Anadolu Agency: News in English, 98-12-03

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

03 DEC 1998

CONTENTS

[01] TURKISH AND ITALIAN MINISTERS COME TOGETHER IN ISTANBUL - DENIZKURDU, THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE: ''WE'VE STARTED AN ATMOSPHERE OF DIALOGUE FOR THE SOLUTION OF THE PROBLEM''

[02] BATU, THE TURKISH AMBASSADOR TO ITALY SUBMITS THE EXTRADITION DOSSIER TO ITALIAN FOREIGN MINISTRY

[03] ITALY MEETING AT FOREIGN MINISTRY - AYGUN, CHAIRMAN OF ANKARA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: - ''THE BOYCOTT AGAINST ITALY HAS BEEN INFLUENTIAL''

[04] ECEVIT, THE LEADER OF DSP: ''I WILL WORK HARD AND I AM AWARE OF THE FACT THAT I HAVE BEEN ASSIGNED TO FORM THE GOVERNMENT IN A DIFFICULT PERIOD''

[05] TURKISH CITIZENS TO HOLD DEMONSTRATION IN HAMBURG ON SATURDAY TO PROTEST ITALY

[06] COOPERATIVE DETERMINATION-98 EXERCISE TO BE HELD BETWEEN 6-13 DECEMBER IN SOFIA

[07] PRESIDENT DEMIREL ARRIVES IN ROMANIA

[08] TURKISH-PAKISTANI JOINT COMMANDO MANOEUVRES TO BE STAGED BETWEEN 6-19 DECEMBER

[09] ETKIN, FM AND DEFENSE MINISTER OF TRNC: - ''OUR GOVERNMENT AND PARTY WILL REFUSE EVERY APPROACH REJECTING THE EXISTENCE OF THE TRNC''

[10] PRESS COUNCIL CONSIDERS THE ATTACK AGAINST TURKISH JOURNALISTS IN ROME AS THE MOST IMPORTANT EVENT OF NOVEMBER

[11] MILITARY VEHICLES HIT THE SOULDER OF ROAD - TWO SOLDIERS DIE, SIX OTHERS WOUNDED

[12] ARGUMENT IN THE UN

[13] TURKEY-ITALY CRISIS IN THE WEST EUROPEAN UNION ASSEMBLY - DINI, ITALIAN FM: ''WE ARE TRYING TO DETERMINE THE COUNTRY WHERE OCALAN, THE TERRORIST CHIEF, CAN BE TRIED''

[14] PRESIDENT DEMIREL IN ROMANIA - DEMIREL AND HIS ROMANIAN COUNTERPART CONSTANTINESCU PRESIDE INTERDELEGATIONARY MEETINGS

[15] FOREIGN DEBT PAYMENTS INCREASE OVER TO 11 BILLION US DOLLARS SINCE JANUARY 1, 1998

[16] PRESIDENT DEMIREL IN ROMANIA

[17] FOREIGN EXCHANGE RESERVES OF CENTRAL BANK DECREASE TO 19.7 BILLION US DOLLARS

[18] EXPORTS OF ZINC

[01] TURKISH AND ITALIAN MINISTERS COME TOGETHER IN ISTANBUL - DENIZKURDU, THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE: ''WE'VE STARTED AN ATMOSPHERE OF DIALOGUE FOR THE SOLUTION OF THE PROBLEM''

Silva Tellicciari, the Press Atacche of Pierro Fassino told A.A correspondent that he hoped the match between Galatasaray and Juventus would be one of friendship bridge between Turkey and Italy.

Recalling that the relations between the two countries have always been friendly, Tellicciari said that the Italian government is in Turkey at the moment and this is a positive signal.

Addressing a statement after the meeting, Denizkurdu said that the issue of Abdullah Ocalan, the chief of the separatist terrorist organization PKK, was taken up and the each side conveyed their opinions about the issue in the meeting.

