelli said that the prices of agricultural goods had not yet dropped down to the desired levels, and that the figures had to be evaluated on not a monthly basis but on a seasonal basis, in order to be able to come up with reliable results. He also expressed hope that the government would hit very close to its target in the anti-inflation program at the end of the year, if it were to sustain its present compatibility. [14] TURKEY TO EXTEND TECHNICAL SUPPORT TO ECONOMIC PROGRAMME OF TRNCANKARA - Turkey will extend technical support to the economic programme of Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).State Minister Recep Onal and the accompanying delegation will leave for TRNC on Tuesday. The Treasury Undersecretariat said that Turkey will extend technical support to the ''Reconstruction in Economy and Stability Program'' of TRNC. The Treasury Undersecretariat noted that representatives of Foreign Ministry, Finance Ministry, Treasury Undersecretariat, State Planning Organization, and Central Bank will accompany Onal during his visit. The economic programme of TRNC includes short and long-term measures to overcome the economic problems, to reach a strong economic structure, to solve structural problems, and to ensure a stable development. [15] FEHRIYE ERDAL TO REMAIN UNDER ARRESTBRUSSELS - Following the rejection of Turkey's application for the extradition of Fehriye Erdal, one of the defendants of the Sabanci assassination case, Erdal has reportedly been released 'in theory', and has been re-arrested upon the instructions of the Ministry of the Interior, Belgian security officials said on Tuesday.According to the information given by security officials and verified by judiciaries, Erdal, was released on bail to be tried without detention upon the instructions of the Justice Ministry. The Ministry of the Interior, however, which reiterated that the defendant had applied to Belgian officials for political asylum, and which found it more appropriate if Erdal were to remain under arrest until a response to her request had been made, took action upon this development and prevented Erdal's release. The same sources said that Erdal had thus been transferred from the Justice Ministry's authority to that of the Ministry of the Interior, and that she would remain under arrest until she received a response to her application for political asylum. Erdal's lawyers claimed that the Interior Ministry's stance was against the laws, and announced that they would apply to the Council of State. Belgian laws foresee the detention of seekers of political asylum until they receive any response for their application. Meanwhile, Belgian Interior Minister Antoine Duquesne is said to bear a negative approach towards granting political asylum to Erdal. Duquesne is not expected to announce his Ministry's decision on the issue befre the weekend. Should Erdal's request for political asylum be turned down, Belgian officials will then have to consider her extradition to some country who might want to accept her; but officials say that no European Union member country seems likely to sympathise with her. [16] FEHRIYE ERDAL TO REMAIN UNDER ARRESTBRUSSELS - Following the rejection of Turkey's application for the extradition of Fehriye Erdal, one of the defendants of the Sabanci assassination case, Erdal has reportedly been released 'in theory', and has been re-arrested upon the instructions of the Ministry of the Interior, Belgian security officials said on Tuesday.According to the information given by security officials and verified by judiciaries, Erdal, was released on bail to be tried without detention upon the instructions of the Justice Ministry. The Ministry of the Interior, however, which reiterated that the defendant had applied to Belgian officials for political asylum, and which found it more appropriate if Erdal were to remain under arrest until a response to her request had been made, took action upon this development and prevented Erdal's release. The same sources said that Erdal had thus been transferred from the Justice Ministry's authority to that of the Ministry of the Interior, and that she would remain under arrest until she received a response to her application for political asylum. Erdal's lawyers claimed that the Interior Ministry's stance was against the laws, and announced that they would apply to the Council of State. Belgian laws foresee the detention of seekers of political asylum until they receive any response for their application. Meanwhile, Belgian Interior Minister Antoine Duquesne is said to bear a negative approach towards granting political asylum to Erdal. Duquesne is not expected to announce his Ministry's decision on the issue befre the weekend. Should Erdal's request for political asylum be turned down, Belgian officials will then have to consider her extradition to some country who might want to accept her; but officials say that no European Union member country seems likely to sympathise with her. [17] NO PROBLEMS REPORTED AT CUBUK-1 AND CUBUK-2 DAMSANKARA - State Water Works (DSI) General Directorate's authorities said Cubuk-1 and Cubuk-2 dams suffered no damage after the earthquake whose epicenter was Cerkes.DSI authorities told A.A that non of DSI's facilities was affected by the quake. However, DSI's teams are suspecting a minor crack in Cankiri's Guldurcek irrigation dam, though the crack is not right now causing any malfunctioning at the dam. [18] JOINT PARLIAMENTARY COMMISSION MEETINGS-CO-CHAIRMAN KURSAT ESER:''TURKEY IS DETERMINED TO ABIDE BY COPENHAGEN CRITERIA'' BRUSSELS - Co-chairman and Nationalist Movement Party deputy Kursat Eser, who took the floor on Tuesday at the Joint Parliamentary Commission (JPC), the dialogue organ between the Turkish Parliament and the European Parliament, said that Turkey is determined to abide by the Copenhagen criteria. Eser said in his speech, that the meeting, initially planned to take place in February 2000, had been postponed due to certain misunderstandings, and called for sensitivity on the part of both sides, in order not to experience something similar in the future. Eser said that improved dialogue between the sides would pave the way for cooperation and solution of problems. Eser pointed out that Turkey was aware of her shortcomings in the field of human rights and basic rights and freedoms as far as the political criteria were concerned, but that Turkey was determined to eliminate these shortcomings with a systematic implementation of reforms. He called attention to the necessity of the European Union's fulfilment of her financial obligations for the stable progress of Turkey's membership process. Joao-Pedro Silveira de Caravalho, Director-General of European Affairs, who is attending the meetings on behalf of the European Union Council, said there had been great changes recently concerning both Turkey and the Union, that the EU attached great importance to the improving relations between Turkey and Greece, and that the Union would employ all its facilities in order to provide Turkey with financial aid during the course of her membership process. Touching on the suspension of the file pertaining to the execution of Ocalan's death sentence, Caravalho said that the Union attributed major imortance to human rights. About Turkey's stance against the European Security and Defense Identity (ESDI), Caravalho said that the Union was aware of Turkey's contribution to regional security, and that Turkey's opinions would be taken into consideration in ESDI activities, and expressed hope that the sides would eventually reach a compromise over the disputed matters. The Joint Parliamentary Commission meetings will be concluded in the afternoon hours with the issuing of a joint communique and a joint press conference. [19] FOREIGN MINISTRY UNDERSECRETARY LOGOGLU:''ALL SIDES SHOULDWORK TOGETHER TO END IRAQI PEOPLE'S SUFFERING''BAGHDAD - Foreign Ministry Undersecretary Ambassador Faruk Logoglu said on Tuesday that all sides should work together to put an end to the sufferings of Iraqi people. Logoglu who is continuing his contacts in Baghdad, told A.A correspondent that Turkey is sensitive about sustaining good neighbourly relations with Iraq and respected Iraq's territorial integrity and political unity. ''I also saw that the Iraqi government esteems great importance to relations with our country,'' Logoglu said. ''I believe that all sides should work together to put an end to the hardships of Iraqi people and make Iraq to resume its place in the international community.'' Logoglu also noted that the ninth consultation meetings which are currently taking place between Turkey and Iraq are beneficial for both countries which already share friendly relations. Logoglu is expected to have a meeting with Iraqi Oil Minister Emir Raseed on Tuesday.
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