Anadolu Agency: News in English, 00-09-01

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ANADOLU AGENCY

NEWS

01

SEPTEMBER 2000 Friday

TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

These are some of the major headlines and their brief stories in Turkey's press on Sept 1, 2000. The Anadolu Ajansi does not verify these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.

HURRIYET (LIBERAL)

Christos Rozakis, the Greek Judge, rejected the application of Necmettin Erbakan, which was made two times to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), for the prevention of his imprisonment sentence. Rozakis, who is the Chairman of the ECHR's Second Department, said he rejected the applications made by Erbakan's lawyer for ''cautionary measure,'' on July 28 and August 11. Rozakis had acted as Deputy Foreign Minister in Greece for some time, yet resigned when he became at odds with then-Foreign Minister Pangalos after calling for ''dialogue'' with Turkey.

HOTEL FOR SEZER IN NEW YORK WORTH OF 6,000 U.S. DOLLARS

President Ahmet Necdet Sezer will stay in The Pierre Hotel in New York where he is scheduled to visit on September 4 for the U.N. Millenium Summit. The fee of the room for one night changes between 3,000-6,000 U.S. dollars with the taxes. This hotel is more expensive and luxurious than those which former Presidents Kenan Evren, Turgut Ozal, and Suleyman Demirel stayed. Sezer will hold bilateral contacts with the leaders of 22 countries, including the U.S. President Bill Clinton.

MILLIYET (LIBERAL)

Kemal Saracoglu, a thirteen-year-old boy from Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) who was suffering from leukaemia, died on Thursday in London, where he was kept under medical treatment.

Joint campaigns were launched in TRNC and the Greek Cypriot administration for Saracoglu and Andreas Vasiliu, a seven-year old Greek Cypriot boy who was also suffering from leukaemia. Blood campaign was launched for Kemal in London in February. Suitable bone marrow for Kemal could not be found while bone marrow was transplanted to Vasiliu.

Doctors said in May that they had found suitable bone marrow for Kemal but it was too late for transplantation.

FEHRIYE SPEAKS AT BELGIAN TV

Fehriye Erdal, one of the suspects of assasination of businessman Ozdemir Sabanci in 1996 and a member of the illegal DHKP-C organization, who was kept under house arrest, began to be seen in Flemish tv channels. Erdal, who spoke to private tv channel VTM, did not seem as she was on hunger strike for 45 days. Hilde Lemmens, the Spokesperson of Intelligence Service, also attended the program where Erdal claimed illegal DHKP-C did not stage armed activities, and that she was not a terrorist. Lemmens said DHKP-C was a dangerous terrorist organization followed by Belgium.

SABAH (LIBERAL)

State Security Court (DGM) Prosecutor Nuh Mete Yuksel, in the 79-page indictment he prepared about Fethullah Guven, demanded ten years of imprisonment for Gulen for ''working to establish Islamic principles in all systems of the state.'' The indictment said Gulen's men tours villages and pick up successful students and enroll them at Gulen's schools where they are taught to hate Ataturk. Gulen's schools offered better opportunities and conditions to students than the state schools, it was stated. Yuksel's indictment also said that Gulen was planning to infiltrate into the Turkish Armed Forces in the next ten years.

COTTARELLI BOTH PRAISED AND WARNED

IMF Turkey Desk Chief Carlo Cottarelli and his delegation raised hopes on the government's disinflation programme and budget of 2001 on the first day of their evaluation tour in Turkey. Cottarelli who had his first meeting with Treasury Undersecretary Selcuk Demiralp on Thursday said he expected the inflation rate by the end of this year would be the lowest in the last 15 years. Noting that Turkish economy is recovering, Cottarelli said current deficit and domestic demand should be followed up closely.

CUMHURIYET (LEFT)

Metin Bostancioglu, the Minister of National Education, said 283 fundamentalist teachers were dismissed from their works in the past 7,5 months. Bostancioglu said, ''no view or thought that is against republic, can be rooted in National Education.'' He said, ''we see that procedures operate slowly within the principles of law. Our ministry dismissed more than 500 teachers since January 1, 1998.

Bostancioglu said in case the decree in the force of law (KHK) on civil servants is signed, those who are against the integrity of the state will be cleaned from the public.