''We have started an atmosphere of dialogue for the solution of the problem, '' said Denizkurdu, adding that he will convey the views explained during the meeting to the government and Premier Mesut Yżlmaz.

Fassino, the Italian Minister of Foreign Trade said in his part that ''we've exchanged our views about the problems between the two countries. I suppose this meeting has been very beneficial. This can be a start to overcome the disputes which have erupted between the two countries recently.''

Fassino added that he will inform Massimo D'Alema, the Italian

Premier about the meeting, noting ''we want to launch efforts in order to reinstall the friendship between the two countries.''

[02] BATU, THE TURKISH AMBASSADOR TO ITALY SUBMITS THE EXTRADITION DOSSIER TO ITALIAN FOREIGN MINISTRY

Batu submitted the file to Lorenzo Ferrarin, the Italian Foreign Ministry Director General of Department of Immigration and Social Affairs.

After his meeting with Ferrarin for a short period of time, Batu told press members that he had submitted the dossier composed of 900 pages, three folders, various photos, video cassettes, noting that he requested the examination of the file carefully.

Stressing that Ferrarin told him that the dossier would be sent to Italian Minister of Justice the same night, Batu pointed out that ''we have always resorted to legal ways since Ocalan came to Italy. As I have said before we are carrying out a struggle of law. And we hope everybody who is dealing with this issue to be loyal to law.''

[03] ITALY MEETING AT FOREIGN MINISTRY - AYGUN, CHAIRMAN OF ANKARA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: - ''THE BOYCOTT AGAINST ITALY HAS BEEN INFLUENTIAL''

Speaking to reporters following the ''Italy Meeting'' held at the Foreign Ministry with the participation of non-governmental organizations (NGOs), ATO Chairman Aygun said ''generally, the products produced in Turkey were not boycotted. A statement is given in every situation. Our merchants selling Italian goods are facing with troubles. The problem of our industrialists and businessmen in Italy is much more bigger.''

Sinan Aygun said they were against burning flags or breaking windows during protests against Italy, adding that everyone should be calm and the legal process should be concluded.

''We can't decide on the actions of the consumers. Consumers are conscious in this issue. They don't even eat at Italian restaurants. They don't eat Italian pizza and macaroni. We don't want them to boycott Turkish products, '' he stressed.

[04] ECEVIT, THE LEADER OF DSP: ''I WILL WORK HARD AND I AM AWARE OF THE FACT THAT I HAVE BEEN ASSIGNED TO FORM THE GOVERNMENT IN A DIFFICULT PERIOD''

After holding a short evaluation meeting with several ministers in the parliament, Ecevit told reporters that ''he was assigned to form a government for the fourth time in his political life.''

''I will do my best, Turkey should not have a prolonged government problem. We face with urgent problems both in Turkey and abroad. A government which will overcome these problems and which can carry Turkey to elections in a health manner is necessary. I told President Demirel that I will do my best to this end,'' Ecevit said.

Noting that he will start his contacts with party leaders after concluding his meetings with authorized councils, Ecevit said that firstly he will meet with Prime Minister Mesut Yżlmaz.

Ecevit stressed that his assignment was realized within the framework of Constitution and constitutional rules.

[05] TURKISH CITIZENS TO HOLD DEMONSTRATION IN HAMBURG ON SATURDAY TO PROTEST ITALY

Thousands of Turkish people, who will convene in Hansaplatz at 13:00, will march to the Damtorplatz square.

The organization committee including Turkish Associations Coordination Council and several associations, issued a statement saying, ''the murderer of 30 thousand people should be extradited to Turkey.''

[06] COOPERATIVE DETERMINATION-98 EXERCISE TO BE HELD BETWEEN 6-13 DECEMBER IN SOFIA

Land Forces said that Turkey which will be the Commander of the Multinational Brigade, will participate in the military exercise with 16 generals and officers, noting that the Azerbaijani military personnel who will participate in the exercise will go to Bulgaria together with the Turkish troop.

Land Forces pointed out that a Turkish General will carry out the directorship of the exercise, adding 12 countries will actively join, while one country will attend the exercise as an observor.

[07] PRESIDENT DEMIREL ARRIVES IN ROMANIA

Responding to questions of journalists in the plane from Ankara to Bucharest, President Demirel said that he assigned Bulent Ecevit, the leader of the Democratic Left Party (DSP), as the government that will be formed by him seems close to getting a vote of confidence.

Noting that such a government problem should not transform into one of government crisis, Demirel said that ''we are seeking for a government that can get a vote of confidence in the parliament. My assignment is not contrary to procedures or customs.''

Stressing that he has fulfilled his obligations concerning the establishment of governmnet, President Demirel said that ''the rest of the issue has to be done by the political parties in the parliament.''

Responding to a question about the attitude of Tansu Ciller, the leader of the True Path Party (DYP), President Demirel said that ''she said that she would do what is necassary, if she was assigned with a mission and she would ease the formation of the government.''

[08] TURKISH-PAKISTANI JOINT COMMANDO MANOEUVRES TO BE STAGED BETWEEN 6-19 DECEMBER

The Secretariat General of the Land Forces Commandership issued a written statement saying that the joint commando manoeuvres will take place between 6-19 December at the Pakistani Commando Training School (CHERAT) and Pakistani Special Forces Commandership (TARBELA).

The commando units will be trained on making quick attacks into enemy areas, mountain climbing, arms and firing, destruction and commando tactics during the manoeuvres.

[09] ETKIN, FM AND DEFENSE MINISTER OF TRNC: - ''OUR GOVERNMENT AND PARTY WILL REFUSE EVERY APPROACH REJECTING THE EXISTENCE OF THE TRNC''

Etkin issued a written statement saying that sitting at the table without accepting the realities costed 24-25 years for the Turkish Cypriots, adding, ''we want the realities be accepted. We want others to accept that the Greek Cypriot administration doesn't have the right to rule the Turkish Cypriots and to act as if she is the only government on Cyprus.''

Evaluating the meeting between Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis and Greek Cypriot leader Glafcos Clerides, TRNC Foreign Minister Etkin said, ''Clerides, who had asked help from several circles to save himself from the situation concerning the S-300 missiles, has applied to the known tactics.''

Etkin said the solution for the missiles issue and Cyprus issue was based on Clerides' accepting the realities by awakening from the 35-year dream.

''Clerides should be courageous to say to his community and to the world that they are not the government of the Turkish Cypriots and they even don't have the right to claim it. He should say these: '1960 Agreements were based on the principles that a community on the island can't rule the other one and can't represent the island alone, these agreements banned Enosis, they were based on the Turkish-Greek balance, we attempted to be the government of Cyprus by forgetting these, we did bad things against Turks, thus continuing on this blind alley won't bring any benefit.''

[10] PRESS COUNCIL CONSIDERS THE ATTACK AGAINST TURKISH JOURNALISTS IN ROME AS THE MOST IMPORTANT EVENT OF NOVEMBER

Issuing a written statement, Press Council evaluated the Turkish press in November.

Noting that the most important event of November took place in Italy, the statement added that ''Turkish journalists who went to Rome to cover the developments about Abdullah Ocalan, the terrorist chief, were beaten by a group of PKK supporters. Later journalists were kept into custody by Italian police for an hour. Turkish and foreign press institutions condemned the attack against Turkish journalists and the attitude of Italian police.''

''The Turkish press was shocked by the incidents that took place in Italy and the attack against Turkish journalists was described as an attack on the freedom of world communication,'' noted the statement.

[11] MILITARY VEHICLES HIT THE SOULDER OF ROAD - TWO SOLDIERS DIE, SIX OTHERS WOUNDED

The vehicles hit the soulder of the road near Sisyar stream in Kayabogazi village as the drivers couldn't see the bend of the road.

Two privates died and six others were wounded at the accidents.

The soldiers injured in the accident were taken to the Military Hospital in Van for medical treatment.

[12] ARGUMENT IN THE UN

Ahmet Arda, UN Permanent Representation Undersecretary, who used his right to response after Armenian representative attributed to Turkey indirectly, stressed that during the incidents which were experienced in splitting period of the Ottman Empire Turks suffered as much as Armenians.

Recalling that Turkish Republic was not founded with the feelings of hatred, revenge and enmity, Arda said Lausanne Agreement was the symbol of this fact.

Arda said Ottoman archieves were open to everybody adding that the historians who observed these reached to different results from the Armenian historians.

Arda called on Armenians to base their national identities to constructive elements rather than the tragedies in history and advised them to believe in the benefits of peace and to take lesson from history without being the slaves of the past.

The draft resolution issued at the end of the meeting appreciated the countries who participated in the Agreement of ''Punishment of Genocide Crime'' and invited other countries to participate in.

Turkey is among the countries who are side to the agreement which had taken effect in the year 1951. A total of 127 countries sided the agreement so far.

[13] TURKEY-ITALY CRISIS IN THE WEST EUROPEAN UNION ASSEMBLY - DINI, ITALIAN FM: ''WE ARE TRYING TO DETERMINE THE COUNTRY WHERE OCALAN, THE TERRORIST CHIEF, CAN BE TRIED''

Responding a question in the Parlamentarian Assembly of West European Union (WEU), Dini stressed that Italy was in cooperation with Germany and that his country was holding contacts on ''the trial of Ocalan, the chief of the separatist terrorist organization, in a country where he could be fairly tried by the protection of his right to be defenced.''

Stating that Germany caused a dilemma issuing warrant of arrest on Ocalan and while not requesting his extradition to their country, Dini noted that nevertheless they expressed understanding over the stance of Germany.

Claiming that Turkey was acting without inquiring the legal dimenstions of the issue, Dini emphasized that he was disappointed by the stance of Ankara on this issue.

[14] PRESIDENT DEMIREL IN ROMANIA - DEMIREL AND HIS ROMANIAN COUNTERPART CONSTANTINESCU PRESIDE INTERDELEGATIONARY MEETINGS

Following their tete-a-tete meeting, President Demirel and his Romanian counterpart Emil Constantinescu presided the interdelegationary meetings.

Prior to the meetings, President Demirel said, ''our close cooperation enables us to realize further developments. The target of our initiatives is to serve for the prosperity of our publics.''

Pointing out that considerable progress was recorded in every field of bilateral relations between Turkey and Romania, Demirel said that the legal basis for those relations had been set up earlier. Noting that almost all of the agreements were signed, Demirel stated that the agreement-chain was concluded with the latest free trade agreement.

''The trade volume between the two countries has nearly reached one billion US dollars. Turkish businessmen serve for the development of Romania. The investments of Turkish entrepreneurs in Romania worth 350 million US dollars, and if you add the planned ones, it increases to 650 million US dollars. Nearly four thousand facilities were privatized in Romania. In that privatization process, Turkish businessmen have shown close interest and realized important services. We are realizing a good cooperation in the defense industry although it has started recently,'' Demirel mentioned.

Demirel said they were pleased with the activities of Romanian businessmen in Turkey, adding, ''these developments are hopeful.''

Stressing that they continue to launch initiatives for cooperation within the framework of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC) and South European Region, Demirel said Turkey supports Romania's integration to Europe and Atlantic organizations.

President Demirel will hold contacts in Tulcea region where mostly Turks live and visit the historical Babadag Mosque, which was restored by the contributions of the Turkish Religious Foundation.

President Suleyman Demirel and the accompanying delegation will return to Turkey on 4 December.

[15] FOREIGN DEBT PAYMENTS INCREASE OVER TO 11 BILLION US DOLLARS SINCE JANUARY 1, 1998

The Central Bank data shows that the Treasury paid 9 billion 300.7 million US dollars; the Central Bank repaid 327.3 million US dollars; the Ministry of National Defense and the Defense Industry paid 1 billion 227.4 million US dollars and the Defense Fund paid 175.8 million US dollars in foreign debt between January 1 and November 30, 1998.

Meanwhile, a total of 19 million US dollars of foreign debt was repaid in the first two days of December.

The foreign debt payment was 1 billion 346.7 million US dollars in January; 916 million US dollars in February; 785.9 million US dollars in March; 765.8 million US dollars in April; 621.1 million US dollars in May; 1 billion 165.9 million US dollars in June; 1 billion 242.8 million US dollars in July; 860.9 million US dollars in August; 897.6 million US dollars in September and 1 billion 396.3 million US dollars in October 1998.

[16] PRESIDENT DEMIREL IN ROMANIA

The interdelegationary meetings presided by Demirel and his Romanian counterpart Emil Constantinescu were concluded.

The two Presidents held a joint press conference following the meetings.

Addressing the press conference, Demirel said, ''our meetings today will contribute to the development of the relations between Turkey and Romania. Turkey wishes Romania integrate into the European and Atlantic organizations, she support Romania's membership to the European Union (EU) and NATO and will continue to do so. We targeted to realize more cooperation in every field.''

Romanian President Constantinescu said for his part, ''there is a perfect political cooperation between our two countries. Thus we have a very concrete basis in the field of economy.''

Stressing the importance of the realization of concrete projects in the relations between the two countries, Constantinescu said that the state assurances for the tractor factory in Brashov and increase of the Turkish- Romanian bant's capital were the proofs for that realization.

Pointing out that they attach great importance to cooperation with Turkey in the field of energy, Constantinescu said, ''Romania has contributed to the establishment of a refinery in Turkey. The energy transportation projects of Turkey and Romania are not rivals they are complementary.''

President Demirel will hold contacts in Tulcea region where mostly Turks live and visit the historical Babadag Mosque, which was restored by the contributions of the Turkish Religious Foundation.

President Suleyman Demirel and the accompanying delegation will return to Turkey on 4 December.

[17] FOREIGN EXCHANGE RESERVES OF CENTRAL BANK DECREASE TO 19.7 BILLION US DOLLARS

The Central Bank data shows that the foreign exchange reserves, which dropped by 378 million US dollars between 20-27 November, decreased to 19 billion 701 million US dollars as of 27 November.

The Central Bank's foreign exchange reserves were 20 billion 79 million US dollars on 20 November.

Meanwhile, according to the 13 November-based statistics, Turkey's total international gross reserves decreased 995 million US dollars to 32 billion 144 million US dollars between 6-13 November.

The international gross reserves of Turkey were 33 billion 139 million US dollars on 13 November.

As of 13 November, Turkey's international reserves were composed of 1 billion 125 million US dollars in gold reserves; 20 billion 227 million US dollars in the Central Bank's foreign exchange reserves; and 10 billion 792 million US dollars in the commercial banks' foreign exchange reserves.

[18] EXPORTS OF ZINC

Yucel Solmazoglu, an official from CINKUR, told A.A correspondent that the zinc and lead they produced were almost 100 percent pure and that this fact led to the appreciation of their products in the foreign markets.

Stressing that their company exported to 26 countries of which Bangladesh and Japon standed at the top, in the January- November period of 1998, Solmazoglu said, ''we aimed at exporting more than 50 percent of our products. However, the world crisis affected our company as well. Thus, zinc prices decreased. Although we realized 8.5 percent of increase in zinc export in the first 11 months of this year compared to the figures of the last year, a 2.6 percent fall in the foreign currency input was realized. We exported 15.618 tons of zinc at a price of approximately 18 million US dollars in the first 11 months.''

Solmazoglu also noted that their company aimed at exporting 17.000 tons of zinc at a price of 20 million US dollars till the end of 1998.

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