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Turkish Press Review, 98-09-10
From: Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs <http://www.mfa.gov.tr>
10.09.98
Summary of the political and economic news in the Turkish press this morning
CONTENTS
[01] FOREIGN POLICY SUMMIT
[02] SEZGIN IN ENGLAND
[03] SUMMIT IN ANKARA
[04] RAPPROCHEMENT BETWEEN GREECE, IRAN AND ARMENIA
[05] 76TH ANNIVERSARY OF LIBERATION OF IZMIR
[06] ISTANBUL STOCK EXCHANGE HOLDS INTERNATIONAL MEETING
[07] JAPANESE FIRM WINS TENDER OF RURAL SERVICES
[08] CULTURE AND ARTS FESTIVAL IN ANKARA
[09] GREEK CYPRIOT NEWS AGENCY REPORTS ON S-300 MISSILES
[10] DEMIREL DENOUNCES SYRIA
[11] TURCO-ISRAELI EXERCISE IN JANUARY
[12] SEVEN PKK MEMBERS KILLED IN SOUTHEAST
[13] COUNCIL OF EUROPE REPORTERS
[14] MOODY'S NEGATIVE ON EARLY ELECTIONS
[15] CHP MARKS ITS 75TH ANNIVERSARY
[16] EU DEMANDS MORE DATA
[17] GROWTH RATES ANNOUNCED
[18] EXPORTS OF HAZELNUTS
[19] A PUK DELEGATION TO VISIT ANKARA
[20] NATIONAL DAY OF TAJIKISTAN
[21] DEMIREL RECEIVES STALEV
[22] SUBMARINES PRODUCED IN TURKEY
[23] EUROPEAN CERAMICS SUMMIT IN TURKEY
[24] S-300 MISSILES TO BRING REGION UNDER RUSSIAN CONTROL
[25] GERMAN SOCIAL DEMOCRATS FAVOUR TURKEY'S EU MEMBERSHIP
[26] SABANCI CALLIGRAPHY COLLECTION IN US
[27] HEROIN OPERATION
[28] TURKISH SCIENCES CONGRESS
[29] INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC CONGRESS IN ANKARA
[30] ANTALYA EXPO CENTRE
[31] GENERAL MEETING OF EUROPEAN POSTAL SERVICES
[32] SECOND ANKARA INTERNATIONAL AEROSPACE CONFERENCE
[01] FOREIGN POLICY SUMMIT
The important issues which are on the agenda of the Turkish
foreign policy were discussed at a summit held at the
Presidential Palace in Ankara yesterday. The Presidential Press
Centre said in a written statement that Prime Minister Mesut
Yilmaz, Deputy Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit, Chief of General
Staff Gen.Huseyin Kivrikoglu, State Minister Sukru Sina Gurel and
Foreign Minister Ismail Cem participated in the meeting headed by
President Suleyman Demirel. /All papers/
[02] SEZGIN IN ENGLAND
Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Ismet Sezgin made
inquiries yesterday at the Aviation and Weaponry Fair, which has
been held for 50 years in Farnborough, England. Sezgin received
information about the new technologies that are used in the
aircraft and weaponry at the fair. Later the same day Sezgin met
with officials from the British Ministry of Defense at the
British Aerospace Centre in a luncheon and they reviewed the
provisions of the Cooperation Agreement on defense that will be
signed during the visit of George Robertson, British Defense
Minister, to Turkey on 15-17 September.
[03] SUMMIT IN ANKARA
Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz and Deputy Prime Minister Bulent
Ecevit held a meeting at the Prime Ministry Residence yesterday.
During the meeting, Yilmaz furnished information regarding his
recent visits to Jordan, Israel and Palestine. Yilmaz also met
with Trade and Industry Minister Yalim Erez.
Meanwhile, Yilmaz received Chief of General Staff Gen.Huseyin
Kivrikoglu, Commander of Land Forces Gen.Atilla Ates, Commander
of Gendarmery Gen.Rasim Betir and Deputy Chief of General Staff
Gen.Hilmi Ozkok yesterday. No statement was made to the press
regarding the meeting. /Milliyet/
[04] RAPPROCHEMENT BETWEEN GREECE, IRAN AND ARMENIA
Ankara said yesterday that it was closely following the results
of a trilateral summit between the foreign ministers of Greece,
Iran and Armenia in Tehran. "We are evaluating the nature and
outcome of the summit. We are carefully watching the developments
and making the necessary assessments" Foreign Ministry Spokesman
Sermet Atacanli told a press conference. /All papers/
[05] 76TH ANNIVERSARY OF LIBERATION OF IZMIR
The 76th anniversary of the liberation of Izmir from Greek
occupation was celebrated yesterday. Turkish Stars (airplanes)
held a demonstration in the sky which attracted the interest of
many people in the city. Meanwhile, the 76th anniversary of the
liberation of Bursa from foreign occupation was also celebrated
yesterday. The activities organized by the Bursa Culture Art and
Tourism Foundation will last for five days. /Milliyet/
[06] ISTANBUL STOCK EXCHANGE HOLDS INTERNATIONAL MEETING
The Istanbul Stock Exchange (IMKB) held a meeting in Istanbul
with the participation of officials from international
institutions such as the World Bank and the Organization for
Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). During the meeting,
Huseyin Erkan, Deputy Chief of IMKB, said that "private
retirement fund" would contribute to the development and
diversification of capital market in Turkey. Alberto Musalem, an
expert from the World Bank also spoke in favour of the fund. He
noted that it transferred resources to financial system and
maintained economic stability in long-term. /Sabah/
[07] JAPANESE FIRM WINS TENDER OF RURAL SERVICES
State Minister Mustafa Yilmaz said yesterday that a Japanese firm
won a tender put out by the General Directorate of Rural Services
for renewing its machinery. He said that the Japanese firm
offered to sell 3,600 work machines for 207 million dollars to be
paid five years later. /Sabah/
[08] CULTURE AND ARTS FESTIVAL IN ANKARA
The Office of the Governor of Ankara will hold a culture and arts
festival between September 15-30, commemorating the 75th
anniversary of the declaration of Ankara as the capital of
Turkey. /Milliyet/
[09] GREEK CYPRIOT NEWS AGENCY REPORTS ON S-300 MISSILES
According to a Greek Cypriot News Agency, Yannakis Omiru, Defense
Minister of the Greek Cypriot Administration, denied a report on
S-300 missiles which appeared in the previous day's issue of a
newspaper. He was quoted as saying that the arrival of
Russian-made S-300 anti-aircraft missiles had not been postponed
and that the Greek Cypriot Administration had not changed its
opinion about the issue. /Cumhuriyet/
[10] DEMIREL DENOUNCES SYRIA
In a statement given to "Diplomasi Yazilari" (Diplomatic
Writings), a magazine published by the Association of Diplomatic
Correspondents, President Suleyman Demirel denounced Syria by
saying that it had a hostile attitude towards Turkey, referring
to Syrian support for the PKK terrorist organization.
In his statement, Demirel also criticized the European Union's
discriminatory decision taken at the Luxembourg Summit and noted
that initiatives to include the Greek Cypriot Administration in
the EU are not accurate. /Cumhuriyet/
[11] TURCO-ISRAELI EXERCISE IN JANUARY
Turkish Commander of Naval Forces Admiral Salim Dervisoglu said
that the "Reliant Mermaid" exercise which was held on January
5-9, 1998, with the participation of Israel and the US could also
be held in 1999. Dervisoglu noted that he received a proposal of
Israel, which is not official, regarding this issue. /Milliyet/
[12] SEVEN PKK MEMBERS KILLED IN SOUTHEAST
Security forces in the Southeast have killed seven terrorists
from the PKK terrorist organization in recent operations, the
Anatolia news agency reported. A statement bu regional officials
said that the operations were carried out in the southeastern
provinces of Van, Diyarbakir, Batman and Hakkari. Anatolia also
stated that a group of armed terrorists raided two villages in
the northern provinces of Tokat, killing one person and wounding
three. Security forces in the region have launched an extensive
operation to search for the attackers.
[13] COUNCIL OF EUROPE REPORTERS
Walter Schwimmer and Andreas Barsony, the reporters responsible
for Turkey in the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly's
Spuervisory Commission, on Wednesday visited the Turkish
Journalists' Association (TGC), where they attended a meeting of
journalists specializing in foreign relations.
