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Anadolu Agency: News in English, 00-08-28

Anadolu Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

From: The Anadolu Agency Home Page at <http://www.anadoluajansi.com.tr/>

Anadolu Agency

ANADOLU AGENCY

NEWS

28

AUGUST 2000 Monday


CONTENTS

  • [01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN
  • [02] PARLIAMENT SPEAKER AKBULUT LEAVES FOR U.S.
  • [03] IN FIRST SEVEN MONTHS, 91.3 MILLION U.S. DOLLARS
  • [04] SOURCES ALLOCATED TO GAP FOR INVESTMENT
  • [05] U.S. EXPECTED TO TAKE UP ISSUE OF ESTABLISHMENT
  • [06] TRNC PARLIAMENT DISCUSSES CYPRUS ISSUE
  • [07] STATE MINISTER GEMICI SAYS STATE WILL TAKE MORE EFFECTIVE MEASURES AGAINST PEOPLE WHO FAIL TO FULFIL THEIR PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITIES
  • [08] A TOTAL OF 41,666 TOURISTS VISIT SAFRANBOLU
  • [09] ASIAN BANKS UNION TO CONVENE IN ISTANBUL
  • [10] ASIAN BANKS UNION TO CONVENE IN ISTANBUL
  • [11] BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA FOREIGN ECONOMIC RELATIONS MINISTER KURTOVIC EXPRESSES WILLINGNESS TO SIGN FREE TRADE AGREEMENT WITH TURKEY
  • [12] FETHULLAH GULEN'S ARREST IN ABSENTIA LIFTED
  • [13] JOINT PRESS CONFERENCE OF ECEVIT AND BARAK (1) -PREMIER ECEVIT: - ''TURKEY ATTRIBUTES VITAL IMPORTANCE TO MIDDLE EAST PEACE PROCESS''
  • [14] TRNC PRESIDENT DENKTAS: ''I WILL GO TO NEW YORK BY TAKING SUPPORT OF TRNC PARLIAMENT''
  • [15] JUSTICE MINISTER TURK: -''WE HAVE NOT RECEIVED ANY OFFICIAL INFORMATION ABOUT TRIAL OF ERDAL IN BELGIUM''
  • [16] INDUSTRY AND TRADE MINISTER:''KOBI'S SUCCESS PROVES ENTREPRENEURIAL NATURE OF TURKISH PEOPLE''

  • [01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

    These are some of the major headlines and their brief stories in Turkey's press on August 28, 2000. The Anadolu Agency does not verify these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.

    HURRIYET (LIBERAL)

    PRESIDENT SEZER: ''I AM READY TO CONTRIBUTE''
    President Ahmet Necdet Sezer welcomed Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit's proposal to restrict authorities of president. Sources closed to President Sezer said, ''the President said earlier that he thought the president was granted with too many authorities. His opinions did not change. He thinks to contribute to the constitutional amendment restricting authorities of the president.''

    SECURITY FORCES INTERCEPT 113 ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS
    Security forces intercepted 47 Palestinians in Mustafakemalpasa township of northwestern Bursa province who were trying to proceed to Italy illegally. Meanwhile, security forces captured 64 people including two Turks, in Ipsala and Meric townships of northwestern Edirne province who were trying to proceed to Greece illegally. The foreigners of Afghan, Palestinian, Romanian, Azerbaijani, Iranian, Iraqi, Moroccan and Nigerian origin were taken into custody for violating the Turkish borders and the passport law. Officials said that the illegal immigrants would be deported once the legal proceedings were completed.

    SNOWFALL ON ERCIYES MOUNTAIN
    Snow fell on the altitudes of the Erciyes Mountain in central Kayseri province late on Saturday. Sources said that it had snowed on Seytanderesi, Horguckaya and Sutdonduran Pastures and Kuzey Buzlu Region in the altitudes of the Erciyas Mountain.

    MILLIYET (LIBERAL)

    URI BAR-NER: ''TURKEY PLAYS A PRODUCTIVE ROLE''
    Uri Bar-ner, the Israeli Ambassador to Turkey, said that they considered Turkey as one of the most important countries of the region. Noting that Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak wanted to inform Turkey on the latest developments in the Middle East peace process, Bar-ner stressed that Turkey was playing a productive role.

