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Anadolu Agency: News in English, 98-11-18

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

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

18 NOV 1998


CONTENTS

  • [01] SEZGIN, DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER AND MINISTER OF NATIONAL DEFENSE STAGES NEWS CONFERENCE
  • [02] HAKTANIR, FM UNDERSECRETARY SUMMONS BANDINI TO MINISTRY
  • [03] THE US ADMINISTRATION: - ''TERRORIST OCALAN SHOULD NOT BE GRANTED WITH POLITICAL ASYLUM'' - ''OCALAN SHOULD BE BROUGHT TO JUSTICE AND RECEIVE PUNISHMENT HE DESERVED''
  • [04] TURKISH PEOPLE HOLDS DEMONSTRATION IN FRONT OF SEPARATIST TERRORIST OFFICES IN BRUSSELS
  • [05] BERLUSCONI, LEADER OF OPPOSITION FORZA ITALIA PARTY, CLAIMES THAT OCALAN, CHIEF OF SEPARATIST TERRORIST ORGANIZATION PKK, CAME ITALY WITH AN AGREEMENT IN HIS POCKET - BERLUSCONI DESCRIBES TURKEY AS THE ''LAST GUARD OF NATO AGAINST THE EAST''
  • [06] PRESIDENT DEMIREL IN AUSTRIA - DEMIREL ADDRESSES AUSTRIAN FOREIGN POLITICS AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS ASSOCIATION
  • [07] ILLEGAL DEMONSTRATION IN BEYOGLU DISTRICT OF ISTANBUL PROVINCE - OZDEMIR, DIRECTOR OF SECURITY IN ISTANBUL: - ''MORE THAN 200 PERSONS WERE DETAINED''
  • [08] ALIEV, DEPUTY CHAIRMAN OF SOCAR: ''THE ONLY ROUTE BAKU-CEYHAN''
  • [09] YILMAZ, PRIME MINISTER TO INFORM PARLIAMENTARY GENERAL ASSEMBLY ABOUT THE CAPTURE OF OCALAN
  • [10] ECEVIT, DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER: ''IF ITALY FAILS TO PROVIDE FACILITIES TO JUDGE OCALAN IN TURKEY, IT WILL GET THE TERRORIST STATE STIGMA''
  • [11] ERIK DERYCKE, BELGIUM FOREIGN MINISTER: ''WE DO NOT WANT OCALAN IN BELGIUM''
  • [12] A GREEK FLAGGED SHIP SINKS OFFSHORE AMBARLI PORT - THE CAPTAIN AND THE SHIP CREW ARE RESCUED
  • [13] THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE HOLD A PROTEST DEMONSTRATION IN FRONT OF ITALIAN EMBASSY
  • [14] FIRST TURKISH WORLD CINEMA DAYS
  • [15] TURKISH-ITALIAN BUSINESS COUNCIL: - ''WE EXPECT THE HEAD OF THE TERRORISM AND DRUG MAFIA TO BE TREATED AS A TERRORIST, AND BE EXTRADITED TO TURKEY WHERE HE COMMITTED CRIMES IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE AGREEMENTS''
  • [16] PRESIDENT DEMIREL: ''COUNTRIES WHICH SUPPORT TERRORISM ENCOURAGE MURDERERS'' - ''IT IS IRRATIONAL FOR THOSE PEOPLE WHO HAVE RIGHTS OF MAJORITY TO GO AFTER FOR MINORITY RIGHTS''
  • [17] THE US CALLS ITALY TO EXTRADITE OCALAN TO TURKEY - KELLY, PRESS ATTACHE OF THE US EMBASSY IN ANKARA: - ''OCALAN COMMITTED MOST OF HIS CRIMES AGAINST THE TURKISH PEOPLE''
  • [18] TURKISH-SYRIAN RELATIONS - ATACANLI, THE FM DEPUTY SPOKESMAN: ''WE CLOSELY MONITOR THE DEGREE SYRIA ABIDES WITH HER COMMITMENTS''
  • [19] DOCUMENTARY FILM NAMED ''LAST TAVERN-KEEPER'' OF STUDENTS OF ANKARA UNIVERSITY FACULTY OF COMMUNICATION, AWARDED IN GERMANY
  • [20] PRESIDENT DEMIREL IN AUSTRIA - DEMIREL ADDRESSES TO TURKISH-AUSTRIAN BUSINESS COUNCIL: ''TURKEY IS A MEMBER OF THE EUROPEAN FAMILY'' ''WE EXPECT THE EU TO DESCRIBE TURKEY AS THE 12TH CANDIDATE COUNTRY''

