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Anadolu Agency: News in English, 99-02-05

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

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

AA Daily

05 February 1999 Friday


CONTENTS

  • [01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN
  • [02] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT: ''RATE OF INFLATION IS REDUCED TO 50 PERCENT FOR THE FIRST TIME AFTER LONG YEARS''
  • [03] TARGET OF KTV IS TO RELAY FACTS ABOUT OCALAN - BARZANI, KDP LEADER: ''OCALAN HARMED KURDS MORE THAN SADDAM''
  • [04] FIRE IN THE REST HOUSE FOR THE ELDERLY IN ISTANBUL - 9 PERSONS DIED IN THE FIRE
  • [05] 15 PIECES OF HISTORICAL WORKS OF ARTS WHICH BELONGED TO URARTU PERIOD SEIZED IN OPERATIONS HELD IN ERCIS COUNTY OF VAN PROVINCE
  • [06] PENTAGON SAYS DECISION NOT TO DEPLOY S-300 MISSILES IN CYPRUS WAS A CORRECT ONE
  • [07] SYRIA WANTS GOOD NEIGBOURLY RELATIONS WITH TURKEY
  • [08] 62ND ANNIVERSARY OF SECULARISM PRINCIPLE
  • [09] THREAT FROM SEPARATIST TERRORISTS TO ITALY AND EUROPE - ''CHAOS ATMOSPHERE TO APPEAR IF SOMETHING HAPPENS TO TERRORIST CHIEF''
  • [10] TEMIZEL, FINANCE MINISTER: ''OUR BASIC GOAL IS TO MAKE IMF AND WORLD BANK TO SAY THAT TURKEY IS RELIABLE''
  • [11] ''AID TO KOSOVO CAMPAIGN'' - PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT: ''KOSOVO INCIDENTS MAY BECOME A SERIOUS THREAT FOR WHOLE EUROPE IF A CIVILIZED SOLUTION COULD NOT BE FOUND''
  • [12] TURKISH ARMED FORCES PREPARE ITSELF FOR THE JOINT OPERATIONS WITH JORDAN AND THE U.S. - TURKISH ARMED FORCES TO SET UP ALBANIAN REPUBLICAN GUARDS
  • [13] FM CEM RECEIVES BANDINI
  • [14] PRESIDENT DEMIREL: ''TURKEY ENTERS 21ST CENTURY WITH TORCHES OF DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC AND DEVELOPMENT''
  • [15] TURKISH-JORDANIAN RELATIONS IN THE KING HUSSEIN'S TERM IN OFFICE
  • [16] STATEMENT OF TRNC FOREIGN MINISTRY: - ''PROPOSALS WHICH WILL DAMAGE, CHANGE AND DILUTE TURKEY'S EFFECTIVE AND DE FACTO GUARANTEE, WILL NEVER BE ESTEEMED''
  • [17] SINAGRA, ITALIAN LAWYER, DEPARTS TURKEY
  • [18] 26 FOREIGNERS, INCLUDING 7 CHILDREN ARE HOSTED IN A GUESTHOUSE IN YOZGAT - THE U.N. GIVES ALLOWANCE TO THESE FOREIGNERS WHOSE NUTRITION AND ACCOMODATION ARE MET BY TURKEY

  • [01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

    These are some of the major headlines and their brief stories in Turkey's press on Feb 5, 1999. The Anadolu Agency does not verify these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.

    HURRIYET (LIBERAL)

    CAKICI'S REQUEST FOR RELEASE REJECTED
    The Aix-En-Provence Court rejected request of Alaattin Cakici, the notorious mafia boss, to be released from the jail. It was decided that Cakici would stay in prison till Cakici's case in Appeals Court is completed.

    KOSOVO WARNING
    The U.S. President Bill Clinton made a shocking statement on Thursday and said Kosovo crisis may lead to Turkish-Greek war. Clinton said Kosovo question has the potential to bring Turkey and Greece face to face adding that Bosnia, which they have tried to install peace for three years, may explode.

