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ANADOLU AGENCY

NEWS

1 OCTOBER 2000

Sunday

CONTENTS

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

[02] BAYKAL ELECTED AS NEW LEADER OF CHP

[03] IN FIRST EIGHT MONTHS, 16.3 MILLION U.S. DOLLARS OF

[04] GULER, PRESIDENT GENERAL DIRECTOR OF A.A, IN IRAN

[05] 2000 SYDNEY SUMMER OLYMPICS

[06] BULGARIAN STATE-RUN TV TO AIR NEWS IN TURKISH

[07] DIPLOMATIC PROBLEM BETWEEN TURKEY AND BULGARIA

[08] RESOLUTION ON SO-CALLED ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

[09] EXIMBANK GENERAL DIRECTOR: ''IT SEEMS THAT FOREIGN LOANS WHICH

[10] FOREIGN TRADE UNDERSECRETARY: ''TURKEY SHOULD ADOPT

[11] YEMENI ELECTRICITY AND WATER MINISTER ARRIVES IN TURKEY

[12] NEW LEGISLATIVE YEAR STARTS

[13] PARLIAMENT REACTS AGAINST RESOLUTION

[14] FOREIGN MINISTER CEM LEAVES FOR UZBEKISTAN

[15] AFC LEEDS UNITED CLUB MANAGERS AND LEEDS POLICE CHIEF ARRIVE IN ISTANBUL

[16] NEW LEGISLATION YEAR STARTS

[17] PARLIAMENT GENERAL ASSEMBLY RECESSED FOR 10 DAYS

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

HURRIYET (LIBERAL)

ECEVIT: ''WE WILL BE ACCUSTOMED TO EACH OTHER WITH PRESIDENT SEZER''
Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said, ''we have begun to know each other with President Ahmet Necdet Sezer in the working atmosphere. We will be accustomed to each other in the course of time. We have to do so.'' Prime Minister Ecevit said, ''We do not have the authority or the right to demand resignation of the President. President Sezer will serve as the President of Turkey for seven years. It is impossible to discuss it. We do not have such an expectation.''

MILLIYET (LIBERAL)

said, ''we learnt that a group from French Socialist Party has launched initiatives to bring a resolution regarded with so-called genocide on Armenians, onto agenda of French Senate on Tuesday.'' Akarcali noted, ''similar initiatives were prevented in France last year. Our French friends warned us to take action immediately.'' He emphasized that the parliament should carry out works to solve this problem during the new legislative year.

SABAH (LIBERAL)

BEREKET OF TURKEY RANKS FOURTH IN MEN'S 76 KG FREE-STYLE WRESTLING
Adem Bereket of Turkey competing in men's 76 kg free-style wrestling in 27th Summer Olympics in Sydney, Australia, ranked fourth. Bereket was defeated by Yu Jae Moon of South Korea. Turkey won three gold and one bronze medals in the 27th Summer Olympics.

CUMHURIYET (LEFT)

RADIKAL (LEFT)

YENİ BİNYIL (LIBERAL)

TURKIYE (RIGHT)

ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)

President Sezer said, ''such distressing developments reveals that it was vitally important to provide lasting peace in the region. We hope that such developments would not obstruct efforts to provide peace.'' President Sezer expressed his condolences, and implored God's strength upon all who are grieving for their beloved ones.

[02] BAYKAL ELECTED AS NEW LEADER OF CHP

Baykal received 543 votes at the third round of vote during the CHP's 11th Convention.

Baykal thanked all members of the CHP, and said, '' I will do my utmost to unify the CHP.''

Baykal who was born in Antalya in 1938, earned a degree in law at the University of Ankara. He was elected as a deputy from Antalya during the general elections in 1973. He served as finance minister in the government which was designated by Bulent Ecevit in 1974. He served as the energy and natural resources minister in the government led by Prime Minister Evecit in 1978. He was elected as the leader of the CHP in July 1992. He served as the deputy prime minister and foreign minister in the coalition government formed on October 30, 1995 by the True Path Party (DYP) and CHP. He resigned from his party's leadership after the CHP's defeat in general elections in 1999.

No candidate could reach absolute majority (521) of delegates in the first and second rouds of vote.

