Anadolu Agency: News in English, 98-08-11

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

11 AUG 1998

CONTENTS

[01] PARRIS, THE US AMBASSADOR TO TURKEY, IN AGRI: - ''WE WILL PROVIDE LOAN OF 40 THOUSAND US DOLLARS FOR DEVELOPMENT OF ANIMAL HUSBANDRY IN AGRI'' - ''AMERICAN ENTREPRENEURS WILL MAKE INVESTMENTS IN EASTERN ANATOLIA REGION''

[02] ALBANIAN PARLIAMENTARY GROUP IN THE TRNC

[03] FIRST INTERNATIONAL CINEMA-HISTORY MEETING ACTIVITIES

[04] A TURKISH AIRLINES PLANE LANDS AT BAKU AIRPORT DUE TO A FAILURE IN ITS ENGINE

[05] MAYOR OF BAHCESARAY RELEASED

[06] A SISTER CITY FOR ISTANBUL FROM KYRGYZSTAN

[07] HIGHER PLANNING COUNCIL MEETING ENDS ... - ISIN CELEBI, THE STATE MINISTER SAYS THAT THE GOVERNMENT WON'T IMPLEMENT ELECTION ECONOMY AND IT WILL CONTINUE TO PURSUE THE EXISTING ECONOMIC PROGRAMME

[08] CANADIAN OFFICERS TO BE ASSIGNED TO THE NATO SOUTHEAST EUROPEAN ALLY LAND FORCES COMMAND FOR THE FIRST TIME - GENERAL OZKOK: ''OUR AIM IS TO STRENGTHEN THE MULTINATIONAL QUALITY OF OUR HEADQUARTERS''

[09] PRIME MINISTER YILMAZ LAYS FOUNDATION OF NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM

[10] HIGHER PLANNING COUNCIL MEETING ENDS ... - YALIM EREZ, THE MINISTER OF INDUSTRY AND TRADE: ''WE DECIDED TO CONTINUE TO IMPLEMENT THE SAME POLICY PURSUED IN HAZELNUTS IN 1996, 1997''

[11] FEARS, FEELINGS AND EXPECTATIONS OF STREET CHILDREN TO BE THE SUBJECT OF A RESEARCH - UNICEF AND SHCEK TO BEGIN A JOINT RESEARCH PROGRAMME

[12] AFSIN-ELBISTAN THERMAL-ELECTRIC POWER PLANTS - DILLI, THE DEPUTY GENERAL DIRECTOR OF TEAS: ''THERE IS A COAL RESERVE OF APPROXIMATELY 3.4 BILLION TONNES IN AFSIN-ELBISTAN REGION''

[13] GEOTHERMAL ENERGY ABOUNDS IN TURKEY - 141 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY FIELDS FOUNDED IN 41 PROVINCES

[14] A THERMAL PLANT TO BE CONSTRUCTED IN CAN COUNTY OF CANAKKALE PROVINCE

[15] TURKMEN FRONT CLAIMS THAT KDP FORCES ATTACKED TURKMENS IN NORTHERN IRAQ - KDP DENIES THE CLAIMS

[16] TURKEY IN BRIEF - 11 AUGUST 1998

[17] 1,065,813 FOREIGNERS VISIT TURKEY AND SPEND 999.4 MILLION DOLLARS IN FIRST THREE MONTHS OF THIS YEAR

[18] CONTACTS OF ALBANIAN PARLIAMENTARIANS IN TRNC - ATUN, SPEAKER OF TRNC PARLIAMENT: ''WE HAVE A MODERN CONSTITUTION''

[19] TURKISH PRESS REVIEW (1)

[20] TURKISH PRESS REVIEW (2)

[01] PARRIS, THE US AMBASSADOR TO TURKEY, IN AGRI: - ''WE WILL PROVIDE LOAN OF 40 THOUSAND US DOLLARS FOR DEVELOPMENT OF ANIMAL HUSBANDRY IN AGRI'' - ''AMERICAN ENTREPRENEURS WILL MAKE INVESTMENTS IN EASTERN ANATOLIA REGION''

Parris stressed the importance of animal husbandry for the development of the region, adding, ''we will provide Agri with a loan of 40 thousand US Dollars for animal husbandry. Furthermore, we will also give technical support until the animals have adapted to the climate and environmental conditions in the region.''

Pointing out that the US gives great importance to Turkey, Parris noted that his observations in the region will light the way for American investors.

Parris visited the historical Ishak Pasha Palace and the meteor hollow near the border with Iran, in Dogubeyazit County of Agri Province.

Mark Parris will proceed to Kars Province on Tuesday in order to continue his observations in the region.

[02] ALBANIAN PARLIAMENTARY GROUP IN THE TRNC

Members of the parliamentary group will meet with with the leaders of the political parties and will be received on Tuesday by Hakki Atun, the Speaker of the TRNC Republican Parliament.

President Rauf Denktas of the TRNC will receive on Wednesday the Albanian parliamentary group.

The group will stay on the island as the guest of the TRNC Republican Parliament until 17 August and also make observations at the Eastern Mediterranean University.

[03] FIRST INTERNATIONAL CINEMA-HISTORY MEETING ACTIVITIES

Three separate competitions will be held with the titles of ''Supporting Programme for the Short Feature Films of Cinema Students'', ''Documentary'' and ''Screenplay of Long Feature Film'' in the scope of the activities.

The theme of the ''Supporting Programme for the Short Feature Films of Cinema Students'' has been determined to be the ''75 Years of the Republic of Turkey as a Project of Modernization''. The Selection Committee will chose 10 projects for the competitions. The Documentary Film competition will be organized on the same theme and competitors can apply for the competition until 25 October.

The Screenplay competition's theme is ''From the Ottoman Empire to the Republic of Turkey'', the competition will be open for all writers interested in taking part in it.

An international film festival will also be organized within the framework of the activities.

[04] A TURKISH AIRLINES PLANE LANDS AT BAKU AIRPORT DUE TO A FAILURE IN ITS ENGINE

The passengers of the plane, named the ''Dalaman'', were brought to the Ataturk Airport by another plane sent to the Baku Airport from Istanbul.

A technical team was also sent to the Baku Airport to solve the serious problem which occurred in the engine of the plane.

Meanwhile, the engine of a Boeing 727 type airplane belonging to the THY, which was on its way from Diyarbakır to Ankara, gave a fire alarm during the flight. The automotic fire extinguisher tubes burst in the engine of the plane carrying 147 passengers and the engine giving the alarm was turned off.

The plane was able to land at the Esenboga Airport without an accident.

[05] MAYOR OF BAHCESARAY RELEASED

Orhan who is at the Gendarme Commandership in Bahcesaray now, will be brought to Van later today. He is expected to hold talks with Abdulkadir Sari, the Governor of Van.

[06] A SISTER CITY FOR ISTANBUL FROM KYRGYZSTAN

Addressing the signing ceremony, Ali Mufit Gurtuna said that there are close historical and cultural links between the Turkish and Kyrgyz people.

Noting that these links have been strengthened even more following Kyrgyzstan's independence, Gurtuna expressed satisfaction with the agreement of the ''sister cities.''

Os is the 24th sister city of Istanbul.

[07] HIGHER PLANNING COUNCIL MEETING ENDS ... - ISIN CELEBI, THE STATE MINISTER SAYS THAT THE GOVERNMENT WON'T IMPLEMENT ELECTION ECONOMY AND IT WILL CONTINUE TO PURSUE THE EXISTING ECONOMIC PROGRAMME

Addressing a joint press briefing with Yalım Erez, the Minister of Industry and Trade after the Higher Planning Council (YPK) meeting, Celebi stated that the government decided to lift as of 1 January 1999 ''the Deduction for the Fund for the Support of the Use of Resources'', which is taken from the imports with fixed-term letters of credits, acceptance credits and consignment imports.

Celebi pointed out that they decided to continue the efforts concerning public investments and their studies about them will be completed by next week.

Noting that an evaluation has been made concerning the Turkish economy at the meeting, Celebi said that they decided to keep the six-months budget deficit at the level of 1.85 quadrillion Turkish Liras (TL) and to keep the balance excluding the interest rates between 950 trillion TL and one quadrillion TL.

Celebi stressed that the government foresees to have a budget deficit this year of 1.5 quadrillion TL between July-September and of 350 trillion TL between October-December.

''The government decided to launch all kinds of efforts to realize the share of the non-interest balance in the Gross National Product (GNP) at 4.1 percent and the share of budget deficit in the GNP at 7.5 percent and to reach the goal concerning the inflation rate by the end of this year. We foresee to have a 4.4 percent growth rate, 20 percent inflation rate, decrease the share of the budget deficit in the GNP to 5.6 percent and to have the share of the non-interest balance in the GNP at 4.8 percent in 1999,'' said Celebi.

Pointing out that the inflation goal foreseen for the second half of 1998 was discussed at the meeting, Celebi said that the government plans to have a budget balance excluding interest rates at 400-500 trillion TL between July-September, 500-600 trillion TL between October-December and 950 trillion TL - one quadrillion TL between December-July.

Explaining the measures taken at the meeting about exports, Celebi said that the government decided to accelerate and conclude the transactions concerning the transfer of 5.5 trillion TL from the Fund for the Arrangement of Oil Exploration and Activities Related to Petroleum to Fund of Development and Support in order to provide resources to Eximbank, which launches efforts to increase the exports of Turkey.

Noting that the investment projects and public investments of Turkey were also discussed at the meeting, Celebi said that important projects have been determined and activities concerning public investments will be completed soon.

Responding to a question, Celebi said that the state will have profits with the implementation of the export contracts.

[08] CANADIAN OFFICERS TO BE ASSIGNED TO THE NATO SOUTHEAST EUROPEAN ALLY LAND FORCES COMMAND FOR THE FIRST TIME - GENERAL OZKOK: ''OUR AIM IS TO STRENGTHEN THE MULTINATIONAL QUALITY OF OUR HEADQUARTERS''

Addressing the ceremony organized for the appointments of two Canadian officers to the Commandership at the General Vecihi Akin Barracks at Sirinyer, Izmir, General Hilmi Ozkok, the Commander of the NATO Southeast European Ally Land Forces, said that with the participation of the Canadian officers 6 of the 16 countries are being represented at their headquarters.

Pointing out that the NATO is confronted with great risks and difficulties in an unstable and uncertain period, General Ozkok noted, ''the NATO Alliance needs more cooperation and unity in order to overcome difficulties. The cooperation, unity and a unified military structure are the elements that keep the alliance alive.''

''The multi-nationalism, the most important quality of the alliance, is the connection that forms the basis for cooperation and has kept the member states all together for 50 years. Our aim is to strengthen the multinational quality of our headquarters. The Canadian officers will bring a new point of view and a new method of approach to our headquarters,'' Ozkok said.

Brigadier General Burce M. Arcibald, the Canadian National Military Representative stressed that Turkey has a vital strategical importance at the Southeastern wing of the NATO. Brigadier General Arcibald also added that Canada and Canada's Armed Forces have committed themselves to contributing to the defense and stability of Turkey within the framework of the NATO alliance.

[09] PRIME MINISTER YILMAZ LAYS FOUNDATION OF NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM

Addressing the ceremony, Yilmaz said that the underground assets have been accumulated for billions of years, and added, ''we should use these assets very carefully. It is both necessary and important to present these assets for the advantage of humanity. The General Directorate of the MTA established by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of the Republic of Turkey, gives such a significant service to the Turks. The 75th Year Natural History and Mineral Museum will shed light on the history of humanity.''

[10] HIGHER PLANNING COUNCIL MEETING ENDS ... - YALIM EREZ, THE MINISTER OF INDUSTRY AND TRADE: ''WE DECIDED TO CONTINUE TO IMPLEMENT THE SAME POLICY PURSUED IN HAZELNUTS IN 1996, 1997''

Addressing a statement together with Isın Celebi, the Minister of State, after the Higher Planning Council meeting, Yalım Erez said that the hazelnut policy which is and which will be implemented between 1998-99 was discussed at the meeting, adding that ''Fiskobirlik, the Union of Hazelnut Agricultural Sales Cooperatives, will purchase 200-250,000 tonnes of hazelnuts during 1998-1999 due to the excess harvest, meaning that the Fiskobirlik will obtain the hazelnut surplus from the market, so a source of 150 trillion Turkish Liras is foreseen to be allocated to the Fiskobirlik with this objective.''

Noting that hazelnuts are important for Turkey, Erez stressed that hazelnuts are a significant export product, adding ''while the foreign exchange income gained from hazelnuts used to be between 400-450 million US dollars, this income is expected to be 950 million US dollars or one billion US dollars this year, which will be realized for the first time.''

Stressing that 210,000 tonnes of hazelnuts are exported and a foreign exchange income of 960 million US dollars in foreign exchange has been gained up until now, Erez pointed out that 215,000 tonnes of hazelnuts will be sold by the end of this season and a total income of 980 million US dollars is expected to be achieved.

Erez added that the amount of hazelnut production will break a record during 1998-1999 and approximately 700,000 tonnes of hazelnuts are expected to be obtained.

[11] FEARS, FEELINGS AND EXPECTATIONS OF STREET CHILDREN TO BE THE SUBJECT OF A RESEARCH - UNICEF AND SHCEK TO BEGIN A JOINT RESEARCH PROGRAMME

Within the framework of the research, experts will ask several questions to the children who are working or living in the streets in Istanbul, Izmir, Adana, Mersin, Diyarbakir and Sanliurfa Provinces. Experts will use the various methods such as painting, playing and photographing within the scope of the research.

Officials of the UNICEF told the A.A correspondent that Turkey has signed the Convention for the Rights of Children and this research will help Turkey to activate children's rights.

Children aged between 8 and 18 will participate in the research that will cost 35 thousand US dollars.

[12] AFSIN-ELBISTAN THERMAL-ELECTRIC POWER PLANTS - DILLI, THE DEPUTY GENERAL DIRECTOR OF TEAS: ''THERE IS A COAL RESERVE OF APPROXIMATELY 3.4 BILLION TONNES IN AFSIN-ELBISTAN REGION''

Addressing a written statement to the A.A corespondent, Dilli said that the share of the Afsin-Elbistan Thermal Electric Power Plant A in electricity production in Turkey varies between 4.1 percent and 11.3 percent according to years.

Noting that the place where the Afsin-Elbistan Thermal Electric Power Plant B will be constructed has been chosen, Dilli stated that it will produce 9.1 billion kilowatt-hours of electric energy by utilizing 18.48 million tonnes of coal, adding that the construction tender for the plant has been given to a consortium, including the Japanese Mitsubishi, Gama and Enka firms.

The price of the tender is 1.5 billion US dollars and it is foreseen to be finished in four years.

Dilli added that additional electric power stations C, D, E are planned to be constructed in the same region.

[13] GEOTHERMAL ENERGY ABOUNDS IN TURKEY - 141 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY FIELDS FOUNDED IN 41 PROVINCES

The research of the Ziraat Bank Project Evaluation Management set forth that there are 141 geothermal energy fields in 41 provinces including Agri, Ankara, Bitlis, Bolu, Bursa, Canakkale, Diyarbakir, Eskisehir, Izmir, Ordu, Sivas, and Van.

According to the results of the research, the most rich geothermal fields are located in the Aegean region.

The geothermal energy potential of Turkey is determined to be 31.5 thousand MWH. This energy is equivalent to the energy of 3.8 ton/h fuel-oil.

Turkey, that is one of the seven most important geothermal energy regions, cannot make use of this energy sufficiently. The geothermal energy can be used for the production of electrical energy, warming greenhouses, drying and warming activities of several chemical substances in industry and production.

[14] A THERMAL PLANT TO BE CONSTRUCTED IN CAN COUNTY OF CANAKKALE PROVINCE

The construction of the Canakkale Can Thermal Electric Power Station is foreseen to be realized with the condition of providing foreign credits, this condition was put forward by the Turkish Electricity Production and Transmission Inc. (TEAS). The contract concerning the construction of the thermal station is expected to be signed next week.

The credit agreements will later be signed between the concerned financial institutions, the construction firm and TEAS.

The Can Thermal Plant will be set up with the system of ''Fluid Bed Technology,'' which will be implemented for the first time, meaning that a chimney gas refining system won't be constructed. The TEAS Officials say that clean energy will be provided with this system and the plant won't pollute the environment.

The TEAS officials say that the power plant will produce an electric energy of more than 3.5 billion kilowatt-hours annually, it will cost 370 million US dollars and it will be opened within three or four years at the latest.

[15] TURKMEN FRONT CLAIMS THAT KDP FORCES ATTACKED TURKMENS IN NORTHERN IRAQ - KDP DENIES THE CLAIMS

Mustafa Ziya, the Turkish Representative to Turkey told the A.A correspondent that the KDP forces attacked houses and offices belonging to the Turkmens in Arbil and Dohuk cities of Northern Iraq.

Noting that they don't have detailed information about the attack, Mustafa Ziya pointed out that they are holding contacts with the Foreign Ministry about this issue.

A high ranking official from the Foreign Ministry said that they examined the issue, while Faik Narvai, the KDP Deputy Representative to Turkey denied the claims and said they don't have any problem with the Turkmen Front.

[16] TURKEY IN BRIEF - 11 AUGUST 1998

The festival will remain open until 18 August.

Theatre plays, films, concerts and panels will be held during the festival.

Meanwhile the Moldovan Folk Dances' Group presented a performance within the framework of the festival.

ANKARA - President Petru Lucinschi of Moldova came on Tuesday to Turkey for a holiday as the guest of his Turkish counterpart Suleyman Demirel.

The Presidential Press Center pointed out that Lucinschi will meet with Demirel in order to discuss bilateral relations.

President Lucinschi will proceed to Antalya later today.

KONYA - A total of 620 thosand people visited the Konya National Fair within 20 days, it was reported on Tuesday.

Halil Urun, the Mayor of Konya, said that 475 thousand people had visited the fair last year. He added that they expect the number of visitors to reach one million by the end of the fair.

People are interested especially in the Altinbasak culture and art ectivities within the scope of the fair.

The fair will end on 15 August.

[17] 1,065,813 FOREIGNERS VISIT TURKEY AND SPEND 999.4 MILLION DOLLARS IN FIRST THREE MONTHS OF THIS YEAR

The survey said that 38 percent of the expenditures of the tourists, were spent for services like hotels, restaurants, pensions, 5 percent were spent for transportation and 57 percent were spent for other goods and services. A total of 36.2 percent of foreigners visited Turkey for a holiday, 9.1 percent of them came to Turkey for cultural purposes, 11.6 percent visited Turkey for business and 9.1 percent of them came here for trade within the first three months of this year.

The number of foreign visitors who departed from Turkey and the foreign exchange income they spent are as follows:

Months No. of Visitors Who Departed Tourism Income

-------- ------------------------------ --------------
January 329,527 343,810,958

February 310,841 264,764,471

March 425,445 390,854,843

Total 1,065,813 999,430,272

[18] CONTACTS OF ALBANIAN PARLIAMENTARIANS IN TRNC - ATUN, SPEAKER OF TRNC PARLIAMENT: ''WE HAVE A MODERN CONSTITUTION''

Atun said in the meeting that he felt proud of the visit of the Albanian parliamentarians to the TRNC, stressing that this visit was meaningful for them for voicing their problems to the world.

Atun stated that the guest parliamentarians, during their visit to the TRNC, will find an opportunity to understand clearly the Cyprus issue, adding, ''we have a contemporary constitution.''

Pointing out that they know that Albania has internal problems, Atun recalled that the TRNC and Albania have kinship ties and both of the countries previously belonged to the Ottoman Empire.

Giving information about the Cyprus issue, Atun said, ''we want people to show respect to our nations, we don't want them to give something. We have shared this island together for 400 years. This island is enough and more than enough for both of us. The Greek Cypriots ejected us from the partnership republic which we founded together in 1960. If the people can be a little realistic, the conditions are obvious for finding a fair solution for the issue.''

Atun added that he hoped the visits will continue increasingly and mutually and the relations will be improved in other fields.

Dr. Vili Minarolli, the Chairman of the Albanian delegation, said that they will exchange opinions during their contacts in the TRNC.

Noting that they will find opportunity to become better acquainted with the TRNC, Minarolli said that he believed their visit will bring positive results.

The Albanian delegation is composed of six parliamentarians from five political parties.

[19] TURKISH PRESS REVIEW (1)

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

''DEPLOYING S-300 MISSILES IS A GREEK GAME''
Gen. Ismail Hakki Karadayi, the Chief of General Staff, pointed out yesterday that deploying the S-300 missiles was a ''Greek game'' and said, ''the basic aim of the Greek-Greek Cypriot joint defense doctrine, which has been in effect since 1993, isn't to defend the island, but to encircle Turkey from the south. The main target of the Russian-made S-300 missiles to be deployed at southern Cyprus is to protect the power of the Greek soldiers to be stationed at southern Cyprus in the future.'' Karadayi, in an interview with the Defense Magazine, noted that Turkey wouldn't allow the current strategic balance to be upset. /Milliyet/

TURKEY ASKS PAKISTAN TO USE INFLUENCE ON TALEBAN
Concerned about the ongoing clashes in Afghanistan, Turkey has asked Pakistan to use her influence on the Taleban forces there, which control most of the country. In a written statement yesterday, the Foreign Ministry said that Turkey favours the establishment of a peaceful settlement and negotiations. ''Our government will continue her contacts with related countries in order to prevent the civilians in Afghanistan from being harmed because of the armed clashes'' the statement read.

Turkey is in contact with the US, the Russian Federation, Iran and China concerning the fighting. The Foreign Ministry also declared that Turkey expected respect from the warring sides for the human rights of the civilian population. /All papers/

TERRORISTS BURN HOTEL
Terrorists of the PKK terrorist organization killed the owner of a hotel in the Caykara District of the northern province of Trabzon, after burning the hotel down. Raiding the hotel in the town of Uzungol in Caykara on Sunday night, four terrorists of the PKK terrorist organization forced guests from the hotel. Then the terrorists set the hotel ablaze by throwing Molotov cocktails into it. After killing Mustafa Akyuz, the owner of the hotel, the terrorists fled. Officials stated that operations had begun in order to catch the terrorists. /All papers/

NINE DEAD, 50 MISSING IN BLACK SEA FLOODING
Flooding caused by torrential rains along the eastern Black Sea coast have killed at least nine persons and collapsed scores of houses, it was reported. As many as 50 persons are missing and are feared to have drowned in torrents of rushing rainwater in the village of Beskoy, east of the city of Trabzon.

Bulent Ecevit, the Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Democratic Left Party (DSP), Hasan Gemici and Mustafa Yilmaz, the Ministers of State, are inspecting the damage.

Arriving in the flooded area of Trabzon, Ecevit said that the state would help those who have suffered losses because of the flooding. Loans that people have made will be postponed for four years, Ecevit added.

HONG KONG TRADE MINISTER VISITS ITO
Donald Tsang, Hong Kong's Minister of Trade, accompanied by businessmen from the autonomous Chinese region, visited the

Istanbul Chamber of Commerce (ITO) yesterday and urged Turkish companies to invest in the Asian economy. In a speech to Turkish businessmen, Tsang said Hong Kong will pull through the current financial turmoil that is rocking markets in the Far East. ''We will start the 21st century with a large growth. Turkish businessmen can take Hong Kong as a jumping off point'' Tsang added. He noted that his government aimed at creating business opportunities between the businessmen of Turkey and Hong Kong, and highlighted telecommunications, insurance and tourism as areas for joint cooperation. Speaking at the same meeting, Mehmet Yildirim, the Chairman of the ITO said that the potential of Hong Kong hasn't been fully utilized by Turkish companies. /Milliyet/

EFFORTS BY JUSTICE MINISTRY TO APPREHEND CRIMINALS ABROAD
The Ministry of Justice has increased efforts to apprehend criminals abroad. After issuing a ''red'' bulletin for the arrest of Aysegul Tecimer and Gulay Asliturk who escaped from Turkey to avoid being punished for their illegal acts, the Ministry has also issued a ''red'' bulletin to apprehend Selim Edes, who swindled money out of the state. He has also been sentenced to three years in prison because he has not paid a 111 billion Turkish Liras fine. The sentence will, therefore, open the way for a reconsideration by the US which has so far refused to send him back to Turkey on the grounds that his crime is ''monetary''.

Following efforts by the Ministry's International Legal Directorate, 22 criminals have so far been returned to Turkey. /Hürriyet/

[20] TURKISH PRESS REVIEW (2)

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

THE US SUPPORTS TURKEY AGAINST TAX EVASION
The US will help the Ministry of Finance Ministry to beat tax evasions. The US Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has declared that it is ready to make any kind of contribution to help Turkey. The IRS will help Turkey to build up a ''tax network'' which will provide the necesssary information about the financial flow within the country. /Hurriyet/

PAMUKBANK SIGNS 50 MILLION US DOLLAR SYNDICATED LOAN
Turkey's private Pamukbank has signed an accord for a 50 million US dollar loan, arranged by the Bank of New York, its general manager Orhan Emirdag disclosed. The one-year pre-export financing facility was priced at 85 basis points over Libor, Emirdag said. The loan was increased from 40 million US dollars after an oversubscription. The loan agreement was signed on Friday in London. /Sabah/

GEN. KILIC: ''TURKEY ABLE TO COPE WITH AGGRESSIVE ENEMY''
General Ilhan Kilic, the Air Forces Commander, said that the Turkish Air Forces had the power and determination to inflict the heaviest lesson on any possibly aggressive enemy. During a handing-over ceremony for the 50th CN-235 type light transport airplanes, a co-production of the TAI and CASA (Spanish Construcciones Aeronauticas S.A.), Kilic added that the Air Force was not aiming at threatening any particular country. Kilic said, ''Turkey needs a strong air force to help provide stability in an unstable region.'' /Cumhuriyet/Sabah/

HALKBANK PROMOTES GAP ABROAD
The Halkbank not only gives technical and administrative assistance to the Southeastern Anatolia Region (GAP) but also supports international seminars and programmes to promote the region abroad. The bank has opened a KOBI (small and medium-scale enterprises) Informative Service in Cologne and Dusseldorf, Germany, to help investors to invest in the region. /Sabah/

FOREST FIRES IN ANTALYA
Forest fires which broke out in Serik, Antalya, and Yenikoy near Manavgat on Sunday were brought under control yesterday. According to local officials 500 hectares of pine forest has been destroyed. /Sabah/

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