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Anadolu Agency: News in English, 98-12-21

Anadolu Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

21 DEC 1998


CONTENTS

  • [01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN
  • [02] IL GIORNALE, THE ITALIAN NEWSPAPER: ''TERRORIST CHIEF IS READY TO LEAVE ITALY''
  • [03] HAND GRENADE THROWN TO A POLICE CAR - NO CASUALTIES
  • [04] GENCOGLU, THE CHAIRMAN OF BAL-GOC ASSOCIATION: ''WE REQUEST THE TRANSFER OF SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC RIGHTS OF KINSMEN TO TURKEY''
  • [05] UN SECURITY COUNCIL TO START DISCUSSING CYPRUS QUESTION
  • [06] PRESIDENT DEMIREL TO MEET WITH CETIN, THE PARLIAMENT SPEAKER AND PARTY LEADERS ON MONDAY
  • [07] PRESIDENT DEMIREL-ECEVIT MEETING - PRESIDENTIAL PRESS CENTRE: ''MR. ECEVIT NOTED THAT HE WAS NOT ABLE TO SET UP THE GOVERNMENT AND HANDED BACK THE MISSION''
  • [08] BERSANI, THE ITALIAN DEFENSE MINISTER'S CONTACTS IN ANKARA
  • [09] POLICE WHO DECLARE THIS YEAR AS ''STRUGGLE WITH GANGS'' BRING 169 GANG INCIDENTS TO LIGHT IN 1998 - 1087 PEOPLE CAPTURED, 347 OF THEM ARRESTED
  • [10] ECEVIT, THE DSP LEADER HANDS BACK THE MANDATE OF FORMING THE GOVERNMENT (1) - ECEVIT: ''I TOLD THE PRESIDENT I HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO FULFIL MY DUTY AND ASKED HIM TO RELIEVE ME OF IT''
  • [11] ECEVIT, THE DSP LEADER HANDS BACK THE MANDATE OF FORMING THE GOVERMENT - ECEVIT: ''WE WON'T CAUSE ANY DIFFICULTY FOR A GOVERNMENT WHICH WILL ASK FOR A VOTE OF CONFIDENCE''
  • [12] TURKEY-STOCK EXCHANGE - IMKB FIRST SESSION - NATIONAL-100 INDEX RISES TO 2,417.79 WITH AN INCREASE OF 78.11 POINTS
  • [13] ITALY TRYING TO REACH COMPROMISE WITH TURKEY ON THIRD COUNTRY
  • [14] ENTRANCE OF NORTHERN IRAQI FUEL OIL INTO TURKEY CEASED
  • [15] TURKEY AND UKRAINE AGREE TO COOPERATE IN FIELD OF SCIENCE
  • [16] BAR-NER, ISRAELI AMBASSADOR TO ANKARA: - ''THE TURKISH-ISRAELI RLATIONS SHOULD BE IMPROVED''
  • [17] ITALIAN INDUSTRY MINISTER BERSANI'S CONTACTS IN ANKARA - BERSANI: ''THERE ARE THREE SOLUTIONS WHICH WILL NOT UPSET THE TURKISH PEOPLE''
  • [18] GOVERNMENT SEARCH - PRESIDENT DEMIREL: ''I AM SEEKING A GOVERNMENT WHICH CAN GET CONFIDENCE VOTE FROM THE PARLIAMENT''
  • [19] LAWYER OF CHIEF TERRORIST: ''OCALAN IS READY TO LEAVE ITALY''
  • [20] ITALIAN INDUSTRY MINISTER'S CONTACTS IN ANKARA - EREZ, MINISTER OF INDUSTRY AND TRADE: ''TURKISH AND ITALIAN BUSINESS REPRESENTATIVES AND UNION LEADERS WILL MEET IN THE COMING DAYS TO SEEK FOR A SOLUTION''
  • [21] EXTRADITION OF TERRORIST OCALAN - PRIME MINISTER YILMAZ: ''WE EXPECT FROM ITALIAN GOVERNMENT TO ACT AS A STATE OF LAW ANYMORE AFTER SO MUCH FALTERING''
  • [22] ITALIAN INDUSTRY MINISTER'S CONTACTS IN ANKARA - ERSUMER, MINISTER OF ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES: ''OUR ATTITUDE WON'T CHANGE WHATEVER THE ECONOMIC RISKS ARE''
  • [23] TURKEY IS PLEASED WITH THE ENDING OF AIR OPERATIONS AGAINS IRAQ - FM: ''WE FEEL DEEP SORROW FOR THE LOSS OF LIFE IN IRAQ''
  • [24] ''STRUGGLE AND MARTYRS'' WEEK IN TRNC

  • [01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

    These are some of the major headlines and their brief stories in Turkey's press on Dec 21, 1998. The Anadolu Agency does not verify these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.

    HURRIYET (LIBERAL) ''MY SUITCASE IS READY''
    Abdullah Ocalan, the chief of the separatist terrorist organization PKK told Il Giornale, an Italian newspaper that ''I was feeling as if I was at home in Italy, but I have to go now. They put pressure on the Italian premier and he can't stand the pressure anymore. I don't know where I will go. I did not come to Europe by my own will, I was invited. Europe took a responsibility regarding this issue and it has to support me now. Europe should not submit to the pressures of the US and Turkey. If I return to mountains again, this means more clashes and more violence.'' Meanwhile it is reported that Britain took measures to prevent the terrorist chief to come to this country. Ocalan said that British officials warned him in Rome and told him that ''don't come to Britain, if you do, you will be arrested.''

    MILLIYET (LIBERAL)

    ISTANBUL JUST LIKE A STATE
    Istanbul, which constitutes 23 percent of the Turkish economy by itself, is stronger than 126 states in respect of national income and bigger than 129 states in respect of population. The national income of Istanbul is 43 billion dollars and its population is estimated as nine millions.

    FIRST ITALIAN IN ANKARA
    Bersani, the Italian Defense Minister will pay an official visit to Turkey this morning. Bersani will meet with Yalım Erez, the Minister of Industry and Trade and Cumhur Ersumer, the Minister of Natural Resources and Energy. The visit of Bersani to Turkey is important in respect of three points: firstly Bersani is from the party of D'Alema, thus he is the best person to reflect to attitude of the Italian Prime Minister. Secondly he is the head of the ministry which has been effected mostly from the Turkish boycott. Thirdly he is the first Italian minister who will visit Turkey after the eruption of the crisis between Turkey and Italy.

    SABAH (LIBERAL)

    RAMADAN ABUNDANCE
    The markets livened up due to Ramadan and the sales. Ramadan was just like a remedy for the market which was in a stagnation due to the global crisis. Citizens rush into market to meet the needs of their families and this is very advantageous for the markets.

    ''28 FEBRUARY PROCESS DID NOT END''
    Talking with his party members, Mesut Yılmaz, the Prime Minister and the leader of the Motherland Party (ANAP) reiterated the warning issued by President Suleyman Demirel who had said that ''the process which started by the decisions taken by the National Security Council on Feb 28 did not end.'' Implying the fact that a government including the Virtue Party (FP) can cause a danger for the regime, Yılmaz said that ''Turkey will have elections on April 18 and she will give her choice.''

    Virtue Party (FP) is the successor of the Welfare Party (RP) which was banned by the Constitutional Court for its fundamentalist activities.

    CUMHURIYET (LEFT)

    TURKEY'S SUIT AGAINST ITALIAN MINISTER REJECTED
    Turkey had filed a suit against Italian Minister of Justice saying that he misused his authority and influenced the decision of the Rome court of appeal about Abdullah Ocalan, the chief of the separatist terrorist organization PKK. The suit was rejected by the Rome Chief Prosecution. While bargainings continue about sending Ocalan away from Italy, Italian Foreign Minister Lamberto Dini pointed out that the result will be taken soon.

    RADIKAL (LEFT)

    A DEPUTY IS WANTED
    Bulent Ecevit, the leader of the Democratic Left Party (DSP) who was assigned by President Demirel to form a government, will hand back the mandate to President Demirel at 10.00 today. It is believed that President Demirel will not give the mandate to party leaders namely Kutan, the leader of the Virtue Party (FP), Ciller, the leader of the True Path Party (DYP), Yılmaz, the leader of the Motherland Party (ANAP) or Baykal, the leader of the Republican Peoples Party (CHP). Names such as ''Gonensay, Denizkurdu, Cevheri, Toptan, Oray, Erdem or Sezgin'' are at the agenda of President Demirel. Besides President Demirel is not expected to permit the formation of a government including the Virtue Party (FP).

    YENİ YÜZYIL (LIBERAL)

    BRITAIN:''OCALAN SHOULDN'T COME HERE''
    Italy wants to send Abdullah Ocalan, the chief of the separatist terrorist organization PKK away from Italy and Ocalan wishes to find a place for himself. The terrorist chief claimed that Italian officials forced him to sign papers to prevent him to go to Britain. Addressing to the Italian newspapers, Ocalan said that it is difficult for him to stay in Europe.

    TÜRKİYE (RIGHT)

    CAUCASIAN PEACE CAN ONLY BE INSTALLED BY TURKEY
    Addressing an interview to the paper, Schevardnadze, the Georgian President said that he wishes Turkey to take an active part in the solution of Abkhazian question, adding that there is not a conflict between Georgians and Abkhazians. Abkhazians had earlier asked for the mediation of Turkey for the solution of the problem between Georgians and Abkhazians.

    ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)

    A PRIME MINISTER IS SEARCHED FOR
    President Suleyman Demirel is not expected to give the mission of prime ministry to another party leader after Bulent Ecevit, the leader of the Democratic Left Party (DSP) could not succeed in forming a government. Sumer Oral, a deputy from the Motherland Party (ANAP) is believed to be assigned by President Demirel to form the new government.

    [02] IL GIORNALE, THE ITALIAN NEWSPAPER: ''TERRORIST CHIEF IS READY TO LEAVE ITALY''

    ROME, Dec 21 (A.A) - Il Giornale, an Italian newspaper claimed on Sunday that Abdullah Ocalan, the chief of the separatist terrorist organization PKK was preparing to leave Italy.

    Il Giornale, which is known as a rightist newspaper in Italy, noted that the terrorist chief was preparing to leave Italy, adding the terrorist chief said that he could only leave Italy for a place he wishes to go.

    Noting that the terrorist chief did not confirm the news saying that he could go to Libya, the paper quoted Ocalan saying that Britain does not want him and if he goes there, he will probably be arrested.

    The terrorist chief also told the paper that he could ''return to mountains, but this could bring about more violence.''

    Meanwhile, Beppe Pisanu, the parliamentary group leader of Forza Italy political party, strongly criticized the policy pursued by D'Alema government and the Italian Foreign Ministry regarding the terrorist chief and told journalists that ''after 50 years of peace and cooperation with NATO and the US, now we find ourselves as friends of Abdullah Ocalan and Saddam Hussein.''

    Pointing out that the situation concerning the terrorist chief has been overshadowed for a short period of time by the air strikes launched against Iraq, Beppe Pisanu said that ''the Anglo-American bombardment finished, there only exists now the good-for-nothing members of the Italian politics.''

    Meanwhile responding to questions of journalists about the same issue, Lamberto Dini, the Italian Foreign Minister said that ''I hope the result will be taken soon.''

    [03] HAND GRENADE THROWN TO A POLICE CAR - NO CASUALTIES

    ISTANBUL, Dec 21 (A.A) - Two unidentified people threw hand grenade to a police car patrolling in Gungoren district of Istanbul on Sunday. Hitting the moving car, the hand grenade exploded away from the car.

    Security officials told A.A correspondent that two people threw the hand grenade to a traffic-police car in Cincin Deresi road. No casualties were reported.

    Security forces who were sent to the region after the bomb attack, started operations to capture the two assailants.

    [04] GENCOGLU, THE CHAIRMAN OF BAL-GOC ASSOCIATION: ''WE REQUEST THE TRANSFER OF SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC RIGHTS OF KINSMEN TO TURKEY''

    MANISA, Dec 21 (A.A) - Turan Gencoglu, the Chairman of the Balkan Immigrants' Cultural and Solidarity Association (Bal-Goc) said on Sunday that they request the transfer of the social and economic rights of kinsmen coming from Bulgaria to Turkey.

    The third regular congress of the association took place in western province of Manisa the same day. Addressing the congress, Gencoglu stated that they wish old people who had social security and who received salaries in Bulgaria, to continue benefitting from this right in Turkey by the help of Ziraat Bank.

    Gencoglu stressed that their association expects the completion of the legal procedures regarding the efforts aiming at giving the right to residence to kinsmen who stay in Turkey after they immigrated to Turkey from Bulgaria in 1989 due to the pressure imposed to them in Bulgaria.

    [05] UN SECURITY COUNCIL TO START DISCUSSING CYPRUS QUESTION

    NEW YORK, Dec 21 (A.A) - The UN Security Council is expected to take up the Cyprus question again on Tuesday, it is reported on Monday.

    The two reports of Kofi Annan, the UN Secretary General suggesting ''the extension of the term office of the United Nations Peace-Keeping Force on Cyprus (UNFICYP) till 30 June 1999'' and stressing that ''the shuttle diplomacy carried out by Ann Hercus, the UN Secretary General's Deputy Special Representative to Cyprus gave optimistic results,'' were distributed to UN Security Council members last week.

    The UN Security Council which was expected to take up the issue earlier, postponed the negotiations about the Cyprus question due to the Iraqi crisis that erupted.

    Diplomatic sources pointed out that the issue will probably be taken up at the UN Security Council on Tuesday and two draft resolutions prepared separately by Russia and British-American joint initiative will be discussed.

    One of the draft resolutions foresees extension of the term office of the UN Peace-Keeping Force on Cyprus, while the other draft puts forward the general point of view of the UN Security Council towards the question and it will extend support to the good-will mission of Kofi Annan, the UN Secretary General and the shuttle diplomacy carried out by Ann Hercus.

    The UN Security Council takes up the Cyprus question twice a year in June and December.

    [06] PRESIDENT DEMIREL TO MEET WITH CETIN, THE PARLIAMENT SPEAKER AND PARTY LEADERS ON MONDAY

    ANKARA, Dec 21 (A.A) - President Suleyman Demirel will meet with Hikmet Cetin, the Parliament Speaker and party leaders on Monday.

    President Demirel will firstly receive Hikmet Cetin, the Parliament Speaker at 13.00 local time.

    Later he will respectively receive Recai Kutan, the leader of the Virtue Party (RP), Tansu Ciller, the leader of the True Path Party (DYP), Deniz Baykal, the leader of the Republican Peoples Party (CHP), Husamettin Cindoruk, the leader of the Democratic Turkey Party (DTP) and Muhsin Yazıcıoglu, the leader of the Great Union Party (BBP).

    President Demirel will meet with Premier Mesut Yılmaz at 18.00 local time the same day.

    [07] PRESIDENT DEMIREL-ECEVIT MEETING - PRESIDENTIAL PRESS CENTRE: ''MR. ECEVIT NOTED THAT HE WAS NOT ABLE TO SET UP THE GOVERNMENT AND HANDED BACK THE MISSION''

    ANKARA, Dec 21 (A.A) - Presidential Press Centre said on Monday that Bulent Ecevit, the leader of the Democratic Left Party (DSP) and the Deputy Prime Minister who was assigned to form the the government, who was received by President Suleyman Demirel the same day, handed back the mandate and President Demirel thanked him for his efforts.

    The Presidential Press Centre said that ''President Demirel received at 10.00 local time Mr. Ecevit, who was assigned by President Suleyman Demirel on December 2, 1998 to form a new government after the collapse of the 55th government. Mr. Ecevit pointed out that he was not able to form the government, handed back the mandate and Mr. President thanked him for his efforts.''

    [08] BERSANI, THE ITALIAN DEFENSE MINISTER'S CONTACTS IN ANKARA

    ANKARA, Dec 21 (A.A) - Luigi Bersani, the Italian Defense Minister, who came to Turkey on Monday, met with Yalım Erez, the Minister of Trade and Industry.

    Massimiliano Bandini, the Italian Ambassador to Turkey, Paolo Trichilo, the Italian Trade Undersecretary at the Italian Embassy in Ankara, Alessandor Guerrera, the Representative of ENO Oil company to Turkey, Vincenzo De Luca, the Consultant of Diplomatic Affairs and other Italian officials working at the Italian Embassy were also present at the meeting between Bersani and Erez.

    The two delegations will take up problems that are seen between the two countries in the field of industry and commerce.

    The negative attitude of the Italian government concerning the extradition of the chief of the separatist terrorist organization PKK to Turkey had affected the commercial relations between the two countries.

    [09] POLICE WHO DECLARE THIS YEAR AS ''STRUGGLE WITH GANGS'' BRING 169 GANG INCIDENTS TO LIGHT IN 1998 - 1087 PEOPLE CAPTURED, 347 OF THEM ARRESTED

    ANKARA, Dec 21 (A.A) - Police who declared 1998 as ''struggle with gangs'' brought many gang incidents to light in 1998, captured 1087 people and arrested 347 of them in 1998 in connection with the incidents, it is reported on Monday.

    According to the report prepared by the Department of Smuggling and Struggle with Organized Crimes, police found out 169 organized crime incidents during operations launched between 15 January-18 December 1998 and 116 suspects are wanted in connection with the gang incidents.

    Erol Evcil, whose name was mentioned in the murder of Nesim Malki, a userer and Serdar Murat Topal, the son of Omer Lutfi Topal who was shot dead and who was known as the ''king of casinos,'' and Elif Lutfiye Topal are also among the gang leaders.

    The report stresses that there are 75 gang leaders including two women in Turkey. Alaattin Cakıcı, who is very well known by the public, Kursat Yılmaz, Sedat Peker, Kasım Gencyılmaz are among these gang leaders, while Mahmut Yıldırım who is known as ''Green'' is wanted in connection with the attack against Akın Birdal, the Chairman of the Human Rights Association.

    The report stressed that 68 out of 169 organized crime activities took place in Istanbul.

    [10] ECEVIT, THE DSP LEADER HANDS BACK THE MANDATE OF FORMING THE GOVERNMENT (1) - ECEVIT: ''I TOLD THE PRESIDENT I HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO FULFIL MY DUTY AND ASKED HIM TO RELIEVE ME OF IT''

    ANKARA, Dec 21 (A.A) - Bulent Ecevit, the leader of the Democratic Left Party (DSP) said on Monday that ''I told the President I have been unable to fulfil my duty and asked him to relieve me of it. I requested President Demirel to excuse me and presented a summary of the efforts I have exerted.''

    Ecevit noted that he welcomed all the political parties which extended messages of confidence to him.

    Bulent Ecevit, who was assigned by President Demirel to form a government, handed back the mandate during his meeting with President Demirel the same day.

    Addressing a statement to journalists after the meeting, Ecevit stated that ''as it is known, I have tried all the ways and choices that are possible except a government formula including the Virtue Party (FP). Three choices were in question, one was a broad-based coalition government including the Motherland Party (ANAP), True Path Party (DYP), Democratic Turkey Party (DTP) and the Republican Peoples Party (CHP) and I would be the prime minister. Prime Minister Mesut Yılmaz and Husamettin Cindoruk, the leader of the Democratic Turkey Party (DTP) extended full support to me. DYP deputies wanted the participation of CHP, however they could not persuade CHP.''

    ''Another proposal was a minority government which would be supported by political parties from outside. ANAP and DTP extended support to this proposal, too, but CHP rejected that. Thirdly there was the proposal of reinforced minority government, which was also offered by Husamettin Cindoruk, the leader of DTP. However Baykal did not accept this proposal. Baykal insisted on a coalition government that would be composed of the DSP and CHP, but it was known that no other party would accept such a formula. As it is seen the reason why none of my propasals was accepted stems from Deniz Baykal, who did not want the formation of a government headed by me. Other parties sent messages of trust to my prime ministry. I welcomed that and I am grateful to them.''

    [11] ECEVIT, THE DSP LEADER HANDS BACK THE MANDATE OF FORMING THE GOVERMENT - ECEVIT: ''WE WON'T CAUSE ANY DIFFICULTY FOR A GOVERNMENT WHICH WILL ASK FOR A VOTE OF CONFIDENCE''

    ANKARA, Dec 21 (A.A) - Bulent Ecevit, the leader of the Democratic Left Party (DTP), said on Monday that their party won't cause any difficulty for a government that will be set up and which will later ask for a vote of confidence in the parliament.

    Addressing a statement to journalists after meeting with President Suleyman Demirel, Ecevit, who handed back the mandate of forming the government the same day, stated that ''we will do our best to prevent the occurance of another government crisis whether or not we like the government that will be set up.''

    Explaining why he is against a government model including the Virtue Party (FP), Ecevit said that ''I see that Recai Kutan, the leader of the Virtue Party (FP) tries to launch efforts to make his party different from National Order Party, National Safety Party and the Welfare Party (RP). However I have serious doubts about his success. I think it will be appropriate to test the Virtue Party (FP) during the election campaign.''

    Noting that Turkey faced with an unneccesary government crisis, Ecevit said, ''Turkey faces with serious problems both at domestic level and abroad. New problems are added to these problems every day, so a government should be formed without wasting time.''

    [12] TURKEY-STOCK EXCHANGE - IMKB FIRST SESSION - NATIONAL-100 INDEX RISES TO 2,417.79 WITH AN INCREASE OF 78.11 POINTS

    ISTANBUL, Dec 21 (A.A) - The Istanbul Stock Exchange (IMKB) National-100 Index in the first session increased 78.11 points to 2,417.79 and shares gained 3.34 percent in value compared with prices at the close of Friday's second session, it was reported on Monday.

    At the close of the first session, the financial index increased 90.48 points to 3,075.51, the industrial index rose 56.66 points to 1,798.84 and the services index climbed 145.74 points to 3,317.76.

    The financial shares gained 3.03 percent in value, the industrial shares gained 3.25 percent in value and the services shares gained 4.59 percent in value compared with Friday's second session close.

    A total of 239 of the 278 shares gained in value, 15 shares lost in value while the prices of 24 shares didn't change.

    The trading volume in the morning session was 26.3 trillion Turkish Liras.

    [13] ITALY TRYING TO REACH COMPROMISE WITH TURKEY ON THIRD COUNTRY

    ROME, Dec 21 (A.A) - Umberto Vattani, the Secretary General of the Italian Foreign Ministry, and the high-level officials from the Turkish Foreign Ministry convened late on Sunday at the Turkish Embassy in Rome and discussed the issue of ''sending away the chief terrorist from Italy''.

    Umberto Vattani and one of his senior aides held a 1.5 hour meeting at the Turkish Embassy in Rome with two high-level officials from the Turkish Foregin Ministry.

    Inal Batu, the Turkish Ambassador to Rome, and Ahmet Gurkan, the Undersecretary of the Turkish Embassy in Rome, also attended the meeting.

    The Embassy sources confirmed that the terrorist Ocalan issue was discussed at the ''secret meeting'' while they declined to give information about the content of the meeting.

    The officials focused on the alternative of ''sending away chief terrorist Abdullah Ocalan from Italy upon a compromise''.

    Diplomatic sources said that during the meeting, the Italian officials tried to get approval of Turkey for the third country where the terrorist chief would be sent.

    Italian Prime Minister Massimo D'Alema, who held a meeting at the Italian Senate last week with the leaders of the political groups, stressed that it would be difficult to put this terrorist on trial in Italy and that they should convince chief terrorist Ocalan to leave Italy and they should get approval of Turkey.

    Diplomatic sources evaluated the meeting at the Turkish Embassy in Rome as a positive development regarding the initiatives for sending away the chief terrorist from Italy upon a compromise.

    [14] ENTRANCE OF NORTHERN IRAQI FUEL OIL INTO TURKEY CEASED

    DIYARBAKIR, Dec 21 (A.A) - The fuel oil trading at the Habur Border Gate can't be carried out at least for one month as the Filling Stations in Al- Basrah were bombed during the air strike launched by the US against Iraq, it was reported on Monday.

    Mustafa Demir, the Head Official of Silopi, told the A.A correspondent that the Habur Border Gate had been closed during the air strike due to security reasons, adding that the entrance of Northern Iraqi fuel oil into Turkey from the Habur Border Gate stopped as Iraq didn't give fuel oil to Northern Iraq after the end of the Desert Fox Operation.

    Head Official of Silopi said they didn't expect Iraq to send fuel oil to Northern Iraq in short term as the filling stations in Al-Basrah city of Iraq had been bombed during the strike.

    [15] TURKEY AND UKRAINE AGREE TO COOPERATE IN FIELD OF SCIENCE

    ANKARA, Dec 21 (A.A) - Turkey and the Ukraine signed on Monday an agreement on ''Establishment of an Intarnational High Technology, Science, Education and Practice Center''.

    Rustu Kazim Yucelen, the Minister of State, and Stanislav Dovgiy, the Minister of Science and Technology of the Ukraine, signed the agreement.

    Addressing the signing ceremony, State Minister Yucelen said that Turkey attached great importance to set up good relations with the former Soviet Republics especially with the Ukraine.

    The Ukranian Science and Technology Minister Stanislav Dovgiy said for his part that the activities of the Turkish-Ukranian Joint Working Laboratory constituted the basis for the scientific cooperation between the two countries, adding that he believed the International High Technology, Science, Education and Practice Center would carry out activities beneficial for both Turkey and the Ukraine.

    [16] BAR-NER, ISRAELI AMBASSADOR TO ANKARA: - ''THE TURKISH-ISRAELI RLATIONS SHOULD BE IMPROVED''

    ADANA, Dec 21 (A.A) - Uri Bar-Ner, the Israeli Ambassador to Turkey, said on Monday that the relations between Turkey and Israel should be developed.

    Israeli Ambassador Uri Bar-Ner met with Aytac Durak, the Mayor of southern Adana province. Addressing the meeting, Bar-Ner said that Turkey and Israel had lots of complementary elements like education and economy.

    Pointing out that they granted scholarship to 100 students studying at the Cukurova University in Adana and they were implementing a project on ''exchange of students in the fields of agriculture and medicine'', Bar-Ner stated that the Turkish-Israeli relations should be improved and that they targeted to further strengthen the coooperation between the two countries in every field.

    Noting that they would realize exports especially to the US with the Turkish-Israeli joint ventures, Bar-Ner said that the activities and initiatives continue to this end.

    Adana Mayor Durak said for his part that Israel became the first country which offered help for Adana after the recent earthquake disaster, stressing, ''we were pleased with seeing this friendly country with us during the disaster.''

    [17] ITALIAN INDUSTRY MINISTER BERSANI'S CONTACTS IN ANKARA - BERSANI: ''THERE ARE THREE SOLUTIONS WHICH WILL NOT UPSET THE TURKISH PEOPLE''

    ANKARA, Dec 21 (A.A) - Pierluigi Bersani, the Minister of Industry of Italy, said on Monday that the decision about the extradition of Abdullah Ocalan, chief of the separatist terrorist PKK organization, would be made by the Italian Public Prosecution, but the Italian laws didn't permit the extradition to a country implementing capital punishment.

    Speaking to reporters following his meeting with Yalim Erez, the Minister of Industry and Trade, Pierluigi Bersani said that there were three solutions which won't upset the Turkish people.

    Bersani said chief terrorist might be put on trial anywhere in Europe or he might be sent away from Italy or he might be expelled from Italy.

    Pointing out that the issue became more complicated due to those three solutions, Bersani stated that they hope the Turkish people, the Italian people and the European Union (EU) will understand and agree on the solution.

    Bersani said that their aim was to overcome the existing problem with a method appropriate to the Italian laws and in a friendly manner towards the Turkish people.

    ''Mr. Yalim Erez and I held a very clear and friendly meeting. Both sides are aware of this difficult situation in our relations. However, we are seeking a way to overcome this problem. I want to underline once again the friendly relations between two allied countries. A disagreement occured between our two countries following the last issue, but we hope that after this meeting the hurdles that have affected the economic relations will be solved,'' Bersani stated.

    Stressing that nobody should have doubt about Italy's attitude against terrorism, the guest minister said that Italy had suffered a lot from terorism but managed to solve it within the framework of law.

    Bersani mentioned that both Turkey and Italy had interests and benefits from the friendly relations in the field of economy and the two countries had several economic relations and those relations could further increase and develop in the future.

    Stating that he believed the ease in the political relations would reflect in the economic and commercial relations, Bersani said Yalim Erez informed him on the sensitivities of the Turkish government and people.

    ''We never ignore the sensitivities of the Turkish people. I want the Turkish people to understand that we don't turn a blind eye to the sensitivites of the Turkish people,'' Bersani emphasized.

    ''Now, we have to find a solution within the framework of the Italian laws and the EU rules and also by taking into consideration the sensitivities of the Turkish people. I repeat that this issue wil be solved within the framework of our laws, and I want understanding. I believe the relations between Turkey and Italy will be further strengthened after overcoming this crisis period,'' Bersani stated.

    [18] GOVERNMENT SEARCH - PRESIDENT DEMIREL: ''I AM SEEKING A GOVERNMENT WHICH CAN GET CONFIDENCE VOTE FROM THE PARLIAMENT''

    ANKARA, Dec 21 (A.A) - President Suleyman Demirel said on Monday that the government issue should not turn into a government crisis.

    Speaking to reporters, President Demirel said that he was seeking a government which could get vote of confidence from the Parliament.

    ''What I want is the formation of a government based on the parliament's confidence vote,'' President stated.

    Demirel said during his meetings the same day with the leaders of the political parties, he would ask them whether or not they would help in separation of local elections from the general elections and whether or not they would be satisfied with two-round elections.

    Responding to a question about the separation of the local elections from the general elections, President Demirel said, ''it will be more beneficial if they are held separately.''

    Recalling that he would make consultations with the political party leaders, President Demirel said, ''I am seeking a government which can get confidence vote from the Parliament. In accordance with the result of the consultations I will make with the leaders, I will make a commission for the formation of the new government.''

    [19] LAWYER OF CHIEF TERRORIST: ''OCALAN IS READY TO LEAVE ITALY''

    ROME, Dec 21 (A.A) - Giuliano Pisapia, the lawyer of Abdullah Ocalan, the chief of the separatist terrorist PKK organization, said on Monday that Ocalan understood that his presence could create problems for Italy so he was ready to leave Italy if the alternative of an international trial didn't come out.

    Talking to the Italian RAI 3 radio, Pisapia said that chief terrorist had come to Italy for requesting political asylum and now he was ready to be tried at an international court.

    Chief terrorist's lawyer said that the alternative of ''sending away upon a compromise'' might be a solution.

    [20] ITALIAN INDUSTRY MINISTER'S CONTACTS IN ANKARA - EREZ, MINISTER OF INDUSTRY AND TRADE: ''TURKISH AND ITALIAN BUSINESS REPRESENTATIVES AND UNION LEADERS WILL MEET IN THE COMING DAYS TO SEEK FOR A SOLUTION''

    ANKARA, Dec 21 (A.A) - Yalim Erez, the Minister of Industry and Trade, said on Monday that the issue of Abdulah Ocalan, the chief of separatist terrorist PKK organization who was responsible for the deaths of 30 thousand people, created problems on the Turkish-Italian relations, stressing that ''I told Mr. Pierlugi Bersani, the Minister of Industry of Italy, that if we pretend not to see a fire in our neighbour, a spark which may come from that fire would spread the fire on us.''

    Speaking to reporters following his meeting with Bersani, Erez said that Turkey attached great importance to her relations with Italy.

    ''A terrorist, who is responsible for the deaths of 30 thousand people and who is a drug smuggler, should not have been destroyed the relations between Turkey and Italy. We are respectful for the Italian laws and Constitution. However, we, as the Turkish government and the Turkish people, feel upset with the Italian authorities' special interest towards such a terrorist and drug smuggler, and this interest contradicts with the laws and this should be removed and diffused,'' Erez stressed.

    ''The government has made no decision to boycott Italian goods although we have the right to do so in government procurements. On the contrary, we want to boost our economic ties with Italy,'' Erez emphasized.

    [21] EXTRADITION OF TERRORIST OCALAN - PRIME MINISTER YILMAZ: ''WE EXPECT FROM ITALIAN GOVERNMENT TO ACT AS A STATE OF LAW ANYMORE AFTER SO MUCH FALTERING''

    ANKARA, Dec 21 (A.A) - Prime Minister Mesut Yılmaz said on Monday that they expect from the Italian government to act as a state of law anymore after so much faltering.''

    Responding to the questions of journalists saying ''do you insist on extradition of Ocalan, or do you want to proceed to accept different solutions,'' Yılmaz said that no answer could be obtained for Turkey's request on this issue so far eventhough one month had passed.

    Yılmaz stressed that it would be unlawful and unserious to talk about other elements before an official answer has been given to Turkey's request for extradition. ''We expect from the Italian government to act as a state of law anymore after so much faltering,'' he said.

    [22] ITALIAN INDUSTRY MINISTER'S CONTACTS IN ANKARA - ERSUMER, MINISTER OF ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES: ''OUR ATTITUDE WON'T CHANGE WHATEVER THE ECONOMIC RISKS ARE''

    ANKARA, Dec 21 (A.A) - Cumhur Ersumer, the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, said on Monday that Pierluigi Bersani, the Minister of Industry of Italy, told him that the Italian companies were willing to participate in the new energy projects in Turkey and did not want a political discrimination, adding that ''and I told Mr. Bersani that we did not want to extend current cooperation in the energy sector any further.''

    Speaking to reporters following his meeting with Italian Industry Minister Bersani, Cumhur Ersumer said that Turkey's reactions were the legal requests, not emotional reactions.

    ''Mr. Bersani told me that the Italian companies in Turkey faced economic risks and thus Turkish companies were also affected from that. However, our attitude won't change whatever the economic risks are,'' Ersumer emphasized.

    ''I told Mr. Bersani that Turkey had evaluated her existing relations with Italy and that she did not want to seek new cooperation opportunities any further. There will be no expansion of power projects between Turkey and Italy,'' Energy and Natural Resources Minister Cumhur Ersumer stated.

    [23] TURKEY IS PLEASED WITH THE ENDING OF AIR OPERATIONS AGAINS IRAQ - FM: ''WE FEEL DEEP SORROW FOR THE LOSS OF LIFE IN IRAQ''

    ANKARA, Dec 21 (A.A) - Ankara announced on Monday that it was pleased with the ending of air operation against Iraq and felt deep sorrow for the loss of life caused by the operation.

    The Foreign Ministry said in a statement that Turkey attaches great importance to the territorial integrity and political unity of Iraq. ''Turkey believes that Iraq should comply fully with the UN Security Council resolutions, and thus the sanctions against Iraq should be given an end, and our neighbour should re-take her place in the international community,'' the statement said.

    The statement also expressed Turkey's desire for the international community, the UN Security Council, and especially Iraq to increase their efforts to this end.

    The statement said, ''Turkey will increasingly continue her consultations on this issue with all related countries.''

    [24] ''STRUGGLE AND MARTYRS'' WEEK IN TRNC

    ISTANBUL, Dec 21 (A.A) - A photograph exhibition was opened on Monday at the Cyprus House in Istanbul within the scope of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) Struggle and Martyrs Week.

    Addressing the opening ceremony, Hilmi Cavli, the Consul General of the TRNC in Istanbul, said that the Greek-Cypriot police had put into practice the ''Akritas Plan'' by opening fire to the Ataturk's Statue and to the Turkish High-School in Cyprus on 21 December 1963.

    Recalling that the Greek-Cypriot attacks continued also between 22 and 24 December 1963, Cavli said that the Turkish Cypriots living in Kucukkaymakli and Kumsal villages were massacred by Greek-Cypriots during those attacks.

    Stressing that a total of 603 people were killed and lost at the same attacks, Cavli said, ''the aim of the Akritas Plan was to annex the island to Greece by the Greek-Cypriots.''

    Cavli stated that ''21 December'' was the date when the Turkish Cypriots started their resistance movement.

    The exhibition at which the photographs reflecting the Greek-Cypriots' massacres on the Turkish Cypriots are displayed, will remain open till 28 December.


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