Votes of candidates in the first, second and third rounds of vote are as follows:

Candidates 1st Round 2nd Round 3rd Round

Deniz Baykal 472 510 543

Altan Oymen 280 369 355

Hasan Fehmi Gunes 190 62 12

Sefa Sirmen 52 3 3

[03] IN FIRST EIGHT MONTHS, 16.3 MILLION U.S. DOLLARS OF

In the same period last year, the region exported 14 million 764 thousand U.S. dollars of fresh vegetables and fruits.

Officials at the Southeastern Anatolia Exporters' Union, told the A.A correspondent on Sunday that the majority of the goods were exported to Middle Eastern countries and the European Union (EU) member countries.

[04] GULER, PRESIDENT GENERAL DIRECTOR OF A.A, IN IRAN

Ismail Bezgin, the Deputy General Director of A.A, and Ismail Yilmaz, the Chairman of Communication Department of A.A, will accompany Guler during his two-day visit to Iran.

A.A delegation headed by Guler is expected to meet with Ataullah Mohacerani, the Iranian Culture and Islamic Guidance Minister; Saban Sehidi Muddeb, the Iranian Deputy Culture Minister for relations with press; and

Mohammad Riza Asefi, the Spokesman of Iranian Foreign Ministry.

The meetings are expected to focus on bilateral relations.

A.A delegation will also visit IRNA's headquarters, the Faculty of Press founded by IRNA, and Iran Newspaper's office.

The delegation is expected to return to Turkey on Tuesday.

Within framework of the agreement signed between A.A and IRNA in 1988, both agencies opened representations in Ankara and Tehran.

[05] 2000 SYDNEY SUMMER OLYMPICS

The U.S. ranked first in final Olympics medals table with 39 gold, 25 silver and 33 bronze medals.

Hamza Yerlikaya of Turkey won the gold medal in men's 85 kg of greco-roman wrestling.

Huseyin Ozkan of Turkey won the gold medal in men's 66 kg judo

Halil Mutlu of Turkey won the gold medal in men's 56 kg weight-lifting.

Hamide Bikcin Tosun of Turkey won the bronze medal in women's 57 kg taekwondo.

Final Olympics medals table at the end of 16-day 27th Summer Olympics is as follows:

