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Turkish Press Review, 00-03-22
From: Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs <http://www.mfa.gov.tr>
22.03.00
Summary of the political and economic news in the
Turkish press this morning
CONTENTS
[01] DEMIREL DELIVERS SPEECH AT HACETTEPE UNIVERSITY
[02] DEMIREL'S MESSAGE ON THE WORLD FORESTRY DAY
[03] CEM TO VISIT TUNISIA
[04] VERHEUGEN'S STATEMENT
[05] BAHCELI: 'ARTICLE 312 CANNOT BE ABOLISHED`
[06] KUTAN: "TODAY FOR US, TOMORROW FOR YOU"
[07] NEVRUZ CELEBRATIONS
[08] INTERIOR MINISTER TO VISIT GERMANY
[09] MUMCU IN MOSCOW
[10] SO-CALLED ARMENIAN GENOCIDE DRAFT BILL REJECTED AGAIN
[11] ARMENIANS CANNOT ENDURE A PRO-TURKISH STATEMENT
[12] TURKISH CONGRESS TO BE HELD
[13] NEW AGREEMENT IN THE BLACK SEA
[14] EARTHQUAKE COUNCIL
[15] PLANE CRASH
[16] EU APPROVES OBSERVATION PROJECT
[17] HELICOPTER BIDDING CREATES DISAGREEMENT
[18] UKRAINIAN PROPOSAL FOR TANKS
[19] KOSOVAR UNIT TO BE STRENGTHENED
[20] WORLD BANK TO GIVE LOAN TO TURKEY
[21] AKKUYU NUCLEAR POWER-STATION
[22] TREASURY'S AGENDA
[23] TURKISH TOURISM INVESTORS' ASSOCIATION TO VISIT SALONICA
[24] TUPRAS' STOCK SHARES TO BE SOLD IN GREECE
[25] AKBANK IN HOLLAND
[26] THY'S NEW TERMINAL
[27] NEW PARTNERSHIP WITH AMERICAN AIRLINES
[28] TURYAP IN ROMANIA
[29] KOC HOLDING COMPANY'S NEW INITIATIVES
[30] COMPANIES PLEDGE
[31] FLOWERS FROM ANTALYA
[32] IZVESTIYA PRAISES TURKISH TOURISM
[33] GALATASARAY ON CNN'S LIST
[34] FROM THE COLUMNS... FROM THE COLUMNS... FROM THE COLUMNS...
[34] IS ANKARA ASLEEP? BY DOGAN HEPER (MILLIYET)
[35] NEW DAY STARTED WELL BY ORHAN BIRGIT (CUMHURIYET)
[01] DEMIREL DELIVERS SPEECH AT HACETTEPE UNIVERSITY
President Suleyman Demirel attended Hacettepe University's Meetings and
gave a lecture to the students yesterday. Demirel explained Turkey's
improvements since the beginning of the establishment of the Republic
with historic realities and said that this is our country and it should
be appreciated. Then Demirel answered the students' questions. On
answering a question concerning the establishment of a nuclear
power-station in Turkey, he said that this was inevitable due to the
fact that Turkey's energy sources were not so rich. /Turkiye/
[02] DEMIREL'S MESSAGE ON THE WORLD FORESTRY DAY
President Suleyman Demirel requested everyone to plant a tree even if
only once a year in order to leave a greener world for future
generations. The World Forestry Day and the Afforest Festival are being
celebrated with many activities and President Demirel issued a message
in which he said, "Turkey's forests are decreasing when compared to
previous years. Afforest is one of the most important actions to be
taken in order that our natural resources not to end and we will
continue to make improvements." President Demirel also wanted Turkish
people to be more careful about the risk of forest fires. /Cumhuriyet/
[03] CEM TO VISIT TUNISIA
It was stated that the Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ismail Cem,
will visit Tunusia on 14 and 15 April after an official invitation from
the Tunisian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Habib Bin Yahya. In a
statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, during Cem's
visit, political, economic and cultural relations between Turkey and
Tunisia will be discussed and an exchange in opinions on both regional
and international issues. /Turkiye/
[04] VERHEUGEN'S STATEMENT
The European Commission's Member responsible for Expansion, Gunter
Verheugen, stated that the National Security Council's role in
political life and the Kurdish problem will be mentioned in Turkey's
Participation Cooperation Document to the European Union. The
Participation Cooperation Document, to be written by the European
Commission by the autumn, will consist of the duties of candidate
countries applying for membership. Verheugen stated that the demands
that will not be able to be implemented by Turkey should not be
demanded from Turkey and that it was inevitable for these two issues to
take place in a Participation Cooperation Document. /Milliyet/
[05] BAHCELI: 'ARTICLE 312 CANNOT BE ABOLISHED`
Recalling that bans in politic life were carried out in many countries,
the Leader of the Nationalist Action Party (MHP) and Deputy Prime
Minister Devlet Bahceli stated that a life time ban was a very severe
punishment. During his speech at the MHP group meeting, Bahceli said,
"In many countries in the world, particularly in Europe, being banned
from participating in politics has been carried for politicians who
have committed crimes. However, our life time ban is a very heavy
punishment. This should be limited for a certain length of time, in the
case of repetition, retribution should be heavy." He also emphasized,
"The those who think that article 312 is against human rights and
democracy, especially politicians, should first look at their own
attitudes and speach." /Hurriyet/
[06] KUTAN: "TODAY FOR US, TOMORROW FOR YOU"
The Leader of the Virtue Party (FP) Recai Kutan yesterday delivered a
speech at his party's group meeting. Kutan repeated their wishes for
the abolishment of article 312 of the Turkish Penal Code, on which
Necmettin Erbakan was condemned. He stated, "Let's save Turkey from
this democracy shame. They say that article 312 cannot be revised, as
they are afraid of not being elected again if bans are abolished. The
situation which cuts out your rival today, may cut you out tomorrow."
/Hurriyet/
[07] NEVRUZ CELEBRATIONS
Nevruz has been celebrated in peace this year, unlike the often violent
celebrations in the past. Still, there were some violent incidents
staged by activitist who attempted to turn the occasion into a platform
to demonstrate in favor of PKK separatist organization. The police
detained some demonstrators, but there were no mass arrests or
excessive force used by police. In Diyarbakir tens of thousands of
people attended the celebrations. Edip Akbayram, Seher Dilova, Firat
Baskale and the Group Koma Amed performed concerts. President Suleyman
Demirel, Premier Bulent Ecevit and Deputy Prime Minister Devlet Bahceli
issued messages declaring Nevruz as an occasion when feelings of
brotherhood, friendship and peace were expressed. /Hurriyet/
[08] INTERIOR MINISTER TO VISIT GERMANY
The Minister of the Interior, Sadettin Tantan, will leave for Berlin
today as an official guest of the German Interior Minister Otto
Schilly. During the talks, the issue of extradition of Metin Kaplan,
who is being tried in Germany for fundamentalist activities, will also
be discussed. /Star/
[09] MUMCU IN MOSCOW
Minister of Tourism Erkan Mumcu will travel to Moscow today to attend
the MITT Tourism Fair. During the Fair, to be held on March 22-25,
Mumcu will visit the displays of Turkish travel agencies and tourism
operators. He will also present photographs from Turkey's official Web
site on a multi-screen display. After visiting some of Moscow's
historic and tourist sights, Mumcu will return to Turkey on March 25.
/Turkish Daily News/
[10] SO-CALLED ARMENIAN GENOCIDE DRAFT BILL REJECTED AGAIN
The French Senate focused on the so-called Armenian genocide draft bill
again yesterday. A total of 52 signatures were collected in order for
the draft bill to be brought on the agenda of Emergency Items.