    MILLIYET (LIBERAL)

    CAKICI IS IN DEPRESSION
    Alaattin Cakici, the notorious mafia boss, was low-spirited in his trial in France which was held to release him. Cakici, who was not set free, complained about the conditions in the prison. He said, ''there is torture in Turkey, but there is something deeper here. I am in trouble for 166 days. It would be better if you cut my head by a guillotine.''

    THE STORY OF A TRILLION TL PRESENT IN PRIVATIZATION
    The factory of Sumerbank in Tortum was transferred to Temel Osmanagaoglu in 1986. Osmanagaoglu, who took this factory without paying the two-year price, is the brother of Unal Osmanagaoglu, the suspect in Bahcelievler massacre and the Turkler murder. Yilmaz Durak, one of the suspects in MHP case who is said to be a mediator in the transfer of Tortum factory, said, ''they are a gang of thieves. They stole things and went away.''

    SABAH (LIBERAL)

    HUNDRED THOUSAND TL BOND IS A VICTIM OF INFLATION
    A hundered thousand Turkish liras which was considered as a wealth twenty years ago is a coin now. The coin hundred thousand Turkish lira will be put on the market on February 10.

    YILMAZ AND ECEVIT: ''NO PANEL DISCUSSIONS THIS TIME''
    Mesut Yilmaz, the leader of the Motherland Party (ANAP), said, ''we decided not to have a panel discussion this time to prevent facing accusations as if it were in the election campaigns in 1995.'' Stating that Premier Bulent Ecevit also will not attend the panel discussions on television with the other political party leaders, Yilmaz said, ''we come to 1999 by having arguments. The Turkish people do not want arguments any more.''

    CUMHURIYET (LEFT) THE U.S. POLICY MAKES TEHERAN AND ANKARA RAPROACH
    Muhsin Eminzade, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister, said they have healed the wounds between the two countries, adding that they have also taken a very important step to solve the problem caused in the borders due to infiltrations by the separatist terrorist PKK organization. Stressing that Iraqi crisis formed the last leg of the visit, Eminzade said Israel is after division of Iraq and formation of a private Kurdistan in Iraq.

    BELARUS CAN NOT ACCEPT OCALAN
    Lephesko, Ambassador of Belarus to Ankara, summoned to Foreign Ministry on Thursday upon the news reports that Abdullah Ocalan, chief of the separatist terrorist organization, is in this country. The Ambassador said Belarus is not a country that Ocalan can officially reside ''our high ranking state officials gave assurances on the issue.''

    RADIKAL (LEFT)

    BAYRAMPASA REPUBLIC
    ''Bayrampasa prison is under the control of Sedat Peker.'' Context of the terrifying letter coming from Bayrampasa Prison is confirmed by former convicts and officials. Here are the allegations:

    ''D and B blocks of the prison is under the control of Sedat Peker, notorious mafia boss.'' ''Director of the prison can only talk with Peker by taking appointment. The gang can beat the convicts and get ''tax'' from them.

    MIT KNOWS EVERYTHING
    Under the rules of civil aviation, it is impossible for Ocalan, terrorist chief, to vanish in the air. To this end, National Intelligence Organization (MIT) is informed about all the tours of Ocalan from the very beginning. Apo may appear in Northern Iraq one day because the U.S. is in an effort to break Turkey's unwillingness with a strong reason.

    YENİ YÜZYIL (LIBERAL)

    PARLIAMENT DISPERSED
    General Assembly could not convene again. All the laws are suspended. Deputies who entered to the atmosphere of elections don't come to the Parliament. Issuing of a law is difficult till April 18. Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said they want ''Budget and Banks Law'' to be issued before the elections yet, added that ''this is beyond our power.'' Ecevit said they may give up the budget but that issuing of Banks Law was very important.

    HARDY WARNS
    Martin Hardy, Chief of Turkey Desk of International Monetary Fund (IMF) said privatization activities should be speeded up, adding that realization of 99 privatization program depends on the style of implementation. He said privatization worked to this end yet stressed the requirement of determination.

    TÜRKİYE (RIGHT)

    OTTOMAN'S MEGA MARKET
    Historical Covered Market (Kapalicarsi) in Istanbul still carries out its importance in shopping world despite its 540-year old past. Several professions were defeated by some technologic and economic developments yet new ones started.

