Anadolu Agency: News in English, 98-11-30

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

30 NOV 1998

CONTENTS

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

[02] POLICE OPERATIONS IN ISTANBUL - A GROUP PLANNING TO ASSASINATE FAMOUS PEOPLE WAS CAUGHT

[03] REACTIONS TO ITALY

[04] TURKISH PARLIAMENTARIANS IN ITALY - KOKSALAN, ANKARA DEPUTY: ''ITALY IS HOSTING THE CHIEF OF THE SEPARATIST TERRORIST ORGANIZATION''

[05] TREASURY TO ARRANGE TEN-MONTH BOND TENDER ON TUESDAY

[06] RESIDENT DEMIREL RECEIVES PRIME MINISTER YILMAZ - PREMIER YILMAZ: ''I TOLD MR. PRESIDENT THAT ANAP WILL CONTRIBUTE TO THE EFFORTS TO ESTABLISH THE GOVERNMENT''

[07] MOODY'S TO CONFIRM ITS RATING IN DECEMBER

[08] ITALIAN EMBASSY IN MOSCOW: ''OCALAN MAY BE EXTRADITED TO RUSSIA''

[09] PRESIDENT DEMIREL: ''WE ARE REGRETFUL ABOUT THE ATTITUTE OF ITALY'' - ''THE ITALIAN GOVERNMENT MANIPULATES THE ISSUE IN A VERY WRONG, BAD AND OFFENDING MANNER''

[10] DECEMBER 1 ''WORLD AIDS DAY'' - SALMAN, ISTANBUL PROVINCE HEALTH DIRECTOR: ''THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE WITH HIV VIRUS IS 550 AND THE NUMBER OF THE PEOPLE INFECTED WITH THIS DISEASE IS 279 IN TURKEY ''

[11] GREEK-CYPRIOTS ENTER TRNC TO HOLD RELIGIOUS CEREMONY

[12] FREE IRAQ RADIO: ''SEPARATIST TERRORISTS, WHO WERE BANISHED FROM SYRIA, TOOK SHELTER IN IRAN''

[13] NORTH IRAQI DIESEL OIL - THE NUMBER OF VEHICLES WHICH MAKE DIESEL OIL TRADE FROM THE HABUR BORDER GATE INCREASES TO 750

[14] TURKEY-STOCK EXCHANGE - IMKB FIRST SESSION - NATIONAL-100 INDEX REDUCES TO 2,588.41 WITH A DECREASE OF 16.11 POINTS

[15] PRESIDENT DEMIREL RESPONDS TO QUESTIONS - PRESIDENT DEMIREL: ''IN THE COMING DAYS I WILL START TO TAKE STEPS TO ESTABLISH THE GOVERNMENT AND A GOVERNMENT WILL BE SET UP WITHIN THIS PARLIAMENT''

[16] GENERAL STAFF: ''TURKISH ARMED FORCES' ANNOUNCING ITS APPROVAL OR DISAPPROVAL OF THE MANNER OF A POLITICAL PARTY IS OUT OF QUESTION''

[17] SUPPORT FROM ITALIAN COMPANY TO TURKEY

[18] THE VIEW OF TURSAB, TURKISH UNION OF TRAVELLING AGENCIES ON TOURISM SEASON - CAMAS, TURSAB CHAIRMAN: ''1999 WILL BE A BETTER YEAR THAN 1998 IN TOURISM''

[19] CEM, THE FOREIGN MINISTER: ''A STATE WHICH SUPPORTS TERRORISM CAN NOT GET BETTER''

[20] GROWTH RATE IN Q3 IS 1.9 PERCENT

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

HURRIYET (LIBERAL) UNCONDITIONAL SUPPORT
Bulent Ecevit, the Deputy Prime Minister and the leader of the Democratic Left Party (DSP) issued a surprising statement yesterday and said that ''we will extend unconditional support to a government which will be established by the Motherland Party (ANAP) and True Path Party (DYP). Turkey needs a strong government as soon as possible and we won't put forward any condition concerning prime ministry.'' Yasar Okuyan, the Deputy leader of the Motherland Party (ANAP) welcomed the proposal of Bulent Ecevit and said that ''we can set up a government with the True Path Party (DYP), but the realization of this model does not only depend on us.''

MILLIYET (LIBERAL)

RUSSIAN BARGAINING
Lamberto Dini, the Italian Foreign Minister left for Moscow yesterday in order to hold negotiations with Russian officials about the separatist terrorist organization PKK. ''I will try to understand the attitude of Russia and I will examine the stages of the incident,'' said Dini, describing the PKK as a terrorist organization. ''Not only Turkey but many countries hunt for Ocalan as a terrorist,'' added Dini.

SABAH (LIBERAL)

CUMHURIYET (LEFT)

The Italian Embassy in Moscow said Ocalan will be sent back to the country from where he came to Italy, if he won't be granted with asylum.

Meanwhile, Italian Foreign Minister Lamberto Dini, who is in Russia upon a two-day visit, will meet with Russian Premier Yengeny Primakov, Foreign Minister Igor Ivanoa and other high-ranking officials to discuss the issue.

ECEVIT: ''REACH AN AGREEMENT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE''
Bulent Ecevit, the Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of State, said that the Virtue Party (FP) would have the majority with ten ministers in the temporary government to be formed by the President, if a government couldn't be formed within next 45 days.

Giving a promise of unconditional support to a possible Motherland Party (ANAP)- True Path Party (DYP) government, Ecevit said, ''if the formation of the government takes long, then this will create inconvenience about important issues like struggle against gangs, economy and relations with the European Union.''

RADIKAL (LEFT)

COE WAY OPENS TO OCALAN
Lamberto Dini, the Italian Foreign Minister confessed that PKK is a terrorist organization. Dini stressed that Abdullah Ocalan, the leader of the separatist terrorist organization PKK should be tried by a court that will be set up by the Council of Europe (COE).

YENİ YÜZYIL (LIBERAL)

Pointing out that holding the two elections at the same time is inconvenient, Demirel said, ''I didn't say anybody to postpone the elections. I only told them that holding the two elections at the same time will bring uneasiness. Lawyers say that holding the general elections after the local elections is possible.''

EFFORT TO EXTRADITE OCALAN TO RUSSIA
Italy, which panicked when Germany didn't want chief terrorist Abdullah Ocalan, seeks a solution for the crisis. Italy will try to extradite Ocalan to Russia if Ocalan won't be granted with asylum. Italian Ambassador to Moscow said, ''If Ocalan won't be granted with asylum, he will be expelled and sent to the country from where he came to Italy in accordance with the Italian laws.

TÜRKİYE (RIGHT)

ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)

The Democratic Left Party (DSP) leader Bulent Ecevit said they will give unconditional support to the coalition to be formed by the Motherland Party (ANAP) and True Path Party (DYP) while the Republican People's Party (CHP) leader Deniz Baykal opposes to the coalition to be formed by the ANAP, DYP and DSP.

[02] POLICE OPERATIONS IN ISTANBUL - A GROUP PLANNING TO ASSASINATE FAMOUS PEOPLE WAS CAUGHT

Security officials told A.A correspondent that a group of people who plan to assassinate some well-known people was caught, but they refrained to give the number of assailants, or the names of their targets.

Officials said that a detailed information would be given in the coming days.

[03] REACTIONS TO ITALY

Almost 1000 people gathered in the demonstration supported by the district organizations of the political parties and the non-governmental organizations.

Meanwhile, 3000 people from Canakkale province sent fax messages to Italy, asking the extradition of Ocalan to Turkey.

[04] TURKISH PARLIAMENTARIANS IN ITALY - KOKSALAN, ANKARA DEPUTY: ''ITALY IS HOSTING THE CHIEF OF THE SEPARATIST TERRORIST ORGANIZATION''

Irfan Koksalan, Ankara deputy, said, ''the separatist terrorist organization killed thousands of Turkish citizens in its terrorist acts within 14 years and Italy is hosting the chief of this organization in Rome'' in the meeting organized by the contributions of Interparliamentary Union and Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO).

Koksalan stated that an agreement which was against terrorism was signed between the two countries on September 22 and that Turkey informed Italy that the chief of the organization could come to Italy.

Criticizing the controversy in Italy's stance of accusing Pinochet, former President of Chili, of his acts, while defending Ocalan, Koksalan asked, ''while hosting Ocalan, why do you try to kill Pinochet, who killed only a few Spanish people?''

Koksalan said that he hoped that this issue which has great importance for Turkey would not negatively affect the relations between the two nations.

Recalling that Italy was the heart of Renaissance, Koksalan called the state not to turn a blind eye to its civilization aspects.

Turkish parlamentarians attending an interparliamentary meeting held in Italian Assembly, wanted to distribute booklets about the crimes committed by the separatist terrorist organization. When the Italian Parliament officials opposed the distribution of the booklets, Turkish parliamentarians prepared a statement.