  • [01] SEZGIN, DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER AND MINISTER OF NATIONAL DEFENSE STAGES NEWS CONFERENCE

    ROME, Nov 18 (A.A) - Ismet Sezgin, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense said on Tuesday that ''we did not hope to see Italy as a country sheltering terrorism as we approach to 21st century.''

    Addressing a news conference following Western European Union (WEU) Ministers Council meeting, Sezgin said during his meetings with Defense Ministers of Italy and Germany, he conveyed in detail that separatist PKK was not only included in terrorist activities but also engaged with drugg trafficking, money laundering and human smuggling.

    Pointing out that he briefed in detail about Turkey's struggle against separatist terrorism, Sezgin said he recalled that cooperation and solidarity in struggle against terrorism was one of the most important duties of the countries who are members of NATO alliance.

    Sezgin said Italy suffered a lot from terrorism in the past, adding that this country should understand Turkey's concerns stemming from this issue.

    Sezgin said he met with Rudolf Sharping, German Defense Minister, and that this minister told him that ''if chief of the separatist terrorist organization had come to Germany, he would be in prison, not in hospital.''

    Meanwhile, Joscha Fischer, German Foreign Minister, said on Monday that German Justice Ministry investigated the demand for extradition and that German government will give the final decision.

    [02] HAKTANIR, FM UNDERSECRETARY SUMMONS BANDINI TO MINISTRY

    ANKARA, Nov 18 (A.A) - Korkmaz Haktanir, Foreign Ministry Undersecretary, summoned Massimilliano Bandini, Italy's Ambassador to Ankara, to Foreign Ministry on Tuesday upon the conflicted news reports coming from Italian sources following capture of Abdullah Ocalan, chief of the separatist terrorist organization in Rome.

    A written statement from the Foreign Ministry said Haktanir, during the meeting, called for ''reliable and concrete information'' from the Italian Ambassador and stressed the importance Turkey attributed to the extradition of this terrorist.

    Haktanir pointed out that such delaying approaches and attitudes will have serious and important reflections on Turkish-Italian relations.

    [03] THE US ADMINISTRATION: - ''TERRORIST OCALAN SHOULD NOT BE GRANTED WITH POLITICAL ASYLUM'' - ''OCALAN SHOULD BE BROUGHT TO JUSTICE AND RECEIVE PUNISHMENT HE DESERVED''

    WASHINGTON D.C., Nov 18 (A.A) - James Rubin, the Spokesman of the US State Department, said on Tuesday that Abdullah Ocalan, the chief of separatist terrorist organization PKK who is responsible for the killings of 30 thousand people, should not be granted with political asylum. He added that Ocalan should be brought to justice and receive the punishment he deserved.

    Responding to questions about Ocalan who seeks political asylum from Italy, Rubin noted, ''we believe the governments of Italy, Germany and Turkey, the NATO allies, should work together to bring Ocalan to justice.''

    Reiterating that the PKK is a ''terrorist organization'', Rubin pointed out that terrorists, well-known terrorists, should be in prison and get the punishment as they deserved.

    Rubin noted that they welcome capture of Ocalan as an important step in the struggle against global terrorism. ''We want Ocalan to be extradited and brought to justice,'' he said.

    The US government has declared the PKK as a ''foreign terrorist organization'' as to the Anti-terrorism and Death Penalty Law in 1996.

    The US President Bill Clinton had sent a harsh message to President Hafez al Assad of Syria during the crisis between Turkey and Syria, saying ''cut all your relations with separatist terrorist PKK.'' Later, when Ocalan proceeded to Russia, the US State Department conveyed a message to Moscow and said ''either extradite Ocalan or expel him.''

    James Rubin had called on Moscow saying that no country should shelter separatist terrorist Ocalan.

