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Anadolu Agency: News in English, 98-06-26Anadolu Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Anadolu Agency Home Page at <http://www.anadoluajansi.gov.tr/>26 JUNE 1998CONTENTS
[01] CETIN, SPEAKER OF PARLIAMENT, RECEIVES GENERAL MIHO D. MIHOV, BULGARIAN CHIEF OF GENERAL STAFFANKARA, June 26 (A.A)- Hikmet Cetin, the Speaker of the Parliament, received on Thursday General Miho D. Mihov, the Bulgarian Chief of General Staff who is currently in Turkey for an official visit.Addressing the meeting, Cetin mentioned the good relations between Turkey and Bulgaria, and added that their aim is the further strengthening of the bonds of friendship and cooperation between the two countries. Pointing out that the Balkans need peace and stability, Cetin stressed that Turkey and Bulgaria should maintain their efforts to provide peace and stability in the region. Reminding that he held very productive and useful talks with his Bulgarian countrepart during his visit to Bulgaria, Cetin emphasized that General Mihov's visit to Turkey will help to accelerate the relations between the two neighbours. General Miho D. Mihov said that Bulgaria aims to improve relations with Turkey. [02] IMPRISONMENT TERMS AGAINST ELECTED MUFTI OF XANTHI INCREASES TO 79 MONTHSANKARA, June 25 (A.A) - Turkey said on Thursday that the imprisonment terms against Mehmet Emin Aga, the elected Mufti of Xanthi, had increased to a total of 79 months and requested Greece, a member of the European Union (EU), to abide by the requirements of membership in the field of human rights and to fulfill her commitments to international agreements.The Foreign Ministry written statement said that in the hearing of the three separate cases opened against Aga on grounds that he usurped the authority of the Mufti, he was sentenced to a term of 14 months in prison. The statement said the decision in question was a policy of Greece to ignore the rights of the Turkish minority in Western Thrace stemming from the international agreements and to put pressure on the minority leaders. The statement said ''this decision once again proved that Greece used Greek institutions of justice for her policy which was shaped on the basis of racism. The statement condemned the imprisonment terms against the Mufti based on ''unfounded'' allegations and contradicting the international agreements which gives rights to the Turkish minority to freely elect their religious leaders. [03] CONTACTS OF GENERAL MIHO D. MIHOV, BULGARIAN CHIEF OF GENERAL STAFF, IN TURKEY - ISMET SEZGIN, DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER AND MINISTER OF NATIONAL DEFENCE, RECEIVES GENERAL MIHOVANKARA, June 26 (A.A) - Ismet Sezgin, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence, received on Thursday General Miho D. Mihov, the Bulgarian Chief of General Staff, who came to Turkey as the official guest of his Turkish counterpart General Ismail Hakki Karadayi.Addressing the meeting, Sezgin praised Bulgaria's progress towards democracy and a free market economy. He pointed out that Turkey supports Bulgaria's membership in the NATO in the framework of the NATO's expansion. Reminding that there are military and defence cooperation agreements between Turkey and Bulgaria, Sezgin stressed that it is time to construct concrete projects on this legal ground. He added that Turkey is ready to cooperate with Bulgaria in every field. Emphasizing that the two countries should cooperate to provide peace and stability in the Balkan region, Sezgin thanked Bulgaria for her support in setting up the Multi-national Balkan Peace Force. Sezgin stressed that it will be beneficial for both countries to accelerate relations not only in the military field, but in the commercial and social fields. General Miho D. Mihov will proceed to Istanbul after he concludes his contacts in Ankara. [04] PREPARATIONS TO CARRY WATER TO TRNC WITH BALLOONSANKARA/AYDINCIK, June 26 (A.A) - The project is going into effect to carry water with ''balloons'' from Turkey to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), aimed at finding a short-term solution to the water shortage in the TRNC.Construction of the water filling and pumping system is about to be finished and recent preparations