Anadolu Agency: News in English, 98-11-21

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

21 NOV 1998

CONTENTS

[01] PRIME MINISTER YILMAZ: ''ITALY IS ATTEMPTING TO MAKE PEACE WITH TERRORISM. IT FACES THE DANGER OF EARNING TURKEY'S ETERNAL HOSTILITY''

[02] YILMAZ, PRIME MINISTER: ''GOVERNMENT IN ITALY EMBRACES THE MOST FIERCE TERRORIST OF THE WORLD''

[03] PARLIAMENT SPEAKER CETIN: - ''OCALAN'S RESIDENCE IN A MODERN COUNTRY SUCH AS ITALY, UNDER THE GUISE OF HUMAN RIGHTS, CANNOT BE ACCEPTED''

[04] FOREIGN MINISTER CEM: ''ITALIAN GOVERNMENT CLEARLY MAKES A MISTAKE''

[05] STATE MINISTER GUREL'S CALL TO THE EU: - ''DO RECOGNIZE THE PKK AS A TERRORIST ORGANIZATION''

[06] SAUDARGAS, LITHUANIAN FOREIGN MINISTER DUE IN TURKEY

[07] TURKEY WISHES WYE RIVER AGREEMENT TO BE IMPLEMENTED FULLY

[08] DENIZKURDU, MINISTER OF JUSTICE: ''DECISION OF ROME APPEALS COURT ABSOLUTELY CONTRADICTS WITH INTERNATIONAL LAW''

[09] PRESIDENT ALIEV OF AZERBAIJAN: - ''CHIEF OF SEPARATIST TERRORIST ORGANIZATION SHOULD BE PUNISHED IN TURKEY'' - ''AZERI PEOPLE SUPPORTS TURKEY''

[10] TORRENTIAL RAINS CAUSE FLOOD IN IZMIR - MANY HOUSES AND BUSINESS PLACES INUNDATED

[11] REACTION FROM TRNC TO ITALY

[12] HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH'S LETTER TO ITALIAN PREMIER: - ''OCALAN SHOULD BE JUDGED WITH THE ACCUSATION OF CRIMES AGAINST HUMANITY''

[13] ITALIAN POLITICAN SPEAKS TO A.A IN ZAGREB

[14] PRIME MINISTER EROGLU OF THE TRNC: - ''OCALAN SHOULD BE EXTRADITED TO TURKEY AND BROUGHT TO JUSTICE''

[15] A HOME SEARCHED FOR CHIEF OF TERRORIST ORGANIZATION

[16] ABNA 7TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY STUDIES CONCLUDED - JOINT STATEMENT CONDEMNS ATTACKS ON JOURNALISTS

[17] CONFERENCE ON ''HUMAN RIGHTS IN TURKEY'' - STOUDMAN, CHAIRMAN OF DEMOCRATIC FOUNDATIONS AND HUMAN RIGHTS DEPARTMENT OF THE OSCE: - ''WE ARE PLEASED WITH THE DEVELOPMENTS IN TURKEY IN THE FIELD OF HUMAN RIGHTS''

[18] THE REAL FACE OF SEPARATIST TERRORIST ORGANIZATION - SECURITY FORCES SEIZED 2.5 TONNES OF HEROIN, 21 TONNES OF HASHISH 4.5 TONNES OF BASE MORPHINE, AND 2 MILLION ROOTS OF INDIAN HEMP IN 205 SEPARATE INCIDENTS WITHIN 13 YEARS - SEPARATIST TERRORIST ORGANIZATION PKK PRODUCES DRUG IN BEKAA VALLEY AND HILLS OF NORTHERN IRAQ

[01] PRIME MINISTER YILMAZ: ''ITALY IS ATTEMPTING TO MAKE PEACE WITH TERRORISM. IT FACES THE DANGER OF EARNING TURKEY'S ETERNAL HOSTILITY''

Responding to the questions of reporters Yilmaz said he made evaluations with Bulent Ecevit, Deputy Prime Minister and Hasan Denizkurdu, Minister of Defense about the issue.

Yilmaz also said he talked to Inal Batu, Turkey's Ambassador to Rome, and got information about the developments.

''The situation at the time being is that Court in Italy, upon the demand of Italian Justice Minister, overruled an arrest warrant for Abdullah Ocalan, the chief of separatist terrorist organization, but said he must remain in Rome. Of court attitude of Italian Government was effective in this decision. This decision proves that Italian Government could not realize the seriousness of the issue. Italian government makes mistake after mistake. Italy is attempting to make peace with terrorism. It faces the danger of earning Turkey's eternal hostility. We are warning our Italian interlocutors from every canals.''

