Anadolu Agency: News in English, 98-07-22

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

22 JULY 1998

CONTENTS

[01] MILD QUAKE SHAKES ADANA AGAIN

[02] PREMIER YILMAZ HOSTS DINNER IN HONOR OF AZNAR, SPANISH PRIME MINISTER

[03] GURDAL, MINISTER OF TOURISM: - ''NO ONE HAS RIGHT TO SHOW AS IF THERE IS A PITCH-DARK SCENE AND TO DEMORALIZE PEOPLE ENGAGED IN TOURISM''

[04] EXPORTS WORTH 7.5 MILLION US DOLLARS MADE FROM SOUTHEAST TO US IN THE FIRST SIX MONTHS

[05] ETKIN, TRNC FOREIGN AND DEFENSE MINISTER RESPONDS TO KASULIDES: ''WE FAVOR PEACE AND COOPERATION''

[06] PRESIDENT DEMIREL: ''TOURISM ISN'T AN ASSET THAT CAN BE EVALUATED ONLY WITH MONEY. IT HAS A LOT OF BEAUTIFUL FEATURES''

[07] US DEPARTMENT OF STATE: ''WE WILL CONTINUE TO BRING OUR CONCERNS ONTO THE AGENDA CONCERNING THE S-300 MISSILES TOGETHER WITH THE EU''

[08] GREEK-CYPRIOTS RELEASE TWO TURKISH PEOPLE - KONDOZ AND GAZI, WHO WERE IN PRISON SINCE OCTOBER: ''LIFE WITH GREEK-CYPRIOTS IS IMPOSSIBLE'' ''GREEK- CYPRIOT POLICE TORTURED US TO HAVE US ACCEPT THAT WE ARE MIT SPIES. THEY PUT OUT CIGARETTES ON US''

[09] TURKISH STRAITS AGAIN ON NEGOTIATION TABLE - TURKEY'S RESISTANCE RESULTS IN AN OUTCOME DURING INTERNATIONAL MARITIME ORGANIZATION MEETING

[10] TURKISH PRESS REVIEW (1)

[11] TURKISH PRESS REVIEW (2)

[12] MIZRAK, GOREME MAYOR REQUESTS UNESCO TO KEEP ITS PROMISE

[13] TURKISH HELICOPTER INDUSTRY - ''SHORT LIST'', ONE OF LAST STAGES IN TENDER, TO BE ANNOUNCED THIS MONTH

[14] FOREIGN FINANCING TOTALS

[15] TURKEY-TRNC JOINT ECONOMIC MEETING - BULUNC, THE UNDERSECRETARY OF TRNC STATE PLANNING ORGANIZATION: ''OUR STRONG COOPERATION WILL FURTHER STRENGTHEN''

[16] BIRDAL, THE CHAIRMAN OF HUMAN RIGHTS ASSOCIATION IN COURT

[17] VESNET WINS TENDER OF KAZAKTELEKOM

[18] BLACK SEA GREEN TOUR'98 - TOURISM MINISTRY STAGES GREEN TOUR FOR THE FOURTH TIME

[19] NEW ARRANGEMENT IN EXPORTS

[20] A SLIGHT EARTHQUAKE SHAKES HATAY PROVINCE

[21] SPANISH PRIME MINISTER AZNAR IN ANKARA - TWO PRIME MINISTERS SIGN THE JOINT ACTION PLAN WHICH AIMS TO DEVELOP BILATERAL RELATIONS IN EVERY FIELD

[22] 27TH INTERNATIONAL TURKISH RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP TO BE HELD IN BURSA - 60 COMPETITORS FROM FIVE COUNTRIES TO PARTICIPATE IN CHAMPIONSHIP

[23] TURKEY FURTHER DEVELOPS HER FOREIGN POLICY GOALS - FM INTRODUCES THE REPORT ON ''TURKEY BETWEEN 2010-2020'' - FM CEM: ''TURKEY IS A GLOBAL ACTOR''

[24] TURKISH-RUSSIAN BUSINESS COUNCIL - SELEZNYOV, SPEAKER OF STATE DUMA: - ''RUSSIA IS IN A DEEP SOCIO-ECONOMIC CRISIS''

[25] NUMBER OF FRENCH TOURISTS WHO PREFER TURKEY FOR HOLIDAY INCREASES

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

[27] PRESIDENT DEMIREL RECEIVES AZNAR, THE SPANISH PRIME MINISTER - DEMIREL: ''THE POLITICAL WILL WHICH IS NECESSARY TO DEVELOP THE RELATIONS IS OBVIOUS''

[28] CELEBRATIONS FOR 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE REPUBLIC OF TURKEY - ARMENIAN PEOPLE LIVING IN TURKEY TO HOLD A SERIES OF ACTIVITIES - MUTAFIAN, ACTING PATRIARCH: - ''WE HAVE GROWN UP AS CHILDREN OF THE REPUBLIC OF TURKEY''

[29] JOINT ACTION PLAN AIMED AT IMPROVING TURKISH-SPANISH RELATIONS - TURKISH AND SPANISH PRIME MINISTERS AND FOREIGN MINISTERS TO MEET ONCE A YEAR

[01] MILD QUAKE SHAKES ADANA AGAIN

The Kandilli Observatory said that the mild earth tremor measuring 3.5 on the Richter scale occurred at 5:27 p.m. on Tuesday.