    NOBODY CAN ACCEPT OCALAN
    Necati Utkan, who was appointed to Rome Embassy, left for Italy to start his assignment. Speaking before his departure from Istanbul's Ataturk Airport, Utkan said Ocalan did not return to Italy after leaving there ''there is something clear that is there is not any country who wants to take him.''

    ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)

    15 TERRORIST KILLED
    A total of 15 terrorist were killed in the operations held by the security forces in southeastern Tunceli and Siirt provinces, while eight Turkish soldiers died in the operations.

    [02] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT: ''RATE OF INFLATION IS REDUCED TO 50 PERCENT FOR THE FIRST TIME AFTER LONG YEARS''

    ANKARA, Feb 5 (A.A) - Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said on Thursday that rate of inflation is reduced to 50 percent for the first time after long years, adding that ''interests entered to a stable decrease process. Interests decreased nearly 20 points in the recent 10 days.''

    Speaking to reporters following his weekly regular meeting with President Suleyman Demirel, Ecevit said they had the facility to discuss almost every issue concerning Turkey's internal and external problems, adding that they exchanged information about recent developments in economy. Ecevit said there is a significant improvement in indicators of economy and that rate of inflation was reduced to 50 percent for the first time after long years.

    ''Thus, a promise, given by the previous government, was fulfilled. Also positive developments started on the issue of interests. We wish these positive indications to continue,'' Ecevit said.

    Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit pointed out that there are such positive indicators in economy although Turkey made many payments in time and will pay very large amount of debts, adding that ''this also shows the potential of Turkish economy.''

    Ecevit also said he briefed President Suleyman Demirel about the agenda of the Economic and Social Council that will convene next week. Noting that they attributed a special importance to the Coucil meeting, Ecevit said they will wait for concrete contributions of non-governmental organizations, entrepreneurs, tradesmen and artisans, agriculturists and workers to this meeting where Turkey's main economic and social problems will be discussed.

    Ecevit said they will take up what could be done to improve socially and economically, to get rid of from bottleneck, and to get rid of the effects of world crisis.

    Premier Ecevit pointed out that unemployment problem will also be taken up during the Economic and Social Council meeting. ''We will evaluate the issue together with the valuable participants who are from representatives of non-governmental organizations. Thus we will take an important step on the way to pluralist democracy,'' he added.

    Recalling his meeting with Richard Morningstar, the U.S. President Bill Clinton' Special Consultant for Caspian Basin Energy Policies and with Mark Parris, the U.S. Ambassador to Ankara, Ecevit said both of the meetings were very beneficial.

    Noting that the U.S. attributed a special importance to Baku-Ceyhan oil pipeline and Caspian basin pipeline, Ecevit said Turkey and the U.S. acted jointly to this end. Ecevit said, ''there are positive developments to this end. Yet, it is almost clarified that these projects will be realized.''

    Ecevit pointed out that the primary condition for Turkey to prevent from being affected from the economic crisis in the world, was to overcome the deficiencies and disorganizations in the order of banks, adding that as the government, they wanted from the Parliament to give priority to the Banks Law rather than the budget. Ecevit said they have launched required initiatives to this end. ''Yet, it will not be easy to make the Parliament work from now on because they have entered to the election atmosphere. Yet, budget if possible, but the Banks Law should be issued soon. I believe that the parties will show necessary understanding,'' Ecevit noted.

    [03] TARGET OF KTV IS TO RELAY FACTS ABOUT OCALAN - BARZANI, KDP LEADER: ''OCALAN HARMED KURDS MORE THAN SADDAM''

    WASHINGTON, Feb 5 (A.A) - It was reported on Thursday that target of KTV, which broadcasts from Northern Iraq, is to relay the facts about Abdullah Ocalan, chief of the separatist terrorist PKK organization.

    Massoud Barzani, leader of Iraqi Kurdish Democratic Party (KDP), said Ocalan gave harm to Kurds more than Saddam Hussein.

