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Anadolu Agency: News in English, 02-01-09

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

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

Anadolu Ajansı

ANADOLU AJANSI

HABERLER

09 January 2002

Wednesday

Türkiye

Dünya

Parlamento

Ekonomi

Spor

Sanat-Magazin

Sağlık

T

urkey

These are some of the major headlines and their brief stories in Turkey's press on January 9, 2002. The Anadolu Agency does not verify these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.

HURRIYET (LIBERAL)

GENERAL KIVRIKOGLU HARSHLY REACTS EU

General Huseyin Kivrikoglu, the Chief of General Staff, harsly critized the European Union (EU) which did not include PKK to the list of terrorists.

Gen. Kivrikoglu said, ''the governments help them. They have the concerns that this terrorist organization may react to themselves if they drive away this organization or withdraw their support. We believe that they will see the facts.''

Gen. Kivrikoglu harshly critized the EU which criticized Turkey on human rights and which did not include PKK to the list of terrorist organizations.

Gen. Kivrikoglu said although the EU said it expended support to the fight of the U.S. against terrorism following September 11 attacks, it implemented double standart by not considering PKK as terrorist organization.

FM CEM SAYS CYPRUS PROBLEM SHOULD BE SOLVED THIS YEAR

Foreign Minister Ismail Cem said Cyprus problem should be solved before the end of the year 2002.

Speaking to German ''Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung'' newspaper, Cem said a change process has been experienced since August 1998 following the confederation proposal of Rauf Denktas, the President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).

Stressing that Denktas's attitute in inviting Clerides was a positive step, Cem said, ''we have created a better platform for reciprocal understanding.''

''It is very hard for the communities on Cyprus to find a joint solution because of objective reasons,'' Cem said, adding that ideologies and global developments caused people to distance themselves from each other instead of integration.

MILLIYET (LIBERAL)

GEN. KIVRIKOGLU: PUNISHMENT POSTPONED TO ELECTIONS

Gen. Huseyin Kivrikoglu, the Chief of General Staff, talked to the journalists following the meeting of General Staff Strategic Researches and Study Center.

Journalists often reminded Gen. Kivrikoglu Argentine regarded with economic issues, and posed questions on this issue.

Gen. Kivrikoglu created an optimistic atmosphere about economy, stating that he was hopeful for the year 2002. He said Turkey would not be like Argentine, and that no social explosion was expected.

Responding another question, Gen. Kivrikoglu said, ''those who cause the economy sink in Argentine are immediately punished. This issue is postponed to the elections in Turkey.''

The Chief of General Staff, with his statements, in a sense, pointed out that the jurisdiction mechanism could not fully understand those who are really responsible.

Focusing on corruption, Gen. Kivrikoglu said the corruption should be eradicated, noting that, ''it is impossible for Turkey to stand still if corruption is not removed. The society will not forgive those who get involved in corruption or those who tolerate them. Of course, the jurisdiction have some problems.''

SAUDI ARABIANS DEVASTATE OTTOMAN WORKS OF ART

Saudi Arabians devastated the works of art of the Ottomans not only in their country but also in the Balkans.

The destruction given by Saudi Arabians to the works of the Ottomans is not only to Ecyad castle. They devastated six mosques with the order of Kind Fahd in the Balkans under the mask of ''repair''.

Saudi Arabia demolished century old Ecyad caste despite the decision of UNESCO that the castle can not be demolished. It was reported that Saudi Arabia wants to erase the thraces of the Ottomans in the Balkans.

SABAH (LIBERAL)

MUSHARRAF IS AN HONORARY MEMBER OF BESIKTAS SOCCER CLUB

Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf became honorary member of Turkish Superleague soccer club Besiktas.

Pakistani Embassy in Ankara said on Tuesday that Besiktas Club President Serdar Bilgili had sent a letter to the embassy, saying that they had decided to grant Musharraf honorary membership.

Besiktas Club also sent a membership card to Musharraf who spent his childhood in Turkey and is known as a fan of Besiktas.

