Anadolu Agency: News in English, 98-06-19

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

19 JUNE 1998

CONTENTS

[01] PENTAGON: - ''WARPLANES SENT TO CYPRUS DAMAGED STABILITY IN THE REGION'' - WHITE HOUSE: ''WE ENCOURAGE TURKEY AND GREECE TO AVOID INCITING ACTIONS''

[02] CONTACTS OF TURK, STATE MINISTER, IN THE US - TURK MEETS WITH ALBRIGHT AND RENO

[03] TURKISH F-16s IN TRNC - SEZGIN, THE DEFENSE MINISTER: ''I DON'T THINK THAT THE TENSION WILL ESCALATE ON CYPRUS''

[04] PARLIAMENTARY DELEGATION FROM BOSNIA HERZEGOVINA IN TURKEY - GUREL, STATE MINISTER, AND SEZGIN, DEFENCE MINISTER RECEIVE THE MEMBERS OF THE DELEGATION

[05] TURKISH F-16s IN TRNC - TURKEY STARTS A DIPLOMATIC ATTACK AGAINST THE GREEK-GREEK CYPRIOT JOINT MILITARY DOCTRINE

[06] PRIME MINISTER YILMAZ IN ROMANIA - YILMAZ ATTENDS THE DINNER GIVEN IN HIS HONOUR BY VASILE, ROMANIAN PRIME MINISTER

[07] OPERATION IN SOUTHEASTERN TURKEY - 18 TERRORISTS KILLED, THREE CAPTURED AND ONE SURRENDERED TO SECURITY FORCES

[08] ECEVIT, DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER: - ''TURKEY WON'T LEAVE THE MILITARY STOCKPILE AT SOUTHERN CYPRUS WITHOUT RESPONSE''

[09] ASHRAH, SECRETARY GENERAL OF EGYPTIAN CHAMBERS OF TRADE INVITES TURKISH BUSINESSMEN TO EGYPT

[10] PRESIDENT DEMIREL: ''TURKEY ISN'T IN A POSITION TO PRESENT AN OLIVE BRANCH IN RETURN FOR BRINGING ARMS TO CYPRUS''

[11] ANNAN, SECRETARY GENERAL OF THE UN, APPOINTS RITTER TO THE THIRD MEMBERSHIP OF ''MISSING PERSONS COMMITTEE OF CYPRUS''

[12] ENGIN CIVAN, WANTED IN TURKEY FOR CORRUPTION, CAPTURED IN THE US

[13] HOLBROOKE, THE US SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE TO CYPRUS : - ''THE DEADLOCK ON CYPRUS CAUSED BY THE ATTITUDE OF TURKISH CYPRIOT SIDE'' - RUBIN, THE SPOKESMAN OF THE US STATE DEPATMENT: ''TURKISH AND GREEK WARPLANES ACCELERATE THE TENSION IN THE REGION''

[14] TURKEY-PRESS REVIEW (1)

[15] TURKEY-PRESS REVIEW (2)

[16] TURKEY-PRESS REVIEW (3)

[17] TURKISH F-16s IN TRNC - TRNC PRIME MINISTER EROGLU: ''IT HAS BEEN ONCE AGAIN SEEN THAT THE TURKISH ARMED FORCES IS THE GUARANTEE OF PEACE AND STABILITY ON CYPRUS, IN THE REGION AND FOR TURKISH CYPRIOT PEOPLE''

[18] STATE MINISTER TANER LEAVES FOR THE US - TANER TO SIGN THE LOAN AGREEMENT OF 300 MILLION US DOLLARS WITH THE WORLD BANK

[19] TURKISH F-16s LEAVE GECITKALE MILITARY AIRPORT

[20] TURKEY AND CANADA SIGN SOCIAL SECURITY CONTRACT

[21] SANBERK, THE TURKISH AMBASSADOR TO BRITAIN: ''WE BELIEVE THAT BRITAIN, AS A GUARANTOR STATE SHOULD APPROACH THE ISSUE BY BEING CONSCIOUS OF HER RESPONSIBILITIES ON THE ISLAND''

[22] CONTACTS OF PRIME MINISTER YILMAZ IN ROMANIA - ROMANIAN PRESIDENT CONSTANTINESCU RECEIVES YILMAZ

[23] ANDICAN, THE STATE MINISTER LEAVES FOR GERMANY

[24] TURKISH PEOPLE LIVING IN FRANCE TO HOLD A DEMONSTRATION IN PARIS IN ORDER TO PROTEST THE DRAFT RESOLUTION CONCERNING THE SO-CALLED GENOCIDE ON ARMENIANS

[25] 10 ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS CAPTURED IN HAMUR

[26] FOREIGN MINISTER CEM RECEIVES TURKISH-EU JOINT CONSULTATION COMMITTEE DELEGATION

[27] TURKEY-IMF RELATIONS - KAVI, THE CHAIRMAN OF ISTANBUL CHAMBER OF INDUSTRY: - ''AGREEMENT THAT WILL BE SIGNED BY TURKEY AND IMF WILL CREATE NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR MEETING THE FOREIGN FINANCE REQUESTS OF TURKEY''

