Anadolu Agency: News in English, 98-01-26

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

26 JAN 1998

CONTENTS

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

[02] TURKEY-GERMANY - FOREIGN MINISTER IN GERMANY - CEM TO MEET GERMAN FOREIGN MINISTER KINKEL

[03] TURKEY-WINTER - APPROXIMATELY 3000 VILLAGE ROADS IN EASTERN TURKEY CLOSED TO TRANSPORTATION

[04] TURKISH PRESS REVIEW (1)

[05] TURKISH PRESS REVIEW (2)

[06] TURKEY IN BRIEF - JANUARY 26, 1998

[07] TURKEY-EU - EU COUNCIL TO TAKE UP TURKEY AND REFUGEES

[08] TURKEY IN BRIEF (2) - JANUARY 26, 1998

[09] TURKEY-GERMANY - FM CEM: ''I WILL CONVEY OUR CITIZENS' PROBLEMS TO GERMAN FOREIGN MINISTER KINKEL''

[10] TURKEY-BAF BASE - DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER SEZGIN: - ''AIR-BASE IN BAF CARRIES NO IMPORTANCE''

[11] TURKEY-OSCE - GENERAL KARADAYI CALLS FOR INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION - GEN. KARADAYI: ''ETHNIC CLASHES AND RADICAL NATIONALISM SUPPORTED BY INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM CONSTITUTE BIG RISKS''

[12] TURKEY-SYRIA - TURKEY REACTS TO SYRIA: ''TURKEY DOES NOT NEED TO TAKE LESSONS FROM SYRIA ON DEMOCRACY OR ON RELIGIOUS TOLERANCE''

[13] TURKEY-CYPRUS - FM: ''TRANSFORMATION OF GECITKALE AIRPORT INTO A PERMANENT BASE IS ONE OF THE MEASURES THAT CAN BE TAKEN''

[14] TRNC-BAF BASE - TRNC PRIME MINISTER DERVIS EROGLU: ''BUILDING MILITARY AIR BASES AND PUTTING MISSILES THERE, MEANS A CALL FOR WAR''

[15] TURKEY-GREECE - FOREIGN MINISTRY: ''THE SOLUTION OF PROBLEMS BETWEEN THE TWO COUNTRIES DEPENDS ON CREATING A CONSTRUCTIVE DIALOGUE''

[16] TURKEY-US - WITHDRAWAL OF MILITARY ASSISTANCE CREDITS BY THE US - TURKEY EXAMINES THE ISSUE WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF STRATEGIC COOPERATION

[17] TURKEY-INTERNAL - THE COUNCIL OF MINISTERS CONVENES

[18] TURKEY IN BRIEF (3) - JANUARY 26, 1998

[19] TURKEY-GREECE - TURKEY IS CAUTIOUS ABOUT THE PLANNED CHANGE IN THE GREEK CITIZENSHIP LAW

[20] TURKEY-TURKISH CITIZENS - FM CEM: ''VOTE BY LETTER WILL BE REALIZED STARTING IN APRIL 1999'' - ''TURKISH CITIZENS ARE THE TARGET OF RACIST MOVEMENTS''

[21] TURKEY-GREECE - FM: ''GREECE SHOULD MEET THE COSTS OF THOSE WHO SUFFERED''

[22] TURKEY-EU - FM CEM: ''WE HAVE PROTECTED OUR DIGNITY REGARDING THE EU ISSUE''

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

HÜRRİYET (LIBERAL)

MİLLİYET (LIBERAL)

SABAH (LIBERAL)

CILER'S PANSION LOCKED
Tourism Ministry closes a luxurious pansion in Antalya province, which belongs to True Path Party (DYP) leader Tansu Ciller and her husband. Tourism Minister Ibrahim Gurdal said that six rooms were constructed illegally.

CUMHURİYET (LEFT)

TÜRKİYE (RIGHT)

SUPER ENCOURAGEMENT TO EAST
The encouragement measures which are implemented in emergency rule provinces of Southeastern Turkey will also be implemented in Erzurum, Agrı, Gumushane, Bayburt, Kars and Igdır by the decision of Council of Ministers. Super encouragement measures will be provided for private sector which will invest there.

RADİKAL (LEFT)

ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)

YENİ YÜZYIL (LIBERAL)

FAST CLEANING AGAINST FUNDAMENTALISM
General Staff works on a new method in order to get rid off the personnel who engaged in fundamentalist activities before their files are brought before the Supreme Military Board.

FİNANSAL FORUM (ECONOMY)

[02] TURKEY-GERMANY - FOREIGN MINISTER IN GERMANY - CEM TO MEET GERMAN FOREIGN MINISTER KINKEL

Foreign Minister Cem will hold a working meeting with Turkish consul generals to Germany and other West European countries.

Foreign Ministry said that the aim of the meeting is ''to exchange views regarding additional measures that can be taken to realize the consular proceedings of Turkish citizens living in Western Europe easily and the contribution of Foreign Ministry in solution of their problems.''

The statement noted that Turkey will extend support to its citizens in a concrete way and Foreign Minister Cem will meet representatives of Turkish society in Germany in this regard.

Foreign Minister Cem will also meet his German counterpart Klaus Kinkel upon the invitation of Germany.

[03] TURKEY-WINTER - APPROXIMATELY 3000 VILLAGE ROADS IN EASTERN TURKEY CLOSED TO TRANSPORTATION

Snow which started last night in the region, negatively effects life in eastern provinces of Erzurum, Agrı, Kars, Mus and Ardahan. The thickness of the snow reached 40 cm in these provinces and it is more than two meters in higher regions.

Officials told that many accidents took place in highways due to heavy snow, snowdrift and ice, fortunately nobody was hurt. Flights cannot be realized due to heavy fog in Erzurum, Agrı, Kars, Mus and Erzincan in several days of the week.

[04] TURKISH PRESS REVIEW (1)

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

FM CEM VISITS GERMANY
Foreign Minister Ismail Cem will start today a visit to Germany. In a statement prior to his departure, Cem spoke out harshly against Germany's recent declaration that the PKK organization was not a terrorist, but a criminal organization. "The fact that the PKK organization abstains from carrying out terrorist activities in Germany as it continues with its attacks against innocent citizens in other countries is no excuse for this German attitude," Cem noted. Touching upon the international outcry following the recent flow of Middle East and Asian refugees to Europe, the Turkish Foreign Minister stressed that in this context European politicians should refrain from striving to carry the Kurdish problem to international platforms, because such an approach would only encourage separatism in the Middle East. /Hurriyet/

PANGALOS: ''NO AEGEAN WARFARE''
Greek Foreign Ministers Theodoros Pangalos told Milliyet's Sami Kohen in an exclusive interview over the weekend that he saw no possibility of warfare between Turkey and Greece. Pangalos proposed the initiation of a new process for the solution of the Aegean dispute, telling Kohen that the most easily-solved problems should be addressed first. Despite all the Greek barriers put in front of Turkey in its bid for European Union (EU) membership, Pangalos told Kohen that Athens wants the EU to open its doors to Turkey.

In addition, Pangalos suggested that Turkey take the Kardak issue to the International Court of Justice in The Hague. "Then we would remove the main obstacle preventing the distribution of EU assistance to Turkey. We are suggesting all our disagreements be taken to The Hague. There cannot be a solution based on force in Ankara-Athens relations" Pangalos said. /All papers/

HEAVY AGENDA FOR EU MINISTERS' MEETING
European Union (EU) foreign ministers will gather today for the first time under Britain's latest six-month term in the EU's rotating presidency. Their agenda ranges from the union's relations with China, Russia, the US, Iran and Turkey, to assessing the state of the Middle East peace process, Algeria's descent into violence and a recent influx of Kurdish refugees into the EU.

TURKEY TO TAKE GREEK CYPRUS BASE CASE TO SECURITY COUNCIL
Turkey said on Saturday it would complain to the UN Security Council about a Greek Cypriot military base under construction on the divided island of Cyprus. "We are bringing this dangerous development to the attention of the UN secretary-general and the head of the Security Council," the Foreign Ministry said in a statement. It said Ankara would stand by the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), separated from the Greek Cypriot south by a UN-patrolled buffer zone.

"Turkey will continue to take the necessary measures against any threat to the security of the TRNC as well as its own soil," the statement said. The Greek Cypriot base was formally handed over to government authorities by the contractors on Saturday. The base, on the island's western coast, will be used by Greek air force planes under a joint defense pact between the Greek Cypriot government and Athens, its closest ally. /All papers/

NEW TURKISH AMBASSADOR TO WASHINGTON
Baki Ilkin, Turkish Ambassador to The Hague, will be appointed as ambassador of Turkey in Washington. Ambassador to Bonn, Volkan Vural will be appointed permanent representative to the UN in New York, Nabi Sensoy will become Turkey's new Ambassador in Moscow. /Hurriyet/

(continues)

[05] TURKISH PRESS REVIEW (2)

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

TRUCK DRIVERS IN DIFFICULT SITUATION
It is reported that 600 Turkish trucks have been waiting for 32 days at Syria's Kamisli Customs Gate. Truck drivers, who entered Syria and bought crude petroleum there, cannot re-enter Turkey because the duration of a "Border Trade" agreement has expired. /Sabah/

DISAPPOINTMENT IN WESTERN THRACE
A change to be made by the Greek government in the citizensip law has disappointed the Turkish minority living in Western Thrace. Minority representatives noted that Athens' decision to annul the 19th article of the citizenship law did not satisfy the Turkish minority because this article, which aims at Turks living in Greece and depriving thousands of people of citizensip, has not officially been lifted yet. /Sabah/

47 IRAQI ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS IN EDIRNE
47 Iraqi illegal immigrants, waiting to cross the border illegally in the Uzunkopru district of Edirne, have been detained and sent to the Foreigners Department of the Edirne Security Directorate. Sixty Albanian and Kurdish refugees were also arrested yesterday along the Adriatic coasts of Italy. /Sabah/

CHIEF OF GENERAL STAFF IN VIENNA
Chief of Turkish General Staff Gen.Ismail Hakkı Karadayı yesterday went to Vienna, the capital of Austria, to attend a Military Doctrine Seminar of the Organization of Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). During the seminar, which will begin today and last until Wednesday, high-level commanders and civilian strategy experts will take up various military issues including defense policies. It is reported that representatives of the countries participating in the seminar will also be able to hold bilateral meetings. /Sabah/

THY AND SWISSAIR SIGN COOPERATION AGREEMENT
Turkish Airlines (THY) on Saturday signed an agreement at the prime minister's residence for cooperation in services with the Swissair Group. Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz said that it was a very important partnership. Cem Kozlu, the head of the board of directors of the Turkish Airlines and Hannes Goetz, the head of the board of directors of Swissair signed the deal. Yilmaz in his speech, pointed out that globalization has similar formations in the aviation sector as well. As a result, Yilmaz said companies are trying to set up partnerships to increase competitiveness. Swiss Ambassador Andre Faivet, chairman of the Directorate of Privatization Ugur Bayar and a small group of guests attended the ceremony.

US WITHDRAWS MILITARY CREDITS
The US Government is withdrawing its military credit for Greece and Turkey. It is reported that this decision was taken in line with current US government measures to cut back expenditures.

/Hurriyet/

[06] TURKEY IN BRIEF - JANUARY 26, 1998

Cetin said in the Esenboga Airport that Bosnia-Herzegovina should be an independent country within the parameters determined by the United Nation's (UN) decision.

Cetin said they took up the issues of ''interparliamentary and bilateral relations'' and ''regional issues'' in their contacts in both countries.

GAZIANTEP - The grain-cereals exportation from the Southeastern Anatolia Region in Turkey increased 190,2 percent to 53.8 thousand tonnes in 1997, it was reported on Monday. The foreign exchange income from that exportation was 32.2 million US dollars.

The same exportation from the region in 1996 was 22.2 thousand tonnes in return for 11.01 million US dollars.

The Secretariat General of Southeastern Anatolia Grain-Cereals Exporters' Union said that the region exported 8.8 million US dollars of red lentil, 7.6 million US dollars of chick-pea and 15.8 million US dollars of beans mostly to Iraq, Egypt, Jordan, Israel, Germany, France, Sri Lanka, Belgium, Saudi Arabia and Lebanon in 1997.

ANKARA - The document traffic between public institutions will be ended with the ''Public Network'' system prepared by the Undersecretariat of Prime Ministry, it was reported on Monday. The system enables people to follow their documents through Internet or telephone.

Prime Ministry's Administration Development Department Chairman Prof.Dr. Gurol Banger told A.A correspondent that the studies of the ''Public Administration Reconstruction 2000 Project'' were nearly concluded.

Pointing out that they would firstly set up a public network named ''National Data Base'' for electronic administration and then they would transfer the informations into that system within two and a half years, Banger said that the system would put the informations for the common-use of public institutions through Internet.

Banger said the system would firstly be installed in the Prime Ministry and then in other Ministries and other public institutions.

[07] TURKEY-EU - EU COUNCIL TO TAKE UP TURKEY AND REFUGEES

Foreign Ministers of EU countries will discuss the presidency programme of Britain and they will take up the issues of illegal immigrants who migrate from Northern Iraq and the future of relations with Turkey.

EU Foreign Ministers, who gather for the first time after the Luxembourg Summit, will discuss the developments in Algeria and other issues like Iran, Albania, the Middle East, Russia, Afghanistan and the Balkans during the Council meeting the same day.

EU Term-President Britain continues to launch efforts thinking that Turkey will also participate in European Conference that is planned to be held on March 12.

Britain is also expected to propose an ''action plan'' regarding the illegal immigrants who migrate from Northern Iraq to EU countries during the meeting.

Sources in Brussels stress the importance EU attributes to ''political dialogue with Ankara'' and note that various ideas will be discussed to revive the dialogue.

[08] TURKEY IN BRIEF (2) - JANUARY 26, 1998

Culture Minister Istemihan Talay said that such activities would conribute to the introduction of the Turkish culture in the international platforms.

NEW YORK - The web-site in Internet regarding the promotion of Turkey was the ''Best Travel-Site of 1997'' in the US, it was reported on Monday. This site includes more than 200 pages of information.

The home-page address of this site is ''http://www.turkey.org/turkey''.

The Turkish Tourism Consulate in New York said that the number of American tourists, who visited Turkey in 1997, increased 11,82 percent to 364,764.

Officials said that totally 2,339,529 German tourists visited Turkey in 1997 while the number of Russian tourists was 1,513,566 and British tourists was 915,337 and French tourists was 333,781.

Officials said the total number of foreign tourists, who visited Turkey last year, was 9,689,004.

Meanwhile, the number of American tour operators, who sell tickets to tourists visiting Turkey, increased to 121 from 85 in 1998.

ANTALYA - The number of foreign tourists, who visited Yalvac township of Mediterranean Isparta province in 1997, increased by nearly 50 percent compared to figures in 1996, it was reported on Monday.

Yalvac Mayor Tekin Bayram told A.A correspondent that totally 35 thousand foreign tourists visited the region in 1997.

Bayram said that the Tourism Ministry and travel agencies speeded up their promotion studies for the Antiocheia ancient city in Yalvac, adding that they expected the number of foreign tourists to reach 350 thousand in the year 2000.

[09] TURKEY-GERMANY - FM CEM: ''I WILL CONVEY OUR CITIZENS' PROBLEMS TO GERMAN FOREIGN MINISTER KINKEL''

In his opening speech made at Consul General meeting which started the same day, Ismail Cem stated that ''we will discuss today whether we can improve views both at the technical and conceptual level towards the problems of Turkish citizens living in Germany and West European countries.''

Noting that Germany and Western Europe generally consider Turkish people as ''cheap labour,'' Cem added that Turkey sometimes regard them as ''tools that send foreign exchange from abroad.''

Stressing that the three million Turkish people who live in Western Europe constitute a big opportunity for Turkey, Cem pointed out that Foreign Ministry launches serious efforts to solve the problems of these Turkish people.

''Our people living in Germany and Western Europe should know that if they continue to stay as divided and do not have any organizations, their demands will not be taken seriously by German officials. They should know that they can only benefit from their power if they unite. We will, as Turkish state, will continue to do our best,'' said Cem.

Foreign Minister Cem stressed that he will convey the result that will come out after the Consul General meeting to German Foreign Minister Klaus Kinkel.

[10] TURKEY-BAF BASE - DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER SEZGIN: - ''AIR-BASE IN BAF CARRIES NO IMPORTANCE''

Sezgin answered the questions of reporters in the press briefing held for the ''High-Tech Industry Park and Airport Project''.

Responding to a question, Sezgin emphasized that Turkey had already been using the base in Gecitkale within the framework of Zurich and London agreements.

Sezgin said, ''the air-base in Baf is a great burden for the island. It is a madly project and a piece sliced off from Greek-Cypriots' welfare.''

Responding to another question, Sezgin said that he believed the deployment of S-300 missiles in Greek-Cypriot side was very difficult under the conditions of the world.

[11] TURKEY-OSCE - GENERAL KARADAYI CALLS FOR INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION - GEN. KARADAYI: ''ETHNIC CLASHES AND RADICAL NATIONALISM SUPPORTED BY INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM CONSTITUTE BIG RISKS''

Addressing an opening speech at the ''Defense Policies and Military Doctrines'' seminar held by Organization on Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), General Karadayı listed new threats and risks under two groups in today's world.

''The first category includes illegal weapons, drug trafficking, international terrorism, widening of mass destruction weapons and environmental damages. The second one can be listed as ethnic clashes, intolerance, radical nationalism, all kinds of discrimination and human trade. As these risks and threats can not be seen as in the case of classical concept of enemy, they are more dangerous,'' said Gen. Karadayı.

Ismail H. Karadayı pointed out that NATO continues to be an ''insurance'' for OSCE and it contributes both to OSCE activities and also solution of regional crisis like Bosnia.

Gen. Karadayı stressed that international terrorism constitutes the biggest hurdle that stands in front of installation of democracy, security, peace and stability in the world.

''The contributions or refrainment of countries from international cooperation against terrorism should be regarded as the importance they attribute to installation of peace and stability in the world,'' said Karadayı.

Noting that OSCE region confronts with Central Asia, Caucasus and Mediterranean where OSCE standarts and understanding are lacking and political and economic unstability is present, Karadayı said that Turkey is a ''front country'' within this framework.

''Developments in neighbouring states directly effect the security of Turkey. I would like to stress that despite these negative factors, our security policy is determined within the framework of the respect we feel towards the territorial integrity and sovereignty of other countries. The military doctrine of Turkey is based on military capability and collective defense by taking security needs and existing risks into account,'' said Karadayı.

Gen. Karadayı added that Turkey, which is a secular, democratic, liberal and modern country, will continue to support negotiations of disarmament and weapon control.

Military Doctrines Seminar which more than 30 chiefs of general staff from 54 member countries participate will last for three days.

[12] TURKEY-SYRIA - TURKEY REACTS TO SYRIA: ''TURKEY DOES NOT NEED TO TAKE LESSONS FROM SYRIA ON DEMOCRACY OR ON RELIGIOUS TOLERANCE''

Addressing a press briefing held for foreign journalists, Utkan described the statements of the Syrian Minister of Defense regarding the closure of the Welfare Party as ''inappropriate and wishful thinking.''

Mustafa Tlass, the Syrian Minister of Defense claimed to several foreign news agencies last week that Turkey ran the risk of Algeria-like massacres and the Turkish people could take revenge if the military officials do not end their campaign against Islamic activists and ''respect Muslim rights.''

[13] TURKEY-CYPRUS - FM: ''TRANSFORMATION OF GECITKALE AIRPORT INTO A PERMANENT BASE IS ONE OF THE MEASURES THAT CAN BE TAKEN''

Necati Utkan, the Foreign Ministry Spokesman told a press briefing held for foreign journalists that ''the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) and Turkey as one of the guarantor states will take other measures if necessary.''

Stressing that the Baf Base is the last chain of the aggressive policy which the Greek Cypriot side has been pursuing for years, Utkan added that those who take these grave steps will assume the responsibility for them.

Utkan said that Turkey will take all the necessary measures to protect the security of the TRNC and Turkey and the UN Secretary General and the Term President of the UN Security Council have been informed about these recent developments.

[14] TRNC-BAF BASE - TRNC PRIME MINISTER DERVIS EROGLU: ''BUILDING MILITARY AIR BASES AND PUTTING MISSILES THERE, MEANS A CALL FOR WAR''

Addressing a statement to the press after meeting with Rauf Denktas, the TRNC President, Eroglu stated that the Greek Cypriot side thinks that it will benefit from armament efforts, yet this understanding can cause trouble for the Greek Cypriot people.

Stressing that the Greek Cypriot side will not achieve anything by purchasing three missiles and constructing a military base, Eroglu pointed out that ''we will take counter measures. We have Gecitkale Airport at the moment and plan to take several measures at this airport.''

Eroglu added that developments concerning the Baf Air Base, measures that have to be taken by the TRNC, developments after the European Union (EU) Luxembourg Summit and the issue of negotiations based on a two-state principle were evaluated during his meeting with TRNC President Rauf Denktas.

[15] TURKEY-GREECE - FOREIGN MINISTRY: ''THE SOLUTION OF PROBLEMS BETWEEN THE TWO COUNTRIES DEPENDS ON CREATING A CONSTRUCTIVE DIALOGUE''

Responding to the invitation of the Greek Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos, published in a Turkish daily, to take all their problems to the International Court of Justice, Necati Utkan, the Foreign Ministry Spokesman said that Turkey's view concerning the issue was very clear.

''We're open to third party mediation, including the courts, but the two sides have to decide which issues require that,'' Utkan stated in a press conference held for foreign reporters.

Utkan said that their early invitations for setting up a dialogue were still valid, adding ''I hope Greece will give a positive and constructive response to our invitation.''

Utkan added that Turkey had never rejected the methods that can be used for the solution of problems between the two countries.

Stressing that Turkey attributed importance to the peaceful methods which had been continued under the United Nations' (UN) umbrella, Utkan said, ''the implementation of different methods for each problem is not realistic.''

[16] TURKEY-US - WITHDRAWAL OF MILITARY ASSISTANCE CREDITS BY THE US - TURKEY EXAMINES THE ISSUE WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF STRATEGIC COOPERATION

Necati Utkan, the Foreign Ministry Spokesman, told a press briefing that they examined the issue and recalled that Turkey and the US reached an agreement during Prime Minister Mesut Yılmaz's visit to the US concerning the annulment of trade barriers and quotas between the two states, providing new assistance and cooperation to meet the increasing energy needs.

Utkan added that the curtailment of military credits is being examined within the framework of these developments.

[17] TURKEY-INTERNAL - THE COUNCIL OF MINISTERS CONVENES

The Council of Ministers will discuss the Draft law on the Turkish Penal Code which has 522 articles and which was prepared by the Ministry of Justice, Article 8 of Anti-Terrorism Act and several articles of the existing Turkish Penal Code.

The flood that occurred in Izmir, the measures that will be taken to prevent Turkey from being affected by the economic crisis in the Southeast Asian countries and the draft law which has been prepared to regulate the rights of health personnel will all be discussed during the meeting.

Making a short statement before the Council of Ministers meeting, Prime Minister Mesut Yılmaz said that they will also determine the provinces where incentive measures will be implemented.

[18] TURKEY IN BRIEF (3) - JANUARY 26, 1998

Necati Utkan, the Foreign Ministry Spokesman told a press briefing that Undersecretary Haktanir will visit Croatia between January 27-28 to hold political contacts there.

ANKARA - Nami Cagan, the Minister of Labor and Social Security said on Monday that they would set up a new organization called ''Turkish Profession Standards'' and that they would restructure the state-run Employment Agency under the name of the ''Turkish Labor Authority (ISKUR)''.
Cagan said in a press conference that they have targeted to improve employment and to let the Employment Agency be a more effective organization which struggles against unemployment with the ISKUR draft law.

ANKARA - Ismet Sezgin, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense said on Monday that they would lay the foundation for the Istanbul- Kurtkoy Airport in February. The airport is one part of the ''High-Tech Industry Park and Airport Project'' (ITEP).

Pointing out that the ITEP is one of the huge projects in the field of aviation for the 21st century, Sezgin said that the ITEP was composed of a Technopark, an international airport, a High-Tech Institute and a modernized aviation center.

VAN - Feridun Irak, the Chairman of the Van Chamber of Industry and Commerce said on Monday that the trade volume between Turkey and Iran was 800 million US dollars in 1997.

Pointing out that the trade volume should be increased to 3-4 billion US dollars, Irak told the A.A correspondent that mutual visits between the businessmen of the two countries would increase the trade volume. Irak said that with this objective, Abdulkadir Sari, the Mayor of Eastern Van Province and the accompaying delegation including 40 Turkish businessmen visited the city of Tebriz in Iran between January 21-23.

[19] TURKEY-GREECE - TURKEY IS CAUTIOUS ABOUT THE PLANNED CHANGE IN THE GREEK CITIZENSHIP LAW

Recalling that Greece had earlier issued such statements, but there were no results, Necati Utkan, the Foreign Ministry Spokesman pointed out that ''it will be to the interest of Greece if it really decides to lift this article, which shames Greece in the international arena.''

Noting that Turkey had earlier observed that Greece was the only country which discriminated among its citizens due to ethnic origin, Utkan said that they continue to examine the issue. Utkan stressed that Turkey expects Greece to treat all of its citizens equally, adding that ''if Greece is resolved to take this step, then it should give the Turks living in Western Thrace, who had earlier lost their citizenship, the right to re-acquire their citizenship without any exceptions and time limitations.''

By using Article 19 of the Greek Citizenship Law, Greece can revoke the citizenship of people living in Greece who are not of Greek ethnic origin when they leave Greece and do not return for a short period of time. Athens has used this law in the past to revoke the Greek citizenship of the Turkish minority living in Western Thrace when they leave the country for touristic purposes, business or to see their relatives in Turkey.

[20] TURKEY-TURKISH CITIZENS - FM CEM: ''VOTE BY LETTER WILL BE REALIZED STARTING IN APRIL 1999'' - ''TURKISH CITIZENS ARE THE TARGET OF RACIST MOVEMENTS''

Addressing a press briefing held at the Turkish Embassy in Bonn, Cem stated that the concerned State Ministry has prepared a draft law about voting by letter.

''We have always claimed responsibilty for our citizens,'' said Cem, adding that the Turkish people living in Germany and Western Europe should maintain a balance between adjusting themselves to the society in which they live and protecting their own identity.

Noting that racist movements have increased in various European countries, particularly in Austria, Germany and France,

Ismail Cem said that the Turkish people living in these countries have become the victims of these movements.

''Every Turkish citizen is an envoy of Turkey. Turkey has 2,5 million envoys in Germany. This fact should not be ignored,'' said Ismail Cem.

Naci Koru, the Turkish Consul General to Mainz informed Cem about the internet system which Turkish citizens can use to get information about developments in Turkey and consular proceedings.

[21] TURKEY-GREECE - FM: ''GREECE SHOULD MEET THE COSTS OF THOSE WHO SUFFERED''

Greece should lift Article 19 of the Greek Citizenship Law, which gives Greece the opportunity to deprive the Turkish minority of their citizenship and should meet the costs of those who suffered from the implementation of this article by taking into account the retroactive effect of this annulment.

The Foreign Ministry recalled in a written statement that the Greek Government decided to lift Article 19 of the Greek Citizenship Law which is based on ethnic discrimination among its citizens.

''The implementation of Article 19 has caused very serious problems for the Turkish people and there are thousands of kinsmen who try to survive in a stateless situation,'' noted the statement.

The statement asked Greece to fulfil its obligation by meeting the losses of its citizens.

[22] TURKEY-EU - FM CEM: ''WE HAVE PROTECTED OUR DIGNITY REGARDING THE EU ISSUE''

Responding to the questions of journalists at the Turkish Embassy in Bonn, Cem said, ''such an understanding which says that if a terrorist organization engages in terrorist activities in other countries' territories, then it can not be regarded as a terrorist organization, is very wrong. We do not accept this. I suppose there are also various German officials who regard such an understanding as being wrong.''

Denying the news which claims that there emerged a crisis between Turkey and Germany after the developments recorded in the full membership issue to the EU, Cem said, ''our bilateral relations with the EU member countries is outside the relations with the EU. We aim to improve our bilateral relations with all the EU member countries. We are working with this objective and have recorded progress.''

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