Anadolu Agency: News in English, 98-01-13

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

13 JAN 1998

CONTENTS

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

[02] TURKEY-ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS - OPERATIONS IN ISTANBUL - NINE BANGLADESHIS CAPTURED AND EXPELLED

[03] EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT - GENERAL ASSEMBLY STARTS - ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION TO BE DISCUSSED ON WEDNESDAY

[04] CYPRUS-UN - UN VEHICLE HITS A MINE IN CYPRUS IN BUFFER ZONE

[05] TURKEY-QUAKE - A MILD QUAKE SHAKES AMASYA

[06] TURKEY-INTERNAL - COUNCIL OF MINISTERS MEETING ENDS - STATE MINISTER ANDICAN: ''PRINCIPLE DECISION TAKEN NOT TO MEET THE DEMANDS OF CONVICTS IN PRISONS WHO ARE ON HUNGER STRIKES''

[07] TURKEY-US - US DEPUTY ENERGY MINISTER IN TURKEY

[08] TURKEY-MILITARY - TURKISH FLEET GETS ITS THREE FRIGATES - GENERAL DERVISOGLU: ''OUR FRIGATES ARE A CONTRIBUTION TO THE PEACE'' - KANDEMIR: ''FRIGATES EMPOWERS OUR DETERRENCE''

[09] CYPRUS - ISSUE OF ''MISSINGS'' IN CYPRUS - TURKISH SIDE INFORMS UN

[10] UN-GREECE - PANGALOS' AGRESSIVE ATTITUDE EXPOSED IN THE UN

[11] TURKEY IN BRIEF, JANUARY 13, 1998

[12] TURKEY-EU-GREECE - LETTER FROM AKARCALI TO EU PRESIDENT DELGADO: ''A TURKISH MINORITY OF 200,000 PEOPLE LIVE IN AN OPEN PRISON SINCE 16 YEARS IN AN EU MEMBER COUNTRY''

[13] TURKEY-NORTHERN IRAQ - FIRST SESSION OF TURKEY-PUK MEETINGS ENDS

[14] TURKISH PRESS REVIEW (1)

[15] TURKISH PRESS REVIEW (2)

[16] TURKEY-SPAIN - TURKEY AND SPAIN SIGN ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL COOPERATION MEMORANDUM - TURKEY TO RECEIVE 410 MILLION DOLLARS OF CREDIT

[17] TURKEY-IMF-WORLD BANK - IMF AND WORLD BANK DELEGATIONS TO VISIT TURKEY ON JANUARY 19

[18] TURKEY-TRNC - TURKISH AND TRNC FOREIGN MINISTRIES SIGN ''FUNCTIONAL AND STRUCTURAL COOPERATION PROTOCOL''

[19] CYPRUS - TRNC PRESIDENT RAUF DENKTAS: ''WE CAN ACCEPT NEGOTIATIONS BASED UPON TWO-STATE PRINCIPLE''

[20] TURKEY-US - US AMBASSADOR TO TURKEY PARRIS VISITS POLICE CHIEF BILICAN - BILICAN: ''WE ARE IN CLOSE COOPERATION WITH US IN PREVENTION OF DRUG TRAFFICKING, TERRORISM AND ORGANIZED CRIME''

[21] TURKEY-NORTHERN IRAQ - TURKISH-PUK MEETINGS - PUK REPRESENTATIVE: ''WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FROM INTERRUPTION OF ANKARA PROCESS''

[22] CYPRUS - GREEK SALESMAN SPIROS LILLES SENTENCED TO ONE MONTH

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

HÜRRİYET (LIBERAL)

MİLLİYET (LIBERAL)

SABAH (LIBERAL) THERE IS NO DISCRIMINATION BETWEEN SOLDIERS AND CIVILIANS
IN SUSURLUK CASE
Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz who took Susurluk report from Kutlu Savas said ''we will focus on the issue without discriminating soldier and the civilian.''

