Anadolu Agency: News in English, 98-06-17

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

17 JUNE 1998

CONTENTS

[01] US SECRETARY OF STATE ALBRIGHT: ''WE STRONGLY SUPPORT TURKEY'S DESIRE TO BE A PART OF EU''

[02] ANKARA PROTESTS LANDING OF GREEK WAR PLANES AT BAF AIRBASE

[03] PRESIDENT DEMIREL RECEIVES OECD SECRETARY GENERAL JOHNSTON

[04] IMF DELEGATION IN ANKARA - PROBABLE ''SPECIAL AGREEMENT'' TO BE DISCUSSED IN THE CONTACTS

[05] CARDIFF SUMMIT - FOREIGN MINISTER CEM: ''POSITIVE DEVELOPMENTS RECORDED AT CARDIFF SUMMIT FOR TURKEY''

[06] TRNC PRESIDENT DENKTAS CONDEMNS LANDING OF GREEK PLANES AT BAF - ''IT IS AN ACTION THREATENING PEACE AND STABILITY THAT SHOULDN'T BE TOLERATED''

[07] REPERCUSSIONS OF EU'S DECISION ON BANNING IMPORTS OF AQUACULTURAL PRODUCTS - YUVALI, CHAIRMAN OF TURKISH AQUACULTURE FOUNDATION: - ''TURKEY TAKES THIS ISSUE SERIOUSLY''

[08] PARLIAMENTARY RESEARCH COMMISSION DISCUSSES REPORT RELATED TO TURKISH- EU RELATIONS - AKARCALI: ''THE RELATIONS BETWEEN THE EU AND TURKEY BECAME A SLAVE OF GREECE'' - KELES: ''THE EU IS NOT SINCERE WITH TURKEY'' - BEYRELI: ''THE ATMOSPHERE IS SUITABLE FOR RE-EVALUATING THE RELATIONS''

[09] FIRST TURKISH REPUBLICS LOCAL ADMINISTRATIVE CONVENTION

[10] TURKEY-NARCOTICS - 34 KG OF HEROIN AND HISTORICAL WORKS OF ART SEIZED

[11] SYMPOSIUM ON ''MINING IN CENTRAL ASIA AND CAUCASUS'' - PRESIDENT DEMIREL SENDS MESSAGE: - ''MINERALS AND OTHER NATURAL RESOURCES CONSTITUTE THE BASIC ELEMENT OF INDUSTRIALIZATION''

[12] TURKEY-PRESS REVIEW (1)

[13] TURKEY-PRESS REVIEW (2)

[14] TURKEY-PRESS REVIEW (3)

[15] PENTAGON VISIT FROM TURKEY AND GREECE - GEN. KARADAYI AND COHACOPULOS DUE TO VISIT US - PEACE AND STABILITY IN THE AEGEAN AND TENSION ON CYPRUS ON THE AGENDA

[16] COUNCIL OF STATE DOESN'T GIVE PERMISSION FOR THERMAL POWER PLANTS AND POINTS OUT THAT THEY HAVE NEGATIVE EFFECTS ON ENVIRONMENT

[17] TALAY, CULTURE MINISTER: ''TURKISH REPUBLICS HAVE VERY RICH NATURAL RESOURCES''

[18] FIRST FIVE-MONTH BUDGET DEFICIT WAS 1.4 QUADRILLION TURKISH LIRAS

[19] SEZGIN, DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER RECEIVES IRANIAN DEPUTY INTERIOR MINISTER BOLADIAN

[20] CARDIFF SUMMIT - FOREIGN MINISTER CEM: ''THERE IS A SPECIFIC DEVELOPMENT IN CARDIFF BUT I DON'T EXAGGERATE THIS''

[21] EXPORTS OF AGRICULTURAL GOODS TO THE US REACHED 6.9 MILLION US DOLLARS IN FIRST FIVE MONTHS

[22] FLOOD IN HIZAN - FIVE PEOPLE WOUNDED WHEN A HOUSE COLLAPSED

[23] CONTACTS OF IMF DELEGATION IN TURKEY

[24] PRESIDENT DEMIREL TO LEAVE FOR MOLDOVA

[25] OFFICIAL CONTACTS BETWEEN TURKISH-CROATIAN DELEGATIONS FROM THE MINISTRIES OF INTERIOR - BASESGIOGLU, THE MINISTER OF INTERIOR: ''DRUGS ARE FINANCIAL SOURCE OF TERRORISM''

[26] ''CARETTA CARETTA''S IN IZTUZU - CARETTA CARETTAS COME LATE BECAUSE OF THE BAD WEATHER CONDITIONS - WIRE CAGES PROTECT EGG NESTS OF TURTLES AGAINST BEASTS OF PREY - 5,275 BABY TURTLES SUCCEED IN REACHING SEA IN 1997

[27] NUMBER OF THE TOURISTS VISITING ADIYAMAN INCREASES

[01] US SECRETARY OF STATE ALBRIGHT: ''WE STRONGLY SUPPORT TURKEY'S DESIRE TO BE A PART OF EU''

Addressing the US Senate Allocations Sub-Committee, Albright briefed about the US foreign policy and mentioning the Middle East she said that the US was resolved to prevent Iraq from being a threat to her neighbours.