YILMAZ TO PROPOSE 8 PERCENT VAT TO GOVERNMENT PARTNERS

Deputy Prime Minister and the leader of the Motherland Party (ANAP) Mesut Yilmaz said he would propose his government partners to reduce Value Added Tax (VAT) in natural gas to 8 percent and also propose them to give up Fuel Consumption Tax (ATV).

Yilmaz said he would brought a formula to his government partners to reduce the VAT on natural gas to 8 percent, and to give up ATV on condition that commitments given to IMF and he economic program is not obstructed.

CUMHURIYET (LEFT)

FOUR DIE IN A RAID ON COFFEE HOUSE

Two unidentified assailants opened gunfire on a coffee house in Sambayadi Village in Seyhan Township in Southern Adana Province killing four people and wounding two others.

An operation was launched to capture the assailants who fled after the incident.

Gendarme officials said feud may be the reason of the attack.

ANOTHER DIES IN DEATH FAST

27-year old inmate Lale Colak who was hospitalized last month after her condition worsened because of death fasting, died at Istanbul University's Medical Faculty Hospital on Tuesday.

Colak was a member of an illegal organization and she was serving her sentence at Kartal Maximum Security Prison.

RADIKAL (LEFT)

IN THE END COLD WEATHER LEAVES TURKEY

Bad weather conditions, which lost its effectiveness in western part of Turkey, paralyzed the Black Sea region.

Officials of the General Directorate of Meteorology said snowy weather would continue in Istanbul today but will not be so much influential, noting that weather conditions would be improved starting as of tomorrow.

Six people were frozen to death because of the cold weather which is expected to leave the country as of Friday.

INDUSTRY PRODUCTION REGRESSES ALSO IN NOVEMBER

Total industry production regressed 13.9 percent in November 2001 when compared with the same month of last year.

State Statistics Institute (DIE) disclosed the results of Monthly Indusry Production Index results.

According to this, 13.9 percent production decrease experienced in November 2001 was also effective in sub sectors. The producton reduced by 17.9 percent in mining sector, and 15.2 percent in production industry.

TURKIYE (RIGHT)

CAKAN: VAT ALSO SHOULD BE LOWERED

Energy and Natural Resources Minister Zeki Cakan said, ''the reduction made in natural gas is not sufficient. The municipalities should decrease their margin of profit more. We have determined margin of profit 30 percent. I will initiate legal proceedings against the municipalities if they fail to abide by this.''

Cakan also said, ''I will present the proposal to the government pertaining to reduction of 18 percent tax in natural gas.''

SEZER APPROVES TOBACCO BILL

President Ahmet Necdet Sezer approved on Tuesday the Tobacco Bill and sent to Prime Ministry to be published.

Sezer had earlier vetoed the law to the parliament to be discussed once again.

The law had been adopted in the parliament on June 20, 2001.

ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)

TURKEY CAN NOT BENEFIT FROM THE OPPORTUNITY OF HEATING WITH UNDERGROUND WATERS

Turkey neglects geothermal sources, which is a cheap energy resource. Turkey, which ranks the 7th in the world in respect to the reserves, can only benefit from 10 percent of its potential.

Eyes turned to the alternative and cheaper energy resources following the discussions regarded with lowering prices of natural gas.

Geothermal resourcs are used both in heating and energy production in many countries like Germany and Iceland. Turkey, which is rich of geothermal water resources, can only make use of 10 percent of its potential.

NEW YORK TIMES: ERDOGAN CREATES CONCERN IN THE U.S.

One of the leading newspapers of the U.S. the New York Times, speaking about Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the leader of Justice and Development Party (AK Party) said, ''he seemed to distance from his previous statements.'' However, it added the U.S. was still concerned about Erdogan despite his statements.

The New York Times published an article focusing on fight struggle between secularism and fundamentalism.

The newspaper said, ''even if Erdogan changed, administration of an Islamist politician in Turkey creates concerns for the Western allies and the U.S. as well as secular Turkish citizens.''

