Anadolu Agency: News in English, 98-06-23

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

23 JUNE 1998

CONTENTS

[01] CONTACTS OF ALGERIAN FOREIGN MINISTER IN TURKEY - ATTAF MEETS WITH KARAYALCIN, CHAIRMAN OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS COMMISSION OF PARLIAMENT

[02] PRESIDENT DEMIREL MEETS WITH PRESIDENT GANIC OF BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA FEDERATION - DEMIREL: ''TURKEY WILL ALWAYS SUPPORT BOSNIANS TO PROTECT THEIR INDEPENDENCE''

[03] PRESIDENT DEMIREL RECEIVES ALGERIAN FOREIGN MINISTER - DEMIREL: ''WE AIM TO IMPROVE OUR RELATIONS WITH ALGERIA''

[04] FM CEM MEETS WITH ASHRAWI, PALESTINIAN MINISTER OF HIGHER EDUCATION

[05] CETIN, THE PARLIAMENT SPEAKER LEAVES FOR BULGARIA

[06] DRAFT RESOLUTION CONCERNING THE SO-CALLED GENOCIDE ON ARMENIANS - BUAEN, FRENCH DEPUTY: ''FRENCH SENATE WON'T HASTEN TO APPROVE THE DRAFT RESOLUTION''

[07] TURKEY WARNS UNITED NATIONS ABOUT THE PROVOCATION OF GREECE AND GREEK CYPRIOT SIDE

[08] TURKEY TAKES A SERIES OF INITIATIVES TO PREVENT THE SANJAK REGION FROM BECOMING ANOTHER KOSOVO

[09] PRESIDENT GANIC OF BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA FEDERATION LEAVES TURKEY

[10] THE US: ''MEDIATION WON'T BE USEFUL ON CYPRUS WITHOUT THE POLITICAL WILLS OF SIDES''

[11] FOREIGN MINISTER CEM TO SEND A LETTER TO SWITZERLAND, WHICH DOESN'T PERMIT HOLDING OF THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS OF LAUSANNE TREATY

[12] PLUMER, THE TRNC'S REPRESENTATIVE TO UN SENDS A LETTER TO ANNAN, THE UN SECRETARY GENERAL

[13] TURKEY-PRESS REVIEW (1)

[14] TURKEY-PRESS REVIEW (2)

[15] RELATIONS BETWEEN TURKEY AND THE EU - AKARCALI, CHAIRMAN OF TURKISH- GERMAN PARLIAMENTARY COMMISSION: - ''IT ISN'T FAIR THAT GREEK PROBLEM PLAYS IMPORTANT ROLE IN RELATIONS BETWEEN TURKEY AND THE EU''

[16] PRIDDLE, THE IEA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: ''CAUCASIAN OIL SHOULD BE TRANSPORTED THROUGH DIFFERENT PIPELINES IN ORDER TO LIGHTEN THE BURDEN ON THE STRAITS''

[17] COOPERATION BETWEEN TURKEY AND AJARIA - AJARIA MEETS MOST OF HER NEEDS FROM TURKEY - PRESIDENT ABASHIDZE OF AJARIA: ''WE PLACE GREAT IMPORTANCE ON COOPERATION AND JOINT INVESTMENTS WITH TURKEY''

[18] TURKEY IN BRIEF - JUNE 23, 1998

[19] TRNC PRESIDENT DENKTAS LEAVES FOR AUSTRIA: ''TURKEY HAS CLEARLY EXPLAINED TO THE WORLD THAT SHE WON'T LET THE DISTURBANCE OF THE BALANCE IN THE REGION GO AGAINST HER INTERESTS''

[20] TURKISH-IMF RELATIONS - IMF TURKEY DESK CHIEF HARDY: - ''THE TURKISH GOVERNMENT UNDERTAKES TO CONTINUE ITS ECONOMIC PROGRAMME WITH THE AGREEMENT TO BE SIGNED''

[21] ''LAUSANNE CELEBRATIONS'' TENSION WITH SWITZERLAND - FOREIGN MINISTRY: ''WE FOLLOW DEVELOPMENTS''

[22] ANTI-TURKISH REPORT SUBMITTED TO COEPA - FOREIGN MINISTRY: ''WE HOPE THAT THIS GAME WILL BE SPOILED IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY''

[23] TURKISH EMBASSY IN BELARUS - UTKAN: ''TURKEY'S AMBASSADOR TO MINSK IS ON ANNUAL LEAVE''

[24] EGYPTIAN DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER AL-SHAZLI TO ARRIVE IN TURKEY ON AN OFFICIAL VISIT

[25] TURKISH-GREEK RELATIONS - FOREIGN MINISTRY SPOKESMAN UTKAN: ''WE GET BORED WITH PANGOLOS' INSISTENCY ON MAKING US LISTEN TO SAME WORDS AGAIN AND AGAIN''

[01] CONTACTS OF ALGERIAN FOREIGN MINISTER IN TURKEY - ATTAF MEETS WITH KARAYALCIN, CHAIRMAN OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS COMMISSION OF PARLIAMENT

Addressing the meeting Karayalcin pointed out that the economic, commercial and cultural relations between Turkey and Algeria are improving rapidly. He added that they aim to realize useful activities with the Algerian Foreign Affairs Commission.

Ahmed Attaf noted that the agreement signed by Cem and himself, foresees cooperation between the two countries in many fields, and expressed Algeria's satisfaction with the relations between Turkey and Algeria.

[02] PRESIDENT DEMIREL MEETS WITH PRESIDENT GANIC OF BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA FEDERATION - DEMIREL: ''TURKEY WILL ALWAYS SUPPORT BOSNIANS TO PROTECT THEIR INDEPENDENCE''

Demirel stressed that Turkey doesn't want the anguish to be repeated in Bosnia again, adding, ''the Dayton Agreement imputed tough responsibilities to all the sides. It is essential to protect Bosnia-Herzegovina's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. Turkey will always support the Bosnians in every field''.

Ganic gave information to Demirel about the latest developments in Bosnia- Herzegovina and in the Balkans.

[03] PRESIDENT DEMIREL RECEIVES ALGERIAN FOREIGN MINISTER - DEMIREL: ''WE AIM TO IMPROVE OUR RELATIONS WITH ALGERIA''

Pointing out that there are deep cultural links between Turkey and Algeria, Attaf noted that these links ease the improvement of the relations.

Attaf stressed that the Algerian businessmen want to cooperate with the Turkish businessmen, and said that Algeria aims to increase the trade volume between the two countries.

Demirel and Attaf also discussed the regional problems at the meeting.

[04] FM CEM MEETS WITH ASHRAWI, PALESTINIAN MINISTER OF HIGHER EDUCATION

Addressing the journalist before the meeting, Cem said, ''I am very pleased about meeting with Ashrawi, a leading figure in Palestine's fight who contributed to the Middle East Peace Process''. He added that he also respects Ashrawi as a writer.

Cem noted that they will discuss the latest developments in the Middle East and the deadlock in the peace process at the meeting.

Prof. Dr. Ashrawi told the reporters that they need Turkey's support for the Middle East Peace Process and thanked Turkey for backing the Palestinians.

[05] CETIN, THE PARLIAMENT SPEAKER LEAVES FOR BULGARIA

Addressing a statement at the Ataturk Airport before his departure, Cetin said that the relations between Turkey and Bulgaria further improve, particularly in the fields of politics, economy and defense.

Noting that the two countries have common aims and targets, Cetin pointed out that all the reciprocal problems have been solved in different fields by agreements signed within the last year.

Cetin added that his visit will contribute to the improvement of the interparliamentary relations between Turkey and Bulgaria.

Pointing out that he will meet Peter Stoyanov, the Bulgarian President and Sokolov, his Bulgarian counterpart, Cetin said he will proceed to Romania after wrapping up his contacts in Bulgaria and he will participate at the Black Sea Economic Cooperation Parliamentary Assembly (BSECPA) meeting, which will start in Bucharest on Wednesday.

Hikmet Cetin and the accompanying delegation will return to Turkey on Wednesday.

[06] DRAFT RESOLUTION CONCERNING THE SO-CALLED GENOCIDE ON ARMENIANS - BUAEN, FRENCH DEPUTY: ''FRENCH SENATE WON'T HASTEN TO APPROVE THE DRAFT RESOLUTION''

Buaen who is in Baku for an official visit, met with the members of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the Azerbaijani Parliament.

Noting that they share the same worries with the Azerbaijani people on the mentioned draft resolution, Buaen stressed that the French Senate will show a more objective approach to the issue.

[07] TURKEY WARNS UNITED NATIONS ABOUT THE PROVOCATION OF GREECE AND GREEK CYPRIOT SIDE

Volkan Vural, Turkey's Permanent Ambassador to the UN, noted in his letter to Kofi Annan, the Secretary General of the UN, and to Antonio Monteiro, the Chairman of the UN Security Council, ''Greece sent warplanes and supply planes to the Bafhos Airbase on the Greek Cypriot side. Turkey will take all the necessary measures against this extremely serious provocation''.

Vural stressed, ''the Turkish Government requests the Secretary General of the UN and the Security Council to take action to prevent the sabotage initiatives of Greece and the Greek Cypriot side against peace and security on Cyprus and in the region''.

The letter emphasized that Turkey protests the initiatives of Greece and the Greek Cypriot Administration, pointing out ''there is no airbase at the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) and the joint initiatives of Greece and the Greek Cypriot side damage the security in the TRNC''.

Vural also stressed, ''the Greek and Greek Cypriot governments insist on a military solution to the Cyprus problem despite their failures in 1663, 1967 and 1974''.

Meanwhile Glafcos Clerides, the Leader of the Greek Cypriot Administration, repeated his disarmement offer in his letter to Kofi Annan. He noted that in case of the acceptance of disarmament on the island, they won't deploy new weapon systems on Cyprus and requested the UN Security Council to support his offer.

[08] TURKEY TAKES A SERIES OF INITIATIVES TO PREVENT THE SANJAK REGION FROM BECOMING ANOTHER KOSOVO

Foreign Minister Cem said that he will write a letter to the foreign ministers of the countries which constitute the Contact Group, set up for the Kosovo problem concerning the issue and ask the NATO to be more sensitive about the developments in the Sanjak region.

Cem visited with Eyup Ganic, the President of the Bosnian Federation and he said that the developments in the Sanjak region were discussed during the visit.

Noting that they have received worrying news about the developments in Sanjak, Cem said ''if people are not careful, another Kosovo incident can occur in Sanjak.''

In the Sanjak region, which is within the borders of the Republics of Serbia and Montenegro which constitute the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, 60 percent of the population is Bosnian and they ask for their democratic rights. Diplomatic sources stress that the situation in Sanjak is bad.

Cem said that Turkey wants Bosnia-Herzegovina to join the ''Peace for Partnership'' initiative, which is set up for countries which aren't members of the NATO.

The Guest President said that they attribute special importance to economic cooperation between Turkey and Bosnia and asked the Turkish businessmen to invest in his country.

Ganic asked Turkey to improve the fields of common investments.

Meanwhile, the credits, which are promised to be given to the Bosnia Federation by Turkey were taken up at the interdelegationary meetings.

Bosnia asked Turkey to send 80 million US dollars of Eximbank credits as soon as possible, which will be given in return for the projects. However, the Bosnian Federation hasn't sent any projects to Turkey.

[09] PRESIDENT GANIC OF BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA FEDERATION LEAVES TURKEY

Ganic met with President Suleyman Demirel, Hikmet Cetin, the Speaker of the Parliament, Bulent Ecevit and Ismail Cem, the Foreign Minister, during his visit to Turkey.

Senior Turkish officials who met with Ganic, stressed Turkey's support for both Bosnia-Herzegovina and the Dayton Agreement, and promised at the meetings to help Bosnia-Herzegovina's economic development.

The latest developments in the Sanjak region were also discussed during the official talks and it was decided to take action in order to prevent Sanjak from becoming a new Kosovo.

[10] THE US: ''MEDIATION WON'T BE USEFUL ON CYPRUS WITHOUT THE POLITICAL WILLS OF SIDES''

Reminding that Richard Holbrooke, the US Special Representative to Cyprus, is currently in Athens and will meet with Costas Simitis, the Prime Minister of Greece, Teodoros Pangalos, the Greek Foreign Minister and the other senior officials, Rubin pointed out that Holbrooke went to Athens in order to attend the graduation ceremony of the American College.

Holbrooke defends that the failure of his initiatives on Cyprus were caused from the conditions set forth by the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). The TRNC requested the recognition of the TRNC as a sovereign country and withdrawal of the Greek Cypriot's full membership application to the European Union.

Rubin stressed that they are working for a peaceful solution to the Cyprus problem, adding ''we will maintain our efforts for the island and we will appoint someone to take over for Holbrooke as soon as possible''.

[11] FOREIGN MINISTER CEM TO SEND A LETTER TO SWITZERLAND, WHICH DOESN'T PERMIT HOLDING OF THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS OF LAUSANNE TREATY

Taner Baytok, the Turkish Ambassador to Switzerland is expected to submit the warning letter of Ismail Cem to the Swiss Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Baytok wanted to hire the Rumine Palace, where the Lausanne Treaty was signed, to hold a celebration there on 24 July upon the 75th Anniversary of the Treaty, however the Swiss officials didn't permit this by showing as a reason the reaction of the Kurdish and Armenian groups.

Baytok participated in a consultation meeting which evaluated the Turkish- Swiss relations which was held in Ankara last week.

Baytok, who is currently in Turkey, is expected to return to Bern on Wednesday.

A Foreign Ministry official said that Turkey closely monitors the developments in Switzerland, recalling the statements of the Mayor of Lausanne, who said that he was sorry about the signature of the Treaty in Lausanne.

Switzerland hasn't helped in the efforts of the Turkish Consulate in Zurich, which is looking for a new building.

Cem will stress in his letter that Turkey is asking for permission concerning the 75th anniversary celebrations, adding that Switzerland is an impartial state and her impartiality is provided by international law.

[12] PLUMER, THE TRNC'S REPRESENTATIVE TO UN SENDS A LETTER TO ANNAN, THE UN SECRETARY GENERAL

Plumer said in his letter, ''the existence of the Ottoman architecture is under the threat of destruction in Southern Cyprus.''

Plumer sent the letters after a Moslem person proposed to repair a mosque in Baphos, but his proposal was rejected by the Greek Cypriot administration.

''The Greek Cypriot officials continue to be intolerant against the Islamic works of art. The Greek Cypriot administration, which claims that she aims to protect all kinds of historical and cultural assets on the island, pursues a double-faced policy,'' he said.

Aytug Plumer stressed in his letter that the Greek Cypriot side's allegations saying that the Greek Orthodox works of art weren't protected at the north of the island aren't true.

The Moslem, whose identity is kept secret, proposed to meet all the expenses in order to repair a mosque in Baphos, but his proposal was rejected by the Greek Cypriot administration.

The Greek Orthodox church, the Greek Cypriots who live in Baphos and the Baphos Municipality opposed the proposal of the Moslem.

[13] TURKEY-PRESS REVIEW (1)

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

HOLBROOKE IN ATHENS
Richard Holbrooke, US Permanent Representative to the United Nations and President Clinton's former Special Cyprus Envoy, and Thomas Miller, the Special Cyprus coordinator, went yesterday to Athens to seek ways to ease the tension between Greece and Turkey. Holbrooke met with Prime Minister Costas Simitis, Theodoros Pangalos, the Foreign Minister and other high level officials. According to the Greek press, Pangalos told Holbrooke that Greece wants the moratorium in the Aegean Sea to be extended by two months and military flights over Cyprus banned. /Cumhuriyet/

AGREEMENT WITH IMF TO BE SIGNED NEXT WEEK
Martin Hardy, the Head of the IMF-Turkey Desk, said yesterday that a Staff Monitoring Programme would be signed with Turkey probably next week. Hardy noted that following the State Minister Gunes Taner's contacts with the IMF in the US, the final details of the agreement would be completed. Hardy said, ''The IMF will agree to sign this agreement with Turkey because we have seen that the Turkish government is determined to reduce the inflation rate and implement economic programmes''.

Hardy stated that Turkey had a more stable capital structure when compared with the Asian countries and added that the IMF believed Turkey would attract further foreign capital. /Hurriyet/

AUSTRIAN, BELGIAN AMBASSADORS TOURING GAP REGION
Ralph Scheide and Alexis Brouhns, the Austrian and Belgian Ambassadors to Turkey, went yesterday to the southeastern city of Sanliurfa to begin a tour of the Southeastern Anatolia Project(GAP). The ambassadors told press members there that their countries were interested in the project and were ready to cooperate both in private and public investments. /Cumhuriyet/

PALESTINIAN MINISTER CONTINUES ANKARA VISIT
The Turkish Foreign Ministry yesterday sent messages to Palestine via Prof. Dr. Hanan Asrawi, the Palestinian Minister of Higher Education, who is holding contacts in Ankara. The ministry stressed that Turkey wants to improve relations with Palestine and hopes that Turkey's cooperation with Israel won't be misinterpreted by Palestine. Ismail Cem, the Foreign Minister, will visit Israel and Palestine between 6-9 July, according to the statement by the ministry. Asrawi also visited the Middle East Technical University (METU) and the Ankara University. /Cumhuriyet/

BURDA: ''WE WILL EXTEND FULL SUPPORT TO TURKEY''
Dr. Hubert Burda, the Head of the Executive Board of the German Burda Group, who is holding contacts in Turkey, met yesterday with Aydin Dogan, the Head of the Executive Board of the Dogan Media Group. Burda said, ''Turkey is a very important country for us and we are ready to exert every effort for the recovery of Turco-German relations and for Turkey's full EU membership''. The Burda Group signed a cooperation agreement with the Hurriyet Magazine Group at the beginning of 1998. /Hurriyet/

200 RUSSIAN OFFICERS ASSIGNED TO CYPRUS
It is reported that Russia will send 200 officers to the Greek Cypriot Administration to prepare for the deployment of the Russian-made S-300 missiles on the island. The Greek Cypriot newspapers noted that the Russian officers are expected to arrive on Cyprus by the end of this month. There is concern that the arrival of the officers will increase the tension on the island. /Hurriyet/

KIRIKKALE HEROIN OPERATION
Teams from the Department for the Struggle Against Smuggling from the Kirikkale Security Department have seized 200 grams of heroin and 97 grams of Indian hemp seeds. Cumali Gezici, who was taken into custody following the incident yesterday, was later arrested. /Hurriyet/

HURRIYET CARTOONS IN MOLDOVA
During a visit of the Turkish President Suleyman Demirel to Moldova between 25-26 June, a joint exhibition including the cartoons which won awards at the Aydin Dogan Foundation Hurriyet International Cartoon Competition will be opened in Moldova. The exhibition will also be displayed in various cities in Asia, Europe and the US. /Hurriyet/

[14] TURKEY-PRESS REVIEW (2)

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

GREEK AMBASSADOR VISITS BLACK SEA REGION
Dimitrios Nezeritis, the Greek Ambassador to Turkey, has begun a visit to the Black Sea Region. Initially, Nezeritis visited Kemal Nehrozoglu, the Governor of Amasya, and then the historical and touristic sites of the district. Nezeritis noted that his visit was aimed at strengthening friendship between the two countries and said, ''Turkey is full of historical assets. My visit will continue in various districts''. /Hurriyet/

CIVAN SET FREE ON BAIL
Engin Civan, the former General Director of Emlakbank, was set free yesterday on bail of 215,000 US dollars. It is reported that a case will opened on 17 June for the extradition of Civan to Turkey. Meanwhile, the US government has rejected the demand of the Turkish Ministry of Justice for the extradition of criminals in the US to Turkey. Oltan Sungurlu, the Minister of Justice, noted that the US government rejected the extradition of Halil Bezmen by stating that he was a 'financial offender'. Sungurlu said that they would claim a new demand for the tax debt incurred by Bezmen. /Hurriyet/

TURKEY IN EXPO '98 FAIR
A total of 170 countries including Turkey are participating in the worlds largest fair. The Expo '98 opened yesterday and will end on 30 June. The main theme of the Expo '98 World Fair is ''oceans''. The personal boat of Sultan Abdulaziz, objects belonging to the Ottoman Navy and Anatolian civilizations and underwater archaeological findings are exhibited at the Turkish stand in the fair. /Sabah/

WATER DELIVERY TO TRNC
Dogan Altinbilek, the General Director of the State Water Board, said Turkey will officially launch a project to supply the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) with water on 25 June. ''The first delivery will be carried out on 25 June using a plastic balloon with a capacity of 10,000 cubic meters. In July a second balloon with the same capacity will join the first one and by the end of August three balloons will be operating,'' said Altinbilek. The balloons will be filled at the Mediterranean port of Soguksu near Anamur and will dock at the TRNC port of Kumkoy, near the town of Guzelyurt. /Sabah/

TURKEY AND POLAND SIGN MILITARY COOPERATION AGREEMENT
Ismet Sezgin, the Minister of Defense, and his Polish counterpart Janusz Onyszkiewicz signed a military cooperation agreement in Warsaw on Monday. The deal allows for an exchange of military cadets between both countries, and stipulates that both countries will send military observers to view each other's military exercises.

Sezgin will meet on Wednesday with Jerzy Buzek, the Polish Prime Minister. He will also be received by Polish President Aleksander Kwasniewski. /Cumhuriyet/

TURKEY AND ALGERIA SIGN PROTOCOL FOR POLITICAL CONSULTATION
Ismail Cem, the Foreign Minister and his Algerian counterpart Ahmed Attaf signed a political consultation protocol on Monday in Ankara. Speaking prior to the signing ceremony, Cem said that Turkey and Algeria were on the verge of a new beginning and that they would like to take new economic, social and political steps to further increase their ties.

The visiting minister was also received by President Suleyman Demirel yesterday. Attaf will leave Turkey on Tuesday evening after meeting with high level Turkish officials. /Hurriyet/

TURKEY AND BOSNIA SEEK TO IMPROVE FUNCTIONING OF DAYTON ACCORD
Bulent Ecevit, the Deputy Prime Minister, stressed on Monday that contributing to the proper functioning of the Bosnia-Herzegovina Federation was both a humanitarian and national duty for Turkey. Speaking at a meeting with the Bosnian President Eyup Ganic, who is on his first official visit to Turkey, Ecevit said that the objective of their talks was to seek ways of solving the economic and security problems of the Bosnia-Herzegovina Federation. Ganic said that the Bosnians needed Turkey's contributions, and that stability in the Balkans wasn't possible without Turkey's cooperation.

Before meeting with Ecevit, Ganic met with Hikmet Cetin, the Speaker of the Parliament. /Sabah/Hurriyet/

TURKISH-GERMAN BUSINESSMEN IN RUHR REGION MEET
''Developments and Prospects for German Turkish Partnership'' was the topic of a meeting in Haltern, Germany. It was organized by the Center for Turkish Research (TAM), which has added a new activity geared toward entrepreneurs by bringing together the Turkish and German businessmen in the Ruhr region. Faruk Sen, the TAM Director, said that there were very attractive partnership projects for Turks and Germans in the Ruhr basin which was the largest industrial region in Germany and where there is a Turkish population of 380,000 persons. He added that Turkish and German businessmen could also work on joint partnerships in Turkey.

[15] RELATIONS BETWEEN TURKEY AND THE EU - AKARCALI, CHAIRMAN OF TURKISH- GERMAN PARLIAMENTARY COMMISSION: - ''IT ISN'T FAIR THAT GREEK PROBLEM PLAYS IMPORTANT ROLE IN RELATIONS BETWEEN TURKEY AND THE EU''

Addressing the conference ''Turkey as an Economic Factor in Europe and Central Asia'' organized by Southeastern European Foundation based in Munich, and the Hacettepe University Foreign Policy Institute, Akarcali pointed out that condition of the solution of the Turkish-Greek problem make Turkey unable to do something. Akarcali noted, ''no one tries to insulate Turkey from the European Union except for Greece''.

Mentioning the decision taken at the Cardiff Summit, Akarcali said that the result of the summit confirms the policy of the Turkish government.

Noting that Turkey maintains her rightful position with moderate toughness, balanced reactions and strongly determined parametres, Akarcali added, ''Turkey took her place among the other candidate countries at the Cardiff Summit despite the efforts of Greece. Article 63 of the declaration's section concerning expansion, says that each candidate country will be evaluated equally and the period of candidacy will depend on the countries readiness for full membership. In other words, it means that there won't be differentiation among the candidates''.

Reminding that the EU worked to overcome at Cardiff the decisions taken at the Luxembourg Summit, Akarcali pointed out that the improvements of the human rights situations in Turkey and the revived economic relations will make Turkey much stronger.

Mentioning the positive approach of Britain towards Turkey at the Summit, Akarcali stressed that Turkey can isolate Greece within the Europen Union by using her opportunities.

[16] PRIDDLE, THE IEA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: ''CAUCASIAN OIL SHOULD BE TRANSPORTED THROUGH DIFFERENT PIPELINES IN ORDER TO LIGHTEN THE BURDEN ON THE STRAITS''

Addressing a conference held at the Middle East Technical University (METU), Priddle said that Turkey is a key country concerning the international transports of energy and she will pay an important role in transpors of Caucasian oil and natural gas to the world markets in the coming years.

Noting that the production and consumption of energy will abolish sustainable development, Priddle pointed out that the world should attribute great importance to the environmental factor concerning energy.

Stressing that Turkey is the cleanest country within the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) concerning per capita carbon dioxide, Pridde added that Turkey will also be faced with important environmental problems due to rapid development, if she doesn't take the necessary measures in the environment today, just like the industrialised countries.

[17] COOPERATION BETWEEN TURKEY AND AJARIA - AJARIA MEETS MOST OF HER NEEDS FROM TURKEY - PRESIDENT ABASHIDZE OF AJARIA: ''WE PLACE GREAT IMPORTANCE ON COOPERATION AND JOINT INVESTMENTS WITH TURKEY''

The Sarp border gate, the most important gate to the Commonwealth of Independent States, has a significant role in the relations between the two countries.

Addressing the ''International Conference of the Council of Europe Local Democracy Programme and Local Autonomy Conditions'' held in Trabzon, Aslan Abashidze noted that they place great importance on the cooperation and joint investments with Turkey.

Abashidze stressed that they are working to transfer products of technology to Ajaria, and added that Ajaria develops rapidly in every field. He added, ''our capital of Batumi will become the most important center of the region because of its transportation opportunities and geopolitic position. We are the gate between the Caucasus and Central Asia. One of the most critical ports of the Black Sea is in Ajaria''.

Aslan Abashidze asked the Turkish businessmen to make investments in Ajeria.

[18] TURKEY IN BRIEF - JUNE 23, 1998

The members of the delegation who came to Turkey on 17 June, met with the senior officials from the Undersecretariat of the Treasury, on the ''staff monitoring programme'' that will be signed in the coming days.

The negotiations concerning the programme will continue in Washington, D.C.

ANKARA - Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz will visit Germany and Macedonia next month, it was reported on Monday.

Yilmaz is scheduled to join the International Bertelsmann 1999 Forum in Berlin, Germany, between 2-3 July.

Mesut Yilmaz will go to Macedonia for an official visit between 6-7 July.

ANKARA - Ahmed Attaf, the Algerian Foreign Minister who came to Turkey as the official guest of his Turkish Counterpart Ismail Cem, visited Ataturk's mausoleum on Tuesday.

Attaf also visited the special museum at the mausoleum and received information from the officials about the items displayed at the museum.

Mesut Yilmaz, the Prime Minister, and Bulent Ecevit, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State will receive Attaf later today.

ANKARA - Hanan Ashrawi, the Palestinian Minister of Higher Education who is in Turkey for an official visit, met on Tuesday with Hikmet Ulugbay, the Minister of National Education.

No statement has been given concerning the meeting.

Ashrawi will attend the luncheon that will be given in her honour by Ulugbay.

[19] TRNC PRESIDENT DENKTAS LEAVES FOR AUSTRIA: ''TURKEY HAS CLEARLY EXPLAINED TO THE WORLD THAT SHE WON'T LET THE DISTURBANCE OF THE BALANCE IN THE REGION GO AGAINST HER INTERESTS''

Addressing a statement at the Ataturk Airport before leaving for Austria where he will give a speech at a conference about ''Cyprus'' which is being held by the Diplomacy Academy of the Austrian Foreign Ministry, Denktas stated that he will explain the struggle of the Turkish Cypriots, which has been continuing for 35 years.

Responding to a question about the news claiming that the Greek President wasn't informed about the Greek warplanes which landed at the Greek Cypriot side last week, Denktas said, ''everything is possible when one talks about Greece. Even if he was informed about it, he could say 'I wasn't informed.' Such kinds of issues don't only concern the security of Turkey, but also the security of the region. A Greek Cypriot newspaper said that everything can be written about Turkey except that Turkey can bluff. The newspaper stressed that Turkey does the things she promises to do. The newspaper tried to warn the Greek Cypriot leadership. I also warn them. Neither Turkey nor we bluff. I had said that we would set up a government and be a state, they said that we bluffed. I established the state, it is 15 years old today.''

Noting that Clerides recognized the fact that he committed a big crime after the ''game of planes'' and acts as if he agrees with disarmament on the island, Denktas said ''the missiles are tools of murder. A bargaining can't take place concerning the S-300 missiles.''

[20] TURKISH-IMF RELATIONS - IMF TURKEY DESK CHIEF HARDY: - ''THE TURKISH GOVERNMENT UNDERTAKES TO CONTINUE ITS ECONOMIC PROGRAMME WITH THE AGREEMENT TO BE SIGNED''

Stressing that the staff monitoring programme means credibility for the government, Hardy said that they, as the IMF, want to help Turkey in her efforts to decrease inflation.

Hardy, who held contacts in Ankara for the last six days to set up the framework of the staff monitoring programme that is expected to be signed between Turkey and the IMF, replied to the questions of the A.A correspondent concerning the Turkish economy and the monitoring programme prior to his leaving Turkey after concluding his contacts.

Pointing out that the reason for reaching an agreement with a government, which is expected to have general elections next year, was the government's undertaking to continue its economic programme, Hardy said, ''if we can assist in this process, the pursued economic policies won't be negatively affected by the coming elections. This is the real reason for reaching an agreement. Elections are always risky. However, the economic programme being followed can decrease this risk to the minimum level.''

Noting that Turkey took on the real risk with the staff monitoring programme to be signed with the IMF, Hardy said that also the IMF took on such a risk by accepting the programme that Turkey undertook to pursue.

''I think the staff monitoring programme includes credibility for the government. The government says this programme will continue with its definite lines. This is a kind of risk. The staff monitoring programme will include the government's commitments. Thus, the risks are on the Turkish side more than the IMF. I believe the government would have a chance to decrease inflation, if the programme is impemented as it was formalized,'' he added.

Hardy stressed that they will support the 56th government if it continues this programme, adding that the goal of the programme was to decrease inflation to one-digit numbers.

''We think that the policies, which are mentioned in the programme and will be followed, should absolutely be implemented to achieve the targets. The staff monitoring programme process continues. We will monitor whether or not the pursued economic programme continues as it was undertaken by the government. This development is a chance for the government to reach the inflation target,'' Hardy stated.

''However, this programme should also be supported by structural reforms. The discipline in the budget and public expenditures should continue to brake the inflation expectations. Besides, more discipline should be provided in the collection of taxes. Thus we, as the IMF, want to assist Turkey in her efforts to decrease inflation,'' Hardy mentioned.

Hardy said that the interests realized in domestic borrowing indicate the existing inflation expectation.

Pointing out that the social security reform in Turkey is necessary, Hardy said, ''the important thing for us is which one is the feasible, practical and realistic.''

''In our contacts in Turkey, we discussed the technical coherence of the programme and the methods and ways to struggle against some problems. We took up the targets of the programme regarding the financial discipline. Consequently, I think the negotiations, which will continue in the US with the Turkish economy bureaucracy led by Gunes Taner, the Minister of State, will bring positive results,'' he added.

[21] ''LAUSANNE CELEBRATIONS'' TENSION WITH SWITZERLAND - FOREIGN MINISTRY: ''WE FOLLOW DEVELOPMENTS''

Utkan said that he didn't have information that Ismail Cem, the Foreign Minister, would sent a letter to his Swiss counterpart on the issue.

Turkey wanted to rent the Rumine Palace, where the Lausanne Agreement was signed, to stage a celebration ceremony on 24 July, but the Swiss authorities rejected this, mentioning the reactions of the Kurdish and Armenian groups.

Meanwhile, it was reported that for a long time Switzerland didn't show a place to Turkey for her search for a new buildıng for the Zurich Consulate.

[22] ANTI-TURKISH REPORT SUBMITTED TO COEPA - FOREIGN MINISTRY: ''WE HOPE THAT THIS GAME WILL BE SPOILED IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY''

Addressing a weekly news conference Utkan said the responsibility was solely with the writer of the report. Utkan said that the Foreign Ministry closely followed the issue and that the Turkish parliamentarians launched initiatives and that the quality of the report should be questioned.

Ruth Gaby Vermot, the Swiss Parliamentarian, in his report submitted to the COEPA, claimed that the separatist terrorist PKK organization struggled for the freedom of the ''Kurdish people.'' Utkan said that the Greek and Greek Cypriot parliamentarians also extended support to the report.

Utkan said that the separatist terrorist PKK organization sent letters to the European parliamentarians to support the report, adding that this report should be ignored in Turkey.

[23] TURKISH EMBASSY IN BELARUS - UTKAN: ''TURKEY'S AMBASSADOR TO MINSK IS ON ANNUAL LEAVE''

Addressing a weekly news conference staged for foreign journalists, Utkan said that the Turkish Ambassador was on annual leave, adding that the problem of finding a place for the Embassy building will be solved soon.

The Belarus administration wanted the Ambassadors to evacuate the buildings in the Drozdy suburb to renew the infrastructure systems of the diplomatic site.

Meanwhile, the Ambassadors rejected this proposal saying that this request of Minsk violated the Vienna Agreement which accepted Embassy residences as sovereign territory and ban the government from entering these residences without permission. Upon the crisis, the European Union (EU) member countries decided to recall their ambassadors from Minsk.

[24] EGYPTIAN DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER AL-SHAZLI TO ARRIVE IN TURKEY ON AN OFFICIAL VISIT

Ambassador Necati Utkan, the Spokesman of the Foreign Ministry, said in his weekly press conference that Turkey and Egypt would hold bilateral political consultations, and the bilateral and regional issues would be discussed during the official visit of Al-Shazli between 23 and 26 June.

El-Shazli, during his visit, will meet with Sukru Sina Gurel, the Minister of State, and with Korkmaz Haktanir, the Undersecretary of the Foreign Ministry.

[25] TURKISH-GREEK RELATIONS - FOREIGN MINISTRY SPOKESMAN UTKAN: ''WE GET BORED WITH PANGOLOS' INSISTENCY ON MAKING US LISTEN TO SAME WORDS AGAIN AND AGAIN''

Addressing a weekly news conference the Spokesman said that Pangalos, in his statements to several media organs during his visit to the Gulf countries, used an impudent style adding, ''Mr. Pangalos exhibited his complex about Turkey during these interviews.''

Utkan said ''we follow Pangalos with amazement, who speaks without knowing what his words would mean.'' Utkan said that Pangolos turned the visits into an insulting and defaming forum against Turkey.

Utkan, responding to the questions in Turkish-Greek relations, evaluated the proposal claimed to be made by Greece for the extending of the existing moratorium between the two countries in the Aegean. Recalling the landing of the Greek F-16 warplanes at the Baphos Airbase and the purchase of the S- 300 missiles despite Turkey's opposition, Utkan said these developments were inciting and escalating tension.

Utkan said that Turkey didn't favor escalation of tension in the region, adding that Turkey closely follows the developments within this framework. The spokesman said that the inciting steps taken by Greece not only spoiled the strategic balances on Cyprus, but at the same time in the Eastern Mediterranean.

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