BARGAINING CONTINUES FOR TURKMEN GAS

Bargaining made for the Turkmen natural gas during the visit of Batir Berdiyev, the Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan, currently officially in Turkey as the guest of Foreign Minister Ismail Cem. Turkey said it wants to take gas from Turkmenistan, and noted that Ashkabad administration should take its definite decision soon. Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit brought into agenda the terrorism threat in Central Asia stemming from Afghanistan, and exchanged views with the guest Foreign Minister.

RADIKAL (LEFT)

One of the suspects of Sabanci assasination, Fehriye Erdal caused disagreement in the Belgian coalition government which is formed by green, socialist and liberal wing. It was stated that the issue will be discussed widely at Friday's Ministers Council where a final decision will be taken. Belgian Justice Minister Marc Werwilghen said Erdal cannot be tried in Belgium for a crime she committed in Turkey while Interior Minister Antoine Duquesne said the Ministers Council will say the last word on this matter.

SEZER WILL HAVE A BUSY SCHEDULE

President Ahmet Necdet Sezer who will attend the Millennium will meet with 25 leaders including U.S. President Bill Clinton. Sezer will also meet with the revolutionary leader of Pakistan General Parwaz Musharraf. President Sezer will also have contacts with the representatives of the Jewish community.

YENİ BİNYIL (LIBERAL)

Famous economy newspaper The Financial Times published an article about the Banking Regulation and Audit Board (BDDT). The article which said the old system was too open to political influences raised hopes for the new system. The article said that Turkey's 81 banks will find themselves in a very new and a difficult world as of Friday when Turkey's first semi- independent inspection board starts operation.

FOREIGN CURRENCY RESERVE DROPS 33 MILLION U.S. DOLLARS

The foreign currency reserve of the Central Bank which reached 24.7 billion U.S. dollars on August 18 dropped to 24.4 billion U.S. dollars on August 25 with a drop of 300 million U.S. dollars.

VISUAL CELL PHONES ON MARKET

Tekofaks, the firm which first introduced the fax to Turkey, will now introduce visual cell phones to the Turkish people. Panasonic promoted the ''visual cell phones'' which is the first one of third generation telephone technologies. With the new technology, the cell phones can be used as cameras, video cameras, television or walk-man.

TURKIYE (RIGHT)

Statements of Gen. Huseyin Kivrikoglu, the Chief of General Staff, shows that February 28 process continues, and at the same time a new and resolved process starts. Determination of the Chief of General Staff against the contents of the decree having the force of law (KHK) on civil servants, which was rejected by the President, proves the graveness of the issue. Insistency of the military on the KHK at the same time shows that the state has definite information in this respect.

START FOR ADJUSTMENT TO THE EU

According to a circular issued by Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit, the draft laws would be appropriate to the European Union (EU). Prime Minister's circular is about the works carried out during Turkey's membership process to the EU. Ecevit said from now on, the draft laws and resolutions, which will be prepared by public institutions, will be examined due to its adjustment to the EU regulations.

ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)

The State Statistics Institute announced that Turkish economy grew 4,4 percent in the April-June period and 4,3 percent in the second half of the year. The announced figures are close to the targeted figures of the government which was 5,5 percent. Expert are saying that the annual economic growth might reach 5,5 percent by the end of 2000.

BANKING REGULATION AND AUDIT BOARD STARTS SERVICE

A protocol was signed on Thursday among the Treasury Undersecretariat, the Central Bank and the Banking Regulation and Audit Board (BDDT). The protocol transfers authority of the Treasury and the Central Bank to inspect banks to the BDDT. Central Bank Chairman Gazi Ercel said a total of 2,6 billion U.S. dollars have been transferred for the banks which were taken under the Deposit Savings Insurance Fund and the loss is about 7 billion U.S. dollars. Temizel said those who are responsible for liquidation of banks will not get away with it.