CUMHURİYET (LEFT)

TÜRKİYE (RIGHT)

RADİKAL (LEFT)

ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE) FRESH BLOOD TO TURKISH FLEET
Three frigates which the US decided to give was delivered to Turkish fleet on Tuesday.

YENİ YÜZYIL (LIBERAL)

FİNANSAL FORUM (ECONOMY)

[02] TURKEY-ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS - OPERATIONS IN ISTANBUL - NINE BANGLADESHIS CAPTURED AND EXPELLED

Nine Bangladeshis were taken under custody by Eminonu Security Forces and sent to Istanbul Chief Prosecution Office.

Istanbul Chief Prosecutor Atilla Alici found the Bangaldeshis guilty opposıng to the ''Passport Law'' and sent them to Istanbul Foreıgners Directorate to be expelled.

[03] EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT - GENERAL ASSEMBLY STARTS - ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION TO BE DISCUSSED ON WEDNESDAY

General Assembly meetings of European Parliament started in Strasbourg on Monday. EU's new Term-President Britain's Foreign Minister Robin Cook and EU Commissioner for Foreign Affairs Hans Van Den Broek will convey their opinions to the end on Wednesday.

An recommendatory draft resolution prepared by political groups on the issue will also be voted after being discussed.

Meanwhile, a group of parliamentarians went to Italy to inspect the situation of the illegal immigrants. They will visit camps of illegal immigrants in Bari, Lecce, Corrado and Augias and meet Italian authorities.

Issue of illegal immigrants is expected to be discussed in detais during press briefings to be given by political group representatives in the European Parliament.

[04] CYPRUS-UN - UN VEHICLE HITS A MINE IN CYPRUS IN BUFFER ZONE

Two Argentinian UN officials in the vehicle were not injured in the accident.

UN Peace Force Spokesman Waldemar Rokozewski said that the issue of demining was brought to the agenda of the two sides in Cyprus by the UN, however, no outcome could be reached so far.

Rokozewski pointed out that this event proved once again that the mine regions should immediatley be demined in Cyprus.

[05] TURKEY-QUAKE - A MILD QUAKE SHAKES AMASYA

The quake with a preliminary magnitude of 3.7 of Richter scale took place at 21.46 (18:46 GMT) in Amasya and its surroundings.

The epicenter of the quake was Gumushacikoy.

The quake was also felt in Corum and Merzifon provinces.

[06] TURKEY-INTERNAL - COUNCIL OF MINISTERS MEETING ENDS - STATE MINISTER ANDICAN: ''PRINCIPLE DECISION TAKEN NOT TO MEET THE DEMANDS OF CONVICTS IN PRISONS WHO ARE ON HUNGER STRIKES''

Andican said the demands of the convicts were of political aims and that it was impossible to meet these demands. ''If the demands continue to take place in this direction, the government should not be expected to step back'' he added.

Andican said Justice Minister Oltan Sungurlu was briefed about the hunger strikes which started recently and the conditions in these places.

Andican said there were approximately 60,000 convicts in prisons and that 9000 of them were responsible for terror incidents. Andican stressed that ''demands which are brought to the agenda due to the strikes are of propoganda aims. Thus, they were not suitable to the laws.''

[07] TURKEY-US - US DEPUTY ENERGY MINISTER IN TURKEY

The first Energy Work Group meeting between Turkey and the US was held in Ankara.

Turkish side was headed by Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Cumhur Ersumer and Robert W. Gee, Deputy Minister of Energy, headed the US side. ''Regional cooperation, natural gas and oil pipeline projects and energy investments in Turkey'' were taken up during the meeting.

Yigitguden said Turkey's active efforts in the region pleased the US side.

When asked if the US opposed to Iranian natural gas, Yigitguden said ''there is no change in the US views regarding the issue. Our efforts aimed at reaching a positive outcome.''

The US delegation headed by Robert W. Gee, will depart Turkey on Tuesday.

