Anadolu Agency: News in English, 98-07-24

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

24 JULY 1998

CONTENTS

[01] YILMAZ-ECEVIT MEETING - ECEVIT: ''AMNESTY, AGENDA OF PARLIAMENT AND ELECTION ISSUES DISCUSSED''

[02] A RICH COLLECTION COMPOSED OF THRACIAN, BITHYNIAN AND BYZANTINE CULTURES, TO BE DISPLAYED AT ISTANBUL ARCHAEOLOGY MUSEUM - GRAVE CHAMBER OF VIZE TUMULUS WITH COLORFUL WALL ADORNMENTS AND PRECIOUS SILVER WORKS EXPECTED TO CREATE GREAT INTEREST

[03] PARLIAMENT AUTHORIZES GOVERNMENT ON THE ISSUE OF SENDING SOLDIERS TO ALBANIA

[04] PENTAGON: ''TURKEY SHOULD BE WORRIED ABOUT THE IRANIAN MISSILES''

[05] THE US: ''ONCE SHEBAB-3 MISSILES BECOME OPERATIONAL THEY WILL HAVE SIGNIFICANT STRATEGICAL INFLUENCES IN THE REGION'' - ''IRAN WILL HAVE ABILITY TO STRIKE TURKEY, ISRAEL AND SAUDI ARABIA''

[06] TURKISH STRAITS - IMO DECIDES TO DISCUSS ISSUE OF ''TURKISH STRAITS'' EXTENSIVELY IN NEXT MEETINGS

[07] PRESIDENT DEMIREL ON A TRNC STAMP

[08] CONTACTS OF SUSSMUTH, SPEAKER OF GERMAN FEDERAL PARLIAMENT - SUSSMUTH MEETS WITH KARAYALCIN, CHAIRMAN OF PARLIAMENTARY FOREIGN AFFAIRS COMMISSION

[09] NUMBER OF TOURISTS WHO COME TO MUGLA PROVINCE INCREASES 14.2 PERCENT WITHIN SIX MONTHS

[10] INTERNATIONAL SUCCESS OF KAVAKLIDERE WINES - KAVAKLIDERE WINES WIN MEDALS

[11] SEPARATIST TERRORISTS OPEN FIRE ON GENDARME VEHICLE PATROLING NEAR DARENDE COUNTY OF MALATYA PROVINCE - ONE SOLDIER DIES, SEVEN OTHERS AND THREE VILLAGE GUARDS INJURED

[12] COOPERATİVE KEY-98 MANEUVER

[13] TURKISH PRESS REVIEW (1)

[14] TURKISH PRESS REVIEW (2)

[15] ''GLOBAL CARD'' FROM TURKISH TELEKOM

[16] TURKISH BALLET AT INTERNATIONAL FESTIVALS - ANKARA STATE OPERA AND BALLET TO GREET ART-LOVERS IN CROATIA FOLLOWING SUCCESSFUL GERMAN TOUR

[17] HOPES FOR LIGHT IN TOURISM - INCREASE RECORDED IN NUMBER OF TOURISTS COMING TO TURKEY IN JULY WHEN COMPARED TO LAST YEAR

[18] 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE LAUSANNE TREATY - PRESIDENT DEMIREL: ''LAUSANNE TREATY IS THE SIGN OF TURKISH NATION'S DETERMINATION FOR INDEPENDENCE''

[19] 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF LAUSANNE TREATY - SPEAKER OF PARLIAMENT CETIN CELEBRATES THE ANNIVERSARY

[20] 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF LAUSANNE TREATY - PRIME MINISTER YILMAZ: ''TURKISH NATION WILL NEVER ABANDON HER DETERMINATION FOR PROTECTING MODERN REPUBLIC OF TURKEY FOREVER''

[21] 59TH ANNIVERSARY OF LIBERATION OF HATAY PROVINCE - MESSAGES FROM PREMIER YILMAZ

[22] MIRAS, CHAIRMAN OF TOBB, GIVES FLOWERS TO GREEK SOLDIERS AT PAZARKULE BORDER GATE - MIRAS: ''WE HAVE FRIENDLY RELATIONS WITH GREEK CHAIRMAN OF UNION OF CHAMBERS''

[23] WATER TO TRNC BY PIPELINE - ALARKO TO CARRY WATER TO TRNC BY WATER PIPELINE

[24] OPERATION IN SOUTHEASTERN ANATOLIA - 15 TERRORISTS KILLED

[25] INTERNATIONAL CODE LIFTED ON TELEPHONE CALLS FROM THE TRNC TO TURKEY

[26] PENALTY FOR TORTURE INCREASES - HUMAN RIGHTS COORDINATOR SUPREME BOARD PREPARES DRAFT RESOLUTION TO INCREASE PUNISHMENT FOR THOSE WHO INFLICT TORTURE

