Anadolu Agency: News in English, 98-05-13

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

13 MAY 1998

CONTENTS

[01] PRESIDENT DEMIREL RETURNS TO TURKEY - DEMIREL: ''I AM PLEASED THAT WE SHARE THE SAME IDEAS WITH ALIYEV FOR CONSTRUCTION OF THE BAKU-CEYHAN OIL PIPELINE TO BE STARTED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE'' - DEMIREL CONDEMNS THE ARMED ATTACK ON BIRDAL

[02] ARMED ATTACK ON BIRDAL, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE HUMAN RIGHTS ASSOCIATION - THE ANKARA STATE SECURITY COURT TO INVESTIGATE THE ATTACK

[03] DECISION OF LACK OF SUFFICIENT EVIDENCE IN INVESTIGATION OPENED AGAINST ERBAKAN

[04] THE POLICE ARREST THREE GREEKS WHO VIOLATE THE TRNC BORDER

[05] PM YILMAZ: ''INVESTIGATIONS AREN'T IMPORTANT, I WILL ACCOUNT FOR EVERYTHING''

[06] DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER ISMET SEZGIN: ''THE WESTERN EUROPEAN UNION WILL BE A BRIDGE BETWEEN THE NATO AND THE EUROPEAN UNION''

[07] THE CYPRUS-TURKEY DEVELOPMENT PLATFORM DUE IN THE TRNC ON MAY 16

[08] CONTACTS OF THE IMF DELEGATION

[09] THE HEALTH OF BIRDAL IS IMPROVING

[10] THE US SECRETARY OF STATE ALBRIGHT: - ''I WANT TO VISIT TURKEY. THE US HAS A SIGNIFICANT RELATIONSHIP WITH TURKEY''

[11] THE ANKARA NO:2 DGM DECIDES ON THE ACQUITTAL OF GUZEL, THE YDP LEADER

[12] TURKEY-PRESS REVIEW (1)

[13] TURKEY-PRESS REVIEW (2)

[14] PRIVATIZATION EFFORTS IN ENERGY

[15] FM ISMAIL CEM IN BULGARIA - CEM: ''WE WILL HOLD TALKS ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE BILATERAL RELATION AND REGIONAL PROBLEMS''

[16] INCREASE IN TOURIST ENTRIES

[17] FLOOD IN VARTO - MANY BUSINESS PLACES AND HOUSES INUNDATED IN THE PROVINCIAL CENTER

[18] TURKEY IN BRIEF - MAY 13, 1998

[19] ECONOMY SUMMIT OF THE TURKISH STATES

[20] INDIA'S NUCLEAR TESTS - FM DEPUTY SPOKESMAN: ''TURKEY EVALUATES THE NUCLEAR TESTS IN INDIA AS A DEVELOPMENT CAUSING CONCERN''

[21] TURKEY-EU ASSOCIATION COUNCIL - ATACANLI, THE FM DEPUTY SPOKESMAN: ''TURKEY HOPES THAT THE EU WON'T CONTINUE TO VIOLATE THE PRINCIPLE OF THE SUPREMACY OF LAW''

[22] IMF DELEGATION LEAVES TURKEY - TWO REPORTS OF THE IMF DELEGATION TO BE PRESENTED TO THE IMF EXECUTIVE BOARD IN SECOND HALF OF JULY

[01] PRESIDENT DEMIREL RETURNS TO TURKEY - DEMIREL: ''I AM PLEASED THAT WE SHARE THE SAME IDEAS WITH ALIYEV FOR CONSTRUCTION OF THE BAKU-CEYHAN OIL PIPELINE TO BE STARTED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE'' - DEMIREL CONDEMNS THE ARMED ATTACK ON BIRDAL

Addressing a press conference at the Esenboga Airport, Demirel described Haydar Aliyev, the Azerbaijani President, who celebrated his 75th birthday early this week, as a ''determined leader''. He added that they confirmed friendship between the two nations at the ceremony organized in Azerbaijan and discussed the issues related to the joint profits of two countries including energy issues. Demirel said that he is pleased that they share the same ideas for the construction of the Baku-Ceyhan oil pipeline to be started as soon as possible.

Noting that the Transit Transportation Framework Agreement, Educational Institute Law and Memorandum of Understanding concerning the Prevention of Smuggling and Customs Violations were signed at the 5th summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) in Almaty, Demirel told the reporters, ''a final declaration was signed on cooperation in culture, science and the struggle against drugs. Almaty Declaration stresses the cooperation between the 10 member states. In my speech at the summit, I pointed out that Turkey will provide all kinds of support to the ECO.''

Demirel said that he had the opportunity of holding bilateral talks with the presidents of Afghanistan and Iran and Nawaz Sharif, the Pakistani Prime Minister.

-ARMED ATTACK ON BIRDAL
Responding to the questions of the journalists about the armed attack on Akin Birdal, the Chairman of the Human Rights Association, President Demirel condemned the incident.

[02] ARMED ATTACK ON BIRDAL, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE HUMAN RIGHTS ASSOCIATION - THE ANKARA STATE SECURITY COURT TO INVESTIGATE THE ATTACK

Cevdet Volkan, the Ankara DGM Republic Chief Prosecutor said that the Struggle Against Terrorism Department had also begun to follow the event.

Volkan said that the evidence couldn't be collected at the moment and that the incident hasn't been clarified yet. He said ''the occurrence of the incident is clear. There are eyewitnesses. The required investigations will take place in the direction of these indications.''

Birdal was taken to the intensive care unit after an operation which lasted for 4.5 hours on Tuesday.

Tevfik Ali Kucukbas, the Head Doctor at the Sevgi Hospital told the journalists that two important veins in his arm and leg which were injured were mended.

Kucukbas said that Birdal's kidneys began to work after the operation and that there was no problem with his lungs. He said on Wednesday his brain functions were also turning to normal.

Kucukbas said that six bullets were removed from Birdal's body.

[03] DECISION OF LACK OF SUFFICIENT EVIDENCE IN INVESTIGATION OPENED AGAINST ERBAKAN

The Ankara DGM Chief Prosecutor's Office launched an investigation against Erbakan for his statements in a speech he made in southeastern Bingol Province before the local elections in 1994. Erbakan said in the speech, ''...children were starting school by saying 'in God's name...', now you changed it to 'I am Turkish, I am right and hardworking...' Now others will find the right to say 'I am Kurdish, more right and more hardworking...' ''

Nuh Mete Yuksel, the Ankara DGM Prosecutor concluded his studies related to the investigation. Yuksel said that Erbakan in his speech clearly provoked people to enmity through religion, race, sect and regional differences'', but added that this speech was made in southeastern Bingol Province, so it hasn't been included in the work area of the Ankara State Security Court.

Yuksel said that it was the southeastern Diyarbakir DGM which was authorized to investigate the issue and decided to send the investigation file to the Diyarbakir DGM.

[04] THE POLICE ARREST THREE GREEKS WHO VIOLATE THE TRNC BORDER

The security forces told the A.A correspondent that the Greeks were put on trial and each person was sentenced to 3 days in prison.

The investigation regarded the incident is underway.

Meanwhile, the Greek Cypriot Administration is working to set free the aforementioned Greeks with the mediation of the United Nations Peace Forces.

The Greek Cypriot Radio informed that the Greeks, who came from Athens, are street sellers.

[05] PM YILMAZ: ''INVESTIGATIONS AREN'T IMPORTANT, I WILL ACCOUNT FOR EVERYTHING''

Addressing the Motherland Party (ANAP) party group meeting Yilmaz criticized the leader of the Republican People's Party (CHP), Deniz Baykal's understanding of policy and pointed out, ''still, we should find the way to establish dialogue with Baykal to make the Parliament work'' and also criticized Baykal's attitude in supporting the investigation motions to be opened against himself and Yasar Topcu, the Minister of Public Works and Housing.

Yilmaz said that Baykal's attitude wasn't a suprise for himself adding, ''I was prepared for 10 months for this. Whenever things go positively, Baykal will try to destroy it.''

Yilmaz said that they had to estalish dialogue with Baykal, adding that they may meet next week and that he would propose to Baykal to negotiate the Tax Reform in the General Assembly.

Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz said that the economy was gradually becoming positive and that inflation decreased this much for the first time.

[06] DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER ISMET SEZGIN: ''THE WESTERN EUROPEAN UNION WILL BE A BRIDGE BETWEEN THE NATO AND THE EUROPEAN UNION''

Addressing the journalists in Marmaris, Sezgin who attended the summer term meetings of the WEU on Rhodes, said that he held separate talks with 28 defence ministers and 28 foreign ministers from the 10 full member countries, the 3 joint member countries, the 5 joint partner countries and 10 monitoring countries, noting ''at these meetings we discussed the issue of increasing the operational power and abilities of the WEU.''

Pointing out that the meetings also focused on the Kosovo problem and possible solutions for it, Sezgin told the reporters, ''the WEU should increase its activities if it describes itself as responsible for the peace, security and stability of Europe. There is no reason for the crisis in the Balkan countries to spread in Europe. The WEU shows all kinds of efforts for the solution of the Kosovo problem, respect for Yugoslavia's territorial integrity and rights and status of the people living in Kosovo. A humanitarian drama is being lived in Kosovo. We warned the WEU to be more dynamic, more determined and more prepared''.

[07] THE CYPRUS-TURKEY DEVELOPMENT PLATFORM DUE IN THE TRNC ON MAY 16

The delegation will come together with the businessmen from the TRNC at the luncheon which will be given by Salih Boyaci, the Chairman of the Chamber of Trade.

The Cyprus-Turkey Development Platform said in its written statement that the members of the delegation will be received by the TRNC President Rauf Denktas, Prime Minister Dervis Eroglu and Salih Cosar, the Minister of Finance on May 17.

The delegation will visit the Lefkosa Industrial Region on May 18, and return to Turkey on May 20 after concluding its contacts in the TRNC.

[08] CONTACTS OF THE IMF DELEGATION

Speaking after his one hour meeting with Martin Hardy, the Chairman of the Turkey Desk for the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Taner said, ''the entire problem is not to create an atmosphere where the domestic political instability and the economic instability come together.''

Taner said, ''when this atmosphere is created, people lose morale and confidence and their expectations change.''

Taner said that during the talks with the IMF, they focused on decreasing inflation adding, ''expectations play an important role in decreasing inflation. Dialogue and consensus that will be provided in the markets should be maintained not to destroy these positive expectations.''

Noting that Turkey didn't have a request to make an agreement with the IMF, Taner said there was 26 billion US dollars in reserves in the Central Bank and 10 billion US dollars in the banking system, so making an agreement with the IMF is out of the question.

Taner said decreasing inflation was a ''must'' to provide a just distribution of income, adding ''if we don't waste our sources, then we will be able to create business opportunities for young people and will be able to provide conditions for competition within the global economy.''

Taner said that the Turkish economy has the potential to attract 10-20 billion US dollars in foreign capital per year, adding that companies in the international markets couldn't see the future and avoided investing in Turkey.

Meanwhile, Martin Hardy submitted a report to Taner related to the consultation he carried out in Turkey within the framework of Article 4 of the IMF Agreement.

Hardy said, ''taking inflation under control in Turkey will be the best service that the government could do, they started this and that we hope this will be maintained in the long-term.''

Hardy, who held a news conference after meeting with Taner, briefed about his contacts in Turkey.

Mentioning the strengthening of financial discipline in Turkey, Hardy said, ''short-term proposals which will spoil the discipline should be avoided. I believe that this is an important step to take inflation under control and to reduce it.''

When asked what kind of a support the IMF would extend to Turkey for 1999, Hardy said, ''We always said that we will give open support to every serious step which the government would take. But this issue was not brought onto the agenda during the talks.''

Responding to a question about the context of the report which he submitted to Taner, Hardy said that the status of the Turkish economy and information about its future status were included in the report.

Hardy said that the delegation will prepare a report when they return to Washington D.C., to be submitted to the IMF Supreme Board and that this report would include proposals regarding the existing economic status in Turkey.

[09] THE HEALTH OF BIRDAL IS IMPROVING

Tevfik Ali Kucukbas, the Head Doctor of the Sevgi Hospital, said that there was no longer a need for support with a respiratory apparatus, adding that Birdal is conscious and he is able to speak.

A written statement from Kucukbas said that Birdal underwent surgery with a team composed of expert doctors and was later sent to the intensive care unit following the operation. Kucukbas said that his treatment is still underway.

Kucukbas said that Birdal's general condition is improving, but that they need time to make a definite evaluation and to determine the damages caused by bleeding.

[10] THE US SECRETARY OF STATE ALBRIGHT: - ''I WANT TO VISIT TURKEY. THE US HAS A SIGNIFICANT RELATIONSHIP WITH TURKEY''

Responding to a question about the recognition of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), Albright said that the US is in favour of a federation formed of two-nations and two-sides.

Diplomatic sources say that Albright can postpone her visit to Turkey because of the failure of visit to the TRNC, of Richard Holbrooke, the US Special Representative to Cyprus.

Meanwhile, a US senior official described the Russian made S-300 missiles, which are planned to be deployed at the Greek Cypriot side, as a ''bad idea'' in a statement to the American defense magazine, Defense News.

Officials stressed that the missiles should never be sent to the island, noting that Turkey and Greece, two member states of the NATO, come face to face frequently in a dangerous manner. He pointed out that this situation threatens the stability in the Eastern Mediterranean.

The Greek Cypriot side plans to deploy the S-300 missiles on the island in August, which can be damage the power balance in the region and threaten Turkey's national security.

The US Administration warned both the Greek Cypriot side and Athens not to deploy the missiles on the island.

[11] THE ANKARA NO:2 DGM DECIDES ON THE ACQUITTAL OF GUZEL, THE YDP LEADER

Mehmet Turgut Okyay, the Judge of the Court, recalled that the case was opened against Guzel on grounds that he opposed Article 136/1 of the Turkish Penal Code and that they decided for the acquittal of the defendant as the legal elements didn't constitute a crime.

The indictment said that on July 28, 1997, Guzel gave a petition to the DGM Chief Prosecutor's Office and complained about Gen. Cevik Bir, the Deputy Chief of General Staff, Vice Admiral Aydin Erol, the Chief of the Naval Forcs Commandership, Gen. Cetin Dogan, the Chief of the General Staff Operations and about people who act within the General Staff Western Work Group on grounds that they attempted to destroy the constitutional order and committed several other crimes.

The indictment said that the documents presented by the defendant were secret and specially sealed documents belonging to the General Staff Directorate.

[12] TURKEY-PRESS REVIEW (1)

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

DEMIREL RETURNS HOME
President Suleyman Demirel, who attended the 5th Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) Summit in Kazakhstan, returned home last night. Demirel also visited Cimkent and Turkistan together with his Kazakh counterpart Nursultan Nazarbayev yesterday. Later Demirel and Nazarbayev went to the Ahmet Yesevi International Turk-Kazakh University. In a speech at the university Demirel said that unity, friendship and love were the principles of the Turkish world which spread from from the Adriatic Sea to the Great Wall of China. /Cumhuriyet/

SEZGIN: ''THE AEGEAN SHOULD BE A SEA OF PEACE''
Ismet Sezgin, the Minister of National Defense, attending the Western European Union (WEU) Defense Ministers' meeting on the Greek island of Rhodes, gave a statement to the Greek daily newspaper Ta Nea saying that disputes between Turkey and Greece should be solved through dialogue and good will. He added that he didn't believe that the S-300 missiles would be deployed at the Greek-Cypriot side, risking further tension in the Turkish- Greek relations. Sezgin added that the Greek Cypriot administration couldn't, in fact, represent the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). /Sabah/

NAVAL FORCES COMMANDER TO ATHENS
Admiral Salim Dervisoglu, the Naval Forces Commander, will go to Athens tomorrow in order to attend a Western European Union (WEU) Naval Forces Commanders' meeting. It is expected that during the visit Dervisoglu will meet with his Greek counterpart. /Sabah/

COUNCIL OF MINISTERS APPROVES THE 'BLUE STREAM' PROJECT
An agreement related to the 'Blue Stream' project was approved by the Turkish Council of Ministers yesterday. According to the project, the Russian natural gas will be transported to Turkey through a pipeline to be laid underneath the Black Sea. The pipeline will be constructed by RAO Gazprom, a Russian company, in the territories of the Russian Federation and by a consortium established with RAO Gazprom's main construction firm and Turkish companies in Turkish territories. The initial international agreement for this project was signed in Ankara between Turkey and Russia on December 15, 1997. /Milliyet/

TANER: ''WE DON'T NEED AN AGREEMENT''
The IMF delegation has completed its annual check in Turkey and has presented its report. While the IMF delegation wanted reforms to be made, Martin Hardy, the Chairman of the Turkey Desk for the IMF, pointed out that financial discipline should continue and said, ''The best service to be made by this government will be to reduce the rate of inflation''. Gunes Taner, the Minister of State, said that Turkey had foreign exchange reserves worth 36 billion US dollars and added, ''We don't need an agreement with the IMF''.

The IMF delegation, which has been making contacts in Turkey for two weeks, met again with Taner yesterday. Following the meeting, Taner noted that the delegation had completed its first report. Taner stated that in the IMF report, it was pointed out that the rate of inflation should be reduced and that reforms including especially the social security reform should be realized as soon as possible. /Milliyet/

AKIN BIRDAL SHOT
Akin Birdal, the leading human rights activist and Chairman of the Human Rights Association (IHD) was shot and seriously wounded by two unidentified gunmen at his office in Ankara yesterday. Birdal was rushed to a nearby hospital and underwent surgery for over four hours and six bullets were removed from his body. Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz condemned the attack and pledged immediate action to arrest the attackers. ''I am deeply sorrowful and I condemn the attack. The assailants will be caught as soon as possible''. Deputy Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit called the attack ''an ugly and grievous incident''. Hikmet Cetin, the Speaker of the Parliament said he ''strongly condemned'' the attack. /All papers/

US AND GERMANY CONDEMN ATTACK ON BIRDAL
The US Administration has condemned the attack on Akin Birdal yesterday with an official statement. James Rubin, the Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs for the US Department of State said in a statement that the US administration harshly condemned that attack on Akin Birdal and requested the Turkish officials to bring all those responsible to justice. Rubin said, ''The US administration supports all non-governmental organizations, which play an important role in a democratic state and requests the Turkish government to provide an environment in which these kinds of organizations can further develop.'' /Milliyet/

[13] TURKEY-PRESS REVIEW (2)

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

KINKEL: ''WE ARE DEEPLY SORROWFUL''
Claudia Roth, the German Parliamentarian and Head of the Greens Group in the European Parliament, also condemned the attack on Birdal. Delivering a speech at a session of the European Parliament's General Council, Roth called for the immediate arrest and trial of those who carried out the attack on Birdal. Meanwhile, Klaus Kinkel, the German Foreign Minister expressed his sorrow about the attack on Birdal. A German Foreign Ministry Spokesman said that Kinkel wanted the attackers to be arrested as soon as possible. /Milliyet/

BRITAIN CONDEMNS BIRDAL ATTACK
David Logan, the British Ambassador to Turkey, condemned yesterday's attack on Akin Birdal, the chairman of the Human Rights Association (IHD), in a letter to Hamza Ucar, the IHD General Secretary. In his letter Logan said that they believed that Turkey would continue with efforts to improve human rights despite such brutal attacks. The Belgian Ambassador to Turkey also condemned the attack. /Sabah/

'MY TURKEY PARTY' FOUNDED
An application to set up a new party, the My Turkey Party (TP), was delivered to the Ministry of the Interior Ministry. The party's chairman is Durmus Ali Eker, the former chairman of the Association of Independent Artisans and Tradesmen. /All papers/

SALIH YILDIRIM IN WASHINGTON, D.C.
Salih Yildirim, the Minister of State, who is currently in Washington, D.C., said during a press conference with Turkish journalists that institutions such as the World Bank, the US Trade and Development Agency (TDA), the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) and the US Eximbank were interested in financing various social development projects related to the Southeastern Anatolia Project (GAP). Yildirim and his delegation of senior bureaucrats will leave the US on May 21 after a tour of the Tennessee Valley Authority and similar projects in Arizona, New York and California. /All papers/

TURKEY OPENS ADVISOR TENDER FOR THE THY SELL-OFF
Turkey has launched a tender to select a consultant for the privatization of the Turkish Airlines (THY), the country's Privatization Administration (OIB) said. In a statement, the OIB said that invitations had been sent to eight candidates for the project to advise on the international and domestic offering of a 25 percent share in the airline this year. It asked the eight companies to present their bids by June 1. Subsequently, a shortlist will be prepared. /All papers/

THE IS BANK SHARES ON LONDON EXCHANGE
The latest bulletin issued by the Istanbul Stock Exchange (IMKB) says that the Is Bank shares, brokered by the Bank of New York, can be exchanged on the London Stock Exchange. /Miliyet/

ATATURK ON FRENCH TV
A television programme presented by Frederic Mitterand, a historical programmes specialist on the France-2 TV channel, praised Ataturk and highlighted aspects of his life and successes. The programme, which lasted more than one and a half hours, also commented that other Islamic countries must follow Ataturk's principles. /Hurriyet/

POLICE VEHICLE HIT BY MINE
A vehicle carrying a special Turkish police team was hit by a mine near Elazig yesterday evening. One policeman died and four were injured. /Hurriyet/

[14] PRIVATIZATION EFFORTS IN ENERGY

Ersumer said that they realized tenders in the energy field worth 20 billion US dollars within a period of 10 months since they came to power.

Speaking to reporters, Ersumer said that his ministry couldn't step back on the issue of the Build-Operate-Transfer model, adding that especially there was a consensus of opinion in public on the subject of international arbitration.

Ersumer said there was no need for constitutional changes for the solution of this question, adding that Turkey could overcome these problems with several changes in the law.

[15] FM ISMAIL CEM IN BULGARIA - CEM: ''WE WILL HOLD TALKS ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE BILATERAL RELATION AND REGIONAL PROBLEMS''

Addressing the journalists at the Sofia Airport, Cem said, ''We are in a period in which the relations between Turkey and Bulgaria are developing rapidly''.

Cem noted that he will hold talks on the political and economic relations with Nadejda Mihailova, the Bulgarian Foreign Minister. He added that the issue of the Turkish businessmen's interest in Bulgaria will also be discussed at the meeting.

Pointing out that the Turkish investments in Bulgaria were doubled in the first months of 1998 compared with the figures in 1997, Cem said that Turkey wants to contribute to Bulgaria's development.

Cem said that the Kosovo problem will be discussed at the meetings. Cem noted that Turkey expects the NATO to undertake a more active role in the Kosovo crisis, pointing out that the NATO is showing such developments in recent days.

[16] INCREASE IN TOURIST ENTRIES

The Tourism Ministry officials said that 387,651 persons from the OECD countries preferred Turkey in April 1998 and this formed 60.4 percent of the total visitors. The number of tourists coming from the Eastern European countries reached 176,821 and the share of these countries within the total visitors is 27.5 percent.

Germany comes in first in sending tourists to Turkey in April with 155,692 persons and with a share of 24.4 percent. The Commonwealth of Independent States comes in second with 13.6 percent and France, Romania, the US, Britain, Bulgaria, the Netherlands, Iran and Greece are following it.

The number of tourists coming to Turkey in the Jan-April 1998 period reached to 1.8 million increasing by 1.47 percent when compared with the same period last year.

Meanwhile, Ibrahim Shaaban, the Egyptian Consul General to Turkey, said on Wednesday that Antalya is the center of the Turkish tourism, describing the latest developments in the Turkish tourism as positive.

Shaaban who is in Antalya for touristic purposes, visited Husnu Tuglu, the Governor of Antalya Province. Addressing the meeting, Shaaban reminded that Turkey and Egypt have good relations, and added that Egypt wants to make joint touristic investments with Turkey.

Husnu Tuglu said that there are historical links between Turkey and Egypt, and the positive developments between the two countries should continue.

[17] FLOOD IN VARTO - MANY BUSINESS PLACES AND HOUSES INUNDATED IN THE PROVINCIAL CENTER

The heavy rain continuing in Varto and the surroundings for three days has paralysed life. There are no reported casualities, but the financial damage due to flooding is great.

The officials of the Governor's office said that the ongoing rains negatively influenced the activities of the mayoral rescue teams, adding that the damages will be determined later.

Meanwhile, it was also reported that the Sazlica Bridge was destroyed due to flooding and that the financial damage is nearly 30 billion Turkish Liras. They said that transports couldn't be made to two villages.

[18] TURKEY IN BRIEF - MAY 13, 1998

One person, Veysel Gulen, was taken into custody in connection with the drugs.

The investigation related to the incident is underway.

ISTANBUL - It was reported on Wednesday that the terminal of the Turkish Airways (THY) at the John F. Kennedy Airport in New York has been changed.

The THY Promotion and Public Relations Chairmanship stated that the THY will continue its services at ''Terminal One'' as of June 3, 1998.

ANKARA - The ''Ucan Supurge'' (Flying Broom) Women's Association will organize a ''Women's Film Festival'' in Ankara between June 5-11 with the support of the Ministry of Culture and the Municipalities of Cankaya and Yenimahalle, it was reported on Wednesday.

During the festival the films focusing on the woman, of the woman directors from Greece, France, Norway, Australia, Argentina, Britain and Hungary will be shown to the audiences.

The festival will begin with a ceremony at the State Opera and Ballet Building on June 5.

ISTANBUL - The Yapi Kredi Art Festival 1998 will begin with the concert of the Group Gundogarken on May 17, it was reported on Wednesday.

ANKARA - Mustafa Tasar, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, received on Wednesday Bulgac Altanger, the Mongolian Ambassador to Turkey and Rabah Hadid, the Algerian Ambassador to Turkey.

Tasar told the reporters that Turkey will sign agricultural cooperation agreements with Mongolia and Algeria.

[19] ECONOMY SUMMIT OF THE TURKISH STATES

Addressing the ''First Economy Summit of the Turkish States'', Demirel said that seven years ago a very rarely observed incident occurred and the multi- national, multi-religious and multi-language Soviet Union had withdrawn from the world stage on its own accord and peacefully.

Demirel said that with the collapse of the Soviet Union, again a very rarely observed incident occurred and five republics of Turkish origin declared their independence. ''Thus,'' Demirel said, '' the Great Turkish world composed of 200 million people on an area of 11 million km embraced each other.''

''From the very beginning, we identified Turkey's main goal in this transition period, full of uncertainties, as to launch initiatives to replace conflicts with cooperation and solidarity in Eurasia, to replace clashes and war with peace and affluence and to increase joint affluence of the people living in this geography'' Demirel said.

President Demirel said that Turkey didn't have any desire to administer any other country, adding that Turkey's only wish is cooperation and that those countries which newly gained independence should stand on their own feet.

Demirel said that ever since 1991 when a change and period of restructuring began, and Turkey took broad-horizoned, timely and lasting steps in this historical change period and tried to change the belt of instability into a belt of cooperation, solidarity and joint affluence.

Demirel said that all the world was seeking cooperation ''so, we should evaluate this opportunity well and altogether assume responsibilities to this end.''

[20] INDIA'S NUCLEAR TESTS - FM DEPUTY SPOKESMAN: ''TURKEY EVALUATES THE NUCLEAR TESTS IN INDIA AS A DEVELOPMENT CAUSING CONCERN''

Sermet Atacanli, the Foreign Ministry Deputy Spokesman addressing the regular weekly meeting said, ''Turkey opposes all nuclear tests, which have drawbacks for the future of humanity.''

Atacanli said that Turkey wanted that these kinds of tests wouldn't hamper the ongoing international efforts in the field of disarmament.

Sermet Atacanli stressed that the tests in question created danger for regional stability and security and that it may harm the future generations.

Atacanli recalled that Turkey was one of the first signatories of the Nuclear Test Ban Treaty.

[21] TURKEY-EU ASSOCIATION COUNCIL - ATACANLI, THE FM DEPUTY SPOKESMAN: ''TURKEY HOPES THAT THE EU WON'T CONTINUE TO VIOLATE THE PRINCIPLE OF THE SUPREMACY OF LAW''

Sermet Atacanlý, the Foreign Ministry Deputy Spokesman told a weekly press briefing that the EU should fulfill its financial obligations towards Turkey, even though Greece keeps her veto on them.

''Turkey hopes that the EU won't continue to violate the principle of the supremacy of law,'' said Atacanlý.

Atacanlý added that the document on the ''EU Strategy for Turkey,'' which was prepared by the European Commission, will also be discussed during the Association Council meeting.

Noting that there is a need for additional sources in the Financial Cooperation Package so that the measures in the document can be realized, Atacanlý said ''the Commission itself said the same thing. In this framework, the approval of the whole Strategy carries importance.''

Atacanlý added that political issues will not be discussed during the meeting.

[22] IMF DELEGATION LEAVES TURKEY - TWO REPORTS OF THE IMF DELEGATION TO BE PRESENTED TO THE IMF EXECUTIVE BOARD IN SECOND HALF OF JULY

Two different reports, which will be prepared by the IMF delegation led by Martin Hardy, the Chairman of the Turkey Desk for the IMF, will be presented to the IMF Executive Board in the second half of July.

The IMF delegation that held contacts in Istanbul with the representatives of the private sector and then with ministers and high-ranking bureaucrats in Ankara, will prepare two ''Turkey Reports'' in the light of its contacts in Turkey.

The developments in the Turkish economy will be explained and defined in the report on the ''Latest Economic Developments''.

The second report titled ''Experts' Report'' will include interpretations. This report will also include future policies and proposals.

The reports of the IMF delegation will be concluded by the second half of June and then will be presented to the IMF Board of Directors and then to the IMF Executive Board in the second half of July.

The ''Turkey Reports'', which will become official after the approval of the IMF Executive Board, carries importance for Turkey as they will affect the point of view of the international financial circles on the Turkish economy.

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