However, the French Senate again rejected the so-called Armenian
genocide draft bill. /Star/
[11] ARMENIANS CANNOT ENDURE A PRO-TURKISH STATEMENT
Extreme nationalists in Armenia are blaming the French Ambassador in
their country Michel Legras, for making statements supporting Turkey
and want him to be deported. A request published in various newspapers
in Yerevan said that the nationalists wanted the Armenian Foreign
Ministry to pronounce the French Ambassador persona non-grata as soon
as possible. They reported that the Nationalist Armenians stated that
the Armenian Ambassador in France should be withdrawn until France
officially apologizes. Armenian Foreign Ministry officials stated that
the request would not be accepted and added that those people did not
represent Armenian public opinion. /Aksam/
[12] TURKISH CONGRESS TO BE HELD
The 8th Turkish Congress, traditionally held each year, will be take
place between 24 and 26 April, in Samsun. The President of the Turkish
Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), Rauf Denktas, will also attend this
congress which is expected to be opened by Turkish President Suleyman
Demirel. The Nationalist Action Party (MHP) leader and Deputy Prime
Minister Devlet Bahceli, together with other Ministers and
representatives of Turkish-speaking countries, Turkish groups in
Tunisia, Mongolia and Russia and representatives of native American
Indians will attend the Turkish Congress. 640 delegations and more than
2,500 official guests will attend the Congress which will last for
three days. /Turkiye/
[13] NEW AGREEMENT IN THE BLACK SEA
The agreement concerning the Black Sea Call Force to be established
with naval forces of countries bordering the Black Sea will be signed
by six countries on 19 April. The Black Sea Cooperation Duty Group was
established in 1998 in order to increase peace, stability and to
strengthen regional cooperation. During a meeting held by the Duty
Group, a decision was made to form a multi-national power group named
The Black Sea Call Force with the participation of Bulgaria, Georgia,
Romania, the Russian Federation, Turkey and the Ukraine. Technical work
that has been carried out for two years is about to be completed. This
multi-national power group will work on search and rescue, humanitarian
aid, mine sweeper and the protection of the environment issues.
/Turkiye/
[14] EARTHQUAKE COUNCIL
A 'National Earthquake Council' has been set up to give all the
information concerning the earthquake from now on. A total of 20
experts will be represented on the council including eight
geomorphologists, eight civil engineers and four from other fields.
/Star/
[15] PLANE CRASH
A plane belonging to Tepe Aviation Company left from Ankara's Esenboga
Airport yesterday evening. However, the plane went missing for nearly
an hour near Bursa Balabancik rural areas. The pilot, Turgay
Kalaycioglu, managed to control the plane which had begun to lose
altitude. After a crash landing, rescue efforts managed to save the
General Director of the Tepe Aviation Company, Behic Ozek and the other
passangers on board Tumay Kalaycioglu, Nuray Birol, Ibrahim Dogan and
Mahmut Sevimli. /Star/
[16] EU APPROVES OBSERVATION PROJECT
The European Union (EU) which has not previously allowed imports of
meat and meat products from Turkey due to various animal diseases has
approved an observation project in Turkey for the control of
agricultural products. As part of the project, Turkey will allow
between six-seven types of products to be observed such as honey, milk,
milk products and water products. /Star/
[17] HELICOPTER BIDDING CREATES DISAGREEMENT
It was stated that a disagreement occurred between the State Department
and Defence Department of the US concerning Turkey's huge attack
helicopter bidding. Diplomatic sources state that the Human Rights
Branch, attached to the Deputy Secretary, Harold Koh, of the State
Department, does not warmly welcome giving an export licence if an
American company wins the bidding. The Defence Department of the US and
the other officials in the State Department are pro the sale.