[27] NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL MEETS IN ISTANBUL

[28] CULTURE MINISTER TALAY OPENS A TOMB IN ANCIENT CITY OF EPHESUS - ''3 MILLION PEOPLE VISIT EPHESUS ANNUALLY'' - ''WE HAVE PROVIDED REVENUES OF 700 BILLION TURKISH LIRAS FROM MUSEUM''

[01] YILMAZ-ECEVIT MEETING - ECEVIT: ''AMNESTY, AGENDA OF PARLIAMENT AND ELECTION ISSUES DISCUSSED''

Speaking after the meeting which lasted for nearly two hours, Ecevit said that they had discussed ''amnesty, the agenda of the Parliament and election issues.''

Ecevit also said the issues will be discussed with Husamettin Cindoruk, the leader of the Democrat Turkey Party (DTP) on Saturday.

Noting that it will be beneficial to discuss the problems as a whole, Ecevit said ''we hope to reach a consensus of opinon as the government after meeting with Cindoruk.''

Responding to the question of journalists which asked if there was an agreement on the date of the elections, Ecevit said that the coalition partners should act together on each of the issues and that this should be made in agreement.

When asked about the amnesty issue, Ecevit said ''we want the subject of amnesty to be turned into a draft of the government.''

[02] A RICH COLLECTION COMPOSED OF THRACIAN, BITHYNIAN AND BYZANTINE CULTURES, TO BE DISPLAYED AT ISTANBUL ARCHAEOLOGY MUSEUM - GRAVE CHAMBER OF VIZE TUMULUS WITH COLORFUL WALL ADORNMENTS AND PRECIOUS SILVER WORKS EXPECTED TO CREATE GREAT INTEREST

The works of Elaios, the gate of the Bolayir Tumulus, the Perinthos Monument, the grave chamber of the Vize Tumulus, steles of Vezirhan and Asarievvel, tomb monuments, embossed designs and statues will be exhibited in the section that will be opened by Istemihan Talay, the Minister of Culture, on 5 August.

The grave chamber of Vize Tumulus with the colorful wall adornments and precious silver works are expected to create great interest.

Selected works belonged to the civilizations from Archaic Period to the end of Roman Period (seventh century B.C. - fourth century A.D.) will be displayed in the section in a chronological order.

[03] PARLIAMENT AUTHORIZES GOVERNMENT ON THE ISSUE OF SENDING SOLDIERS TO ALBANIA

The authorization will in the short-term allow Turkey to send a small group of soldiers to the southern Albanian town of Vlora to protect a Turkish technical team working there to repair a military shipyard, port and army barracks, a Foreign Ministry official said on the condition of anonymity.

Necati Cetinkaya, the True Path Party (DYP) Konya Deputy said thay peace and stability should be established in Albania due to the interests of Turkey. Cetinkaya said that Turkey's support to this country was important for the national interests and regional peace.

Huseyin Kansu, the Virtue Party (FP) Istanbul Deputy said that Turkey's sending soldiers to Albania wasn't adequate and that the Red Crescent should continue its aid. Kansu also requested the Ziraat Bank to open a branch in Tirane.

Ali Dincer, the Republican People's Party (CHP) Ankara Deputy said that providing peace in Albania would contribute to the stability of the Balkans. Dincer said that Turkey should assume this responsibility as a leading country.

Oltan Sungurlu, the Minister of Justice, speaking on behalf of the government said that Turkey couldn't remain as a spectator to the developments in the Balkans, adding that the sending of soldiers to Albania was an outcome of Turkey's active foreign policy.

[04] PENTAGON: ''TURKEY SHOULD BE WORRIED ABOUT THE IRANIAN MISSILES''

Addressing the journalists, Kenneth Bacon, the Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs of the US Department of Defense, noted that Iran supports terrorism and seeks mass destruction weapons and added, ''we believe that these policies are risky and irresponsible.'' He stressed that Iran's policies threaten the interests of the US and the other countries in the Middle East. emphasizing that Iraq that had fought against Iran for eight years, can be the first ''target'' of the Iranian missiles, Bacon said, ''but there is no need for medium-range missiles to strike Iraq. Iran can easily strike Iraq with short-range missiles.''

Bacon added, ''One can see clearly that Iran has long-term purposes and this makes us worried about the future. Turkey, Russia and especially Israel should also be worried about the Shebab-3 missiles.''

Noting that the Shebab-3 missiles haven't become ''functional'' yet, Bacon added that once the missiles are made operational, Iran will have the ability to strike more distant targets, stressing that they expect Iran is conducting new missile tests.

Meanwhile, the Shebab-3 missiles can be used with chemical, biological and nuclear warheads.

[05] THE US: ''ONCE SHEBAB-3 MISSILES BECOME OPERATIONAL THEY WILL HAVE SIGNIFICANT STRATEGICAL INFLUENCES IN THE REGION'' - ''IRAN WILL HAVE ABILITY TO STRIKE TURKEY, ISRAEL AND SAUDI ARABIA''

James Rubin, the Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs of the US Department of State, said that Iran will have the ability to strike Turkey, Israel and Saudi Arabia with the medium-range missiles.

The news claiming that Iran has successfully conducted the first medium range missile test last Tuesday, has shocked Washington, D.C.

Responding to the questions of the journalists concerning the Iranian missiles, Rubin noted that the mentioned missiles are North Korea's NoDong missile that can fly up to 800 miles (1300 km). He stressed that the Shebab- 3 missiles' test shows Iran's ''offensive'' efforts on developing the missiles, and reminded, ''but new experience and more time are necessary to make the missiles operational.''

Rubin noted, ''it is early to say that Iran has medium-range, usable missiles after a single missiles' test.'' He added that Iran has bought the missile technology from North Korea, China and Russia.

[06] TURKISH STRAITS - IMO DECIDES TO DISCUSS ISSUE OF ''TURKISH STRAITS'' EXTENSIVELY IN NEXT MEETINGS

Within the framework of the 44th Term Activities of the IMO Navigation Safety Sub-committee, the importance of the Turkish Straits was stressed and the requirement for the continuation of discussions to take up the issue was mentioned.

The Committee also noted that Turkey should contribute to the discussions that will take place in the coming meetings.

Another report in which the components of the ''environment and security'', the issues on which Turkey has insistently mentioned, were reflected very well, will be discussed in the coming meetings.

Thus, the Turkish side adopted its thesis to the countries who insisted on accelerating the traffic in the Straits.

The members of the Turkish delegation, in their speeches, reiterated the view that proposals and reports which will be prepared only with economic and political concerns, will endanger the security of Istanbul which is a very large economic center.

The Turkish delegation also briefed the member countries about the geographical features of the Straits.

The issue of the Turkish Straits will be discussed at the coming meetings of the Committee and sub-Committee.

[07] PRESIDENT DEMIREL ON A TRNC STAMP

The stamps will be put up for sale on 25 July, the same day of President Demirel's visit to the TRNC.

Meanwhile Ismail Cem, the Foreign Minister, Necdet Menzir, the Minister of Transportation and Communications, and Isin Celebi, the Minister of State, who were on the island in order to participate at the Turkey-TRNC Partnership Council meeting, have left the island for Turkey last night.

Sukru Sina Gurel, the Minister of State, will stay on the island until 26 July to participate in President Demirel's visit to the TRNC.

[08] CONTACTS OF SUSSMUTH, SPEAKER OF GERMAN FEDERAL PARLIAMENT - SUSSMUTH MEETS WITH KARAYALCIN, CHAIRMAN OF PARLIAMENTARY FOREIGN AFFAIRS COMMISSION

Addressing the meeting, Karayalcin said that Turkey isn't at the point of full membership in the European Union, and he stressed that Turkey reacts to the attitude of differentiation of the EU towards herself.

Reminding that Turkey was disappointed at the Luxembourg Summit, Karayalcin pointed out, ''Turkey doesn't prefer to use blackmail as some neighbours of hers prefer to do. She is a large and powerful state.

Stressing that Germany's attitude towards Turkey on the issue of the full membership in the EU, has damaged the relations between Turkey and Germany, Karayalcin noted that Turkey aims to improve relations with Germany.

Addressing a press conference after her meeting with Karayalcin, Sussmuth said, ''we want to set up good cooperative relations with Turkey in order to revive the friendship between the two countries.'' Noting that Turkey was disappointed with the decision made at the Luxembourg Summit, Sussmuth pointed out that several developments were realized at the Cardiff Summit. She reminded that her contacts in Ankara focused on joint initiatives between Turkey and Germany. Sussmuth pointed out that issues such as human rights, changes in the constitution and the new tax law were also discussed during the meetings.

Emphasizing that Turkey undertakes a new role, Sussmuth mentioned Turkey's importance in Central Asia, the Near East and the Balkans.

[09] NUMBER OF TOURISTS WHO COME TO MUGLA PROVINCE INCREASES 14.2 PERCENT WITHIN SIX MONTHS

Officials told the A.A correspondent that 354 thousand tourists entered Turkey from the Dalaman Airport and 145 tourists entered from the Bodrum- Milas Airport.

They added, ''The number of the tourism facilities have been increasing along with the number of tourists. Therefore the rate of occupancy of the hotels have been decreasing. The number of the beds was 106 thousand two years ago, but this number has reached 115 thousand this year.''

[10] INTERNATIONAL SUCCESS OF KAVAKLIDERE WINES - KAVAKLIDERE WINES WIN MEDALS

Officials from the Kavaklidere Wines told the A.A correspondent that the number of the medals given to the company at the international and domestic competitons, has increased up to 332.

''Efsane 97'', ''Sultaniye 97-Domisek'' and ''Selection Red 95'' wines have been awarded with bronze medals at the ''The International Wines and Spirits'' organized in Britain last May.

The ''Yakut 97'', ''Special Red 97'' wines have won the golden medal and ''Selection Red 95'' the bronze medal at the ''Challenge International du Vin'' competition in France in June.

The ''Special Red 95'' wine has been awarded with the grand honourable mention prize at the ''Concorso Enologico Internazionale Vinitaly'', one of the most important wine competitions in the world.

[11] SEPARATIST TERRORISTS OPEN FIRE ON GENDARME VEHICLE PATROLING NEAR DARENDE COUNTY OF MALATYA PROVINCE - ONE SOLDIER DIES, SEVEN OTHERS AND THREE VILLAGE GUARDS INJURED

Officials told the A.A correspondent that one soldier died in the attack. Seven others and three temporary village guards were injured.

The injured were taken to several hospitals in Malatya Province.

Operations are underway in the region in order to capture the separatist terorists.

[12] COOPERATİVE KEY-98 MANEUVER

Addressing a cocktail party which was hosted for the representatives of the countries participating in the Cooperative Key-98 maneuver, Kilic mentioned the importance of Turkey in providing regional peace.

Kilic said ''Turkey is ready for the steps that will be taken in the region for peace.''

Meanwhile, Michael Short, the Commander of the Southern Europe Alliance Air Forces said that the aim of the maneuver was peace and that this was performed with this aim and briefed about the maneuver. He said that these kinds of maneuvers were indications that there will be maneuvers in the future for peace.

[13] TURKISH PRESS REVIEW (1)

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

DEMIREL: ''CYPRUS WON'T BECOME A SECOND CRETE''
President Suleyman Demirel noted yesterday that they wouldn't allow Cyprus to become a second Crete. Demirel received a correspondent from the Milliyet daily newspaper at the Presidential Residence yesterday and replied to his questions regarding domestic and foreign developments. Demirel gave important messages, especially on Cyprus. Demirel, who will go to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) tomorrow, stated that Turkey couldn't allow the security in the TRNC to be damaged. He added that Turkey would bring prosperity to Northern Cyprus and relations would have a new dimension. Demirel said, ''the TRNC is a state, which is recognized only by Turkey. However it is a de facto situation. The TRNC people have been saved from ethnic cleansing. Security in the TRNC is Turkey's responsibility.'' /Milliyet/

NEW ERA OPENS WITH TAX REFORM LAW
The parliament has passed wide-ranged tax reforms. The reforms are aimed at broadening the fiscal base. ''We have worked out a tax system which we sincerely believe will play a great role in restoring the health of the country's economy and support the fight against inflation,'' Finance Minister Zekeriya Temizel said. The reforms reduce income taxes in a bid to discourage widespread tax evasion and are expected to erode the unregistered sector. The law brings down income tax from a range of 25-55 percent to between 15 and 40 percent next year. This means an immediate increase in the take-home pay of many tax-paying citizens. Corporate tax will rise from 25 percent to 30 percent, but there will be no changes in the rates of value added tax, which range between one and 40 percent depending on the product. ''The tax law will make an impact on the performance of the 1998 budget and put the 1999 budget on a much more positive platform'' Temizel told journalists at the Parliament, adding that the tax reforms will contribute to the anti-inflation economic programme. /All papers/

EMERGENCY RULE EXTENDED FOR THE 32ND TIME
Emergency Rule, which is being implemented in Diyarbakir, Hakkari, Tunceli, Siirt, Sirnak and Van, in southeastern Turkey, has been extended for the 32nd time for another four months, it was reported. Murat Basesgioglu, the Minister of the Interior, stated that the Emergency Rule would be lifted when the conditions were suitable. /All papers/

DEMIREL RECEIVES GERMAN SPEAKER OF PARLIAMENT
In a bid to revitalize bilateral ties between Turkey and Germany, Rita Sussmuth, the German Speaker of the Federal Parliament, held a series of talks in Ankara yesterday. Sussmuth was received by President Suleyman Demirel, Hikmet Cetin, the Speaker of the Parliament, and Ismail Cem, the Foreign Minister. Demirel said that a strain in German-Turkish ties wasn't acceptable. Sussmuth emphasized the importance of the improvement in relations between Turkey and Germany. She pointed out that their primary duty isn't only to combat poverty, but also to take measures against fundamentalist ideologies, which are becoming a threat for the rest of the world. Sussmuth was accompanied by Thomas Kossendey, the Chairman of the Turkish-German Friendship Group and Leyla Onur, the Deputy Chairman. /All papers/

TURKEY-TRNC COUNCIL HOLDS SECOND MEETING
The Turkey-Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) Association Council gathered for the second time yesterday in Lefkosa to revise the implementation of the previous decisions and outline additional measures to strengthen political and economic ties between the two countries. Sukru Sina Gurel, the Minister of State Responsible for the European Union (EU) Affairs and Cyprus, said that the agenda of the meeting was predominantly economic. He stressed that the TRNC's agricultural development and luring Turkish investments to the TRNC were the issues given priority. Ismail Cem, the Foreign Minister, Isın Celebi, the Minister of State Responsible for the Economy, as well as high-level diplomats took part in the Turkish delegation. /All papers/

[14] TURKISH PRESS REVIEW (2)

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

AZNAR CALLS FOR MORE COOPERATION
Speaking at a meeting of the Turco-Spanish Business Council organized by the Foreign Economic Relations Council (DEIK) in Istanbul, Jose Maria Aznar, the Spanish Prime Minister, said yesterday that Spain wants to forge ahead in economic relations with Turkey. He also noted that a protocol, which he and his Turkish counterpart Mesut Yilmaz signed, paved the way for increasing economic cooperation. During his speech, which frequently referred to Turkey's importance for the world economy, the Spanish PM called on Turkish and Spanish businessmen to make joint investments. Necdet Menzir, the Minister of Transportation and Communications and Ugur Bayar, the Chairman of the Privatization Board also attended the meeting. ''We are glad to see the Spanish delegation in Istanbul and expect this Council to be useful for both sides,'' Menzir said at the meeting. ''As you know, Turkey has been developing several telecommunications and transportations projects such as the tube tunnel under the Bosphorus which will connect the European and Anatolian sides. We expect that all foreign businessmen and investors will be interested in these projects.'' /Hurriyet/

MESSAGES FOR DAMASCUS
The 59th anniversary of the accession of Hatay Province to Turkey was celebrated yesterday. President Suleyman Demirel and Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz issued statements yesterday and said that Turkey would never compromise her territories. Prime Minister Yilmaz delivered a speech to the people in Hatay and said, ''those who show Hatay within their borders on their maps shouldn't forget the historical realities. No part of our country can be separated from us. Those who sided with the ASALA yesterday, side with the PKK today''. President Demirel recalled in his message that Hatay was annexed to Turkey in 1939 even though it was already within the borders of Turkey as confirmed by the Turkish National Pact ratified in January 1920. /Milliyet/

US SUPPORTS BAKU-CEYHAN PIPELINE
The US Congress has requested finance organizations in the US to help raise funds for the projected Baku-Ceyhan pipeline; and US Senate's Standing Committee for Foreign Relations has indicated US support for the project, by adding a new article to the allocations law. The article, proposed by Robert Byrd, a Senator from West Virginia, requests financial contributions from the US institutions, stating that a pipeline passing through Turkey will serve US interests. Further, Richard Morningstar, a special envoy appointed by the US President Bill Clinton, will soon visit Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan with a delegation from the Turkish Foreign Ministry and begin initiatives for the construction of the pipeline. /Sabah/

TURKISH PARLIAMENT APPROVES DISPATCHING TROOPS TO ALBANIA
A demand by the government to dispatch Turkish troops to Albania was unanimously accepted yesterday by the Parliament. Speaking on behalf of the government, Oltan Sungurlu, the Minister of Justice, said yesterday that Turkey was the only country that can help Albania without any ulterior motive of profit. Within the framework of a protocol signed by the General Staff and the Albanian Ministry of Defense, a Turkish unit will be dispatched to Albania to safeguard a port. /Hurriyet/

75TH ANNIVERSARY OF LAUSANNE TREATY
Today is the 75th Anniversary of the Lausanne Treaty which was the first big success of the Republic of Turkey on international platforms. In a written statement on the occasion of the anniversary of the Treaty, Bulent Ecevit, the Deputy Prime Minister, said that with the Lausanne Treaty, the independence and territorial integrity of the Republic of Turkey had been guaranteed. Meanwhile, the 79th anniversary of the Erzurum Congress, at the end of which were laid the foundations of the Republic of Turkey, was ceberated yesterday. President Suleyman Demirel said that with the Erzurum Congress, which was the most important part of the national War of Independence, the Turkish nation had brought her future under control. /Cumhuriyet/

PKK OPERATIONS
Five PKK members and four civilians suspected of being supporters of the PKK, were yesterday arrested in Istanbul. The Police in Belgium raided a house in Bierbeck Village where it was claimed that the PKK supporters were hiding out. /Cumhuriyet/

US: ''1974 PEACE FORCE NOT AN INVASION''
The US Administration has intensified efforts to find a solution to the Cyprus issue. Michael McCurry, the Press Secretary for the US President, said yesterday in a press conference that the 1974 Turkish peace operation wasn't an invasion but a conflict. Responding to a question from a Greek journalist McCurry said, ''The Peace Operation that Turkey carried out on the island in 1974 was a conflict and now both sides should make the necessary efforts to solve this conflict peacefully.'' /Cumhuriyet/

ITALIAN PRIME MINISTER COMING TO TURKEY
Romano Prodi, the Italian Prime Minister, will pay a one-day working visit to Turkey on 27 July, following an official invitation from his Turkish counterpart Mesut Yilmaz. The Foreign Ministry also announced yesterday that Yilmaz and Prodi will meet in Istanbul. /Cumhuriyet/

LE MONDE TURKEY SUPPLEMENT
The French Le Monde newspaper published yesterday a 16-page Turkey supplement. The publication discussed Turkey-France relations, Turkey's privatization efforts, the Turkish private sector and banking system, the Southeastern Anatolia Project (GAP) and Turkish tourism and oil pipeline projects. /Cumhuriyet/

[15] ''GLOBAL CARD'' FROM TURKISH TELEKOM

The Global card provides the user with a new communication system which abolishes borders with its 15 digit code numbers.

The Global Card Platform, which is a private communication system, provides services without charging it to the telephone that the cardholder uses. The user who reaches the platform, enters the 15 digit code number which belongs to his own card and then calls the phone number with which he/she wants to communicate.

The system also informs the user how many minutes he can talk with the number he dialed.

Here are the countries and the phone numbers that will be used to reach the number. The countries are in alphabetical order.

Germany (0 130 80 1090), US MCI (888 990 9002) AT&amp;T (1 800 707 9990), Australia (1 800 14 3549), Belgium (0 800 70090), United Arab Emirates (800 1590), Philippines (105 0290), Finland (0 800 11 9002), France (0 800 99 0190), Northern Korea Telecom (00 793 9001) DACOM (00 309 902), The Netherlands (00 800 022 1389), Britain (0 800 89 0204), Israel (1 800 94 5 0090), Switzerland (0 800 83 7290), Italy (172 0190), Japan KDD (0039 009010), Luxembourg (0 800 0901), Hungary (00 800 09012), Norway (800 19 090), Russia (810 800 140 1090), Slovakia (00 421 09002), Singapore (8000 900 741), Turkey (0 800 213 2323) and Greece (00 800 9090).

[16] TURKISH BALLET AT INTERNATIONAL FESTIVALS - ANKARA STATE OPERA AND BALLET TO GREET ART-LOVERS IN CROATIA FOLLOWING SUCCESSFUL GERMAN TOUR

The Ankara State Opera and Ballet has concluded successfuly its 13 day German tour. The Modern Dance Group joined the ''Tanz fur Toleranz'' (Dance for Tolerance) festival in Bielefeld, Germany. The Classical Ballet Group will greet the art-lovers at Croatia's Dubrovnik Summer Festival with ''Dance with Symphonies'' and ''Degenerate Circle''.

Meanwhile the group is invited to the Asian Dance Festival in Japan in October.

[17] HOPES FOR LIGHT IN TOURISM - INCREASE RECORDED IN NUMBER OF TOURISTS COMING TO TURKEY IN JULY WHEN COMPARED TO LAST YEAR

The number of tourists coming to Turkey increased in the first weeks of July.

The Tourism Ministry official said there was an increase in number of tourists coming to Turkey when compared to last year during the same month, pointing out that this trend of increase will continue in August and September.

The official said that in the first six months of 1998, Turkey had a decrease of 15,000 tourists, but that there was an increase in Tourism incomes.

[18] 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE LAUSANNE TREATY - PRESIDENT DEMIREL: ''LAUSANNE TREATY IS THE SIGN OF TURKISH NATION'S DETERMINATION FOR INDEPENDENCE''

Demirel noted in his message for the 75th anniversary of the Lausanne Treaty that the treaty is one of the foundation documents of the Republic of Turkey, that is one of the most respected states in the world with her young and dynamic population of more than 60 million, her powerful economy and democratic regime.

Reminding that the treaty was signed after the War of Independence, Demirel stressed that all the successes of the Republic of Turkey for years are based on Ataturk's principle ''peace in the nation, peace in the world.''

Demirel pointed out that Turkey defends friendship and good intentions in the relations between the states.

[19] 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF LAUSANNE TREATY - SPEAKER OF PARLIAMENT CETIN CELEBRATES THE ANNIVERSARY

Pointing out that the Lausanne Treaty is the document of honour of the National War of Independence, Cetin noted, ''following the military victory of the Turkish nation, the Lausanne Treaty was signed, that was a great triumph of diplomacy in international policy. The current borders of the Republic of Turkey were determined and the Turkish nation has reached her full independence and freedom with the Treaty. I commemorate with great respect the Great Founder Ataturk who presented a dignified and peaceful life to the Turkish nation and the Great Statesman Ismet Inonu who concluded successfuly the negotiations at Lausanne.''

[20] 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF LAUSANNE TREATY - PRIME MINISTER YILMAZ: ''TURKISH NATION WILL NEVER ABANDON HER DETERMINATION FOR PROTECTING MODERN REPUBLIC OF TURKEY FOREVER''

Noting that the Lausanne Treaty is the document of honour of the Turkish nation's War of Independence, Yilmaz pointed out, ''the Turkish nation added a diplomatic victory with the Lausanne Treaty to the success of the War of Independence that was won with a decisiveness and belief in independence. We announced to all the world with the Treaty that Turkey is an equal and independent state. The Lausanne Treaty, that was a victory both on the fronts and in politics, is a turning point in our glorious history.''

[21] 59TH ANNIVERSARY OF LIBERATION OF HATAY PROVINCE - MESSAGES FROM PREMIER YILMAZ

Addressing the ceremonies staged for the 59th anniversary of liberation of Hatay Province, Yilmaz gave messages aimed at Syria.

Noting that today was the anniversary of the day when the French soldiers left Turkey and when the Turkish flag was hoisted instead of the French flag, Yilmaz said that Hatay, throughout the 21 years when it remained under occupation, didn't lose its belief in joining Turkey.

''Those who show the inseparable territories of Turkey within their borders on maps, shouldn't forget the historical facts. Even an inch of the territory can't be separated from Turkey,'' Yilmaz said, adding that those who aim to create strife for the people who have lived peacefully on this territory for a thousand years, in the end will fall into their own trap.

Yilmaz pointed out that those who feel enmity against Turkey, a contemporary state of the world with her democracy and development, should know that they have upset their future.

''We are a strong country today. We get this power from our honorable history and today's potential,'' he said, adding ''those who supported the ASALA in the past, now embrace the separatist terrorist PKK organization.''

Yilmaz pointed out that the government decided to speed up Southeastern Anatolia Project (GAP)and that an incredible activity and excitement will come to the region when this project is concluded.

''As this project gives us hope and excitement, it terrifies and worries our enemies. They are applying various ways to hamper and delay this project. They think that the waters of the Euphrates and Tigris will be cut off and they will be without water when the GAP is concluded. However, Turkey earlier announced at the very beginning of this project that she will release adequate water to these countries. However, our neighbours aren't content with this announcement and bring the issue of the sharing of water onto the agenda. Syria, despite the agreement signed in 1939 which brought this country the obligation of sharing the waters of the Asi River equally, fails to release any water to the region in the summer months. Also, the hostile attitude of Syria which didn't release water to the Amik Plateau, which has a vital importance for the regional people, reveals the goodwill of Turkey.

Yilmaz said that under the agreement signed in 1987, Turkey releases 500 cubic meters of water per second to Iraq and Syria and that Turkey continued to release water to Iraq during the Gulf Crisis despite the pressures.

Noting that Turkey has always been faithful to the agreements she has signed and abided by humanitarian issues, Yilmaz said it is a very natural right of Turkey to expect the same attitude from her neighbors.

Yilmaz said, ''enmity against Turkey won't do any good to any country. We want to remain friends with all of them as this is an era of tolerance, compromise, and cooperation.''

Pointing out that Hatay has many problems, Ylmaz said that the main target of the government was to extend the motorway to the Cilvegozu border gate.

[22] MIRAS, CHAIRMAN OF TOBB, GIVES FLOWERS TO GREEK SOLDIERS AT PAZARKULE BORDER GATE - MIRAS: ''WE HAVE FRIENDLY RELATIONS WITH GREEK CHAIRMAN OF UNION OF CHAMBERS''

Addressing the journalists at the Edirne Commodity Exchange, Miras noted, ''we have friendly relations with the Greek Chairman of the Union of Chambers. There is a strong coperation between Turkey and Greece in the maritime sector. We, as the private sector, fulfill our obligations, the politicans should also do the same as us.''

[23] WATER TO TRNC BY PIPELINE - ALARKO TO CARRY WATER TO TRNC BY WATER PIPELINE

Officials of State Water Works (DSI) told the A.A correspondent that Alarko proposed this project to provide water to Cyprus by the pipelines, and that required decree was issued and that talks related with the issue will be held next week.

They said that this project will cost 160 million US dollars and that dams that will be constructed on the Drago River and irrigation installations that should be constructed on Cyprus weren't included in this cost.

The DSI officials said that feasibility studies will start next week. The dam which will be constructed on the Dragos River will transfer 75 million tonnes of water to Girne and this water will be given to the potable water network and irrigation system.

Officials said that with the project, the water problem will be overcome and moreover water may be sold to the Greek Cypriot side.

Within the context of the project 23 km of steel pipes will be installed from Anamur to the sea and 78 km of flexible and durable Polyethylene pipeline will be installed under the sea to Cyprus.

Officials said that with three balloons, three million cubic meters of water will be transported in the first year. The length of the special carriage bag, which is called a balloon, is 116 meters and its width is 26 meters. It is also 8.5 meters in depth.

When the Manavgat project 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.

[24] OPERATION IN SOUTHEASTERN ANATOLIA - 15 TERRORISTS KILLED

Officials from the Governorship of the State of Emergency Region told the A.A correspondent that one terrorist was captured by the security forces in Hozat County of Tunceli Province, and another one has surrendered in Baskale County of Van Province.

The operations in the region are underway.

[25] INTERNATIONAL CODE LIFTED ON TELEPHONE CALLS FROM THE TRNC TO TURKEY

The protocol was signed by Necdet Menzir, the Minister of Transportation and Communications, and Mehmet Bayram, the TRNC Minister of Public Works and Transportation.

The protocol that has come into force yesterday, foresees cooperation in telecommunications and transportation.

[26] PENALTY FOR TORTURE INCREASES - HUMAN RIGHTS COORDINATOR SUPREME BOARD PREPARES DRAFT RESOLUTION TO INCREASE PUNISHMENT FOR THOSE WHO INFLICT TORTURE

Hikmet Sami Turk, the Minister of State, disclosed the decisions for the legal amendments which the Board has taken, adding that they have adopted the draft resolution which forsaw changes in Articles 243, 245, 354 of the Turkish Criminal Code. Under these Articles torture and inhumane acts are banned and abuse of authority is also banned.

Turk said that under Article 243 of the Turkish Criminal Code, which is still in effect, imprisonment terms given to those who inflict torture is five years. Turk said the bill envisaged increasing the maximum limits of imprisonment to eight years from the current five for security force members who use torture during questioning. Security officials would face up to five years in prison if they were found to have carried out bad- treatment, beatings and torture while carrying out their duty, he said.

''I believe we are proposing an important regulation to deter and punish crimes of torture, cruel and inhuman treatment,'' Turk added.

Noting that the board also rearranged Article 354 of the Code, and decided to punish those who give false reports to hide the evidence of torture of those who inflict torture.

The minister also said that doctors, pharmacists and other health officials who prepared false health reports in order to hide a torture case or bad treatment would be punished with a maximum of six years in prison.

The minister said that a draft bill on the torture-prevention measures would soon be submitted to the cabinet.

[27] NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL MEETS IN ISTANBUL

Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz, General Huseyin Kivrikoglu, the Acting Chief of General Staff and Commander of the Land Forces, Bulent Ecevit, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State, Ismet Sezgin, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense, Murat Basesgioglu, the Minister of the Interior, Ismail Cem, the Foreign Minister, General Ilhan Kilic, the Commander of the Naval Forces, General Fikret Ozden Boztepe, the Commander General of the Gendarmerie Forces, General Ergin Celasin, the Secretary General of the MGK, Necdet Seckinoz, the Secretary General of the Presidency, Senkal Atasagun, the Undersecretary of the National Intelligence Organization (MIT), Necati Bilican, the Director General of Police Department, Aydin Aslan, the Governor of the State of Emergency Region, and several related bureaucrats have joined the monthly meeting of the MGK.

The meeting will focus on internal and external security issues.

[28] CULTURE MINISTER TALAY OPENS A TOMB IN ANCIENT CITY OF EPHESUS - ''3 MILLION PEOPLE VISIT EPHESUS ANNUALLY'' - ''WE HAVE PROVIDED REVENUES OF 700 BILLION TURKISH LIRAS FROM MUSEUM''

Addressing the ceremony, Talay said that just a small part of the city of Ephesus has been brought into the open, and stressed that 3 million people visit Ephesus annually.

A soil pot, a small amphora and a skeleton in good condition were found in the tomb.

Talay pointed out, ''we will to restore the Church of Saint John at Seljuk for the 2000th anniversary of the birth of Jesus Christ, meanwhile, we have sent 150 billion Turkish Liras for illumination of the Seljuk Museum and the ancient city of Ephesus. This year we have provided 700 billion Turkish Liras in revenues from the museums. In accordance with a regulation, we will use this money for the restoration of the museums. Within this framework the Hagia Sofia Museum and the Topkapi and Yildiz Palaces will be restored in the near future.''

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