    TURKEY BECOMES EUROPEAN CHAMPION IN WEIGHT LIFTING CHAMPIONSHIPS
    Turkey became European champion with 598 points at the European Weight Lifting Championshipn Under-21 in Kosice, Slovakia. Turkey won three gold, seven silver and six bronze medals at the championships. A total of 183 weight lifters of 28 countries attended the championships. Turkey was followed by Russia with 568 points and by Bulgaria with 463 points.

    SABAH (LIBERAL)

    COOPERATION MEETINGS AT 69TH INTERNATIONAL IZMIR FAIR
    Industry and Trade Minister Ahmet Kenan Tanrikulu met with Irish, Kyrgyz, Albanian and Turkmen delegations within scope of the 69th International Izmir Fair. Tanrikulu and Economic Cooperation and Trade Minister Ermelinda Meksi of Albania signed a protocol envisaging technical cooperation between Turkish and Albanian Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMSEs). Meanwhile, State Minister Eoin Ryan of Ireland called on Turkish businessmen to invest in Ireland.

    HES EXPORTS 13 MILLION U.S. DOLLARS OF CABLE TO 45 COUNTRIES
    The Hacilar Electricity Industry and Trade Corp (HES) based in Hacilar township of central Kayseri province, exported cable worth of 13 million U.S. dollars in the first seven months of 2000. Adem Ozcan Gundogdu, the Deputy Director of HES, said that their exports increased 24 percent compared to the same period last year. Gundogdu said that they were trying to increase their capacity of production. ''In the first seven months of this year, we exported telephone, energy and fibre-optic cables worth of 13 million U.S. dollars to 45 countries from Far Eastern countries to the U.S. We have signed contracts to export 17 million U.S. dollars of cable till the end of the year,'' Gundogdu added. In the same period last year, the HES exported cable worth of 10 million 500 thousand U.S. dollars. Gundogdu added that they aimed at exporting cable worth of 30 million U.S. dollars by the end of the year.

    CUMHURIYET (LEFT)

    WEARING ISLAMIC STYLE HEADSCARF AT PRIVATE CLASSROOMS PROHIBITED
    The National Education Ministry prohibited Islamic style headscarf at the private schools offering specialized courses. The managers, teachers, assistant personnel and students at these schools should obey the Law on Outward Appearance.

    DON'T SEND ME BACK TO IRAN
    Davud Gasabamiri, an Azerbaijani origin Iranian journalist escaped to Turkey from Iran where he was arrested and tortured on charges of his articles and poems against the regime. He applied to the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees in Ankara to take refuge in another country but his request was rejected. ''I will be killed if I am sent back to Iran,'' he said.

    ANKARA: HOPE FOR PEACE
    Turkey has changed its support diplomacy targeted at a success in Middle East peace process into ''shuttle diplomacy''. Ankara's proposals will be conveyed to Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak who will come to Ankara today, he will be explained about Palestinian position and Ankara will listen to Israel's opinions.

    RADIKAL (LEFT)

    OYAK-RENAULT PRODUCES 82,805 AUTOMOBILES IN FIRST SEVEN MONTHS OF 2000
    Passenger car production of Oyak-Renault increased 48 percent to 82,805 pieces in January-July period of 2000 when compared to same period of 1999. Meanwhile, production of pick-ups by Ford Otosan rose 37 percent to 11,809 pieces. The Automotive Manufacturers Association (OSD) data shows that Oyak- Renault was followed by Tofas in production of passanger cars. Passenger car production of Tofas increased 35 percent to 61,068 pieces, and the production of passenger cars by Hyundai-Assan increased 7 percent to 12,456 pieces. Toyotosa increased its passenger car production by 4 percent to 6, 679 pieces and Honda by 3 percent to 5,633 pieces.

    SANLIURFA IRRIGATION TUNNELS IN GAP REGION TO BE FINALIZED IN 2001
    Construction of the Sanliurfa T-1 and T-2 tunnels which will be the biggest irrigation tunnels in the world will be finalized by the end of 2001. State Water Works (DSI) 16th Region Directorate Chairman Gulabi Polat said that the works on the tunnels each of which was 26.4 kilometers in length and 7.62 meters in diameter were under way within the framework of the Southeastern Anatolia Project (GAP). Noting that the construction would be finalized by the end of 2001, Polat said that the steel coating of entrances and exits of the tunnels and the valves would be finalized in the same period. ''When the tunnels are finished, 328 cubic meters per second of water will be taken from the Ataturk Dam lake and the plains will be irrigated. The area of arable fields that will be irrigated through these tunnels is 476,474 hectares,'' he added.