Mentioning the European issue, Albright emphasized that they supported the expansion of the EU, adding ''we strongly support expansion of Central and Eastern Europe and Turkey's desire to be a part of the EU.''

[02] ANKARA PROTESTS LANDING OF GREEK WAR PLANES AT BAF AIRBASE

The Foreign Ministry statement recalled the statements of the Greek Cypriot spokesman that the Greek warplanes landed at the Baf Airbase within the framework of the implementation of the Greek-Greek Cypriot joint military doctrine.

The statement said ''the starting of the Greek planes to use the Baf Military Airbase is an extremely grave and provocative development aimed at distorting the security and stability on the island.''

It said ''as a guarantor country, we protest the situation and stress that we will take all required measures which this development may require.''

[03] PRESIDENT DEMIREL RECEIVES OECD SECRETARY GENERAL JOHNSTON

The Presidential Press Center said in a written statement that President Demirel stressed in the meeting that the OECD for the last 30 years provided an opportunity for its European, North American and Pacific members, which share the pluralist democracy and free market economy principles based on human rights and freedom, to compare and develop their economic and social policies.

Pointing out that the Turkish people are also pleased with the services of the OECD for Turkey, President Demirel said that within this framework, the programmes, which were being implemented by the OECD for the Eastern European and Central Asian countries, that are in the transition period to a free market economy, are also very useful and beneficial.

The OECD, which is one of the basic organs for cooperation among the Western countries, now as 29 members and have the attribute of a negotiation and research forum where the economic and commercial issues are discussed.

The OECD is the only organization where the US, the European Union (EU) and Japan, which are accepted as the world's three largest economies, discuss the international economic issues and seek joint solutions for these issues together with their Western partners.

Turkey is one of the 20 founder-members of the organization.

[04] IMF DELEGATION IN ANKARA - PROBABLE ''SPECIAL AGREEMENT'' TO BE DISCUSSED IN THE CONTACTS

The IMF delegation will start its contacts on Wednesday by meeting with the high-level bureaucrats at the Undersecretariat of the Treasury.

The issue of ''signing a special agreement'', which will be based on the existing economic programme and will be different from the classical agreements of the IMF, will be discussed during the contacts of the IMF delegation led by Hardy.

The agreement foresees technical and credibility support from the IMF while it doesn't include loans, and it has the status of the ''Staff Monitored Programme''.

The agreement including the ''Staff Monitored Programme'' is foreseen to be signed in July, if the negotiations, which will continue until 22 June, will bring positive results.

Meanwhile, the statistics for the three-month periods concerning the Turkish economy will be reviewed and the outline of the 1999 budget will be discussed.

The agreement is expected to be signed if the sides reach an agreement on the targets and also the IMF is expected to announce it accepts the programme implemented in Turkey.

An IMF delegation led by Martin Hardy had visited Turkey on 28 April and made regular consultations in accordance with Article 4 of the IMF agreement for the next 12 days.

Stanley Fischer, the Vice Chairman of the IMF, visited Turkey early in June as the official guest of Gunes Taner, the Minister of State, and gave positive messages for the Turkish economy.

[05] CARDIFF SUMMIT - FOREIGN MINISTER CEM: ''POSITIVE DEVELOPMENTS RECORDED AT CARDIFF SUMMIT FOR TURKEY''

During the negotiations on the report related to the Turkish-EU relations in Parliamentary General Assembly, Cem briefed about the outcomes of the Cardiff Summit and evaluated the results for Turkey.

Cem said that the EU issue was very important and a difficult issue for Turkey, but added that this shouldn't become an obsession. ''We should know that Turkey's horizons are very broad and that the EU has an important place in this horizon.''

Cem said that the EU issue should be regarded as a mathematical calculation for the interest of our people, adding that Turkey should approach the decisions taken at the Cardiff Summit cautiously.

Noting that within the decisions of the Cardiff Summit Turkey was mentioned as a ''membership candidate'', Cem said that the European Commission would prepare a proposal for the implementation of the strategy to prepare Turkey for full membership.

Cem said that it was mentioned in the decisions of the Cardiff Summit that a report will be prepared for all the candidates by the end of 1998 and that a similar report would be prepared for Turkey.

Cem said he didn't have the impression from the outcomes of the Cardiff Summit that the EU lifted the distance it had put between the EU and Turkey, adding that Turkey should continue to approach the issue cautiously.

Foreign Minister Cem said that the government's cautious policies should be carried out, ''we should respond to the positive attitudes and approaches.''

[06] TRNC PRESIDENT DENKTAS CONDEMNS LANDING OF GREEK PLANES AT BAF - ''IT IS AN ACTION THREATENING PEACE AND STABILITY THAT SHOULDN'T BE TOLERATED''

Denktas stressed that this was an act threatening peace and stability and that it shouldn't be tolerated.

Noting that the TRNC would bring the issue to the attention of the international community, Denktas said ''the Greek Cypriot administration, within the framework of its known policy to escalate tension and not to give a chance for reconciliation, allowed the Greek warplanes to land at the Baf Airbase, which it allocated to Greece.

Denktas said that this act, which was made under the name of the Joint Defense Doctrine, contradicted with the core of the 1960 agreements, adding ''the TRNC and its guarantor country Turkey are free to take every kind of measures against this recent activity of Greece and the Greek Cypriot side which proved that they didn't retreat from their determination to own Cyprus. I condemn and protest this incident on behalf of the TRNC.''