CONTENTS

[01] FOREST FIRES DESTROY 28 HECTARES OF FOREST LAND ON THURSDAY

[02] TURKEY-IMF -STATE MINISTER ONAL: ''CURRENT DEFICIT SEEMS HIGH AT SPECIFIC POINTS BUT IT HAS STILL NOT REACHED DANGEROUS LEVEL''

[03] TURKEY-IMF -IMF'S TURKEY DESK CHIEF: ''THERE IS ALWAYS A NEED FOR FINE ADJUSTMENT IN THE PROGRAM''

[04] TURKEY AND UGANDA SIGN TECHNICAL, ECONOMIC AND COMMERCIAL COOPERATION AGREEMENT

[05] TURKEY-IMF -STATE MINISTER ONAL: ''EXPENDITURES SHOULD BE DISCIPLINED''

[06] TURKEY-IMF -STATE MINISTER ONAL: ''THE 2001 YEAR BUDGET WILL BE A DISCIPLINED BUDGET WITHIN FRAMEWORK OF THE ECONOMIC PROGRAM''

[07] BALANCE OF PAYMENTS DEVELOPMENTS IN JANUARY-JUNE 2000 (1)

[08] BALANCE OF PAYMENTS DEVELOPMENTS IN JANUARY-JUNE 2000 (2)

[09] CULTURE MINISTER TALAY TO REPRESENT TURKEY IN CEREMONIES TO MARK BEATIFICATION OF POPE JOHN XXIII

[10] FOREIGN MINISTER CEM STAGES A PRESS CONFERENCE (1)

[00] FOREIGN MINISTER CEM STAGES A PRESS CONFERENCE (2)

[12] FOREIGN MINISTER CEM STAGES A PRESS CONFERENCE (3)

[13] FOREIGN MINISTER CEM STAGES A PRESS CONFERENCE (4)

[14] FOREIGN MINISTER CEM STAGES A PRESS CONFERENCE (5)

[15] FOREIGN MINISTER CEM STAGES A PRESS CONFERENCE (6)

[16] FOREIGN MINISTER CEM STAGES A PRESS CONFERENCE (7)

[17] FOREIGN MINISTER CEM STAGES A PRESS CONFERENCE (8)

[01] FOREST FIRES DESTROY 28 HECTARES OF FOREST LAND ON THURSDAY

The fire which started in Mus is still continuing in an area of 45 hectares. Other fires have been put out.

[02] TURKEY-IMF -STATE MINISTER ONAL: ''CURRENT DEFICIT SEEMS HIGH AT SPECIFIC POINTS BUT IT HAS STILL NOT REACHED DANGEROUS LEVEL''

International Monetary Fund's (IMF) Turkey Desk Chief Carlo Cottarelli met with Onal within framework of his contacts in Ankara.

Speaking to reporters following the meeting, State Minister Onal said measure would be taken regarding the current account deficit if it was necessary but the details of this were still not set, and a decision had not been taken yet.

When asked what the dangerous limit could be, Onal said that the details of the deficit should be observed.

Noting that the sector from which the current account deficit stemmed should be determined, Onal said, ''we should determine that the deficit stems from whether public sector or private sector. We should determine how we can finance it. It means that there is not any problem if it can finance.''

The Central Bank announced the same day that the current account deficit in the first half of 2000 was 5 billion 558 million U.S. dollars.

[03] TURKEY-IMF -IMF'S TURKEY DESK CHIEF: ''THERE IS ALWAYS A NEED FOR FINE ADJUSTMENT IN THE PROGRAM''

''Because external factors like international oil prices necessitate this fine adjustment. And we will take up this fine adjustment matter within framework of the 2001 year budget,'' he said.

Cottarelli met with State Minister Recep Onal within framework of his contacts in Ankara.

Speaking to reporters following the meeting, Cottarelli recalled that the inflation target for the consumer prices index at the end of 2000 was 25 percent.

''We will see the real rate at the end of the year. However, there is an inclination towards this 25 percent main target of the program,'' he said.

''As I had stressed earlier that the program is going well regarding monetary and financial policies and the inflation, and important progress has been recorded in these fields. Also in the field of growth, according to the figures announced yesterday, it is quitely powerful in the second quarter like in the first quarter,'' he said.

''There is a rapid increase in imports and domestic consumption. We will meet with the officials to discuss what kind of monetary and financial measures can be taken for these issues within framework of the 2001 year budget,'' Cottarelli said.

Responding to a question, Cottarelli said that the rating organizations had actually increased Turkey's rating in the fist six months, and those organizations were closely monitoring Turkey but they did not have to make a recommendation to those organizations.

IMF's Turkey Desk Chief Cottarelli said that the foreign capital had come to Turkey, and this capital financed the increasing current account deficit.

Cottarelli added that international foreign capital found the program successful so far and was following the process of the program.

[04] TURKEY AND UGANDA SIGN TECHNICAL, ECONOMIC AND COMMERCIAL COOPERATION AGREEMENT

The agreement was signed by State Minister Hasan Gemici and Deputy Prime Minister Musa Ali of Uganda.

Addressing the signing ceremony, Gemici said that they aimed at further improving relations between the two countries.

Stressing that bilateral relations were far away from the desired level,

Gemici noted, ''we will expend efforts to further improve relations between Turkey and Uganda on the basis of equality, mutual benefit, and respect. The agreement will be a serious step to reach this target. A joint economic commission will be set up, and the commission will record important progress in improving bilateral relations.''

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Musa Ali of Uganda said in his part that he would invite Gemici to Uganda for signing ceremony of the second permanent committee.

[05] TURKEY-IMF -STATE MINISTER ONAL: ''EXPENDITURES SHOULD BE DISCIPLINED''

When asked whether or not payment in installment for compulsory savings was in question, Onal said, ''experts are working on several alternatives. The government will prefer one of those alternatives.''

Responding to a question about expenditure limitations in the 2001 year budget, Onal said, ''I did not talk about real restrictions in expenditures. The expenditures should be disciplined.''

Onal added that a considerable amount of saving was foreseen in the budget regarding the interest expenditures.

[06] TURKEY-IMF -STATE MINISTER ONAL: ''THE 2001 YEAR BUDGET WILL BE A DISCIPLINED BUDGET WITHIN FRAMEWORK OF THE ECONOMIC PROGRAM''

State Minister Onal said that the things that should be carried out in coming period would be discussed at technical level, and later they, as the politicians, would review those advises.

Noting that the important point for the next period was the preparations for the 2001 year budget, Onal said that the budget perparations in Turkey continued till the Parliament opened, and later those preparations were discussed at the Parliamentary Budget Planning Commission and this commission transfered them to the General Assembly in accordance with the procedures.

''The 2001 year budget will be a disciplined budget within framework of the economic program, of course. We should provide a considerable amount of restrictions especially in budget expenditures. We are aware of this. The IMF and we have similar opinion about this issue. The program realizations have been successful so far within framework of the foreseen targets,'' he stated.

[07] BALANCE OF PAYMENTS DEVELOPMENTS IN JANUARY-JUNE 2000 (1)

The main points related to the balance of payments developments in January- June 2000 are summarized below:

''A-CURRENT ACCOUNT
Foreign trade deficit broadened by 139.2 percent in the January-June period of 2000, in comparison with the same period of the previous year. The key factors underlying this development are;

- the increase of shuttle trade by 45.8 percent

- the increase of export revenues by 1.3 percent,

against

- the increase of import (CIF) expenditures by 36 percent.

On the other hand, net revenues from other goods and services, as well as unrequited transfers, also rose by 5.3 percent, amounting to 4.203 million U.S. dollars.

As a result, the current account deficit materialized as 5.558 million U.S. dollars in the first six months of 2000, or an increase of 53-fold of that of the same period of the last year.

1-Foreign Trade

Export (FOB) revenues, which had realized as 13 billion 935 million U.S. dollars with the inclusion of shuttle trade amounting 883 million U.S. dollars, in the January-June period of 1999, increased to 15 billion 104 million U.S. dollars, with the contribution of shuttle trade of 1 billion 287 million U.S. in the same period of 2000. Import (FOB) expenditures, including gold imports of 479 million U.S. dollars , had realized as 18 billion 29 million U.S. dollars in January-June 1999. As for the same period of 2000, the same item increased to 24 billion 895 million U.S. dollars , of which 926 million U.S. dollars was gold imports.

Consequently, the foreign trade balance, resulted in a deficit of 9 billion 791 million U.S. dollars in January-June 2000, increasing by 139.2 percent compared to a deficit of 4 billion 94 million U.S. dollars in the same period of the last year.

[08] BALANCE OF PAYMENTS DEVELOPMENTS IN JANUARY-JUNE 2000 (2)

The main points related to the balance of payments developments in January- June 2000 are summarized below:

2-Other Goods and Services Income, Expenditures and Unrequited Transfers:

In the January-June period of 2000, tourism revenues were 2.566 million U.S. dollars following an increase of 43.2 percent comparing to the same period of 1999. Interest income increased by 1.8 percent compared to the first six months of 1999, realizing as 1.220 million U.S. dollars, while other goods and services income reached 5.404 million U.S. dollars, decreasing by 12.5 percent.

As for the expenditure side of the above-mentioned items; it is observed that the tourism and interest expenditures increased by 17.6 percent and 6.2 percent, respectively, while other services expenditures decreased by 12.8 percent. As a result, the realizations in these items in the January- June period of 2000 were recorded as 1.020, 2.891 and 3.618 million U.S. dollars, respectively.

During the same period, workers' remittances under the heading unrequited transfers materialized as 2.255 million U.S. dollars, decreasing by 5.5 percent.

B-CAPITAL MOVEMENTS
The developments under capital movements (excluding reserves) for the first six months of 2000 are as follows:

Regarding direct investments, in comparison with the same period of the last year, non-residents' net direct investments in Turkey increased by 353 million U.S. dollars in the January-June period of 2000, amounting to 829 million U.S. dollars, while residents' net direct investments abroad also increased by 456 million U.S. dollars, realizing as 659 million U.S. dollars. As a result, direct investments showed a net inflow of 170 million U.S. dollars.

While borrowings through bond issues in international capital markets under portfolio investments recorded a net bond issue of 1.031 million U.S. dollars in the first six months of 1999, the amount of net borrowing during the same period of this year realized as 4.014 million U.S. dollars.

On the other hand, residents' security transactions abroad classified under security investments that had shown net sales of 388 million U.S. dollars in January-June 1999, have resulted in net purchases of 235 million U.S. dollars in January-June 2000.

As for non-residents' security transactions in Turkey, net purchases of 382 million U.S. dollars in January-June 1999 and net sales of 80 million U.S. dollars were recorded for the same period of this year.

Consequently, portfolio investments recorded an inflow of 1.801 million U.S. dollars and 3.699 million U.S. dollars in the January-June period of 1999 and 2000, respectively.

The net outflow of 961 million U.S. dollars in long-term capital movements in the first six months of 1999, resulted in a net inflow of 2.243 million U.S. dollars in the same period of 2000.

As for the sub-categories of this caption; long-term foreign exchange credit disbursements increased to 8.431 million U.S. dollars, from 4.322 million U.S. dollars generally due to the increase of 935 million U.S. dollars in long term borrowings of general government and due to the increase of 2.934 million U.S. dollars in long term borrowings of other sectors.

Repayments increased to 6.509 million U.S. dollars, from 5.365 million U.S. dollars, in the first six months of 2000.

The last principal item under long term capital movements, deposits with the Central Bank, which had increased in the amount of 82 million U.S. dollars in January-June 1999, increased by 321 million U.S. dollars in the same period of 2000.

As for the assets side of short-term capital movements, while loans extended had realized as 391 million U.S. dollars in the January-June period of 1999, this item realized as 27 million U.S. dollars in the same period of 2000. Banks' foreign exchange holdings with foreign correspondents which had dropped by 106 million U.S. dollars in January- June 1999, decreased by 194 million U.S. dollars in the same period of 2000.

As for the liability side of short-term capital movements, in January-June 1999, an increase was observed in the amount of 618 million U.S. dollars while 1.792 million U.S. dollars of increase was recorded in January-June 2000. One of the principal items in this category, loans received by banks, which had shown a net increase of 733 million U.S. dollars in January-June 1999, recorded a net increase in the amount of 1.384 million U.S. dollars in the same period of 2000.

In addition, in trade credits, which is under the other sectors, a net disbursement of 365 million U.S. dollars was observed in January-June 1999 while 921 million U.S. dollars of net disbursement was realized in January- June 2000. As for the foreign exchange credits, which is also under the other sectors, a net disbursement of 58 million U.S. dollars and a net repayment of 187 million U.S. dollars were recorded in January-June 1999 and 2000, respectively. As a result, in the periods indicated, loans received under the short-term capital movements-liabilities recorded net inflows of 1.185 and 2.156 million U.S. dollars, respectively.

FX deposit accounts which had shown a decrease of 567 million U.S. dollars in the January-June period of 1999, also recorded a decrease in the amount of 364 million U.S. dollars in the first six months of 2000, mostly owing to the decrease in non-residents' foreign exchange deposit accounts opened with the resident banks.

C-RESERVE MOVEMENTS
In line with the above stated developments, the official reserves, which had increased by 3.538 million U.S. dollars in the first six months of 1999, increased by 2.170 million U.S. dollars in the same period of 2000.

[09] CULTURE MINISTER TALAY TO REPRESENT TURKEY IN CEREMONIES TO MARK BEATIFICATION OF POPE JOHN XXIII

Addressing journalists, Talay said that Pope John XXIII had represented Vatican in Turkey for 10 years.

Talay told reporters, ''I will hold talks with Pope John Paul II and Prime Minister Sodano of Vatican. I will present Pope John Paul II a book prepared by the Culture Ministry out of respect to Pope John XXIII.''

[10] FOREIGN MINISTER CEM STAGES A PRESS CONFERENCE (1)

A number of journalists attended the conference in which Cem informed press members on Turkey's policies towards Central Asia, the European Union (EU), and the Middle East Peace Process.

Addressing the press conference, Cem said, ''I will come together with Greek Foreign Minister George Papandrou at a luncheon during the United Nations Millenium Summit in New York between September 6 and 8. We will exchange opinions on several issues. The issue of cooperation among border regions was solved. Turkey, Bulgaria, and Greece will convene between September 14-15 to set up new relations and to take measures which will ease trade in the border regions and improve cultural relations.''

Referring to armament of Greece, Cem said, ''we are following closely the issue of armament. In fact, these are news reports and statements issued by Greek authorities. In my point of view, such an armament is not meaningful and correct. It is our National Defense Ministry and the General Staff which will deal with the issue if such an armament poses a threat against Turkey. Nobody needs to be worried. Both the National Defense Ministry and the General Staff will do whatever necessary. Turkey will not allow anyone to pose a threat against its people.''

When recalled news reports saying that Greece wanted to add articles regarded with Aegean dispute and Cyprus question to the Accession Partnership Document, Cem told reporters, ''Greece may want to add several articles to the Accession Partnership Document. But we are legally in a very strong position.''

[00] FOREIGN MINISTER CEM STAGES A PRESS CONFERENCE (2)

At the press conference, Cem informed press members on Turkey's policies towards Central Asia, the European Union (EU), and the Middle East Peace Process.

Cem said, ''Turkey has been following a successful policy towards the Central Asia region for the last decade. Relations between Turkey and the Central Asian countries have accelerated as a result of a series of positive developments. Turkey has made serious contributions to regional countries which acquired their independence recently. We have recorded important progress in relations with these countries. Regional countries appreciated Turkey's efforts.''

''In the new process, we aim at being more planned and systematical in our relations with the regional countries. Our contacts with the regional countries will continue to this end,'' he stressed.

Cem told reporters, ''Turkey wants to further improve political, economic and security relations with Central Asian countries. We have succeeded in setting up necessary mechanisms to reach this target with Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan.''

Referring to the issue of international terrorism, Cem said, ''Turkey's attitude regarded with struggle against international terrorism is clear. We have gained great experience in struggle against international terrorism. In Central Asia, especially Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan are face to face with the threat of international terrorism. We are ready to cooperate with these countries. We offered moral and material support to Uzbekistan in its struggle against international terrorism.''

[12] FOREIGN MINISTER CEM STAGES A PRESS CONFERENCE (3)

At the press conference, Cem informed press members on Turkey's policies towards Central Asia, the European Union (EU), and the Middle East Peace Process.

Referring to Turkey's European Union (EU) membership process, Cem told reporters that the efforts are continuing within framework of the Accession Partnership Document which will be prepared by the EU, and the National Program which will be prepared by Turkey.''

Noting that the EU Secretariat was carrying out the works regarded with Turkey's EU membership, Cem said that the Foreign Ministry provided necessary support to the EU Secretariat.

Stressing that relations between Turkey and the European Parliament were far away from the desired level, Cem said works to improve these relations were underway.

[13] FOREIGN MINISTER CEM STAGES A PRESS CONFERENCE (4)

At the press conference, Cem informed press members on Turkey's policies towards Central Asia, the European Union (EU), and the Middle East Peace Process.

Referring to the United Nations General Assembly meeting which will be held in New York, the U.S., in September, Cem said that the Millennium Summit would be held with the participation of heads of state and government of 120 countries.

Stressing that President Ahmet Necdet Sezer would hold important contacts during the summit, Cem told reporters that Sezer would also attend ''round table meetings'' to be held with the participation of heads of state and government of nearly 30 countries.

He added that President Sezer would explain Turkey's opinions on global problems such as famine.

Cem said that he would meet with foreign ministers of nearly 30 countries during the summit.

Noting that he would come together with foreign ministries of Turkish Republics at a luncheon, Cem added that he would also attend a meeting of the Organization for Islamic Congerence.

[14] FOREIGN MINISTER CEM STAGES A PRESS CONFERENCE (5)

At the press conference, Cem informed press members on Turkey's policies towards Central Asia, the European Union (EU), and the Middle East Peace Process.

Referring to the Middle East peace process, Cem said that Turkey had been contributing to the efforts to reach an agreement.

Cem told reporters, ''President Yasser Arafat of Palestine made two requests from Turkey during his visit to Ankara. One of them was to introduce the places which are sacred to Moslems in Jerusalem, and the other was to make any possible contribution which will facilitate reaching a solution. We have done whatever necessary to introduce holy places in Jerusalem. Our efforts were welcomed by President Arafat. We also held contacts with Israeli and U.S. officials on the issue of Turkey's contributions to the Middle East peace process. Both Palestine and Israel trusted in Turkey in making contributions which facilitate reaching a solution.''

''We will hold talks with Palestinian and Israeli sides during the Millenium Summit in New York. Our contributions will continue. Holy places such as Al-Aqsa Mosque and Al-Haram ash-Sharif are sensitive issues not only for Palestine, but also for the whole Islam World,'' Cem added.

[15] FOREIGN MINISTER CEM STAGES A PRESS CONFERENCE (6)

At the press conference, Cem informed press members on Turkey's policies towards Central Asia, the European Union (EU), and the Middle East Peace Process.

Referring to the embargo imposed on Iraq, Cem said that the embargo had affected Turkey negatively.

When asked of Turkey's aid to Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, Cem said, ''Turkey has provided moral and material support to Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan in their struggle against separatist terrorism. But I cannot give detailed information about these aids. These issues are a matter of security. These countries should reinforce their security.''

[16] FOREIGN MINISTER CEM STAGES A PRESS CONFERENCE (7)

At the press conference, Cem informed press members on Turkey's policies towards Central Asia, the European Union (EU), and the Middle East Peace Process.

Referring to the Cyprus question, Cem stressed, ''the Greek Cypriot side does not want a solution on the island. They do not want to share the foreign aid with the Turkish Cypriots. If no progress is recorded in finding a solution that will be acceptable for both sides, the Greek Cypriots are responsible for this. The European Union (EU) has encouraged the Greek Cypriot side by announcing their candidacy for the full membership.''

[17] FOREIGN MINISTER CEM STAGES A PRESS CONFERENCE (8)

At the press conference, Cem informed press members on Turkey's policies towards Central Asia, the European Union (EU), and the Middle East Peace Process.

Referring to the issue of Fehriye Erdal, a member of the illegal Revolutionary People's Liberation Party-Front (DHKP-C) and one of suspects of assasination of businessman Ozdemir Sabanci in 1996, Cem said, ''it is a judicial issue. Our Justice Ministry is doing its utmost. We held all necessary contacts. We explained Turkey's sensivity on the issue. But such developments reflect to our relations with other countries. It is impossible to understand a mentality embracing a person who was involved in a homicide.''

Responding to another question, Cem said, ''Azerbaijani Foreing Minister rejected news reports saying that Azerbaijan would recognize the Greek Cypriot side.''

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