Anadolu Agency: News in English, 98-11-04

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

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

04 NOV 1998

CONTENTS

[01] FOREIGN MINISTER CEM IN BRAZIL

[02] MILD EARTHQUAKE SHAKE ERZURUM PROVINCE AND SURROUNDINGS

[03] SPEAKER OF SPANISH PARLIAMENT IN ANKARA

[04] RUSSIAN FOREIGN MINISTRY: - ''RUSSIA AND TURKEY ARE NATURAL ALLIES AGAINST TERRORISM AND OTHER THREATS''

[05] KDP LEADER BARZANI ARRIVES IN ANKARA - BARZANI: ''TALABANI WILL ALSO JOIN ME IN ANKARA'' - TALABANI, THE PUK LEADER IS EXPECTED TO COME TO ANKARA ON SATURDAY

[06] REPORT OF THE WHITE HOUSE NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL: - ''DEMOCRATIC AND SECULAR TURKEY TURNING TOWARDS EUROPE IS VERY SIGNIFICANT FOR REGIONAL STABILITY''

[07] DEMONSTRATIONS HELD IN ISTANBUL TO PROTEST SUSURLUK INCIDENT

[08] BIN YAHYA, THE TUNISIAN DEFENSE MINISTER VISITS CETIN, THE PARLIAMENT SPEAKER - CETIN: ''WE ARE IN A CONSENSUS OF OPINION WITH TUNISIA CONCERNING COMMON AND MODERN VALUES''

[09] MOTION SUBMITTED AGAINST GOKCEK, THE MAYOR OF ANKARA REJECTED

[10] REPUBLIC BALL IN LONDON

[11] EXTRADITION OF METIN KAPLAN, A FUNDAMENTALIST CHIEF FROM GERMANY TO TURKEY - DENIZKURDU, THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE: ''WE WILL APPLY FOR EXTRADITION OF KAPLAN''

[12] SEZGIN, DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER AND MINISTER OF NATIONAL DEFENCE: - ''RUSSIA WILL NOT OVERSHADOW THE FRIENDLY RELATIONS WITH TURKEY''

[13] SUPREME COORDINATION BOARD OF HUMAN RIGHTS TO DISCUSS CHILDREN RIGHTS ON FRIDAY

[14] SIX BOEING 737-800 TYPE AIRPLANES JOIN THE TURKISH AIRLINES - PRIME MINISTER YILMAZ: - ''TURKEY LIVES A SILENT REFORM ON THE FIELD OF AIR TRANSPORTATION

[15] STRAITS TO BE TAKEN UP IN OSCE SEMINAR ON ENVIRONMENT

[16] BULGARIAN PRIME MINISTER KOSTOV IN ANKARA

[17] ERSUMER, THE MINISTER OF ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES: ''TURKEY WILL FUNCTION AS AN ENERGY BRIDGE BETWEEN EAST AND THE WEST IN THE COMING CENTURY''

[18] CONTACTS OF SPANISH PARLIAMENT SPEAKER IN ANKARA - TRILLO VISITS HIS TURKISH COUNTERPART CETIN

[19] CONTACTS OF BARZANI IN ANKARA

[20] AGANI, ALBANIAN DIALOGUE GROUP CHAIRMAN SPEAKS TO A.A

[21] EXTRADITION OF KAPLAN, THE ''BLACK VOICE''

[22] GUNEY, TURKISH AMBASSADOR TO JAKARTA, ELECTED AS A MEMBER OF RUANDA CRIMINAL COURT

[23] TURKEY REPORT OF EUROPEAN COMMISSION - ATACANLI, FOREIGN MINISTRY DEPUTY SPOKESMAN: ''WE DON'T HAVE THE REPORT YET''

[24] BARZANI-TALABANI TO TALK BILATERALLY

[25] TURKISH AND AZERI OFFICIALS TO DISCUSS BAKU-CEYHAN OIL PIPELINE PROJECT IN ISTANBUL ON 6 NOVEMBER

[26] MURADOV, TURKMEN PARLIAMENT SPEAKER VISITS PRIME MINISTER YILMAZ

[01] FOREIGN MINISTER CEM IN BRAZIL

A Foreign Ministry statement pointed out that Cem has given information about Turkey's opening process into Latin America during his contacts.

Cem underlined that the new opportunities should be evaluated to improve political, economic and cultural relations between Turkey and Brazil. He also exchanged opinions with his Brazilian counterpart concerning the crisis between the United Nation (UN) and Iraq.

Ismail Cem requested Brazil's support for Turkey's candidacy to the UN Security Council in 2001 and 2002.

Inviting Lampreia to Turkey, Cem conveyed him President Suleyman Demirel's letter to his Brazilian counterpart Fernando Henrique Cardoso.

The statement also noted that Cem's meeting in Brazil focused on the issues such as taking measures to overcome the transportation difficulties between the two countries, accelerating the activities regarded with encouragenment of the investments and prevention of the double taxation and reviving the cultural exchange programme.

Turkey's efforts to sign free trade agreements with Latin America countries were also discussed during Cem's contacts in Brazil.

[02] MILD EARTHQUAKE SHAKE ERZURUM PROVINCE AND SURROUNDINGS

The Ataturk University Earthquake Research Institute officials told the A.A correspondent that the epicenter of the earthquake was 10 km south-east of Erzurum.

No casualties or financial damages were reported at the earthquake.

[03] SPEAKER OF SPANISH PARLIAMENT IN ANKARA

Uluc Gurkan, the Acting Speaker of Parliament, welcomed Spanish delegation at the Esenboga Airport.

Addressing the journalists at the airport, Gurkan stressed that they will hold talks to futher improve the relations between Turkey and Spain.

Reminding President Suleyman Demirel's visit to Spain and Turkey visit of Spanish Prime Minister, Gurkan described these contacts as extremely productive and positive.

Federico Trillo-Figueroa in his part expressed gratification at being in Turkey.

Mentioning the similarities between the two countries, Federico Trillo- Figueroa emphasized that they expect a better future in the bilateral relations with Turkey.

Federico Trillo-Figueroa and accompanying delegation will be received by President Suleyman Demirel. They will also hold talks with Hikmet Cetin, the Speaker of Parliament, and Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz.

[04] RUSSIAN FOREIGN MINISTRY: - ''RUSSIA AND TURKEY ARE NATURAL ALLIES AGAINST TERRORISM AND OTHER THREATS''

Ministry's statement evaluated Turkey visit of Igor Ivanov, the Russian Foreign Minister, between 29 and 30 October. Statement reminded that Ivanov was received by President Suleyman Demirel,

Hikmet Cetin, the Speaker of Parliament, and Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz, and held talks with his Turkish counterpart Ismail Cem.

Noting that the issue of terrorism was also discussed during Ivanov's contacts in Turkey, statement underlined, ''the sides, Russian Federation and Republic of Turkey, have reached aggreement concerning that they are natural allies against the dangers such as terrorism, separatism, aggressive nationalism and fundamentalism.''

Statement stressed that the sides have confirmed that they attribute great importance to the protection of existing political dialogues between the two countries.

Mentioning the oil pipeline, the statement noted, ''the issue of the rational usage of the Caspian energy sources was also discussed at the meetings. Russian side stressed that the overall projects regarded with the usage of the energy sources including the issue of oil pipelines, should be evaluated carefully and the problems should not be made political.''

Reminding that Ivanov invited Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz to Russia on behalf of Russian Prime Minister Yevgeny Primakov, the statement also added, ''Prime Minister Yilmaz is expected to visit Russia at the end of this this year or at the beginning of next year. The certain date of his visit will be later determined by the two sides.''

[05] KDP LEADER BARZANI ARRIVES IN ANKARA - BARZANI: ''TALABANI WILL ALSO JOIN ME IN ANKARA'' - TALABANI, THE PUK LEADER IS EXPECTED TO COME TO ANKARA ON SATURDAY

Addressing a statement at Esenboga Airport, KDP leader Barzani said that he will come together with Talabani, the PUK leader in Ankara.

Noting that views will be exchanged about political developments in the region, besides bilateral relations and Washington agremeent will be taken up during his contacts in Ankara, Barzani stated that ''Talabani will also join me in Ankara, officials from the US and Britain will come to Ankara to discuss Washington agreement and Ankara Peace Process.''

Barzani was holding contacts in Britain, France, Belgium, Austria and Germany since September.

Diplomatic sources told A.A that Turkey plans to have two separate and bilateral meetings with Barzani and Talabani, who is expected to come to Turkey on Saturday, but a meeting between the two leaders has not been planned. If Barzani stays longer in Ankara, the two leaders can come together.

Meanwhile, some parts of the Washington agreement which reconciled the two rival Northern Iraqi Kurdish groups upon the initiative of the US, will be rearranged to please Turkey.

An official from the Foreign Ministry said that the parts of the Washington agreement which disturbs Turkey will be rearranged to satisfy Turkey and to this end a joint statement will be issued by Turkey, Britain and the US at the second half of November.

''Our relations with Barzani are fine, we struggle together in Northern Iraq against the separatist terrorist organization PKK. However we will convey the issues on which we don't agree to him during his stay in Ankara, '' said the same official.

Turkey is uneasy about some provisions of the Washington agreement concerning the establishment of a federal Kurdish state in Northern Iraq and the restriction of Turkey's operations in Northern Iraq.

[06] REPORT OF THE WHITE HOUSE NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL: - ''DEMOCRATIC AND SECULAR TURKEY TURNING TOWARDS EUROPE IS VERY SIGNIFICANT FOR REGIONAL STABILITY''

The report noted that the tension on Cyprus, dispute between Greece and Turkey on the Aegean, and the relations between Turkey and the European Union (EU) have critical importance on the regional stability and developing policy and security structures in Europe.

Report underlined, ''we aim at providing stability in the region by easing the tensions between Turkey and Greece, and overcoming the Cyprus question.''

Noting that as the US maintain her efforts for the peace and stability in the region, Turkey's presence as a democratic, secular, and stable country in the region is extremely significant, the report emphasized the importance of Turkey's support to the US efforts aiming at providing stability in Bosnia-Herzegovina, Middle East, and the former Soviet Union, and keeping Iraq under pressure.

[07] DEMONSTRATIONS HELD IN ISTANBUL TO PROTEST SUSURLUK INCIDENT

Demostrators gathering outside the Anadolu Cafe in Okmeydani, chanted slogans saying ''we want enlightment''.

Another group gathered in front of the Cemevi in Gazi District and chanted slogans.

Demonstrators in Okmeydani and Gazi Districts, dispersed after the concerts given by several music bands.

Meanwhile security forces have taken a total of 30 people who want to hold demonstrations in Kagithane District of Istanbul, into custody.

[08] BIN YAHYA, THE TUNISIAN DEFENSE MINISTER VISITS CETIN, THE PARLIAMENT SPEAKER - CETIN: ''WE ARE IN A CONSENSUS OF OPINION WITH TUNISIA CONCERNING COMMON AND MODERN VALUES''

Cetin received Habib Bin Yahya, the Tunusian Defense Minister the same day and stated that Yahya and he carried out very benefical activities to improve the relations between the two countries when he was the Foreign Minister.

Noting that Turkey and Tunusia acted together in the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) concerning the problem in Bosnia-Herzegovina, Cetin said that ''there are historical ties between Turkey and Tunisia.''

Cetin said that the Tunisian Minister invited him to Tunisia, adding that he will visit this country as soon as possible.

Yahya added that he also wishes the improvement of military relations between the two countries just like the developing economic relations.

[09] MOTION SUBMITTED AGAINST GOKCEK, THE MAYOR OF ANKARA REJECTED

The censure motion was requesting the dismissal of Gokcek and noted that Gokcek had to inform the Assembly about the claims brought against him.

The motion was voted in the Municipality Assembly. While the members of the Assembly from the Virtue Party (FP), the Motherland Party (ANAP), and the National Movement Party (MHP) rejected the motion; the Republican Peoples Party (CHP) voted in favour of the motion.

[10] REPUBLIC BALL IN LONDON

Addressing the ball, Ozdem Sanberk, the Turkish Ambassador to Britain, stressed the importance of Turkey's efforts aiming at making the Republic of Turkey a modern country.

Mentioning the improving relations between Turkey and Britain, Sanberk expressed Turkey's satisfaction with the close, warm and strong relations between the two countries.

Prince Edward represented the Royal Family and Derek Fatchett, the British Deputy Foteign Minister, represented the British Government at the ball.

Meanwhile President Suleyman Demirel and British Prime Minister Tony Blair sent messages to the celebrations.

President Suleyman Demirel pointed out in his message that Turkey has been endeavouring for peace and stability both on her lands and in the world.

Reminding that Turkey and Britain form the two sides of a friendship that has been lasting for centuries, Demirel thanked those who organized the ball.

Tony Blair in his part described the foundation of modern Republic of Turkey as a great success and congratulated the 75th anniversary of the foundation of the Republic of Turkey.

Sir Frederic Bennett who has a great role in the improvement of the relations between Turkey and Britain, and Prof. Dr. Geoffrey Lewis were awarded with the medals of merit at the ball.

[11] EXTRADITION OF METIN KAPLAN, A FUNDAMENTALIST CHIEF FROM GERMANY TO TURKEY - DENIZKURDU, THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE: ''WE WILL APPLY FOR EXTRADITION OF KAPLAN''

Denizkurdu, who is currently in Strasbourg, said that Interpol will seek for Kaplan with red bulletin all over the world.

Noting that Turkey will apply to the country for Kaplan where he will be arrested, Denizkurdu said ''we will request his extradition from that country.''

Meanwhile, sources note that Kaplan is a German citizen and his extradition to Turkey is very difficult.

Ismet Sezgin, the Minister of National Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister said in Ankara that ''I don't suppose Germany will permit Kaplan to stay in Germany who is the head of a fundamentalist movement, which can commit mass massacre.''

When asked whether or not there is an initiative concerning extradition of Metin Kaplan to Turkey, Sezgin stated that ''Germany, which suffers from terrorism and which is our ally, will not permit him to stay in Germany, as this is contrary to human rights and it is not appropriate for our frienship.''

[12] SEZGIN, DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER AND MINISTER OF NATIONAL DEFENCE: - ''RUSSIA WILL NOT OVERSHADOW THE FRIENDLY RELATIONS WITH TURKEY''

Responding to a question on whether Ocalan is in Russia or not, Sezgin said, ''it seems so.''

Sezgin responded another question about the Turkey visit of Massaud Barzani, the leader of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), noting that ''Turkey and Barzani act together against terrorism. We will request Barzani to maintain cooperation on struggle against the separatist terrorist PKK organization which has bases in the Northern Iraq and tries to fill the lack of authority in the region.''

Responding to a question on whether they suggest Barzani to be more careful following Syria's withdrawing of her support from the separatist terrorist organization, Sezgin said, ''he is already careful. There is no need to remind him.''

[13] SUPREME COORDINATION BOARD OF HUMAN RIGHTS TO DISCUSS CHILDREN RIGHTS ON FRIDAY

State Ministry said in a written statement that the Human Rights Board headed by Hikmet Sami Turk, the State Minister will evaluate on ''children's problems and their solutions in respect of human rights'' on November 6.

State Minister Turk will issue a statement about the decisions taken at the end of the meeting in which scholars who are famous for their studies concerning children rights will attend.

[14] SIX BOEING 737-800 TYPE AIRPLANES JOIN THE TURKISH AIRLINES - PRIME MINISTER YILMAZ: - ''TURKEY LIVES A SILENT REFORM ON THE FIELD OF AIR TRANSPORTATION

Addressing the ceremony, Yilmaz stressed that Turkey lives a silent reform process on the field of air transportation. He described the THY as one of the organizations which have become a source of pride for Turkey.

Noting that the six of 49 Boeing 737-800 type airliners, which were ordered from the Boeing Company last year, join the THY, Yilmaz reminded that with the participation of the new airliners, the number of the THY's planes increase to 71 from 65. He said, ''in accordance with the agreement reached with the Boeing Company, 43 more airliners will join the THY until 2002. In addition to the Boeing 737-800s we have also ordered two Airbus type airliners. THY's number of flight points in the world has increased to 100 with the Zagreb flights which has started last week. THY has become the most powerful and most prefered airline in the region.''

Cem Kozlu, the Chairman of the Administrative Board of the THY, thanked Prime Minister Yilmaz and the government for their support for the THY.

Kozlu stressed that the Boing 737-800 type airliners form the most important modernization period of the THY in its history of 65 years. He reminded that the biggest maintenance base of Turkey and the region will be opened in Istanbul in 1999.

Cavit Kavak, the State Minister, Erol Cakir, the Governor of Istanbul. and Hasan Ozdemir, the Director of the Istanbul Security Directorate, were also in attendance at the ceremony.

[15] STRAITS TO BE TAKEN UP IN OSCE SEMINAR ON ENVIRONMENT

Government officials, representatives of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) from many OSCE member countries and several parlementarians who are members of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly will participate in the two-day seminar which was jointly prepared by Turkey, the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC) and OSCE.

OSCE officials in Vienna said that the seminar will discuss such issues like the over-traffic at Bosphorus, the 1936 Montreaux Treaty which regulates this traffic, the security of nuclear energy plants, problems concerning cleaning of water ways that pour into the Black Sea - particularly Danube- and search for new energy sources.

OSCE officials said that the seminar which will be held on the same issues for the second time will be a preliminary seminar for the OSCE Economic Forum that will be held in Prague between 25-28 May, 1999.

Turkey is among the founding members of the OSCE, which has 54 members and acts within the framework of three main issues namely ''three baskets'' in the fields of security, human rights and economy.

[16] BULGARIAN PRIME MINISTER KOSTOV IN ANKARA

Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz, Cavit Kavak, the State Minister, and Istemihan Talay, the Culture Minister, welcomed Kostov at the Esenboga Airport.

Several agreements aiming at economic, cultural and commercial cooperation between Turkey and Bulgaria are expected to be signed during Kostov's contacts in Turkey.

Meanwhile an agreement envisaging the giving the kinsmen who have migrated from Bulgaria to Turkey, their social rights back which they gained in Bulgaria, will also be signed.

Emma Moskova, the Bulgarian Culture Minister and Ivan Shilyashki, the Bulgarian Chairman of the Energy Committee, accompany Kostov during his visit to Turkey.

[17] ERSUMER, THE MINISTER OF ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES: ''TURKEY WILL FUNCTION AS AN ENERGY BRIDGE BETWEEN EAST AND THE WEST IN THE COMING CENTURY''

Ersumer stated that Turkey has to carry out an investment of 3.5-4 billion dollars every year in order to meet her electric energy demand, which increases by 8-10 percent every year.

Noting that the demand for electric energy increases even in the most industrialized countries, Ersumer pointed out that they attribute great importance to privatization efforts aiming to make private sector to have a role in energy investments.

Ersumer said that Turkey carefully examines the energy possibilities in Central Asian Republics, the Middle East countries and neighbouring states in order to meet the increasing need of electric energy.

Stressing that the demand of Turkey's electric energy is expected to reach 640 billion kilowatthours (KHW) and the electric energy consumption per capita is expected to reach 6850 KHW in the 100th foundation anniversary of the Turkish Republic, Ersumer said ''in order to reach that, we have to add 3500-4000 megawatt capacity to the system every year, this means we have to make an investment worth of 4.5-5 billion dollars.''

Cumhur Ersumer said that the policies implemented in the energy sector aim to reach the energy level that is needed, the development speed that is foreseen and the social progress that is necessary for Turkey.

[18] CONTACTS OF SPANISH PARLIAMENT SPEAKER IN ANKARA - TRILLO VISITS HIS TURKISH COUNTERPART CETIN

Addressing the meeting, Cetin mentioned the similarities between Turkey and Spain, and stressed, ''relations between the two countries has been lasting for four centuries. Turkey which takes place between Asia and Europe, is a bridge connecting the Islam and Christianity. And Spain has also been serving as a brigde extending from Europe to Latin America. Improvement of cooperation between these two countries having such qualities, is not only natural, but at the same time, is necessary.''

Noting that the protocols signed between the two countries during Spanish Prime Minister's visit to Turkey, have contibuted to the relations to be further improved, Cetin stressed, ''Spain is among the countries which believes in that peace and stability cannot be provided in an Europe without Turkey.''

Mentioning the historical and cultural relations between the two countries, Federico Trillo pointed out, ''geopolitical position of our countries in the Mediterranean are very significant. We have supported Turkey's full membership to the European Union from the very beginning and will continue to do so. We will not allow an unfairness to be made against Turkey.''

[19] CONTACTS OF BARZANI IN ANKARA

No statement was issued to the press during the lunch.

Ugur Ziyal, Foreign Ministry Deputy Undersecretary, and Safeen Dizai also participated in the lunch.

Barzani is expected to be received by Bulent Ecevit, Deputy Prime Minister later in the day.

[20] AGANI, ALBANIAN DIALOGUE GROUP CHAIRMAN SPEAKS TO A.A

Speaking to A.A correspondent, Agani said that the talks had to start according to the Holbrooke-Milosevic agreement. Noting that required pre- studies were not concluded to start direct talks, Agani said that they would not sit at negotiation table on Wednesday. Agani expressed belief that these studies will be concluded soon, adding that the US jurists and the US Ambassador to Scopje continiously worked on the document in question.

Pointing out that these two sides should give up their strict attitudes to reach an agreement, Agani said that Albanians gave concession and accepted to remain in the same status in federal units in Yugoslavia for a three- year temporary period.

When recalled the estimates of the diplomatic circles that clashes may resume in March, Agani said war may erupt but at the same time expressed belief that political talks may be improved more rapidly.

Agani said that according to the US project, a compromise was reached on the issue of establishment of democratic institutions like the parliament, government and judgement, adding that Serbia at this stage opposed to the establishment of parliament.

''Serbia should accept these. International sanctions are imposed on Serbia, also this country itself is face to face with another crisis in itself. Serbia can not bear long to these and the Kosovo crisis more,'' Agani said and expressed belief that this problem will be solved within 3-4 months.

Agani, responding to A.A correspondent's question, said Kosovo Dialogue Group was composed of three Albanians yet that they were planning to include Turks and Bosnians.

[21] EXTRADITION OF KAPLAN, THE ''BLACK VOICE''

Speaking during a weekly news conference, Atacanli recalled that Hasan Denizkurdu, in a statement issued on Tuesday, said that Turkey will ask for the extradition of Kaplan after determining the country where he is and that Interpol will seek for Kaplan with red bulletin all over the world.

Atacanli said the Foreign Ministry will fulfil its responsibility after the conclusion of the file.

Kaplan had ordered a suicide attack to the Mausoleum of Ataturk on October 29, the national day, which was prevented at the last minute.

[22] GUNEY, TURKISH AMBASSADOR TO JAKARTA, ELECTED AS A MEMBER OF RUANDA CRIMINAL COURT

The Ruanda International Criminal Court was established on 8 November 1994 to try war crimes and the offenses committed against humanity in Ruanda and surrounding countries.

Addressing weekly press conference, Sermet Atacanli, the Deputy Spokesman of the Foreign Ministry, said that the membership of Ambassador Guney was pleasing, adding that the judges of that court were in charge in specific times.

[23] TURKEY REPORT OF EUROPEAN COMMISSION - ATACANLI, FOREIGN MINISTRY DEPUTY SPOKESMAN: ''WE DON'T HAVE THE REPORT YET''

Addressing a weekly news conference, Atacanli said European Commission will disclose the report on Wednesday it prepared for the countries which are candidates for full membership, adding that a similar report was prepared for Turkey.

Responding to a question that EU, in some of its reports, showed Turkey as the 12th candidate, Atacanli said, ''EU itself should clarify this issue. We expect Turkey's candidacy to be evaluated equally with the other candidates. We will see what today's report will bring.''

[24] BARZANI-TALABANI TO TALK BILATERALLY

Responding to the questions of reporters in a weekly news conference, Atacanli said, ''Turkey did not plan a bilateral meeting between Barzani and Talabani yet, as far as I understood such a meeting will take place.''

Noting that Talabani is expected to come to Ankara by the weekend, Atacanli said the meeting between the two Kurdish leaders will not be something foreseen within the framework of the Washington agreement but in bilateral level. Atacanli pointed out that Turkey will meet the two leaders separately.

Atacanli said the concerned countries reached to an agreement in principle for a joint declaration, adding that with the joint declaration, the issues on which Turkey felt uneasy in Washington agreement will be clarified.

The two Kurdish leaders had met in Washington in September with the initiation of the US and agreed on the agreement. Turkey expressed uneasiness over the two Articles included in the Agreement mentioning about the establishment of federal Kurdish state and preventing Turkey's operations on Northern Iraq.

An official from the Foreign Ministry said that the parts of the Washington agreement which disturbs Turkey will be rearranged to satisfy Turkey and to this end a joint statement will be issued by Turkey, Britain and the US at the second half of November.

[25] TURKISH AND AZERI OFFICIALS TO DISCUSS BAKU-CEYHAN OIL PIPELINE PROJECT IN ISTANBUL ON 6 NOVEMBER

During the meetings in which the officials of two countries will participate, the ''post government agreement'' will be on the agenda, the sources said.

To this aim, a delegation headed by Valek Aleskerov, the Chairman of Foreign Investments Department of SOCAR, Azerbaijani national oil firm, will arrive in Istanbul on Thursday.

When the officials from the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources met Azeri officials before 29 October, the national day, the inter government agreement was almost concluded, but discussions for the post government agreement was just started.

Turkey who wanted to sign the inter government agreement on 29 October, now foresees to sign it in November together with the post government agreement upon the request of Azerbaijan.

[26] MURADOV, TURKMEN PARLIAMENT SPEAKER VISITS PRIME MINISTER YILMAZ

Addressing a meeting with Sahat Muradov, Turkmen Parliament Speaker and an accompanying parliamentary delegation, Yilmaz said natural gas agreement signed on Oct 29 is the indication of the improving relations between the two countries.

Prime Minister Yilmaz thanked to the investments which Turkish businessmen realized in Turkmenistan and the support Turkmenistan expended to the businessmen.

Sahat Muradov, Turkmen Parliament Speaker also visited Ahad Andican, Minister of State, who said Turkey-Turkmen relations were satisfactory in every level.

Andican said Turkish businessmen made great investments in textile field, adding that 13 textile factories working with the most modern methods were constructed by Turkish businessmen.

Recalling that according to the natural gas agreement signed between the two countries on Oct 29, 16 billion cubic meters natural gas will be transported to Turkey at the first stage, Andican said technical studies were underway to this end ''I hope we will be able to get 16 billion cubic meters natural gas by the beginning of the year 2000, and later get 30 billion cubic meters of natural gas.''

Ahad Andican pointed out that President Suleyman Demirel will pay a visit to Turkmenistan on Nov 11 if no change takes place, adding that he will participate in the opening ceremony of Turkmen National Museum in which Seljuk masterpieces will be exhibited and he will also open a mosque.

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