Anadolu Agency: News in English, 01-08-24

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ANADOLU AGENCY

NEWS

24 AUGUST 2001 Friday

CONTENTS

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

press on August 24, 2001. The Anadolu Agency does not verify these stories and

does not vouch for their accuracy.

HURRIYET (LIBERAL)

contracts, Public Works and Housing Minister Koray Aydin said, ''fortunately

detainees are Marxists. If they had been supporters of the Nationalist

Movement Party (MHP), how would I explain this to the public opinion? I have

nothing to worry about.''

ERDOGAN DEFENS HIMSELF
Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the leader of the Justice and Development Party (AK

Party) said, ''the AK Party is a political party founded by politicians who

believe that the Republic was one of the greatest acquisitions of Turkish

people. The AK Party members accept that sovereignty belonged to the nation

unconditionally, political legality depended on people's will, and that human

rights, democracy, secularism and supremacy of law were the main foundations

of the state and the nation. We have taken these principles including the

Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the European Convention on Human

Rights into regulations of our political party.'' Referring to the cassette

which was brought onto agenda of Turkey, Erdogan said, ''the speech in the

video cassette was delivered in 1992. These statements were under influence of

a political understanding shaped in accordance with conditions of the Cold War

era. This polarized political understanding affected both national and local

policies. Our political style was shaped under influence of this polarization.

Now, we believe that such a political understanding based on polarization or

clash, would not be beneficial for anyone.''

PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES TAKEN AGAINST STAR NEWSPAPER
Is Bankasi said that Istanbul Basic Civil Court no: 4 had taken precautionary

measures and stopped systematic publications of the Uzan Family's Star

Newspaper against the bank. Releasing a written statement, Is Bankasi said, ''the

Star Newspaper launched a campaign to wear Is Bankasi out by publishing

baseless news stories claiming that Is Bankasi damaged balance of markets,

caused value of U.S. dollar to increase against Turkish lira and released an

imaginary budget.''

MILLIYET (LIBERAL)

Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) said about the investigation into corruption

in state building contracts at the Public Works and Housing Ministry, ''the

facts should be brought to daylight. But if this operation is a political

maneuver against the MHP, I will not forgive it.'' Bahceli held a meeting with

Interior Minister Rustu Kazim Yucelen. Yucelen informed Bahceli on

developments in the investigation.

F-16 WAR PLANES DUE TO HUNGARIA
The U.S. administration allowed Turkey to sell 24 F-16 war planes to Hungary.

National Defense Ministry sources said that the fund to be raised from sale of

F-16 war planes could be used to purchase new war planes.

ALABAMA LIKE TURK
Governor Don Siegelman of Alabama state of the U.S. declared August 30 as the

Commemoration Day of the tragedy experienced by Turks in the path of

independence, Sovereignty and Liberation. Siegelman said that millions of

Ottoman citizens of different ethnic and religious origins lost their lives

due to inter-communal clashes, exile and diseases during the World War I and

decline of Ottoman Empire. The governor stressed that Turkish nation fought to

preserve their sovereignty and independence under the pioneership of Mustafa

Kemal Ataturk during the long War of Independence and founded the Turkish

Republic on October 29, 1923.

SABAH (LIBERAL)

currencies, and and put euro, the single currency of the EU, into circulation

as of January 1, 2002. The Central Bank announced arrangements about

transition of national currencies of Germany, France, Belgium, the Netherlands,

Luxembourg, Ireland, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Greece, Finland and Austria into

Euro. Turkish citizens having national currencies of these countries in

foreign exchange accounts in banks and current accounts in private finance

institutions will exchange them into euro till December 31, 2001.

WILL KIVRIKOGLU INVITE ERDOGAN?
The General Staff will host a reception to mark the Victory Day on August 30.

General Huseyin Kivrikoglu, the Chief of General Staff, is expected to deliver

a speech at the reception in which he will refer to the issue of national

security. Kivrikoglu will invite leaders of political parties having seats at

the parliament. Kivrikoglu could not decide whether or not to invite Justice

and Development Party (AK Party) Leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan to the reception.