[28] DRUG OPERATION IN IZMIR - SECURITY FORCES SEIZE 100 KG OF HEROIN

[29] PRESIDENT DEMIREL RECEIVES THE TURKISH-EU JOINT CONSULTATION COMMITTEE MEMBERS - DEMIREL: ''TURKEY HAS PROVED DURING THE LAST TWO YEARS THAT HER ECONOMY CAN COMPETE WITH EUROPE''

[30] TURKEY IN BRIEF - 19 JUNE 1998

[01] PENTAGON: - ''WARPLANES SENT TO CYPRUS DAMAGED STABILITY IN THE REGION'' - WHITE HOUSE: ''WE ENCOURAGE TURKEY AND GREECE TO AVOID INCITING ACTIONS''

Kenneth Bacon, the Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs of the US Department of Defense, pointed out that the US is extremely worried about the issue, and stressed, ''we believe that the latest development on the island damaged the stability in the region''.

Noting that the latest situation is a sign of the accerelating tension on the island, Bacon added, ''the US' opposition to the movements aimed at damaging the stability in the Aegean and especially on Cyprus, is known by everyone. William Cohen, the US Secretary of Defense, emphasized it during his visits to Turkey and Greece''.

Mike McCurry, the Press Secretary of the White House, said that they are aware of the Turkey's and Greece's worries about Cyprus, adding ''we encourage both sides to avoid actions that can be understood by the other as inciting''.

McCurry stressed, ''the US believes that ways of ending the tension in the Aegean will be found together and in the framework of the NATO''. He also added that the mission of Richard Holbrook, the US Special Representative to Cyprus who became candidate for the US Permanent Ambassador to the United Nations, will be maintained in order to find a peaceful solution to the Cyprus problem.

[02] CONTACTS OF TURK, STATE MINISTER, IN THE US - TURK MEETS WITH ALBRIGHT AND RENO

Turk, who met with John Shattuck, the Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor, twice during his visit to the US, will address a press conference later today.

[03] TURKISH F-16s IN TRNC - SEZGIN, THE DEFENSE MINISTER: ''I DON'T THINK THAT THE TENSION WILL ESCALATE ON CYPRUS''

Responding to the questions of journalists, Ismet Sezgin said that Greece is in an offensive attitude and there is a threat directed against the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), Turkey and the Eastern Mediterranean. Sezgin stressed that this attitude of Greece constitutes a chain of the policy of Hellenisation of the island.

''We are taking all kinds of necessary measures, however the international public opinion should first of all see from where the agression is coming, '' Sezgin said.

Recalling that the NATO, the US, Britain and France opposed the deployment of the S-300 missiles on the island, Sezgin pointed out, ''we believe our problems will be solved peacefully. We won't permit the disturbance of balances in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean. We'll carry out our mission in order to fulfill our guarantorship rights on the island stemming from the Agreements. I don't think that Greece will continue with her agressive attitude, this will be madness.''

[04] PARLIAMENTARY DELEGATION FROM BOSNIA HERZEGOVINA IN TURKEY - GUREL, STATE MINISTER, AND SEZGIN, DEFENCE MINISTER RECEIVE THE MEMBERS OF THE DELEGATION

Addressing the meeting, Sezgin said that the visit of the parliamentary delegation of Bosnia-Herzegovina will help to improve the relations between the two countries. He added that Turkey is proud of Bosnia which is trying to bury the bad traces of the civil war rapidly.

Sezgin stressed that Turkey supported and will continue to support Bosnia in order to stop bloodshed and cruelties, to provide peace and stability in the region, and to help with economic development. He said that Turkey found the extension of the misson period of the Stability Force (SFOR) very positive.

Avo Champara and Ivo Lazanchic thanked Turkey for her support to Bosnia- Herzegovina, and pointed out that they want to increase cooperation with Turkey in the civilian and military fields. They added that they held productive talks with President Suleyman Demirel, Hikmet Cetin, the Speaker of the Parliament, and the other senior officials.

Meanwhile, Sukru Sina Gurel, the Minister of State, also received Avdo Champara and Ivo Lozancic, the Co-presidents of the Parliament of Bosnia- Herzegovina. No statement was made about the agenda of the meeting.

[05] TURKISH F-16s IN TRNC - TURKEY STARTS A DIPLOMATIC ATTACK AGAINST THE GREEK-GREEK CYPRIOT JOINT MILITARY DOCTRINE

An official from the Foreign Ministry said that the international society hasn't put sufficient pressure on Greece and the Greek Cypriot side up until today. ''They were encouraged by this and revealed their evil-minded attitudes,'' he added.

Describing the landing of the Greek warplanes at the Baphos Airbase and the armament efforts of Greece as ''illegal, aggressive and a policy following the military enosis -unification of Cyprus with Greece-,'' the same official added, ''the actions that have been carried out by Greece and the Greek Cypriot side are directed at damaging the balances set up by the 1960 Treaty. Recently, the joint military operations of Greece and the Greek Cypriot side have all had aggressive targets.''