    The news report issued in Washington Post newspaper pointed out that KTV, which started broadcasting in Northern Iraq a while ago, was founded as a rival to MED-TV, which made the propaganda of the separatist terrorist organization.

    The news report quoted Sami Abdurrahman, responsible for the broadcasting of KTV, as saying ''our target is to relay our Kurdish brothers the facts about terrorist chief Ocalan.''

    Abdurrahman said KTV will gave place to Kurdish music, folk dances and programs for children.

    The news report pointed out efforts of the separatist terrorist organization to nest in Northern Iraq and noted that Barzani made cooperation with Turkey to this end.

    It was reported that KTV was founded with the donations gathered from Kurdish sources and showed the violence of PKK terrorists in villages that were devastated in Northern Iraq. Also a middle aged Northern Iraqi citizen showed the holes in the wall of his house and said ''PKK is the enemy of Kurds, they are murderers.''

    The news report pointed out that separatist terrorist organization tried to challenge Barzani's ruling in Northern Iraq and planted thousands of land mines in the region.

    The Washington Post said Barzani got on well with Turkey and that both sides benefited from this.

    [04] FIRE IN THE REST HOUSE FOR THE ELDERLY IN ISTANBUL - 9 PERSONS DIED IN THE FIRE

    ISTANBUL, Feb 5 (A.A) - Nine persons, including two women and seven men, burned to death in the fire which started in a private rest house for the elderly in Maltepe district of Istanbul on Thursday night.

    The reason of the fire which started at 1.30 a.m. could not be determined yet.

    The officials in the rest house who noticed the fire, discharged four elderly women in the first floor out of the house by the help of the citizens, but nine elderly people who was bedridden and stayed in the second floor could not be reached.

    The Maltepe fire brigade could not start its efforts to put out the fire for some time because of the vehicles which were irregularly parked in the road. The Kartal, Pendik, Umraniye and Kadikoy fire brigades arrived to help the Maltepe brigade when the fire spreaded to the whole of the building.

    After the fire was put out one and a half hours later, the bodies of the nine elderly people were found in the building.

    The fire brigade officials said that the fire may have started due to a short circuit and that the investigation is underway.

    [05] 15 PIECES OF HISTORICAL WORKS OF ARTS WHICH BELONGED TO URARTU PERIOD SEIZED IN OPERATIONS HELD IN ERCIS COUNTY OF VAN PROVINCE

    ERCIS, Feb 5 (A.A) - A total of 15 pieces of historical works of arts which belonged to Urartu period was seized in operations held in Ercis county of eastern Van province on Friday.

    The security forces which acted on a tip-off detained one person who wanted to smuggle the works of arts which were illegally excavated from the Celebibagı Urartu Graveyard.

    The security forces seized 15 earthenware pots which belonged to the years 900-600 Before Christ (B.C.) in the house of this person.

    The officials said that the works of arts were handed over to the Museum Directorate and the investigation is underway.

    [06] PENTAGON SAYS DECISION NOT TO DEPLOY S-300 MISSILES IN CYPRUS WAS A CORRECT ONE

    WASHINGTON, Feb 5 (A.A) - The U.S. Defense Department (Pentagon) said on Friday that the decision not to deploy Russian made S-300 missiles in Cyprus was a correct one.

    Michael Doubleday, Pentagon Spokesman, responding to a question said they appreciated the role of Greece in solution of S-300 question.

    Doubleday said they thought that it was a correct decision to give up the deployment of S-300 missiles in Cyprus, adding that it was an alternative of Greece to deploy S-300 missiles in Crete, and the questions concerning this issue should be asked to Greek government.

    Doubleday said the U.S. opposed to the deployment of S-300 missiles in Cyprus, adding that escalation of tension between the two allies of the U.S. will not serve to the interests of NATO, Turkey or Greece.

    Doubleday refrained from giving information when asked if the U.S. played an active role in deployment of S-300 missiles in Crete.

    Responding to a question that the U.S. Turkey and Israel formed an alliance, Doubleday said he was not informed about such an alliance, adding that they regard Israel, Turkey and Greece as their allies.

