Anadolu Agency: News in English, 97-12-26

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

26 DEC 1997

CONTENTS

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

[02] TURKEY-TURKMENISTAN - PRIME MINISTER YILMAZ LEAVES FOR TURKMENISTAN

[03] TURKEY-BUDGET - PARLIAMENT APPROVES 1998 BUDGET

[04] TURKEY-MISSILE - EIGHT INJURED WHEN MILITARY MISSILE HITS FISHING BOAT

[05] TURKISH PRESS REVIEW (1)

[06] TURKISH PRESS REVIEW (2)

[07] TURKEY-EU - PRIME MINISTER YILMAZ: ''EUROPE HAS TO CORRECT ITS MISTAKE''

[08] TURKEY-SYRIA - SYRIA'S HASEKI PROVINCE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CHAIRMAN ABDUKE: - ''WE WANT TO EXHIBIT OUR PRODUCTS IN FREE ZONE'' - MARDIN GOVERNOR GUVEN: ''WE WANT TO INVEST IN HASEKI''

[09] TURKEY-RIGHTS - PARLIAMENT SPEAKER CETIN: ''OBSTACLES INFRONT OF THOUGHT AND EXPRESSION SHOULD BE LIFTED''

[10] TURKEY-US - US DELEGATION TO COME TO TURKEY IN JANUARY TO CONTINUE DIALOGUE IN ENERGY COOPERATION BETWEEN TURKEY AND US

[11] TURKEY-TERRORISM - OPERATIONS IN IRAQI BORDER - NINE TERRORISTS KILLED IN GABAR MOUNTAIN - OPERATIONS UNDERWAY IN IRAQI BORDER

[12] TURKEY-INTERNAL - HEAD OF SPHINX FROM ROMAN PERIOD SMUGGLED FROM EPHESUS IS COMING BACK TO TURKEY AFTER 32 YEARS

[13] TURKEY-US-ISRAEL - JORDAN TO PARTICIPATE IN ''RELIANT MERMAID'' AS OBSERVER

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

HÜRRİYET (LIBERAL)

BARGAINING FOR TURKISH-ISRAELI DEFENSE INDUSTRY
A serious bargaining will take place during ''Turkish-Israeli Defense Industry Cooperation Meeting'' which will be held in Ankara in March.

MİLLİYET (LIBERAL) SIGNATURE TO NATIONAL DOCUMENT
National Policy Document which was adopted by National Security Council (NSC) and which created great reactions, was implemented with two separate decrees.

GREEK GENERAL VISITED THE CAMP
PKK bomber Seref Kilic said administration of the separatist terrorist camp was under the control of Greece.

SABAH (LIBERAL)

CUMHURİYET (LEFT)

30 PERCENT INCREASE TO CIVIL SERVANTS BECOMES LEGALIZED
Finance Minister Temizel said increase in salaries of the civil servants was against the stability program.

TÜRKİYE (RIGHT)

HOPE FOR CHEAP NATURAL GAS
Prime Minister Yilmaz is in Turkemenistan today. Turkmens propose 40 dollars against the Russian natural gas which cost 100 dollars for one cubic meter.

RADİKAL (LEFT) FIRST CONFESSION IN GOKTEPE CASE
Arrested Security Chief Seydi Battal Kose accused seven policemen about Goktepe murder. Kose said the murder of Goktepe was hid for one day.

ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE) FM CEM: DETERMINING FACTOR IS CYPRUS
Foreign Minister Ismail Cem said the real determining factor was Cyprus question for Turkey's full membership to EU.

YENİ YÜZYIL (LIBERAL)

[02] TURKEY-TURKMENISTAN - PRIME MINISTER YILMAZ LEAVES FOR TURKMENISTAN

Yilmaz left for Turkmenistan Today on a three-day visit as the official guest of Turkmen President Sapharmurad Turkmenbasi.

Addressing a news conference before his departure from Esenboga Airport Yilmaz said relations were re-improving between Turkey and Turkmenistan.

Yilmaz recalled that economic, cultural and social relations between the two countries improved a lot after Turkmenistan gained its independence.

Prime Minister said during the visit he would take up relations between the two countries and evaluate ways to further improve relations. Yilmaz also said international and regional issues regarding the two countries would also be discussed.

Yilmaz said the businessmen accompanying him will hold contacts about the investments that will be made in this country adding that ''With this visit, Turkey will take an important step to create new business fields and new partners.''

Prime Minister Yilmaz said he would stop by Azeri capital Baku while returning from Turkmenistan and meet Azeri President Haydar Aliev.

State Ministers Ahat Andican and Cavit Kavak, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Cumhur Ersumer, Minister of Agriculture and Village Affairs Mustafa Tasar and Tourism Minister Ibrahim Gurdal and several businessmen and reporters accompany Yilmaz during the visit.

[03] TURKEY-BUDGET - PARLIAMENT APPROVES 1998 BUDGET

The TL 14.793 quadrillion 1998 draft budget, proposed by the government comprised of Motherland (ANAP), Democratic Left (DSP) and Democratic Turkey (DTP) parties, was approved in Parliament with opposition Welfare (RP) and True Path (DYP) parties voting against and the Republican People's (CHP) for the draft.

The CHP has been supporting the government from the outside since it came to power.

The budget foresees an annual economic growth of three percent, a deficit of TL 3.993 quadrillion and an avarage of TL 240,000 to one US dollar.

[04] TURKEY-MISSILE - EIGHT INJURED WHEN MILITARY MISSILE HITS FISHING BOAT

The six military personnel and two civilians aboard the fishing boat, sailing in the Black Sea, had been taken to hospitals for treatment. One was in a serious condition.

The ship had begun sailing away from the target area when it was struck by the missile.

[05] TURKISH PRESS REVIEW (1)

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

PARLIAMENT APPROVES 1998 BUDGET
The coalition government on Thursday successfully passed its first budget test in Parliament. The TL 14.793 quadrillion 1998 draft budget, proposed by the coalition Motherland Party (ANAP), Democratic Left Party (DSP) and Democratic Turkey (DTP) government was approved in Parliament. The budget foresees an annual economic growth of 3 percent,a deficit of TL 3.993 quadrillion and an average of TL 240,000

to one U.S. dollar. /All papers/

ARMY ROCKET INJURES 8, INCLUDING SOLDIERS
Eight people, including six soldiers were injured on Thursday off the coast of the Black Sea town of Sile, near Istanbul, when a Turkish Army training rocket accidentally hit a fishing boat.

The boat, hired by the military, was releasing target balloons. Injured crew members and soldiers were rushed to hospital and none are in a critical condition. /All papers/

TURKEY EXTENDS MANDATE OF NORTHERN WATCH
Turkey on Thursday extended the mandate of the Northern Watch for another six months. The Northern Watch is a multinational force consisting of U.S., British and Turkish air force units covering northern Iraq in an aerial surveillance operation to protect the Kurdish regions. /Cumhuriyet/

YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS TO OPEN UP TO WORLD
The 4th International Young Entrepreneurs Competition will be held in Turkey organized by the Bogazici University with the support of NTV and Arthur Anderson. The organization aims to present successful Turkish youth to the world. /Hurriyet/

U.S.' EU SUPPORT TO TURKEY
According to a report by the Voice of America radio station, Washington gave full support to Turkey's European Union (EU) membership. The report said, "Turkey is a valuable friend and ally of the U.S. Turkey has pointed itself to the west. In the past, the U.S. welcomed Turkey's share in NATO and the OESC. Today, Washington now supports Turkey's EU membership. And also the U.S. will continue to support Turkey's membership in to European organizations."/Hurriyet/

PM YILMAZ IN TURKMENISTAN
Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz's current official official visit to Turkmenistan, where the transportation of Turkmen natural gas to international markets is an issue high on the agenda of the visit. /Hurriyet/

(CONTINUES)

[06] TURKISH PRESS REVIEW (2)

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

BRITISH-AMERICAN TOBACCO TO PRODUCE "SAMSUN" CIGARETTES

In line with a decision of the High Planning Board, 51 percent of the shares of Akhisar Cigarette Factory have been transferred to the British- American Tobacco company. The factory will produce 25 million "Samsun" and "Yeni Harman" cigarettes yearly. /Milliyet/

OPTIMISTIC MESSAGE FROM RUSSIA
An article in the Russian official news agency, Itar Tass, noted regarding Russian Prime Minister Viktor Chernomyrdin's visit to Turkey last week that "during the visit the foundation of a friendly partnership between the two countries, which has been needed for a long time, laid down".