High-ranking military officials do not welcome Erdogan due to his anti- secular

statements targeting the Turkish Armed Forces.

S&P CLAIMS A NEW ROW MAY BREAK OUT

A leading international rating organization Standard and Poor's (S&P)

claimed that investigations into corruption in energy and banking sectors

could lead to a new row between President Ahmet Necdet Sezer and Prime

Minister Bulent Ecevit. Noting that the total public debt burden could rise to

110 percent of the gross national product (GNP) at the end of the year, the

S&P defended that the banking sector still protected its fragility despite

government's measures to strengthen the sector and decisions to close down

weak banks.

CUMHURIYET (LEFT)

as part of an investigation into corruption in state building contracts. The

investigation brought onto agenda alleged corruption in the construction of

permament dwellings in northwestern Turkey which was devastated by a massive

earthquake in 1999. Deputy Undersecretary Raci Akyol who was questioned over

allegations that he favored certain companies and disqualified rivals from

bidding for contracts by removing key documents from their files, is a

relative of Public Works and Housing Minister Koray Aydin.

TURKEY TO BE MORE ACTIVE IN CENTRAL ASIA
According to an initiative which was brought onto agenda of the last meeting

of the National Security Council (NSC), Turkey will pay more attention to

problems of Turkish Republics in Central Asia. Turkey will strengthen its

military cooperation with these countries. Visit of General Huseyin Kivrikoglu,

the Chief of General Staff, to Azerbaijani capital Baku will be the first step

of Turkey's new approach towards Central Asia and Caucasus.

RADIKAL (LEFT)

Turkish Penal Code (TCK) in the member countries to the European Union (EU).

As a result of the examination, General Staff decided that Article 312 should

be re-arranged in accordance with standards in laws of EU countries.

IHD: ''COMPLAINTS ABOUT TORTURE INCREASED''
Human Rights Association (IHD) Chairman Husnu Ondul disclosed IHD's report

about human rights violations in the first six months of 2000 and 2001.

According to the report, 263 out of 15,980 people who were detained in the

first half of 2000, and 435 out of 21,812 people who were detained in the

second half of 2001, complaint of torture.

TURKIYE (RIGHT)

General Huseyin Kivrikoglu, the Chief of General Staff, were changed into an

argument of public demonstration against Iran. The legal status of the Caspian

Sea escalated tension between Azerbaijan and Iran in recent days. The tension

gained a different dimension with Turkish Stars' scheduled show today and

General Kivrikoglu's visit to Baku. Iran expressed its concerns about Turkish

jets' presence in the region while Azerbaijan was pleased with receiving

support of Turkey. However, Turkey is uneasy about the arguments. Officials

said that General Kivrikoglu's visit to Baku was planned three months ago.

DEATH FASTS COME TO AN END
A total of 65 prisoners at the F-type prison in Sincan township of Ankara put

an end to their death fasts. Acting Chief Prosecutor Ahmet Soylu said that the

prisoners submitted a petition to the prison administration saying that they

had ended their death fasts. Noting that one prisoner had been continuing to

fast to death at the F-type prison in Sincan, Soylu said that 15 others had

been receiving medical treatment in hospitals.

TRAFFIC DISASTER CLAIMS 13 LIVES
A total of 13 people were killed while 34 others were injured in a bus crach

on Erzurum-Erzincan highway. The passanger bus which was on its way from Izmir

to Azerbaijan, swerved off the road to avoid a car overtaking in the opposite

direction. The bus careered off a steep slope at the edge of the road and

overturned, killing eight people instantly. Five more people died in a nearby

hospital where they were taken for treatment.

ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)

progress in tourism. Number of Turkish and foreign tourists visiting Harran

which is famous with its traditional civil architecture, mudbrick houses with

conic roofs, and with ruins of the first university of the history, increased

150 percent in the first eight months of 2001.

