Anadolu Agency: News in English, 97-12-10

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From: The Anadolu Agency Home Page at <http://www.anadoluajansi.gov.tr/>

10 DEC 1997

CONTENTS

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

[02] TURKEY-SHIP - CARGO SHIP SINKS IN THE AEGEAN

[03] TURKEY-OIC - PRESIDENT DEMIREL ADDRESSES OIC SUMMIT: ''AS LONG AS SEVERAL COUNTRIES PROTECT TERRORISM, INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION AGAINST TERRORISM WILL BE USELESS'' - ''WE SUPPORT THE MIDDLE EAST PEACE PROCESS''

[04] TURKISH PRESS REVIEW

[05] TURKEY IN BRIEF - DECEMBER 10, 1997

[06] TURKEY-OIC(2) - PRESIDENT DEMIREL: ''OIC SHOULD ADOPT A NEW ECONOMIC COOPERATION STRATEGY''

[07] TURKEY-IRAN - PRESIDENT DEMIREL MEETS IRANIAN PRESIDENT KHATAMI - DEMIREL: ''PROBLEMS BETWEEN THE TWO COUNTRIES HAVE BEEN OVERCOMED''

[08] TURKEY-US - PARLIAMENT FOREIGN AFFAIRS COMMISSION APPROVES ''AGREEMENT FOR PREVENTION OF DOUBLE-TAXATION AND TAX EVASION'' BETWEEN TURKEY AND US

[09] TURKEY-MARITIME MINISTRY - PARLIAMENT PLANNING AND BUDGET COMMISSION TRANSFERS DRAFT LAW REGARDING ''ORGANIZATION AND TASKS OF MARITIME MINISTRY'' TO SUB-COMMISSION

[10] TURKEY-EU-BRITAIN - PRIME MINISTER YILMAZ MEETS BRITISH PRIME MINISTER TONY BLAIR

[11] TURKEY-EU - FOREIGN MINISTER CEM'S CONTACTS IN BONN - CEM: ''OUR PRIME MINISTER WILL GO TO LUXEMBOURG AS A GUEST OF MR JUNCKER, NOT MR PANGALOS''

[12] TURKEY-US - US STATE DEPARTMENT: ''WE EXPECT PRIME MINISTER YILMAZ'S VISIT TO USA TO BE PRODUCTIVE''

[13] TURKEY-ISRAEL - ISRAELI DEFENSE MINISTER MORDECHAI IN ISTANBUL

[14] CYPRUS - TELEPHONE LINE TO BE SET UP BETWEEN TRNC AND GREEK CYPRIOT SIDE

[15] TURKEY-NORTHERN IRAQ - FM: ''WHEN CROSS-BORDER OPERATION ACHIEVES ITS GOAL, TROOPS WILL WITHDRAW''

[16] TURKEY-EU - CRITICAL WEEK IN TURKISH-EU RELATIONS

[17] TURKEY-INTERNAL - CLOSURE CASE OF WELFARE PARTY POSTPONED TO DECEMBER 16

[18] TURKEY-US - JEC MEETINGS CONCLUDED - FOREIGN TRADE UNDERSECRETARY EGE: - ''OUR COMMERCIAL AND ECONOMIC RELATIONS WITH US WILL RAPIDLY IMPROVE IN NEXT YEARS'' - ''US CLEARLY SUPPORTS TURKEY REGARDING BAKU-CEYHAN OIL PIPELINE''

[19] TURKEY-SHIP (2) - SUNK SHIP ''S. UGURLU'' BELONGS TO TURKISH CAGLAR SHIPPING CO.

[20] TURKEY-ECONOMY - DOLLAR BREAKS 200 THOUSAND TL PSYCHOLOGICAL MARK

[21] TURKEY-EU - FOREIGN MINISTER CEM: ''DECISION OF EU WILL BRING EITHER RECONCILIATION OR DISCRIMINATION'' - ''IS EU A CHRISTIAN CLUB?''