TGC Chairman Nail Gureli pointed out that the association had
enjoyed a 52-year-long history and was one of the most widespread
and deeply rooted professional organizations in Turkey. Schwimmer
commented that they were in Turkey in order to ascertain to what
extent the country had carried out the commitments it had
promised to undertake during the process of becoming a full
member of the Council of Europe. The two repoeters later visited
units of the Istanbul Police Department, meeting with Istanbul
Chief of Police Hasan Ozdemir at his office. He said that they
would detail the results of their visit in a report to be
presented to the Council of Europe's Parliamentary Assembly. /All
papers/
[14] MOODY'S NEGATIVE ON EARLY ELECTIONS
Leading US rating institution analyst on Turkey Hanan Salem has
said that if Parliamentary elections had not been forward, an
atmosphere of political ambiguity would not have emerged. Salem,
who works for Moody's, claims that political uncertainty caused
by an early election decision had cast a shadow on the success of
the economic policies currently being implemented. Salem noted
that only when they are convinced that Turkey will maintain its
current stabilization policy, will they increase Turkey's rate.
"There are very positive developments in the Turkish economy.
Privatization is going fast, the tax reform bill was passed and
the budget discipline is being continued. Moreover, we observe
that the inflation rate is slowing down" he added. /Milliyet/
[15] CHP MARKS ITS 75TH ANNIVERSARY
The 75th anniversary of the Republican People's Party (CH) is
being celebrated through several activities organized by regional
branches and its headquarters. A delegation comprised of CHP
Chairman Deniz Baykal, party members, deputies and the Ankara
branch paid a visit to Anitkabir, Ataturk's Mausoluem, yesterday.
Baykal also visited the mausoleum of former chairman of the CHP
and Turkey's second president Ismet Inonu. /All papers/
[16] EU DEMANDS MORE DATA
The European Union (EU) has demanded additional data from Ankara
before it decides whether or not to lift the ban imposed on
Turkish exports of fishery products -a decision which prolongs
the ban for a several more weeks. A delegation of Turkish experts
from the Agriculture Ministry had talks with their EU
counterparts in Brussels on Tuesday. The EU Permanent Veterinary
Committee demanded that Turkey send an additional file of
information on the measures before September 22, when it will
convene to discuss the ban, the Anatolia news agency reported.
[17] GROWTH RATES ANNOUNCED
The growth rate for the first half of 1998 was 6.3 % and 4 % in
the second quarter, according to data obtained from the State
Institute of Statistics (DIE), the Anatolia news agency reports.
[18] EXPORTS OF HAZELNUTS
The 1998-1999 export season for hazelnuts started, the Anatolia
news agency reported yesterday. The total foreign exchange income
from the exports of hazelnuts in the previous export season was
nearly $965 million.
[19] A PUK DELEGATION TO VISIT ANKARA
A delegation representing the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK)
will come to Ankara in order to hold contacts here, the Anatolia
news agency reports. Sermet Atacanli, Deputy Spokesman of the
Foreign Ministry, said in a press briefing that Celal Talabani,
the PUK leader, will send a delegation to Ankara to hold
consultations within the framework of Turkey's contacts with the
groups in Northern Iraq.
[20] NATIONAL DAY OF TAJIKISTAN
President Suleyman Demirel sent a message of congratulation
yesterday to his Tajik counterpart Imamali Rahmanov in order to
celebrate the National Day of Tajikistan, the Anatolia news
agency reported yesterday.
[21] DEMIREL RECEIVES STALEV
President Suleyman Demirel received yesterday Stoyan Stalev,
Bulgarian Ambassador to Turkey. Stalev has presented his letters
of credentials to Demirel and introduced the embassy staff, the
Anatolia news agency reports.
[22] SUBMARINES PRODUCED IN TURKEY
Following Preveze, Sakarya and 18 March submarines, a new
submarine called Anafartalar has been laid down in Golcuk docks.
These submarines equipped with conventinal batteries and diesel
electric system can travel at a speed of 21 miles underwater and
12 miles above water. The submarines can launch "Harpoon" guided
missiles to targets above water in 138 km. range, and are also
equipped with computer controlled systems. These submarines which
can be cited among the most sophisticated over 400 conventional
submarines in the oceans, can stay underwater for 50 days without
getting new supplies. /Hurriyet/
[23] EUROPEAN CERAMICS SUMMIT IN TURKEY
European ceramics producers are gathering in Turkey. A meeting of
"European Producers of Ceramics Health Equipment Federation"
started yesterday with reception held at the Istanbul Ciragan
Hotel. Eczacibasi Vitra is hosting the meeting which will end on
11 September. 63 ceramic producers from 14 European countries
participated in the meeting. At the meeting the developments seen
in the ceramics sector last year will be evaluated. /Hurriyet/
[24] S-300 MISSILES TO BRING REGION UNDER RUSSIAN CONTROL
In a confidential report to NATO, the American Administration
warned that in case the deployment of S-300 missiles is permitted
on Cyprus, Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East would fall
under Russian control. In the report prepared by Richard
Holbrooke, special Cyprus envoy of the US President who was later
appointed to the UN, it was stressed that the threat to NATO
would stem not from the missiles themselves but the radar system
Russia would bring to the island. In his report Holbrooke, stated
that with the radars to be deployed on the island along with the
S-300 missiles, Russia would take Eastern Mediterranean and the
Middle East under control and gain superiority over NATO.
/Hurriyet/
[25] GERMAN SOCIAL DEMOCRATS FAVOUR TURKEY'S EU MEMBERSHIP
German Social Democratic Party(SPD), expected to win the
elections on September 27 in Germany, favours Turkey's membership
in the EU. However SPD puts forth conditions that Turkey should
show progress on democratisation and human rights. SPD foreign
policy spokesman and a deputy of the Federal Assembly Karsten
Voight said that Turkey's membership to the EU could be achieved
easier with a SPD Administration in power. Noting that they were
against the PKK, and would never support violence or secessionism
Voight said, "In places where SPD is in power PKK activities are
banned. There is a difference between the Kurdish issue and the
PKK. /Hurriyet/
[26] SABANCI CALLIGRAPHY COLLECTION IN US
Culture Minister Istemihan Talay, stated that the best examples
of Ottoman-Turkish calligraphy given during 500 years would be
displayed in the US. Berna Yilmaz, the wife of Turkish Prime
Minister, State Minister Cavit Kavak, Culture Minister Istemihan
Talay, many businessmen and journalists went to New York
yesterday to attend the opening ceremonies of the 'Sakip Sabanci
Calligraphy Collection' to be displayed at 'The Metropolitan
Museum of Art' and 'Los Angeles Museum of Art.' State Minister
Cavit Kavak said that he was proud to see Sabanci collection
displayed in world cultural centres on the 75th anniversary of
the Turkish Republic. /Hurriyet/
[27] HEROIN OPERATION
Chief of Istanbul Police Hasan Ozdemir said that during three
separate operations carried out by the Narcotics Department, 82
kilograms of heroin have been seized. The market value of the
heroin totals TL 2 trillion, the Anatolia news agency reported
yesterday.
[28] TURKISH SCIENCES CONGRESS
An "International Turkish Sciences Congress" will be held at the
Vienna University on 21-25 September. The Congress, which will be
organized by the International Committee of Pre-Ottoman and
Ottoman Research, will be attended by many Turkish and foreign
scientists. /Cumhuriyet/
[29] INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC CONGRESS IN ANKARA
Middle East Technical University (METU) Rector Suha Sevuk
announced that the congress organizers are trying to improve
Turkey's economic strategy and stated that "We belive that the
new generation of economists will overcome the problems of the
Turkish economy with their analytical abilities". Sevuk was
delivering the opening speech at the METU International Economic
Congress. He noted that the congress united many economists from
various countries and all over Turkey. The sessions and panels at
the congress consist of critical subjects such as transportation,
econometrics, social security surveys and Ottoman history
research. /All papers/
[30] ANTALYA EXPO CENTRE
The construction of the Antalya Expo Centre International Fair
Centre will be concluded in April 1999 and the Centre will be put
into service in the same month, the Anatolia news agency reports.
[31] GENERAL MEETING OF EUROPEAN POSTAL SERVICES
The regular general meeting of the European Postal Services
Commission (CSFPE) will be held in Ankara on 11-12 September, the
Anatolia news agency reports. A total of 49 representatives from
22 countries will take part at the meeting.
[32] SECOND ANKARA INTERNATIONAL AEROSPACE CONFERENCE
Arif Ahmet Denizolgun, Minister of Transportation and
Communications, said yesterday that Turkey has the necessary
technological acqusitions and qualified labour force for the
ventures which she has to make in the fields of technology and
infrastructure at the outset of the 21st century. The "Second
Ankara International Aerospeace Conference" started the same day
at the Middle East Technical University Culture and Congress
Centre.
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