-KEMALIST THOUGHT ASSOCIATION SUPPORTS PRESIDENT DENKTAS OF TRNC
LEFKOSA- Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) Kemalist Thought

Association extended full support to President Rauf Denktas of TRNC about

negotiations on the issue of the Cyprus question.

Releasing a statement, TRNC Kemalist Thought Association Chairman Gokhan Guler

said on Friday that they relied on Denktas to protect rights of Turkish

Cypriots.

''We can encounter some unfair attitudes during the negotiations. Negotiations

can be halted or can come to an end. But we, as Kemalist Turkish Cypriots,

will welcome you with flowers,'' he added.

-CONSTITUTIONAL COURT CHIEF JUDGE BUMIN SAYS THAT HE WOULD GIVE APPLICATION
ABOUT AK PARTY TO RAPPORTEUR
ANKARA- Constitutional Court Chief Judge Mustafa Bumin said on Friday, ''application

of Supreme Court of Appeals Chief Judge Sabih Kanadoglu requesting to issue a

warning for Justice and Development Party (AK Party), will be given to

rapporteur. The report can be finalized in a week.''

When asked whether or not the Constitutional Court would take a decision about

Kanadoglu's application prior to beginning of judicial year, Bumin said, ''the

application will be given to a rapporteur first. The report can be finalized

in a week. Later, the agenda will be determined. I cannot set a date to take a

decision about the application.''

When asked whether or not reasoned verdicts of some decisions had been

finalized, Bumin told reporters, ''all of these reasoned verdicts have been

concluded. These verdicts will be published in the Official Gazette next

month.''

Bumin said, ''I can call on members of the Constitutional Court Delegation to

a meeting before September 6, 2001, the beginning date of the judicial year,

if it is necessary.''

Reasoned verdicts of decisions such as closure of the Virtue Party (FP),

annulment of some articles of the Law on Conditional Release form Prison and

Suspension of Punishments, rejection of expulsion of Hasan Celal Guzel, the

former leader of the Resurrection Party (YDP), annulment of decision

envisaging a 10 percent increase in rents, have not been disclosed yet.

-KOSKI MEHMET PASHA MOSQUE IN MOSTAR RESTORED BY DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF
RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS
ANKARA - The Koski Mehmet Pasha Mosque in Mostar which had suffered damage

during the civil war in Bosnia-Herzegovina, was restored by the Directorate

General of Religious Affairs.

The mosque will be opened to service in a ceremony on August 31.

Religious Affairs Head Mehmet Nuri Yilmaz will attend the ceremony.

Restoration of the mosque which was built in 1618, cost 300 thousand U.S.

dollar.

The Koski Mehmet Pasha mosque has a fountain placed on eight columns.

Sheikh Ishak Efendi who passed away in 1733, was laid to rest in a shrine in

courtyard of the mosque.

-ITALY, SYRIA AND GERMANY BECOME EXPORT CENTERS OF GAP REGION
GAZIANTEP- Italy, Syria and Germany became export centers of Southeastern

Anatolia Project (GAP) region in the first seven months of 2001.

Exports from GAP region to these countries increased by 21.2 percent compared

to same period last year.

Officials at the Southeast Anatolian Exporters' Unions told the A.A

correspondent on Friday that exports to Italy increased by 47 percent to 36

million 398 thousand U.S. dollars, exports to Syria decreased by 5.2 percent

to 18 million 533 thousand U.S. dollars,and exports to Germany rose by 13.1

percent to 17 million 597 thousand U.S. dollars.

The Turkish goods in greatest demand in Italy, Syria and Germany were dried

apricot, cotton thread, textiles, synthetic thread and carpet.

-CENTRAL BANK SELLS 60 MILLION DOLLARS
ANKARA - Central Bank sold 60 million U.S. dollars in an auction it held on

Friday to sell foreign exchange to banks.

The average bid in the auction which the Central Bank held within framework of

forex auctions program became 1 million 479 thousand 79 Turkish liras (TL).

Maximum bid was 1 million 482 thousand TL and the minumum bid was 1 million

474.2 thousand TL.

