Anadolu Agency: News in English, 98-12-23

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

23 DEC 1998

CONTENTS

[01] REVOLT IN BUCA PRISON - THREE PRISONERS AND ONE GUARDIAN INJURED

[02] UN SECURITY COUNCIL DETERMINES ITS ATTITUDE ABOUT CYPRUS - THE TERM OFFICE OF UNIFCYP EXTENDED TILL THE END OF JUNE, 1999

[03] NATIONAL DAY OF JAPAN - PRESIDENT DEMIREL SENDS A MESSAGE OF CONGRATULATION TO EMPEROR AKIHITO OF JAPAN

[04] COOPERATION AGREEMENT IN ENERGY AND INFRASTRUCTURE FIELDS SIGNED DBETWEEN TURKEY AND BULGARIA, APPROVED

[05] TELEPHONE TAPPING SCANDAL - SAVAS, THE SUPREME COURT OF APPEALS: ''WE CAN'T DO ANYTHING''

[06] TORRENTIAL RAINS IN ANTALYA

[07] AZERI DEFENSE MINISTER IN ANKARA

[08] ACTIVE NIGHT AT INFERNETTO DISTRICT WHERE OCALAN, THE TERRORIST CHIEF STAYS

[09] WTO'S WORLD TRADE'98 REPORT: - ''TURKEY'S FOREIGN TRADE VOLUME INCREASES IN SPITE OF THE GLOBAL CRISIS''

[10] LA REPUBLICA: ''ESTONIA AND CZECH REPUBLIC ARE AMONG THE NEW POSSIBILITIES WHERE OCALAN CAN BE SENT''

[11] CORIERE DELLA SERA, THE ITALIAN NEWSPAPER: ''OCALAN, THE CHIEF TERRORIST CAN BE SENT TO CZECH REPUBLIC, ESTONIA OR UKRAINE''

[12] UTKAN, FOREIGN MINISTRY SPOKESMAN: ''PKK WORSENS SITUATION IN NORTHERN IRAQ''

[13] CELEBI, MINISTER OF STATE: - ''EXIMBANK FORESEES A BORROWING WORTH 500 MILLION DOLLARS FOR NEXT PERIOD''

[14] MILITARY CAMP ALLEGATIONS IN NORTHERN IRAQ - UTKAN, FM SPOKESMAN: ''THESE NEWS REPORTS ARE DENIED BY EVERYBODY''

[15] DENKTAS, PRESIDENT OF TRNC: - ''DECISIONS OF SECURITY COUNCIL HAVE THE CHARACTERISTIC OF ENCOURAGING GREEK-CYPRIOTS''

[16] ITALIAN PREMIER D'ALEMA: - ''OCALAN IS A FREE MAN WITHIN EXISTING CONDITIONS. IT IS POSSIBLE FOR HIM TO LEAVE ITALY''

[17] SITUATION OF CHIEF TERRORIST IN ITALY - UTKAN, FM SPOKESMAN: ''OUR TARGET IS TO BRING OCALAN BEFORE JUDGEMENT''

[18] UTKAN, FM SPOKESMAN: ''EFFORTS TO FORM GOVERNMENT WILL NOT HAMPER FOREIGN POLICY''

[19] PREMIERSHIP MEMORANDUM REGARDING EXTENTION OF THE MANDATE OF NORTHERN WATCH SUBMITTED TO PARLIAMENT

[20] POLICE SEARCH IN DWELLING OF CHIEF TERRORIST IN ITALY - OCALAN SET UP RELATIONS WITH AN EXTORTIONIST IN FRANCE

[21] CHIEF TERRORIST HAS PROBLEMS WITH HIS SUPPORTERS

[22] UN RESOLUTIONS RELATED WITH CYPRUS - FOREIGN MINISTRY: ''VIEWS OF THE COUNCIL REGARDING CYPRUS QUESTION DO NOT HAVE VALIDITY''

