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Turkish Press Review, 99-11-11Turkish Press Review Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs <http://www.mfa.gov.tr>11.11.99Summary of the political and economic news in the Turkish press this morningCONTENTS
[01] FROM THE COLUMNS ... FROM THE COLUMNS... FROM THE COLUMNS[02] TURKEY HONOURS ATATURK IN NATIONWIDE CEREMONIESMustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of the Republic of Turkey, was commemorated on the 61st anniversary of his death with ceremonies held at his Mausoleum and throughout the country. State officials led by President Suleyman Demirel visited Ataturk's Mausoleum 'Anitkabir' and laid a wreath at his tomb. Ataturk was also commemorated in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). /All papers/[03] ATATURK COMMEMORATED IN CENTRAL ASIAFounder of the Republic of Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk was commemorated during the 61st anniversary of his death also in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Turkmenistan. The commemorative ceremony, which was held at the Turkish Embassy in Almati, started at 09:05 with observing a minute of silence. Then the Turkish Ambassador to Kazakhstan, M. Cinar Aldemir delivered a speech. In Kyrgyzstan, the commemorative ceremony was held in front of the monument located in Ataturk Public Garden. /Aksam/[04] MESSAGE FROM CLINTON ABOUT 10TH NOVEMBERAmerican President Bill Clinton issued a statement on the 61st anniversary of Ataturk's death. In his statement, Clinton said that he shared the same feelings with Turkey. The American President also stated that the world-wide famous leader, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, who had introduced peace, had also set an example to the whole world with his leadership to Turks' struggle for independence. Clinton further added that Ataturk, who put his mark on the 20th century, was appreciated by the people very much. /Aksam/[05] DEMIREL CONGRATULATES RAHMANOVPresident Suleyman Demirel congratulated Imamali Rahmanov who has been re-elected as the Tajikistan President. A statement issued by the Presidential Press Centre said yesterday that Demirel had congratulated Rahmanov who became the Tajikistan President as a result of the elections held on November 6, 1999, in Tajikistan and Demirel had expressed his gratitude, the Anatolia News Agency reports.[06] DEMIREL EXTENDS HIS CONDOLENCESPresident Suleyman Demirel sent a message of condolence to the President of the Socialist Vietnam Republic, Tran Duc Luong, whose country suffered a great loss due to the flood disaster few days ago. A statement issued by the Presidential Press Center said that Demirel conveyed his sorrow on behalf of the Turkish nation to the Vietnamese people over the disaster, the Anatolia News Agency reports.[07] BAKU-CEYHANChairman of the Azerbaijani SOCAR petroleum company, Natik Aliyev, in an interview to the Russian 'Kommersant' newspaper and explained why they preferred the Baku-Ceyhan project. Aliyev, in his statement that was published yesterday, stated that they had preferred this project for the technical and economic reasons, the climate conditions of the Black Sea and added that political conditions have also been taken into consideration." /Aksam/[08] LEADERS DISCUSS ECONOMYLeaders of the parties in coalition met yesterday in order to discuss the economic issues. State Ministers Recep Onal, Mehmet Ali Irtemcelik, Rustu Kazim Yucelen, Minister of Finance Sumer Oral, Minister of Justice Hikmet Sami Turk, Minister of Foreign Affairs Ismail Cem, Minister of Trade and Industry Kenan Tanrikulu and the leaders and the Assistants of the Prime Ministers attended the Leaders' Summit. While the meeting was continuing, Ecevit left the Office of Prime Minister to meet President Demirel. Ecevit said to journalists, "I made explanations to the two leaders about my visit to Russia. We also discussed the possible problems that may occur during the OSCE Summit and the Chechnya issue. Chechen people are negatively affected by the Russians, and this deeply saddens us. Tax laws, Capital Market and Law, the law concerning the vessel registery and the implementation of the law concerning the establishment of the Ministry of Maritime were discussed. It was decided that the Arbitration Harmonization Law would be signed by the Council of Ministers to be presented to the TGNA. Our meeting was held in a very friendly and positive atmosphere." /Aksam/[09] ECEVIT: "THE SECULAR REPUBLIC WILL LIVE ON"In a speech delivered at the Democratic Left Party (DSP) group meeting, DSP Chairman and Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said that as the nation marks the 61st anniversary of Ataturk's death, Ataturk lives on in the hearts and minds of all people, not only in Turkey but all around the globe wherever there are Turks. Ecevit added, "The secular Republic will live on and will gradually prosper as long as Ataturk lives on in the consciences of the new generations". /All papers/[10] EROGLU INSISTS ON 'RECOGNITION BEFORE TALKS'Turkish-Cypriot Prime Minister Dervis Eroglu said recognition of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) was a must before the Cyprus talks could resume. Following a Tuesday afternoon conference and after having lunch with British Special Envoy for Cyprus Sir David Hanney in London, Eroglu said his government was under pressure to accept unconditional resumption of the Cyprus talks. Eroglu stated that he explained to Sir Hanney the Turkish-Cypriot position regarding the latest developments. Eroglu remarked that Sir Hanney acknowledged at the meeting that the Turkish-Cypriot side was right in her demand for recognition of the TRNC before resumption of the talks but stressed that it would be impossible to convince the Greek-Cypriots to adopt such a position. /All papers/[11] DR.MANGO DELIVERS A CONFERENCE ON ATATURKBritish journalist-writer Dr.Andrew Mango gave a conference on 'Ataturk' yesterday. The British Ambassador to Ankara, David Logan, also attended the conference. Dr.Mango who has many books published on Turkey said that Ataturk was 'realist' and a great statesman with a 'vision'. He added that Ataturk had lent a friendly hand to everyone. /Sabah/[12] PRIVATE SECTOR TO BE TESTEDThe work of the IMF delegation, chaired by the Chief of the Turkish desk, Carlo Cotarelli, together with the public institutions came to an end yesterday. The IMF delegation held meetings with the State Planning Organization, the Ministry of Finance, the Undersecretariat of Treasury, Chairmanship of the Privatization Administration Board and officials from the Central Bank. The IMF delegation was also briefed on the budget of the year 2000 and the projections for the year 2001 and determined the performance criteria. The delegation will complete its work concerning the the general balance of the public sector until the weekend. The IMF delegation will meet officials from the Turkish Industrialists' and Businessmen's Association, Istanbul Chamber of Industry and the Banks' Union and receive their opinion on Turkish economy. Furthermore, an official from the IMF, who is responsible for Europe, Michael C. Deppler will arrive in Turkey tomorrow for a one-day visit and evaluate the information that will be the basis for the stand-by agreement. Deppler is also expected to meet Turkish Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit. /Aksam/[13] CEM: "TURKEY FEARS CHECHNYA MAY DESTABILIZE CAUCASUS"In anticipation of the OSCE Summit and discusssing Turkish foreign policy as far ranging as Chechnya and EU candidacy, Foreign Minister Ismail Cem has made public his fears that Russia's military offensive in Chechnya could spread instability throughout the Caucasus region. Emphasizing Turkey's role in the region, he said, "Our policy regarding Chechnya is well known. We always defend the territorial integrity of Russia, and this issue, too, should be solved within this context". /Turkiye/[14] TOWARDS THE OSCE SUMMITThe Turkish Foreign Ministry is of the opinion that the military operations against Chechnya launched by Russia will not adversely affect the Conventional Forces in Europe (CFE) Accord for which the negotiations are on-going and is expected to be signed during the OSCE Istanbul Summit. Foreign Ministry Deputy Spokesman Sermet Atacanli stated that after the signing of the CFE Agreement, important changes such as the collapse of the Soviet Union and Yugoslavia had taken place. Atacanli added that due to these developments the adaptation of the agreement to new conditions had become necessary. Replying to a question, Atacanli said that many bilateral negotiations may be held during the Summit where the Heads of State and Government from 54 countries are expected to attend, the Anatolia News Agency reports.[15] TONY BLAIR NOT TO COME TO TURKEYBritish Prime Minister Tony Blair will not be able to attend the OSCE Summit since the British Government programme will be read out at the House of Commons on the same day. Therefore, a delegation headed by Foreign Minister Robin Cook will represent Britain during the OSCE Summit in Istanbul on November 18-19. /Milliyet/[16] CLINTON'S PLANNED TRIP TO GREECE RE-ARRANGEDUS President Bill Clinton will delay and shorten a trip to Greece because of security concerns and the prospect of anti-American protests, the White House said yesterday. Presidential Spokesman Joe Lockhart said the delay had been requested by the Greek Government. Clinton will leave Washington on Sunday morning and fly directly to Turkey. /All papers/[17] CEM: "TURKEY HAS BRIGHT FUTURE"Foreign Minister Ismail Cem said that Turkey was to face many difficulties, however, she had also great opportunities. The [AMinister delivered a speech during the TGNA's Foreign Affairs Commission and said, "Turkey has achieved great improvement in overcoming the problems. We will try to minimize the troubles and maximize the opportunities; our Assembly and our government are able to accomplish this." /Turkiye/[18] ECEVIT: "WE ARE READY FOR MILITARY COOPERATION"Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said that they expected Russian General Staff to visit Turkey and that would accelerate military and technical cooperation between the two countries. In a statement made by Ecevit before leaving Russia to the 'Trud` newspaper, he pointed out that Turkey could increase the purchase of military products, and she was ready for technical cooperation with Russia. /Turkiye/[19] SPLIT IN SEPARATIST ORGANIZATIONA group of about 22 separatists split from Abdullah Ocalan's PKK terrorist organization, vowing to continue their fight in the mountains. Ocalan issued a call in August for militants to cease hostilities and withdraw from Turkey by September 1. Turkish Gen.Dursun Bak said that a group of 22 PKK members, led by Haydar Alparslan, had rejected Ocalan's call and had decided to return to the mountainous and remote province of Tunceli to continue their separatist terrorist campaign. Bak stated that the PKK had called for the death of the splinter group because of their 'revolt' to PKK's 'leadership'. /All papers/[20] PRIORITY FOR TURKMEN NATURAL GASIt is stated that Turkey gives priority to Turkmen natural gas in order to meet her natural gas requirements, however, the 'Blue Stream` project will also be carried out and she will also purchase gas from Russia. While Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey are being expected to sign a joint agreement or a declaration during the OSCE Summit concerning the natural gas transport through Caspian Sea, it is also declared that Turkey will buy Azerbaijani natural gas in the years of 2006-2007. The disputes on natural gas are increasingly continuing. The Motherland Party (ANAP) is initially evaluating the 'Blue Stream` project while the Nationalist Action Party (MHP) and the Democratic Left Party (DSP) ask for priority to be given to Turkmen gas. /Cumhuriyet/[21] RAM'S COOPERATIONThe RAM, the foreign trade company of the Koc group, signed a cooperation agreement with the world-wide famous Man Sugar Company of the English ED and F Man Group and, thus, established the RAM-MAN Food Limited. In a statement by Ram Foreign Trade Limited, the company, which was established with 50% equal partnership, will buy and sell refined and unprocessed sugar and products of food and agriculture as well. Man Sugar Company controls 20% of the world's sugar trade with its annual trade volume of nearly 7 million tons. /Aksam/[22] MEDAL FOR GURAL PORCELAIN FROM HUNGARYChairman of the Executive Board of Gural Porcelain Company, Ismet Gural, received the "Golden Honour Medal" from the Hungarian Ambassador to Turkey, Gyorgy Kery, due to the company's contribution to the improvement of the cultural, economic and friendly relations between Turkey and Hungary. /Aksam/[23] EUROPEAN SUPPORT FOR MARMARA REGIONThe European Investment Bank will extend financial support, in order to purify the pollution in the Marmara Sea, for the Municipalities in this Region. As part of the project, purification facilities will be set up. A cooperation agreement to finance the establishment of the facilities has been signed between the European Investment Bank and the World Bank. In order to receive loans from the European Investment Bank within the guidelines of this agreement, the Municipalities should conduct feasilibity research in line with the EU standards, the Anatolia News Agency reports.[24] FINANCE '99 FAIR IN ISTANBULThe International Finance, Banking and Financial Technology Fair (FINANS '99) will begin in Istanbul today. During the sessions, capital markets in Turkey, alternative financial resources and infrastructure in Turkey will be discussed. On the second day of the Fair, a meeting attended by Head of the Central Bank, Gazi Ercel, Head of the Privatization Administration Board Ugur Bayar and Head of the Capital Market Council Muhsin Menguturk will be held. The Fair will end on Friday with a closing speech to be delivered by Deputy Prime Minister and Energy and Natural Resources Minister Cumhur Ersumer, the Anatolia News Agency reports.[25] LETTER FROM US AVIATION INSTITUTIONS TO CLINTONFour US huge aviation institutions have sent a letter to US President Bill Clinton concerning a tender put out by Turkey for 145 helicopters. The institutions requested from Clinton to support the approval of their export licences in the letter. It was sent by Bell Helicopter, Boeing, General Electric Aircraft Engines and Lockheed Martin. /Hurriyet/[26] ISIKLAR HOLDING COMPANY FOCUSES ON EUROPEThe Head of the Executive Board of the Isiklar Holding Company, Riza Isik, stated that with the completion of the modernization and investments for the capacity increase at the Bulgarian Paper Factory at the beginning of the year 2000, the Isiklar Wrapping Company would be a leading construction material and wrapping paper producer in Europe. The Isiklar Wrapping Paper Company purchased 75 % of the shares of the Bulgarian Paper Factory in 1997. /Hurriyet/[27] TENDER WORTH $7 BILLIONThe proposals in the biggest defence tender in the Turkish history will be given in December. Bidding for war tanks worth $7 billion will also be attended by the Turkish Nurol Company with M-1 tanks. The tender is a part of the modernization project of [Bthe Turkish Armed Forces. Following the completion of the tank tender, a total of 1,000 new tanks will have been added to the capacity of the Turkish Armed Forces. /Sabah/[28] GERMAN LOAN FOR SIIRTGermany has given 40 million DM to Siirt whose infrastructure has become devastated. The loan extended by the German Development Bank will be without payment for 10 years and will have a term of 30 years. A delegation headed by the Economy Ministry Undersecretary Gerhard Adomek has arrived in Siirt to that end. Adomek stated that the loan would be given in the year 2000. /Sabah/[29] ENERGY MINISTRY LAUNCHES $3.2 BILLION POWER PLANT PROGRAMMEThe Energy Ministry has launched an estimated $3.2 billion programme to build seven power plants. The Ministry already sent a letter to national-power company TEAS to start tendering procedures for the natural gas-fired and coal-fired plants. The proposed facilities will have a total output capacity of 3,500 megawatts. /Turkiye/[30] TURKISH BUSINESSMEN GO TO SOUTH AFRICATurkish businessmen are going to South Africa between Dec. 3rd and 7th, in order to develop economic relations and cooperation. During the meetings an agreement concerning the establishment of a Business Council between the two countries is going to be signed. /Cumhuriyet/[31] GERMAN TELEVISION: TURKEY TO BUY TIGRE HELICOPTERSThe German ARD television channel announced in a programme that Turkey was to buy 145 Tigre attack helicopters from Germany. It has been asserted that one of them would be sent to Turkey for testing and an agreement was reached on this issue. /Turkiye/[32] GERMANY SELLS TECHNICAL EQUIPMENT TO TURKEYThe Anatolia News Agency reports that Leico company in Aalen, Germany will sell technical equipment to Turkey which will be used in the manufacture of missiles. In an article published in the leading Bild newspaper it was reported that the German company had been granted permission from the Federal Export Department to sell the technical equipment to Turkey. It was also reported that the technical equipment which will be used in the "Stinger" missiles against air attacks will be imported by Roketsan.[33] TURCO-US-ISRAELI JOINT MANOUEVRESTurkey, the US and Israel will conduct joint manouevres in mid-December, the Anatolia News Agency reports. It is expected that the "search and rescue" manouevres will be held in international waters on the Mediterranean coast of Turkey with the participation of air and naval forces. It was learnt that Egypt and Jordan rejected to attend the manoeuvres as observers. Following the agreement signed between Israel and Jordan in 1994, and the rapprochement between Turkey and Israel, a close cooperation had been witnessed among the three countries.[34] ZULFU LIVANELI TO TAKE STAGE IN PARISZulfu Livaneli, a famous Turkish composer and singer will take stage in the millenium concert that will be held in Paris on November 14 in Great Hall of UNECSO. Livaneli will sing one part of New Age Rhapsody together with Greek singer Maria Faranduri. Many television channels in the world will broadcast the concert, the Anatolia News Agency reports.[35] FROM THE COLUMNS ... FROM THE COLUMNS... FROM THE COLUMNS[36] GOOD NEWS TO THE SUMMIT -BY FIKRET BILA (MILLIYET)Columnist Fikret Bila comments on the Summit meeting held between the three leaders of the coalition parties. A summary of his column is as follows:"Yesterday the leaders of the coalition parties met and they stated that the Summit had been very constructive. ANAP Chairman Mesut Yilmaz said that they had worked in harmony and added that the Ministers were very well prepared. He believed that this could be defined as an appropriate working method. He added that another Summit of leaders may be held in December. Prime Minister Ecevit who held his routine weekly meeting with the President while the Summit was on-going returned with good news. He stated that the Georgian problem which was believed to be the last hitch in the Baku-Ceyhan pipeline venture had been overcome. President Demirel had spoken with the Georgian President Shevardnadze and that the Georgan President had stated that he would sign the Baku-Ceyhan pipeline agreement. Ecevit related this good news to the meeting of the leaders. This comes as a relief to all leaders. Another decision made concerning the energy problem at the Summit of the leaders was to continue with the "Blue Stream" project. The Government was determined to carry out the three projects (Baku-Ceyhan, Blue Stream, Turkmen gas to be transported through the Caspian) simultaneously. The disagreements between Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan concerning the Turkmen Gas Project have not been solved as yet. However, it is decided that Ankara will exert maximum effort to lead the parties to a compromise and have the agreement signed during the OSCE Istanbul Summit. The political message conveyed by the party leaders is that there was no coalition crisis. Even though it may not be defined as a crisis, the amnesty issue constitutes one of the most important problems among the coalition partners. Justice Minister Hikmet Sami Turk will carry on his studies to find a solution on which the three parties can agree. Three leaders of the coalition parties are satisfied with the Summit meeting of yesterday." [37] ON THE THRESHOLD OF A NEW CENTURY - BY YILMAZ OZTUNA (TURKIYE)Columnist Yilmlaz Oztuna writes on the impending OSCE Istanbul Summit. A summary of his column is as follows:"We have commemorated our leader Ataturk on the anniversary of his death. When we have achieved the aim he has put before us, that is when we have reached the standards of modern States we will to commemorate him proudly. The OSCE meeting to be held in Istanbul a few days later is the event of the century. It is a means to help us in achieving our aim. The Heads of State and Government of more than 50 States will meet and it is an opportunity for us that this meeting will be held in Istanbul, Turkey. We will be wise if we use this opportunity as a warning. In fact, President Clinton has said that Turkey will be a turning point in the future of the world, depending upon how she defines it. We either will be an indispensable part of the modern world or watch where the world is going as a spectator. The OSCE conference followed by the EU Summit in Helsinki is taking place and we have to elevate the standard of our democracy to attend them. The States who were liberated following the collapse of the Berlin Wall in 1989 have succeeded in this aim. We have to lead this great nation into a bright future without hiding behind any excuses." Turkish Press Review Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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