    YENI BINYIL (LIBERAL)

    SEARCH AND RESCUE EFFORTS CONTINUE TO FIND 18 MISSING IMMIGRANTS
    Search and rescue efforts are underway to find 18 people who got lost when a boat carrying illegal immigrants to Kos Island of Greece capsized. Two coast guard boats and several fishing boats put out to sea to search for the missing people. Works have been concentrated on shores of Datca township. Coast guard officials have pulled out eight bodies from the sea so far, and rescued seven people including captain of the boat.

    QUAKE PHOTOGRAPHS TO BE COLLECTED IN A BOOK
    A total of 350 photographs which were taken by several press organs and later displayed in ''Quake Photographs Exhibition'' of Disaster Region Coordination Office, will be collected in a book. Officials recalled that the exhibition was inaugurated by President Ahmet Necdet Sezer on August 17, 2000 in the first anniversary of massive earthquake which devastated northwestern Turkey. All costs of the book will be met by the Interior Ministry. The book will also include information about deadly earthquakes on August 17 and November 12, 1999 which left thousands of people dead and thousands of others injured and desparate. photographs were taken by correspondents of Anadolu Agency, Reuters Agency, Milliyet, Hurriyet, Aksam, Cumhuriyet, Star, Turkiye, Zaman, Yeni Safak and Ozgur Kocaeli newspapers.

    PARLIAMENT SPEAKER AKBULUT DUE TO U.S.
    Yildirim Akbulut, the Speaker of Parliament, will leave for the U.S. to attend the Parliament Speakers' meeting in New York organized through joint initiative of the United Nations and the Inter-Parliamentary Unity. Participating parliament speakers will deliver speeches on the issue of ''Parliamentarian Approach to International Cooperation at the Start of the Third Millennium.'' Akbulut is expected to return to Turkey on September 8.

    NATIONAL JUDO TEAM WINS TWO SILVER AND TWO BRONZE MEDALS
    The National Team Under-21 won two silver and two bronze medals in the Balkan Judo Championships in Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina. Omer Gurler of Turkey competing in the 60 kg category, and Ibrahim Yildirim of Turkey competing in the 81 kg category won silver medals while Hasan Yilmaz of Turkey competing in the 66 kg category, and Ahmet Deniz of Turkey competing in the 100 kg category won bronze medals.

    TURKIYE (RIGHT)

    GIANT PROJECTS TO BE PUT INTO PRACTICE SOON
    Turkey is opening to the world through the works carried out by the Transportation and Communications Ministry. The Kars-Tbilisi which will connect Asia to Europe and the Southeastern Anatolia Project (GAP) railway reached the final stage. The TURKSAT-2 which is the biggest and most modern satellite of Europe will go into orbit in September. The Istanbul Strait tube tunnel between Yenikapi and Harem tender reached the final decision stage.

    DESERT SAND TO BECOME SNOW
    Turkish scientist Professor Cemal Saydam proved that desert sand is transformed into snow when it is thrown onto clouds. ''It can snow anywhere we want at anytime, all that is needed is clouds,'' he said.

    700 BRIDES TO 700 BRIDEGROOMS
    Within scope of the ''700 Brides to 700 Bridegrooms'' project of the Ankara Municipality, mass wedding ceremony of the low-income 234 couples was held at the 19 Mayis Stadium.

    BAHCELI: ''WE ARE GETTING THROUGH DIFFICULTIES''
    State Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Devlet Bahceli said, ''each day, we are recording progress in disinflation. We are recording progress despite the circles which get ill-tempered when they see that we are getting through difficulties.''

    ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)

    AUTUMN SYNDROME IN ECONOMY
    Financial markets were locked up in the important developments that await Turkey in September. The inflation rates in September came on the first place in the autumn syndrome. The possibility of an increase in frightening high rates in July can change the balances. Another expectation in autumn is whether or not Moody's will increase Turkey's rating. The reting is very important for foreign loans and foreign capital. An IMF delegation will come to Turkey at the end of the month. The 2001 Year Budget which will be discussed will affect the labor contracts in many private companies. Privatizations, activities of the Banking Supreme Council and developments in the stock exchange-interest-foreign exchange markets are the other factors. The closure case of the Virtue Party (FP) is the most serious obstacle in front of the markets. The business world is concerned about a likely political chaos in case the FP is closed.

    JBIC SUSPENDS 750 MILLION U.S. DOLLARS LOAN TO TURKEY
    The Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) suspended the almost 750 million U.S. dollars financial sector adjustment loan it will give to Turkey. Sources said that JIBC was waiting for the arrangement in privatization of public banks to release the loan like the policy of the World Bank. JIBC officials paid a visit to Turkey in June and got information on the financial sector.

    TURKISH MARK ON COMPRESSOR
    Turkish Dalgaliran Compressor company which began to earn money through a 100-square meter workshop it opened in Topkapi, Istanbul in 1989 with seven workers managed to set up Turkey's biggest compressor factory in ten years. Products of Dalgakiran are now being sold in eighteen foreign countries. Adnan Dalgakiran, the General Director of the company, said that they were planning to build new facilities in Kastamonu and produce 15 thousand compressors a year.

    [02] PARLIAMENT SPEAKER AKBULUT LEAVES FOR U.S.

    ANKARA - Yildirim Akbulut, the Speaker of Parliament, left for the U.S. on Monday to attend the Parliament Speakers' meeting in New York organized through joint initiative of the United Nations and the Inter-Parliamentary Unity.

    Addressing journalists at the Esenboga Airport in Ankara prior to his departure, Akbulut said that the meeting would focus on measures to be taken to strengthen international cooperation.

    Akbulut told reporters, ''within this framework, national parliaments should participate more in the international decision-making mechanisms and international cooperation.''

    Noting that he would deliver a speech at the meeting, Akbulut pointed out, ''we will discuss the necessity of launching joint works to struggle against difficulties in process of providing peace, democracy, sustainable development and social development.''

    Akbulut stressed that a statement titled, ''Parliamentary Vision for International Cooperation at the Start of the Third Millennium'' would be signed at the end of the meeting.

    He added that he would hold bilateral contacts with parliament speakers of other countries.

    [03] IN FIRST SEVEN MONTHS, 91.3 MILLION U.S. DOLLARS

    OF WEAVING PRODUCTS EXPORTED FROM GAP REGION
    GAZIANTEP - The exports of weaving products from the Southeastern Anatolia Project (GAP) region in the first seven months of 2000 increased 43.1 percent to 91 million 325 thousand U.S. dollars.

    In the same period last year, the region exported 63 million 795 thousand U.S. dollars of weaving products.

    Officials at the Southeastern Anatolia Exporters' Union, told the A.A correspondent on Monday that in the first seven months of the year, they exported 44 million 170 thousand U.S. dollars in carpet; 39 million 617 thousand U.S. dollars in cotton and synthetic weaving products; 6 million 519 thousand U.S. dollars in plastic sack, and 1 million 19 thousand U.S. dollars in towel.

    The majority of the goods were exported to Kazakhstan, Romania, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Italy, Belgium, Greece, France, Algeria, Russia, Israel, Azerbaijan, the U.S., Germany, Portugal, Lebanon, Austria, Iraq, Jordan and Sweden.

    [04] SOURCES ALLOCATED TO GAP FOR INVESTMENT

    GAZIANTEP - The amount of investment allocations to the Southeastern Anatolia Project (GAP) which entered into a decreasing trend since 1992 has reached the amount in early 1990s.

    According to the GAP Regional Development Management Authority data, the necessary financing amount to reach project targets set by the GAP Master Plan is 32 billion U.S. dollars or 14 quadrillion 865 trillion 753 billion Turkish liras (TL) with 2000 year prices.

    Almost 14 billion U.S. dollars or 6 quadrillion 655 trillion 431 billion TL was spent on the GAP by the end of 1999.

    According to the data, 5 quadrillion 809 trillion 857 billion TL was spent on economic sector which covers agriculture, mining, manufacturing, energy, transportation-communications and tourism, and the remaining 745 trillion 574 billion TL was spent on the social sector which includes real estate, education, helath and other public services.