The article stated that the visit had a strategic importance from the economic standpoint and that from the political standpoint it exceeded the limits of bilateral relations. It said: "If the European Union carries on with a hide-and-seek game with Turkey, Ankara may channel its policies from the West to the North. In that case, NATO's expansion towards the East will be in danger". /Cumhuriyet/

GREEK GENERAL IN PKK CAMP
PKK bomber Seref Kilic, brought to Turkey after he took shelter in the Turkish Consulate-General in the Urumiye district of Iran, stated that a Greek general made observations in the camp of the PKK terrorist organization in Greece. Officials noted that the most important issues among information given by Kilic would be conveyed to Greece and Iran via the Turkish Foreign Ministry. /Milliyet/

GERMAN JUDICIARY SEES THE TRUTH
The Administrative Court of Karlsruhe decided that Kurds are under no pressure in Turkey and slammed both its own government and EU countries. Some people claimed that they were subject to pressure in Turkey because they were Kurds and wanted to take refuge in Germany. But they were rejected and therefore opened proceedings in the Karlsruhe Administrative Court. However, the German judge was not convinced by the allegations of the Kurds and concluded that there was no pressure againts Kurds in Turkey. /Hurriyet/

DEMIRKAN IN GERMAN PRESS
In the German Die Zeit newspaper, an article by Renan Demirkan, novelist and artist, has generated interest among American, Spanish and German writers and intellectuals. The title of Demirkan's article was "Cyber Despotism". /Cumhuriyet/

EARLY AZERBAIJANI PETROLEUM ARRIVES
In line with the agreement between Russia and Azerbaijan, the first petroleum tanker set out on its way to the Bosphorus.

In accordance with the agreement which requires that the marketing of early petroleum produced in Hazar must be made through Novorossik Seaport, the 61, 000-tons tanker belonging to Lukoil Company set out on its way from Novorossik. It is expected that the tanker will enter the Bosphorus on Saturday. A second tanker carrying 59 thousand tons petroleum is expected to arrive in the Bosphorus on 31 December, 1997. Transneft, Russian petroleum transport company said that next year, 1.5 million ton petroleum will be transported through Novorossik./Hurriyet/

[07] TURKEY-EU - PRIME MINISTER YILMAZ: ''EUROPE HAS TO CORRECT ITS MISTAKE''

Evaluating recent decision of EU Yilmaz told in a speech to parliament that Luxembourg decision could be regarded as the most important decision taken in favor of Turkey if there was not a resolution taken about Southern Cyprus ''it was never told that Turkey could be a full member. This was first uttered in Luxembourg, they said this is a political victory for us.''

Yilmaz said ''we should ask the second Berlin wall put between Turkey and other candidate countries.''

Noting that opposition parties in Turkey failed to understand the sanctions that Turkey would implement against this decision, Yilmaz said that ''We will not discuss Turkey's interior problems inclding Turkish-Greek relations and human rights.'' He said ''we will maintain our relations with the EU which were linked with the agreements. We are faitful to our committments stemming from 1963 agreements.''

Yilmaz said Turkey financed expansion of the EU and stressed that Turkey has no obligation to finance the eight million dollar aid EU extended to Greece. ''I have the right to discuss this issue with them. I am ready to integrate if they consider our interests and if they respect us.''

[08] TURKEY-SYRIA - SYRIA'S HASEKI PROVINCE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CHAIRMAN ABDUKE: - ''WE WANT TO EXHIBIT OUR PRODUCTS IN FREE ZONE'' - MARDIN GOVERNOR GUVEN: ''WE WANT TO INVEST IN HASEKI''

Syrian businessmen led by Abduke came to southeastern Mardin province and visited Governor Fikret Guven. Abduke said in the meeting that their aim was to increase trade volume between Turkey and Syria.

Pointing out that they wanted to exhibit their goods in the ''Show Room'' of which construction process continued in Mardin Free Zone, Abduke said, ''we want to further improve and increase existing trade between our two countries.''

Governor Fikret Guven said in his part that he supported mutual development in commercial relations and that they would fulfill their obligations in the bilateral meetings between industrialists and businessmen from two provinces.

''It would be for the benefit of the two sides to improve trade relations with Haseki'' told Guven and expressed willingness to improve trade relations by making investments.

[09] TURKEY-RIGHTS - PARLIAMENT SPEAKER CETIN: ''OBSTACLES INFRONT OF THOUGHT AND EXPRESSION SHOULD BE LIFTED''

Speaking to reporters Cetin said reaction of the government against the decision of European Union (EU) taken during Luxembourg Summit as ''normal.''

When asked ''can you say we did our best in human rights and democracy since 1974?'', Cetin said ''we do not say such a thing. This is a process. None of the countries of the world having a situation like Turkey can say that I have increased the standarts of democracy.''

Cetin said Turkey, especially after 1980, recorded important developments and took steps. Yet, there are measures which Turkey should take on human rights issue and to increase standarts of democracy. Obstacles infront of thought and expression should be lifted in particular.

[10] TURKEY-US - US DELEGATION TO COME TO TURKEY IN JANUARY TO CONTINUE DIALOGUE IN ENERGY COOPERATION BETWEEN TURKEY AND US

Foreign Ministry said in a written statement that Turkey and the US had reached to an agreement to launch preliminary studies for bilateral and regional cooperation on energy resources in Caspian Region and their transportation issues during Foreign Minister Ismail Cem's visit to the US between December 2-6.

The statement said that those issues had been taken up in detail during Cem's visit to the US between December 17-21 and that two countries had issued a joint-communique regarding cooperation in energy field.

The statement said the joint-communique had mentioned Turkey-Iraq oil pipeline's grounding to a halt had bad effects over Turkish economy, environmental concerns due to increasing tanker-traffic in Turkish straits and increase in physical limitations.

''Two countries repeat their support and undertakings regarding speeding up the improvement of Baku-Ceyhan pipeline and oil and natural gas pipelines to pass through Caspian Sea, which will connect Central Asian and Caucasus countries to international markets via Turkey,'' the statement said.

''From this perspective, two countries had decided to set up a dialogue and to take up in large scale and regularly the problems of energy policy concerning two countries' mutual interests through that dialogue. Two countries agreed on continuing of that dialogue by starting with the political and strategical dimensions of the issue with the American delegation who will come to Turkey next January,'' Foreign Ministry said in its statement.

[11] TURKEY-TERRORISM - OPERATIONS IN IRAQI BORDER - NINE TERRORISTS KILLED IN GABAR MOUNTAIN - OPERATIONS UNDERWAY IN IRAQI BORDER

Emergency Rule Governor's Office said that the operations were backed by air-forces and were staged against separatist terrorists who infiltrated to Turkey from Northern Iraqi border. The terrorists tried to re-nest in Cudi and Gabar mountains near Sirnak.

Operations underway in the region without intervals.

Meanwhile, a terrorist, who had fled from separatist terrorist organization, surrendered to security forces in southeastern Tunceli province.

[12] TURKEY-INTERNAL - HEAD OF SPHINX FROM ROMAN PERIOD SMUGGLED FROM EPHESUS IS COMING BACK TO TURKEY AFTER 32 YEARS

A.A learned the story of the marble Sphinx head from Turkish Embassy officials in Vienna and archeologists:

Austrian Professor Fritz Eichler, the then-leader of the excavation team, found the marble woman head on October, 15, 1964.

Prof. Eichler stated the disappearance of the piece on October, 20, 1965 to Selcuk Museum Director. Nothing could be heard of the piece until today.

The mistery continued until Australian Archeology Institute expert Dr. Maria Aurenhammer, during her study on Ephesus sculptures, recognized that the head was the one that was being exhibited in Ancient Civilizations Museum at Basel-Switzerland with register number ''LU-226 A''. She told thıs to the Director of the Institute Prof. Fritz Krinzger. Later he confirmed that the head was the missing one.

Museum Director Prof. Peter Blome said that he was ready to give the head to Selcuk Museum immidiately.

In the Ludwig Collection Catalogue it was said that the piece ''were probably Greek origin.'' On the other hand in the notes of Prof. Eichler it is said that it was found in Ephesus.

[13] TURKEY-US-ISRAEL - JORDAN TO PARTICIPATE IN ''RELIANT MERMAID'' AS OBSERVER

Turkey earlier invited Egypt and Jordan to participate in the maneouvre as an observer. However, Cairo had not yet given a response to Ankara.

Jordan was the first arab country to give support to that exercise.

Turkish Armed Forces had announced that ''Realiant Mermaid'' is a humanitarian search and rescue exercise with the aim to practice coordinated emergency procedures.

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