Anadolu Agency: News in English, 99-01-26

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AA Daily

26 January 1999 Tuesday

CONTENTS

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

[02] PRESIDENT DEMIREL IN ALGERIA - DEMIREL RECEIVES ALGERIAN PRIME MINISTER - DEMIREL: - ''TURKEY ATTRIBUTES GREAT IMPORTANCE TO NORTHERN AFRICA COUNTRIES''

[03] KOSOVO CRISIS - TURKISH AIR FORCES TO CONTRIBUTE TO NATO MILITARY FORCE WITH A TOTAL OF 11 F-16 WAR PLANES

[04] TURKEY ENDEAVOURS TO TAKE BACK BOGAZKOY SPHINXES FROM GERMANY

[05] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT RECEIVES PARRIS, THE U.S. AMBASSADOR TO TURKEY

[06] PROFILE OF EXPORTS FROM GAP REGION - 26.8 MILLION US DOLLARS OF PULSES EXPORTED IN 1998

[07] OECD DELEGATION DUE IN TURKEY IN 4 FEBRUARY

[08] TURKEY'S OPENING POLICY TOWARDS SOUTHERN ASIA, FAR EAST AND THE PACIFIC

[09] VAN TEXTILE'S EXPORT TO THE NETHERLANDS AND THE U.S.

[10] COOPERATION BETWEEN D-8 COUNTRIES - FM: ''TURKEY WANTS TO SHARE ITS EXPERIENCE STEMMING FROM ITS LOCATION AND ECONOMIC RELATIONS WITH FRIENDLY COUNTRIES''

[11] THE OFFICIALS OF JCR, JAPANESE RATING ORGANIZATION, TO VISIT TURKEY ON FEBRUARY 16

[12] ''CROSSBORDER WATERS'' REPORT FROM GENERAL STAFF

[13] PRESIDENT DEMIREL IN ALGERIA

[14] THE U.S. SENDS MISSILES TO THREE POINTS IN NORTHERN IRAQ

[15] A TOTAL OF 906.7 TRILLION TL NOMINAL SELLING REALIZED IN 147-DAY BOND TENDER

[16] THE U.S. AIRCRAFTS BOMBED TWO RADAR INSTALLATIONS AND AN ANTI-AIRCRAFT SYSTEM IN NORTHERN IRAQ

[17] TURKEY WANTS TO TAKE BACK BOGAZKOY SPHINX FROM GERMANY

[18] PRESIDENT DEMIREL IN ALGERIA

[19] PRESIDENT DEMIREL ADDRESSES BUSINESSMEN IN ALGERIA

[20] TRNC PARLIAMENTARIAN DELEGATION IN COE

[21] JONES, DEPUTY UNDERSECRETARY OF THE U.S. RESPONSIBLE FOR MIDDLE EAST AFFAIRS: ''THERE WILL NOT BE A KURDISH STATE IN NORTHERN IRAQ''

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

HURRIYET (LIBERAL) DEMIREL PRAISES ZEROUL'S EFFORTS TO PROTECT SECULAR
DEMOCRACY
President Suleyman Demirel who pays an official visit to Algeria, became the first Turkish President visiting Algeria within ten years.

Demirel came together with his Algerian counterpart Liamine Zeroual, and praised his efforts to protect secular democracy in Algeria. He also added that Turkey aims at further improving relations with Algeria.

THE U.S. PRESSES BUTTON TO STRIKE IRAQ
The U.S. that is determined to overthrow Iraqi President Saddam Hussein, launched an air operation against Iraq following the Feast Eid Al-Fitr. The American war planes taking off from the Incirlik Base, bombed the Iraqi missile batteries. Mark Parris, the U.S. Ambassador to Turkey, and Frank Ricciardone who has been charged to overthrow Saddam, were summoned to the Foreign Ministry.

MILLIYET (LIBERAL)

DEMIREL: DO NOT GIVE IN
President Suleyman Demirel who is in Algeria for an official visit, met with Abdelkader Bensalah, the Speaker of the Algerian Parliament, and said that Algeria should not give in in her struggle against terrorism.

