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Anadolu Agency: News in English, 98-11-20Anadolu Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Anadolu Agency Home Page at <http://www.anadoluajansi.gov.tr/>20 NOV 1998CONTENTS
[01] THE US ADMINISTRATION: - ''OCALAN SHOULD BE EXTRADITED TO TURKEY AND PUT INTO PRISON''WASHINGTON D.C., Nov 20 (A.A) - James Rubin, the Spokesman of the US State Department, said on Thursday that Abdullah Ocalan, the chief of separatist terrorist organization PKK who was arrested in Italy, should be extradited and put into prison.Addressing the journalists, Rubin noted that the talks between Turkish and Italian officials continue over the issue of Ocalan. He 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. Rubin stressed that he can give the annual terrorism reports of the US State Department to those who are curious about the PKK, reiterating that Ocalan should be extradited to Turkey and put into prison. James Rubin also expressed deep 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. [02] PARLIAMENT ACCEPTS TO TAKE CENSURE MOTIONS AGAINST GOVERNMENT INTO THE AGENDA WITH 311 TO 213 VOTESANKARA, Nov 20 (A.A) - Parliamentary General Assembly on Thursday accepted to take the censure motions to the agenda, given by Virtue Party (FP), True Path Party (DYP) and Republican Peoples' Party (CHP) groups, against Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz.Yasin Hatiboglu, Acting Parliament Speaker, said a total of 524 deputies participated in the voting and the censure motion was decided to be taken into the agenda with 311 to 213 votes. Deputies of FP, DYP, CHP, BBP and MHP, Korkut Ozal Democrat Party (DP) leader and Gokhan Capoglu, leader Changing Turkey Party (DEPAR) voted in favor of the censure motion and Deputies of ANAP, DSP and DTP voted against to start debating the censure motion. Under a decision taken earlier talks on censure motion will take place on November 23. No-confidence vote motion or government's call for confidence that will be given during talks will be voted on November 25. [03] BATU, TURKISH AMBASSADOR TO ITALY: - ''IF ITALY GRANTS OCALAN, CHIEF OF SEPARATIST TERRORIST ORGANIZATION, WITH POLITICAL ASYLUM, RELATIONS BETWEEN TURKEY AND ITALY BREAK OFF''ROME, Nov 20 (A.A) - Inal Batu, the Turkish Ambassador to Italy, said on Thursday that if Italian authorities grant Abdullah Ocalan, the chief of separatist terrorist organization PKK who is the most dangerous enemy of Turkey, relations between Turkey and Italy break off.Addressing the Italian RAIUNO Television Channel, Batu reminded that the separatist terrorist organization even massacred hundreds of innocent babies and teachers. Batu pointed out ''How can you describe such an organization? We are not the only one admitting the PKK as a bloody-handed terrorist organization. PKK is a terrorist organization also for the US, France and Germany.'' Responding to a question about the Turkish people's boycott over the Italian goods, Batu stressed that no institution has organized the boycott, but it was only the reaction of the Turkish people. [04] ILKIN, TURKISH AMBASSADOR TO THE US, PRAISES THE US ADMINISTRATION'S ATTITUDE AGAINST SEPARATIST TERRORIST ORGANIZATION PKKWASHINGTON D.C., Nov 20 (A.A)- Baki Ilkin, the Turkish Ambassador to the US, praised on Thursday the US Administration's attitude against the separatist terrorist organization PKK.Addressing a press conference on the latest developments following the capture of Abdullah Ocalan, the chief of separatist terrorist organization PKK, in Italy last week, Ilkin gave information to the journalists about the methods, tactics and cruel actions of the bloody-handed terrorist organization. Ilkin stressed that relations between Turkey and Italy will be damaged permanently unless terrorist Ocalan is extradited to Turkey. Mentioning that Turkey has been suffering from terrorism for years, Ilkin emphasized that the separatist terrorist organization claimed nearly 30 thousand people. Underlining that the US has officially declared the PKK as a terrorists organization, Ilkin reminded that the US' policy against terrorism is not selective, but global. Responding to a question Ilkin emphasized that Ocalan should be extradited to Turkey, and noted that Ocalan will be judged fairly by the independent courts in Turkey. Reiterating that Turkey and, Italy having friendly relations, are the NATO allies, Ilkin added that both countries have suffered from the terrorism and now Italy's friendship towards Turkey came across with a significant exam. The US describes the separatist terrorist organization as a ''cruel and bloody-haded terrorist organization.'' James Rubin, the Spokesman of the US State Department, stressed before that Ocalan should be extradited to Turkey and brought to justice. Joe Lockhart, the White