Noting that Turkey can't stay indifferent to the disturbance of the balances established by the 1960 Treaty, the same official stressed that Turkey paid attention to keeping the flights of the F-16s within a limited area.

Responding to Greece, which accused Turkey of acting against international law and of being an ''occupier,'' the official pointed out that the last country which could talk about international law is Greece. Noting that Turkey fully abides by the principles of international law, the official added that the actions undertaken by Greece are against the 1960 Treaty.

''The only occupier country is Greece in the UN records. Makarios declared it himself,'' he added.

Makarios, who escaped to the US due to the coup staged by Sampson against himself in 1974, had said that the power behind the coup was Greece and had complained about it to the UN.

[06] PRIME MINISTER YILMAZ IN ROMANIA - YILMAZ ATTENDS THE DINNER GIVEN IN HIS HONOUR BY VASILE, ROMANIAN PRIME MINISTER

Meanwhile Yilmaz opened the bank branches that were established by the Turkish companies, and started the construction of a business center in the Romanian capital.

Yilmaz first joined the opening ceremony of the Banca-Turco-Romana main office established by the Bayindir Holding. After that Yilmaz and the accompanying delegation visited the Bayindir-Gima Business Center. The center that will be concluded in June 1999, will be the first international shopping center in Romania.

Addressing the journalist, Yilmaz pointed out that these investments of the Turkish companies in Romania, will set up a new bridge of friendship between Turkey and Romania.

Yilmaz also opened the Bucharest Office of the Global Stock Exchange and Garanti Bank's Bucharest Branch. Officials from the Garanti Bank told the reporters that they aim to play an important role in the trade financing between Turkey and all the European countries.

Sorin Frunzaverde, the Romanian Minister of the Environment, was also in attendance at the ceremonies.

[07] OPERATION IN SOUTHEASTERN TURKEY - 18 TERRORISTS KILLED, THREE CAPTURED AND ONE SURRENDERED TO SECURITY FORCES

The Emergency Region Governor's office said that 18 terrorists were killed in the Yassıdag region at Eruh County of Siirt Province, while three terrorists were captured near Cırpılı Village of Eruh County.

Meanwhile, one terrorist, who was escaping from the terrorist organization, surrendered to security forces in Ovacık County of Tunceli Province.

Operations are underway in the region.

[08] ECEVIT, DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER: - ''TURKEY WON'T LEAVE THE MILITARY STOCKPILE AT SOUTHERN CYPRUS WITHOUT RESPONSE''

Addressing the journalist after he joined the Supreme Consultation Council of the Association of Turkish Industrialists and Businessmen (TUSIAD), Ecevit added that the Turkish Cypriots don't need to worry.

[09] ASHRAH, SECRETARY GENERAL OF EGYPTIAN CHAMBERS OF TRADE INVITES TURKISH BUSINESSMEN TO EGYPT

Addressing a press conference at the Uludag Export Unions, Ashrah gave information about the economic structure of Egypt. He stressed that the fundamental relations between Turkey and Egypt should be improved, adding, ''the commercial relations between the two countries are better than the political relations''.

Pointing out that Turkey connects Asia and Europe to each other and Egypt has a location connecting Asia and Africa, Ashrah told the reporters that these geographical charateristics facilitate the foreign trade relations between Turkey and Egypt.

Stressing that Egypt places great importance on the private sector and foreign investments, Ashrah asked Turkish businessmen to make investments in Egypt. He added that Egypt will be the largest market in the region within ten years, noting that the commercial cooperation between the two countries will provide great contributions to the economies of both countries.

[10] PRESIDENT DEMIREL: ''TURKEY ISN'T IN A POSITION TO PRESENT AN OLIVE BRANCH IN RETURN FOR BRINGING ARMS TO CYPRUS''

Responding to the questions of journalists, President Demirel said that there shouldn't be any weapons on Cyprus. ''A few days ago, an agreement was reached reciprocally in Brussels, in spite of that our neighbour didn't sit still,'' he said.

Demirel stressed that Turkey didn't start the developments on the island and demands come from countries which want to prevent the escalation of tension on the island.

Responding to a question about the claims on the so-called genocide on Armenians which came onto the agenda of the French Parliament, President Demirel said, ''there isn't a direct problem between Turkey and France, our relations are very good. However, we can't understand why France considers an incident which doesn't concern her as a problem between Turkey and France. We can't understand why the French Parliament discusses the events which happened 80 years ago and considers them as a problem today. We have only warned them. There is no problem with France.''

Asked about the response of the French President to his letter, President Demirel stressed ''the French President wrote in the letter that 'the draft law hasn't been approved by the French Senate, but this shouldn't disturb the bilateral relations.' The letter has been written very carefuly. There is no Armenian issue between Turkey and France.''

