Compact version |
|
Monday, 18 November 2024 | ||
|
Anadolu Agency: News in English, 99-02-03Anadolu Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Anadolu Agency Home Page at <http://www.anadoluajansi.gov.tr/>AA Daily03 February 1999 WednesdayCONTENTS
[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCANThese are some of the major headlines and their brief stories in Turkey's press on Feb 3, 1999. The Anadolu Agency does not verify these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.HURRIYET (LIBERAL)OCALAN IN DIFFICULT SITUATIONAbdullah Ocalan, the chief of separatist terrorist organization who was back in Russia once again after he was turned down by the European countries, is in a difficult position. If he talks, his whereabouts will be revealed; if he does not, his connection with his organization will break off. MILLIYET (LIBERAL)FISCHER: OUR CANDIDATE IS TURKEYJoschka Fischer, the German Foreign Minister, described Turkey as one of the most importants partners of Germany in the region, and said that they defend Turkey's candidacy to the European Union (EU). Fischer also noted that Abdullah Ocalan, the chief of separatist terrorist organization PKK, will be arrested as soon as he arrives in Germany. SABAH (LIBERAL)BAD WEATHER CONDITIONS PARALYZELIFE IN DIFFERENT PARTS OF TURKEY Heavy snowfall paralyzed daily life and traffic in the Thrace Region. A total of 238 village roads and 10 highways were closed to the traffic in the region. Many villages can not be reached by phone and several others can not be given electricity in the Thrace region. Meanwhile many houses and business places in Fethiye, Ortaca and Dalaman counties of Mugla Province in the Aegean Region were flooded by torrential rains. Thousands of hectares of cultivated fields of nearly 10 thousand hectares, remained under flood waters. THE U.S. PLANES HIT IRAQ ONCE AGAIN CUMHURIYET (LEFT) OCALAN IS CLOSELY FOLLOWED SUSPECTS OF SUSURLUK, TURBAN AND TURKBANK TENDERS RADIKAL (LEFT)INCIRLIK IS NOT CALM DOWNThe U.S. aircrafts hit five targets in Iraq on Tuesday. General Ilhan Kilic, the Commander of Air Forces, controlled Incirlik Base in Southern Adana Province and expressed Turkey's concern over the U.S. air strikes. Meanwhile Iraq, which declared state of emergency, warned Turkey by its official press agency for the first time. GREAT RESPECT FOR BARIS MANCO YENİ YÜZYIL (LIBERAL)HEAVY SNOWFALLS IN THE THRACE REGION AND ONE FROZE IN BITLISHeavy snowfall in the Thrace Region led to the closure of ten highways and 238 village roads. The cold weather was also felt in the Eastern parts of Turkey. One person froze to death in Bitlis Province. DEMIREL'S WORDS BECOME EVIDENCE OF CAKICI TÜRKİYE (RIGHT)MURDERER WANDERS FROM DOOR TO DOORAbdullah Ocalan, the chief of separatist terrorist organization PKK, is wandering from door to door. But all the doors are closing to his face. European press stressed that Europe does not want to damage relations with Turkey by sheltering Ocalan. As Yugoslavia said, ''we have enough trouble. We do not want one more,'' Norway and Belgium stressed that they will not allow Ocalan who claimed thousands of lives including women, children and even babies, into theid countries. SUPER SALE OF TREASURY ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)FAREWELL TO YOU BARISSudden death of Baris Manco, a leading name in Turkish pop music, created deep sorrow in Turkey. Manco was also known as Turkey's cultural ambassador to the countries of the Far East. OCALAN IN RUSSIA FOR THE THIRD TIME [02] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT: - ''OCALAN MAY CONSIDER MINSK, CAPITAL OF BELARUS, AS THE MOST APPROPRIATE PLACE'' - ''OCALAN AIMS AT MAKING PKK A POLITICAL ORGANIZATION''ANKARA, Feb 3 (A.A)- Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said on Tuesday that Abdullah Ocalan, the chief of separatist terrorist organization PKK, expected Europe to shelter him, but he was disappointed.Addressing a television programme at the state-run TRT-1 Channel together with Sukru Sina Gurel, the State Minister, Ecevit said, ''I am telling you as an assumption that Ocalan may consider Minsk, capital of Belarus, as the most appropriate place.'' Ecevit noted, ''those who supported Ocalan when he was far away from them, have recognized how evil he was after he attempted to shelter on their territories. Ocalan who aims at making the PKK a political organization, does not want to come off from Europe.'' Responding to a question whether Ocalan