Anadolu Agency: News in English, 01-12-27

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ANADOLU AGENCY

NEWS

27 December 2001

Thursday

-TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

These are some of the major headlines and their brief stories in Turkey's press on December 27, 2001. The Anadolu Agency does not verify these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.

HURRIYET (LIBERAL)

True Path Party (DYP) leader Tansu Ciller accused the coalition leaders of ''sticking to the chair like an octopus'' and noted, ''those who unnecessarily say every day that there is not any elections on the way are in fact confirming the existence of an election.''

''I WISH WELFARE OF TURKISH PEOPLE''

Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou said in the new year message he sent to Turkey that he would like to express his best wishes about improvement of their cooperation which would serve the interests of the two countries and about development and welfare of friendly Turkish people.

MILLIYET (LIBERAL)

The Strategical Research and Study Center (SAREM) formed by the General Staff started to operate. SAREM under the presidency of General Odun is comprised of former soldiers, diplomats, historians, intelligence officials, technology experts and pyschologists.

MEMBERS OF FELICITY PARTY CONFUSED

The Felicity Party (SP) assumed a contradicting attitude toward the new year. The General Secretary has launched a campaign to boycott the new year celebration while Women Branches Chairperson sent cards writing ''Happy New Year.''

SABAH (LIBERAL)

The Supreme Court reversed the verdict of the Istanbul State Security Court No:6 regarding the terrorist, fundamentalist IBDA-C leader due to procedure error. The Supreme Court reversed the capital punishment given to IBDA-C head Salih Izzet Erdis also known as Salih Mirzabeyoglu by the Istanbul DGM No:6 chaired by judge Metin Cetinbas. The Supreme Court took this decision as the identity information of Erdis had not been written in the brief verdict paragraph of the reasoned verdict and because the minute had not been sealed. This is not the first mistake of Istanbul DGM No:6. A similar shock was experienced in the Susurluk case. The imprisonment verdict given by the court was also returned by the Supreme Court due to ''incomplete investigation.''

750 BANK BRANCHES TO BE CLOSED

Vural Akisik, the State Banks Joint Executive Board President, said that 500 branches of Ziraat Bankasi and 250 of Halkbank would be closed in 2002. Akisis added, ''the personnel of those branches will not be dismissed. The Finance and Customs want the personnel of those bank branches.''

CUMHURIYET (LEFT)

Following Huseyin Kivrikoglu, the Chief of General Staff, President Ahmet Necdet Sezer also said that territorial integrity of Iraq had to be protected. General Kivrikoglu's warnings cover not only Iraq but all regional stability. Here are Kivrikoglu's messages: ''Forget about an operation on Iraq. There are mass destruction weapons also in Armenia. New influence field should not be given to Iran. Nobody wants an attack on Iraq. Ethnic state will not bring stability to the Middle East. Whole region should be taken into consideration, not only Iraq.''

RAID ON FUNDAMENTALISM IN FATIH: 46 DETAINEES

Security forces raided on a company which functioned illegally by disguising as a sports hall in Fatih district of Istanbul and detained 46 people on charges of fundamentalist activities. Five detainees were interrogated in Anti-Terror Department while the rest 41 were questioned by Security Branch Directorate. Many illegal documents and publications were seized in the houses and workplaces of the detainees. Oktay Birdal, one of the detainees, was wanted on charges of a murder while four people were wanted on charges of different crimes.

RADIKAL (LEFT)

The castle built in quake-hit Duzce province to show that wounds have been healed and how strong the dwellings are, showed that the mentality of the contractors who caused disasters has not changed. A landslide occured in November 12 Memorial Park which was built near permanent dwellings in Sallar village of Duzce due to precipitations. The ''earthquake castle'' inaugurated by Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahceli and Public Works and Housing Minister Abdulkadir Akcan four months ago turned into a ruin after its walls had collapsed. Duzce Governorship officials said that the park was also affected by the rainy weather and that they would launch initiatives to re-build the walls.

230 TRILLION TL FROM STOCK EXCHANGE FOR SCHOOLS

Osman Birsen, the Chairman of Istanbul Stock Exchange (IMKB) said that they would give 230 trillion Turkish liras (TL) to support education. A total of 125 vocational and art schools will be built with this money.

TURKIYE (RIGHT)

President Rauf Denktas of Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), who will meet with Glafcos Clerides, the leader of the Greek Cypriot administration at a dinner on December 29, noted, ''if I am asked something during the dinner, I will not say that I will not talk about these issues because I just come to have a dinner. If there is something that Clerides wants to ask, he will ask and I will respond to it.''

MINIMUM WAGE SET AS 163 MILLION 563 THOUSAND TLW

The new minimum wage was set as gross 222 million 750 thousand Turkish liras (TL) for the workers over 16 years old valid as of January 1, 2002. The net minimum wage will be 163 million 563 thousand 537 TL.

ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)

State Minister Suayip Usenmez prepared a project on swapping on Treasury's lands with the money accumulated in the ''Savings Encouragement Fund'' account which was publicly known as compulsory savings. Holding a press conference, Usenmez stressed that 9 quadrillion Turkish liras (TL) of money had been accumulated in the account as of the end of November. He said, ''we have developed a project for payment and swapping of interests on this money with lands and immovables through means of the state.'' According to the information given by Usenmez, if this project is accepted, workers can be given state lands or plots of vacant land in the provinces they are living in return for their interest receivables.

TURKEY PREPARES TERRORISM REPORT FOR U.N.

Turkey has prepared a report on fight against terrorism comprised of 14 pages to be presented to the United Nations (U.N.) Security Council. The U.N. Security Council had asked the member countries to notify their initiatives and decisions regarding counter-terrorism activities till December 27 under a resolution no 1.373 passed following the September 11th terrorist attacks. In its report, Turkey explains its counter-terrorism activities and notes that it has been in full harmony with the U.N. in prevention of terrorism.

CONTENTS

[01] IMF SOURCES CONFIRM NEWS ABOUT ADDITIONAL SOURCE TO TURKEY

[02] STATE TO EXCLUDE ALMOST 1000 PROJECTS FROM ITS INVESTMENT PROGRAMME

[03] COUNCIL OF MINISTERS CONVENES

[04] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT SAYS HE IS HOPEFUL ABOUT 2002

[05] PREPARATORY MEETING FOR REBUILDING OF AFGHANISTAN STARTS

[06] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT SAYS ECONOMY AND TRADE WILL

[07] MEETING OF COUNCIL OF MINISTERS ENDS

[08] PREPARATORY MEETING FOR REBUILDING OF AFGHANISTAN ENDS

[01] IMF SOURCES CONFIRM NEWS ABOUT ADDITIONAL SOURCE TO TURKEY

IMF sources told A.A correspondent that IMF administration headed by Managing Director Horst Kohler was working on providing 1 billion U.S. dollars to support Turkey's new stand-by deal each in 2003 and 2004.

However, the sources said, the support planned to be extended to Turkey in 2003 and 2004 had not been discussed by the Exceutive Board, which was the decision making organ of IMF, yet.

International financial circles stated that the possibility of the Executive Board to approve the additional loans to Turkey in 2003 and 2004 was very high if Kohler made such a proposal to the board.

Within the framework of the three-year stand-by deal expected to enter into force next month, the IMF will provide additional source of 10 billion U.S. dollars to Turkey in 2002. More than 4 billion u.S. dollars that Turkey will be extended within the terms of this year's arrangements will be added to that 10 billion in 2002.

If IMF extends 2 billion U.S. dollars to Turkey after 2002, the amount of new stand-by deal with Turkey planned to terminate at the end of 2004 will exceed 16 billion U.S. dollars.

[02] STATE TO EXCLUDE ALMOST 1000 PROJECTS FROM ITS INVESTMENT PROGRAMME

Sources told A.A correspondent on Thursday that the Higher Planning Board (YPK) consented to the exclusion of projects, the costs of which were less than 20 trillion Turkish liras (TL), from the scope of the investment programme. YPK has presented a draft which foresees exclusion of some investments, the costs of which are higher than 20 trillion TL, from the scope of the programme to the Council of Ministers.

The projects to be excluded from the investment programme almost amounts to 13 quadrillion TL.

As the investments, the costs of which reach almost 13 quadrillion TL, are excluded from the scope of the programme, the state will save 18 billion 207 U.S. dollars. This figure is calculated according to the rate of U.S. dollar in 2001 programme. One U.S. dollar was considered as equal to 714 thousand TL in the 2001 programme.

In other words, the State Planning Organization will use its sources to make other investments more efficiently and the investments can be completed earlier than the foreseen dates.

The Investment Programme of 2002 is expected to enter into force after it is signed by the Council of Ministers.

Mainly the projects which were no more applicable or prior were excluded from the scope of the programme while some projects, a part of which has been fulfilled and considered as sufficient were excluded. Also, some projects, the tenders of which have been made but during the implementation of which problems have occured, were also taken out of the programme.

[03] COUNCIL OF MINISTERS CONVENES

State Minister Mehmet Kececiler, State Minister Sukru Sina Gurel, State Minister Hasan Gemici, State Minister Suayip Usenmez, Public Works and Settlement Minister Abdulkadir Akcan and Culture Minister Istemihan Talay could not attend the meeting due to their intense programmes.

State Minister Nejat Arseven, Interior Minister Rustu Kazim Yucelen and Justice Minister Hikmet Sami Turk will inform members of the Council of Ministers on the first meeting of the Human Rights Board.

