Anadolu Agency: News in English, 98-09-26

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

26 SEPT 1998

CONTENTS

[01] YILMAZ-NETHANYAHU MEETING - PRIME MINISTER YILMAZ: ''NETANYAHU SAYS POSITIVE DEVELOPMENTS MAY BE RECORDED IN ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN PEACE PROCESS''

[02] MANOEUVRES WARNING FROM TURKEY TO GREECE - GREECE CANCELS HER MANOEUVRES NEAR KARDAK BY TAKING INTO CONSIDERATION THE WARNING

[03] BARZANI-TALABANI COMPROMISE - ECEVIT, DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER: ''IT IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR TURKEY TO APPROVE OF SUCH CHANGES OF ATTITUDE''

[04] SO-CALLED KURDISH PARLIAMENT CONVENES IN ROME - BATU, TURKISH AMBASSADOR TO ITALY, EXPRESSES TURKEY'S CONCERN OVER THE MEETING DURING HIS CONTACTS WITH PRIME MINISTER PRODI OF ITALY AND VIOLANTE, SPEAKER OF ITALIAN PARLIAMENT - BATU: ''A CRISIS THAT CANNOT BE COMPENSATED, CAN BEGIN''

[05] THE 53RD UN GENERAL ASSEMBLY MEETINGS - CEM MEETS WITH HIS AUSTRIAN AND DUTCH COUNTERPARTS IN NEW YORK

[06] TURKISH-BRITISH BUSINESS COUNCIL MEETING - CHAPMEN, CHAIRMAN OF FRIENDSHIP GROUP: - ''WE AIM AT IMPROVING POLITICAL RELATIONS WITH TURKEY''

[07] RATIFICATION OF ERDOGAN'S PENALTY - REASONED VERDICT OF ERDOGAN IS DISCLOSED

[08] PRESIDENT DENKTAS OF THE TRNC: - ''RADARS OF S-300 MISSILES STAND THERE AS AN EYE OF RUSSIA''

[09] PRESS CONFERENCE OF BULENT ECEVIT - ECEVIT: ''ASIK RESIGNED WITHOUT ANY SUGGESTION OF PRIME MINISTER YILMAZ OR ME''

[10] VIRTUE PARTY APPLIES TO THE CONSTITUTIONAL COURT FOR CANCELLATION OF SEVERAL ARTICLES OF LAW FORESEING TAX REFORM

[11] ERSUMER, MINISTER OF ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES: ''TURKMEN NATURAL GAS PIPELINE PROJECT IS ABOUT TO BE REALIZED''

[12] HARSH RESPONSE FROM VURAL, TURKISH PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE IN THE UN, TO PANGALOS, GREEK FOREIGN MINISTER

[01] YILMAZ-NETHANYAHU MEETING - PRIME MINISTER YILMAZ: ''NETANYAHU SAYS POSITIVE DEVELOPMENTS MAY BE RECORDED IN ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN PEACE PROCESS''

Speaking to reporters Yilmaz said the Middle East peace process was mainly taken during the meeting adding that ''Mr. Nethanyahu will hold a meeting with the US President Bill Clinton in the near future. I had the impression that he was hopeful for the future of peace process. Mr. Nethanyahu told me that some positive developments between Israel and Palestine will be recorded.''

Yilmaz pointed out that during the tete-a-tete meeting Turkish-Israeli relations were evaluated adding that joint study group which was established during his last visit to Isreal took positive steps.

Yilmaz also said regional problems and issues were taken up and that Iraqi issue was mentioned in a general framework.

[02] MANOEUVRES WARNING FROM TURKEY TO GREECE - GREECE CANCELS HER MANOEUVRES NEAR KARDAK BY TAKING INTO CONSIDERATION THE WARNING

The Foreign Ministry expressed Turkey's concern related with the military manoeuvres to the Undersecretary of Greek Embassy on 22 September.

The Ministry requested Greece not to hold the manoeuvres that can create a ''serious risk of dispute''.

The Greek Charge d'Affaires visited the Foreign Ministry on 23 September and conveyed Greece's message on the annulment of the manoeuvres.

Foreign Ministry expressed satisfaction at the cancellation.

Statement of the ministry pointed out that Turkey wants the common sense to be prevailed in the diplomatic relations.

[03] BARZANI-TALABANI COMPROMISE - ECEVIT, DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER: ''IT IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR TURKEY TO APPROVE OF SUCH CHANGES OF ATTITUDE''

In a written statement Ecevit said with the statement the two Kurdish leaders signed in the US, another political formation which strenghten the de facto separation of Iraq was speeded up.

Nothing that the US administration, with the joint statement, excluded Ankara process, Ecevit said ''although the view that Iraq's territorial integrity would be preserved was mentioned, for the first time the requirement to base integrity of the country on federation was mentioned also.''

Ecevit said thus our concerns that Iraq's separation would be absolute increased adding that ''although a transistory government and parliament is mentioned for now, it is clear that a lasting arrangement is aimed at on the second stage.''

Ecevit said ''again in the joint statement, it has been told that studies related with elections and administration in Northern Iraq will be carried out in London and it was stressed in the joint statement that talks only related with security will take place in Turkey. Thus, Ankara process will be excluded.''

Ecevit said ''furthermore, several statements used in the joint document give the impression that Turkey's cross border operations which are held for its national security may receive an opposition. ''It is impossible for Turkey to approve of such changes of attitude'' Ecevit pointed out.

Noting that Turkey re-evaluated relations with the Iraqi administration, Ecevit said Turkey called on credentials from Iraq to upgrade its representation there to Embassy level. Ecevit also said Iraqi government called on credentials from Turkey on Sept 22 to appoint an ambassador to Ankara Embassy.

Mentioning about relations with Libya Ecevit said Turkish Foreign Ministry launched a protest against the participation of the separatist terrorist group to an official parade held in Libya during one of the National day ceremonies and recalled that Mufit Ozdes, Turkey's Ambassador to Tripoli was called back.

Ecevit said he told Mansur Muhammed, Libya's Ambassador to Ankara, during a visit on Sept 15 that Turkey can not tolarate the incident in the parade. Mansur Muhammed said Libyan administration was sorry over the incident and that separatist terrorist group participated in without permission and that an investigation was launched against some high level officials who tolarated this. Muhammed also attributed importance to friendly relations between Turkey and Libya.

Ecevit said ''I also mentioned about the importance Turkey attaches to friendly relations with Libya yet, on the other hand recalled that secularism and democracy were the basic principles of Republic and that this can not be an issue of discussion.''

Ecevit said he told Lębya's Ambassador that Turkish-Libyan relations can only return to the previous positive level with the condition that Libya gives up expending support to the separatist terrorist organization.

Ecevit said Libyan Ambassador later visited Foreign Ministry on Sept 17 and gave assurances about the issues mentioned above in the name of Libyan government. Ecevit also said return of Mufit Ozdes to Libya is found appropriate after these assurances.

[04] SO-CALLED KURDISH PARLIAMENT CONVENES IN ROME - BATU, TURKISH AMBASSADOR TO ITALY, EXPRESSES TURKEY'S CONCERN OVER THE MEETING DURING HIS CONTACTS WITH PRIME MINISTER PRODI OF ITALY AND VIOLANTE, SPEAKER OF ITALIAN PARLIAMENT - BATU: ''A CRISIS THAT CANNOT BE COMPENSATED, CAN BEGIN''

Inal Batu, the Turkish Ambassador to Italy held talks with high- level Italian officials in order to express Turkey's deep concern at over the meeting.

Batu firstly met with Luciano Violante, the Speaker of the Italian Parliament, and stressed that such activities can damage the good relations between Turkey and Italy. He added, ''a crisis that cannot be compensated can begin.''

Violante pointed out that they have no right to prevent deputies who make use of all freedoms in accordance with the Italian Law, from holding contacts with different persons.

Stressing that such personal initiatives of the deputies do not bind Italian Parliament and the other Italian public organizations, Violante promised to convey Turkey's concerns to the Italian Prime Minister and Italian Parliament to this end.

Batu later held a telephone conversation with Prime Minister Romano Prodi of Italy in order to express concern at the event. Batu stressed that such a meeting can affect the relations between the two countries negatively.

Turkish Embassy in Italy pointed out that Prodi and Violante are expected to solve the problem by Monday.

Italian parliamentarians and the so-called Kurdish parliament in exile is expeced to stage a joint press conference on 29 September and a conference on ''an approach betweem Turkish people and Kurdish people'' will be organized with the participation of the Italian deputies and the so-called Kurdish parliament on 30 September.

Turkish Embassy sources noted that one of these meetings can be held in another place.

[05] THE 53RD UN GENERAL ASSEMBLY MEETINGS - CEM MEETS WITH HIS AUSTRIAN AND DUTCH COUNTERPARTS IN NEW YORK

Responding to the questions of the A.A correspondent after his meeting with Wolfgang Schussel, the Foreign Minister of Austria that is the term president of the European Union (EU) for six months, Cem stressed, ''Our difference of opinions with the EU continue. We should reduce and limit the negativities; and accelerate and improve the positivenesses in the foreign policy. Turkey maintains her relations with the EU within this framework. Turkey's determination following the EU Summit in Luxembourg, has effected the relations with the EU positively and caused these relations to be improved and accelerated quickly.''

[06] TURKISH-BRITISH BUSINESS COUNCIL MEETING - CHAPMEN, CHAIRMAN OF FRIENDSHIP GROUP: - ''WE AIM AT IMPROVING POLITICAL RELATIONS WITH TURKEY''

Addressing a press conference, Chapman reminded that they found the opportunity of holding talks with Hikmet Cetin, the Speaker of the Parliament, and Ismail Cem, the Foreign Minister during their visit to Turkey.

Chapman stressed that bilateral relations and issues such as the European Union and Cyprus question were discussed at the meetings. He stressed that British businessmen making investments in developing markets, describe Turkey as a great commercial potential.

Pointing out that most of the members of the Friendship Group think that there will be problems with Islamic countries in future, Chapman also emphasized, ''we are pleased at meeting with Turkey's

Western characteristic both in social and political fields.''

[07] RATIFICATION OF ERDOGAN'S PENALTY - REASONED VERDICT OF ERDOGAN IS DISCLOSED

The ten-page reasoned verdict noted that Erdogan, the defendant, was one of the leading names of a political party, which was closed by the constitutional court due to anti-secular activities.

The reasoned verdict said Erdogan separated the community into two sections like the ''Secular section supporting Ataturk'' and ''Moslems integrating Islam with Shariah.'' It said Islam is the religion of peace and brotherhood adding that the defendant as if incites one section to the other.

Noting that democratic regime, like every regime, has the right to defend itself adding that the Constitution adopted that secular Republic will not be if there is no democracy.

The verdict said Article 24 of the Constitution said religious feelings can not be used for making political and indivual interests recalled that religion and religious feelings can not be exploited.

It said European Court of Human Rights adopted that freedom of religion and conscience would be individual and that political institutions and parties did not have this right.

[08] PRESIDENT DENKTAS OF THE TRNC: - ''RADARS OF S-300 MISSILES STAND THERE AS AN EYE OF RUSSIA''

Denktas pointed out, ''the radars of the missiles will stand as an eye of Russia in the region.''

Pointing out that the Greek Cypriots continue to abolish the bases of peace, Denktas stressed that they have made significant mistakes such as unilateral membership application to the European Union, giving Greece an air-base in the Southern Cyprus and purchase of missiles from Russia.

Mentioning his visit to New York at the end of this month, Denktas reminded that he will hold contacts with Richard Holbroke, the Special Representative of the US President Bill Clinton for Cyprus, and Kofi Annan, the Secretary General of the United nations (UN).

[09] PRESS CONFERENCE OF BULENT ECEVIT - ECEVIT: ''ASIK RESIGNED WITHOUT ANY SUGGESTION OF PRIME MINISTER YILMAZ OR ME''

Addressing a news conference staged in Premiership Ecevit said Asik will apply to State Security Court Chief Prosecutorship and call on the allegations against him to be regarded as denouncement.

Ecevit said the procedure related with resignation of Asik will take effect when Prime Minister Yilmaz returns from the US.

Ecevit pointed out that 55th Republican Government is resolved to struggle against the gangs and mafia adding that any interruption from this determination is regardless of question.

Mentioning about the decision of Supreme Court of Appeals taken against Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Istanbul Mayor, Ecevit said reaction of Erdogan to the decision directly targets judgement ''Erdogan claims that the judgment became political'' he said.

Ecevit pointed out that justice is the base of our state. Secular and democratic Republic is the unchangeable quality of our state. The ones who dare to destroy or shake democratic Republic will not be allowed. Everybody, who wants to get involved in politics in Turkey has to accept this fact.''

[10] VIRTUE PARTY APPLIES TO THE CONSTITUTIONAL COURT FOR CANCELLATION OF SEVERAL ARTICLES OF LAW FORESEING TAX REFORM

Seref Malkoc, the Deputy from Trabzon, conveyed the application of Virtue Party to the Constitutional Court.

The Virtue Party wants the cancellation of the articles foreseeing changes on the Tax Law, on the Corporations Tax Law, on the Added Value Tax Law, on the Municipal Revenues Tax Law and on the Income Tax Law.

[11] ERSUMER, MINISTER OF ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES: ''TURKMEN NATURAL GAS PIPELINE PROJECT IS ABOUT TO BE REALIZED''

Responding to the questions of journalists Ersumer said Turkmen officials wanted to hold natural gas pipeline talks in Turkey in the first week of October adding that ''I hope that we will sign the contract on Oct 29.''

Recalling that three leading organizations of the US related with the issue promised to expend support for the construction of Turkmen natural gas, Ersumer said ''We will link the transportation of natural gas to the contract.''

[12] HARSH RESPONSE FROM VURAL, TURKISH PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE IN THE UN, TO PANGALOS, GREEK FOREIGN MINISTER

Vural pointed out, ''Turkey launched peace movement to Cyprus in 1974 using her right as guarantor state in order to save the Turkish Cypriots from being the victims of a ethnic cleansing. Turkey reiterates that she is faithful to her obligation towards protecting the Turkish Cypriots.''

Volkan Vural reminded the words of the Archbishop Macarios, then President of Republic of Cyprus. Macarios had noted,

''the coup of the Greek junta is an occupation and its results damaged both Turkish Cypriots and the Greek Cypriots.''

Reminding the dialogue call of Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz to Greece, Vural recommended Pangalos to make use of this opportunity.

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