Anadolu Agency: News in English, 97-12-17

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

17 DEC 1997

CONTENTS

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

[02] TURKEY-NATO - TURKEY FOCUSES ON TERRORISM IN BRUSSELS

[03] TURKEY-US-EU - US PRESIDENT CLINTON: - ''WE HAVE TO DO OUR BEST TO ANCHOR TURKEY TO THE WEST'' - ''I BELIEVE THAT TURKISH-GREEK PROBLEMS ARE NOT RATIONAL''

[04] TURKEY-US - PREMIER YILMAZ LEAVES FOR THE US - YILMAZ: ''I BELIEVE MY VISIT WILL CONTRIBUTE TO OUR COOPERATION WITH THE US'' - ''TURKISH-AMERICAN COOPERATION IS VERY IMPORTANT FOR INSTALLATION OF STABILITY AND PEACE IN THE REGION WHICH IS GEOSTRATEGICALLY IMPORTANT''

[05] TURKEY-IMF - STATE MINISTER TANER IN WASHINGTON - GUNES TANER: ''WE EXERT EFFORTS FOR ECONOMIC REFORMS'' - ''THERE WILL NOT BE A STAND-BY ACCORD WITH IMF''

[06] TURKEY-EU - DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT: ''EU IS NOT THE ONLY CHOICE FOR TURKEY, ONE DOOR CLOSES, ANOTHER ONE OPENS FOR US''

[07] TURKEY-EU - EU COMMISSION CHAIRMAN SANTER:''EU CONDITIONS FOR TURKEY ARE NOT EXCESSIVE'' - LUXEMBOURG PRIME MINISTER JUNCKER: ''SUMMIT DECISION DOES NOT SAY 'NO' TO TURKEY'' - LUXEMBOURG FOREIGN MINISTER POOS: ''WE OFFERED AN HONEST PROPOSAL TO TURKEY''

[08] TURKEY-NORTHERN IRAQ - CROSS-BORDER OPERATION - GENERAL STAFF: ''TURKISH ARMED FORCES OPERATION IN NORTHERN IRAQ HAS ENDED SUCCESSFULLY'' - ''182 SEPARATIST TERRORISTS HAVE BEEN KILLED SINCE DECEMBER 5''

[09] TURKISH PRESS REVIEW (1)

[10] TURKISH PRESS REVIEW (2)

[11] CYPRUS - GREEK CYPRIOTS BREAK INTO UN HEADQUADTEDS - GREEK CYPRIOTS MESSED UP FEISSEL'S OFFICE AND LEFT A STATEMENT AGAINST TURKEY

[12] TURKEY-EU - FRENCH MINISTER MOSCOVICI ADDRESSES TO A.A: ''TURKEY SHOULD CONTINUE ITS DIALOGUE WITH EU'' ''FULL MEMBERSHIP PERSPECTIVE GIVEN TO TURKEY''

[13] TURKEY-HEROIN - POLICE SEIZES 23 KG HEROIN

[14] TURKEY-EU - PRIME MINISTER YILMAZ: ''IF EU DOES NOT CHANGE ITS ATTITUDE UNTIL JUNE, TURKEY WILL WITHDRAW ITS APPLICATION OF FULL MEMBERSHIP''

[15] BOURSE: - RESUME DU MARCHE:

[16] TURKEY-EU - EU REPRESENTATIVE TO TURKEY LAKE: ''TURKEY'S WAY TOWARDS EU OPENED''

[17] TURKEY-EU - FOREIGN MINISTER CEM TO MEET EU COMMISSIONER VAN DEN BROEK

[18] TURKEY IN BRIEF- DECEMBER 17, 1997

[19] TURKEY-EU (2) - PRIME MINISTER YILMAZ SAYS MANY EU LEADERS SENT MESSAGES TO CONVINCE TURKEY TO OVERVIEW ITS DECISION AND PARTICIPATE IN EUROPEAN CONFERENCE

[20] TURKEY-EU - PRIME MINISTER YILMAZ: ''THEY WERE THINKING THAT WE BLUFFED, THIS IS WHY THEY ARE SURPRISED''

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

HÜRRİYET (LIBERAL)

MİLLİYET (LIBERAL)

CLINTON: TURKEY IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT
US President Bill Clinton, who will meet Prime Minister Mesut Yılmaz on Friday, said that their first aim is to ''anchor Turkey in West.'' Noting that US wishes the solution of Aegean and Cyprus questions, Clinton stated that he will also take up bringing Aegean problems to the International Court of Justice in the Hague in his meeting with Yılmaz.

SABAH (LIBERAL)

CUMHURİYET (LEFT)

TÜRKİYE (RIGHT)

RADİKAL (LEFT)

NINE-DAY WALKING FINISHES IN ANKARA
The demonstrations which started by Confederation of Revolutionary Workers Trade Union (DISK) nine days ago, finished in Ankara yesterday. The crowded delegation was welcomed by non-governmental organizations, trade unions, political parties and students in Ankara. The delegation met Labour and Social Security Minister Nami Cagan and Prime Minister Mesut Yılmaz and they will meet Deputy Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit today and the leader of Republican Peoples Party (CHP) on Friday.

ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)

YENIYUZYIL (LIBERAL)

FİNANSAL FORUM (ECONOMY)

[02] TURKEY-NATO - TURKEY FOCUSES ON TERRORISM IN BRUSSELS

Foreign Minister Cem prevented the inclusion of the article saying ''NATO welcomes EU Summit results,'' by warning NATO members that Turkey will not participate in such a declaration, if it includes that article.

Addressing a speech in the NATO Council meeting, Cem attributed importance to the issues of international terrorism and arms smuggling which threaten the security of NATO and criticized the attitute of several states regarding terrorism. Cem stressed that NATO countries should cooperate against terrorism.

Turkey focused on struggling with terrorism in all documents that are adopted in NATO meetings and in contacts with other NATO countries.

Foreign Minister Cem said that he explained Turkey's views about Turkish-EU relations in his bilateral contacts in Brussels.

Ismail Cem will proceed to Denmark on Wednesday to participate in Organization on Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) meetings, after the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council meeting ends in Brussels.

[03] TURKEY-US-EU - US PRESIDENT CLINTON: - ''WE HAVE TO DO OUR BEST TO ANCHOR TURKEY TO THE WEST'' - ''I BELIEVE THAT TURKISH-GREEK PROBLEMS ARE NOT RATIONAL''

Addressing a press briefing, Bill Clinton stated that ''US and American people have two important targets. Firstly we have to do 'everything reasonable' to anchor Turkey to the west. There is a secular administration in Turkey and Turkey has always been a reliable ally in NATO. Turkey extended support to many of our operations after the Gulf Crisis. Turkey has been a very good ally of US. If you look at the size of the country, if you look at its geostrategic significance, where it is, what it could block and what it could open the doors to, it is terribly important.''

Noting that US attributes importance to resolution of the differences between Turkey and Greece, Clinton added that ''The two states are deeply held, historic and, I'm convinced, at bottom the differences are ultimately irrational.''

''To allow the potential that Greece and Turkey both have for future economic growth and cooperation, for political cooperation, for security cooperation, to be broken on the rocks of their differences over Cyprus and other territorial differences in the Aegean is, in my view, a grave error. I will discuss these issues with Prime Minister Yılmaz. I want a resolution of the Cyprus issue very badly and Turkey and Greece should have good relations,'' said Clinton.

Meanwhile, US State Secratary Madeleine Albright said after NATO meetings in Brussels that US is worried about the recent situation between Turkey and European Union (EU), adding that ''Turkey should be anchored to Europe. We hope that the tension will be diffused regarding this issue. Turkey should direct itself to Europe and the Turkish government does that.''

[04] TURKEY-US - PREMIER YILMAZ LEAVES FOR THE US - YILMAZ: ''I BELIEVE MY VISIT WILL CONTRIBUTE TO OUR COOPERATION WITH THE US'' - ''TURKISH-AMERICAN COOPERATION IS VERY IMPORTANT FOR INSTALLATION OF STABILITY AND PEACE IN THE REGION WHICH IS GEOSTRATEGICALLY IMPORTANT''

Prime Minister Yilmaz and his wife Berna Yilmaz are accompanied by Energy and Natural Resources Minister Cumhur Ersumer, Istanbul Independent Deputy Cefi Kamhi, State Ministers Sukru Sina Gurel and Cavit Kavak, many Turkish businessmen and reporters.

Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz before his departure from Esenboga Airport said that he will leave for the US upon an official invitation from US President Bill Clinton.

Yilmaz said his visit will contribute to the cooperation between two countries.

Stressing that Turkey and the US are two allied-countries which are in intense cooperation, Yilmaz said, ''I hope our cooperation with the US will further improve with my visit.''

Pointing out that he will find the opportunity to hold several contacts with President Clinton, US Secretaries and international economy officials during his visit, Yilmaz said, ''I will convey Turkey's views and attitudes and exchange opinions regarding the bilateral and international issues.''

Stating that he will inform the US authorities on latest developments in Turkey's political life and government's reforms on economy and human- rights, Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz said that he will also find the opportunity to meet famous American dailies' and televisions' reporters.

Noting that there are lots of Turkish people and American citizens of Turkish origin living in the US, Yilmaz said, ''those people have contributed to American society for years. They have helped to built political, economic and cultural ties between two countries. I will also meet Turkish minority representatives during my visit.''

Emphasizing that Turkey and the US have continued their strategical cooperation for more than 50 years within the framework of bilateral and NATO ally-obligations, Yilmaz said two countries realized their cooperation even under hard conditions of Cold War through determination.

Yilmaz said that Turkish-American cooperation is very important for the installation of stability and peace in the region which is geostrategically important.

Prime Minister Yilmaz is expected to return to Turkey on December 22.

[05] TURKEY-IMF - STATE MINISTER TANER IN WASHINGTON - GUNES TANER: ''WE EXERT EFFORTS FOR ECONOMIC REFORMS'' - ''THERE WILL NOT BE A STAND-BY ACCORD WITH IMF''

Taner said that there will not be a stand-by accord issue on the agenda of the talks with International Monetary Fund (IMF).

State Minister Taner defined the talks with IMF as ''consultation held in technical level''.

Gunes Taner told American reporters that former governments could not set up a dialogue with IMF upon concrete basis and could not transfer information to this international organization.

Stressing the importance of cooperation agreements signed with Russia, Taner said that energy and investments in energy field are very important.

Gunes Taner said that Turkish stock-exchange was the less-affected bourse from the crisis emerged from Asian bourses and they expect Istanbul stock- exchange to overcome that crisis in January 1998.

Stating that they expect great amount of foreign capital investments in Turkey in near future, Taner said, ''the calculations of all those investments should be made by considering the macro-economic balances.''

State Minister Gunes Taner said that the inflation should be decreased, adding that social security, tax and agricultural reforms should also be realized in Turkey.

Taner stated that Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz will meet IMF and World Bank Presidents during his visit to Washington.

[06] TURKEY-EU - DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT: ''EU IS NOT THE ONLY CHOICE FOR TURKEY, ONE DOOR CLOSES, ANOTHER ONE OPENS FOR US''

Noting that EU worked on several plans to keep Turkey under political pressure, Ecevit pointed out that ''These people try to divide Turkey. Turkey, not EU drew our borders and we defend it in spite of our allies.''

''We tried to convince EU that Turkey should be included among candidate countries. We did not have dreams, because EU got all it wanted by the Customs Union (CU) deal. EU did not need the membership of Turkey anymore and the former government did not use the bargaing power of Turkey in CU negotiations. EU aims to urge Turkey to give concessions regarding Greek, Cyprus and even internal issues, however they lost the opportunity to keep Turkey under pressure. Even if we give them what they want, they will find other excuses,'' said Ecevit.

Pointing out that EU is afraid of the big population of Turkey and it does not wish Turkey to have a strong economy, Ecevit stressed that ''EU can not bear Turkey in itself.''

Noting that Turkey's application to EU is still valid, Ecevit added that ''This is our legal right. Our application will be at the agenda, even if we take a result or not. Our bilateral relations will continue, yet we will not talk about Agean, Cyprus or Southeastern issues with any EU state. Human rights is our problem and the 55th government takes steps to improve it.''

Ecevit stated that Turkey can only discuss problems stemming from association agreement and CU with EU and the latter should fulfil its obligations in order to solve these problems. Ecevit stressed that the partial integration plan with TRNC will further intensify.

Deputy Prime Minister Ecevit added that EU will call Turkey for full membership soon, ''We have to count on ourselves for success,'' he said.

[07] TURKEY-EU - EU COMMISSION CHAIRMAN SANTER:''EU CONDITIONS FOR TURKEY ARE NOT EXCESSIVE'' - LUXEMBOURG PRIME MINISTER JUNCKER: ''SUMMIT DECISION DOES NOT SAY 'NO' TO TURKEY'' - LUXEMBOURG FOREIGN MINISTER POOS: ''WE OFFERED AN HONEST PROPOSAL TO TURKEY''

EU Commission and Council officials evaluated relations with

Turkey in European Parliament the same day.

EU Commission Chairman Jacques Santer claimed that EU pursued a positive attitute and offered concrete proposals to Turkey.

Santer added that the conditions, which were put forward in summit declaration to improve relations with Turkey, were not excessive.

Luxembourg Prime Minister Jean Claude Juncker said in his part that the summit decision does not mean to ''say no to Turkey,'' adding that ''We would like Turkey to understand that EU is not a Christian club, but a club of rules.''

Juncker stressed that EU attributes importance to democratic rules and freedoms and expects Turkey to respect the rules of EU.

Addressing the European Parliament, Luxembourg Foreign Minister Jacques Poos said that ''the summit decision did not close the door, on the contrary it opened the door to Turkey.''

Poos claimed that the proposal which was offered to Turkey was an honest one.

[08] TURKEY-NORTHERN IRAQ - CROSS-BORDER OPERATION - GENERAL STAFF: ''TURKISH ARMED FORCES OPERATION IN NORTHERN IRAQ HAS ENDED SUCCESSFULLY'' - ''182 SEPARATIST TERRORISTS HAVE BEEN KILLED SINCE DECEMBER 5''

General Staff stated that the military operation, which started on December 5, concentrated against terrorist positions around Khwakurk region near Iraq's border with Turkey and Iran. The aim of the operation was to prevent separatist terrorist organization from re-establishing bases in Northern Iraq and tyrannizing Northern Iraqi people.

It stated that Turkish Armed Forces and KDP forces, with a high-level moral and motivation, had struck again a heavy blow to the separatist terrorist organization inspite of the harsh winter conditions.

General Staff said, ''a total of 182 terrorists were killed in that operation. There were no casualties among Turkish Armed Forces, but seven peshmergas from KDP forces were wounded in the operation.''

It stated that large amounts of ammunition worth of 343 billion liras, 807 tonnes of foodstuff and supplies were seized in 171 stores during the operation.

General Staff said, ''Turkish Armed Forces will continue their struggle against the separatist terrorist organization by determination whether inside Turkey or, if necessary, inside Northern Iraq.''

[09] TURKISH PRESS REVIEW (1)

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

PRIME MINISTER YILMAZ TO U.S.
Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz and a 200-member Turkish delegation will go to the U.S. today. During his visit Yilmaz will meet President Bill Clinton, Presidential Aide Al Gore, Secreteries of State, Defense, Treasury, Energy and Trade and also the chairmen of the IMF and the World Bank. Yilmaz will also visit Turkish-American Associations.

It is expected that Yilmaz will discuss the Baku-Ceyhan oil pipeline, textile quotas and plane purchases from Boeing. Mesut Yilmaz and the delegation will return home on 21 December. /Hurriyet/

TURCO-EGYPT RELATIONS
Turkish and Egyptian military delegations met yesterday during Turkish Chief of Staff, Ismail Hakki Karadayi's visit to Egypt. At the meeting, bilateral military relations, Turco-Israel relations and regional developments were discussed. After the meeting, Turkish and Egyptian military officials announced that they always welcomed bilateral agreements as contributions to the Middle East process. /Milliyet/Sabah/

EUROMONEY, TURKEY BETTER THAN OTHER EU CANDIDATES
Financial magazine "Euromoney" says Turkey is in a better position than other EU candidates according certain economic criteria. The Euromoney report said that the Turkish risk rating was in a positive trend but that some EU candidate economies have been suffering increasing political risks. Among ten countries classified as "emerging markets", Turkey came third. /Sabah/

GERMAN SOCIAL DEMOCRAT LEADER IN ANKARA
Visiting German Social Democrat Rudolf Scharping said he sympathized with Turkey's disappointment over the European Luxembourg Summit declaration saying that Turkey shouldn't be kept in a waiting room but also shouldn't react angrily to the EU's response but continue its European perspective. Scharping, the leader of the Federal Parliamentary group of the German Social Democrat Party (SDP), is in Ankara as the guest of the Republican People's Party (CHP), addressed the CHP parliamentary group on Tuesday saying that it was impossible for Europe to leave Turkey out because Turkey was a very important country, including being an element of stability in its region.

Scharping was yesterday received by President Suleyman Demirel. /All papers/

182 PKK TERRORISTS KILLED IN NORTHERN IRAQ
According to a statement released by the Office of the General Staff, a military operation started on 5 December in northern Iraq has been a success. The operation, launched to stop attacks against

civilians in northern Iraq and to prevent the re-organization of the PKK in the region, successfully ended on 15 December, said the report. It was also stated that 182 terrorists had been killed and that military equipment, weapons and food had been seized. /Sabah/

MOSCOW, ANKARA PROCEED TOWARDS BETTER RELATIONS
During the visit of Russian Prime Minister Victor Chernomyrdin, grounds for deeper mutual respect and broader cooperation were laid but with a large number of agreements being signed by the two countries. Apart from a natural gas agreement worth $ 13.5 billion, Turkey and Russia signed economic cooperation deals as well as agreements for more cooperation as in a number of areas including energy, coal and electricity.

Turkish officials announced that trade volume between Turkey and Russia was worth 10-12 billion dollars per year and this figure increased to 20 billion dollars with the inclusion of cross-border 'suitcase trade'. The two sides stated their hope that political problems between the two countries, such as Chechnya and the outlawed separatist terrorist organization (PKK), would not have a bad effect on bilateral relations.

During a meeting between President Suleyman Demirel and the visiting Prime Minister agreement was reached on broader cooperation and mutual respect. Demirel also reminded Chernomyrdin that Russian President Boris Yeltsin had earlier promised to visit Ankara. A date for Yeltsin's visit to Ankara will be scheduled in Moscow.

Completing his visit, the Russian Prime Minimster yesterday left Turkey. /All papers/

TURKEY ACTS IN HARMONY WITH CUSTOMS UNION AGREEMENTS
A decrease in customs rates for "sensitive goods" imported from EU member- countries to Turkey will enter into effect on January 1, 1998. The move is designed to help harmonize Turkish regulations with Common Customs Tariffs agreed upon between Turkey and the EU within the framework of the customs union agreement. This is the second decrease in customs rates for EU goods, following a similar implementation that came into effect at the beginning of this year. /Hurriyet/

STATE MINISTER EYUB ASIK IN CUBA
State Minister Eyub Asik will begin today an official visit to Cuba on the invitation of the Cuban government. Minister Asik will chair a meeting of the Turco-Cuban Joint Economic Commission, and will sign an agreement for bilateral cooperation. The minister will be received by Cuban leader Fidel Castro and will present to him a letter from Prime Minister Yilmaz. During his contacts with Cuban officials, Asik will discuss opportunities for cooperation in the production of Cuban cigars in Turkey. /Hurriyet/

(continues)

[10] TURKISH PRESS REVIEW (2)

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

CLINTON VOICES SUPPORT FOR TURKEY
In his last press conference for 1997, US President Bill Clinton emphasized the strategic importance of Turkey, and pointed out that Turkey should not be estranged from the West. "We should exert every effort to bind Turkey to the West," the US president declared. He added that the US will also work to help Turkey and Greece resolve bilateral disagreements. /Hurriyet/

TOURISM BOOM
More than nine million foreign tourists visited Turkey in the first eleven months of this year. Tourism entrepreneurs are rejoicing, because the number of tourists coming to Turkey for their holiday increased by nearly 13 percent in comparison to the previous year. Tourism Ministry statistics reveal that Germans are the largest group of foreign tourists who paid visits to Turkey in the January-November period this year. Next on the list are tourists from the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and Britain. /Hurriyet/

CYPRUS WARNING TO NATO
Turkish Foreign Minister Ismail Cem stated that the results of the European Union (EU) summit were not sufficient from the Turkish standpoint. In Brussels for a NATO meeting, Cem said: "The EU leaders presented a third- class train ticket to Turkey during the Luxembourg summit. Either the EU could not competely understand the importance of the issue or followed a wrong path deliberately". Cem blaimed the EU for not accepting the responsibility for turning conflict into reconciliation, thereby missing the opportunity for today. Cem noted that if the EU started full membership negotiations with Greek Cyprus, Turkey would put into implementation a "partial integration" plan with the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). Some foreign ministers attending the NATO meeting stated that they understood the anxiety of Turkey but also called on Turkey to review its decision.

Meanwhile, members of the Greens Group at the European Parliament said: "The EU has implemented a double standard with regard to Turkey. We understand the reaction of Turkish Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz. Christian Democrats have noted that they do not want the Turkish-EU dialogue to be severed. /Cumhuriyet/

XANTHI MUFTI GETS 80 MONTHS IN PRISON
The Mufti of Xanthi as elected by the West Thracian Turkish minority, Mehmet Emin Aga, has been sentenced with a total of 80 months in prison following cases involving eight separate charges. A statement issued by the Turkish Foreign Information Department called on Greece to abide by the obligations in bilateral and multi-lateral agreements and to respect the contractual rights of muftis elected by the West Thracian Turkish minority. /Cumhuriyet/

TRAINING CAMP NEAR ATHENS
A modern camp in which members of the PKK terrorist organization are being trained has been discovered in Greece. According to the confessions of three university students arrested by Edirne police during preparations to carry out a bombing operation, a training camp has been set up 45- kilometers north of Athens. /Milliyet/

ANNAN CALLS FOR NEW APPROACHES
While the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) declared that inter- communal talks for a solution on the divided island "have died" due to the EU membership invitation to Greek Cyprus, United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan has called for new approaches to be adopted in dealing with the problem, but has overlooked TRNC demands for talks to be held on the basis of equality for both sides. In a brief report to the UN Security Council on Monday, Annan urged leaders of the Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities to begin a sustained process of negotiations as soon as possible. /Milliyet/

[11] CYPRUS - GREEK CYPRIOTS BREAK INTO UN HEADQUADTEDS - GREEK CYPRIOTS MESSED UP FEISSEL'S OFFICE AND LEFT A STATEMENT AGAINST TURKEY

A.A. correspondent learned that Greek Cypriots messed up the office and left a statement with slogans against Turkey, on Feissel's desk.

Sources close to the UN said that Feissel condemned this assult to UN headquarters, in his meeting with Greek Cypriot Leader Glafkos Clerides.

Feissel did not make a statement after the meeting while Clerides said that they took up the decisions of European Union (EU) summit in Luxembourg, in the meeting.

UN Peace Force is on alert against a new Greek Cypriot assault and increased the security measures.

[12] TURKEY-EU - FRENCH MINISTER MOSCOVICI ADDRESSES TO A.A: ''TURKEY SHOULD CONTINUE ITS DIALOGUE WITH EU'' ''FULL MEMBERSHIP PERSPECTIVE GIVEN TO TURKEY''

Responding to questions of journalists regarding the EU Summit decisions, French Minister stated that they know Turkey is dissappointed and they understand that, yet dialogue should continue between EU and Turkey to overcome problems.

Recalling that Britain will be the next term president in the coming days, Moscovici stated that necassary initiatives will probably be launched to revive the dialogue during the term presidency of Britain.

Noting that confirmation of Turkey's existance in enlargement process is important, Moscovici added that positive parts of the decisions taken in EU Summit should not be ignored by Turkey.

Moscovici attributed importance to the invitation of Turkey to European Conference, giving it a strategy for full membership and the fact that Turkey will be treated equally with the other candidate states, adding that ''Turkey is in enlargement process.''

Nevertheless, French Minister accepted that the message of EU to Turkey was not that strong.

Responding to a question regarding Cyprus, Moscovici noted that France extends support to UN Efforts which takes bi-communal and bi-zonal federation as a basis in solving the Cyprus problem.

Moscovici said that Turkish Cypriot representatives should also participate in EU full membership negotiations together with the Greek Cypriot side.

[13] TURKEY-HEROIN - POLICE SEIZES 23 KG HEROIN

Istanbul Narcotics Directorate officials said that they seized 3.5 kg heroin in Ataturk Airport and took under custody two Hungarians Judit Kenyares and Csaba Derzsi.

Acting on a tip off, police seized 19.5 kg heroin in Nigerian A. Olayinka Sanusi's house in Kagithane district in Istanbul.

Police took under custody also Metin Yagizer, Ihsan Guler, Sehmuz Aslan and Ubeydullah Yigit in relation with the incident.

[14] TURKEY-EU - PRIME MINISTER YILMAZ: ''IF EU DOES NOT CHANGE ITS ATTITUDE UNTIL JUNE, TURKEY WILL WITHDRAW ITS APPLICATION OF FULL MEMBERSHIP''

Addressing a statement to journalists, Prime Minister Yılmaz stated that ''we will not change our attitude as long as Turkey is not included in the basket where 11 countries are present.''

Noting that ''those, who wanted to transform the union into a Christian union, have won,'' Prime Minister Yılmaz stressed that ''Turkey will not participate in European Conference during my premiership.''

Prime Minister Yılmaz pointed out that EU told Turkey that ''you will join in the family photograph.'' ''Yet I am not interested in photography,'' Yılmaz said.

Evaluating the statements of German Foreign Minister Klaus Kinkel, Yılmaz added that ''He talks nonsense.''

[15] BOURSE: - RESUME DU MARCHE:

					Volume des
		Nombre d'actions	operations
                ----------------        ----------
Montee			 72		2.241.285
Descente		128		3.077.746
Prix invariable		 60		  409.350
Soumis a operation	260		5.728.381
Sommet historique	  4
Chute	  ''		  0
Marche prioritaire				6
Marche regional				  200.177
Marche en observation			   59.865
Marche des nouvelles societes		  404.175
Marche national (milliard tl)	       56.674.000

[16] TURKEY-EU - EU REPRESENTATIVE TO TURKEY LAKE: ''TURKEY'S WAY TOWARDS EU OPENED''

Addressing a speech in a panel, Lake stated that ''today I can speak about full membership of Turkey, as Turkey's eligibility for full membership has been stressed during Luxembourg Summit. Moreover it has been noted that Turkey will be evaluated together with other candidate countries by objective criteria.''

''I am very surprised by the reactions. There are several conditions to be a EU full member. If you read Agenda 2000, you will see that there are several conditions for other countries in the field of minorities, too. These decisions are not only related with Turkey,'' Lake said.

Noting that the customs union operates well between Turkey and EU, Lake added that ''Customs Union is the commercial key of European Union (EU). Media talks about embargoes. These can be done, if it is wished, yet the legal integrity of customs union should not be threatened. Turkey can do that as long as it does not violate basic rules of the Customs Union. Of course it can give the tender to any country it wants.''

[17] TURKEY-EU - FOREIGN MINISTER CEM TO MEET EU COMMISSIONER VAN DEN BROEK

Turkish officials said that Cem accepted this invitation on condition that the meeting will be held ''within the framework of the Turkish goverments' statements.''

Foreign Minister Cem and Van den Broek will meet during Organization on Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Council of Ministers meeting which will be held in Copenhagen on Thursday.

[18] TURKEY IN BRIEF- DECEMBER 17, 1997

Pointing out that he will discuss the issues of ''Turkish-Hungarian relations'', ''relations between two countries' defense industries'' and ''European security structure'' with Hungarian authorities, Ismet Sezgin said, ''we will exchange opinions regarding NATO's expansion process following Madrid summit. We will also brief Hungarian authorities on our NATO experience we had since 1952. We will also sign military training cooperation agreement with Hungary.''

ISTANBUL - State Minister Eyup Asik on Wednesday left for Cuba to participate in First Turkish-Cuban Joint Economic Commission (JEC) meetings.

Asik, prior to his departure, told reporters that their goal is to increase the trade volume between two countries from existing USD 10 million.

Asik said the relations between two countries will be evaluated in the JEC meetings.

Asik said he will launch initiatives regarding the plantation and joint production project of famous Cuban cigars in Turkey, adding that he will present that project to Cuban President Fidel Castro.

ISTANBUL - A Norwegian-flagged oil tanker on Wednesday ran aground in the Bosphorus Strait through Istanbul.

Maritime officials told A.A correspondent that the 18,302 gross tonne Orange Star tanker, carrying 30,000 tonnes of gas oil loaded at a Russian port, went aground at 7.20 a.m. They said there were no reports of any fuel- leak from the 171-metre-long vessel. Officials said the ship had come from the Russian port of Tuapse. Its destination was not immediately clear.

Officials said the tanker ran aground after losing control because of powerful currents in the channel. It was situated near the Istanbul district of Yenikoy, to the north of Istanbul on the European side of the strait.

Officials said the cause of the accident was still being investigated.

MOSCOW - Turkish cargo ship Alfa-1, which was missing in Black Sea since yesterday, was found on Wednesday.

Alfa-1 casted anchor in Dagomis port near Russia's Sochi port.

[19] TURKEY-EU (2) - PRIME MINISTER YILMAZ SAYS MANY EU LEADERS SENT MESSAGES TO CONVINCE TURKEY TO OVERVIEW ITS DECISION AND PARTICIPATE IN EUROPEAN CONFERENCE

Evaluating on the recent decision of EU on his way to New York, Prime Minister Yılmaz stated that Deputy Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit and himself met 15 prime ministers of 15 EU countries in order to include Turkey in EU enlargement process.

Prime Minister Yılmaz said that he wrote letters to 15 Prime Ministers before the Luxembourg Summit and explained Turkey's views to them, adding that:

''Our message was that: Turkey expects a clear respond regarding its status in Luxembourg Summit. We know that we have to improve ourselves in several fields, but do not expect only from Turkey to take steps to solve the disputes with Greece, particularly Cyprus Question.''

Prime Minister Yılmaz pointed out that he was not informed fully about the decision that would be taken in EU Summit during his visit to Luxembourg, adding that he told Luxembourg officials that if the decision is not changed, Turkey would react to that.

''The government decision is neither agressive nor emotional,'' Yılmaz told reporters.

Pointing out that Luxembourg Summit would decide whether Europe was a multi- national, multi-cultural and multi-religious place or a Christian civilization, Yılmaz said that the latter came true and a discrimination was made against Turkey.

Noting that the statements issued after the summit started to show clearly the discrimination against Turkey, Yılmaz stated that ''In this case the government did what was needed.''

Yılmaz stressed that Luxembourg Foreign Minister Poos told him that ''No other EU Summit said that Turkey meets the conditions which is necessary to be a candidate state. You can introduce this as a success in internal politics.''

''I told Poos that you propose me to deceive my people, yet I can not do that,'' Yılmaz added.

Stressing that the proposals offered to Turkey did not incorporate concrete elements in respect of time and finance, Yılmaz said that European Conference came later to the agenda just for Turkey.

Yılmaz pointed out that many EU leaders called him after Turkey explained it attitude by saying that ''we did a mistake, review your decision and participate in European Conference.''

''EU countries took a wrong decision, Turkey gives six months to EU, as it's EU's turn to criticize itself now. If EU does not change its attitude, then we will withdraw our application, because we can not be Christian, yet we keep our promises and will for incorporation to EU,'' said Yılmaz.

[20] TURKEY-EU - PRIME MINISTER YILMAZ: ''THEY WERE THINKING THAT WE BLUFFED, THIS IS WHY THEY ARE SURPRISED''

Responding to questions of journalists regarding the statements of German Foreign Minister Kinkel, Yılmaz stated that ''Kinkel's statements are all contradictory, yet I am not dissappointed about the attitute of German Prime Minister Kohl, because we do not have a special attitude about any country. Every EU country could have vetoed the discrimination imposed on Turkey, but no country did that during the EU Summit.''

Noting that Britain will try to convince Turkey regarding the participation in European Conference, Yılmaz added that ''British Prime Minister Tony Blair will head an international organization for the first time and they will try to find a formula in Cyprus, because they are really interested in Cyprus question.''

Yılmaz pointed out that these will not come true as he told Blair, adding that ''They were thinking that we bluffed, that's why they were surprised. They think that they have given us more than we expected.''

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