[22] TURKEY-HABUR BORDER - DIESEL OIL TRADE RESTARTED

[23] TURKEY-TURKISH REPUBLICS - TURKEY-TURKISH REPUBLICS BUSINESSMEN CONGRESS TO BE HELD ON 13 DECEMBER IN ISTANBUL

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

HÜRRİYET (LIBERAL) CHAIN OF QUESTIONS
The Rapporteur of Susurluk Investigation Commission Judge Akman Akyurek left many questions unresponded by his death. While the investigation widens which are carried out by Prosecutors, police and National Intelligence Service (MIT), police thinks that it was just an accident. The relatives of Akyurek insist that it was not an accident, but it was a murder.

OZDEN: IT IS WELFARE, NOT ISLAM WHICH IS TRIED
President of Constitutional Cuort Yekta Gungor Ozden responded to the claims of the Welfare Party members who say that ''It is not us, but Islam and the Holy Book, which are tried.'' Noting that the case is about a political party, Ozden stressed that ''We respect the Holy Book more than those who say that the Holy Book is tried. This is nothing to do with humanity or Islam.''

MİLLİYET (LIBERAL)

Prime Minister Mesut Yılmaz and British Prime Minister Tony Blair in London. Prime Minister Yılmaz told Blair that Turkey's membership should be recognized by EU and an open and concrete membership strategy should be given to Turkey like it was given to the other candidate countries. Noting that Britain assured guarantees regarding the application of same criteria to Turkey, Yılmaz added that ''However this is not enough for us and starting of Greek Cypriot membership process to EU will divide the island.''

SABAH (LIBERAL)

DEMIREL CRITICIZES ARAB COUNTRIES
President Suleyman Demirel, who is in Tehran to participate in OIC Summit criticized Arab countries which extend support to terrorism, particularly Syria and Iraq. ''Turkey is uneasy about several countries which still extend support to terrorism in spite of international agreements and promises,'' he said.

CUMHURİYET (LEFT)

EU FORMULA NOT LIKED
European Union (EU) will introduce its ''magical'' formula today which does not open the way for Turkey to full membership. Turkey does not like such kind of formulas which do not foresee full membership. Meanwhile Prime Minister Mesut Yılmaz visited Britain and met British Prime Minister Tony Blair before the Luxembourg Summit.

TÜRKİYE (RIGHT)

RADİKAL (LEFT)

ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)

YENİ YÜZYIL (LIBERAL)

FİNANSAL FORUM (ECONOMY)

The population is stated as 62,546,161, which was not expected.

[02] TURKEY-SHIP - CARGO SHIP SINKS IN THE AEGEAN

Greek Merchant Marine Ministry officials said the 996-ton cargo ship, which had a 12-member crew, went down off the island of Kimi in the central Aegean. Eleven crew members were rescued by nearby ships and rescue vessels.

The ship was carrying general cargo from Selonika port to Italy, the officials said.

The reason for sinking is not known yet.

[03] TURKEY-OIC - PRESIDENT DEMIREL ADDRESSES OIC SUMMIT: ''AS LONG AS SEVERAL COUNTRIES PROTECT TERRORISM, INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION AGAINST TERRORISM WILL BE USELESS'' - ''WE SUPPORT THE MIDDLE EAST PEACE PROCESS''

Addressing the eighth Summit meeting of Organization for Islamic Conference (OIC), President Suleyman Demirel stated that Turkey is worried about the situation of Iraqi people and the only way to solve the problems of Iraqi people can be realized by the implementation of United Nations (UN) Security Council Resolutions.

Noting that Turkey has suffered a lot from the negative results of the Gulf Crisis, Demirel stressed that Turkey has always respected the territorial integrity, independence and sovereignty of Iraq.

Demirel pointed out that one should not forget the fact that problems of Iraq today resulted from its own facts and the real problem lies between Iraq and the international society which is represented by UN.

President Demirel stressed that all OIC countries have responsibility to prevent national, regional and international terrorism which violates basic human rights and threatens territorial integrity and security of states.

''Turkey is uneasy about several countries which still continue to extend support to terrorism in spite of international agreements. Turkey struggles with all kinds of terrorism as it is bound by international promises and it naturally expects others to act in the same way. More than 10,000 Turkish citizens were victims of separatist terrorism for the last ten years. OIC members should pursue a resolved attitute against all kinds of terrorism, besides these activities should not be forgiven and should be condemned by everybody. As long as several countries protect terrorism, the international cooperation which is carried out against terrorism is destined to be useless,'' Demirel said.

President Demirel stated that OIC countries should not criticize the foreign policy acts of one state if they are not directed against third countries. ''We should refrain from such attitutes, which are harmful,'' Demirel added.

President Demirel also called for the support of OIC member states regarding the issues of Karabakh, Western Thrace Turks in Greece and the Cyprus Question.

Noting that a lasting solution should be found for the conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia, Demirel added that ''we belive that Nagorna- Karabakh conflict can be solved by the efforts of Organization on Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE)/MINSK Group and Turkey will continue to contribute to these efforts as a OSCE/MINSK Group member.''

''The Cyprus issue can only be solved by peaceful ways. Over-armament and purchase of missile systems will increase the existing insecurity between the two commnuties in the island,'' said Demirel.

Demirel pointed out that the basic rights of Turkish-moslem minority in Western Thrace are violated by Greek government.

Noting that Turkey supports the Middle East Peace Process, Demirel said ''we explain our concern regarding the rights of Palestinian people in our contacts with Israel and expect them to fulfil their responsibilities regarding the continuation of peace process.''

President Demirel also called for OIC countries support regarding the installation of peace in Bosnia, the recent dialogue between Pakistan and India regarding the solution of Kashmir question and the protection of Afghanistan's independence and territorial integrity.

[04] TURKISH PRESS REVIEW

(Derived from Newsspot of Turkish Directorate of General Press and Information)

DEMIREL SEND OUT HARSH MESSAGES TO ICO MEMBERS
President Demirel who is in the Iranian capital of Tehran for a summit meeting of the Islamic Conference Organization (ICO), in his speech at the summit concentrated on the situation in Iraq and on terrorism. Demirel urged organization members to support Turkey's struggle against terrorism, and said that countries criticizing operations against the PKK separatist organization initiated by Turkey were in fact encouraging terrorism. /All papers/

YILMAZ MEETS BRITISH COUNTERPART
Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz met his British counterpart Tony Blair yesterday. During the meeting, Turkey-EU relations and the Cyprus issue were taken in hand on the eve of a crucial EU summit in Luxemburg when EU expansion will be discussed. In a statement after the meeting, Yilmaz said that Britain was supporting Turkey's bid for integration with Europe. According to Yilmaz, Blair believed that the EU should present to Ankara concrete proposals related to EU membership strategy. The meeting plays a special importance because with the beginning of the new year Britain will undertake EU Term Presidency. /Milliyet/

''TURKEY'S CANDIDACY SHOULD BE REGISTERED''
Foreign Minister Ismail Cem, attending the ''Bosnia-Herzegovina Peace Application Council Meeting'' in Bonn, held bilateral meetings with Luxemburg and Bulgarian Foreign Ministers, Jacques Poos and Nadezda Michajlov, and the U.S. Deputy Secretary of State.

In a press conference to Turkish journalists Cem said that he had discussed regional developments and Turkey's EU membership during the bilateral meetings. /Sabah/

MORDECHAI: ''ANY COUNTRY POSSESSING BALLISTIC MISSILES IS A THREAT''
Visiting Israeli Defense Minister Yitzhak Mordechai said on Tuesday that military and defense industry ties between Turkey and Israel will contribute to stability in the Middle East. Mordechai and his delegation on Tuesday visited Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) and were briefed on the plant's current and future projects. The Israeli minister said that the cooperation between the two countries aims at working against threats that target Turkey and Israel, adding, however, that this cooperation would never be directed against third party in the region.