. Country Gold Silver Bronze Total

. ------------------------------------------------------
1-The U.S. 39 25 33 97

2-Russia 32 28 28 88

3-China 28 16 15 59

4-Australia 16 25 17 58

5-Germany 14 17 26 57

6-France 13 14 11 38

7-Italy 13 8 13 34

8-Netherlands 12 9 4 25

9-Cuba 11 11 7 29

10-Britain 11 10 7 28

11-Romania 11 6 9 26

12-South Korea 8 9 11 28

13-Hungary 8 6 3 17

14-Poland 6 5 3 14

15-Japan 5 8 5 18

16-Bulgaria 5 6 2 13

17-Greece 4 6 3 13

18-Sweden 4 5 3 12

19-Norway 4 3 3 10

20-Ethiopia 4 1 3 8

21-Ukraine 3 10 10 23

22-Kazakhstan 3 4 0 7

23-Belarus 3 3 11 17

24-Canada 3 3 8 14

25-Spain 3 3 5 11

26-Turkey 3 0 1 4

27-Iran 3 0 1 4

28-Czech Republic 2 3 3 8

29-Kenya 2 3 2 7

30-Denmark 2 3 1 6

31-Finland 2 1 1 4

32-Austria 2 1 0 3

33-Lithuania 2 0 3 5

34-Azerbaijan 2 0 1 3

35-Slovenia 2 0 0 2

36-Switzerland 1 6 2 9

37-Indonesia 1 3 2 6

38-Slovakia 1 3 1 5

39-Mexico 1 2 3 6

40-Algeria 1 1 3 5

41-Uzbekistan 1 1 2 4

42-Latvia 1 1 1 3

43-Yugoslavia 1 1 1 3

44-Bahamas 1 1 0 2

45-New Zealand 1 0 3 4

46-Estonia 1 0 2 3

47-Thailand 1 0 2 3

48-Croatia 1 0 1 2

49-Cameroon 1 0 0 1

49-Colombia 1 0 0 1

49-Mozambique 1 0 0 1

52-Brazil 0 6 6 12

53-Jamaica 0 4 3 7

54-Nigeria 0 3 0 3

55-Belgium 0 2 3 5

55-South Africa 0 2 3 5

57-Argentina 0 2 2 4

58-Morocco 0 1 4 5

58-Taiwan 0 1 4 5

60-North Korea 0 1 3 4

61-Moldova 0 1 1 2

61-Saudi Arabia 0 1 1 2

61-Trinidad-Tobago 0 1 1 2

64-Ireland 0 1 0 1

64-Uruguay 0 1 0 1

64-Vietnam 0 1 0 1

67-Georgia 0 0 6 6

68-Costa Rica 0 0 2 2

68-Portugal 0 0 2 2

70-Armenia 0 0 1 1

70-Barbados 0 0 1 1

70-Chile 0 0 1 1

70-India 0 0 1 1

70-Iceland 0 0 0 1

70-Israel 0 0 1 1

70-Kyrgyzstan 0 0 1 1

70-Kuwait 0 0 1 1

70-Sri Lanka 0 0 1 1

70-Macedonya 0 0 1 1

70-Qatar 0 0 1 1

Swimming - Two golds, no silver, awarded in men's 50m freestyle

Two bronzes award in women's 100m freestyle swimming

Judo - Two bronzes awarded in all categories

Boxing - Two bronzes awarded in all categories

Athletics - Two bronzes awarded in women's high jump

[06] BULGARIAN STATE-RUN TV TO AIR NEWS IN TURKISH

Konstantin Kisimov, the News Editor of state-run TV channel, said that the news in Turkish would be aired after the regular Bulgarian news within framework of the government's commitment to Turkish people living in the country.

Kisimov added that news-feature and entertainment programs in Turkish language would be launched in three months.

[07] DIPLOMATIC PROBLEM BETWEEN TURKEY AND BULGARIA

Releasing a statement, the Foreign Ministry said on Sunday that the decision on rejection of Bulgaria's application in question had been conveyed to the Bulgarian side after the Bulgarian government's decision about the Turkish diplomat.

The statement said that it was impossible for Ankara to accept the Bulgarian government's reason for its decision about Turkish diplomat Untuna for whom it said that she was carrying out activities which did not suit the principle of not intervening in domestic affairs.

The statement recalled that Untuna won Turkish citizens', kinsmen's and Bulgarian authorities approval in Burgaz where she had successfully fulfilled her mission for one year.

Noting that the Bulgarian authorities' attitude towards the Turkish Consul General was in contradiction with the rapid and positive recent developments in Turkey-Bulgaria relations, the statement said that the Bulgarian government was making contradictory and unacceptable statements which did not reflect the truths to public while Turkey was not making any statement about the issue by acting with deliberation and behaving prudently.

''Naturally, Turkey's relations with Bulgaria depend on Bulgaria's position. Our wish and preference is the continuation of development of mutual relations,'' it added.

[08] RESOLUTION ON SO-CALLED ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

Recalling that the issue had been brought onto agenda several times in the past, Yilmaz said, ''the U.S. House of Representatives International Relations Committee postponed the discussions and vote on the resolution to next week. If this process lasts long, the resolution will not be taken up. Our parliament cannot turn a blind eye to the resolution. During our contacts, we will emphasize that historical facts should not be distorted.''

''We will hold face-to-face talks. The resolution will not be beneficial for anyone. Both the U.S. Congress and the U.S. House of Representatives should consider Turkey's importance. We will fulfil a postponed duty. In our previous negotiations, we introduced Turkey as a strategical partner. We will submit several documents collected by the Foreign Ministry. Everybody knows that Armenia had not respected Turkey's territorial integrity since it acquired its independence. It had not recognized the Lausanne Treaty. It introduced Eastern Anatolia region as 'Western Armenia'. We need neighbors which respect to international agreements,'' Yilmaz added.

Later, Mehmet Ali Irtemcelik, a deputy from the Motherland Party (ANAP); Metin Ergun, a deputy from the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP); Temel Karamollaoglu, a deputy from the Virtue Party (FP); Tayyibe Gulek, a deputy from the Democratic Left Party (DSP); and Ayfer Yilmaz, a deputy from the True Path Party (DYP), left for the U.S.

Meanwhile, sources told the A.A correspondent that Armenian lobby in the U.S. was planning to follow a new tactic during the U.S. House of Representatives International Relations Committee's meeting on Tuesday.

Sources noted that the Armenian lobby would work for approval of the resolution by the Committee immediately.

Armenian lobby concentrated its pressure on Committee Chairman Benjamin Gilman.

Armenian National Committee in America (ANCA), the most powerful institutions of the Armenian lobby, sent letters to Gilman and Dennis Hastert, the Chairman of House of Representatives, and demanded approval of the resolution at the International Relations Committee.