    Pentagon Spokesman said ''Reliable Mermaid II'' military exercise was reviewed, and noted that it was not clear yet when it will take place and which countries would contribute.

    ''Reliable Mermaid I'' reseach and rescue operation had taken place last year in the Mediterranean with the participation of Turkey, Israel, the U.S. and Jordan.

    [07] SYRIA WANTS GOOD NEIGBOURLY RELATIONS WITH TURKEY

    WASHINGTON, Feb 5 (A.A) - Syria wants good neighbourly relations with Turkey, it is reported on Thursday. Velid Al Muallim, the Syrian Ambassador to the U.S., said that water issue was on the agenda of Damascus.

    Addressing a speech in a meeting, Velid Al Muallim said that having good neighbourly relations with Turkey is the requirement of their historical, economic and geographical interests.

    Stating that the Turkish-Syrian border is 800 kilometres long, Muallim noted that Syria wanted good neighbourly relations with Turkey.

    Recalling the escalating crisis between Turkey and Syria since Daascus supported the separatist terrorist organization, Muallim said that the dispute was solved by the mediation of Egypt and Iran and that thus the crisis was over.

    Noting that Syria and Turkey formed a joint border security committee, Muallim said, ''we have other issues with Turkey. Turkey is an important Middle East country. We want Turkey to have a positive and preventive role in the region. We do not want Turkey to have a tension in the region and have private relations with some countries in the region.''

    ''Turkey should play a constructive role for the peace and security in the region. If Turkey is ready to discuss the good neighbourly relations with Syria, Syria is ready to discuss this.'' Muallim added.

    [08] 62ND ANNIVERSARY OF SECULARISM PRINCIPLE

    ANKARA, Feb 5 (A.A) - President Suleyman Demirel said on Friday that secular, democratic Republic, which Mustafa Kemal Ataturk (Founder of Modern Turkish Republic) founded by basing on the will of the nation, is the guarantee of happy and prospereous future of Turkish nation.

    President Demirel issued a message on the 62nd anniversary of the inclusion of secularism principle in the constitution.

    Demirel in the message stressed that Turkey was a secular and social legal state, adding that these basic principles draw the contemporary framework of the state.

    Demirel said secular Republic not only separated religious and state affairs but at the same time created an atmosphere for all people living in Turkey to preserve their religious beliefs.

    Pointing out that secular Republic was the guarantee of the future of Turkish nation, Demirel said, ''principle of secularism is the most important condition of preservation of domestic peace and tranquility.'' Demirel said Turkish citizens, having different beliefs, live in tranquility and confidence by tolarating each other.

    [09] THREAT FROM SEPARATIST TERRORISTS TO ITALY AND EUROPE - ''CHAOS ATMOSPHERE TO APPEAR IF SOMETHING HAPPENS TO TERRORIST CHIEF''

    ANKARA, Feb 5 (A.A) - The supporters of the separatist terrorist organization in abroad continue their threats to whole Europe and Italy, who sheltered terrorist chief.

    A so-called representative of the separatist terrorist organization to Italy, said Italy would be partially responsible if something happens to Ocalan, terrorist chief, in an interview of Italian ''L'UNITA'' newspaper.

    The news report said the supporter of the terrorist organization claimed that a chaos atmosphere will erupt if something happens to the terrorist chief and that everybody, Italy, Europe, even Turkey will lose from this, adding that they were forced to give fierce reactions, and war.

    The terrorist supporter said that ''although Europe encourages Turkey by continuing its attitude, terrorist chief still has confidence in Europe and that he, in no way, has confidence on the U.S.''

    The newspaper, by basing on the supporter, said there was an open process for the demand of terrorist chief for political asylum, claiming that ''if doors are closed to terrorist chief, then all Kurdish refugees should be returned.''

    The news report claimed that Italy had a positive attitude against the separatist terrorists yet than stepped back to preserve relations with Ankara.

