Anadolu Agency: News in English, 98-06-28

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

28 JUNE 1998

CONTENTS

[01] ATAOGLU, THE DEPUTY GENERAL DIRECTOR OF DISASTER AFFAIRS: ''64 MORE QUAKES SHOOK ADANA PROVINCE AND THE SOUTHERN REGION TILL 07.00 IN THE MORNING''

[02] TRNC PRIME MINISTER EROGLU: ''RECOGNITION OF TWO SEPARATE AND SOVEREIGN STATES ON THE ISLAND IS THE ONLY RATIONAL WAY FOR THE STABILITY OF THE REGION''

[03] EARTHQUAKE IN ADANA AND SURROUNDING REGION - INSTITUTIONS OF MINISTRY OF ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES START THEIR STUDIES IN THE REGION - NO DAMAGE ON THE KIRKUK-YUMURTALIK PIPELINE BETWEEN TURKEY AND IRAQ

[04] PRESIDENT DEMIREL VISITS ADANA PROVINCE - VAKIFBANK GIVES 100 BILLION LIRAS TO ADANA GOVERNORSHIP

[05] HELICOPTER PROJECT OF TAI - FIRST TWO COUGAR HELICOPTERS PRODUCED IN FRANCE WITH TAI-EUROCOPTER CORPORATION, TO BE DELIVERED IN JUNE 1999

[06] LOCAL ELECTIONS IN TRNC - TRNC PRESIDENT DENKTAS: ''A GOOD EXAMPLE OF OUR DEMOCRATIC LIFE IS BEING GIVEN BY LOCAL ELECTIONS'' - ''GREEK PRESIDENT SHOULD WATCH THE ELECTIONS''

[07] STATE MINISTER TANER RETURNS TO TURKEY FROM THE US - TANER: ''THE AGREEMENT WITH THE IMF IS DIFFERENT FROM THE STAND-BY AGREEMENTS''

[08] 10 TERRORISTS KILLED, TWO SOLDIERS DIE

[09] UN SECURITY COUNCIL TO ADOPT A DRAFT RESOLUTION ON CYPRUS THIS WEEK

[10] SEPARATIST TERRORISTS WAYLAY - TERRORISTS STOP A MINIBUS AND KILL TWO INNOCENT CITIZENS

[11] TRNC PRESIDENT DENKTAS: ''PRESIDENT DEMIREL WILL VISIT TRNC TOGETHER WITH THE ARRIVAL OF WATER IN TRNC''

[12] PARTNERSHIP FOR PEACE TRAINING CENTER TO BE OPENED ON MONDAY

[13] TURKISH AMBASSADORS' CONTACTS IN TRNC - ETKIN, THE TRNC FOREIGN AND DEFENSE MINISTER: ''THE CYPRUS MATTER IS IN SAFE HANDS''

[14] PRIVATIZATION OF POAS - FINAL BARGAINING NEGOTIATIONS TO BE HELD ON MONDAY

[15] TPAO INCREASES ITS DOMESTIC NATURAL GAS PRODUCTION BY SEVEN PERCENT

[16] YUCELEN, THE STATE MINISTER LEAVES FOR PORTUGAL TO UNDERTAKE THE TERM PRESIDENCY OF EUREKA

[01] ATAOGLU, THE DEPUTY GENERAL DIRECTOR OF DISASTER AFFAIRS: ''64 MORE QUAKES SHOOK ADANA PROVINCE AND THE SOUTHERN REGION TILL 07.00 IN THE MORNING''

Ataoglu told A.A that ''64 quakes shook the region till 07.00 in the morning. Five of these quakes measured more than 4 on the Richter scale.''

Recalling that Yasar Topcu, the Minister of Public Works and Housing, Oktay Ergunay, the Director General of Disaster Affairs, quake research experts are all in the region, Ataoglu pointed out that ''we are in continious contact with them. We expect their orders and demands.''

Noting that the additional mild quakes can continue for months, Ataoglu stressed that the damages in the buildings may worsen.

[02] TRNC PRIME MINISTER EROGLU: ''RECOGNITION OF TWO SEPARATE AND SOVEREIGN STATES ON THE ISLAND IS THE ONLY RATIONAL WAY FOR THE STABILITY OF THE REGION''

Eroglu said in a written statement that the visit of Costis Stefanopulos, the Greek President to the Greek Cypriot side showed once again the uncompromising, aggressive and expansionist aims of the Greek-Greek Cypriot front.

''The Turkish Cypriot people and all the Turkish nation are resolved to make the TRNC to live on its sovereign territories. Neither the Russian disarmament supported by the Greece nor the threats displayed during this recent visit will be able to deter us from our determination. All circles which share this idea of peace with us should take into consideration the realities of the island and the regional balances and give up encouraging the Greece and the Greek Cypriot side which are ready for madness any time, '' said Eroglu.