Yilmaz said ''every mistake that will be done to this end will have a very heavy price. The Turkish state is capable of making sure it is paid. I want our citizens to be calm towards the developments and give us time. Nobody should feel doubt that this issue will result in an outcome that is appropriate to the sensitivity to our nation.''

[02] YILMAZ, PRIME MINISTER: ''GOVERNMENT IN ITALY EMBRACES THE MOST FIERCE TERRORIST OF THE WORLD''

Addressing the opening ceremony of sixth Congress of the his Motherland Party (ANAP), Yilmaz said they were the only government which carried out the most successful struggle against terrorism. Yilmaz said separatist terrorist organization came to an end adding that ''on the one hand terrorist organization can not find a hole to hide in Turkey and northern Iraq and on the other hand chief of the terrorist organization was taken out of the cave he was hiding for years.''

Noting that Syria had to expel the chief of the separatist terrorist organization upon Turkey's open and resolved attitude, Yilmaz recalled that Russia also did not shelter this murderer.

Yilmaz said the determined policy they carried out with seriousness and courage, which also ventured war, resulted in an outcome in the end adding that ''friends and enemies saw that once Turkey raises its head, separatist terrorists can not shelter in the cave it was hiding for years.''

Yilmaz said ''I see at this stage that everybody, without taking into consideration difference of political views, adopted that this is a national case of Turkey. People of Turkey are in solidarity. I don't think there is only one citizen who don't want the extradition of this murderer.''

''I want Turkish nation to act calmly without being deceived by the provocations. I want all of you to refrain from unnecessary acts that will be for the benefit of the separatist terrorist organization'' Yilmaz said.

Mentioning about the attitude of Italy, Yilmaz said ''I had called Italy as our friend and ally, yet Italian government is in heedlessness and opened its arms to the bloodiest terrorist in the world.''

''As to the terrorist chief...he will not be able to shelter in countries where he thought he is sheltered'' Yilmaz said adding that there are things to be done to win this case on behalf of humanity as well as integrity of Turkey.

Yilmaz also said his government carried out a successful struggle against gangs which were involved in drug trafficking, collecting illegal money and killing people. ''Casinos are closed in the period of our government and the quantity of drugs seized during the period of our government is very high'' Yılmaz pointed out.

[03] PARLIAMENT SPEAKER CETIN: - ''OCALAN'S RESIDENCE IN A MODERN COUNTRY SUCH AS ITALY, UNDER THE GUISE OF HUMAN RIGHTS, CANNOT BE ACCEPTED''

Cetin received Ebrize Celtikci, the Secretary General of Children Summit of Turkey and accompanying delegation.

The Summit issued a statement saying, ''we will protest Italy which embraces a person who violated the Children Rights Charter and committed crimes against world children, through the United Nations (UN). We wish a future without terrorism and full of peace for all children.''

Mentioning the bloody actions of separatist terrorist organization PKK claiming 30 thousand lives, Cetin reminded that terrorism cannot be supported within the framework of the international agreements

Cetin stressed, ''It is strange that during a NATO Summit held in Italy in 1991 we adopted that the terrorism is a threat against peace, freedom and democracy. Italy's attitude, therefore, is unacceptable. We should focus on our rightful case without loosing calmness. We should leave Italy with her attitude towards loneliness in Europe. I am sure that Italy will recognize her mistake and will correct it.''

[04] FOREIGN MINISTER CEM: ''ITALIAN GOVERNMENT CLEARLY MAKES A MISTAKE''

Cem, who participated in ''Finance Summit'' that was staged within the context of Finance'98 Fair, responded to the questions about the decision of Rome Appeals Court.

''Turkey and many countries tell Italy that it makes a mistake in being seen inside terrorism and its attitude in embracing terrorists. The most important thing is that Italy's own people warn their country'' Cem said.

Cem said Turkey, in a determined way, makes what is true in legal, political and diplomatic front ''as an outcome of these policies, separatist terrorist organization was eradicated from Turkey, Syria and northern Iraq''he added.

Cem said Italy seemed to open its stage to the terrorists adding that with this attitude Italy, at the same time, defend drug traffiking and children smuggling.

Pointing out that Italian government's attitude in protecting terrorism may speed up migration wave from Northern Iraq to Italy, Cem said ''Turkey worked very hard to prevent this. Yet, it reached to a point that taking this under control becomes very hard due to the closeness Italy showed to terrorist organization.''

Cem said ''Turkey will not receive harm as several demonstrations are being held under the umbrella of several inexperienced politicians. Turkey, today, conveys about its rightfulness in a better way. Turkey will not be affected from this incident if it covers the true policy.''