    [10] TEMIZEL, FINANCE MINISTER: ''OUR BASIC GOAL IS TO MAKE IMF AND WORLD BANK TO SAY THAT TURKEY IS RELIABLE''

    ANKARA, Feb 5 (A.A) - Zekeriya Temizel, Minister of Finance, said on Friday that International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank were the two important international institutions, adding that ''our basic goal is to make IMF and World Bank to say that Turkey is reliable.''

    Responding to questions of reporters about economic developments after a meeting with Turkish Industrialists and Businessmen Association (TUSIAD) delegation, headed by Erkut Yucaoglu, Temizel said they have discussed on what kind of an economic problem Turkey would cover in the remaining period of 1999 during meetings with the IMF.

    Temizel recalled that talks will continue on Saturday and Sunday, adding that ''it is important for us if an outcome can be reached saying that the economic policies Turkey implements is more reliable. Continuation of Staff Monitoring Agreement is a guarantee to this end. It discloses the whole world the reliability of the policies which are implemented.''

    Responding to a question about banking law, Temizel said the basic goal of this law is to be concordant to the body of EU's current law and to give message to the international finance circles.

    [11] ''AID TO KOSOVO CAMPAIGN'' - PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT: ''KOSOVO INCIDENTS MAY BECOME A SERIOUS THREAT FOR WHOLE EUROPE IF A CIVILIZED SOLUTION COULD NOT BE FOUND''

    ANKARA, Feb 5 (A.A) - Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit warned on Friday that the incidents happening in the Kosovo may lead to a serious threat for the Balkans and even for whole Europe if a civilized solution could not be found. Ecevit also said he did not see the possibility of turning several disputes between Turkey and Greece into a war.

    Mehmet Nuri Yilmaz, Head of Religious Affairs Department, gave Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit 357 billion Turkish liras, collected in the mosques within the framework of ''Aid to Kosovo'' campaign.

    Speaking during the meeting, Ecevit said there has been a human tragedy in Kosovo in the recent years, stressing that Serbia, following the collapse of Yugoslavian Republic, lifted rights and freedoms given to people of Kosovo.

    Ecevit said people of Kosovo began to show reactions to this ''upon these reactions, Serbia began to stage attacks that contradict with humanity. Many people died and Kosovo suffered a lot economically.''

    ''They have been dragged into very serious life conditions. Hunger started. Upon this, Turkish public began to launch initiatives to contribute to this brotherly people,'' Ecevit said.

    Ecevit pointed out that putting an end to the calamity in Kosovo is the duty of all the peoples of the contemporary countries, adding that ''we have come to a process that military measures are indispensable. If NATO enters into an effort to be more active, Turkish Republic will contribute to this with all its power.''

    Meanwhile, Mehmet Nuri Yilmaz, the head of Religious Affairs Department, said he hoped Islam countries and the civilized world would not remain as spectator to this calamity any more.

    When asked about his evaluations regarding the statement of the U.S. President Bill Clinton, Ecevit said incidents in Kosovo may become a serious threat for the Balkans, even for the whole Europe if a contemporary solution could not be reached.

    Noting that there were disputes between Turkey and Greece on Kosovo incidents as well as several other issues, Ecevit said, ''yet, I don't see the possibility of them turning into a war. The two countries should solve their problems in peace and through dialogue.''

    [12] TURKISH ARMED FORCES PREPARE ITSELF FOR THE JOINT OPERATIONS WITH JORDAN AND THE U.S. - TURKISH ARMED FORCES TO SET UP ALBANIAN REPUBLICAN GUARDS

    ANKARA, Feb 5 (A.A) - Turkish Armed Forces (TSK), which is among the strongest armies in the world and which has become a regional force, prepares itself to the joint operations which will be held separately with Jordan and the U.S. after Israel.

    Turkish Armed Forces, which trains 596 military personnel from twenty-four different countries this year, will exchange units with Jordan in May 1999, and will carry out a joint operation with Jordan.

    The team which was set up from Egirdir Military School in Turkey where the distinguished Turkish soldiers are trained will hold a joint training and operation with a team of the U.S. Special Forces Commandership in the Colarado state this month.

    Turkish Armed Forces also helps significantly and gives military training to Bosnia Herzegovina and Albania in the Balkans of which it follows the developments closely due to the geographical closeness, and historical, cultural and ethnical ties.

    Turkish Armed Forces, in this context, undertook the formation, equipping, and training of the Albania Republican Guards on the special demand of Rexhep Meidani, the Albanian President.

    A total of 919 soldiers, 228 Bosnians and 691 Croatians, who formed the ten tank divisions and ten artillery batteries was trained in the military schools in Ankara within the scope of the training of the tank and artillery personnel.

    Meanwhile, Turkish Armed Forces trains the military personnel of the other Turkish Republics like Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzistan.

    [13] FM CEM RECEIVES BANDINI

    ANKARA, Feb 5 (A.A) - Foreign Minister Ismail Cem received Massimiliano Bandini, Italy's Ambassador to Ankara on Friday.

    Responding to the questions of reporters following the meeting which lasted for half an hour, Cem said bilateral relations between the two countries were taken up, adding that ''we said we expect more sensitivity from Italy in the struggle against terrorism.''

    Bandini in his part recalled that Turkish government wanted statement from his country about how terrorist chief departed Italy. Bandini said he has conveyed this to Rome and refrained from giving further information. ''I can only say Ocalan departed Italy with a private plane that does not belong to Italy,'' he said.

    Responding to a question about pre-decision that will be given on 24 February the request of terrorist chief to get the right of political asylum, Bandini said there was not the appropriate base to grant political asylum to terrorist chief yet, added that this is a judicial process and the last word belongs to Rome.

    [14] PRESIDENT DEMIREL: ''TURKEY ENTERS 21ST CENTURY WITH TORCHES OF DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC AND DEVELOPMENT''

    ANKARA, Feb 5 (A.A) - President Suleyman Demirel said on Friday that Turkey entered 21st century with the torches of democratic republic and development, adding that ''Turkey is obliged to keep these two torches alight and shining that may be seen from India and China.''

    Speaking during a meeting with a delegation of Turkish Industrialists and Businessmen Association (TUSIAD) composed of Erkut Yucaoglu, the Chairman and new Executive Board Members, Demirel mentioned about the importance of development and pointed out that Turkey's assurance in this respect was its experienced entrepreneurs, businessmen and initiatives.

    Demirel said, ''we enter 21st century with two torches. Those are the democratic republic and development. Turkey should keep them alight and shining that they can be seen from India and China.''

    Demirel said the conditions of the world and functions of the state have changed, adding that the era in which economy is carried out by the state is closed after the collapse of Soviet Union.

    Demirel said, ''you should have the capability of competing with others. Soviet Empire had established a magnificent industry in the new world yet, lack of competition element, and its closeness to the world, caused the collapse of that empire despite its power of science. Demirel said there was lesson to be taken from these incidents, adding that this situation proved once again that the countries and the states should be aware of the globalization incident.

    Demirel said Turkey's economy was very strong, adding that role of private inititiaves and entrepreneurs were very important to this end, adding that steps taken for development should not be interrupted.

    [15] TURKISH-JORDANIAN RELATIONS IN THE KING HUSSEIN'S TERM IN OFFICE

    ANKARA, Feb 5 (A.A) - The adaptation, communication and understanding prevailed in the Turkish-Jordanian relations during the period King Hussein of Jordan and that the relations of Jordan and Turkey constituted an example for the other countries in the region.

    Both of the countries put forward their will and desire for expanding of their relation to many fields by friendship. King Hussein visited Turkey on May 16, 1996 lastly and met with President Suleyman Demirel.

    The last of the high-ranking visit from Turkey to Jordan was held on September 6/7, 1998 by then Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz.

    The parties evaluate the relations between the two countries as not having any negative points and as having parallel points of view.

    It is also said that Turkey had good economic relations with Jordan, but that the economic problems in Jordan hampered further cooperation in the economic relations of the two countries.

    King Hussein sacked Crown Prince Hassan who was foreseen to become the king after him and declared Prince Abdullah, his own son, as his successor when his health condition deteriorated.

    Diplomatic sources say that they do not expect that the change of rule in Jordan will negatively affect the positive developments between Turkey and Jordan.