were made in the Soguksu region at Aydincik County of southern Mersin, where the water will be filled into balloons. Tests are planned to be made by the end of this month and the project will officially go into effect with a ceremony in which President Suleyman Demirel will also participate. Officials of the State Water Works (DSI) responding to the A.A correspondent's questions said that the installations on Cyprus have been concluded, within the framework of the project to meet the potable water needs of the TRNC. Officals said that a second balloon will be brought at the beginning of July and that the project will go into effect with a ceremony in which President Suleyman Demirel will participate. If the system is found to be economical, then water will be transported to the TRNC, regional countries and touristic sites on the shores of the Mediterranean where there is a water shortage. Officials said that with three balloons, three million cubic meters of water will be transported in the first year. The length of the special carriage bag, which is called a balloon, is 116 meters and its width is 26 meters. It is also 8.5 meters in depth. When the Manavgat project goes into operation next summer, the water could be sent from there. The water will be collected in the depot installations constructed at the northern shores of the TRNC and will be sent to Gazimagosa via Guzelyurt- Lefkosa with the existing water network. Officials said that seven million cubic meters of water will be transported to the TRNC in the next stage, adding that water tankers could be used if the balloon method is found to be inadequate. Noting that an agreement was signed with a consortium composed of Turkish and Norwegian companies for the water transports with a balloon, officials said that one cubic meter of the water taken from the sea costs 1.28 US dollars and the water which will be sent to the TRNC will have a lower cost. Meanwhile, it was reported that the cost, process and the money which will be spent for the filling areas will be met with the funds which the Ministry of State has allocated for the TRNC. If this system works, then all the water that flows to the sea will be used in the same manner and Turkey will sell this water to countries which have a water shortage. Besides the project to transport water to the TRNC with balloons or tankers, the Alarko Holding has another proposal which is to transport 75 million cubic meters of water to the TRNC with pipelines that will be installed under the sea. This project will be implemented with a build-operate- transfer model. [05] REZVE STREAM AGREEMENT - THE MOST IMPORTANT PROBLEM BETWEEN TURKEY AND BULGARIA ENDS OFFICIALLY - BULGARIAN PARLIAMENT APPROVES REZVE STREAM AGREEMENTSOFIA, June 26 (A.A) - The Rezve Stream problem that was described as the most important problem between Turkey and Bulgaria and couldn't solved for years, ended on Thursday officially after the Bulgarian Parliament approved the Rezve Stream Agreement signed by Mesut Yilmaz, the Prime Minister, and his Bulgarian counterpart Ivan Kostov.It was reported that only the deputies of the Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP) were opposed to the agreement coming into force among the other deputies of the Bulgarian Parliament. The deputies of the BSP claimed that the agreement is in Turkey's favour and didn't participate in the voting organized in the parliament. Meanwhile Asen Agov, the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the Bulgarian Parliament, described the agreement as one of the most significant historical events between Turkey and Bulgaria. [06] PROTEST IN THE STRAITS WITH VESSELS - WARNING PROTEST TO BE STAGED ON 28 JUNE WITH THE PARTICIPATION OF THOUSANDS OF VESSELS TO PREVENT DANGEROUS PASSAGES FROM THE STRAITSISTANBUL, June 26 (A.A) - A warning protest will be staged in the Istanbul Straits on 28 June with the participation of thousands of vessels, aimed at preventing dangerous passages from the straits.Yuksel Ustun, the Chairman of the Peace with Nature Association, addressing a news conference said that the maritime protest will be staged within the framework of the activities staged by the ''Turkey Environmental Cocoon'' between 22 and 28 June. Ustun said that the non-governmental