Anadolu Agency: News in English, 98-06-11

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

11 JUNE 1998

CONTENTS

[01] IRELAND TO OPEN EMBASSY IN TURKEY

[02] DUTCH BUSINESSMEN IN GAZIANTEP - AMBASSADOR NICOLAS VAN DAM: - ''WE WANT TO SEE TURKEY IN THE EU'' - MEHMET ASLAN, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE GTA: - ''EUROPE CANNOT BE THOUGHT WITHOUT TURKEY''

[03] STATE MINISTER GUREL RETURNS TO TURKEY - GUREL: ''I EXPRESSED TURKEY'S POINT OF VIEWS ABOUT THE EU AND CYPRUSS'' - ''TURKEY WILL BECOME THE CENTER OF THE REGION AFTER HER FOREIGN POLICY IS REORGANIZED CORRECTLY''

[04] PRIVATIZATION OF THY - CSFB IS DETERMINED AS MEDIATOR FIRM

[05] TURKEY-IRAN JEC MEETING - UNDERSECRETARIAT OF FOREIGN TRADE: ''WE REACHED CONSENSUS TO INCREASE TRADE VOLUME BETWEEN TURKEY AND IRAN''

[06] TURKEY-PRESS REVIEW (1)

[07] TURKEY-PRESS REVIEW (1)

[08] INTERIOR MINISTER BASESGIOGLU IN NEW YORK - BASESGIOGLU: ''THE 60 PERCENT OF DRUGS SEIZED IN EUROPE, IS SEIZED BY TURKEY''

[09] DECISION IN FUNDEMANTALIST CASE - COURT OF APPEALS REPEALS COURT DECISION ON PROCEDURE - 123 PEOPLE TO BE RETRIED

[10] ERSUMER, THE MINISTER OF ENERGY IN NEW YORK: ''TURKMEN NATURAL GAS WILL START TO FLOW IN THREE YEARS, WHILE AZERI OIL WILL FLOW IN FOUR YEARS''

[11] NATO DEFENSE MINISTERS MEETING STARTS - SEZGIN, THE MINISTER OF DEFENSE REPRESENTS TURKEY

[12] THE LETTER OF THE TRNC REPRESENTATIVE TO THE DEFENSE NEWS - ''ARMAMENT OF THE GREEK CYPRIOT SIDE AND GREECE AIMS TO DAMAGE THE MILITARY STABILITY OF THE ISLAND AND REGION''

[13] TOM CHADWICK, AN EXPERT OF MERRILL LYNCH, ONE OF THE CONSULTING FIRMS OF TELECOM: ''THE TENDENCY OF INFLATION AND INTEREST RATES TO DECREASE PROVES THAT THE TURKISH GOVERNMENT PURSUES THE RIGHT ECONOMIC POLICIES''

[14] TURKEY IN BRIEF - JUNE 11, 1998

[15] TURKEY-IMF - HARDY, CHAIRMAN OF IMF TURKISH DESK, TO ARRIVE IN TURKEY ON JULY 16

[16] DRAFT RESOLUTION ON SO-CALLED GENOCIDE ON ARMENIANS - TURKEY POSTPONES DEFENSE CONSULTATIONS WITH FRANCE

[17] POSTPONEMENT OF DELIVERY OF S-300 MISSILES

[18] DRAFT RESOLUTION ON SO-CALLED GENOCIDE ON ARMENIANS - TURKISH CITIZENS IN FRANCE TO STAGE PROTEST DEMONSTRATION IN PARIS

[19] CONTACTS OF BRITISH TRADE DELEGATION IN ANKARA - DTM UNDERSECRETARY EGE: - ''TURKEY WANTS TO FURTHER INCREASE THE FOREIGN TRADE VOLUME WITH BRITAIN'' - STATE MINISTER CELEBI: - ''I BELIEVE THE INFLATION WILL DECREASE TO ONE-DIGIT NUMBERS IN THE YEAR 2000''

[20] TURKISH-GREEK RELATIONS - RESPONSE FROM UTKAN TO GREEK AUTHORITIES: ''REPPAS IS USED TO MAKE UNNECESSARY AND UNSUITABLE RESEMBLANCES''

[01] IRELAND TO OPEN EMBASSY IN TURKEY

The Foreign Ministry, which has welcomed the decision of the Irish government, stated that Ireland did not have an embassy in Ankara, although Turkey opened her embassy in Dublin in 1973, recalling that the Irish Embassy in Rome was also accredited to Turkey.