    The amount of public investment allocations to the GAP between 1990 and 2000 excluding local administration investments are as follows:

    YEAR GAP INVESTMENT DIFFERENCE GAP'S SHARE IN ..
    ALLOCATION (BILLION TL) (percent) TURKEY (percent)

    ------ ------------------- ----- ----------------
    1990 436,183 0 8.1
    1991 429,512 - 1.5 8.5
    1992 382,383 -10.9 7.3
    1993 376,619 - 1.5 7.6
    1994 292,998 -22.2 7.5
    1995 202,713 -30.8 7.2
    1996 246,095 +21.4 6.9
    1997 295,860 +20.2 7.7
    1998 377,117 +27.4 6.6
    1999 297,670 -21.1 5.9
    2000 422,377 +41.9 7.1

    [05] U.S. EXPECTED TO TAKE UP ISSUE OF ESTABLISHMENT

    OF A QIZ IN TURKEY AFTER JANUARY 2001
    ANKARA - The U.S. is expected to take up the issue of establishment of a ''Qualifying Industrial Zone'' (QIZ) in Turkey in cooperation among Turkey, the U.S. and Israel after January 2001 due to the forthcoming presidential elections.

    Monthly report issued by the Foreign Trade Undersecretariat's Directorate General of Free Zones, gave broad place to the issue of QIZ which was specified by the U.S. and designated by local authorities of Israel, Jordan and Egypt as an enclave where merchandise may enter U.S. markets without being subject to duty or excise taxes and quota restrictions and without the requirement of any reciprocal benefits.

    The report said, ''QIZ was established in order to contribute to the lasting peace in the region through the development of economic cooperation among Israel, Egypt and Jordan. QIZ encompasses portions of the territory of Israel and Jordan or Israel and Egypt.''

    The report noted, ''establishment of QIZ in Turkey is a long process which primarily requires approvals of Israel and the U.S. parties, and an amendment in the U.S.-Israeli Free Trade Area Implementation Act of 1985. In order to obtain QIZ status for a (some) free zone(s) of Turkey or a zone exclusively designated for this purpose, prior proposals are transmitted to Israeli and U.S. sides during the negotiations at Joint Economic Commission meeting in Israel between February 7-8, 2000, and Trade and Investment Council meeting in the U.S. between March 27-28, 2000. During the negotiations, Adana-Yumurtalik and Gaziantep Free Zones which are currently operating, were proposed and it was stated that alternative industries other than textile, which is very sensitive for the U.S., would be selected and such an establishment would provide advantages for Turkey, Israel and the U.S.''

    ''Israel has a positive point of view. Although the U.S. also has a positive point of view about the proposal, due to the forthcoming presidential elections in the U.S., thus the difficulty of the Congress has to promulgate new legislation in these circumstances, the U.S. stated that the issue could be dealt with after January 2001,'' the report pointed out.

    The report said, ''with Turkey's inclusion to the U.S.-Israel Free Trade Area Implementation Act of 1985, Turkish products will gain duty-free access to the U.S. market without the requirement for any reciprocal benefits and thus the cooperation opportunities in the Middlea East will be extended to a wide region. Besides, Turkey will constitute a step for Israel's possible trade with the Central Asian Turkish Republics.''

    ''Currently, there are five QIZs designated by the U.S. The first QIZ encompasses the Al Emir Hassan Industrial Estate in Irbid in Northern Jordan, and an Israeli customs area at the Sheikh Hussein Bridge. Gateway Industrial Park along the border between Israel and Jordan is designated as the second QIZ. Moreover, there are three other QIZs in Al-Kerak, Ad-Dulayl and Al-Tajamouat that the designated by the U.S. Among the five QIZs stated above only Ibrid QIZ is operational while other four are still in the construction phase. In order for QIZ products to gain duty-free entry into the U.S., certain requirements were set by U.S. law. A Jordanian-Israeli agreement should also be provided. U.S. law requires that the article be a new and different article of commerce that has been grown, produced or manufactured in the zone, and that at least 35 percent of the appraised value of a product at the time it enters the U.S. must consist of the coast or value of materials produced and direct cost of producing operation performed in the QIZ,'' it added.

    [06] TRNC PARLIAMENT DISCUSSES CYPRUS ISSUE

    LEFKOSA - The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) Parliament convened on Monday to discuss the latest developments about the Cyprus issue.