House Spokesman, described capture of Ocalan as a significant step in struggle against global terrorism. [05] PRESIDENT DEMIREL: ''AUSTRIA IS SUPPORTIVE TO TURKEY IN EU ISSUE''SALZBOURG-ANKARA, Nov 20 (A.A) - President Suleyman Demirel said on Thursday that Austria was supportive to Turkey in European Union (EU) question, adding that ''I can say we would get a positive outcome if the question was solved only with Austria.''Speaking at the plane on his way to Turkey after wrapping up his contacts in Austria, Demirel said the visit mainly focused on the EU question, adding that Austrian Prime Minister will visit capital cities of European countries and will convey Turkey's views related with the issue. Responding to questions about the extradition of Abdullah Ocalan, chief of separatist terrorist organization captured in Italy, Demirel said there was no need to carry out a policy on European Union (EU) concerning this issue, and added that ''I am neither optimistic nor pessimistic about the extradition issue, I am only realistic.'' Evaluating his visit Demirel said it was a very successful one, adding that he held talks in every level to further improve relations. Responding to a question if there was any formula to overcome Greek veto, Demirel said, ''we did not make a formula yet told them that there will not be a Europe without Turkey and a Turkey without Europe. This is the slogan.'' When asked an article issued in a newspaper attributing to Demirel, said a technocrat government will be established, Demirel said ''I have not told something like this to anybody. What I said was that there is only one government that is Turkish Republic Government.'' Demirel said it will not be the first time that a government will be established, 55 others had been established. ''When it is required, 56th will be established like the 55th. There is no reason for panic. Turkey is a constitution state having principles.'' [06] BROTHER OF OCALAN, CHIEF OF SEPARATIST TERRORIST ORGANIZATION: - ''I AM AGAINST HOMICIDE AND CONDEMN SUCH BLOODY ACTIONS''ADANA, Nov 20 (A.A) - Mehmet Ocalan, the brother of Abdullah Ocalan, the chief of separatist terrorist organization PKK, said on said on Thursday that he is against homicide.Stressing that he condemns such bloody actions, Mehmet Ocalan told reporters that he has not seen his brother since 1977. [07] TURKEY AND MOLDOVAO SIGN TECHNICAL AND SCIENTIFIC COOPERATION AGREEMENT IN MILITARY FIELDANKARA, Nov 20 (A.A) - Turkey and Moldova signed on Thursday the technical, scientific and training coopariton agreement in military field.The agreement was signed by General Huseyin Kivrikoglu, the Chief of General Staff, and Valeriu Pasat, the Moldovian Defense Minister in a ceremony held in the General Staff. Addressing the signing ceremony, General Kivrikoglu expressed gratification over signing the agreement envisaging improvement of the existing cooperation between the two cuuntries in military field. Kivrikoglu stressed that the agreement will also be beneficial for peace and stability both in the region and in the world. Valeriu Pasat, in his part, pointed out that the relations between Turkey and Moldova have accelerated recently, adding that the agreement signed between the armed forces of the two countries, will contribute to the overall relations between Turkey and Moldova. Meanwhile Pasat paid a visit to Ismet Sezgin, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense before the signing ceremony. Addressing the meeting, Sezgin reminded that Turkey attributes great importance to set up cooperation relations with Moldova. Stressing that the two countries share many values although they have no joint border, Sezgin pointed out the important role of the Gagoguz in the relations between Turkey and Moldovo. Meanwhile responding to a question about the extradition of Abdullah Ocalan, the chief of separatist terrorist organization PKK who was captured in Italy last week, Pasat emphasized that no one can support terrorism. [08] TURKEY-ITALY TENSION IN SOCCER - PRIME MINISTER D'ALEMA NOT TO COME TURKEY FOR JUVENTUS-GALATASARAY MATCHROME, Nov 20 (A.A) - Prime Minister Massimo D'Alema of Italy will not come to Turkey for the European Champions' League match between FC Juventus Club and Galatasaray Club in 25 November, it was reported on Thursday.Italian Prime Ministry issued a statement saying that D'Alema would come to Turkey to call his Turkish Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz to a ''sincere, friendly and frank dialogue'' on the Abdullah Ocalan, the chief of separatist terrorist organization PKK who was captured in Italy last week. But the statement added that D'Alema's visit to Turkey was cencelled after he learned that Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz could not leave Ankara because of a meeting at the parliament on that day, through the diplomatic sources. Meanwhile officials at the Franco Rosso Travel Agency which will carry the supporters of the Juventus Club to Istanbul, stated that supporters will not come to watch the European Champions' Leage match in 25 November. The travel agency has taken the mentioned decision upon the advice of the Italian Foreign Ministry. [09] PRESIDENT DEMIREL RETURNS TO TURKEY - ''INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION AGAINST TERRORISM, WHICH IS A CRIME AGAINST HUMANITY, IS INEVITABLE FOR EVERY COUNTRY WHO RESPECTS LAW''ANKARA, Nov 20 (A.A) - President Suleyman Demirel said on Thursday that terrorism can not be excused with any reason, adding that international cooperation against this trouble, which is a crime against humanity, is an inevitable obligation for every country.Speaking to reporters in Ankara's Airport where he arrived concluding contacts in Austria, Demirel said his visit to Austria, as coincided with Austria's EU Term Presidency, created a fruitful opportunity to discuss Turkish-EU relations. Demirel pointed out that during his contacts with Austrian President Klestil, Parliament Speaker Fischer and Prime Minister Klima, they have altogether determined that there was the required base to deepen bilateral relations and cooperation in every field. Demirel said he told them that ''terrorism cannot be excused with any reason and that international cooperation against terrorism is an unavoidable obligation for each country who respects law.'' [10] DR. ARIN NAMAL AWARDED WITH INTERNATIONAL ''HUMANITARIAN AND VOLUNTARY SERVICE'' PRIZEANKARA, Nov 20 (A.A) - Dr.Arin Namal from the Istanbul University Medicine Faculty, won the ''Pioneer Youths of the World'98'' prize of the ''Junior Chamber International'' (JCI) Organization on the branch of ''Humanitarian and Voluntary Service'', it was reported on Thursday.Dr. Namal is known with his studies on the AIDS, and with his voluntary social services. He has received the prize in Manila where the JCI Congress is being held. [11] GERMAN GOVERNMENT SAYS IT WOULD NOT FOR THE TIME BEING SEEK THE EXTRADITION OF OCALANBONN, Nov 20 (A.A) - German government said on Friday that it would not for the time being seek the extradition of Abdullah Ocalan, chief of separatist terrorist organization.Uwe Karsten Heye, government Spokesperson, addressing a news conference, said ''we don't want to hurt and jeopardise the situtation at the moment,'' adding that request for extradition was suspended for the time being. [12] TURKEY-STOCK EXCHANGE - IMKB FIRST SESSION - NATIONAL-100 INDEX RISES TO 2,292.10 WITH AN INCREASE OF 49.01 POINTSISTANBUL, Nov 20 (A.A) - The Istanbul Stock Exchange (IMKB) National-100 Index in the first session increased 49.01 points to 2,292.10 and shares gained 2.18 percent in value compared with prices at the close of Thursday's second session, it was reported on Friday.At the close of the first session, the financial index increased 70.86 points to 2,826.90, the industrial index climbed 24.06 points to 1,740.58 and the services index increased 47.32 points to 3,310.70. The financial shares gained 2.57 percent in value, the industrial shares gained 1.40 percent in value and the services shares gained 1.45 percent in value compared with Thursday's second session close. A total of 155 of the 274 shares gained in value, 46 shares lost in value while the prices of 73 shares didn't change. The trading volume in the morning session was 23.1 trillion Turkish Liras. [13] ITALIAN BUSINESSMEN JUSTIFY TURKEY - ORLANDO, CHAIRMAN OF ITALIAN SIDE OF TURKISH-ITALIAN BUSINESS COUNCIL ''PKK IS A TERRORIST ORGANIZATION, WE KNOW THAT THIS ORGANIZATION DOESN'T REPRESENT ALL KURDS AND THAT GROUP SUPPORTING IT IS A MINORITY''MILANO/ANKARA, Nov 20 (A.A) - Rosalino Orlando, Chairman of Italian side of Turkish-Italian Business Council, said on Friday that being Italian businessmen doing work with Turkey, they felt sorrow over the problems erupted with friendly and ally country Turkey due to the terrorist chief Abdullah Ocalan and wanted their sorrow to be known by Turkey.Orlando said, ''we believe that our government will not take actions that will endanger relations between the two friendly and ally countries.'' Speaking to A.A correspondent about the extradition of Ocalan to Turkey, Orlando said they knew that PKK was a separatist terrorist organization and that this organization did not represent all Kurds and that group supporting this separatist organization was a minority. Yet, he also said, extradition of Ocalan has several legal problems and that laws of Italy prevented the extradition. Orlando said the most important obstacle preventing Ocalan's extradition was capital punishment in Turkey, adding that lifting of capital punishment will be an important step towards extradition. Orlando