Anadolu Agency: News in English, 98-05-28

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

28 MAY 1998

CONTENTS

[01] FOREIGN MINISTER CEM IN LUXEMBOURG

[02] CLINTON: ''TURKISH-US RELATIONS ARE ROOTED IN A STRONG AND HISTORICAL BASIS''

[03] ASSEMBLY MEETING OF ISO - FM CEM: ''TURKEY DOESN'T HAVE A COMPLEX ABOUT HER BEING CONSIDERED TO BE AN EUROPEAN'' - ''TURKEY ISN'T OBLIGED TO GET CONFIRMATION FROM FOREIGN COUNTRIES FOR HER BEING EUROPEAN''

[04] THE US WELCOMES ARREST OF ASSILANTS WHO SHOT AND INJURED BIRDAL

[05] MEETING OF COUNCIL OF MINISTERS - JAPANESE GOVERNMENT PROPOSES EQUIPMENT-SUPPLIES AID FOR DISASTER AREAS - WORLD BANK CONVEYS TO GOVERNMENT IT CAN OPEN CREDIT FOR DISASTER AREAS

[06] ''CROSSROADS OF THE WORLD'' CONFERENCE - ERSUMER, THE MINISTER OF ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES: ''TURKEY WILL HOST MANY PIPELINES'' - GRANDMAISON, THE DIRECTOR OF THE US TRADE AND DEVELOPMENT AGENCY: ''WE REGARD TURKEY AS A VITAL PARTNER''

[07] OPERATIONS IN SOUTHEASTERN TURKEY - 20 TERRORISTS KILLED, THREE OTHERS CAPTURED

[08] TURKEY-PRESS REVIEW (1)

[09] CAGAN, MINISTER OF LABOR, IN GERMANY - CAGAN MEETS WITH HIS GERMAN COUNTERPART BLUM

[10] TURKEY-PRESS REVIEW (2)

[11] TURKEY-PRESS REVIEW (3)

[12] PRESIDENT DEMIREL: ''THE GOVERNMENT HAS NORMALIZED TURKEY AND I THINK ITS MISSION HAS ENDED''

[13] ADMIRAL DERVISOGLU, CHIEF COMMANDER OF NAVAL FORCES, IN ALBANIA

[14] TDI TO SELL ITS SHIPS

[15] OPEN SKY AGREEMENT TO ENTER INTO FORCE TWO MONTHS AFTER ITS RATIFICATION BY RUSSIAN, BELARUSIAN AND UKRAINIAN PARLIAMENTS

[16] THE CLAIMS OF THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE - SEZGIN, DEFENCE MINISTER AND DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER: ''OFFENDING A TRADITIONAL FRIENDSHIP IS AGAINST THE PRINCIPLES OF FRIENDSHIP'' ''HOW CAN YOU DECIDE ON AN ISSUE THAT HAS TO BE SOLVED BY THE HISTORIANS?''

[17] PRESIDENT DEMIREL SENDS A MESSAGE TO ALIYEV, THE AZERBAIJANI PRESIDENT TO CONGRATULATE AZERBAIJAN'S NATIONAL DAY

[18] THE RELIEFS OF HERACLES SARCOPHAGUS AT PERGE BACK IN TURKEY - CETIN, THE PARLIAMENT SPEAKER: ''THE RETURN OF THE RELIEFS BY THE ADMINISTRATORS OF HENKEL COLLECTION CONSTITUTES A PROUD EXAMPLE''

[19] BALANCE OF PAYMENTS - FOREIGN TRADE DEFICIT INCREASES BY 17.9 PERCENT IN FIRST QUARTER OF 1998

[20] PRIME MINISTER YILMAZ: ''THE ATTACK ON BIRDAL SHOWS THAT MAHMUT YILDIRIM, WHOSE CODE NAME IS 'YESIL,' IS ALIVE''

[21] TURKISH-SYRIAN ENERGY TRANSFER LINE

[22] DENKTAS, THE TRNC PRESIDENT, ASKS ITALY TO STOP THE SALE OF MISSILES TO THE GREEK CYPRIOT ADMINISTRATION

[23] TWO CARGO TRAINS COLLIDE - ONE PERSON DIES, FOUR OTHERS INJURED

[24] PRIVATIZATION IN DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRICITY CONTINUES

[25] AKKAYA, THE GENERAL DIRECTOR OF THE TDI: - GRAND PRINCESS WILL BRING 70 THOUSAND US DOLLARS TO TURKEY WITH EACH JOURNEY

[26] DEBTS OF PEOPLE WHO RECEIVED DAMAGES FROM THE FLOOD TO BE POSTPONED FOR THREE YEARS

[27] ARMENIAN CRISIS IN THE RELATIONS WITH FRANCE - FRENCH PARLIAMENT WILL DISCUSS THE DRAFT LAW CONCERNING THE SO-CALLED ARMENIAN GENOCIDE - THE DRAFT LAW CAUSES STRONG REACTIONS IN TURKEY

[28] FM CEM MEETS WITH HIS FRENCH COUNTERPART - HARSH WARNING TO PARIS

[29] FOREIGN MINISTRY: - ''MILLER'S WORDS WERE MISUNDERSTOOD''

[01] FOREIGN MINISTER CEM IN LUXEMBOURG

Cem will hold bilateral contacts with several ministers including Madeleine Albright, the US Secretary of State and Klaus Kinkel, the German Foreign Minister during the NATO Council meetings, which will start on Thursday morning and end on Friday.

Foreign Minister Cem will return to Ankara on Friday evening.

[02] CLINTON: ''TURKISH-US RELATIONS ARE ROOTED IN A STRONG AND HISTORICAL BASIS''

Addressing the ceremony held at the White House, Ilkin said that the Turkish-American relations are ''perfect'' in every field, adding that the relations improve within the framework of law, democracy and individual liberties and a basic vision of peace and prosperity for everybody. Ilkin stated that Turkey and the US have displayed a close cooperation from Korea to Somali and Bosnia for decades and contributed to humanity with this cooperation.

Baki Ilkin, who presented his letters of credence to Clinton approximately one month after his arrival in Washington, D.C., pointed out that the two countries are working together concerning the solution of regional problems, prevention of the expansion of weapons of mass destruction and in the fields of the defense industry, terrorism and prevention of drug trafficking.

Stressing that the reciprocal trade increases rapidly, Ilkin added that the US firms want to benefit from the potential in Turkey, which is described as a ''rising market'' by the US administration.

Bill Clinton said that the Turkish-American relations are rooted in an historical and strong basis and the two countries have been cooperating for years concerning the establishment of security in Europe, resistance against aggression and for peace and democracy from Korea to Bosnia.

Mentioning the visit of Prime Minister Mesut Yılmaz to the US last December, Clinton said that new horizons have been opened in Turkish-American relations by this visit.

Bill Clinton added that the trade between the two countries will further increase with the successful and dynamic economy of Turkey and the opportunities brought by the new energy fields.

[03] ASSEMBLY MEETING OF ISO - FM CEM: ''TURKEY DOESN'T HAVE A COMPLEX ABOUT HER BEING CONSIDERED TO BE AN EUROPEAN'' - ''TURKEY ISN'T OBLIGED TO GET CONFIRMATION FROM FOREIGN COUNTRIES FOR HER BEING EUROPEAN''

Ismail Cem attended the monthly Assembly Meeting of the Istanbul Chamber of Industry (ISO) in which the major topic, ''the Effects of the Turkish Foreign Policy and Strategies on the Turkish Economy and Industry'', was discussed.

Cem said that it wasn't true to expect a correct evaluation from foreign countries if there wasn't an accurate presentation of Turkey.

''The goal of Turkey is to be the terminal country, that is, the center of Eurasia,'' Cem said.

''Turkey has been taking part in Europe for the last 700 years. Turkey doesn't have a complex about her being considered to be an European. Turkey isn't obliged to get confirmation from foreign countries for her being European,'' Cem stressed, adding that Turkey is an European and an Asian country.

Pointing out that Turkey had some disputes with most of her neighbors when they formed the 55th government, Cem said that the European Union (EU) didn't include Turkey on the Agenda-2000 for its expansion process and the leaders of the European Parliament were openly accused of being liars.

''We started working with the guideline, that is, to bear some part of the blame if Turkey is at loggerheads with most of her neighbors. We recorded progress in the relations with our neighbors, especially with Iran, Syria, Iraq and with the EU and the US. We started to improve the relations, taking into consideration the interests of our country,'' Cem said.

Noting that Turkey took every necessary step to improve the relations with Greece, Cem said that any Foreign Ministers of the NATO member countries and the EU member countries don't have the right to make even a little criticism against Turkey regarding the Turkish-Greek relations.

''I told my counterparts in my contacts that they didn't have a right to criticise Turkey morally regarding the Turkish-Greek relations,'' Cem added.

Ismail Cem said that he was optimistic for the improvement of the relations with Greece, except for the Cyprus issue.

''There were some disagreements with Germany for a brief period. These are being removed. Klaus Kinkel, the German Foreign Minister wants to hold a meeting with me. We will meet in Brussels. I hope we will provide important messages about Turkish-German friendship in that meeting,'' Cem said.

Pointing out that the EU owes Turkey nearly 2.2 billion US dollars, Cem said that Turkey is a member of the EU in the economic dimension, but not in the political dimension.

Ismail Cem said that they brought for the first time the perception of economic diplomacy in foreign policy, in addition to cultural and classical diplomacies.

Recalling that they had established in the Foreign Ministry branches responsible for economic issues, Cem said that they had set up the necessary political infrastructure to improve the economic relations with several countries.

''The political relations with Russia have improved. We have recorded progress in the quota issue with the US. In the Middle East, we want to set up close relationship with the Arabs based on a realistic basis and which doesn't have a political condition,'' Cem added.

[04] THE US WELCOMES ARREST OF ASSILANTS WHO SHOT AND INJURED BIRDAL

Responding to a question during a press briefing, Rubin said that ''as we have understood, these people who are in custody say that they are the members of radical nationalist gangs.''

The investigation of this attack is still ongoing and we urge the Turkish authorities to quickly bring all the parties involved to justice, Rubin said.

Describing Akın Birdal as one of the foremost human rights advocates in Turkey, Rubin pointed out that ''The United States government strongly condemns the assassination attempt against Birdal.''

Rubin said that Birdal has dedicated himself to improving Turkey's human rights situation and the US strongly supports the vital role of those working on behalf of non-governmental organizations in Turkey and elsewhere.

Responding to another question, Rubin stated that Madeleine Albright, the US Secretary of State can hold bilateral contacts with her Turkish and Greek counterparts during the North Atlantic Council (NAC) meeting, which will be held in Brussels.

[05] MEETING OF COUNCIL OF MINISTERS - JAPANESE GOVERNMENT PROPOSES EQUIPMENT-SUPPLIES AID FOR DISASTER AREAS - WORLD BANK CONVEYS TO GOVERNMENT IT CAN OPEN CREDIT FOR DISASTER AREAS

The Council of Ministers discussed in its meeting the measures to be taken for the flood disaster which affected the Western Black Sea region and some other regions.

Bulent Ecevit, the Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of State, said that the Japanese government sent a letter to him, proposing equipment- supplies aid for these areas.

Gunes Taner, the Minister of State, told the members of the Council of Ministers that the World Bank had conveyed to him that it can open credit for the disaster areas. The members of Council of Ministers approved in their meeting the offer of the World Bank for a loan-agreement, but they didn't decide on the amount of the credit.

The Council of Ministers also approved all of the proposals of the Natural Disasters Coordination Committee chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Ecevit.

The Council of Ministers approved seven decrees of the Committee. In accordance with these decreees, the victims of the flood disaster will be given financial aid from the Fund for the Encouragement of Social Welfare and Solidarity; the debts of the farmers and tradesmen to the Turkish Ziraat Bank and Halkbank will be delayed; taxes will be postponed; municipality dues will be deferred and the share of receivables from the Turkish Iller Bank will be increased five-fold.

[06] ''CROSSROADS OF THE WORLD'' CONFERENCE - ERSUMER, THE MINISTER OF ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES: ''TURKEY WILL HOST MANY PIPELINES'' - GRANDMAISON, THE DIRECTOR OF THE US TRADE AND DEVELOPMENT AGENCY: ''WE REGARD TURKEY AS A VITAL PARTNER''

Addressing the ''Crossroads of the World Conference'' which was organized by the US Trade and Development Agency (TDA), Ersumer said that the aim of Turkey is to ''contribute to the realization of important projects in the region by bringing the countries having the sources and investor firms together.''

Ersumer stressed that not only the Turkmen natural gas, but also the Azerbaijani, Turkmen and Kazakh oil will pass via Turkey, adding that efforts are being launched to transport them through Ceyhan.

Noting that a great progress has been recorded in these important projects, Ersumer said that working groups will be set up in the coming period to accelerate the activities.

Ersumer stressed that the prevention of the transports of Caspian oil to the Mediterranean via the Turkish Straits is of great importance for Turkey.

Chuck Hagel, the US Senator said that the economic corridor which will be set up towards the West will also contribute to the peace, adding, ''there is a great opportunity for us to set up and improve economic cooperation in the region, we shouldn't waste that.''

Mark R. Parris, the US Ambassador to Turkey, read the message of Bill Clinton, the US President and quoted him as saying that the US has realized the importance of the commercial partnership with other countries on the threshold of the 21st century.

Addressing a press briefing before the conference, Joseph

Grandmaison, the Director of the US Trade and Development Agency, said, ''the US government thinks that this region is the most attractive region in the world concerning commerce and other opportunities.''

Noting that more than 65 projects in the fields of oil, natural gas, transports, mining and energy will be discussed during the conference, Grandmaison said that 730 people are participating at the conference.

Responding to a question about the place of the conference, Grandmaison said that ''both the US government and the commercial sector regard Turkey as a vital partner.''

Addressing a reception held after the conference, Ersumer said that the US will extend great support to the Baku-Ceyhan pipeline and the other energy projects in Turkey.

''Turkey has an existing capacity of 21,000 megawatts, but an additional capacity of 43,000 megawatts should be provided by 2010. For the first time three important institutions of the US came together in a common place and they say that they will support the projects here. This is a very important issue,'' said Ersumer responding to a question.

Federico Pena, the US Secretary of Energy, said that efforts should be launched to reach the potential and richness of the countries.

Parris said, ''Turkey presents a great opportunity for Western businessmen and investors,'' adding that Turkey is a very reliable country concerning the transports of the Caspian and Central Asian energy sources to the West.

More than 65 projects worth 20 billion US dollars will be presented at the conference, which will discuss infrastructure projects from Turkey, Romania, Moldova, Bulgaria, Uzbekistan, Armenia, Kyrgyzstan, Azerbaijan, Russia, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, the Ukraine, Georgia and Albania.

Meanwhile seven out of 17 electric projects will be presented by Turkey.

[07] OPERATIONS IN SOUTHEASTERN TURKEY - 20 TERRORISTS KILLED, THREE OTHERS CAPTURED

The Emergency Rule Regional Governor's office said that 17 terrorists were kiled in the Akcabudak and Alıclıyayla regions at Lice County of Diyarbakır Province and three terrorists in the Cepkenli region of Van Province.

Officials said that one member of the security forces died during the operations and three terrorists were captured in Cınar County of Diyarbakır Province.

Operations are underway in the region.

[08] TURKEY-PRESS REVIEW (1)

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

CETIN OFF TO ITALY
Hikmet Cetin, the Speaker of the Parliament, will go to Italy on 30 May to attend the Conference of Parliament Speakers from the Mediterranean countries and the European Parliament (EP). At the conference, which will start on 1 June, the role of the Mediterranean countries in the European- Mediterranean partnership, cooperation in trade and finance, support to economic reforms and cooperation in socio-cultural activities and human rights will be discussed. /Cumhuriyet/

CAGAN IN GERMANY
Nami Cagan, the Minister of Labour and Social Security, who is in Germany as the official guest of Norbert Blum, Federal Minister of Labour, visited yesterday the Turkish Research Centre, where Cagan listened to the problems of the Turkish workers living in Germany. /Cumhuriyet/

S-300 MISSILES CAUSE ANXIETY
US President Bill Clinton has given a report to the US Congress on Cyprus covering the February-March period. In the report Clinton expresses his anxieties about the Russian-made S-300 missiles to be deployed in the southern region of the island by the Greek Cypriot Administration. Clinton claims that the missiles could prevent finding a solution to the Cyprus issue. Clinton stresses that the US supports the establishment of a federation of the two communities on the island. /Cumhuriyet/

ISTANBUL GLOBALIZATION CONFERENCE
A conference on Globalization will start today in Istanbul with the cooperation of the International Globalization Society and the Middle East Technical University. During the two-day conference more than 100 lecturers from all over the world and Turkey will discuss reports on globalization which will be presented at the conference. /Cumhuriyet/

SIX PKK TERRORISTS KILLED
Six terrorists have been killed at the end the clashes during operations in the Tunceli-Bingol-Elazig region. Two terrorists yielded to the security forces. Military sources announced yesterday that operations will continue in the area. /Cumhuriyet/

US SUPPORT FOR TURKEY
Delivering a speech at '' The Crossroads of the World'' conference organized by the US Trade and Development Agency, Federico F. Pena, the US Secretary of Energy for the Department of Energy said yesterday that the Baku-Ceyhan pipeline was the most rational alternative. Noting that they were jointly working with Turkey to make the project more attractive, Pena stated that conditions would be more positive by the autumn. Cumhur Ersumer, the Turkish Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, said that problems regarding the Baku-Ceyhan pipeline, which will carry the Azerbaijani, Turkmen and Kazakh oil in addition to the Turkmen natural gas, had been resolved. /Sabah/

200 MILLION US DOLLARS IN CREDIT FOR GARANTI BANK
The Garanti Bank has been provided with credit worth 200 million US dollars from the international markets. A one-year term export finance credit agreement headed by the Barclays Capital, Dresdner Bank, Luxembourg S.A., Ing Bank N.V., Natwest Capital Markets and The Sanwa Bank Limited will be signed on May 29. /Sabah/

BIR CONTINUES WITH CONTACTS IN ISRAEL
Cevik Bir, the Deputy Chief of General Staff, who is holding official contacts in Israel, said yesterday that Turkey was determined to further develop Turkish-Israeli relations. Delivering a speech at a reception given in his honour by Barlas Ozener, the Turkish Ambassador to Israel, Cevik Bir said, ''Turkey and Israel are two democratic states in the region. We want to show the advantages of democracy to the other regional countries''. Recalling that Turkish-Israeli relations weren't aimed at any third country, Bir added ''countries which want to contribute to regional peace can participate in our cooperation.'' /Sabah/

[09] CAGAN, MINISTER OF LABOR, IN GERMANY - CAGAN MEETS WITH HIS GERMAN COUNTERPART BLUM

Addressing the luncheon, Norbert Blum said that this luncheon was the symbol of the pacific community, adding that there was a yearning for peace in the world which is becoming more savage every day.

Stressing the importance of personal friendship, Blum said the concept of friendship wasn't related only to the relations between governments.

Blum told Cagan that they had common responsibilities for the Turkish citizens living in Germany.

''The world is getting globalized and in this atmosphere, the most valuable thing is providing our children with a diploma. A total of 47 thousand Turkish students in Germany are receiving apprenticeship training and a total of 47 thousand Turkish entrepreneurs created an employment opportunity for 200 thousand people,'' Blum said.

Resembling the relations between Turkey and Germany to an ''historical family relationship'', Blum said, ''there may be arguments and difference of opinions in a family. Why can't this also be so in the relations with our two countries? The important thing is not to forget the historical Turkish-German relations because of some disputes in the family.''

Later, Nami Cagan and Norbert Blum held a joint press conference.

Pointing out that most of the Turkish people living in Germany considered this country as their second homeland, Cagan said, ''this is a positive development. However, our citizens still have several problems. My German counterpart Blum had made contributions to solve some of these problems.''

Blum said that the negotiations with the Turkish side had continued within a very good and friendly atmosphere.

''The people, who have good intentions, should make contributions for removing the misunderstandings between our two countries and not giving harm to the relations between Turkey and Germany,'' Blum added.

[10] TURKEY-PRESS REVIEW (2)

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

ARMENIAN REALITY FOR EUROPE
Turkey has intensified her initiatives prior to the voting to be held in France on Friday for a draft law, which claims an Armenian genocide by Turks. It was reported that Turkey, which has begun diplomatic initiatives through Sonmez Koksal, the Turkish Ambassador to France, will prepare a report on the ''Armenian reality'' and distribute it to the related countries. The letters, sent by Turkish Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz and Hikmet Cetin, the Speaker of the Parliament, to the French Prime Minister Lionel Jospin and Laurent Fabius, the Speaker of the Parliament, have created new concerns in France. Turkey has previously announced that the result of the voting will adversely affect Turkish-French relations. /Sabah/

AUSTRALIAN PARLIAMENT ACCEPTS ALLEGED MASSACRE
Even as the French Parliamentarians have been arguing about an alleged turn of the century Armenian massacre by Turks, the parliament of the largest state in Australia, New South Wales, has officially accepted the so-called Armenian massacre that has been repeatedly claimed by the Armenian lobbies. The decision was made in a recent private session of the parliament which also announced ''April 24'' as the day of commemoration of the so-called genocide. Turks in Australia are outraged and have protested against the decision of the parliament. /Hurriyet/

AUSTRIA: NEW EU-TERM PRESIDENT IN JULY
Austrian Prime Minister Victor Klima, who will take over the EU Term- Presidency on July 1, isn't moderate regarding the membership of new countries. On Turkey's membership in the EU, Klima said, ''We have to give open signals to Turkey. We will try to extend financial aid to Turkey despite the Greek veto. We will assume the same stance regarding the Cyprus problem. However Turkey's EU membership isn't possible. On the other hand, we are giving encouraging signals to Ankara. We want Turkey to select the European vision. Turkey shouldn't choose Islamism.'' /Sabah/

AID FOR VICTIMS OF FLOOD DISASTER
The Council of Ministers, which convened yesterday under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz, discussed the results of the flood disaster, which occurred last week in the Western Black Sea region. During the meeting, seven separate decrees having the force of law were signed to help the victims of the disaster. Gunes Taner, the Minister of State, said that 100 million US dollars in credit would be provided from the World Bank initially. Bulent Ecevit, the Deputy Prime Minister said that Japan had proposed extending aid in the form of technical personnel and equipment for the reconstruction of the disaster region. /Sabah/

[11] TURKEY-PRESS REVIEW (3)

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

ADMIRAL DERVISOGLU IN ALBANIA
Admiral Salim Dervisoglu, the Naval Forces Commander, went yesterday to Albania to deliver Turkish aid materials and to make observations. Meeting with the Albanian Chief of General Staff and the Defense Minister, Dervisoglu noted that although Turkey had no common border with Albania, Turkey had ties of friendship with Albania dating back for years. /Sabah/

US PRAISES TURKEY
James Rubin, the Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs of the US Department of State, said in a statement yesterday that the US was pleased with the arrest of the assailants who attacked Akin Birdal, the Chairman of the Turkish Human Rights Association. He said, ''As far as we understand, these assailants are ultra-nationalists''. /Sabah/

NO PKK IN KURDISH CONFERENCE IN EGYPT
A ''Kurdish Conference'' started yesterday in Egypt. The conference, headed by Celal Talabani, the leader of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), and attended by five Kurdish groups in Northern Iraq hasn't permitted the attendance of representatives of the PKK terrorist organization. Prior to the conference, Ankara earlier warned Mesut Barzani, the leader of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and Talabani, the PUK leader, regarding the PKK participation at the conference. It is reported that Barzani and Talabani made a common decision not to allow the PKK to attend the conference which will end today with a joint declaration. /Milliyet/

EU BAN ON TURKISH AQUACULTURE PRODUCTS
The EU Ankara Representation Office has declared that an EU ban on Turkish aquaculture products will soon be put into effect. The office of the EU Representation in a statement to clarify the matter, said that a proposal made by the EU Commission on bringing an embargo to Turkish aquaculture products had been adopted by the Veterinary Commission, and added that this was a 'technical' measure following the studies of a supervisory delegation. It was also stated that this measure could be reviewed if Turkey gave the necessary guarantees. /Hurriyet/

TURCO-GREEK SUMMIT MAY BE HELD AT YALTA
Although no advance preparation has been made, a Turco-Greek summit, might be held at Yalta where a Black Sea Economic Cooperation Conference will be held between 4-5 June, diplomatic sources have predicted. The same sources have also noted that despite the lack of preparation, it might be a useful meeting between President Suleyman Demirel of Turkey and Greek Prime Minister Kostas Simitis who will be the highest representatives of their countries at the conference. After the conference at Yalta, the Turkish and Greek foreign ministers will come together in Istanbul between June 8-9 for a conference of the Balkan foreign ministers. No bilateral meeting between the two ministers is foreseen. However, should a peaceful atmosphere be created at Yalta, it could be possible, noted diplomatic sources. /Hurriyet/

HELICOPTER CRASH: ONE SOLDIER DEAD
Carrying supplies for the Turkish security forces carrying out operations against the PKK terrorist organization in and around the Cudi Mountain area in Southeastern Anatolia the previous morning, a U-1 type military helicopter crashed because of engine failure, killing one soldier, and injuring three officers out of the crew and passengers on board. /Hurriyet/

[12] PRESIDENT DEMIREL: ''THE GOVERNMENT HAS NORMALIZED TURKEY AND I THINK ITS MISSION HAS ENDED''

President Demirel stated during a reception at the Cankaya Presidential Residence that the difficulty in Turkish politics stems from the division among the central leftist and rightist parties.

Reiterating the view that a referendum should be applied in Turkey and such kinds of issues should be discussed in Turkey, President Demirel said that Turkey has to completely solve her problems in the market economy.

''We need such a government which is backed by the parliament to solve these issues. You can't expect things from a government which isn't supported by the parliament. However today's government was formed under exceptional conditions and it has normalized Turkey. In my opinion the mission of the government ended there. The government shouldn't have the claim to do more things. A great majority of the things which were discussed 10-11 months ago aren't discussed today,'' Demirel said.

[13] ADMIRAL DERVISOGLU, CHIEF COMMANDER OF NAVAL FORCES, IN ALBANIA

Admiral Dervisoglu and the delegation accompanying him visited the Turkish Embassy in Tiran.

Later Admiral Dervisoglu met with Gen. Andoni. Gen. Andoni said in the meeting that they were attaching great importance to the friendship and cooperation with Turkey. Admiral Dervisoglu said that Albania is an important country for Turkey, thus supporting Albania while she was experiencing hard times was the duty of Turkey as she was a friend of Albania.

Following this meeting, Admiral Dervisoglu met with Hajdaraga, the Albanian Minister of National Defense. Admiral Dervisoglu said in the meeting that there was an historical friendship and relationship between Turkey and Albania, although the two countries weren't neighbors.

Stressing that the aid from Turkey had been continuously increasing, Hajdaraga said that Albania was pleased with the support of Turkey.

Speaking to the Turkish reporters, Admiral Dervisoglu said that the equipment had been brought to Albania two days before for making contributions to the restructuring of this country.

''Albania is in the Balkans. Turkey wants peace in the Balkans,'' Admiral Dervisoglu added.

[14] TDI TO SELL ITS SHIPS

The General Directorate of Maritime Affairs said in its announcement that the TDI Corporation put its ships up for sale with the bargaining method on the condition of providing the continuation of the voyages of the ships on the domestic and external lines for which the Turkish Maritime Lines was providing services.

The sales will be realized by sealed bids and holding negotiations. The General Diractorate will privatize its ships in accordance with the related law.

The announcement said that the letter of guarantee for bidding on the ships is one million US dollars.

The companies to bid for these sales will obtain the ''Specifications'' for 15 million Turkish Liras (TL) at the TDI Corporation Chairmanship of Financial Affairs Department at the Main Harbor in Karakoy, Istanbul.

The tenders should be submitted to the TDI Corporation Chairmanship of Financial Affairs Department by 4:00 p.m. on June 17, 1998.

[15] OPEN SKY AGREEMENT TO ENTER INTO FORCE TWO MONTHS AFTER ITS RATIFICATION BY RUSSIAN, BELARUSIAN AND UKRAINIAN PARLIAMENTS

The General Secretariat of the General Staff said in a written statement that the agreement, which is legally binding and which has the force of law after its ratification by the Turkish parliament on April 5, 1994, will enter into force 60 days after the other countries ratify it.

''Negotiations continue with the parties to the agreement concerning the test reconnaissance flights in 1998 until the agreement enters into force. In this framework, Turkey exercised three test reconnaissance flights in Germany, Russia and the US. Likewise, the US, Belarus and Germany exercised three flights in Turkey. Within the framework of the Open Skies Agreement, Turkey also exercised test reconnaissance flights between May 11-15, 1998, in Romania.''

[16] THE CLAIMS OF THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE - SEZGIN, DEFENCE MINISTER AND DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER: ''OFFENDING A TRADITIONAL FRIENDSHIP IS AGAINST THE PRINCIPLES OF FRIENDSHIP'' ''HOW CAN YOU DECIDE ON AN ISSUE THAT HAS TO BE SOLVED BY THE HISTORIANS?''

Sezgin told reporters before a meeting of the Higher Planning Board that this issue has to be solved by the historians. ''How can you decide in the Parliament on an issue which has to be solved by the historians? What kind of a democracy is this? What kind of a justice is this?'' he asked.

Responding to a question if there will be any sanctions for arms imports from France, Sezgin said, ''No, there is nothing that has happened so far. When there is a necessity for purchasing weaponry from abroad, it is very natural that we will prefer the countries acting in accordance with our thesis in the international platform.''

[17] PRESIDENT DEMIREL SENDS A MESSAGE TO ALIYEV, THE AZERBAIJANI PRESIDENT TO CONGRATULATE AZERBAIJAN'S NATIONAL DAY

Sending a message to Haydar Aliyev, the Azerbaijani President on the Azerbaijani National Day and the 80th foundation anniversary of the Azerbaijani Democratic Republic, President Demirel stated that ''we appreciate the success of Azerbaijan in her efforts to set up a state based on the supremacy of law.''

Noting that Azerbaijan will reach peace and prosperity by overcoming the conflict in Nagorno Karabakh, Demirel stated in his message to Aliyev, ''the existing relations between Turkey and Azerbaijan are rooted in a strong basis due to the fact that you always say that we are two separate states, but one nation.''

[18] THE RELIEFS OF HERACLES SARCOPHAGUS AT PERGE BACK IN TURKEY - CETIN, THE PARLIAMENT SPEAKER: ''THE RETURN OF THE RELIEFS BY THE ADMINISTRATORS OF HENKEL COLLECTION CONSTITUTES A PROUD EXAMPLE''

Hikmet Cetin, the Speaker of the Parliament, who received the reliefs on behalf of the Republic of Turkey said in the ceremony that the return of the reliefs by the administrators of the Henkel Collection constituted a proud example.

Pointing out that Anatolia is an important center for the smuggling of historical artifacts, Cetin said that the Germans made the largest contribution to the development of Turkish archaeology by the systematic works of German archaeologists during the Ottoman period.

Cetin stressed that Turkey is determined to fight against the smuggling of these historical masterpieces.

Emphasizing that the specific masterpieces of Anatolia will reflect their real cultural value only when they are exhibited in the places where they were built, Cetin said that he hoped the return of the reliefs by the Henkel Collection would form an example for other art lovers. ''If this attitude is adopted by other art lovers, then significant steps will be taken in the struggle against the smuggling of historical masterpieces.''

Hans Dietrich Winkhaus, the Chairman of the Executive Board of the Henkel Group, said that they bought these reliefs together with the Schwarzkopf firm, and decided to return them to Turkey when they realized that these reliefs belong to the Heracles Sarcophagus at Perge.

''The real owners of such masterpieces are the countries where they are found,'' Winkhaus said.

Winkhaus also stressed that Germany is among the important trade partners of Turkey, and said that the recent situation in relations worries them. ''We have to normalize all our relations,'' he added.

The Heracles Sarcophagus belonged to Roman Empire period in Second Century AD. The four reliefs of the sarcophagus were lost for nearly 20 years. One of the reliefs was handed over to Turkey last year by Paul Getty, the US press lord and famous art collector.

The reliefs which were returned will be sent to Antalya.

[19] BALANCE OF PAYMENTS - FOREIGN TRADE DEFICIT INCREASES BY 17.9 PERCENT IN FIRST QUARTER OF 1998

According to the Balance Sheet of the Balance of Payments including the revenues-expenditures of Turkey in foreign exchange and issued by the Central Bank, the foreign trade deficit in the first quarter of 1998 increased 17.9 percent to 3 billion 278 million US dollars.

The foreign trade deficit was partly met from 2 billion 403 million US dollars in net income obtained from service revenues and unmet transfers, stemming from the increases in especially worker remittances, tourism revenues and income from other goods and services.

The 17.9 percent foreign trade deficit was resulting from a 20 percent decrease in the shuttle trade and from a 5.7 percent increase in the expenditures for imports, while the export incomes increased by 5.1 percent.

The foreign trade deficit was 2 billion 780 million US dollars in the January-March 1997 period.

The Central Bank announced that the net income of the capital movements on the balance of payments' balance sheet in the first quarter of 1998 was 3 billion 718 million US dollars.

According to the Balance Sheet of the Balance of Payments, the net direct investments in the capital movements decreased 34.6 percent to 83 million US dollars. In the same period, a total of 763 million US dollars in loan entrances were realized in the portfolio investments. The credits were obtained by the export of bonds to the international capital markets.

Meanwhile, the net entrances from the security investments were 168 million US dollars in the same period.

The net withdrawals in the medium and long-term capital movements in the first quarter of 1998 was 712 million US dollars, while the net income was 405 million US dollars. The net entrance of the short-term capital movements in the first quarter of this year was 1 billion 50 million US dollars, while it was 446 million US dollars in the same period last year.

The foreign exchange reserves of the Central Bank increased by 3 billion 197 million US dollars, while there was a 1 billion 439 million US dollars decrease in the Bank's existing foreign exchange reserves.

The actual foreign capital entrance in the first quarter of the year decreased 34.6 percent to 83 million US dollars when compared with same period in 1997. The active foreign capital entrance in the same period last year was 127 million US dollars.

The income of Turkey from exports was realized at 7 billion 658 million US dollars including 6 billion 378 million US dollars in revenues from the shuttle trade. The income from exports in the same period last year was 7 billion 593 million US dollars including revenues from the shuttle trade.

The expenditures for the imports in the first quarter of this year were 10 billion 936 million US dollars including the expenditures for the imports of gold. The total import expenditures, including the expenditures for the imports of gold, was 10 billion 373 million US dollars in the same period last year.

Turkey repaid a total of 3 billion 58 million US dollars in foreign debts in the first quarter of the year.

The total foreign debt payments in the January-March 1998 period was composed of 2 billion 39 million US dollars in payments for principal and 1 billion 19 million US dollars in interest payments.

Turkey paid a total of 2 billion 179 million US dollars in foreign debts in the same period last year.

[20] PRIME MINISTER YILMAZ: ''THE ATTACK ON BIRDAL SHOWS THAT MAHMUT YILDIRIM, WHOSE CODE NAME IS 'YESIL,' IS ALIVE''

Responding to questions on a private television channel, Yılmaz said that they will do their best to capture the members of gangs in Turkey, adding ''particularly Yesil should be captured and brought to justice.''

Yılmaz stressed that the main aim of the attack on Birdal was to disturb the stability in Turkey, noting that he brought this issue onto the agenda of the National Security Council (NSC) and the latter made a recommendary decision to find out all the connections of such kinds of attacks and incidents.

''We have to capture 'Yesil' to illuminate the gang activities,'' added Yılmaz.

Responding to a question about the Republican People's Party (CHP), Yılmaz said that he has difficulty in understanding whether or not the CHP supports the government.

Prime Minister Mesut Yılmaz said that the government aims to decrease inflation to 50 percent and to realize nine billion US dollars in privatization by the end of this year, moreover it won't undermine the infrastructure investments.

Responding to a question asking the time of elections, Yılmaz said ''I prefer it to be held in December 2000.''

Noting that the problems that create difficulties in the existing political system should be solved first before holding discussions on a presidential system, Yılmaz said ''we can miss these days, if we think that a transition to a presidential system is the only way to solve all of our problems.''

Responding to another question about deployment of the S-300 missiles on Cyprus, Yılmaz stated that this is a problem for all of the western world and the US. ''If the Greek Cypriot side deploys them on the island, then we will take all the necessary measures to protect both Northern Cyprus and Turkey.''

''The de facto situation on Cyprus, meaning the existence of the two states on the island, should be recognized to solve the Cyprus question. This means the recognition of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) by the whole world,'' Yılmaz added.

[21] TURKISH-SYRIAN ENERGY TRANSFER LINE

A total of 300 poles were installed in the last 12 months for the 380 kilowatt amperes of the Turkish-Syrian energy transfer line overseen by the 11th Regional Directorate of the Turkish Electricity Inc. (TEAS) with a loan of 7.5 million US dollars obtained from the European Investment Bank.

Turkey is waiting for the completion of the tender opened by Syria for running the energy transfer line reaching this country via the route of the Ataturk Dam, Birecik, Karkamis and Elbeyli.

The studies in Turkey, Iraq, Egypt and Jordan were concluded within the scope of the project foreseeing getting energy from the interconnected system until the year 2000 in which the Birecik and Karkamis Dams will start to operate and then selling the energy. Syria opened a tender to conclude the part of line in the Syrian territories.

The interconnected system will start to operate when the studies in Syria are concluded.

[22] DENKTAS, THE TRNC PRESIDENT, ASKS ITALY TO STOP THE SALE OF MISSILES TO THE GREEK CYPRIOT ADMINISTRATION

Denktas told Borghese, an Italian weekly, that he wanted to believe that the Italian government won't approve the project which foresees the delivery of Aspide missiles within the framework of an agreement between the Greek Cypriot administration and the Italian Alenia firm signed in 1996.

''If Italy wants to create another Greece in the Mediterranean by sending these missiles, she is on the right path,'' Denktas said, stressing that the Greek Cypriot side targets to Hellenize all of Cyprus by taking the disagreement which started in 1963 on the island until the end, and also Italy knows the aim of the Greek Cypriots in purchasing these missiles better than anybody else.

Denktas said that the TRNC will object to this situation by all her means, and creating such a problem in the Mediterranean won't be to the benefit of the Italian foreign policy.

Stating that the solution of the Cyprus problem is in the hands of the European Union (EU), Denktas said, ''the EU should tell the Greek Cypriots that they will be excluded from the membership process in case they deploy the missiles on the island.''

Responding to a question if Turkey will use force in case Russia delivers the S-300 missiles to the Greek Cypriot side, Denktas said, ''Turkey takes all precautions both in Turkey and the TRNC. Because the missiles are for offensive purposes.''

Denktas stressed that all relations with the Greek Cypriot side will be cut off and the division of Cyprus will be permanent in case the missiles are delivered.

[23] TWO CARGO TRAINS COLLIDE - ONE PERSON DIES, FOUR OTHERS INJURED

Officials said that the cargo train coming from Yozgat Province to Adana Province, collided with another cargo train, which was waiting at the Bucak Station. One person died and four others were injured in the accident.

Officials added that the accident took place due to the mistake of the switchman.

[24] PRIVATIZATION IN DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRICITY CONTINUES

In accordance with the decisions of the Council of Ministers, the Guney Ege Energy Company will operate together the Mugla Yatagan, Yenikoy and Kemerkoy thermal power plants, and the Yenikoy Mining Enterprise's Sekkoy- Ikizkoy-Husamlar mining fields. The Guney Ege Energy Company will sell the electricity it will produce to the Turkish Electricity Inc. (TEAS) for the next 20 years.

The Kizilirmak Electricity Distribution Company will realize the electricity distribution to central Yozgat, Sivas and Tokat Provinces, while the Tekas Electricity Company will carry out electricity distribution to Tekirdag, Kirklareli and Edirne Provinces in the Thracian region.

The electricity distribution to Sakarya and Bolu Provinces in the Black Sea region will be realized by the Sakarya Bolu Distribution (SBD); the electricity distribution to central Kirsehir, Nevsehir, Nigde and Aksaray Provinces will be operated by the Andas company; the Zigana Electricity Distribution will distribute electricity to Trabzon, Rize, Artvin, Gumushane and Giresun Provinces in the Black Sea region and the Bati Karadeniz Distribution Company will realize the electiricty distribution to Zonguldak, Cankiri, Bartin and Karabuk Provinces.

The contracts signed with the companies will be valid for 30 years.

[25] AKKAYA, THE GENERAL DIRECTOR OF THE TDI: - GRAND PRINCESS WILL BRING 70 THOUSAND US DOLLARS TO TURKEY WITH EACH JOURNEY

Akkaya told the A.A correspondent that they aim to break the economic embargo which is being applied to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), with the passenger ship carrying tourists on the Antalya-Cyprus- Israel route. He added that they working to put the Black Sea ship, the most luxurious passenger ship in Turkey, on the Antalya, Cyprus and Haifa Port of Israel route.

Noting that the TDI provides guidance, tugboats and other services to the Grand Princess, Akkaya pointed out that they obtain octrois of 10 US dollars per passenger and this will bring nearly 70 thousand US dollars for each journey of the Grand Princess.

Adding that 10 million tourists visit the Mediterranean on ships, Akkaya said, ''the TDI works for serving tourism. The religious belief tourism will rise in 2000 because of the celebrations of the 2000th anniversary of the birth of Jesus Christ. We expect 25-30 thousand more tourists in the framework of the religious belief tourism. Meanwhile the Dikili Port was enlarged 60 metres.''

Akkaya reminded that they made a profit of 15 trillion Turkish Liras last year, and added that they aim to increase this figure up to 26 trillion Turkish Liras in 1998.

[26] DEBTS OF PEOPLE WHO RECEIVED DAMAGES FROM THE FLOOD TO BE POSTPONED FOR THREE YEARS

Also the Turkiye Halkbank will open five-year term establishment loans and three-year term operations loans to people who are involved in trade and industry.

Ahat Andican, the Minister of State and Government Spokesman, Hasan Gemici, the Minister of State and Yasar Topcu, the Minister of Public Works and Housing, staged a press conference at the Prime Ministry and disclosed the decisions of the Council of Ministers related to the issue.

Andican said 15 people died and six people were reported to be missing so far due to the floods, adding that a total of 484 settlement places, 9,412 houses and businesses were inundated.

Andican said that the total croplands which were inundated was one million 61 thousand decares.

It was also reported that 400 million Turkish Liras will be given to persons who lost their relatives, 160-240 million Turkish Liras to persons who were disabled, and 100-300 million Turkish Liras to persons whose businesses were damaged.

Andican said that the Japanese government sent a letter and expressed readiness to extend any kind of technical or financial aid to heal the wounds of the flood.

Meanwhile, it was reported that the heavy rains around Bursa Province in the Marmara region caused the inundation of thousands of croplands. The estimated damage is six trillion Turkish Liras.

[27] ARMENIAN CRISIS IN THE RELATIONS WITH FRANCE - FRENCH PARLIAMENT WILL DISCUSS THE DRAFT LAW CONCERNING THE SO-CALLED ARMENIAN GENOCIDE - THE DRAFT LAW CAUSES STRONG REACTIONS IN TURKEY

The Foreign Affairs Commission of the French Parliament, accepted yesterday the draft law being taken onto the agenda of the general assembly.

The draft law of Rene Rouquet, the Socialist member of the French Parliament, foresees the recognition by France of the so-called Armenian genocide.

During the meeting of the Foreign Affairs Commission some deputies offered to harden the draft law against Turkey, but their offers were rejected.

Rouquet who presented the draft law, said in his speech at the meeting that they requested rejection of the mentioned offers, because they don't want to damage the relations between France and Turkey and between Turkey and Armenia.

The mentioned draft law caused strong reactions in Turkey. Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz and Hikmet Cetin, the Speaker of the Parliament, sent letters to their French counterparts to express Turkey's discomfort regarding the draft law. Yilmaz and Cetin emphasized that the good relations between Turkey and France will be damaged in case of the acceptance of the draft law.

Meanwhile the Armenian people living in Europe, are expected to hold a demonstration in front of the French Parliament today to support the draft law.

The French press keeps its silence on the mentioned draft law and didn't give any news or comments related to the draft law.

[28] FM CEM MEETS WITH HIS FRENCH COUNTERPART - HARSH WARNING TO PARIS

Cem met with Hubert Vedrine, the French Foreign Minister on Thursday morning, and recalled that many Turkish diplomats were killed within the framework of the allegations of genocide on Armenians. Cem said that legalization of this draft resolution by France will only give a trump card to circles who support Armenian terrorism.

Noting that Armenian terrorism had targetted French citizens in the past, Cem said that France has to provide for the security of Turkish diplomats and citizens if this draft resolution is legalized.

Vedrine said that the initiative in question didn't come from the government, but from the parliament and defended that they didn't have any chance to prevent this. French Minister identified the draft resolution in question as a ''show of strength'' of several circles in the parliament which oppose the government.

The French Foreign Minister also claimed that Turkey shouldn't exaggerate so much the importance of the legalization of this draft.

Cem stressed that it would be out of the question for Turkey to accept this initiative.

In case the draft in question is legalized, Turkey, in retaliation to France, gives the message that it wouldn't include France in important tenders.

Vedrine, in a press conference which he staged following his meeting with Cem, said that he hoped the Turkish-French relations wouldn't be affected in case this draft resolution is legalized.

[29] FOREIGN MINISTRY: - ''MILLER'S WORDS WERE MISUNDERSTOOD''

Addressing the weekly press conference, Necati Utkan, the Spokesman of the Foreign Ministry, told the reporters, ''Miller said that the deployment of the S-300 missiles on the island is wrong, and Turkey's threat is also wrong. The missiles are a threat, and we said that Turkey will take all the necessary preacutions.''

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