SABAH (LIBERAL)

CUMHURIYET (LEFT)

GENERAL STAFF CALLS FOR PEACE IN AEGEAN
The General Staff called Greece to make the Aegean Sea a sea of peace. Stressing that dialogue is required to provide stability and peace in the region, the General Staff warned that unintentional clashes can take place in Aegean in case of continuing dispute. The General Staff also pointed out that Turkey will reply in the affirmetive if Greece realize a fundemental change in her foreign policy.

RADIKAL (LEFT)

ECEVIT: OCALAN SHOULD NOT REMAIN ON THE TOP OF TURKEY'S AGENDA
Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said that Abdullah Ocalan, chief of the separatist terrorist organization, should not remain on the top of Turkey's agenda. Meanwhile the Foreign Ministry has decided to break off the relations between Ocalan and the terrorist organization PKK.

YENİ YÜZYIL (LIBERAL)

TÜRKİYE (RIGHT)

THE U.S. STRIKES IRAQ ONCE AGAIN KILLING 11
The U.S. and Britain launched an air operation against Iraq after the Eid Al-Fitr Feast was over. As a result of air operation targeting civilian units, 11 persons were killed and 59 others were injured. The Pentagon claimed that war planes bombed the missile installations in Northern Iraq.

ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)

Ecevit expressed concern over the uncertainty in the issue of Iraq, and stressed that Turkey works on a plan towards Iraq.

[02] PRESIDENT DEMIREL IN ALGERIA - DEMIREL RECEIVES ALGERIAN PRIME MINISTER - DEMIREL: - ''TURKEY ATTRIBUTES GREAT IMPORTANCE TO NORTHERN AFRICA COUNTRIES''

President Demirel told Hamdani that Turkey and Algeria have the potention to improve cooperation on the defense industry, tourism, education and energy.

Following the meetings, Demirel attended the reseption given in his honour by Burhanettin Muz, the Turkish Ambassador to Algeria.

Addressing the reseption, President Demirel pointed out that Turkey attributes great importance to Northern Africa countries, and added, ''Northern African countries are extremely significant for Turkey to counter hostilities targeting Turkey from this front.''

Reminding that he held talks with the high-level Algerian officials over further improving the cooperation between the two countries, Demirel described his contacts in Algeria as very positive and productive.

Meanwhile responding to questions of the journalists, Necati Utkan, the Spokesman of the Foreign Ministry, reminded that President Demirel met with his Algerian counterpart Liamine Zeroual, and expressed his wish to further improve relations between Turkey and Algeria.

President Demirel also expressed sorrow over the terrorist acts in Algeria claiming thousands of lives.

Demirel later partook in the official dinner given in his honour by President Liamine Zeroual.

Ismail Cem, the Foreign Minister, Murat Karayalcin, the Chairman of the Parliamentary Commission of Foreign Affairs, and other officials were also in attendance at the dinner.

[03] KOSOVO CRISIS - TURKISH AIR FORCES TO CONTRIBUTE TO NATO MILITARY FORCE WITH A TOTAL OF 11 F-16 WAR PLANES

The Office of the General Staff issued a statement saying that the Turkish Armed Forces has taken part in the military force aiming at putting an end to the bloodshed in Kosovo.

The statement also reminded that the Turkish Air Forces had participated at the ''Deliberate Forge'' operation in Bosnia-Herzegovina in 1993 with a total of 5 1-16 war planes deployed at the Ghedi Ground in Italy.

[04] TURKEY ENDEAVOURS TO TAKE BACK BOGAZKOY SPHINXES FROM GERMANY

Officials at the Foreign Ministry and Culture Ministry represent Turkey at the meetings which will last until January 28.

Turkey will bring the issue of Bogazkoy sphinxes which were smuggled to Germany, onto the agenda of the meeting.

[05] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT RECEIVES PARRIS, THE U.S. AMBASSADOR TO TURKEY

Addressing journalists following the meeting which lasted for one hour, Ecevit described meeting as very productive.

Reminding that the meeting focused on the latest developments in the Middle East and Iraq, Ecevit stressed, ''Mr. Parris shares the same opinions with me over providing dialogue between Turkey and the U.S. in order to solve the Iraqi crisis in a peaceful way. He told me that the U.S. expects concrete proposals from Turkey towards resolving the Iraqi crisis, adding that the U.S. is ready to deepen dialogues with Turkey.''

Reminding that Parris stressed once again their support for the Baku-Ceyhan oil pipeline project which will transport the Caspian oil into the Western markets, Ecevit pointed out that Turkey attributes great importance to such support.

Stressing that Turkey is among the countries which have been negatively affected by the developments in Iraq, Ecevit noted that a productive dialogue between Turkey and the U.S. will be beneficial to this end.

Responding to a question whether the issue of Abdullah Ocalan, the chief of separatist terrorist organization PKK, brought onto the agenda of the meeting, Ecevit noted, ''the U.S. has nothing to do on the issue of Ocalan. The U.S. warned the European countries that their approaches towards the separatist terrorist organization, are wrong. Meanwhile we received no new information about whereabouts of Ocalan. I believe that the issue of Ocalan should not remain on the top of Turkey's agenda. Ocalan cannot find easily a country to shelter him. At the same time the separatist terrorist organization has begun collapsing rapidly.''

Mentioning the patriot missiles which the U.S. sent to Turkey and deployed at the Incirlik Base against a possible Iraqi strike, Ecevit told the reporters that unexpected developments can occur in the region at any time.

Meanwhile responding to questions of journalists, Mark Parris, the U.S. Ambassador to Turkey, said that they discussed the relations between Turkey and the U.S. at the meeting. He pointed out that he believes the both sides are satisfied with the relations.

Reminding that there are effective cooperation in the fields of energy, economy, security and the Cyprus question, Parris noted that he conveyed the President Clinton's wish over working together with the 56th government.

Parris stressed that Turkey and the U.S. have succeeded in understanding each other's concerns and sensitiveness.

Mark Parris also emphasized that the U.S.' main aims in the region are to stop Iraqi threat, to meet Iraqi people's humanitarian needs and to develop a strategy in order to provide integration of Iraq to the international comminity.

[06] PROFILE OF EXPORTS FROM GAP REGION - 26.8 MILLION US DOLLARS OF PULSES EXPORTED IN 1998

In 1997, the region exported 32 million 196 thousand US dollars of pulses.

Officials at the Directorate of Southeastern Anatolia Exporters' Union, told the A.A correspondent that they exported 11 million 105 thousand US dollars in lentil; 7 million 957 thousand US dollars in chickpea and 7 million 785 thousand US dollars in dried bean in 1998.

The majority of the pulses were exported to Iraq, Germany, Egypt, France, Israel, Austria, Saudi Arabia and Ireland.

[07] OECD DELEGATION DUE IN TURKEY IN 4 FEBRUARY

The OECD delegation will make observations in Ankara and Istanbul during their visit to Turkey which will last for nearly one week.

Members of the delegation will hold talks with senior officials and receive information about the latest developments in Turkey's economy.

The delegation will prepare a report reflecting its imppressions in Turkey. The report is expected to be issued in June, 1999.

[08] TURKEY'S OPENING POLICY TOWARDS SOUTHERN ASIA, FAR EAST AND THE PACIFIC

Officials at the Foreign Ministry told the A.A correspondent that it was stressed at the meeting that the countries in the mentioned regions will become the most significant power centers of the 21st century.

Addressing the meeting, Haktanir stressed that there are no political disputes between Turkey and the mentioned countries.

Pointing out that the relations between Turkey and these countries are required to be further improved following the Cold War, Haktanir reiterated that Turkey aims at improving her political and economical relations with the countries except for her regional and traditional partners.

Reminding that the Southern Asian, Far East and the Pacific countries show great interest in Turkey for her central position in the Eurasia, Haktanir mentioned the importance of mutual high-level visits and of political, commercial, cultural and technological cooperation with these countries.

Haktanir also noted that Turkey attributes great importance to Japan and People's Republic of China.

Yalcin Tug, the Turkish Ambassador to Thailand, Halil Dag, the Turkish Ambassador to South Korea, Ahmet Ermisoglu, the Turkish Ambassador to New Zealand, Mehmet Guney, the Turkish Ambassador to Indonesia, Yaman Baskut, the Turkish Ambassador to Japan, Daryal Batibay, the Turkish Ambassador to People's Republic of China, Ferhat Ataman, the Turkish Ambassador to Malaysia, Onder Alaybeyli, the Turkish Ambassador to Vietnam, Yusuf Buluc, the Turkish Ambassador to India, Bozkurt Aran, the Turkish Ambassador to Pakistan, Fusun Cetintas, the Turkish Ambassador to Singapore, Veka

Inal, the Turkish Ambassador to the Philippines, and Erdinc Ulumlu, the Turkish Ambassador to Bangladesh, were in attendance at the meeting.

At the second day of the meetings, the Strategical Researches Center will organize a session over the relations between Turkey and the mentioned countries.

[09] VAN TEXTILE'S EXPORT TO THE NETHERLANDS AND THE U.S.

Responding to questions of the A.A correspondent, Abdullah Sari, the Governor of Van, reminded that the Van Textile has been providing employment to 99 workers.

Meanwhile Ali Tekin, the Executive Director of the Van Textile, stressed that they realized 172 thousand Dutch Florins in export to the Netherlands in 1998.

Tekin added, ''we have exported 20 thousand dressing gowns, shorts and t- shirts worth of 84 thousand U.S. dollars to the U.S. We plan to increase our exportation to the U.S., if the American people satisfy with our products.''

Van Textile was set up upon the initiatives of Abdullah Sari within the framework of his personal efforts to develop the province.

[10] COOPERATION BETWEEN D-8 COUNTRIES - FM: ''TURKEY WANTS TO SHARE ITS EXPERIENCE STEMMING FROM ITS LOCATION AND ECONOMIC RELATIONS WITH FRIENDLY COUNTRIES''

Foreign Ministry statement pointed out that D-8 initiative should be maintained and the projects envisaged should be implemented.

The statement noted that D-8 cooperation sixth Commission meeting will convene in Istanbul and last for two days, adding that Deputy Foreign Ministers of the D-8 member countries will participate in the meeting.

The statement said Foreign Minister Ismail Cem will host a luncheon and will address the meeting, and added that the meeting will be chaired by Mithat Balkan, Foreign Ministry Deputy Undersecretary.

Turkey will hand over Term Presidency of D-8 cooperation to Bangladesh on March 1-2 in the second summit meeting that will take place in Dhaka.

D-8 countries cooperation took effect with the participation of Iran, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Indonesia, Egypt and Nigeria in a meeting held in Istanbul on Oc 22, 1996. D-8 initiative wants to improve cooperation between the eight countries which represent a wide population and geographical field having an economic potential.

[11] THE OFFICIALS OF JCR, JAPANESE RATING ORGANIZATION, TO VISIT TURKEY ON FEBRUARY 16

Shigematsu told A.A correspondent that JCR officials will come to Turkey on February 16, and meet the officials of the economy in Istanbul and Ankara in their three-day visit and will receive information about the recent developments in Turkey.

Stating that Turkish economy is unstable due to the foreign developments and upcoming early elections, Shigematsu noted that there are positive and negative developments in Turkey, but that the positive ones are much more than the negative ones.

Shigematsu added that the JCR officials will evaluate the information they have about the Turkish economy after they return Tokyo, and then they will declare Turkey's new rating note in February.

The rating note given by JCR is of great importance for Turkey for borrowing from Samurai bond market where she can get the debt with the least interest and for the Japanese investments in Turkey.

[12] ''CROSSBORDER WATERS'' REPORT FROM GENERAL STAFF

''Cross-border waters'' report prepared by General Staff, mentioning about Turkey's three-stage plan, said ''if an agreement could be reached on this plan, important developments could be recorded on the issue of other regional conflicts as well as water dispute and that non-confidence atmosphere could be overcomed.''

The report disclosed Turkey's optimum and just plan basing on wise criterions as:

-Water sources in Euphrates-Tigris basin should be determined on serious and scientific data,

-Water needs should be determined by making soil inventory and soil classification with the concerned countries,

-Water allocation should be made under the light of these two groups.

The report said the plan based on optimum, wise and just usage criterions has two important aspects. It was also stressed in the report that as Euphrates and Tigris rivers merge naturally in Sattularap and artificially through Tartar canal, these two rivers should be evaluated as only one cross-border waterway.

It was also noted in the report that studies of the countries to collect and evaluate data have differences and that water and soil sources inventory studies should be made jointly to have an healthy base.

The Office of the General Staff report said although Turkey has the facilities to control waters of Euphrates and Tigris, it never claimed an absolute sovereignty.

It was mentioned in the report that water problem for Syria and Iraq did not stem from insufficiency of water but that they could not make rational irrigation on lands which are appropriate to agriculture. The report said, ''when the world averages are considered, it has been revealed that Turkey is not rich of water. For example, Iraq's water potential is higher than Turkey's.''

It was also pointed out in the report that there was no significant problem in cross border waters with Greece, Bulgaria, Georgia, Armenia and Iraq.

[13] PRESIDENT DEMIREL IN ALGERIA

Prior to his meeting with Zeroual in which the press was not allowed, Demirel visited Turkish Bastion, Monument of Martrys and Algerian Army Museum.

Demirel said in his visit to the historical sights that his visit to Algeria in this last year of the twentieth century has a reason.

Demirel said, ''we wanted to show the two nations and the world with this visit that Turkey and Algeria should be in cooperation. Of course, there are really important reasons which urge us to cooperate. We want to cooperate for the sake and interest of the two nations. Today's conditions urge us to cooperate. The other reason which urges us to cooperate is our common history.''

[14] THE U.S. SENDS MISSILES TO THREE POINTS IN NORTHERN IRAQ

Patricia Langf, the media officer in Incirlik base in Adana province, told A.A correspondent that the U.S. aircrafts conducting routine enforcement patrols over no-fly zone fired missiles to three points near Musul after they were targeted by Iraqi sophisticated air missiles and entire aircraft artillery systems.

[15] A TOTAL OF 906.7 TRILLION TL NOMINAL SELLING REALIZED IN 147-DAY BOND TENDER

The net sale was realized as 624.3 trillion Turkish liras, while the average simple interest was determined as 106.85 percent and the average composite interest was 143.09 percent.

A total of 10.8 trillion Turkish liras of bond to the public institutions.

[16] THE U.S. AIRCRAFTS BOMBED TWO RADAR INSTALLATIONS AND AN ANTI-AIRCRAFT SYSTEM IN NORTHERN IRAQ

Patricia Langf, the media officer in Incirlik, told A.A correspondent that the U.S. aircrafts bombed two radar sites and one anti-aircraft system near Mosul after they were targeted by Iraqi sophisticated air missile systems and aircraft artillery systems in three separate incidents.

Langf said that the damage to the Iraqi forces is currently been assessed after the bombings which took place between 12.25 and 12.50 Turkey's time.

She added that the operation Northern Watch will continue to enforce the no- fly zone in Northern Iraq.

[17] TURKEY WANTS TO TAKE BACK BOGAZKOY SPHINX FROM GERMANY

UNESCO Turkish Permanent Representation reiterated Turkey's wish to get Bogazkoy Sphinx from Germany and wanted to resume the dialogue which had taken place between the two countries in the past.

Bilateral talks to for the return of Bogazkoy Sphinx could not be hold between Turkey and Germany since 1996. German representative did not oppose to the resuming of the bilateral dialogue to this end in principle but assumed a distracting tactic.

The Committee which does not have an authority to give binding decisions, can only give recommendatory decisions about the return of cultural riches.

The Committee is expected to prepare a report within three months about Bogazkoy Sphinx.

Meanwhile, it was reported that Turkey harshly denied the allegations of representative of Greek Cypriot side that cultural riches in Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) were stolen. Turkey wanted on the Committee to invite TRNC representative to the meetings to respond the allegations.

The Committee which was founded in 1978 has 22 members.

[18] PRESIDENT DEMIREL IN ALGERIA

Demirel and Liamine Zeroual, Algerian President, chaired interdelegational talks following their tete-a-tete meeting and later they staged a joint news conference.

Noting that he came to Algeria with a crowded delegation, Demirel said this proved the importance Turkey attributed to this visit.

Demirel said they have discussed bilateral issues and problems of the world and exchanged views on these issues in their meetings with Zeroal.

Demirel pointed out that they have revealed Turkey's good will to improve cooperation with the visit. ''If we summarize the visit, we can say, as the presidents of the two countries, we will continue to support cooperation in every field. As a natural outcome of this thought, I call on the institutions of each country to contribute to cooperation. I wish success to brotherly Algerian people in the fields of development and improvement.''

Meanwhile, Liamine Zeroual, Algerian President expressed pleasure over the visit of Demirel and identified Turkey as a ''brotherly great country.''

Algerian President said they have exchanged views to improve bilateral relations and identified the visit as very beneficial.

Noting that he briefed President Suleyman Demirel about the restructuring efforts recorded in Algeria in the fields of politics, economy and other fields as of 1994, Algerian President said President Demirel gave him information about the situation in Turkey and improvement of bilateral relations. Zeroual said they have also discussed regional and international issues concerning the two countries.

Algerian President said ''we have discussed the Middle East Peace Process and the situation in Iraq. We have discussed also various issues concerning situation in Africa including Lockerbie incident. We have discussed cooperation between the Mediterranean countries. There is a consensus of opinion on the issues which we have discussed.''

Zeroual pointed out that they made an evaluation of the past period within the framework of bilateral relations, adding that they have determined that existing potential of relations between the two countries were very high and that there was political will in both sides to improve these relations.

Zeroual said cooperation in cultural field will be strengthened within the framework of improvement of bilateral relations and that they have reached to an agreement to open cultural centers reciprocally.

Noting that struggle against terrorism was also taken up during the meetings, Algerian President said they have negotiated cooperation of the concerned units of the two countries. Zeroual said they have stressed the importance of cooperation in this field by mentioning international dimensions of terrorism.

[19] PRESIDENT DEMIREL ADDRESSES BUSINESSMEN IN ALGERIA

Addressing Turkish-Algeraian Businessmen Council meeting, President Demirel wished that this meeting will be a new start for future cooperation of the two countries.

Demirel said, ''our countries throughout history, played important roles in welfare and stability of the whole Mediterranean basin not only for our region. History brought a new golden opportunity to our brotherly countries in the eve of a new century. We should evaluate this opportunity well as we should take far sighted steps to increase mutual welfare.''

Noting that Turkey has important advantages to contribute to the development efforts of Algeria and to reflect bilateral relations in the fields of concrete activity, Demirel said ''Turkish economy, according to the data of World Bank, is the 16th biggest economy of the world with its 6.500 U.S. dollar gross national product per person. Turkey has an extremely dynamic economy. In the first half of 1998, when there was a serious economic crisis, this ratio was recorded as 5.2 percent.'' Demirel said Turkey has a total foreign trade volume of 80 billion U.S. dollars and that Turkey's exportation increased 78 percent in six years.

Noting that energy demand of Turkish economy increased 10 percent every year, Demirel said, ''we have implemented an energy investment package, requiring 30 billion U.S. dollars investment, in order to meet this demand. We make approximately three billion U.S. dollars energy investment every year.''

Demirel said new energy geogprahy, revealed in Caspian Basin, will be integrated with energy lines that will be contructed via Turkey ''thus, Turkey will become one of the most important energy thermals of the 21st century. This position of Turkey will be an advantage for Algeria which looks for ner markets to its energy sources.''

Demirel said main transportation projects, forming infrastructure of Silk Road, which comes to the history stage once again, and which will connect Europe and Asia, are being contructed in Turkey. Kars-Tbilisi Railway and the Black Sea Motorway are the most important ones of these projects.

Demirel pointed out that a 150-billion U.S. dollars investment will be made in defense industry in the coming 30 years and that tenders in this field are put into implementation rapidly.

President Demirel said Turkish contruction sector showed a successful and reliable performance both in Turkey in abroad and noted that this sector increased to 10th row in world construction market with 55 billion dollars national, 40 billion dollars international business volume.

Demirel noted that two Turkish communication satellites are in the space at the moment and that the third one will be hurled to the space next year. Demirel said electronic production is rapidly developing.

President Demirel said Southeastern Anatolian Project (GAP), with its 32 billion U.S. dollars financial portraid, is the biggest integrated project of Republican history, adding that when this project is concluded, Turkey's agricultural production will increase.

Demirel pointed out that all these figures are the indications of vividness and dynamism of Turkish economy, adding that Turkey is ready to give all its wealth to the service of Algeria.

Demirel said Turkey is the biggest economy and the biggest energy market of its region and that it serves an important market for Algeria's energy sources. In fact, natural gas purchases from Algeria will bring liveliness to bilateral relations. He said that Turkey is satisfied over this cooperation and seeks for ways to further improve this cooperation in every field.

Noting that Turkish-Algerian Business Council is an important negotiation mechanism to improve cooperation between the businessmen of the two countries, Demirel said he attributed a special importance to the convening of Business Council regularly.

''The Mediterranean is a sea uniting us, not separating, I call on the businessmen of the two countries to evaluate well the advangates stemming from this,'' Demirel said.

Smail Hamdani, Algerian Prime Minister said economic relations between Turkey and Algeria improved a lot in the recent years adding that there were cooperation facilities between the two countries in the fields of settlement construction, agriculture, infrastructure and in other fields. He also called on Turkish businessmen to invest in his country.

Algerian Prime Minister Hamdani also said Turkish and Algerian could make cooperation in European markets.

[20] TRNC PARLIAMENTARIAN DELEGATION IN COE

The issue of representation of TRNC in COEPA was brought to the agenda primarily.

The delegation which is headed by Ertugrul Hasipoglu, TRNC Republican Parliament Speaker, is scheduled to meet with Russel-Johnson, British Parliamentarian who is the new Chairman of COEPA and Commission chairmen.

Meanwhile, it was reported that Greek Cypriot side prevented a visit of the Dutch parliamentarians to TRNC last week. The Dutch parliamentarians cancelled their visit to the Island upon the threat of Greek Cypriot side that ''do not come to us if you go to TRNC.''

The Dutch parliamentarians harshly reacted to this attitude of Greek Cypriot side and that they brought the issue to the agenda.

[21] JONES, DEPUTY UNDERSECRETARY OF THE U.S. RESPONSIBLE FOR MIDDLE EAST AFFAIRS: ''THERE WILL NOT BE A KURDISH STATE IN NORTHERN IRAQ''

Responding to the questions of journalists with an interactive link staged in U.S. Embassy in Ankara, Jones said there would not be a Kurdish state in Northern Iraq. She said their aim was not that adding that they brought together the opposing groups regionally for the transition in Iraqi regime.

Jones said with the Washington agreement the two Kurdish groups were brought together to improve regional unification ways so that regional elections will take place in compromise.

Responding to a question that Turkomans were isolated, Jones said Turkomans were divided into many different groups and that they should be organized.

Recalling that Frank Ricciardone, the U.S. Embassy Undersecretary was designated to organize transition period in Iraq, Jones said they should see what Iraq would look like after the regime change.

When asked how their policies with the Turkish government on Iraq agree, Jones said the U.S. policy was clarified with a meeting held between Mark Parris, the U.S. Ambassador to Ankara and Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit. Jones said their aims were to prevent Iraq's military threat, to meet humanitarian needs of Iraqi people and to improve a strategy to make Iraq be included in international community in a systematical way.

Jones said they have a very positive dialogue with Turkey adding that the most important point for them was Turkey was a member of NATO. She said meeting between Ecevit and Parris was beneficial and that they called on advises from Turkey on Iraq issue.

Responding to a question that Turkey has concerns that there may be a chaos in Iraq after Saddam, Jones said none of the neighbors want Saddam. Yet, that it was difficult to estimate what would happen after Saddam. She said international community was working for the integration of Iraq adding that they were closely interested in Iraqi people.

Jones said no-fly zone implementation was started to protect people of Iraq from Saddam Hussein adding that there were bombings on no-fly zone because Iraq challenges no-fly zone. She said no-fly zone was very important for Northern Iraqi people and that they get Turkey's support to this end.

Nothing that it depends of Iraqi people what kind of a regime they want in Iraq, Jones said there were many ideas to this end and that Ricciardone would be interested in these.

A.A

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