Anadolu Agency: News in English, 98-12-10

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

10 DEC 1998

CONTENTS

[01] RICHARDSON, THE US SECRETARY OF ENERGY: ''THE MOST RATIONAL CHOICE IS BAKU-CEYHAN PIPELINE''

[02] DINI, THE ITALIAN FM: ''THE DECISION CONCERNING THE TRIAL OF OCALAN CAN BE POSTPONED TO 1999''

[03] PARLIAMENTARY DELEGATION IN BULGARIA

[04] ECEVIT, THE LEADER OF THE DSP TELLS CILLER, THE LEADER OF DYP THAT: ''IF YOU FIND IT SUITABLE, I DESIRE TO FORM A MINORITY GOVERNMENT''

[05] TURKEY'S LAWYER SINAGRA: - ''ITALY IS OBLIGED TO TRY OCALAN''

[06] CEM, THE FOREIGN MINISTER RETURNS TO TURKEY - CEM, ''I'VE TOLD THE ITALIAN FOREIGN MINISTER THAT IT IS TURKEY'S RIGHT TO PUT OCALAN, THE TERRORIST CHIEF ON TRIAL''

[07] AGAOGLU, FAMOUS TURKISH AUTHOR, ENTITLED WITH HONORARY DOCTORATE OF US STATE UNIVERSITY

[08] TURKISH-EU RELATIONS - AKYOL, TURKEY'S REPRESENTATIVE TO THE EU: ''WE REJECTED THE INVITATION TO EUROPEAN CONFERENCE, AS THE ATTITUDE OF THE EU FOR TODAY IS INSUFFICIENT''

[09] A DEMONSTRATION TO BE HELD IN THE NETHERLANDS AGAINST ITALY

[10] TURKEY AND THE TURKISH TOURISM IN FRENCH PRESS - THE INTER FRANCE MEDIA, FRENCH COMMUNICATION AND PRESS AGENCY, ISSUE A SPECIAL ADDITION CONCERNING TURKEY

[11] PRESIDENT DEMIREL AND PRIME MINISTER YILMAZ TO OPEN TWO NEW NATURAL GAS TRANFORMATION POWER PLANTS

[12] FOREIGN DEBT PAYMENTS - 11.9 BILLION US DOLLARS PAID IN FOREIGN DEBT SINCE JANUARY 1, 1998

[13] DENKTAS, THE PRESIDENT OF TRNC, ARRIVES IN ANKARA - DENKTAS' CALL TO THE GREEK CYPRIOT SIDE: ''LET US COME TOGETHER AND DISCUSS HOW TO ESTABLISH PEACE ON THE ISLAND''

[14] FOREIGN EXCHANGE RESERVES OF CENTRAL BANK INCREASE TO 20.4 BILLION US DOLLARS

[15] BAD WEATHER CONDITIONS PARALYZE DAILY LIFE IN SEVERAL REGIONS OF TURKEY

[16] THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS - TURK, STATE MINISTER: ''SIGNIFICANT ADVANCES ARE REALIZED IN 50 YEARS. HOWEVER, ALL OF THE PROBLEMS HAVE NOT BEEN SOLVED''

[17] PRESIDENT DEMIREL: ''GOVERNMENT EXISTS WITH ALL ITS AUTHORITIES TILL A NEW GOVERNMENT IS FORMED''

[01] RICHARDSON, THE US SECRETARY OF ENERGY: ''THE MOST RATIONAL CHOICE IS BAKU-CEYHAN PIPELINE''

Addressing a meeting concerning Caspial oil and oil pipelines, Richardson stated that there are some problems that stand in front of realization of Baku-Ceyhan pipeline, however ''the most rational choice that will transport Azeri oil to the Western markets is Baku-Ceyhan pipeline,'' he said.

Noting that the decrease in oil prices should not constitute an impediment for Baku-Ceyhan pipeline, Richardson said that ''the contacts and meetings of the Turkish government with oil companies continue and progress is being made.''

Richardson said that ''it is no longer 'if' we will have a pipeline from Baku to Ceyhan, but when,'' adding the United States is merely serving as an honest broker to spur the pipeline's development, which would be mostly privately financed.

As part of that, Richardson said he signed an agreement to finance a feasibility study for possible construction of a trans-Caspian pipeline that would bring Kazak oil and gas to Baku, from where it could be transported on the proposed

Baku-Ceyhan line.

[02] DINI, THE ITALIAN FM: ''THE DECISION CONCERNING THE TRIAL OF OCALAN CAN BE POSTPONED TO 1999''

Dini pointed out that the Italian court of appeal has time to decide on the issue of extradition request of Turkey, adding the extradition dossier sent by Turkey includes all the terrorist activities that accuse Ocalan and the Italian court of appeal can wish putting Ocalan on trial.

Meanwhile Achille Ochetto, the Chairman of the Italian Foreign Affairs Commission of the Foreign Ministry invited the Italian government to act in a more honourable way and in a more resolved manner concerning the chief of the separatist terrorist organization.

Francesco Amoruso, speaking on behalf of the Italian National Alliance Party said that Italy could be a territory where international terrorist activities are committed.

Beniamino Andreatta, the former Italian Defense Minister said in his part that the possibility of granting political asylum to the chief of the separatist terrorist organization PKK should not come true and the chief of the separatist terrorist organization uses Italian media for his struggle.

[03] PARLIAMENTARY DELEGATION IN BULGARIA

The parliamentary delegation was welcomed at the Sofia Airport by Guner Tahir, the Deputy Chairman of the Bulgarian Parliament's Foreign Affairs Commission.

Karayalcin later met with Ahmet Dogan, the leader of the Rights and Freedoms Movement (HOH) political party, at the Residence of the Turkish Ambassador to Sofia.

At the meeting, the situation of the Turkish people living in Bulgaria and the issue of ''secret immigration to Turkey from Bulgaria'' were discussed.

The Parliamentary delegation led by Murat Karayalcin will meet on Thursday with Yordan Sokolov, the Speaker of the Bulgarian Parliament, and Nadejda Mihaylova, the Foreign Minister of Bulgaria.

Karayalcin will be received on Friday by Bulgarian President Petar Stoyanov.

[04] ECEVIT, THE LEADER OF THE DSP TELLS CILLER, THE LEADER OF DYP THAT: ''IF YOU FIND IT SUITABLE, I DESIRE TO FORM A MINORITY GOVERNMENT''

The two party leaders met with each other the same day.

''If we can get a positive result from our contacts with other parties, Ciller told me that she can extend a morale support to a minority government that will be formed under the leadership of me,'' Ecevit added.

Addressing a press briefing in the parliament after meeting with Tansu Ciller, the leader of the True Path Party (DYP), Ecevit said that Ciller did not accept his proposal which foresaw the formation of a government between the Motherland Party (ANAP), True Path Party (DYP) and DSP.

Noting that Ciller is not against a coalition government which includes the Motherland Party, True Path Party (DYP) and the Democratic Left Party (DSP), Ecevit pointed out that ''however Ciller does not find this sufficient and she says that the Virtue Party (FP) and the Republican Peoples Party (CHP) should also be included to a possible government.

''I told her that if a broad-based government is to be set up, the government won't be able to work fastly and in an harmony in the coming 4,5 months, thus I said I prefer a coalition government composed of three parties,'' Ecevit said.

When asked what the morale support of DYP meant, Ecevit said he had such an impression that DYP would not oppose, but extend support to such a minority government.

[05] TURKEY'S LAWYER SINAGRA: - ''ITALY IS OBLIGED TO TRY OCALAN''

Sinagra said that Rome was obliged to put chief terrorist Ocalan on trial in Italy in accordance with the Council of Europe (COE) Agremeent on Struggle Against Terrorism, which was signed in 1977 also by Turkey, Italy and Germany, and that the Italian government had only lost time up until now.

Article Seven of the COE Struggle Against Terrorism Agreement includes this statement, ''if a person, who is wanted for a terrorist crime, is arrested in another country excluding the country which issued a warrant of arrest for him, and if the former country decides not to extradite the accused in question, she is obliged to transfer the case to her authoritis for the implementation of the necessary penal sanction without delaying the case.''

Thus the Italian authorities will implement their national laws.

Meanwhile, the magistrates at the Rome Court of Appeals will question chief terrorist Ocalan on 11 December at his current dwelling, a villa near Rome, on charges of carrying illegal identity card.

The Italian Parliament on 18 December will discuss and vote for the proposal brought by the opposition ''Freedom Front'' led by Silvio Berlusconi regarding the expelling of terrorist Ocalan from Italy.

[06] CEM, THE FOREIGN MINISTER RETURNS TO TURKEY - CEM, ''I'VE TOLD THE ITALIAN FOREIGN MINISTER THAT IT IS TURKEY'S RIGHT TO PUT OCALAN, THE TERRORIST CHIEF ON TRIAL''

Addressing a statement at Ataturk Airport on his return from the NATO foreign ministers meeting held in Brussels, Cem pointed out that the enlargement process of NATO was taken up in the meeting.

Noting that he met with Lamberto Dini, the Italian Foreign Minister, Ismail Cem said that the bilateral problems between the two countries were taken up at the meeting.

Referring to the main issue taken up at the meeting which is the chief of the separatist terrorist organization, Cem said ''our attitude is clear, I said that Turkey can't accept the initiatives of international tribunal and it seems that they have given up such an idea. At this stage, we expect the Italian justice to take up seriously our request of extradition within the framework of the principles of law.''

''I also told him that Turkey is uneasy about Italy's becoming almost a centre of a terrorist organization, adding that the bilateral relations can only improve within the framework of such conditions. We reached a consensus of opinion with Dini concerning the necessity that the officials of the two countries should be in continious dialogue,'' he added.

Pointing out that the Turkish-EU relations were also taken up during his bilateral meetings, Cem stressed that the EU circles know exactly that Turkey won't correct her political relations with the EU till the latter declares the candidacy of Turkey.

Emphasizing the fact that Austria, the EU Term President has prepared a draft resolution which would be approved by Turkey in the summit that will be held in Vienna, Cem said that Greece would veto that.

Responding to a question, Cem said that Turkey does not wish the Council of Europe (COE) to take up the issue concerning the chief of the sepaartist terrorist organization PKK.

[07] AGAOGLU, FAMOUS TURKISH AUTHOR, ENTITLED WITH HONORARY DOCTORATE OF US STATE UNIVERSITY

Agaoglu will receive the honorary doctorate title with a ceremony to be held on 12 December at the university in Colombus city of Ohio.

The officials at the Turkish Consulate General in Chicago and the Turkish students studying at the State University will attend the ceremony.

[08] TURKISH-EU RELATIONS - AKYOL, TURKEY'S REPRESENTATIVE TO THE EU: ''WE REJECTED THE INVITATION TO EUROPEAN CONFERENCE, AS THE ATTITUDE OF THE EU FOR TODAY IS INSUFFICIENT''

Evaluating the results reached at the meetings of the EU Council on 6-7 December, Akyol said, ''upon a request from the EU Term Presidency, Turkey has informed on 18 November 1998 the Austrian officials about her expectations from the Vienna Summit. Within the framework of that information note, which was also presented to the EU member countries and Commission, Turkey has repeated her expectation of recognition of her candidacy and equal treatment.''

Stressing that the decisions, which were taken at the Brussels meeting of the EU Council on 6-7 December and which will be submitted to the Vienna Summit on 11-12 December, did satisfy none of Turkey's expectations, Akyol stated that the existing document didn't recognize Turkey's candidacy which can fulfil legal commitments, and didn't clarify Turkey's status due to ''lack of political will''.

Emphasizing that this situation constituted a contradiction with the attitude of the EU Commission, the executive organ of the EU, Akyol said that the Commission treated Turkey as a ''candidate'' and pursued a full- membership strategy but the initiatives of Turkey and the Commission in several areas can't be productive without the support of the Commission.

Noting that the Swoboda Report, which was discussed at the European Parliament last week, and the decision, which was taken to this end, was another ''element of problem'', Akyol said that decision foresaw unacceptable conditions.

Pointing out that the EU Term Presidency invited Turkey to Vienna Summit together with other candidates within the framework of the European Conference, Akyol said, ''Turkey's attitude against that Conference is very clear. The invitation was rejected as that framework didn't foresee Turkey's candidacy.''

[09] A DEMONSTRATION TO BE HELD IN THE NETHERLANDS AGAINST ITALY

The demonstration will be held at 12.00 in famous Maliveld Square in the Hague.

The Regulation Committee of the Turkish Associations said that the separatist terrorist PKK organization in Western Europe launches efforts to divide Turkish citizens living in West Europe, adding that ''the PKK terrorist organization imposes social, political and economic pressures on Turkish and Kurdish people, who have been living friendly throughout the history. While doing this, it takes side with some Dutch institutions by deceiving them, we don't believe that there is a separation between Turkish and Kurdish people and such a situation is out of question.''

A black wreath will be laid in front of the Italian Embassy in the Hague during the demonstration.

[10] TURKEY AND THE TURKISH TOURISM IN FRENCH PRESS - THE INTER FRANCE MEDIA, FRENCH COMMUNICATION AND PRESS AGENCY, ISSUE A SPECIAL ADDITION CONCERNING TURKEY

Turkish Tourism Ministry stated that the estimations on some issues such as Turkish-French relations, Ataturk, Istanbul, Customs Union and Turkey, inflation, business world, electricity and oil, Istanbul Stock Exchange Market (IMKB), encouragement of the domestic production, construction sctor, telecommunication, press and television network, liqour production and defence sector was put forth in the addition in which Turkish tourism was largely explaind.

The coasts, the natural beauties, the hotels and holiday resorts of Turkey was also emphasized in the addition. The fact that Turkey was trying to have new tourists rather than the European countries and that she was expecting an increase in the number of tourists coming from America.

Pointing out to the fact that the number of tourists coming from France increased 35 percent, the addition also expressed that Turkey should increase its tourism season and should prepare for winter tourism.

The addition also noted that Turkey should pay more attention in other kinds of tourism such as congress and business tourism and emphasized that Turkey's potential was really very much in this issue.

[11] PRESIDENT DEMIREL AND PRIME MINISTER YILMAZ TO OPEN TWO NEW NATURAL GAS TRANFORMATION POWER PLANTS

The officials noted that Demirel and Yilmaz will first open the natural gas combined transformation power plant with a power of 500 megawatt established by Trakya Electricity Incorp. They will also open another one with the same power established by Unimar company.

[12] FOREIGN DEBT PAYMENTS - 11.9 BILLION US DOLLARS PAID IN FOREIGN DEBT SINCE JANUARY 1, 1998

The Central Bank data shows that the Treasury paid 9 billion 119.8 million US dollars; the Central Bank repaid 331.7 million US dollars; the Ministry of National Defense and the Defense Industry paid 1 billion 254.3 million US dollars and the Defense Fund paid 175.8 million US dollars in foreign debt between January 1 and December 9, 1998.

Meanwhile, a total of 113.7 million US dollars of foreign debt was repaid between December 1 and 9.

The foreign debt payment was 1 billion 346.7 million US dollars in January; 916 million US dollars in February; 785.8 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 Jnue; 1 billion 242.8 million US dollars in July; 860.9 million US dollars in August; 897.6 million US dollars in September; 1 billion 396.3 million US dollars in October and 1 billion 13.2 million US dollars in December 1998.

[13] DENKTAS, THE PRESIDENT OF TRNC, ARRIVES IN ANKARA - DENKTAS' CALL TO THE GREEK CYPRIOT SIDE: ''LET US COME TOGETHER AND DISCUSS HOW TO ESTABLISH PEACE ON THE ISLAND''

In his statement in Esenboga Airport, Denktas noted that they were persistent in the proposals of the confederation.

Pointing out that the elections held last week in TRNC was as the referandum of their policies, Denktas said that a majority of Turkish Cypriots were beside their country by coming together in the natural line of the Republic.

Stating that the Turkish Cypriots showed their determination of improving their relations with Turkey by the results of the elections, Denktas said, ''I am really very happy to this end. The results of the elections are really very satisfactory. I hope the new government will act as the citizens desire.''

Stressing that there was not another chance other than the recognition of TRNC and recalling that the Greek Cypriot side government has been recognised for 35 years, Denktas emphasized that the ones who made this mistake was at last aware of the injustice they made and that they were trying to find a way out of this situation. Recalling that the Greek Cypriots could not own Cyprus by the help of their guns, Denktas said that they could not own it by deceiving the world, either.

Denktas also said, ''Let us come together and discuss how to establish peace on the Island. This is a positive feeling.'' and called the Greek Cypriots to have negotiations.

Denktas will undergo a cataract surgery at the Gulhane Military Medical Academy (GATA) in Ankara on Friday and return Cyprus on Saturday.

[14] FOREIGN EXCHANGE RESERVES OF CENTRAL BANK INCREASE TO 20.4 BILLION US DOLLARS

The Central Bank data shows that the foreign exchange reserves, which climbed by 716 million US dollars, increased to 20 billion 417 million US dollars as of 4 December.

The Central Bank's foreign exchange reserves were 19 billion 701 million US dollars on 27 November.

Meanwhile, according to the 20 December-based statistics, Turkey's total international gross reserves decreased 315 million US dollars to 33 billion 133 million US dollars between 4-11 September.

The international gross reserves of Turkey were 31 billion 133 million US dollars in 20 November.

As of 20 December, Turkey's international reserves were composed of 1 billion 125 million US dollars in gold reserves; 20 billion 79 million US dollars in the Central Bank's foreign exchange reserves; and 10 billion 666 million US dollars in the commercial banks' foreign exchange reserves.

[15] BAD WEATHER CONDITIONS PARALYZE DAILY LIFE IN SEVERAL REGIONS OF TURKEY

Primary and secondary schools in many provinces were temporarily closed.

Many village roads and several highways which were covered with ice, were closed to the traffic.

Officials continue their shoveling up and salting activities on the highways.

Heavy snowfall continues in the Marmara, Aegean, Central Anatolia Eastern Anatolia and Black Sea regions.

Meanwhile Talat Cakiroglu (aged 58) was frozen to death in the Thracean Edirne province.

Officials from the Directorate General of Meteorology said that the heavy- snowfall will continue until the weekend.

The Turkish Airliners has cancelled Ankara-Sivas flight because of the bad weather conditions.

[16] THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS - TURK, STATE MINISTER: ''SIGNIFICANT ADVANCES ARE REALIZED IN 50 YEARS. HOWEVER, ALL OF THE PROBLEMS HAVE NOT BEEN SOLVED''

Human Rights Coordination Supreme Board came together under the presidency of Turk in the Prime Ministry Centre Building.

Recalling that December 10 was the 50th anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in his statement after the meeting, Turk emphasized that this date was important because it made the humankind gather around common interests.

Stating thet the societies were taken into consideration for whether or not showing respect to the human rights today, Turk added that although significant advances were realized in this field in 50 years, all the problems were not still solved.

Stressing that the violations of human rights in various types were observed throughout the world, Turk emphasized that these violations were due to poverty, illiteracy, violence and intolerance.

Expressing that Turkey was face to face with this fact by the acts of the separatist terrorist organization for 15 years, Turk said, ''today, the humanity is important for not only it puts the common interests forth but also it protects and fortifies them. Everyone is responsible for the fortification of the human rights. Everyone has to do his best to contribute to the implementation of human rights.''

Noting that Ankara Anatolian High School held a seminar concerning ''The Training of Human Rights in Family and in School'' and that the statements of this seminar was prepared by the students, Turk said that the sensitivity of the Turkish youth on this issue attached great importance for the the future of the human rights.

Responding a question, Turk said that the draft laws foresaw the amendments to be held in some of the Articles of the Penalty Law and in the Eight Article of Struggle Against Terrorism Act and added that the other draft laws consisted of the acts concerning the trial of the civil servants and the other public officials.

[17] PRESIDENT DEMIREL: ''GOVERNMENT EXISTS WITH ALL ITS AUTHORITIES TILL A NEW GOVERNMENT IS FORMED''

Addressing a ceremony staged by Istanbul Chamber of Industry, Demirel said there were several criticisms that there is government problem in Turkey and recalled that Turkey was dragged into a very serious crisis in 1997. Demirel said a government had been formed out of that crisis adding that Turkey overcomed this problem being in legal basis and through legal ways.

Noting that Turkey has the power to overcome financial problems which it face, President Demirel said industrialists should stand firm and focus on the problems.

Demirel also said ''we should not create panic. We should find a solution altogether. Don't refrain from saying your ideas to the administration of the country.''

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