The Irish government said in press statement that the increasing importance of Turkey in political and economic fields constituted the most important reason to open an embassy in Turkey, adding that Ireland needs to increase her contacts with Turkey within the framework of the development of relations between Turkey and the European Union (EU).

The statement of Ireland noted that the trade volume between the two countries recorded an important progress, Ireland increased her exports due to the customs union set up between European Union and Turkey and more Irish tourists visit Turkey.

''The Turkish side shares the view to improve her relations with Ireland in all fields and believes that the opening of the Irish Embassy in Ankara will contribute to further improvement of the relations between the two countries,'' the Foreign Ministry said.

[02] DUTCH BUSINESSMEN IN GAZIANTEP - AMBASSADOR NICOLAS VAN DAM: - ''WE WANT TO SEE TURKEY IN THE EU'' - MEHMET ASLAN, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE GTA: - ''EUROPE CANNOT BE THOUGHT WITHOUT TURKEY''

Stressing that the Dutch investors have great interest in the GAP project, Dam noted that Turkey can reach the potential to compete with the Netherlands which is the second biggest food exporter of the world, in coming years. He added that the economic cooperation that will be set up between the two countries, can contribute Turkish agriculture sector to open to the international markets.

Mehmet Aslan, the Chairman of the GTO, said that Turkey is a part of Europe and Europe cannot be thought without Turkey. He added, ''we expect the Netherlands to support Turkey's full membership to the European Union. Turkey works to make up her deficiants including the human rigths issue''.

Zekeriya Yildirim and Rudolf Mochel, the Co-Presidents of the Turkey- Netherlands Business Council, stressed that they hope these meetings will help the improvement of the economic and commercial relations between the two countries.

The delegation of the Turkey-Netherlands Business Council will proceed to Sanliurfa to make observations on Thursday.

[03] STATE MINISTER GUREL RETURNS TO TURKEY - GUREL: ''I EXPRESSED TURKEY'S POINT OF VIEWS ABOUT THE EU AND CYPRUSS'' - ''TURKEY WILL BECOME THE CENTER OF THE REGION AFTER HER FOREIGN POLICY IS REORGANIZED CORRECTLY''

Addressing the journalists at the Esenboga Airport, Gurel noted that the European and American politicians, authors and philosophers discussed the possible changes in Turkish internal and foreign policies at the two day meetings.

Reminding that he expressed Turkey's point of views about the European Union and the Cyprus problem, Gurel described the meeting as very productive and positive. He added that the participants also took up the attitudes of the US and Europe towards Turkey. Responding to a question whether the Turkey's foreign policy will be changed or not, Gurel said, ''the region where Turkey takes part, had important changes after the cold war and these changes created significant opportunities for Turkey. At the same time some opinions such as racism and ethnic nationalism, appeared in the region again. Clashes occurs in the neighbours of Turkey. Turkey will face important problems in coming days, but she will become the center of the region after her foreign policy is reorganized correctly.''

Pointing out that the relations with the European Union lost its priority on the foreign policy after the Luxembourg Summit, Gurel told the reporters that these relations can be improved within the framework of Partnership Agreement and the Customs Union.

[04] PRIVATIZATION OF THY - CSFB IS DETERMINED AS MEDIATOR FIRM

Privatization Administration said that it sent invitation letters to eight firms on May 11,1998 in order to determine the consulting firm which will act as mediator.

Recalling that the firms which applied, presented their proposals in closed form, the Privatization Firm said that it has chosen Credit Suisse First Boston to provide consultancy services in the sell-off of Turkish Airlines.

[05] TURKEY-IRAN JEC MEETING - UNDERSECRETARIAT OF FOREIGN TRADE: ''WE REACHED CONSENSUS TO INCREASE TRADE VOLUME BETWEEN TURKEY AND IRAN''

Rifat Serdaroglu, the State Minister and the Co-president of the JEC meetings, and Mahmoud Hojjati, the Iranian Transportation Minister, decided to lift the fees which are taken from the Turkish vehicles that go to Iran or pass from Iran, during the meetings. A joint transportation meeting on the ministry level between Turkey and Iran will be organized in Ankara in the first week of July to discuss the transportation problems.

At the meetings Turkey and Iran also reached concensus on mutual participation of the companies from the two countries to the Izmir International Fair and Tehran International Fair.

Trade delegations of Turkey and Iran will visit each other and in this framework the representatives of the Iranian companies of automotive sector will visit Turkey in the second half of 1998.

A joint trade chamber will be set up between the two countries.

Meanwhile the Border Trade Joint Committee meeting will be held in Ankara in coming days to improve the border trade between Turkey and Iran.

[06] TURKEY-PRESS REVIEW (1)

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

"FIRST LAWS THEN ELECTIONS"

Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz, noting that elections will be held following the promulgation of laws currently on the agenda of the Turkish Parliament, said that the structure of the election government will be determined following further meetings. Yilmaz stated that there was no problem with the partners of the coalition government and added that an election protocol agreed between himself and Republican People's Party (CHP) Leader Deniz Baykal, although yet unsigned, was actually in operation. /Cumhuriyet/

CONSULTANT FOR THY'S SALE
The firm which will render internal and external consultancy services for the privatization of the public share in Turkish Airlines (THY) will be Credit Suisse First Boston (CSFB). In order to decide on the firm, letters of invitation were sent to eight firms on 11 May. /Hurriyet/

ERCEL IN LONDON
Head of the Central Bank Gazi Ercel delivered a speech in London yesterday at a meeting on the "Euro effect on developing economies and Turkey's situation". Ercel said: "I believe that Turkey will receive a larger share from international capital flow with the globalization trend in the world economy". Ercel recalled that Europe was the biggest commercial partner of Turkey. /Hurriyet/

INFORMATION CONFERENCE IN ISTANBUL
A conference on "Policies and strategies for a Europe-Mediterranean information society" will be held in Istanbul on 15-16 June. The conference is organized by the Turkish Informatics Foundation and Bogazici University with the support of the European Commission. /Hurriyet/

THREE-YEAR SWISS VISA FOR TURKS
The Swiss Chamber of Commerce has stated that new arrangements made by the Swiss Federation Council for the entry of foreigners into Switzerland will pave the way for three-year visa for Turkish citizens. According to this, Turkish citizens, who pay regular commercial visits to Switzerland, will be able to receive three-year visa within the framework of certain conditions. /Hurriyet/

"IF WAR EXPLODES, IT WILL NOT FAVOUR GREEK CYPRIOTS"

Britain's Independent newspaper said in its yesterday's issue that the deployment of Russian-made S-300 missiles in southern Cyprus will not adversely affect Turkey's strategic advantage in the region. The newspaper added: "Turkey is only 40 miles away from Cyprus". /Hurriyet/

S-300 MISSILES DELIVERY IN OCTOBER
The Greek Cypriot Administration announced yesterday that the delivery of Russian-made S-300 missiles had been postponed to the end of October. Officials explained that the reason for the postponement was to protect the tourism season from negative effects. It is known that important numbers of tourists have already cancelled their reservations because of fears of the risk of a military confrontation on the island. /Sabah/

BIDDING WARNING FOR FRANCE
It is reported that if the French Senate approves the so-called Armenian genocide bill, Turkish Naval Forces will not invite French firms to bid for Turkish military aircraft purchases. The decision as to whether the French Thomson CSF aircraft producer, which is interested in a $150 million contract, will be invited to bid or not, will be given following the decision of the French Senate. Last week, Turkey postponed an agreement according to which it was planning to purchase Eryx tank destroyer missiles from the French Aerospatiale firm for $2.7 billion.

Meanwhile, Commander of the French Land Forces, Gen.Philippe Lemercier will visit Ankara on June 14. Turkish representatives will then convey their concern over the so-called Armenian genocide bill. /Hurriyet-Cumhuriyet/

[07] TURKEY-PRESS REVIEW (1)

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

"FIRST LAWS THEN ELECTIONS"

Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz, noting that elections will be held following the promulgation of laws currently on the agenda of the Turkish Parliament, said that the structure of the election government will be determined following further meetings. Yilmaz stated that there was no problem with the partners of the coalition government and added that an election protocol agreed between himself and Republican People's Party (CHP) Leader Deniz Baykal, although yet unsigned, was actually in operation. /Cumhuriyet/

CONSULTANT FOR THY'S SALE
The firm which will render internal and external consultancy services for the privatization of the public share in Turkish Airlines (THY) will be Credit Suisse First Boston (CSFB). In order to decide on the firm, letters of invitation were sent to eight firms on 11 May. /Hurriyet/

ERCEL IN LONDON
Head of the Central Bank Gazi Ercel delivered a speech in London yesterday at a meeting on the "Euro effect on developing economies and Turkey's situation". Ercel said: "I believe that Turkey will receive a larger share from international capital flow with the globalization trend in the world economy". Ercel recalled that Europe was the biggest commercial partner of Turkey. /Hurriyet/

INFORMATION CONFERENCE IN ISTANBUL
A conference on "Policies and strategies for a Europe-Mediterranean information society" will be held in Istanbul on 15-16 June. The conference is organized by the Turkish Informatics Foundation and Bogazici University with the support of the European Commission. /Hurriyet/

THREE-YEAR SWISS VISA FOR TURKS
The Swiss Chamber of Commerce has stated that new arrangements made by the Swiss Federation Council for the entry of foreigners into Switzerland will pave the way for three-year visa for Turkish citizens. According to this, Turkish citizens, who pay regular commercial visits to Switzerland, will be able to receive three-year visa within the framework of certain conditions. /Hurriyet/

"IF WAR EXPLODES, IT WILL NOT FAVOUR GREEK CYPRIOTS"

Britain's Independent newspaper said in its yesterday's issue that the deployment of Russian-made S-300 missiles in southern Cyprus will not adversely affect Turkey's strategic advantage in the region. The newspaper added: "Turkey is only 40 miles away from Cyprus". /Hurriyet/

S-300 MISSILES DELIVERY IN OCTOBER
The Greek Cypriot Administration announced yesterday that the delivery of Russian-made S-300 missiles had been postponed to the end of October. Officials explained that the reason for the postponement was to protect the tourism season from negative effects. It is known that important numbers of tourists have already cancelled their reservations because of fears of the risk of a military confrontation on the island. /Sabah/

BIDDING WARNING FOR FRANCE
It is reported that if the French Senate approves the so-called Armenian genocide bill, Turkish Naval Forces will not invite French firms to bid for Turkish military aircraft purchases. The decision as to whether the French Thomson CSF aircraft producer, which is interested in a $150 million contract, will be invited to bid or not, will be given following the decision of the French Senate. Last week, Turkey postponed an agreement according to which it was planning to purchase Eryx tank destroyer missiles from the French Aerospatiale firm for $2.7 billion.

Meanwhile, Commander of the French Land Forces, Gen.Philippe Lemercier will visit Ankara on June 14. Turkish representatives will then convey their concern over the so-called Armenian genocide bill. /Hurriyet-Cumhuriyet/

[08] INTERIOR MINISTER BASESGIOGLU IN NEW YORK - BASESGIOGLU: ''THE 60 PERCENT OF DRUGS SEIZED IN EUROPE, IS SEIZED BY TURKEY''

Addressing the journalists after his speech in a meeting on ''Struggle Against Drugs'' at the United Nations General Assembly in New York'', Basesgioglu stressed that the separatist terrorist organization PKK's main source of income is drug smuggling. He added that the PKK uses the illegal immigrants living in the European countries to smuggle and sell the drugs.

Pointing out that the drug smugglers use the newest technologies, Basesgioglu emphasized that they will cooperate with Iran, Romania, Bulgaria and the member states of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC) and the European Cooperation Organization (ECO) to struggle against drug trafficing.

Basesgioglu also stressed that the drug smuggling moved towards the north following the measures taken by Turkey to prevent it.

[09] DECISION IN FUNDEMANTALIST CASE - COURT OF APPEALS REPEALS COURT DECISION ON PROCEDURE - 123 PEOPLE TO BE RETRIED

Demirel Tavil, a high level official from the Court of Appeals said that the verdict of the State Security Court should have to be given by a court delegation excluding the Judge-Colonel Erman Basol, who had earlied said that he withdrew from the case.

Tavil stressed that giving a decision by a delegation including the judge, who had said that he withdrew from the case, is against the Constitution and therefore the Court of Appeals repealed the verdict of the Ankara State Security Court.

Tavil stressed that the Court of Appeals did not examine the case on its merits.

The case will be reheard before the Ankara State Security Court. Erman Basol, the judge, had said during the hearings that he would withdraw from the case because the suspects continued to give testimony with religious clothes before the court in spite of the warnings.

[10] ERSUMER, THE MINISTER OF ENERGY IN NEW YORK: ''TURKMEN NATURAL GAS WILL START TO FLOW IN THREE YEARS, WHILE AZERI OIL WILL FLOW IN FOUR YEARS''

Ersumer, who is currently in New York to participate in a panel namely ''the finance of Euroasian oil,'' stated that the agreement concerning the Turkmen natural gas will be signed within three months.

Addressing a statement to A.A correspondent, Ersumer pointed out that ''the construction of Baku-Ceyhan pipeline can start before October.''

Noting that the transportation of Azeri oil and Turkmen natural gas to the West via Turkey is important not only in respect of providing prosperity for these countries, but also of consolidation of democracy in the regional countries.

Stressing that Turkey assumes the role of a ''bridge'' concerning the transportation of Caspian natural gas and oil to the West due to geographical and historical reasons, Ersumer pointed out that Georgia promised to accept the transition of the pipeline that will transport Turkmen natural gas via its borders.

Ersumer added that Turkey has completed an important part of the tenders concerning the pipelines, which will pass via Turkey and the oil will start to flow within three-four years.

[11] NATO DEFENSE MINISTERS MEETING STARTS - SEZGIN, THE MINISTER OF DEFENSE REPRESENTS TURKEY

Ismet Sezgin, the Deputy Prime Minister and National Defense Minister represents Turkey at the meetings.

The defense ministers will take up the issues like the implementation of new command structure of the Alliance, its security and defense identity and they will continue to launch efforts to prepare for the Washington Summit, which will be held in Arpil, 1999.

Noting that developments in Kosovo reflect the failure of ''diplomatic initiatives'' and the economic sanctions of the European Union (EU) and the US did not influence Slobadan Milosevic, the Yugoslavian Head of State, the sources pointed out that the military choice seems to be the only way, however NATO is not ready for that, yet.

NATO is expected to complete the military plans next week and ''it will take all choices into consideration.''

The Defense Ministers meeting will not probably bring a concrete decision and ''a very strong signal'' regarding the developments in Kosovo.

Noting that the allies are in a consensus of opinion to raise NATO's voice and increase its pressure on Milosevic, the sources stressed that several countries especially Greece does not want to show a tough reaction.

NATO sources say that ''a legal basis is needed for a possible peace keeping operation and the UN Security Council should give a signal regarding this issue.''

Turkey will agree with the NATO resolutions and participate in possible operations as long as they are in conformity with ''the international law.''

NATO Defense Ministers will be informed about the new command structure of NATO, which is foreseen to be completed before the Washington Summit.

Poland, Hungary and Check Republic, which will be full members of the Alliance, also participate in many of the NATO meetings.

Ismet Sezgin will leave Brussels for Turkey on Thursday night.

[12] THE LETTER OF THE TRNC REPRESENTATIVE TO THE DEFENSE NEWS - ''ARMAMENT OF THE GREEK CYPRIOT SIDE AND GREECE AIMS TO DAMAGE THE MILITARY STABILITY OF THE ISLAND AND REGION''

Erdengiz accused the Greek Cypriot side with ignoring the United Nations Security Council's decisions related with the overwhelming armament activities.

