Anadolu Agency: News in English, 98-01-15

Anadolu Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

15 JAN 1998

CONTENTS

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

[02] TURKEY-US - US MINISTER OF TRADE DALEY TO COME TO TURKEY

[03] TURKEY-EGYPT - CULTURE MINISTER TALAY LEAVES FOR EGYPT

[04] TURKEY-GERMANY - FOREIGN MINISTRY STATEMENT: ''WE HAVE DIFFUCULTY IN UNDERSTANDING STATEMENTS OF GERMAN CHIEF PROSECUTOR''

[05] TURKEY-ITALY - TURKEY TELLS ITALY THAT IT EXPRESSES REGRET OVER THE SPEECH OF DINI

[06] US-PKK - US STATE DEPARTMENT: ''PKK IS A TERRORIST ORGANIZATION''

[07] TURKEY-GAP - GAP ADMINISTRATION CHAIRMAN UNVER: ''GAP TO BE EXPORTATION BASE OF THE REGION IN THE FUTURE''

[08] TURKEY-US - US LAND FORCES COMMANDER TO BE CONFERRED TURKISH ARMED FORCE'S MEDAL OF MERIT

[09] TURKISH PRESS REVIEW

[10] TURKEY-EU - JPC CO-CHAIRMAN AKARCALI SAYS THEY DECIDED TO PARTICIPATE IN MEETING SCHEDULED TO TAKE PLACE IN BRUSSELS IN FEBRUARY

[11] TURKEY-US (2) - US COMMERCE SECRETARY DALEY TO VISIT TURKEY NEXT WEEK - US COMMERCE DEPARTMENT: ''TURKEY IS ONE OF THE IMPORTANT MARKETS OF EUROASIA''

[12] TURKEY-GERMANY-TERRORISM - SPD INTERNAL POLITICS EXPERT PENNER: ''PKK IS SUCH AN ORGANIZATION WHICH IS READY TO COMMIT SERIOUS CRIME'' - TURKISH- GERMAN FORUM: ''WE CONDEMN UNLUCK STATEMENT OF GERMAN CHIEF PROSECUTOR NEHM''

[13] TURKEY-INTERNAL - CLOSURE CASE OF WELFARE PARTY - CONSTITUTIONAL COURT DISCUSSES CLOSURE CASE OF THE PARTY

[14] TURKEY-FOREIGN DEBT - TURKEY PAYS 438,2 MILLION DOLLARS OF FOREIGN DEBT BETWEEN JAN 2-14

[15] TURKEY-FOREIGN EXCHANGE RESERVES - CENTRAL BANK FOREIGN EXCHANGE RESERVES INCREASE BY 684 MILLION DOLLARS

[16] TURKEY-GERMANY - GERMAN FOREIGN MINISTER KINKEL: ''OCALAN CAN NOT BE COUNTERPART'' ''EVALUATION OF CHIEF PROSECUTOR IS RELATED WITH LAW, IT IS NOT A POLITICAL EVALUATION''

[17] TURKEY-EU - FRANCE EXTENDS SUPPORT TO TURKEY: ''TURKEY SHOULD NOT BE PROPOSED CONDITIONS FOR EUROPEAN CONFERENCE''

[18] TRNC-US - US CONGRESS DELEGATION IN TRNC

[19] TURKEY-INTERNAL (2) - CLOSURE CASE OF WELFARE PARTY (RP)

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

HÜRRİYET (LIBERAL)

MİLLİYET (LIBERAL)

SABAH (LIBERAL) TANER CONTROLLS PREPARATIONS FOR IMF
State Minister Gunes Taner concludes last preparations for the IMF delegation scheduled to come to Turkey on Jan 19. Taner reviewed economic program after convening IMF Committee.

CUMHURİYET (LEFT)

TÜRKİYE (RIGHT) WEAPONS IN THE SEA
Convicts in TEM massacre confess. Place of the weapons used in the massacre are revealed. Polish Renata is called back.

PKK WARNING TO GERMANY
Foreign Ministry said statements of German Prosecutor Kay Nehm is under investigation. Nehm claimed that separatist terrorist PKK organization is not in ''terrorist organization'' category any more.

RADİKAL (LEFT) IMMORAL PROPOSAL TO JUSTICE
Shock allegation: 500 billion bribe was proposed to High Court of Appeal in Parsadan Case. A member discloses the pressures saying: There are efforts to cancel the decision. I heard that 500 billion bribe was proposed to take out the name of Ciller from the decision.

ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)

YENİ YÜZYIL (LIBERAL)

US MINISTER OF TRADE DALEY: TURKEY SHOULD BE LEADER COUNTRY
US Minister called on Turkey to become a leader in Euro-Asia corridor. Daley said this corridor where Baku-Ceyhan oil pipeline passes would add conomic power to Turkey's military power and strengthen its strategic location.

FİNANSAL FORUM (ECONOMY)

[02] TURKEY-US - US MINISTER OF TRADE DALEY TO COME TO TURKEY

US Embassy Press Information Office statement said Daley will be received by President Suleyman Demirel and Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz on Tuesday.

Daley is also scheduled to meet State Ministers Gunes Taner, Isin Celebi, Foreign Minister Ismail Cem, Transportation Minister Necdet Menzir, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Cumhur Ersumer and will address US- Turkey Business Development Commission meeting on Jan 19.

Daley will proceed to Istanbul on Jan 21.

[03] TURKEY-EGYPT - CULTURE MINISTER TALAY LEAVES FOR EGYPT

During the visit, Talay will hold a series of contacts to improve bilateral cultural relations between Turkey and Egypt. Talay will also participate in various activities including concerts.

Culture Minister Talay and the accompanying delegation are expected to return to Turkey on Jan 20.

[04] TURKEY-GERMANY - FOREIGN MINISTRY STATEMENT: ''WE HAVE DIFFUCULTY IN UNDERSTANDING STATEMENTS OF GERMAN CHIEF PROSECUTOR''

Ministry statement said German Ambassador to Ankara Hans Joachim Vergau was summoned to Foreign Ministry on Wednesday upon the statement of German Chief Prosecutor Kay Nehm who said separatist terrorist PKK organization was not ''a terrorist organization yet preserved its criminal speciality.''

The statement said ''we think that this norrow-viewed statement of the Chief Prosecutor is in particular and we hope that German government will continue its determined attitude against the separatist terrorist PKK organization.''

[05] TURKEY-ITALY - TURKEY TELLS ITALY THAT IT EXPRESSES REGRET OVER THE SPEECH OF DINI

Foreign Ministry written statement said Italian Charge d'affairs was invited to Foreign Ministry on Jan 14, 1998 and was told the dissapointment and regret Turkey felt over the statements of Italian Foreign Minister Dini broadcasted in an Italian tv.

The statement noted that it was obvious that such statements would promote terrorism adding that ''separatist terrorist organization and its sub- organizations exploit such statements issued without thinking and moreovever, it is seen that they are in an effort to show Italy as their supporter.''

Foreign Ministry statement went on as saying: ''we expect Italy which we have friendly relations, to avoid such statements that may be exploited by terrorist organizations and that may encourge them.''

[06] US-PKK - US STATE DEPARTMENT: ''PKK IS A TERRORIST ORGANIZATION''

US State Department Acting Spokesman James Foley, responding to a question about the statement of German Chief Prosecutor Kay Nehm, said they would call for information from Bonn to this end adding that ''as far as we have understood, PKK is still a banned organization in Germany.''

The US official said PKK was banned in Germany and that this was stated by German officials. He also stressed that this was ''very important.''

Foley said views of the US Administration regarding separatist terrorist PKK organization was well known and stressed that ''PKK is a terrorist organization.'' Foley also said ''our view regarding the character of this organization has not changed.''

PKK is included in the list of organizations which the US State Separtment announced as ''terrorist'' officially. The US describes PKK as the bloody handed terrorist organization.

Syra, Iran and Iran were shown as countries supporting separatist terrorist PKK in the annual terrorism report of the US State Department.

[07] TURKEY-GAP - GAP ADMINISTRATION CHAIRMAN UNVER: ''GAP TO BE EXPORTATION BASE OF THE REGION IN THE FUTURE''

Unver told A.A correspondent that GAP caused a movement in every sector in the region as a integrated development project adding that ''especially in the last few years the understanding that GAP was an investment initiative only including dams and irrigation system programs was left behind and became a period where socio-cultural activities were stressed.''

Unver said interest of private sector forwarded to GAP was intensified adding that interests of foreign countries and organizations to the project turned to a concrete contribution.

Unver stressed that GAP was the most important development initiative of Turkey and the region adding that when the project is concluded, with the increase in agriculture and energy production, the region will become exportation base of the region.

Unver said the project will cost 32 million dollars adding that GAP was never a hole for the economy of the country.

[08] TURKEY-US - US LAND FORCES COMMANDER TO BE CONFERRED TURKISH ARMED FORCE'S MEDAL OF MERIT

Gen. Reimer will pay an official visit to Turkey between Jan 19 and 22 as the official guest of Land Forces Commander Gen. Huseyin Kivrikoglu.

The guest Commander will visit Land Forces Commandership on Jan 19.

Reimer will be awarded with Turkish Armed Force's medal of merit due to his contributions to the continious development between Turkish and US armed forces and land forces.

[09] TURKISH PRESS REVIEW

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

BRITAIN: TURKEY SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN EXPANSION PROCESS
European Union (EU) term-president, Britain's Foreign Minister Robin Cook said that Turkey should be included in the expansion process. Cook pointed out that EU criteria included market economy, human rights and democracy. Yesterday, Cook furnished information to European parliamentarians regarding the British government's priorities during its EU term- presidency. Cook stated that Turkey's candidacy for full EU membership should be evaluated with the same impartial criteria imposed on other countries. Cook noted that Britain would work for strengthening EU-Turkey relations and added that Turkey was an important ally.

Meanwhile, Cook has had a phone conversation with Turkish Foreign Minister Ismail Cem and said that his words regarding Turkey's eastern borders were misunderstood. Cook made a statement early in January and claimed that Turkey's eastern borders were undefined and that minorities were not respected. /Cumhuriyet/

NOTE TO GREECE
Turkey protested Greece regarding opening fire to a Turkish boat called Burak Reis last week by a Greek security boat. The protest was conveyed to Greek officials in Turkey yesterday. /Cumhuriyet/

PKK CAMPS IN GREECE
While the US press notes that the PKK is a terrorist organization trying to establish a separate state in southeastern Turkey, the Washington Times newspaper said: "There are PKK training camps in Greece". In another comment in the Voice of America (VOA) radio, immigrations to European countries were mentioned. The radio said that the problem in Turkey was mainly stemming from terrorism and Turkey had to fight against the PKK. /Sabah/

ARSON IN GERMANY: A TURKISH CHILD DIES
A Turkish child died as a result of an arson in the Bielefeld district of Germany. According to a statement made by the Bielefeld prosecutor's office and the police, it was determined that the fire broke out following an act of arson. /Sabah/

HAVANA-ISTANBUL DIRECT FLIGHTS
Cuban airlines Cubana de Aviacion are planning to start direct flights between the Cuban capital of Havana and Istanbul. The flights will be made once a week and will last 14 hours. This new schedule will contribute to the improvement of Turco-Cuban bilateral relation. /Hurriyet/

PKK SUFFERS HEAVY BLOW
Sweeping up operations launched by the Turkish Armed Forces against the PKK terrorist organization have been instrumental in undermining PKK power. Many terrorists are trying to escape from the organization, and others are giving themselves up to Kurdish Democratic Party (KDP) forces in Northern Iraq. PKK terrorists who have surrendered to KDP forces say that it an amnesty law was issued by the Turkish government, many PKK terrorists would consider giving themselves up to the Turkish security forces. /Hurriyet/

NEW TURKISH AMBASSADOR IN PARIS
Former National Intelligence Service (MIT) Undersecretary Sonmez Koksal has been appointed Turkish Ambassador to Paris. Fatma Sule Soysal has been appointed ambassador to the Belarussian capital of Minsk, and Halil Akinci appointed ambassador to the Slovenian capital of Ljubljiana. Former Turkish Ambassador to Paris Tansug Bleda, Minsk Ambassador Tansu Okandan and Ljubjiana Ambassador Ilhan Yigitbasioglu have all been recalled back to Foreign Ministry headquarters in Ankara. /Hurriyet/

HUNGER STRIKE IN ERZURUM ENDS
The hunger strike in the Erzurum special and E-type prisons has ended following intense efforts by non-governmental organizations. Prisoners have been taken for health controls. The Erzurum Prison Prosecutor said that after negotiations with the prisoners they reached a consensus and how hoped that there will not be any kind of demonstration in the prison. /Sabah/

TURKEY STILL AWAITS CLEAR PICTURE ON HOW GERMANY SEES THE PKK
Following the German Federal Chief Prosecutor's remarks defining the PKK as a criminal but not a terrorist organization, Turkey has reacted strongly. Following yesterday's unexpected remarks, German Interior Minister Manfred Kanther announced there has been no change in the their original decision which earlier depicted the PKK as a terrorist organization. Kanther also repeated what his spokesman had said right after Nehm's statements: that the ban on the PKK still remained in Germany because PKK crimes were still serious enough to maintain the ban.

Turkish Foreign Ministry Spokesman Necati Utkan said during news conference yesterday that "All responsible members of the international community should refrain from acts and statements which could be interpreted as encouraging this organization and terrorism in general. We are in the process of evaluating the reasons for and the possible future impact of this decision. But whatever our conclusions are, we maintain that the PKK is a separatist terrorist organization, which has carried out brutal attacks on innocent Turkish people and Turkish territories."

Turkish Foreign Minister Ismail Cem also said on Wednesday that the German federal prosecutor's decision to remove the PKK from the list of terrorist organizations was "a grave mistake." /All papers/

TURKEY REBUFFS GREEK CLAIMS OVER 10-MILE AIRSPACE
Turkey on Wednesday rebuffed recent statements by Greek Defense Minister Akis Tzohatzopoulos that Greece airspace extended 10 miles and included all the Aegean islands. Turkey also rejected Greek accusations of Turkish violations of Greek airspace and of creating tension in the Aegean. "According to international law, the extent of national airspace should correspond to the extent of territorial waters. The only country that does not abide by this international principle and implements airspace and territorial water rights differently is Greece," the Foreign Ministry statement said. /All papers

[10] TURKEY-EU - JPC CO-CHAIRMAN AKARCALI SAYS THEY DECIDED TO PARTICIPATE IN MEETING SCHEDULED TO TAKE PLACE IN BRUSSELS IN FEBRUARY

Addressing a news conference in Parliament Akarcali said they would discuss how new strategies would be in relations with the EU following Luxembourg summit.

Akarcali said he sent a letter to European Parliament Chairman Delgado regarding EU membership of Cyprus.

Akarcali said Greece carried out an unbelievable hostility against Turkey and assumed an insulting attitude to Turkey. He said Turkey should specify its five-years foreign policy according to this.

[11] TURKEY-US (2) - US COMMERCE SECRETARY DALEY TO VISIT TURKEY NEXT WEEK - US COMMERCE DEPARTMENT: ''TURKEY IS ONE OF THE IMPORTANT MARKETS OF EUROASIA''

William Daley will be the first US Commerce Secretary who visit Turkey after Bill Clinton was elected as US President in November 1992.

Addressing a statement about his visit to Turkey, William Daley said that he will attribute importance to further improvement of Turkish-American commercial relations and increase of US investments in Turkey.

''We encourage European Union (EU) and Turkey to solve their problems between them,'' said Daley, adding that US does not wish to be a part of discussion that exists between Turkey and EU. Daley pointed out that the issue of human rights in Turkey can also be taken up during his visit.

US is interested in the fields of energy, telecommunication, information technology, food and agriculture in Turkey.

Morevover, joint investment in third countries and investment projects of US firms in Turkey are expected to be taken up during Daley's visit.

Meanwhile, US Department of Commerce underlined the fact that Turkey is one of the important markets of Euroasia.

The statement noted that US business world is interested in Turkey and William Daley will focus on investment and cooperation in the field of energy.

The statement stressed that Turkey has the highest growth rate among Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and the privatization plans of Turkey offer a great opportunity for American firms.

[12] TURKEY-GERMANY-TERRORISM - SPD INTERNAL POLITICS EXPERT PENNER: ''PKK IS SUCH AN ORGANIZATION WHICH IS READY TO COMMIT SERIOUS CRIME'' - TURKISH- GERMAN FORUM: ''WE CONDEMN UNLUCK STATEMENT OF GERMAN CHIEF PROSECUTOR NEHM''

Addressing a statement to a German newspaper, German Federal Parliament Interior Commission Chairman Penner stated that the separatist terrorist organization PKK is a hidden danger, yet it does not constitute a concrete threat in Germany at the moment.

Noting that the separatist terrorist organization administration have changed its strategy, Penner added that ''the organization does not bring political problems to Germany at the moment. The bans that were imposed upon PKK can only be lifted after this organization serves peaceful ends.''

The President of Turkish German Forum Executive Board Bulent Arslan said in a written statement that the statement of German Prosecutor Kay Nehm will make the separatist terrorist organization powerful and the life and property of Turkish people living in Germany are in danger.

''We condemn the unlucky statement of Federal German Chief Prosecutor,'' said the statement adding that ''PKK has over the years been responsible for the massacre of thousands of innocent people, including children, teachers, civilian and soldiers for the sake of a distorted Marxist- Leninist ideology and Kurdish nationalism and it threatens the territorial integrity of Turkey, which is a NATO country.''

''Showing PKK only as a crime organization can effect the other institutions of Germany which are responsible for internal security of the country and they can loose their sensitivity against PKK and this situation is very dangerous for the internal security of Germany,'' said the statement.

[13] TURKEY-INTERNAL - CLOSURE CASE OF WELFARE PARTY - CONSTITUTIONAL COURT DISCUSSES CLOSURE CASE OF THE PARTY

Constitutional Court Deputy President Guven Dincer said after the morning session that the delegation continued to evaluate the evidence and examine the tapes and video tapes regarding the case. The delegation will continue to examine the additional evidence submitted by Court of Appeal Chief Prosecutor Vural Savas regarding the merits of the case in the afternoon session.

[14] TURKEY-FOREIGN DEBT - TURKEY PAYS 438,2 MILLION DOLLARS OF FOREIGN DEBT BETWEEN JAN 2-14

Central Bank data shows that the Undersecretary for Treasury paid 423,7 million dollars, Central Bank paid 5,25 million dollars and other public institutions paid 9,25 million dollars of foreign debt between January 2- 14.

Turkey realized 10 billion and 358,6 million dollars of foreign debt payment in 1997.

[15] TURKEY-FOREIGN EXCHANGE RESERVES - CENTRAL BANK FOREIGN EXCHANGE RESERVES INCREASE BY 684 MILLION DOLLARS

Central Bank data shows that the foreign exchange reserves increased by 684 million dollars and increased from 18 billion and 610 million dollars to 19 billion and 294 million dollars within one week.

Meanwhile, international foreign exchange reserves of Turkey increased by 540 million dollars and reached 29 billion and 857 million dollars due to December 26, 1997 data.

Dec 26 data shows that one billion and 384 million dollars of international reserves were composed of gold, 18 billion and 698 million dollars were composed of Central Bank foreign reserves and 9 billion and 775 million dollars were composed of foreign exchange reserves of commercial banks.

[16] TURKEY-GERMANY - GERMAN FOREIGN MINISTER KINKEL: ''OCALAN CAN NOT BE COUNTERPART'' ''EVALUATION OF CHIEF PROSECUTOR IS RELATED WITH LAW, IT IS NOT A POLITICAL EVALUATION''

Addressing a statement to Turkish journalists in Berlin, German Foreign Minister Kinkel stated that the right of Turkey to protect its borders can not be ever discussed, adding that ''the statements of chief prosecutor and the reactions of Turkey were a bit exaggrated. People thought in Turkey that the ban on PKK is being lifted. The prevention of terrorist activities of PKK by Turkey can not be discussed. German Federal Interior Minister stressed once again that the ban on PKK will continue. The legal evaluation of the chief prosecutor is not a political one and PKK is still the source of many crime.''

[17] TURKEY-EU - FRANCE EXTENDS SUPPORT TO TURKEY: ''TURKEY SHOULD NOT BE PROPOSED CONDITIONS FOR EUROPEAN CONFERENCE''

Addressing a speech, Moscovici stated that Turkey should participate in European Conference and if this does not take place

European Conference will loose its meaning.

Moscovici stressed that extending a strong political European perspective to Turkey is important in respect of the support of Turkish public opinion to political and economic reforms.

Noting that Turkey deserves a better attitute than the one shown in Luxembourg Summit, the French Minister added that if Turkey's links with Europe breaks, fundamentalism will strenghten and the solution of Cyprus question will be difficult.

Moscovici pointed out that Turkey showed its good will to cooperate with Europe regarding the struggle against illegal migration during Chief Police meeting in Rome.

French Minister Moscovici added that France invites all the concerned sides to act responsibly concerning the Cyprus question.

[18] TRNC-US - US CONGRESS DELEGATION IN TRNC

TRNC President Rauf Denktas received US delegation the same day.

The two sides took up the recent situation regarding Cyprus question and exchanged views during the meeting where US Ambassador to Lefkosa Kenneth Brill also participated.

The US delegation, which will continue to hold contacts in TRNC on Friday, will later on proceed to Turkey and Greece.

[19] TURKEY-INTERNAL (2) - CLOSURE CASE OF WELFARE PARTY (RP)

The Constitutional Court delegation completed evaluating the evidence regarding the case and it is expected to exert efforts aiming to form its decision during its meeting on Friday.

Anadolu Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article