Pointing out that Turkish people has a justified reaction against this attitude of Italy, Cem said ''our reaction should not be turned to methods that will give damage to Turkey.''

Cem also thanked to the attitude of the US to this end and expressed pleasure over the attitude of other countries who consider the issue with seriousness.

[05] STATE MINISTER GUREL'S CALL TO THE EU: - ''DO RECOGNIZE THE PKK AS A TERRORIST ORGANIZATION''

Gurel warned the EU countries that the tension with Italy following the capture of Abdullah Ocalan, the chief of separatist terrorist organization PKK, last week, can further damage the relations between Turkey and the EU.

Responding to the questions of the A.A correspondent, Gurel pointed out that the EU has not yet sided Turkey in a certain way on the issue of extradition of Ocalan. He added that the EU should scrutinize its attitude concerning the issue.

Reminding that the EU countries described the terrorist PKK as an organization resorting to the terrorist actions, Gurel emphasized that such a defination is not enough for Turkey.

Gurel noted that the EU, as a whole, should admit the problems in the Southeastern Anatolia region as the Turkey's interior question.

He stressed that terrorism, the problem of Southeastern Anatolia region and the issue of human rights should be distinguished from each other.

Sukru Sina Gurel also added that EU's acceptance of the facts will normalize the relations, otherwise relations will be further worsen.

[06] SAUDARGAS, LITHUANIAN FOREIGN MINISTER DUE IN TURKEY

Overall relations between Turkey and Lithuania will be taken up during Saudargas' visit to Turkey.

Meanwhile the prevention of double taxation agreement which was initialed between the two countries in January, will be signed by Saudargas and Zekeriya Temizel, the Finance Minister.

Saudargas will be received by President Suleyman Demirel and Hikmet Cetin, the Speaker of Parliament.

Lithuanian businessmen will accompany Saudargas during his visit to Turkey and with the participation of businessmen Turkey-Lithuanua Business Council will be convene in 23 November.

[07] TURKEY WISHES WYE RIVER AGREEMENT TO BE IMPLEMENTED FULLY

President Yasser Arafat of Palestine in the US last month, which has accelerated Middle-east peace process, to be fully implemented.

The Foreign Ministry issued a statement saying that Turkey has been supporting the Middle-east peace process from the very beginning.

Describing the Israel's new partial withdrawal, within framework of the agreement, as an extremely significant step, the statement expressed willingness over the implementation of the Wye River agreement fully by the two sides.

Statement also reiterated that Turkey underlines the importance of the Middle-east peace process for the regional stability in every occasion.

[08] DENIZKURDU, MINISTER OF JUSTICE: ''DECISION OF ROME APPEALS COURT ABSOLUTELY CONTRADICTS WITH INTERNATIONAL LAW''

Denizkurdu continues his contacts related with the annulment of capital punishment which is regarded as the obstacle preventing extradition of Abdullah Ocalan, chief of separatist terrorist organization.

Responding to the questions of reporters before the evaluation meeting which he participated in Premiership, Denizkurdu said decision of the Court did not mean a full release.

Denizkurdu said the extradition file stressed crimes against humanity, drug and weapon smuggling and terrorism crimes adding that many documents like video tapes and photographs were included in the file.

[09] PRESIDENT ALIEV OF AZERBAIJAN: - ''CHIEF OF SEPARATIST TERRORIST ORGANIZATION SHOULD BE PUNISHED IN TURKEY'' - ''AZERI PEOPLE SUPPORTS TURKEY''

Aliev stressed that responsibles of terrorism, the biggest crime of our age against society and state, cannot be forgiven.

Reminding that he has condemned terrorism in ever occasion, Aliev emphasized that Turkey has given many lives in its struggle against terrorism.

Pointing out that the Azeri people always support Turkey, Aliev noted they defend that struggle against terrorism should be maintained.

Describing the capture of Ocalan, as an important development, Aliev stressed that Ocalan should be extradited to Turkey and should be punished in Turkey.

[10] TORRENTIAL RAINS CAUSE FLOOD IN IZMIR - MANY HOUSES AND BUSINESS PLACES INUNDATED

The heavy-rain affected the Karsiyaka, Girne, Poligon and Camdibi Districts inundating many houses and business places.

The torrential rains also paralyzed the daily life and traffic in the city.

The Izmir Municipality units continue their pumping activities.

Meanwhile a crisis dest was established under the chairmanship of Metmet Baydar, Deputy Government of Izmir.

Officials from the Meteorology Regional Directorate said that the heavy- rains will continue at the weekend.