Mordechai later left Ankara for Istanbul to talk to Jewish community leaders in the city.

Meanwhile, it has been announced that a joint military exercise between Turkey, Israel and America will be held on 5-9 January in the international waters of the Eastern Mediterranean. /Cumhuriyet/Milliyet/Sabah/

INVESTIGATION INTO DEATH OF SUSURLUK JUDGE
Judge Akman Akyurek, who was working for the Parliamentary Commissions investigating the Susurluk corruption scandal and unresolved murders, was killed in a traffic accident earlier this week. Papers voice suspicions that the accident was in fact an assassination plot. Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz has ordered Minister of the Interior Murat Basesgioglu and Minister of Justice Oltan Sungurlu to initiate a thorough inquiry into the case. The police, the National Intelligence Service and the state prosecutor in charge of the case however believe that the incident was just an accident. /All papers/

COUNCIL OF MINISTERS MEETING
At a five-hour meeting yesterday, the Council of Ministers agreed to work out differences in salaries of public servants doing similar jobs. At the same time, the Council fo Ministers decided that a huge 80-thousand person Olympic stadium will be constructed in Istanbul and increased tax fines. /Milliyet/

REFUSAL OF PKK BY GERMANY
The administrative court of Berlin refused the litigation which was demanded by the institution called Kurdish Committee aiming to abolish the prohibition of activity for PKK and its supporters.The head of the court , Werner Meirer, in the explanation of their decision, said that the demand was refused since the Kurdish Committee threatens Germanys internal safety and aims to support PKK. /All papers/

[05] TURKEY IN BRIEF - DECEMBER 10, 1997

Fermani Uygun told A.A correspondent that the annual meeting of foreign tourism and advertisement counsellors had been held in Paris and the advertisement activities for 1998 were determined in that meeting.

Uygun said that they will attach importance to congress, golf, winter and belief tourisms in 1998.

''We continue our studies to organize Plenary Session of Italian Tourism and Travel Agencies in Istanbul within the framework of improvement of congress tourism,'' he said.

ANKARA - Gazi University Rectorship on Tuesday organized a festival for the students came from Turkic republics and relative nations.

Gazi University Dean Prof. Dr. Enver Hasanoglu said in the festival that Turkey and Turkic republics have realized a number of joint projects since they declared their sovereignty.

Pointing out that Turkey gave a start to education project in 1992 to help Turkish and Turkic republics' peoples to be in solidarity, Hasanoglu said that nearly one thousand students from Turkic republics continue their higher education in Gazi University.

ULUDERE - Two people, who were trying to enter Turkey illegally from Uludere township of southesatern Sirnak province, were captured with a number of weapons.

Security forces on early Wednesday captured two Iraqis named Zeki Celse and Selam Esat who were trying to cross Turkish border from Ortakoy region in Uludere township.

Security foces seized totally eight weapons and a number of projectiles during their search on captured Iraqis' bags.

Meanwhile, a seven-member family was captured as they were trying to enter Turkey illegally from the border between Yesmli-Yesilkaynak towns of Uludere township. Security officials said the family asked for asylum, adding that the family would be expelled if necessary, after the end of the interogation.

[06] TURKEY-OIC(2) - PRESIDENT DEMIREL: ''OIC SHOULD ADOPT A NEW ECONOMIC COOPERATION STRATEGY''

Addressing to the eight OIC Summit meeting as the Chairman of Economic and Commercial Cooperation Permanent Committee of Islamic Countries, President Demirel stated that concrete results of the economic cooperation that continues within OIC are not much except the Action Plan, moreover the economic problems of Islamic world have gained different dimensions due to economic and political changes.

Noting that OIC has 55 member countries from Asian, African and South American continents, Demirel stressed that the differences in development levels cause difficulties to form joint economic cooperation projects and to implement them.

President Demirel pointed out that the progress recorded in implementation of ''Action Plan'' was taken up during a meeting in Istanbul last month. Action Plan was adopted during the seventh OIC Summit.