[23] EREZ, INDEPENDENT DEPUTY, ASSIGNED AS PRIME MINISTER-DESIGNATE

[24] CHRISTMAS ADVERTISEMENT OF LEVI'S - SANTA CLAUS FOUNDATION LAUNCHES LAWSUIT AGAINST LEVI'S CO

[25] CRITICISM FROM TRNC TO SECURITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION

[26] FOREIGN MINISTRY: ''WE CONDEMN SPEECH OF PANGALOS MADE IN LAVRION CAMP ON TUESDAY''

[27] TURKEY IN BRIEF - 23 DECEMBER 1998

[01] REVOLT IN BUCA PRISON - THREE PRISONERS AND ONE GUARDIAN INJURED

Officials told the A.A correspondent that the prisoners attacked on the guardians with water pipes which they pulled out from the prison.

Necati Gonenc, Ahmet Gun, Gurhan Tamer and Ramazan Ozcan were taken to the Ataturk Training Hospital for medical treatment.

[02] UN SECURITY COUNCIL DETERMINES ITS ATTITUDE ABOUT CYPRUS - THE TERM OFFICE OF UNIFCYP EXTENDED TILL THE END OF JUNE, 1999

Calling for restraint, the UN Security Council on Tuesday reiterated ''its grave concern at the continuing excessive levels of military force and armaments on Cyprus and the rate at which they are being expanded, upgraded and modernized, including by the introduction of sophisticated weaponry.''

The UN Security Council adopted two draft resolutions the same day and it opposed to the division of the island or its integration with another country.

''No progress has been recorded in decreasing the number of foreign soldiers and this increased tension on the island and in the region and has negatively ended the efforts exerted to find a political solution,'' Security Council said.

Describing the Greek Cypriot side as the ''Cyprus government,'' the draft resolution included the following issues:

''1- The number of foreign soldiers and expenditures on defense should be decreased, thus a confidence should be provided between the two sides.

2-Cyprus has to be de-militarized and the foreign soldiers should be withdrawn as a first step. Support will be extended to the efforts of the UN Secretary General concerning disarmament.''

The UN Security Council called the current status quo as ''unacceptable,'' and said ''negotiations on a final political solution of the Cyprus problem have been at an impasse for too long.''

The Security Council reiterated its previous position that a Cyprus settlement must be based on a single, independent state comprising two politically equal communities which are not linked with any other country, adding that the solution of the Cyprus question should be one that foresees a state having one citizenship, one sovereignty and an international personality.

A second Security Council resolution, also adopted unanimously, called on the two sides to respond positively to shuttle diplomacy carried out by Secretary General Kofi Annan's deputy special representative for Cyprus, Ann Hercus, to obtain agreement on measures to reduce tensions and build confidence between the Greek and Turkish Cypriots.

The resolution which approves the initiative started by the UN Secretary General to reach a just and permanent solution on the island, also appreciates the cooperation of the two sides.

[03] NATIONAL DAY OF JAPAN - PRESIDENT DEMIREL SENDS A MESSAGE OF CONGRATULATION TO EMPEROR AKIHITO OF JAPAN

The Presidential Press Center quoted Demirel as saying, ''I want to reiterate my sincere wishes towards further improving the existing friendly relations between Turkey and Japan.''

[04] COOPERATION AGREEMENT IN ENERGY AND INFRASTRUCTURE FIELDS SIGNED DBETWEEN TURKEY AND BULGARIA, APPROVED

In accordance with the agreement, companies from two countries will be encouraged for the infrastructure and energy projects.

Meanwhile the two countries have also reached agrement on the electricity energy imported from Bulgaria, to be increased up to 4 billion kilowatt- hour in 2002 and to be maintained until 2008.

In return of the electricity purchase of Turkey, Bulgaria will allow the Turkish firms to take part at the constructions of the Gorna-Arda Hydroelectric Power Plant and the Orizovo-Kapitan Andreevo part of the Maritza Motorway.