[11] REACTION FROM TRNC TO ITALY

Atun issued a written statement and said everybody respecting to human rights watched with amazement the incredible dimensions of the adventure of chief terrorist reached in Italy.

Noting that Russia did not shelter Ocalan and countries like Greece and Syria, who cover an enmity policy against Turkey, did not dare to shelter him, Atun said ''Italy which seems to be the heir of Rome law and traditional European civilization, appears to be stuck in a shameful inconsistency. Italy which seeks for ways not to extradite a terrorist, responsible for the killings of thousands of people, exhibits an attitude casting shadow over the friendship and alliance with Turkey.''

Atun said they harsly critize the ones who support terrorists aiming to separate Turkey, on behalf of law and human rights adding that ''we call on Italy to fulfil the requirements of common sense. Ocalan should be under judgement in Turkey not in Italy where he is protected.''

[12] HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH'S LETTER TO ITALIAN PREMIER: - ''OCALAN SHOULD BE JUDGED WITH THE ACCUSATION OF CRIMES AGAINST HUMANITY''

Holly Cartner, the Chairman of Executive Board of Human Rights

Watch's Department of Europe and Central Asia, pointed out in the letter that Ocalan should not be granted with political asylum in accordance with the Status of Refugees Agreement signed in 1951.

Cartner stressed that Ocalan should account for the brutality which he caused in Turkey.

Noting that those who commit crimes against humanity cannot be granted with the political asylum, Cartner called Italy to send Ocalan to a country which will charge and judge Ocalan within the framework of international laws, if she does not want to judge him.

In the letter, Cartner emphasized that PKK had realised 768 illegal executions between 1992 and 1995 killing innocent persons including teachers, soldiers and policemen. Cartner reminded that the brutal PKK has attacked villages which it described as ''supporters of the state'' and massacred thousands of people and even babies. Cartner said, ''such actions were not realized by the units acting individually. It was the policy of PKK.''

Quoting the declaration in the third congress of the separatist terrorist PKK in March 1994, Cartner reiterated that such violent actions were the policy of the PKK.

Cartner also reminded that Ocalan's statement claming that he abandoned terrorism, does not remove his responsibility over the killings of innocent people.

Calling Italy to bring Ocalan to justice or send him to another country where he will be judged, Cartner also added that they support extradition of Ocalan to Turkey.

[13] ITALIAN POLITICAN SPEAKS TO A.A IN ZAGREB

Raineri, who arrived in Croatian capital Zagreb to participate in a meeting of Central European Initiative (CEI) heads of governments and foreign ministers, spoke to A.A correspondent and reiterated that ''Ocalan case'' will be taken up by basing on Italian laws and constitution.

''Italian law does not give permission to the extradition of criminals to countries where there is death penalty. Extradition of Ocalan to Turkey will not take place as we can not give a decision by basing on something else but the laws, and as there is still death penalty in Turkey'' Raineri said and defended that this fact did not include an enmity against Turkey which is a friendly and ally country. Raineri said they were friends of Turkey and Turkish people and hope Turkish people to be friend of them.

When asked how they will disclose their decision, which overruled an arrest warrant for Abdullah Ocalan, the chief of separatist terrorist organization, to NATO and OSCE which have strict attitudes against international terrorism, Raineri said ''I hope you don't think Italy is weak towards terrorism. Italy always supported struggles carried out against terrorism. Italy's attitude against terrorism is clear. There is nothing we should account for. We can not let any organization to assume a hostile attitude against Italy. Ocalan is already under control and I don't think he has been given freedom.''

Responding to a question about the attitude of Turkish companies who annuled their orders for goods from the Italian companies, Umberto Raineri said his country expended efforts to form constructive relations with Turkey within European Union (EU).

[14] PRIME MINISTER EROGLU OF THE TRNC: - ''OCALAN SHOULD BE EXTRADITED TO TURKEY AND BROUGHT TO JUSTICE''

Eroglu issued a statement saying that Italy which protects Ocalan on her lands, will put forward her approach to the international justice ideals by her attitude towards struggle against terrorism, the collective problem of whole world.

Dervis Eroglu stressed that any hesitation on the issue will mean that Italy which has been critisizing human rights implementations in other countries in every occasion, undertake the responsibility of the separatist organization's terrorist actions.

He added, ''we want to believe in Italy, which has also suffered from terrorism for years, to take cautious decisions and hand over the enemy of humanity to Turkey.''

[15] A HOME SEARCHED FOR CHIEF OF TERRORIST ORGANIZATION

Sources in Rome told the A.A correspondent that Ocalan saw the photographs of three houses in the small settlement units near Rome where Ocalan will be safe, but his decision has not become clear yet.

Meanwhile other sources noted that Ocalan left the Palestrina Hospital at 09.00 a.m yesterday

The same sources pointed out that they have no information where Ocalan is for the time being.

[16] ABNA 7TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY STUDIES CONCLUDED - JOINT STATEMENT CONDEMNS ATTACKS ON JOURNALISTS

General Directors of foundation members of ABNA, Anadolu Ajansi (A.A), Bulgarian News Agency (BTA), Romanian News Agency (ROMPRESS), Albanian News Agency (ATA), Salonica Macedon News Agency (MPA), Athens News Agency (ANA) and Yugoslavian News Agency (TANJUG) and their representatives participated in the general assembly where Macedonian News Agency (MIA) and Ihlas News Agency (IHA) from Turkey participated in observer status.

It was decided that ABNA Term Presidency will be handed over to Albanian News Agency (ATA) from Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) as of 1 Jan 1999 under the regulations.

Mehmet Guler, President General Director of Anadolu Ajansi, addressing the general assembly, brought into the agenda the attacks forwarded to Turkish journalists in Rome and said prevention of journalists from getting news is a concerning development both for democracy and humanity.

Guler said journalists should not provoke war and support terrorism and condemned the attacks and pressures put on the journalists.

The joint statement called on administrations of all the countries of the world to help the journalists use their right to get news reports.

The statement also wanted right of free circulation to be recognized to journalists.

[17] CONFERENCE ON ''HUMAN RIGHTS IN TURKEY'' - STOUDMAN, CHAIRMAN OF DEMOCRATIC FOUNDATIONS AND HUMAN RIGHTS DEPARTMENT OF THE OSCE: - ''WE ARE PLEASED WITH THE DEVELOPMENTS IN TURKEY IN THE FIELD OF HUMAN RIGHTS''

Addressing the conference on ''Human Rights in Turkey: Towards Future'' organized by the Istanbul Bars Association and the Amnesty International, Stoudman stressed that Turkey takes positive steps on the issue of human rights.

Pointing out that any change in the political field will not prevent such developments in Turkey, Stoudman noted that they support Turkey and her efforts.

Meanwhile addressing the journalists before the conference, Derek Evans, the Deputy Secretary General of the Amnesty International said that they will take up the issues of torture and missing peoples, situation of refugees, fair jugdement, freedom of expression and the measures against human rights violations, at the conference.

Responding to a question about the extradition of Abdullah Ocalan, the chief of separatist terrorist organization PKK who was captured in Italy last week, Evans stressed that those who violated human rights should be brought to justice.

Addressing the conference, Hikmet Sami Turk, the State Minister responsible for the human rights, stressed that several countries use the concept of human rights as a tool of foreign policy. He noted, ''human rights should not be used to damage stability in other countries. For instance the event of terrorism is being evaluated for the European Union countries or the developing countries in different ways. It is an unacceptable double- standart.''

[18] THE REAL FACE OF SEPARATIST TERRORIST ORGANIZATION - SECURITY FORCES SEIZED 2.5 TONNES OF HEROIN, 21 TONNES OF HASHISH 4.5 TONNES OF BASE MORPHINE, AND 2 MILLION ROOTS OF INDIAN HEMP IN 205 SEPARATE INCIDENTS WITHIN 13 YEARS - SEPARATIST TERRORIST ORGANIZATION PKK PRODUCES DRUG IN BEKAA VALLEY AND HILLS OF NORTHERN IRAQ

Reports recalled that the security forces seized 2.5 tonnes of heroin, 21 tonnes of hashish, 4.5 tonnes of base morphine, 2 million roots of Indian hemp, 22 tonnes of acid anhydride and 277 thousand tablets of amphetamine in 205 separate incidents within 13 years.

The drugs were brought to Turkey by the illegal border-crossings from the Eastern and Southeastern Anatolia regions, and transferred to the Western countries via the provinces such as Van, Diyarbakir, Gaziantep, Adana, Hatay and Icel.

The separatist terrorist organization produce most of the drugs in the Bekaa Valley, Lebanon, and hills in Northern Iraq. It is known that the separatist terrorist organization produces an estimated 60 tonnes of heroin annually.

Separatist terrorist organization PKK has many foundations in several Western countries to use in drug trafficking such as:

Germany: 178, Austria: 10, Belgium: 6, France: 23, Denmark: 9, Finland: 2, Netherlands: 12, Spain: 1, Britain: 10, Sweden: 20, Switzerland: 13, Italy: 2, Luxembourg: 1, Norway: 5, Greece: 6, Poland: 1, and the US: 13

These reports were sent to the Italy's governing and oposition parties, Italian Justice and Interior Ministries.

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