[09] EXIMBANK GENERAL DIRECTOR: ''IT SEEMS THAT FOREIGN LOANS WHICH

''However, nobody should doubt that this situation will harm Turkey's credibility,'' he said.

Speaking to reporters during the reception hosted on the occasion of 40th anniversary of foundation of the State Planning Organization late on Saturday, Kilicoglu stressed that recovery of the Russian economy would absolutely have positive effects on the Turkish economy.

Responding to a question about the KHK on privatization of three public banks which had been vetoed by the Preisdent, Kilicoglu said, ''I was in Prague last week. I found the opportunity to meet with IMF and World officials and highest-officials of 20 banks. They have quaite positive approach towards our program. The postponement of the KHK and the current deficit are the two issues which they are following closely. Turkey is a very important country at international financial platform. They are closely following all developments in Turkey. However, I think that there is not a problem at the moment.''

[10] FOREIGN TRADE UNDERSECRETARY: ''TURKEY SHOULD ADOPT

Tuzmen who is also the Chairman of the World Economic Processing Zones Association (WEPZA) briefed the journalists on the 20th annual conference on ''Dynamic Transformation of Economic Zones in Development Process'' in Taiwan between September 24-26.

Noting that Taiwans's Kaohsiung port has 27 square-kilometer 116 docks and 10 million ton-capacity container terminal, Tuzmen said that Taiwan which has 22 million population makes 120 billion U.S. dollar exports and 100 billion U.S. dollars imports a year as a result of the ''share of production'' model.

''While 80-90 percent of products were finalized in Taiwan in the past, today, 30 percent of products are finalized in Taiwan and the remaining amount is finalized in its neighboring countries. This is called share of production. Turkey should not skip over logistic share and production share models,'' he said.

[11] YEMENI ELECTRICITY AND WATER MINISTER ARRIVES IN TURKEY

Sharaf who will proceed to Ankara will start his official contacts on Monday.

[12] NEW LEGISLATIVE YEAR STARTS

President Sezer delivered a speech at the start of the parliament's 21st term third legislative year.

Addressing the parliament, President Sezer said, ''Turkey is a democratic and secular Republic which believes in supramacy of law, basic human rights and freedoms. Turkey has adopted values which were deeply rooted in Europe for centuries. Turkey has made valuable contributions to further development of these values. One of the main targets of Turkish foreign policy is to take part effectively in all institutions of Europe, and to integrate its national systems with Europe. The last level of this integration will be full membership to the European Union (EU). We have taken an important step towards Turkey's integration with Europe after Turkey's EU candidacy was accepted at the Helsinki Summit last year. We are aware that Turkey's participation in the EU would last long. We are also aware of responsibilities during this process. We should be determined in taking all necessary steps in order to fulfil full membership criteria. Our EU member friends should fulfil their responsibilities without prejudices during Turkey's candidacy process. We expect that the Accession Partnership Document which will be prepared by the EU Commission, would include acceptable elements.''

''From the very beginning, Turkey has supported Europeans' undertaking broad responsibilities in security and defense of Europe. Turkey is determined to make positive contributions to efforts aiming at consolidating security of Europe. Careful attention should be paid in equal participation of relevant countries in these efforts. We should not make concessions from the principle of indivisibility of security. Unification movement in Europe has gradually gained security and defense dimensions. I want to stress that this movement could not be realized without participation of Turkey. Turkey which is an element of security and stability in its region has one of the most powerful armies of NATO. Turkey allocates 10 percent of its general budget to defense expenditures,'' he noted.

President Sezer said, ''bilateral relations between Turkey and the EU have improved in every field in recent years and become a strategical partnership. I hope these relations would further improve on the basis of mutual interests. Unfortunately, hostile lobbies launch initiatives which can damage these relations, during general elections. I want to remind the resolution regarded with so-called genocide on Armenians which was approved by the U.S. House of Representatives International Operations and Human Rights Sub-Committee within this scope. Our people reacted against such distressing developments. None of us can accept efforts to blacken Turkey by distorting historical facts. I wish that some members of the U.S. House of Representatives who ignore U.S. national insterests with the concern of losing votes, will ultimately deploy a position with common sense. I also wish that militant Armenian circles' efforts to exploit domestic policy dynamics would be in vain.''