    [04] TURKISH PEOPLE HOLDS DEMONSTRATION IN FRONT OF SEPARATIST TERRORIST OFFICES IN BRUSSELS

    BRUSSELS, Nov 18 (A.A) - Turkish people living in Belgium, held a demonstration in Brussels on Tuesday night to protest actions of the separatist terrorist organization PKK following capture of Abdullah Ocalan, the chief of the organization, in Italy last week.

    Nearly one thousand Turkish people chanted slogans in front of the several buildings belonging to separatist terrorist organization including ''Kurdish Committee'' building in Saint Josse District.

    The ''Kurdish Committee'' building was burnt down and the building of ''Kurdish Institute'' and a club belonging to the separatist terrorist organization were damaged at the clashes.

    Sources of Turkish Embassy in Brussels pointed out that they heard informations claiming that a group of supporters of separatist terrorists held demonstrations in front of the Italian Embassy and attempted to march towards the Turkish Embassy. Tight security measures have been taken around the Turkish Embassy building.

    Belgium police detained four people during the demonstrations.

    Meanwhile two members of the security forces were slightly injured at the clashes.

    [05] BERLUSCONI, LEADER OF OPPOSITION FORZA ITALIA PARTY, CLAIMES THAT OCALAN, CHIEF OF SEPARATIST TERRORIST ORGANIZATION PKK, CAME ITALY WITH AN AGREEMENT IN HIS POCKET - BERLUSCONI DESCRIBES TURKEY AS THE ''LAST GUARD OF NATO AGAINST THE EAST''

    ROME, Nov 18 (A.A) - Silvio Berlusconi, the Leader of opposition Forza Italia Party, claimed on Tuesday that Abdullah Ocalan, the chief of separatist terrorist organization PKK, came to Italy with an agreement in his pocket.

    Pointing out that Italian left has put itself into a big trouble, Berlusconi stressed that Ocalan would not come to Italy without a position in favour of him.

    Reminding that Italian Constitutional Court had a resolution in past envisaging not to extradite anybody to the countries applying death pealty, Berlusconi stressed that Ocalan can be judged by an international court with the accusation of using violence against the women and children.

    Berlusconi described Turkey as the ''last guard of the NATO, against the East'', and said that relations between Turkey and Italy cannot be damaged.

    Berlusconi also stressed that the Italian left is a real disaster in the fields of foreign policy and economic management.

    [06] PRESIDENT DEMIREL IN AUSTRIA - DEMIREL ADDRESSES AUSTRIAN FOREIGN POLITICS AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS ASSOCIATION

    VIENNA, Nov 18 (A.A) - President Suleyman Demirel said on Tuesday that Turkey was still the biggest economy in Eastern Europe, the Balkans, the Black Sea, Caspian Basin and in the Middle East.

    President Demirel, within the framework of his contacts in Austria, addressed Austrian Foreign Politics and International Relations Association. Demirel noted that Turkey and Austria had a long and historical relations, adding that ''our countries, being the then leading powers, left traces in formation of European history that can not be wiped out.''

    Demirel said, ''I would like to mention that Turkey is resolved to add a new momentum to relations,'' adding that ''I hope this visit will be a starting point for our efforts forwarded to this end.''

    Pointing out that Turkey was a founder member of the most of the European institutions, Demirel said, ''Turkey is a part of NATO and associate partners of EU and WEU. Turkey also plays an active role in OIC being the only secular democracy among Islam countries.''

    Demirel said Turkey has a strategic partnership including all vital issues Europe and in the region, adding that ''Turkey, being a country of the Middle East, a strong supporter of the Middle East peace process, and at the same time being a country of the Caucasus, and the Balkans, attributes importance to the installation of international legacy in these regions. Solution of all conflicts in the Balkans and Caucasus on the basis of respect to international law will contribute to the political stability and economic welfare of these countries and will give facilities to the establishment of regional cooperation mechanisms.''

    Pointing out that Turkey played a pioneering role in improvement of economic cooperation in its region, Demirel said ''establishment of the Black Sea Economic cooperation and expansion and re-organization of Economic Cooperation Organization are the most determing contributions Turkey made to regional cooperation and solidarity.''

    Demirel said Turkish economy was not affected by the crisis experienced in Asia and financial destruction in Russia, adding that when we take into consideration that Russia was one of Turkey's biggest trade partners, Turkey's success can be understood well.