[08] TURKEY-MILITARY - TURKISH FLEET GETS ITS THREE FRIGATES - GENERAL DERVISOGLU: ''OUR FRIGATES ARE A CONTRIBUTION TO THE PEACE'' - KANDEMIR: ''FRIGATES EMPOWERS OUR DETERRENCE''

Turkish flag is hoisted to the ''Perry'' class frigates called TCG Gaziantep (F 490), TCG Giresun (F 491) and TCG Gemlik (F 492) with a military ceremony.

Naval Forces Commander General Salim Dervisoglu said in his message that the frigates would be a contribution to state's security and the peace.

Turkish Ambassador Nuzhet Kandemir described the day as ''historical'' and said that the ceremony symbolized Turkish-American defense cooperation. Kandemir also stressed that the frigates empowered the deterrence of Turkey and increased Turkey's defense capacity.

Nuzhet Kandemir said that there were efforts to ''cast shadow''to relations between Turkey and the US, during the purchase process of the frigates, however common sense and reason prevailed at the end and the frigates joined Turkish navy. ''The aim of these frigates will be peace under Turkish flag,'' he said.

Two of the frigates were purchased by the method of ''Excess Equipment'' (EDA) and the other by ''leasing''. Staff of all frigates consists of 19 officers, 115 sub-officers, 79 privates and petty-officers. Frigates will come to Turkey after training and completion of the equipments. TCG Gaziantep will arrive in Turkey in March and the other two, in April. Turkish Fleet possesses for the first time frigates equipped with surface- to-air missiles, having a range of 25 miles. Moreover, the frigates have a capacity of carrying two helicopters.

Frigates are of 133,5 m. length and have LM 2500 motors produced by General Electric. They can do a speed of 33.4 plus nautical mile and carry Harpoon missiles and MK-46 torpedos.

A Quran is put in an aluminum box on top of middle pillar of each frigates.

The frigates had to be handed-over to Turkey about two years ago, however they could not due to the efforts of Greek Cypriot and Greek lobbies against Turkey, in US Congress and their political preassure over White House. Postponing of the hand-over of the frigates of which the money was paid although President Bill Clinton ''personnally'' gave a promise to President Suleyman Demirel, caused a tension in the relations between the two countries.

Initiatives of lobbies against Turkey in US Congress after Kardak crisis had led to a secret weapon embargo by Washington to Ankara and to ''serious'' damages to 50 years old defense and security cooparation between Turkey and the US.

President Clinton took concrete steps towards the hand-over of four Seahawk type helicopters and three frigates to Turkey only after the agreement between Turkey and Greece in NATO Summit in Madrid on July.

[09] CYPRUS - ISSUE OF ''MISSINGS'' IN CYPRUS - TURKISH SIDE INFORMS UN

UN is pleased over the information in question after carrying out a preliminary study on the information given by Turkish side.

UN Peace Force Spokesman Waldemar Rokozewski in his statement said that UN General Secretary's Deputy Special Representative to Cyprus Gustave Feissel described Turkey's information on missings to the UN as an ''important step.''

Turkish Representative of Missing Persons Committee in Cyprus Rustem Tatar had given the information on missings to Feissel at the week-end.

[10] UN-GREECE - PANGALOS' AGRESSIVE ATTITUDE EXPOSED IN THE UN

The document on the issue stressed that ''Pangalos' interview to the Greek ET-1 tv broadcasted on Jan 6 where he uttered rude words about Turkey reflected his own personality.''

The document recalled that Turkey became a sheltering place throughout the history for communities who felt into desparation and also stressed that the ones who try to reject this should explain how they behaved minorities living in their countries.

The document also called on Greece to explain the pressure it imposed on Turkish minority in Western Thrace.

[11] TURKEY IN BRIEF, JANUARY 13, 1998

The protocol that foresees the development of the cooperation between the ministries of the two countries in the field of forestry, is issued in today's Official Gazzette.

ANKARA - ''Agreement on Bilateral Aid between Custom Administrations'' signed between Turkey and Bulgaria, is approved by the Council of Ministers on Tuesday and issued in today's Official Gazzette.

The two countries will take precautions to facilitate circulation of passengers and goods and to prevent and inquire the crimes against custom laws; will cooperate on the development and implementation of new custom policies.

ANKARA - ''Protocol on Cooperation in Cultural Field'' that was signed between Turkey and Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) is approved by the Council of Ministers on Tuesday and issued in today's Official Gazzette.

The protocol that had been signed on December, 3, 1997 in Lefkosa, foresees the development of existing cultural relations and cooperation between the two countries in long-term and of cultural activities in the direction of Ataturk principles.

ANKARA - Talks between Iraqi Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) delegation and Foreign Ministry authorities started on Tuesday, at 10.30, in Ankara.

Middle-east and Africa Section General Director Aykut Cetirge chairs the Turkish delegation whereas Washington Representative Barham Saleh chairs the IKYB delegation.

TRABZON - Turkey, holding a great part of world nut production and export, gained three billion 590 million US dollars from nut export, in five years, it was reported on Tuesday.

Blacksea Nut Exporters Union officials said that 1.2 million tons of nut was exported between 1993-1997.

Turkish nuts are exported to 80 countries in all over the world. 95 percent of the export is to European countries and mainly to Germany.

[12] TURKEY-EU-GREECE - LETTER FROM AKARCALI TO EU PRESIDENT DELGADO: ''A TURKISH MINORITY OF 200,000 PEOPLE LIVE IN AN OPEN PRISON SINCE 16 YEARS IN AN EU MEMBER COUNTRY''

Akarcali sent a letter to European Parliament President Jose Maria Gil- Robles Gil-Delgado as a response to his press briefing in Luxembourg conference center, where he conveyed his opinions about Turkey.

Akarcali gave a detailed explanation on the history of Cyprus that goes before 1974. Akarcali said that Turkish People were living in isolated areas in inhuman conditions and added that the Greek military government of the time planned a coup to unite Cyprus with Greece on July, 15, 1974.

''That lead Turkey to act according to 1960 Guaranteurship Agreement, to intervene in order to save Turkish People there and to take measures against the possibility of invasion of Cyprus by Greece. Approximately same amount of Turkish people live in Western Thrace in Greece and they were also subject to discrimination between the years of 1964-1974. The region where they live is classifed as a military region. Did the EU or EP take any action against the violance of rights of Turkish minority living in Greece since 16 years? If the EU and EP protect the rights of Turkish minority in Western Thrace and prove their efforts in developing the living conditions of Turkish minority, they will be more convincing to Turkish public regarding their sensitivity in human rights,'' said Akarcalı.

[13] TURKEY-NORTHERN IRAQ - FIRST SESSION OF TURKEY-PUK MEETINGS ENDS

Addressing a statement to the press, PUK Representative to Washington Bahram Saleh said that the meetings took place in a productive atmosphere.

Noting that the two sides took up mainly the bilateral issues between Turkey and PUK, the PUK Representative added that

''We hope the meetings to be beneficial for all the concerned sides.''

PUK Representative Saleh stressed that the Ankara process was not taken up during the morning session.

The discussion regarding the ''fifth Ankara process'' is expected to come to the agenda at the multilateral meetings the same day where Britain and US officials will also participate.

[14] TURKISH PRESS REVIEW (1)

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

US HIGH-LEVEL OFFICIALS IN ANKARA
Within the framework of dialogue on a "Eurasian energy corridor" passing from east to west through Turkey, Washington is discussing with Ankara about strengthening the possibility of constructing Baku-Ceyhan oil and natural gas pipelines. Robert W.Gee, assistant secretary for Policy and International Affairs of the US Department of Energy, and William C.Ramsay, deputy assistant secretary of State for Energy, Sanctions and Commodities, are meeting in Ankara with Turkish officials from the Foreign and Energy Ministries.

Gee and Ramsay paid a courtesy visit to Foreign Minister Ismail Cem and met with Energy Minister Cumhur Ersumer. Cem told reporters that there is a project to start a regional political dialogue between Turkey and the US. The outcome of the completion of a Eurasian energy corridor, Cem said, is that Turkey will become the main terminal for Eurasian energy. US Secretary of Trade William Daley will arrive in Ankara next week to participate in follow-up talks on US-Turkish cooperation, following Gee and Ramsay's departure from the capital on Tuesday. Turkish Energy Minister Ersumer will visit Washington accompanying Turkmen President Saparmurad Niyazov in February for what they hope will be persuasive talks for the construction of a Turkey-Iran-Turkmenistan pipeline. /All papers/

INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION INCREASES BY 8.2
Total industrial production increased by 8.2 % in November 1997 compared to the same month last year, which was 5.7 %. Total industrial production during the January-November 1997 increased by 10.3 % when compared to the same period last year, which was 6.5 %. /Milliyet/

VEDRINE UNABLE TO PERSUADE ANKARA
One of the leading French newspapers Le Figaro reports that French Foreign Minister Hubert Vedrine has been unable to persuade Ankara to participate in the European Conference. An article by Baudouin Bollaert also noted that Athens has so far given no signals about lifting its veto on EU aid worth 18 billion frank to Turkey. /Milliyet/

TURKISH CASE REJECTED
The US High Court has rejected a case opened by 299 Turkish naval crew members working on a Turkish support destroyer, which was damaged by two missiles fired by the US aircraft carrier in Saratoga in 1992. The Turkish naval seamen are claiming negligence on the part of the US administration in the incident, which occurred during a NATO exercise in the Saros Gulf when two Turkish seamen died and many more seamen were injured. /Milliyet/

1.5 MILLION TOURISTS VISIT CAPPADOCIA
Nevsehir Governorship stated that last year 1,489,200 tourists visited Cappadocia. The number of tourists in 1997 increased by 23 % compared to last year. It is expected that more than 2 million tourists will visit Cappadocia this year. /Hurriyet/

PARRIS: EU WILL CHANGE ITS DECISION&lt;/A>&lt;/H3>

US Ambassador to Turkey Marc Grossman has stated that excluding Turkey from the EU was a political decision and said: "The EU will come to realize its mistake and change its decision in the future. The US views Turkey as a European country". /Hurriyet/

(continues)

[15] TURKISH PRESS REVIEW (2)

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

IPUK DELEGATION IN ANKARA
A delegation from the Iraqi Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (IPUK) arrived in Ankara yesterday. The delegation will hold talks with many officials including British and US officials in Ankara to revive the Ankara process. /Hurriyet/

ENKA WINS A PLACE IN THE TOP TEN
Enka Construction Company has been awarded a place among the top 10 foreign companies of 1997 in Russia, following a survey conducted by one of the leading economic magazines Russian Review published in English. /Sabah/

PRODUCTION OF DURABLE GOODS INCREASES BY 23
The production of durable goods increased by 23 % in the first 11 months of 1997. According to the industrial production index issued by the State Institute of Statistics as of November, the total production of refrigerators, washing machines, washing up machines and ovens increased by 23 % during the 11 months. /Sabah/

EXPANDING MARKET IN AUTOMOTIVE SECTOR
The Automotive Industry Association has reported that the Turkish automotive industry produced 400 thousand vehicles in 1997. Further automotive market expanded by 44 %, because of increases in the sales of both domestic and imported automobiles. /Cumhuriyet/