Demirel added that ''commerce, investment, economic stability and structural reforms'' will be taken up during the Economic and Commercial Cooperation Permanent Committee of Islamic Countries meeting which will be held in Istanbul between November 1-4, 1998.

[07] TURKEY-IRAN - PRESIDENT DEMIREL MEETS IRANIAN PRESIDENT KHATAMI - DEMIREL: ''PROBLEMS BETWEEN THE TWO COUNTRIES HAVE BEEN OVERCOMED''

President Demirel, who is currently in Tehran to participate in OIC Summit, met Iranian President Mohammed Khatami the same day.

Addressing a statement after the meeting, President Demirel stated that ''we appointed Sencar Ozsoy as Turkish Ambassador to Iran and also accepted the appointment of new Iranian Ambassador, Mr. Lavasani to Turkey.''

''Turkey and Iran are two big and historical neighbours and they did not have a conflict for 360 years. We had several diffuculties for the last five-six months. The issue of ambassadors is over. Turkey and Iran have a trade volume of approximately two billion dollars and it seems to further improve. We had a very productive meeting with Iranian President Khatami,'' he said.

[08] TURKEY-US - PARLIAMENT FOREIGN AFFAIRS COMMISSION APPROVES ''AGREEMENT FOR PREVENTION OF DOUBLE-TAXATION AND TAX EVASION'' BETWEEN TURKEY AND US

The meeting of the commission led by Republican People Party (CHP) Deputy Murat Karayalcin lasted for nearly three hours and was closed to the press. Official information regarding Turkish people's properties in the US would be gathered from American authorities if TGNA General Council approves the international agreement that was adopted by the commission.

Foreign Affairs Commission Spokesman Welfare Party (RP) Deputy Arif Ahmet Denizolgun said, ''this agreement foresees information transmission about commercial activities between two countries.''

The draft, which was submitted to Parliament's Foreign Affairs Commission on July 25, 1997, foresees the control of information exchange and commercial relations between two countries.

The draft law also aims at preventing of double-taxation on 56 Turkish companies in the US and 251 American firms in Turkey.

[09] TURKEY-MARITIME MINISTRY - PARLIAMENT PLANNING AND BUDGET COMMISSION TRANSFERS DRAFT LAW REGARDING ''ORGANIZATION AND TASKS OF MARITIME MINISTRY'' TO SUB-COMMISSION

Welfare Party (RP) Deputy Ertan Yulek said in the meeting of the commission that the draft law was a considerably important issue on which they should work in detail.

Yulek said, ''sub-commission will make necessary regulations and prepare an appropriate draft law.''

Motherland Party (ANAP) Deputy Yıldırım Akturk said that the sub-commission should have an intense work on the draft law while Republican People Party (CHP) Deputy Algan Hacioglu said that the maritime sector cannot use its potential sufficiently.

The sub-commission will work on the draft law until the end of December and then Parliament Planning and Budget Commission will discuss the draft law.

[10] TURKEY-EU-BRITAIN - PRIME MINISTER YILMAZ MEETS BRITISH PRIME MINISTER TONY BLAIR

The two prime ministers took up Turkish-European Union (EU) relations, Cyprus question and other bilateral issues during the meeting.

State Minister Cavit Kavak, Turkish Ambassador to Britain Ozdem Sanberk, Turkish foreign ministry officials, British Ambassador to Turkey David Logan and British Special Representative to Cyprus Sir David Hannay participated in the meeting.

Addressing a press briefing after the meeting, Prime Minister Mesut Yılmaz said that Turkey expects EU to recognize its candidate status and to give an open and concrete ''membership strategy'' to Turkey.

Prime Minister Yılmaz stated that the attitute of Britain is positive regarding this issue and it accepts Turkey's membership to EU.

Noting that Britain will take the necessary initiatives to extend full membership to Turkey, Yılmaz added that ''EU foresees Turkey to participate in European Conference with an equal status, however it uses the term ''rapproachment'' regarding the strategy which will be pursued for Turkey. Turkey is not satisfied with this expression.''

Recalling that the Associate Agreement between Turkey and EU foresees giving full membership strategy to Turkey, Prime Minister Yılmaz pointed out that British Prime Minister Tony Blair took up the issues of Cyprus, human rights and Turkish-Greek relations and Yılmaz informed Blair about the improvements recorded in human rights in Turkey.

Yılmaz said he told Blair that Turkish-Greek relations can not be solved only by the efforts of Turkish side.

Noting that the issue of MED-TV, which broadcasts separatism by using British institutions was also taken up during the meeting, Yılmaz stated that MED-TV threatens British tourists, who will stay in Turkey.

Responding to a question regarding Cyprus, Yılmaz said that the EU's decision to start full membership negotiations with the Greek Cypriot side will negatively effect intercommunal negotiations and firstly a fair solution should be reached in the island.

Prime Minister Yılmaz will proceed to Luxembourg on Wednesday.

[11] TURKEY-EU - FOREIGN MINISTER CEM'S CONTACTS IN BONN - CEM: ''OUR PRIME MINISTER WILL GO TO LUXEMBOURG AS A GUEST OF MR JUNCKER, NOT MR PANGALOS''

Responding to a question of a Turkish journalist regarding the participation of Prime Minister Yılmaz to EU summit meeting held in Luxembourg, Cem said that ''Prime Minister Yılmaz will go to Luxembourg as a guest of Mr. Juncker, not Mr. Pangalos.''

''There is no change in our attitute. We expect European Conference to be a serious one, Turkey to be one of 12 candidate states and the confirmation of candidate status of Turkey in the Conference. We will see what will happen,'' said Cem.

Foreign Minister Cem noted that the number of EU countries which were insisting not to understand Turkey recently decreased in a considerable way.

[12] TURKEY-US - US STATE DEPARTMENT: ''WE EXPECT PRIME MINISTER YILMAZ'S VISIT TO USA TO BE PRODUCTIVE''

Responding to a question, Foley stated that the ''multi-dimensional'' relations between Turkey and the US will be taken up during the visit.

''There are many issues to speak about, we have common interests and we will take up these issues. The visit of Prime Minister Yılmaz is important. We expect to further improve our relations in 1998,'' Foley said.

Prime Minister Yılmaz will be in the US between December 17-21 and he will meet US President Bill Clinton on December 19.

[13] TURKEY-ISRAEL - ISRAELI DEFENSE MINISTER MORDECHAI IN ISTANBUL

Addressing a speech in a dinner hosted by Israeli Chief Consular to Istanbul Eli Shaked, the guest minister Mordechai stated that he is the first defense minister who visited Turkey since 1948.

''I believe that the cooperation between the two democratic countries of the region namely Turkey and Israel will also contribute to installation of stability and peace in the region,'' Mordechai said.

Noting that Israel is grateful to the Turkish nation, as Ottoman Empire recognized the right to life and freedom of conscience to Jewish people, Israeli Defense Minister added that ''we know that Jewish people have full freedom of conscience also today in Turkey.'' The guest minister will return to Israel on Wednesday.

[14] CYPRUS - TELEPHONE LINE TO BE SET UP BETWEEN TRNC AND GREEK CYPRIOT SIDE

The modernization studies of UN's call offices in Cyprus will be financed by the UN and the US.

UN Secretary General Kofi Annan's Deputy Special Representative to Cyprus Gustave Feissel said that totally 600 calls a year could be made between TRNC and Greek-Cypriot side with the installation of telephone line.

The telephone calls between TRNC and Greek-Cypriot side are made under the control of UN.

[15] TURKEY-NORTHERN IRAQ - FM: ''WHEN CROSS-BORDER OPERATION ACHIEVES ITS GOAL, TROOPS WILL WITHDRAW''

Responding to a question, Atacanlı told a weekly news briefing that there are terrorist groups deployed in various parts of Northern Iraq, adding that ''we did not expect to eliminate them all by operating only one or two operations. Therefore sometimes, a need arises to stage this kind of limited and effective operations.''

Noting that all groups in Northern Iraq promised Turkey not to support terrorist elements, Atacanlı added that Turkey holds regular contacts with these groups.

Stressing that Turkey gives priority to protect the security of life and property of Turkish citizens, Atacanlı pointed out that: ''If terrorist elements cross borders and hold activities which are directed to the security of Turkish citizens, it is the main responsibility of Turkish Republic to take counter measures against it.''

[16] TURKEY-EU - CRITICAL WEEK IN TURKISH-EU RELATIONS

Responding to a question, Atacanlı told a weekly news briefing that a critical week in Turkish-EU is ahead of Turkey and efforts and contacts continue.

''An invitation is made to Prime Minister Mesut Yılmaz and Foreign Minister Ismail Cem and they will decide on the issue,'' said Atacanlı.

Foreign Ministry Deputy Spokesman Atacanlı pointed out that Foreign Minister Cem sent a letter to Hans van den Broek, EU Commissioner Responsible from Foreign Affairs, last week and reiterated Turkey's views regarding the issue.

[17] TURKEY-INTERNAL - CLOSURE CASE OF WELFARE PARTY POSTPONED TO DECEMBER 16

The trial was adjourned until December 16 to consider further evidence, President of Constitutional Court Yekta Gungor Ozden said after the end of the session.

''The delegation started its studies, however it needs time to watch several video-tapes, and to examine several books which were brought by the defendant and the plaintiff,'' said Ozden.

[18] TURKEY-US - JEC MEETINGS CONCLUDED - FOREIGN TRADE UNDERSECRETARY EGE: - ''OUR COMMERCIAL AND ECONOMIC RELATIONS WITH US WILL RAPIDLY IMPROVE IN NEXT YEARS'' - ''US CLEARLY SUPPORTS TURKEY REGARDING BAKU-CEYHAN OIL PIPELINE''

Ege said that the relations between Turkey and the US will rapidly improve in next years and both countries have political will regarding the issue.

Ege said in the press briefing held after two-day meeting that they discussed the need to rebuild their strategic relationship on an ''enhanced partnership'' in the JEC meeting which has been held once a year since 1993.

Ege said that the US ''clearly'' supports Turkey regarding Baku-Ceyhan oil pipeline issue.

Ege said that they also discussed the issues of ''agriculture'', ''science and technology'', ''energy'', ''prevention of smuggling antiques'', ''cooperation between Eximbanks'' and ''the increase of American companies' investments in Turkey'' in the JEC meetings.

Ege said that they are working on a draft of an agreement that determines the principles regarding the peaceful usage of nuclear energy.

Pointing out that Turkish-American relations within defense and security bases have continued for a long time with financial supports, Ege said that the support dimension has been almost disappeared.

Turkey's trade deficit with the US is nearly USD 1,5 billion.

A 70-expert American delegation was led by US State Deputy Secretary Alan Larson in the JEC meetings. Yavuz Ege also hold biletaral talks with Larson and US former Ambassador to Ankara Marc Grossman.

US Commerce Secretary William Daley will pay an official visit to Turkey in January 1998.

[19] TURKEY-SHIP (2) - SUNK SHIP ''S. UGURLU'' BELONGS TO TURKISH CAGLAR SHIPPING CO.

Caglar Shipping officials said that Ramazan Ay, the second engineer of the cargo ship which went down on its route to Italy from Selaniko port, was missing.

The ship-crew who are rescued are as follows:

''Captain Mehmet Kurt, Zihni Yazici, Ziya Keles, Ersin Hira, Mustafa Duru, Hakki Ozen, Seyfettin Karabulut, Musa Cayli, M. Zeki Asan, Razik Nur and Mustafa Kirik.''

Osman Ugurlu from Caglar Shipping said, ''613 DWT-S. Ugurlu cargo ship was 14 years old. The ship was carrying one ton of general cargo. We were informed that the ship had crashed to rocks.''

[20] TURKEY-ECONOMY - DOLLAR BREAKS 200 THOUSAND TL PSYCHOLOGICAL MARK

One US Dollar, which increased over 100 thousand TL limit on November 22, 1996 in Ankara free market, was started to sell with 200 thousand TL this morning in Ankara and Istanbul Free Foreign Exchange Markets.

The dollar, which started 1997 with 108,200 TL, rose 84 percent to 200 thousand TL. The increase was resulted from 1,78 percent of dollar-parity in international money markets.

One German Mark was 111,600 TL while one British Pound was 330,500 TL this morning in Ankara Foreign Exchange Market.

[21] TURKEY-EU - FOREIGN MINISTER CEM: ''DECISION OF EU WILL BRING EITHER RECONCILIATION OR DISCRIMINATION'' - ''IS EU A CHRISTIAN CLUB?''

International Herald Tribune Newspaper published the article of Foreign Minister Cem, titled ''Is Europe Ambitious Enough to Admit Turkey?''

Foreign Minister Cem stated in his article that the most important decision of Europe nowadays will be the ''role it will offer Turkey'' and underlined the fact that Turkey regards itself both as European and also Asian, adding that the discussion of its European characterists annoys Turkey.

Foreign Minister Cem asked a question in his article by saying that ''Is European defined by a religious criterion? Or is EU is a Christian club?''

Cem pointed out that ''Turkey has shared and contributed to European Culture for 75 years, despite the need for further progress on several issues regarding democracy, human rights, rule of law, gender equality and secularism.''

Noting that Turkey always asks itself ''What is the real problem? What explains the negation of declared EU commitments made Turkey over a period of three decades? What is it that causes reluctance to call a country that has an association agreement with EU and is part of the EU Customs Union, a mere 'candidate'? Why is there discrimination against a NATO member which has contributed extensively to the defense of Europe? Why is there discrimination against one of the most dynamic economies of Europe, a country that will bring a lot in terms of markets and growth to the whole Europe? Is the undeclared cause of discrimination the fact that Turkey is a Moslem country?''

Noting that Turkey has to improve itself in the fields of human rights and democracy, Cem added that he rejected politically motivated and exaggerated claims.

''I hope that EU will not discriminate against us, will not exclude Turkey's candidancy from the present enlargement process and pre-accession strategy. EU is not an obsession for Turkey, but I hope EU makes the right decision,'' said Cem.

[22] TURKEY-HABUR BORDER - DIESEL OIL TRADE RESTARTED

Diesel oil trade was halted when Baghdad stopped liquid fuel delivery from Musul to Northern Iraq over a row with the UN.

As the discussions between Turkish and Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) committees, which increased the price of diesel oil following Iraq's decision to halt delivery, resulted in agreement; the price of diesel oil of Northern Iraq decreased to 3.5 dinar. About 1.500 trucks, waiting in Northern Iraq-Zaho more than a month, started to turn back to Turkey after loading diesel oil.

Sirnak Governor Halil Ulusoy told A.A reporter that Foreign Ministry had negotiations with Iraqi authorities and Silopi District Governor with KDP authorities to reach an agreement concerning diesel oil.

Authorities in the Habur border said that about 300 trucks will carry diesel oil through the border a day.

[23] TURKEY-TURKISH REPUBLICS - TURKEY-TURKISH REPUBLICS BUSINESSMEN CONGRESS TO BE HELD ON 13 DECEMBER IN ISTANBUL

A statement by Ahat Andican, State Minister Responsible from Turkish Republics and Communities, said that the opening of the congress to be held in Lutfi Kirdar Congress and Exhibition Hall will be realized by President Suleyman Demirel and Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz.

Industrial Cooperation Program for Turkish Republics and financing and protection of Turkish trade and investments will be taken up in the Congress. In addition, long term economical strategies will be evaluated.

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