    [16] STATEMENT OF TRNC FOREIGN MINISTRY: - ''PROPOSALS WHICH WILL DAMAGE, CHANGE AND DILUTE TURKEY'S EFFECTIVE AND DE FACTO GUARANTEE, WILL NEVER BE ESTEEMED''

    LEFKOSA, Feb 5 (A.A) - Foreign and Defense Ministry of Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) said on Friday that TRNC will never esteem proposals that will damage, change or dilute Turkey's effective and de facto guarantee in Cyprus.

    A written statement of the ministry stressed that such proposals will be totally rejected without considering under which disguise they were presented.

    The statement pointed out that it was observed that a trick of Greek-Greek Cypriot side, directed to ''demilitarization'' of Cyprus and deployment of a NATO force or ''multinational force'' in the island, was brought to the agenda in the recent days.

    The statement pointed out that it was clear that abolishing Turkey's effective and de facto guarantee and making it ineffective, at least diluting it, lies under the target of the zealotry of Greek Cypriot side.

    ''Attitude of Greek Cypriot administration, which allocated air base in Baf (Baphos) for Greek air forces within the framework of joint military doctrine which it carried out with Greece, which started naval base construction in Terazi for naval forces, which purchased the most developed missile systems from various countries and who continues bargainings to purchase new ones, which was disclosed to buy weapons and military equipment from Greece which are worth of hundreds of millions U.S. dollars, which did not feel the necessity to hide its military plannings to abolish TRNC during its military exercises, in mentioning about demilitarization, is beyond contradiction. It is a concrete example of political hypocricy and insincerity. Their efforts to remove the attention of the international community from its armament madness and to hide its joint military doctrine are in vain.''

    The ministry statement stressed that Greek-Greek Cypriot side will never be able to realize their dreams to abolish and of making ineffective the guarantorship rights of Turkey given by international agreements and to leave Turkish Cypriot side defenseless by depriving them from their most effective assurance.

    [17] SINAGRA, ITALIAN LAWYER, DEPARTS TURKEY

    ANKARA, Feb 5 (A.A) - Agusto Sinagra, Turkey's Italian lawyer on the case related Turkey's request for the extradition of terrorist chief, departed Turkey on Friday after concluding contacts in Turkey.

    Diplomatic sources said Sinagra met Selcuk Oztek, Minister of Justice, Foreign Minister Ismail Cem and high ranking officials from foreign ministry. The sides evaluated the situation before the pre-decision of Italy that will be given on February 24 for the demand of the terrorist chief to get political asylum from Italy.

    Oztek, Minister of Justice, said there were still three legal procedures in Italy regarding terrorist chief. There is Turkey's request for extradition as well as terrorist chief's applications to administrative and legal courts to get political asylum.

    Detailed information was taken from the Italian lawyer about these three procedures and the developments that may be revealed under Italian law.

    [18] 26 FOREIGNERS, INCLUDING 7 CHILDREN ARE HOSTED IN A GUESTHOUSE IN YOZGAT - THE U.N. GIVES ALLOWANCE TO THESE FOREIGNERS WHOSE NUTRITION AND ACCOMODATION ARE MET BY TURKEY

    YOZGAT, Feb 5 (A.A) - A total of 26 foreigners, including seven children, eight women and one commander of the Iraqi army are hosted in the refugee guesthouse in Yozgat province, it is reported on Friday.

    Sixteen of the foreigners have the status of refugee. The other ten who are judged in Turkey for the crimes which they are involved in this country are staying as ''guests'' in the guesthouse.

    The eight of the foreigners are of Iraqi origin. Seven are from Somali, four are from Nigeria, and two are from Cuba.

    The family of a high-ranking commander of the Iraqi army, who had to run away from the oppressive administration of Saddam Hussein, also stays in the guesthouse. The family will go to a third country which will accept their asylum application.

    The United Nations (U.N.) High Commissioner for Refugees gave an allowance of 14-50 million Turkish liras to the foreigners who had to leave their homes.

    The illegal immigrants whose nutrition and accomodation costs are met by Turkey said that they were happy about their lives.

    A.A


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