-GREECE WITHDRAWS FROM 70TH INTERNATIONAL IZMIR FAIR
IZMIR - Izmir Municipality Fair Organization Services, Culture and Arts

Activities Corp (IZFAS) Director General Feyzi Hepsenkal said on Friday that

Greece had decided not to attend the 70th Izmir International Fair (IEF).

Hepsenkal said that Greece had decided to withdraw from the 70th IEF due to

participation of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).

-INDIAN AMBASSADOR PAYS FAREWELL VISIT TO PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT
ANKARA- Indian Ambassador to Turkey Melkulangang Bhadrakumer paid a farewell

visit to Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit on Friday.

The meeting at the Prime Ministry building lasted for almost 20 minutes and

was closed to press.

Sources said that Prime Minister Ecevit and Bhadrakumer who was apopointed to

Baghdad had discussed bilateral relations between Turkey and India.

Prime Minister Ecevit said that the motorway construction works of Turkish

contracting sector continued in India and that several activities of Turkish

investors in India would continue also in the future.

Ecevit thanked Bhadrakumer for his contributions to development of bilateral

relations during his mission in Turkey.

-ASSESSMENT MEETING IN TRNC PRESIDENCY
LEFKOSA - An assessment meeting takes place in Turkish Republic of Northern

Cyprus (TRNC) Presidency prior to the meeting of TRNC President Rauf Denktas

with the U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan on August 28.

A delegation, led by Foreign Ministry Undersecretary Faruk Logoglu, also

participate in the meeting that takes place under the leadership of Rauf

Denktas.

Denktas, who made a brief statement, pointed out that, ''we are having a joint

meeting for a national case. We thank to Logoglu and his friends.''

Denktas said the exchange of opinion was necessary to find a peaceful solution

to the Cyprus issue which prolonged because of the intransigent attitude of

the Greek Cypriots. Denktas said no statement would be made after the meeting.

-PREPARATIONS FOR PUBLIC OFFERING OF TUPRAS AND POAS SHARES FINALIZED
KARS- State Minister Yilmaz Karakoyunlu said on Friday that they were planning

to start implementing Privatization Administration's working program in

September.

Speaking to the A.A correspondent, Karakoyunlu said they would firstly carry

out two privatization practices worth of almost 850 million U.S. dollars

through public offering.

Within this scope, Turkish Oil Refineries Corp (TUPRAS) and gas retailer

Petrol Ofisi A.S. (POAS) would be offered to public, he said.

''We are planning to obtain nearly 1.2 quadrillion Turkish lira income from

public offering. This is a very important target. I don't suppose that we

would encounter a hitch. All necessary arrangements were prepared. In coming

days, we will publicly announce a detailed information about this,'' he said.

-MARSHAL, MAYOR OF BRITAIN'S WESTMINISTER CITY, IN ANTALYA
ANTALYA - Harvy Marshal, the Mayor of Britain's Westminister city, said on

Friday that interest to Turkey increased in Britain, adding that 750,000

tourists visited Turkey last year.

Marshal and his wife Hazel, who visited Turkey as the official guest of

Foreign Ministry, left for Antalya to have holiday following their contacts in

Ankara.

Marshal said he had visited Turkey 35 years ago, noting that he could not

forget Antalya.

Marshal said they closely observed tourism activities in Turkey, noting that

Turkey was a very beautiful country with its nature, meals, and human

relations.

Pointing out that tourism can be improved with planning, Marshal said, ''international

planning should be made for Turkey's development in tourism. Number of

tourists is not important, their quality is important. Interest to Turkey

increases in Britain.''

-SOCCER-UEFA CUP FIRST ROUND DRAW
-GENCLERBIRLIGI TO TAKE ON HALMSTADS BK
AND GAZIANTEPSPOR TO TAKE ON HAPOEL TEL AVIV
MONACO - Draw for the UEFA Cup first round matches was made on Friday.

Genclerbirligi will take on Halmstad BK of Sweden while Gaziantepspor will

take on Hapoel Tel Aviv of Israel.

First legs will be played in Turkey on September 13 and second legs will be

played on September 27.

-SYRIAN IRRIGATION MINISTER TAHA AL-ATRASH IN GAP
SANLIURFA - Syrian Irrigation Minister Taha Al-Atrash and an accompanying

delegation held observations in Rural Services Talat Demiroren Research

Institute and Southeastern Anatolia Project (GAP) Administration Koruklu

Research Station.

The guest minister and the accompanying delegation were given a briefing about

the products in Harran and Akcakale plateau.

The Syrian Minister was also given information about the irrigation systems.

-CHINESE SHIP VARYAG WAITING IN BLACK SEA
-STATE MINISTER GUREL TO CONVEY ECEVIT'S MESSAGE
ANKARA- State Minister Sukru Sina Gurel, who will go on a tour to China on

Saturday, will convey the message of Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit that he was

in favor of the passage of Varyag, waiting at the Black Sea, from the straits.

Gurel told A.A correspondent that he talked to Prime Minister Ecevit on the

issue, adding that during his contacts with the Chinese officials, he would

convey Ecevit's positive view that the ship could pass from the straits.

The Maritime Undersecretariat saw passage of Varyag, waiting for permission

since December 2000, from the straits as having drawbacks.

However, a step toward compromise was taken upon the recommendations of

General Staff, which said conditional ''yes,'' to the passage. The General

Staff re-evaluated the issue upon the positive views of Ecevit, and Devlet

Bahceli, the State Minister and Deputy Prime Minister.

Passage of Varyag can only take place under minimum risk and certain

conditions. It should take guide and five trailers should accompany the ship.

Both sides of the strait should be closed to the traffic during the passage,

and the ship should not have fuel, and explosive devices.

Within the framework of his contacts, Gurel will sign a protocol pertaining to

two thermic power plants which China would set up in Zonguldak, and will meet

the Turkish citizens making business in this country.

Gurel, who will later proceed to Australia after China, will meet various high

ranking officials, including the foreign minister.

-GARANTI-INTESABCI PARTNERSHIP TALKS CONTINUE
ISTANBUL - Garanti Bankasi said on Friday that works on partnership talks

between Italian bank IntesaBci S.p.A. and its main shareholder Dogus Holding

A.S. were continuing as they were planned.

Sending a statement to the Istanbul Stock Exchange (IMKB) as a response to ''extraordinary

price and amount movements'', Garanti Bankasi said that there was not any

special situation necessitating an explanation about those extraordinary

movements.

It said that works on partnership talks between Italian bank IntesaBci S.p.A.

and its main shareholder Dogus Holding A.S. were continuing as they were

planned.

-IMF SAYS POSSIBILITY OF SPREAD OF CRISES IN ARGENTINA AND TURKEY TO
EMERGING
MARKETS LESS THAN ASIA CRISIS
ANKARA - International Monetary Fund (IMF) said that possibility of spread of

crises in Argentina and Turkey to emerging markets might be less than the Asia

crisis in 1997.

According to an analysis in IMF Survey, crises in Argentina and Turkey were

different from the Latin America crises in 1995, Asia crisis in May 1997 and

Russia crisis in October 1997 in regard to spreading to other emerging

markets.

Effects of economic problems in Argentina and Turkey in international area and

the turmoil caused by those economic problems remained very low compared to

other crises, it said.

The latest crises did not spread as serious measures were taken by governments,

ratings did not reduce sharply and investors avoided risky investments due to

recession in global economy, it said.

-FIRST GROUP OF TURKISH TROOPS TO LEAVE FOR SKOPJE ON AUGUST 27
ANKARA- First group of Turkish troops which will fulfil weapons collection

mission within structure of the multi-national forces in Macedonia within

scope of the NATO, will leave for Skopje on August 27.

The General Staff said on Friday that some of the Turkish troops in Bosnia- Herzegovina

Battalion Force would proceed to Skopje on August 27.

