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Turkish Press Review, 99-07-08

Turkish Press Review Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

From: Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs <http://www.mfa.gov.tr>

08.07.99

Summary of the political and economic news in the Turkish press this morning


CONTENTS

  • [01] FROM THE COLUMNS..FROM THE COLUMNS..FROM THE COLUMNS..
  • [02] SPECIAL KOSOVO
  • [03] TURCO-ROMANIAN JOINT INVESTMENTS TO INCREASE
  • [04] KIEKENS EXPRESSES SORROW OVER ULUGBAY'S ATTEMPTED SUICIDE
  • [05] DENKTAS: "IT IS NECESSARY TO AWAIT THE DECISION OF THE TGNA"
  • [06] SELCUK IS THE NEW CHIEF COURT OF APPEAL JUDGE
  • [07] ROTH: "I CONDEMN PKK ATTACKS"
  • [08] ANKARA CALLS ITALY'S STANCE ON PKK 'GRAVE'
  • [09] PKK TERRORISTS CAPTURED IN N.IRAQ
  • [10] ONE COMMANDER, ONE SOLDIER DIE IN TERRORIST ATTACK
  • [11] THOSE WHO WANT POLITICAL ASYLUM FOR OCALAN FAIL
  • [12] ANKARA CLOSELY FOLLOWS ESAD'S VISIT TO MOSCOW
  • [13] COHEN'S AGENDA IS AEGEAN AND CYPRUS
  • [14] CYPRUS CRISIS BETWEEN TURKEY AND THE U.S.
  • [15] SEZAI BEKGOZ: IMKB DEPUTY CHAIRMAN
  • [16] INVESTMENTS IN THE EAST IN 2000
  • [17] ESKISEHIR TO SERVICE NATO PLANES
  • [18] 10 HELICOPTERS JOIN TURKISH ARMED FORCES
  • [19] A GIANT TRADE CENTRE IN IZMIR
  • [20] REFORM OF INTERNATIONAL TRANSPORT REGULATIONS
  • [21] NEW MODEL IN INCENTIVES
  • [22] ROMANIAN MEDAL FOR GEN.KIVRIKOGLU
  • [23] 4 QUADRILLION TL FOR EDUCATION
  • [24] UNDERWATER RESEARCHER IN TURKEY
  • [25] TRT BROADCASTING IN AUSTRALIA
  • [26] TCDD ORGANIZES EUROPEAN TOUR
  • [27] 13TH INTERNATIONAL IZMIR FESTIVAL
  • [28] ISTANBUL POSTER RECEIVES AN AWARD
  • [29] WORLD YOUTH MEETING IN EDREMIT
  • [30] INTERNATIONAL WATER SEMINAR BEGINGS
  • [31] BRYAN ADAMS IN ISTANBUL
  • [32] YOUNG MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR COMPETITION
  • [33] SCIENTIFIC COOPERATION BETWEEN TURKEY AND BULGARIA
  • [34] FROM THE COLUMNS..FROM THE COLUMNS..FROM THE COLUMNS..
  • [35] WHAT IS D'ALEMA'S PLAN? -BY SEMIH IDIZ (STAR)
  • [36] A NEW DIALOGUE IN THE AEGEAN -BY ILTER TURKMEN (HURRIYET)
  • [37] WHAT DOES D'ALEMA WANT? -BY ALI SIRMEN (CUMHURIYET)
  • [38] SPECIAL KOSOVO
  • [39] KOSOVAR REFUGEES RETURN TO THEIR COUNTRY
  • [40] LAST CONVOY OF TURKISH PEACE FORCE LEAVES FOR KOSOVO

  • [01] FROM THE COLUMNS..FROM THE COLUMNS..FROM THE COLUMNS..