[11] ANNAN, SECRETARY GENERAL OF THE UN, APPOINTS RITTER TO THE THIRD MEMBERSHIP OF ''MISSING PERSONS COMMITTEE OF CYPRUS''

The Spokesman of the UN stated that Ritter will begin his mission on the island that will last for 18 months as of 15 June.

The ''Missing Persons Committee'' is composed of a Turkish Cypriot member, a Greek Cypriot member and an impartial member. Rustem Tatar represents the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus on the committee and Takis Hristopulos represents the Greek Cypriot Administration.

The Spokesman of Annan pointed out that the appointment of Ritter was decided following the negotiations with the International Red Cross Committee and the related sides.

Annan asked the Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot sides to cooperate with the third member in order to help the committee to continue its activities.

[12] ENGIN CIVAN, WANTED IN TURKEY FOR CORRUPTION, CAPTURED IN THE US

Turk, who met with Janet Reno, the US Minister of Justice, said that the information was given to him by Reno. Turk didn't mention where Civan was arrested.

Turkey officialy asked the US officials on 21 March 1997 to extradite Engin Civan to Turkey because he was wanted in Turkey for corruption. Civan stayed in prison for a while and later he escaped from Turkey.

Turk said that Reno told him that Alaattin Cakıcı, another outlaw, who was wanted by Turkey from the US, ''isn't in the US, but he is in Europe.''

Turk pointed out that he told the American officials that the Turkish government works on new steps in the fields of democracy and human rights and Turkey is very sensitive about the indivisable integrity and secularism of Turkey. Turk also told the American officials that the government launches efforts for new openings in the field of freedom of thought.

Turk added that the American officials told him that they respect the struggle of Turkey against terrorism and her territorial integrity.

[13] HOLBROOKE, THE US SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE TO CYPRUS : - ''THE DEADLOCK ON CYPRUS CAUSED BY THE ATTITUDE OF TURKISH CYPRIOT SIDE'' - RUBIN, THE SPOKESMAN OF THE US STATE DEPATMENT: ''TURKISH AND GREEK WARPLANES ACCELERATE THE TENSION IN THE REGION''

Addressing the journalists about his book on ''To End the War'' concerning Bosnia-Herzegovina, Holbrooke, the architect of the 1995 Dayton Agreement that ended the 3 1/2-year Bosnian war, also responded to the questions about the Cyprus problem. He desribed the latest developments on the island as negative, and added, ''I went to the island twice in a short period as the Special Representative of Bill Clinton. The attitude of the Turkish Cypriot side changed dramatically during my second visit to Cyprus and put some conditions to start peace negotiations such as the recognition of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) as a sovereign state and withdrawal of the Greek Cypriot side's full membership application in the European Union and that caused the current situation on the island''.

Holbrooke noted that the purpose of the US, the UN and the European countries is a federation of two nations on Cyprus. He added that they will do their utmost to provide peace on the island.

James Rubin, the Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs of the US Department of State, pointed out that the existence of Turkish and Greek warplanes on the island accelerates the tension in the region and asked the sides to end such actions.

Rubin emphasized that such military activities of Turkey and Greece don't help to promote peace. He added, ''we urge Greece and Turkey to cease such actions''. He also added that Holbrooke will go to Greece next week to address a graduation ceremony at the American College in Athens and probably hold talks with the senior Greek officials.

[14] TURKEY-PRESS REVIEW (1)

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

DEMIREL TO VISIT MOLDOVA
President Suleyman Demirel will pay an official visit to Moldova between 25 and 26 June as the official guest of Petru Lucinschi, the Moldovan President. The Foreign Ministry said in a written statement yesterday that the positive bilateral relations between the two countries will be evaluated from all aspects and that the two presidents will discuss steps to further improve relations during the visit.

TURKISH F-16s ON NORTHERN CYPRUS

Six Turkish F-16 fighter planes, which were sent to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) yesterday in retaliation for the landing of Greek airplanes in Southern Cyprus, were welcomed by the Turkish Cypriots at the Gecitkale Military Airport. Rauf Denktas, the TRNC President and high-level military officials also welcomed the pilots. Three of the planes later returned to Turkey while the other three planes stayed in Northern Cyprus.

It is reported that Ismail Cem, the Foreign Minister, and Gen. Cevik Bir, the Deputy Chief of General Staff, will go to Cyprus today. Yesterday, meetings were held regarding the Cyprus issue at the Foreign Ministry and Office of the General Staff and the recent situation on Cyprus was assessed. During the meetings it was decided that if any Greek obstruction is encountered, then the strongest reaction will be shown in line with the principle of retaliation.

Foreign Minister Ismail Cem has accused Greece and the Greek Cypriot Administration of preparing a long-term strategy of aggression against Turkey. Greece's military preparations on Southern Cyprus, the illegal joint Greek-Greek Cypriot military doctrine and the S-300 missiles, which they intend to deploy on the island, are clear indications that Southern Cyprus is planned to be used as a springboard for an attack on Turkey'' Cem stated at a press conference. Cem added that Turkey had taken and would continue to take all the necessary countermeasures in order to protect the TRNC and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean. ''Greece will be directly responsible for all the consequences that may occur as the result of the tensions, which actually began on Cyprus'' Cem stressed.

Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz said that he would also ask the guarantor power Britain to help head off a confrontation. Yilmaz stated that he wanted to avoid any increase in tension on the island which could lead to a conflict, adding ''Turkey doesn't want war on Cyprus''. Yilmaz made these comments yesterday in Romania, where he is on an official visit. He said Greece had displayed an aggressive attitude directly against Turkey by landing her military aircarft on Cyprus and by having allowed the Greek Cypriot authorities to transfer ground-to-air missiles to the island. Yilmaz said that Turkey would be using the Gecitkale Airbase in the TRNC more often and would show that the Turkish Cypriots wouldn't be left alone in the face of an emerging joint Greek-Greek Cypriot threat.

James Rubin, the Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs of the US Department of State, said in a statement that Turkey and Greece should avoid activities that could raise tension on the island. /All papers/

ENGIN CIVAN ARRESTED IN US
Hikmet Sami Turk, the Minister of State, who is currently on an official visit to the US, said yesterday that Engin Civan, the former General Director of the Emlakbank, had been arrested in the US according to an agreement between the two countries on the extradition of criminals following an application made by Turkey on March 21, 1997. Engin, who was sentenced to 7.5 years in prison and a fine of 62.5 billion TL for bribery, fled to the US after 1.5 years in prison, and without paying his fine. /Hurriyet/

[15] TURKEY-PRESS REVIEW (2)

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

ASSASSINATION TEAM ARRESTED
Teams from the Istanbul Department for the Struggle Against Terrorism, which are carrying out operations to find and arrest Demir Demirok, the driver of Semih Tufan Gulaltay, who planned and financed the recent attack against Akin Birdal, the Chairman of the Turkish Human Rights' Association, have uncovered plans for another attack. During operations to arrest Demirok at a farmhouse in Yalova, Ekrem Kahtali and Cevdet Kaya, who planned an attack on two noted businessmen who participated in the bidding for the purchase of the Turkish Commercial Bank (Turk Ticaret Bankasi) were arrested. The Istanbul Police noted that in line with information received from Kahtali and Kaya, who are the assistants of Alaattin Cakici, a notorious member of the Turkish underworld, 11 other people were also arrested. /Hurriyet/

TURKEY CAUTIOUS ABOUT ANNULMENT OF ARTICLE 19
Turkey is cautious about the annulment of Article 19 of the Greek Law on Citizenship, which allows for the possibility of depriving people of non- Greek origin of their Greek citizenship. The Foreign Ministry said in a written statement yesterday that the effects have to be seen first concerning the Turkish minority living in Western Thrace. ''We hope this development will be a step taken to stop the discrimination shown towards the Turkish minority in Western Thrace'' noted the statement, adding that the annulment won't have any retroactive effect.

TURKEY PLEASED BY RECONCILIATION IN IRAQ
Turkey has welcomed the reconciliation reached in Iraq concerning the disarmament of Iraq as a result of the contacts of Richard Butler, the Chairman of the UN Special Commission (UNSCOM) responsible for control of weapons of mass destruction, it was reported. The Foreign Ministry said in a written statement that Turkey attributes importance to the solution of the Iraqi problem peacefully and diplomatically, adding, ''Turkey welcomes this development and hopes that the steps to be taken will be successful''.

EXPORT OF AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS TO US
The exports of agricultural products to the US from the Southeastern Anatolia Region in the first five months of 1998 increased by 24.7 percent to 6,970 million US dollars. The total exports in the same period last year came to 5,586 million US dollars. Meanwhile, a total of 772,000 US dollars in products were exported to Canada and 47,000 US dollars in products to Brazil in the same period.

EU-TURKEY JOINT CONSULTATION COMMITTEE
The sixth meeting of the EU-Turkey Joint Consultation Committee that was formed by representatives of the economic and social sectors in Turkey and representatives of the EU Economic and Social Commission, was held yesterday in Ankara. President Suleyman Demirel and Ismail Cem, the Foreign Minister, will receive members of the EU-Turkey Joint Consultation Committee today.

[16] TURKEY-PRESS REVIEW (3)

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

FOREIGN EXCHANGE RESERVES UP
The Central Bank foreign exchange reserves rose to 26,691 billion US dollars. According to the Central Bank data, the foreign exchange reserves, which increased by 320 million US dollars in a week, reached 26,691 billion US dollars on 12 June. /Hurriyet/

STANDARD AND POORS GIVES B RATING TO TURKCELL
One of the leading rating institutions Standard and Poor's have given a B rating to Turkcell for long term credit, and have announced that Turkcell is ''stable''. In a written statement of the institution it was said that an increase in Turkey's rate would increase the grade of Turkcell. The statement said that Turkcell had high operational performance and profits in the Turkish market.

