Anadolu Agency: News in English, 98-05-06

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

06 APRIL 1998

CONTENTS

[01] FIFTH WORLD BELIEF TOURISM CONGRESS

[02] PRESIDENT DEMIREL IN TUNISIA - DEMIREL ADDRESSES TURKISH-TUNISIAN BUSINESS COUNCIL MEETING

[03] TURKEY AND SLOVENIA SIGN JEC PROTOCOL AND FREE TRADE ZONE AGREEMENT - STATE MINISTER YUCELEN: - ''WITH THIS AGREEMENT COMMERCIAL AND ECONOMIC RELATIONS WILL BE ACCELERATED''

[04] BOMB ATTACK ON NAVAL FORCES COMMANDERSHIP'S GUESTHOUSE

[05] TOURISM MINISTER GURDAL: - ''TURKEY AND TUNISIA SHOULD COOPERATE IN TOURISM''

[06] INTERROGATION OF MAY DAY PROTESTORS - 243 PROTESTORS INVESTIGATED BY 12 DGM PROSECUTORS

[07] FRENCH AMBASSADOR TO TURKEY LEQUERTIER: - ''FRANCE WANTS TO SEE TURKEY IN THE EU''

[08] TRNC PRESIDENT RAUF DENKTAS: - ''THE GREATEST REASON WHY THE EU DIDN'T ACCEPT TURKEY IS THE RELIGIOUS FACTOR''

[09] PRESIDENT DEMIREL RETURNS TO TURKEY

[10] MESSAGES FROM KINKEL TO NORMALIZE RELATIONS WITH TURKEY

[11] MICHAEL MCCURRY, PRESS SECRETARY OF THE WHITE HOUSE: - ''OUR EFFORTS TO FIND A SOLUTION FOR CYPRUS WILL CONTINUE''

[12] PARLIAMENT SPEAKER CETIN IN WASHINGTON, D.C.

[13] TURKEY-PRESS REVIEW (1)

[14] TURKEY-PRESS REVIEW (2)

[15] TURKEY-PRESS REVIEW (3)

[16] FOREIGN MINISTER ISMAIL CEM: - ''THE EU DIDN'T APPLY THE SAME CRITERIA TO TURKEY WITH THE OTHER CANDIDATE COUNTRIES'' - ''TURKEY IS AMONG THE RARE ISLAMIC COUNTRIES WHICH HAS DEMOCRACY AND SECULARISM''

[17] BASESGIOGLU, THE MINISTER OF THE INTERIOR LEAVES FOR ROMANIA

[18] BOMB ATTACK ON ANAP PROVINCIAL BUILDING

[19] DEMIREL: ''I AM PLEASED WITH BAYKAL'S STATEMENT ABOUT SUPPORTING THE GOVERNMENT''

[20] AGAR AND BUCAK'S OPPOSITION TO PARLIAMENTARY DECISION TO STRIP THEM OF THEIR IMMUNITIES

[21] FM CEM DUE TO ARRIVE IN NORWAY

[22] TURKEY IN BRIEF - MAY 6, 1998

[23] TURKISH-SYRIAN RELATIONS

[24] WEU SPRING TERM MEETING - SEZGIN, THE MINISTER OF NATIONAL DEFENSE TO PARTICIPATE AT THE WEU COUNCIL OF MINISTERS' MEETING ON RHODES

[25] FOREIGN MINISTRY: ''WE'VE EARLIER EXPLAINED THAT WE WOULDN'T BARGAIN ON S-300 ISSUE''

[26] TURKEY-EU ASSOCIATION COUNCIL

[27] FOREIGN MINISTER CEM INVITES KINKEL, THE GERMAN FOREIGN MINISTER TO TURKEY

[28] FOREIGN MINISTRY: ''WE EXPECT GREECE TO SERIOUSLY TAKE UP THE ISSUE OF THE TERRORIST ORGANIZATION''

[01] FIFTH WORLD BELIEF TOURISM CONGRESS

Prof. Dr. Peter Keller, the Chairman of the Church and Tourism Commission, noted that tourism is the largest income source of the one third of the countries and 80 percent of the tourists are the citizens of the developed countries.

Keller added, ''tourism will develop with religion. Countries should protect their historical assets, otherwise tourism can be damaged.''

Forming working groups in 4 languages, the religious leaders were given religious education by the officials who are assigned by the Vatican.

[02] PRESIDENT DEMIREL IN TUNISIA - DEMIREL ADDRESSES TURKISH-TUNISIAN BUSINESS COUNCIL MEETING

Addressing the Turkish-Tunisian Business Council meeting, Demirel said improvement of economic and trade relations between the two countries will further enrich the existing positive political relations. He also said that establishement of a concrete cooperation mechanism between businessmen will contribute to the affluence of the friendly peoples.

Noting that Turkey appreciated the economic reforms and mobilizations realized in Tunisia under the determined leadership of Tunisian President Zeynel Al-Abidin Bin Ali, Demirel said ''Tunisia which realized a stable and rapid development became a trade center and regional investment center.'' Demirel said ''we appreciate that Tunisia plays the role of the important gate for the economic relations of Africa with the other countries. This is the indication of the importance which the world has attributed to Tunisia's economic existence and potential.''

Demirel said that the Tunisian economy contributes to the stability and affluence in Northern Africa, the African continent as well as in the Middle East and pointed out that the success Tunisia has recorded, especially in the field of off-shore banking and companies, provides advantages for her to integrate with the world economy. Demirel said that Turkey was willing to improve trade and economic relations rapidly.

President Demirel said that the trade volume in 1997 increased by 26 percent and reached 180 million US dollars, but added that this didn't reflect the real potentials between the two friendly countries.

Demirel said that overcoming the existing problems depended on the signature of free trade agreements, adding that free trade agreements are obligatory for actual globalization.

Demirel said during his meeting with the Tunisian President that they mentioned the importance of mutual cooperation and decided to promote the businessmen of the two countries.

Emphasizing that Turkey made a good start and initiated investments in Tunisia, Demirel said he hoped that this will be maintained with the support of the Tunisian government.

Demirel said that Turkey was a gate to the Balkans, Caucasia, Europe, Eastern Europe and Central Asia, adding that these two friendly countries should make use of each others' experiences.

Demirel expressed Turkey's readiness to let Tunisia make use of her experiences, pointing out that Turkey has a very strong army of businessmen. Turkish businesses are working in 130 countries in the world. This is a great change for the world markets and he asked Tunisia to make use of these opportunities.

Demirel said he wanted the Turkish-Tunisian Business Council to expend more efforts to improve Turkish-Tunisian trade and economic relations and named tourism and agriculture as the fields in which to make cooperation.

[03] TURKEY AND SLOVENIA SIGN JEC PROTOCOL AND FREE TRADE ZONE AGREEMENT - STATE MINISTER YUCELEN: - ''WITH THIS AGREEMENT COMMERCIAL AND ECONOMIC RELATIONS WILL BE ACCELERATED''

Addressing the meeting, Yucelen said that the relations between Turkey and Slovenia are based on cooperation and good intentions, and the agreement and protocol are the result of the productive negotiations.

Yucelen told the reporters that with the agreement and protocol, commercial and economic relations will be accelerated, adding, ''the agreement will faciliate businessmen from both countries, therefore it should come in to force as soon as possible''.

Marjan Senjur, the Slovenian Minister of Economic Relations and Development, said that the Free Trade Zone Agreement has a significant importance for Slovenia, both to develop the economic and commercial relations between the two countries and to join the European Union. Senjur pointed out that Turkey and Slovenia will cooperate in the European markets.

-FREE TRADE ZONE AGREEMENT
The Free Trade Zone Agreement which was signed between Turkey and Slovenia foresees the acceleration of commercial and economic relations, the increase in the trade volume between the two countries and the diversification of the products of trade of both countries. According to the agreement;

-A free trade zone will be set up by 2001,

-The two countries will provide mutual benefits to each other for entering the market,

-The trade volume between Turkey and Slovenia, which is currently about 76 million US dollars, will be increased.

[04] BOMB ATTACK ON NAVAL FORCES COMMANDERSHIP'S GUESTHOUSE

The device exploded causing financial damage but no casualities.

The bomb which was left by unidentified assailants among the garbage exploded at 22:15, breaking the entrance windows of the building.

The investigation is underway on the incident.

[05] TOURISM MINISTER GURDAL: - ''TURKEY AND TUNISIA SHOULD COOPERATE IN TOURISM''

Gurdal met with his Tunisian counterpart Selahattin Maavi, and discussed the cooperation which was started by the tourism agencies which should be encouraged, noting that setting up a joint and permanent information network between the private sectors of both countries will be an effective incentive system for the tour operators.

Pointing out that Tunisia has become an important market for Turkish tourists, Gurdal said, ''I am sure that this will be taken into consideration by the Tunisian private sectors and will assist with the opening of an Tunisian information office in Turkey in the near future.''

The two tourism ministers reached an accord of viewpoints on establising a joint and permanent information network on tourism between Tunisia and Turkey and forming a data bank concerning the large tourism companies of both countries.

[06] INTERROGATION OF MAY DAY PROTESTORS - 243 PROTESTORS INVESTIGATED BY 12 DGM PROSECUTORS

The prosecutors investigated 139 females and 104 males protestors at the DGM Republic Chief Prosecutor's Office on charges that they were members of an outlawed illegal organization and aiding and abetting this organization. The demonstrators were later returned to police custody.

The protestors will later be sent to the Sisli Administration of Justice to be charged with offences under the Law on Meetings and Demonstration Marches.

Meanwhile, it was also reported that 11 of the 13 people were arrested who were earlier taken into custody during the May day celebrations in the Aegean Izmir Province.

[07] FRENCH AMBASSADOR TO TURKEY LEQUERTIER: - ''FRANCE WANTS TO SEE TURKEY IN THE EU''

Responding to the questions of the A.A correspondent, Lequertier said that President Suleyman Demirel's visit to France last February and the meeting between the presidents of both countries helped to develop the relations between the two countries.

Stressing that commercial, cultural and economic relations between

Turkey and France are developing continuously, Lequertier added, ''We are sure that we will see Turkey in the European Union. The rates of exports and imports are increasing between Turkey and France. Meanwhile the number of the French tourists who prefer Turkey for a holiday, continues to increase.

Lequertier told the A.A correspondent, ''The European countries want to see Turkey in the European Union, but there are several conditions for Turkey to join the EU. These are human rights, economic development and good relations with neighbours, which were pointed out at the meeting in Copenhagen. These are the conditions which are wanted from all the member or candidate states of the Union, not only from Turkey. We will see Turkey in the Union when she has fulfilled these conditions. The door of the EU has never been closed to Turkey. It will be open in the future as well.''

Lequertier pointed out that France doesn't allow the seperatist terrorist PKK organization activities in the country, noting ''the PKK is a terrorist organisation, but there is a Kurdish problem and France wants this problem to be solved democratically.''

Responding to a question that the separatist terrorist Semdin Sakik confessed that Olof Palme, the former Swedish Prime Minister, was killed by the PKK organization, Lequertier said, ''I have no idea on the issue and know nothing. The Swedish Government didn't say that there was something new in Sakik's testimony. The name of the PKK was mentioned after the murder of Palme.''

[08] TRNC PRESIDENT RAUF DENKTAS: - ''THE GREATEST REASON WHY THE EU DIDN'T ACCEPT TURKEY IS THE RELIGIOUS FACTOR''

Addressing the journalists, Denktas said that Richard Holbrooke, the US Special Representative to Cyprus, who had stated during his press conference held yesterday, ''the EU has made a big mistake by excluding Turkey'', was reminded that Hans Van den Broek, the Member Responsible for Foreign Affairs of EU Commission, rejected these words and Holbrooke described the EU's attitude against Turkey as ''an event worse than a mistake.''

Denktas pointed out 'if the issue of Christianity and Islamism are not the point, then to exclude Turkey which is the fortress of Europe's security is an event worse than a mistake.''

[09] PRESIDENT DEMIREL RETURNS TO TURKEY

Speaking at Ankara's Esenboga Airport, Demirel said that they had exchanged views with Tunisia on regional and international issues.

Demirel said recent developments in the Middle East Peace process and issue of international terror were discussed during the meetings within the framework of the importance both of these two countries attributed to the establishment of peace, security and stability in the Mediterranean and the Middle Eastern regions.

''Within this framework I briefed the Tunisian officials about the situation in Northern Iraq and I stressed the importance we attribute to Turkey's relations with the Arab countries'' Demirel said adding ''we also reiterated our willingness to enter into a wide-ranged cooperation with Tunisia, mainly in the fields of culture and tourism.''

Demirel also said that a cooperation agreement on animal health, tourism cooperation protocol and cultural exchange program covering 1998-2000, were signed during the visit.

Demirel also said his visit to Tunisia was positive and constructive for stengthening the relations with the friendly country Tunisia and to stengthen regional peace and stability in the region.

Meanwhile, responding to the questions on the plane Demirel said that there were great efforts to turn Turkey and the Arab world against each other, but added that each of these countries was a friend of Turkey.

Noting that there had been no visit between Turkey and Tunisia at the Presidential level for 12 years, Demirel said that Tunusia wasn't a distant country as the Mediterranean made these two countries neighbors.

Demirel said that during the visit he saw that there were all the necessary opportunities to further improve friendship between Turkey and Tunisia.

Demirel said that there was nearly 200 million US dollars in trade volume between the two countries, adding that there were opportunities to increase this to 500 million US dollars.

President Demirel said that a free trade agreement should be signed, this was one of the most important goals of the visit. Necessary studies have been initiated for a free trade agreement.

Pointing out that a security agreement should be signed with Tunisia on the subjects narcotics, trafficking, weapons smuggling and terrorism, Demirel said that the increase in the trade volume between the two countries depended on the efforts of businessmen.

Demirel said there were investment facilities in Tunisia and that this country was a window opening to the great African continent.

Demirel noted that there were efforts to turn the Arab world and Turkey against each other adding, ''each of these Arab countries are friends of Turkey. But, it is clear that there are efforts to create anti-Turkish activities. So, I was in a position to meet with the center these activities. The Tunisian President Bin Ali told them to me in a friendly manner. One of these is what does Turkey want to do in Northern Iraq? There is no state in Northern Iraq, no authority. This place became a base for terrorism. If there are thoughts that Turkey would take Northern Iraq one day, then we have expressed many times that Turkey has no demands for territory. We have entered Northern Iraq 8 or 10 times previously, but have later left here.''

Demirel said that the second problem was whether or not Turkey would cut Syria's water. He said, ''We have previously said many times that Turkey won't cut Syria's water. We asked how much water they need. Syria says that they want half of this water. We will give water to Syria just for the areas that should be irrigated. I asked them if there were any complaints. I asked them if Turkey had dried up their gardens? Because they aren't using the water. We say let's sit and discuss how much territory each country has. But, we won't give half of this water.''

Demirel said that another problem was the rapprochement of Turkey and Israel noting, ''Turkey's agreements made with this country were not against the Arab world, no Arab county received harm from this agreement.''

Responding to a question if the uneasiness with the Arab world erupted with Syria's provocations, Demirel said, ''it is a fact that Syria provocates. Syria says that Turkey and Israel are getting united. We say Turkey will solve the problems peacefully.''

When asked about the recent point reached on the Cyprus question Demirel said there is a de facto situation. There are two states on this island. Now, we should discuss how these two states will live together.''

Responding to a question if there was an insistency on the Cyprus question, Demirel stressed the fact that it should be accepted that there is a territory of Turks and a Turkish state on the island.

[10] MESSAGES FROM KINKEL TO NORMALIZE RELATIONS WITH TURKEY

Addressing a press conference staged at the Council of Europe (COE), Kinkel said either he would go to Turkey or invite Ismail Cem, the Turkish Foreign Minister to Bonn in the near future.

Noting that Turkey had become involved in emotional expectations before the Luxembourg Summit, Kinkel said that Ankara was disappointed after the Luxembourg Summit decisions.

Kinkel noted that Turkey has several problems in her relations with the European Union and named them as relations with Cyprus, Greece as well as the Southeastern problem and the issue of human rights.

Kinkel pointed out that Turkey has economic problems and that it should solve the conflicts with Athens.

[11] MICHAEL MCCURRY, PRESS SECRETARY OF THE WHITE HOUSE: - ''OUR EFFORTS TO FIND A SOLUTION FOR CYPRUS WILL CONTINUE''

Michael McCurry, the Press Secretary of the White House said that he met with Richard Holbrooke, the US Special Representative to Cyprus, whose peace initiatives on Cyprus failed last week. He added that Holbrooke's efforts will continue in Turkey, Greece and the two societies living on the island.

McCurry pointed out that the two sides on Cyprus should abandon some of the differences of opinion and start serious negotiations. McCurry said that the member states of the NATO share the same worries with the US about the missiles. He added that the US Administration is opposed to the deployment of the S-300 missiles on the island.

Meanwhile it was reported that Thomas Miller, the US Special Coordinator to Cyprus, will go to the island at the end of this month.

[12] PARLIAMENT SPEAKER CETIN IN WASHINGTON, D.C.

Addressing the Washington, D.C. Institute Cetin conveyed information about Turkish foreign policy and responded to questions. Cetin said that Turkey will continue to pursue her secular, democratic and liberal way with or without the EU.

Cetin identified the EU's decisions made during the Luxembourg Summit related to Turkey and Cyprus as a ''mistake.'' Cetin said that these mistakes hampered the US efforts carried out to find a solution on the island.

Stressing that Turkey decided on democracy in 1920, Cetin said, ''We decided to be a democratic and secular republic when there was no EU. We will continue with or without the EU. We have a 75 year old successful Republic. They want all the efforts from Turkey to solve the Aegean and Cyprus questions. They don't want anything from the other side. We can't solve these by ourselves. Turkey has contributed a lot to democracy, security and stability in Europe, now the EU has no right to say that you are different. This is discrimination.''

An official from Germany's Embassy in the United States, listening to the speech of Cetin said that the full membership application of Morocco was also rejected, Cetin responded by saying, ''Is Turkey in Africa? You said to the Ottoman Empire that it was the sick man of Europe, not Africa.''

Noting that Turkey shared the values of Europe and will maintain her belief in these values, Cetin said that Germany created disappointment for Turkey and the Turkish public.

Later, Cetin addressed a press conference and stressed that the Turkish government's attitude on the EU full membership was accurate.

Cetin noted that if a gate would be opened, then the EU should take this step and the first indication of this may happen at the Summit that will be held in Cardiff.

Cetin also said his meetings with Newt Gingrich, the US Speaker of the House of Representatives, known as an admirer of Ataturk, and Bob Livingstone, Chairman of the House of Representatives Appropriations Committee were also beneficial.

Cetin also said during his contacts in Washington D.C., that he exchanged views on Turkish-Israeli relations and bilateral issues.

Cetin will depart from the US on Thursday.

[13] TURKEY-PRESS REVIEW (1)

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

DEMIREL: ''TURKEY CAN COPE WITH SYRIA''
President Suleyman Demirel harshly criticized Syria for her support of the PKK terrorist organization during his two-day visit to Tunisia. Demirel also sent out a message to the Arab world, which has reacted strongly against the development of the Turkish-Israeli relations, saying, ''The agreement between Turkey and Israel isn't aimed at any third country. We are able to cope with Syria's enmity against Turkey without Israel''.

During a meeting between the Tunisian President Zeynel Abidin Bin Ali held the previous day, Demirel discussed especially the Syrian connection with the PKK. Demirel also emphasized the issue of Islamic terror during his contacts in Tunisia. While Faued M'Bazaa, the Tunisian Speaker of the Parliament said that they had confronted Islamic terror through economic and social reforms, Demirel said, ''Making Islam political only harmed the lofty ideals of this religion''. /Hurriyet/

FROM CEM TO ATHENS: ''DON'T MISLEAD YOUR NATION''
Ismail Cem, the Turkish Foreign Minister told Yorgo Papandreu, the Greek Acting Foreign Minister, ''Don't mislead the Greek nation''. Theodoros Pangalos, the Greek Foreign Minister, had previously declared that Cem had refused to attend a meeting of the Western European Union (WEU) to be held in Rhodes on 12-13 May. Cem said that his participation in the meeting had been out of the question from the very beginning and further noted that Ismet Sezgin, the Minister of National Defense would attend the meeting, because the meeting on Rhodes was related to the military wing of the WEU. During the bilateral meeting, Papandreu mentioned the PKK office that has been opened in Athens and said that there ''was a misunderstanding''. He said that Greece was against terrorism.

Cem, who met with Papandreu in Strasbourg on the occasion of the meetings of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, also sent a message to Pangalos, saying, ''Either you come to Turkey or I will go to Greece''. He added that they should come together and seriously discuss bilateral problems. /Hurriyet/

TURKISH ECONOMIC BOOM IN THE OFFING
James K. Glassman, an expert from the American Enterprise Institute, who participated at the New Atlantic Initiative Conference held in Istanbul, said in an article in the Washington Post newspaper that the Turkish economy was growing by 7 percent annually and a boom was in the offing. Glassman noted that Turkish entrepreneurs had achieved great accomplishments in the former Eastern Bloc countries in the Black Sea regions and the former Soviet Republics. He pointed out that Turkey was a wonderful country with her secular republic founded by democratic Kemal Ataturk 75 years ago. /Hurriyet-Milliyet/

ANKARA-TEHERAN RELATIONS RECOVERING
Sencer Ozsoy, the Turkish Ambassador to Iran was received yesterday by Natik Nuri, the Speaker of the Islamic Assembly. According to Teheran Radio, Ozsoy stated that Turkey and Iran were two great Muslim countries in the region. Ozsoy said, ''Cooperation between Teheran and Ankara should be developed in all areas. The friendship between the two countries plays an active role in the establishment of peace and stability in the region''. Pointing out that ambassadors were also playing important roles in the development of bilateral relations, Ozsoy added, ''Regional and international conditions necessitate the improvement of political, economic and cultural relations between Turkey and Iran''. /Hurriyet/

NEW NATO COMMAND STRUCTURE
A spring meeting of the NATO Military Committee, in which Turkey was represented by Gen. Ismail Hakki Karadayi, the Chief of General Staff, was held yesterday in Brussels. The Chiefs of General Staff approved a draft plan regarding the implementation of a new NATO command structure. /Hurriyet/

DENKTAS DUBS HOLBROOKE'S COMMENTS AS ''HISTORIC''
Rauf Denktas, the President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) has hailed as ''historic'' the remarks of the US Presidential Envoy Richard Holbrooke, saying ''it is a fact that Greek Cyprus doesn't represent or have control over the Turkish Cypriot people''. ''Holbrooke raised the spirits of the TRNC public by saying that Greek Cyprus isn't the administration of the Turkish Cypriots,'' Denktas said. Meanwhile in a press conference before leaving the island on Monday, Holbrooke accused the EU of upsetting the Turco-Greek balance on Cyprus by excluding Turkey from its list of full membership candidates while starting accession talks with the Greek Cypriots. /All papers/

[14] TURKEY-PRESS REVIEW (2)

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

AWARDS FOR TURKISH PROJECTS
Following the presentation to Turkey of the ''Best Activity Award'', ''Leadership in the Global Field'' and ''New Horizons in the Southeast'' awards for imaginative projects, a Turkish student has been assigned to the World Youth Commission. Muratcan Ustunkaya, the Chairman of the Turkish General Centre of the AIESEC Student Exchange Programme, said yesterday that he will be representing Turkey in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, for one year. Turkey is one of the six countries which are the members of the International AIESEC Board. /Hurriyet/

ENVIRONMENT AWARD TO TURKEY
The prestigious European Environment Protection Award, has been presented to Turkey. The Mediterranean Seal Research Institution of the Underwater Association won the award for the ''Protection of the Mediterranean Seals in Turkey - the Foca Project''. During a ceremony held in at the Topkapi Palace, Istanbul, William Clay Ford, the Chairman of the Henry Ford European Environment Protection Awards Programme,presented the award to Imren Aykut, the Minister of the Environment. /Milliyet/

HARDY: ''TURKEY'S PRIVATIZATION PROCESS IS HOPEFUL''
Martin Hardy, the Chairman of the Turkish Desk for the International Monetary Fund (IMF), said that the privatization process in Turkey was very ''hopeful'' and evaluated future macro economic targets as ''very realisti''. Hardy visited Ugur Bayar, the Chairman of the Privatization Administration, yesterday. After the meeting, Hardy said that privatization would attract more foreign investments to Turkey. /Milliyet/

BRITISH PARLIAMENTARIAN IN TURKEY
William Cash, the British Conservative Party Parliamentarian, is in Turkey to give a series of conferences. In his first conference in Istanbul yesterday, Cash said that small-scale Turkish enterprises would leave their mark in Europe. He also drew attention to the Black Sea Cooperation Agreement, adding that Turkey also would have a powerful future. Regarding Turkey's European Union (EU) membership, William Cash said although Turkey was an important ally, Europe didn't treat Turkey as she deserved. /Milliyet/

[15] TURKEY-PRESS REVIEW (3)

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

ALBRIGHT'S CYPRUS VISIT MIGHT BE POSTPONED
Evaluating Richard Holbrooke's latest visit to Cyprus, Turkish diplomatic sources remarked yesterday that because the visit had been fruitless, Madeleine Albright, the US Secretary of State, might well postpone her visit to Cyprus, planned to be made at the end of this month after a final review by Thomas Miller, Holbrooke's assistant on the island in the upcoming days. /Cumhuriyet/

QUALITY SUMMIT IN ISTANBUL IN 2000
A European Business Excellence Forum organized by the European Foundation of Quality Management (EFQM) will be held in Istanbul in 2000. This forum will be held this year in Paris and next year in Brussels. The foundation has a total of 722 members including 22 Turkish members. /Hurriyet/

ACCLAIMED AMERICAN HISTORIAN DONATES 40,000 US DOLLARS TO TUBA
Prof. Dr. Bernard Lewis, the American Historian well-known for his writings on the Islamic world and Middle East and holder of the 1998 Ataturk Peace Award, donated 40,000 US dollars out of the 60,000 US dollars prize given to him, to the Turkish Science Academy (TUBA). /Cumhuriyet/

YUNUS EMRE REMEMBERED
Yunus Emre, the Turkish poet and philosopher, is being remembered in the cultural activities in the district near Eskisehir where he was born, which will last until May 10. /Cumhuriyet/

INTERNATIONAL MUSIC MAGAZINE IN TURKEY
The fourth issue of the ''International Journal of Music in Turkey'' , the first international music magazine to be published in Turkey, is on the newstands, the main topic is folk music singers. /Cumhuriyet/

SENTRASBAT'98 MANEUVER MEETING
A meeting related to the ''Sentrasbat'98'', which is one of the largest military maneuvers in Central Asia that will take place within the framework of the NATO Partnership for Peace programme, will be realized in Tashkent between May 13-14. A delegation from the Office of the General Staff will represent Turkey during the meeting, in which the representatives from the regional countries and the NATO member countries will participate.

[16] FOREIGN MINISTER ISMAIL CEM: - ''THE EU DIDN'T APPLY THE SAME CRITERIA TO TURKEY WITH THE OTHER CANDIDATE COUNTRIES'' - ''TURKEY IS AMONG THE RARE ISLAMIC COUNTRIES WHICH HAS DEMOCRACY AND SECULARISM''

Addressing the conference on ''Turkey, France and Europe'' organized by the Turkish-French Friendship Group, Cem noted that the EU didn't apply the same criteria to Turkey with the other candidate countries. He added, ''Economic and democratic criteria were mentioned. The EU starts the full membership negotiations with the other contries to make them reach these criteria, but says that they will start negotiations with Turkey only after she fulfills these criteria.''

Pointing out that Turkey wants to become a member of the EU, but it is not a fixation for her, Cem stressed that Turkey is already European because of historical, geographical and cultural reasons. He said that Turkey accepts inflation as an important problem, pointing out that Turkey has a dynamic economy and a high competitive power and her rate of economic growth is increasing continuously.

Cem noted that Turkey is the among the rare Islamic countries which have democracy and secularism.

Stressing that Turkey wants to set up good relations with Greece, but her initiatives towards this purpose weren't reciprocated, Cem said, ''we offered to Greece with the Madrid Decleration for it to become a legal agreement, but couldn't receive a result. We accepted the suggestion of the Wise Men Committee, but the same thing happened and Turkey didn't receive a response from Greece.''

Meanwhile Pierre Moscovici, the French Minister Responsible for the European Affairs, said that the veto concerning the financial aids to Turkey, should be lifted. Moskovici pointed out that only Greece defended it during the last European Union Foreign Ministers meeting.

Moskovici said, ''Turkey should join the European Conference, the doors are open for Turkey to join the conference. At the same time Turkey shouldn't end the dialogue with the EU.''

[17] BASESGIOGLU, THE MINISTER OF THE INTERIOR LEAVES FOR ROMANIA

Speaking to reporters at Istanbul's Ataturk Airport before leaving for Romania, Basesgioglu said that the Security Cooperation Agreement and several other agreements will be discussed in detail during his contacts.

Noting that the Security Cooperation Agreement which the Presidents of Turkey, Romania and Bulgaria signed at Southern Antalya Province a while ago recorded very positive improvements among the sides, Basesgioglu said his contacts will be held within the framework of new the structures of the separatist PKK organization's terrorism in the Balkans.

Basesgioglu said that the separatist organization was involved in illegal human smuggling and drug trafficking, as well as separatist terrorism, adding that this visit will be beneficial for making cooperation with the Balkan states.

Basesgioglu is expected to return to Turkey on May 8.

[18] BOMB ATTACK ON ANAP PROVINCIAL BUILDING

The incident occurred when unidentified assailants, one man and one woman, came to the ANAP building early in the morning, saying that they were going to go to the restroom.

The assailants who went to the Chairmanship section put a bandage on the mouth of the cleaner and fled after leaving a package inside the room.

The package exploded at 10:30 a.m. However, there are no reported casualities or wounded persons.

[19] DEMIREL: ''I AM PLEASED WITH BAYKAL'S STATEMENT ABOUT SUPPORTING THE GOVERNMENT''

Reminding that to provide stability in the country the political parties should be allowed to make agreements, Demirel said, ''the change of the election law doesn't solve the problems, this change won't increase the polls to 21 percent from 20 percent. No one can form a government with a vote of 20 percent''. He added that at least two elections should be held for the normalization process in Turkey.

[20] AGAR AND BUCAK'S OPPOSITION TO PARLIAMENTARY DECISION TO STRIP THEM OF THEIR IMMUNITIES

The Constitutional Court decided on the application of Agar and Bucak on Dec 30 and 31, 1997.

The reasoned verdict of the Constitutional Court related to Mehmet Agar's application to annul the decision, mentioned the summary of proceedings of the Istanbul State Security Court Republic Chief Prosecutor's Office related to the stripping of immunity. It said that the Parliamentary General Commission lifted the immunities of Agar and Bucak after listing the decision of the Parliamentary Joint Commission.

Agar's application to annul the decision said that the Istanbul DGM wasn't authorized on the issue and that he could only be judged in the Supreme Court related to the period he acted as Minister.

The Constitutional Court's reasoned verdict said in the establishment of the Joint Commission there was no contradiction with the Constitution and the Internal Regulations.

The reasoned verdict recalled that the law related to the establishment of State Security Courts, has authority in the judgment of the crimes included in Article 313 of the Turkish Criminal Code.

The verdict said when the accusations in the summary of the proceedings were examined, it was revealed that the allegations against Agar were serious and that the lifting of the immunity of Agar was not for a political aim.

The reasoned verdict related to the opposition of Sedat Bucak to the decision said that the lifting of the immunity of Bucak was appropriate to the commitments of laws and internal regulations and that his request was rejected by a majority vote.

[21] FM CEM DUE TO ARRIVE IN NORWAY

Cem, currently in Paris to participate in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Ministers' Council Meeting will proceed to Norway this evening.

Sermet Atacanli, the Foreign Ministry Deputy Spokesman, addressing the weekly news conference said that bilateral relations as well as regional and international issues will be discussed during his contacts in Norway.

In Norway, Cem will try to lobby for the Baku-Ceyhan oil pipeline and will have a very intense traffic, where he will be received by the Norwegian King and Prime Minister. Cem is scheduled to convey the importance that they attribute to the Baku-Ceyhan oil pipeline.

Cem will try to persuade the Norwegian officials for the realization of the pipeline as the Norwegain ''Statoil'' company isn't positive about the Baku- Ceyhan pipeline due to the high price.

Diplomatic sources said that the improvement of bilateral trade will be discussed during the visit and pointed out that the trade volume between the two countries increased in the recent years.

Regional conflicts will be opened to discussion during the visit, where recent developments in the Balkans and the Kosovo question will also be discussed.

Cem, within the framework of his contacts in Oslo, is scheduled to meet with King Harald-5 and Prime Minister Bondevik. Cem will also meet with Foreign Minister Vollebaek and will also convey the developments Turkey has recorded in the field of human rights to the Minister of International Development and Human Rights.

The Norwegian Minister of Human Rights, who is known to be sensitive on human rights, is expected to come to Turkey in September to meet and hold observations with Hikmet Sami Turk, the Minister of State Responsible for Human Rights.

[22] TURKEY IN BRIEF - MAY 6, 1998

Hamdi Sedefci, the Mayor of Edirme Province, said that the issues of the usage of the rivers at the Turkey-Greece and Bulgarian border regions, their problems, border control points and environmental problems will be discussed at the meeting.

ANKARA - The annual report of the Central Bank shows that the number of passengers who preferred airplanes, increased 12 percent in 1997, it was reported on Wednesday.

Officials told the A.A correspondent that the number of passengers carried by airplanes was 9.2 million in 1996 and this number increased 10.4 million in 1997.

ANKARA - It was reported on Wednesday that the Europe Day will be celebrated on May 9.

The European Union Turkey Representative pointed out in its written statement that the Europe Day aims to introduce different European cultures to each other, and to provide opportunities for discussion and information.

The statement says that the first step was taken to establish the European Union on May 9, 1950.

IZMIR - Scientists and underwater archaeologists from several countries will join the research organized by the Bodrum Underwater Archaeology Institute in the ancient wrecks which are underwater at Cesme, it was reported on Wednesday.

Tufan Turanlı, the Chairman of the Research of the Institute, said that the most important of the ship wrecks underwater in Cesme is the Mende sunken ship which dates back to the fifth century B.C.

Turanlı told the A.A correspondent that the excavation of the Mende sunken ship will be started in 1999.

[23] TURKISH-SYRIAN RELATIONS

Sermet Atacanli, the Foreign Ministry Deputy Spokesman, responding to a question about President Suleyman Demirel's words against Syria, said ''Our view of relations with Syria has been expressed once again at the highest level by President Suleyman Demirel.''

Atacanli said that Turkey expended efforts to overcome the bottleneck experienced with Syria adding, ''we want our relations with Syria to be improved. But, of course Syria should have a similar attitude.''

[24] WEU SPRING TERM MEETING - SEZGIN, THE MINISTER OF NATIONAL DEFENSE TO PARTICIPATE AT THE WEU COUNCIL OF MINISTERS' MEETING ON RHODES

Sermet Atacanlı, the Foreign Ministry Deputy Spokesman told a weekly press briefing that Guner Oztek, the Permanent Representative of Turkey to the WEU and representatives from the General Staff, Defense Mnistry and Foreign Ministry will be present in the Turkish delegation headed by Ismet Sezgin.

Atacanlı stated that the role and priorities of the WEU after the summits at Amsterdam and Madrid, the role of the WEU in the area of crisis administration, the strengthening of operational abilities of the WEU and the existing situation in Albania will be discussed during the WEU meeting.

[25] FOREIGN MINISTRY: ''WE'VE EARLIER EXPLAINED THAT WE WOULDN'T BARGAIN ON S-300 ISSUE''

Addressing a weekly press briefing, Sermet Atacanlı, the Foreign Ministry Deputy Spokesman said, ''we had earlier explained that we wouldn't bargain on the issue of the S-300 missiles,'' responding to a question on whether or not Turkey would bargain on the S-300 missiles with the defense tenders which the Russian Federation wants to enter.

Noting that Turkey's view about the S-300 missiles is clear, Atacanlı said that Gen. Karadayı will certainly convey Turkey's views during his contacts in Moscow, but a barganing is out of the question.

Responding to a question about the news saying that the S-300 missiles can be deployed on Crete island of Greece, Atacanlı pointed out that first of all, Turkey attributes importance to the possibilty of deployment of the missiles at the Greek Cypriot side.

[26] TURKEY-EU ASSOCIATION COUNCIL

Sermet Atacanlı, the Foreign Ministry Deputy Spokesman said that technical contacts are being held to activate the Turkish-EU relations, adding ''if an Association Council meeting is held, it can be held at the end of May.''

Noting that Uluc Ozulker, the Foreign Ministry Deputy Undersecretary, is holding technical contacts in London, Atacanlı said that the planned visit of Robin Cook, the British Foreign Minister to Ankara during May will be taken up during Ozulker's contacts in London.

[27] FOREIGN MINISTER CEM INVITES KINKEL, THE GERMAN FOREIGN MINISTER TO TURKEY

Addressing a weekly press briefing, Sermet Atacanlı, the Foreign Ministry Deputy Spokesman said, ''we have seen such an attitude from Germany, which doesn't match with our expectations, particularly concerning the Turkish- European Union (EU) relations. However, we attribute importance to our relations with Germany and we want to improve them.''

Atacanlı added that the invitation of Kinkel to Turkey by Ismail Cem was conveyed to Kinkel during the farewell visit of Volkan Vural, the former Ambassador to Germany.

[28] FOREIGN MINISTRY: ''WE EXPECT GREECE TO SERIOUSLY TAKE UP THE ISSUE OF THE TERRORIST ORGANIZATION''

Responding to a question about the connection of Greece with the PKK terrorism, Atacanlı stated that Turkey had issued a statement concerning the PKK office which was opened in Greece and Turkey's concern was conveyed to the concerned sides.

Sermet Atacanlı also recalled that Dimitri Nezeritis, the Greek Ambassador to Turkey was summoned to Foreign Ministry last Monday.

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