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Anadolu Agency: News in English, 99-02-02

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

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

AA Daily

02 February 1999 Tuesday


CONTENTS

  • [01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN
  • [02] WHEREABOUTS OF OCALAN - FOREIGN MINISTRY: ''WE WANT ALL EUROPEAN COUNTRIES TO DETERMINE THE PLACE WHERE THIS PERSON HIDES AND EXPECT THEM TO ARREST AND TO SURRENDER HIM''
  • [03] WHEREABOUTS OF OCALAN - DENIAL FROM OFFICIALS OF MALPENSA AIRPORT
  • [04] INTERPOL ALSO FOLLOWS TERRORIST CHIEF CLOSELY
  • [05] PARLIAMENT SPEAKER CETIN RETURNS TO TURKEY
  • [06] U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT URGES ALL COUNTRIES TO ASSIST TURKEY'S EFFORTS TO BRING TERRORIST OCALAN TO JUSTICE
  • [07] WHEREABOUTS OF OCALAN - NETHERLANDS NOT TO PERMIT TERRORIST CHIEF EVEN IF HE COMES AGAIN
  • [08] WHEREABOUTS OF OCALAN - OCALAN IS NOT IN ATHENS ACCORDING TO THE DUTCH LAWYER
  • [09] ''WORLD PEACE AND MEMORY FOREST'' PROJECT TO TRNC
  • [10] THREE SHIPS RAN AGROUND AND ONE TANKER BURNED WITHIN A WEEK
  • [11] RESPONSE FROM YUGOSLAVIA'S AMBASSADOR TO THE ALLEGATIONS THAT TERRORIST CHIEF WILL GO TO SERBIA: ''WE HAVE ENOUGH TROUBLE. THEY WANT TO ADD OCALAN TO THEM''
  • [12] SUPPORT OF DEMIREL TO NEMRUD
  • [13] CEM, FOREIGN MINISTER, SAYS TURKEY DOES EVERYTHING WHATEVER IT HAS TO DO ON THE ISSUE
  • [14] PARRIS, THE U.S. AMBASSADOR TO TURKEY: - ''IF IRAQI SIDE STOP TARGETING OUR PLANES, OUR PLANES WILL NOT TARGET THEM ANY MORE'' - ''DEPLOYMENT OF PATRIOT AIR DEFENSE SYSTEM AT INCIRLIK BASE WITHIN A WEEK UPON TURKEY'S REQUEST, SHOWS IMPORTANCE ATTRIBUTED BY THE U.S. TO TURKEY''
  • [15] UNCERTAINTY OVER WHEREABOUTS OF OCALAN, CHIEF OF SEPARATIST TERRORIST ORGANIZATION, CONTINUES
  • [16] CONTACTS OF DUTCH DELEGATION
  • [17] TORRENTIAL RAINS CAUSE FLOOD IN AEGEAN REGION - MANY HOUSES AND BUSINESS PLACES INUNDATED
  • [18] IMF DELEGATION VISITS THE ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES MINISTRY
  • [19] BUSY DAY AT THE FOREIGN MINISTRY
  • [20] RANIERI, ITALIAN DEPUTY FOREIGN MINISTER: - ''WE DO NOT KNOW WHERE OCALAN IS''
  • [21] OYAK RENAULT TO PRODUCE TURKISH ''CLIO SEDAN'' IN FALL
  • [22] TREASURY REALIZES 1.46 QUADRILLION TL NOMINAL SALE IN THE 371-DAY BOND TENDER

  • [01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

    These are some of the major headlines and their brief stories in Turkey's press on Feb 2, 1999. The Anadolu Agency does not verify these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.

    HURRIYET (LIBERAL)

    LIKE A PING-PONG BALL
    Apo, terrorist chief, who could not find a place to shelter, toured the countries for two days on European airspace. All the doors he knocked were closed to his face. Even Greece, which he relied on, did not want him.

    STRATEGIC MEETING WITH ISRAEL
    Turkey and Israel, who caused crisis with the joint military training and defense industry cooperation signed in 1996, will realize a series of strategical meetings in Ankara. The meeting will draw the framework of 1999 in bilateral strategic relations.

    MILLIYET (LIBERAL)

    APO SEEKS FOR A COUNTRY TO TAKE SHELTER
    Abdullah Ocalan, chief of the separatist terrorist organization, after getting negative response in the route of the countries after the Netherlands, landed Athens and caused a crisis. Nezeritis, Greece's Ambassador to Ankara who was summoned to Foreign Ministry two times promised that he will not be in Athens. Foreign Ministry recalled the neighboring countries that providing shelter to terrorist chief will be perceived as a hostile act.

    MANAVGAT IS A ''LAKE''
    Manavgat Stream flooded due to the torrential rains which started four days ago in Manavgat County of the Southern Antalya Province on Monday. Heavy rain affected Yukari Hisar, Asagi Hisar, Asagi Pazarci, Yukari Pazarci, Caglayan and Selale Districts inundating many houses and business places.

    SABAH (LIBERAL)

    APO IS LIKE PLAGUE-STRICKEN
    Abdullah Ocalan, the terrorist chief, spent large quantities of money and is touring Europe to find himself a place to shelter. Yet, no country accept this terrorist who is a murderer of babies. Efforts of Apo failed who spent large sums of money to get sheltering. The Dutch government said Apo was persona non-grata in Europe and that they would arrest him if he enters the country illegally. The bloody handed terrorist knocked the door of Athens desparately.

    TAX INTERROGATION FROM THE IMF
    Experts of IMF Turkey Desk, who continue economy evaluation tours, intensified all their studies to the targets of 1999. It was reported the experts of IMF will investigate the financial pressures the elections will create on economy and will investigate if or not the targets of tax incomes be realized.

    CUMHURIYET (LEFT)

    NOBODY WANTS OCALAN
    Abdullah Ocalan, chief of the separatist terrorist organization, who no country wants to take as he will be a problem, was claimed to return to Italy again. Turkey closely followed Ocalan who shuttled between Rotterdam, Athens, Basel and Milano with a private plane. Russia and European countries reiterated their statements giving assurances to Turkey.

    BARIS MANCO TO LIVE IN HIS COMPOSITIONS
    Baris Manco, 56, one of Turkey's greatest folk and pop song writers, recording stars and television personalities, died in Istanbul early Monday from a heart attack. President Suleyman Demirel said Manco contributed a lot to the promotion of Turkey as a culture envoy as well as his art.

    RADIKAL (LEFT) Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said he will continue to expend efforts to make the elections in two tours. Yet, Mesut Yilmaz, leader of the Motherland Party (ANAP), pointed out that he was not hopeful to this end. Meanwhile, Deniz Baykal, leader of Republican Peoples' Party (CHP) said ''Ecevit is the subcontractor of the right.''

    YENİ YÜZYIL (LIBERAL)

    HE LIVES IN THE HEARTS NOW
    Sudden death of Baris Manco, famous singer, made Turkey terribly sorry. He was taken unconscious to hospital on Sunday midnight and efforts to revive him failed. Manco was also known as Turkey's cultural ambassador to the countries of the Far East.

    APO CAN NOT FIND A PLACE
    Abdullah Ocalan, the chief terrorist, could not find himself a place to shelter. It has been claimed that Ocalan who was rejected by the Netherlands, was in Athens, the Greek capital. Foreign Ministry Undersecretary Korkmaz Haktanir and Greek televisions confirmed this allegation yet Greek officials refused.

    TÜRKİYE (RIGHT) HE GOES FROM DOOR TO DOOR
    Abdullah Ocalan, chief of the separatist terrorist organization, who became a problem also for Europe wanted to enter to the Netherlands with a private plane, yet he was not allowed to enter in. The plane later turned its route to Athends. This country also exluded terrorist chief due to the attitude of Turkey. Nezeritis, Greece's Ambassador to Ankara said Ocalan is not in Greece and that he was never in Greece and that he will never be in Greece.

    TWO TOUR ELECTION CRISIS
    Tansu Ciller, leader of True Path Party (DYP) the not support the idea to hold the elections in two tours while Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said that there was no problem in holding the elections in two tours. Ecevit said postponement or annulment of the elections by the constitutional court was not in question.

    ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)

    OCALAN REMAINED AT THE AIR
    Abdullah Ocalan, chief of the separatist terrorist organization, knocked the doors of Italy, the Netherlands and Greece on Monday. Turkish intelligence units could not determine the place of this bloody-handed terrorist as he was going around. The plane of Ocalan took off from Minsk on Monday an went to Italy then to the Netherlands and then to Greece. Prime Minister Ecevit said terrorist chief wanted to go to Switzerland yet landed in Milano for fuel as he was not allowed to come.

    OIL IN THE AEGEAN
    Drilling was made to an oil well again in Manisa-Alasehir to determine its full capacity. Concrete information will be gathered about the reserve following the new drilling in the well.

    [02] WHEREABOUTS OF OCALAN - FOREIGN MINISTRY: ''WE WANT ALL EUROPEAN COUNTRIES TO DETERMINE THE PLACE WHERE THIS PERSON HIDES AND EXPECT THEM TO ARREST AND TO SURRENDER HIM''

    ANKARA, Feb 2 (A.A) - Foreign Ministry on Monday called on all European countries to determine the place where terrorist chief hides and wanted them to arrest and to surrender him to justice to account for the crimes he committed.

    Foreign Ministry statement said ''it is seen that terrorist chief is in an effort to shelter in a European Union (EU) member country like Italy, the Netherlands or Greece, with the help of his supporters.''

    1-Under the light of the developments in question, required initiatives had immediately been made to the mentioned countries. A statement issued by Italian Government on Monday afternoon refused the allegation that he is in Italy stressing that his return to Italy was not possible. This rapid and sensitive reaction showed by Italian Government against the recent developments had created the hope that more effective cooperation could be made between our countries in struggle against terrorism. Yet, the attitude which the country in question would assume following the news reports that the plane of the terrorist chief landed an airport in northern part of Milano, will show to what extend we will rely on our hope. It has been understood with a statement issued by the Dutch Foreign Ministry this morning that, the plane of chief terrorist was not allowed to land Rotterdam airport. Ambassador of Greece, who was summoned to Foreign Ministry following news reports regarding terrorist chief's arrival to Greece, stated that he was not in Greece and that he will not be allowed to come to this country. Yet the news reports which came after his statements, announced that terrorist chief landed Athens Airport with a private plane and that he is still waiting there. Also, informations coming from several other sources stated that he is in Athens. Greek authorities, in such a case, should arrest him to extradite to Turkey. Greek Ambassador, who was summoned to Foreign Ministry once again under the light of these developments, said that these news reports failed to reflect the facts. The issue is covered closely under the light of this conflicted situation. Turkish government earlier had disclosed that a neighboring countries' providing shelter to this terrorist chief would be regarded as a hostile act.

    2- It is clear that terrorist chief is after providing himself a secure future in Europe with the money he got from drug trafficking, money laundering and illegal money collection after leaving young people alone with their own fate after forcing them to stage terrorist activities. It is known that chief terrorist received protection from organized crimes and mafia.

    3- We understand from the news reports reaching to us so far that terrorist chief could not reach an outcome with the initiatives to find himself a shelter.

    [03] WHEREABOUTS OF OCALAN - DENIAL FROM OFFICIALS OF MALPENSA AIRPORT

    MILANO, Feb 2 (A.A) - Officials of Malpensa Airport, near Milano, claimed on Monday that terrorist chief was not in Falcon type plane which landed in the airport on Monday.

    Director of Sea company, responsible for the administration of the Airport, said there was only an American couple and a Canadian passanger in the Falcon type plane.

    The statement said Falcon type plane which left Athens for Bale city of Switzerland, stopped by Malpensa due to a failure about the flight plan and that the plane took off from Malpensa at 19:00.

    [04] INTERPOL ALSO FOLLOWS TERRORIST CHIEF CLOSELY

    ANKARA, Feb 2 (A.A) - Security Department Directorate continues to warn several related countries for the capture of Abdullah Ocalan, chief of the separatist terrorist organization.

    Interpol Department Chairmanship, following departure of chief terrorist from Italy, applied to Interpol General Secretariat, and wanted all member countries to be warned to arrest Ocalan. Interpol General Secretariat, upon the warning of Turkish Interpol, conveyed a message to fulfil Turkey's message.

    Interpol Department Chairmanship, after learning that terrorist chief is in Athens Airport, applied in written to the Interpol of this country and asked if Ocalan arrived there or not.

    Interpol sent a document which also included a picture of Ocalan to this country, and wanted him to be captured immediately if he is found out to be there.

    Officials of Interpol Department Chairmaship officials stressed that the issue was followed minute by minute by using diplomatic channels, adding that ''we are in contact with the Foreign Ministry and we work simultaneously with the police of concerned countries launching required initiatives.''

    [05] PARLIAMENT SPEAKER CETIN RETURNS TO TURKEY

    ANKARA, Feb 2 (A.A) - Parliament Speaker Hikmet Cetin returned to Turkey on Monday evening concluding his official visit to Iran.

    Speaking at Ankara's Airport, Cetin said he held contacts with Natik Nuri, Iranian Parliament Speaker, Mohammad Khatemi, the President, Hashemi Rafsanjani, former President and Chairman of Compromise Council, and Hasan Habibi, Vice President in Tehran.

    Cetin said he had the facility to express in details Turkey's attidue regarding on vital issues like bilateral, political, economic and trade relations as well as terrorism, developments in Iraq and Northern Iraq and situation in the Caucasus.

    Cetin pointed out that Iranian officials were ready for cooperation with Turkey in struggle against terrorism and that they will not let the terrorist chief to shelter on their territories and that they wanted existing security mechanisms to work more effectively.

    Cetin said Turkey and Iran were in consensus of opinion that Iraq's territorial integrity and political unity should be preserved, and expected Iraq to fully abide by the UN resolutions adding that ''we have observed that they are ready for cooperation in struggle against drug trafficking.''

    Cetin pointed out that they have reciprocally voiced their expectations to increase economic and trade relations between the two countries, adding that ''we informed our interlocutors about the content of military cooperation between Turkey and Isreal.''

    Cetin said, ''we have told them that Turkey has similar relations with Arab and Islamic countries in the direction of Turkey's general foreign policy and that we said our relations with Arab and Islamic countries will never be beyond or under the shadow of relations with other countries.''

    Noting that Turkey's determination in struggle against terrorism was understood by everybody with the recent developments recorded with Syria, Cetin said Turkey will show the same determination if any other country does the same.

    Cetin said, ''we have taken up developments in Afghanistan within the framework of regional problems and we have pointed out that formation of a broad based government in this country, in which all groups are included, may be the basic condition of providing peace and stability.

    Cetin also said he met Yahya Muhammetzade, Governor of Eastern Azeri State and other officials and discussed issues regarding further improvement of border trade.

    Parliament Speaker Cetin said he held observations in several installations in Tabriz and that they have took up many issues concerning the two states, during this first visit to Iran which took place in Parliament Speaker level.

    [06] U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT URGES ALL COUNTRIES TO ASSIST TURKEY'S EFFORTS TO BRING TERRORIST OCALAN TO JUSTICE

    WASHINGTON, Feb 2 (A.A) - James Rubin, the U.S. State Department Spokesman, said on Monday that efforts of Turkey to bring terrorist chief to justice should be supported by all countries.

    Responding to a question about latest developments regarding terrorist chief, Rubin said ''I'd hate to be the pilot of that small plane.''

    Rubin said they knew that the Dutch government did not allow the entrance of the plane carrying terrorist chief, adding that Ocalan was accused of launching terrorist activities and expressed belief that he should be brought to justice.

    The Spokesman underlined that there should not be any place for the terrorist chief to take shelter and that asylum should not be granted by any country.

    Rubin said they have learned that the plane carrying terrorist chief might have landed in Greece yet later departed there, adding that they have been informed earlier about his departure from Italy.

    Rubin said the thinks that the small private plane is floating around.

    [07] WHEREABOUTS OF OCALAN - NETHERLANDS NOT TO PERMIT TERRORIST CHIEF EVEN IF HE COMES AGAIN

    AMSTERDAM, Feb 2 (A.A) - The Netherlands, who did not accept terrorist chief, will not allow him in case he launches initiatives again to enter to this country.

    Benk Korthals, the Dutch Justice Ministry, said terrorist chief was announced as persona non grata in his country under Schengen Agreement and warned against his coming to this country again.

    Justice Minister Korthals said he will not be allowed to enter the country if he tries again, adding that Spain and France last year officially disclosed that they will not accept terrorist chief to their countries and that no other country, siding this agreement, can accept this person who was not wanted by those countries.

    Brigitte Bohler, the Dutch lawyer of the terrorist chief, who was not allowed by the Dutch autorities to enter this country, said they will continue efforts to bring him to the Netherlands again.

    Korthals said news reports regarding arrival of Ocalan was a bad rumour for the Netherlands yet, he did not come as they took measures in time.

    [08] WHEREABOUTS OF OCALAN - OCALAN IS NOT IN ATHENS ACCORDING TO THE DUTCH LAWYER

    AMSTERDAM, Feb 2 (A.A) - Brigitte Bohler, who was known to be influential about the arrangement of a program regarding the failed initiative of Abdullah Ocalan, chief terrorist, to Netherlands, claimed on Monday that he was not in Athens.

    Responding to the questions of the Dutch News Agency (ANP), Bohler said the plane carrying terrorist chief returned after the Dutch authorities' refusal.

    Bohler said the plane was directed to another country after it was clarified that his entrance to Rotterdam will not be allowed. Bohler seemed to be in an effort to hide the place terrorist chief is in although she said the plane left for Athens in her morning statement.

    Bohler said terrorist chief did not stay more than two or three days in any place after departing Italy due to security reasons. He called Bohler on the phone on Sunday morning and expressed willingness to come to the Netherlands. Later, Bohler proceeded from Amsterdam to Rotterdam and was in an effort to arrange the program.

    Bohler noted that the Dutch authorities did not give permission for the entrance of the plane due to technical reasons.

    [09] ''WORLD PEACE AND MEMORY FOREST'' PROJECT TO TRNC

    ANKARA, Feb 2 (A.A) - World Education Environment and Health Foundation will promote ''Northern Cyprus World Peace and Memory Forest'' project to the public on Feb 4-5 with two activities staged in Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).

    Written statement issued by World Education Environment and Health Foundation said Cyprus which is known as ''Green Island'' in history is face to face with the danger of losing this quality due to the forests which were burnt and due to the ecological distortion.

    The statement said this project was prepared to attract the attentions of the world to this region, to contribute to the efforts of Northern Cyprus for afforestation, and to make people of the region become conscious about environment.

    The statement said an international panel discussion will be staged in Lefkosa on Feb 4 titled ''Role of Environment and Education in Globalizing World'' adding that 13 scientists will participate in the panel discussion from Turkey, Germany, France, U.S., Britain and TRNC.

    A total of 350,000 saplings are targetted to be planted within the project.

    [10] THREE SHIPS RAN AGROUND AND ONE TANKER BURNED WITHIN A WEEK

    BURSA, Feb 2 (A.A) - As efforts are underway to find a solution to traffic accidents in Turkey's highways, this time naval accidents on Turkish territorial waters began to attract attentions.

    Intensity of ships and tankers in Canakkale and Istanbul Straits, which international naval trade road passes, brought into the agenda nowadays the naval accidents.

    Three ships ran aground in Istanbul and Canakkale Straits within a week and a tanker, loaded with oil, burned in the Marmara Sea within a week.

    Hucum Tulgar, General Director of Coastal Security and Ship Rescue Management, told A.A correspondent that there were 23 ships in the management, 12 of them extinguishers, two conventional rescue ships, and nine of them for assistance, and that they intervened to naval accidents with these ships.

    Noting that naval accidents occuring in the Istanbul and Canakkale Straits in the recent days were worth of mentioning, Tulgar said, ''I am dealing with naval accidents for long years. I have not seen two accidents happening in the same day since 20 years, besides I saw three accidents last week.''

    Recalling that four naval accidents happened in Istanbul and Canakkale Straits, in Bozcaada and Gemlik Gulf within a week, Tulgar said three of the ships involved in naval accidents were rescued and that efforts are underway to rescue the Dutch flagged ''Dach'' which ran aground.

    Tulgar said that most of the accidents happened as they did not take guide.

    Tulgar said with a decision taken in the year 1998 passages from the Straits were taken under control and that Straits were closed to traffic from both ends when big tankers were passing through, adding that ''some countries and international organizations react to this closure, we do our best to prevent possible accidents despite everything.''

    [11] RESPONSE FROM YUGOSLAVIA'S AMBASSADOR TO THE ALLEGATIONS THAT TERRORIST CHIEF WILL GO TO SERBIA: ''WE HAVE ENOUGH TROUBLE. THEY WANT TO ADD OCALAN TO THEM''

    ANKARA, Feb 2 (A.A) - Darko Tanaskovic, Yugoslavia's Ambassador to Ankara on Tuesday denied the allegations that Abdullah Ocalan, chief of the separatist terrorist organization, would go to Serbia, adding that ''we already have enough trouble. They want to add Ocalan to them. Those speculations are totally baseless.''

    Noting that he came to Foreign Ministry within the framework of a meeting which was previously planned, Tanaskovic said he met Aydin Sahinbas, Foreign Ministry Deputy Undersecretary.

    Tanaskovic said they oppose to terrorism everywhere, adding that terrorist chief will not be able to come Yugoslavia if he wants.

    Responding to the allegations that it was easy for Ocalan to go to Serbia as its air space was closed, Tanaskovic said everybody was looking to the Balkans at the moment. ''NATO knows even what we eat at breakfast,'' he added.

    When asked if any warning came from Turkey to Yugoslavia against the possibility of terrorist chief's arrival to Yugoslavia, Tanaskovic said no such initiative came from Turkey because there was no reason for that.

    Evaluating the developments on the issue of Kosovo, Tanaskovic said Turkey has a very important role in the region and that Turkey assumed a constructive attitude.

    Noting that Turkey was one of the countries understanding the situation in Kosovo, Tanaskovic said they were sorry about the initiatives of Turkey to NATO, its support and contribution to international intervention, adding that both Turkey and they did not want intervention.

    Tanaskovic claimed that NATO has no authorization for the intervention and that there was not an international basis.

    Meanwhile, Finn K. Fostervoll, Norwegian Ambassador, responding to the questions of reporters said his visit to the Foreign Ministry has nothing to do with the terrorist chief, adding that he hoped Ocalan would not like to come to Norway.

    Alexis Brouhn, Ambassador of Belgium, told reporters that the reason of his visit was Turkish-EU relations and pointed out that it was previously mentioned that terrorist chief was not wanted in his country.

    [12] SUPPORT OF DEMIREL TO NEMRUD

    KAHTA, Feb 2 (A.A) - Maurice Crinjs, Chairman of The International Nemrud Foundation (INF), based in the Netherlands, said on Tuesday that they got the support of President Suleyman Demirel after briefing him about the goals and targets of the establishment of the foundation. Crinjs said Demirel gave them hope in this respect.

    Crinjs told A.A correspondent that Nemrud was identified as the eight wonder of the world among international archeology circles, adding that it was also included in the World Cultural Heritage List by UNESCO. Crinjs said they have established this foundation aiming to take required measures to protect historical works of arts, to hold archeological studies, and to promote Nemrud in international level.

    Noting that there were Turkish, German and the Dutch people in the Foundation, Crijns said all required projects were prepared and they applied to Culture Ministry with a five year master plan. He said legal procedure was concluded in October 1998 and that all the studies would be financed by the Foundation.

    [13] CEM, FOREIGN MINISTER, SAYS TURKEY DOES EVERYTHING WHATEVER IT HAS TO DO ON THE ISSUE

    ANKARA, Feb 2 (A.A) - Foreign Minister Ismail Cem said on Tuesday that there was not much to say on the issue of terrorist chief, adding that Turkey does whatever it has to do on the issue.

    Responding to the questions of reporters, Cem said ''Turkey does whatever it has to do on the issue. Nobody should feel concerned. The ministry discloses if there is something to say.''

    Meanwhile, a high ranking Foreign Ministry official said there was not a concrete information regarding whereabouts of Ocalan, yet added that he may be in Greece.

    Andreas Feve, Ambassador of Switzerland to Ankara, who visited the Foreign Ministry on Tuesday, said his visit was not in connection with the terrorist chief, adding that he held a routine meeting with an official from the Balkans department.

    [14] PARRIS, THE U.S. AMBASSADOR TO TURKEY: - ''IF IRAQI SIDE STOP TARGETING OUR PLANES, OUR PLANES WILL NOT TARGET THEM ANY MORE'' - ''DEPLOYMENT OF PATRIOT AIR DEFENSE SYSTEM AT INCIRLIK BASE WITHIN A WEEK UPON TURKEY'S REQUEST, SHOWS IMPORTANCE ATTRIBUTED BY THE U.S. TO TURKEY''

    GAZIANTEP, Feb 2 (A.A) - Mark Robert Parris, the U.S. Ambassador to Turkey, said on Tuesday that if Iraq stops targeting the U.S. planes, the U.S. planes will not target Iraq any more.

    Parris visited Muammer Guler, the Governor of Gaziantep. Stuart Jones, the U.S. Consul in Adana, the U.S. Embassy staff, the representatives of the American Eximbank and the Bank Of New England and the U.S. producers of textile machines were also in attendance at the visit.

    Addressing the meeting, Parris stressed that the U.S. attributes great importance to the the Southeastern Anatolia Project (GAP).

    Responding to questions of journalists following the meeting, Parris emphasized that it is their main obligation to protect pilots against a possible attack, and added that Iraq wants to destroy the U.S planes and kill American pilots.

    Mentioning the issue of Patriot missiles, Parris pointed out that the deployment of the Patriot missile air defense system at the Incirlik Base in the Southern Adana Province within a week upon the Turkey's request, shows the importance attributed by the U.S. to Turkey. Parris noted that there is no programme regarding remaining period of the missiles in Turkey.

    Reiterating that Turkey conveyed her rightful concern over the latest developments in the region to the U.S., Parris told the reporters that the U.S. has taken serious this request and deployed the missiles at the Incirlik Base in a short period of time.

    Responding to a question about the economic embargo imposed on Iraq, Parris stressed that they are aware of the economic difficulties in the region. He reminded that the reason of such sanctions is the aggressive attitude of Iraq, noting that embargo has been imposed on Iraq as a result of Iraqi President Saddam Hussein's non-compliance to the United Nations' resolutions, since 1991.

    Parris pointed out that the region and especially Turkey have influenced negatively by the sanctions, noting that his country tries to overcome these difficulties. He reminded that the U.S. insisted on the transportation of Iraqi oil within the framework of oil for food agreement via Turkey.

    [15] UNCERTAINTY OVER WHEREABOUTS OF OCALAN, CHIEF OF SEPARATIST TERRORIST ORGANIZATION, CONTINUES

    ROME, Feb 2 (A.A) - As uncertainty over whereabouts of Abdullah Ocalan, chief of separatist terrorist organization PKK, continues, the Italian newspapers claimed on Tuesday that the private airplane carrying Ocalan could have landed on an airport in France, Belgium, Greece, Spain, Italy or Switzerland.

    Italian authorities warned all border security officials that Ocalan can enter the country secretly with a false passport.

    The Italian newspapers also noted that the Pescora Airport was put on alert and an Ukranian airplane which landed on the airport, was searched, but Ocalan was not aboard.

    Meanwhile the Rome Court of Appeal will begin to discuss Turkey's request for extradition of Ocalan in 23 February.

    In addition, the Rome Civil Court will decide on whether to grant Ocalan with political asylum or not on February 24.

    [16] CONTACTS OF DUTCH DELEGATION

    ANKARA, Feb 2 (A.A) - The Dutch Consultation Delegation headed by Ruud Lubbers, former Prime Minister of the Netherlands, which pays an official visit to Turkey, was received on Tuesday by Sukru Sina Gurel the State Minister.

    Addressing the journalists following the meeting which lasted for one hour, Lubbers noted that meeting focused on the relations between Turkey and the European Union (EU).

    Lubbers pointed out that the initiatives of Abdullah Ocalan, the chief of the separatist terrorist organization PKK, to enter into the Netherlands, was also brought onto the agenda of the meeting. He said that Turkey does her utmost over the issue.

    Members of the delegation who will prepare a report regarded with relation between Turkey and the EU, had held talks with Uluc Ozulker, the Deputy Undersecretary of the Foreign Ministry yesterday.

    The Dutch delegation is scheduled to meet with Hikmet Cetin, the Speaker of Parliament, later today.

    [17] TORRENTIAL RAINS CAUSE FLOOD IN AEGEAN REGION - MANY HOUSES AND BUSINESS PLACES INUNDATED

    MANISA-MUGLA, Feb 2 (A.A) - Many houses and business places in Fethiye, Ortaca and Dalaman counties of Mugla Province and Manisa Province in the Aegean Region were flooded by torrential rains which started two days ago, it was reported on Tuesday.

    Responding to questions of the A.A correspondent, Muzaffer Ecemis, the Governor of Manisa, noted that cultivated fields of nearly 10 thousand hectares, remained under flood waters.

    The heavy-rain inundated 20 houses in Manisa Province. A total of 130 people, the owners of the effected houses, were accommodated in the Vildan Karaosman Primary School.

    Meanwhile a total of 160 houses were flooded in Fethiye, Dalaman and Ortaca counties of Mugla Province and cultivated fields of three thousand hectares were damaged by the flood waters.

    [18] IMF DELEGATION VISITS THE ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES MINISTRY

    ANKARA, Feb 2 (A.A) - The International Monetary Fund (IMF) delegation headed by Martin Hardy, the Turkish desk chief of the IMF, continues to hold contacts in Ankara on Tuesday.

    The delegation visited the Energy and Natural Resources Ministry on Tuesday morning and got information about the privatization studies in the energy sector.

    The IMF delegation which gives importance to the transfer of the power plants and to the tenders for distributions, discussed the investments in energy sector which are expected to be made in 1999 in its meeting with the officials of the ministry.

    The IMF delegation will hold contacts with the Finance Ministry and the Central Bank in the afternoon.

    [19] BUSY DAY AT THE FOREIGN MINISTRY

    ANKARA, Feb 2 (A.A) - The Foreign Ministry had an extraordinarily busy day on Tuesday.

    Michael Christides, the Undersecretary of the Greek Embassy in Ankara; Darko Tanaskovic, the Yugoslav Ambassador to Turkey; Alexis Brouhns, the Belgian Ambassador to Turkey; Andreas Feve, the Swiss Ambassador to Turkey; Finn K. Fostervoll, the Norwegian Ambassador to Turkey; and Niels Helskov, the Danish Ambassador to Turkey, visited the ministry early today.

    Meanwhile several high-level military officials from the General Staff, the former Undersecretary of the National Intelligence Service (MIT), and Sonmez Koksal, the Turkish Ambassador to France, were among the visiters of the Foreign Ministry.

    [20] RANIERI, ITALIAN DEPUTY FOREIGN MINISTER: - ''WE DO NOT KNOW WHERE OCALAN IS''

    SOFIA, Feb 2 (A.A) - Umberto Ranieri, the Italian Deputy Foreign Minister, said on Tuesday that they do not know where Abdullah Ocalan the chief of separatist terrorist organization PKK, is.

    Responding to questions of the A.A correspondent, Ranieri who pays an official visit to Bulgaria, said, ''discussions which started with the arrival of Ocalan in Italy, should come to an end now. We hope that our relations with Turkey will improve rapidly.'' Pointing out that the improvement of the political and economic relations between Turkey and Italy, will be beneficial for both countries, Ranieri stressed that they will do whatever necessary to to make a progress in relations once again.

    [21] OYAK RENAULT TO PRODUCE TURKISH ''CLIO SEDAN'' IN FALL

    BURSA, Feb 2 (A.A) - The OYAK Renault Automotive Factory Incorp. which started to produce injection engines being the first in Turkish history prepares itself to produce ''Clio Sedan'' in fall, it is reported on Tuesday.

    Oyak Renault told A.A correspondent that the Renault Incorp. has accelerated the researches of new models following the production of Megane Wagon only in Turkey with the slogan ''From Turkey to the World.''

    The Renault officials said that they focused their studies of new models on Clio and that they had a concensus to produce ''Sedan'' type of Clio by taking into consideration the choice of Turkish consumers.

    An official from Renault said, ''we have preparations on Clio's Sedan model. I think we will start to produce it by September or October. Clio Sedan will be one of our reforms. But, it is not appropriate to issue statements right now.''

    The factory in Bursa will produce injection engines with 1.6 valves in September, being the first time in Turkey. The company stated that they will assemble these motors to Clio Sedan cars.

    The by-industry circles stressed that the Renault company aims at selling the Clio Sedan at ''reasonable prices'' and that the company will try to affect the choice of the consumers among the similar types of cars such as ''Opel Corsa'', ''TOFAS Palio'' and ''VW Polo.''

    OYAK Renault officials aims at exporting 60,000 automobiles to Europe and 15,000 or 20,000 automobiles to the Middle East and Asian countries.

    The company plans to sell 60,000 automobiles which will be produced in Bursa and 20,000 automobiles which are imported from France in the domestic market.

    [22] TREASURY REALIZES 1.46 QUADRILLION TL NOMINAL SALE IN THE 371-DAY BOND TENDER

    ANKARA, Feb 2 (A.A) - The Treasury realized 1.46 quadrillion Turkish liras of nominal sale in the 371-day bond tender.

    The net sale was realized as 623.2 trillion Turkish liras, while the annual simple interest was 131.51 percent and the annual composite interest was 130.32 percent in the tender put out by the Treasury on Tuesday.

    The minimum simple interest was 118.71 percent and the maximum simple interest was 132.66 percent in the bond tender, while the minimum composite interest was realized as 117.71 and the maximum composite interest was realized as 131.45.

    A total of bonds worth of 8.5 trillion Turkish liras was sold to the public insitutions in the tender.

    A.A


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