-ONE DIES AND TWO OTHERS INJURED IN TRAIN ACCIDENT IN TEMELLI

ANKARA - Passenger train, going from Istanbul to Ankara, derailed at Temelli Train Station on Tuesday, killing one person and injuring two others.

Officials said one of the wagoons of the train overturned at the station. The reason of the accident could not be determined yet.

Those injured were sent to hospitals with ambulances.

Other passangers will be brought to Ankara by buses.

-IMF TO APPROVE STAND-BY ARRANGEMENT AFTER JANUARY 21

WASHINGTON D.C. - The International Monetary Fund (IMF) Executive Directors' Board is expected to approve Turkey's new stand-by arrangement in the week starting on January 21.

IMF sources told the A.A correspondent on Wednesday that Turkey's new letter of intent and IMF delegation's review report were foreseen to be distributed to 24 members of the IMF Executive Directors' Board in coming week.

Sources said that the Executive Directors' Board which is the decision- making organ of the IMF was expected to convene in the week starting on January 21 and officially approve Turkey's new stand-by programme.

The new stand-by deal with the IMF will cover the 2002-2004 period. The stand-by arrangement will be supported by a 16.3 billion U.S. dollars of loan.

IMF sources said that there had not been any problem in process of approval of the new stand-by.

-''INTERNATIONAL NAZIM HIKMET YEAR'' ANNOUNCED BY UNESCO TO BEGIN ON JANUARY 14

ANKARA - The ''International Nazım Hikmet Year'' which was announced by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) upon the 100th birthday of Nazım Hikmet, a famous Turkish poet, will start on January 14.

The activities which would be held on January 15 in Paris for Nazım Hikmet have been postponed to March due to certain technical deficiences and the opening of Nazım Hikmet monument in Istanbul which would be the same day has been postponed due to severe weather conditions.

A meeting will be held in Istanbul on January 14 upon the beginning of International Nazım Hikmet Year. A documentary on Nazım Hikmet prepared by Can Dundar will be shown in the meeting.

Famous singer and compositor Zulfu Livaneli will also give a concert in the meeting in which actor Genco Erkal will read poems. An exhibition of Nazım Hikmet's photographs will also be displayed at Ataturk Culture Centre.

-STATE MINISTER DERVIS SAYS TURKEY PREPARES ITSELF FOR SUSTAINABLE GROWTH AGAIN

ANKARA - State Minister Kemal Dervis said on Wednesday that many countries in the world face the danger of stagnation in 2002, adding that Turkey prepares itself for sustainable growth again in 2002.

Responding to a question with notice presented to him by Felicity Party (SP) deputy Zeki Celik, Dervis said that he always attributed importance to policies which focused on social development and fair distribution of income.

''I wish I didn't voice words which could have political meanings,'' Dervis said.

Dervis said that Turkey started to implement structural reforms particularly in the banking sector by getting lessons from the crises that took place in the world.

''As a result of the financial policies, Turkey gives the message to both domestic and external markets that it can roll over its debt easily,'' he said, adding that the additional fiscal support extended by international organizations including the IMF to Turkey is a result of the resolution in implementing the economic programme,'' he said.

Turkey will have no risk of economic crisis as a result of this economic programme, he said.

-GUNER JOINS DYP

ANKARA - Agah Oktay Guner, an independent deputy from Balikesir province, joined the True Path Party (DYP) on Wednesday.

After Guner joined the DYP, number of DYP deputies increased to 85 while number of independent deputies decreased to 16.

Current distribution of seats at the parliament are as follows:

Democratic Left Party (DSP)....................: 130

Nationalist Movement Party (MHP)...........: 127

True Path Party (DYP)............................: 85

Motherland Party (ANAP)........................: 79

Justice and Development Party (AK Party): 53

Felicity Party (SP)..................................: 48

Independent...........................................: 16

Vacant..................................................: 12

TOTAL..................................................: 550

-JUSTICE MINISTER TURK SAYS THERE IS LEGAL OBSTACLE TO THE PROPOSAL OF SOME BARS

ANKARA - Justice Minister Hikmet Sami Turk said on Wednesday that Article 16 of the Anti-Terrorism Law was an obstacle to the realization of some bars' proposals to put an end to the ongoing death fasts and hunger strikes in F type prisons.

