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Turkish Press Review, 99-07-09Turkish Press Review Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs <http://www.mfa.gov.tr>09.07.99Summary of the political and economic news in the Turkish press this morningCONTENTS
[01] FROM THE COLUMNS..FROM THE COLUMNS..FROM THE COLUMNS..[02] IS ITALY A TOOL IN THE HANDS OF THE EU? -BY MUSTAFA BALBAY (CUMHURIYET)[03] SPECIAL KOSOVO[04] DEMIREL: "ITALY IS PARTNER IN TERRORISM"President Suleyman Demirel harshly rebuked Italy for giving its support to Abdullah Ocalan. He said, "Whoever shows sympathy towards murderers who kill innocent people, is a party to these murders. If Italy shows sympathy towards murderers, I will accept Italy as a party to these murders."Answering journalists' questions, Demirel said that European countries and in fact all countries throughout the world were bound to the decisions of the United Nations (U.N.) and the European Union (EU) concerning the fight against terrorism. Stressing that terrorism should be condemned without looking at its aim, Demirel added, "First you condemned terrorism and then you said these people are looking for their rights. Such a statement destroys the meaning or effect of "condemning". While standing up for your rights, you have no right to kill innocent people. Nobody and no country can support threats against the right to life." /Milliyet/ [05] ULUGBAY'S HEALTH SITUATION IS GOODState Minister Hikmet Ulugbay who attempted suicide is on the way to recovery. After having undergone an operation at Baskent University Hopsital in Ankara. Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit visited Ulugbay at the hospital yesterday. Ecevit made a statement following his visit to journalists and said that Ulugbay's health situation was good. /Turkiye/[06] "AMNESTY FOR OCALAN, MEMBERSHIP OF THE EU"Italian Prime Minister Massimo D'Alema asked the European Union (EU) term Chairman, Finnish Prime Minister Paavo Tapio Lipponen, to start an influential initiative to stop the execution of the death sentence passed on Abdullah Ocalan. D'Alema stressed that Turkey would obtain EU membership after she has solved her Kurdish issue. In his speech D'Alema said that as the first condition to becoming an EU member, Turkey should revoked his death sentence.Meanwhile, it was announced that D'Alema sent a letter to his Turkish counterpart Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit on 18 June in order to congrutulate him on the establishment of the 57th coalition government. However, it was said that Ecevit has not replied to the letter. /Milliyet/ [07] MAKOVSKY: "PKK LOSES"One of the most experienced American experts on Turkey, Alan Makovsky, said that even the PKK and its supporters accepted that they had lost the fight they had started against Turkey. He added that Abdullah Ocalan's verdict would not be executed until the decision of the European Court of Human Rights had been made. /Milliyet/[08] "WE BEHAVED DISHONOURABLY TOWARDS TURKEY"Former President of the Foreign Relations Commission of the European Parliament, Tom Spencer, crticised European Union (EU) policies for being opposed to Turkey. He said, "For thirty years we have promised to accept them in the EU. However, the reality is that nobody has any intention of accepting them as an EU member." /Milliyet/[09] GERMAN SUPPORTGerman State Minister Gunter Verheugen said it was expected that Turkey would be given the status of European Union (EU) membership at the Helsinki Summit to be organized within this year. However, Abdullah Ocalan's verdict should be annulled as a condition." He claimed that if Ocalan was executed, Turkey would create a martyr which would be against her interests. /Milliyet/[10] ROTH: "TURKEY SHOULD ENTER EU"Claudia Roth, Chairwoman of the Human Rights Commission of the German Parliament and a Member of the Greens Party, said that at the end of the Helsinki Summit to be held in December, a clear membership perspective should be offered to Turkey. She added that the issue of religion had nothing to do with EU membership, however, she continued, human rights and the democratization standards of a country were very important. Roth noted that it was illogical to put pressure on Turkey concerning the Abdullah Ocalan issue. /Aksam/[11] NINE PKK MILITANTS IN CUSTODYTen PKK militants who planted a bomb in a coffee-house in Sefakoy, Istanbul and took part in illegal demonstrations to protest against Ocalan's capital punishment sentence, have been seized. After being questioned they were sent to the State Security Court and nine of them have been placed in custody. /Star/[12] SWEDISH FOREIGN MINISTER: "KURDISH CONFERENCE IS DIFFICULT"Swedish Foreign Minister Anna Lind said that it was difficult to hold an international conference, as is being attempted by the Swedish government, concerning the situation and issues of Kurdish people living in Turkey. Replying to a question, Lind stated that Turkey should consider the rights of the individuals from among the minorities and human rights in Turkey should be in line with European norms. Lind also remarked that he did not believe that the head of the PKK terrorist organization, Abdullah Ocalan, would be executed because in Turkey the death penalty has not been implemented for the last 15 years. /Cumhuriyet/[13] IRAN REJECTS CLAIMSClaims that terrorist PKK organization members are in Iran and Iraq were rejected by Iran. Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Hamid Riza Asefi said that they 'clearly denied' such claims. According to the IRNA, Asefi said that such baseless claims were always put forward by people who did not want to see any improvement in Turco-Iranian relations. Meanwhile, Asefi wanted the Turkish Armed Forces to leave Northern Iraqi territories as soon as possible. /Aksam/[14] FROM OCALAN TO THE PKKThe head of the terrorist organization, Abdullah Ocalan, warned the PKK terrorists "not to take part in activities which compel the process" in a declaration by means of his lawyers. He said that the response which has arisen among the Kurdish people and in Europe to his capital punishment sentence was positive and the democratic fight should be carried on in every field. Ocalan also added that it is important to organize the reaction being experienced at this time, and to be far from those actions which compel the process. /Hurriyet/[15] OPERATIONS IN NORTHERN IRAQOperations carried out by the Turkish Armed Forces against members of the PKK terrorist organization are on-going in Northern Iraq. Operations which began last Sunday were continuing unabatedly, in five regions in particular yesterday. No official statement has been made about the casualties yet. Meanwhile, according to the Voice of Iraq radio station the Baghdad Administration was against the operations being carried out by the Turkish Armed Forces in Northern Iraq. /Cumhuriyet/[16] ITALIAN LAWYER: DECISION IN SEPTEMBERGiuliano Pisapia, the Italian lawyer of the head of the PKK terrorist organization, Abdullah Ocalan, has claimed that during the trial in the Rome Court of Appeals, the decision to grant political asylum to Ocalan will be made in September. In a statement he made to the ANSA, Pisapia said that four witnesses were listened to during the trial and the witnesses explained that there were human rights violations in Turkey. Pisapia remarked that they had presented the decisions of the European Court of Human Rights, Amnesty International reports and those of other international human rights organizations to the Court. /Cumhuriyet/[17] SUKRU GUREL IN TRNCState Minister Sukru Gurel, who went to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) as the official guest of the TRNC Prime Minister Dervis Eroglu, will hold meetings today. Gurel will undertake preparations for a meeting of the Turco-TRNC Association Council to be held in the TRNC on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the Cyprus Peace Operation. During his talks, Gurel will discuss economic issues in addition to the agenda times of the Association Council. /Cumhuriyet/[18] TREASURY REPAYS 3 QUADRILLION TL IN INTERESTThe Treasury repaid 4.923 quadrillion TL in foreign and domestic debts during the last three months of this year. The Treasury also repaid 3.017 quadrillion TL in interest. /Cumhuriyet/[19] DEMIREL: "NO NEED TO PANIC"President Suleyman Demirel and Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit made statements concerning the situation of the Turkish economy and said that there was no need to panic as Turkey was able to overcome every kind of trouble. Demirel said: "Turkey ranks 16th in economy among 185 countries in the world. Turkey comes 19th as far as the number of visitors to the country is concerned while it comes 9th in the construction industry. Turkey is entering the new millenium with great hope, with its trade volume worth $75 billion". Ecevit said for his part that those who play the Stock Market should not panic. He added: "If they panic easily, there may be people who will unfairly take advantage of this situation". /Turkiye/[20] FOREST FIREIn the wood belonging to Sureyyapasa Chest Illness Hospital in Basibuyuk, Maltepe, a fire broke out. The fire was brought under control, thanks to the fire brigade and one helicopter, in half an hour. In the fire, 1.25 acres of pine forest were destroyed. /Star/[21] SEA CRASHWhile maneuvering, a ship sailing under the Liberian flag hit a Turkish ship, the 'Omer Faruk', waiting to be unloaded in Gemlik Gulf. Eleven of the ship's crew jumped into the sea in panic; as a result, two sailors have been wounded. The 'Omer Faruk' was at risk of sinking. Later the ship was stranded. /Star/[22] NEW GREEK-CYPRIOT PROVOCATIONSouthern Cyprus increases its provocations against Turkey while international interest has been increasing towards the Cyprus issue. Three Greek-Cypriot speed-boats invaded Turkish waters yesterday in the Derinya region of Magusa of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). TRNC Coastguard Units first verbally warned the Greek-Cypriot invaders and later opened fire on the speed-boats in line with international principles. According to TRNC military sources, there has been an increase in such provocative incidents in recent days. /Aksam/[23] 8TH WONDER OF THE WORLD IN TURKEYIt is claimed that the 8th wonder of the world is in Turkey. The "New York Times" newspaper reported that there was a hidden tomb belonged to a ruler who ruled Southeastern Anatolia 20 centuries ago. Quoting the German scientist Tom Utech, the paper reported that the tomb belonged to the Commagene King Antiochus and would contain unique treasure. Utecht stated to the paper that the tomb has been searched for hundred years. /Aksam/[24] 'TURKISH CULTURAL HERITAGE PROJECT'A meeting on the 'Turkish Cultural Heritage Project' jointly organized by the Turkish Culture Ministry and the World Bank was held yesterday. During the meeting, it was proposed that Pamukkale, Catalhoyuk, Nemrut Mountain and Cappadocia should also be embraced by the project, expected to receive $30 million in funding from the World Bank. /Cumhuriyet/[25] TARKAN STAGES CONCERT IN HUNGARYTurkish pop singer Tarkan has rapidly risen to the top of the music chart in Hungary. Hungarian TV and radio channels broadcast Tarkan's songs everyday. Hungarian media reported that Tarkan, 'Turkey's Rick Martin' as Hungarians' call him, is enchanting Hungary. /Aksam/[26] KURE MOUNTAIN ON THE PROTECTION LISTThe World Foundation for the Protection of the Environment has stated that it would begin initiatives in the Mediterranean in order to safeguard important forests in Europe. The Foundation said in a written statement that there were various types of forests in the Mediterranean and due to fires and for tourist reasons, nearly 85 % of the forests in the Mediterranean have been destroyed. The Foundation pointed out that 300 'significant forest areas' have been determined and protection would focus on 10 danger points in these areas. Among these danger points is Kure Mountain in the Black Sea region of Turkey. /Cumhuriyet/[27] OZKAN TO REPRESENT ULUGBAYHusamettin Ozkan, Deputy Prime Minister, will represent Hikmet Ulugbay, State Minister responsible for Treasury, until Ulugbay recovers and starts work, reported Anatolian News Agency. The Official Gazette said that Ozkan will represent Ulugbay, who is resting due to his illness until he recovers and starts work.[28] TWO TURKISH COMPANIES RENEW ROADS OF ASKHABADTwo Turkish companies renew the roads of Askhabad, the capital of Turkmenistan, reported the Anatolian News Agency. The 'MENSEL' and 'SERDAR', the Turkish companies which started to renew the roads of Askhabad with the partnership of Askhabad Municipality, will firstly remove the asphalt of the most important streets of Askhabad and then will start renewing these streets. The companies will also lay the electricity and communication cables underground.[29] TURCO-CHINESE JOINT TOURISM COMMISSIONThe Second Turkish-Chinese Joint Tourism Commission meeting was held in Beijing on Thursday. Turkish delegation was headed by Erkan Mumcu, Tourism Minister, in the meeting. Turkey and China discussed how to improve the tourist relations and evaluated the new situation which occured after the Turkish Airlines (THY) started direct flights between Istanbul and Beijing. The Turkish delegation will go to Shanghai city of China on Friday and depart China on July 11, 1999.[30] BUSINESSMEN OF MUGLA PROVINCE TO GO TO KOS ISLANDThe administrators of the Chamber of Commerce of Aegean Mugla Province, Marmaris and Bodrum counties, and the Chamber of Naval Trade of Marmaris and Bodrum counties will go to Greek Kos Island as the official guest of Greek National Trade Confederation on Friday, reported the Anatolian News Agency. The Turkish delegation will participate in the meeting, titled "Greek Islands Zone and the Border Trade", which will start on Friday and will end on 11 July. Saim Gursoy, the Chairman of Mugla Chamber of Commerce, said that they participated in a meeting on the Rhodes Island two years ago but this year Turkey will be officially represented at the meeting. He stressed that they hoped to improve the economic cooperation in this meeting.[31] MYTH OF NEMRUT MOUNTAINIn order to excavate the legendary grave on Nemrut Mountain, Turkish and foreign geophysicians are looking for the approval of the Culture Ministry. According to Stephen Kinzer, the correspondent of the 'New York Times' newspaper to Turkey, research which has been continuing for centuries is almost at an end. It has been claimed that there are valuable treasures of a King dating back 20 centuries in the grave in the southeastern region of Turkey. This site is called the eighth scenic wonder of the world. President Suleyman Demirel and Turkish officials attended a ceremony for the signing of a protocol to excavate this grave together with the Crijns' International Nemrut Foundation. /Turkiye/[32] FLOOD IN EAST CAUSES FOUR DEATHSAs a result of a flood in Eastern Anatolia yesterday, four people lost their lives. In Erzurum, Senem Aydin (15), his sister Guler Aydin (7) and Semiha Aktas died during the flood. In the Eleskirt district of Agri, Ramazan Emek (70) also lost his life during the flood. Many buildings including the Municipality building remained under water in Eleskirt. /Hurriyet/[33] TOURISM IN BODRUMDespite the propaganda in European countries against Turkey, there is a lively tourism season being enjoyed in Bodrum, Mugla. In addition to Turkish tourists, many foreign tourists from European countries have also arrived in this beautiful district and said: "There is nothing to be afraid of here. If you do not come, you will lose out". /Hurriyet/[34] FIRST MARROW TRANSPLANT CENTRE IN TURKEYHealth Minister Dr.Osman Durmus said yesterday that the first marrow transplant centre in Turkey would go into service at Ankara's Numune Hospital in 10 days' time. Durmus who attended the opening ceremony of the Dialysis Centre set up at Ordu State Hospital stated that there were 110 patients waiting for marrow transplants in Turkey and said: "The first marrow transplant centre with 30 beds will be opened within 10 days". /Hurriyet/[35] DEMIRALP: "SYSTEM IS WORKING WITHOUT ANY INTERRUPTION"Treasury Undersecretary Selcuk Demiralp stated that there was no need for panic on the markets and said: "The system is working without a hitch". Demiralp who took on the responsibilities of his post three days ago is continuing to receive briefings from the departments of the institution. /Hurriyet/[36] WORKING GROUP ON STOCK EXCHANGEThe first meeting of the Working Group consisting of representatives of those banks which are active on the markets as part of the Istanbul Stock Exchange (IMKB) and IMKB officials was held yesterday. The Working Group was established following the initiatives of the IMKB and the Banks' Union. /Hurriyet/[37] GERMANS BECOME PARTNER IN ANTALYA AIRPORTThe German Flughafen Frankfurt Main Company (FAM) and the Turkish bank, Vakifbank, have become partners in the Antalya International Airport Terminal constructed by the Bayindir Holding Company using a build-operate-transfer (BOT) model. The shares of the Bayindir Holding decreased to 34 %. The Antalya International Airport Terminal was established on an area of 56,000 square metres and cost $85 million. /Hurriyet/[38] AWARD FOR DR.ERDOGANDr.Ali Erdogan (29) who is currently working at Kerchoff Clinic in Bad Nauheim, Germany, has received the International Rudolf Virchow Award. The young Turkish doctor received his award during the 11th World Cardiac Specialists' Congress held in Berlin. In addition to a plaque, Dr.Erdogan also had a $10,000 prize. He got the award because he has developed a new method in extra-systolic treatment. /Hurriyet/[39] DENKTAS RETURNS TO TRNCThe President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), Rauf Denktas, who has completed his visits to eastern Black Sea cities, returned to the TRNC yesterday. Istanbul Governor Erol Cakir, Istanbul mayor Ali Mufit Gurtuna and Istanbul Security Chief Hasan Ozdemir saw Denktas off. /Hurriyet/[40] SAMSUN-NOVOROSSYISK SEA BUS SERVICE TO STARTThe Samsun Municipality has start organizing a sea bus service between Samsun and Russia's Novorossyisk port. Samsun Mayor Yusuf Ziya Yilmaz said that in order to increase the city's trade, they were working on various projects so that people who conduct trade will have the opportunity to travel quickly and less expensively. /All papers/[41] FROM THE COLUMNS..FROM THE COLUMNS..FROM THE COLUMNS..[42] CYPRUS -BY SEDAT SERTOGLU (SABAH)Columnist Sedat Sertoglu writes on the recent developments concerning Cyprus. A summary of his column is as follows:"A few days ago, in this column it was stated that if the US Administration accepts the presence of two separate entities on the island, progress may be achieved. It was reported that the US Administration has come close to this line in the latest message she sent to Ankara. This is good news. The official Cyprus team of the Turkish State will go to the Island on 24 July and discuss the latest situation and the things that must be done. Circles in Washington also stated that the US Administration would like to solve this problem with Rauf Denktas and added that the Cyprus issues was at a sensitive turning point. At present, the Turkish side has to discuss what will be in the interests of both Turkey and the TRNC and decide accordingly. Such a decision may strengthen the hand of Ecevit when he goes to Washington in September for meetings with the US Adminstration. However, there is one point which has to be ensured by the US and that is the acceptance of two community leaders in equal status at the negotiations and at the very least, the outlines of what they will discuss. This will facilitate the initiatives to be taken by the two leaders. [43] IS ITALY A TOOL IN THE HANDS OF THE EU? -BY MUSTAFA BALBAY (CUMHURIYET)Colmunist Mustafa Balbay comments on the recent statements by the Italian Parliament. A summary of his column is as follows:"Italy has issued a verbal diplomatic note stating,"Turkey cannot interfere with the affairs of our Parliament." When you look at the statement itself, it is correct. Whatever happens in the Italian Parliament does not concern us. But the issue discussed in the Italian Parliament was Turkey. It started with the execution of Ocalan and then sent Turkey to the gallows. The motions accepted by the Italian Parliament were: -- Prevent the execution of Ocalan and then ensure his pardon. -- Bring the policies and behaviours which violate human rights in Turkey to the fore. -- Launch an initiative to convene an international Kurdish conference. -- Convey these policies to the EU and ensur that it takes action on the matter. They added another point to all these and that is shortening the road in front of Turkey to becoming a full member of the EU? That is an iron hand in a velvet glove! These issues are discussed in the Italian Parliament and when Turkey reacts to them by saying that what you are doing is encouraging terrorism, Italy answers, 'Do not meddle in the affairs of the Italian Parilament". This is going overboard. It will be seen that in all the steps Italy is taking, it is sending a message to the EU. If we consider that Germany is the driving force of the EU, we may say that Germany is using Italy. What is more, this policy is not in the best interests of Italy. The parties in power are trying to use Turkey for domestic purposes. However, in the latest Election, the left-wing parties lost Bologna which was the bulwark of the Left. Economic relations between Italy and Turkey were damaged seriously during this period. Among the G-7 Italy is the country where the development rate has decreased the most. Furthermore, Turkey and Italy have many common characteristics among which being a Mediterranean country is the most important one. The two countries enjoyed very good relations. At the time, France and Israel were thinking of a joint Mediterranean approach believing that Turkey and Italy could act as bridges. The destruction of these bridges will work in favour of Germany and Russia. Another common characteristic Turkey and Italy have is the gap in incomes. The northern part of Italy is rich and the South is poor. Occasionally voices favouring secession are heard from the North. One day Italy may face unexpected tension! There may be Turkish citizens of Kurdish descent who may sympathize with Italy's stance. However, the policy followed by Italy is not directed towards better conditions for Kurds. Italy is trying to bring herself to the front. We have to emphasize once again that Europe has the Sevres syndrome not Turkey. This imperialist stand will help no country or nation. As far as can be seen, Turkey is calm in her responses. She makes a clear distinction between Turco-Italian relations and those between the Turkish and Italian governments. With the mention of the Southeast the first word to come to mind was the PKK. Today, the voices of 'Hizbullah' are being heard. Is a new formation being prepared? [44] INTERNATIONAL ARBITRATION -BY ERTUG YASAR (AKSAM)Columnist Yasar writes on "International Arbitration" as a condition put forth by the IMF for financial aid. A summary of his column is as follows:"The IMF has put forth some conditions for the financial aid it will lend to Turkey. One of them was to pass a law on international arbitration. "International arbitration" means to solve disputes, generally concerning the Labour Code, not through the courts but by means of arbitrators who are to be determined. In Turkey, investments are mostly needed in the energy sector. However, the State does not have the required amount of money to give to this sector. On the other hand private entrepreneurs and investors are ready to invest in the sector and gain a share in return in accordance with the Build-Operate-Transfer or Build and Operate models. Most of these private investors have foreign capital. That is to say, foreigners have understood that there is profit in the energy sector in Turkey. This may seem too good to be true. Foreign investors do not come easily even if the profit opportunities may be high. The reason for their reluctance is their former bitter experiences. Many countries have called on foreign investors, but when investments came, created a legal dispute over an unimportant issue and the investor was unable to receive the profit it expected. Therefore, the international investor wants foreign arbitrators, experts on the subject, who will study the matter according to Turkish laws, and work as fast as they can. At present, Turkish laws permit the Council of State to pass decisions on these cases. However, the Turkish Government has submitted a Bill, amending the Constitution, to the Parliament to accept international arbitration. " [45] SPECIAL KOSOVO[46] RUSSIAN SOLDIERS TO PASS THROUGH THE STRAITSSome part of the Russian soldiers who will take part in the Kosovo Peace Force (K-FOR) have left Tuapse Harbour in Black Sea. Three Russian ships carrying Russian soldiers will pass through the Bosphorus at the weekend to reach Selonica Harbour. Then they will travel on to Kosovo by road. /Aksam/[47] TURKISH SOLDIERS ARE MUCH LOVEDSoldiers of the Turkish unit staged in Dragas under the umbrella of the Kosovo Peace Force are much loved by Kosovars. Lieutenant Ziya Ozer, Commander of the Turkish unit in Mamusa town, visited families in the region in order to express Turkey's condolences on the death of their relatives during the war. Ozer said that they were in the region to solve Kosovars' problems in every field and he asked the Kosovars not to hesitate in coming to them. /Aksam/Turkish Press Review Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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