TURK SHARES PLUNGE ON ASIAN CRISIS
Istanbul exchange shares tumbled in daylong panic sales on Monday, shattering several support levels amid concerns caused by the growing Asian crisis and some worries about domestic political issues, brokers said. "The market experienced a strong sale which was started by foreigners. Sales may continue in early trade tommorow, but I expect some reaction buying to emerge in the afternoon," said Engin Ertam from Bayindir Securities. The IMKB National-100 index closed at 3,199.67, down 10.8 percent or 387.44 points from Friday, but off slightly from a late low of 3,175.34. The market showed a 3.9 percent gain last week. Daily volume showed little change at 66.5 trillion lira ($314 million) from Friday's 65.3 trillion lira ($310 million). /All papers/

INJUNCTION ISSUES ON TREASURY GRANT TO RP
The Constitutional Court unanimously accepted on Monday Chief Prosecutor Vural Savas' request to impose an injuction on a Treasury grant of TL 1.23 trillion to be given to the Welfare Party (RP) this year, until the closure case filed against this party is finalized.

Following a nearly three-hour meeting of the Constitutional Court, Judge Guven Dincer made a statement and said he and his colleagues had examined the application filed by High Appeals Court Chief Prosecutor Vural Savas for the issuance of an injuction on the TL 1.23 trillion ($5.82) Treasury grant to be given to the RP this year. /All papers/

[16] TURKEY-SPAIN - TURKEY AND SPAIN SIGN ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL COOPERATION MEMORANDUM - TURKEY TO RECEIVE 410 MILLION DOLLARS OF CREDIT

Turkey and Spain signed the same day a Memorandum of Understanding on Economic and Financial Cooperation which will bring 410 million dollars of credit to Turkey.

Addressing a speech at the signature ceremony, State Minister Taner stated that the credit that will be provided from Spain will be used in initiatives particularly in the field of technology.

Noting that the trade and cooperation between the two countries improve ''continuously and fastly,'' State Minister Taner pointed out that Spain is one of the leading countries of Europe in the field of technology particularly in defense industry.

Taner stressed that Spain thinks of supporting Turkish investments concerning infrastructure and health sector.

Recalling that Spain also extends support to Turkish view regarding Turkey's relations with European Union (EU), Taner added that President Suleyman Demirel accompanied by businessmen will visit Spain in the coming months.

Spanish State Minister Jose Manuel Fernandez Norniella in his part said that the support of Spain to Turkey will continue, adding that ''We believe that Turkey is very important for the future of the world.''

The memorandum of understanding will bring 400 million dollars to Turkey composed of conditional credits and export credits. This credit will be given between 1998-2001 for the important projects of Turkey.

Besides Spain will give a donation of 10 million dollars to Turkey for the feasibility studies of the projects.

[17] TURKEY-IMF-WORLD BANK - IMF AND WORLD BANK DELEGATIONS TO VISIT TURKEY ON JANUARY 19

IMF said in a written statement that a six-member IMF delegation led by Turkish Desk Chief Martin Hardy will pay an official visit to Ankara.

IMF Executive Director Willy Kiekens is also expected to participate in the meetings according to the proceeding of those contacts.

The statement said, ''IMF delegation which will pay nearly two-week visit to Turkey, will take up Turkey's economic programme with Turkish economy authorities.''

Meanwhile, World Bank delegation led by World Bank's Director to Turkey Ajax Chibber will come to Turkey the same day with the Fund delegation.

World Bank delegation will take up the issue of ''giving structural adjustment credits (SAC)'' in the meetings with Turkish authorities.

IMF delegation and Turkish economy authorities are expected to hold meetings in March 1998 in Turkey for the half-year evaluations. Turkey and IMF will decide whether it is necessary to sign an accord or not according to the results of the evaluations.

[18] TURKEY-TRNC - TURKISH AND TRNC FOREIGN MINISTRIES SIGN ''FUNCTIONAL AND STRUCTURAL COOPERATION PROTOCOL''

Foreign Ministry Undersecretary Korkmaz Haktanır and TRNC Foreign and Defense Minister Taner Etkin signed the protocol.

The protocol foresees establishment of ''continuous political and economic consultation committees'' which will convene at the level of ministers and undersecretaries.