Addressing a news conference held in his ministry, Turk made some evaluations about F type prisons.

Pointing out that those prisons were set up to remove the negativities of ward system and that it prevented sovereignty of those convicted of terrorism and mafia type crimes, Turk said number of participations to hunger strikes and death fasts launched against F type prisons decreased.

Turk said there were eight people who are on hunger strike and 142 people on death fast as of today.

Briefing about the legal arragements held on the issue, Turk said there was no isolation in F type prisons.

Turk pointed out that recently chairmen of some bars presented him a proposal to ''lift isolation'' noting that they were informed about this proposal through media, and added that no official application was made.

Turk said, ''we are evaluating every kind of proposals to solve this problem. It should be accepted that this is a good-willed proposal if it will contribute to the solution of problem. However, this should be evaluated through legal means and in respect to its applicability. With an amendment made to the Article 16 of the Anti-Terrorism Law, usage of joint living areas in F type prisons were determined. The corridors were determined as joint living areas. This means, there is a legal obstacle against this proposal. Even if we say there is no legal obstacle, the physical structure and security of F type prisons are not suitable to applicability.

Stressing that such kind of proposals encouraged the terrorist organizations, Turk said, ''we think that the prisoners, who join the social activities, may come together in groups of ten people, and chat for five hours.''

-STATE MINISTER GUREL HOLDS NEWS CONFERENCE (1)

-STATE MINISTER GUREL SAYS TURKEY'S AIM IS TO

FORM A COMMON ECONOMIC AREA BETWEEN TURKEY AND TRNC

ANKARA - State Minister Sukru Sina Gurel said on Wednesday that the aim of Turkey is to form a common economic area between Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) and Turkey, adding that this was happening.

Speaking in a news conference, Gurel said that efforts to improve the relations and cooperation between Turkey and TRNC are needed more than ever, stressing to the negative conditions caused by the economic, commercial, transportation, communication and sports embargoes imposed on TRNC.

Gurel said that these negative conditions, the Gulf Crisis and the economic developments in Turkey between 1990-1994 disturbed the macro economic balances in TRNC. He said that the period between 1996-1999 was a relatively a recovery process in TRNC due to close cooperation with Turkey.

Gurel said that Turkey donated 40-50 million dollars to TRNC for infrastructure projects and personnel needs since 1974, adding that it also provided a credit worth of 250 million dollars to TRNC.

The economic and political relations between Turkey and TRNC gained a new dimension by the agreement signed in 1997 on formation of a Partnership Council, he said.

The agreement foresees determination of measures directed at financial and economic integration, and partial integration in security, defense and foreign policy, he noted.

State Minister Gurel said that the support of Turkey to TRNC started to increase and diversify after 1997, adding that the economy of TRNC started to improve after 1998.

Gurel pointed out that the economic balances started to be disturbed in TRNC as a result of deviations from the economic programme, adding that a new crisis period started in TRNC with the negative developments in financial and banking sector. Gurel added that Economic Stability Programme started to be implemented in October 2000 in TRNC.

Stressing that Turkey committed to give a credit worth of 350 million dollars to TRNC to be used in three years, Gurel said that the budget deficit of TRNC which is foreseen as 14 trillion liras, has become 75 trillion liras in 2001 and Turkey met this deficit.

Gurel said that support more than as ever was being extended in this critical period to the programme TRNC had put into practice to recover its economy.

''Upon the National Security Council's recommendatory decision, our government has put an action plan into practice to support the TRNC in every field. With this plan, Turkey strongly supports the TRNC's political and socio-economic efforts. This plan has been the most clear expression of importance attributed to relations between the two countries,'' he said.

Noting that the TRNC was hopeful about 2002, Gurel said that the TRNC had targeted a 5 percent growth rate in 2002 and foreseen a 513 trillion 625 billion TL budget expenditures and a 440 trillion 835 billion budget revenues.

Gurel said that it would be possible to close the TRNC's 72 trillion 778 billion TL budget deficit through measures mentioned in transition programme when Turkey's total contribution of 375 trillion TL was taken into consideration.

Stressing that a 100 million U.S. dollars of payment would be made to depositors in 2002, Gurel said, ''state banks should be strengthened this year in order to settle the finance sector on a sound basis. With this respect, some part of receivables of state banks from the state economic enterprises was planned to be paid in 2002. With this objective, a 25-30 trillion TL of source has been allocated.''

Gurel said that they would try to get a definite result in 2002 in order to remove obstacles in front of commercial relations between Turkey and the TRNC.

Noting that a special encouragement model had been put into practice for the TRNC, Gurel said that tourism, agricultural industry, manufacturing, industry, health, education, shipyard repair and high technology projects would be encouraged with this model.

Gurel said, ''it has been calculated that nearly four thousand people will be employed with twenty projects developed for the sectors to be encouraged and there will be almost twelve percent supplementary contribution to the TRNC's gross national product with the investments to be made.''

''This model which will be financed by the Development Bank of Turkey, foresees extension of a 160 million U.S. dollars of loan in next five years. The targeted total investment amount during this process is 265 million U.S. dollars. The Treasury Undersecretariat is preparing a notification on this matter. Under this notification, those incentives in question will be implemented this year,'' he added.

-STATE MINISTER GUREL HOLDS A PRESS CONFERENCE (2)

ANKARA - State Minister Sukru Sina Gurel said on Wednesday, ''Turkish private sector should invest in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). Our new encouragement model targets this.''

Holding a press conference, Gurel said, ''the TRNC's economic structure is adequate. Also, the TRNC does not have any deficiency in transportation, energy, communication and in other fields. There is problem only in water. We have been working on a project of a water pipeline between Turkey and the TRNC to solve this problem. The project is expected to be finalized in 2004. When we finalize this project, the TRNC will have enough water to make irrigation. In that case, the TRNC will be able to develop in agriculture and in other indutrial fields.''

''Turkey does not consider the TRNC a separate place. Turkey will continue to support the TRNC in the future. Turkish Cypriots should rely on Turkey. At the same time, they should maintain their struggle by protecting their national identity. I am quite sure that the TRNC would reach its desired place in the international platform,'' he said.

Gurel told reporters, ''unfortunately, Turkish industrialists' interest in the TRNC is not sufficient. Our new encouragement model aims at increasing Turkish businessmen's investment in the TRNC.''

Describing the Turkish Industrialists' and Businessmen's Association (TUSIAD) as a sound organization, Gurel added, ''Turkish government develops Turkey's foreign policy under control of the parliament. No one should make irresponsible statements that can jeopardize our national interests. The Cyprus question is an issue of vital importance in Turkey's foreign policy.''

-DERVIS CHOSEN AS MINISTER OF YEAR IN WORLD

LONDON - The Banker, banking magazine of Britain's prominent economy and politics newspaper Financial Times, declared State Minister Kemal Dervis for Economy as the ''Minister of the Year in the World''.

The magazine carried out a public survey in 52 countries.

State Minister Dervis was chosen as the minister of the year in the world with his successful working tempo.

The Banker said that State Minister Dervis who has succeeded in reviving Turkish economy was chosen as the minister of the year without hesitation.

-STATE MINISTER GUREL HOLDS NEWS CONFERENCE: (3)

''WORDS OF VERHEUGEN CONFIRM WHAT WE TOLD TO DATE''

ANKARA - State Minister Sukru Sina Gurel said on Wednesday that if the European Union (EU) continues to take wrong steps about the Cyprus issue, the division in Cyprus will become permanent.

Upon a question in a news conference about Cyprus, Gurel said that the words of EU Commissioner for Enlargement Guenter Verheugen confirmed the things told by the Turkish side to date.

Gurel said that the EU took very wrong steps in Cyprus issue to date, adding that ''if they continue to take these wrong steps, the division on the island will become final, they will cause a serious problem in the East Mediterranean and they will disturb the Turkish-Greek balance.''

Gurel said that EU accepts the Greek Cypriot side as if it is the legitimate government in Cyprus and makes a big mistake, adding that ''EU will see in the end that they will admit the Greek Cypriot side to EU, not TRNC or the whole Cyprus.''

Gurel said that ''even if the EU talks in such a threatening manner, it started to realize the reality. If they continue taking wrong steps, they will admit the Greek Cypriot side as an EU member, but they will divide Cyprus.''

Gurel said that if the EU wants to contribute to the new process in Cyprus, it should prefer to take positive steps rather than voicing threats. ''For instance, the unfair embargo on TRNC which is there since 1995 has to be lifted,'' he added.

Responding another question, Gurel said that the new process started on Cyprus had removed some negative factors that had existed so far, adding that ''some papers prepared by others'' had been presented during the proximity talks held under the supervision of the U.N. Secretary General.

Recalling that TRNC President Rauf Denktas had withdrawn from those talks due to this reason, Gurel said that the United Nations was participating in the new process as observer.

Noting that the sides on the island could come together from time to time, Gurel said, ''what gives hope to us is that these talks are now being held in the right place between the sides in the most appropriate way.''

When asked whether or not the information he had given on the TRNC's economic situation were linked to the new process, Gurel said that it was possible to set up such a connection with the positive result of the talks, but those two issues were far away from each other for now.

Stressing that a solution could be reached through the good intentions of both sides, Gurel said that they were hopeful about the new process.

-JUSTICE MINISTER TURK:

''PRISONERS WHO ATTEND AT LEAST ONE OF THE JOINT ACTIVITIES

AND BETTERMENT PROGRAMS, MAY COME TOGETHER WITH AROUND 10 PEOPLE FOR FIVE

HOURS A WEEK IN AREAS THAT WILL BE DETERMINED BY ADMINISTRATION''

ANKARA - Justice Minister Hikmet Sami Turk said on Wednesday that the prisoners could come together with around 10 people for five hours a week in areas that will be determined by prison administration on condition that they attend at least one of the joint activities or betterment programs.

Addressing a news conference held in Justice Ministry regarded with F type prisons, Turk evaluated the proposal of chairmen of four bars.

Turk said those who brought the proposal acted as if they are not informed about the facilities provided so far, adding that, ''before all, we are in a position to take into consideration provisions of law which are in effect and evaluate the proposals in respect to applicability.''

Turk said, ''this proposal aims at keeping the doors of the three rooms open throughout the day, and meeting of prisoners the whole day. This is shown as a proposal which can end the protest.''

Pointing out that the proposal should be evaluated due to legal means and structure of prisons, Turk said the F type prisons were prepared because of the crimes commited by the prisoners.

Stressing that legal obstacles prevented a change, Turk said this implementation was not possible physically even if there is not legal arrangements.

Turk said many services given to prisoners would be obstructed in case this proposal is implemented, adding that, ''we think that the prisoners could meet for five hours a week. There is a circular that will be immediately implemented in case the protest ends.''

Turk said the five hour period would be determined by the administration according to the physical position of the prisons.

-TURK: ''LET'S ALTOGETHER END THIS TRAGEDY IN PRISONS''

ANKARA - Justice Minister Hikmet Sami Turk said on Wednesday that they were ready to start an implementation under the prisons recovery programme, adding, ''let's altogether end these problems and this tragedy in prisons.''

Holding a press conference, Turk answered questions of journalists about the F-type prisons.

Noting that they were ready to start an implementation under the prisons recovery programme on the condition of inmates' and their supporters' giving an end to death fasts and hunger strikes, Turk said they were determined to organize an international symposium on punishment enforcement system and problems at prisons.

Stressing that death fasts and hunger strikes should end for evaluation of F-type prisons within framework of international standards, Turk said, ''Turkey does not want to lose even one of its citizens. Everybody should help the Justice Ministry for solution of the problem. Let's altogether end these problems and this tragedy in prisons. I call on all relevant public institutions and non-governmental organizations to give us support.''

When recalled of the matter that 71 prisoners had been released under Code of Criminal Procedure's Article 399 while some courts had decided not to implement the article for prisoners, Turk said that the article had been prepared by taking care of prisoners.

Noting that some courts had implemented the article for prisoners as they did not consider it beneficial to keep them in prisons in this situation, Turk said that only four prisoners had not been allowed to benefit from the article but it was up to the courts' discretion.

When a journalist noted that EU didn't display the attitude it showed after the terrorist attacks in the U.S. on September 11, towards the terrorist organizations which targeted Turkey, Turk said that EU countries tried to follow a common policy about terrorism and that this caused a favourable atmosphere for double standard.

Turk said that certain acts within EU are considered as terrorist activities, but similar acts are considered differently by EU in countries where the democratic institutions didn't develop much. However, the U.N. didn't make a discrimination on this issue, he added.

The U.N. underlined two points in its resolution dated September 28, 2001, said Turk, adding that U.N. investigates whether a person was involved in terrorist activities or not before accepting him as a political refugee. Secondly the U.N. stressed that countries should not object to extraditions by showing political reasons as an excuse.

''We saw that the EU didn't include the illegal formations which we accept as terrorist organizations in its list of terrorist organizations. However, the EU included all the terrorist organizations which threathen the EU. The terrorist organizations acting in third world countries were not covered by the EU list. Yet there is a positive development on the issue. EU Council of Ministers prepared a common framework in fight with terrorism. A frame draft resolution has been prepared to speed up extradition proceedings. We saw that the EU accepted these two points underlined by the U.N. This is a good development in respect of following terrorists by Turkey as the latter is expected to get more positive results from its applications from now on. Moreover, the list will be revised once in every six months,'' he said.

Responding to a question about the the latest operation which led to the arrest of former Emlak Bank managers, Turk denied having any interference in the operation.

Turk stated that his ministry sent circulars to Republic Chief Prosecutor's Offices and State Security Court (DGM) Chief Prosecutor's Offices and reminded them about the custody regulations. ''People should not be kept under custody more than they have to and they should not be unjustly treated,'' he commented.

When asked if the State Inspection Council (DDK) was pressuring republic prosecutors, Turk said that the DDK had the authority to inspect all institutions except for the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) and jurisdiction.

Turk also indicated that the Banking Regulation and Inspection Council was in charge of investigating corruption incidents related to banking.

-COALITION PARTNERS CONVENES

ANKARA - Leaders of three political parties forming the coalition government convened at 02:45 p.m. on Wednesday.

Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit, the leader of the Democratic Left Party (DSP); State Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Devlet Bahceli, the leader of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP); State Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz, the leader of the Motherland Party (ANAP); State Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Husamettin Ozkan; and State Minister Kemal Dervis for Economy are in attendance at the meeting.

The meeting is expected to focus on Banking Draft Law, price of natural gas and Prime Minister Ecevit's scheduled visit to the United States between January 14 and 18, 2002.

-INDIAN MINISTER OF STATE FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS ABDULLAH DUE IN TURKEY

ANKARA - Minister of State for External Affairs Omar Abdullah of India will come to Ankara on Wednesday to attend the meeting of Indian ambassadors to the countries in the region on Friday.

Sources said that Abdullah who would hold contacts in Ankara on Thursday and Friday will later leave Turkey. During his visit to Ankara, Abdullah would meet with Foreign Minister Ismail Cem, National Defense Minister Sabahattin Cakmakoglu and Justice Minister Hikmet Sami Turk.

Responding a question during his weekly press conference, Foreign Ministry Spokesman Huseyin Dirioz said that India had sent special envoys to several countries due to the latest tension with Pakistan.

Noting that Abdullah would be accompanied by the Foreign Ministry Undersecretary, Dirioz said that the Indian Foreign Ministry Undersecretary would have political consultations with Foreign Ministry Undersecretary Ugur Ziyal.

When asked how Turkey evaluated the tension between India and Pakistan and what kind of a message it had given to the sides, Dirioz said, ''Turkey calls on both sides to continue the dialogue and cooperate in fight against terrorism. In every instance, we give te message that any side should not recourse to use of military force in no way and we call for moderation.''

-DIRIOZ SAYS FINAL DECISION ABOUT PARTICIPATION IN MULTI-NATIONAL FORCE TO BE DEPLOYED IN AFGHANISTAN IS EXPECTED TO BE TAKEN IN COMING DAYS

ANKARA - Foreign Affairs Ministry Spokesman Huseyin Dirioz said on Wednesday, ''committees formed by countries which are envisaged to participate in the multi-national force to be deployed in Afghanistan convene frequently. Final plan will become clear in coming days.''

Speaking at a weekly press conference at the Foreign Affairs Ministry, Dirioz said, ''these committees hold meetings about details of participation of countries. Within this framework, final plan will become clear in coming days. Some news stories claimed that such a decision would be delayed till Prime Minister Ecevit's visit to the United States. They are baseless. Such a decision will be taken within a mechanism. There are also news stories claiming that other countries did not want Turkey's participation in the multi-national force. We do not have any information about it.''

-FM SPOKESMAN DIRIOZ SAYS TURKEY DID ITS BEST FOR AL JIHAD CASTLE IN SAUDI ARABIA

ANKARA - Foreign Ministry Spokesman Huseyin Dirioz said on Wednesday that Turkey took necessary initiatives and made its suggestions regarding ''Al Jihad'' castle in Mecca city of Saudi Arabia.

Speaking in a news conference, Dirioz said that ''Turkey did its best regarding this issue from the beginning. The news telling that the castle would be demolished and a hotel would be built in its place was heard one year ago. Turkey took initiatives and contacted with the Saudi Arabian officials after hearing that. Last summer Saudi Arabian officials told us that a business centre would be built there, but the castle would not be demolished.''

Dirioz said that the Saudi Arabian press also noted that the castle would be demolished and re-built, adding that Foreign Ministry had taken initiatives again.

Dirioz said that Turkey expressed its sorrow again over the starting of the demolition although Saudi Arabia promised not to do so, adding that ''we asked Saudi Arabian officials what was going on. We expressed our sensitivity. Cultural inheritance is the common property of everybody. We will convey our concern again whenever we receive information.''

When asked what kind of a measure Turkey would take in return to the demolition of the castle, Dirioz said that ''we take all kinds of initiatives at various levels. We are assesing the results of our first initiatives. We will decide what we will do in line with the response we will get and in line with the assessment we will made.''

-JAPANESE DELEGATION MEETS WITH TURKISH-JAPANESE BUSINESS COUNCIL MEMBERS

ISTANBUL - Japanese delegation headed by Japanese Senate Deputy Chairman Shoji Motooka had a meeting with Turkish-Japanese Business Council executives in Istanbul on Wednesday.

The delegation of 13 members have four Japanese deputies, a number of officials from the Senate and Japanese Foreign Ministry and Japanese Ambassador Ahigeo Takenaka.

After a one-hour meeting, Motooka stated that Turkey and Japan had many common points despite the geographical distance between them, and religious and cultural differences.

''I hope the relations between the two countries would be much better in the future and Turkey would overcome this crisis,'' he commented.

Turkish-Japanese Business Council Chairman Aslan Onal told the A.A that at the meeting they compared the economies of both countries. Onal also indicated that the meeting would help to form a lobby in Japan who is giving full support to Turkey.

Pointing to the two billion U.S. dollars of annual trade volume between the two countries, Onal said that a number of proposals were made to develop relations between Turkey and Japan at the meeting.

Onal stated that Turkey should become an information society and give more importance to education. At the meeting they explored possibilities for young Turkish people finding jobs at Japanese firms.

The Japanese delegation will visit Ataturk's Tomb, Anitkabir on Thursday. They will later be received by Parliament Acting Speaker Yuksel Yalova, Turkey-Japan Interparliamentary Friendship Group Chairman Ilyas Yilmazyildiz and Parliament Speaker Omer Izgi.

The delegation is expected to leave Turkey on Jan.13, Sunday.


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