Anadolu Agency: News in English, 99-01-30

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

AA Daily

30 January 1999 Saturday

CONTENTS

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

[02] HELICOPTER TENDER TAKEN UP DURING MEETING BETWEEN PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT AND LEBEDEV, RUSSIA'S AMBASSADOR

[03] PRESIDENT DEMIREL MEETS ALIEV

[04] EFFORTS TO PURCHASE TWO AIRCRAFTS AND FIVE HELICOPTERS TO THE COAST GUARD CONTINUE - THE COAST GUARD SEIZES 750 KG PURE HEROIN AND CAPTURES 457 REFUGEES IN 1998

[05] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT: ''WE DO NOT WAIT FOR A RESPONSE FROM THE U.S. ON THE ISSUE OF IRAQ POLICY''

[06] PARLIAMENT SPEAKER CETIN IN TEHRAN

[07] IMF DELEGATION IN TUSIAD - HARDY, CHIEF OF IMF TURKEY DESK EXPRESSES PLEASURE OVER THE IMPLEMENTATION OF 1998 PROGRAM

[08] PARLIAMENT SPEAKER CETIN IN TEHRAN - CETIN: ''TURKEY HAS NEVER BEEN IN A PACT AND SIEGE DIRECTED TO ITS NEIGHBOURS''

[09] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT MEETS WITH AKTAS, MINISTER OF ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES AND ADMINISTRATORS OF GAZPROM, RUSSIAN NATURAL GAS COMPANY

[10] ADAPTATION OF CFE TO CHANGING SECURITY CONDITIONS - TURKEY HOLDS REGULAR BILATERAL CONSULTATIONS

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

HURRIYET (LIBERAL)

HADEP IS IN TROUBLE
Vural Savas, Chief Prosecutor of High Court of Appeals filed a suit to Constitutional Court calling for the closure of Peoples' Democracy Party (HADEP). The 56-page indictment will be notified to HADEP next week. It was also pointed out that it was hard to come to a conclusion in the case before April 18 elections.

MILLIYET (LIBERAL)

1- Vural Savas, Chief Prosecutor of High Court of Appeals, filed a suit in Constitutional Court calling for the closure of Peoples' Democracy Party (HADEP). The indictment said HADEP became the focus of the activities contradicting to the ''inseparable integrity of the state.''

2- It was reported that Nuh Mete Yuksel, Prosecutor of Ankara State Security Court (DGM), was about to conclude his investigation carried out against National Youth Foundation. Yuksel said ''there are evidences that Virtue Party (FP) is a continuation of Welfare Party (FP) as the high ranking administrators of both parties are the same.''

3- Gen. Huseyin Kivrikoglu, Chief of General Staff, Force Commanders and General Commander of Gendarme visited Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit. Speaking after the one-hour meeting Ecevit said ''we had the facility to discuss problems concerning our region and security.''

4- President Suleyman Demirel said if the law which will provide elections to be in two tours can be issued, it can be put into effect on April 18 elections. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Ecevit said ''we are at the stage of investigation.

SABAH (LIBERAL)

56-PAGE CASE OPENED AGAINST HADEP
Vural Savas, Chief Prosecutor of High Court of Appeals, filed a suit against Peoples' Democracy Party (HADEP) on Friday. Vural pointed out that HADEP was the political flank of the separatist terrorist PKK organization. The 56-page indictment said ''HADEP stages activities with the orders and directives coming from the separatist PKK. It works as the military branch of the terrorist organization.

CUMHURIYET (LEFT) TURKEY'S IRAQI DILEMMA
Ankara says it does not have a regime and territory problem with Iraq yet can not get rid of being a part of the operation which is carried out against the resolutions of the Parliament. Hosni Mubarak, Egyptian Head of State, paid a visit to Ankara on Friday and held a 45-minute meeting with President Suleyman Demirel on the issue. Demirel said they will not let the borders of Iraq to change adding that only people of Iraq can decide for a change in regime.

BLUE STREAM PROJECT SPEEDED UP
Ziya Aktas, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, said pipeline project between Turkey and Russia, which is called as the Blue Stream, will be speeded up. Aktas said there are positive developments to this end adding that they have reached principle agreement to speed up the studies.

RADIKAL (LEFT)

SLIGHT TREMOR IN BITLIS
A slight tremor shook southeastern Bitlis province on Friday. Bogazici University Kandilli Observatory Quake Reseach Institude said the quake measuring 3,8 on the Richter Scale, shook Bitlis at 09:47 in the morning. The epicenter of the quake was determined to be Tatvan county.

YENİ YÜZYIL (LIBERAL)

DEMIREL: IRAQ IS NOT THE PROBLEM OF TURKEY
President Suleyman Demirel said dispute between Iraq and the U.S. is not the problem of Turkey adding that ''Turkey will do what its interests and promises require.'' Demirel said the problem was between Iraq and the international community but as Turkey is included in the international community and as it is Iraq's neighbour, the issue concerns Turkey.

TÜRKİYE (RIGHT)

ECEVIT AND LEBEDEV DISCUSS HELICOPTER TENDER
It was reported that helicopter tender was the main agenda topic of a meeting between Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit and Aleksander Lebedev, Russia's Ambassador to Ankara.

ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)

[02] HELICOPTER TENDER TAKEN UP DURING MEETING BETWEEN PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT AND LEBEDEV, RUSSIA'S AMBASSADOR

Reliable sources said officials of Russia's ''Kamov'' helicopter company and officials of Israeli defense industry, which will modernize the helicopters that will be produced by this company, participated in the meeting as well as Lebedev.

It was reported that Prime Minister Ecevit listened to the information given by Russian and Israeli officials and that he will examine the issue.

Russian Kamov, Italian Agusta, French Eurocopter and the U.S. Cobra companies participate in the helicopter tender opened by Defense Industry Undersecretariat. Ismail Hakki Karadayi, former Chief of General Staff, had visited factories of Kamov factory during a visit he paid to Russia in 1998.

Meanwhile, it was also reported that Ecevit asked Lebedev whereabouts of terrorist chief Abdullah Ocalan during the meeting. Lebedev said the issue of Ocalan was not on their agenda now.

[03] PRESIDENT DEMIREL MEETS ALIEV

Speaking after his meeting with Haydar Aliyev, President of Azerbaijan, Demirel said they were resolved to maintain friendly relations with Azerbaijan.

Aliyev in his part said individual friendship between Demirel and him played an important role in rapproachment of the two countries.

Aliev had been under medical treatment in the Gulhane Military Medical Academy (GATA). He suffered from an infection in his respiratory system and bronchitis

[04] EFFORTS TO PURCHASE TWO AIRCRAFTS AND FIVE HELICOPTERS TO THE COAST GUARD CONTINUE - THE COAST GUARD SEIZES 750 KG PURE HEROIN AND CAPTURES 457 REFUGEES IN 1998

The efforts for the modification and integration tender of these aircrafts also continue.

The first aircraft within the framework of the project which will cost for 21.5 trillion Turkish liras is expected to enter the inventory of the Coastal Security Command in December, 2001.

The helicopters which will be purchased from Agusta company will be included in the inventory in April, 2000 in case the contract is put into effect.

The Coastal Security Commandership controlled 13,336 vessels and seized a total of 750 kilograms of pure heroin in 1998.

The Commandership captured 457 refugees in 1998, while it sent the dossiers of 3.712 vessels to the prosecutor's office and held 108 search-rescue operations in 1998 and saved 83 vessels and 877 people.

[05] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT: ''WE DO NOT WAIT FOR A RESPONSE FROM THE U.S. ON THE ISSUE OF IRAQ POLICY''

Responding to the questions of reporters that ''you had expressed concern over the policy of the U.S. towards Iraq. Did any response come from the U.S. to this end?'', Ecevit said ''this is not something we wait for a response. Yet, we should pay attention to positive relations with the U.S. The community and administration of the U.S. are open to criticisms and different views. We, within the framework of this understanding, may always evaluate the strategies and policies, which we regard as required, with the U.S. There will not be any problem in this respect.''

Responding to a question about the Blue Stream project regarding transportation of natural gas from Russia to Turkey, Ecevit said this project will contribute a lot to the meeting the natural gas needs of Turkey.

Ecevit said administrators of Russian Natural Gas Company held contacts with officials of Energy and Natural Resources Ministry and state pipeline company BOTAS, adding that Turkey attributed importance to improvement of economic relations with Rusia and that this project will contribute to this goal.

[06] PARLIAMENT SPEAKER CETIN IN TEHRAN

Parliament Speaker Cetin held a meeting with Natik Nuri, Iranian Parliament Speaker, which lasted nearly an hour. This was the first meeting of the Parliament Speakers of the two countries after Iranian Revolution.

A.A. correspondent learned that Natik Nuri, addressing the meeting which was closed to the press, expressed willingness to improve economic relations between the two countries and pointed out that there was required potential to this end.

Noting that Turkey and Iran have joint borders, Nuri said ''we should make cooperation on security issue. We complain about the terrorists and the lack of authority in Northern Iraq.''

Nuri stressed that third elements in Turkish-Iranian relations should be lifted adding that they want direct relations between the two countries. Iranian Parliament Speaker also said Iraq's territorial integrity should be respected.

Parliament Speaker Hikmet Cetin in his part said Turkey favored continuation of good neighborhood relations on condition that everybody respects his own regime.

Cetin noted that Turkey and Iran have a young population adding that these two countries may be among the strongest countries of the world if this element is evaluated well.

Nuri, Iranian Parliament Speaker also expressed willingness to have tripartite meetings in which Syria is included adding that they also want Iraq to participate in these meetings ''yet, this is not possible at the moment'' he added.

Cetin, in response said ''there are problems between Turkey and Syria which are stemming from Syria. We have endured for a long time. We signed a bilateral agreement with Syria after overcoming terror problem. We are also covering this issue cautiously.''

Responding to the question of Natik Nuri which said ''What is the target of the U.S. on the issue of Iraq'', Cetin said ''we never interfere to the internal affairs of a country. Yet, we will not allow the formation of a country in Northern Iraq, We respect to the territorial integrity of Iraq.''

Cetin will be received by Iranian President Muhammad Khatemi in the afternoon.

[07] IMF DELEGATION IN TUSIAD - HARDY, CHIEF OF IMF TURKEY DESK EXPRESSES PLEASURE OVER THE IMPLEMENTATION OF 1998 PROGRAM

Speaking after a visit to Turkish Industrialists and Businessmen Association (TUSIAD), Hardy said although the promises were kept, there were still several other things which have not been completed yet adding that developments in international circles were also effective on this.

Noting that they have confidence about the taking of some bold decisions before early elections, Hardy said they hoped that the government will do what is required like it happened in banking sector.

Hardy stressed that Turkish private sector has a dynamic structure adding that the issue of a stand-by agreement with Turkey was not taken up with the TUSIAD delegation.

Hardy noted that they will support a stand by agreement if conditions are appropriate in Turkey and expressed his belief that Turkey will fulfil the conditions of a stand by agreement.

Hardy pointed out that Central Bank reserves were under control and has a tendency to increase.

Meanwhile, Erkut Yucaoglu, Chairman of TUSIAD, said they wanted IMF delegation to convey the developments in Turkey to the IMF and world finance circles.

Speaking to press after the meeting Yucaoglu said they evaluated the year 1998 with the IMF delegation adding that both sides confirmed that the program was successful apart from the high increase in the interests.

Yucaoglu said high increase in the interests in the year 1998 had stemmed partly from the crisis in the world and party because the uncertainity atmosphere caused by the formation of the government.

Yucaoglu said they have conveyed that exportation market decreased in Turkey adding that medium term stability program in Turkey required structural changes adding that budget preparations should be linked to serious principles and that banks law should be issued.

[08] PARLIAMENT SPEAKER CETIN IN TEHRAN - CETIN: ''TURKEY HAS NEVER BEEN IN A PACT AND SIEGE DIRECTED TO ITS NEIGHBOURS''

Cetin responded to the questions of reporters following his meeting with his Iranian counterpart Natik Nuri. When asked ''Why did Turkey made a military pact with Israel, does it have a hesitation from his neigbours?'' Cetin said ''Turkey has not made a military pact with Israel. It is not a military pact but two agreements in military field. Turkey has signed similar agreements with more than 20 Islamic and Arab countries. One of the agreements signed with Israel is the technical and military training and the second is the cooperation agreement in defense industry. These agreements signed with Israel contribute to peace and stability. It is never a pact against a third country or neighboring countries.''

Cetin pointed out that Iran, Syria and Iraq are Turkey's neighbours adding that ''we will continue to contribute to the regional peace by respecting each others' internal regimes.''

Responding to a journalist who brought the U.S-Turkey-Israel military exercise to the agenda and said this caused criticisms, Cetin said ''such criticisms increased as peace process with Israel came to the point of deadlock, yet, every act of Turkey aims at contributing to peace and stability. Iran has agreements with Armenia and Greece, we have never felt uneasy about them and never voiced them. We should have confidence in ourselves at first. We should believe in our friendship and cooperation and discuss every issue among ourselves.''

When asked how he evaluated Iran's attitude in not sheltering the separatist terrorist PKK organization, Cetin said ''PKK has several times proceeded to Iran. There are difficulties in controlling the borders in the region. The important thing is that there is cooperation against terrorism.''

Cetin said Turkey informed Iranian officials when PKK terrorists proceeded to Iran adding that ''Iran has tried to find solution to these and did what was required most of the time.''

Cetin said Turkey had tried this way with Syria for 14 years but took every kind of measures when it failed and pointed out that Syria had to accept the facts when the camps were revealed to be in this country.

Responding to another question Cetin said Iraq's territorial integrity and independence should not be discussed adding that ''Iraq should abide by the resolutions of the U.N. Also, embargo imposed on Iraq should immediately be lifted.''

Responding to several other questions Cetin said Turkey was resolved in entrance to European Union (EU).

[09] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT MEETS WITH AKTAS, MINISTER OF ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES AND ADMINISTRATORS OF GAZPROM, RUSSIAN NATURAL GAS COMPANY

Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit received Aktas and administrators of Gazprom, Russian natural gas company. Aleksander Lebedev, Russia's Ambassador to Ankara was also in attendance at the meeting.

Responding to the questions of reporters following the meeting which was closed to the press Aktas said officials of Gazprom came to hold contacts regarding the ''Blue Stream Project'' planned to be realized between turkey and Russia on the Black Sea.

Noting that they briefed Prime Minister Ecevit about the studies to this end, Aktas said there were positive developments. ''We have reached to a principle agreement to speed up studies and to solve the past disagreements'' Aktas said.

When asked if Turkmen natural gas can be an alternative to Russian natural gas, Aktas said ''in fact our needs are growing. So, they are not alternative of each other.''

Aktas said the quantity of the natural gas which will be brought from Russia with the Blue Stream Project will not be able to meet the needs of Turkey and pointed out that Turkey needed Turkmen natural gas and natural gas of Blue Stream.

Aktas also said ''we have a plan to transport natural gas of Turkmenistan to Europe after using some in Turkey.''

Responding to a question about the content of his visit to Kazakhstan, Aktas said transportation of Kazakh natural gas to Turkey was also in question.

Meanwhile, Rem Inanovic Vyahiriev, owner of Gazprom company, said serious talks were underway with the project adding that there was no problem.

The delegation headed by Vyahiriev was also received by Mesut Yilmaz, leader of the Motherland Party (ANAP). Blue Stream Project was on the agenda again.

''Blue Stream'' natural gas pipeline will be brought to Turkey as of the year 2000 under an agreement signed between the governments of Turkey and Russia.

A total of 400 million U.S. dollars investment will be made for the construction in Turkey section of the 1.5 billion U.S. dollar project.

Passing of the line on Rusian territories and the Black Sea will be realized by Italian-Russian and Georgian companies.

[10] ADAPTATION OF CFE TO CHANGING SECURITY CONDITIONS - TURKEY HOLDS REGULAR BILATERAL CONSULTATIONS

Foreign Ministry statement said Turkish officials, within this framework, as the continuation of the consultations held in Moscow in November 11, 1998, held talks with the Russian delegation which is composed of high level civilian and military officials.

The issue of preservation of flank regime and adaptation of it to CFE, concerning the two countries, were mainly discussed during the meeting which took place in a constructive understanding and cooperation atmosphere. It was also reported that important developments were recorded for the rapproachment of the views of the two countries.

It was also reported that consultations held with Russia in Ankara will contribute to the ongoing talks in Vienna regarding adaptation of CFE.

Talks are underway in Vienna directed to the adaptation of CFE to the changing security conditions. Under the decision taken during OSCE foreign Ministers meeting held in Oslo in Dec 2-3, 1998, points of disagreements should be overcomed soon. It was also foreseen that the adapted agreement will be adopted during OSCE summit that will take place in Istanbul between Nov 18 and 19, 1998.

A.A

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