Anadolu Agency: News in English, 98-11-19

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

19 NOV 1998

CONTENTS

[01] PARLIAMENT ISSUES A STATEMENT: ''EXTENDING SUPPORT TO SEPARATIST TERRORISTS STAINS THE ITALIAN CIVILIZATION''

[02] DEMONSTRATION IN BRUSSELS AGAINST THE SEPARATIST TERRORIST ORGANIZATION

[03] FATCHETTE, THE BRITISH STATE SECRETARY'S CONTACTS IN TURKEY - ECEVIT, THE DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER ASKS FOR SUPPORT OF BRITAIN CONCERNING THE EXTRADITION OF OCALAN, THE TERRORIST CHIEF

[04] OZTEK, TURKISH AMBASSADOR TO BELGIUM EXPRESSES SORROW OVER DEMONSTRATIONS

[05] PENTAGON PLANS TO SELL 11 FRIGATES TO TURKEY

[06] A HIGH RANKING OFFICIAL FROM THE FM: ''IF THE RIGHT TO ASYLUM IS RECOGNIZED TO OCALAN, THE TERRORIST CHIEF, THERE WON'T BE ANY RELATIONS BETWEEN TURKEY AND ITALY''

[07] FOREIGN MINISTER CEM: ''IF ITALY DOES NOT EXTRADITE THE SEPARATIST TERRORIST ORGANIZATION, THE PKK CAN COME TO A POINT WHICH IT CAN BLACKMAIL EUROPEANS''

[08] ITALIAN OPPOSITION PARTY REACTS HARSHLY TO POLICY OF ITALIAN PREMIER D'ALEMA CONCERNING THE SEPARATIST TERRORIST ORGANIZATION

[09] THE US ADMINISTRATION: - ''TERRORIST OCALAN SHOULD BE EXTRADITED TO TURKEY'' - ''WE CONVEYED OUR OPINIONS TO ROME''

[10] D'ALEMA, THE ITALIAN PREMIER: ''THERE IS NO MEANING IN TELLING US THAT 'YOU SHOULD EXTRADITE OCALAN,' BECAUSE THE ISSUE WILL BE TAKEN UP ITALIAN COURTS''

[11] SEZGIN, DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER AND MINISTER OF NATIONAL DEFENSE, RETURNS TO TURKEY

[12] BULGARIAN FOREIGN MINISTRY: - ''WE ARE AGAINST ALL KINDS OF TERRORIST ACTIONS''

[13] TRNC PRESIDENT DENKTAS: ''IF GREEK CYPRIOTS TAKE ONE STEP, WE'LL TAKE TEN STEPS'' - ''THEY HAVE DIVIDED THE ISLAND, BUT THEY HAVE NOT BECOME WISER''

[14] SEZGIN, DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER: ''I HAVE NO CONCERN THAT THERE WILL BE RAPPROACHMENT''

[15] BOYCOTT TO ITALIAN SHOES - KILIC, DEPUTY GENERAL DIRECTOR OF TURKISH SHOES FEDERATION: ''WE WILL NEITHER IMPORT NOR SELL THE ITALIAN MODEL SHOES WHICH HAVE ENTERED SHOE SECTOR''

[16] PROTEST FOR ITALIAN GOODS - TRADESMEN IN ISTANBUL BAYRAMPASA CENTRAL FOOD MARKET PLACE THROW VEGETABLES AND FRUITS COMING FROM ITALY ON THE GROUNDS TO PROTEST THE ATTITUDE OF ITALIAN GOVERNMENT

[01] PARLIAMENT ISSUES A STATEMENT: ''EXTENDING SUPPORT TO SEPARATIST TERRORISTS STAINS THE ITALIAN CIVILIZATION''

Yasin Hatiboglu, the Deputy Speaker of the Parliament read the statement signed by all the political parties represented in the parliament. The statement noted that ''international terrorism, which is described as the third world war today causes the deaths of thousands of people and threatens human rights and democracy. The civilized world which has to make cooperation against this serious danger, unfortunately can't show the necessary solidarity against terrorism in spite of the signed agreements. It is seen that several countries use terrorism as a foreign policy tool. Tolerance and even protection of terrorism by some countries, which suffered from terrorism in the past means denial of civilized values. Protection of terrorism by Italy, which is our NATO ally and a neighbour in the Mediterranean, stains the Italian civilization. We don't want to believe that Italian government does not respect the right to life and human rights. We are sure that the statements issued recently also hurt Italian nation like it hurt Turkish public opinion. The parliament regards to announce its sorrow over this situation as a necessity of the friendship. The parliament invites the Italian Parliament to abide by the Council of Europe (COE) Agreement on Struggle with Terrorism. The protection of a chief of a terrorist movement which is responsible from killings of nearly 30,000 people including babies, children, old people, women, teachers, health personnel and civil servants shakes the position of Italy in the civilized world. Defending a terrorist organization which violates the right to life and which involves in drug trafficking contradicts with the human rights discourse of the civilized world and it upsets the trust on Italy.''

The statement went on saying that ''the parliament which attributes importance to the friendship, alliance and cooperation between Turkey and Italy, invites the Italian parliament and government to act responsibly, because if this is not the case, it means protection of terrorists and sharing of the crimes committed by the terrorists. The Turkish nation desires the murderers who killed nearly 30,000 people to be brought before the justice. We, as the parliament members wish to help Italy in getting free from this difficult position. We hope that the Italian civilization will pass this exam she is taking in front of the civilized world and public opinion. We hope Italy will understand this message well.''

[02] DEMONSTRATION IN BRUSSELS AGAINST THE SEPARATIST TERRORIST ORGANIZATION

Demonstrators chanted slogans against Italy and the separatist terrorist organization which claimed 30 thousand lives, and later dispersed.

[03] FATCHETTE, THE BRITISH STATE SECRETARY'S CONTACTS IN TURKEY - ECEVIT, THE DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER ASKS FOR SUPPORT OF BRITAIN CONCERNING THE EXTRADITION OF OCALAN, THE TERRORIST CHIEF

Fatchette, the British State Minister responsible from the Middle Eastern, economic and energy affairs, met the same day with

Bulent Ecevit, the Deputy Prime Minister and State Minister; Yalım Erez, the Minister of Industry and Trade; Gunes Taner, the State Minister responsible from economy and high ranking officials from the Foreign Ministry.

The main issue that was taken up in the meeting between Ecevit and Fatchette was the recent developments in Northern Iraq and terrorism issues. Sources said that the British State Secretary assured guarantees to Ecevit by saying that Britain does not have the intention to extend support to establishment of a Kurdish state in Northern Iraq.

The concerns of Turkey about Northern Iraq stemming from the agreement signed in Washinton D.C. on September 17 were overcomed by a joint declaration by the US, Britain and Turkey.

In his meeting with Fatchette, Ecevit requested the help of the British government concerning the extradition of Abdullah Ocalan, the chief of the separatist terrorist organization PKK and he also thanked to the British Secretary for the message of Britain issued after the arrest of Ocalan.

Fatchette said in his part that the extradition issue is a legal problem between Turkey and Italy.

The British State Secretary's visit to Turkey was planned for an earlier date, but it was postponed due to the crisis between Iraq and the UN.

Fatchette is expected to continue his contacts in Istanbul.

[04] OZTEK, TURKISH AMBASSADOR TO BELGIUM EXPRESSES SORROW OVER DEMONSTRATIONS

Oztek stressed that Turkish people living in Belgium, are known as peace- lovers, but the provocation of the supporters of separatist terrorist organization caused such incidents.

Describing the statements of Italian Prime Minister Massimo D'Alema as ''inconvenient'', Oztek pointed ot that all West European countries defend certain values, but acquiting Ocalan will encourage the other terrorist.

''Ocalan says that he will abandon terrorism. A murderer such as Ocalan, of course, will says so because he has no other alternative,'' Oztek said, adding that if Italy grants Ocalan with political asylum, she would deny herself.

Oztek also called Turkish people living in Belgium to be calm.