The protocol also foresees taking necassary measures to integrate TRNC with international society and exchange of personnel between the foreign ministries of both countries at every level.

Noting that TRNC representatives will accompany Turkish delegations in international meetings that concern Cyprus if Turkish Cypriot people are not given the right to speak.

Addressing a speech at the signature ceremony, Foreign Ministry Undersecretary Korkmaz Haktanır stressed that today interstate negotiations rather than intercommunal meetings are at the agenda of Cyprus, adding that the Joint Decleration dated on Jan 20, 1997 constitutes the first step of the special relation between Turkey and TRNC.

Noting that TRNC should be recognized as an independent and democratic state in the world, Haktanır said that the installation of peace and stability in Eastern Mediterranean depends on that.

Haktanır added that the Greek Cypriot side and Greece live together with terrorism and support it, adding that this mentality has to change.

TRNC Foreign and Defense Minister Taner Etkin said in his part that the two countries have once again declared their determination to make TRNC live as a strong and resolved country.

Taner Etkin pointed out that TRNC is open to a possible agreement with the Greek Cypriot side if it is based on the principle of two states, rather than two communities.

TRNC Prime Minister Dervis Eroglu stated that they aim to strengthen TRNC in respect of economy.

Foreign Ministry Undersecretary Korkmaz Haktanır and the accompanying delegation returned to Turkey after the signature ceremony.

[19] CYPRUS - TRNC PRESIDENT RAUF DENKTAS: ''WE CAN ACCEPT NEGOTIATIONS BASED UPON TWO-STATE PRINCIPLE''

After meeting with Britian's High Commissioner to Lefkosa David Madden, TRNC President Rauf Denktas said that European Union (EU) eliminated the negotiation basis which was based upon the principles of Gallie's Series of Ideas by the decision that it took in its Luxembourg Summit.

Denktas said, ''we are ready to talk the issue of 'setting up common basis' with United Nations (UN) officials and we will insist on 'two-state principle' in those meetings. We are ready to talk with Greek-Cypriot side, if a common basis is set up.''

[20] TURKEY-US - US AMBASSADOR TO TURKEY PARRIS VISITS POLICE CHIEF BILICAN - BILICAN: ''WE ARE IN CLOSE COOPERATION WITH US IN PREVENTION OF DRUG TRAFFICKING, TERRORISM AND ORGANIZED CRIME''

US Ambassador to Ankara Marc F. Parris visited Police Chief Bilican the same day.

Addressing a statement at the meeting, Bilican stated that US Ambassador Parris visited him as he is newly appointed to Turkey.

Responding to questions of journalists, Bilican said ''We have set up relations with US concerning security cooperation since 1968 and these relations have improved after 1980. We will take up all kinds of issues with Parris including illegal migration, education, technical assistance, drug trafficking, terrorism and organized crime.''

[21] TURKEY-NORTHERN IRAQ - TURKISH-PUK MEETINGS - PUK REPRESENTATIVE: ''WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FROM INTERRUPTION OF ANKARA PROCESS''

The meetings held between PUK high ranking politbureau members and Turkey, Britain and US officials, which are guarantor states regarding the ceasefire that was installed between PUK and Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) in Northern Iraq, ended the same day.

PUK Representative Behram Salih stated that Ankara process was not taken up at the meeting. Noting that the process was interrupted due to recent incidents, PUK representative said ''The incidents which took place in Northern Iraq for the last few months ended Ankara peace process. We are not responsible for that.''

Responding to a question regarding the claims about the cooperation between PUK and the separatist terrorist organization PKK, Salih said ''We discussed all issues that concern the two sides.''

The bilateral meetings between Turkish and PUK delegations continue in Foreign Ministry.

[22] CYPRUS - GREEK SALESMAN SPIROS LILLES SENTENCED TO ONE MONTH

Lilles was detained by Turkish Cypriot forces when he illegally entered and violated TRNC military zone in Alaykoy region in Lefkosa on December 21.

Lilles is imprisoned the same day.

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