Noting that Stefanopulos provocated people since he came to the island by claiming that Cyprus is an Hellene island- a Greek island- and the immigrants should return to their homes, Eroglu stressed that ''Stefanopulos also said that Greece will veto the full membership of Turkey to the European Union (EU) as long as pre-1974 conditions are not provided on the island.''

Dervis Eroglu said that they wish to take the attention of the all world to agressive attitudes of Stefanopulos and the Greek Cypriot administrators.

[03] EARTHQUAKE IN ADANA AND SURROUNDING REGION - INSTITUTIONS OF MINISTRY OF ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES START THEIR STUDIES IN THE REGION - NO DAMAGE ON THE KIRKUK-YUMURTALIK PIPELINE BETWEEN TURKEY AND IRAQ

The Ministry said in a written statement that a crisis desk was set up within its structure.

''The electricity was again given to the hospitals and to all strategical places like airport, security department and mayor's office. Also, seven generators were sent to the region,'' the statement said.

Pointing out that the machines and equipments belonging to the institutions of the Ministry were sent to the region, the statement said, ''the pumping of 6,600 barrels of oil per hour with the Kirkuk-Yumurtalik pipeline continues normally. Also, the pumping with the Batman-Dortyol domestic pipeline continues normally.''

''The General Directorate of State Water Works (DSI) continues its studies to determine whether or not there is damage on the Seyhan, Catalan, Kesiksuyu, Kozan, Aslantas, Kalecik and Nergizlik dams in the region,'' the statement added.

[04] PRESIDENT DEMIREL VISITS ADANA PROVINCE - VAKIFBANK GIVES 100 BILLION LIRAS TO ADANA GOVERNORSHIP

President Demirel got information from Oguz Kaan Koksal, the Adana Governor about the quake and the rescue efforts.

Koksal told Demirel that the epicenter of the quake, measuring 6.3 on the Richter scale, was Yuregir and Ceyhan counties of Adana province, adding that three civilian defense teams from Ankara arrived in Adana and they received all the necessary aids from all the institutions.

President Demirel expressed his deep sorrow about the quake and stressed that the most important thing that should be done now is to normalize the life in the region.

Meanwhile, VakıfBank gave 100 billion liras to Koksal, the Governor. Koksal stressed that 50 billion liras will be sent to Ceyhan county for emergency needs, while half of the money will be used in Adana to compensate for the losses.

Prime Minister Mesut Yılmaz and Deputy Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit are also currently in Adana and they get information from the officials, talk to citizens and visit injured people at the hospitals.

[05] HELICOPTER PROJECT OF TAI - FIRST TWO COUGAR HELICOPTERS PRODUCED IN FRANCE WITH TAI-EUROCOPTER CORPORATION, TO BE DELIVERED IN JUNE 1999

The officials from the TAI told the A.A correspondent that the contract, which was signed between the TAI and the Eurocopter for the joint production of 30 Cougar AS 532 helicopters, foresees that the Eurocopter will carry out its leadership mission during the production process of the first two helicopters in France and then it will transfer its mission to the TAI.

In accordance with the contract, the Cougar AS 532 type helicopters, which are now produced in France by the TAI-Eurocopter corporation with the participation of TAI personnel, will start to be produced in Turkey in the TAI Facilities by next year.

The TAI will produce 28 Cougar AS 532 helicopters in Turkey within the scope of the project which will continue until the year 2001. TAI will also realize the sale of the helicopters to specified countries.

The share of the domestic contribution to the project is 30 percent. In addition to the TAI, the Turkish organizations and companies, Aselsan, Kalekalip, Netas, Bestas, KIBM and Aspilsan, will participate in the project.

[06] LOCAL ELECTIONS IN TRNC - TRNC PRESIDENT DENKTAS: ''A GOOD EXAMPLE OF OUR DEMOCRATIC LIFE IS BEING GIVEN BY LOCAL ELECTIONS'' - ''GREEK PRESIDENT SHOULD WATCH THE ELECTIONS''

While using his vote at a ballot box, TRNC President Denktas said that ''I hope the Greek President also watches the local elections held in TRNC today. Those who lose their self-control by claiming that the Cyprus is Greek, will see that people who are the owner of their state, fulfil their national and citizenship duty.''

Noting that Greece and the Greek-Cypriot side should see this reality, Denktas said ''they can not change this reality with weapons, they should give up their mentality. There are two owners of Cyprus and we are one of these owners. We say that we should live side by side as neighbours, I hope they can hear our voice.''

Responding to a question, TRNC President Denktas said that ''the Greek money, Greek trigger and Greek policy have been behind the bloodshed on the island since 1955. It is a pity, because Greece can only develop by being a friend of Turkey. She can not achieve anything by her hostility towards Turkey.''

[07] STATE MINISTER TANER RETURNS TO TURKEY FROM THE US - TANER: ''THE AGREEMENT WITH THE IMF IS DIFFERENT FROM THE STAND-BY AGREEMENTS''

Speaking to reporters at the Ataturk Airport upon his arrival in Turkey, State Minister Taner said that they signed an agreement with the IMF covering the coming 18 months.

''We have entered into the process of an agreement framework, which will cover the coming 18 months, by transforming the government's programme into a written document,'' he mentioned.

Pointing out that the IMF will monitor the implementations of the government for the coming 18 months and later announce the results, Taner said, ''the agreement reached with the IMF is different from the stand-by agreements, which had been earlier signed between Turkey and the IMF. The prescriptions, which had been given by the IMF, had been implemented in the past and a specified amount of money had been got. The reserves of the Central Bank now increased over to 35 billion US dollars. We did not demand money from the IMF and an implementation of a prescription is out of question.''

''We are now in a period in which the prestige of Turkey is increasing. An exceptional technical, modern and powerful system has come and we will make use of this,'' Taner said.

Noting that the struggle against inflation is in the first place of the government's programme, Taner stated that the goal is to decrease the inflation to 50 percent at the end of 1998; to 20 percent at the end of 1999 and to one-digit numbers in the year 2000.

[08] 10 TERRORISTS KILLED, TWO SOLDIERS DIE

The Emergency Rule Governor's Office said that security forces killed one terrorist in Mezra district of Hakkari; three terrorists near Demaga Hill in Semdinli county of Hakkari; three terrorists in Cevre village in Yuksekova county of Hakkari; one terrorist in Yesildag village in Varto county of Mus and two terrorists in the rural area in Catak county of Van.

Two soldiers died in the operations.

Three terrorists, who escaped from the separatist terrorist PKK organization, surrendered to security forces in Hakkari and in Catak county of Van.

The operations in the region are underway.

[09] UN SECURITY COUNCIL TO ADOPT A DRAFT RESOLUTION ON CYPRUS THIS WEEK

The UN Security Council will express its concern in the draft about the delivery of weapon systems to the island (by Greek Cypriots) and the efforts not being able to decrease the number of foreign soldiers on the island.

The Security Council, which will extend the term office of the United Nations Peace-Keeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) upon the suggestion of Kofi Annan, the UN Secretary General till December 31, 1998, will call the two leaders to launch efforts aiming to get a result from face to face negotiation process under the auspices of UN.

Diplomatic sources pointed out that for the first time the draft resolution will not attribute to UN Resolutions. However, this development does not cause the ''recognition of the TRNC as a separate state.''

[10] SEPARATIST TERRORISTS WAYLAY - TERRORISTS STOP A MINIBUS AND KILL TWO INNOCENT CITIZENS

A group of separatist terrorists stopped a minibus near Baliklicay village, barricading the Bingol-Sancak motorway and killed Bulent Firat, (38), a worker from the Turkish Electricity and Distribution Inc. (TEDAS), and Ahmet Bayer, (20). Separatist terrorists fled away from the scene.

Security forces launched a large-scale operation.

[11] TRNC PRESIDENT DENKTAS: ''PRESIDENT DEMIREL WILL VISIT TRNC TOGETHER WITH THE ARRIVAL OF WATER IN TRNC''

Denktas told reporters that ''Greek President, who heard that President Demirel would come to the island, visited the Greek Cypriot side before Demirel. They are trying to create a false atmosphere that President Demirel will arrive in the island, because the Greek President visited the Greek Cypriot side. This is not true.''

Noting that Turkey does not need to show off, Denktas pointed out that ''there is a Turkish island 40 miles away from Turkey, Turkish people live on this island and they have a state and President of Turkey, which recognizes this state, visits this state, this is all.''

Rauf Denktas said that they do not intervene with the things happening in the south, adding that the Greek Cypriots do not have the right to say anything to TRNC and when they understand this fact, the Cyprus question will be solved.

[12] PARTNERSHIP FOR PEACE TRAINING CENTER TO BE OPENED ON MONDAY

Generals and officers from 16 NATO member countries and 27 PFP countries; high-level personnel from several military schools and academies abroad; the Ambassadors in Ankara; officials from the Foreign Ministry; representatives of some think-tank organizations; high-ranking military officials and foreign reporters will attend the opening ceremony of the center, which will train civilian personnel and military units.

General Ismail Hakki Karadayi, the Chief of General Staff; Ismet Sezgin, the Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of National Defense; Ismail Cem, the Foreign Minister; General Cevik Bir, the Deputy Chief of General Staff; General O.L. Kandborg, the Director of International Military Headquarters from the NATO Headquarters, and General Ton Kolsteren, the Chief of the South European Allied Forces Staff, will attend the ceremony.

An introduction briefing will be given at the General Staff Headquarters before the ceremony.

A total of 37 high-ranking military officials and civilian personnel will participate in the ''PFP Orientation Course'', which will start on Monday and continue until July 3, at the Training Center built in Kirazlidere in Ankara.

The PFP Training Center planned to open further nine courses this year and 34 others in 1999.

The PFP initiative was started in January 1994 covering the former Warsaw Pact member countries.

Albania, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Armenia, Estonia, Finland, Georgia, Sweden, Switzerland, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Hungary, Macedonia, Moldovo, Uzbekistan, Poland, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Turkmenistan and Ukraine are the members of the PFP in addition to 16 NATO member countries including Turkey, the US, Britain, France and Germany.

[13] TURKISH AMBASSADORS' CONTACTS IN TRNC - ETKIN, THE TRNC FOREIGN AND DEFENSE MINISTER: ''THE CYPRUS MATTER IS IN SAFE HANDS''

Addressing a brifing to Turkish Ambassadors working in African countries, who visit TRNC, Etkin stated that a general evaluation will be made with the ambassadors and this will shed light on the future studies.

Noting that the ambassadors tell the national case to the world in the places where they work, Etkin said that such kind of relations between Turkish and TRNC Ministries will go on in the future, therefore important decisions will be taken up and progress will be recorded concerning the Cyprus question.

Yasar Yakıs, the Chairman of the Turkish delegation and Turkish Ambassador to Egypt said that the Cyprus question has a separate place in the career of ambassadors and they came to TRNC to learn the Cyprus question better.

Pointing out that their visit to TRNC has an important meaning in respect of explaining the Cyprus question in the countries where they work, Yakıs added that the works they will do in TRNC will be beneficial.

The delegation will leave the island on Sunday evening.

[14] PRIVATIZATION OF POAS - FINAL BARGAINING NEGOTIATIONS TO BE HELD ON MONDAY

The negotiations at the Undersecretariat of Treasury will be noterially certified and will be open to press and public.

The EGS Holding Inc., Cingilli Holding Inc. and Suzer Holding Inc., the three of the ten companies, which submitted their bids on the deadline, May 18 1998, withdrew from the tender when the amount of guarantee was increased to 35 million US dollars from 10 million US dollars.

The names of the investor groups bidding for the tender are as follows:

-the Akmaya-Orteks Joint Initiative Group,

-the Ceylan Construction-Contracting, Import and Export Limited Co.&amp;Milgaz Trade and Industry Inc. Joint Initiative Group,

-the Cukurova Holding Inc.&amp;Anadolu International Trade and Transportation Inc. Joint Initiative Gruop,

-the Dogus Holding Inc.&amp;Garanti Bank Inc. Joint Initiative Group,

-the Koc Holding Inc., Selahattin Beyazit, Turkish Is Bank Inc.&amp;Bayindir Construction, Tourism, Trade and Industry Inc&amp;Park Holding Inc. Oil Products Tourism and Transportation Inc. Joint Initiative Group.

[15] TPAO INCREASES ITS DOMESTIC NATURAL GAS PRODUCTION BY SEVEN PERCENT

The officials from the Directorate General of the TPAO told the A.A correspondent that new natural gas fields were included in the system to contribute to the production in Turkey and that the annual production was increased to 1.5 billion cubic meters from 600 million cubic meters.

Officials said that the share of the TPAO in the total production in Turkey increased to ten percent from three percent when the North Marmara Natural Gas production facilities were included into the system.

Pointing out that the amount of production would increase more when some new fields start to operate, the officials said that positive results will be achieved from the new natural gas production wells in the seas especially in 1999.

[16] YUCELEN, THE STATE MINISTER LEAVES FOR PORTUGAL TO UNDERTAKE THE TERM PRESIDENCY OF EUREKA

Addressing a press briefing at Ataturk Airport before his departure to Lisbon, Yucelen said that he will undertake the term presidency of EUREKA on June 30 in Lisbon in the name of Turkey, recalling that the institution was established in 1985 to encourage research, development activities in the field of advanced technology, to increase the competition power and to provide cooperation among industrial institutions in Europe.

Noting that Turkey's term presidency in EUREKA having 25 members is important, Yucelen said that ''Turkey exists in all the institutions of Europe and can lead these institutions. We will be the term president of an institution for one year to which EU is a member. Turkey's isolation from EU is a political decision. Turkey has been integrated to Europe and is a part of Europe. Our term presidency in EUREKA will contribute to our accession to the EU.''

Rustu Kazım Yucelen will return to Turkey on July 1, 1998.

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