Anadolu Agency: News in English, 98-05-21

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

21 MAY 1998

CONTENTS

[01] ARMENIA CRISIS IN RELATIONS WITH FRANCE - HARSH WARNING FROM TURKEY TO FRANCE

[02] CYPRUS TURK DEVELOPMENT PLATFORM CONCLUDES ACTIVITIES IN THE TRNC

[03] PRESIDENT DEMIREL RECEIVES JVANIA, GEORGIAN SPEAKER OF THE PARLIAMENT

[04] BOMB ATTACK ON THE MHP REPRESENTATION

[05] RESEARCH CENTER ESTABLISHES WORKING GROUP FOR TURKISH-EU RELATIONS

[06] RESEARCH CENTER ESTABLISHES WORKING GROUP FOR TURKISH-EU RELATIONS

[07] PRESIDENT DEMIREL LEAVES FOR THE UKRAINE

[08] YIGITGUDEN, UNDERSECRETARY OF MINISTRY OF ENERGY: - ''WORLD BANK HAS SHOWN TURKEY AS AN EXAMPLE ON THE SUBJECT OF THE PRIVATIZATION OF POWER PLANTS''

[09] GEN. KARADAYI, CHIEF OF GENERAL STAFF SAYS HIS CONTACTS TAKE PLACE IN A POSITIVE ATMOSPHERE AND WITH MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING

[10] FOREIGN MINISTRY DENIES ALBRIGHT-CEM TELEPHONE TALK

[11] TURKEY IN BRIEF - MAY 21, 1998

[12] TURKEY-PRESS REVIEW (1)

[13] TURKEY-PRESS REVIEW (2)

[14] TURKEY-PRESS REVIEW (3)

[15] BAD WEATHER CONDITIONS AFFECT TURKEY

[16] THOMAS MILLER DUE ON CYPRUS ON MAY 24

[17] 10.2 KG OF HEROIN SEIZED AT BULGARIAN-TURKISH BORDER

[18] HUSEYIN, THE PAKISTANI MINISTER OF INFORMATION MEETS WITH ARAN, THE TURKISH AMBASSADOR TO PAKISTAN

[19] 86TH WORKING CONFERENCE OF THE ILO TO TAKE PLACE IN GENEVA BETWEEN JUNE 2 AND 18

[20] RELIGIOUS BELIEF TOURISM TOUR'98 - UNDERSECRETARY OF TOURISM MINISTRY UYGUN: - ''WE EXPECT 7-8 MILLION GUESTS IN 2000 IN THE SCOPE OF THE RELIGIOUS BELIEF TOURISM''

[21] MINISTRY OF JUSTICE SETS UP A COMMISSION TO OBSERVE APPLICATIONS TO THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION OF HUMAN RIGHTS AGAINST TURKEY

[22] GREAT INTEREST IN GAP ABROAD - STATE MINISTER YILDIRIM: - ''ALL ORGANIZATIONS INCLUDING THE WORLD BANK AND THE US EXIMBANK SHOW GREAT INTEREST IN GAP''

[23] TURKISH-EU ASSOCIATION COUNCIL NOT TO CONVENE

[24] GEORGIAN DELEGATION'S CONTACTS IN TURKEY - STATE MINISTER ASIK: - ''COOPERATION BETWEEN TURKEY AND GEORGIA REACHES STRATEGICAL LEVELS''

[25] SPEAKER OF THE AUSTRIAN PARLIAMENT IN ANKARA

[26] FLOOD IN THE WESTERN BLACK SEA REGION - ECEVIT, THE DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER: ''THE STATE IS MOBILIZED TO HELP THOSE CITIZENS WHO SUFFER FROM THE FLOOD''

[27] REPAYMENTS OF THE FOREIGN DEBTS

[28] INTERIOR MINISTER BASESGIOGLU: - ''SURRENDER OF THE SEPARATIST TERRORISTS IS IMPORTANT FOR US''

[29] RELATIONS BETWEEN TURKEY AND HUNGARY - TRABZON AND ZIGETVAR TO BE SISTER CITIES

[30] TURKISH-EU ASSOCIATION COUNCIL NOT TO CONVENE ... - A HIGH RANKING OFFICIAL:''THE BLOCKING POINT IS THAT THE EU INSISTS ON POLITICAL CONDITIONS''

[01] ARMENIA CRISIS IN RELATIONS WITH FRANCE - HARSH WARNING FROM TURKEY TO FRANCE

Speaking to the Turkish reporters after meeting with Fabius, Koksal pointed out the damage that will be given to the Turkish-French relations if such a decision is issued.

''I want to preserve my belief that France won't fall into such a mistake in Turkish-French relations,'' Koksal said, adding that the necessary initiatives will take place in the coming days.

It was reported that Fabius said he couldn't comment on the free will of the Parliament.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz's letter related with the issue, was conveyed to Lionel Jospin, the French Prime Minister by Turkey's Embassy in Paris.

In the letter Prime Minister Yilmaz said that the issuing of such a decision will harm the Turkish-French relations.

Several Socialist parliamentarians in France prepared a draft resolution to recognize the so-called genocide of the Armenians.

The draft resolution was prepared with the initiatives of Rene Rouquet, the French Socialist Parliamentarian. The draft resolution is expected to be discussed on May 29.

[02] CYPRUS TURK DEVELOPMENT PLATFORM CONCLUDES ACTIVITIES IN THE TRNC

The five-article decision, targetted for taking steps for the development of the TRNC are as follows:

''1- Taking Mare Monte touristic installation and Bafra Holiday Site within the context of privatization and preparing a request to the businessmen for the repairs, equipment and operation of these and similar installations.

2- Cooperating with the tour operators who bring tourists to enliven tourism in Northern Cyprus and launching initiatives to bring foreign tourists who came to Antalya to Northern Cyprus by sea.

3- Concluding feasibility studies for the establishment of a computer assembly factory in the Gazimagusa Free Zone and also concluding the foundation stage of a ''Joint Venture'' company.

4- Improving a project to transport water with giant tankers as an alternative to the pipeline project to bring usable water in addition to the potable water which will come from Turkey.

5- Making initiatives in Turkey for the solution of several problems met in the export initiatives of the Turkish Cypriot industrialists and businessmen aimed at Turkey and proposing alternative solutions.''

[03] PRESIDENT DEMIREL RECEIVES JVANIA, GEORGIAN SPEAKER OF THE PARLIAMENT

Addressing a meeting with Zurab Jvania, the Georgian Speaker of the Parliament, Demirel recalled that Turkey and Georgia separated from each other for a period because of several historical conditions, Demirel said that political events in the past 10 years formed a new political geography.

Noting that Turkey, Georgia and Azerbaijan, as three neighboring countries, cultivated the friendship of each other, Demirel said that the works carried out by the Turkish businessmen in Georgia were more than 700 million US dollars.

Demirel said that the trade volume between Turkey and Georgia reached to an important figure which is 200 million US dollars, adding that the Kars- Tbilisi railway line, which will connect these two countries, will be concluded in the autumn.

Recalling that talks were underway regarding the Baku-Ceyhan oil pipeline, Demirel said there was the necessary good will on both sides for more cooperation.

Demirel said bilateral cooperation between Turkey and Georgia turned into a tripartite cooperation with the participation of Azerbaijan, adding that Armenia may participate in this cooperation in case the conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia is solved.

Jvania stressed that they attributed great importance to relations with Turkey, adding that the special relationship between the two countries was formed as an outcome of the efforts of Demirel.

''Turkey is our biggest partner for our economy,'' said Jvania, adding that the joint document issued in the Black Sea Trabzon Province by Turkey, Georgia and Azerbaijan opened new horizons for all the countries in the region.

Jvania also stressed that cooperation should be improved in the political field as well as the trade and economic fields.

[04] BOMB ATTACK ON THE MHP REPRESENTATION

The incident happened when three unidentified assailants left two hand grenades and a hand made bomb in front of the entrance of the MHP Representation in the early hours of Thursday.

The assailants also hung a poster at the bus stop on which the name of the extreme leftist DHKP-C is written. The assailants fled after tossing another hand grenade on the same street.

Two of the bombs exploded wounding Talat Aydin (54), someone who was passing by.

Windows of the neighboring business places were broken and the Representation received damage.

An investigation was launched to capture the assailants.

Meanwhile, it was reported that firebombs were thrown at the branches of two banks in Istanbul on Wednesday causing minor financial damage.

The fire which was caused by the attacks were extinguished in a short time.

Investigations are underway into the incidents.

[05] RESEARCH CENTER ESTABLISHES WORKING GROUP FOR TURKISH-EU RELATIONS

The working group will prepare basic theses concerning different dimensions of the Turkish-EU relations and the EU experts, the scientists from Turkey and Germany, the politicians and experts will discuss these theses in the meetings the working group will organize.

Prof. Dr. Faruk Sen, the Director of the TAM, said that the Turkish-EU relations became tense following the Luxembourg Summit and this was reflected in the Turkish-German relations, adding that this showed that ''discussing this issue only at the political level'' was insufficient.

''We targeted taking up these issues with the working group,'' he said.

The working group will hold its first meeting on June 16, 1998, in Bonn, Germany, with the high-level politicians from the Social Democrat Party, the Greens and the Christian Democrat Party.

Prior to the meeting in which the views of the representatives of the political parties regarding the Turkish-EU relations will be discussed, the working group will specify the situation with a report including the issue in detail.

[06] RESEARCH CENTER ESTABLISHES WORKING GROUP FOR TURKISH-EU RELATIONS

The working group will prepare basic theses concerning different dimensions of the Turkish-EU relations and the EU experts, the scientists from Turkey and Germany, the politicians and experts will discuss these theses in the meetings the working group will organize.

Prof. Dr. Faruk Sen, the Director of the TAM, said that the Turkish-EU relations became tense following the Luxembourg Summit and this was reflected in the Turkish-German relations, adding that this showed that ''discussing this issue only at the political level'' was insufficient.

''We targeted taking up these issues with the working group,'' he said.

The working group will hold its first meeting on June 16, 1998, in Bonn, Germany, with the high-level politicians from the Social Democrat Party, the Greens and the Christian Democrat Party.

Prior to the meeting in which the views of the representatives of the political parties regarding the Turkish-EU relations will be discussed, the working group will specify the situation with a report including the issue in detail.

[07] PRESIDENT DEMIREL LEAVES FOR THE UKRAINE

Ismail Cem, the Foreign Minister, Ahat Andican, the Minister of State, Ibrahim Gurdal, the Minister of Tourism, and a delegation composed of bureaucrats, businessmen and journalists are accompanying Demirel.

Speaking before his departure from Ankara's Esenboga Airport, Demirel said he regarded the Ukraine as one of the leading countries of the region and Europe with its great economic and technological potential and human resources. Demirel said ''our relations with the Ukraine have a special importance and priority.''

Demirel said he would pay a three-day official visit to the Ukraine upon the invitation of Leonid Kuchma, the Ukrainian Head of State.

Noting that the Ukraine played an important role in preserving peace, stability and security in Europe, Demirel said, ''improving bilateral and regional cooperation with the Ukraine, will contribute to regional peace, stability and affluence.'' Demirel said that cooperation and solidarity carried out with the Ukraine within the framework of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC) gives hope for the joint affluence and stability of the Black Sea Basin.

''Within the framework of our willingness to improve relations, we will discuss measures aimed at the promotion of investments of Turkish businessmen and contractors to increase the existing 1.2 billion US dollar trade volume,'' Demirel added.

Demirel said, ''we will also bring onto the agenda the signing of a free trade agreement which will contribute to the turning of the Black Sea Basin into a free trade zone. Similarly, we will discuss making a cooperation agreement on security cooperation aimed at the joint struggle against terrorism, weapons and drug trafficking.''

Demirel said another aim of the visit would be to add momentum to the activities to implement the Ceyhan-Kirikkale-Samsun Pipeline Project, pointing out ''during the visit, we will sign agreements which will strengthen our cooperation in the fields of the defense industry, health, education and the environment. Also an Eximbank credit protocol will be signed.''

Noting that he would proceed to the Crimea Autonomous Republic, Demirel said, ''we will embrace with the Crimean Turks who are our brothers. This is an historical visit, being the first one at the Presidential level from the Turkish territories to Crimea since 1793.''

Demirel said that Turkey launched joint efforts with the Ukraine to bring a solution to the problems of the Crimean Turks who experience the natural hardships of returning to their native lands after a long time. ''My visit will be a means to add a new momentum to these efforts,'' he added.

Demirel expressed belief that his visit would contribute to the improvement of the Turkish-Ukrainian relations and partnership and to establish the desired atmosphere of peace, cooperation and affluence.

[08] YIGITGUDEN, UNDERSECRETARY OF MINISTRY OF ENERGY: - ''WORLD BANK HAS SHOWN TURKEY AS AN EXAMPLE ON THE SUBJECT OF THE PRIVATIZATION OF POWER PLANTS''

Yigitguden, who is currently paying visits to the nuclear power plants in South Korea, gave information about the subjects discussed in the ''Brainstorming'' meetings between the high-level officials from the World Bank and the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources between May 14-15 in Istanbul.

Pointing out that the World Bank officials said they were impressed by the restructuring activities in the energy sector and the activities for the privatization of the power plants, Yigitguden said, ''the World Bank tells the countries carrying out privatization activities for the energy sector that it is unnecessary to seek other solutions. There is an example before you and that is Turkey.''

Noting that they invited the World Bank officials to the ''Seminar on the Energy Strategies of the European-Asian Regions'' scheduled to take place in Washington, D.C., on May 29, Yigitguden said that Turkey, in this seminar, would give information about the developments in the Turkish energy sector.

Stating that the World Bank would increase the loan amount it had given for the energy sector in Turkey, Yigitguden said that the World Bank officials stated that the Bank would increase the loans if Turkey makes a request.

''The World Bank may approve new loans to finance the irrigation projects of the State Water Works (DSI) and to reconstruct the natural gas system in Turkey. Also the World Bank provided a loan of 270 million US dollars for the restructuring and improvement of the energy transmission sector,'' he added.

[09] GEN. KARADAYI, CHIEF OF GENERAL STAFF SAYS HIS CONTACTS TAKE PLACE IN A POSITIVE ATMOSPHERE AND WITH MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING

Noting that an agreement could be reached on 95 percent of the issues which were discussed, Karadayi said that he advised the Russian side to improve relations between the two countries not in an atmosphere of rivalry, but with friendship, confidence and a transparent cooperation.

Karadayi concluded the Moscow part of his five day visit to Russia.

Speaking to the Turkish reporters about his contacts in Moscow, Karadayi said that Turkey and Russia are neighboring countries.

''This requires very close cooperation in the political, military and economic fields. We are willing to have a very close dialogue with Russia'' said Gen. Karadayi adding ''this is appropriate to the policy of Turkey which wants to be friendly with the entire world.''

Karadayi emphasized that no political issue was discussed during his contacts in Moscow and pointed out that he discussed political-military and security issues with Anatoli Kvanin, the Russian Chief of General Staff; Igor Sergeyev, the Russian Minister of Defense and Andrei Kokosin, the Security Council Secretary.

Karadayi said that during the meetings he briefed the Russian side about Turkey's policy related to the Caucasus. He said, ''I stressed that the independence and sovereignty of the countries in the Caucasus in particular is vital for us and for cooperation.''

Meanwhile, it was imposed by the Russian side that Turkey and Russia should be in further coordination for the solution of the conflict experienced between Azerbaijan and Armenia. It was said that Azerbaijan's territorial integrity should be taken as the basis for the solution of the problem and that this question should be solved soon within the framework of OSCE Minsk Process.

Karadayi said ''we especially stressed that a peaceful, just and lasting solution should be brought to the Azerbaijani-Armenian conflict.''

Karadayi said he conveyed to the Russian side the positive effects that will be brought to the security of the region by the Caspian Basin energy transport lines and the Blue Stream Project which will connect Russia and Turkey with the natural gas pipeline under the Black Sea.

Karadayi said that the establishment of a reliable economic energy bridge on the Eastern-Western Energy Corridor would improve cooperation between the two countries adding ''we conveyed to them that we want to play a role which will complete their activities, rather than a competiton and we continiously stressed that such an approach would contribute to the regional security.''

Gen. Karadayi said that during the talks they pointed out the requirement of reciprocal aid of the two countries in the field of the defense industry and that he briefed the Russian side about the targets of the Turkish Armed Forces for the next 20-25 years.

Recalling that a ''Military Memorandum of Understanding'' was signed between the armed forces of the two countries during his contacts in Moscow, Karadayi said this may be improved within time with the contribution of military education and defense industry cooperation.

Karadayi said another issue that was discussed during the contacts was the ''Emergency Force'' foreseen to be established in the Black Sea with an humanitarian aim. He said that Russian side, which gave a positive reaction earlier was once again informed.

[10] FOREIGN MINISTRY DENIES ALBRIGHT-CEM TELEPHONE TALK

Sermet Atacanli, Foreign Ministry Deputy Spokesman issued a written statement in response to a question and said no such telephone conversation took place between Cem and Albright as it was claimed.

Atacanli's statement said ''Turkey believes that the US expends good will and impartial efforts to defuse the tension in the Aegean and the problems to be solved peacefully.''

[11] TURKEY IN BRIEF - MAY 21, 1998

The General Directorate of the State Airports Management (DHMI) said that the Airport in southeastern Adiyaman Province is the 30th airport for which the DHMI is responsible for its management.

The runway of the airport is a length of 2500x30 metres and it has an apron of 80x50 metres and a taxiroute of 120x18 metres.

A 1200 square meters indoor terminal building has an annual capacity of 300 thousand passengers.

ANKARA - The painting exhibition of the Israeli painter Sholomo Bovete, who has lived in Turkey for 16 years, was opened at the State Museum of Fine Arts in Ankara on Wednesday.

The exhibition, which was opened by Uri Bar-Ner, the Israeli Ambassador, will remain open until May 30.

GAZIANTEP - The exports of thread and textile products from the Southeastern Anatolia Region in the first four months of the year increased 38.3 percent to 80 million 539 thousand US dollars, it was reported on Thursday.

The exports of thread and textile products in the same period least year was 58 million 212 thousand US dollars.

Turkey exported thread and textile products to Kazakhstan, Romania, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Iran, Syria, Saudi Arabia, Italy, Belgium, Jordan, Spain, France, Lebanon, the US, Russia, Portugal, Greece and Algeria.

TRABZON - The officials of the Turkish Union of Black Sea Hazelnut Exporters said on Thursday that they exported 185 thousand 675 tonnes of hazelnuts for 842 million 515 thousand million US dollars in the first eight and a half months of the 1997-1998 export season which started on September 1, 1997.

The officials said that 90 percent of hazelnuts were exported to the European countries.

Officials said that the foreign exchange income from the exports of hazelnuts is expected to increase to over one billion US dollars in the export season that will last until August 31, 1998.

ISTANBUL - Burhan Kara and Refaiddin Sahin, the Ministers of State, left on Thursday for Lizbon, Portugal, to attend the opening ceremony of the EXPO- 98 Maritime Fair on Friday.

Prior to his departure, Burhan Kara said that the developments in the ship and yacht industry in Turkey would be displayed at the Fair.

LEFKOSA - Rauf Denktas, the President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), met on Thursday with Gustave Feissel, the UN Secretary General's Deputy Special Representative to Cyprus.

It was reportad that Denktas and Feissel discussed the general status of the Cyprus issue.

MOSCOW - Gen. Ismail Hakki Karadayi, the Chief of General Staff, proceeded on Thursday to St. Petersburg after wrapping up his contacts in Moscow, the first stop of his five-day visit to Russia.

General Karadayi will make observations at several military facilities and organizations in St. Petersburg. General Karadayi and the accompanying delegation will return to Ankara on Friday.

VAN - The meetings between the Turkish State Railways (TCDD) and the Iranian railway enterprise started in eastern Van Province on Thursday.

An official from the TCDD said that Turkey and Iran were realizing cargo transports within the scope of border trade, adding that they would discuss the issues of ''removing the problems'' and ''transport of passengers between Van and Tabriz by railway, adding that the decisions to be made in the meeting would be announced after the meeting.

Meanwhile, the Kazakh, Turkmen and Uzbek delegations that were expected to participate in the meetings, couldn't come to Turkey due to their heavy workload.

[12] TURKEY-PRESS REVIEW (1)

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

KARADAYI URGES CLEAR RUSSIAN POSITION ON THE S-300 MISSILE SALE
Gen. Ismail Hakki Karadayi, the Chief of General Staff, has asked the Russians to clarify their position on Moscow's sale of the S-300 surface-to- air missiles to Southern Cyprus. During the current talks being attended by the Turkish and Russian delegates, a memorandum of understanding was signed yesterday on mutual military and defense industry cooperation. Karadayi has also briefed the Russians about Turkey's military policies, particularly her struggle against the PKK terrorist organization.

Karadayi also had talks on Wednesday with Russian Defense Minister Marshall Igor Sergeyev and Russian National Security Council Secretary Andrei Kokoshin. Karadayi is traveling to St. Petersburg on Thursday and will return to Turkey on Friday. /All papers/

ARMENIAN ROW SPARKS SHUTTLE DIPLOMACY BETWEEN TURKEY AND FRANCE
In a period of blossoming relations between France and Turkey, Turkey has reacted against French attempts to revive the decades-old claims of an Armenian genocide. On Wednesday, Ankara asked Daniel Lequertier, the the French Ambassador to Turkey to convey Turkey's displeasure over a resolution concerning the alleged Armenian genocide that the French Parliament will debate on May 29.

On Wednesday, Necati Utkan, the Foreign Ministry Spokesman said that specific attempts were being made to create an atmosphere between Turkey and France similar to that of the 1980s. He said that Sonmez Koksal, Turkey's Ambassador to France, would convey a letter of Hikmet Cetin, the Turkish Speaker of the Parliament, to his French counterpart. Utkan also noted that Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz had sent a letter to his French counterpart Lionel Jospin expressing Turkey's displeasure. /All papers/

COOK'S HURRIED VISIT TO ANKARA
Robin Cook, the British Foreign Secretary, paid a short visit to Ankara on Tuesday. During his visit he indicated that the UK, which is the current European Union (EU) term president, has worked out ways to overcome the deadlock that Greece has created in the Turkey-EU relations should they fail to get Athens' vote on an accession strategy for Turkey.

In his weekly press meeting, Necati Utkan, the Foreign Ministry Spokesman, said yesterday that Greece was jeopardizing Turkey's rapprochement with the European Union because of her 'capriciousness.' Utkan pointed out that Greece stood alone and was isolated on the issue and that all the other EU members backed the implmentation of a strategy for Turkey. Utkan stressed that the formula developed by the other 14 EU members showed their clear desire to enhance relations with Turkey. /All papers/

ANKARA CONCERNED OVER EU STRATEGY
It is reported that the problem between the European Union (EU) and Turkey involving a meeting of the Turkey-EU Association Council stems not only from difficulties in financial cooperation, but also from a ''strategy document'' which connects Turkish-EU relations to political conditions. The Turkish government opposes this document, which the EU will announce following the Association Council meeting planned to be held on May 25, because the document quotes another document, which was issued by the EU during an Association Council meeting held on April 29, 1997, and which was also rejected by Turkey.

Meanwhile, Turkish officials in Ankara said, ''They can work with 14 countries'' and wanted guarantees for the implementation of the EU proposals. There is intensive diplomatic traffic between Turkey and the EU for a meeting of the Association Council to be held on May 25. EU officials are trying to overcome the Greek veto on financial cooperation between Turkey and the EU. /Cumhuriyet-Milliyet/

HEROIN SEIZED IN ISTANBUL
A team from the Istanbul Narcotics Department seized 82 kg of heroin worth three trillion TL on the street. After finding the heroin hidden in the body of the truck, officials arrested five suspects. Investigations into the incident are continuing. /Sabah/

[13] TURKEY-PRESS REVIEW (2)

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

THREE PKK TERRORISTS SURRENDER
Three members of the PKK terrorist organization gave themselves up to the Turkish Embassy in Beirut on Monday. It is reported that the three terrorists, who received military training in camps in the Bekaa Valley, fled from the organization and surrendered to Embassy security forces. The three terrorists are expected to be brought to Ankara today. Meanwhile, eight terrorists have been killed during operations in Bingol, Diyarbakir and Van Provinces.

Operations against the illegal fundamentalist Hezbollah organization are also continuing. A total of 35 people have been arrested during the operations.

Western observers agree that the PKK terrorist organization's end is near. An article published in the Washington Times newspaper said that following the recent operations carried out by the Turkish security forces against the organization, the PKK has lost its power. The article noted that anti- terrorist operations were continuing even as medical, social and agricultural projects for the Southeastern Anatolian people were being initiated. It also quoted a statement by the Turkish President Suleyman Demirel who said, ''The state of Turkey is united and cannot be divided''. /Sabah-Hurriyet/

TEN GROUPS BID IN PETROL RESEARCH OFFICE SALE
Turkey's privatization administration said on Monday that it had received 10 bids in a tender to sell 51 percent of the petroleum products and lubricants marketed by the distributor Turkish Petrol Research Office. Negotiations with the 10 groups will begin at the beginning of June.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz said yesterday that after the sale successes of the Treasury's 12.3 percent shares in the Is Bank, the privatization of Turk Telekom and Turkish Airlines (THY) would also be pushed through successfully. /Sabah/

CELEBI RETURNS HOME
Isin Celebi, the Minister of State, returned to Turkey yesterday from Geneva where he attended meetings of the World Trade Organization (WTO). Celebi and Nami Cagan, the Minister of Labour and Social Security held a meeting yesterday. Following the meeting Celebi noted that they had discussed a draft brought to the Turkish Parliament and which foresees the retirement age being set at 50-55. Celebi stated that the retirement age should be at least 57-60. He added that the issue would also be discussed at the party chairmen level. /Hurriyet/

BATALLI RETURNS FROM LEBANON
Mehmet Batalli, the Minister of State and the delegation accompanying him returned home yesterday after completing contacts with the Lebanese officials. Batalli said that he had met with the Lebanese ministers of Energy and Public Works, and noted that he believed Turkish contractors could undertake many construction projects in Lebanon. /Cumhuriyet/

SPANISH BUSINESSMEN TO VISIT TURKEY
Spanish business companies, active in eight different sectors, are seeking ways to reinforce cooperation with Turkish businessmen. To this end a delegation of Spanish businessmen will visit Turkey between June 1-4. /Cumhuriyet/

RESEARCH CENTRE SEEKING WAYS TO IMPROVE TURKEY-EU RELATIONS
The Turkish Research Centre has established a working group which will examine the details of the Turkey-European Union relations and make suggestions for overcoming the current bottleneck. The group will defend its proposals at meetings with EU experts and politicians and scientists from Germany and Turkey. The first meeting will be held in Bonn, Germany, on June 16 with German politicians. /Cumhuriyet/

INTERNATIONAL ISTANBUL THEATRE FESTIVAL OPENS
The 10th International Istanbul Theatre Festival, organized by the Istanbul Foundation of Culture and Art, began yesterday evening when Melih Cevdet Anday, the Turkish poet and playwright, and Russian director Yuri Lyubimov were presented with ''diplomas of honour''. After the presentations Italian performer Milva sang songs by Brecht, thus staging the first show of the festival. /Cumhuriyet/

[14] TURKEY-PRESS REVIEW (3)

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

GREEK CYPRIOT ADMINISTRATION TO BRING CYPRUS ISSUE ONTO UN AGENDA
The Greek Cypriot Administration said yesterday that it was planning to bring the longstanding Cyprus issue onto the agenda of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly. Iannakis Cassoulides, the Foreign Minister of the Greek Cypriot administration, commented that if the Turkish side didn't modify its ''intransigent'' attitude, then the issue would be brought onto the agenda of the UN General Assembly. /Cumhuriyet/

PENA DISPUTES BAKU-CEYHAN PIPELINE
Federico Pena, the Secretary of Energy of the US Department of Energy has disputed the idea that a warming-up of relations with Iran may impede progress on the Baku-Ceyhan main oil pipeline. Since a route through or a ''swap arrangement'' with Iran is considered much cheaper than the Baku- Ceyhan pipeline, the opening up of Iran is regarded by some as a threat to the pipeline as an outlet for Azerbaijani crude oil. Speaking to reporters at a press conference held at the US Department of State to introduce the Trade and Development Agency's (TDA) ''Crossroads of the World'' conference between May 27-29 in Istanbul, Pena said what makes the Iran-alternative, the Trans-Caspian underwater pipeline attractive are the ''terms and tariffs'' that would be applied to it. ''Thus, there is an opportunity here for these countries, including Turkey, to make sure that a non-Iranian pipeline remains commercially attractive'', Pena said. /Cumhuriyet/

ANAP CELEBRATES 15TH ANNIVERSARY
Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz and the leader of the Motherland Party (ANAP), party officials, deputies and members of the party's central administration visited Anitkabir, Ataturk's mausoleum during the 15th anniversary of the foundation of the party. /Milliyet/

CANADIAN AND AUSTRIAN DEPUTIES VISIT TURKEY
An Austrian parliamentary delegation, headed by Heinz Fischer, the Federal Speaker of the Parliament, and Bill Graham, the Chairman of Canada's Parliamentary Foreign Affairs and International Trade Commission, will begin separate visits to Turkey today. The Austrian delegation is expected to meet with Hikmet Cetin, the Speaker of the Parliament, Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz, Deputy Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit and party leaders. Bill Graham will hold talks with Hikmet Cetin and Tekin Enerem, the Chairman of the Turkish group in the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), during a Parliamentary Assembly on Thursday. On Friday, Graham is scheduled to meet with Korkmaz Haktanir, the Undersecretary of the Foreign Ministry, Murat Karayalcin, the Chairman of the Parliamentary Foreign Affairs Commission and Hikmet Sami Turk, the Minister of State responsible for human rights. /All papers/

COUNCIL OF MINISTERS DISCUSSES NEW
TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS IN TURKEY
Ahat Andican, the Minister of State and government spokesman, disclosed the issues discussed by the Council of Ministers at a press conference yesterday. Andican said that projects including a trans-Marmara tunnel in Istanbul and the reconstruction of the Tasucu harbour to facilitate transports between Turkey and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), as well as the current flooding in the Aegean region were some of the subjects discussed at the meeting. /Sabah/Hurriyet/

[15] BAD WEATHER CONDITIONS AFFECT TURKEY

Heavy precipitation caused landslides in Alapli County of Zonguldak and houses on Fatih street were evacuated because of the landslides. The electricity has been off in Alapli since Wednesday night.

A crisis desk was set up at the Prime Minister's office under the leadership of Deputy Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit related to the flood that caused great damages in Karabuk, Bartin and Zonguldak Provinces.

Speaking to the A.A correspondent, Ecevit said ''we are experiencing a flood that was never seen before. We are receiving very bad news. We could just connect with the Governor of Karabuk. We are searching for facilities for a rescue operation from the air.''

Ecevit said they couldn't communicate with the region as telephone lines were cut off, adding ''calls of SOS are coming from Bartin.''

Meanwhile, hailstorms caused damage to crops in five villages of the Ortakoy County in the central Anatolia Aksaray Province.

Officials said that the hailstorm damaged fruit gardens and that they started to determine the financial cost of the damages.

It snowed in the high parts of eastern Erzurum Province as temperatures are below the normal seasonal levels.

Officials said that the temperatures will continue to drop.

Heavy precipitation also caused a major damage in agricuture in the Aegean and Marmara region and the crops were inundated in the Aegean provinces of Izmir, Aydin, Mugla and Manisa.

[16] THOMAS MILLER DUE ON CYPRUS ON MAY 24

After participating in an economy conference on the Greek-Cypriot side, Miller will proceed to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).

The American officials said that Miller would hold a meeting with Rauf Denktas, the President of the TRNC.

The US Administration stressed that the Cyprus policy hadn't been changed yet and stated that the failure of the mission of Richard Holbrooke, the US President Bill Clinton's Special Representative to Cyprus, was stemming from the Turkish side. James Rubin, the Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs of the US Department of State, stated that the expression of the ''Turkish side'' was general and covered Ankara implicitly.

Ankara reacted to this attitude of the US during a period in which Athens and the Greek-Cypriot side launched a comprehensive campaign against Turkey including ''support for terrorism'' and in which Athens and the Greek- Cypriot side were getting prepared to deploy the S-300 missiles on the southern part of the island.

The American officials said that they found the two conditions ''not admissable'' which President Demirel proposed to Holbrooke.

Several sources said that the European Union (EU) was studying a formula with which Turkey would be satisfied at the Cardiff Summit, while an intense diplomacy activity was continuing for several steps related to the island.

Bill Clinton, the US President, gave a ''similar message'' in London following the US-EU Summit. Athens criticized the statements of Clinton and refused the connection.

An American official told the A.A correspondent that they were continuing their initiatives to pursuade the Greek-Cypriot side on the issue of the S- 300 missiles.

The US Administration had stated that it isn't in favor of the deployment of the S-300 missiles on Cyprus.

[17] 10.2 KG OF HEROIN SEIZED AT BULGARIAN-TURKISH BORDER

The Ministry of the Interior said that a search was made in a passenger bus belonging to a Turkish tourism company which was going from Istanbul to Bucharest.

The haul was seized in small packages in secret parts of the bus. Officials said that the driver, a Turkish citizen, confessed that the heroin belonged to him.

A large scale investigation was launched in connection with the incident and the Turkish driver was taken into custody.

[18] HUSEYIN, THE PAKISTANI MINISTER OF INFORMATION MEETS WITH ARAN, THE TURKISH AMBASSADOR TO PAKISTAN

Huseyin, the Pakistani Minister explained the negative effect of the nuclear tests of India on the security of Pakistan. Noting that the recent statements of Indian leaders about the Kashmir problem have further increased the tension in the region, Huseyin expressed the disappointment of Pakistan about the G-8 Summit (Eight Developed Countries), which was unsuccessful for taking effective steps to prevent the ''aggressive'' targets of India.

Aran, the Turkish Ambassador pointed out the friendly relations between the two countries and gave information about the Pakistani-Turkish Business Council meeting that will be held in Istanbul in July.

[19] 86TH WORKING CONFERENCE OF THE ILO TO TAKE PLACE IN GENEVA BETWEEN JUNE 2 AND 18

Turkey was put into the scope of pre-examination in a report prepared by the Applications Committee regarding the ten ILO agreements. The Committee will decide on ''which agreements Turkey will be examined'' with its activities.

The issues of ''creating employment in the Small and Medium Scale Enterprises'', ''subcontracting workmanship'' and ''child labour'' are on the agenda of the conference.

The General Assembly will convene on June 11 with a special agenda regarding the situation of the employers living in the occupied Arabian territories.

Nami Cagan, the Minister of Labour and Social Security, will give a speech on behalf of the government on June 9; Refik Baydur, the Chairman of the Turkish Confederation of Employers' Unions (TISK), will give a speech on June 10 on behalf of the employers and Bayram Meral, the Chairman of the Turkish Confederation of Workers' Unions (Turk-Is) will give a speech on June 12 on behalf of employees.

[20] RELIGIOUS BELIEF TOURISM TOUR'98 - UNDERSECRETARY OF TOURISM MINISTRY UYGUN: - ''WE EXPECT 7-8 MILLION GUESTS IN 2000 IN THE SCOPE OF THE RELIGIOUS BELIEF TOURISM''

Addressing a press conference which was organized to promote ''Religious Belief Tourism Tour'98'', Uygun said that the 2000th anniversary of the birth of Jesus Christ will create a dynamism for the development of religious belief tourism. He stressed that 2000 will be a great opportunity to promote the cultural assets of Anatolia.

Noting that they wish Pope John Paul II to honour Turkey in the ceremonies, Uygun told the reporters, ''Turkey wants to show the world that she defends the joint values of humanity by having both churches and synagogues along with the mosques''.

Uygun pointed out that the officials from the Tourism Ministry began to list in 1993 all the works and places of worship of three great religions.

Responding to a journalist's question, ''Turkey is a secular country. Why does she celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ?'', Uygun said, ''Turkey has respect for all religions. She isn't a bigot or a reactionary country''.

Uygun pointed out that they expect 7-8 million guests in 2000 in the scope of the religious belief tourism'' and noted that nearly 15-20 million US dollars will be spent for the promotions.

A total of 46 members of press including 39 foreign journalists, will join the fourth religion tour which will be held this year, and visit the historical and religious places in Istanbul, Bursa, Balikesir, Izmir, Bergama and Selcuk.

[21] MINISTRY OF JUSTICE SETS UP A COMMISSION TO OBSERVE APPLICATIONS TO THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION OF HUMAN RIGHTS AGAINST TURKEY

The commission, which has started to work, will observe the process before the European Court of Human Rights if the European Commission of Human Rights find the applications against Turkey as ''admissable.''

The commission will work in coordination with the Foreign Ministry. The officials said that the individual applications against Turkey in the field of human rights have increased during recent years, adding that the commission has been set up to find out the correctness of these applications and to observe the case process.

[22] GREAT INTEREST IN GAP ABROAD - STATE MINISTER YILDIRIM: - ''ALL ORGANIZATIONS INCLUDING THE WORLD BANK AND THE US EXIMBANK SHOW GREAT INTEREST IN GAP''

Responding to the questions of the A.A correspondent, Yildirim, who came to New York after he held meetings in Washington, D.C., Tennessee, Phoenix and Sacramento, noted, ''the GAP is accepted as one of the 10 largest projects in the world''. He pointed out that the main problem in the GAP is the financial difficulties, adding that they provided foreign aid worth 3.6 billion US dollars for the GAP project so far. Yildirim stated that they aim to conclude the project in 2010.

Yildirim stated that the GAP's total worth is nearly 32 billion US dollars. So far, 12 million US dollars have been spent for the project. The project will create job opportunities for 3.8 million people and produce 27 billion kilowatt/hour annually. The GAP project will provide an increase of 663 trillion Turkish Liras in agricultural production, 305 trillion Turkish Liras in industrial production and 125 trillion Turkish Liras in the livestock sector.

[23] TURKISH-EU ASSOCIATION COUNCIL NOT TO CONVENE

A high ranking diplomat said that the Association Council won't convene because Turkey won't accept any political conditions proposed by the EU and it has been understood from the statements of Robin Cook, the British Foreign Secretary, ''the EU won't be able to extend financial assistance to Turkey, which was foreseen in the EU Strategy Document for Turkey.''

The official stated that it has been found out that the 14 EU countries will try to propose political conditions to convene the Association Council and this causes difficulty.

''Neither of the parties has the intention to worsen the relations, the Association Council won't convene on Monday. We don't know whether it will convene later or not, but we'll thank Britain, the EU Term President for her efforts,'' he said.

[24] GEORGIAN DELEGATION'S CONTACTS IN TURKEY - STATE MINISTER ASIK: - ''COOPERATION BETWEEN TURKEY AND GEORGIA REACHES STRATEGICAL LEVELS''

Addressing the meeting, Asik reminded that a branch of the Emlak Bank was opened in Tbilisi, a telephone network and airway transportation were provided within these two years. Stressing that the cooperative relations between the two countries reached strategical levels, Asik noted that the Baku-Ceyhan oil pipeline project had come to the application stage, and this project would bring peace and stability to the region along with revenues.

Asik thanked Georgia for supporting Turkey for holding the first Black Sea Olympic Games in Trabzon.

Zurab Jvania, the Speaker of the Georgian Parliament, said that the most important commercial partner of Georgia is Turkey. Jvania stressed that just a few of the current opportunities for cooperation are being used, noting, ''commercial relations can develop more rapidly. He said that they should prevent dual taxation and provide state guarantees for the investments to develop trade between both countries.

[25] SPEAKER OF THE AUSTRIAN PARLIAMENT IN ANKARA

Mesut Yilmaz, the Prime Minister, gave a dinner in honour of Fischer at the Prime Ministry Residence.

Hikmet Cetin, the Speaker of the Parliament, and Cavit Kavak, the Minister of State also attended the dinner.

The Austrian delegation will leave Turkey tomorrow after they conclude their contacts in Turkey.

[26] FLOOD IN THE WESTERN BLACK SEA REGION - ECEVIT, THE DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER: ''THE STATE IS MOBILIZED TO HELP THOSE CITIZENS WHO SUFFER FROM THE FLOOD''

Addressing a press briefing, Bulent Ecevit, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State and the Chairman of the Crisis Desk set up for the flood, said that the state is mobilized with all of its institutions to help the citizens who suffer from the flood in the Western Black Sea region.

Ecevit said that two children died due to the flood, adding that the other regions which are under the threat of flood will be evacuated because the torrential rains are continuing.

Noting that five helicopters, one aircraft and three Zodiac inflatable boats have been sent to the region, Bulent Ecevit said that a frigate will be sent to the region soon to help the citizens. Ecevit stressed that emergency units can't reach many places in the region by land and air due to the flood, adding that many citizens are sitting on the roofs of their houses due to the flood.

Pointing out that the Red Crescent has prepared tents and 170 billion Turkish Liras of first aid materials have been sent to the region, Ecevit added that communications hasn't been secured with all the places in the region.

Many houses and offices have been evacuated due to the flood in the Western Black Sea region and the Zonguldak-Karabuk Railway has been closed to traffic, while the Western Black Sea provinces of Bolu and Bartın are flooded. In Yıgılca County of Bolu 22 houses collapsed, while in Mengen county, 21 houses were evacuated and in the provincial center of Bolu 60 houses were flooded.

[27] REPAYMENTS OF THE FOREIGN DEBTS

Officials from the Central Bank told the A.A correspondent that

3.2 billion US dollars was repaid for the Treasury, 130.7 million US dollars for the Central Bank, 856.2 million US dollars for the documentation, book, publishing and membership payments of the administrations with an added budget and for the payments of the National Defence Ministry and Defence Industry and 45.8 million US dollars for the Turkish Defence Fund up until May 21.

[28] INTERIOR MINISTER BASESGIOGLU: - ''SURRENDER OF THE SEPARATIST TERRORISTS IS IMPORTANT FOR US''

Addressing the journalists at the Parliament, Basesgioglu said that the mentioned terrorists who were taken for training in the Bekaa Valley, will be brought to Turkey as soon as possible.

Basesgioglu noted, ''the surrender of the terrorists shows the dispersion in the terrorist organization.''

Responding to a question, ''did Semdin Sakik surrender or was he captured?'', Basesgioglu told the reporters that Sakik surrendered to Barzani first and then Turkish security forces captured him.

[29] RELATIONS BETWEEN TURKEY AND HUNGARY - TRABZON AND ZIGETVAR TO BE SISTER CITIES

Kery reminded that the statues of Sultan Suleiman and Commander Zrinyi of the Zigetvar Tower who lost his life during the Turkish siege, were opened by President Suleyman Demirel last year.

Noting that the relations between the two countries will develop with Hungary's participation in the NATO, Kery told the reporters, ''the trade volume between Turkey and Hungary will double with the free trade agreement which came into force on April 1''.

Kery also stated that the ''Gul Baba'' Tomb in Budapest, where the Ottoman monuments are mostly located after Zigetvar, is being restored.

[30] TURKISH-EU ASSOCIATION COUNCIL NOT TO CONVENE ... - A HIGH RANKING OFFICIAL:''THE BLOCKING POINT IS THAT THE EU INSISTS ON POLITICAL CONDITIONS''

A high ranking diplomat said that Turkey decided not to discuss political issues with the EU after the Luxembourg Summit and it isn't possible for her to give concessions from her attitude.

Noting that a meeting was held with David Logan, the British Ambassador to Turkey this morning, the same official stated that probably there won't be any change concerning the insistence of the EU on ''political conditions'' to Turkey.

Pointing out that the aim of Britain is to hold the Turkish-EU Association Council meeting before the Council of Europe meeting that will be held in Cardiff, the official said, ''the EU General Affairs Council meeting will be held between June 8-9. The search to mature the conditions will continue until that day.''

The official stressed that the issue of financial assistance is symbolic for Turkey, ''this issue is a key one which shows whether or not the EU is a reliable institution which fulfills its promises. It is for sure that Turkey won't get closer to the EU with 375 million ECUs,'' he said.

''The EU doesn't evaluate deeply our decision not to discuss political issues with the EU, we aren't trusting this course of events. It isn't known clearly why the EU needs to insist on political conditions to Turkey, after it isolated Greece,'' said the official.

''Even if the EU tells us that we are the 12th candidate, this won't satisfy us, because we don't have the intention of paying a political price in order to have a place in the EU,'' he said, adding that the Association Council doesn't need to convene to implement the EU Strategy Document for Turkey, because activities can start to implement it now.

The same official said that the efforts of the EU to overcome the Greek obstacle is positive, adding ''if the political conditions weren't mentioned, then we were ready to take a step in return for the common attitude of the 14 EU countries.''

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