Cuneyt Turktan, the General Director of Turkcell, said that the company had passed the necessary tests and was registered in the international markets. /Sabah/

BLAIR PRAISES TURKEY
Tony Blair, the British Prime Minister, yesterday evaluated the past six- month European Union (EU) term presidency of Britain in the House of Commons. In his speech Blair said he believed that the Cardiff Summit conclusions were positive. He added, ''The Cardiff conclusions reemphasized that Turkey's candidacy to join the EU must be treated on the same basis as other candidates. I hope that decisions made at the summit will remove the obstacles for extending EU financial aid to Turkey.'' /Sabah/

TURKEY, IRAN SIGN SECURITY COOPERATION AGREEMENT
Officials from Turkey and Iran signed a security cooperation agreement late on Wednesday, it was reported. Following the signing ceremony, Yahya Gur, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of the Interior, said that delegations from both countries had discussed various security issues, including the struggle against the illegal narcotics trade and terrorism.

TURKEY PREPARES FOR A LEAP FORWARD IN SCIENCE
Turkey is preparing to be the chief of an organization representing 25 European countries in the field of science, it was reported yesterday. Responsibility for the European Research and Coordination Agency (EURACA) term presidency will be assumed by Suat Karabiyik of Turkey, effective 1 July 1998. In making the announcement, Assistant Prof. Cemil Arik said that the EURACA, an agency which provides technical and financial support to project owners and sponsors and as much as 50 percent of the financing in long-term credits, and stressed that the term presidency represents an historical opportunity for Turkey.

IMF AND TURKEY WORKING ON 18-MONTH ACCORD
Talks concerning the 18-month ''staff monitoring programme'' between the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and Turkey are continuing. Yener Dincmen, the Undersecretary of the Treasury, told journalists at a press conference in Ankara yesterday that negotiations for the accord, called the staff monitoring programme, will be completed in Washington, D.C., next week, after which it will be presented to the IMF Board of Directors. He added, ''The negotiations have been going on for 11 months. The accord will only provide the legal grounds for the actual situation.'' Authorities from the Ministry of Finance, the State Planning Organization, the Central Bank and the Treasury also participated at the meeting with the IMF delegation in Washington, D.C. /Milliyet/

TURKISH SCIENTIST ACCLAIMED IN US
Turkish Scientist Ali Erdemir's discovery of a kind of carbon film plating, which is smoother and more resistant than silver coatings, has been awarded by Discovery, a science magazine in the United States. Erdemir ranked second following Wolfgang Ketterle in a competition which is seen as the ''oscar'' of science. /Cumhuriyet/

[17] TURKISH F-16s IN TRNC - TRNC PRIME MINISTER EROGLU: ''IT HAS BEEN ONCE AGAIN SEEN THAT THE TURKISH ARMED FORCES IS THE GUARANTEE OF PEACE AND STABILITY ON CYPRUS, IN THE REGION AND FOR TURKISH CYPRIOT PEOPLE''

Addressing a written statement about the arrival of the F-16 warplanes and ships belonging to the Turkish Air and Naval Forces in the TRNC, Eroglu pointed out, ''the warplanes and F-16 planes which represent the Turkish Armed Forces in the TRNC have said 'no' to the fait accompli of the Greek- Greek Cypriot front and showed that Turkey and the TRNC won't permit such fait accomplis from now on.''

Meanwhile, addressing a written statement to the A.A, Serdar Denktas, the TRNC Minister of State and Deputy Prime Minister said that the Greek-Greek Cypriot provocations have increased during the recent period, adding ''the Greek and the Greek Cypriot side will be the only ones who will be liable for the results of this escalation of tension on Cyprus, which threatens the regional peace.''

Denktas pointed out that the main target behind the illegal ''joint defense doctrine'' is to settle Greece on Cyprus and the region and this will never be allowed.

Noting that they favour not upsetting the peaceful atmosphere in the region, Denktas added that however this fully depends on Greece and the Greek Cypriot side.

Serdar Denktas stressed that Greece and the Greek Cypriot side should give up the dangerous game they are playing, if this isn't the case, then they will be the ones who will suffer.

[18] STATE MINISTER TANER LEAVES FOR THE US - TANER TO SIGN THE LOAN AGREEMENT OF 300 MILLION US DOLLARS WITH THE WORLD BANK

Officials told the A.A correspondent that the Administrative Board of the World Bank will organize a meetin on 23 June and will approve the 300 million US dollar part of the 600 million US dollars loan that will be given to the Ministry of National Education for the eight year compulsory education in the framework of the Adaptable Project Lending.

The second part of the loan will be given without approval of the Administrative Board if Turkey fulfills the necessary criteria. The loan will be used for the modernization of the schools in the Southeastern Anatolia region.

Taner will join the signing ceremony of the loan agreement in Washington, D.C., on 25 June. He will also sign the agreement concerning the World Bank's loan of 270 million US dollars for the Turkish Electricity Production Corporation (TEAS) to use for the modernization of the national electricity transmission network.