organizations of the countries which have shores on the Black sea will participate in the activity where they plan to attract the international attention to prevent dangerous passages from the straits. He said that the non-governmental organizations will integrate with the public and sailors. Ustun said that if the Black Sea and Turkish Straits system faces a disaster that will be caused by environmental problems and transportation of dangerous items, then the industry, trade and social activities of the regional countries will be spoiled and pointed out that such activities will continue in the future to preserve the natural, historical and cultural riches. [07] COOPERATION BETWEEN TURKEY AND ADZHARISTAN - PEOPLE LIVING ON BOTH SIDES OF SARP BORDER GATE AND RELATIVES TO EACH OTHER, TO BE ALLOWED TO PASS BORDER WITHOUT PASSPORTS ON SPECIAL DAYSHOPA, June 26 (A.A)- A meeting was organized on Thursday between the senior officials from Turkey and the Adzharistan Autonomous Republic of Georgia in order to solve the problem concerning the Sarp border gate that is located between the two countries.President Aslan Abashidze of Adzharistan and Hayrettin Ciftci, the Deputy Governor of Artvin and Civilian Administrator of the Sarp border gate were in attendance at the meeting organized in Batumi, the capital of Adzharistan. Officials told the A.A correspondent that the meeting focused on the problems of both sides concerning the Sarp border gate. At the meeting an agreement was reached to cooperate on struggle against drug traficking and smuggling, to remove the transport problems and to standardize the nonstandard Georgian vehicles. Meanwhile people living on the both sides of the Sarp border gate and relatives to each other, will be allowed to pass the border without passports on the special days such as religious festivals, weddings and funerals. [08] CONTACTS OF THE TRNC PRESIDENT DENKTAS IN VIENNA - DENKTAS REQUESTS AUSTRIA NOT TO ACCEPT ALL ALLEGATIONS CONCERNING CYPRUS WITHOUT THINKING ABOUT IT - AUSTRIA WORRIES ABOUT DEPLOYMENT OF S-300 MISSILES ON CYPRUSVIENNA, June 26 (A.A) - Rauf Denktas the President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), who is currently in Austria for an official visit, met on Thursday with Albert Rohan, the Austrian Undersecretary of the Foreign Ministry and requested Austria, that knows the history of the island, not to accept all allegations concerning the island without thinking about it.Addressing a press conference after the meeting, Denktas noted, ''we are aware of the difficulty with which Austria is faced. We know that the decisions of the European Union are taken with an unanimous vote and Greece has a big influence. If you don't want to divide the island permanently, then you should recognize the Turkish Cypriots' existence on the island and their government that is equal to the Greek Cypriots' government. Glafcos Clerides, the leader of the Greek Cypriot Administration, is the President of the Greek Cypriots, not of the whole island. The Greek Cypriot side aims with its full membership application to the European Union, to destroy Turkey's rights on Cyprus and to unify with Greece''. Meanwhile, responding to the questions of the A.A correspondent, Walter Hagg, the Chairman of the Southern Europe Department of the Austrian Foreign Ministry, pointed out that Austria will follow the policy of the former term presidents after she takes over the term presidency of the Union. Hagg described the mentioned policy as ''the United Nations' decisions and the full membership process of the Greek Cypriot side in the EU which has already began''. He added that Austria will do her utmost to maintain negotiations with both communities living on the island. Walter Hagg also stressed that Austria worries about the Russian made S-300 missiles to be deployed at Southern Cyprus. [09] TURKEY-PRESS REVIEW (1)These are brief summaries of some of the leading stories in Turkey's press on 26 June 1998. The Anadolu Agency doesn't verify these stories and doesn't vouch for their accuracy.(Derived from the Newsspot of the Turkish General Directorate of Press and Information.) INTERIOR MINISTER GIVES DETAILS ABOUT STRUGGLE AGAINST CRIME EUROPEAN COUNCIL DECLARES PKK A ''TERRORIST ORGANIZATION'' FIVE PKK MEMBERS ARRESTED IN FRANCE TUBITAK MICRO SATELLITE PROJECT WORLD BANK CREDIT Wolfenson and Taner also signed an agreement regarding a 270 million US dollar credit for a ''National Transmission Lines Project''. Within the framework of this agreement, an investment programme for transmission lines for the Turkish Electricity Production-Transmission Company between 1999- 2002 will be realized. /Cumhuriyet/ [10] TURKEY-PRESS REVIEW (2)These are brief summaries of some of the leading stories in Turkey's press on 26 June 1998. The Anadolu Agency doesn't verify these stories and doesn't vouch for their accuracy.(Derived from the Newsspot of the Turkish General Directorate of Press and Information.) DEMIREL IN MOLDOVA Demirel said, ''We are determined to further develop relations in education and culture with Moldova. The Gagauz have an autonomous administration and live in peace and calm. I want to express Turkey's pleasure once more regarding Moldova's positive approach towards the Gagauz problem and I am very pleased that 15 million US dollars in Turkish-Eximbank credit has been extended, and that projects for providing potable water for the Gagauz are being implemented. I also want to say that I have invited Mr. Lucinschi to Turkey''. /Cumhuriyet/ NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS MEET TO PROTECT BLACK SEA WATER SHIPMENTS TO TRNC COOPERATION IN EDUCATION WEU CHAIRMAN TO VISIT TURKEY BRITISH INVESTORS LOOKING TO TURKEY Praising Turkey's developing economy in his opening speech, Davies said that they aimed to increase the trade volume between Turkey and England. He added that the 1996 Customs Union facilitated trade between Turkey and England and pointed out that Turkey was an important bridge to Central Asia. Yavuz Canevi, the Chairman of the Turkish Economy Bank, said that mutual investments should be increased and that the European Union funds had to be extended to Turkey. /Milliyet/Hurriyet/ STEFANOPULOS: ''CYPRUS ISSUE PREVENTS TURKEY'S EU MEMBERSHIP'' Rauf Denktas, the President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), who is in Vienna, Austria, said regarding the visit that although Greece was trying to prove that Cyprus was a Greek island, they couldn't change the political reality on the island. He added, ''we hope that during the term presidency of Austria, which will take over on 1 July 1998, the European Union will change its attitude of support for Greece.'' /Sabah/ [11] PRESIDENT DEMIREL IN MOLDOVA - JOINT STATEMENT ISSUED REGARDING DEMIREL'S CONTACTS IN MOLDOVAKISHINEV, June 26 (A.A) - President Suleyman Demirel's ongoing visit to Moldova is being carried out within a friendly atmosphere and within the framework of traditional friendship ties between the two countries.A joint statement was issued on Friday related to the contacts of Demirel in these countries. The statement said that the Presidents of Turkey and Moldova exchanged views on internatonal and regional issues concerning the two countries, adding that the Presidents confirmed their full loyalities to the UN Charter, its principles and targets, and the principles of the equality of states, territorial integrity and not intervening to each others' internal affairs, which form the basis of international relations. The statement said that the Presidents of Turkey and Moldova expressed pleasure about the dynamic and broad relations which develop within the framework of reciprocal respect and interests and agreed to develop relations to the highest level. The Presidents welcomed the meeting of the businessmen of the two countries due to this visit and decided to promote business circles especially in the fields of trade, industry, banking, finance, tourism, free zone administration aimed at providing means for business and investments. The two Presidents also emphasized the importance of intensifying cooperation between chambers of trade and industry of the two countries and to restart activities of the Turkish-Moldovan Businessmen Council. The statement recalled that during the visit an agreement was signed to prevent dual taxation and tax evasion. The two Presidents also mentioned the importance of the realization of a project for the Southern Moldovan cities to obtain potable water and starting to use the first part