Turkish people living in Belgium, held a demonstration in Brussels on Tuesday night to protest actions of the separatist terrorist organization PKK in front of several buildings belonging to separatist terrorist organization. ''Kurdish Committee'' building in Saint Josse District was burnt down and the building of ''Kurdish Institute'' and a club belonging to the separatist terrorist organization were damaged at the clashes which occured during the demonstrations.

[05] PENTAGON PLANS TO SELL 11 FRIGATES TO TURKEY

The US will sell three FFG-7 Perry and eight FF 1052 Knoxx class frigates for 205 million US dollars within the framework of Economic Development Administration (EDA).

The ''Knoxx'' class frigates which are planned to be sold, are currently serving in Turkish navy with ''leasing'' method.

The statement by Pentagon said that the selling is necessary within the framework of modernization of Turkish Naval Forces, and it will increase Turkish navy's power against enemy submarines.

There are still three Perry class frigates in the inventory of Turkish navy.

The statement also said that the selling will not affect the military balance in the region and the US efforts to find a peaceful solution to Cyprus problem.

[06] A HIGH RANKING OFFICIAL FROM THE FM: ''IF THE RIGHT TO ASYLUM IS RECOGNIZED TO OCALAN, THE TERRORIST CHIEF, THERE WON'T BE ANY RELATIONS BETWEEN TURKEY AND ITALY''

A high ranking official from the Foreign Ministry said that ''if political asylum is granted to Ocalan, there won't be any relation between the two countries.''

The same official told A.A correspondent that Italy takes the issue from an ''ideological respect,'' adding that this country does not understand sufficiently the seriousness of this incident and sensitivity of Turkey.

Noting that he does not think Italy is going after long-term plans concerning the region, the same official pointed out that ''on the contrary, Italy can't even see what is going on under her nose.''

Pointing out that if political asylum is granted to Ocalan, it will cause ''serious results,'' the same official said that if this is the case, Ocalan can stroll all Europe and direct terrorist activities from there.

''Even the crows would laugh when they hear that Ocalan will become a political leader,'' he added, noting that the granting of political asylum to Ocalan can damage also relations of Turkey with the European Union (EU).

The official stressed that the US acts by accepting the necessity that Ocalan has to be brought to justice.

[07] FOREIGN MINISTER CEM: ''IF ITALY DOES NOT EXTRADITE THE SEPARATIST TERRORIST ORGANIZATION, THE PKK CAN COME TO A POINT WHICH IT CAN BLACKMAIL EUROPEANS''

Cem, who accompanies President Suleyman in his visit to Austria, told AFP, the French news agency that Italy should extradite Ocalan, the terrorist chief to Turkey.

Explaining the terrorists activities of the PKK, Cem stressed that this illegal organization can attack Turkish citizens, workers, institutions and tradesmen in Europe.

Ismail Cem pointed out that Italy has to abide by her commitments stemming from the Council of Europe (COE) Agreement on Struggle With Terrorism.

[08] ITALIAN OPPOSITION PARTY REACTS HARSHLY TO POLICY OF ITALIAN PREMIER D'ALEMA CONCERNING THE SEPARATIST TERRORIST ORGANIZATION

Responding to questions, the Italian deputy said ''the Italian Premier told yesterday that Ocalan rejected terrorism. However today Ocalan denies this in his address to La Repubblica newspaper.''

Taradorsh stressed that the chief of the separatist terrorist organization will not bring Italy to a platform of political struggle; rather to one of armed struggle.

Marco Taradorsh said that the Italian government should reject the application of Ocalan seeking for political asylum.

[09] THE US ADMINISTRATION: - ''TERRORIST OCALAN SHOULD BE EXTRADITED TO TURKEY'' - ''WE CONVEYED OUR OPINIONS TO ROME''

Addressing the journalists, Rubin expressed reservation over Ocalan's statements and news claiming that he will not resort to violence any more, and reminded that Ocalan had made similar statements before, and then continued his cruel and bloody actions. Reiterating that Madeleine Albright, the US Secretary of State, has declared the PKK as a ''foreign terrorist organization'' in 1996, Rubin emphasized that Ocalan should be brought to justice and judged.

Noting that they welcome capture of Ocalan as an important step in the struggle against global terrorism, Rubin added that the US hopes that an appropriate way can be found to extradite Ocalan within the framework of the international laws and Italian laws.

Stressing that Ocalan has committed most of the terrorist crimes in Turkey and against the Turkish people, Rubin noted that Turkey is the only country to appeal for the extradition of Ocalan.

Rubin added that they have conveyed The US Administration's mentioned opinions to the Italian Government, noting that they encourage Italy to request guarantee from Turkey to bring Ocalan to justice within the framework of the international agreements and laws.

Responding to a question whether the death penalty in Turkey forms an obstacle for the extradition of Ocalan or not, Rubin stressed that Italy and Turkey can solve this problem.

Rubin also stressed that a terrorist such as Ocalan should not be sheltered in any country.

[10] D'ALEMA, THE ITALIAN PREMIER: ''THERE IS NO MEANING IN TELLING US THAT 'YOU SHOULD EXTRADITE OCALAN,' BECAUSE THE ISSUE WILL BE TAKEN UP ITALIAN COURTS''

Addressing a press briefing in return to the press briefing of Prime Minister Mesut Yılmaz the same day, D'Alema said that Italy does not approve terrorism and does not consider herself as a partner of terrorists.

D'Alema stated that they will solve the issue of Ocalan by Italian laws and the Italian Constitution.

Referring to the illegal immigration to his country, D'Alema claimed that Italy faces with the ''tragedy of Kurdish people,'' adding that they are not responsible for these events.

Noting that this problem is not between Italy and Turkey, D'Alema alleged that it is a problem of Europe, adding that they wait for support of European countries concerning this issue.

Pointing out that Italy attributes importance to the friendship of Turkey, Massimo D'Alema stated that he is ready for dialogue with Prime Minister Mesut Yılmaz.

D'Alema added that the Schengen laws foresee that ''the extradition period of a person who is arrested by an international order and whose extradition is wanted, is 40 days.''

[11] SEZGIN, DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER AND MINISTER OF NATIONAL DEFENSE, RETURNS TO TURKEY

Addressing the journalists at the Esenboga Airport, Sezgin noted that the recent atmosphere that seems to be negative, on the issue of extradition of Abdullah Ocalan, the chief of separatist terrorist organization PKK, caused by the Italian government's ideological point of view.

Reminding that he met his Italian counterpart Carlo Scognamiglio, Sezgin told the reporters, ''after a certain period of time, Italy will recognize that she is a member of NATO alliance and a state of law, and then she will not want to damage relations with Turkey.''

Sezgin stressed that Turkey will re-evaluate her economic and social relations with Italy if she refuses to extradite Ocalan to Turkey.

Responding to a question whether Turkey will launch an initiative within the framework of the NATO, Sezgin noted that they will request NATO to take necessary measures to further discuss the issue of terrorism within the alliance, during the meetings next month.

[12] BULGARIAN FOREIGN MINISTRY: - ''WE ARE AGAINST ALL KINDS OF TERRORIST ACTIONS''

Addressing the weekly press conference, Vlaykov mentioned the capture of Abdullah Ocalan, the chief of separatist terrorist organization PKK, in Italy last week, and pointed out that Bulgaria attributes great importance to the regional security and peace.

Vlaykov added that peace and security could only be possible by putting an end to all kinds of threats including terrorism.

[13] TRNC PRESIDENT DENKTAS: ''IF GREEK CYPRIOTS TAKE ONE STEP, WE'LL TAKE TEN STEPS'' - ''THEY HAVE DIVIDED THE ISLAND, BUT THEY HAVE NOT BECOME WISER''

Noting that the Greek Cypriots made the most important mistake of their history while trying to seize the whole island by not taking into account the existence and rights of Turkish Cypriots, Denktas said ''I hope the Greek Cypriots will understand that the armament efforts they started to demoralize Turkish Cypriot people won't bring them to anywhere.''

''The Greek Cypriots divided the island into two, but they have not become wiser. They still believe that they will solve the issue by claiming that Turkey is an occupier state,'' said TRNC President Denktas.

''Turkey did not invade the island, on the contrary she prevented the invasion of the island by the Greek Cypriot side. They think that they will do the things they could not do till today by means of the EU, but they are mistaken. If the Greek Cypriot side integrates with the EU, we will integrate with Turkey.''

[14] SEZGIN, DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER: ''I HAVE NO CONCERN THAT THERE WILL BE RAPPROACHMENT''

Sezgin said ''I have no concern that there will be rapproachment.''

Responding to a question of reporters related with the extradition of Abdullah Ocalan, chief of the separatist terrorist organization, Sezgin said ''it is not yet clear if Italy is a reliable or unreliable ally. We should take up the issue calmly. I have conveyed this to my counterpart during my contacts in Italy.''

Sezgin said there is a coalition government in Italy composed of nine parties. Majority of the government is formed by communist parties and Greens. ''These parties have a tendency to consider the issue emotionally and ideologically. This incident happened spontaneously. I hope that that they will realize the issue in time and remember that they are member of NATO alliance and the commitments of European agreement.''

Evaluating attitude of Italy in embracing Ocalan, Sezgin said ''against several facts, at least Italy will understand that a murderer like Apo, responsible for the death of 30,000 people, is not more valuable than the friendship of Turkey.''

Noting that European Parliament (EP) made the required warning to Italy, Sezgin said ''Italy would want to prove that she was not a country supporting terrorism like Libya, Sudan and Syria. At least it would want to do what Russia did. What they told me was that they will fulfil the requirements of legal state, laws and international agreements.''

Sezgin pointed out that National Defense Ministry has something to do if Italy insists on her incorrect attitude ''nothing can be more natural than choosing interior and exterior needs of Armed Forces from countries who do not contradict with Turkey's thesis.''

Sezgin said, ''we have told about the real face of separatist terrorist PKK organization. Germany understood and declared them as terrorist and expelled them. Britain and France also understood. Yet, several others have problem to understand it.''

Sezgin said separatist PKK lost power and tended to change its strategy.

[15] BOYCOTT TO ITALIAN SHOES - KILIC, DEPUTY GENERAL DIRECTOR OF TURKISH SHOES FEDERATION: ''WE WILL NEITHER IMPORT NOR SELL THE ITALIAN MODEL SHOES WHICH HAVE ENTERED SHOE SECTOR''

Kilic said, ''we will neither import nor sell Italian model shoes which have entered shoe sector.''

Kilic said they have expressed hatred against attitude of Italy in not extraditing Abdullah Ocalan, chief of separatist terrorist organization, adding that they have assumed this attitude against the attitude of Italy.

Noting that there were approximately 500,000 shoe tradesmen throughout Turkey, Kilic said relations with Italy in shoe-leather sector were frozen and that they decided to boycott Italian origin products.

Recalling that many countries announced PKK as a separatist terrorist organization, Kilic said embracing Ocalan and failing to extradite him was a ''shame of democracy.''

[16] PROTEST FOR ITALIAN GOODS - TRADESMEN IN ISTANBUL BAYRAMPASA CENTRAL FOOD MARKET PLACE THROW VEGETABLES AND FRUITS COMING FROM ITALY ON THE GROUNDS TO PROTEST THE ATTITUDE OF ITALIAN GOVERNMENT

Tradesmen gathered in the central market place square in the afternoon and Tuncer Arabul, Director of the Bayrampasa Central Food Market Place, said they condemned Italy who backed chief of the separatist terrorist organization.

Stating that Italians did their best to incite conflict atmosphere in Turkey, Arabul said some countries did not want tranquility to prevail in Turkey.

Arabul recalled that Bayrampasa was the biggest vegetable and fruit market place of Europe, adding that although they were rivals with Italy in this market, they carried out a friendly trade relation so far. Pointing out that Turkey purchased vegatables and fruits from Italy worth of millions of US dollars, he said Italy could not appreciate the friendship of Turkey.

Stressing that they have decided not to purchase goods from this country until Italy changes attitude, Arabul said ''we hope that Italy will correct its mistake.''

The tradesmen chanted slogans, threw food stuffs coming from Italy and tramped on them.

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