    TRNC President Rauf Denktas is briefing the MPs on the Cyprus proximity talks.

    Speaking to reporters before he attended the meeting at the TRNC Parliament, Denktas said the fourth round Cyprus proximity talks which would start in New York, the U.S. on September 4 were on the agenda.

    Responding to a question, Denktas said that preparations for the talks in New York were under way.

    When asked whether or not the Greek Cypriot side was trying to drag the Turkish side into a face-to-face meeting, Denktas said, ''they will try it because we started the proximity talks as we are right. It is an issue of status. It is somehow a shame for us to hold a face-to-face meeting with a side which introduces us to the world as an assisting minority of the 'invader' and a fake state, and which introduces itself as the legal government of whole Cyprus. It is somehow a shame for us to sit at a table with the Greek Cypriot side which does not recognize our status. Besides, it will be a bigger shame for them if they insist on their attitude.''

    TRNC Parliament Speaker Ertugrul Hasipoglu said that the TRNC President would brief the Parliament before the New York talks so the meeting was very important.

    The meeting of the TRNC Parliament was closed to press.

    [07] STATE MINISTER GEMICI SAYS STATE WILL TAKE MORE EFFECTIVE MEASURES AGAINST PEOPLE WHO FAIL TO FULFIL THEIR PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITIES

    ISTANBUL - State Minister Hasan Gemici said on Monday that they will enforce the Turkish Penalty Code's Articles 477 and 478 for parents who fail to fulfil their responsibilities towards their children.

    Regarding the ten year old girl in Beylikduzu who was shut in a deep freezer by two McDonald's employees because she was disturbing the customers by trying to sell tissues in front of the restaurant, Gemici told A.A correspondent that a girl at that age should not be left in the street unattended and accused the girl's parents for being irresponsible.

    ''The responsibility belongs to parents,'' Gemici said.''Being a parent brings many responsibilities. We will enforce the Turkish Penalty Code's Articles 477 and 478 for parents who fail to fulfil their parental responsibilities. The state should be both affectionate towards these children and it should also take deterring measures for their parents.''

    The draft law which is about to be completed foresees more effective and deterring measures for parents who abuse their children or who fail to fulfil their parental responsibilities.

    [08] A TOTAL OF 41,666 TOURISTS VISIT SAFRANBOLU

    KARABUK - A total of 41,666 Turkish and foreign tourists visited Safranbolu township of northwestern Karabuk province in first seven and a half months of 2000.

    Mustafa Tekin, the Acting Karabuk Provincial Tourism Director, told A.A correspondent on Monday that a total of 35,764 tourists, including 33,399 Turkish people and 2,425 foreigners, visited Safranbolu in first seven and a half months of 1999.

    Tekin said that this number increased to 5,902, including 38,459 Turkish people and 3,207 foreigners in first seven half a months of 2000.

    Increase is marked in number of tourists visiting Safranbolu, which was included in World Heritage List of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Tekin noted.

    Tekin added, ''Safranbolu is a town which is known for its historical houses. Turkish and foreign people who visit Safranbolu contribute to the economy of the region. The quality of hotels in this township should be raised. Also, four new hotels are being constructed in the region.''

    [09] ASIAN BANKS UNION TO CONVENE IN ISTANBUL

    ISTANBUL - The 2000 Ordinary General Assembly meeting of Asian Banks Union will be held in Istanbul between September 21 and 22.

    The Kocbank, only Turkish member of ABB, released a statement on Monday in which it said that high-ranking bankers from Hong Kong, Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Japan, Korea, Russia, Australia, Uzbekistan and Asia Pacific countries will join this year's meeting.

    The statement also said that the theme of the meeting will be ''Banking In The New Millenium.''

    The Asian Banks Union was formed in 1981 to further improve cooperation in Asia Pacific region.

    More than 100 banks from 23 Far Eastern countries are the members of this union.

    [10] ASIAN BANKS UNION TO CONVENE IN ISTANBUL

    ISTANBUL - The 2000 Ordinary General Assembly meeting of Asian Banks Union will be held in Istanbul between September 21 and 22.

    The Kocbank, only Turkish member of ABB, released a statement on Monday in which it said that high-ranking bankers from Hong Kong, Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Japan, Korea, Russia, Australia, Uzbekistan and Asia Pacific countries will join this year's meeting.

    The statement also said that the theme of the meeting will be ''Banking In The New Millenium.''

    The Asian Banks Union was formed in 1981 to further improve cooperation in Asia Pacific region.

    More than 100 banks from 23 Far Eastern countries are the members of this union.

    [11] BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA FOREIGN ECONOMIC RELATIONS MINISTER KURTOVIC EXPRESSES WILLINGNESS TO SIGN FREE TRADE AGREEMENT WITH TURKEY

    IZMIR - Bosnia-Herzegovina Foreign Economic Relations Minister Mirsat Kurtovic said on Monday that Turkey and Bosnia-Herzegovina should get prepared to sign a free trade agreement.

    A delegation headed by Kurtovic visited Izmir Chamber of Commerce and had a meeting with Chamber authorities and businessmen. At the beginning of his speech, Kurtovic thanked Turkish nation for its help during war years. Noting that the Turkish Army holds many soldiers in the Peace Force, Kurtovic said this shows the importance Turkey esteems on Bosnia- Herzegovina.

    Stressing the historical, cultural, religious and family ties which bring the two nations closer, Kurtovic said foreign trade between the two countries which remained at 25 million U.S. dollars last year is expected to be around 60 million U.S. dollars this year.

    ''Turkish products hold a large place in Bosnia-Herzegovina market,'' Kurtovic went on to say. ''However a big part of these products come to Bosnia through third countries without customs. Instead, we want the registered trade to increase between the two countries. We are working to start the preliminary works for a free trade agreement between Turkey and Bosnia-Herzegovina. The preliminary works should actively start in early 2001.''
    Noting that his country reached economic and political stability despite the recently finished war, Kurtovic said they are expecting Turkish businessmen to participate in the privatization activities which were started to switch to market economy. He also invited businessmen of Izmir to the economy conference which is planned to be held in Bosnia-Herzegovina in November to advance economic relations between the two countries.

    IZTO Chairman Demirtas who also spoke at the meeting stated that currently there are 48 Turkish firms in Bosnia-Herzegovina and seven Bosnia- Herzegovina firms in Turkey and he said these numbers were quite insufficient compared to the 4,000 Turkish companies in Romania. ''Trade relations between the two countries gained a certain acceleration in the recent years. Bosnia-Herzegovina has products such as steel, iron, chemicals, and wood products which appeal to Turkish market and this is promising,'' he said.

    Bosnia-Herzegovina Chamber of Economy Chairman Mensur Smajlovic said they participated in Izmir International Fair and they are

    working hard to advance economic relations with Turkey. He also noted that they are expecting Turkish businessmen's investments and contributions in the privatization of banks in their country.

    Following the visit, businessmen from both countries had bilateral meetings.

    [12] FETHULLAH GULEN'S ARREST IN ABSENTIA LIFTED

    ISTANBUL - Istanbul No.2 State Security Court (DGM) delegation lifted Fethullah Gulen's arrest in absentia on Monday.

    Upon Gulen's lawyers request, the court delegation headed by Serafettin Iste studied the file which was sent to them on August 23, 2000 and decided to lift Gulen's arrest in absentia.

    Ankara DGM Republican Prosecutor Nuh Mete Yuksel has been running an investigation about Fethullah Gulen for about a year according to Article 7 of the Anti-Terrorism Law. Yuksel had applied to Ankara Alternate Prosecutor's Office on August 3, 2000 to issue an arrest warrant in absentia for Gulen. Alternate Prosecutor Ramazan Aksan overturned Yuksel's request to arrest Gulen. Yuksel rejected Aksan's decision the next day and applied to Ankara No.2 DGM on August 11, 2000. Ankara No.2 DGM unanimously decided to issue an arrest warrent in absentia for Gulen.

    Gulen's lawyers appealed to Ankara No.1 DGM which is a higher court. Ankara No.1 DGM had sent the file to Istanbul DGM to be finalized.

    [13] JOINT PRESS CONFERENCE OF ECEVIT AND BARAK (1) -PREMIER ECEVIT: - ''TURKEY ATTRIBUTES VITAL IMPORTANCE TO MIDDLE EAST PEACE PROCESS''

    ANKARA - Premier Bulent Ecevit said on Monday that Turkey attributes vital importance to Middle East peace process.

    Ecevit and Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak released a joint press conference following the inter-delegationary meetings.

    Ecevit said that Turkey is ready to do its best to contribute to the process.

    Reminding the reporters that no concrete solution was reached in Camp David talks, Ecevit emphasized that this should be considered as an initiative that should be continued rather than as a failure.

    Barak said that they are grateful for Turkey's efforts and initiatives within framework of Middle East peace process.

    They are ready to take steps to further improve relations with Turkey, Barak noted.

    Drawing attention to the diplomacy traffic in Ankara related with the peace process, Barak appreciated Foreign Minister Ismail Cem, who can understand the sensitivities of the Middle East.

    [14] TRNC PRESIDENT DENKTAS: ''I WILL GO TO NEW YORK BY TAKING SUPPORT OF TRNC PARLIAMENT''

    LEFKOSA - Rauf Denktas, the President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), said on Monday that he will go to New York, where the fourth round of Cyprus proximity talks will take start on September 12, by taking the support of TRNC parliament.

    Following the TRNC parliament's meeting, Denktas told reporters that the extraordinary meeting was held in a positive atmosphere.

    Denktas added that he has taken the support of the parliament prior to the proximity talks.

    Rauf Denktas informed the TRNC parliament about the latest developments on Cyprus question prior to the fourth round of proximity talks while the political parties in TRNC expressed their own ideas.

    [15] JUSTICE MINISTER TURK: -''WE HAVE NOT RECEIVED ANY OFFICIAL INFORMATION ABOUT TRIAL OF ERDAL IN BELGIUM''

    ANKARA - Justice Minister Hikmet Sami Turk said on Monday that they have not received any official information regarding trial of Fehriye Erdal in Belgium related with the crimes she committed in Belgium and killing of businessman Ozdemir Sabanci.

    When reporters recalled that a news report appeared in a daily saying Erdal would be tried in Belgium, Turk briefed about the developments related with the extradition of Erdal. Turk said Belgian Justice Minister said it was impossible for Turkish prosecutors to interrogate Erdal as she was not extradited.

    Turk said, ''Belgian Justice Minister had earlier pointed out that under the first article of the European Convention on prevention of terrorism, people who did not use weapon could not be tried under this convention. I said under the second article of the same convention, grave crimes targeting at people's lives can not be considered as political crimes and that they should be tried. Also by reminding him the European Convention of judicial assistance in punishment, I told him that Fehriye Erdal can be tried for the crimes she committed both in Belgium and for Sabanci assassination. We have not received any official information in this respect.''

    [16] INDUSTRY AND TRADE MINISTER:''KOBI'S SUCCESS PROVES ENTREPRENEURIAL NATURE OF TURKISH PEOPLE''

    IZMIR - Industry and Trade Minister Ahmet Kenan Tanrikulu said on Monday that the success of small and medium scale enterprises (KOBI's) proved the entrepreneurial nature of Turkish people.

    Tanrikulu spoke at a meeting held by Aegean Region Chamber of Industry (EBSO) and Small and Medium Scale Industry Development and Support Management Directorate (KOSGEB). He said the flexible structure of KOBIs enable them to adjust to every condition. However, Tanrikulu said, they were not very successful at making use of the finance sector and added that non-governmental organizations should support KOBIs.

    Noting that KOSGEB supports KOBIs in all the necessary fields, Tanrikulu said his ministry also financially supports initiatives to develop KOBIs. He also said that KOSGEB and EBSO joined efforts to open a permanent exhibition in the German city of Kiel to enable KOBIs open to foreign markets. The exhibition will open on October 13.

    Tanrikulu, KOSGEB Chairman Bayram Camkerten and EBSO Executive Council Chairman Atil Akkan signed a protocol at the meeting. According to the protocol, KOSKEB will provide 200 billion TL financial support to be used in the exhibition which will be participated by EBSO member companies.

    Akkan noted that the companies which will participate in the exhibition are chosen among ones which never realized any export. ''We are creating 130 new exporters. The companies at the exhibition will change every month. We are doing market research before the exhibition. We have agreed on an export demand worth of 30 million German Marks. We are expecting these demands to reach to 100 million German Marks.''

    Camkerten said Turkish firms will have access to Europe through this project which is implemented for the first time. He noted that the companies which will attend the exhibition are chiefly active in textile, furniture, wrapping, mineral and food sectors.


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