Meanwhile, State Minister Edip Safder Gaydali is expected to brief the Council of Ministers on Mining Draft Law.

[04] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT SAYS HE IS HOPEFUL ABOUT 2002

Speaking at the DSP group meeting, Prime Minister Ecevit said, ''2001 was a difficult year for both Turkey and the whole world. Economy has entered a narrowing process in the world. This development has negatively affected even the most developed countries. Terrorist attacks in the United States on September 11 shocked the whole world, but Taliban regime's collapsing in Afghanistan in a short period of time has begun to relieve the world.''

''I am hopeful about Turkey in 2002. I have always believed that the situation would improve. As a result of our realistic and determined attitude and of our budget discipline, Turkish economy and finance institutions have secured the world's confidence. Harmony among three political parties forming the government has also supported it. Financial contributions from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank have begun to increase automatically. Meanwhile, an important development process has begun in Turkish economy. Stock exchange has increased, a stable process has been provided in foreign currency, and foreign currency rates have begun to decrease, inflation has begun to decrease and interest rates have dropped. Our exports and shuttle trade have risen again. We have taken necessary measures to increase production,'' he said.

Stressing that they were determined to maintain efforts to prevent corruption with a great determination, Prime Minister Ecevit said, ''some circles say that there are not any allegations of corruption, and think that the government gave up its struggle against corruption. Their concerns are baseless. There is an independent justice system in Turkey. The government has nothing to do after bringing all corruption claims to justice.''

Prime Minister Ecevit added, ''we will continue to send humanitarian and financial aid to the regions hit by recent flood disasters.''

[05] PREPARATORY MEETING FOR REBUILDING OF AFGHANISTAN STARTS

Addressing journalists prior to the meeting, Balkan said that they would evaluate Turkey's possible contributions to Afghanistan within economic and commercial frameworks.

''We aim at reviewing Afghanistan's economy, giving information about international community's contributions to rebuilding of Afghanistan and discussing what Turkey could do to assist Afghanistan in rebuilding itself, '' he said.

Balkan told reporters, ''at the end of a 20-year civil war, Afghanistan's economy has been ruined considerably. The current situation of this country entails a great, planned and serious development initiative. Highways and telecommunication have been destroyed in Afghanistan. Meanwhile, nearly 10 million anti-personnel land mines planted in rural area in this country, have been constituting a dangerous obstacle in front of settlement works in Afghanistan.''

''Political and economic situation in Afghanistan have been creating a serious cross-border threat for the whole region. International community has realized that the threat of fundamentalist terrorism could not be prevented only with military intervention. I think that international community will continue to support Afghanistan through a fund to be created within structure of the World Bank. An estimated 25 billion U.S. dollars of source will be required for rebuilding of Afghanistan. The European Union (EU) said that it could provide a finance of nearly 10 billion euros to Afghanistan in a period of ten years,'' he said.

Recalling that Turkey had been assisting Afghanistan since foundation of the Republic, Balkan said, ''we may provide a comprehensive technical support to Afghanistan through Turkish Cooperation Development Authority (TIKA) under the light of our experiences in the Central Asia and the Balkans.''

''We are powerful in the sector of construction. Also, we know the region. We can compete against Western firms. Our companies can cooperate with Russian, Iranian, Pakistani and Indian firms. Meanwhile, we can provide cheap cement and equipment from Uzbekistan,'' he said.

Recalling that the first meeting about rebuilding of Afghanistan was held in Washington D.C., the United States, on November 20, Balkan told reporters, ''the second meeting was held in Pakistani capital Islamabad between November 27 and 29. During the second meeting, it was proposed to create a fund to be controlled by the World Bank. The second part of this meeting will be held in Japanese capital Tokyo in January of 2002.''

''The third meeting was held in Brussels on December 19. Meanwhile, in Turkey a meeting was organized on November 30 by the Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEIK), and another meeting was organized on December 3 by the Foreign Affairs Ministry,'' he said.

Representatives of the Turkish Cooperation Development Authority (TIKA), the Union of Turkish Chambers and Commodity Exchanges (TOBB), the Southeast Anatolian Project GAP Authority, the Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEIK), International Union of Contractors and the International Union of Transportation, and officials from the Energy and Natural Resources Ministry, the Health Ministry, the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Ministry, the Transportation Ministry, the Public Works and Settlement Ministry and the Industry and Trade Ministry are attending the meeting.

[06] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT SAYS ECONOMY AND TRADE WILL

Speaking at the DSP group meeting, Prime Minister Ecevit said, ''during my visit to the United States in January of 2002, I will hold a series of contacts with U.S. President George W. Bush and other senior officials. Economy and trade will be high on agenda during our contacts in the United States. We expect trade and investment from the United States rather than aid. I hope that we would return from the United States with positive results in terms of the economy.''

Noting that the issues of Afghanistan and Middle East could be brought onto agenda, Prime Minister Ecevit said, ''I hope that the issue of Iraq would not be brought onto agenda. If it is discussed, I will explain Turkey's opinions. We are opposed to a formation that can jeopardize Turkey's integrity. From the very beginning, we have been telling the United States that Turkey was one of the neighbors of Iraq, and that Turkey's relations with Iraq were of critical importance. Stability in Iraq is also extremely important for both the world and the region. The United States, therefore, should set up dialogue with us before taking any step. They have pledged to inform us.''

''I do not think that the Cyprus question would be high on agenda of our contacts in the United States. President Rauf Denktas of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) and Greek Cypriot leader Glafcos Clerides will come together. This meeting should not be overshadowed,'' he said.

''As you know, a positive result has been yielded in Afghanistan in a short period of time. This created a confusion and uncertainty. Therefore, an important military contribution cannot be expected from Turkey. Turkey will continue to do its utmost to contribute to Afghanistan in becoming an independent and powerful country again. I sent a letter to Prime Minister Hamit Karzai of interim government of Afghanistan, and I told him that we were ready to expend any kinds of efforts to meet requirements of Afghan people,'' he noted.

Prime Minister Ecevit continued, ''developments in the wake of the terrorist attacks in the United States on September 11, have increased Turkey's credibility and esteem. We have proved that the Islam, democracy, secularism and modernizm could coexist. Turkey has never made concessions from its democracy in its fight against terrorism. The world has begun to realize its importance.''

Stressing that some laws should be adopted till mid-January, Prime Minister Ecevit said that adoption of these laws were necessary to receive further support from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Prime Minister Ecevit noted that he attributed great importance to Industrial Zones Draft Law, and added, ''this arrangement will remove bureaucratic difficulties in front of the foreign investments. I believe that recent positive developments would accelerate our economy.''

Referring to relations with the European Union (EU), Prime Minister Ecevit said, ''important progress has been recorded in our relations with the EU during the Laeken Summit. The EU decided to include Turkey in the convention to be formed to discuss the future of Europe, and shed green light to beginning of full membership negotiations with Turkey. Meanwhile, the EU has pledged that the army could not be used against Turkey. Greece raised its objection. I do not think that Greece would maintain its objection. Otherwise, it will reveal its intention to use this army against Turkey. Greece has to give up its attitude sooner or later.''

[07] MEETING OF COUNCIL OF MINISTERS ENDS

Addressing journalists following the meeting of the Council of Ministers, Toskay said, ''State Minister Edip Safder Gaydali informed the Council of Ministers on the Mining Draft Law. State Minister Nejat Arseven gave information about the changes to be made in the laws regarded with the Directorate General of Foundations and about the planned increase in rents of foundations.''

''At the meeting, Interior Minister Rustu Kazim Yucelen briefed members of the Council of Ministers on works of the tehnical sub-commission formed following the flood disaster in southern province of Icel. The Council of Ministers has decided to put into practice the proposals put forward by the technical sub commission as soon as possible,'' he said.

Toskay told reporters, ''State Minister Faruk Bal gave information about the meeting of Turkey-Tajikistan Joint Economic Commission.''

Responding to a question about the planned increase in rents of foundations, Toskay said that rents of foundations would be increased by 35 percent in 2002.

When asked whether or not the Labour Security Draft Law was taken up at the meeting, Toskay told reporters that the draft was not brought onto agenda during the meeting.

[08] PREPARATORY MEETING FOR REBUILDING OF AFGHANISTAN ENDS

The meeting focused on Turkish public and private sectors' possible contributions to Afghanistan that has been affected negatively from long- standing civil wars and the recent military operation of the United States.

Representatives of the Turkish Cooperation Development Authority (TIKA), the Union of Turkish Chambers and Commodity Exchanges (TOBB), the Southeast Anatolian Project GAP Authority, the Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEIK), International Union of Contractors and the International Union of Transportation, and officials from the Energy and Natural Resources Ministry, the Health Ministry, the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Ministry, the Transportation Ministry, the Public Works and Settlement Ministry and the Industry and Trade Ministry were in attendance at the meeting.

Sources said that Turkey's prior target would be maintaining urgent humanitarian aid to Afghan people.

Representatives of private sector said that they could clear away anti- personnel land mines in Afghanistan.

Nearly 10 million anti-personnel land mines planted in rural area in Afghanistan, have been constituting a dangerous obstacle in front of settlement works in Afghanistan.

Representatives of private sector that they could also be influential in fields such as irrigation, housing, and foodstuff.

Issues and proposals taken up at the meeting will be changed into an action plan, and submitted to the government as soon as possible.

An international meeting will be held in Japanese caqital Tokyo between January 21 and 22, 2002, about rebuilding of Afghanistan. Turkey is expected to send a minister to the meeting.

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