Four F-16 type warplanes belonging to the Greek Air Forces and a C-130 type cargo plane landed at the Baf Airbase and the Greek Cypriot defense ministry spokesman said that the planes landed within the context of the Joint Defense Doctrine to evaluate the capacity of the air base.

Also, a meeting took place between the military officials of the Greek and Greek Cypriot side.

[07] REPERCUSSIONS OF EU'S DECISION ON BANNING IMPORTS OF AQUACULTURAL PRODUCTS - YUVALI, CHAIRMAN OF TURKISH AQUACULTURE FOUNDATION: - ''TURKEY TAKES THIS ISSUE SERIOUSLY''

Yuvali told the A.A correspondent that a crisis-desk was established within the structure of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs shortly after the decision of the EU and that the officials from the Ministry and Foundation were working together.

Pointing out that these officials were visiting and making observations at the facilities having permits to realize production and exports of aquacultural products, Yuvali said, ''the observations started ten days ago and will be concluded by the end of this week. The observation unit includes chemists, agricultural engineers and aquaculturists. The export records of these facilities are being observed and the deficiencies of these facilities are being determined. Some of these facilities were closed, while the observation-unit reprimanded some others. The facilities, which were warned, will be inspected again.''

''The product-grounds for the collecting of mussels will be re-inspected. The product and good collecting grounds analysis reports will be sent to the EU twice a month,'' he added.

The exports of aquaculture to the EU in 1993 were 52 million US dollars and increased to 64.2 million US dollars in 1994; to 71.3 million US dollars in 1995 and to 85.8 million US dollars in 1996. The exports in 1997 were 86 million US dollars.

Turkey imported 13 million US dollars in aquacultural products from the EU in 1995, while these imports reached 20 million US dollars in 1996.

[08] PARLIAMENTARY RESEARCH COMMISSION DISCUSSES REPORT RELATED TO TURKISH- EU RELATIONS - AKARCALI: ''THE RELATIONS BETWEEN THE EU AND TURKEY BECAME A SLAVE OF GREECE'' - KELES: ''THE EU IS NOT SINCERE WITH TURKEY'' - BEYRELI: ''THE ATMOSPHERE IS SUITABLE FOR RE-EVALUATING THE RELATIONS''

Birgen Keles, the Republican People's Party (CHP) Izmir Deputy, disclosing the CHP's views about the report said that the EU approached Turkey with prejudice, implemented double standards and that it wasn't sincere with Turkey. Keles also said that Turkey should overcome her deficiencies in the field of human rights and democracy.

Bulent Akarcali, the Motherland Party (ANAP) Istanbul Deputy, speaking on behalf of his party group said that the relations between Turkey and EU became a slave of Greece. He said that Greece struggled against Turkey ''being a diplomatically mature and common sensed country, Turkey should use all the means.''

Akarcali said that Turkey didn't expend the required efforts to exhibit what Greece is to the whole world.

Sumer Oral, the Chairman of the Research Commission said that it was early to make an evaluation about the effects of the Customs Union on the economy, adding that the EU failed to fulfill its commitments stemming from the Customs Union, adding that the required steps for financial and institutional cooperation weren't taken. Oral said that the EU should give up implementing a double standard to renew confidence in the union. He said that the EU shouldn't make demands which Turkey can't fulfill.

Ali Rahmi Beyreli, speaking on behalf of the Democratic Left Party (DSP) group, said that the EU was prejudiced and hypocritical towards Turkey and pointed out, ''it isn't possible to say that relations between Turkey and EU will be positive in a short time. The discrimination which EU has implemented on us will never end. However, the atmosphere is suitable for re-evaluating the relations.''

Beyreli said that the EU started the full membership negotiation process with 11 countries, adding that most of these countries were behind Turkey on economic, democratic and human rights subjects.

Meanwhile, Hasan Dikici, the Virtue Party (FP) deputy proposed having a referendum for EU full membership.

Dikici said that Greece's greatest trump card against Turkey was the EU full membership and used it at every opportunity, adding that another target of Greece was to realize the dream of Enosis (the union of Cyprus with Greece) by using the EU.

Dikici defended that in case Turkey enters the EU before ensuring macroeconomic balances, then the industrialists wouldn't be able to adjust to it, adding that an instable political and economic atmosphere prevented investments that will be made in the country.

Mahmut Yilbas, Group leader of the Democratic Turkey Party (DTP) said that Turkey was kept waiting at the door of the EU for years. Yilbas pointed out that giving concessions on Cyprus or in the Aegean would be out of the question for EU full membership.

[09] FIRST TURKISH REPUBLICS LOCAL ADMINISTRATIVE CONVENTION

Addressing the opening of the Convention, Basesgioglu said that very large developments were recorded in technology and communications today, adding that regional and international cooperation had gained importance.

Basesgioglu said that countries, which met the danger of being excluded from the blocks established by the developed countries, decided to set up ''regional units'' and that they reach a stronger position with this cooperation.

Noting that the Turkish Republics played the role of a ''bridge'' between two larger economic blocks, Basesgioglu said ''the policies of the 20th century are based on the sovereignty of Eurasia. International developments show that this fact will be continued in the 21st century.''

Basesgioglu said the adoption of joint decisions that will be issued at the convention and their implementations are very important. This convention is staged as the first stage in the process for establishing a cooperation between the local administrations of the Turkish Republics, revealing administrative, economic, social problems, increasing dialogue and communications between the local administrations, providing continuous communications and discussions of the required measures.

Meanwhile, Ahat Andican, the Minister of State, said that very important developments were recorded when the Turkish Republics gained independence in 1991 and the concept of the ''Turkish World'' was issued.

[10] TURKEY-NARCOTICS - 34 KG OF HEROIN AND HISTORICAL WORKS OF ART SEIZED

Security teams, acting on a tip-off, stopped a truck going from southeastern Hakkari Province to Istanbul.

The haul was found hidden in 64 packages in secret parts of the truck. Also, one king figure and bronze priest statues belonging to the Assyrian period were found in the spare fuel tank.

Huseyin Kecik (27) the driver and Huseyin Hasirci (49) were taken into custody in connection with the incident.

Efforts are underway to capture a person of foreign origin whose name is Emir.

[11] SYMPOSIUM ON ''MINING IN CENTRAL ASIA AND CAUCASUS'' - PRESIDENT DEMIREL SENDS MESSAGE: - ''MINERALS AND OTHER NATURAL RESOURCES CONSTITUTE THE BASIC ELEMENT OF INDUSTRIALIZATION''

Demirel sent a message to the Symposium on ''Mining Investments and Business Opportunities in the Central Asian and Caucasus Countries'', recalling that the target is to realize a rational and productive usage of natural resources with the understanding of sustainable development and without giving rise to environmental pollution and destruction in order to leave a more prosperous world to the next generations.

Stressing that a global consciousness had started to emerge within this perspective, President Demirel stated that he believes the symposium will be an important opportunity to discuss together the issues of integration with the world and sustainable development.

Emphasizing that Eurasia is now in front of the world as a new political and economic reality with its complete opportunities, President Demirel said that the convention of the representatives of the countries in the region on every platform during a period in which the brilliant future of Eurasia is being established, contributes to the development of the common future of the region on a concrete basis.

Pointing out that Istanbul has already become the trade, finance, transportation and communications center of Eurasia, President Demirel stated that the world is aware of the intense activities and experiences of the Turkish entrepreneurs in the regional countries and thus it will be useful to emphasize that the selection of Istanbul was an appropriate and meaningful initiative that will support the achievement of the targets of the symposium.

The symposium, which started on Tuesday and will continue for three days, was organized by the OECD, the Turkish Agency for Cooperation and Development (TIKA) and the World Bank Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA).

The representatives of the international mining companies and the high- ranking officials from the Central Asian, the Balkans and Caucasus countries are participating at the symposium.

[12] TURKEY-PRESS REVIEW (1)

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

OECD POSITIVE ABOUT TURKEY
Donald Johnston, the OECD Secretary-General, who sees developments in the Turkish economy as positive, said yesterday that the Turkish government had given the impression that it wouldn't deviate from its programme and was determined to reduce the rate of inflation. Johnston and an accompanying delegation were received by President Suleyman Demirel at the Presidential Residence yesterday.

Stephen Potter, the OECD Countries' Director, said that the tax and social security reforms, and privatization were in progress and that he believed that these developments would continue. /Sabah/

IMF DELEGATION IN ANKARA
AN IMF delegation led by Martin Hardy, the Chief of the IMF-Turkey Desk, arrived in Ankara yesterday evening to hold meetings regarding a special agreement likely to be signed with Turkey. The delegation will begin its contacts this morning by meeting with high-level bureaucrats at the Undersecretariat of the Treasury. /Sabah/

ENCOURAGING DECISION FOR TURKEY
Decisions made during the Cardiff Summit are regarded as ''hope-inspiring'' by Turkey. The decisions noted that Turkey would be evaluated using the same criteria accorded to the 11 other candidate countries lined-up for full EU membership. Ismail Cem, the Foreign Minister, delivered a speech at the General Assembly of the Turkish Parliament yesterday and said, ''my first impression is that the Turkish-EU relations are on the way to a relative improvement. Furthermore, there is an intention to extend aid to Turkey which Greece couldn't block. These are all positive developments''. Cem pointed out that the EU will prepare a report on each candidate country by the end of this year and it was expected that a report would also be prepared for Turkey within this framework.

The ''Cardiff Document'' included an arrangement for economic relations which constitutes an important provision for Turkey from the EU. Tony Blair, the British Prime Minister, requested the EU Commission for the extension of financial aid to Turkey. The financial aid has long been vetoed by Greece. However, after the US President Bill Clinton phoned Greek Prime Minister Kostas Simitis, the EU countries are exerting efforts for the extension of financial aid to Turkey, although Simitis rejected Clinton's proposals which included a more positive stance regarding Turkey. Meanwhile, Madeleine Albright, the US Secretary of State, who delivered a speech at the Appropriations Sub-Committee of the US Senate yesterday, said that they supported Turkey's desire to be a part of Europe. /Sabah/

NATASHA-1 SET FREE
Ambassador Necati Utkan, the Foreign Ministry Spokesman, said in a statement regarding the vessel 'Natasha-1', which was stopped by Turkey at the Dardanelles Straits, that the vessel was carrying a cargo different from the one declared. Utkan added, ''If there is a cargo harmful to the environment, the vessel can be stopped''. Utkan noted that the vessel had been stopped within the framework of the Montreux Agreement and notification systems. Utkan said, ''Notification is a system established to provide security through the straits. The vessels should specify their cargo. In this case, there was a difference between the real cargo and the notified cargo. If a similar situation occurs in the future, the same regulations will be applied again.''

Meanwhile, the Russian Foreign Ministry has pointed out that there is no connection between the Natasha-1 cargo vessel and the contract made with the Greek Cypriot Administration for the delivery of the Russian-made S-300 missiles. A Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesman stated that the vessel was registered in Malta and was carrying Ukrainians, and that the vessel had no connection with Russia. /Sabah/

ONE YEAR IN PRISON FOR FRISULLO
Italian Damiano Giovanni Frisullo, tried at the Diyarbakir State Security Court for his provocative actions against the indivisible integrity of the Republic of Turkey during Nevruz celebrations (Spring Feast of the Vernal Equinox) in Diyarbakir, has been sentenced to one year in prison and a fine of 6.1 billion TL. The court has however postponed the decision for five years. /Sabah/

[13] TURKEY-PRESS REVIEW (2)

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

BOMB EXPLODES IN KARAKOY: 12 INJURED
A bomb exploded yesterday in the Karakoy district of Istanbul leaving 12 people injured. An anonymous person phoned the police and assumed the responsibility of the attack on behalf of the illegal fundamentalist and terrorist IBDA-C organization. /Sabah/

ALI COSKUN JOINS FP
Ali Coskun, who entered the Turkish Parliament as an Istanbul Deputy for the Motherland Party (ANAP), but later resigned and became independent last year, joined the Virtue Party (FP) yesterday. Thus, the number of FP deputies has risen to 145 and the number of independent deputies has decreased to 12. /Sabah/

PKK ATTACK IN VAN
Members of the PKK terrorist organization attacked at Baskale County of Van Province yesterday. However when Turkish security forces retaliated, the terrorists fled. Another group of terrorists who went to nearby Cakirdogan Village stopped a minibus and abducted 13 passengers, but later set eleven of them free. /Sabah/

HIGH MILITARY COUNCIL EXPELS 162 OFFICERS
The High Military Council, chaired by Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz and attended by Ismet Sezgin, the Minister of National Defence, and high level officers and admirals, convened yesterday to discuss ways of halting the growth of Islamic fundamentalism. The Council decided to expel 162 officers from the Turkish Army including those who are involved in radical Islamic movements. /Hurriyet/

2 MILLION ECUs FOR TOURISM EDUCATION

The European Union (EU) will give 2 million ECUs for the construction of a tourism center at Kemer, Antalya. The Tourism Ministry will hold ''Professional Training Projects in Tourism'' in line with the financial agreement signed between Turkey and the EU. Within the project framework it is aimed to establish an international tourism training center at Kemer. It is estimated that the project will cost 2,445,000 ECUs. The EU will provide 2 million ECUs and the remainder will be met by the Turkish government. /Milliyet/

EARLY ELECTION PROTOCOL
According to the protocol signed by Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz and Deniz Baykal, the Chairman of the Republican People's Party (CHP), early elections will be held on 18 or 25 April 1999. Approval by the Parliament will be given before the summer recess. Yilmaz and Baykal will cooperate in the establishment of a new government, but they won't be in the new government. Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz will resign by the end of 1998. /Milliyet/

GREEK F-16S LAND AT GREEK CYPRIOT SIDE
Four Greek F-16 fighter planes and a cargo plane landed at the Baf Airbase at Greek Cypriot side yesterday. This is the first time that military aircraft belonging to Greece have used the Baf Airbase. Andreas Harides, the Greek Cypriot Administration Defense Ministry Spokesman, said that the aircraft were using the airbase in line with the joint defense doctrine between Greece and the Greek Cypriot Administration. He added that they had checked whether the base was available prior to landing.

Turkey has since protested about the use of the base. In a statement from the Turkish Foreign Ministry yesterday, the landings were described as a ''provocative development'' damaging security and stability on the island. It was added that Turkey would take the necessary measures in line with developments as a guarantor state. /Milliyet/Cumhuriyet/

[14] TURKEY-PRESS REVIEW (3)

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

LETTER FROM CLINTON TO DEMIREL
Necati Utkan, the Foreign Ministry Spokesman, said yesterday that US President Bill Clinton had sent a reply to President Suleyman Demirel's letter sent in late May about Turkey's support for the Middle East Peace Process. In his reply, Clinton asked for Turkey's support on the Cyprus issue. Saying that they shared Turkey's anxieties about the Middle East issue, Clinton added in connection with the Cyprus issue that his administartion hoped both sides would meet their responsibilities and that Turkey would take steps towards solving the Cyprus issue.

It was reported that the letter also mentioned Turkish-American relations, the peace process between the Arab world and Israel and human rights issues. /Milliyet/ Cumhuriyet/

STATE MINISTER TURK IN WASHINGTON
Hikmet Sami Turk, the Minister of State Responsible for Human Rights, will meet with Madeleine Albright, the Secretary of State, and Janet Reno, the Secretary of Justice, tomorrow in Washington, D.C. Within the framework of the visit, Turk yesterday met with Steve Block, a consultant of the American Civil Liberties Union, John Shattuck, the US Deputy Secretary of State. /Cumhuriyet/

TOURISM AWARD FOR TURKEY
A poster of Cappadocia, the photographs for which were taken by Mehmet Hengirmen and prepared by the Turkish Tourism Ministry, has won a first prize in Austria. Husnu Gumus, the Undersecretary of the Turkish Embassy in Austria, was presented with the award during a ceremony at which leading media representatives and travel agencies were presented. /Cumhuriyet/

GERMAN PAPER CRITICIZES GERMAN POLICY TOWARDS TURKEY
An editorial in ''Suddeutsche Zeitung'', a German daily, criticizes Germany's policy towards Turkey by stating that Germany assumes a hypocritical stance on human rights issues. Finding fault with German Chancellor Helmut Kohl the paper claims he tries to block Turkey's full EU membership on grounds of human rights violations simply because his government can't openly utter its fears that there would be a mass exodus of Turkish people to Germany if Turkey becomes a full member in the European Union. /Hurriyet/

FRENCH, GREEK MPs RAISE ALLEGED GENOCIDE ISSUE IN EURO-PARLIAMENT

A draft resolution about a so-called genocide on Armenians by Turks, similar to a draft resolution recently presented to that of the French Parliament, was submitted by the Greek and French parliamentarians yesterday to the General Assembly of the European Parliament. The MPs proposed that the draft should be included on the agenda of ''urgent issues'', but a Turkish diplomat's efforts persuaded the chairman to refuse the proposal. The parliamentarians then demanded a vote for its inclusion on today's agenda. /Hurriyet/

[15] PENTAGON VISIT FROM TURKEY AND GREECE - GEN. KARADAYI AND COHACOPULOS DUE TO VISIT US - PEACE AND STABILITY IN THE AEGEAN AND TENSION ON CYPRUS ON THE AGENDA

Kenneth Bacon, the Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs of the US Department of Defense, said that Cohacopulos will meet with William Cohen, the US Secretary of Defense on July 7 and Turkish-Greek relations, peace and stability in the Aegean, the new command system expected to be implemented in the NATO next year and confidence building measures in the Aegean would be discussed during the meeting.

Bacon also said that Kosovo and the situation in the Balkans would also be on the agenda.

Bacon didn't specify the date of Karadayi's arrival in Washington, D.C., but said that Karadayi would meet with Henry Shelton, the US Chief of General Staff. He said the same issues would be taken up between them.

The Pentagon earlier expressed pleasure that Ankara and Athens, as a result of the initiatives of Javier Solana, the NATO Secretary General, said they would implement the Yilmaz-Papulias Agreement dated 1988, which is named for the then Turkish and Greek Foreign Ministers.

The US administration now wants to see the concrete implementation of this compromise.

The S-300 missiles will be one of the issues that will be discussed during the visits of Karadayi and Cohacopulos to Washington, D.C.

The US administration many times disclosed that it was against deployment of the Russian-made S-300 missiles at the Greek Cypriot side, as the US believes that any spark that will appear on Cyprus would explode in the Aegean. Despite all her efforts, the US couldn't persuade Athens or the Greek Cypriot side to give up the S-300 missiles.

The possibility of a hot clash between the two allies Turkey and Greece is one of the nightmares of Washington, D.C.

Meanwhile, a Greek journalist, known for his inciting questions, asked a question to Bacon by making a parallelism between the Serbian pressure in Kosovo and the struggle carried out against the separatist terrorist PKK organization in Turkey.

Bacon said Turkey struggled against a separatist terrorist organization, noting that this separatist terrorist organization sytematically attacked Turkish interests and that it was officially declared as a terrorist organization by the US. Bacon said, ''it is an appropriate attitude that Turkey defends herself against terrorists.''

[16] COUNCIL OF STATE DOESN'T GIVE PERMISSION FOR THERMAL POWER PLANTS AND POINTS OUT THAT THEY HAVE NEGATIVE EFFECTS ON ENVIRONMENT

Many people and institutions earlier applied to the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, the Ministry of the Environment and the Mugla Governor's Office to stop the activities of the thermal power plants in Gokova, Yatagan, Kemerkoy and Yenikoy, but their applications were rejected.

Upon this, the institutions applied to the Aydin Administraive Court to annul the rejection and the court decided to stop the activities of thermal power plants.

The concerned ministries and the Mugla Governor's Office appealed the decision of the Aydin Court.

Gurbuz Onbilgin, the Department Chairman of the Council of State, said they rejected the request for appeal and ratified the decision of the Aydin court. The department also pointed out that waste gases would have a negative effect on the environment as they didn't have filters.

[17] TALAY, CULTURE MINISTER: ''TURKISH REPUBLICS HAVE VERY RICH NATURAL RESOURCES''

Addressing a dinner given to the Culture Ministers of the countries which participate at the ''10th Term Meeting of the Permanent Council of Ministers of Culture of the Turkish Speaking Countries'' Talay said, ''we all form a very strong power as we have very close economic and political relations. We won't leave our roots and will preserve our richness.''

Talay also said that an additional 64 billion Turkish Liras will be added to this years allocation for the rehabilitation of the Antalya Museum.

The Ministers of Culture from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Baskurdistan, Hakasya, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) and Tatarstan are participating at the Council meeting.

[18] FIRST FIVE-MONTH BUDGET DEFICIT WAS 1.4 QUADRILLION TURKISH LIRAS

According to the budget implementation results announced by the Ministry of Finance's Directorate General of Accounts, a total of 5 quadrillion 594 trillion TL in expenditures was realized from the budget. A total of 2 quadrillion 496 trillion TL of the total expenditures was used for the domestic borrowing interest payments, while 177 trillion TL was used for the payment of foreign debt interest. A total of 528 trillion TL was transferred to the social security institutions, while the total transfer expenditures reached 3 quadrillion 794 trillion TL. The annual increase in the transfer expenditures was 176.8 percent.

A total of 1 quadrillion 403 trillion TL was spent for the personnel expenditures, while the other current expenditures reached 233 trillion TL and a total of 164 trillion TL in investments were realized during this period.

The budget revenues in the first five months of 1998 reached 4 quadrillion 123 trillion TL. These total revenues were composed of 3 quadrillion 248 trillion TL in tax income; 420 trillion TL in normal income excluding taxex; 387 trillion TL in special income and funds and 68 trillion TL in added budget income. The tax income increased by 124.6 percent in the first five months of 1998 compared with the same period in 1997.

Thus, the budget expenditures in the January-May 1998 period increased by 146 percent, while the increase in budget revenues remained at 136.3 percent. The average of budget revenues meeting budget expenditures was calculated to be 73.7 percent as of the end of May 1998.

Meanwhile, the budget surplus was 1.2 quadrillion TL when the interest payments were taken into consideration.

The budget expenditures and revenues in the first five months of 1998, and their increase compared with last year are as follows:

Amount Increase compared

BUDGET ENTRIES (Trillion TL) with last year

(percent)

------------------ --------------- ------------------
EXPENDITURES 5,594 146.0
-Personnel 1,403 95.6

-Other Current 233 165.8

-Investments 164 67.1

-Transfers 3,794 176.8

.Domestic Bor. Int. 2,496 260.1

.Foreign Debt Intere. 177 75.7

.Transfer to SEEs* 61 58.8

.State Enterprises 11 431.2

.Refusal and returns 184 179.5

.Pension Fund 222 109.4

.SSK** 158 15.3

.Bag-Kur*** 148 224.2

.Other transfers 337 85.3

INCOMES 4,123 136.3
-Tax Incomes 3.248 124.6

-Nor. inco. except tax 420 227.1

-Special Inco. and funds 387 171.3

-Added budget spec. inco. 68 142.3

*SEEs: State Economic Enterprises

SSK: Social Security Administration

*Bag-Kur: Social Security Agency for Artisans and Self-Employed

[19] SEZGIN, DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER RECEIVES IRANIAN DEPUTY INTERIOR MINISTER BOLADIAN

Addressing a meeting with Gholamhossein Boladian, the Iranian Deputy Minister of the Interior, and an accompanying delegation Sezgin said that the Ambassadors began their duties in 1997 after the tension experienced between Turkey and Iran.

Noting that security issues in particular are very important in this period, Sezgin said, ''we have been carrying out activities to struggle against organized crimes, struggle against terrorism and drug trafficking, to prevent infiltrations from borders and illegal immigration.''

He said ''I hope and wish that such meetings will contune and friendship between Turkey and Iran would be maintained as it was in the past.''

Meanwhile, Boladian said his visit to Ankara will bring liveliness and add momentum to the Turkish-Iranian relations which were stagnant for two years.

[20] CARDIFF SUMMIT - FOREIGN MINISTER CEM: ''THERE IS A SPECIFIC DEVELOPMENT IN CARDIFF BUT I DON'T EXAGGERATE THIS''

Speaking to reporters on the issue, Cem said that the Turkish-European Union (EU) relations were put into a clearer framework at Cardiff, adding that Turkey approached the EU issue cautiously.

Cem said ''our government has a policy and it will continue. Turkey's candidacy position has been clarified at Cardiff. It seems that Turkey entered into the natural process of candidacy. The EU is of course an important target for Turkey, but our horizon isn't only this. Turkey will continue to improve her foreign policy according to her own interests.''

[21] EXPORTS OF AGRICULTURAL GOODS TO THE US REACHED 6.9 MILLION US DOLLARS IN FIRST FIVE MONTHS

The total exports in the same period last year was 5 million 586 thousand US dollars.

The officials from the Southeastern Anatolia Exporters' Union told the A.A correspondent that they exported 5 million 54 thousand US dollars of dried fruits and 1 million 916 thousand US dollars of textile products to the US in the January-May 1998 period.

Officials said that they exported especially dried apricots, cotton thread, towels, cotton and knitted textiles and pistachio nuts to the US.

Meanwhile, a total of 772 thousand US dollars of goods were exported to Canada and 47 thousand US dollars of products to Brazil in the same period.

[22] FLOOD IN HIZAN - FIVE PEOPLE WOUNDED WHEN A HOUSE COLLAPSED

It was reported that heavy rain, which started late on Tuesday and continued until morning caused a flood in Hizan center, Gokcimen, Sirmakcik and Kapisu Villages.

A house belonging to Resit Itmec in Gokcimen Village collapsed due to intense rain and flooding. Five people in the house were immediately hospitalized.

The main Hizan-Tatvan highway was closed to transportation due to the flood.

Meanwhile, it was reported that storms and hail caused financial damage in Tercan County in eastern Erzincan Province.

Mustafa Tutulmaz, the Governor, said the storm and hail which started on Tuesday evening was strong in Kurukok Village in Tercan County.

He said that electricity and telephone communications were cut off, adding that the necessary aid would be extended to the citizens.

[23] CONTACTS OF IMF DELEGATION IN TURKEY

The IMF delegation led by Hardy started its contacts in Turkey by visiting the Undersecretariat of the Treasury and meeting with the delegation of high-level bureaucrats led by Yener Dincmen, the Undersecretary of the Treasury.

Speaking to reporters prior to the meeting at the Undersecretariat of the Treasury, Martin Hardy said, ''we will observe the programme implemented by the government at specified periods. We will follow-up the realization of this and announce its results to the world.''

When asked whether or not they would give moral and credibility support to Turkey, Hardy said that they would discuss this issue during their contacts in Turkey.

''I stated during my previous visit that there were several encouraging developments in the Turkish economy and inflation had entered a declining trend. We believe the anti-inflation programme will continue. We foresee a harmonized continuity of the government's programme,'' he said.

When asked what would be the outcome of the staff monitoring programme if the government will have general elections next year, Hardy said, ''we believe the government will continue its economic programme. Thus, general elections won't affect the staff monitoring programme.''

Pointing out that Gunes Taner, the Minister of State, would leave for Washington, D.C., next week to sign a loan agreement with the World Bank, Hardy said that Taner would also hold contacts with the IMF, adding ''the negotiations will continue also in Washington, D.C., next week.''

[24] PRESIDENT DEMIREL TO LEAVE FOR MOLDOVA

The Foreign Ministry said in a written statement that the positive bilateral relations between the two countries will be evaluated from all aspects and the two presidents will discuss steps which will further improve these relations during the visit of President Demirel to Moldova.

The statement noted that the two presidents will also exchange views about regional and international issues.

[25] OFFICIAL CONTACTS BETWEEN TURKISH-CROATIAN DELEGATIONS FROM THE MINISTRIES OF INTERIOR - BASESGIOGLU, THE MINISTER OF INTERIOR: ''DRUGS ARE FINANCIAL SOURCE OF TERRORISM''

Ivan Penic, the Croatian Minister of the Interior, who came to Izmir on Tuesday to hold contacts here, said that he was deeply influenced by the speech of Murat Basesgioglu in New York, adding ''Basesgioglu emphasized the fact that first of all countries should struggle against terrorism in order to struggle against drugs. Turkey and Croatia are the countries which are on the transit route of drug trafficking. Both of the countries should cooperate in this field.''

Addressing a meeting held between the Turkish and Croatian delegations, Basesgioglu stated that there isn't any problem between the two countries. Noting that the two countries launch efforts to contribute to the establishment of peace and security in the Balkans and the Middle East, Basesgioglu added ''drugs are the financial source of terrorism. The drug trafficking in Turkey is directed by the separatist terrorist PKK organization, the organization plays an great and effective role in the production and consumption of drugs. Unless we are successful in our struggle against drug trafficking, our success in the struggle against terrorism won't be that meaningful.''

Pointing out that Turkey and Croatia have similar views concerning the Kosovo problem, Basesgioglu said that they think the problem should be solved peacefully without resorting to violence.

Penic, the guest minister pointed out the 400 billion US dollars drug market in the world, adding ''the struggle of the countries which are on the route of drug trafficking isn't enough. The countries where the number of drug addicts are high, should also cooperate with the former countries.''

The Croatian Minister of Interior will return to Ankara the same day.

[26] ''CARETTA CARETTA''S IN IZTUZU - CARETTA CARETTAS COME LATE BECAUSE OF THE BAD WEATHER CONDITIONS - WIRE CAGES PROTECT EGG NESTS OF TURTLES AGAINST BEASTS OF PREY - 5,275 BABY TURTLES SUCCEED IN REACHING SEA IN 1997

Officials from the Institute for the Protection of Special Environments told the A.A correspondent that the Iztuzu coast of 4.5 km that has been taken into the scope of protection of special environments, is being closed to people and boats between 8:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m.

Experts from the Hacettepe University observe the Caretta Caretta turtles that were late because of the bad weather conditions and they try to protect the egg nests of the turtles against the beasts of prey with wire cages.

More than 135 nests were dug by the turtles last year and 5,275 baby turtles succeeded in reaching the sea.

Officials said that they aim to increase this number in 1998.

Caretta Caretta turtles generally live in the Mexican Gulf. The turtles cross the Atlantic Ocean and come to the Mediterranean in order to leave their eggs.

[27] NUMBER OF THE TOURISTS VISITING ADIYAMAN INCREASES

Adiyaman Province increased, it was reported on Wednesday.

Officials told the A.A correspondent that 3,713 tourists, 1,698 of them foreigners, visited Arsemia and Nemrut historical sites during the first two months of the tourism season.

The historical sites were visited by 1,292 tourists including 774 foreigners, in the same period last year.

The Kommagene civilization settled in the region nearly 2000 years ago.

Meanwhile, officials pointed out that the Adiyaman Airport, that was opened for service by Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz, will contribute to the tourism in the region.

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