Noting that Yannis Kasulides, Foreign Minister of the Greek Cypriot Administration, tries to mislead the American public opinion, Erdengiz pointed out that the deployment of the Russian made S-300 missiles on the island doesn't reflect a policy aiming defence. He added that the latest statements of the Greek and Greek Cypriot leaders show their real intention.

Stressing that Glafcos Clerides, the leader of the Greek Cypriot side, admitted that they aim to bring the Hellenism into life on the north of the island, Erdengiz also noted that Clerides said they will struggle to take Girne.

Erdengiz called Russia not to send the T-80 tanks and S-300 missiles to the Greek Cypiot side if she really wants to contribute to the peace and stability on the island.

Ahmet Erdengiz also emphasized that the Greek Cypriot side and Greece want to damage the balance on the island that was provided with the international agreements in 1960, and the Turkish Cypriot side is aware of this purpose. He added that every one who wants a peaceful solution to the Cyprus problem should warn the Greek Cypriots and Greeks to leave their dangerous attitudes.

[13] TOM CHADWICK, AN EXPERT OF MERRILL LYNCH, ONE OF THE CONSULTING FIRMS OF TELECOM: ''THE TENDENCY OF INFLATION AND INTEREST RATES TO DECREASE PROVES THAT THE TURKISH GOVERNMENT PURSUES THE RIGHT ECONOMIC POLICIES''

Chadwick stressed that the privatization, which will change the structure of Turkey, is among the most important structural reforms.

Pointing out that Istanbul Stock Exchange Market (IMKB) is one of the most rapidly developing stock exchange markets of the world, Chadwick said that unfortunately it has been negatively effected by the crisis in Asia and Russia.

''We believe that IMKB and stock exchange markets of Southeast European countries are the ones which make people earn a lot among the developing countries,'' said Tom Chadwick, adding that an agreement between IMF and Turkey will increase the credibility of Turkey in respect of foreign investors and it will attract more investment to Turkey.

[14] TURKEY IN BRIEF - JUNE 11, 1998

ISTANBUL - Duchess Sarah Ferguson of York came on Wednesday to Turkey as the guest of Cem Uzan, a leading Turkish businessman.

Ferguson will join the charity activities in Turkey.

ISTANBUL - Turkey Individual Fencing Championship competitions will be held between June 12 and 14, in Sanliurfa, it was reported on Wednesday.

Sportsmen from Ankara, Afyon, Balikesir, Bursa, Eskisehir, Izmir, Istanbul and Icel provinces will compete with each other.

The winners of the competitions will join the European Fencing Championship in Bulgaria in July 1-5.

ANKARA - The young Turkish artists will promote Turkish culture in the US and in Canada within the framework of 75th anniversary of the Turkish Republic, it was reported on Thursday.

The members of the ''Turquie: La Belle'' group will present the folk dances of Agean region and Kars province in New York, Washington D.C. and Chicago between June 10 and 25. The group will continue its performance in Canada in June 21-23.

Meanwhile the young members of the Presidency and Culture Ministry symphony orchestras will play the works of Turkish composers in Fashion Institute Of Technology Hall of famous Town Hall in New York.

ANKARA - The Directorate General of the State Airports Management (DHMI) set up the ''instrumental landing system (ILS)'' which is important for the flight security, at the Ataturk Airport's runway numbered 06/24, it was reported on Thursday.

The system was cost 195 billion Turkish Liras.

ISTANBUL - Economic Development Foundation (IKV) will visit the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) between June 12-15 to make observations, it was reported on Thursday.

The delegation of the IKV is scheduled to meet with President Rauf Denktas of the TRNC, Hakki Atun, the Speaker of the TRNC Republican Parliament, Dervis Eroglu, the TRNC Prime Minister and senior officials.

Officials from the IKV told the A.A correspondent that the visit aims to contribute friendly relations between Turkey and the TRNC.

[15] TURKEY-IMF - HARDY, CHAIRMAN OF IMF TURKISH DESK, TO ARRIVE IN TURKEY ON JULY 16

The Undersecretariat of Treasury said in a written statement that the IMF delegation led by Turkish Desk Chief Hardy would visit Turkey between June 16 and 22 to hold contacts for an agreement different from the IMF's classical agreements, that is, a ''probable agreement'', which is based upon the economic programme being implemented now.

The IMF delegation will take up the framework of a probable agreement between Turkey and the IMF during its meetings in Ankara with high-level economy bureaucrats.

Stanley Fischer, the Vice Chairman of the IMF, who visited Turkey last weekend as the guest of State Minister Gunes Taner, said before his departure from Istanbul that an IMF delegation, in a short time, would visit Turkey for a probable agreement between Turkey and the IMF, defining the positive developments inthe Turkish economy as ''beyond his expectations''.

State Minister Gunes Taner also said that an IMF delegation would pay a visit to Turkey in near future.

Meanwhile, an IMF delegation led by Martin Hardy had visited Turkey on April 28 and met with the representatives of private sector in Istanbul. Later, the IMF delegation proceeded to Ankara on April 30 and held regular consultations for the next 12 days within the framework of Article 4 of the IMF agreement.

Hardy had expressed his satisfaction about the declining trend of the inflation as the result of the economic programme followed in Turkey, and stressed that the structural reforms should be implemented as soon as possible.

[16] DRAFT RESOLUTION ON SO-CALLED GENOCIDE ON ARMENIANS - TURKEY POSTPONES DEFENSE CONSULTATIONS WITH FRANCE

Addressing the weekly news conference, Utkan said consultations between French defense companies and Turkey were postponed due to the progress of the draft resolution.

Utkan said ''we have a strong wish that the draft resolution would not be legalized. We have a process and it is obvious that this process is not concluded.''

Turkey and French Aerospatiale company signed a pre-agreement in March worth of 450 million dollars on the joint production of Eryx anti-tank missiles in Turkey. The agreement was foreseen to be signed between Defense Ministry and Aerospatiale company last week in Satory defense fair in France.

Utkan said news reports that the draft resolution related with the ''so- called genocide on Armenians'' would not be taken into the agenda of the Senate should be met ''cautiously.''

Utkan noted that ''such allegations were made earlier, yet the legalization of the draft resolution is different. This is such a grave situation that France is undertaking responsibility, and we do our best to prevent this.''

Responding to a question, Utkan said no response came from France to the letters send by Turkish authorities but the letter of Hikmet Cetin, Parliament Speaker.

Utkan said, ''we call on Armenian administration to act with responsibility and moderation for the peace and stability of the region.''

[17] POSTPONEMENT OF DELIVERY OF S-300 MISSILES

Necati Utkan, Foreign Ministry Spokesman said that the S-300 missiles were an element of threat and that it was very natural to take measures when a threat is forwarded.

Utkan said, ''all parts of the missiles should be complete in order to be functional.''

[18] DRAFT RESOLUTION ON SO-CALLED GENOCIDE ON ARMENIANS - TURKISH CITIZENS IN FRANCE TO STAGE PROTEST DEMONSTRATION IN PARIS

The Union statement said the demonstration in question would take place on June 20 in ''Esplanede des Invalid'' square between 15:00 and 19:00.

The statement called on Turkish citizens living in France and Europe to participate in the protest.

The draft resolution which was recognized in French Parliament and which required confirmation of the Senate to be legalized, foresees recognition of so-called genocide on Armenians by France.

[19] CONTACTS OF BRITISH TRADE DELEGATION IN ANKARA - DTM UNDERSECRETARY EGE: - ''TURKEY WANTS TO FURTHER INCREASE THE FOREIGN TRADE VOLUME WITH BRITAIN'' - STATE MINISTER CELEBI: - ''I BELIEVE THE INFLATION WILL DECREASE TO ONE-DIGIT NUMBERS IN THE YEAR 2000''

Addressing a seminar organized at the Treasury Undersecretariat to brief the Turkish-British Trade and Investment Delegation on the Turkish economy, Undersecretary Ege said that Turkey since the early 1980s started to implement important structural changes to increase the growth rate and employment by liberalizing her economy. ''Within this framework, the Turkish economy gained external structure,'' he added.

Recalling that the exports of Turkey was 26 billion US dollars and imports was 47 billion US dollars last year, Ege said the exports were expected to reach 29 billion US dollars and the imports to 50 billion US dollars in 1998.

Stressing that the commercial and industrial relations between Turkey and Britain were further improving and diversified, Ege said that Britain was now in the fourth place in Turkey's exports and in fifth place in imports to Turkey.

Pointing out that the trade volume between the two countries last year reached 4.2 billion US dollars, Ege said that a total of 1.2 billion US dollars of foreign trade deficit was created against Turkey due to 2.6 billion US dollars of imports from Britain.

Sir Jeremy Hanley, the Chairman of the British Trade and Investment delegation, said that the British businessmen were defining Turkey as the door to Caucasus and the Central Asia.

Determining Turkey as the 16th biggest economy in the world, Hanley said that the cooperation between the Turkish and the British businessmen were further increasing and that the joint projects being implemented in the Turkmenistan's capital of Ashkabat were the best evidences.

Recalling that the exports of Britain to Turkey last year increased by 13 percent and the trade volume increased to 2.8 billion British pounds, Hanley said, ''we are now here to further increase this amount.''

Meanwhile, Isin Celebi, the Minister of State, answered the questions of reporters before attending the meeting with the British delegation.

Celebi said that the government would achieve its inflation target at the end of the year.

Celebi said that the IMF had positive views and opinions over the Turkish economy and that the interest rates started to decrease, adding that they would reach the targeted inflation rate by protecting and increasing the serious discipline in the economy.

Responding to a question, Celebi said the issue of early election would not affect themselves and they would continue to implement exactly the same economic programme.

State Minister Isin Celebi then attended the meeting and said in the meeting that Turkey, in the near future, would take part in the energy corridor between the Caspian Sea region and the western countries. Celebi called the British entrepreneurs to make investments in especially energy field and to participate in the privatization.

State Minister Celebi said that the financial deficit would drop to a specified level in near future with the macroeconomic programme being implemented.

Noting that they aimed at a budget surplus excluding interest and a sustainable inflation decrease with a medium-term programme, Celebi said that the targeted growth rate in the basis of the Gross National Product between 1998-2000 was four percent again within the framework of a medium- term programme.

Following his speech, State Minister Isin Celebi replied the questions of the British delegation members.

Responding to a question, Celebi said that the European Union (EU) and the Customs Union increased the foreign trade of Turkey, stressing that the Customs Union increased the competition power of small and medium-scale enterprises.

When asked whether or not the inflation will decrease to one-digit numbers, Celebi said, ''yes, I believe the inflation will decrease to one-digit numbers in the year 2000.''

[20] TURKISH-GREEK RELATIONS - RESPONSE FROM UTKAN TO GREEK AUTHORITIES: ''REPPAS IS USED TO MAKE UNNECESSARY AND UNSUITABLE RESEMBLANCES''

Addressing the regular weekly press conference, Utkan interpreted the words of Reppas who said ''Turkey by calling for Madrid Statement to turn into an agreement makes eastern trick.'' Utkan said Turkey expressed astonishment towards the statement of Reppas, adding that ''unfortunately the spokesman gets used to made unnecessary and unsuitable resemblances.''

''It is possible to name the masterpieces which Greek language gave to world litarature yet usage of the word 'eastern trick' so easily is an unsuitable attitude,'' Utkan said, adding that he did not want to be involved in the same attitude.

Utkan said Turkey abided by its commitments and expected similar attitude from Greece.

Pangalos, Greek Foreign Minister, speaking to a private TV channel said he did not consider Rauf Denktas, TRNC President, as an esteemed interlocutor in the international community and that he regarded Turkish Cypriots as minority.

Utkan said ''bad word belongs to its owner'', adding that Denktas was the elected President of TRNC and leader of Turkish Cypriot people. Utkan said it is not possible to discuss respectability of Denktas in international community.

Utkan said Turkish Cypriot people are one of the owners of the island and they do not give concessions about self-determination and equal sovereignity rights. Turkish Cypriot people lives in the state they established and will not give up their equal partnership rights.

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