The remaining troops would go to Skopje with two cargo planes of the Air

Forces on August 28, it said.

Turkish troops will take part in operation ''Essential Harvest'' to collect

weapons together with the Italian battalion.

-GARANTI BANKASI OBTAINS 350 MILLION U.S. DOLLARS SYNDICATED LOAN
ISTANBUL- Garanti Bankasi A.S. obtained a 1-year maturity syndicated loan

worth of 350 million U.S. dollars with a libor+0.80 percent interest rate to

finance exportation.

The loan agreement was signed in London, Britain on Friday.

Garanti Bankasi said that the syndicated loan had been led by Alpha Bank A.E,

Bankgesellschaft Berlin AG, The Bank of New York, The Bank of Tokyo Mitsubishi

LTD, Barclays Capital, BayernLB, Deutsche Bank AG, First Union National Bank,

IntesaBci S.p.A, Mizuho Financal Group (Fuji), Natexis Banques Poplaires and

Sanwa Bank Limited.

It said that 52 banks from 26 countries joined the syndication.

Garanti Bankasi had gotten a syndicated loan worth of 350 million euros in

March 2001.

-A.A AND GREEK MPA AGENCY TO AWARD THOSE WHO CONTRIBUTE TO FRIENDSHIP OF
THE

TWO COUNTRIES
SALONICA- Anadolu Agency (A.A) and Macedonian Press Agency (MPA) in Greece

decided to award those who would contribute to Turkish-Greek relations, with

friendship awards every year.

The first of the friendship awards will be given the Greek singer Maria

Faranduri and famous composer Zulfi Livaneli on August 26 prior to the Turkish-Greek

concert that will take place in Salonica. The awards will be given by the

Neapolis Municipality of Salonica with the support of A.A and MPA.

The awards will be given by Mehmet Guler, the President Director General of

the A.A, and Spyros Kouzinopoulos, the MPA General Director.

Famous Greek composer Mikis Theodorakis will be granted honorary residentship

status by Neapolis Municipality.

-VAN-TABRIZ TRAIN TOURS START TODAY
VAN - Devlet Bahceli, the State Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, said on

Friday that Van-Tabriz train tours started as of today.

Speaking at an inauguration ceremony in Van, Bahceli said links with friendly

country Iran would be further strengthened with the railway, adding that the

railway will make an important contribution to the economic and commercial

life of the region.

-PROBLEMS OF REAL SECTOR TO BE DISCUSSED IN ISTANBUL
ISTANBUL - Problems of the real sector would be discussed in Istanbul on

August 27.

State Minister Kemal Dervis is expected to participate in the meeting which

will take place by Turkish Exporters Assembly (TIM) on Monday.

Oguz Satici, the Chairman of TIM, recalled that they had a meeting two weeks

ago with Dervis, adding that situation of the real sector and ways of solution

were taken up in outlines at the meeting.

He said, ''however, we did not have the time to discuss the issue in serious

dimensions. We will discuss the issue in details on Monday.''

Satici said finance problem of the exporters would be discussed, noting that,

''we should obtain a result to overcome the crisis in the country. The real

sector waited too much.''

-JUSTICE MINISTER TURK: ''A TOTAL OF 264 PEOPLE CONTINUE
THEIR PROTESTS IN PRISONS''
ANKARA - Justice Minister Hikmet Sami Turk said on Friday that death fasts

continued, yet noted that there was a noteworthy decrease in death fasts.

Responding to the questions of reporters, Turk said, ''264 people continue

their protests in prisons as of today. 91 of them are hunger strikes and 173

of them are death fasts.''

Reiterating that continuation of death fasts would not be beneficial for

anybody, Turk said all the institutions expending support to death fasts

should give up their attitudes.

Turk said, ''we don't want anybody to lose his or her life.''

Stressing that the allegations which claimed that ''isolation'' was

implemented in ''F-type prisons,'' Turk said those people did not attend the

sports and cultural activities to continue their protest.

Turk said those people isolated themselves, adding that the inmates were given

the facilities to meet each other.

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