The number of aftershocks have reached 105 since the major earthquake on 27 June killing nearly 140 people and injuring many others.

[02] PREMIER YILMAZ HOSTS DINNER IN HONOR OF AZNAR, SPANISH PRIME MINISTER

Addressing the dinner, Yilmaz said that Turkey and Spain are the two countries located at the eastern and western ends of the Mediterranean basin, adding that these two countries have similarities geographically and historically.

Yilmaz said that the two determining features of the national characters of the two countries were friendliness and tolerance and pointing out ''Turkey and Spain have multi-dimensional fields of mutual benefits and action.''

Noting that the Turkish-Spanish Relations Document, foreseen to be signed between the two countries on Wednesday aimed at strengthening the political, cultural and economic ties, Yilmaz said Turkey has a strategic position for the transfer of natural gas and oil from Caucasia and Central Asia to the western markets.

''Turkey will assume responsibility in linking the Caspian Basin and the Mediterranean Basin'' Yilmaz said, adding, ''within this framework, we want the Turkish and Spanish businessmen to develop joint investments in Caucasia, the Central Asian Republics, the Balkans and Latin America which have rich natural resources.''

Mentioning the recent situation of the Turkish-EU relations, Yilmaz said ''we want to believe that no new walls and separations will be created within the framework of the realization of an integrated, democratic European model.''

Stressing that Turkey appreciated the importance of Spain in world policy and within the EU, Yilmaz thanked for the support of Spain expended to normalize the Turkish-EU relations.

Aznar, the Spanish Prime Minister said that he understood the dissapointment Turkey felt following the Luxembourg Summit and expressed Spain's willingness to work with Turkey within the EU.

''I very well understand Turkey's desires aimed at the EU'' Aznar said and requested Turkey to continue reforms which will reconciliate Turkey with the EU. He said that Turkey's strategic importance increased after the collapse of the Berlin Wall.

Recalling that Turkey and Spain intensely extended support to the NATO, Aznar said this support is vital for the security of Europe.

[03] GURDAL, MINISTER OF TOURISM: - ''NO ONE HAS RIGHT TO SHOW AS IF THERE IS A PITCH-DARK SCENE AND TO DEMORALIZE PEOPLE ENGAGED IN TOURISM''

Addressing the ceremony held upon the opening of the Clup Manco in Akyarlar, Bodrum, Gurdal said that tourism in Turkey started many years ago and that Turkey, as the protector of the civilizations in Anatolia, is proud of these assets.

Gurdal said that tourism started in Turkey with the sea, sun and beaches as in the world, however Turkey became a country where people spend their holidays during the four seasons.

Stressing that tourism in Turkey will never be affected by any negativeness, Gurdal said, ''nothing can influence Turkey. Turkey has ideals and targets. It is true that we have some problems while celebrating the 75th anniversary of the foundation of the modern Republic of Turkey. However, we will never give concessions from the secular, social and legal state and we have the answers for the problems.''

''We will continue to get our share in tourism in the globalized world where the borders have been removed. We have achieved our targets last year and we have determined a target for 1998,'' he said.

Ibrahim Gurdal said that a total of 4,480,000 tourists visited Turkey between 1 January and 15 July 1997 and that in the same period this year, this number was 4,515,000 tourists.

Pointing out that the seven important Christian churches are in Turkey and Istanbul is of the utmost importance for the Jews, Gurdal said, ''we have some deficiencies and we will solve these. However, the people engaged in tourism need morale.''

[04] EXPORTS WORTH 7.5 MILLION US DOLLARS MADE FROM SOUTHEAST TO US IN THE FIRST SIX MONTHS

In the same period last year, a total of 6.5 million US dollars in exports were realized from the region.

The Southeastern Anatolia Exporters' Union officials said that Turkey exported grain cereals worth six billion US dollars, dried fruit worth 5.3 million US dollars and textiles worth 2.3 million US dollars in the January- June period of 1998.

Meanwhile, it was also reported that Turkey made exports to Brazil worth 47, 000 US dollars, to Canada worth 847,000 US dollars and to Mexico worth 17, 000 US dollars.

[05] ETKIN, TRNC FOREIGN AND DEFENSE MINISTER RESPONDS TO KASULIDES: ''WE FAVOR PEACE AND COOPERATION''

Etkin said, ''I want to remind that we aren't the ones who wanted to bring the S-300 missiles to Cyprus and who opened an airbase at Baphos for Greece and who constructed a naval base in Terazi.''

Etkin said that the Turkish Cypriots were resolved to continue the existence of the TRNC and would do everything to this end.

Noting that the Greek-Greek Cypriot side, under the name of the Joint Defense Doctrine, were in a dangerous effort to escalate the tension on the island, Etkin said, ''the Turkish Cypriot side favored peace and cooperation not clashes and tension'' and pointed out that the Turkish Cypriot side wanted security and stability to be provided in the region.

The Greek Cypriot administration applied to the UN to complain about the Turkish warplanes and planes which came to TRNC due to the 20 July Peace and Freedom celebrations.

[06] PRESIDENT DEMIREL: ''TOURISM ISN'T AN ASSET THAT CAN BE EVALUATED ONLY WITH MONEY. IT HAS A LOT OF BEAUTIFUL FEATURES''

Demirel urged the people in the world, ''come and see the beauties in Turkey. You will see how the remains of the great civilizations have been preserved with tolerance.''

President Demirel opened the Manco Club in at Akyarlar, Bodrum. Addressing the ceremony held upon the opening of the club, Demirel said that the facility ''brought to light the natural beauties of Turkey'' and the citizens made contributions to the efforts for reaching the target of a contemporary Turkey, stressing that tourism is a world issue and that Turkey has a considerable capacity in this field.

Noting that a total of ten million tourists were visiting Turkey each year and that the tourism income had reached eight billion US dollars and significant steps had been taken in tourism, Demirel said that Turkey reached these statistics while the number of tourists visiting Turkey in 1970s was some hundred thousands and the income was 50 thousand US dollars.

''Turkey isn't a country that can be contented with ten million tourists. We want to host 25 million tourists every year. Turkey is the most valuable tourism area in the Mediterranean. The target should be one million beds, 25 million tourists and 15 billion US dollars in income. We achieved every target we determined for every field,'' Demirel stressed.

Recalling that Turkey is a country about which several criticisms are made in the some countries, Demirel said that these statements stemmed from historical or other reasons.

Noting that the tourists who visit Turkey observe that nine out of ten of the statements were only rumours, Demirel said, ''we will correct the tenth statement.''

[07] US DEPARTMENT OF STATE: ''WE WILL CONTINUE TO BRING OUR CONCERNS ONTO THE AGENDA CONCERNING THE S-300 MISSILES TOGETHER WITH THE EU''

Noting that Cyprus question had continued for too long, Rubin said ''the US continues to expend efforts to find a solution under the aegis of the UN.''

Rubin said that the Turkish warplanes, during the 20 July celebrations at the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), didn't fly over Lefkosa, adding that only Cessna type small planes or helicopters may have flown.

Rubin noted that the air demonstration of the Turkish warplanes was held near Girne ''as we have mentioned earlier, military demonstrations unnecessarily escalate the tension.''

Rubin said they held a meeting in Washington, D.C., with the EU officials and that they stressed the importance of resuming negotiations on Cyprus.

Rubin said that the US and the EU would continue to bring their concerns onto the agenda concerning the S-300 missiles which the Greek Cypriot side aimed at deploying on the island.

He said that they agreed with the EU to improve Turkish-Greek relations, adding that they also stressed the importance of direct contacts between the two sides and the efforts of Javier Solana, the NATO Secretary General to deepen the Confidence Building Measures.

[08] GREEK-CYPRIOTS RELEASE TWO TURKISH PEOPLE - KONDOZ AND GAZI, WHO WERE IN PRISON SINCE OCTOBER: ''LIFE WITH GREEK-CYPRIOTS IS IMPOSSIBLE'' ''GREEK- CYPRIOT POLICE TORTURED US TO HAVE US ACCEPT THAT WE ARE MIT SPIES. THEY PUT OUT CIGARETTES ON US''

Kondoz and Veli explained their life at the Greek-Cypriot prison and tortures inflicted by the Greek-Cypriot police.

Kondoz and Gazi, who were charged with the accusation that they smuggled weapons and drugs into the Greek-Cypriot side after being kidnapped by the Greek-Cypriot police, said, ''we had different thoughts earlier. But now, we understand and see that life with the Greek-Cypriots is impossible.''

Pointing out that they were imprisoned with a false accusation and they were exposed to inhuman psychological oppression, Kondoz said that they were resolved to apply to the international courts.

Noting that they were kidnapped from their own croplands in the buffer zone by 30 Greek-Cypriot armed policemen and they were always forced to accept as if they were the spies of the National Intelligence Organization (MIT) and to accept as if they were smuggling weapons and drugs into the Greek- Cypriot side, Kondoz said that they were obliged to give the evidence which the Greek-Cypriots wanted.

Stating that they were put into cells during their 8 month 8 day imprisonments, Kondoz and Gazi said that they were always psychologically harassed in those cells.

Gazi and Kondoz said that they were exposed to cruel beatings and the Greek- Cypriot police put out cigarettes on their backs, and threatened with stripping them naked in front of female police officers and raping them with bottles.

Gazi and Kondoz stressed that the Greek-Cypriot policemen, who questioned them were wearing masks.