[05] TELEPHONE TAPPING SCANDAL - SAVAS, THE SUPREME COURT OF APPEALS: ''WE CAN'T DO ANYTHING''

Savas said in a written statament that several political party administrators requested in their addresses in newspapers the Chief Prosecution of the Supreme Court of Appeals to do what is neccessary about the True Path Party under the Article 101/b of the Law of Political Parties due to Meral Aksener, the former Interior Minister, who is claimed to violate the ''secrecy of communication'' and Article 22 of the Constitution.

Noting that Articles 67 and 68 of the Constitution and Articles 98-108 of the Law of Political Parties No. 2820 specify the conditions of closing a political party, Savas said ''the person who violates the secrecy of telephone talks, should be sentenced according to Article 195/2 of the Turkish Penal Code, but this is not within the mission of the Prosecution of the Supreme Court of Appeals, but this is the task of local prosecutions, when a complaint is issued.''

[06] TORRENTIAL RAINS IN ANTALYA

The Hadim-Taskent Highway was closed to the traffic as a result of landslide caused by the heavy-rains.

The torrential rains also paralyzed the daily life and traffic in the city. Many traffic accidents occurred in Antalya causing financial damage.

Meanwhile, the officials from the Meteorology Regional Directorate said that the heavy-rains will continue tomorrow.

[07] AZERI DEFENSE MINISTER IN ANKARA

Ismet Sezgin, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense, welcomed Abiev at the Esenboga Airport.

Addressing the journalists at the airport, Sezgin stressed that Abiev's visit to Turkey will accelerate the existing relations between Turkey and Azerbaijan.

Pointing out that Turkish and Azeri people share the same language, religion, culture and tradition, Sezgin expressed Turkey's gratification over the positive developments in Azerbaijan.

Sefer Abiyev, in his part, described his visit to Turkey as a new stage in the relations between the armed forces of both countries.

[08] ACTIVE NIGHT AT INFERNETTO DISTRICT WHERE OCALAN, THE TERRORIST CHIEF STAYS

While the special teams of the Italian police kept the street under strict control, many visitors visited the villa all night.

Both the supporters of the chief of the separatist terrorist organization and Italian officials tried to persuade Ocalan to leave Italy.

The supporters of the terrorist chief and an Italian official left the villa at 04.15 in the morning at local time and the Italian security officials who were waiting around the villa seemed very nervous.

The circles who are close to the chief terrorist said that Ocalan was tried to be be persuaded to leave Italy, but he told that he was not given sufficient guarantee of security.

An hour later, the people who visited the villa returned. The PKK supporters stayed inside for 20 minutes, while the person who is guessed to be an Italian official stayed in the villa for a longer period of time.

Three big jeeps including one military jeep entered the street where police and gendarme were on patrol all through the night at Infernetto district. Around 08.00 local time an armoured jeep left the street fastly.

Meanwhile, the Turkish press members' identities were checked twice by Italian security officials.

The Italian press say that Ocalan can be sent to a former Soviet Republic which is close to Europe like Estonia or Check Republic which is an Eastern European country.

Massimo D'Alema, the Italian Prime Minister, who will address a press briefing at 13.00 local time on Wednesday, is expected to issue an statement about this issue.

Italian officials wish to announce to the Italian public opinion before Christmas that the problem of Ocalan and the difficulties it brought for Italy have ended.

[09] WTO'S WORLD TRADE'98 REPORT: - ''TURKEY'S FOREIGN TRADE VOLUME INCREASES IN SPITE OF THE GLOBAL CRISIS''

Officials at the organization stressed that the Russian crisis affected this increase negatively.

According to the report, Turkey comes on the 33th place in the world export and on the 25th place in the import.

Turkey, the 17th biggest country of the world in the services sector's exports, has left behind many industrialized countries such as Portugal, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Greece, Finland, Portugal, and Ireland in the services sector.

[10] LA REPUBLICA: ''ESTONIA AND CZECH REPUBLIC ARE AMONG THE NEW POSSIBILITIES WHERE OCALAN CAN BE SENT''

La Republica, an Italian newspaper said that the chief terrorist can be sent to one of the former Soviet republics like Estonia or to an East European country like the Czech Republic.

The Italian paper said that Ocalan, the chief terrorist, argued with the Italian officials who want to send him away from Italy in the villa where he was staying in Infernetto district in Rome.

The paper said that Ocalan spent last night together with his supporters who tried to calm him down and Italian officials who were searching for a new solution.

La Reppublica said that the possibility of South Africa among the countries where Ocalan can be sent decreased, adding that efforts have been speeded up to send Ocalan from Italy as soon as possible.

[11] CORIERE DELLA SERA, THE ITALIAN NEWSPAPER: ''OCALAN, THE CHIEF TERRORIST CAN BE SENT TO CZECH REPUBLIC, ESTONIA OR UKRAINE''

The paper stated that Giovanni Russo Spena, the Chairman of the Italian Re- Foundation Communist Party's group in the Italian Senate (PRC) visited Abdullah Ocalan, the chief of the separatist terrorist organization PKK on Tuesday, adding that Ocalan could be sent to one of the East European countries. The senator told the paper that Vaclav Havel, the Czech Republic President is careful concerning the ''Kurdish problem,'' noting that the chief terrorist prefers to return back to Russia.

Spena pointed out that the terrorist chief told him that Europe and the Italian parliament should continue to launch initiatives to hold an international conference on the Kurdish issue. Corriere della Sera added that the terrorist chief told all of these to him while holding his suitcase in his hand.

Meanwhile, the same Italian paper stated that the Italian Minister of Justice requested to examine the indictment brought against him upon the application of Giovanni Malerba, the Italian prosecutor to the Rome court of appeal requesting the extradition of Ocalan to Turkey for crimes not carrying death sentence and his being kept under police surveillance again.

[12] UTKAN, FOREIGN MINISTRY SPOKESMAN: ''PKK WORSENS SITUATION IN NORTHERN IRAQ''

Addressing a weekly news conference, Utkan pointed out that ''situation in Northern Iraq worsened due to the existence of PKK elements. There is lack of central authority in this region. PKK could be active by making use of this lack of authority. We are insistent on a solution within the framework of Iraq's territorial integrity and political unity to this end.''

Utkan said Iraq should abide by UN Security Council decisions.

Meanwhile, Utkan also said Iran offically denied the allegations that it expended support to separatist terrorist PKK.

[13] CELEBI, MINISTER OF STATE: - ''EXIMBANK FORESEES A BORROWING WORTH 500 MILLION DOLLARS FOR NEXT PERIOD''

Addressing the press conference held by the Sectoral Foreign Trade Members' Association (SEDER), State Minister Isin Celebi said that the Eximbank gave a total of 3.3 billion US dollars loan in 1998 and 36 percent of that total was given to the Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMSEs).

Pointing out that almost three thousand companies obtained credits from the Eximbank, Celebi stated that 66 percent of those companies were the SMSEs.

Noting that the SMSEs were one of the cornerstones of the economy policy, Celebi said, ''the SMSEs are the basic reason for the Turkish economy's being powerful. Thus, the Eximbank is getting organized for supporting the exports worth ten billion US dollars next year and half of those loans will be given to the SMSEs.''

Responding to a question about the temporary budget, Celebi said that he had signed the budget, but his personal opinion opposing the temporary budget still continued.

''My opinions have not been changed yet. I want the business to go on and my opinion is very clear. I believe stability should be provided at the economy. I conformed to the opinion of the majority,'' Celebi stated.

When asked whether or not the stability can be provided with the temporary budget, Celebi said, ''I hope that the new government will do its utmost to provide the stability. The budget discipline is very important in Turkey as well as its structure. First of all, Turkey should overcome three problems. Turkey faces a bottleneck when the global crisis intersects with the structural problems. Turkey is obliged to provide a compromise whatever the conditions are. The laws regarding the foreign trade, the customs issue, prevention of unfair competition in imports and the laws regarding the acreditation should be brought into force. Besides, the macro economic balances, which are formed by the internal and external balances, should continue by protecting the stability. Turkey should secure social peace concerning the issue of income distribution.''

[14] MILITARY CAMP ALLEGATIONS IN NORTHERN IRAQ - UTKAN, FM SPOKESMAN: ''THESE NEWS REPORTS ARE DENIED BY EVERYBODY''

Addressing a weekly news conference, Utkan said ''this issue has been denied. We very well know about the region. Talking about an army is a great allegation. Is it an army like the Turkish army or the army of a small country, or if they are calling the existent formation like this. I think they give this name to the existing formation.''

A news report published in Washington Post newspaper claimed that peshmergas of Iraqi Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) formed an army against Bagdad regime and that the US supported this army.

[15] DENKTAS, PRESIDENT OF TRNC: - ''DECISIONS OF SECURITY COUNCIL HAVE THE CHARACTERISTIC OF ENCOURAGING GREEK-CYPRIOTS''

TRNC President Denktas received the officials from the Turkish Journalists and Authors Foundation. Addressing the meeting, Denktas said that they were evaluating the decisions and that he would make the necessary statement afterwards.

Pointing out that the reason for the continuation of the Cyprus issue for 35 years was ''telling the Greek-Cypriots that they were the legal government of Cyprus'', Denktas said, ''how can they expect a compromise from the Greek-Cypriots, who destroyed the pertnership government, while they are saying that the Greek-Cypriots were the 'legal government' of the island?''

Noting that the world pretended not to understand this reality, Denktas said, ''we have to resist and never submit.''

[16] ITALIAN PREMIER D'ALEMA: - ''OCALAN IS A FREE MAN WITHIN EXISTING CONDITIONS. IT IS POSSIBLE FOR HIM TO LEAVE ITALY''

Addressing a meeting, D'Alema recalled that the Italian public prosecution ruled to set free the chief terrorist after the German Federal court had annuled the arrest warrant for extradition.

Claiming that the developments about the Ocalan issue were not related to Italy, D'Alema said, ''we implemented the arrest warrant of the Germany court. None of the countries arrested Ocalan because that would be a great trouble for them. Even some of them stated that we were very naive, but Italy tried to solve the problem.''

Alleging that the solution searches for the Ocalan issue were not simple and easy, Massimo D'Alema said that the Turkish government didn't want an international court, claiming that it was not in favor of an international compromise for the solution of the issue.

[17] SITUATION OF CHIEF TERRORIST IN ITALY - UTKAN, FM SPOKESMAN: ''OUR TARGET IS TO BRING OCALAN BEFORE JUDGEMENT''

Addressing a weekly news conference, Utkan responded to questions about the recent situation of chief terrorist in Italy and the questions regarding the possibility of him to go to a third country.

Utkan said a specific time may pass till Turkey reaches its final goal ''yet, what is important for us in this time is that chief terrorist should not continue his terrorist activities even if they are limited.''

Utkan stressed that current situation of chief terrorist was not within the framework of what Turkey wanted, adding that ''chief terrorist makes statements to press organs in Italy. This shows that Ocalan continues his terrorist activities even if they are in specific limits.''

Utkan stressed that if the chief terrorist goes to a third country, the policy implemented against Italy so far will also be implemented to this country and noted that demand of Turkey for the extradition of the chief terrorist with this country will be made under the extradition agreement if there is one, if not, it will be made under the general principles of the law.

Responding to a question, Utkan said Turkey did not have an alternative to find a third country, adding that their ''guiding or confirming'' duties were out of question.

Utkan noted that they have announced Turkey's approach towards the issue to all the countries in general, adding that if names of specific countries are mentioned, they may get in contact with these countries in a more detailed framework.

Recalling that it was proved with many examples how separatist terrorist organization may spoil public order of Italy, Utkan said they have observed that Italy seeks for a third country for the chief terrorist.

FM Spokesman said required period for Germany to make a request for the extradition expired and reminded possibilities like establishing an international court, judgment in Council of Europe and granting political asylum were abolished.

Utkan said it would be good if opportunities could be found to normalize Turkish-Italian relations which were detoriated due to the ''chief terrorist problem'' and stressed that Italy has lots of things to do to this end.

Utkan also mentioned about some statements of Massimo D'Alema, Italian Prime Minister, which made Turkey uneasy and stressed that it was clear that Italy has problems regarding the existence of Ocalan.

Resembling Turkish-Italian relation to a mathematical equation, Utkan identified chief terrorist to a ''foreign and poisoning virus which is included in this equation afterwards.''

Utkan said if this foreign element is isolated, the equation may be solved scientifically.

[18] UTKAN, FM SPOKESMAN: ''EFFORTS TO FORM GOVERNMENT WILL NOT HAMPER FOREIGN POLICY''

When asked how studies to form a new government affected Turkish foreign policy, Utkan said ''Turkish foreign policy has settled and unchanging principles since the establishment of Republic. We have our studies in the direction of these principles so we have an advantage to see future clearly.''

Recalling that the past government continues its duty since a new one is established, Utkan said ''it is natural that we will be affected like the other institutions when there is a government problem. If we consider the stability preserved by foreign politics principles since Republic was declared, we have a comfort and consistency in carrying out basic policies.''

[19] PREMIERSHIP MEMORANDUM REGARDING EXTENTION OF THE MANDATE OF NORTHERN WATCH SUBMITTED TO PARLIAMENT

The memorandum proposed to authorize Council of Ministers to extend the mandate of Northern watch for another six months starting from Dec 31, 1998.

Northern Watch has been put into implementation within the framework of the authority Parliament gave to the government on Dec 25, 1996 and which is limited for reconnaissance and prevention flights when required. Northern Watch is appropriate to the targets and soul of the UN Security Council resolutions related with Iraq following Gulf War and shows care to the preservation of Iraq's territorial integrity.

Northern Watch has been put into effect with the participation of the US and British air elements and which is faithful to the principles and rules specified by Turkey.

The memorandum is expected to be taken up in the Parliamentary General Assembly on Thursday.

[20] POLICE SEARCH IN DWELLING OF CHIEF TERRORIST IN ITALY - OCALAN SET UP RELATIONS WITH AN EXTORTIONIST IN FRANCE

The documents, which were seized during the police search made upon the request by Jean-Francois Ricard, a French magistrate, proved that terrorist chief Ocalan is in relation with a PKK terrorist named ''Irfan Balzak''.

The French AFP news agency reported that the sources close to the magistrate Ricard's investigation into the issue said that the Italian police seized lots of illegal Soviet passports, documents including the accounts and bills of the terrorist organization and the addresses of lots of PKK terrorists in France.

Among those terrorists, whose addresses were included in the documents seized by the Italian police, there is a terrorist code named ''Filo'' who had carried out activities in France and later took shelter in Germany but imprisoned there on charges of murder; a terrorist, who was jailed in Paris on 17 December and Irfan Balzak.

Irfan Balzak was arrested with the documents showing the extortion in detail he collected on behalf of the terrorist PKK in January 1998 in France.

Officials said the estimated amount, which was collected by the terrorist PKK between 1997 autumn and 1998 spring illegally, reached ten million French Franks (1.8 million US dollars).

[21] CHIEF TERRORIST HAS PROBLEMS WITH HIS SUPPORTERS

It was reported that Selim Curukkaya, one of the leading names of separatist terrorist organization, said Ocalan had lied so far to save himself, adding that ''Ocalan accuses young people saying 'idiots, murderers' whom he dragged to death by calling them 'heros' in the past.'' He also said Ocalan ordered for the killings of many people who opposed to him.

Ocalan, chief of the terrorist organization, harsly accused and insulted supporters and leading names of the organization in a speech which he made in Med TV on Dec 13, 1998. The first reactions came from Cemil Gundogan, a journalist who participated in the program and from Gunay Aslan.

Speaking about Ocalan's accusations, Aslan said Ocalan himself was the first creator of this model.

Selim Curukkaya, who had to take shelter in Germany as he opposed to Ocalan, accused chief terrorist of being a liar.

Curukkaya said Ocalan turned PKK into a sect in which he is the prophet. He ordered for the killings of many people who opposed to his policy based on violance and dictatorship, Curukkaya added. A total of 5,000 people were killed as an outcome of the clashes which he had with the Kurdish groups that did not want him, he said.

[22] UN RESOLUTIONS RELATED WITH CYPRUS - FOREIGN MINISTRY: ''VIEWS OF THE COUNCIL REGARDING CYPRUS QUESTION DO NOT HAVE VALIDITY''

Foreign Ministry statement recalled that the Council which had taken two resolutions related with the Island, extended the mandate of the UN peace forces in one of these resolutions.

The statement stressed that the UN, with this decision, repeated the mistake it has made for years, and critized that this decision was taken without a legal base and with the consent of so-called ''Cyprus government'' which Greek Cypriot administration usurped in 1964.

The statement said Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) could not accept this decision and recalled that TRNC informed the UN that it will determine peace force and cooperation with its own sovereign will and that Turkey supported this attitude of the TRNC.

The statement pointed out that resolutions of the UN Security Council to extend the mandate of the UN Peace Force were of technical quality, adding that the resolution texts should be nominative and prepared forwarded to its aim.

The statement recalled that Rauf Denktas, President of TRNC, proposed to establish a confederation for the solution of problem between the two communities on the Island, and noted that Security Council should evaluate this proposal very carefully.

The UN Security Council on Tuesday adopted two resolutions related with Cyprus problem. With the first resolution, mandate of the peace force on the Island has been extended for another six months as of Dec 31, 1998 and with the second decision, shuttle process which Ann Hercus, the Deputy UN Special Representative, started with the two sides was taken up.

[23] EREZ, INDEPENDENT DEPUTY, ASSIGNED AS PRIME MINISTER-DESIGNATE

Erez said he was in equal distance with all the parties in search for a new government, adding that he will look for compromise and dialogue and that he will meet with the leaders of all parties represented in the Parliament. Erez also said he believed that the government he will form will get vote of confidence.

Speaking after his 25-minute meeting with the President, Erez said President Suleyman Demirel assigned him to form the new government, and added that ''I am conscious of the responsibility of the assignment which President gave me in a period when our country faces with very important internal and external problems. Political tensions and accounts for small political interests should not be created. Because Turkey needs stability today. Turkey is very important from everything for me, nothing else.''

Erez said, ''as an independent deputy, I am of the equal distance with all the parties. I do not have a government formula beforehand. Because the only condition to provide stability depends on compromise and dialogue. I will look for a compromise and dialogue. I believe that I will manage to do this and take the vote of confidence. Leaders of all political parties have common sence and like their country. I want our citizens to believe that problems of our country will be solved soon with the experience of the political party leaders, their support and with the support of the Parliament.''

Erez pointed out that he will hold pre-studies for one or two days and get some technical informations and visit all the political parties represented in the parliament and get their views. Erez said, ''I know that Turkey is competing with time. I know the importance of time. I believe that I will form a government in the soonest time that will get a vote of confidence.''

''I want to say my citizens that Turkey has problems yet they will not remain unsolved. They stemmed from instability. Compromise and dialogue are the basis of stability,'' Erez said, adding that ''morale and confidence in oneself are the basis of success.''

Responding to a question, Erez said he will form a ''broad-based compromise government'' and pointed out that ''I believe I will agree with Tansu Ciller, leader of True Path Party (DYP).''

Erez said he will start tours to form the government on Dec 28 with the Virtue Party (FP).

Erez said President Suleyman Demirel did not give an advise for the government model, and added that the confidence Demirel showed him will not be in vain.

President Suleyman Demirel appointed Yalim Erez as prime minister-designate for the formation of a government following his consultations with the party leaders after Bulent Ecevit, the leader of Democratic Left Party (DSP), handed back his mandate to form the new government on December 21, 1998.

[24] CHRISTMAS ADVERTISEMENT OF LEVI'S - SANTA CLAUS FOUNDATION LAUNCHES LAWSUIT AGAINST LEVI'S CO

Muammar Karabulut, the Chairman of the Santa Claus Foundation, and Ufuk Sezer, the lawyer of the foundation, submitted the complaint to the Basic Criminal Court No:3 the same day.

Speaking to reporters, Muammer Karabulut said that the Levi's in its advertisement, which was printed in the dailies, showed a sad-looking Santa Clause and claimed that this ad distorted the image of Santa Clause.

''Nobody has the right to show Santa Claus in such a depressing mood especially on the eve of Christmas. Levi has damaged the holy image of Santa Claus, who represents hope for children,'' he said.

[25] CRITICISM FROM TRNC TO SECURITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION

Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) diplomats in New York pointed out that it was impossible to call Greek Cypriot government as Cyprus government, adding that there were misleading elements in the draft.

Reaction of Turkish government related with the decision has been conveyed verbally by Volkan Vural, Turkey's Permanent Representative to the UN to Jassim Buallay, Term President of the Council.

A diplomatic source told A.A correspondent that ''second draft resolution especially regarding shuttle diplomacy, aims at saving Glafcos Clerides, leader of Greek Cypriot administration.''

Clerides, before the Council took up Cyprus question, said he wanted absolute promise on the issues of usage of force and force threats and claimed that on the contrary he would bring S-300 missiles to the island. It is estimated that with this resolution Council wanted to prevent this possibility.

Diplomats said issues which have not been taken up in the ongoing process in Cyprus and issues which the sides did not agree on were included in the resolutions and stressed that this was misleading.

Views of TRNC regarding the issue has been conveyed by Aytug Plumer, TRNC New York Representative to the Council Chairmanship. Plumer also pointed out that TRNC, with its own will, will continue to cooperate with the UN Peace Force.

[26] FOREIGN MINISTRY: ''WE CONDEMN SPEECH OF PANGALOS MADE IN LAVRION CAMP ON TUESDAY''

Foreign Ministry statement recalled that Pangalos made accusations against Turkey in front of the picture of the terrorist chief and placards targetting Turkey's territorial integrity.

The statement said terrorists, who were earlier captured, confessed that they made use of the camp in question and that they received training there. The statement said, ''Pangalos should be the person who knows best that training facilities are provided to the terrorists there.''

The Ministry statement said, ''we condemn the speech of Greek foreign minister made in Lavrion camp on Tuesday and we see it as the repetition and evidence of the support it expended to the separatist terrorism by violating the UN Charter and international law.''

The statement called on Pangalos to put an end to the pressures and intimidation policy imposed on Turkish, Macedonian, Albanian and Vlah minorities, instead of putting forward baseless allegations against Turkey. The statement also invited Pangalos to recognize the existence of these minorities, accept their right of freedom of expression and identities.

[27] TURKEY IN BRIEF - 23 DECEMBER 1998

Ismet Sezgin said Turkey had always supported Azerbaijan in the solution of the Karabakh issue and would continue to do so.

After meeting with Gen. Huseyin Kivrikoglu, the Chief of General Staff, Gen. Abiyev was received by President Suleyman Demirel and Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz.

CANAKKALE - Tomohiro Ishido, the Consul General of Japan in Istanbul, visited on Wednesday Ekrem Ozsoy, the Governor of Canakkale.

After meeting with Ismail Ozay, the Mayor of Canakkale, Ishido left the province.

LEFKOSA - Rauf Denktas, the President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), was entitled on Wednesday with the ''Turkish World and Relative Communities Award''.

The Turkish Journalists and Authors Foundation rewarded Denktas upon his contributions to the Turkish World and Cyprus.

TASHKENT - Mehmet Ali Irtemcelik, the Deputy Undersecretary of the Foreign Ministry, who had arrived on 21 December in Tashkent to make political consultations, left on Wednesday Uzbekistan after wrapping up his contacts.

Speaking to the A.A correspondent prior to his departure from Tashkent Airport, Irtemcelik said that all of the issues between Turkey and Uzbekistan were discussed during his meetings with the Uzbek Foreign Ministry officials.

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