Meanwhile Italian sources said Turkish parliamentarians refused the police escorts allocated by Italian authorities as they arrived in Rome.

[05] TREASURY TO ARRANGE TEN-MONTH BOND TENDER ON TUESDAY

The bonds will be issued on 2 December while the repayment of bonds will be realized on 6 October 1999.

The Treasury foresees a 400-500 trillion Turkish Liras (TL) of net borrowing at the tender on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Treasury will realize 624 trillion 895.5 billion TL in domestic borrowing repayment on 2 December.

[06] RESIDENT DEMIREL RECEIVES PRIME MINISTER YILMAZ - PREMIER YILMAZ: ''I TOLD MR. PRESIDENT THAT ANAP WILL CONTRIBUTE TO THE EFFORTS TO ESTABLISH THE GOVERNMENT''

Yılmaz told reporters after the meeting that ''I told Mr. President that the Motherland Party (ANAP) will contribute to the efforts aiming at establishment of the government, although the ANAP was not treated justly before.''

Prime Minister Yılmaz stated that President Demirel wished to meet with him again after the completion of his contacts with leaders of the political parties.

Noting that the political parties which collapsed the government did not propose any solution to President Demirel, adding that ''naturally this makes the efforts to set up a new government more difficult. Mr. President attributes great importance to the efforts of the parliament to set up a government by compromise. ANAP will help with the efforts of President Demirel.''

Pointing out that the attitude of the Motherland Party (ANAP) and their number in the parliament are known, Yılmaz stated that ''if it is necessary for us to join a new government, we will do it. If we have to extend support, we will suport the government. The thing that is important for us is holding elections and the elections will be held on April 18 at the latest.''

When asked whether the Motherland Party is in contact with the True Path Party (DYP), Prime Minister Yılmaz said that they don't have any contact with the DYP at the moment. ''I suppose both parties are at the stage of waiting. We wait for the evaluation of Mr. President after the completion of his contacts,'' added Yılmaz.

[07] MOODY'S TO CONFIRM ITS RATING IN DECEMBER

Hanan Amin-Salem, Moody's Turkey Analyst, told the A.A correspondent that successful basic economic measures were taken, the tax reform was adopted, budget discipline and anti-inflationist policies were pursued successfully and a staff monitoring agreement was signed with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) since the beginning of the year and as a result of these, Turkey could stand against global crises.

Recalling that Turkey has entered into a political ambivalence due to formation of new government and early elections, Hanan Amin-Salem said that it is uncertain whether or not the next political formation can continue all of these economic measures.

Moody's' Turkey analyst Hanan Amin-Salem said they can again confirm ''B1'' rating for Turkey as there is a political ambivalence atmosphere in Turkey and the conditions needed for an increase in the rating haven't been formed yet.

Moody's confirmed ''B1'' rating in March 1997.

[08] ITALIAN EMBASSY IN MOSCOW: ''OCALAN MAY BE EXTRADITED TO RUSSIA''

The Italian Embassy addressed to Russia's official Itar-Tass news agency saying that the man in question may be expelled if he won't be granted with asylum, and he will possibly be extradited to the country from where he came to Italy in accordance with the Italian laws.

In the statement issued to the Itar-Tass, the Italian Embassy in Moscow said that Abdullah Ocalan issue will be the major topic of the meetings between the Russian officials and Italian Foreign Minister Lamberto Dini on Monday in Russia.

[09] PRESIDENT DEMIREL: ''WE ARE REGRETFUL ABOUT THE ATTITUTE OF ITALY'' - ''THE ITALIAN GOVERNMENT MANIPULATES THE ISSUE IN A VERY WRONG, BAD AND OFFENDING MANNER''

Noting that terrorism is an international trouble and those who extend support to terrorism will be in contrary with the international commitments, adding that ''this fact started to be understood in Italy gradually.''

Responding to questions in the state-run television channel TRT-1, President Demirel stated that Turkey will overcome all of her problems and the problems she faces should not discourage her.

Pointing out that Turkey has been struggling with the separatist terrorist organization PKK for 15 years, President Demirel recalled that the military helicopter crashed when the pilot was injured by the fire gun opened from the ground by the separatist terrorists.

''We try to explain to the world that our soldiers and security forces protect our borders, the Turkish people and the territories,'' said President Demirel, noting that terrorism in Turkey is supported by foreign powers and 30,000 citizens lost their lives due to terrorism. ''Turkey could not stand this terrorism to continue anymore,'' added Demirel.

''Abdullah Ocalan, the chief of the separatist terrorist organization PKK has been in Italy for 15-20 days. He was tried at the court first and then he was released. Naturally, there were reactions in Turkey. Turkish people were very much hurt and offended from this attitude. Italy or any country can't protect the murderer of 30,000 people,'' said President Demirel, adding international agreements describe terrorism as a crime against humanity.

Criticizing the attitude of European countries about this isue, President Demirel stated that ''if Western countries say that 'it is not right to kill these people, but there are people in Turkey who consider themselves as Kurdish and these people are under presure in Turkey. And this movement is a liberation movement which aims at rescuing them,' then this means that these countries also have responsibility in these crimes. That is, when you say that 'we are against terrorism, but there is a reason behind it, and it is natural that this terrorism continues unless this reason is removed,' it means that when it comes to Turkey, you do not refuse terrorism which you refuse in international documents. That's what happened to Turkey.''

Responding to another question about the extradition of the chief of the separatist terrorist organization PKK from Italy, President Demirel said, ''today we are trying to explain the fact that if you support terrorism, then you will violate your international commitments. This fact has started to be understood in Italy by the opposition and the press. Italy says that she can either try this man or deport him. How will he be tried? A special trial can not be established, because this is contrary to the international law. We also say that the crimes were committed by these people in Turkey, so the chief of them should be given to Turkey. He committed the crimes in Turkey so he should be tried in Turkey. I think Turkey is very right and she will prove her rightfulness to the West. I don't hesitate about this issue. Turkey will explain his right cause to everybody.''

[10] DECEMBER 1 ''WORLD AIDS DAY'' - SALMAN, ISTANBUL PROVINCE HEALTH DIRECTOR: ''THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE WITH HIV VIRUS IS 550 AND THE NUMBER OF THE PEOPLE INFECTED WITH THIS DISEASE IS 279 IN TURKEY ''

Speaking in the press conference held in The Hotel Savoy in Taksim district of Istanbul for the ''World AIDS Day'', Salman stated that these numbers showed the cases registered to the Ministry and that the real number of infected people were much more than this figure.

Emphasizing that 81 of the 279 people infected with AIDS died since 1985, Salman pointed that the disease was mostly seen between the ages 20 and 49.

Pointing out that people get infected by the sexual intercourse in half of the cases, Salman added that most of the infected people were Romanian women.

Prof.Dr. Enver Tali Cetin, the Chairman of the Fight Against AIDS Association Chairman, said that AIDS was first diognised in Turkey in 1981.

Expressing that World AIDS Campaign focused on the youth since more than 50 percent of HIV virus infections were observed between the young people aged 10-24 this year, Cetin stated that the slogan of AIDS in this year was ''Strength for Change''.

The HIV virus can contaminate by blood and sexual intercourse. Besides, a child can be infected from its mother. The World Health Organization (WHO) put forth that 70-80 percent of the cases occured because of sexual intercourse, 3-5 percent of them were because of blood transfusion, 5-10 percent of them because of share of injection.

The experts warn people not to let the medical officials use surgery tools which are not disinfected, not to undergo blood tranfusion without applying AIDS test and not to have an intercourse without taking precautions.

[11] GREEK-CYPRIOTS ENTER TRNC TO HOLD RELIGIOUS CEREMONY

The Greek-Cypriots will celebrate the religious day at the Apastopolos Andreas Monastery in the Victory Cape in the Dipkarpaz region of Gazimagosa, the TRNC.

The Greek-Cypriots, who started to enter the TRNC early on Monday from the Ledra Palace Border Gate, left for Dipkarpaz by the buses, which were allocated by the TRNC authorities.

The Greek-Cypriots weren't asked for visa fee as they are paying a religious visit.

The TRNC security forces and the UN Peacekeeping Force officials accompany a total of 38 buses and one minibus carrying the Greek-Cypriots to Dipkarpaz.

After holding a ceremony there, the Greek-Cypriots will return to the Greek- Cypriot side in the afternoon.

[12] FREE IRAQ RADIO: ''SEPARATIST TERRORISTS, WHO WERE BANISHED FROM SYRIA, TOOK SHELTER IN IRAN''

The Free Iraq Radio, which is under the control of the US, claimed that the separatist PKK terrorists in Northern Iraq on whom the Turkish Armed Forces struck heavy blows, took shelter in Iran.

The Radio said within the existing context, Iran became a ''more important country'' for the terrorist PKK organization, adding that the terrorist organization has still 16 different camps in Iran.

It said the terrorist PKK also has ''communication centers'' in Urmia, Mashhad, Qum, Ahwaz and Bandar-e Bushehr, stressing that the existence of PKK in Iran has a long history.

The Radio, in its radio news bulletin namely ''Iraq Report'', claimed that a group of separatist terrorists, who were expelled from Syria, settled in the military bases in Armenia.

Announcing that the number of separatist terrorists at the military bases in Armenia was nearly 100, the radio said that almost 20 separatist terrorists in Lachyn Region.

The Lachyn Region, which is an Azerbaijanian territory, has been under Armenia's occupation since 1993.

The Radio said some PKK terrorists tried to enter Georgia but this country didn't permit those terrorists.

[13] NORTH IRAQI DIESEL OIL - THE NUMBER OF VEHICLES WHICH MAKE DIESEL OIL TRADE FROM THE HABUR BORDER GATE INCREASES TO 750

Orhan Guldibi, Deputy Mayor of Sirnak and Administrative Chief of Habur Border Gate, told A.A correspondent that the diesel oil trade which stopped as a result of Iraq's not giving diesel oil to North Iraq restarted and that the number of vehicles were increased to 750.

Stating that the number of these vehicles would be increased to a thousand as a result of the increasing demand of trade, Guldibi said, ''500 vehicles entered and exited last week. We have increased the number of vehicles to 750 as Iraq increased its supply of diesel oil. We will probably increase the number of the vehicles to a thousand by the end of this week. Four million litres of diesel oil is being taken to Turkey at this moment. This amount will be increased to 5-6 million litres when a thousand vehicles make trade.''

[14] TURKEY-STOCK EXCHANGE - IMKB FIRST SESSION - NATIONAL-100 INDEX REDUCES TO 2,588.41 WITH A DECREASE OF 16.11 POINTS

At the close of the first session, the financial index decreased 22.63 points to 3,236.32 and the services index reduced 35.54 points to 3,654.38 while the industrial index rose 6.52 points to 1,923.27.

The financial shares lost 0.69 percent in value and the services shares lost 0.96 percent in value while the industrial shares gained 0.34 percent in value compared with Friday's second session close.

A total of 127 of the 277 shares gained in value, 70 shares lost in value while the prices of 80 shares didn't change.

The trading volume in the morning session was 30.3 trillion Turkish Liras.

[15] PRESIDENT DEMIREL RESPONDS TO QUESTIONS - PRESIDENT DEMIREL: ''IN THE COMING DAYS I WILL START TO TAKE STEPS TO ESTABLISH THE GOVERNMENT AND A GOVERNMENT WILL BE SET UP WITHIN THIS PARLIAMENT''

Noting that he believes the parliament will set up a government in the coming days, President Demirel said that ''political parties will also be in contact with each other.'

Responding to questions in the state-run television channel TRT-1 about the efforts aiming at establishment of a new government, President Demirel said that this issue is very important, but Turkey will have her government soon.

''For this reason I always tell to my citizens that if the government would not have collapsed, it would be better. A new government will be set up within the normal procedures and order,'' said President Demirel.

Recalling that the government resigned only four days ago, President Demirel pointed out that it was not possible to set up a new government which would take vote of confidence of the parliament within four days.

When asked whether President Demirel is looking for a national compromise, President Demirel said that ''no, I am not seeking for a national compromise. I am sure that the parliamnet will have a government in the coming days. I am holding consultations for establishment of a government, but I have to continue doing this more for a period of time. I have to clarify several issues.''

''The Constitution notes that President will appoint a person -who may not be a leader of a political party- as prime minister. The appointed prime minister will set up a government and president is not concerned about the vote of confidence of the government. This is the issue of the parliament. If the government that will be established does not take a vote of confidence, another government will be set up. If a governmnet which does not take a vote of confidence within 45 days, elections are foreseen under the Constitution,'' added President Demirel.

Stressing that Turkey is a state of law, of Constitution and institutions, President Demirel pointed out that ''the parliament is one of these institutions, administration is one of them, security forces and universities are among these institutions. All of them constitute the state, when one of them stops to function for a while, other organs continue to function.''

Underlining the fact that the elections seem to be held on April 18, President Demirel stated that the government that will be established will open the way to elections.

Referring to Turkish-European Union (EU) relations, President Demirel added that Turkey has to be officially declared as the 12th candidate country.

[16] GENERAL STAFF: ''TURKISH ARMED FORCES' ANNOUNCING ITS APPROVAL OR DISAPPROVAL OF THE MANNER OF A POLITICAL PARTY IS OUT OF QUESTION''

The General Staff Secretariat General issued a statement responding to the news, which was broadcasted by some television channels and published by some newspapers with reference to a political party leader.

''On 28 November 1998, this news included some information saying that the leader of the political party didn't have any concern about the Turkish Armed Forces and they were getting signals that the Turkish Armed Forces approves the manner of that party. The Turkish Armed Forces' announcing its approval or disapproval for the manner of a political party is out of question,'' the statement said.

''Turkish Armed Forces has put forward up until now with its activities and statements that it takes pains to be out of the politics and to be at the same distance against all of the institutions and organizations carrying out activities in accordance with the Constitution,'' the General Staff said in its statement.

[17] SUPPORT FROM ITALIAN COMPANY TO TURKEY

Italy's Violini Casting Italia company gave a response to the Turkish Kocak Gold company's ''Italian public information'' studies about the chief terrorist's activities in Turkey, stressing that it accepts Turkey's rightfulness.

The Italian company sent a letter to the Kocak Gold saying that Turkey is right in her reaction concerning the issue.

''In the very first day of the crisis, Italy shouldn't have accepted the chief terrorist. Moreover, she should hand over Ocalan to the Turkish officials in accordance with the responsibility attributed to the respect for our friendship and relations with Turkey,'' Italian company said in its letter.

Pointing out that the crisis emerged due to clumsy mistake of the leftist parties of the newly formed coalition in Italy, Italian company said, ''the extradition of the leader of the separatist terrorist organization to Turkey is not only our view but also the common view of the majority of the Italian people although the Italian government and press try to show as it was the completely the opposite.''

Italian company said it wanted to continue the cooperation with Turkey by the understanding of a close friendship.

''We don't want to lose your friendship but we understand the Turkish people's boycotting Italian goods and we believe Turkey is right in this issue,'' it said.

[18] THE VIEW OF TURSAB, TURKISH UNION OF TRAVELLING AGENCIES ON TOURISM SEASON - CAMAS, TURSAB CHAIRMAN: ''1999 WILL BE A BETTER YEAR THAN 1998 IN TOURISM''

Estimating the 1999 tourism season to A.A after the ''Second Meeting of International Congress and Incentive Journey'' held in Antalya, Camas stressed that they believed that the process of economic indefinity in Europe would affect Mediterrenean tourism in large scales.

Camas added that they were expecting more tourists from Germany, but were not hopeful about the tourists from Britain, Russia, Spain, France, Italy and Scandinavian countries.

Stating that 250.000 Italians came to Turkey in 1998, Camas said, ''Italian market had an impetus till last month, however the political crisis between the two countries negatively affected the market and most of the reservations were cancelled. Italian people are like Turkish people. They quickly get angry and quickly calm down. In this context, maybe we can gain the market of Italians we lost by the end of 1998 in 1999.''

[19] CEM, THE FOREIGN MINISTER: ''A STATE WHICH SUPPORTS TERRORISM CAN NOT GET BETTER''

Approximately 25 members of the Balıkesir Association of Families of Martyries visited Foreign Minister Cem the same day and they submitted Cem a petition including the signatures of 100,000 people requesting the extradition of Abdullah Ocalan, the chief of the separatist terrorist organization PKK from Italy.

Addressing to the families, Cem said that Italy commits a ''shame on humanity,'' Cem stated that Italians seem to have started understanding this shame. A country which supports terrorism can't get well. This is the situation for Italy.''

Noting that Italy has started to pay the price of this shame in front of her own people, Cem stressed that Turkey is a big and powerful state by her martyries, adding that they will pursue this right case till the end.

Pointing out that Turkey desires the chief of the separatist terrorist organization PKK to be tried in Turkey, Cem said that ''we won't permit several West European countries to distort an issue of humanity and law for political reasons.''

Stressing that the petition of the Association will be conveyed to the Italian officials, Cem said that he will once again explain his views to the Italian administration by this opportunity.

''I will tell my Italian counterparts that they don't have the right to defend, protect and consider a person who caused the deaths of 30,000 people as a legitimate person,'' Cem added.

[20] GROWTH RATE IN Q3 IS 1.9 PERCENT

According to DIE's temporary calculations for the third quarter of 1998, the Gross National Product (GNP) was 17 quadrillion 482 trillion 936 billion Turkish Liras (TL) with current prices.

The GNP was equal to 38 trillion 347 billion according to the fixed prices in 1987.

The DIE said the growth rate with current prices was 76.8 percent in the third quarter of 1998.

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