[09] TURKISH STRAITS AGAIN ON NEGOTIATION TABLE - TURKEY'S RESISTANCE RESULTS IN AN OUTCOME DURING INTERNATIONAL MARITIME ORGANIZATION MEETING

The Turkish delegation, despite the opposition of Russia and Greece, managed to make a report of the Ship Routing Work Group start with a section reflecting Turkey's concerns.

The Turkish delegation once again clarified the determinations about Istanbul's population, historical and cultural structure, economic importance, environmental factors and capacity of the Istanbul Straits.

Despite these clarifications, as the objections continue, the Turkish side pointed out that the report which will be written on the issue of the Straits should be ''balanced and equal.'' The Turkish delegation noted that it is unacceptable that the report which will be prepared on the issue of Straits would fail to include the situation of the Straits and ignore Turkey's justified concerns.

As an outcome of the arguements, the view of the Turkish delegation was adopted and a committee to write the report was established.

Meanwhile, several countries, mainly Greece and Russia, demanded to return to the order of the Straits Traffic before the 1995 regulations.

[10] TURKISH PRESS REVIEW (1)

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

HANNAY ON CYPRUS
Sir David Hannay, the Cyprus Special Envoy for Britain and Austria, the current EU term-president, has started a series of contacts on Cyprus. Hannay met with Glafcos Clerides, the Greek Cypriot Leader, yesterday morning. Hannay, who later went to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), attended a conference organized by the Turkish Association of Businessmen. It is reported that Hannay, who restated his proposal for resuming meetings between the two sides on the island, also noted that he would deal with three basic issues. He stated that he would seek ways to resume the dialogue for a solution to the Cyprus problem. He said too that negotiations between the Greek Cypriot Administration and the European Union (EU) should be also attended by the Turkish Cypriots, and that security on the island was another important issue. Hannay proposed that meetings between the Turkish and Greek Cypriots should resume under the auspices of the United Nations (UN). /Cumhuriyet/

SIKORSKY NEARS 700 MILLION US DOLLAR TURKISH ACCORD
The US Sikorsky Aircraft Co. is close to reaching a final accord with Turkey to sell up to 50 S-70 Black Hawk utility helicopters and eight CH- 53E Super Stallion heavy-lift platforms, a deal together worth some 700 million US dollars, government sources said. If concluded, the deal will be a major blow to the French-German consortium Eurocopter, which still has plans to extend a current agreement with Turkey to sell 30 AS-532 Cougar utility and search-and-rescue helicopters for 500 million US dollars, to provide the Turkish Armed Forces with more air resources. Also, the expected sale of the CH-53E will mark a victory for Sikorsky against another US firm, Boeing Co, that has sought to sell its rival CH-47 Chinook to the Turkish army for years. /All papers/

PARLIAMENT LIFTS IMMUNITY OF SEVEN DEPUTIES
The political immunities of Murat Karayalcin, the Republican People's Party (CHP) Deputy and Parliamentary Foreign Affairs Commission Chairman, Omer Bilgin, Mehmet Agar and Kemal Aykurt, the True Path Party (DYP) Deputies, Sema Piskinsut, the Democratic Left Party (DSP) Deputy, Kahraman Emmioglu and Mustafa Bayram, the Virtue Party (FP) Deputies were lifted by the Parliament yesterday. In other words, judicial procedures against these deputies concerning allegations of corruption could start soon. /All papers/

TURKEY-TRNC COUNCIL
The Turkey-Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) Council, in its second meeting scheduled to take place on Thursday in Lefkosa, will outline the additional economic and financial measures in line with the two countries' decision to integrate their economies. ''During the meeting, the implementation of the decisions envisaged in the Association Council declaration of 31 March will be revised and new measures to be implemented in the near future will be outlined'' a statement from the Foreign Ministry said yesterday. /All papers/

SPANISH PM AZNAR MEETS WITH YILMAZ
Jose Maria Aznar, the Spanish Prime Minister, met with Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz in Ankara yesterday, discussing bilateral relations between Turkey and Spain, with the emphasis on trade relations. Following the talks in Ankara, Aznar will travel to Istanbul. The Turkish-Spanish Business Council also will hold meetings between 22 and 23 July in Istanbul, where Aznar will give a speech and meet with the leading Turkish industrialists. /All papers/

[11] TURKISH PRESS REVIEW (2)

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

TURKEY URGES SWITZERLAND TO RECONSIDER ITS STANCE
Taner Baytok, the Ambassador to Switzerland, has once again

requested the Swiss authorities to reconsider their refusal to permit celebrations for the 75th anniversary of the foundation of the Turkish Republic to take place at the palace where the historical Lausanne Treaty was signed on 24 July 1923. ''We expect that Switzerland will correct her mistake. By opening the Rumine Palace for the celebrations, Switzerland will show that she attributes importance to the Lausanne Treaty and friendly relations with Turkey'' Baytok told reporters in Montreaux yesterday /Hürriyet-Milliyet/

BYZANTINE ARTIFACTS IN SULTANAHMET
As a result of the excavations carried out by the Istanbul Archaeological Museums for seven months, an ancient building near the Ayasofya and Topkapi Palace at Sultanahmet, Istanbul has been discovered. Alpay Pasinli, the Head of the Istanbul Archaeological Museum, noted that the building on an area of 1,000 square metres, was possibly used during the Byzantine period as an official residence. He said that its function would be determined after investigations are made. Following a restoration, the building will be opened for tourism, it was reported. /Cumhuriyet/

CELEBRATIONS IN SWITZERLAND
The 62nd anniversary of the Montreaux Straits Agreement was celebrated in Montreaux, Switzerland, yesterday. High ranking officials from Turkey and Switzerland attended the celebrations. Taner Baytok, the Ambassador to Switzerland, stressed the importance of the Lausanne Treaty for Turkey. At the end of the celebrations, the Ankara Olgunlasma Finishing School presented a fashion show, and the Turkish folk dance groups gave performances. /Hurriyet-Milliyet/

FOREIGN CREDIT TO AKBANK
The Turkish private Akbank has obtained 250 million US dollars in foreign credits from the international finance markets. According to the bank officials, the bank obtained 250 million US dollars in funding from the international finance markets by exporting stock exchange credit card assets. They added that the sales are continuing through the Credit Suisse First Boston. /Hurriyet/

WEB-SITE FOR FOREIGN CAPITAL
It was announced yesterday that the Foreign Capital Department of the Undersecretariat of the Treasury has opened a web-site on the Internet. According to officials, the site, which is prepared in English, aims to give information about investment opportunities in Turkey and regulations in Turkey on establishing companies, incentives, employment, taxes, accounting and foreign capital.

There is also statistical information and necessary addresses and phone numbers to find out more about the Turkish economy.

/Hurriyet/

ERCEL: ''ZEROS WILL BE CANCELLED''
Gazi Ercel, the Chairman of the Central Bank, said yesterday that they will cancel a few zeros from the Turkish Lira in 2000. Ercel, who is still in Tokyo to attend an International Central Bank (BIS) meeting, said in a statament to Nihon Keizai from the Shimbun newspaper that they have finished studies on transferring to a ''New Turkish Lira'' monetary system. He added that they would reach their target in pulling down inflation to 50 percent in 1998 and 20 percent at the end of 1999. The zero application would help to bring inflation under control. /Milliyet-Hurriyet/

EIGHT PKK TERRORISTS KILLED
Eight PKK terrorists have been killed during clashes between security forces and terrorists in Bingol, Diyarbakir, Hakkari,

Tokat and Mardin. Two members of the security forces have also been killed.

The PKK terrorists stopped an ambulance from the health centre attached to Esentepe Village of Yuksekova County and carried-off its driver after setting the ambulance on fire. They also kidnapped four more civilians after stopping their cars as they travelled between Yuksekova and Esentepe. /Hurriyet-Milliyet/

''US WILL CONTINUE EFFORTS TO SOLVE CYPRUS ISSUE''
James Rubin, the Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs of the US Department of State, said yesterday in a press meeting that America would continue its efforts to solve the Cyprus issue under auspices of the United Nations (UN). Regarding the deployment of the Russian-made S-300 missiles on the island Rubin said that turning the island into a weapons depot would only serve to increase tension on the island.

/Sabah/

[12] MIZRAK, GOREME MAYOR REQUESTS UNESCO TO KEEP ITS PROMISE

Mizrak said that the UNESCO had taken the region among the centers which should be protected in 1974 and recalled that the organization initiated a worldwide campaign to this end.

Noting that apart from the support which was made in the first stage by UNESCO, no other development was recorded.

Mizrak said that the decision was a very good one, as the churches which were destroyed would have been saved with a project which would be supported by Turkey.

[13] TURKISH HELICOPTER INDUSTRY - ''SHORT LIST'', ONE OF LAST STAGES IN TENDER, TO BE ANNOUNCED THIS MONTH

The final activities for the evaluation of the bids of the companies producing hi-tech assault helicopters in the world are nearly concluded after the request of the General Staff to accelerate the activities.

Within the framework of the acceleration of activities, the ''short list'' including the firms which submitted the most appropriate bids will be announced in July. The short list will be sent to the Defense Industry Executive Committee for a final selection.

The Defense Industry Executive Committee including the Prime Ministry, the Minister of National Defense and the Chief of General Staff will announce the company winning the tender after its meeting within the next two months.

The representatives of the Foundation for the Strengthening of the Turkish Armed Forces, the Machinery and Chemical Industry and the Turkish Motors Industry are in the joint working group that was defined as the domestic contractor by the Turkish Aerospace Industries within the coordination of the Undersecretariat of the Defense Industry.

Within this context, the companies including the American Mc Donnell- Douglas and Sikorsky, Italian Augusta, French-German Eurocopter and the Russian company, whose bids will be found appropriate, will be announced on the short list. Augusta produces the A-129 International, Eurocopter produces the Tiger and Russia produces the Mi-28 helicopters.

Meanwhile, following the determination of the company to win the tender, a prototype, which will be adopted by Turkey, will be produced in a short time before the year 2000.

Within the scope of the activities for the establishment of the helicopter industry, a third generation attack helicopter will be produced by a consortium and these activities will be based on the approach that ''Turkey has the capacity to design helicopters''.

The helicopter firms generally produce 30 percent of the helicopters in their countries and have the concerned countries produced the other parts with a contract.

According to the defense industry experts, the US, Britain, France, Italy and Russia have the most developed helicopter technology.

[14] FOREIGN FINANCING TOTALS

The decision of the Council of Ministers related to these determinations was published in the Official Gazette.

In accordance with the decision, the total foreign financing sums for which the Treasury guarantee can be given, increased 50 percent to 1 billion 50 million US dollars and the total foreign financing sums to be transferred to the public and private sector organizations becoming indebted to the commercial banks was raised 50 percent to 300 million US dollars.

[15] TURKEY-TRNC JOINT ECONOMIC MEETING - BULUNC, THE UNDERSECRETARY OF TRNC STATE PLANNING ORGANIZATION: ''OUR STRONG COOPERATION WILL FURTHER STRENGTHEN''

Addressing the opening of the meeting, Ahmet Zeki Bulunc, the Undersecretary of TRNC State Planning Organization said that they will take up the issues which will determine the agenda and complete the preliminary works of the Partnership Council with the delegation coming from Turkey.

Noting that the negotiations will give useful results, Bulunc said that the strong cooperation and dialogue between the two countries will further strengthen at the end of this meeting, adding that the main goal is to overcome the economic problems and to bring the TRNC to a stronger economic position.

Selcut Polat, the Deputy Undersecretary of the Prime Ministry and the Co- Chairman of the Economic Committee said that the transformation of the meetings that have been held between Turkey and the TRNC for years to fulfillment, has been started with this meeting.

A joint statement is expected to be issued at the end of the meeting.

[16] BIRDAL, THE CHAIRMAN OF HUMAN RIGHTS ASSOCIATION IN COURT

Birdal, who came to the court in a wheelchair due to health reasons, told journalists before giving testimony that the Court of Appeals repealed the verdicts of the Adana and Ankara State Security Court against him.

Birdal told the court that the verdict of the Court of Appeals which repealed his imprisonments were appropriate and the Ankara State Court and Adana State Court should abide by this verdict.

[17] VESNET WINS TENDER OF KAZAKTELEKOM

Vesnet, which produces the Drx-4 rural digital telephone exchanges, has come first among the nine firms that participated in the tender of small digital telephone exchanges for 100 thousand subscribers.

Vesnet will obtain a share of nearly 7 million US dollars of the 10 million US dollar tender.

Netas owns 51 percent of the shares of Vesnet.

[18] BLACK SEA GREEN TOUR'98 - TOURISM MINISTRY STAGES GREEN TOUR FOR THE FOURTH TIME

Approximately 40 foreign guests, from more than 20 countries, will participate in the tour including Ankara, Corum, Amasya, Tokat, Ordu, Giresun, Trabzon and Istanbul.

The Promotion General Directorate of the Ministry of Tourism told the A.A correspondent that they prepared a tour program where regional specialities of the Black Sea were mentioned.

The Ministry of Tourism will realize the ''Silk Road'', ''Cappadocia Handicrafts Festival'' and the ''Religious Belief Tour'' programs in the coming months.

[19] NEW ARRANGEMENT IN EXPORTS

The announcement of the Undersecretariat of Foreign Trade related to the issue was published in the Official Gazette and went into effect.

In accordance with the communication, the implementation of presenting a foreign exchange purchasing document was cancelled in order to decrease bureaucracy in exports and to enable exporters to find foreign exchange credits more easily.

The presentation of the customs declaration will be sufficient when the commitment deposit is closed for the clean export loans and for the foreign exchange credits, which are arranged for the imports of customs exempted goods aimed at exports of goods and used for the financing of imports included in the scope of the permit document for internal processing.

[20] A SLIGHT EARTHQUAKE SHAKES HATAY PROVINCE

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

No casualties or financial damages were reported.

[21] SPANISH PRIME MINISTER AZNAR IN ANKARA - TWO PRIME MINISTERS SIGN THE JOINT ACTION PLAN WHICH AIMS TO DEVELOP BILATERAL RELATIONS IN EVERY FIELD

Prime Minister Mesut Yılmaz and the guest Prime Minister said that they agreed to accelerate the relations between the two countries.

Addressing the signing ceremony, Prime Minister Yılmaz stated that from now on the prime ministers of the two countries will come together once a year and exchange views about international and regional issues.

''I believe that this first visit from Spain to Turkey at the prime ministerial level and our friendship with Mr. Aznar will constitute an important opportunity regarding the development of bilateral relations. There aren't any political problems between the two friendly and allied countries,'' said Yılmaz, adding that the potential of economic relations between the two countries should be increased.

Noting that the Joint Economic Council meeting will be held in Madrid in October, Yılmaz pointed out that the contacts between the Turkish and Spanish businessmen will contribute to the development of relations.

Prime Minister Yılmaz said that he told Aznar that the European Union (EU) has an ''unjust and unacceptable attitude'' towards Turkey.

The guest Prime Minister said ''Turkey and Spain are allied countries in the NATO and I believe that this cooperation will also continue concerning the EU issues.''

Noting that the EU doesn't put forward different conditions to Turkey compared with the other candidate countries, Aznar said that there are many problems concerning the EU, but efforts should continue.

[22] 27TH INTERNATIONAL TURKISH RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP TO BE HELD IN BURSA - 60 COMPETITORS FROM FIVE COUNTRIES TO PARTICIPATE IN CHAMPIONSHIP

A total of 60 competitors from five countries, Turkey, Georgia, Bulgaria, Romania and Greece, will participate at the championship. The scores of the competitors will be reflected to the European Rally Championship and to the European Rally Drivers Cup.

The championship will be realized under the supervision of the Federation of International Automobile Sports (FIA).

[23] TURKEY FURTHER DEVELOPS HER FOREIGN POLICY GOALS - FM INTRODUCES THE REPORT ON ''TURKEY BETWEEN 2010-2020'' - FM CEM: ''TURKEY IS A GLOBAL ACTOR''

Addressing the introduction meeting, Ismail Cem, the Foreign Minister, said ''the stars are shining above Turkey. Turkey doesn't only have the chance to have a determining role in Eurasia concerning politics, history and culture, but also she is a global actor in real terms with her economy, dynamism, growth rate, labour and the organizational talent of investors.''

Cem pointed out that there are changes concerning the status, future and economic role of Turkey while entering the 21st century and in this respect a study on ''Turkey Between 2010-2020'' was needed.

Stressing that the economy, history and culture, rather than military power have become the principal factors of the new balance of power in foreign politics, Cem said ''Turkey prepares to become the economic and political pioneer of Eurasia.''

''We want to be a part of the European Union (EU), but our target is much broader. The Balkans, Central Asian, Caucasian countries launch efforts to open their economies to the world and Turkey has entered into a new cooperation as an indispensable partner with these countries concerning the restructuring of them.''

Orhan Guvenen, the Undersecretary of the State Planning Organization said that the ''OECD 2020'' programme was taken as the basis for the ''Turkey Between 2010-2020'' document.

Yaman Baskut, the Deputy Undersecretary of the Foreign Ministry, who is responsible for economic affairs said ''we tried to determine what we can do in the coming 20-25 years with this programme. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) presented a different perspective for us and we put forward new elements.''

Giving information about the details of the report, Baskut said that Turkey will be the most crowded country of Europe with a population of 83 million in 25 years, while the population of the Western European countries will decrease. ''This means the population in Europe will be older, whereas Turkey won't have a similar problem, but she will struggle with the problem of rapid urbanization in 2020,'' said Baskut, adding that the foreign policy of Turkey will develop as long as her economy develops.

Responding to a question, Baskut stressed that the report hasn't been prepared for the EU.

[24] TURKISH-RUSSIAN BUSINESS COUNCIL - SELEZNYOV, SPEAKER OF STATE DUMA: - ''RUSSIA IS IN A DEEP SOCIO-ECONOMIC CRISIS''

Addressing the Turkish-Russian Business Council meeting, Seleznyov noted that his contacts in Ankara will be helpful for the further development of relations between Turkey and Russia.

Reminding that there are many economic problems between the two countries, Seleznyov stressed that Russia is in an extreme socioeconomic crisis. He added that the reducing oil prices have concentrated the crisis.

Seleznyov emphasized that they are ready to contribute to the cooperation between Turkey and Russia, noting, ''the State Duma has adopted the resolution concerning foreign investors. I think it will be signed in the coming days. The tax law was also signed. We are preparing Russia's main tax law nowadays.''

Requesting Seleznyov to support the Council, Yavuz Kilic, the Chairman of the Turkish-Russian Business Council, reminded that the foreign trade volume of Turkey and Russia have reached up to 10 billion US dollars.

Noting that Turkey wants to cooperate with Russia that is very advanced technologically, Kilic stressed that they aim to form a ''support lobby'' in the structure of the State Duma.

Emphasizing that Russia will make investments of 1.5 billion US dollars in Turkey, Kilic said that they want this number to be increased in the coming years.

Kilic noted that a change in the legislation should be made, and he requested Seleznyov to ease the visa problem.

Tunc Ulug, the member of the Executive Council of Turkey and the Commonwhealth of Independent States Business Councils, reminded that Turkish investors continue their investments in Russia, and asked the Russian businessmen to make investments in Turkey.

Oktay Varlier, the member of the Executive Council of Turkey and the Commonwhealth of Independent States Business Councils, pointed out that the prevention of dual taxation agreement should be signed between Turkey and Russia as soon as possible.

[25] NUMBER OF FRENCH TOURISTS WHO PREFER TURKEY FOR HOLIDAY INCREASES

The statement of the Paris Tourism Consultantship points out that the number of the tourists coming Turkey that was 143,068 in the first six months of 1997, increased 29.4 percent to 185,181 in the same period of this year.

Nearly 45 thousand French tourists came to Turkey in June, the statement notes.

Meanwhile, according to the figures of the Ministry of Tourism, 3,862,322 tourists visited Turkey in the January-June period.

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

On the fourth day of the operation first-aid and hygienic evacuation activities were displayed in the Karasazlik region at Incesu County of Kayseri Province.

Seventy two parachutists jumped from the C-160 Turkish planes in order to provide security in the region and nine Romenian parachutists jumped from the C-130 Romanian plane to demonstrate the first-aid activities.

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.

[27] PRESIDENT DEMIREL RECEIVES AZNAR, THE SPANISH PRIME MINISTER - DEMIREL: ''THE POLITICAL WILL WHICH IS NECESSARY TO DEVELOP THE RELATIONS IS OBVIOUS''

President Demirel received Jose Maria Aznar, the Spanish Prime Minister, who is currently in Turkey on an official visit and said that ''the two big countries, which are at the eastern and western parts of Mediterranean as two European countries, will do what is necessary concerning bilateral relations and multilateral relations in the 2000s.''

Recalling that a Joint Action Plan was signed between Turkey and Spain, Demirel said ''the two countries have declared to their own public opinion and to the world public opinion that they are ready for further cooperation.''

Noting that the visit of Aznar, the Spanish Prime Minister to Turkey will contribute to the development of relations in all fields, President Demirel pointed out that Spain is one of the countries which understands the status of Turkey in Europe and he believes that the support of Spain concerning the relations between Turkey and the European Union (EU) will continue.

President Demirel added that he wants the Spanish King and Queen to come to Turkey soon.

The Guest Spanish Prime Minister said that the Joint Action Plan, which was signed the same day was prepared and entered into enforcement very quickly, adding that decisions have been made regarding the issues which constitute the economic aspect of the plan.

Aznar said that the first meeting will be held in September and the other one will be held in October.

''1999 will be an interesting year for Turkey and Spain,'' said Aznar, noting that the two countries can work together in many parts of the world.

''We have to be reliable and faithful partners, in this respect we can add a strategic dimension to the relations between Turkey and Spain. The two countries have proved that they can do the things which they promised to do, '' said Aznar.

Noting that the same conditions should be implemented for all candidate states concerning the membership in the EU, Aznar stressed that he knew that Turkey has problems to solve.

[28] CELEBRATIONS FOR 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE REPUBLIC OF TURKEY - ARMENIAN PEOPLE LIVING IN TURKEY TO HOLD A SERIES OF ACTIVITIES - MUTAFIAN, ACTING PATRIARCH: - ''WE HAVE GROWN UP AS CHILDREN OF THE REPUBLIC OF TURKEY''

Archbishop Mesrob Mutafian, the Acting Patriarch told the reporters, ''we have grown up as the children of the Republic of Turkey. It is our duty to celebrate it.''

The written statement of the Patriarchate pointed out that the philharmonic orchestra lead by Maestro Jirayr Arslanyan that will be formed by the all choirs of the churches in Istanbul, will give a ''Republic Concert''.

Erol Srafyan will make the bust of Prof. Dr. Agop Martayan (Dilacar) who had participated in the works for improving the Turkish language and the Turkish Language Council with the invitation of Ataturk.

The statement also noted that the Armenians living in Turkey will also prepare a ''Republic Exhibition'' that will reflect the social and cultural lives of the Armenians during the Republic period.

[29] JOINT ACTION PLAN AIMED AT IMPROVING TURKISH-SPANISH RELATIONS - TURKISH AND SPANISH PRIME MINISTERS AND FOREIGN MINISTERS TO MEET ONCE A YEAR

The prime ministers and foreign ministers of the two countries will meet once a year according to the plan and in this respect, the two foreign ministers will meet with each other in New York at the upcoming UN General Assembly meeting.

The Spanish Speaker of the Parliament will visit Turkey in the fall and a cooperation mechanism between the legislative organs of the two countries is foreseen to be set up during this visit.

The Joint Action Plan urges the two countries to increase cooperation in the fields of justice and internal affairs and to give priority to the struggle against drug trafficking, illegal immigration and terrorism.

The Joint Action Plan focuses heavily on development of economic relations and it aims to accelerate efforts to sign an agreement to prevent dual taxation.

The Joint Commission on Economic and Industrial Cooperation will convene between 19-21 October, while the dates of the Financial Protocol Working Group meeting and the Turkish-Spanish Business Council meeting haven't been determined yet.

Turkey and Spain will reciprocally support the holding of large fairs and exhibitions in the two countries.

''The cultural cooperation constitutes a unique means for the development of relations between the two peoples,'' said the Plan, adding that a symposium is expected to be held with the participation of the artistic and cultural representatives of the two countries.

The Action Plan also aims to establish cultural centers in the two countries.

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