    [02] SPECIAL KOSOVO

    [03] TURCO-ROMANIAN JOINT INVESTMENTS TO INCREASE

    President Suleyman Demirel and his official guest Romanian President Emil Constantinescu arrived yesterday in Istanbul. Then the two Presidents attended a luncheon given in their honour by members of the Turco-Romanian Business Council. Speaking at the luncheon, Demirel stressed the rapid growth in economic and commercial relations between Turkey and Romania which has taken place within a short period of time. He noted that 15,000 Turkish entrepreneurs are involved in doing business in Romania. There are 5,600 companies in the latter country which have been established with Turkish capital; Turkish investments have reached $ 1.2 billion. The trade balance between the two countries in 1998 was $ 813 million. /Aksam/

    [04] KIEKENS EXPRESSES SORROW OVER ULUGBAY'S ATTEMPTED SUICIDE

    IMF Executive Director Willy Kiekens, the man responsible for the European region including Turkey, expressed his sorrow over the suicide attempt of State Minister responsible for the economy, Hikmet Ulugbay, and said: "Our wish is that he will recover as soon as possible". Kiekens remarked that the word 'consolidation' voiced by the Head of the IMF Turkey-Desk Carlo Cottarelli during his speech did not mean the postponement of debts and added: "Turkey does not need to postpone debts". Kiekens pointed out that during the meetings held betweeen Turkey and the IMF delegation in Ankara, Ulugbay, who represented the Turkish Government, had been very successful. Kiekens stated that due to Ulugbay's efforts, relations between Turkey and the IMF had reached a very positive point. Kiekens said: "I don't think that Ulugbay's suicide attempt will negatively affect Turkish-IMF meetings. Actually, we have declared in the final document that we have reached a positive stage". /Hurriyet/

    [05] DENKTAS: "IT IS NECESSARY TO AWAIT THE DECISION OF THE TGNA"

    The President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), Rauf Denktas, said in a statement concerning the death penalty decision passed on the head of the PKK terrorist organization, Abdullah Ocalan, that it was necessary to await the completion of legal procedures and the decision of the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TGNA). He added: "If Europe regards this person as very important, why did they not accept his asylum demand? Because they know that he is a criminal. They get frightened. They could not have carried out their responsibilities. This issue does not constitute negativity between Europe and Turkey". Denktas pointed out that Europe was exerting every effort to create tension in its relations with Turkey and stated that Europe was currently using the Ocalan issue to that end. Denktas remarked that the EU should decide on its stance towards Turkey and added that it was not right to assume a different stance towards Turkey when a NATO operation is on the agenda. /Hurriyet/

    [06] SELCUK IS THE NEW CHIEF COURT OF APPEAL JUDGE

    Assc.Prof.Sami Selcuk was elected the new Chief Judge of the Court of Appeal yesterday. During the first three rounds of voting, none of the candidates managed to receive the absolute majority: 120 votes. Ismet Arslan, the acting Chief Judge of the Court of Appeal, and Sami Selcuk, the Head of the fourth Criminal Department of the Court of Appeal, went on to the last round. At the end of the vote-counting, while Arslan received 93 votes, Selcuk received 129 votes and became the new Chief Judge of the Court of Appeal. /Hurriyet/

    [07] ROTH: "I CONDEMN PKK ATTACKS"

    German Parliamentary member Claudia Roth said that if Turkey does not execute the head of the PKK terrorist organization, Abdullah Ocalan, this will cause many developments in various issues. Roth held a press conference at the German Embassy in Ankara yesterday and stated that even though there is the death sentence in Turkey, it had not been implemented for 15 years. She said that no pressure should be placed on Turkey concerning whether or not the death sentence will be carried out and added that she condemned the activities carried out by PKK terrorists both in Turkey and in Europe. Roth was not allowed to meet Ocalan. Concerning this issue, she said: "I can undertand this, because the judicial process is not completely over". /Hurriyet/

    [08] ANKARA CALLS ITALY'S STANCE ON PKK 'GRAVE'

    Turkey harshly criticized Italy's encouraging approach towards members and sympathizers of the PKK on Wednesday and called on the Rome government to act with prudence in order to preserve the 'solid foundations' on which the essence of Turco-Italian relations are based. Foreign Ministry Deputy Spokesman Sermet Atacanli said: "The fact that PKK supporters are increasingly given a free hand to carry out violence in Italy is a grave development. We call on Italian authorities to act realistically and with prudence in order to prevent further shadows from being cast on the friendly relations between our two countries."

    Following Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit's remarks on Italy's positive attitude towards PKK supporters on Tuesday, Turkish Ambassador to Rome Necati Utkan was summoned to the Italian Foreign Ministry yesterday. Utkan was presented with a verbal message describing Turkey's reaction to the occupation of a Turkish commercial office as 'exaggerated.' He was further told Turkey should refrain from interfering in the international domestic policies of Italy and the works of the Italian Parliament.

    Meanwhile, President Suleyman Demirel criticized Italy, for accepting a report about Ocalan and the PKK. He said if countries or persons found reasons for terrorism, this would mean that they supported violence. However, he stressed, terrorism was a disgrace for humanity. /Aksam/sabah/

    [09] PKK TERRORISTS CAPTURED IN N.IRAQ

    It was announced that PKK terrorists captured in Northern Iraq were preparing a plan to blow up the town of Erbil in line with orders they had received from Abdullah Ocalan's brother, Osman Ocalan. The Representative of the Iraqi Kurdistan Democratic Party (IKDP) to Washington, Ferhad Barzani, announced that three PKK militants had been captured within the IKDP region. He said: "The terrorists confessed that Osman Ocalan ordered them to launch a bomb attack against Erbil township. They also stated that they had received explosives from Suleymaniye which is still under the control of the Iraqi Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (IPUK)". /Aksam/

    [10] ONE COMMANDER, ONE SOLDIER DIE IN TERRORIST ATTACK

    Two soldiers lost their lives when a military convoy targeted by a group of terrorists was attacked in the Cukurca township in Southeastern Anatolia. According to the military sources the terrorist attack took place Tuesday night while the military convoy was en route to the province's gendarmerie headquarters. The attack prompted the launch of a security operation in the region aimed at capturing the terrorists. /All papers/

    [11] THOSE WHO WANT POLITICAL ASYLUM FOR OCALAN FAIL

    Italian Prime Minister Massimo D'Alema withdrew the draft decision which has been presented to the Italian Parliament and foresees political asylum for the head of the PKK terrorist organization, Abdullah Ocalan. In a statement following the voting, Marco Pezzoni, a Democratic Left Party member and the Head of the Foreign Relations Commission of the Assembly, said: "Those who want political asylum for Ocalan were unable to achieve their goal. They lost in the Italian Parliament". Pezzoni made some interesting statements concerning the withdrawal of the draft decision on political asylum for Ocalan and said: "It is an entirely political choice. It is a significant indication issuing from the Italian Parliament'; it shows that the Italian Parliament is not assuming a stance opposed to Turkey. On the contrary, this proves Italian-Turkish and Italian-Kurdish solidarity". /Hurriyet/

    [12] ANKARA CLOSELY FOLLOWS ESAD'S VISIT TO MOSCOW

    Ankara is closely following the Syrian Head of State Hafiz Esad's visit to Moscow. Turkish Foreign Ministry Deputy Spokesman Sermet Atacanli held a weekly press conference yesterday and said that Turkey was following Esad's visit in the light of information received from members of the press and related representative offices. Atacanli remarked that the visit did not concern others but only Syria and Russia and added: "However, we will make the necessary evaluation of its likely results and its impact on the region". /Milliyet/

    [13] COHEN'S AGENDA IS AEGEAN AND CYPRUS

    US Defence Secretary William Cohen will visit Turkey and Greece. According to a statement issued by the Pentagon, Cohen will visit Denmark, Norway, Hungary, Albania, Greece and Turkey between July 8-15, 1999. During his visit to Turkey, the Aegean and Cyprus problems will also be discussed. /Milliyet/

    [14] CYPRUS CRISIS BETWEEN TURKEY AND THE U.S.

    One of the most respected American experts on Turkey, Alan Makovsky, remarked that the policies of Ankara and Washington on the Cyprus issue have never been quite so at odds before and warned the present contradictions in policy could cause a rift in relations between Turkey and the U.S. He added that despite the fact that the Clinton Administration favours a more moderate handling of the Cyprus issue, there is a gap between the approaches of Ankara and Washington. "The worst is that the two governments act as if they do not know that this clash could lead to the severing of relations between them," said Makovsky.

    Meanwhile, President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), Rauf Denktas, who is still on tour in the Black Sea region, said that he devoted his life to Cyprus issue. He remarked that he had never enjoyed a private life but as a result a Republic had been established. And, he added, this Republic deserved everything.

    Meanwhile, British newspaper "The Guardian" issued a special Cyprus supplement on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the Cyprus Peace Operation. It reported that conditions for the maintenance of peace on the Island have become strained. It continued, the two sides have not yet reached an agreement on ways towards a solution and claimed that the Greek-Cypriot Administration's Foreign Minister, Yannis Kasulides, believed that the key to peace is in the hands of Washington." /Aksam/Hurriyet/

    [15] SEZAI BEKGOZ: IMKB DEPUTY CHAIRMAN

    Sezai Bekgoz, the Head of the Stock Exchange Inspection Council, has been elected Deputy Chairman of the Istanbul Stock Exchange (IMKB). Ibrahim Kurban, the Head of the Accounts Standards Department in the Capital Market Council, will be the Head of the Inspection Council. /Hurriyet/

    [16] INVESTMENTS IN THE EAST IN 2000

    According to an investment circular published with the signature of Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit, priority will be given to investments in education, health, energy, irrigation, drinkable water and sewerage systems in the year 2000, especially in the Southeastern Anatolia Project (GAP) region. The Prime Ministry Circular on the Basis of the Investment Programme for the year 2000 was published in the Official Gazette yesterday. According to the circular, in order to decrease the differences in regional development rates, in addition to the investments to be made in Eastern and Southeastern Anatolia and the 'Development Priority' Regions, public investments will be directed towards economic and social infrastructure. All public institutions hoping to invest will send their proposals concerning the legal and institutional arrangements for the programme to the State Planning Organization (DPT) before July 15, 1999. /Hurriyet/

    [17] ESKISEHIR TO SERVICE NATO PLANES

    An agreement was signed between NATO and two Turkish companies that foresees engine maintenance work on the Alliance's Airborne Warning and Control Systems (AWACS) planes being carried out in Eskisehir. Servicing and repairs on approximately 40 TF33-type engines used in the special radar and communications aircraft will be handled by Tusas Engine Industries and First Air Supply and maintenance by theMilitary Service. The contract, which will begin in October 1999, is expected to bring nearly $ 8 million in foreign currency into the country.

    [18] 10 HELICOPTERS JOIN TURKISH ARMED FORCES

    In a ceremony held at the Land Forces' Aviation Academy in Ankara yesterday 10 of the 50 Black Hawk helicopters purchased from the Sikorsky Company were delivered to the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK). Chief of General Staff General Huseyin Kivrikoglu, Defense Minister Sabahattin Cakmakoglu, Air Forces' Commander Gen.Ilhan Kilic, Land Forces' Commander General Atilla Ates, the U.S. Ambassador to Ankara, Mark Parris, and other high-level officials attended the ceremony.

    Speaking at the ceremony the Chief of General Staff said that the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK), which aims to be one of the most powerful armed forces in the world, had the capacity to protect the Republic of Turkey from every threat. He stated that they had bought 50 Sikorsky's Black Hawk helicopters as part of the modernization programme of the TSK. /Aksam/

    [19] A GIANT TRADE CENTRE IN IZMIR

    Construction of the Izmir Trade Centre by the Isbirligi Corporation is underway. Officials announced that the 14-floor Centre will be completed within a year and it will cost $ 15 million. There will be shops, offices, restaurants, meeting halls and cinemas in the centre./Akasm/

    [20] REFORM OF INTERNATIONAL TRANSPORT REGULATIONS

    Regulations concerning international highway transport have been amended. According to the decision taken by the Council of Ministers and issued in the Official Gazette, vehicles' axle lenght and the weight of passenger and goods vehicles on international highways cannot exceed the limits determined by the Highway Regulations. In an extraordinary situation, a special permit can be requested from the Highway's General Directorate. /Aksam/

    [21] NEW MODEL IN INCENTIVES

    The Treasury Deputy Undersecretary Ferhat Emil said that proposals for the establishment of a new incentive system model were being evaluated and, later, infrastructure in line with this system would be set up. The second round of the 'Evaluation of General Incentive Policies and the Determination of New Strategies' jointly organized by the Treasury Undersecretariat and the Turkish Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges (TOBB) started yesterday. Emil delivered a speech at the meeting and stated that the initial aim of the meeting was to determine the basis of the incentive policy and steps to be taken. /Turkiye/

    [22] ROMANIAN MEDAL FOR GEN.KIVRIKOGLU

    The Romanian President Constantinescu, who is currently paying an official visit to Turkey, presented the Romanian Star to the Turkish Chief of General Staff, Gen.Huseyin Kivrikoglu, yesterday. Gen.Kivrikoglu said: "Economic and cultural relations between Turkey and Romania are also seen amongst the military". /Turkiye/

    [23] 4 QUADRILLION TL FOR EDUCATION

    National Education Minister Metin Bostancioglu said that 4.038 quadrillion TL has been allocated for the eight-year uninterrupted compulsory education programme. Bostancioglu stated that most of this amount had been spent on investments while there is currently 55 trillion TL in cash left. /Turkiye/

    [24] UNDERWATER RESEARCHER IN TURKEY

    Dr.Robert Ballard, a renowned underwater researcher, has arrived in Turkey. Ballard will carry out research into shipwrecks by using the same state-of-the-art technology which was used to find the shipwrecked Titanic. Ballard, accompanied by a 20-member delegation, will begin his research in the depths of Sinop and will work from the Saros research vessel, rented from Turkish businessman Rahmi Koc by the Turkish Underwater Archaeology Institute (TINA). The research will comprise the Sinop-Crimea line. /Milliyet/

    [25] TRT BROADCASTING IN AUSTRALIA

    The Turkish Radio and Television Corporation (TRT) announced on Tuesday that TRT-INT, TRT FM and Radio Voice of Turkey broadcasts can be picked up in Australia via satellite starting on July 25, reported the Anatolian News Agency.

    [26] TCDD ORGANIZES EUROPEAN TOUR

    Turkish Railways (TCDD) will organize a tour to Europe in September and October. Participants will have the opportunity to visit historic tourist sites in Vienna, Bucharest, Budapest, Prague and Sofia. /Turkiye/

    [27] 13TH INTERNATIONAL IZMIR FESTIVAL

    The 13th International Izmir Festival is underway. Nigel Kennedy, a renowned violinist, staged a wonderful classical music concert at Cesme Open Air Theatre thanks to the Izmir Hilton Hotel yesterday. /Hurriyet/

    [28] ISTANBUL POSTER RECEIVES AN AWARD

    During a competition organized by an Austrian tourism magazine at the Salzburg Tourism Fair, a Tourism Ministry poster 'Istanbul', the photograph on which was taken by Tansu Gurpinar, received the Golden Grand Prix award. By attracting a great deal of attention from the visitors, the Istanbul poster received 3,880 points. Thus, Turkey received the award for the second time following last year's award. During a ceremony held in Salzburg, the Turkish Consul-General, Sinan Balkir, and other officials were also present. /Hurriyet/

    [29] WORLD YOUTH MEETING IN EDREMIT

    "The World Youth Meeting" will be organized this summer in Zeytinli, Edremit, attended by young people from Europe, Latin America, the Balkan countries and Turkey. The activity aims to contravene war and support the scientific research and will last 10 days. During the meeting, workshop studies, panels and interviews will occur and various groups and singers will stage concerts. Young people who desire to attend the meeting can call: 419 03 70. /Cumhuriyet/

    [30] INTERNATIONAL WATER SEMINAR BEGINGS

    "The Improvement of Water Management and Organization of Limited Sources" seminar has begun in Izmir with contributions from the State Water Affairs (DSI), the September Ninth University, the German Technical Cooperation Institution (GTZ) and the International Water Management Institution (IWMI). The State Water Affairs General Directorate's Operation and Maintenance Office's Chairman, Savas Uskay, said during his speech that water management in Turkey is good enough to be taken as an example by many countries. /Cumhuriyet/

    [31] BRYAN ADAMS IN ISTANBUL

    Seven years ago, in 1992, Bryan Adams was the first Western star to hold stadium concerts in Turkey. Tonight, at 21.30, the Canadian singer will be with music lovers at Beylerbeyi Stadium in Istanbul. /Cumhuriyet/

    [32] YOUNG MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR COMPETITION

    The 7th Young Musician of the Year Competition will be held by the British Council this year, the subject being Orchestral Composition. The last application date for the competition which aims to familiarize people with polyphonic music and support young musicians, is 4th February 2000. The Competition is open to all Turkish composers born after 4th February 1970. The work should be composed for orchestra and its duration has to be 15 minutes max. and 8 minutes min. /Cumhuriyet/

    [33] SCIENTIFIC COOPERATION BETWEEN TURKEY AND BULGARIA

    A scientific and technical cooperation was signed yesterday between the Thrace University and the Bulgarian Plovdiv University. Addressing the signing ceremony, Prof.Osman Inci, Rector of the Thrace University, said that the protocol envisages cooperation between the two universities in the fields of scientific research, fine arts and sports activities, the Anatolia News Aegncy reports.

    [34] FROM THE COLUMNS..FROM THE COLUMNS..FROM THE COLUMNS..

    [35] WHAT IS D'ALEMA'S PLAN? -BY SEMIH IDIZ (STAR)

    Columnist Semih Idiz comments on the recent developments in Italy. A summary of his column is as follows:

    "Why does a country like Italy want to burn its bridges with another important country while the whole world is looking on? Why does it damage its own interests? It is either because it is not wise enough or it has other plans. We cannot find any other explanation for the stance taken by Italy towards Turkey.

    Those reading the text of D'Alema's speech which he delivered in Parliament immediately feel his tone of superiority. As if a superior country is talking to an inferior one, and giving lessons. It is true that he has denounced the PKK attacks in Turkey not mentioned in the text. He even said that they wanted to see Turkey as a member of the EU and talked about the friendship between the two nations.

    However, he did not add any enthusiasm to his words which could have made them convincing. They were all expressions said 'pro forma' to suit a pattern. To top them all, D'Alema replied to Prime Minister Ecevit's reaction by increasing the dosage of his tutoring tone. He is not aware that all these expressions hold certain traps for him.

    He stated that no Prime Minister had the right to interfere with the sovereignty of another country's Parliament. That is, Prime Minister Ecevit had no right to comment on an issue which concerned the vital interests of the Turkish Republic.

    He sees no harm in denouncing the execution decision taken by the Turkish Parliament within a legal framework, making announcements on all subjects concerning the sovereignty of Turkey. However, when he receives a harsh response, he starts talking about his own sovereignty rights.

    If the Turkish Parliament votes in favour of Ocalan's execution upon what will he base his arguments? Will he say that this is the decision of a sovereign Parliament and therefore we have no right to intervene? We are infuriated by D'Alema but is he worth it? Is he a Statesman who has a say in important matters? We have to take these matters into consideration.

    He was unsuccessful in persuading the EU to take a strong stand againgst Turkey when he hosted Ocalan in Rome. He failed to convince Germany to receive the head of the PKK terrorist organization for trial. In Kosovo he was against the NATO air strikes and wanted them stopped. He is now trying for a united stand to be adopted by the EU countries. Other EU countries made statements reflecting their views on the issue separately and left the matter to time.

    D'Alema has been unsuccessful on the Ocalan affair, he has not achieved what he wanted in the Kosovo crisis, and finally lost the local election in Bologna which was considered to be the bulwark of the left.

    He is now trying to succeed at the expense of Turkey. What does it matter, if he has burnt the bridges with a country which was of vital importance for Italy!"

    [36] A NEW DIALOGUE IN THE AEGEAN -BY ILTER TURKMEN (HURRIYET)

    Former Ambassador Ilter Turkmen writes on the dialogue between Greece and Turkey. A summary of his column is as follows:

    "One of the characteristics of Turco-Greek relations is that a period of calm is followed by storm. There is one simple reason for this and that is that the two countries can neither engage in war nor agree on a compromise. To escape from this impasse, the Foreign Ministers of the two countries met in New York at the end of June, and beginning a dialogue, decided to search for cooperation opportunities in combatting terrorism, illegal immigration, organized crime, drug trafficking, and cooperation in the fields of trade, culture and the environment. Government representatives will meet in July for this purpose. The efforts of Cem and Papandreu should be applauded.

    The Turkish Foreign Minister requested an agreement on cooperation in combatting terrorism in his letter dated 24 May. However, Papandreu's approach was different. He did not shut the door to an agreement on terrorism but he also did not want to enter into a commitment at this stage. His reference to the principles of human rights accepted by the Council of Europe suggests that it will not be so easy to reach an agreement on the concept of terrorism. The general approach of the Greek Minister is different to that of Cem. He does not give priority to controversial issues such as the continental shelf in the Aegean. He prefers to take confidence-building measures and steps which will normalize Turco-Greek relations.

    There is no sign that Greece will change the policy she has been following in the EU. In fact, if there has to be an agreement, Greece has to stop blocking the financial aid promised to Turkey by the EU long time ago. It is understood that Papandreu is working on the issue, but has not obtained any results as yet.

    The ambiguous approach of Greece reflects the clash of two views. One of them sees the EU as the main factor in Greek politics and think that Turkey's membership could be to the advantage of Greece. The other view believes that Greece should be one of the leading parties ensuring the exclusion of Turkey from the EU.

    The two countries have made a good start but they have a long and complex process in front of them. At present the atmosphere is suitable for a solution to the problems. However, a factor to be remembered is that the Cyprus problem is a part of Turco-Greek relations and the source of much discord. Without solving this question the Greek policy of damaging Turkey's interests both at a bilateral and regional level will not change."

    [37] WHAT DOES D'ALEMA WANT? -BY ALI SIRMEN (CUMHURIYET)

    Columnist Ali Sirmen writes on the recent developments in Italy. A summary of his column is as follows:

    "As in chess, the aim of politics is to understand the long-term goal of your opponent while he is forcing your hand. However, when you look at what Italian Prime Minister D'Alema is doing, you cannot but wonder what he is playing at.

    If these developments had taken place during the Cold War it would be easy to understand as everything was black and white then. At present, the controversies between labour and capital may be the same, but the colours have changed, subtleties have increased and politics has begun to be played among fine lines and details.

    Therefore, it is hard to understand D'Alema's aim. He is trying to turn all the attention to Ocalan through domestic politics and in a way his policy seems to have been adopted by Italians.

    Does the Italian Prime Minister really see Ocalan as the "heroic leader of the oppressed Kurds who want independence"? Did he not read the public opinon polls issued one after another or the statements of Ocalan made at the trial to the effect that what he did was wrong, and that a compromise could only be reached within a unitary State. Does not he understand that no international conference can create a Kurdistan within the borders of the Turkish Republic?

    Turkey is strong enough to crush all international plots on the issue and she is equipped with strong arguments and social research data. Does not D'Alema know that there are States who know that instability in the Middle East will not serve their interests whatever their ambitions may be?

    We have written again and again that the execution of Ocalan's death sentence was a political matter and as the legal process is not over yet it is not a subject to be discussed. However, D'Alema himself brought the issue up, an issue which can heighten emotions, and increase speculations. We shall not fall prey to our anger and start needless discussions on the matter.

    Even among the most liberal people who believe that commonsense should prevail in solving the problems of the country, following the initative of D'Alema there are those who say that may be a radical solution would be correct, believing that in the future Europe may use the Ocalan affair to obtain some other compromises.

    So we have to ask, does D'Alema really wants Ocalan's life to be spared or does he want to send him to the gallows?"

    [38] SPECIAL KOSOVO

    [39] KOSOVAR REFUGEES RETURN TO THEIR COUNTRY

    Kosovar refugees who have taken shelter in Turkey as a result of ethnic-cleasing campaign in Ksovo, continued to rerturn to Kosovo yesterday, the Anatolia News Agency reports. A total of 8,596 out of 17,746 Kosovar refugees have left Turkey from the Edirne-Kapikule border gate for Kosovo since the peace agreement which was reached on June 30.

    [40] LAST CONVOY OF TURKISH PEACE FORCE LEAVES FOR KOSOVO

    The last convoy of Kosovo Turkish Peace Force which will join the Multinational Force (K-FOR) which was formed to maintain peace in Kosovo left for Kosovo at 08.30 local time yesterday by two airplanes belonging to the Turkish Airlines (THY). There are a total of 457 soldier s in the last convoy under the command of Major Semih Berberoglu. The last convoy will land on the Macedonian capital, Skopje, and then proceed to Kosovo by highway, the Anatolia News Agency reports.
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