Referring to relations between Turkey and Russia, President Sezer said, ''these relations can be further improved in every field. However, we are concerned about the situation in Chechnya. We believe that a peaceful political solution could be found through dialogue and on the basis of Russia's territorial integrity and respect for human rights. On the other hand, we are contributing to international efforts aiming at helping civilians who have been forced to leave their homes in Chechnya.''

Noting that relations between Turkey and Greece have also improved, President Sezer, ''we believe that the basic problems which are connected with each other regarding the Aegean Sea could also be solved. These problems affect our relations negatively. Both Turkey and Greece owe a peaceful future to their children. All of our friends should realize the fact that Turkey has the political will to solve all problems peacefully. Turkey wants a lasting solution to Cyprus through negotiations. Within this framework, Turkey supports proximity talks which were started by United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan in December, 1999. From the very beginning, the Turkish Cypriot side has adopted a constructive position in the proximity talks. It has submitted comprehensive solution proposals. A solution on the island should be based on the facts. This can be possible by recognizing political equality and sovereignty of two states on the island. The most realistic solution which will provide peace and security on Cyprus, will be a confederation based on political equality of two states.''

President Sezer said, ''Turkey supports efforts of members of Commonwealth of Independent States to fulfil their economic development and to integrate with the international community. Turkey will continue to assist these countries to this end. We also support Central Asian countries' struggle against terrorism and fundamentalist movements. Turkey is ready to expend every effort to assist them in their struggle.

Referring to allegations on so-called genocide on Armenians, President Sezer said, ''I want to remind Armenian administrators that it would not be beneficial to incite enmity against Turkey by distorting historical facts.

Armenian administrators should realize the fact that these allegations would obstruct good relations and cooperation between the two countries. I want to warn them that they will encounter difficulties and problems if they insist on their foresightless policies.''

President Sezer added, ''on numerous occasions, Turkey underlined importance of a fair and lasting peace for stability and prosperity in the Middle East. Also, Turkey attributes great importance to protection of Iraq's territorial integrity and political unity. We are concerned that splitting up of Iraq could lead to developments which would disrupt all balances in the region. Only Iraq can determine its own future. Any intervention into domestic affairs of Iraq can lead to undesired consequences. Meanwhile, we hope that Syria which adopted a realistic position by expelling head of terrorist organization PKK and by cooperating with Turkey in struggle against terrorism, would not allow reputation of incidents which overshadowed our relations in the past.''

[13] PARLIAMENT REACTS AGAINST RESOLUTION

At the first session of new legislative year, a parliamentary statement was issued with the signatures of group chairmen of five political parties.

In the statement which was read out by Acting Parliament Speaker Vecdi Gonul, the parliament expressed profound sorrow over recent developments in resolution regarded with so-called genocide on Armenians which was brought onto agenda of the U.S. House of Representatives.

The statement said, ''the parliament is loyal to Great Leader Ataturk's principle 'Peace at Home, Peace in the World'. As a natural result of this loyalty, the parliament works to create an atmosphere in which peace and freandship will prevail. The Republic of Turkey wants settlement of peace and stability both in the world and its region. The first condition of this peace and stability is respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries.''

''Unfortunately, Armenia do not respect to territorial integrity and sovereignty of its neighbors. It keeps territories of its neighbor under occupation. Also, its administrators frequently deliver speeches targeting Turkey. We remind Armenian administrators that they should give up their initiatives against Turkey in the third countries' institutions. It will be beneficial especially for the Armenian people,'' the statement stressed.

It continued, ''history should not be used as an element of hostility with the aim of inciting hatred and enmity among countries. It should be used to settle and develop tolerance and understanding among nations. Our parliament harshly condemn initiatives of those who attempted to use a legislative organ for its own purposes by distorting historical facts, which could jeopardize relations between Turkey and the U.S. Our parliament invites friendly and ally U.S. Congress to refrain from actions which can damage cooperation. This cooperation is important for peace in the world and in the region.''

Acting Parliament Speaker Gonul said that the Parliament Speaker's Office would fulfil the requirements of the statement.

[14] FOREIGN MINISTER CEM LEAVES FOR UZBEKISTAN

He will be received by President Islam Kerimov of Uzbekistan.

Cem's contacts are expected to focus on further improvement of bilateral relations.

Sources said that Foreign Minister Cem's visit would be preparation for President Ahmet Necdet Sezer's visit to Uzbekistan on October 16.

Cem is expected to return to Turkey on Wednesday.

[15] AFC LEEDS UNITED CLUB MANAGERS AND LEEDS POLICE CHIEF ARRIVE IN ISTANBUL

AFC Leeds United's Sports Director David Spencer; Henry Stilcay, a manager of AFC Leeds United, and Leeds Police Chief George Robinson and two police officers started their contacts in Istanbul.

The British delegation will hold contacts on the safety of Leeds players and supporters with the Besiktas managers and Istanbul Security officials.

[16] NEW LEGISLATION YEAR STARTS

Addressing the opening of the new legislation year, Sezer said the security atmosphere which Turkey is in, changed following the end of Cold War. Stressing that the order after the Cold War caused new and important problems, hot clashes, new crisis points, and centuries old hostilities to revive, Sezer said, ''we should consider these new conditions while forming our defense policy. We should equip our foreign and defense policy according to this. We should carry out our efforts to make our Armed Forces to be flexible and active in parallel with the political, social and technological developments of the 21s century.''

''Our country support international efforts for disarmament, and attributes importance to be a side to the international disarmament agreements which will have important contributions to improvement of peace and confidence atmosphere. To this end, Turkey will continue to fulfil its responsibilities to prevent spreading of mass destruction weapons, and remove ballistic missile threat in our region.

Sezer said Turkey will appear in the coming period as a country which completed its economic, political, and social reforms, realized its full membership to the European Union, that is in peace, and stability in its region.

''Meanwhile, Turkish foreign policy will also function for the development and growth of Turkey in the new international architecture,'' he noted. Sezer said he believed that the sublime Parliament will have important contributions in this respect in the new legislation year.

''Turkey is face to face with multi-lateral, multi-dimensional, and changing security problems in its sensitive geographical position, and with the effect of changing geopolitical atmosphere,'' Sezer said.

Sezer said increasing the effectiveness of Turkish Armed Forces as a regional power, and to turn it into a global power in the long term, depends on its support with a defense industry based on high technology, and dynamic, adding that, ''Turkish defense industry has a noteworthy production ability today.'' Sezer said rate of local contribution in purchase of service and goods should be increased.

President Sezer recalled that the target of Turkey for civilization and directing to the West, took start with the foundation of Republic, and noted that Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the Founder of the modern Turkish Republic, showed reaching contemporary level of civilization, as a target to the Turkish nation.

Sezer said realization of Turkey's full membership to the European Union is one of the most important goals of Turkey for the 21st century, adding that, ''within this framework, full membership to the EU will help our country, which has a long history and cultural accumulation, to reveal its actual potential and share it with the world.

Sezer said, ''our country, which has an important geostragetic position, will have the possibility to increase political, economic, social and cultural communication, and may contribute a lot to regional and world peace. The goal to be a full member of the EU, is an inseperable part of Turkey's strategic vision.''

Sezer said in case Turkey could make necessary reforms in its economic and social structure, it can reach seven percent annual growth rate in the next 20-year period, bring its income per capita to the level in European Union countries and become one of the top ten economies in the world by reaching a gross national product of almost 1.9 trillion U.S. dollars.

Sezer said, ''we target Turkey to increase its effectiveness in 2010's as a regional power, and to turn a global power in 2020 as a result of its geostrategical position, cultural accumulation, and the developments it will realize in politics, economy, social and military fields.

Sezer said these main goals which were determined for the beginning of the 21st century, is appropriate to the ''Long Term Development Strategy,'' that was adopted by the Parliament, and the ''8th Five-Year Development Plan.''

''We should preserve our belief to our state and democracy, and be loyal to the basic principles of the Republic founded by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the Founder of Modern Turkish Republic, and work together in national unity and integrity. It is our responsibility to create a great and strong Turkey in the first quarter of the 21st century,'' Sezer pointed out.

[17] PARLIAMENT GENERAL ASSEMBLY RECESSED FOR 10 DAYS

The candidates for parliament speaker's post will submit their applications within ten days.

The parliament will convene on October 12 to elect its new speaker.

The first two rounds of election will be held the same day.

Two third of total number of votes is required in the first two rounds.

If this number of votes cannot be reached, the absolute majority of the total number of deputies is required in the third round which will be held on October 17.

If the absolute majority cannot be reached, two of the candidates who receive the highest vote at the third round, will participate in the fourth round on October 18.

The candidate who gets the higher number of votes will become the Parliament Speaker.

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