    Noting that new energy geography emerged in Caspian Basin will be integrated with global markets with the energy lines that will be constructed via Turkey, Demirel said Baku-Ceyhan project, turned into a concrete realization rapidly.

    Demirel said total cost of the investments of Turkish constructors abroad reached to 20 billion ollars as of this year. 80 percent of construction activities in Caucasia and Central Asia are realized by Turkish entrepreneurs.

    Demirel pointed out that re-implementation of historical Silk Road will add momentum to the spreading of cooperation between Europe, Black Sea, Caucasia, Caspian Sea and Asia, adding that Turkey actively participated in concrete projects for the revitalization of silk road.

    Demirel also said Turkey has full will to integrate with Europe adding that ''history reveals that Europe without Turkey and Turkey without Europe cannot even be imagined.''

    Demirel said Turkey expected equal treatment and criteria from European Union (EU) with the other candidates.

    President Demirel said the most dangerous of the international problems was terrorism as it aims at destructing human rights, basic freedoms and democracy and destablizing governments established legally.

    [07] ILLEGAL DEMONSTRATION IN BEYOGLU DISTRICT OF ISTANBUL PROVINCE - OZDEMIR, DIRECTOR OF SECURITY IN ISTANBUL: - ''MORE THAN 200 PERSONS WERE DETAINED''

    ISTANBUL, Nov 18 (A.A) - Hasan Ozdemir, the Director of Security in Istanbul, said on Wednesday that more than 200 persons were detained during the illegal demonstration in Beyoglu District of Istanbul Province and in the investigations in several parts of Istanbul.

    Nearly 150 supporters of the separatist terrorist organization PKK held an illegal demonstration in Beyoglu on Tuesday chanting slogans in favour of Abdullah Ocalan, the chief of separatist terrorist organization PKK who was captured in Italy last week, as they marched towards Taksim Square. Illegal demonstrators escaped to the Saint Antoine Church and the Mesopotamia Culture Center after a group of shoppers and passers-by intervened to their demonstration.

    A total of 18 security forces were sligthly injured and three police vehicle were damaged at the illegal demonstration in Beyoglu.

    [08] ALIEV, DEPUTY CHAIRMAN OF SOCAR: ''THE ONLY ROUTE BAKU-CEYHAN''

    WASHINGTON D.C., Nov 18 (A.A) - Ilham Aliev, son of Azerbaijan's President, said on Tuesday that the only route to transport Azeri oil to the West was the Baku-Ceyhan.

    Ilham Aliev, Deputy Chairman of Azeri Oil Company SOCAR, addressing Washington Institude said Azeri Oil International Consortium (AIOC) hold intense contacts related with the issue and that its tendency was forwarded to Baku-Soupsa.

    Pointing out that volume of oil transported from the Black Sea was high already, Aliev said ''Turkish Straits and the Black Sea can not bear Azeri main oil.''

    Aliev said very different figures were mentioned about the cost of Baku- Ceyhan and stressed that the most attractive route was Baku-Ceyhan. ''Let us forget about Soupsa, the only route is Ceyhan,'' he added.

    Noting that Baku-Soupsa line was not realistic, Ilham Aliev said Turkish government should submit proposals that will make Baku-Ceyhan attractive on the issues of transition fees and price lists.

    Aliev said ''we will not let Baku-Ceyhan pipeline to be hampered,'' adding that the US should include its financial support to the political support it expends to the Baku-Ceyhan.

    Ilham Aliev also said the US law article, called ''section 907'', preventing US to give aid to Azerbaijan, should be annuled. He said ''this is injustice, 20 percent of my country is under Armenian occupation. Nearly one million Azeri people are left as refugees, the US Congress should change this Article.''

    Responding to a question, Aliev said, ''Turkey is our friend. We share every view of Turkey.''

    Aliev said the US could not show the required success in solution of Nagorno-Karabakh problem, adding that France, as one of the co-chairman of the MINSK Process, was more beneficial. Aliev said status quo in Nagorno- Karabakh could not continue like this.

    [09] YILMAZ, PRIME MINISTER TO INFORM PARLIAMENTARY GENERAL ASSEMBLY ABOUT THE CAPTURE OF OCALAN

    ANKARA, Nov 18 (A.A) - Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz will brief Parliamentary General Assembly on Wednesday about the recent development regarding the capture of Abdullah Ocalan, chief of the separatist terrorist organization, in Italy.

    Under the internal regulations, groups in the Parliament will be given the right to speak following the speech of Prime Minister Yilmaz.

    A decision is expected to be taken following the meetings related with Italy's attitude in this respect.

    [10] ECEVIT, DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER: ''IF ITALY FAILS TO PROVIDE FACILITIES TO JUDGE OCALAN IN TURKEY, IT WILL GET THE TERRORIST STATE STIGMA''

    ANKARA, Nov 18 (A.A) - Bulent Ecevit, Deputy Prime Minister and leader of Democratic Left Party (DSP) said on Wedneday that ''If Italy fails to provide facilities for the judgment of Abdullah Ocalan, chief of separatist terrorist organization, in Turkey, it will get the terrorist state stigma.''

    Addressing his party group meeting, Ecevit said Ocalan had to flee from Syria to Russia and from Russia to Italy as an outcome of a process which 55th government started.

    Ecevit said Turkey will launch initiatives to the most authorized organs of NATO against the attitude of Italy on the issue of Ocalan, who is responsible for the killings of 30,000 people. ''Absolutely, Italy has to account for its attitude by treating Ocalan as a distinguished guest and ignoring his terrorist activities. If Italy insists on its attitude, it should be sit at the chair of accused and collaborator in NATO.''

    [11] ERIK DERYCKE, BELGIUM FOREIGN MINISTER: ''WE DO NOT WANT OCALAN IN BELGIUM''

    BRUSSELS, Nov 18 (A.A) - Erik Derycke, the Belgium Foreign Minister said on Wednesday that they do not want Abdullah Ocalan, the chief of the separatist terrorist organization, in Belgium.

    Pointing out to the tension escalating between Turkey and Italy, ''La Libre Belgique'' newspaper claimed that Ocalan wants to settle down in Belgium after he was granted with political asylum by Italy. It then quoted Erik Derycke, the Belgian Foreign Minister, as saying, ''we do not want Ocalan in Belgium. We have already enough troble with the PKK and the MED-TV.''

    Derycke also expressed dissatisfaction over the presence of the so-called Kurdish parliament in exile in Belgium. Stating that they try to be an open society, Derycke said that they cannot go beyond the limitations of the legal system.

    [12] A GREEK FLAGGED SHIP SINKS OFFSHORE AMBARLI PORT - THE CAPTAIN AND THE SHIP CREW ARE RESCUED

    ISTANBUL, Nov 18 (A.A) - A Greek flagged dry-cargo ship namely ''As-Rum'' which passed across the Istanbul Strait for the Marmara Sea, sank over offshore Ambarlı port, it is reported on Wednesday.

    The ship was loaded with timber in Romania. It entered to Istanbul Strait from Black Sea and it called for help at 21.30 on Tuesday night, 7.5 miles offshore Degirmen Burnu in Ambarlı port.

    Receiving the S.O.S message of the ship, tugboats at the Ambarlı port, went to help the ship.

    When the tugboats reached the place, they saw that the ship had slid 50 degree to one direction and they rescued the captain of the ship and 14 crew members at 23.15 the same night.

    Around 04.20, the ship weighing 1.798 gross tonnes, sank completely nine miles offshore the coast inspite of the efforts of the tugboats.

    Officials said that the timber was a risky cargo for the ship.

    [13] THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE HOLD A PROTEST DEMONSTRATION IN FRONT OF ITALIAN EMBASSY

    ANKARA, Nov 18 (A.A) - Thousands of people gathered outside the Italian Embassy in Ankara on Wednesday and held a demonstration to protest Italy's attitude on the extradition of Abdullah Ocalan, the chief of separatist terrorist organization PKK who was captured in Italy last week.

    Group including the relatives of those who killed by the separatist terrorist organization, chanted slogans and carried banners calling Italy to hand over the murderer of 30 thousand people and damning the bloody actions of the separatist terrorist organization PKK.

    Members of the several trade unions and associations laid a black wreath in front of the Italian Embassy building as demonstrators threw rotten eggs to the building and broke their Italian made eye-glasses.

    Group dispersed after the demonstration that lasted for an hour.

    [14] FIRST TURKISH WORLD CINEMA DAYS

    ISTANBUL, Nov 18 (A.A) - The First Turkish World Cinema Days will begin in Istanbul in 21 November within the framework of celebrations for the 75th anniversary of foundation of Republic of Turkey, it was reported on Wednesday.

    The organization aims at promoting the cinemas of the Turkish societies to each other.

    Films from Turkey, Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tataristan, and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) will be shown at the cinema days.

    Several panel discussions will be held with the participation of directors, including Tolomush Okeyev from Kyrgyzstan, Sohret Abbasov from Uzbekistan, Hocakulu Narliyev from Turkmenistan and Rustem Ibrahimbekov and Tevfik Ismail from Azerbaijan.

    [15] TURKISH-ITALIAN BUSINESS COUNCIL: - ''WE EXPECT THE HEAD OF THE TERRORISM AND DRUG MAFIA TO BE TREATED AS A TERRORIST, AND BE EXTRADITED TO TURKEY WHERE HE COMMITTED CRIMES IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE AGREEMENTS''

    ISTANBUL, Nov 18 (A.A) - Turkish Italian Business Council Executive Committee said on Wednesday that ''they expect the head of the terrorism and drug mafia be treated as a terrorist, and be extradited to Turkey where he committed crimes in accordance with the agreements signed together with Italy on struggle against international terrorism and drug smuggling.''

    A written statement from the Turkish-Italian Business Council said that ''the nation has felt great pleasure when this murderer named Apo (Abdullah Ocalan), who is responsible from the killing 30 thousand innocent people including women and children, had to escape from Syria following the intensive political pressure on Damascus.''

    Pointing out that Apo who escaped to Russia from Syria, could not manage to stay there, and escaped to Italy, the statement said,''the attitude of Italy who has a long tradition of state of law; whom we are together in international organizations, especially in NATO; who is our ally and important trade partner, caused deep sorrow among Turkish public and paved the way for their justified reaction.''

    ''We expect this head of the terrorism and drug mafia be treated as a terrorist, and be extradited to Turkey where he committed crimes in accordance with the agreements signed together with Italy on struggle against international terrorism and drug smuggling,'' the statement added.

    ''We don't want even to think that a country like Italy where the superiority of law prevails will provide shelter to this head of terrorism and eroin mafia, something Syria and Russia did not do,'' the statement said. ''Such a situation will deeply hurt the historical Turkish-Italian friendship, and political and economic relations. We hope that Italy will not take such a risk for the sake of a terrorist chief.''

    [16] PRESIDENT DEMIREL: ''COUNTRIES WHICH SUPPORT TERRORISM ENCOURAGE MURDERERS'' - ''IT IS IRRATIONAL FOR THOSE PEOPLE WHO HAVE RIGHTS OF MAJORITY TO GO AFTER FOR MINORITY RIGHTS''

    ANKARA, Nov 18 (A.A) - President Suleyman Demirel, who is currently in Austria for an official visit, said that those countries which support terorism encourage those people who murder other people. ''They don't seek for rights, if they seek for rights, they should come to Turkey,'' it is reported on Wednesday.

    Describing the attempt of those people who have majority rights to go after minority rights as ''irrational,'' President Demirel said that ''the terrorism problem is killing of people by people who hide in mountains and who have weapons. Is it possible to describe this as a Kurdish problem?''

    Addressing an interview at ORF Television channel of Austria, on Tuesday night, President Suleyman Demirel stated that the desperate situation, which was created by the Luxembourg Summit is a temporary situation and Turkey was hurt by that. Noting that Turkey is a part of Europe, President Demirel stated that Turkey can not consider herself as being outside Europe.

    ''Isolation of Turkey from Europe is not possible under the agreements. Turkey signed an association agreement with the EU in 1963 and this agreement is in enforcement even today. Article 28 of this agreement gives the right of EU membership to Turkey, moreover Turkey is a member of the customs union,'' said President Demirel.

    ''The decision taken at Luxembourg Summit as '11+' is a discrimination towards Turkey, but we believe that this decision will be corrected. The report taken by the EU Commission on November 4, 1998 corrects this mistake in a considerable extent. If the EU Commission report is approved at Vienna Summit and if the EU declares that 'the countries which will join is 12', then the effect of the Luxembourg decision will be removed in a considerable extent. Turkey expects this,''he added.

    ''A Europe without Turkey and Turkey without Europe can not be thought of, '' said President Demirel, adding that ''manipulation of religion for politics is contrary to the Constitution and to the Turkish laws. Turkey will never give up democracy and secularism by getting angry towards Europe.''

    Responding to questions on Cyprus question, President Demirel said that ''the Cyprus question is not related with our membership to the EU. It is for sure that Turkey is closely interested in the Cyprus question.''

    Accepting the fact that there are some deficiences in the fields of human rights and democracy in Turkey, President Demirel pointed out that Turkey exerts great efforts to overcome these deficiences. ''However none of these deficiences constitute impediment for Turkey to become a member of the EU. Violation of human rights is a crime in Turkey and Turkey is the only country which struggles against terrorism in a democracy. When the terrorism ends, these complaints will also decrease. There is not a Kurdish problem, but a terrorism problem in Turkey, which has been continuing for 15 years. Terrorism problem stems from the fact that some people hide in mountains and kill people. Is it possible to describe this fact as a Kurdish problem? Which problem are they thinking to solve by killing people?'' said Demirel.

    ''We tell our European friends that terrorists' art is to kill people. They deceive European countries by creating such an atmosphere as if there are people who need to be rescued from oppression and as if they will rescue them. They create this atmosphere by benefiting from the broad freedom and broad misperception in Europe. Firstly Europe has to reject terrorism and accept the fact that the event that is going in Turkey is terrorism. Person who has a weapon in his hand, kills nine months old babies and also 90 years old woman. They also kill police officers and soldiers. If one person says that 'there are just causes for the things that this man does,' it means that he/she extends support to terrorism. The ways to seek for rights in Turkey are open,'' said Demirel.

    When asked whether Turkey thinks to set up dialogue with Kurdish leaders who are not armed, President Demirel asked what could Turkey talk with them? The interviewer said that Turkey can talk minority rights with them.

    ''Kurdish people are not minority in Turkey, they are part of the majority. It is irrational for those people who have the rights of majority to go after minority rights,'' said Demirel.

    When the correspondent said that several Kurdish people talk about minority rights, President Demirel said that ''these people should come to Turkey and say here what they want in front of the Turkish public. There is no obstacle for that. But when they say that 'we want to divide' Turkey, this is a crime.''

    President Demirel also received on Wednesday Victor Klima, the Austrian Chancellor.

    [17] THE US CALLS ITALY TO EXTRADITE OCALAN TO TURKEY - KELLY, PRESS ATTACHE OF THE US EMBASSY IN ANKARA: - ''OCALAN COMMITTED MOST OF HIS CRIMES AGAINST THE TURKISH PEOPLE''

    ANKARA/WASHINGTON D.C., Nov 18 (A.A) - The US called Italy to extradite Abdullah Ocalan, the chief of the separatist terrorist organization PKK who was captured in Italy last week, to Turkey, on Wednesday.

    Ian Kelly, the Press Attache of the US Embassy in Ankara, told the A.A correspondent that the US believes that Ocalan should be extradited to Turkey.

    Stressing that only Turkey has offically requested extradition of Ocalan from Italy, Kelly pointed out that the US hopes that an appropriate way can be found to extradite Ocalan within the framework of the international laws and Italian laws.

    Kelly underlined that Ocalan has committed the crimes with which he was accused in Turkey and against the Turkish people.

    Meanwhile several sources in Washington D.C. stressed that the US who declared Ocalan as a ''bloody-handed and cruel terrorist'', is certainly opposed to grant him with political asylum.

    The same sources pointed out that the US has begun several initiatives for the extradition of Ocalan to Turkey.

    James Rubin, the Spokesman of the US State Department, stressed that Ocalan should be extradited either to Turkey or to Germany. He added that they belive in the governments of Italy, Germany and Turkey should work together to bring Ocalan to justice.

    German government has not appealed for the extradition of Ocalan so far.

    Madeleine Albright, the US Secretary of State, has declared the PKK as a ''foreign terrorist organization'' in 1996. The US describes the PKK as a ''brutal, cruel and and bloody-handed terrorist organization.''

    Rubin underlined in his recent statements that Ocalan should not be granted with political asylum, but should be brought to justice and receive the punishment he deserved.

    The US President Bill Clinton had sent a harsh message to President Hafez al Assad of Syria during the crisis between Turkey and Syria, saying ''cut all your relations with separatist terrorist PKK.'' Later, when Ocalan proceeded to Russia, the US State Department conveyed a message to Moscow and said ''either extradite Ocalan or expel him.''

    James Rubin had called on Moscow saying that no country should shelter separatist terrorist Ocalan.

    [18] TURKISH-SYRIAN RELATIONS - ATACANLI, THE FM DEPUTY SPOKESMAN: ''WE CLOSELY MONITOR THE DEGREE SYRIA ABIDES WITH HER COMMITMENTS''

    ANKARA, Oct 18 (A.A) - Sermet Atacanlı, the Foreign Ministry Deputy Spokesman said on Wednesday that Syria has many tasks to fulfil in the implementation process of the agreement reached between Turkey and Syria, adding that ''we closely monitor the degree Syria abides with her commitments.''

    Atacanlı told a press briefing the same day that the implementation process of the agreement, signed to provide the regional security and to prevent terrorism, continues as it is foreseen.

    ''Our relations with Syria continue within the framework of the agreement reached in Adana and the mechanisms that have been determined in the agreement are entering into force gradually,'' said Atacanlı, adding that a special telephone line has been set up between the two countries and two Turkish officials left for Syria.

    Stressing that the agreement was not an end, but a beginning, Atacanlı said that ''the thing that will be constructed on this beginning is very important.''

    [19] DOCUMENTARY FILM NAMED ''LAST TAVERN-KEEPER'' OF STUDENTS OF ANKARA UNIVERSITY FACULTY OF COMMUNICATION, AWARDED IN GERMANY

    ANKARA, Nov 18 (A.A) - The short-feature documentary film named ''Last Tavern-keeper'' made by the students of the Ankara University Faculty of Communication, awarded with the Odyssey Prize at the Interforum Film Festival in Nurnberg, Germany, it was reported on Wednesday.

    The film reflects sections from the life of Hristo Hristodilus, the last heir of the famous Agora Tavern in Fener-Balat District of Istanbul Province.

    [20] PRESIDENT DEMIREL IN AUSTRIA - DEMIREL ADDRESSES TO TURKISH-AUSTRIAN BUSINESS COUNCIL: ''TURKEY IS A MEMBER OF THE EUROPEAN FAMILY'' ''WE EXPECT THE EU TO DESCRIBE TURKEY AS THE 12TH CANDIDATE COUNTRY''

    VIENNA, Nov 18 (A.A) - President Suleyman Demirel, who is currently in Austria for an official visit, said on Wednesday that ''Turkey is a member of the European family despite several circles which don't wish or don't approve it.''

    ''The history shows us that a Europe without Turkey and a Turkey without Europe can't be thought of,'' said Demirel, adding that Turkey expects to be described as the 12th candidate country to the European Union (EU) in a way which will not lead to discussion or hesitation during the EU Summit meeting that will be held in Vienna between 11-12 December.

    Addressing the Turkish-Austrian Business Council, President Demirel said that ''the vanguard initiavies of Turkey play a determining role for our common values such as democracy, supremacy of the law, and market economy to flourish in Eurasia.''

    Noting that Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC), Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) which have developed by the leadership of Turkey strengthen the economic solidarity between the member countries and encourage the peaceful solutions of problems between countries.

    ''Turkey has 5000 firms, investment and commitments of nearly 20 billion dollars in Russia, Central Asia and Caucasus and a trade volume of 10 billion dollars with these regions,'' said Demirel.

    Refering to the Turkish-EU relations, President Demirel said that even the European countries reacted to the discrimination shown against Turkey during the EU Summit in Luxembourg. Turkey has friends in Europe and they exert support for the full membership of Turkey.

    ''Both the messages that were given to us during the Cardiff Summit and the report published by the EU Commission on November 4 have positive signs,'' said Demirel, adding that the customs union between Turkey and the EU is important for securing the economic integration and broadening of commercial ties between Turkey and the EU.

    Noting that Turkey will be one of the most important energy terminals of the 21st century by the energy lines that will be built via Turkey, President Demirel stressed that Turkey has ''de facto'' been within EU for a long time.

    ''There is not any other dynamic and creative economy than Turkey within Europe among developing countries,'' added Demirel.


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