Anadolu Agency: News in English, 98-07-26

Anadolu Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

26 JULY 1998

CONTENTS

[01] 10 PEOPLE HELPING TO SEPARATIST TERRORISTS, ARRESTED IN SIVAS

[02] SUMMIT OF COALITION LEADERS - PRIME MINISTER YILMAZ: ''THE GOVERNMENT PARTNERS AGREE ON PRINCIPLE TO APPLY AN AMNESTY TO SHOW THAT THE STATE CAN FORGIVE''

[03] TURKISH-US COOPERATION IN ENERGY

[04] PRESIDENT DEMIREL VISITS TRNC: ''IF YOU TOUCH TRNC, YOU TOUCH TURKEY, EVERYBODY SHOULD TAKE THIS SERIOUSLY'' - TRNC PRESIDENT DENKTAS INVITES TURKISH BUSINESSMEN TO INVEST IN TRNC

[05] PRESIDENT DEMIREL: ''THE MOST IMPORTANT PROBLEM OF TRNC IS SECURITY'' - ''DENKTAS IS A HERO''

[06] GREEK PAIR DEPORTED FROM TRNC

[07] ULUDAG, THE UNDERSECRETARY OF CUSTOMS: ''THERE AREN'T ANY PROBLEMS BETWEEN TURKEY AND UZBEKISTAN CONCERNING THE ISSUE OF CUSTOMS''

[08] FM CEM WARNS ABOUT THE ISSUE OF S-300 MISSILES: ''THESE MISSILES WHICH THREATEN TURKEY, TRNC AND EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN, ALSO EFFECT THE NATO DEFENSE''

[09] THE FOUNDATION OF THE FORD OTOSAN PLANT IS LAID IN IZMIT PROVINCE ... - PRESIDENT DEMIREL: ''INDUSTRIALIZATION IS THE SHORT CUT WHICH GOES TO WEALTH''

[10] THE FOUNDATION OF FORD-OTOSAN PLANT IS LAID IN IZMIT PROVINCE ... - PRIME MINISTER YILMAZ: ''FORD WILL HELP IN ARRIVAL OF FOREIGN CAPITAL IN TURKEY WITHOUT FEAR'' - ''TURKEY IS ONE OF THE 10 COUNTRIES OF THE WORLD, WHICH DEVELOPS RAPIDLY''

[11] BASESGIOGLU, THE MINISTER OF INTERIOR: ''THE AMNESTY LAW SHOULD BE ADOPTED WITHIN A SENSITIVE BALANCE'' - ''EFFORTS ARE UNDERWAY TO BRING KURSAT YILMAZ, A FUGITIVE, FROM ABROAD TO TURKEY''

[12] WORLD BANK-TURKEY - THE REPRESENTATION OF WORLD BANK IN ANKARA TO BE TRANSFORMED INTO A REGIONAL DIRECTORATE

[01] 10 PEOPLE HELPING TO SEPARATIST TERRORISTS, ARRESTED IN SIVAS

The security forces which broadened their operations in the region after the murder of Haydar Iyidogan, the chief of Sancakkale village in Zara county of Sivas province on July 8, 1998 and the burning of the telephone exchange central belonging to the Directorate General of Post, Telegraph and Telephone in Kurukopru village, which provided the communication among 10 villages, took 10 people into custody.

The operations are underway in the region.

[02] SUMMIT OF COALITION LEADERS - PRIME MINISTER YILMAZ: ''THE GOVERNMENT PARTNERS AGREE ON PRINCIPLE TO APPLY AN AMNESTY TO SHOW THAT THE STATE CAN FORGIVE''

Addressing a statement to journalists after the meeting, Prime Minister Yżlmaz said that ''the 55th government has been the most harmonious government in Turkish politics,'' and the coalition leaders reached a consensus of opinion in the summit, which was held on Saturday.

''We have agreed on the principle to apply an amnesty to show that the state can forgive on the 75th foundation annivarsary of the Turkish Republic. We decided to start a technical study to determine the limitations and basis of an amnesty implementation. Firstly, we'll bring this amnesty implementation as a government proposal before the parliament. The amnesty proposal will be absolutely faithful to the limitations which are determined by the Constitution. Neither the terror crimes, nor the crimes mentioned under the Article 14 of the Constitution can be included to the context of amnesty.''

Prime Minister Yżlmaz said that the coalition leaders reached an agreement on the necessity to reconcile the legal and humanitarian sides of the amnesty implementation, adding that they also decided to launch efforts to improve the imprisonment conditions.

''For example, we decided to adopt a regulation in Execution Law to improve the life conditions of women prisoners' little children,'' said Yżlmaz, pointing out that the coalition parties will launch joint efforts to adopt several draft laws before the parliament goes for the summer recess.

Noting that the issue of elections was also taken up at the summit meeting, Prime Minister Yżlmaz said ''we'll submit our joint proposal to the Parliamentary General Committee this week, we believe that the parliament will take the necessary decision before the summer recess. The political agenda of the country will be saved from the ambiguity. In the coming period, we'll start to operate the callendar which foresees the holding of general and local elections together in Spring 1999.''

[03] TURKISH-US COOPERATION IN ENERGY

Minister of Energy and Natural Resources said that the issues of oil and natural gas pipelines will be taken up at the meetings which will be held between July 27-August 1.

The Turkish delegation will hold contacts with the international finance institutions during their stay in the US.

Yigitguden will address a press briefing at Ataturk Airport on Monday before the departure of the delegation and give information about their contacts in the US.

[04] PRESIDENT DEMIREL VISITS TRNC: ''IF YOU TOUCH TRNC, YOU TOUCH TURKEY, EVERYBODY SHOULD TAKE THIS SERIOUSLY'' - TRNC PRESIDENT DENKTAS INVITES TURKISH BUSINESSMEN TO INVEST IN TRNC

Addressing a lunch hosted by Rauf Denktas, the President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), President Demirel stated that Turkey takes responsibility over the Cyprus national matter with all her institutions and 190,000 Turkish Cypriots are isolated from the world due to the embargo.

''The other side on Cyprus attempted to commit ethnic cleansing, but we resisted that. Turkey is a strong state, a world state. I am not threating anybody, we favour peace. In fact if there is peace on the island, this is provided by the Turkish Armed Army, not by the United Nations (UN). Turkey is not an occupier on the island, these are all slander. If Turkey is not on the island, a lot of people can die on the island,'' said Demirel.

Noting that the decisions taken at the Partnership Council meeting, which was held on July 23, were correct, President Demirel said that powerful Turkish businessmen visited the TRNC, adding that the Turkish Cypriot businessmen should also launch efforts to develop the TRNC.

''We want a good cooperation, the development problem of TRNC will stay on the right rails in 2000s. If the gross national income per capital increases to 10,000 dollars from three-five dollars, we won't have any problems,''he added.

TRNC President Denktas said in his part that the problem is opening business area to the young people in TRNC. Calling to Turkish businessmen to spend their holiday in empty hotels in TRNC, Denktas stressed that Turkish Cypriot young people should be kept in the country.

Addressing a statement at Esenboga Airport about his visit to TRNC upon his arrival in Ankara, President Demirel stated that they evaluated on the bilateral relations and the recent situation on Cyprus with TRNC President Rauf Denktas.

Noting that the bringing of water to Cyprus with a ''balloon'' is a historical event, President Demirel said ''this was the first stage, this will be followed by the agricultural water project.''

''We are in a consensus of opinion to prevent the initiatives taken aiming to threaten the security and interests of Turkey and the TRNC,''Demirel added.

[05] PRESIDENT DEMIREL: ''THE MOST IMPORTANT PROBLEM OF TRNC IS SECURITY'' - ''DENKTAS IS A HERO''

Responding to questions of journalists at the airplane from Lefkosa to Ankara, President Suleyman Demirel said that ''the enthusiasm of the Turkish Cypriot people about the water issue could be read from their eyes. Turkey comes to the TRNC to contribute to her economic development.''

Referring to his speech issued before the Turkish Cypriot Parliament, President Demirel said that ''every word of my speech has been thought upon very carefully and it gives messages to the world.''

''We see you very excited, we are also excited, big things are done. Where are we concerning our ideal of big Turkey?'' asked a journalist to President Demirel, who stated that ''we have much things to do, but we are on the right track to big Turkey.''

President Demirel added that ''TRNC President is the hero of the Turkish existance and Turkish struggle on Cyprus, he is the hero of this Turkish epic.''

[06] GREEK PAIR DEPORTED FROM TRNC

The Turkish Cypriot police said that the Greek couple was released after paying the pecuniary punishment and they were sent to Istanbul to be returned to Greece.

[07] ULUDAG, THE UNDERSECRETARY OF CUSTOMS: ''THERE AREN'T ANY PROBLEMS BETWEEN TURKEY AND UZBEKISTAN CONCERNING THE ISSUE OF CUSTOMS''

Uludag told A.A correspondent before his departure to Turkey that there aren't any problems between Turkey and Uzbekistan concerning the issue of customs.

Noting that 10 ECO countries have a population of 310 million and Uzbekistan has an important place in Central Asia with a population of 23 million, Uludag said that ''Turkey was chosen as the chairman of the council during the ECO customs administrations meeting, which was held on May 21 in Bishkek. We set up a serious communication among member countries to bring the cooperation and communication between customs administrations to an effective level. Uzbekistan has a special importance in the region in many respects.''

Recalling that the council meeting will be held on October 18 in Turkey, Uludag said ''we'll take up the issue of efforts to harmonize the laws on customs among member countries at this meeting.''

[08] FM CEM WARNS ABOUT THE ISSUE OF S-300 MISSILES: ''THESE MISSILES WHICH THREATEN TURKEY, TRNC AND EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN, ALSO EFFECT THE NATO DEFENSE''

Ismail Cem stated in his written statement that the strong radars of the commanding system of S-300 missiles will keep a broad region including the Incirlik base under control.

Noting that this radar system will give information about the military activities of Turkey and NATO to the Russian Federation and the Greek Cypriot side which are not NATO countries by the contributions of Greece, which is a NATO country, Cem stressed that this will give a considerable damage to the southeastern defense of NATO.

''The Turkish Foreign Ministry has explained this dangerous game which is being played by Greece and the Greek Cypriot side to the all concerned countries. Greece has been isolated at the international arena by our rational policies. Greece is scolded by NATO, the EU and the US,'' he added.

Noting that the Greek Cypriot side which displays the attitude of guilty people concerning the S-300 missiles, Cem said that Greece is right to be worried concerning the water which is brought to TRNC, because this has changed the political geography of Cyprus in favour of the Turkish side. The strategic importance of TRNC is growing a lot. Annually 75 million cubic meters of water will be transported to TRNC by pipelines from the water sources near Antalya. TRNC will transform into a centre of water distributer in Eastern Mediterranean.''

''Finally the international society can recognize the fact on the island. While the Greek Cypriot side brings S-300 missiles to Cyprus and the whole Eastern Mediterranean or in other words brings death, the Turkish side brings water to Cyprus and the Eastern Mediterranean or in other words life, '' said Cem, adding that if the S-300 missiles arrive on the island, all the balances will be disturbed and new balances will be formed in line with the interests of the Turkish side.

[09] THE FOUNDATION OF THE FORD OTOSAN PLANT IS LAID IN IZMIT PROVINCE ... - PRESIDENT DEMIREL: ''INDUSTRIALIZATION IS THE SHORT CUT WHICH GOES TO WEALTH''

Addressing the foundation ceremony, President Demirel said that this plant is a door opening to work, bread and foreign exchange, adding that ''one plant is not enough, I wish more plants to be established in Turkey.''

Noting that the factory will be established by an investment of 550 million dollars, it will provide new employment for 4000 people and it will export one billion dollars of products, President Demirel said that the name of Turkey will be heard in the world by the factory and similar companies will come to Turkey for investment.

President Demirel pointed out that Turkey, where the population increases by one million every year, can provide employment by constructing such factories, President Demirel said that Turkey can't give up industrialization, because it is the short cut which goes to wealth.

President Demirel called foreigners to invest in Turkey, while congratulating the Koc Holding for this new investment.

[10] THE FOUNDATION OF FORD-OTOSAN PLANT IS LAID IN IZMIT PROVINCE ... - PRIME MINISTER YILMAZ: ''FORD WILL HELP IN ARRIVAL OF FOREIGN CAPITAL IN TURKEY WITHOUT FEAR'' - ''TURKEY IS ONE OF THE 10 COUNTRIES OF THE WORLD, WHICH DEVELOPS RAPIDLY''

Addressing the ceremony held upon the foundation ceremony of Ford-Otosan Izmit Automobile Plant, Prime Minister Yżlmaz said that

''the government is resolved to break the economic mentality which hides behind the customs wall and to launch efforts to integrate Turkey with the world and make her continue to develop by benefitting from foreign capital.''

Noting that the private sector has assumed a pioneer role in opening of Turkish economy to the world, Yżlmaz stated that annually 110 automobiles, 40,000 light commercial automobiles and 10,000 heavy commercial automobiles will be produced in the plant.

''The plant will use the highest technology existing on a plot of land that has no agricultural value. Unfortunately Turkey can't fully benefit from foreign investment. We have to use both internal and international resources for development,'' Yżlmaz said.

Pointing out that Turkey is one of the 10 countries of the world which develops fastly with her economic level and development performance, Yżlmaz said that ''this project will directly employ 4000 workers and provide employment for 20,000 people by its by-industry and this means that 100,000 people will earn their living by this factory.''

[11] BASESGIOGLU, THE MINISTER OF INTERIOR: ''THE AMNESTY LAW SHOULD BE ADOPTED WITHIN A SENSITIVE BALANCE'' - ''EFFORTS ARE UNDERWAY TO BRING KURSAT YILMAZ, A FUGITIVE, FROM ABROAD TO TURKEY''

Addressing a ceremony in Uzumlu county of Erzincan province, Basesgioglu said that the Reform on Local Administrations, which is one of the most important reforms of the Turkish history, can be adopted within one month if the parliament does not go for the summer recess, adding that ''if this draft law is implemented, the dependence on central authority will disappear concerning the realization of many investments particularly infrastructure investments in rural areas.''

Noting that there is limitless freedom of thought in Turkey, Basesgioglu said that ''everybody can criticize the state and the government and the ones who are in prison were jailed not because of their ideas, but as they are members of the separatist terrorist organization.''

Pointing out that the struggle which is carried out against the separatist terrorists continues, Basesgioglu added that separatist terrorist organizations act alltogether and cooperate, including the separatist terrorist organization PKK.

Murat Basesgioglu, the Minister of Interior said that contacts are held and efforts are launched to bring Kursat Yżlmaz, a fugitive, from abroad to Turkey.

[12] WORLD BANK-TURKEY - THE REPRESENTATION OF WORLD BANK IN ANKARA TO BE TRANSFORMED INTO A REGIONAL DIRECTORATE

The World Bank Representation in Ankara will be a regional centre due to the increasing economic activity of Turkey and the increasing projects in Turkey.

Frederick Temple, who works as the World Bank Representative to Turkey, will be appointed to Bangladesh as a country director in August, while Ajay Chibber, who works in Washington D.C. as the Turkish Director, will be the new Regional Director of World Bank in Turkey.

Ajay Chibber, who has been monitoring the Turkish economy for a long time, will start his mission in Ankara towards the end of August.

The activity of Turkey with the international institutions are expected to increase by this new development, besides Macedonia will be connected to the World Bank Regional Directorate in Ankara.

Officials stressed that the World Bank will further increase its activities in Turkey by the establishment of Regional Directorate.

Anadolu Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article