Anadolu Agency: News in English, 98-07-16

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

16 JULY 1998

CONTENTS

[01] GENERAL KARADAYI, CHIEF OF GENERAL STAFF, IN THE US

[02] FAREWELL RECEPTION OF KUZNETSOV, RUSSIAN AMBASSADOR TO TURKEY

[03] PRIME MINISTER YILMAZ RECEIVES GERMAN INDUSTRIALISTS - HENKEL, CHAIRMAN OF DELEGATION OF GERMAN CONFEDERATION OF INDUSTRIALISTS: - ''GERMANY PLACES GREAT IMPORTANCE ON TURKEY''

[04] 46 ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WHO AIMED TO ENTER TURKEY ILLEGALLY, CAPTURED

[05] PRESIDENT DEMIREL RETURNS TO TURKEY

[06] BASESGIOGLU, INTERIOR MINISTER: - ''TERRORIST ORGANIZATION PKK TRIES TO INFILTRATE THE BLACK SEA REGION'' - ''TURKISH STATE HAS THE POWER TO CLEAR AWAY ALL THE MILITANT ORGANIZATIONS IN COUNTRY''

[07] PRESIDENT DEMIREL EVALUATES HIS VISIT TO ALBANIA

[08] TWO TURKISH COMPANIES WIN TENDER IN BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA

[09] BRITAIN RETURNS PRICELESS HISTORICAL TREASURY TO TURKEY - TURKEY TAKES DELIVERY OF HISTORICAL WORKS THAT ARE FOUND AT THE BOTTOM OF THE ENGLISH CHANNEL

[10] 50 KG OF HEROIN SEIZED IN SECRET COMPARTMENTS OF A CAR THAT HAD AN ACCIDENT ON MAIN ANKARA-ISTANBUL HIGHWAY

[11] GENERAL KARADAYI, CHIEF OF GENERAL STAFF, WATCHES F-15 WARPLANES

[12] 637TH HISTORICAL KIRKPINAR WRESTLING WEEK - FOR THE FIRST TIME THREE PRESIDENTS TO WATCH THE WRESTLING COMPETITONS

[13] FINANCE MINISTRY REPORT DETERMINES 1.6 MILLION US DOLLAR INCREASE IN WEALTH OF TANSU AND OZER CILLER

[14] STATEMENT OF PIERO FASSINO, ITALIAN DEPUTY FOREIGN MINISTER TO THE A.A - FASSINO: ''WE BELIEVE THAT TURKEY SHOULD TAKE PART IN THE EXPANSION PROCESS OF THE EU'' - ''THE S-300 MISSILES WILL ACCELERATE TENSION ON CYPRUS''

[15] TURKISH PRESS REVIEW (1)

[16] TURKISH PRESS REVIEW (2)

[17] TURKISH PRESS REVIEW (3)

[18] BAR NER, ISRAELI AMBASSADOR SPEAKS TO A.A

[19] WATER TRANSPORT PROJECT TO TRNC WITH BALLOONS - THE PROJECT TO START OFFICIALY WITH A CEREMONY IN WHICH PRESIDENT DEMIREL PARTICIPATES

[20] TURKEY-GREECE-CYPRUS - FOREIGN MINISTRY RESPONDS TO PROPOSAL OF NO FLIGHT ZONE ON CYPRUS

[21] KAZAKH NATURAL GAS TO TURKEY - BALGIMBAYEV, PRIME MINISTER OF KAZAKHSTAN: - ''WE HAVE REACHED AN AGREEMENT FOR THE TRANSFER OF 30 BILLION CUBIC METERS OF NATURAL GAS TO TURKEY''

[22] AZNAR, SPANISH PREMIER DUE IN TURKEY

[23] TURKISH-SYRIAN RELATIONS - FOREIGN MINISTRY: ''SYRIA SHOULD CLARIFY WHAT KIND OF STEPS SHE WILL TAKE''

[24] 23 KG OF HASHISH SEIZED IN DIYARBAKIR

[25] CONCEPT OF ''RATING'' AND IMPLEMENTATIONS IN TURKEY - STATE MINISTER TANER CRITICIZES INTERNATIONAL RATING ORGANIZATIONS FOR THEIR EVALUATIONS OF TURKEY

[01] GENERAL KARADAYI, CHIEF OF GENERAL STAFF, IN THE US

Akis Tsohatzopoulos, the Greek Minister of Defense, has put forward the proposal of making Cyprus a ''no-flight zone'' during his visit to the US last week. The US Government has declared officially that she doesn't support the mentioned proposal and the Pentagon requested a moratorium that will end the ''provocative'' flights over the island.

General Karadayi is scheduled to meet with his American counterpart General Henry Shelton, William Cohen, the US Secretary of Defense, and Samuel Berger, the Assistant to the US President Bill Clinton for National Security on Thursday. He noted that these meetings will focus on the NATO's expansion and the issues of defense. The Cyprus and Aegean problems will also be discussed at the meetings.

Meanwhile General Henry Shelton will confer the Medal of Merit on his Turkish counterpart in an official ceremony at the Pentagon on Thursday. This medal is known as the highest medal that the US Chief of Staffs can give to their colleagues. Karadayı and Shelton will hold contacts after the ceremony.

[02] FAREWELL RECEPTION OF KUZNETSOV, RUSSIAN AMBASSADOR TO TURKEY

Hikmet Cetin, the Speaker of the Parliament, Cumhur Ersumer, the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Major General Vural Avar, the Chairman of the Plan Principles Office of the General Staff, Recai Kutan, the Leader of the Virtue Party (FP), and representatives of the embassies were in attendance at the reception. Meanwhile, Kuznetsov paid a farewell visit to Hikmet Cetin before the reception. Addressing the meeting Cetin stressed that Russia and Turkey are the two significant countries in the Balkans and added that they contribute to regional peace.

Kuznetsov noted that he was very pleased to work in Turkey. He noted that Hikmet Cetin was the first politician he met with when he came to Turkey and thanked Cetin for his efforts on improving the relations between Turkey and Russia.

[03] PRIME MINISTER YILMAZ RECEIVES GERMAN INDUSTRIALISTS - HENKEL, CHAIRMAN OF DELEGATION OF GERMAN CONFEDERATION OF INDUSTRIALISTS: - ''GERMANY PLACES GREAT IMPORTANCE ON TURKEY''

Addressing the journalists after the one and one half hour meeting, Hans- Olaf Henkel, the Chairman of the delegation of the BDI, noted that Germany places great importance on Turkey, and added, ''I believe that Germany is also important for Turkey.''

Henkel pointed out that their visit to Turkey aims to further improve the relations between Turkey and Germany, noting, ''we are worried about the present relations between the two countries, this visit, therefore, was organized in order to improve the relations.'' Describing Yilmaz as a ''good friend of Germany'', Henkel stressed that they put forward a proposol concerning cooperation in the economic and commercial fields.

Stressing that Turkey's economic situation improves rapidly, Henkel told the reporters that he hopes their visit can contribute to Turkey's entrance into the European Union.

Henkel also added that he conveyed to Yilmaz at the meeting the positive messages of Helmut Kohl, the Prime Minister of Germany, but gave no information about the contents of the messages.

[04] 46 ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WHO AIMED TO ENTER TURKEY ILLEGALLY, CAPTURED

Ahmet T. (aged 39), the driver of the lorry where the immigrants were hidden, and four Bulgarian people related to the incident, were taken into custody.

Meanwhile, the Bulgarian Ministry of the Interior Press Center stated that the immigrants have paid 400 German marks for each person in order to enter Turkey illegally.

The investigation concerning the incident is underway.

[05] PRESIDENT DEMIREL RETURNS TO TURKEY

Speaking on his arrival from Albania Demirel said that the friendly relations with Albania develop positively.

Demirel noted that he appreciated the determination to find a peaceful solution to the Kosovo problem, adding that all the issues were discussed during the meeting with the Albanian President Rexhep Meydani and that he met with the Albanian Speaker of the Parliament and addressed the Parliament.

Demirel noted that he was in full agreement with all the Albanian leaders on every issue, adding ''our solidarity with Albania and support to this country at every level will always continue.'' Demirel said ''we have stressed the vital importance we attributed to the establishment of peace, stability and affluence in the Balkans.''

''Turkey expresses concern about the sorrowful incidents happening in Kosovo and we believe that dialogue should be initiated soon to find a lasting solution to make the people of Kosovo attain their basic rights and freedoms again'' Demirel added.

Demirel said ''similarly, we want the persons who were forced to leave their homes to return and all the details of the issue were discussed.''

President Demirel said that further steps were taken on measures to facilitate investments of the Turkish businessmen in Albania, realization of the eastern-western corridor, and on cooperation issues in education, culture, communications, the defense industry and military training.

Demirel said ''as an outcome of this visit to Albania, we have once again seen that there was a strong and reliable friend in Southeastern Europe.''

[06] BASESGIOGLU, INTERIOR MINISTER: - ''TERRORIST ORGANIZATION PKK TRIES TO INFILTRATE THE BLACK SEA REGION'' - ''TURKISH STATE HAS THE POWER TO CLEAR AWAY ALL THE MILITANT ORGANIZATIONS IN COUNTRY''

Addressing the General Assembly of the Parliament, Basesgioglu reminded that the Turkish state has been struggling against terrorist organizations for 14 years. He stressed that the collapse of the organization has accelerated, noting that the PKK has began to act with the other seperatist organizations in the Black Sea region.

Basesgıoglu pointed out, ''security forces provide logistic support to the region. The organization couldn't set itself up in the region because of the determined efforts of the security forces. We will remove all the militant influences in the region.''

Murat Basesgioglu also emphasized that they found out a neighbouring country is giving support to the terrorist organization.

[07] PRESIDENT DEMIREL EVALUATES HIS VISIT TO ALBANIA

Evaluating his visit to Albania on the plane Demirel stressed that the issue of status couldn't be negotiated if the bloodshed continues. Demirel pointed out that even the autonomous status wouldn't be sufficient if the bloodshed couldn't be stopped.

Demirel said that Albania was the poorest country in Europe, adding that the natural resources of this country weren't being used. ''It is natural that the Kosovo problem would cause concern for both Turkey and Albania'' Demirel said, adding ''the aim of this visit was to show that Turkey supports the people of Kosovo in this problem''.

Responding to a question if Eximbank credit would be given for the infrastructure projects in Albania, Demirel said, ''we are thinking of it. Our activities in Central Asia have proved that Eximbank credit is very important at the start, for infrastructure in particular.

Responding to a question if he has a message to give on the Cyprus issue, Demirel said that he would go to Cyprus on 25 July and that he would give the message there. Demirel told the journalists to pay attention to his speech that will be addressed in the Cyprus Assembly.

[08] TWO TURKISH COMPANIES WIN TENDER IN BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA

In the statement that was sent from the Borova Construction to the Istanbul Stock Exchange, it was reported that the five mass housing projects in Dobrinja and the hospital rehabilitation center project in Fojnica had a tender worth of 7.5 million US dollars and the period for completing the tender is eight months.

The statement said that all the rights and obligations, such as earnings, profits or losses will be shared equally between the two companies.

[09] BRITAIN RETURNS PRICELESS HISTORICAL TREASURY TO TURKEY - TURKEY TAKES DELIVERY OF HISTORICAL WORKS THAT ARE FOUND AT THE BOTTOM OF THE ENGLISH CHANNEL

An amateur divers group had found the statues at the bottom of the English Channel in May 1995 and handed over the historical works to the related British officials.

Addressing the delivery ceremony held at the Turkish Embassy in London, Ozdem Sanberk, the Turkish Ambassador to the United Kingdom, thanked everybody who contributed efforts for the delivery of the historical works to the country where they belong.

The five of the seven historical works are belonging to the tombstones of the members of a family that had lived during the Roman Empire period. The other two are the busts of Venus, the Roman Goddess of Love, and Marcus Aurelius.

The priceless historical treasury will be brought to Turkey in the coming days. The Ministry of Culture will determine where to display them later.

[10] 50 KG OF HEROIN SEIZED IN SECRET COMPARTMENTS OF A CAR THAT HAD AN ACCIDENT ON MAIN ANKARA-ISTANBUL HIGHWAY

The incident happened when a car lost control and turned over at the Bolu Mountain section of the D-100 highway when the headlights of the car were broken.

The teams from Bolu Gendermarie Commandership get suspicious when the driver of the car got panic-stricken. Nearly 50 kg of heroin were seized in secret compartments of the automobile.

Three other people were captured in Istanbul after the interrogation of the driver who was taken into custody.

Officials said that the place where the drug would have been sent couldn't be determined. ''Operations are underway, there is information that a gang may be responsible for this. The necessary statement will be issued when the investigation is concluded.''

[11] GENERAL KARADAYI, CHIEF OF GENERAL STAFF, WATCHES F-15 WARPLANES

General Karadayi has made observations at the NATO Headquarters (SACLANT) and the Langley Airbase in Norfolk. He returned to Washington, D.C., after he was held two separate briefings at the Langley Airbase.

Addressing the journalists, General Karadayi noted that the expansion of the NATO was discussed during his contacts.

Meanwhile Samuel Berger, the Assistant to the US President Bill Clinton for National Security, is scheduled to meet with Javier Solana, the Secretary General of the NATO, before his meeting with General Karadayi.

Solana works for the package of confidence-building measures to be put into practice in the Aegean.

Michael McCurry, the Press Secretary of the White House, pointed out that the meeting between General Karadayi and Samuel Berger is expected to focus on the issues such as the Aegean and the Southeast wing of the NATO.

[12] 637TH HISTORICAL KIRKPINAR WRESTLING WEEK - FOR THE FIRST TIME THREE PRESIDENTS TO WATCH THE WRESTLING COMPETITONS

A great number of wrestlers have come to Edirne in order to participate in the competitions. Ahmet Tasci who won 2 golden belts at Kirkpinar before, is expected to win the competitions this year. Meanwhile, for the first time, three presidents will watch together the wrestling competitions.

President Suleyman Demirel will host in Edirne President Rauf Denktas of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) and President Haydar Aliyev of Azerbaijan.

[13] FINANCE MINISTRY REPORT DETERMINES 1.6 MILLION US DOLLAR INCREASE IN WEALTH OF TANSU AND OZER CILLER

In the final part of the 60-page report, it said the increase in the wealth of Tansu and Ozer Ciller stemmed from the purchase and selling of immovable assets.

The report said that this increase which couldn't be clarified with the existing income sources, was determined as unjust wealth and that the report that will be written to this end will be sent to the Republic Chief Prosecutor's Office.

Meanwhile, Ozer Ciller said ''the allegations that I made an incomplete declaration of assets aren't true.'' He said ''we have declared everything we own, even down to my wrist watch.''

In a written statement, Ozer Ciller said that all the tax investigations and all the activities related to this were secret due to the regulation, adding that he would make a legal application as the evidence was given to the press and that this was a crime.

A parliamentary commission has also has been investigating Mrs. Ciller's wealth in Turkey and the United States, and is expected to conclude its probe in August. It could ask the legislative body to lift the immunity she now enjoys as a lawmaker, to pave the way for her prosecution.

[14] STATEMENT OF PIERO FASSINO, ITALIAN DEPUTY FOREIGN MINISTER TO THE A.A - FASSINO: ''WE BELIEVE THAT TURKEY SHOULD TAKE PART IN THE EXPANSION PROCESS OF THE EU'' - ''THE S-300 MISSILES WILL ACCELERATE TENSION ON CYPRUS''

Responding to the questions of the A.A correspondent as a member of the Italian Government that supports Turkey's entrance into the EU, Fassino described Turkey as a strategical country which is very significant for the security and stability of the whole continent, and as a shared point between the largest markets in the world. He stressed that a Turkey which is left alone and excluded by Europe, will be a weak point for international security and the stabilty.

Mentioning Greece's attitude towards Turkey, Fassino told the A.A correspondent, ''the EU makes decisions by an unanimous vote. Therefore, Greece is invited to negotiate the issue by comparing her position with the positions of the other 14 countries. We work on an appropriate solution that will both start the full integration process of Turkey into the EU and respond to the concerns of Greece concerning the subjects of security and sovereignty.

Fassino pointed out that they are trying to create the necessary conditions in order to establish the delegation which will hold the full membership negotiations with the EU, in a form that will represent the whole island.

Noting that the preferences of the EU can't be conditioned by the bilateral disagreements, Fassino said, ''we aim at an integration in which all of Cyprus will take part.''

Responding to the question of the A.A correspondent concerning the deployment of the Russian made S-300 missiles at Southern Cyprus, Fassino stressed, ''we want the two communities living on the island to begin dialogue and to take measures that will reduce the tension. In this sense the Greek Cypriot side's postponement of the purchase of the missiles will contribute to reducing the tension on the island. ''

[15] TURKISH PRESS REVIEW (1)

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

DEMIREL VOICES SUPPORT FOR ALBANIANS
During a speech delivered at the Albanian Parliament yesterday, President Suleyman Demirel expressed Turkey's concern about the clashes in Kosovo. Demirel requested the international communities to take the necessary measures without delay in order to curb the Serbian attacks, noting that the situation threatens international peace and security.

Demirel also said that Turkey is ready to join all the peace missions. /Hurriyet/

STOCK EXCHANGE RISES
Just as all the stock exchanges in the world have been boosted by the recent agreement between Russia and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and by positive signals from the Japanese economy, the Istanbul Stock Exchange yesterday gained a few points when the Turkish Privatization Board announced its surprising decision about the privatization of the Petrol Ofisi Corporation (POAS) and plans for further privatizations. The Board declared that it had withdrawn from an earlier decision to sell POAS to Hayyam Garipoglu, who made the highest bid, and that instead it would transfer the corporation to a joint enterprise comprised of the Is Bank, Bayindir, Park and PUIS, which made the the third highest bid. The stock exchange responded immediately to the news of this decision and reached 4, 435 points, an increase of 1.44 percent, thus recovering from a recent down trend caused by the government coalition partners' disagreement about a salary increase for civil servants. /Hurriyet/

KARADAYI LISTENING AND LEARNING
General Ismail Hakki Karadayi, the Chief of General Staff, currently visiting the US, has so far made no comment on the US efforts about Cyprus, saying merely that first he will listen to what the US has to say on the matter. Last week, in Washington, D.C., Akis Cohacopoulos, the Greek Minister of Defense, proposed that Cyprus be declared a ''no-flight zone''. The US Administration has officially stated that it doesn't support this proposal, but was in favour of a moratorium to end the provocative flights over Cyprus./Milliyet/

GERMAN INDUSTRIALISTS IN TURKEY
A delegation from the German Confederation of Industry (BDI), in which some of the largest industrial institutions in Germany are members, is in Turkey on the invitation of the TUSIAD (Turkish Association of Industrialists and Businessmen). The BDI members, who have an influential lobby in Germany, met yesterday with Prime Minister Mesut Yılmaz, Hikmet Cetin, the Speaker of the Parliament and Fuat Miras, the Chairman of the Turkish Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges. Following their visit to Prime Minister Yılmaz, Henkel, the BDI Chairman, said that they aimed to improve relations between Turkey and Germany. /Sabah/

S-300 MISSILES TO CYPRUS IN AUGUST
The first parts of the Russian made S-300 PMUI missiles systems will be delivered to the Greek Cypriot Administration in August, it was claimed. Following the departure from Moscow of Glafcos Clerides, the leader of the Greek Cypriot Administration, information given by the Russian sources indicates that the missiles will be delivered in line with the conditions stated in the delivery contract. /Cumhuriyet/

LAKE CRITICIZES GREECE AND GREEK CYPRIOTS
Michael Lake, the former European Union (EU) Representative to Turkey, has prepared a report prior to his departure from Turkey and sent it to Brussels. The 27-page report criticizes Greece and the EU over their stance regarding the Cyprus issue. In his report, Lake says, ''Greece is a member of the EU, however Turkey isn't. This situation creates instability in the region and is against the West's economic and strategic interests''. He adds, ''whenever Turkey abides by the conditions put forth by Greece, Athens changes the conditions and brings forth new ones''. Lake also noted that negotiations with an administration which aimed at using Russian missiles against a NATO ally, was unacceptable. He stated that provided Turkey was included in the group consisting of Romania and Bulgaria in the EU expansion process, then Turkey would have acted more flexibly on the Cyprus issue. /Milliyet/

[16] TURKISH PRESS REVIEW (2)

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

PKK AMBUSH MILITARY PATROL KILLING 17
Terrorists of the PKK terrorist organization ambushed a military patrol last night in the southeastern province of Hakkari, killing 17 soldiers. A military unit and village guards were patrolling an area 10 kilometres away from Hakkari's Yuksekova District when they were ambushed by the terrorists.

Among those killed were two second lieutenants, eight privates and seven village guards. Following the killings, security forces launched a large- scale operation in the area to pursue the terrorists, the sources added. /All papers/

SUPRISE POAS PRIVATIZATION DEAL
In a surprise move yesterday, the Supreme Board of Privatization decided not to approve a decision by the Privatization Board for the privatization of a 51 percent stake of the state-owned Petrol Ofisi Corporation (POAS) and gave the deal to another consortium. The Akmaya-Orteks consortium was the highest bidder on 29 June for the 51 percent stake in the POAS, offering 1.16 billion US dollars. The two companies in the consortium are owned by Hayim Garipoglu, an industrialist with interests in mining and banking. The Supreme Privatization Board decided yesterday to make a deal with a consortium of Is Bank, Park Holding, Bayindir Holding and PUIS with the same 1.16 billion US dollars price offered by the Garipoglu consortium for the 51 percent stake in the POAS. Briefing reporters about the surprise move, Isin Celebi, the Minister of State, said that the decision was taken in order to have a wider capital base and benefit from the expertise available in the companies involved in the sector in which the POAS is functioning. The minister claimed that the decision of the Supreme Privatization Board was 'in line with the laws' of the country. /All papers/

GURKAN RESIGNS FROM CHP
Aydin Guven Gurkan, the Izmir Deputy of the Republican People's Party (CHP), a former social democratic leader, has resigned from the CHP. Upon the resignation of Gurkan, who has made plain his opposition to the party hierarchy for some time, the number of CHP seats in Parliament has dropped to 55. /All papers/

TER PETROSYAN CRITICIZES KOCHARIAN POLICY ON TURKEY
Levon Ter Petrosyan, the former President of Armenia, has criticized the current President Robert Kocharian's policy on Turkey, pointing out that this line may alienate the country. In an article published in a monthly magazine called ''Hayk'', Petrosyan said that Armenia's place and international status was very much linked to her relations with her neighbours. Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanyan was also harshly criticized in the article beacuse of his policies which are aggravating the current situation.

''Turkish-Armenian relations date back 10 years'' Petrosyan added. Petrosyan proposed the formation of better trade ties, cooperation in the area of culture and taking steps for better diplomatic ties to improve relations between Armenia and Turkey. /All papers/

[17] TURKISH PRESS REVIEW (3)

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

BRITAIN RETURNS TURKEY'S HISTORICAL ARTIFACTS
The marble Roman Period works collected from Eastern Anatolia by the Dutch Counsellor Alfred Van Lennep on duty in Izmir in 1894 were intended to be taken back to the Netherlands by ship. However, the ship sank, and the historical artifacts have been lying under waters of the English Channel. Now, Britain will return them to Turkey, it was reported yesterday. Speaking at a ceremony held at the Turkish Embassy in London, Ambassador Ozden Sanberk thanked everyone who had helped put forth the great effort to see the marbles returned to where they belong. He also noted that the artifacts discovered by underwater archaeologists after 101 years don't constitute the only example of such lost artifacts in the world, and added that there are many cultural and historical treasures waiting to be discovered. /All papers/

NATIONAL TOURISM COUNCIL TO BE ESTABLISHED
The Tourism Ministry has completed the preliminary work to establish a National Tourism Council, the lack of which has previously been identified as a deficiency, it was announced yesterday. This work has been conveyed to organizations in the tourism sector to obtain their opinions before the plan is presented to the Cabinet. After the tourism sectors' assessment has been made, a draft will be sent to the Prime Ministry and then a decision will be made by the Cabinet. /All papers/

TUSIAD CALLS FOR AN ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY
The Association of Turkish Industrialists and Businessmen (TUSIAD) has prepared a report to inform Turkish industrialists of the possible damage that will be caused by the EU's technical environmental protection measures. According to the TUSIAD, actual aim of the measures is to protect the industrialists in the EU countries. The TUSIAD's report outlines the work that needs to be done concerning the prevention of environmental degradation in order to save Turkish businessmen from being harmed by the EU measures. /All papers/

LEADING 16 BANKS JOIN 'COMMON ATM' PROJECT
The leading Turkish Banks have founded a cooperative organization called the ''Common Point ATM Share Group''. Customers can use participating banks' credit and cash cards at any other ATMs of the participating banks. The group formed by 16 banks accounts for 500 ATMs and a million bank cards. The group aims to include at least 1,000 ATMs and two million bank cards by the end of 1998. /All papers/

[18] BAR NER, ISRAELI AMBASSADOR SPEAKS TO A.A

Evaluating the Turkish-Israeli relations which caused reactions from the Arab world and the influences of the S-300 missiles in the region, Bar Ner said ''we have no intention of intervening in the Cyprus question. We have positive relations with Russia and the Greek Cypriot side as well as Turkey. Israel also doesn't care about Turkey's relations with the Arab countries. The Syrian, Egyptian and Palestinian Ministers visit Turkey.''

Recalling that Ismail Cem, the Foreign Minister, who met with Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli Prime Minister last week, he emphasized Turkey's policy aimed at the discussion of international relations separately. Cem pointed out that Turkey wouldn't use her relations with one country as a tool of bargaining to establish good relations with another country, adding ''Turkey wouldn't upset her relations with the Arab countries to establish positive relations with Israel and also wouldn't upset her relations with Israel to establish good relations with the Arab countries.''

Responding to the allegations that the Greek Cypriot side may get information about the flights of Israel with the broad radar network of the S-300 missiles which would be purchased from Russia and that Israel felt uneasy that the Russian experts were interested in the S-300 radars, Bar Ner laughed and said ''Forgive me for my comparison, but nobody has the power to make us pregnant. We aren't afraid of the S-300 radars. The US has the highest technology with this objective and we also have this technology.''

Bar Ner said that neither Russia nor the Greek Cypriot side were enemies of Israel, adding ''but we aren't pleased about the weapons purchase in the region.''

Noting that they worked for the non-military dimensions of the Turkish- Israeli relations, Bar Ner said they were trying to deepen cooperation in the fields of agriculture, economy, trade and tourism.

Bar Ner said they were getting prepared for the scheduled visit of Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz that will take place at the beginning of October, adding that Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli Prime Minister, is expected to visit Turkey during 1998.

Bar Ner also said that Halil Ibrahim Ozsoy, the Minister of Health, is expected to visit Israel at the end of October, Isin Celebi, the Minister of State responsible for the Economy in December, and Yalim Erez, the Minister of Trade and Industry in January.

Reiterating that the news reports claiming that an airbase was constructed in Eastern Turkey for Israel and that there were destruction rehearsals in Israel for the S-300 missiles, Bar Ner said ''the Turkish goverment also said that these news reports have no links with the truth.''

[19] WATER TRANSPORT PROJECT TO TRNC WITH BALLOONS - THE PROJECT TO START OFFICIALY WITH A CEREMONY IN WHICH PRESIDENT DEMIREL PARTICIPATES

Meanwhile, Dogan Altinbilek, the General Director of the State Water Works, said they also initiated a pipeline project which will transport 75 million cubic meters of water to the island annually to meet the potable water and other water needs of the TRNC.

Officials said that the giant balloon was brought to the filling installations at the Soguksu Region of Anamur, adding that the test filling of the balloon, having a capacity of 10,000 cubic meters, will last for 10 days.

Following the filling process, a ceremony was staged in the first half of May for the first transport.

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, will be 116 meters and its width will be 26 meters. It will also be 8.5 meters in depth.

When the Manavgat project takes effect next summer, 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 by 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, 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.

[20] TURKEY-GREECE-CYPRUS - FOREIGN MINISTRY RESPONDS TO PROPOSAL OF NO FLIGHT ZONE ON CYPRUS

Addressing the weekly news conference, Atacanli said ''we have earlier disclosed our views related to the postponement of flights on Cyprus, and we don't make any issue a tool of bargaining on the S-300 missile question.''

Atacanli said, ''the issue was revealed as an idea in the joint press conference of the US and Greek Ministers of Defense'' and responding to a question said that no such proposal was brought to Turkey.

Responding to a question related to the issue of the renting by Greece of several islets in the Aegean, Atacanli said ''Greece can do whatever she wants on the islets belonging to her on the condition that it remains within the international framework, we will oppose a fait accompli on the question of unidentified islets.''

When asked about the scheduled visit of President Suleyman Demirel to the TRNC on 25 July, Atacanli said ''we have come to the last stage in the water transport issue. The project will be implemented with the visit of Demirel.''

[21] KAZAKH NATURAL GAS TO TURKEY - BALGIMBAYEV, PRIME MINISTER OF KAZAKHSTAN: - ''WE HAVE REACHED AN AGREEMENT FOR THE TRANSFER OF 30 BILLION CUBIC METERS OF NATURAL GAS TO TURKEY''

Balgimbayev, who received the officials from the foreign oil companies in the Caspian Pipeline Consortium, brought onto the agenda the issue of the ''transfer of natural gas'' in addition to the issue of ''transports of oil''.

Balgimbayev said that Turkey and Kazakhstan had reached an agreement for the transfer of Kazakh natural gas to Turkey.

Pointing out that the annual natural gas demand in Turkey was 50 billion cubic meters, Prime Minister Balgimbayev stated that ten billion cubic meters of that demand would be provided by Russia while 30 billion cubic meters of the remaining part would be supplied by Kazakhstan.

Nurlan Balgimbayev added that the transferring of the Kazakh natural gas to Turkey had been agreed upon with President Suleyman Demirel and Nursultan Nazarbayev, the President of Kazakhstan.

[22] AZNAR, SPANISH PREMIER DUE IN TURKEY

Sermet Atacanli, the Deputy Spokesman of the Foreign Ministry, addressing a weekly news conference said that businessmen and a large delegation, including the media will come to Turkey together with the official delegation during Aznar's visit.

Atacanli said that the Turkish-Spanish bilateral relations as well as daily international issues and regional issues would be discussed during a meeting between Aznar and Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz.

Aznar, the Spanish Prime Minister will be receieved by President Suleyman Demirel and will hold a meeting with Hikmet Cetin, the Speaker of the Parliament. Aznar and the accompanying delegation will meet with the leading Turkish business and economy circles.

Atacanli said that Aznar's visit is expected to affect positively the economic and trade relations ''this visit of Aznar is important for improving relations between the two friendly and ally countries.''

Atacanli also said that Romano Prodi, the Italian Prime Minister, will also visit Turkey by the end of this month, adding that further information will be given to this end in the coming days.

[23] TURKISH-SYRIAN RELATIONS - FOREIGN MINISTRY: ''SYRIA SHOULD CLARIFY WHAT KIND OF STEPS SHE WILL TAKE''

Addressing a weekly news conference Atacanli said that no new developments have occurred in the relations with Syria.

Noting that Ismail Cem, the Foreign Minister, was invited to Damascus, Atacanli said a basis should be prepared for the visit adding, ''we have negotiated what kind of steps could be taken to form this basid during the visit of Adnan Omran, the Syrian Deputy Foreign Minister. Syria should now reveal the steps she will take from now on.''

[24] 23 KG OF HASHISH SEIZED IN DIYARBAKIR

Acting on a tip-off, the narcotics officials seized five kg of hashish in a nylon bag that Abdurrahman Akkus was carrying. Questioning Akkus, the officials found 18 kg of hashish buried in the land belonging to Remzi Tekdal.

Remzi Tekdal and Abdurrahman Akkus were taken into custody in connection with the drug smuggling.

[25] CONCEPT OF ''RATING'' AND IMPLEMENTATIONS IN TURKEY - STATE MINISTER TANER CRITICIZES INTERNATIONAL RATING ORGANIZATIONS FOR THEIR EVALUATIONS OF TURKEY

''Turkey continues to be a better and more reliable country for investments, but our friends (Moody's and Standard and Poors's) unfortunately flunked,'' he stressed.

Addressing the opening speech of the meeting on the ''Concept of Rating and its Implementations in Turkey'' organized by the International Counseling Company, Taner said that the world had turned into a single market and nothing can fill the place of the free market and global integration, adding that risk and evaluation of risk was now of the greatest importance.

Giving the countries, which were defined as the Asian tigers but entered into crisis, as an example for the subject of risk evaluation, Taner said, ''the Asian tigers were very powerful. Everybody was rushing into that region as the region was very profitable. However, there are several risks in the places where the level of gain is high.''

Pointing out that the investors were misled on the subject of the Asian markets and they were deceieved that the attractive statistics related to these countries in the region were true, Taner said that the World Bank and the IMF should play a new role to guarantee the healthy operation of the system and balances.

''1.5 years ago, our friends Moody's and Standard and Poors's said that the Asian tigers were the countries in which more healthy investments can be made in comparison with those in Turkey. They had made a great mistake. Turkey continues to be a better and more reliable country for investments. Thus, our friends made a great mistake. Why did all these developments happen? I am sure these evaluations against Turkey weren't intentional.''

Taner said that the chronic and high inflation in Turkey might be a reason for the evaluation of the international rating organizations.

''But my friends in rating organizations pretended not to see several things. The statistics related to Turkey were true. We announce the statistics publicly. The statistics related to the other regions were the statistics you wanted to see. You saw those statistics, but didn't check or control them. There weren't the required reserves and the basic guidelines of the free market mechanism didn't work,'' he added.

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