of the 35 million US dollar credit extended by the Turkish Eximbank. ''The sides shared the view that the OSCE would continue to play an important role for the security of the European-Atlantic region and confirmed their determination of working together according to the spirit of the OSCE principles and rules which are based on inseparability of security and unviobility of the borders, sovereign equality and territorial integrity also with the ideal of Europe'' the statement said. ''The sides expressed concern about the slow rhythm of the process of withdrawal of foreign forces from Moldovan territory as a whole and about the implementation of the outcomes of the Copenhagen meeting of the OSCE member country ministers'' it added. The two Presidents expressed their belief that developing relations of friendship and cooperation between the two countries would contribute to the strengthening of stability and affluence in the region. The statement said that the two sides expressed concern about the developments in the Kosovo region of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia which threaten the stability of the adjacent regions and which jeopardize the security of civilian people and wanted the conflict to be solved peacefully. The statement said that the two Presidents once again mentioned their loyalty to an atmosphere of positive cooperation within the framework of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC) and Cooperation Initiatives in the Southeastern European region. The joint statement harshly condemned that terrorism was used as a tool in solving several problems and expressed their readiness to cooperate against international terrorism, organized crimes, drugs and weapons trafficking, smuggling of cultural and historical masterpieces. Meanwhile, it was reported that President Demirel invited the Moldovan President to Turkey and that the Moldovan President accepted this invitation with pleasure. [12] ''TURKEY'' CONFERENCE IN LONDON - DAVIS, BRITISH MINISTER OF STATE: ''WE ENCOURAGE OUR ENTREPRENEURS FOR JOINT INVESTMENTS AND TRADE WITH TURKEY''LONDON, June 26 (A.A) - Sir Clinton Davis, the British Minister of State Responsible for Trade said with a campaign initiated recently they showed Turkey as a target for British entrepreneurs and businessmen and pointed out, ''we encourage our entrepreneurs for joint trade and investments with Turkey.''Addressing a conference on ''Your Next Market Turkey'', staged in London, Davis said that the recent European Union (EU) summit held in Cardiff was an important step for relations between Turkey and the EU. Noting that Turkey's membership position was strengthened in Cardiff, Davis said that Europe's aid and approach to Turkey will continue. David Logan, the United Kingdom's Ambassador Turkey, said that the Cardiff Summit was an important step for the integration of Turkey and the European Union. Noting that news reports appearing in the Turkish media displayed a pessimistic picture, Logan said they didn't consider the outcomes of Cardiff the same ''we think that half of the glass is full'' he added. Logan pointed out that they strongly believed that Turkey was a part of Europe, adding that there is a decrease in inflation and also stressed that Turkey has a strong stability, that couldn't be compared with anyone, among extremely powerful neighbours. [13] SHIP LOADED WITH WEAPONS PASSES WITH PERMISSIONCANAKKALE, June 26 (A.A) - An Egyptian flagged ro-ro ship passed from the Dardanelles Straits with its military equipment and ammunition load, it was reported on Friday.The ship named ''Rast Muhammet'', made a transit passage announcement to the Istanbul and Canakkale Customs Directorates to go to Egypt's Alexandria Harbour from the Ukraine's Otayabaski Harbour. It was learned that the ship was carrying 569 tonnes of various military equipment and 180 tonnes dangerous military items. The Egyptian ship departed from the Canakkale Straits and opened into the international waters of the Aegean Sea. [14] THE US ADMINISTRATION AND THE WORLD BANK PRAISE TURKEY'S ECONOMY - WOLFENSON, CHAIRMAN OF THE WORLD BANK: ''WE ARE IMPRESSED WITH DETERMINED EFFORTS OF TURKISH GOVERNMENT'' - SUMMERS, THE US DEPUTY SECRETARY OF TREASURY, DESCRIBES DEVELOPMENTS IN TURKEY'S ECONOMY AS VERY GOODWASHINGTON, D.C., (A.A) - The World Bank and the US Administration praised the Turkish Government's policy on the economy, it was reported on Thursday.James Wolfenson, the Chairman of the World Bank, who signed the agreements of the loans for 570 million US dollars concerning the ''National Electricity Transmission Network'' and ''Eight Year Compulsory Education'' with Gunes Taner, the Minister of State, who is currently in the US for an official visit, said, ''we are impressed with the determined efforts of the Turkish government. We are ready to support Turkey's initiatives. Our activities provide funds to Turkey for removing the damages caused by the flood disaster''. Addressing a press conference, Gunes Taner reminded that he met with Lawrence Summers, the US Deputy Secretary of the Treasury, Taner added, ''Summers described the economic developments in Turkey as very good and expressed satisfaction with the ''staff monitoring programme'' that will be signed with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Taner described the World Bank's approach to Turkey as extremely positive, adding that he believes the loan of 250 million US dollars concerning the removal of the damages caused by the flood disaster, will be concluded in September. He emphasized that the relations with the World Bank are developing rapidly. Gunes Taner stressed that Turkey reached stability in the economy and policy last year, and added that the world is also aware of this development. Taner is scheduled to meet with the IMF officials in order to discuss the 18 month staff monitoring programme. [15] GREEK CYPRIOT WHO VIOLATED TRNC BORDER RETURNED - YUANNU: ''I REVOLT BECAUSE OF INJUSTICES, I WANT TO STAY IN THE TRNC''LEFKOSA, June 26 (A.A) - Stellos Yuannu (50) the Greek Cypriot citizen, who passed over to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) from the Yigitler Burcu region in Lefkosa on 21 June by violating military prohibited region, was returned to the Greek Cypriot side with the mediation of the UN Peace Forces.Yuannu, who was judged on Thursday said he fled to the TRNC as he was abused by theGreek Cypriot police adding, ''I am tired of injustices, I want to stay in the TRNC.'' Ilker Sertbay, the Military Judge, mentioned that violating a military prohibited zone called for terms of imprisonment of up to two years, but decided to release Yuannu by considering the way he had committed the crime and the period he was kept arrested. Sertbay said that the court wasn't the authorized body that could decide on the wish of Yuannu to stay in the TRNC. Yuannu thanked the court after the hearing and said, ''I want people learn what happens at our side.'' Sertbay stressed that the TRNC was a legal state and that everybody received equal treatment and that there was no discrimination between people here. [16] TURKEY SIGNS TWO AGREEMENTS OF 570 MILLLION US DOLLARS WITH THE WORLD BANKWASHINGTON, D.C., June 26 (A.A) - Two agreements of the loans concerning the ''National Electricity Transmission Network'' and ''Eight Year Compulsory Education'' were signed on Thursday by Gunes Taner, the Minister of State, who is currently in the US for an official visit, and James Wolfenson, the Chairman of the World Bank. The first agreement is 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. The total cost of the modernization is calculated as 502 million US dollars. A total of 127 million US dollars will be provided by the TEAS. The World Bank's loan has a fixed term of 17 years, a four year part of it is without repayment, and the type of interest is determined as the variable interest of the London Interbank Offered Rate base (LIBOR). The TEAS will obtain loans from the international capital markets for the remaining 105 million US dollars after 2002.The second agreement is about the first 300 million US dollar part of the loan of 600 million US dollars that will be given to the Ministry of National Education for the eight year compulsory education in the framework of the Adaptable Project Lending by the World Bank. The loan has a fixed term of 15 years, the first three years is without repayment and the type of interest is determined as fixed interest. [17] GOLDEN ORANGE FILM FESTIVAL BECOMES INTERNATIONAL - APPLICATIONS FROM FRANCE, ITALY, PORTUGAL AND ISRAEL TO FESTIVALANTALYA, June 26 (A.A) - The ''Antalya Golden Orange Film Festival'' became international, it was reported on Friday. Films from only the Mediterranean countries will be invited to the festival.So far France, Italy, Portugal and Israel applied to the festival with six films. Responding to the questions of the A.A correspondent, Gaye Doganoglu, the Chairman of the Golden Orange Culture and Art Foundation, pointed out that the festival will be held for the first time at an international level this year. She noted, ''the films from the Mediterranean countries that haven't been shown yet, will compete at the competition'' Pointing out that the 35th Antalya Golden Orange Film Festival will begin on 1 October and last for a week, Doganoglu pointed out that the First International Golden Orange Film Festival will be held at the same date. She stressed that awards of 150 thousand US dollars will be given at the festival. The Fourth International Golden Orange Short Feature Films and Video Competition will be held between 4-8 October. A total of 55 films have applied to the Short Feature Film Competition. Nalan Cebeci, the Director of the Golden Orange Festival, told the A.A correspondent, ''The films that we expect to compete at the festival are as follows: ''Hunter (Avci)'' by Erden Kiral, ''Heavy Novel (Agir Roman)'' by Mustafa Altioklar, ''Voyage to the Sun (Gunese Yolculuk)'' by Yesim Ustaoglu, ''Goodbye to You Tomorrow (Hoscakal Yarin)'' by Reis Celik, ''Lola Bilidikid'' by Kutlug Ataman, ''Mixed Pizza (Karisik Pizza)'' by Umur Turagay and ''Smuggling Degree (Kacakcilik Diplomasi)'' by Tunc Basaran''. [18] STATE MINISTER TANER: ''WE HAVE AGREED WITH THE IMF'' - ''LETTER OF PROGRAMME POLICY'' TO BE PRESENTED TO IMF TODAY - 18 MONTH ''STAFF MONITORING PROGRAMME'' BEGINSWASHINGTON, D.C., June 26 (A.A) - The ''Staff Monitoring Programme'' with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) will begin to be applied, it was reported on Friday.Addressing the journalists, Gunes Taner, the Minister of State Responsible for the Economy, who is currently in the US for an official visit, reminded that he held talks with Michel Camdessus, the Chairman of the IMF, Stanley Fisher, the Deputy Chairman of the IMF, and Martin Hardy, the Chairman of the IMF Turkey Desk. Noting that they have agreed with the IMF, Taner added, ''the technical activities were concluded. I will present the letter concerning the policy of the programme to the IMF on behalf of the Turkish Government and the 18 month staff monitoring programme will come into force in the coming days''. Stressing that the ''staff monitoring programme'' isn't a ''Stand By'' agreement, Gunes said that the countries that have problems with the balance of payments, apply for the Stand By agreement in order to use their quotas. He emphasized, ''Turkey doesn't need such a programme. The Turkish Central Bank's reserves are 26.5 billion US dollars and the reserves of the private banks are 10 billion US dollars. We aren't requesting financial aid from the IMF''. Taner also pointed out that inflation is targeted as 50 percent for 1998 and 20 percent for the next year. The staff monitoring programme agreement will be the 17th agreement signed between Turkey and the IMF within the last 37 years. [19] CONSTRUCTION TENDERS FOR IRANIAN NATURAL GAS PIPELINE CONCLUDEDANKARA, June 26 (A.A) - Construction tenders have been concluded for the Iranian Natural Pipeline which started from the Iranian border and extended to Ankara via Dogubeyazit, Erzurum, Erzincan, Sivas and Kayseri, having a length of 1,211 km, it was reported on Friday.The state-run oil transport company Botas made a statement that the companies with which agreement talks will be held have been specified. According to this agreement, talks will start with the Alarko-Alsim Company for the Erzurum-Imranli section and with the Tepe-SMU/4 Consortium for the Imranli-Kayseri section. The Limak-Bayindir-Poltavananaftagazbud-Yzhnilgidrogaz Companies for the Kayseri-Konya-Seydisehir section and the Colakoglu-Indet-Ukrnefttegazstroy Consortiums for the Kayseri-Konya-Seydisehir section. The Botas statement said that the credit proposals of the companies were sent to the Undersecretariat of the Treasury to be evaluated. The conclusion period for each project is 19 months following the signing of the agreements. The Natural Gas Pipeline is expected to be concluded at the beginning of 2000. Within the framework of the natural gas purchase agreement signed between Turkey and Iran on 12 Aug 1996, the natural gas which will be imported from Iran, will be transported to the consumption points within the Turkish borders including dwellings and industries. [20] THE TURKS FORM THE MOST SUCCESSFUL FOREIGNERS GROUP IN THE NETHERLANDSAMSTERDAM, June 26 (A.A) - The Turks form the most successful foreigners group in the Netherlands, and a significant rise has been determined in their economic and social status, it was reported on Friday.The academic thesis on ''Social and Economic Dynamism'' of J. Davegos from the Rotterdam Erasmus University, shows that the Turks who had worked in the most menial jobs in the business market, have begun to be accepted for higher income and social status jobs. The Turks living in the Netherlands have the highest living standards among the other foreigners living in the country except for the citizens of the European Union countries. [21] TURKEY IN BRIEF - 26 JUNE 1998ANKARA - The loans of the Eximbank for the financing of the drinking water and the other projects that will be realized in Moldova with the approval of the Prime Minister, will be met by the Development and Support Fund, it was reported on Friday.Turkey undertook the drinking water project that will be realized in the Vulkanesti region of Moldova where the Gagavuz Turks live. The total cost of the project is 15 million US dollars and will be met completely by the Turkish Eximbank. ANKARA - The paintings of Ayla Citak, a leading Turkish painter, and the works of the wifes of the journalists, Asuman Kucuksahin, Senel Bastiryaki, Sevinc Guven, Mubin Basaran and Serike Er, began to be displayed at the Art Gallery of the Anadolu Agency, it was reported on Friday. More than 120 paintings are being displayed at the exhibition that will remain open until 1 July. SELCUK - The exhibition on the ''Voyage from Morocco to Turkey'' was opened at the Ephesus Museum in Selcuk by the Izmir French Cultural Association, it was reported on Friday. Addressing the opening ceremony, Serge Graziani, the Director of the Izmir French Cultural Association, said that the photographs of the archaeologists's excavation studies, are shown at the exhibition. He added that the exhibition will also be opened in Morocco. It was reported that most of the photographs are by the French photographer Hugues Fontaine. The exhibition will remain open for 15 days. BERGAMA - The Eighth Bergama Sister Cities Olympic Games began on Friday. More than 700 athletes from six countries, Germany, Austria, Italy, Netherlands, Scotland and Bulgaria, are participating at the games that will end on 28 June. Competitions will be held in 10 sports branches. NEW YORK - Isin Guyer, mezzo-soprano, and Leyla Pinar, pianist, gave a concert on Thursday at the Dag Hammarskjold Concert-hall in the United Nations Headquarters in New York in the framework of the 75th anniversary of the Republic of Turkey. The American critics praised the two Turkish artists. Volkan Vural, the Turkey's Permanent Envoy to the UN, and Fuat Tanlay, the Turkish Consul General to New York, also attended the concert. Guyer, with the accompaniment of Pinar playing the harpsichord, sang the compositions of Ulvi Cemal Erkin, Adnan Saygun, Yuksel Koptagel, Dede Efendi, Necil Kazim Akses, Ilhan Usmanbas, Ilhan Mimaroglu and Ekrem Zeki Un. [22] DRUG OPERATION - NARCOTICS OFFICIALS SEIZE 12 KG OF HEROIN AND 30 KG OF HASHISHANKARA, June 26 (A.A) - Narcotics officials seized on Friday a total of 12 kg of heroin and 30 kg of hashish in the operations they launched in Gaziantep. Two people were taken into custody.Officials told the A.A correspondent that acting on a tip-off, the narcotics officials found the drugs, which were planned to be brought from Van to Ankara in a lorry. The lorry driver Haci Cingoz and his brother Mustafa Cingoz were taken into custody. The police are searching for two people concerning the drugs. Investigations about the incident are underway. Anadolu Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |