Anadolu Agency: News in English, 98-07-21

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

21 JULY 1998

CONTENTS

[01] TURKISH STRAITS AGAIN AT NEGOTIATION TABLE

[02] LANDSLIDE IN ISPIR - KAYHAN, ERZURUM GOVERNOR: ''WOUNDS TO BE HEALED''

[03] MEANINGFUL CEREMONY IN MONTREUX

[04] JAPANESE PRINCESS AKIKO MIKASA DUE IN NEVSEHIR

[05] OUTSTANDING FOREIGN DEBTS INCREASE TO 94.5 BILLION US DOLLARS IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF THIS YEAR

[06] OPERATION IN SOUTHEASTERN ANATOLIA - 6 TERRORISTS KILLED, TWO OTHERS SURRENDER - TWO SOLDIERS DIE

[07] TURKISH-TRNC PARTNERSHIP COUNCIL

[08] SPEAKER OF GERMAN FEDERAL PARLIAMENT DUE IN ANKARA

[09] A SLIGHT EARTHQUAKE SHAKES AMASYA PROVINCE

[10] GERMAN BICYCLIST WHO IS ON A WORLD TOUR, IN ANKARA - SCHAD AIMS TO CONCLUDE HIS WORLD TOUR OF 45 THOUSAND KM AT THE BEGINNING OF SYDNEY 2000 OLYMPIC GAMES

[11] THE US' INVITATION TO BARZANI AND TALABANI

[12] PEACE AND FREEDOM FESTIVAL IN THE TRNC - TURKISH STARS IN GIRNE

[13] SPANISH PRIME MINISTER'S VISIT TO TURKEY

[14] INTERNATIONAL TENDER - UNDERSECRETARIAT OF MARITIME AFFAIRS OPENS FOR TENDER PROJECT OF ''SHIP TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT AND INFORMATION SYSTEM''

[15] CENSURE MOTION AGAINST YILMAZ - TALKS RELATED TO THE CENSURE MOTION AGAINST YILMAZ CONCLUDED

[16] ERSUMER, MINISTER OF ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES: ''TURKEY TO GAIN IMPORTANT PROFITS WITH PRIVATIZATIONS IN ENERGY FIELD''

[17] CONTACTS OF SELEZNYOV IN ANKARA - SELEZNIYOV: - ''S-300 MISSILES WILL BE DELIVERED TO SOUTHERN CYPRUS IN ACCORDANCE WITH COMMERCIAL AGREEMENT'' - ''S-300 MISSILES ARE WEAPONS OF DEFENCE AND THEY CANNOT BE USED AS ATTACK- MOTIVATED'' - ''WE WANT CYPRUS TO BE TOTALY DISARMED AND ATTAIN A PEACEFUL SOLUTION''

[18] SCHUSSEL, EU TERM PRESIDENT WARNS GREEK CYPRIOTS: ''S-300 MISSILIES TO CREAT NEGATIVE INFLUENCE AND REACTION''

[19] TWO IMPORTANT GUESTS DUE IN ISTANBUL - ISTANBUL TO HOST SPANISH PRIME MINISTER AND SPEAKER OF DUMA, LOWER CHAMBER OF RUSSIAN FEDERAL ASSEMBLY

[20] TURKISH STRAITS AGAIN AT NEGOTIATION TABLE

[21] LANDSLIDE IN ISPIR - KAYHAN, ERZURUM GOVERNOR: ''WOUNDS TO BE HEALED''

[22] MEANINGFUL CEREMONY IN MONTREUX

[23] JAPANESE PRINCESS AKIKO MIKASA DUE IN NEVSEHIR

[24] OUTSTANDING FOREIGN DEBTS INCREASE TO 94.5 BILLION US DOLLARS IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF THIS YEAR

[25] OPERATION IN SOUTHEASTERN ANATOLIA - 6 TERRORISTS KILLED, TWO OTHERS SURRENDER - TWO SOLDIERS DIE

[26] TURKISH-TRNC PARTNERSHIP COUNCIL

[27] SPEAKER OF GERMAN FEDERAL PARLIAMENT DUE IN ANKARA

[28] TURKISH PRESS REVIEW (1)

[29] TURKISH PRESS REVIEW (2)

[30] TURKISH PRESS REVIEW (3)

[31] FOUR NEW SUBMARINES TO NAVAL FORCES

[32] HELICOPTER PURCHASE - DEFENSE NEWS MAGAZINE: ''TURKEY ABOUT TO AGREE WITH SIKORSKY FOR THE PURCHASE OF 50 HELICOPTERS''

[33] STUDENTS FROM IZMIR WIN TWO SILVER AND FOUR BRONZE MEDALS AT THE WORLD MATHEMATICS OLYMPIAD

[34] BOMB PANIC IN KUCUKYALI AND MALTEPE DISTRICTS - TWO BOMBS PLANTED IN SEPARATE PLACES MADE INEFFECTIVE

[35] HERE IS THE TURKEY OF 21ST CENTURY - STUDY MADE ON ''THE WORLD AND TURKEY IN 2010 AND 2020''

[36] LUKASENKO, THE BELARUSIAN HEAD OF STATE RECEIVES SOYSAL, THE TURKISH AMBASSADOR TO BELARUS - LUKASENKO: ''TURKEY'S APPROACH CONCERNING THE EMBASSY RESIDENCES IS QUITE BALANCED''

[37] ''COOPERATIVE KEY-98'' OPERATION CONTINUES

[38] DEFENSE INDUSTRY MEETING

[39] TURKEY WARNS SWITZERLAND - BAYTOK, THE TURKISH AMBASSADOR TO SWITZERLAND: ''VAUD CANTON OF SWITZERLAND IS STILL HESITANT ABOUT PROVIDING THE RUMINE PLACE TO TURKEY FOR THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE REPUBLIC OF TURKEY''

[01] TURKISH STRAITS AGAIN AT NEGOTIATION TABLE

The Coast Security Sub-Comittee started activities in London on Monday. Mithat Rende, the IMO Permanent Representative, the London Embassy, the Undersecretary of the Undersecretariat of Maritime Affairs and the Naval forces Commandership experts disclosed the recent situation in the Turkish Straits to the member countries in the bilateral contacts.

Rende listed Turkey's concerns about the straits and once again stressed that Turkey won't tolerate any method which will be put into force without her consent and contribution. Rende also reiterated the view, ''if a study will be held related to the Turkish Straits, only Turkey may start it and will never give up her initiative.''

Recalling that Turkey kept this right as the only coastal country, Rende said ''the concern for the 'environment' are on the basis of Turkey's sensitivity to keep the resolution mechanism related with the Straits in her own hands.''

Rende said that several countries wanted the traffic to be accelerated up only for trade and political concerns, but that Turkey's target in the regulations in the straits are ''humans and environment.''

Rende also pointed out that Istanbul, with a population varying from 10 to 12 million, was one of the most important economic centers in the world and that it was a heritage of history, environment and culture taken under protection by the UNESCO.

Rende also refreshed the memories of the member country delegations about the great naval accidents which happened in Istanbul and at the Canakkale Straits and which negatively influened the environment. Rende requested all the member countries to cooperate with Turkey and to keep away from secret agendas.

[02] LANDSLIDE IN ISPIR - KAYHAN, ERZURUM GOVERNOR: ''WOUNDS TO BE HEALED''

Ahmet Kayhan, the Erzurum Governor said that efforts are underway to determine the loss caused by the landslide that occurred on 16 July.

Kayhan said that activities held so far revealed that 40 acres of land were inundated and nearly 170 donum land was partly damaged by the landslide.

[03] MEANINGFUL CEREMONY IN MONTREUX

Philippe Bieler, the Chairman of Vaud Canton, and guests from Turkey and Switzerland attended the reception hosted by Tamer Baytok, Turkey's Ambassador to Switzerland.

Addressing the reception, Baytok reminded that Turkey's independence and sovereignty were recognized by every one after the Lausanne Agreement, and stressed the importance of the agreement. ''The Turkey: La Belle Show'' Group performed Turkish folk dances and the String Quartet played the compositions of famous musicians.

Vaud Canton that gave up providing to Turkey the palace where the Lausanne Agreement was signed for the ceremonies of 75th anniversary of the Republic of Turkey, had created a diplomatic crisis between Turkey and Switzerland.

Mentioning the crisis, Baytok noted, ''I believe that we will have the opportunity to hold a celebration meeting in the hall of the Palais de Rumine where the Lausanne Agreement was signed.''

[04] JAPANESE PRINCESS AKIKO MIKASA DUE IN NEVSEHIR

The Nevsehir Governor's Office told the A.A correspondent that Princess Akiko Mikasa, who will come to Nevsehir together with a delegation, will visit the Goreme Open Air Museum, Zelve-Pasabaglari, Zelve ruins, Uchisar Castle and Kaymakli Underground cities.

The princess will proceed to the Central Anatolian province of Kayseri on 23 July and visit Kultepe-Kanis, where the excavations have been continuing for more than 50 years.

[05] OUTSTANDING FOREIGN DEBTS INCREASE TO 94.5 BILLION US DOLLARS IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF THIS YEAR

According to the New Series Foreign Debt statistics of the Undersecretariat, a 23.4 billion US dollar portion of the outstanding foreign debts is for short-term debts and a 70.9 billion US dollars portion is formed by the medium and long-term debts in the January-March period.

Concerning the creditors, 6.1 billion US dollars of the short term foreign debts are formed by the commercial banks and 17.3 billion US dollars are by private loans; 12.9 billion US dollars of of the medium and long-term foreign debts come from official creditors, and 58.5 billion US dollars from private creditors including conversion of 15.2 billion US dollars.

The outstanding foreign debt was 82.6 billion US dollars in the same period of last year. This figure had increased to 86.5 billion US dollars in the second quarter of last year, to 89.5 billion US dollars in the third quarter and to 92.2 billion US dollars in the fourth quarter of last year.

Meanwhile the outstanding medium and long-term bond issues is at the level of 15.2 billion US dollars in the first quarter of this year. A total of 14.8 billion US dollars of it is formed by public bonds and 178 million US dollars of it by private sector bonds. This figure was 12.6 billion US dollars in the same period of last year.

[06] OPERATION IN SOUTHEASTERN ANATOLIA - 6 TERRORISTS KILLED, TWO OTHERS SURRENDER - TWO SOLDIERS DIE

Officials from the Governor's Office of the State of Emergency Region told the A.A correspondent that two soldiers died during the clashes with the terrorists.

Meanwhile, security forces captured a terrorist in Bitlis Province. Two others fleeing from the seperatist terrorist organization have surrendered to the security forces in Semdinli County of Hakkari Province.

The operations are underway in the region.

[07] TURKISH-TRNC PARTNERSHIP COUNCIL

The Foreign Ministry statement said that the first meeting took place on 31 March and that in the second meeting decisions taken to establish joint economic and financial strategies will be reviewed and several additional measures will be taken.

The recent situation of the Cyprus question will also be evaluated during the meeting and the Joint Economic Committee that is established with the Council will convene in Lefkosa.

[08] SPEAKER OF GERMAN FEDERAL PARLIAMENT DUE IN ANKARA

Sussmuth and the members of the parliamentary delegation will first visit Ismail Cem, the Foreign Minister.

After they visit to the Mausoleum of Ataturk, the founder of the Republic of Turkey, on 23 July, Sussmuth and the delegation will hold talks with Hasan Korkmazcan, the Acting Speaker of the Parliament, and Hikmet Cetin. Sussmuth who will be received by President Suleyman Demirel the same day, is scheduled to meet with Murat Karayalcin, the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the Parliament, Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz and Bulent Akarcali, the Chairman of the Turkey-Germany Interparliamentary Friendship Group.

The German delegation will leave Turkey on 24 July.

[09] A SLIGHT EARTHQUAKE SHAKES AMASYA PROVINCE

The Bogazici University Kandilli Observatory Earthquake Research Institute officials told the A.A correspondent that the epicenter of the earthquake was Amasya Province.

No casualties or financial damages were reported.

[10] GERMAN BICYCLIST WHO IS ON A WORLD TOUR, IN ANKARA - SCHAD AIMS TO CONCLUDE HIS WORLD TOUR OF 45 THOUSAND KM AT THE BEGINNING OF SYDNEY 2000 OLYMPIC GAMES

Schad (aged 34) who is supported by the National Olympiad Committees of Germany and Greece, the Olympia Municipality in Greece, and the International Olympiad Academy in Athens, aims to conclude his tour of 45 thousand km, named ''an unique world without borders in 2000'' at the beginning of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games

Horst Schad will visit Cappadocia and Adana.

[11] THE US' INVITATION TO BARZANI AND TALABANI

Welch had held talks with Barzani in Salah ad Din and with Talabani in As Sulamaniyah.

An official from the IKDP told the A.A correspondent that Barzani has accepted the invitation of the US.

Turkey had observers at the contacts of Welch in Northern Iraq. An official from the Foreign Ministry said that Welch's visit isn't an extension of the Ankara peace process that has begun with the initiatives of Turkey, Britain and the US.

[12] PEACE AND FREEDOM FESTIVAL IN THE TRNC - TURKISH STARS IN GIRNE

The performance of the Turkish Stars that lasted for 15 minutes, charmed the Turkish Cypriots.

Addressing the ceremony, President Rauf Denktas of the TRNC stressed that they will make peace, but never compromise from their freedom.

[13] SPANISH PRIME MINISTER'S VISIT TO TURKEY

Prime Ministerial Press Center statement said that Aznar's visit which will take place on 22 June will be an important step for improving trade relations.

The Foreign Economic Relations Committee (DEIK) Turkish-Spanish Business Council will convene at the Ciragan Hotel in Istanbul at a time when the Spanish Prime Minister Aznar and Prime Minister Yilmaz convene in Ankara. Aznar and Necdet Menzir, the Minister of Transportation and Communications will address this meeting on Thursday.

The statement said that the Expotecnia industry fair which is held in a different country every year, will be held in Istanbul next year. The Expotecnia 99 will bring together nearly 200 companies from 15 separate sectors and will support cultural and social activities as well as industry.

[14] INTERNATIONAL TENDER - UNDERSECRETARIAT OF MARITIME AFFAIRS OPENS FOR TENDER PROJECT OF ''SHIP TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT AND INFORMATION SYSTEM''

The advertisement of the Undersecretariat in the newspapers points out, ''remote controlled radars, cameras, meteorological receivers and communications equipment will be deployed in different parts of the Straits within the scope of the project of the ''Ship Traffic Management and Information System'' (VTMIS-GTYBS).

The tender will be held with sealed envelopes. Technical specifications can be obtained from the Undersecretariat.

The bid bond of the tender is determined as one million US dollars and offers will be accepted until September 21, 1998.

[15] CENSURE MOTION AGAINST YILMAZ - TALKS RELATED TO THE CENSURE MOTION AGAINST YILMAZ CONCLUDED

Isin Celebi, the Minister of State, speaking on behalf of the government said that the worth of the SEKA land was 5-6 trillion Turkish Liras, not 20- 30 trillion Turkish Liras as it was claimed.

Noting that every year approximately one million young people requested jobs, Celebi said that the state has to find jobs for those people and pointed out that they would continue to support the private sector to this end.

Yasar Okuyan, the Motherland Party (ANAP) Yalova Deputy said that FORD has chosen Turkey instead of other countries, adding that one billion US dollars in exports will take place at this automobile factory that will be established with an investment of 550 million US dollars.

''This factory will create job opportunities for 2,000 people at the first stage'' Okuyan said adding that this company will also make an investment for education worth 30 million US dollars.

According to the internal regulations, the unconfidence motion given against Yilmaz will be voted on one day after the conclusion of the talks. 276 votes are required for the acceptance of a vote of unconfidence.

[16] ERSUMER, MINISTER OF ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES: ''TURKEY TO GAIN IMPORTANT PROFITS WITH PRIVATIZATIONS IN ENERGY FIELD''

Evaluating the decision of the Constitutional Court to the A.A correspondent, Ersumer said ''we hope the investigations of Council of State will be concluded rapidly as we will have the chance to sign agreements with the companies as a result of the decision.''

Noting that they were hopeful for the developments, Ersumer said that Turkey will obtain significant benefits if the privatizations are concluded.

Ersumer said that a source of 2.5 billion US dollars will be gained in the energy sector during the privatizations, adding ''only my ministry will use 177 trillion Turkish Liras from this privatization. This means continuation opportunities will be given to many hydroelectric and irrigation dams which are still being constructed.''

[17] CONTACTS OF SELEZNYOV IN ANKARA - SELEZNIYOV: - ''S-300 MISSILES WILL BE DELIVERED TO SOUTHERN CYPRUS IN ACCORDANCE WITH COMMERCIAL AGREEMENT'' - ''S-300 MISSILES ARE WEAPONS OF DEFENCE AND THEY CANNOT BE USED AS ATTACK- MOTIVATED'' - ''WE WANT CYPRUS TO BE TOTALY DISARMED AND ATTAIN A PEACEFUL SOLUTION''

Addressing a joint press conference with Hikmet Cetin, the Speaker of the Parliament, Seleznyov pointed out that ''Cyprus'' that is a sovereign country recognized by the United Nations, can defend herself in any way she wants. He stressed that Russia wants all of Cyprus to be totally disarmed and attain a peaceful solution.

Seleznyov added, ''the S-300 missiles are weapons of defence and they can't be used as attack-motivated. I am not interested in the missiles, but all I can say is that the missiles must be delivered to the island in accordance with the commercial agreement. We want a federative state where the two states will have equal rights, to be set up on Cyprus.''

Responding to a journalist who asked how the delivery of the missiles will affect the relations between Turkey and Russia, Hikmet Cetin noted, ''I told Seleznyov that Cyprus is in a special situation because two separate communities live on it and the behaviors which can strain the relations and make the solution difficult, should be avoided.''

Meanwhile Gennady Seleznyov has proceeded to Istanbul on Tuesday morning. He will hold talks with the businessmen in order to improve economic relations between Turkey and Russia.

[18] SCHUSSEL, EU TERM PRESIDENT WARNS GREEK CYPRIOTS: ''S-300 MISSILIES TO CREAT NEGATIVE INFLUENCE AND REACTION''

Addressing the European Parliament Commission and responding to the questions of Parliamentarians Schussel said that the EU Troika, composed of Austria, Britain and Germany held talks with the US and that the subjects of Cyprus and Turkey were discussed within this context. Noting that they didn't want an initiative that will escalate tension on the island, Schussel said that they would support every initiative aimed at reducing the level of military power.

Mentioning the subject of the S-300 missiles, Schussel said that nobody is opposed to the rights of defense of the Greek Cypriot government ''but, aren't there any other ways?'' He said that they supported the reunification of Cyprus.

Schussel said, ''I am talking sincerely to the Greek Cypriots. The missile issue will create a very negative influence and reaction. That is a fact. We don't oppose the provision of security, but security on Cyprus wouldn't be preserved with tanks or missiles, but by the international community.''

Meeting with the reactions of the Greek Parliamentarians, the Austrian Minister said that the US in general shared the views of the EU and that they would convey the messages to Ankara.

Schussel noted that a clear line was specified at the Cardiff Summit of the EU about the subject of Turkey and that the EU Commission will bring proposals that will meet Turkey's expectations.

Pointing out that he hoped that the EU in the end will determine a joint attitude on the subject of financial cooperation, Schussel said that the subject of convening the Turkish-EU Partnership Council during Austria's Term Presidency was suspended.

Schussel said that they favored the strengthening of the EU's Turkey strategy adding that they would expend efforts to this end.

Briefing about contacts with Iran, the Austrian Foreign Minister criticized Teheran's attitude in not condemning the terrorist activities and that they weren't satified on the subject.

[19] TWO IMPORTANT GUESTS DUE IN ISTANBUL - ISTANBUL TO HOST SPANISH PRIME MINISTER AND SPEAKER OF DUMA, LOWER CHAMBER OF RUSSIAN FEDERAL ASSEMBLY

Istanbul will host Gennady Nikolaevich Seleznyov, the Speaker of the State Duma, the Lower Chamber of the Russian Federal Assembly, and Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar of Spain.

Gennady Seleznyov will join the meeting on 22 July organized by the Turkish- Russian Business Council that acts for the formation of the Foreign Economic Relations Committee (DEIK).

A Russian parliamentary group including 12 people will also be in attendance at the meeting.

Relations between Russia and Turkey, and an agreement foreseeing the prevention of dual taxation are expected to be discussed during the meeting.

Jose Maria Aznar will attend the Turkish-Spanish Business Council meeting on 23 July.

Elena Pisonero, the Spanish Minister of Trade, and Necdet Menzir, the Minister of Transportation and Communications, will also attend the meeting.

[20] TURKISH STRAITS AGAIN AT NEGOTIATION TABLE

The Coast Security Sub-Comittee started activities in London on Monday. Mithat Rende, the IMO Permanent Representative, the London Embassy, the Undersecretary of the Undersecretariat of Maritime Affairs and the Naval forces Commandership experts disclosed the recent situation in the Turkish Straits to the member countries in the bilateral contacts.

Rende listed Turkey's concerns about the straits and once again stressed that Turkey won't tolerate any method which will be put into force without her consent and contribution. Rende also reiterated the view, ''if a study will be held related to the Turkish Straits, only Turkey may start it and will never give up her initiative.''

Recalling that Turkey kept this right as the only coastal country, Rende said ''the concern for the 'environment' are on the basis of Turkey's sensitivity to keep the resolution mechanism related with the Straits in her own hands.''

Rende said that several countries wanted the traffic to be accelerated up only for trade and political concerns, but that Turkey's target in the regulations in the straits are ''humans and environment.''

Rende also pointed out that Istanbul, with a population varying from 10 to 12 million, was one of the most important economic centers in the world and that it was a heritage of history, environment and culture taken under protection by the UNESCO.

Rende also refreshed the memories of the member country delegations about the great naval accidents which happened in Istanbul and at the Canakkale Straits and which negatively influened the environment. Rende requested all the member countries to cooperate with Turkey and to keep away from secret agendas.

[21] LANDSLIDE IN ISPIR - KAYHAN, ERZURUM GOVERNOR: ''WOUNDS TO BE HEALED''

Ahmet Kayhan, the Erzurum Governor said that efforts are underway to determine the loss caused by the landslide that occurred on 16 July.

Kayhan said that activities held so far revealed that 40 acres of land were inundated and nearly 170 donum land was partly damaged by the landslide.

[22] MEANINGFUL CEREMONY IN MONTREUX

Philippe Bieler, the Chairman of Vaud Canton, and guests from Turkey and Switzerland attended the reception hosted by Tamer Baytok, Turkey's Ambassador to Switzerland.

Addressing the reception, Baytok reminded that Turkey's independence and sovereignty were recognized by every one after the Lausanne Agreement, and stressed the importance of the agreement. ''The Turkey: La Belle Show'' Group performed Turkish folk dances and the String Quartet played the compositions of famous musicians.

Vaud Canton that gave up providing to Turkey the palace where the Lausanne Agreement was signed for the ceremonies of 75th anniversary of the Republic of Turkey, had created a diplomatic crisis between Turkey and Switzerland.

Mentioning the crisis, Baytok noted, ''I believe that we will have the opportunity to hold a celebration meeting in the hall of the Palais de Rumine where the Lausanne Agreement was signed.''

[23] JAPANESE PRINCESS AKIKO MIKASA DUE IN NEVSEHIR

The Nevsehir Governor's Office told the A.A correspondent that Princess Akiko Mikasa, who will come to Nevsehir together with a delegation, will visit the Goreme Open Air Museum, Zelve-Pasabaglari, Zelve ruins, Uchisar Castle and Kaymakli Underground cities.

The princess will proceed to the Central Anatolian province of Kayseri on 23 July and visit Kultepe-Kanis, where the excavations have been continuing for more than 50 years.

[24] OUTSTANDING FOREIGN DEBTS INCREASE TO 94.5 BILLION US DOLLARS IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF THIS YEAR

According to the New Series Foreign Debt statistics of the Undersecretariat, a 23.4 billion US dollar portion of the outstanding foreign debts is for short-term debts and a 70.9 billion US dollars portion is formed by the medium and long-term debts in the January-March period.

Concerning the creditors, 6.1 billion US dollars of the short term foreign debts are formed by the commercial banks and 17.3 billion US dollars are by private loans; 12.9 billion US dollars of of the medium and long-term foreign debts come from official creditors, and 58.5 billion US dollars from private creditors including conversion of 15.2 billion US dollars.

The outstanding foreign debt was 82.6 billion US dollars in the same period of last year. This figure had increased to 86.5 billion US dollars in the second quarter of last year, to 89.5 billion US dollars in the third quarter and to 92.2 billion US dollars in the fourth quarter of last year.

Meanwhile the outstanding medium and long-term bond issues is at the level of 15.2 billion US dollars in the first quarter of this year. A total of 14.8 billion US dollars of it is formed by public bonds and 178 million US dollars of it by private sector bonds. This figure was 12.6 billion US dollars in the same period of last year.

[25] OPERATION IN SOUTHEASTERN ANATOLIA - 6 TERRORISTS KILLED, TWO OTHERS SURRENDER - TWO SOLDIERS DIE

Officials from the Governor's Office of the State of Emergency Region told the A.A correspondent that two soldiers died during the clashes with the terrorists.

Meanwhile, security forces captured a terrorist in Bitlis Province. Two others fleeing from the seperatist terrorist organization have surrendered to the security forces in Semdinli County of Hakkari Province.

The operations are underway in the region.

[26] TURKISH-TRNC PARTNERSHIP COUNCIL

The Foreign Ministry statement said that the first meeting took place on 31 March and that in the second meeting decisions taken to establish joint economic and financial strategies will be reviewed and several additional measures will be taken.

The recent situation of the Cyprus question will also be evaluated during the meeting and the Joint Economic Committee that is established with the Council will convene in Lefkosa.

[27] SPEAKER OF GERMAN FEDERAL PARLIAMENT DUE IN ANKARA

Sussmuth and the members of the parliamentary delegation will first visit Ismail Cem, the Foreign Minister.

After they visit to the Mausoleum of Ataturk, the founder of the Republic of Turkey, on 23 July, Sussmuth and the delegation will hold talks with Hasan Korkmazcan, the Acting Speaker of the Parliament, and Hikmet Cetin. Sussmuth who will be received by President Suleyman Demirel the same day, is scheduled to meet with Murat Karayalcin, the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the Parliament, Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz and Bulent Akarcali, the Chairman of the Turkey-Germany Interparliamentary Friendship Group.

The German delegation will leave Turkey on 24 July.

[28] TURKISH PRESS REVIEW (1)

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

TURKEY AND TRNC MARK 20 JULY ANNIVERSARY
Turkey and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) marked yesterday the 24th anniversary of the Turkish intervention on the island, determinedly vowing to sustain solidarity and cooperation. Turkish Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz and Sukru Sina Gurel, the Minister of State Responsible for EU Affairs and Cyprus, as well as other high-level Turkish officials, flew to the island to participate in the celebration ceremonies. President Suleyman Demirel, who is expected to visit the island on Saturday, telephoned Rauf Denktas, the TRNC President and extended his congratulations. Upon his arrival on the island early on Monday morning, Yilmaz said that Greece and Greek Cyprus hadn't learned the lessons of the Turkish intervention. Yilmaz told reporters that the Greek Cypriot attempts to deploy the Russian-made S-300 missiles on the island this year were a dangerous escalation. In a public speech later in the day, Yilmaz reiterated Turkey's support for the TRNC and emphasized that Turkey wouldn't allow the Turco-Greek balance in the Eastern Mediterranean to be upset. /All papers/

DUMA CHAIRMAN: ''S-300 MISSILES ARE FOR DEFENSE''
Gennady Seleznyev, the Speaker of the Russian Duma, said that the S-300 missiles are for defensive purposes, not offensive ones. In a joint press conference in Ankara yesterday with Hikmet Cetin, the Speaker of the Parliament, Seleznyev said that Cyprus is a state recognized by the UN and she can regulate her defense system as she wishes. When asked about the sale of the missiles to the Greek Cypriots, Seleznyev told reporters that within the framework of the commercial deal between the Greek Cypriots and the Russian Federation, the S-300 missiles will be delivered to the island. Seleznyev has had a chain of contacts during his four-day visit to Turkey. He has been received by President Suleyman Demirel and Deputy Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit. On Tuesday he will fly to Istanbul for meetings with Turkish businessmen. /All papers/

US RATING INSTITUTION D AND P OPTIMISTIC ABOUT TURKEY
Turkey deserves more than a BB (-) credit rating, says Hyme Hanz, the analyst at the leading US rating institution of Duff and Phelps (D and P). Hanz had talks in Turkey two weeks ago when he obtained information on the latest developments in the Turkish economy. A D and P committee will meet and determine Turkey's new grade in two weeks, he said, adding ''the Turkish economy is on the right track''. /All papers/

ECEVIT: ''WE CAN ALSO SELL WATER TO GREEK CYPRIOTS''
Bulent Ecevit, the Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Democratic Left Party (DSP) said yesterday that the potable water to be transported to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) from Turkey with huge semi- submersible balloons could also be sold to the Greek Cypriots if they want. Ecevit made this proposal during a meeting with the members of the High Board of Citizens Living Abroad in Ankara last week. Meanwhile, a project for the transportation of water from Anamur Soguksu to the TRNC is at the last stage. The project will be officially put into implementation with a ceremony to be attended by President Suleyman Demirel on 25 July. /Hurriyet/

THY-QUALIFLYER GROUP PARTNERSHIP
The first joint company of the Qualiflyer Group including Turkish Airlines (THY) is being established. In a statement made by the THY yesterday, the company, based in Zurich, Switzerland, will go into operation on 1 August. The founding partners, Swissair, Austrian Airlines, Sabena, TAP, THY and AOM will all have equal shares in the company. /Hurriyet/

INTERNATIONAL PRAISE FOR RAMSTORE
It is reported that the Ramstore supermarket set up by the Koc Group in Moscow, Russia, is attracting the attention of the local population. The American Washington Post newspaper praises Ramstore in its latest issue. The newspaper notes that Ramstore provides quick and high-quality services. /Hurriyet/

NO OFFICIAL DOCUMENT FROM SWITZERLAND
No official document has arrived yet from Switzerland regarding a decision made during a meeting between the Vaud Canton and Lausanne Municipality to open the Rumine Palace, where the Lausanne Treaty was signed, for the celebrations of the 75th anniversary of the Republic of Turkey. In a statement yesterday, Sermet Atacanli, the Deputy Spokesman of the Foreign Ministry said, ''no official document has arrived from the Swiss authorities yet.'' /Hurriyet/

[29] TURKISH PRESS REVIEW (2)

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

TURKISH SPEAKER FOR EUROPEAN YOUTH PARLIAMENT
The first meeting of the European Youth Parliament headed by Esra Bulut was held yesterday in Brussels. A total of 350 young representatives from various European countries attended the meeting. Furnishing information regarding the nine-day meeting, Bulut said, ''issues such as education and the health problems of young people are on the agenda of our meeting''. Bulut added, ''when we talk about Europe, this doesn't mean just the European Union (EU). Europe should approach the world with a wider view''. /Hurriyet/

THREE PEOPLE ABDUCTED BY PKK FOUND IN GERMANY
Three people abducted by the PKK terrorist organization in Sweden to carry out terrorist activities against the Turkish soldiers in Southern Anatolia, have been found in Germany. The three people, who were handed-over to the Swedish police on Saturday in Hamburg, were later brought to Stockholm. The Stockholm Prosecutor noted that the people, now united with their families, will be questioned soon. /Hurriyet/

KAZAKH AIRLINES FLY TO DALAMAN
The Kazakh Airlines (Air Kazakhstan) will fly to the Dalaman Airport, now its second destination in Turkey. The first flights by the Kazakh Airlines started two years ago to Antalya. The Air Kazakhstan officials noted that there would be mutual flights on Monday and Wednesday and that flights to Dalaman would continue until 31 August. /Hurriyet/

AWARD FOR ALIYEV
Haydar Aliyev, the Azerbaijani President, will be presented with the 1997 Human Rights Award by the Karsiyaka Municipality. Mehmet Nevruzoglu, the Azerbaijani Ambassador to Turkey, will receive the award on behalf of Aliyev during a ceremony to be held today in Karsiyaka, Izmir. /Cumhuriyet/

MANYAS LAKE
A purification plant will soon be set-up to clean-up the Manyas Lake. It is reported that the only way to save the Bandirma Kus Cenneti (Bird Paradise) National Park from fatal pollution will be a purification plant that could cost 70 million US dollars. The European Union (EU) Life Programme and the Ministry of the Environment are conducting joint studies on the project. /Cumhuriyet/

OIL IN ADANA
After the recent 6.3 point earthquake in Adana, oil has burst out of a water well in Soysali Village near Osmaniye. Officials of the General Directorate of Mineral Research and Exploration announced yesterday that Soysali Village is on an oil basin and that they had already started an exploration for new oil reserves. /Milliyet/

CEM: ''TURKEY IS A NOMINAL EU CANDIDATE''
Ismail Cem, the Foreign Minister, said yesterday that there had been hopeful developments in Turkey and the European Union (EU) relations in the past year, but that he himself wasn't satisfied with these improvements. In his speech at a meeting of the 35th General Council of the Istanbul Development Foundation (IKV), Cem said that Turkey deserved more than merely this ''improvement''. Cem recalled that although Turkey was included among the 12 candidates accepted at the recent Cardiff Summit, the candidacy was only ''nominal''. Meral G. Eris, the IKV Chairman, said that Turkey wouldn't give up on the Customs Union whether or not she was a member of the EU. /Milliyet/

[30] TURKISH PRESS REVIEW (3)

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

KINKEL AND SUSSMUTH TO VISIT TURKEY
Klaus Kinkel, the German Foreign Minister and Rita Sussmuth, the Speaker of the Federal Parliament, will visit Turkey. According to Focus magazine, the German Foreign Ministry has approved the visit. It was reported that before the general elections on 27 September, Kinkel will pay a visit to Turkey to smooth the Ankara-Bonn relations.

Meanwhile, it has been announced that Rita Sussmuth, the Speaker of the Federal Parliament, will come to Ankara tomorrow. During her two-day Ankara visit Sussmuth will be received by President Suleyman Demirel and meet with Hikmet Cetin, the Speaker of the Parliament, Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz and Ismail Cem, the Foreign Minister. The magazine also said that the German Prime Minister attaches great importance to both Kinkel's and Sussmuth's visits to Turkey. /Milliyet/

''CLINTON CAN PREVENT S-300 MISSILES''
In an article William Safire published in The New York Times newspaper on 15 July, he asked the US President Bill Clinton to prevent the deployment of the Russian-made S-300 missiles at Greek Cyprus. He added that postponment of the deployment of the missiles wouldn't solve the problem, and noted, ''Cyprus is the hottest point of the Turkish-Greek disagreement which extends to the Balkans. The Russian Foreign Minister Primakov has retaliated to the NATO expansion by dividing the southern wing of the organization. As a result of Primakov's tricks and the European Union's prejudicial attitude towards Turkey, now Ankara is more strongly defending a separate Cyprus. The Republic of Turkey and the Greek Cypriots are being drawn into a silly missile provocation. Bill Clinton should request the Russian Foreign Minister to cancel the missile deal''. /Milliyet/

THREE PKK TERRORISTS KILLED IN BINGOL
As a result of clashes between PKK terrorists and security forces in Gokcedag Village, Bingol, three PKK terrorists and five soldiers have been killed. In another incident in Catak, Van, a village guard was killed by PKK terrorists. /Sabah/

SPANISH FAIR IN ISTANBUL
Spain's giant industrial fair Expotecnia'99 will be held in Turkey. It is reported that the Expotecnia'99 fair, in which 200 Spanish companies will participate, will be organized by the Spanish Foreign Trade Institution. The aim of the fair is said to be to find ways to make Turkey and Spain closer economic partners. /Sabah/

[31] FOUR NEW SUBMARINES TO NAVAL FORCES

The Commandership pointed out in its statement that the Ministry of National Defence will sign a contract with the German HDW firm for the construction of four new submarines of 400 tonnes, on 24 July.

[32] HELICOPTER PURCHASE - DEFENSE NEWS MAGAZINE: ''TURKEY ABOUT TO AGREE WITH SIKORSKY FOR THE PURCHASE OF 50 HELICOPTERS''

In a news report in the Defense News, a magazine of the US defense circles, it said that besides the Black Hawk type helicopters that will be purchased from the Sikorsky Company, talks are underway for the purchase of eight CH- 53E type heavy-load helicopters and that the cost of the whole agreement will be 700 million US dollars.

It said financing of the agreement will be realized by re-activating the credit guarantee given by the US Eximbank in 1990.

The news report said that the realization of the agreement with the Sikorsky Company will exclude plans of the Eurocopter, the German-French consortium to sell 30 Cougar helicopters.

The purchase of the CH-53E type helicopters from the Sikorsky Company will also exclude Boeing, the US company, which wanted to sell its CH-47 type helicopters.

[33] STUDENTS FROM IZMIR WIN TWO SILVER AND FOUR BRONZE MEDALS AT THE WORLD MATHEMATICS OLYMPIAD

Barbaros Kocakurt, the General Director of the Private Yamanlar High Schools, congratulated the students.

456 competitors from 76 countries, participated at the Mathematics Olympiad.

[34] BOMB PANIC IN KUCUKYALI AND MALTEPE DISTRICTS - TWO BOMBS PLANTED IN SEPARATE PLACES MADE INEFFECTIVE

The first bomb was found in a nylon bag at an Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) of the Yapi Kredi Bank and was made ineffective.

The second bomb was found in Maltepe at the Bagdat Street Yenice Arcade and was made ineffective by the bomb experts.

Officials said the two bombs were of the same type and that investigation was underway related to the two incidents.

[35] HERE IS THE TURKEY OF 21ST CENTURY - STUDY MADE ON ''THE WORLD AND TURKEY IN 2010 AND 2020''

The study which was technically supported by the State Planning Organization (DPT) also specified the possible profile of Turkey during the period until 2020. The econometric analyses of the study were prepared by the DPT, using the annual DPTMACRO model.

Two separate growth scenarios such as ''slow and rapid'' were evaluated.

In the slow growth scenario, continuation of the existing situation is evaluated while the realization of structural reforms and the structure that may be established if macroeconomic stability is provided is evaluated in the rapid growth scenario.

Within this framework, in the rapid growth scenario, the per capita Gross National Product will reach 30 thousand US dollars (8.1 billion Turkish Liras in today's currency) in 2020 according to the per capita Purchasing Power Parity. Turkey in 2020 will be one of the first five largest economies in the OECD and will be included in the ''high income group''.

Again in the rapid growth scenario, goods and services exports in the year 2020 will reach 665 billion US dollars and goods and services imports will reach 750 billion US dollars. Within this framework, the proportion of the foreign trade volume to the national income will increase to 0.88 percent in 2020 from 0.43 percent in the based-year 1995. Meanwhile, economic growth will be 6-7 percent, and the unemployment rate will decrease to three percent while the services sector, as being employment and value- added, will be the locomotive of the economy.

This study which was submitted to President Suleyman Demirel by Ismail Cem, the Foreign Minister, was also put into the OECD report on ''The World in 2020.''
According to the study, which will be announced to the world public opinion by a large promotion campaign in near future, Turkey will become an ''acting'' country in the economy and politics, increasing her geopolitical and geostrategical importance.

[36] LUKASENKO, THE BELARUSIAN HEAD OF STATE RECEIVES SOYSAL, THE TURKISH AMBASSADOR TO BELARUS - LUKASENKO: ''TURKEY'S APPROACH CONCERNING THE EMBASSY RESIDENCES IS QUITE BALANCED''

Describing the attitude of Turkey towards Belarus as ''quite positive'' concerning the residence problem of the embassies in the Drojdi district of Minsk, the capital of Belarus, Lukasenko said that ''in this respect, I would like to thank Turkey.''

Addressing a statement before the meeting, Lukasenko said that ''there is a misunderstanding and dispute. However, we are ready to solve these problems, I am sure that all the problems will be solved in the long run.''

Noting that the contacts between Belarus and Turkey are ''at a very high level'' as they were in the past, Lukasenko stated that they have prepared a draft agreement to abolish the visas between the two countries.

The crisis, which started when the Belarusian officials asked the foreign embassies to evacuate their residences in the Drojdi district, ended with the withdrawal of the ambassadors of the EU countries and the US.

Turkey launches efforts to find a solution to the problem with negotiations.

[37] ''COOPERATIVE KEY-98'' OPERATION CONTINUES

Information is given to the press about the commanding-control centre of the operation, maintenance and operation of coordination centres.

Giving information to the press about the operation of the units, Senior Captain Ethem Yaman, who is responsible for coordination of the operation, said that the primary goal is to ''support the peace,'' adding that there aren't any problems among the personnel of the participating states. Noting that the operation has been planned according to the ''real time,'' Yaman said that the ''scenarios'' are implemented immediately and the operation is exercised successfully. The operation, hosted by Turkey will be exercised until 24 July at the airbases in Ankara, Konya and Kayseri Provinces.

Turkey, the US, Portugal, Italy, France from the NATO countries, Bulgaria, Moldova, Romania and Slovakia from the PFP countries are actively participating in the operation. A total of 16 countries with 681 personnel are participating in the operation.

Cooperative Key-98, which is one of the largest and the most complicated operations, has been planned to ensure cooperation among the air forces of the participating countries and to contribute to peace.

[38] DEFENSE INDUSTRY MEETING

Addressing the opening speech of the meeting at the General Staff Headquarters, Gen. Cevik Bir said that the aim of the meeting was ''to search for domestic sources for the defense industry, which is one of the principles of the General Staff, and to exchange opinions with the delegation from Denizli about the spreading of the defense industry throughout the country.''

Yusuf Ziya Goksu, the Governor of Denizli; Ali Narim, the Mayor of Denizli, businessmen and bureaucrats from Denizli and high-ranking officials from the General Staff participated at the meeting.

The meetings, which are held within the framework of the principles of the General Staff, aim at increasing the domestic contributions of industrialized provinces such as Gaziantep, Kayseri, Corum and Denizli to the defense industry.

[39] TURKEY WARNS SWITZERLAND - BAYTOK, THE TURKISH AMBASSADOR TO SWITZERLAND: ''VAUD CANTON OF SWITZERLAND IS STILL HESITANT ABOUT PROVIDING THE RUMINE PLACE TO TURKEY FOR THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE REPUBLIC OF TURKEY''

Addressing the Turkish journalists, Baytok said that the Vaud Canton of Switzerland still hasn't given a definite response concerning the opening of the Rumine Palace to Turkey for celebrations, adding that ''we expect Switzerland to correct her unjust attitude.''

Taner Baytok said that he doesn't accept the claim that the Swiss Federal government can't influence the Canton administration.

Pointing to the ''So-called Kurdish Law Conference,'' which will be held between 24-25 July in Lausanne, Baytok said that Turkey expects Switzerland to prohibit this meeting.

Addressing the meeting held upon the 62th anniversary of the Montreaux Treaty, Baytok said on Monday that Switzerland would show the importance she attributed to the Lausanne Treaty and the friendship between Turkey and Switzerland by opening the Rumine Place for celebrations.

The ''Kurdish Conference'' and the hesitancy of Switzerland about giving the Rumine Place to Turkey for celebrations had caused a diplomatic tension between the two countries.

The Vaud Canton is expected to give its decision concerning the issue after Sunday. If the Canton gives a positive response, then the celebrations are expected to be held on 29 October.

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