is in Russia or not, Ecevit stressed, ''no one can expect Russia to admit Ocalan directly. Russian Prime Minister Yevgeny Primakov is an experienced statesman. I am quite sure that he does not want to damage good relations between Turkey and Russia. Ocalan may consider Belarus as the most appropriate place for him. He accepts Belarus as a door opening to Europe. Then Russia will say, 'Ocalan is not here'. Ocalan, of course, will not be officially in Russia on that time. Russian administration has not totaly influential on whole Russian territories and there is an atmosphere of tumult in Russia. Ocalan can make use such an atmosphere for his own benefit.'' Mentioning the economic relations between Turkey and Russia, Ecevit noted that they aim at starting high-level contacts with Russia to further improve economic relations. Stressing that presence of Ocalan in Syria was ended as a result of Turkey's determined attitude, Ecevit reiterated that sheltering Ocalan will mean becoming accomplice of his crimes against humanity. Pointing out that Europe's changing attitude towards Ocalan and his separatist terrorist organization shows Turkey's success, Ecevit reminded that those in the Human Rights Commission do not criticise Turkey as they did before. Ecevit emphasized, ''Ocalan has begun to realize that he is loosing his authority on the organization. He, therefore, insults Kurds in the most obnoxious ways. But no one can become leader of a community which he despises.'' ''As Ocalan lives in luxury villas and travel by private planes, the young people and children deceived by him suffer from privation and die in poverty in mountains. Where did Ocalan obtained such amount of money? A part of his wealth is black money and the other part is bloody money obtained by pressure, threats, homicide and drug smuggling. Ocalan's case is not the case of Kurdish people. In fact he is an enemy of Kurds. Ocalan despise and insult them in the most obnoxious ways,'' Ecevit stressed. [03] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT - ''THE U.S. DOES NOT WANT TO ESTABLISH A KURDISH STATE, BUT DEVELOPMENTS LEAD TO THIS POINT'' - ''SYRIA IS NOT A PHYSICAL DANGER FOR TURKEY ANY MORE''ANKARA, Feb 3 (A.A)- Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said on Tuesday that the U.S. does not want to establish a Kurdish state, but the developments lead to this point.Addressing a television programme at the state-run TRT-1 channel along with Sukru Sina Gurel, the State Minister, Ecevit said that a land operation against Iraq can worsen the situation in the region. Stressing that he believes that the U.S. has no policy about the issue, Ecevit expressed concern over the latest developments in the region. He noted, ''the U.S. Congress has allocated funds worth of 97 million U.S. dollars for supporting the Iraqi opposition against President Saddam Hussein of Iraq. But several groups in Iraq, refused to take aid from the U.S. The U.S. supporting attitude towards the Kurds following the Gulf War, cause many problems for Turkey. Turkey is among the countries which were affected negatively by the developments in Iraq.'' Ecevit also reminded that Middle-East countries does not defend Iraq to be divided, but want Iraq to be weak. Ecevit stressed that Syria is not a physical danger for Turkey any more. Pointing out that Turkey has already good relations with Egypt, Jordan, Algeria, Tunisia and Morocco, Ecevit reminded that they have begun to set up positive relation with the Gulf countries. Underlining that the supporters of the separatist terrorist organization PKK who were forced to leave Syria as a result of Turkey's determined attitude, have proceeded to Northern Iraq, Ecevit emphasized that Iraq opened its doors to the PKK for the first time. He pointed out, ''Iraq has no one to trust both in region and in whole world, except Turkey; but the Iraqi administration does not show a wise attitude. I have sent a sincere invitation to Tareq Aziz, Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister Foreign Minister. He did not even replied it. Taha Yassin Ramazan, the Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister, canceled his visit to Turkey within the framework of celebrations for the 75th anniversary of foundation of the Republic of Turkey. The latest developments in Iraq, damaged Turkey's economy considerably.'' [04] SINAGRA, TURKEY'S LAWYER, ARRIVES IN ANKARAANKARA, Feb 3 (A.A) - Augusto Sinagra, Turkey's lawyer in Italy for the case about the extradition of Abdullah Ocalan, the chief of separatist terrorist organization PKK, arrived in Ankara late on Tuesday.Sinagra is scheduled to meet with Selcuk Oztek, the Justice Minister, and high-level officials from the Justice Ministry in order to evaluate latest developments, it was reported on Tuesday. Oztek is expected to receive Sinagra later on Wednesday. Sinagra will then come together with Dr. Seref Unal, the Director General of the International Law and Foreign Affairs Department of the Justice Ministry, and other officials. Officials at the Ministry will be informed by Sinagra about the Italian Legal System. [05] WHEREABOUTS OF OCALAN, CHIEF OF SEPARATIST TERRORIST ORGANIZATION PKK - HAKTANIR, UNDERSECRETARY OF FOREIGN MINISTRY: - ''NO ONE HAS AN INTENTION OF SHELTERING OCALAN''ANKARA, Feb 3 (A.A) - Korkmaz Haktanir, the Undersecretary of the Foreign Ministry, said on Tuesday that no one has an intention of sheltering Abdullah Ocalan, the chief of the separatist terrorist organization (PKK).Addressing the journalists, Haktanir noted that Ocalan encounters difficulties to find a shelter for himself. Reminding that Turkey has launched initiatives all over Europe, Haktanir stressed that countries cooperate with Turkey in order to bring Ocalan to justice. Responding to a question whether Ocalan is on Corfu Island, Greece, or not, Haktanir told the reporters, ''there are many rumours and speculations, but uncertainty over his whereabouts continue.'' [06] THE U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT: - ''COUNTRIES SHOULD ASSIST TURKEY BY TAKING ALL NECESSARY STEPS TO BRING OCALAN TO JUSTICE''WASHINGTON D.C., Feb 3 (A.A) - James Rubin, the Spokesman of the U.S. State Department, said on Tuesday that countries should assist Turkey by taking all necessary measures to bring Abdullah Ocalan, the chief of separatist terrorist organization PKK, to justice.Addressing the journalists, Rubin noted that they have no new information on the whereabouts of Ocalan. Underlining that no countries should shelter Ocalan or grant him with political asylum, Rubin stressed that the U.S. believes that Ocalan should be brought to justice with the accusation of committing crimes against humanity. Pointing out that the little airplane carrying Ocalan cannot stay in air for a long time, it must land on somewhere in accordance with the physical and natural rules, Rubin also stressed that he feels sorry about pilot of the little airplane of Ocalan. [07] RUSSIAN AUTHORITIES INSIST THAT THE TERRORIST CHIEF IS NOT IN RUSSIA - MELNIK, PRESS ATTACHE OF RUSSIAN EMBASSY IN ANKARA: - ''TURKISH AUTHORITIES HAS NOT REQUESTED INFORMATION FROM US UNTIL THIS MOMENT''ANKARA, Feb 3 (A.A) - Victor Melnik, the Press Attache of the Russian Embassy in Ankara, did not confirm the information gained from a reliable source in Moscow saying that Abdullah Ocalan, the chief of the separatist terrorist organization, went back to Russia for the third time on Tuesday.Responding the questions, Melnik said that Turkish authorities had not requested information from the Russian Embassy on whether or not Ocalan was in Russia. Melnik said, ''Russian government said that Ocalan is not in Russia and will never be in Russia again. If the Turkish authorities do not believe this, they can officially apply to the Russian authorities.'' A reliable source had told A.A correspondent early on Tuesday evening that the terrorist chief was in Russia for a third time. [08] HEAVY SNOWFALL PARALYZES DAILY LIFE AND TRAFFIC IN THE EASTERN ANATOLIA REGION - A TOTAL OF 1,540 VILLAGE ROAD IN NINE PROVINCES, CLOSED TO TRAFFICERZURUM, Feb 3 (A.A) - Heavy snowfall which started overnight, paralyzed daily life and traffic in the Eastern Anatolia Region, it was reported on Wednesday.A total of 1,540 village roads in Erzurum, Erzincan, Agri, Kars, Mus, Bingol, Tunceli, Igdir and Ardahan provinces were closed to the traffic. Highway teams continue their activities to re-open the roads. Many villages can not be reached by phone and several others can not be given electricity in the region. Meanwhile, the officials from the Meteorology Regional Directorate said that the bad weather conditions will continue in coming days. [09] HEAVY SNOWFALL PARALYZES DAILY LIFE AND TRAFFIC IN KAYSERI PROVINCEKAYSERI, Feb 3 (A.A) - Heavy snowfall which started early this morning, paralyzed daily life and traffic in Kayseri province on Wednesday.A total of 30 village roads were closed to traffic in Kayseri province and the traffic in some parts of the highways of Kayseri-Malatya, Kayseri- Kahramanmaras, Kayseri-Sivas and Kayseri-Adana moves slowly and partially due to the heavy snowfall. The highway teams expend efforts to re-open the traffic in the highways and the village roads in Kayseri. [10] EMINZADE, IRANIAN FM DEPUTY, IN TURKEY - EMINZADE: ''I BRING A MESSAGE FROM KHATAMI''ANKARA, Feb 3 (A.A) - Muhsin Eminzade, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister, arrived in Ankara within the framework of an official visit on Tuesday evening.Eminzade, who was met by Ugur Ziyal, Foreign Ministry Deputy Undersecretary, said that he came to Turkey within the scope of regular consultations between the two countries and added that he hoped to have fruitful meetings in his contacts. Responding to a question, Eminzade noted that he brought a message from Mohammed Khatami, Iranian President, to Suleyman Demirel, his Turkish counterpart. Eminzade will meet with President Suleyman Demirel and Ismail Cem, the Foreign Minister, within the framework of his contacts on Wednesday. [11] GENDARME TEAMS SEIZE URANIUM HAVING MARKET VALUE OF NEARLY 115 BILLION LIRASEDIRNE, Feb 3 (A.A) - Gendarme teams seized on Wednesday a total of 5 gram of uranium having a market price of 115 billion Turkish Liras (TL) in the operations they launched in Kayseri and Bursa provinces.Orhan Kahraman, Ibrahim Aslantas, Halil Aslantas and Yuksel Kucuk were taken into custody. The uranium which was brough to Turkey from Azerbaijan, was sent to the Nuclear Resarch and Training Center in Kucukcekmece District of Istanbul Province. A full investigation regarded with uranium is underway. [12] A TOTAL OF 42 THOUSAND TOURISTS VISIT CAPPADOCIA REGION SINCE JANUARY 1, 1999NEVSEHIR, Feb 3 (A.A) - A total of 42 thousand 571 domestic and foreign tourists have visited the Cappadocia Region, one of the most important touristic centers of Turkey, since the beginning of this year, it was reported on Wednesday.Omer Faruk Ates, the Deputy Governor of Nevsehir, told the A.A correspondent that the number of tourists increased 66 percent compared with the figures of the same period last year. A total of 25 thousand 657 tourists visited the region last year. Ates pointed out, ''a total of 42 thousand 771 tourists including 24 thousand 452 foreigners, visited the Goreme Open Air Museum, the Zelve Ruins, the Ozkonak, Cavusin, Tatlarin, Mazi, Kaymakli and Derinkuyu underground cities, the Cavusin Church, the Gulsehir St. Jean Church, and the Gulsehir Open Palace Ruins.'' [13] EGE, FOREIGN TRADE UNDERSECRETARY, IN BAKU - A GOOD WILL PROTOCOL SIGNED BETWEEN TURKEY AND AZERBAIJANBAKU, Feb 3 (A.A) - Yavuz Ege, the Foreign Trade Undersecretary who continued his contacts on Tuesday, signed a good will protocol with Abid Serifov, Azerbaijani Deputy Prime Minister.Adressing a press conference by Serifov in the Azerbaijani Trade Ministry, Ege said that the good will protocol foresees the improvement of the cooperation of the two countries in especially trade relations, in joint investment projects, in the revival of the border trade, in the transportation and shipping sectors. It is also stated that the high-ranking officials of the parties will meet regularly to solve the problems and will hold joint studies under the protocol. Ege noted that they will transfer experts and information between the two countries to arrange the foreign trade and customs applications in international norms. Stating that free trade zones will be set up in Azerbaijan, Ege added that Azerbaijan will benefit from the experiences of Turkey in this issue. Responding to a question on when the credits Turkey gave to Azerbaijan will be paid back, Ege said, ''we are working on this issue. We are trying to find an appropriate way for both of the parties. We will meet each other again for the repayment of the credits. Abid Serifov said in his statement that they are in favour of the investments made by the Turkish companies and that they try to solve the problems which Turkish investors are facing in Azerbaijan. Noting that they prepare a new draft law on the restructuring of the taxation system which constitutes a big problem for the foreign investors to increase the investments based on production, Serifov said they will realize package programmes for the long-term trade and transportation issues. Ege and his delegation are expected to return Turkey on Thursday morning. [14] FAREWELL TO YOU BARIS MANCO - STATE MINISTER TUMEN: - ''HE WAS A LEGEND AND WILL BE SO'' - CULTURE MINISTER TALAY: - ''HE WAS A MAN OF CULTURE AND SENSE''ISTANBUL, Feb 3 (A.A) - An official funeral took place in the Ataturk Culture Center on Wednesday for Baris Manco, a leading name in Turkish pop music who passed away on Sunday night from heart attack at the Siyami Hersek Heart Diseases Hospital.The body of Manco was brought to the Center at 10:00 a.m. and received standing ovation from thousands of mourners including politicians and artists, gathered in the Center. A film regarded with Manco's life and works, caused tears among the lovers of Baris Manco. Addressing the ceremony, Halit Kivanc, one of the Turkey's most famous presenter, noted, ''He was our cultural ambassador. He will live in our hearts now.'' Istemihan Talay, the Culture Minister, pointed out, ''We lost one of the greatest artists of Turkey. From seven to seventyseven, we commemorate him with great respect. He was a man of culture and sense.'' Speaking after Talay, Ahmet Tan, the Tourism Minister, described Manco as a traveller searching for the great values which were forgotten in the dark of the past. He added, ''moreover, he was a teacher. He was the friend of children and those who succeeded in saving the little child inside. We are all orphans now without him.'' Aydin Tumen, the State Minister, said, ''He was a legend when he was alive and now he will be a legend in our hearts. We missed you already now, Baris. Farewell to you. Rest in peace.'' Following the ceremony, the dead body of Manco was brought to the Levent Camii for prayer. Thousands of mourners bidded farewell to the beloved singer by singing his famous songs and throwing carnations. [15] THE FIRST HYPER BAZAARS OF TURKEY - MUTLU, THE CHAMBER OF IZMIR MARKET TRADERS: - ''WE WILL SET UP THE FIRST BIGGEST CLOSED BAZAAR IN IZMIR''IZMIR, Feb 3 (A.A) - Zekeriya Mutlu, The Chamber of Izmir Market Traders, said on Wednesday that they began initiatives to set up the first closed bazaar formed by the market traders of Turkey and that thus, they will be more successful in competing with the hypermarkets and markets.Mutlu told A.A correspondent that they plan to establish these closed bazaars to the exit points of Izmir like Narlidere, Cigli, Bornova and Gaziemir. Where they will start to set up the first of these hyper bazaars will become clear in the following days, he added. Noting that the hypermarkets should be outside of the centrum, Mutlu said, ''the problems arising from the noise and the environment of the markets in the city center cause many complaints. We have to spread to the roads since our market area is too small. The development in hypermarkets and the other markets negatively affected our business. The market areas are the place where only the poor ones come and do shopping. We developed the project of closed bazaars in our sector to attract the interest of the middle class and the rich people.'' Stating that there will be at least 300 counters in the bazaar of the traders, Mutlu added, ''there will be counters of drapery, fish, cheese, olive, fruit and vegetables in the market. The consumers can find 50 different types of oranges with different prices in our bazaar, not only one type like in a hypermarket.'' Pointing out that the hypermarkets become the places where the families consider as a visiting place, Mutlu stressed that they will also supply alternatives to the families and that they plan to set up autoparks, cafes, restaurants, playgrounds for children and picnic areas. Stating that they completed the plan of the projects and that they can not provide financial resource yet, Mutlu said, ''we will get the approve of the municipality firstly. Then, we will set up our closed bazaar in a place which is seen as appropriate by the municipality assembly. We aim at giving the title deeds of the counters to the traders and to complete the project with this revenue. The small scale traders can make a giant step forward by unification.'' ''We will pioneer this unification. We aim at opening this bazaar by 2000 as soon as we get the necessary finance. We believe that this initiative will be made in other cities in Turkey. We have to struggle against the hypermarkets with their own weapons,'' Mutlu added. [16] THE VISIT OF EGE, FOREIGN TRADE UNDERSECRETARY, TO AZERBAIJAN - TURKEY AND AZERBAIJAN DECIDES TO SET UP A MECHANISM OF HIGH LEVEL TRADE AND ECONOMIC CONSULTATIONSANKARA, Feb 3 (A.A) - Yavuz Ege, the Foreign Trade Undersecretary, completed on Wednesday his visit to Azerbaijan which started on Monday.The Foreign Trade Undersecretariat said in its statement that Ege met with Artur Rasizade, the Prime Minister of Azerbaijan; Abid Serifov, Deputy Prime Minister; Ferhat Aliev, Trade Minister; and other officials of Azerbaijan in his three-day visit. It is reported that the trade relations between the two countries and the cooperation in the fields like energy, construction, free zones, transportation and banking were discussed in the meetings. Turkey and Azerbaijan decided to set up a ''Mechanism of High Level Trade and Economic Consultation'' to improve the trade and economic relations between the two countries. [17] FOREIGN MINISTRY: ''TURKEY WELCOMES AGREEMENT REACHED IN SECURITY COUNCIL ABOUT THE WAY TO BE COVERED ABOUT IRAQ''ANKARA, Feb 3 (A.A) - Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday that it welcomed the agreement reached in the U.N. Security Council on Jan 30 about the method that will be covered to overcome the bottleneck regarding the problems related with Iraq.The ministry statement pointed out that the agreement should be put into effect urgently, adding that ''we believe that studies of three panels formed to this end should be resulted in an outcome soon.'' The statement said seriousness of humanitarian conditions and bad effects of this situation should be taken into consideration and required measures should be taken to purify Iraq from mass destruction weapons and to prevent supplying of such weapons again, and expressed willingness to reach a fair outcome which is appropriate to the resolutions and soul of Security Council acting on the objective data. The statement said Turkey was a sincere defender of Iraq's taking her place again in international community and preservation of her territorial integrity and political unity by fulfilment of resolutions of the U.N. Security Council. The statement pointed out that all the sides should constructively and positively contribute to the process that will start in the U.N. Security Council. [18] LEBEDEV, RUSSIA'S AMBASSADOR, SUMMONED TO FOREIGN MINISTRYANKARA, Feb 3 (A.A) - Aleksander Lebedev, Russia's Ambassador to Ankara was summoned to Foreign Ministry on Wednesday following the allegations that terrorist chief was in Russia.Responding to the questions of reporters at his arrival to Ministry, Lebedev said he will meet with Korkmaz Haktanir, Foreign Ministry Undersecretary. Lebedev said ''no'' responding to a question if terrorist chief was in Russia or in Belarus according to his own sources. When recalled the allegations that terrorist chief was in one of these two countries, Lebedev said he did not have such an information. [19] REACTION FROM ANKARA TO KAKLAMANLIS AND PANGALOSANKARA, Feb 3 (A.A) - Foreign Ministry Wednesday evaluated the statements of several Greek officials which appeared in Greek media on Tuesday as searches for new tension and tendencies to become more radical.Responding to a question regarding the statements of Apostolos Kaklamanlis, Greek Parliament Speaker and Theodoros Pangalos, Greek Foreign Minister, which appeared in Greek media on Tuesday, Atacanli said searches for new tension and tendencies to become radical come to light again in Greece. Atacanli noted that both of the Greek officials were in an unhealty and inconsistent approach, adding that ''such nonsense talks are not sufficient to hide the fact that Greece is the only country rejecting dialogue in the World.'' Atacanli said the statement of Kaklamanlis published in Apogevmatini newspaper which claimed that war with Turkey was inevitable, once again revealed that several people in Greece were far away from common sense. Atacanli said statements of Greek Foreign Minister Pangalos in NETNEWS news agency regarding Kardak issue were also protested by Turkey. Atacanli said even Greek people had difficulty to believe in Pangalos's statement, adding that Pangalos' realizing the facts would be beneficial for his country. Atacanlı said, ''we protest the words of Pangalos which ignore disarmed status of Eastern Aegean islands installed with the international agreements,'' adding that Greece violated international law by arming these islands since 1960. No pretext can save Greece from its responsibility to respect international law, Atacanlı said. [20] FOREIGN AFFAIRS COMMISSION CHAIRMEN CONFERENCEANKARA, Feb 3 (A.A) - Foreign Affairs Commission Chairmen of the Balkan Countries Parliaments will convene in Ankara between Febdruary 9 and 10, it was reported on Wednesday.The conference will be staged for the first time with the initiative of Parliamentary Foreign Affairs Commission. The conference will be proposed to take place in another country every year. Murat Karayalcin, Chairman of Parliamentary Foreign Affairs Commission, said organized crime, mafia, money laundering and issues about terrorism will be taken up, adding that ''we will clarify Turkey's attitude that will be against the countries who support terrorism.'' Karayalcin said Turkey with the attitude it assumed against Syria who sheltered Abdullah Ocalan, chief of the separatist terrorist organization, told all the countries how it will behave towards the countries who support terrorism and pointed out that ''as long as terrorism is protected by neighboring countries, it is not possible to be successful in struggle against terrorism.'' Karayalcin also said they will discuss international issues having importance in the Balkans and exchange views about several projects. [21] RUSSIAN AMBASSADOR SUMMONED TO FOREIGN MINISTRYANKARA, Feb 3 (A.A) - Aleksander Lebedev, Russia's Ambassador to Ankara, said on Wednesday that his evaluation that Abdullah Ocalan, chief of the separatist terrorist organization, was not in Russia was still valid, adding that ''my nerve system did not break down yet, but I am exhausted.''Lebedev, who was summoned to Foreign Ministry following the news reports that terrorist chief was in Russia, met Faruk Logoglu, Foreign Ministry Deputy Undersecretary. Responding to the questions of journalists following the meeting, Lebedev said he has not got new information from Russia, adding that he needed some more details and promised to give any new information he will get to the Turkish Foreign Ministry. Lebedev said serious and sincere cooperation between Turkey and Russia about the issue of chief of separatist terrorist organization, will continue. Noting that there was much confusion around the issue, Lebedev said he did not know whose provocations were those, adding that his country seriously takes up the issue. Lebedev used the expression ''Flying Dutch'' for the chief terrorist saying that he flies from one place to another continously. Lebedev said the issue was very serious for Turkey and sensitive for Russia, adding that both of the countries cooperated to this end. When asked if Logoglu give him information regarding whereabouts of chief terrorist, Lebedev said he wanted a clue from Turkish officials about the place of terrorist chief. He said there were only rumours saying that he is in Russia. Lebedev said sometimes information comes from different intelligence sources and that he had suspicions about the correctness of them. [22] RUSSIAN AMBASSADOR SUMMONED TO FOREIGN MINISTRYANKARA, Feb 3 (A.A) - Aleksander Lebedev, Russia's Ambassador to Ankara, said on Wednesday that his evaluation that Abdullah Ocalan, chief of the separatist terrorist organization, was not in Russia was still valid, adding that ''my nerve system did not break down yet, but I am exhausted.''Lebedev, who was summoned to Foreign Ministry following the news reports that terrorist chief was in Russia, met Faruk Logoglu, Foreign Ministry Deputy Undersecretary. Responding to the questions of journalists following the meeting, Lebedev said he has not got new information from Russia, adding that he needed some more details and promised to give any new information he will get to the Turkish Foreign Ministry. Lebedev said serious and sincere cooperation between Turkey and Russia about the issue of chief of separatist terrorist organization, will continue. Noting that there was much confusion around the issue, Lebedev said he did not know whose provocations were those, adding that his country seriously takes up the issue. Lebedev used the expression ''Flying Dutch'' for the chief terrorist saying that he flies from one place to another continously. Lebedev said the issue was very serious for Turkey and sensitive for Russia, adding that both of the countries cooperated to this end. When asked if Logoglu give him information regarding whereabouts of chief terrorist, Lebedev said he wanted a clue from Turkish officials about the place of terrorist chief. He said there were only rumours saying that he is in Russia. Lebedev said sometimes information comes from different intelligence sources and that he had suspicions about the correctness of them. A.A
Anadolu Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |