Anadolu Agency: News in English, 98-12-06

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

06 DEC 1998

CONTENTS

[01] CEM, THE FOREIGN MINISTER ADDRESSES TO CORRIERE DELLA SERA, THE ITALIAN NEWSPAPER: ''WE ARE AGAINST AN INTERNATIONAL COURT''

[02] TURKISH CYPRIOTS START TO VOTE IN GENERAL ELECTIONS

[03] MUBARAK, THE EGYPTIAN PRESIDENT IN TURKEY - DEMIREL, THE PRESIDENT: ''WE WISH THE COMMENCEMENT OF A NEW PERIOD WITH SYRIA''

[04] BERLUSCONI, LEADER OF FORZA ITALY PARTY SENDS A LETTER TO TRNC DEPUTY PREMIER SERDAR DENKTAS: - ''I AM OPPOSED TO ITALY'S GRANTING POLITICAL ASYLUM TO OCALAN''

[05] MUBARAK, THE EGYPTIAN PRESIDENT IN ANKARA - PRESIDENT DEMIREL: ''TURKEY IS A PEACEFUL COUNTRY, SHE DOES NOT WANT TO HARM ANY COUNTRY'' - ''IT IS EARLY TO MEET WITH ASSAD, THE PRESIDENT OF SYRIA''

[06] MUBARAK, THE EGYPTIAN PRESIDENT IN TURKEY ''WE REGARD EGYPT AS A PARTNER WHICH WE CAN WORK TOGETHER FOR CONSTRUCTION OF A COMMON FUTURE FOR EAST MEDITERRANEAN AND MIDDLE EAST''

[07] MUBARAK, THE EGYPTIAN PRESIDENT LEAVES TURKEY - PRESIDENT DEMIREL: ''THERE IS A GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY IN FRONT OF OUR COUNTRIES'' - ''TURKEY IS THE 16TH BIGGEST ECONOMY OF THE WORLD''

[08] UN SECURITY COUNCIL TO DISCUSS CYPRUS ISSUE

[09] INTERNATIONAL SEMINAR FROM TICA AND KONRAD FOUNDATION

[10] EXTRADITION OF CAKICI TO TURKEY - FRENCH INTERPOL CONVEYS THE DECISION OF FRENCH COURT OF APPEAL TO TURKISH INTERPOL

[11] SEVEN MORE FAMILIES FROM NORTHERN IRAQ RETURN TO TURKEY - 23 PEOPLE SETTLE TEMPORARILY NEAR SILOPI IN SOUTHERN PROVINCE OF SIRNAK

[12] TURKEY'S FIRST ENERGY CONGRESS TO START ON MONDAY IN ISTANBUL

[01] CEM, THE FOREIGN MINISTER ADDRESSES TO CORRIERE DELLA SERA, THE ITALIAN NEWSPAPER: ''WE ARE AGAINST AN INTERNATIONAL COURT''

Addressing to Corriere della Serra, one of the leading newspapers of Italy, Ismail Cem stated that the extradition of the chief of the separatist terrorist organization is not impossible, but difficult and he will meet with Lamberto Dini, the Italian Foreign Minister about the issue in Tuesday in Brussels.

Pointing out that certain Italian politicians expressed their views before waiting for the decision of the court, Cem stated that he knows that this is nothing to do with Italian people.

Responding to a question about the economic boycott which continues for three weeks, Cem stressed that ''the problem is not to separate economics from politics, it is to separate politics from justice. The boycott stems from spontaneous reaction of the people. The government did not intervene, when the reaction of the people ends, the boycott will also finish.''

Cem stated that some people in Italy act without the information of the government, Cem underlined the view that several former members of KGB, the intelligence and internal-security agency of the former Soviet Union might have thought that Italy could be an appropriate place for Ocalan, the terrorist chief.

Cem added that Turkey has a foreign policy view which is broader than the one of the EU.

[02] TURKISH CYPRIOTS START TO VOTE IN GENERAL ELECTIONS

A total of 120,758 voters will cast votes in 501 ballot boxes and elect new 50 members out of 352 candidates including two independents for five years.

A total of seven political parties are attending the elections.

The parties, which can't get votes more than five percent, can't gain seats in the Parliament.

Totally 15 Deputies from Lefkosa, 13 from Gazimagosa, nine from Girne, seven from Guzelyurt and six from Yeni Iskele will be elected.

Voting will be concluded at 18:00 local time. The announcement of the final results is expected to be made late on the same day.

[03] MUBARAK, THE EGYPTIAN PRESIDENT IN TURKEY - DEMIREL, THE PRESIDENT: ''WE WISH THE COMMENCEMENT OF A NEW PERIOD WITH SYRIA''

Addressing the end of the interdelegationary meetings held within the framework of the contacts of Hosni Mubarak, the Egyptian President, President Demirel said that ''we wish commencement of a new period between Turkey and Syria and to end the problems which are rooted in the past.''

President Demirel said that the Adana Agreement, which was signed between the two countries has to operate better.

[04] BERLUSCONI, LEADER OF FORZA ITALY PARTY SENDS A LETTER TO TRNC DEPUTY PREMIER SERDAR DENKTAS: - ''I AM OPPOSED TO ITALY'S GRANTING POLITICAL ASYLUM TO OCALAN''

Berlusconi invited the Italian government to give up protecting Ocalan, the leader of the separatist terrorist PKK organization.

Recalling that he had expressed his concerns about the attitudes of the Italian government with a press conference, Berlusconi said in his letter that he was totally against granting political asylum to Ocalan.

''The leftist government in the power is risking the traditional Turkish- Italian friendship and historical cooperation by protecting a terrorist and by forgetting her sufferings from terrorism in the past,'' Berlusconi said.

The TRNC State Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Serdar Denktas had earlier sent a letter to Berlusconi, saying that the Democrat Party of TRNC completely supported the requests of Turkey regarding the issue and stressing that Italy shouldn't have left the crimes of bloodiest terrorist unpunished as the terrorist in question was responsible for the deaths of thousands of innocent people.

[05] MUBARAK, THE EGYPTIAN PRESIDENT IN ANKARA - PRESIDENT DEMIREL: ''TURKEY IS A PEACEFUL COUNTRY, SHE DOES NOT WANT TO HARM ANY COUNTRY'' - ''IT IS EARLY TO MEET WITH ASSAD, THE PRESIDENT OF SYRIA''

Addressing a joint press briefing together with Hosni Mubarak, the Egyptian President who is currently in Turkey, President Demirel said that they took up bilateral relations, regional and international problems with Mubarak, adding that the visit of Mubarak will speed up the bilateral relations.

President Demirel recalled that Mubarak helped in solution of the problem between Turkey and Syria in the previous months.

Mubarak said in his part that ''we wish improvement of strong, constructive and productive relations among Turkey, Egypt and other Arab countries, adding that the two countries decided to hold regular consultations between themselves.''

Noting that the two countries also decided to broaden the content of the cooperation between the two countries in the field of economy, Mubarak said that the businessmen of the two countries should come together more frequently. Mubarak pointed out that she carries out a similar project just like the Southeastern Project (GAP), adding that exchange of views continue between the authorized institutions of the two countries.

Attributing importance to the peaceful solution of conflicts and tension between countries, Mubarak said that they are pleased about the overcome of the tension in Turkish-Syrian relations.

Noting that he has brought a message from Hafez Al-Assad, the Syrian President, Mubarak said that ''Assad explained his point of aspect concerning Turkish-Syrian relations and expressed his wish for improvement of a productive cooperation between the two countries.''

Referring to the cooperation in the struggle against terrorism, Mubarak stated that ''terrorism destroys, kills many people and nothing can be achieved by terrorism.''

''Another alternative other than realization of just and comprehensive peace atmosphere can not be thought in the Middle Eastern region,'' added Mubarak, noting that the protection of territorial integrity of Iraq is very important, yet the latter has to fulfil her responsibilities stemming from agreements.

Responding to a question of an Egyptian journalist about the cooperation of Turkey with Israel, President Demirel said that the existing relations between Turkey and Israel are not against the interests of a third country.

''Turkey is a peaceful country, which has been living in peace since her foundation 75 years ago and she solves her problems by peaceful ways. Turkey does not want to harm any country, but if we assume so, she does not need anyone,'' said Demirel, adding he does not threaten anyone by these words, but he only expresses his opinions.

When asked whether or not he will come together with Hafez Al-Assad, the Syrian President, President Demirel ''it is early for that, but I hope you will get a positive response to your question in the future.''

Responding to a question of a Turkish journalist, Mubarak said that he did not bring a concrete proposal from Assad, the Syrian President, but Assad seems wishing and sincere to improve relations with Turkey.

[06] MUBARAK, THE EGYPTIAN PRESIDENT IN TURKEY ''WE REGARD EGYPT AS A PARTNER WHICH WE CAN WORK TOGETHER FOR CONSTRUCTION OF A COMMON FUTURE FOR EAST MEDITERRANEAN AND MIDDLE EAST''

Addressing the ceremony, President Demirel stated that Turkey and Egypt are two friendly countries and strong cooperation between the two countries does not only serve the interest of Turkey and Egypt, but also the development, prosperity, stability and peace of the whole region.

Noting that Hosni Mubarak, is one of the leading statesmen and politicans of the world, President Demirel stated that the medal was given to Mubarak for his contributions in improvement of Turkish-Egyptian relations and in installation of a real and permanent peace in the region.

Addressing a dinner hosted in honour of Mubarak the same evening, President Demirel stated that ''I am sure our contacts with Mubarak will contribute to common understanding between our countries.''

''Installation of peace, security and stability in our region as soon as possible necessiates us to act with responsibility and contribute to the peace process. In this respect we will continue to extend support for realization of the Middle East Peace Process,'' said President Demirel.

The Guest President Mubarak said in his part that there is a full trust and reciprocal understanding between Demirel and himself.

Inviting President Demirel to Egypt, Mubarak stated that Turkey has a distinguished place in the Middle East, adding ''Turkey shares our responsibilities concerning the peace matter.''

[07] MUBARAK, THE EGYPTIAN PRESIDENT LEAVES TURKEY - PRESIDENT DEMIREL: ''THERE IS A GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY IN FRONT OF OUR COUNTRIES'' - ''TURKEY IS THE 16TH BIGGEST ECONOMY OF THE WORLD''

In his speech before the Turkish-Egyptian Business Council meetings, Demirel recalled that the two countries have been situationed in the crossroads where important trade routes intersect.

''The history brings a golden opportunity in front of our countries, we have to benefit well from this opportunity and have to take steps in order to increase our common prosperity,'' added Demirel, adding Turkey wishes to contribute to development efforts of Egypt.

Noting that Turkey is the 16th greatest economy of the world and the seventh economy which grows rapidly among the developing economies of the world in 1997, President Demirel said that ''Turkey is situationed in the centre of the world with her geographical status.''

Pointing out that the new energy geography in Caspian basin will integrate with global markets via Turkey, President Demirel said that this status of Turkey is also an advantage for Egypt, which seeks for new markets for her energy sources.

Demirel stated that Turkey can be an important transit country in transportation of Egyptian energy sources to Ukraine and to the other countries in Black Sea basin by pipelines.

Stressing that Turkey will make an investment of 150 billion dollars in the field of defense industry in the coming 30 years, President Demirel stated that Turkey has one of the most modern numerical fixed and mobile telephone networks of Europe in telecommunication field.

Pointing out that Turkey is included among the countries which gain the highest amount of money from tourism in 1996, Demirel said that Turkey will undertake an investment of nine billion dollars in tourism sector in the coming ten years.

President Demirel stated that the foreign trade of Turkey with Eygpt has increased regularly during the last ten years, adding the aim of the two countries has to be sustainable, increasing and balanced trade. Noting that the foreign trade volume between the two countries does not fully reflect the real potential, President Demirel said a free trade agreement can have a positive effect on diversification of trade between the two countries.

Listing the areas of cooperation as textile, construction, automotive, President Demirel said the businessmen of the two countries can assume an important role in development of relations.

The guest President Mubarak said Turkey and Egypt have to make cooperation in the economic field, adding Egypt is one of the most liberal economies of the world.

Isın Celebi, the State Minister, Yusuf Butros Gali, the Egyptian Minister of Economy, Saffet Al-Sharif, the Egyptian Minister of Information also participated in the lunch of the Turkish-Egyptian Bussiness Council.

Later, Hosni Mubarak left Turkey for Egypt.

[08] UN SECURITY COUNCIL TO DISCUSS CYPRUS ISSUE

The UN Security Council will start its informal consultations about the Cyprus issue on 11 December. The UN sources said the meetings can last at several sessions.

Meanwhile, Kofi Annan, the Secretary General of the UN, is expected to present two reports on Cyprus to the Security Council after 10 December.

One of the reports will be on the good will mission of Secretary General Annan and the other one will be about the extension of term of the UN Peacekeeping Force for Cyprus. (UNFICYP).

The UN pursues shuttle diplomacy through Ann Hercus, the UN Deputy Special Representative to Cyprus. Annan is expected to mention in his report whether or not they recorded progress in this issue.

The term in office of the UNFICYP will conclude on 31 December 1998.

Diplomatic sources said the Security Council will extend the term in office of the UNFICYP for six months with a draft law it will possibly adopt next week.

[09] INTERNATIONAL SEMINAR FROM TICA AND KONRAD FOUNDATION

The international seminar was scheduled to take place at the TICA Conference Hall between 8-10 December.

A total of 21 delegates from Turkey, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Armenia, Moldova, Romania and the Ukraine will attend the seminar.

The Konrad Foundation also organized a forum on ''Globalization and Democracy''.

The forum will be held on Monday evening at the foundation's conference hall.

[10] EXTRADITION OF CAKICI TO TURKEY - FRENCH INTERPOL CONVEYS THE DECISION OF FRENCH COURT OF APPEAL TO TURKISH INTERPOL

Kutlu Savas, the Minister of Interior told A.A correspondent that the decision of the French court of appeal has reached to Turkish Interpol.

Aktas added that the court decision in question has been sent to Prime Ministry and Ministries of Justice and Foreign Affairs.

The document sent to Turkish Interpol says that ''if the Turkish government assures guarentees that Cakıcı won't be sentenced to death penalty in Turkey, he will be extradited to Turkey. Thank you for your cooperation.''

[11] SEVEN MORE FAMILIES FROM NORTHERN IRAQ RETURN TO TURKEY - 23 PEOPLE SETTLE TEMPORARILY NEAR SILOPI IN SOUTHERN PROVINCE OF SIRNAK

These 23 people who had been forced to leave Turkey and forced to stay in camps set up by the separatist terrorist organization took shelter in United Nations (UN).

The UN officials delivered the 23 people to Turkish officials, who were later made to take shelter in tents which were formed near Habur Border Gate.

Responding to questions of A.A correspondent, the officials said that all the families who stay in Grigevri, Balkoz, Misirik and Sumali camps applied to return to Turkey, adding efforts are underway to make these ctizens return to Turkey.

Noting that there is another camp called ''Mamur'' where Turkish citizens in territories belonging to Iraq live, officials pointed out that ''after the closure of the Atrush camp in Northern Iraq by the UN, the separatist terrorist organization forced our citizens living in Atrush camp to stay in Mamur camp. At the moment the outside of this camp is protected by soldiers of Saddam, however the militans of the terrorist organization control the internal camp by use of force. They kill those who try to escape, some of our citizens were successful in escaping from the camp and they took shelter to UN officials. Our efforts for their return to Turkey continue. Totally 6000 citizens have returned to Turkey from the camps in Northern Iraq till today. A group of citizens will come to Turkey within the coming few days, everybody living in Mamur camp wish to return to Turkey.''

[12] TURKEY'S FIRST ENERGY CONGRESS TO START ON MONDAY IN ISTANBUL

The situation of energy in Turkey in the 21st century will be discussed and the profile of energy will be put forward at the three-day Congress for which the sub-commission studies were concluded.

Meanwhile, President Suleyman Demirel, Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz and Energy Minister Cumhur Ersumer are expected to attend the congress according to the developments about the coalition search.

President Demirel is expected to address early on Monday the opening speech of the congress at the Lutfi Kirdar Congress and Exhibition Hall.

On the same day, the energy ministers and bureaucrats of several countries will convene at a summit on ''Turkish Energy Sector in 21st Century'' at the Konrad Hotel.

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