/Cumhuriyet/
[18] UKRAINIAN PROPOSAL FOR TANKS
The Ukrainian Foreign Minister Boris Tarasyuk on an official visit to
Turkey has met with the Turkish National Defence Minister Sabahattin
Cakmakoglu concerning their T-84 tanks. Tarasyuk later met with Prime
Minister Bulent Ecevit and conveyed a letter from the Ukrainian Prime
Minister Yusenko praising the T-84 tanks. In the letter, Yusenko said
that the Ukraine was ready to participate in the Modern Tank Production
Project which envisages the production of 1,000 tanks for the Land
Forces Command. It is reported that the Ukraine's official proposal has
been sent to the Turkish Defence Ministry's Undersecretariat. Tarasyuk
was accompanied by representatives from the firm 'Ukrspetsexport' which
manufactures the T-84 tanks. /Aksam/
PKK: SECRET AGENT FOR RUSSIANS
It has been claimed that the Russian Military Intelligence Service has
used members of the PKK terrorist organization, trained in Southern
Cyprus, as secret agents penetrating into Chechnya. According to the
circles close to the British Intelligence Service, 20 PKK members who
signed a contract with the Russians received training at a house, owned
by a Russian businessman in Southern Cyprus, in October 1999. The PKK
used special equipment to report Chechen locations to the Russians and
entered Chechnya by way of Armenia and Dagestan. /Aksam/
[19] KOSOVAR UNIT TO BE STRENGTHENED
Turkey has decided to give a positive reply to NATO and the United
Nations' (UN) request for all countries to support Kosovo. It was
stated that new units will be sent to Dragas, Prizren and Mamusa in
which there is still a thousand Turkish force. NATO Secretary-General,
George Robertson, who requested soldiers from Turkey first, during his
visit to Ankara. While this offer was being evaluated by the Turkish
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the General Staff, the UN cut in. Not
only the UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, but also the UN's special
representative to Kosovo, Bernard Kouchner, called for everyone to
support Kosovo. Turkey then decided to increase its existance in
Kosovo. /Milliyet/
[20] WORLD BANK TO GIVE LOAN TO TURKEY
The total amount of financial support from the World Bank will reach 2
billion 750 million dollars this year. 2 billion dollars of this will
be from the Structural Harmonization Loan and the remaining 750 million
dollars will come from Country Aid Strategy (CAS). The World Bank will
give the loan amounting to 750 million dollars within the framework of
the Economic Reform Loan (ERL). ERL aims to support structural reforms
on agriculture, energy, social security and privatization. The World
Bank is also planning to give loans amounting to 750 million dollars to
Turkey within the framework of the Financial Sector's Harmonization
Loan (FSAL). In addition, the amount of the FSAL will be increased to 1
billion 500 million dollars. /Turkiye/
[21] AKKUYU NUCLEAR POWER-STATION
The Westinghouse, NPI and AECL consortiums who attended the Akkuyu
Nuclear Power-Station bid have sent an article, stating that they have
extended the validity period of their offer until the 7 April, to the
Turkish Electricity Joint Stock Company (TEAS). TEAS previously faxed
to these three consortiums, on 9 March, asking them to extend the
validity period of their offer until 7 April. /Turkiye/
[22] TREASURY'S AGENDA
It was stated that the Turco-American Joint Economic Committee's 6th
term meetings will be held on 23 and 24 March in Washington, US. The
Turkish delegation chaired by Treasury Undersecretary, Selcuk Demiralp,
will hold meetings with American officials concerning bilateral,
financial and economic issues to improve cooperations in energy, trade,
the environment and technology. /Cumhuriyet/
[23] TURKISH TOURISM INVESTORS' ASSOCIATION TO VISIT SALONICA
It was stated that the administrators of the Turkish Tourism Investors'
Association (TYD) will visit Greece on the Turkish Airlines' first
flight to Salonica. In a statement issued by the TYD, the
administration of the TYD will hold meetings with the Greek Tourism
Entrepreneurs' Association (AGTE). /Cumhuriyet/
[24] TUPRAS' STOCK SHARES TO BE SOLD IN GREECE
The promotional campaign prepared for the sale of TUPRAS stock shares
will start in Greece. The Chairman of the Privatization Administration
Board (OIB), Ugur Bayar, will ask the Greek nation and Greek investors
to be partners with TUPRAS and to buy its stock shares. The promotional
campaign will begin on 27 March in the Grand Brinatania Hotel in
Athens. The Chairman of the OIB, Ugur Bayar, the Chairman of the
Executive Board of TUPRAS, Ismail Alakoc, the General Director of
TUPRAS, Husamettin Danis and the representatives of Salomon Smith
Barney and Garanti Yatirim will attend this promotional campaign.
/Milliyet/
[25] AKBANK IN HOLLAND
It is reported that Akbank will set up branches in Holland and in
Malta. The bank in Holland to be set up with a capital of 25 million
Euros will serve Turks living there. Akbank already has a branch in
Britain. Akbank's branch in Malta will be set up with a capital of $5
million. The Sabanci Group has strengthened its cooperation with Kraft
Foods International. The Sabanci Holding Company holds 51 % of shares
of Marsa KJS while Kraft Foods has 51 % of the KraftSA. /Aksam/
[26] THY'S NEW TERMINAL
Following the opening of the new international terminal at Istanbul's
Ataturk Airport-Turkish Airlines (THY), transit passanger numbers
increased by 60 %. THY Deputy General Director, Birol Yuksel said that
during the first three months of the year, an important increase in
revenue was achieved, when compared with the same period last year.
/Aksam/
[27] NEW PARTNERSHIP WITH AMERICAN AIRLINES
A aviation agreement will be signed between Turkish Airlines (THY and
American Airlines in order to carry out common flights. The final
agreement on this issue will be signed within this week. THY currently
has flights to US cities, New York, Chicago and Miami. Following the
cooperation between Turkish and American Airlines, passangers will now
be able to go to various destinations with American Airlines. /Aksam/
[28] TURYAP IN ROMANIA
TURYAP, the Turkish real estate company with officies in Europe and the
US, will open a branch in Romania. TURYAP, the first firm to extend
franchises to foreign countries, will operate in real estate marketing
services through offices in Holland-Amsterdam, Belgium-Brussels,
Bulgaria-Sofia, the US-Atlanta and Miami. /Aksam/
[29] KOC HOLDING COMPANY'S NEW INITIATIVES
The TNT Post Group, a leading company in logistic and distribution, and
Koc Holding Company, published their letters of goodwill in order to
launch joint ventures yesterday. The cooperation planned by these two
groups will initially focus on the automotive and durable products
sectors. They will concentrate especially on express distribution and
developing activities in the Middle East, Central Asia and the Balkans
as well as Turkey. The Koc Holding Company has established an
Information Group in order to strengthen its global competition
strategies. The Information Group will coordinate the studies of Koc
Holding in the field of information technologies. Ali Y.Koc has been
appointed as the Head of the Executive Committee of the Information
Group. /Star/
[30] COMPANIES PLEDGE
The fight of women against inflation has begun to show dividends.
Migros has accepted to declare prices for its goods, while Coca Cola,
Ulker, Bosch, Siemens, Profilo, Beko, Arcelik, Pastavilla, Maret, Sek
Sut, Tat and Reis Gida Companies have pledged not to increase their
products' prices more than 25%, which is the target rate of inflation
the year. The Companies conveyed their decisions in writing to KADER
(Women's Association). The Association of Consumers also stated that
they would support the efforts women. /Sabah/
[31] FLOWERS FROM ANTALYA
The special days celebrated in Europe, Christmas, World Woman's Day,
Easter, Valentine's Day and Mothers' Day, make florists, especially in
Antalya, happy. On these days, flower exports from the region increased
two or three fold. They are now getting ready for 'Mothers' Day` which
will be celebrated in Britain on April 2nd. 15 million of carnations
will be exported to this country from Antalya and the consignments of
flowers will start this week. /Sabah/
[32] IZVESTIYA PRAISES TURKISH TOURISM
Izvestiya, a leading Russian newspaper, praised Turkish tourism in its
supplement, published yesterday. An article entitled 'The Country of
Those Waiting for the Russians' explained the natural and historic
assets of Turkey and the hospitality of the Turkish people. It also
said that tourists can spend their holidays in Turkey in safety.
/Aksam/
[33] GALATASARAY ON CNN'S LIST
Following the election on Eurosport of Galatasaray as the 'team of the
year`, the prominent News Channel, CNN, included it on its weekly list
of the most succesful ten soccer teams in the world. Manchester United
was in first place, while Galatasaray was the first Turkish soccer team
in the top ten leaving Italian's Inter soccer team behind. /Sabah/
[34] FROM THE COLUMNS... FROM THE COLUMNS... FROM THE COLUMNS...
[34] IS ANKARA ASLEEP? BY DOGAN HEPER (MILLIYET)
Columnist Dogan Heper comments on recent developments in Northern Iraq.
A summary of his column is as follows: "As Turkey has turned her eyes
to the West, she has forgotten the East. In the meantime, a Kurdish
state has been established in Northern Iraq in a way where there is no
return. Only an official declaration is needed. Ankara is not aware
that she is faced with an accomplished fact with the reception given by
Northern Iraq in Nevruz. For a long time, Turkish experts have stated
that it was impossible to establish a Kurdish State in Northern Iraq
and this probably influenced Ankara. Today the army parades and
security forces in Northern Iraq are aired on TV stations. Only a
State can have such an army or a security force, not counting the
Government, customs and tax collection organizations and courts.
Notwithstanding these developments Ankara carried on saying that she
was in favour of the territorial integrity of Iraq. As Baghdad
refrained from extending a helping hand to Northern Iraq, a state was
formed in the power vacuum. This opportunity was provided by the United
States. Does not the arrogant acts of the Westerners coming to Turkey
coincide with this formation? We have to be vigilant instead of
viewing these statements as being overly suspicious. As Turkey has
turned her eyes to the West, ignoring the question, the West is ready
to snatch away the Southeastern problem from Turkey's hands. In order
to view the question correctly, you just have to think who did the
European Ministers visiting Ankara want to meet and whom did they
defend. Their actions make it clear that Europe wants to impose a
solution on Southeastern Anatolia. How close are the ties between these
wishes and the formation in Northern Iraq? Are they the pieces of a
puzzle? If the European Ministers coming to Ankara want to visit the
People's Democracy Party and do not meet with the Virtue Party which is
on the verge of being closed, or ask for an appointment to see Leyla
Zana in prison, but do not remember Hasan Celal Guzel who is also in
prison, this could only be defined as applying double standards. The
reception in Ankara given by Northern Iraq has aggravated the
situation. This aggravation concerns the unawareness of Ankara. Is
there a recognized State in Iraq, that they may hold a reception? The
developments in Turkey should not reach standards where they could
disrupt the unity and brotherhood among citizens. Ankara still holds
the key to the situation. The Southeast development plan should be
implemented immediately and effectively. The military victory won
against terrorism should be used to enhance brotherhood among the
people. The people in the Southeast should live in prosperity with what
they earn. In the meantime, Ankara should be able to keep the situation
in Northern Iraq under control."
[35] NEW DAY STARTED WELL BY ORHAN BIRGIT (CUMHURIYET)
Columnist Orhan Birgit writes on the Nevruz(New Day) celebrations. A
summary of his column is as follows: "It has pleased all who want to
see the 21st of March each year as the rebirth of Nature, that the
Nevruz celebrations have taken place in peace, against expectations in
certain circles. In the past, as Nevruz approached, all security forces
of the State were alerted, provocators came on to the scene and the
festival which was not known to whom it belonged to turned into a
nightmare instead of a feast. In the past, we used to experience a
similar situation during Labour Day on March first. The Government took
precautions in a state of panic and indeed those circles which tried to
disturb this holiday introduced violence to it. We have to state that
the country of origin for Nevruz is neither Anatolia, nor Mesopotamia.
The holiday celebrated by the Central Asian States today may be the
common festival of various tribes looking for new places for themselves
during the long road from ancient times till today. In a statement he
issued yesterday, Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said that Nevruz was a
holiday of brotherhood and friendship deeply rooted in history. It
should be mentioned that to celebrate the Nevruz festival in peace the
maturity of not only the State but also the People's Democracy Party
(HADEP) was needed. HADEP has frustrated the efforts of the provocators
and observers coming from various European countries. We hope that
those who view 21 March 2000 as the rebirth of a new policy by HADEP
are not disappointed. We have to mention once more that spring means
hope and every new day brings fresh beginnings for new hopes."
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