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Turkish Press Review, 99-07-14Turkish Press Review Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs <http://www.mfa.gov.tr>14.07.99Summary of the political and economic news in the Turkish press this morningCONTENTS
[01] FROM THE COLUMNS...FROM THE COLUMNS...FROM THE COLUMNS...[02] SPECIAL KOSOVO[03] ULUGBAY DISCHARGED FROM HOSPITALState Minister Hikmet Ulugbay was discharged from Baskent Hospital yesterday, where he had been undergoing treatment for six days following a suicide attempt. Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit, who accompanied Ulugbay when he left the hospital, said that Ulugbay will continue to 'contribute to the country', the Anatolia News Agency reports.[04] GOVERNMENT WORKING TOWARDS INTERNATIONAL ARBITRATIONThe coalition government is preparing a package of constitutional amendments to allow international arbitration to speed up foreign capital inflow to Turkey. Agreement has not yet been reached, however, on a draft text which was prepared and presented to coalition members by Energy Minister Cumhur Ersumer. Responding to a journalist in Parliament who asked why the constitutional amendment draft had been delayed, Ersumer said: "There is no problem. The amendments have been outlined in the government programme and protocol". Turkey should be integrated into international institutions and opened up to international capital, Ersumer stated, adding, however, that this should not be in conflict with Turkey's national interests. /All papers/[05] KDP: FIVE CIVILIANS DIE IN PKK ATTACKKurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) sources in Washington claimed that five civilians died and 29 were wounded during a PKK attack in northern Iraq's KDP-controlled Haciumran province, located close to the Iran-Iraq border. KDP sources said that the outlawed PKK had staged two other attacks in the same area this month. /All papers/[06] TURKEY PART OF CENTURY'S LAST GREAT NAVAL SPECTACLEWarships from Europe, the US, Russia, Tunisia and Morocco came together in Rouen, France, for what has been dubbed "The Armada of the Century", a gathering that has been referred to as the last great naval spectacle of the century, the Anatolia News Agency reports. Turkey is represented by the Yildirim Frigate, which was visited by 4,500 people during the first three days of the event, making it the most popular warship. Adm.Ozden Ornek, the Navy's Chief of Staff, said that the Yildirim Frigate would visit Baltic countries following the display. He added that this will be the first visit of a Turkish warship to these countries.[07] PUK DELEGATION TO VISIT ANKARAA delegation of high-level officials from the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) is expected to arrive in Ankara for consultations before the weekend, Foreign Ministry Deputy Spokesman Sermet Atacanli said yesterday. The PUK delegation will meet with high-level Turkish Foreign Ministry officials to discuss the latest developments in northern Iraq. /All papers/[08] ANTI-DUMPING DRAFT LAW APPROVEDA draft law which envisages an amendment to the Anti-Dumping Law was approved at the Planning and Budgetary Commission of the Turkish Parliament yesterday. According to the draft law, an anti-dumping investigation will be opened even without any complaints if there is sufficient evidence. The draft law has come onto the agenda when cheap textile products coming from Far Eastern countries caused the closure of big textile factories in Turkey. /Milliyet/[09] TSKB RECEIVES AAThomson Bankwatch has extended AA degree to the Turkish Industrial Development Bank (TSKB) for its long-term TL transactions. This degree has been the highest one given by Thomson Bankwatch both at domestic and developing foreign markets. /Milliyet/[10] ECEVIT: "OUT-DATED REGIME CANNOT BE ENDURED ANY MORE"Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit responded to questions posed by journalists upon his arrival at the Prime Ministry building yesterday and said concerning the demonstrations being carried out by university students in Iran that the out-dated regime in that country could not be endured any more. Ecevit stated that the Iranian nation was highly sophisticated and added: "However, Turkey does not involve in internal affairs of any country". /Milliyet/[11] FINANCE MINISTER TO BRING TAX REFORM TO CABINETFinance Minister Sumer Oral spoke to business representatives on tax reform yesterday. Oral received Chairman of the Turkish Industrialists' and Businessmen's Association (TUSIAD) Erkut Yucaoglu, Chairman of Istanbul Trade Chamber's (ITO) Board of Directors, Mehmet Yildirim, Chairman of ITO's Assembly, Atalay Sahinoglu, Chairman of Istanbul Industrial Chambers' (ISO) Board of Directors, Husamettin Kavi and some other business representatives, the Anatolia News Agency reports. Following the meeting, Oral told members of the press that he would meet with representatives of the self-employed, workers and farmers in the coming days. Oral remarked that business representatives had voiced the opinion in the meeting that some items of last year's tax reform should be reviewed.[12] THY, POAS PRIVATIZATION IN 2000The bidding process for the privatization of the state-run companies Turkish Airlines (THY), Petroleum Office Co. (POAS) and Petkim will begin at the end of 1999 and will be completed in the first half of 2000, Privatization Board (OIB) Chairman Ugur Bayar announced yesterday, the Anatolia News Agency reports.[13] POLAND AND TURKEY REACH CONSENSUSTurkey and Poland have reached consensus on a free trade agreement, which will officially be signed in September. According to the Foreign Trade Undersecretariat, talks for a free trade agreement between Poland and Turkey began in 1997 and concluded on July 8-9 of this year. The agreement is scheduled to kick in on July 1, 2000.The agreement focuses in particular on industrial products but also is intended to facilitate the trading of agricultural products. The agreement foresees the reciprocal and gradual reduction of tariffs on some products to zero by January 1, 2002, the Anatolia News Agency reports. [14] CAKMAKOGLU IN LONDONTurkish Defense Minister Sabahattin Cakmakoglu is currently paying an official visit to London as the guest of his British counterpart George Robertson. Cakmakoglu began to hold a series of official meetings yesterday. During the meetings, arms trade, military training and the recent developments in Kosovo were discussed. /Turkiye/[15] KOSGEB GENERAL COUNCIL MEETSThe General Council of the Development and Support Administration of Small and Medium-Scale Enterprises (KOSGEB) will be held today in Ankara under the chairmanship of State Minister Tunca Toskay. According to a statement issued by KOSGEB, members of the KOSGEB General Council, Ministers of Finance, National Education and Labour and Social Welfare, Undersecretaries from the State Planning Organization (DPT) and Trade Ministry and many high-level officials will attend the General Council meeting. /Turkiye/[16] CILLER HARSHLY CRITICIZES THE GOVERNMENTThe leader of the True Path Party (DYP) Tansu Ciller criticized the economic implementations of the Government and said: "This is not a right path". Ciller delivered a speech during a press conference held at the DYP General Centre in Ankara yesterday and said concerning the social security draft law that this was not a reform but a deformation. /Turkiye/[17] VAHIT ERDEM: TGNA GENERAL SECRETARYIt is reported that Vahit Erdem has been appointed as the General Secretary of the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TGNA). Erdem will start his duty today. Erdem had become a nominee from the Motherland Party (ANAP) to be the Mayor of Ankara during the General and Local Elections held in Turkey on April 18, 1999. /Turkiye/[18] DENKTAS IN ANKARA TOMORROWThe 'Partnership Meeting' between Turkey and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) will be held on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the Cyprus Peace Operation. Turkish Foreign Ministry Deputy Spokesman Sermet Atacanli held a weekly press conference yesterday and said that TRNC President Rauf Denktas would come to Ankara tomorrow and was expected to deliver a speech at the Turkish Parliament. Atacanli remarked that the Partnership Meeting between Turkey and the TRNC would be held on July 19 in Lefkose. /Turkiye/[19] SEVEN DHKP-C TERRORISTS CAPTUREDDuring operations carried out by members of the Anti-Terrorism Department of the Corum Security Office yesterday, seven terrorists of the illegal DHKP-C organization were captured.During another operation carried out by members of the Anti-Terrorism Department of the Istanbul Security Office in the Alibeykoy and Eyup districts of Istanbul, seven members of the illegal IBDA-C organization were captured. On the other hand, an anti-aircraft was seized during an operation carried out by security forces in Tunceli. Meanwhile, three members of the PKK terrorist organization have surrendered to security forces in Hozat. A conflict occurred between security forces and PKK terrorists in the Zorkun Plateau in Osmaniye yesterday. During the conflict, sergeant Mustafa Sahin was wounded. /Turkiye-Star/ [20] TURKISH DELEGATION IN TOKYOA delegation consisting of officials from the Finance and Justice Ministries, Treasury Undersecretariat and Central Bank represented Turkey during a meeting of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) in Tokyo yesterday. Some countries especially Belgium harshly criticized Turkey concerning money-laundering. During the meeting, a report prepared at the end of a series of observations made in Turkey was also taken up. /Star/[21] TWO-MONTH ADDITIONAL PERIOD FOR FPThe Constitutional Court gave the Virtue Party (FP) a two-month extension to prepare its preliminary defence in a closure case brought against it by Chief Prosecutor Vural Savas for not observing strict limits on mixing religion with politics. /Star/[22] TURKISH PEACEKEEPING FORCE IN CAUCASIAFollowing the Balkan Peacekeeping Force established with the participation of all Balkan countries including Turkey, the Caucasian Peacekeeping Force will be set up. Azerbaijani and Georgian soldiers will take part in the Caucasian Peacekeeping Force which will be also supported by the US. This issue will be taken up during a visit to be paid by the US Defense Secretary William Cohen to Ankara today. The struggle against the PKK terrorist organization will also be taken up during Cohen's visit. /Star/[23] 'THE EXISTENCE OF THE PKK WILL END VERY SOON'One of the leading Russian magazines, 'Vlast', claimed that the existence of the PKK in Turkey will end very soon. It is reported that the PKK had entered into an ending process immediately after Abdullah Ocalan was deported from Damascus, Syria. In his article Vlademir Zavelski stated that the PKK was the last organization figthing under the 'reformist red flag'. He added, "It does not matter whether Ocalan will be executed or not, the presence of the PKK organization has already entered into an ending process." He also noted that Ocalan's statements during the trial on Imrali Island caused great unease among the PKK members and most of them decided to leave the organization. /Cumhuriyet/[24] NEW ALTERNATIVE IN NATURAL GASAccording to an international consortium, which is exploring oil in the Caspian Basin under the leadership of BP Amoco, announced that it found the largest natural gas resource of the world at the SDX-1 area in the Sah Sea which will make Azerbaijan the main natural gas producer in the world. Azerbaijani President Haydar Aliyev said in his statement at the Presidential Palace that pipelines to transport this natural gas to the world should pass through Turkey and Georgia. It is reported that the new resource will meet Turkey's natural gas needs for the next 25 years. /Cumhuriyet-Sabah/[25] FOREIGN INVESTMENT TO COME TO TURKEY STEP BY STEPTurkey is now at a cross-roads. The 57th government's determination in realizing reforms will not only aim to stabilize Turkish economy but also to create new opportunities for investors. After the reforms are made it is expected that foreign investors will not hesitate to invest in Turkey. Representative of the German Deutsche Bank, Laura Pappi, said that the 57th government is resolutely working to realize reforms. He added, "Foreign investors have been closely following Turkey. If concrete steps are taken in order to achieve reforms, foreign investment will come to Turkey step by step. It is hoped that there will be great changes in the Turkish market following the new reforms and foreign investors will benefit these positive changes." /Sabah/[26] MEETING OF THE SO-CALLED PARLIAMENT POSTPONEDIt is reported that the so-called Kurdish parliament-in-exile postponed its meeting to be organized this month in Spain's Basque region. According to a written statement issued by the 'speaker of the so-called parliament', because of the campaign they have launched to prevent the execution of Abdullah Ocalan, they decided to postpone the meeting planned to be held in July in Basque region. /Sabah/[27] OHAL EXTENDED FOUR MONTHSTurkish Parliament decided to extend the application of the State of Emergency Rule (OHAL) for four months from the date of 30 July 1999 in Diyarbakir, Hakkari, Siirt, Sirnak, Tunceli and Van provinces. Minister of Interior Affairs, Sadettin Tantan, said in his speech that terrorist activities aimed to damage Turkey and the Turkish flag. However, he added, they would not let foreign sources reach their dirty aims against Turkey. /Sabah/[28] POLICE SEIZE TERRORISTSChief of the Istanbul Police Hasan Ozdemir said that the police seized every PKK terrorist who has launched violent attacks since Abdullah Ocalan's capture. He added they aimed to end violence in Istanbul. In his statement Ozdemir said, "19 PKK terrorists, who exploded a bomb killing one and wounding 32 civilians last week in Avcilar, Istanbul, have already been captured. Together with the terrorists, we seized a great deal of arms, explosives and cyanide which they would drink and die in order not to speak if they were seized." He noted that Istanbul Police organization was ready to do everything to ensure the security of the civilians. /Sabah/[29] DEMIREL: "CONTINUE TO INCREASE TURKEY'S PRODUCTION"President Suleyman Demirel wanted Turkish businessmen to work and produce more in order to overcome the present economic crisis. Demirel first opened Cargill-Rota Yarimca Power Plant in Korfez township of Kocaeli and later a shopping center in Derince and finally he laid the foundation of the Automobile Organized Industry Region in Gebze yesterday. In his speech at the foundation-laying ceremony, Demirel stated that Turkey had sufficient capacity to overcome its present economic situation and become one of the developed countries in the world. He asked Turkish businessmen to work and to produce more in order to increase the standard of living of Turkish people. /Hurriyet/[30] OECD ASKS FOR REFORMSThe Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) stated that Turkey should realize its social security reform to strengthen its banking sector and to accelerate privatization process. It was reported that together with the realization of other reforms Turkey would come to the same level with other OECD countries. According to a recent OECD report on Turkey, it was highly expected that the three-year term economic programme of the Turkish government would be successful. It said, "Presently, the most important test that the government should pass through is the approval of the social security reform, which will contribute a lot to stabilize the Turkish economy." /Hurriyet/[31] TURKISH FOUNTAIN IN BOSNIATurkish squadron in Zenica, Bosnia-Herzegovina, and the Turkish Ministry of Culture jointly constructed a Turkish Fountain within the Zenica-Turkish Park. The fountain which is decorated with tiles brought from Iznik and marbles from Afyon is the symbol of Turco-Bosnian friendship. Culture Ministry Fine Arts General Director Mehmet Ozel said that the fountain had the same project with the fountains one in Sultanahmet and one in Vienna. He noted that 45 billion TL was spent for the construction. /HUrriyet/[32] CHEMISTRY OLYMPICSTurkish students once more proved their success among international circles. At the end of the 31st International Chemistry Olympics in Bangkok, Turkish students won a gold and three bronze medals. According to a written statement by the Turkish Scientific and Technical Research Institution (TUBITAK), 212 students from 53 countries attended the Olympics held between 4-11 July in Bangkok. /Cumhuriyet/[33] INTERNATIONAL DEVREK STICK FESTIVALThe 15th International Devrek Stick and Culture Festival will start on 16 July. During the three-day festival theatrical plays will be staged, exhibitions will be opened and music concerts will be held. Officials announced that the festival aimed to promote the famous Devrek sticks to the world. /Cumhuriyet/[34] TURKISH FESTIVAL IN YALOVAThe "Second Turkish Culture Art Festival" organized by the Yalova Folklore Training Centre (YAFEM) will be held between July 15-23. YAFEM Chairman Ozer Koyuncu said that within the framework of the Festival, folk dance groups from Tatarstan, Kyrgyzstan, Gagauz, Macedonia, Azerbaijan, Romania and Georgia will arrive in Yalova. Koyuncu stated that this Festival had significance so as to promote the Turkish culture. /Turkiye/[35] KOC, SABANCI, TUPRAS AT WORLD LEAGUEThe famous American Business Magazine, "Forbes", published 1,000 giant companies of the world. According to the list, Koc Holding placed 338th among the 1,000 firms with an income of 7 billion dollars and a market value of 2.42 billion dollars. Sabanci Holding ranks 446th with an income of 5.18 billion dollars and a market value of over 3 billion dollars, while Turkish Petroleum Rafineries Joint Company (TUPRAS) comes 714th with an income of 3.18 billion dollars and a market value of 4.9 billion dollars. Companies' market values are being evaluated with their total assets and stock prices. At the Forbes Magazine's list of the companies of the world which are the most powerful and have a high competition capacity, the American "General Electric" Company (GE), leaving behind all the companies, has become "the champion of the business world". The income of the GE is exceeding 100 billion dollars and its market value is over 332 billion dollars. /Aksam/[36] DARDANEL'S TRIUMPH IN ENGLANDDardanel has made an export agreement with England to deliver 2 thousand 400 tons of canned tunny to this country. According to Haluk Arpad, the Dardanel Executive Board Assistant Chairman, following a two month-period, the agreement worth 4 million dollars will be renewed with the same period as two months. /Aksam/[37] SHAME ON AMERICAWhile supporting Turkey's struggle against terrorism, the U.S. is making the separatist organization's propoganda. The Kurdish service of the "Voice of America" radio channel broadcast an interview with the PKK's European representative Faysal Dunlayici, having a code name, Kani Yilmaz. During the interview which was issued in two sections, Kani Yilmaz has harshly criticized Turkey. Political observers pointed out the contradiction of broadcasting an interview with a high level member of the PKK, which was declared as a terrorist organization also by America. /Aksam/[38] GREEK BARBARISM IN KOSHaluk Tekesin, a Turkish man born in Austria and still living in Holland, came to Bodrum on a vacation with his British and Scottish friends. While they were returning to Bodrum from Kos, he witnessed an anti-Turkish propaganda by a Greek customs policeman. He said, "There is terror and bloodshed in Turkey, aren't you afraid of going there? They slaughter you, rape you." After these words, Haluk Tekesin began to argue with the policeman. The police hit him and took him into custody. His friends informed the head official of Bodrum, Ugur Boran, then with the initiatives of the Foreign Affairs Ministry officials, Haluk Tekesin was released. He returned to Bodrum and said that they had beaten him and sworn at him continuously. /Aksam/[39] DTM STARTS INVESTIGATIONThe Foreign Trade Undersecretariat (DTM) started an investigation regarding the pipe fitting pieces imported from Brazil and China on a discounted rate. The investigation will reveal if the imported pieces caused unfair competition or not. The DTM's decision was published in yesterday's Official Gazette, the Anatolia News Agency reports.[40] FROM THE COLUMNS...FROM THE COLUMNS...FROM THE COLUMNS...[41] WILLIAM COHEN'S VISIT TO ANKARA -BY SEMIH IDIZ (STAR)Columnist Semih Idiz comments on the visit US Secretary of Defense William Cohen is going to pay to Turkey. A summary of his column is as follows:"What does the US Secretary of Defense Willam Cohen have in mind when he is coming to Ankara for an official visit? The general view is that he will apply pressure on Turkey concerning Cyprus as the US wants the negotiations on Cyprus to be started as soon as possible and with no pre-conditions. However, Ankara's response on the matter is known: "Turkey rejects the call for a negotiation with no pre-conditions. Unless equal status with the Greek Cypriots are guaranteed the Turkish Cypriots will not come to the table. We believe that a solution to the Cyprus problem passes through a confederal arrangement." In short, whatever pressure Cohen may apply, Ankara does not have any other answer to give at the moment, as the Ecevit Government has committed itself to this policy in front of the public. This point has been emphasized in all the statements made by the Government on the subject. Prime Minister Ecevit knows that a different approach on the matter will constitute political inconsistency. However, at present the US is not expected to apply pressure on the Turkish government. When Turco-American relations are running at their best, there is no point in tarnishing them. The US is concerned mainly over Kosovo and the Balkans. Cohen has started a five-country European tour to discuss these issues with her allies. The main theme of his visit is the 'Stability in Southeastern Europe'. The US Secretary of Defense will probably state that the Kosovo crisis has underlined the importance of stability in the region and therefore point out that issues such as Cyprus should be solved as soon as possible. In short, Cohen will try to convince Turkey rather than apply pressure on her. He will stress that Turkey's horizons will be widened with the solution of Turco-Greek disputes and the Cyprus issue. Turkish officials also noted that Cohen's visit would not only focus on Cyprus, but also include military cooperation, the fight against international terrorism, Northern Iraq, the Caucasus and international peacekeeping force for this region, the Middle East and Kosovo. All these do not mean that the US will not place pressure on Turkey in any way, as they are insistent on solving the Cyprus issue. However, these may come up just prior to Prime Minister Ecevit's expected visit to the US in September or October." [42] THE IMPORTANCE OF CYPRUS -BY AHMET TANER KISLALI (CUMHURIYET)Colmunist Ahmet Taner Kislali writes on the Cyprus issue. A summary of his column is as follows:"Turkey has saved the Turkish Cypriots from genocide twenty-five years ago. Turkey intervened in Cyprus in accordance with the treaties giving her guarantor rights and if today we believe that NATO was right in taking action in Kosovo, Turkey had every right to intervene in Cyprus in 1974." What will happen if Turkey accepts the proposals of the West she has rejected until now? If a federation is established, the island of Cyprus will be accepted to the EU in 24 hours. The Turks on the island, will be reduced into a minority status just like the Turks in Western Thrace. Turkey will be left in a position where she has no ties left with the island. The island will become a part of Greece through the EU and be left in a situation in the same position as Crete or Rhodes for Turkey. 25 years have passed over the Cyprus Peace Operation. The most important of them all, we have seen that no blood has been spilt either in the South or the North of Cyprus. Both the Turkish and the Greek Cypriots have lived in a democratic environment for 25 years. What is more, we have observed that from Makarios to Klerides, from the Greek junta to the present Greek Government, the Greek Cypriots have not abandoned the ideal of occupying the whole of the island. Another point which can be added is that the Greek or the Greek Cypriot side are not in favour of a lasting solution on the island, as they believe that such a solution would ease the matters for Turkey or Turkish side in the international arena and would add nothing to their situation which already stands at its best. However they could accept a peace proposal which would lead to their sovereignty over all Cyprus. Furthermore, we have to accept that whether due to the efforts of the Greek lobby in the US, or stemming from a close culture like in the EU, the West favours the Greek side. The EU which has no intention of accepting Turkey into the organization is using the Cyprus issue as an excuse and would keep moving the goal posts even if the concessions asked for are given. It should also be accepted that there is no opportunity for the Greek and Turkish Cypriots to co-exist in peace." These were the statements published in this column five years ago and they still are valid. The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus cannot exist by itself as the West does not permit it to do so. On the other hand, Turkey cannot make the concessions asked for by the Greek Cypriots depending on the Western world. Accepting this would be tantamount to Cyprus becoming a new Bosnia-Herzegovina or Kosovo! There is only one solution left and that is the establishment of a confederation based on the equal status of both parties or a TRNC dependent upon Turkey for her security and Foreign Affairs, completely autonomous concerning domestic affairs. During these days when the pressure on Cyrus issue is increasing every day, Turkish side should emphasize that it will implement this plan if the EU accepts the Greek Cypriots into the organization. Then all hell will rise in the West. The EU does not want Turkey in the organization but somehow needs her for many reasons. That why it is neither rejecting her nor accepting her but just keeps on delaying". [43] SPECIAL KOSOVO[44] SANBERK AT HOUSE OF COMMONSThe Turkish Ambassador to London, Ozdem Sanberk, explained the facts concerning the Cyprus Peace Operation to a group of deputies at the House of Commons in Britain and said: "Muslim and Orthodox people who were living in peace on Cyprus confronted many troubles when the Constitutional rules and regulations were violated". Sanberk remarked that Turkey sent soldiers to Cyprus in 1974 just as it sent to Kosovo a few weeks ago and added: "Turkey's aim is to protect people including women and children from ethnic-cleansing". /Turkiye/[45] CEM TO VISIT KOSOVOForeign Minister Ismail Cem will pay a visit to Kosovo this weekend to determine Turkey's contribution to peace in Kosovo, the Anatolia News Agency reports. Diplomatic sources told the Anatolia News Agency correspondent that Cem and an accompanying high-level Foreign Ministry delegation will initially visit Dragac on July 17 where Turkish troops have been deployed. The delegation will proceed to Pristina on July 18.[46] KOSOVAR REFUGEES RETURN TO THEIR COUNTRYKosovar refugees who have taken shelter in Turkey as a result of ethnic-cleansing campaign in Kosovo continued to return to Kosovo yesterday. A total of 11,507 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 10, the Anatolia News Agency reports.Turkish Press Review Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |