Anadolu Agency: News in English, 98-10-29

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

29 OCT 1998

CONTENTS

[01] CELEBRATIONS FOR THE FOUNDATION OF 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF REPUBLIC OF TURKEY - DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF INDIA, PARLIAMENT SPEAKERS OF BULGARIA AND ETHIOPIA, AND RUSSIAN FOREIGN MINISTER IN ANKARA IN ORDER TO ATTEND THE CELEBRATIONS

[02] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

[03] SEZGIN, DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER AND MINISTER OF DEFENCE, HOLDS TALKS WITH UKRANIAN PRIME MINISTER

[04] ANKARA DECLARATION SIGNED

[05] 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF REPUBLIC - PRESIDENT DEMIREL HOSTS DINNER

[06] TURKISH-SPANISH FIRST TERM JEC MEETING HELD IN MADRID

[07] ANKARA DECLARATION SIGNED - PRESIDENT DEMIREL: ''WE HAVE DECLARED TO THE WORLD OUR DETERMINATION TO MATERIALIZE BAKU-TBILISI-CEYHAN OIL PIPELINE AS THE MAIN OIL PIPELINE''

[08] EUROMED PARLAMENTARIANS' FORUM MEETING ENDS - GREEK-CYPRIOT ADMINISTRATION CAN'T ACHIEVE ITS AMBITION

[09] 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FOUNDATION OF THE REPUBLIC OF TURKEY - PRESIDENT SHEVARDNADZE OF GEORGIA: - ''THE PROJECT OF SILK ROAD INTENDS ON REGIONAL COOPERATION, FAIR PEACE AND GENERAL STABLITY''

[10] ANKARA DECLARATION SIGNED - CEM, FOREIGN MINISTER: ''TODAY, WE MADE A COMMITMENT IN FRONT OF HISTORY''

[11] COLOMBO, FORMER FOREIGN MINISTER OF ITALY, ADDRESSES TO A.A.: ''WE STRONGLY SUPPORT THE PROCESS OF TURKEY'S INTEGRATION INTO EUROPE''

[12] TURKISH-SYRIAN AGREEMENT - TURKISH AND SYRIAN OFFICIALS MEET IN DAMASCUS

[13] ANKARA DECLARATION SIGNED - PRESIDENT DEMIREL: ''BAKU-TBILISI-CEYHAN IS THE MOST BRILLIANT PEACE PROJECT OF THE 21 CENTURY''

[14] BILATERAL TALKS WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF FOUNDATION OF REPUBLIC OF TURKEY

[15] PRE-PROTOCOL SIGNED WITH THE US AND CANADIAN FIRMS FOR YAMULA DAM

[16] ANKARA DECLARATION SIGNED - CEM, FOREIGN MINISTER: ''WE ARE IN AN EFFORT TO OVERCOME SEVERAL DIFFICULTIES''

[17] TURKMEN NATURAL GAS AGREEMENT SIGNED - PRESIDENT DEMIREL: ''THIS AGREEMENT WILL FURTHER STRENGTEN RELATIONS BETWEEN TWO SISTER COUNTRIES'' - ''THE PIPELINE FORESEEN IN THE PROJECT WILL BE CONSTRUCTED IN A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME, AND THE NATURAL GAS WILL BE TRANSFERED INTO MARKETS VIA TURKEY'' - TURKMENBASI, PRESIDENT OF TURKMENISTAN: ''YEARS AGO, ERTUGRUL GHAZI CAME TO ANATOLIA WITH 40 HORSEMEN, NOW WE ARE COMING WITH NATURAL GAS''

[18] ANKARA DECLARATION SIGNED

[19] SEZGIN, DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER AND MINISTER OF DEFENCE, MEETS WITH GARAYEV, UKRANIAN INDUSTRY MINISTER, TO IMPROVE COOPERATION ON DEFENCE INDUSTRY BETWEEN TWO COUNTRIES

[20] ANKARA DECLARATION SIGNED - ALIEV, PRESIDENT OF AZERBAIJAN: ''THE WILL EXPRESSED BY THE HEADS OF STATES TODAY LAID THE FOUNDATIONS OF BAKU-CEYHAN PROJECT''

[21] WE ARE CELEBRATING 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF OUR REPUBLIC

[22] RUSSIAN STATE RUN ITAR-TASS NEWS AGENCY: - TURKEY AND RUSSIA CAN BECOME THE GREATEST COMMERCIAL PARTNERS OF THE WORLD''

[01] CELEBRATIONS FOR THE FOUNDATION OF 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF REPUBLIC OF TURKEY - DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF INDIA, PARLIAMENT SPEAKERS OF BULGARIA AND ETHIOPIA, AND RUSSIAN FOREIGN MINISTER IN ANKARA IN ORDER TO ATTEND THE CELEBRATIONS

Igor Ivanov arrived in Ankara in order to attend the celebrations for the 75th anniversary of Republic of Turkey, it was reported on Thursday.

Hikmet Cetin, the Speaker of Parliament, has welcomed Krishan, Yohonnes and Sokolov at the Esenboga Airport; and senior officials from the Foreign Ministry and Aleksander Lebedev, the Russian Ambassador to Turkey, have welcomed Ivanov at the same airport on Thursday morning.

Meanwhile Ivanov is scheduled to hold talks with Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz and Foreign Minister Ismail Cem. He will also received by President Suleyman Demirel, and Hikmet Cetin.

[02] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

HURRIYET (LIBERAL) IN THIS HAPPY DAY
Had the ones who experienced that historical day, the ones who decided for the ''declaration of Republic'' on 29 October 75 years ago, imagined that Republic would be celebrated with the same enthusiasm after 75 years?

''I WILL STRUGGLE IF WAR BREAKS OUT WITH SYRIA''
Semdin Sakik, one of the leading names of the separatist terrorist organization, applied to State Security Court (DGM) to make use of the Repentence Law that is planned to be issued. In his petition Sakik said he would do what is necessary like every Turkish citizen if war breaks out between Turkey and Syria.

MILLIYET (LIBERAL)

Celebrations for the 75th anniversary of the Republic are continuing with large events all ocer Turkey.

CONFESSOR APPLICATION FROM SAKIK
Semdin Sakik, one of the leading terrorists of the separatist PKK organization, who fired his lawyer, submitted a petition to the Court saying, ''I want to make use of every laws in favor of me like every Turkish citizen.''

In the last hearing, Sakik accused his lawyer of giving wrong information to the press and dismissed him. Sakik sent a petition to the Court demanding to be a confessor. Giving the message that he repented his actions in the past, Sakik said in his application, ''I don't want a war between Turkey and Syria. My statements about Syria were corrected practically. I will behave as a Turkish citizen at a possible war.''

SABAH (LIBERAL)

At 20:30 local time, the time when the Republic was declared, all of the people living in urbans like Ankara and Istanbul will voice the Turkish National Anthem.

THREE IMPORTANT WARNINGS FROM GEN. KIVRIKOGLU
Gen. Huseyin Kivrikoglu, the Chief of General Staff, evaluated the 75th anniversary of the Republic.

Gen. Kivrikoglu gave three warnings: ''We should be awake to fundamentalists and separatists'', ''The former mandate defenders and invader units are today's so-called intellectuals'', ''The enemies of the Republic will come across the Turkish Armed Forces' determination in protecting the Republic and will be annihilated''.

CUMHURİYET (LEFT)

The 75th anniversary of the Republic is being celebrated nation-wide. President Suleyman Demirel issued a message saying that secularism is the indispensable part of the Republic, the fundamentalism will be overcome by setting up legal basis. ''The Turkish nation is happy with the Republic. We will continue to walk through the path opened by great leader Mustafa Kemal Ataturk,'' he said.

''ENERGY'' THREAT FROM TURKEY
Ismail Cem, the Foreign Minister, who repeated that the transfer of the Caspian oil via the Turkish Straits won't be allowed, warned Richard Morningstar, the US President Bill Clinton's Special Adviser on the Caspian Basin energy diplomacy.

Cem, who met with Morningstar, said that Turkey will supply her energy demand from other sources on the condition of the refusal of the Baku- Ceyhan route.

RADIKAL (LEFT)

LAST WARNING FOR BAKU-CEYHAN
Foreign Minister Ismail Cem, during his meeting with Richard Morningstar, the Chief Consultant of the US President, gave the message that Turkey will not let the Caspian oil to pass from the Straits.

YENİ YÜZYIL (LIBERAL)

EXPECTATION FOR SIX PERCENT INFLATION
According to the bankers, the consumer prices will increase 6-6.5 percent in October. Thus, the inflation, which was 80.4 percent in September, is expected to reduce to 77 percent.

According to the estimations of the bankers, the lowest increase in the consumer prices will be 4.4 percent and the highest increase will be 6.8 percent in October. The majority of them thins it will be between 6 and 6.5 percent. The increase in the Consumer Prices Index was 6.7 percent in September. They expect the Consumer Prices Index to be between 5 and 5.6 percent.

TÜRKİYE (RIGHT)

CORRUPTION IS THE OBSTACLE OF DEVELOPMENT
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank announced on Wednesday that ''organized corruption is the greatest obstacle preventing development and a high-level struggle should be launched against it.'' According to a joint study on ''Corruption and Development'', which was prepared by the IMF expert Paolo Mauro and the World Bank experts Cheryl W. Gray, Daniel Kaufmann and Lant Pritchett, ''corruption'' is one of the serious problems against which especially the developing countries still struggle.

ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)

ANKARA: ''ATTITUDE OF GREEECE IS IMMORAL''
Ankara on Wednesday called on Greece to leave its hostile attitude it carried out in relations with Turkey and wanted this country to act positively that will suit to a civilized and responsible country.

The statement said Greece, ignoring all kinds of diplomatic commitments and applying to methods which is not acceptable to civilized countries, is in an effort to prevent rapproachment of Turkey with the EU.

[03] SEZGIN, DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER AND MINISTER OF DEFENCE, HOLDS TALKS WITH UKRANIAN PRIME MINISTER

Responding to the questions of the journalists after the meeting, Sezgin said that they have reached a concensus of opinion on further improving the relations between Turkey and Ukraine.

Reminding that the two countries have signed a cooperation agreement before on the field of defence industry, Sezgin told the reporters, ''we have the legal ground for improving the relations, now we will combine the competence and potentials of our countries.''

Mentioning the military exercise which was planned to be staged at the Syrian border, Sezgin stressed that the maneouvres will be held in November.

[04] ANKARA DECLARATION SIGNED

The declaration was signed by President Suleyman Demirel; Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz; Haydar Aliev, President of Azerbaijan; Eduard Shevardnadze, President of Georgia; Nursultan Nazarbayev, President of Kazakhstan; Islam Kerimov, President of Uzbekistan; and Bill Richardson, the US Energy Secretary, as the observer.

[05] 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF REPUBLIC - PRESIDENT DEMIREL HOSTS DINNER

Addressing the dinner, Demirel said, ''Turkish Republic is born from the ashes of a multi-national great emperorship. Turkish nation is born on the basis of equality and freedom,'' adding that Republic in its base preserved peace with the principle of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, founder of Modern Turkish Republic, ''Peace At Home, Peace in the World.''

Demirel said ''the past 75 years is the longest peace period of our history. Turkey again became one of the strongest countries of its region due to the Republic. Turkey will continue to serve for the peace of the world.''

Demirel pointed out that Turkey believes in the idea that peace, democracy and development are indispensable parts, adding that Turkey will continue to expend efforts to establish a better world.

Meanwhile, Rexep Meidani, Albanian President, made a statement on behalf of the attending countries in reply to Demirel's speech at dinner. Meidani said Mustafa Kemal Ataturk made eternal advises in directing Turkey's foreign policy, adding that these advises were like a will for all Turkish governments and for friendly peoples as well.

Meidani said they like Turkey and expressed willingness to see Turkey as a developed country of the Balkans.

Pointing out that Turkey was in a key position in its region, Meidani said they appreciated Turkey to gain respectability due to its multilateral policies. Meidani said they wanted Turkey's participation to European Union (EU) soon.

Albanian President also mentioned about the Kosovo problem and said joint efforts and respect to international agreements are required for the solution of the problem.

[06] TURKISH-SPANISH FIRST TERM JEC MEETING HELD IN MADRID

The Foreign Trade Undersecretariat issued a written statement saying that Isilay Saygin, the Minister of State, was received by Jose Maria Aznar, the Prime Minister of Spain, during her visit to Spain.

In the meeting, Saygin expressed her pleasure about the intense initiatives for establishing a long-term strategical cooperation between Turkey and Spain.

The Spanish Prime Minister Aznar stated that his sincere support for Turkey's full-membership to the European Union (EU) continues.

Aznar stressed that the loans, which were decided to be given for the financing of the projects in Turkey, should be functionalized, adding that it will be possible to increase the amount of loans if there will be such projects requiring great amounts of financing.

In the JEC meeting, the cooperation opportunities between the two countries in the field of contracting were reviewed by taking into consideration the projects of the Turkish firms in the third country markets eapecially in the Central Asia and Russia and the activities of the Spanish firms in the Latin America.

Meanwhile, the Turkish and Spanish small and medium scale enterprises signed a cooperation agreement by taking into consideration those enterprises' importance for the economies of the two countries.

[07] ANKARA DECLARATION SIGNED - PRESIDENT DEMIREL: ''WE HAVE DECLARED TO THE WORLD OUR DETERMINATION TO MATERIALIZE BAKU-TBILISI-CEYHAN OIL PIPELINE AS THE MAIN OIL PIPELINE''

Speaking after the signature ceremony in the Parliament, Demirel said Ankara Declaration was a historical one revealing joint determination and will.

Demirel said Ankara Declaration clarifies our mutual resolution and will to transport energy sources to the world markets by more than one pipeline. He said the energy sources were very important for the strengthening of independence of the countries in the Caspian Basin, strengthening of their efforts for economic development and for increasing welfare level of its people.

[08] EUROMED PARLAMENTARIANS' FORUM MEETING ENDS - GREEK-CYPRIOT ADMINISTRATION CAN'T ACHIEVE ITS AMBITION

The Turkish delegation prevented the Greek-Cypriots' efforts to put the Cyprus issue into the joint declaration.

The dimensions of the European-Mediterranean cooperation and the future of the EUROMED Parliamentarians' Forum, which was formed within the scope of the ''Barcelona Process'' which started in November 1995, were discussed in the forum at which the representatives of the Parliaments of Turkey, Algeria, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Malta, Morocco, Palestine, Tunisia and the Greek-Cypriot side; and the deputies from the national parliaments of the EU countries and the European Parliament attended.

The final statement mentions the importance of the dialogue and cooperation among the Mediterranean countries and the things that can be realized in that field.

Turkey was represented in the forum by a delegation led by Hasan Korkmazcan, the Acting Speaker of the Parliament.

Addressing a press conference following the meeting, Korkmazcan stressed that they had the issue of ''joint struggle against terrorism and organized crimes'' entered in the declaration document.

Korkmazcan stated that the Greek-Cypriots tried to attribute to the Cyprus issue in the declaration document but this effort was prevented by the Turkish delegation.

''We explained that the Cyprus issue has never taken part in the Barcelona process, the solution should be provided between the two communities on the island, thus the Cyprus issue, which has a long and complex history, is an issue that shouldn't be touched on that forum,'' Korkmazcan said.

The next meeting of the EUROMED Parlamentarians' Forum was scheduled to take place in October 1999.

[09] 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FOUNDATION OF THE REPUBLIC OF TURKEY - PRESIDENT SHEVARDNADZE OF GEORGIA: - ''THE PROJECT OF SILK ROAD INTENDS ON REGIONAL COOPERATION, FAIR PEACE AND GENERAL STABLITY''

Addressing a press conference, Shevardnadze described Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the Founder of the Republic of Turkey, as a great statesman, and stressed that they came to Turkey to show endless respect to him.

Shevardnadze added, ''the Republic of Turkey that is loyal to the values of democracy, is the guarantee of the economic improvement in the Central Asian countries. Recent regional initiatives of Turkey was the new beginning of the integration process of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation.

Reminding that Turkey has an active contribution at the revival of the ''Silk Road'', Shevardnadze said, ''this project intends on the regional cooperation, fair peace and general stability.''

Pointing out that they support Turkey which has undertaken the leading role in the dynamic processes that develop in the Eurasia, Shevardnadze said, ''we, as the presidents of six states, plan to sign a document concerning the energy corridors on the ''Renewed Great Silk Road''.

''Such an document envisages the passage of energy transporters of the Caspian Basin via Georgia and Turkey. The mentioned route will form the general system of the western transit direction along with the Soupsa and Batum terminals,'' he said.

[10] ANKARA DECLARATION SIGNED - CEM, FOREIGN MINISTER: ''TODAY, WE MADE A COMMITMENT IN FRONT OF HISTORY''

Addressing the signature ceremony which took place in the Parliament, Cem pointed out that Ankara Declaration was very important.

''This great agreement, great compromise forms the political framework of the economic development which closely interests our country for the future, '' Cem said, adding that ''the concerned states made a moral commitment here. The country who fails to abide by this commitment will be under a serious responsibility. Thus, I attribute great importance and I thank to everybody who contributed to the signature of this declaration.''

[11] COLOMBO, FORMER FOREIGN MINISTER OF ITALY, ADDRESSES TO A.A.: ''WE STRONGLY SUPPORT THE PROCESS OF TURKEY'S INTEGRATION INTO EUROPE''

Prior to his departure for Turkey to participate in the celebrations for the 75th anniverasry of the Republic, Colombo, the former Speaker of the European Parliament, told the A.A correspondent that he will present to the Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz the congratulatory message of Massimo D'Alema, the Prime Minister of Italy.

Pointing out that he had signed the European Community partnership documents of Turkey when he was the Speaker of the European Parliament, Colombo, the Chairman of the Italian Atlantic Pact, stressed that they strongly support the process of Turkey's integration into Europe.

Responding to a question about the meeting of the so-called ''Kurdish parliament in exile'' at the Italian Parliament, Colombo stressed that creating problems between Turkey and Italy should be avoided.

Colombo added that the draft on the so-called genocide on Armenians, which was expected to be brought into the agenda of the Italian Parliament, may be postponed and even it may not come into the agenda.

[12] TURKISH-SYRIAN AGREEMENT - TURKISH AND SYRIAN OFFICIALS MEET IN DAMASCUS

Turkish delegation headed by General Tahir Aytac Yalman, and Syrian delegation led by Foreign Minister Farouq al-Shara, expressed a common desire to improve ties between the two countries at the end of the meeting.

Responding to a question about the meeting, Necati Utkan, the Spokesman of the Foreign Ministry, stressed that the meeting had a purpose of making the officials of the both countries acquainted with each other.

Utkan reminded that the establishment of a ''direct telephone line'' between high ranking officials of the security units from the two countries, was envisaged as a part of control mechanism in the agreement signed at the end of two-day meeting in 19-20 October.

Pointing out that Turkey decided to charge General Aytac Yalman as the mentioned high ranking official of the security unit, Utkan told reporters that Syria has appointed General Adnan Bedir Al-Hassan to the same position.

Meanwhile state run SANA New Agency of Syria said that both sides have promised to realize the agreement signed between the two countries earlier in Turkey.

[13] ANKARA DECLARATION SIGNED - PRESIDENT DEMIREL: ''BAKU-TBILISI-CEYHAN IS THE MOST BRILLIANT PEACE PROJECT OF THE 21 CENTURY''

Addressing the signature ceremony of Ankara Decleration which took place in the Parliament, Demirel recalled that natural gas and oil beds that are in Caspian basin will be transported Eastern-Western corridor covering Transcaucasia oil and natural gas pipeline systems.

Demirel pointed out that with the Declaration, all investor companies, governments of the concerned countries and international finance institutions were called to conclude required negotiations with an intense and constructive approach for the implementation of the project in question which is harmonized with the environment and having highest economic rational.

Demirel stressed that Bill Richardson, the US Energy Secretary signed the Declaration as the observer, and that this was a very important and meaningful development underlining the importance of the issue in global dimensions. Demirel said, ''We appreciate the support of the US extended to the energy projects and the pipelines which will directly effect welfare and stability in the region.''

Demirel concluded his words saying: ''There is desire and will to work with Russia in partnership base on concrete cooperation projects related with the future of Eurasia that will play an important role in the fate of the 21st century world in which our countries are located. To this end, I reiterate my call to Russian Federation to make cooperation in energy transportation system projects in Eurasia.''

[14] BILATERAL TALKS WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF FOUNDATION OF REPUBLIC OF TURKEY

Aliyev has conveyed Azeri people's warm congrutulations to the Turkish nation for the anniversary of the Republic.

Describing Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the Founder of Republic of Turkey, as one the most honorable statesmen of the century, Aliev has given a portrait of Ataturk decorated with beads by an Azeri artist, to Demirel as a present.

ANKARA (A.A) - President Suleyman Demirel came together on Wednesday with his Israeli counterpart Ezer Weizman who is currently in Turkey to attend the celebrations for the 75th anniversary of the foundation of the Republic of Turkey.

ANKARA (A.A) - Foreign Minister Ismail Cem held talks on Wednesday with Maria Benita Ferrero Waldner, Austrian State Secretary of Foreign Ministry who came to Turkey to attend the celebrations for the 75th anniversary of the Republic of Turkey.

ANKARA (A.A) - Ismet Sezgin, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State, came together on Thursday with Shri Krishan Kant, the Indian Deputy President who came to Turkey to attend the celebrations for the 75th anniversary of the foundation of the Republic of Turkey.

Addressing the meeting, Sezgin stressed that Turkey and India are the two of the three democratic states on the line from the Straits to Japan. He also added, ''we have a strong political will to further improve relations with India.''

[15] PRE-PROTOCOL SIGNED WITH THE US AND CANADIAN FIRMS FOR YAMULA DAM

The foundation of the dam will be laid by the Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz on 1 November.

Faruk Molu, the Chairman of the Executive Board of the Kayseri Electricity Production Industry and Trade Corp., told the A.A correspondent that they gave the start for the drilling activities for two derivation tunnels in 630 and 645 meters length at the Yamula Dam of which project cost was 194 million US dollars.

Molu said that the derivation tunnels construction, which will be concluded within eight months, will cost two trillion Turkish Liras (TL) and this cost will be met by equity capital.

''We are trying to solve the foreign credit requirement for the construction of the dam with the US and Canadian companies which put themselves in for the partnership and construction. The US company proposes a fifty percent stake and the Canadian company offers forty percent stake, '' Molu said.

''The lake of the Yamula Dam will be 65 km in length. The legal expropriation activities will start within three or five months. The dam will produce 500 million kwh electricity annually and irrigate 121 thousand hectars of land in Kayseri, Nevşsehir and Yozgat provinces,'' he added.

[16] ANKARA DECLARATION SIGNED - CEM, FOREIGN MINISTER: ''WE ARE IN AN EFFORT TO OVERCOME SEVERAL DIFFICULTIES''

Speaking to A.A correspondent, Cem said all heads of states who signed Ankara Declaration which foresees the transportation of Caspian and Central Asian oil to Western markets through Eastern-Western corridor made a commitment in front of history.

Cem pointed out that there were several difficulties related with the declaration yet that they were in an effort to overcome these problems. ''I hope all these will be solved. Yet, all people here made a very strong commitment with the Declaration. I hope everybody will be faithful to their commitments,'' he said.

Responding to a question if Sapharmurad Turkmenbasi, Turkmen President, has a special reason not to sign the Declaration, Cem said, ''I don't think so. We have natural gas relations, not oil relations with Turkmenistan.''

[17] TURKMEN NATURAL GAS AGREEMENT SIGNED - PRESIDENT DEMIREL: ''THIS AGREEMENT WILL FURTHER STRENGTEN RELATIONS BETWEEN TWO SISTER COUNTRIES'' - ''THE PIPELINE FORESEEN IN THE PROJECT WILL BE CONSTRUCTED IN A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME, AND THE NATURAL GAS WILL BE TRANSFERED INTO MARKETS VIA TURKEY'' - TURKMENBASI, PRESIDENT OF TURKMENISTAN: ''YEARS AGO, ERTUGRUL GHAZI CAME TO ANATOLIA WITH 40 HORSEMEN, NOW WE ARE COMING WITH NATURAL GAS''

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Demirel said that the pipeline foreseen in the project will be constructed in a short period of time and the natural gas will be transfered into markets via Turkey.

Pointing out that the project to transfer Turkmen natural gas into Europe via Turkey had big dimensions, Demirel said that they are pleased with the support of the US to the project.

Sapharmurad Turkmenbası, President of Turkmenistan, said in his part that he was very pleased to be in Ankara at the 75th anniversary celebrations of the Republic of Turkey.

''We are the same nation of two different states. We have no other place to go,'' he said.

Stating that the motherland of Turks in Turkey is Turkmenistan, Turkmenbası said, ''years ago, Ertugrul Ghazi came to Anatolia with 40 horsemen. Now we are coming with the natural gas. This project is a start and will further improve and continue.''

[18] ANKARA DECLARATION SIGNED

The declaration signed by President Suleyman Demirel; Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz; Haydar Aliev, President of Azerbaijan; Eduard Shevardnadze, President of Georgia; Nursultan Nazarbayev, President of Kazakhstan; Islam Kerimov, President of Uzbekistan; and Bill Richardson, the US Energy Secretary, as the observer, said ''the Presidents strongly confirm their resolution to materialize Caspian-Mediterranean (Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan) line as the main oil pipeline at this stage when a final resolution will be taken related with the Azeri main oil pipelines.''

The declaration, composed of six articles, was signed by considering the urgency of taking a decision and evaluating the issues of searching, drilling and transportation of oil and gas sources with more than one pipeline in a secure way. The declaration said:

1- The Presidents, by taking into consideration the operating of hydrocarbon sources in these countries for strengthening of independence and security of the neighboring countries, strengthening their efforts for economic development and increasing the level of welfare of the people, confirmed that transportation of oil and natural gas sources to world markets with more than one pipeline, which is economically and commercially optimal, is necessary. The Presidents also confirmed that they are faithful to the principles, included in European Energy Charter, related with the transportation of hydrocarbons independently, in a stable way and in a secure way for the environment.

2- The Presidents noted that this project is a just one for hydrocarbon producer countries, and an acceptable commercial project which also doesn't make discrimination. The project is also important for the transportation of hydrocarbon sources, drilled in the Caspian Sea region and other related countries, to the world markets which also includes realization of Eastern- Western corridor covering Trans-Caspian and Trans-Caucasia oil and Natural Gas Pipeline system.

3- The Presidents strongly confirmed their resolution for the realization of Caspian-Mediterranean (Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan) line as the main oil pipeline at this stage when decision related with the Azeri main oil pipelines will be taken.

4- The Presidents stress that this line should be equally open to the producers and transporters who are in two sides of the Caspian and the importance of the providing of the oil required for this line. Presidents, with this aim, participated in the operation of the hydrocarbon sources in the Caspian region and continue to extend support to realize intense and constructive negotiations with the concerned governments by putting forward benefical conditions to the related companies and international finance institutions to get required finance for the construction of the pipelines.

5- The Presidents promise to give required instructions to their related authorities for the formation of required conditions for the implementations of Eastern-Western Energy corridor and Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan Pipeline. This should be done according to the principles of international law foreseeing the preservation of the rights of foreign and native entrepreneurs in projects related with the transportation of energy sources to the world markets. The Presidents also agree to take required measures to create attractive atmospheres for the entrepreneurs.

6- The Presidents once more point out the importance of maintaining the efforts related with the preservation of the natural environment of the Turkish Straits, the shores of the Black Sea and the Mediterranean. The Presidents, to this end, stress that transportation of oil and natural gas sources to the world markets with pipelines is obligatory to abolish the threats and dangers forwarded to the Turkish Straits.

Meanwhile, Cumhur Ersumer, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources responding to a question if this declaration was a binding text, said ''no binding works can be done in this period. A chess is played.''

[19] SEZGIN, DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER AND MINISTER OF DEFENCE, MEETS WITH GARAYEV, UKRANIAN INDUSTRY MINISTER, TO IMPROVE COOPERATION ON DEFENCE INDUSTRY BETWEEN TWO COUNTRIES

General Sener Eruygur, the Undersecretary of the National Defence Ministry, Yalcin Burcak, the Undersecretary of Defence Industry, and high-level Ukranian officials were also in attendance at the meeting.

Addressing the meeting, Sezgin reminded that he was received by Prime Minister V.P. Pustovoytenko of Ukraine yesterday, and added that they have reached a concensus of opinion on taking concrete steps to further improve economic, industrial, commercial and defence cooperations between Turkey and Ukraine.

Reminding that the two countries have signed a cooperation agreement before on the field of defence industry, Sezgin said,''we have the legal ground for improving the relations, now we will combine the competence and potentials of our countries.''

Describing Turkey and Ukraine as two of the biggest countries of the Black Sea, Sezgin noted that Turkey monitors closely the political and economic developments in Ukraine. He added, ''the Crimean Tatars form a bridge between Turkey and Ukraine. Turkey will do her utmost in the integration process of the Crimean Tatars with Ukraine.''

Garayev in his part expressed gratification at improvement of the relations between the two countries.

[20] ANKARA DECLARATION SIGNED - ALIEV, PRESIDENT OF AZERBAIJAN: ''THE WILL EXPRESSED BY THE HEADS OF STATES TODAY LAID THE FOUNDATIONS OF BAKU-CEYHAN PROJECT''

Addressing the signature ceremony of ''Ankara Declaration'' staged in Parliament, Aliev pointed out that this declaration has a historical importance, adding that ''this is a new start for the cooperation between our governments and states.''

Recalling that contracts were signed with the 11 oil companies in 1994 in an effort to process and transport to world markets, Aliev said, ''Baku- Ceyhan was the first pipeline and Baku-Soupsa was the second when we signed the contract in 1994 to transport the oil to the world markets. It is true that there are several oil companies opposing to the Baku-Ceyhan pipeline saying that it will not bring commercial benefits. We will work with the companies in this respect.''

[21] WE ARE CELEBRATING 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF OUR REPUBLIC

The first official ceremony was held at the Mausoleum of Ataturk. President Suleyman Demirel, the Parliament Speaker Hikmet Cetin, the Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz, the members of the Council of Ministers, high-ranking military officials, the leaders of the political parties attended the ceremony.

Following the ceremony President Demirel signed the Special Book at Ataturk's Mausoleum, saying, ''our nation is celebrating the 75th anniversary of our Republic with enthusiasm. Our Republic has been happy, successful and victorious. The Republic, which is democratic, secular and legal state, will protect its inseparable integrity with its nation and will serve for the prosperity of our nation till the end.''

The Mausoleum of Ataturk was decked out with flowers brought from several regions in Turkey. Several organizations laid wreaths at the tomb of Ataturk.

Thousands of people, teachers and students visited the Mausoleum of Ataturk. Meanwhile, a zeppelin flied over the Mausoleum of Ataturk during the ceremony.

Nine climbers from the central Kayseri province climbed the summit of the Erciyes Mountain and planted a Turkish flag on the peak with an altitude of 3,916 meters.

Tugay Ulucevik, the Turkish Ambassador to Bonn, Germany, issued a message saying that Turkey felt proud of the successes of the Turkish citizens, who are living in Germany, in every field within the German society.

The Sivas State Theatre players, who arrived in Ankara by the Republic Train, performed a play at the Parliament's first building.

The ''Kazakhstan-1'', a state television channel of Kazakhstan broadcasted a 30-minute programme introducing Mustafa Kemal Ataturk and Turkey.

The Yeni Ulke (New Country) Newspaper, which is published as a daily offset in central Sivas province, distributed ten thousand each of ''Irade-i Milliye (Will of Nation)'' newspaper's first edition, which was published by the great leader Ataturk in Sivas during the National Struggle years.

The guest heads of states and high-ranking representatives, who arrived in Ankara upon the 75th anniversary of the Republic, visited the Mausoleum of Ataturk. They laid wreaths at the tomb of Ataturk and observed a minute of silence.

Rexhep Mejdani, the President of Albania, signed the Special Book at the Mausoleum of Ataturk on behalf of the guest delegation, saying, ''on behalf of the Heads of States and the special delegation, I express my respect to the great leader of the modern Turkey.''

Education Counsellor's Office of the Turkish Embassy in Almaty, Kazakhstan organized a celebration programme at the Children's Palace where the Turkish and Kazakh students convene.

The press of Turkmenistan gave an extensive place to the celebrations for the 75th anniversary of the Republic of Turkey. The Turkmen TV channels broadcasted programmes introducing Turkey and Ataturk.

The Azerbaijani National Assembly issued a congratulatory message to the Turkish Parliament saying, '' we frankly share the feelings of Turkey, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary of the founding of powerful Republic.''

Srayil Smayil, a Kazakh journalist, published a book including the life story of Ataturk in Kazakh language.

Rifat Serdaroglu, the Minister of State, who is currently in Germany, attended the celebrations at the Turkish-German Kindergarden in Bonn. A total of 60 Turkish, Spanish, Russian and Italian children sang songs and read poems.

[22] RUSSIAN STATE RUN ITAR-TASS NEWS AGENCY: - TURKEY AND RUSSIA CAN BECOME THE GREATEST COMMERCIAL PARTNERS OF THE WORLD''

Describing the 75th year as a significant milestone in the history of Turkey, Itar-Tass stressed, ''this anniversary is also important for the relations between Turkey and Russia.''

Summarizing the relations between the two countries of more than 500 years, the Russian News Agency said that the last example of these good relations is ''Blue Stream'' natural gas project. Describing the mentioned project as the largest natural gas agreement of the world, Itar-Tass noted that Turkey will become the biggest commercial partner of Russia along with Germany.

The interpretation also pointed out, ''according to the experts, Turkey and Russia can become the greatest commercial partners of the world at the 21st century. The trade volume between the two countries was 4 billion US Dollars in 1997, but this figure increased up to 9 billion US Dollars in this year with the shuttle trade. There are, of course, several problems between Turkey and Russia, but they are not that important for the cooperation promising future.''

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