Gunes Taner and the accompanying delegation will return to Turkey on 27 June.

[19] TURKISH F-16s LEAVE GECITKALE MILITARY AIRPORT

Three of the six F-16 planes, which landed at the Gecitkale Military Airport on Thursday, left the island the same day. The other F-16s, which spent the night at the military airport, were open for visitors on Friday morning.

The Turkish F-16 planes arrived in the TRNC, after four F-16s and two C-130 type military cargo airplanes belonging to the Greek Air Forces had landed at the Baphos Military Airbase.

[20] TURKEY AND CANADA SIGN SOCIAL SECURITY CONTRACT

Addressing the signing ceremony, Cagan pointed out that the contract will provide for the protection of the social security rights of the Turkish and Canadian people.

Michael Mace said that the relations between Turkey and Canada will be improved by the contract.

The contract includes;

-The citizens of Turkey and Canada will be treated equally for social security rights,

-Monthly payments will be continued in case of changes of residence,

-The necessary aids for the insured persons who are injured on the job will be continued in case of changes of residence,

-The parties of the contract will cooperate on the social security issues.

[21] SANBERK, THE TURKISH AMBASSADOR TO BRITAIN: ''WE BELIEVE THAT BRITAIN, AS A GUARANTOR STATE SHOULD APPROACH THE ISSUE BY BEING CONSCIOUS OF HER RESPONSIBILITIES ON THE ISLAND''

Sanberk told his British officials that the tension on the island should be carefully monitored as the two guarantor states and everybody should do what is necessary to prevent the escalation of tension on the island.

''We think that Britain, as a guarantor state, should approach the issue by being conscious of her responsibilities on the island,'' Sanberk told the British officials.

The British officials said that they are closely monitoring the tension observed in the Mediterranean and they attribute importance to the necessity of persuading the concerned sides to act calmly.

The contacts between Sanberk and the officials from the British Foreign Office will continue in parallel with the developments in the Mediterranean.

[22] CONTACTS OF PRIME MINISTER YILMAZ IN ROMANIA - ROMANIAN PRESIDENT CONSTANTINESCU RECEIVES YILMAZ

Yilmaz also met with Ion Diaconescu, the Romanian Speaker of the Parliament. Diaconescu stressed the importance of the good relations between Turkey and Romania, and added that the relations should be improved between the two countries.

Addressing the meeting Yilmaz pointed out that Turkey supports Romania's membership in the NATO.

Meanwhile Yilmaz and the accompanying delegation visited the Turkish martyrs' cemetery and the Unknown Soldier Monument. More than 800 Turkish martyrs, who lost their lives at the Galicia Front during the Firt World War, rest in peace in the cemetery.

[23] ANDICAN, THE STATE MINISTER LEAVES FOR GERMANY

Andican left for Germany the same day within the framework of the programme for encouraging Turkish businessmen in Europe to engage in business in Central Asia.

Addressing a press briefing at the Ataturk Airport before his departure, Basesgioglu said that Turkish businessmen have an investment volume of approximately eight billion US dollars in the Turkish Republics of Central Asia and the investment capacity of the 40,000 Turkish businessmen in Germany has reached 50 billion marks.

''I will explain how the Turkish businessmen living in Europe can make investments in the Turkish Republics of Central Asia during my visit to Germany,'' he said, adding that he is accompanied by the Turkish businessmen who invest in the Turkish Republics.

Andican added that he will pay a similar visit to other European countries.

[24] TURKISH PEOPLE LIVING IN FRANCE TO HOLD A DEMONSTRATION IN PARIS IN ORDER TO PROTEST THE DRAFT RESOLUTION CONCERNING THE SO-CALLED GENOCIDE ON ARMENIANS

A great number of Turkish people living in the European countries are expected to attend the demonstration.

The demonstration will be organized at the famous Esplanade des Invalides Square of Paris between 3:00 and 7:00 p.m.

Officials from the Association asked the Turkish people living in France to join the demonstration.

The draft resolution foresees the recognition in France of the so-called genocide on Armenians.

[25] 10 ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS CAPTURED IN HAMUR

Province.

The Gendarmes stopped a passenger bus for a control and captured the 10 Iraqis who don't have passports.

Officials said that the Iraqis will be deported once the legal proceedings are completed.

The investigation concerning the incident is underway.

[26] FOREIGN MINISTER CEM RECEIVES TURKISH-EU JOINT CONSULTATION COMMITTEE DELEGATION

Ismail Cem received the delegation which participated at the Turkish-EU Joint Consultation Committee meeting the same day.

Noting that the relations of Turkey with the EU stemming from the Customs Union continue, Cem stated that Turkey wants improvement of relations in the future by taking reciprocal positive steps.

Husamettin Kavi, the Co-Chairman of the Committee, said that the committee considers Turkey as an EU country.

Noting that the aim and programme concerning Turkey haven't been clearly set forth after the Luxembourg and Cardiff Summits, Kavi pointed out that the Committee wants to set up an economic council to remove the technical problems stemming from the Customs Union.

Stressing that the liveliness in the Turkish private sector encourages the Committee concerning the full membership of Turkey in the EU, Kavi said ''we invite the EU not to isolate Turkey from the union in the economic and social fields and to fulfill her financial commitments towards Turkey. On the other hand, we invite Turkey to be in harmony with Europe in the fields of the economy and politics.''

Roger Briesch, the Co-Chairman of the Committee, said that signs have emerged after the Cardiff Summit indicating that several changes may happen concerning the improvement of relations between Turkey and the EU.

[27] TURKEY-IMF RELATIONS - KAVI, THE CHAIRMAN OF ISTANBUL CHAMBER OF INDUSTRY: - ''AGREEMENT THAT WILL BE SIGNED BY TURKEY AND IMF WILL CREATE NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR MEETING THE FOREIGN FINANCE REQUESTS OF TURKEY''

Responding to the questions of the A.A correspondent, Kavi who came to Ankara to attend the European Union-Turkey Joint Consultation Committee meeting, described the agreement as ''an foreign support for Turkey to maintain her role effectively''. He added, ''Turkey needs to reach to the foreign markets in order to maintain her mission and the way of the reaching foreign markets is to bring to life an agreement signed with the IMF. The agreement will provide the opportunity of going into debt with the proper terms''.

Kavi pointed out that the economic crises affecting the Far East created new opportunities in Turkey which is a more stable country. Turkey should make use of these opportunities.

[28] DRUG OPERATION IN IZMIR - SECURITY FORCES SEIZE 100 KG OF HEROIN

Officials from the Directorate of Narcotics in Izmir launched operations in Cesme County on two caravans that were prepared to go abroad. A total of 100 kg of heroin hidden in the caravan was seized. Four foreigners were taken into custody in relation to the drugs.

The investigation concerning the incident is underway.

[29] PRESIDENT DEMIREL RECEIVES THE TURKISH-EU JOINT CONSULTATION COMMITTEE MEMBERS - DEMIREL: ''TURKEY HAS PROVED DURING THE LAST TWO YEARS THAT HER ECONOMY CAN COMPETE WITH EUROPE''

President Demirel received Husamettin Kavi, the Co-Chairman of the Turkish- EU Joint Consultation Committee and the Committee members the same day.

Addressing the Committee, President Demirel stated that more than 50,000 Turkish businessmen work in more than 130 countries and Turkey is the only secular country among 52 Moslem countries.

''Unfortunately the Luxembourg Declaration was discouraging for those people who defend the view that Turkey should join the EU. We still think that Turkey has to be a part of the EU, because this is to the advantage of both Turkey and Europe. Europe can't be a whole without Turkey and the opposite is also true,'' Demirel added.

President Demirel stressed that ''an indivisable Europe'' is the stipulation for a peaceful and prosperous Europe.

Noting that Turkey can't be kept outside for an indivisable Europe, Demirel pointed out, ''the discrimination against Turkey will offend the Turkish people.''

Demirel said that half of Turkey's foreign trade volume is with Europe and more than half of Turkey's exports are sold to the European countries.

[30] TURKEY IN BRIEF - 19 JUNE 1998

Sezgin is expected to sign the ''Military Training Cooperation Agreement'' with the senior Polish officials during his visit. He is scheduled to meet with Bronislow Komorowsky, the Chairman of the Defence Commission of Polish Parliament in 23 June.

Sezgin will return to Turkey on 24 June after he is received by Aleksander Kwasniewski, the Polish President, and Jerzy Buzek, the Polish Prime Minister.

LEFKOSA - President Rauf Denktas of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), will go to Istanbul and Vienna to hold official talks, it was reported on Thursday.

Denktas will visit Istanbul on 22 June to attend the ceremonies for the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the Hurriyet Newspaper and will proceed to Vienna on 23 June to address a conference about Cyprus at the Diplomacy Academy. He will also hold talks with Wolfgang Schusser, the Austrian Foreign Minister, and Kurt Waldeim, the former Secretary General of the United Nations.

Denktas will return to the TRNC on 26 June.

ANKARA - President Suleyman Demirel received on Friday Kenneth George Anthony Hill, the Jamaican Ambassador to Turkey who stays in Switzerland.

Hill presented his letters of credence to President Demirel.

LEFKOSA - The 5th ''Opera Days'' organized by the Turkish Culture and Art Joint Administration (TURKSOY) will begin in Girne, on Friday.

The Opera Days at the Girne Bellapais Monastery will last until 21 June.

The leading names of opera from Turkey, Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, and Turkmenistan will come together at the opera festival.

LEFKOSA - The Turkish warships, that came to the Girne and Gazimagosa ports in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) yesterday in the framework of the Seawolf-98 military maneuvers, are open to the public, it was reported on Friday.

President Rauf Denktas of the TRNC visited the Fatih Frigate and the two submarines.

Denktas told the reporters that the Turkish ships and warplanes in the TRNC show Turkey's determination for protecting the TRNC.

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