said Italian officials regarded the issue as an international crime and that they began to talk about the issue of giving Ocalan to international court of the UN in the Netherlands and judge him on grounds of crime on humanity. Pointing out that Italian businessmen expended efforts to solve the problem, Orlando said legal system in Italy did not give facilities to intervention. Orlando stressed that Turkey was a strong country, adding that Turkey has a stronger position in NATO and European Union (EU) today when compared to the past, and also that Turkey was included in Defense System of Western European Union (WEU). He said all these are important factors in solution of the problem. Rosalino Orlando also expressed belief that a peaceful solution would be found which will be for the interests of the two countries. [14] THE US PRESIDENT BILL CLINTON: - ''WE HAVE REQUESTED CANCELLATION OF THE S-300 MISSILES AGREEMENT''WASHINGTON D.C., Nov 20 (A.A) - The US President Bill Clinton said on Friday that they requested the cancellation of the agreement regarded with the S-300 missiles which the Greek Cypriot side plans to purchase from Russia.Clinton sent the report on Cyprus comprising August and September to the US Congress and reiterated that the US wants a bi-zonal and bi-communal federal solution on the island. Pointing out that the US maintains her efforts to find a peaceful solution to the Cyprus question, Clinton gave imformation about the contacts of Kenneth Brill, the US Ambassador to the Greek Cypriot side, on the island. Brill held talks with Glafcos Clerides, the leader of Greek Cypriot side administration, in 18 August, and warned him that the Russian made S-300 missiles escalate the tension on the island, and complicate efforts aiming at peace on the island. He requested Clerides to cancel the agreement envisaging purchase of S-300 missiles from Russia. Kenneth Brill also came together with President Rauf Denktas of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) and told him that the postponement of the contacts between the two communities on the island, cause the tension to be escalated on Cyprus. Meanwhile Richard Holbrooke, the Special Representative of US President Bill Clinton for Cyprus, begins a tour comprising Cyprus, Turkey and Greece at the beginning of December. [15] CRITICISMS IN ITALY FORWARDED TO SEPARATIST TERRORIST ORGANIZATIONROME, Nov 20 (A.A) - Gianfranco Fini, leader of National Alliance Party, one of the most strongest parties of Italy, said that separatist terrorist PKK organization strained relations between Turkey and Italy, both of whom are NATO member countries and who have strong trade relations. He also said separatist terrorist PKK was responsible for the killings of hundreds of people.Fini, who participated in a program staged by Mediaset tv related with problem of illegal migration, recalled that Ocalan was announced as a fierce terrorist by the US, adding that Ocalan and his organization played important roles in international drug trafficking. Stressing that the arrival of chief terrorist to Italy did not take place spontaneously and that it was planned, Fini said Greens and Communist Party were active in his arrival. Fini said Ocalan would not be extradited to Turkey yet that it would be very wrong if Italy grants him political asylum ''because PKK is responsible for the killings of hundreds of people and Ocalan is a murderer included in these murders.'' Fini also identified arrival of Ocalan to Italy as a plot. Photographs of massacres of PKK and reactions of relatives of the ones killed by the PKK were given during the tv program and interviews with the terrorists were broadcasted. Meanwhile, Italian radios began to critize the supporters of separatist terrorist organization in Rome. [16] AKTAS, INTERIOR MINISTER CALLS TURKISH PEOPLE TO BE CALM: - ''WE SHOULD NOT BE A TOOL OF PROVOCATIONS AND PURPOSE OF SEPARATIST TERRORIST PKK'' - ''WE ARE RIGHT ON REACTING, BUT THESE REACTIONS SHOULD BE DIGNIFIED''IZMIR, Nov 20 (A.A) - Kutlu Aktas, the Interior Minister said on Friday that the Turkish people should not be a tool of provocation and the purpose of the separatist terrorist organization PKK, in their reactions for the extradition of Abdullah Ocalan, the chief of the separatist terrorist organization who was captured in Italy last week.Responding to the questions of the journalists, Aktas noted that Turkey has been suffering from terrorism for 15 years and her struggle against separatist terrorist organization still continue. Aktas told the reporters, ''reactions are, of course, normal, but I am calling the Turkish people to be calm, cautious and foresighted. We can solve the problems by only following the path of common sense. We should not become wrong when we are in fact right.'' Stressing that there are juridicial, technical and diplomatic aspects of the extradition of Ocalan, Aktas stressed, ''all of them are extremely significant, therefore our reaction should be dignified.'' Emphasizing that the Turkish people's reaction is rightful, Aktas noted that this rigthful reaction should not be brought to an irreversible level. [17] ECEVIT, DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER: ''LIMITS ARE EXCEEDED FROM TIME TO TIME IN REACTIONS TO ITALY''ANKARA, Nov 20 (A.A) - Bulent Ecevit, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State pointed out on Friday that limits are exceeded from time to time in reactions to Italy, adding that ''shadow will be casted over our rightfulness on an issue if people went beyond legal borders and apply to force in these demonstrations.''Addressing a news conference in Premiership building, Ecevit said Italy's attitude related with Abdullah Ocalan, terrorist chief, contradicted with the attitude of an ally country. Noting that recent news revealed that Ocalan received a privileged guest treatment, Ecevit said Italian government seemed having a tendency to grant political asylum to Ocalan. Ecevit said all the world accepted PKK as a terrorist organization and Ocalan as a very dangerous terrorist, adding that Italian government and politicians refrained from using ''terrorist'' expression for Ocalan. Pointing out that the government showed required initiatives and reactions against this attitude of Italy, Ecevit said reaction of business circles and tradesmen, leaving trade interests aside, was pleasing, adding that ''meanwhile, it is very natural that people react to the attitude of Italy. Yet, these reactions began to exceed limits in these reactions. Possibility of infiltration of provocators to the reactions increases.'' Ecevit said the Constitution and laws provide facilities for the right of meeting and demonstrations to be used widely and called on people not to go beyond the limits of legal framework. Ecevit said Turkey called for extradition of Ocalan for the crimes he committed yet Italy, in return of this demand, put forward the pretext that there is capital punishment in Turkey. Ecevit said Italy did not extradite a US citizen to this country in 1996 as there is capital punishment ''thus it is understood that Italy is faithful to its legal system. Yet, if he is not extradited, Rome may become a headquarters of Ocalan and activities of PKK may increase. So, we should be insistent on our request for extradition. We should remove capital punishment from of legal system. If Ocalan is not extradited, he will not be judged completely and will be free.'' Ecevit said unless persons like Ocalan and Alaatin Cakici, notorious mafia boss, are not extradited and judged, many facts can not be clarified. Noting that there is a possibility that Italy will put forward many reasons not to extradite Ocalan even if capital punishment is lifted, Ecevit said international pressures on Italy are intensely growing. Recalling the statements of European Parliament and the US on the issue, Ecevit said ''Italy's power to resist the pressures may be weakened. Italy may fall into a difficult situation if separatist terrorists began to hold activities in this country. Under these conditions, may be Italy will change its attitude and would like to get rid of this problem, if we lift capital punishment. [18] THIRTY RED ROSES SYMBOLIZING 30 THOUSAND LOST LIVESANKARA, Nov 20 (A.A) - A group of lawyers who are members to the Juridical Research Association, gave a letter explaining why Abdullah Ocalan, the chief of separatist terrorist organization PKK, should be extradited to Turkey, and the Book of Roman Law which constitute the base of law, to the Italian Embassy in Ankara to convey it to Italian Union of Bars Association, on Friday.In the letter, lawyers underlined that Ocalan is a murderer who claimed 30 thousand lives including many children, women and elderly. Describing the brutality of separatist terrorist organization as a crime against humanity, lawyers stressed that Italy cannot ignore such a crime. Pointing out that the Turkish Penal Code has been taken from Italy, lawyers stressed that the laws sentencing Ocalan are the Italian Laws. Lawyers also called all countries not to support terrorism for their political interests. Then 30 red roses symbolizing 30 thousand lives claimed by the separatist terrorist organization, was laid in front of the Italian Embassy building. Meanwhile reaction of the several democratic mass organizations and and Turkish people continue in front of the Italian representations. Espacially relatives of those who were killed by the separatist terrorist PKK, hold demonstration to protest Italy's supporting attitude towards bloody chief of terrorist organization. Anadolu Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |