Anadolu Agency: News in English, 99-02-20

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

AA Daily

20 February 1999 Saturday

CONTENTS

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

[02] PRESIDENT DEMIREL DUE TO THE PHILIPPINES - THREE AGREEMENTS TO BE SIGNED DURING THE VISIT

[03] KOSOVO QUESTION - FOREIGN MINISTRY WARNS CITIZENS AND TRANSPORTATION COMPANIES NOT TO USE YUGOSLAVIA'S ROUTE FOR SOMETIME

[04] OZTEK, TURKEY'S AMBASSADOR TO BRUSSELS WANTS TURKISH CITIZENS IN BELGIUM TO BE CAUTIOUS AGAINST PROVOCATIONS

[05] JOHNSON, COEPA CHAIRMAN BRITISH PARLIAMENTARIAN DUE IN TURKEY NEXT WEEK

[06] CALL FROM PREMIER ECEVIT TO YOUNG PEOPLE ON MOUNTAINS

[07] CAPTURE OF TERRORIST ORGANIZATION - FOREIGN MINISTRY: ''STRUGGLE AGAINST TERRORISM, WHICH TURKEY CARRIED OUT WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF LAW, REACHED TO ITS TARGET WHEN TERRORIST CHIEF CAPTURED AND SENT TO JUSTICE''

[08] CALL FROM PREMIER ECEVIT TO YOUNG PEOPLE ON MOUNTAINS - ECEVIT: ''I AM CALLING ON YOUNG PEOPLE ON MOUNTAINS TO PUT DOWN THEIR WEAPONS AND HAND THEMSELVES IN''

[09] CALL FROM PREMIER ECEVIT TO YOUNG PEOPLE ON MOUNTAINS - ECEVIT: ''JUDICIARY PROCESS STARTED TO OPERATE. WE HAVE NO RIGHT TO INTERFERE''

[10] ''REPENTANCE CIRCULAR'' - PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT SENDS CIRCULAR TO GOVERNORSHIPS

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

HURRIYET (LIBERAL)

APO IS GETTING PREPARED TO MAKE THE CALL ''COME FROM THE MOUNTAINS AND
SURRENDER''
Abdullah Ocalan, terrorist chief, who had said he was ready to serve to the state if an opportunity is given, will make a call to the terrorists on the mountains to surrender. Ocalan, who had given directives to the young people for 15 years, who he decieved and sent to mountains, to shed blood, now said he wanted to talk to a video tape and make a call for them to surrender.

MILLIYET (LIBERAL)

WHITE PAIN
Snowfall and snowstorm which started in the early hours of Friday in Istanbul paralyzed daily life. Traffic was in mass, there were many traffic accidents. Steamship voyages were made delayed. The snowfall which was effective throughout the country also paralyzed daily life in Marmara, central Aegean, Central Anatolia and in the Black Sea.

SABAH (LIBERAL)

IMRALI ISLAND DECLARED AS FORBIDDEN REGION
Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit stated on Friday that Imrali Island has been declared as forbidden region. All kinds of marine vehicles are banned to enter the region in question and the flights over the island are also prohibited for security reasons. Overall entrances and exits are dependent on the permission of the related authorities in accordance with the decision taken by the Council of ministers on February 17, 1999.

CUMHURIYET (LEFT)

CONNECTION BETWEEN THE TERRORIST ORGANIZATION AND ATHENS
The Foreign Ministry issued a report on Friday which brings the terrorist chief Abdullah Ocalan's connection with Greece since he left Syria, into light with proofs. The report said Greek authorities and intelligence expended support to Ocalan who went to Greece two times.

RADIKAL (LEFT) DEVELOPMENT IN THE SOUTHEAST
Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said ''Apo is over. Now time came for development in the Southeast.'' The government on Friday started its initiatives for development in the Southeast which will give the last blow to terrorism. Ecevit said decisions given for the region will be implemented immediately and that the measures will be disclosed in a few days.

TURKEY WARNS ISRAEL: DON'T TALK TO PKK
Turkey started initiatives when Israel, which was afraid of being the new target of terrorist organization PKK, sent messages to the terrorist organization indirectly. Ozener, Turkey's Ambassador to Tel Aviv, said Israel's talking with the PKK would be a great mistake.

YENİ YÜZYIL (LIBERAL)

EMERGENCY PACKAGE TO THE SOUTHEST
Council of Ministers, which convened under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit, decided to take measures to provide economic and social development in the East and the Southeast and to find sources to the investments following the capture of the terrorist chief.

TÜRKİYE (RIGHT)

IMRALI DECLARED AS FORBIDDEN REGION
Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit stated on Friday that Imrali Island has been declared as forbidden region. All kinds of marine vehicles are banned to enter the region in question and the flights over the island are also prohibited for security reasons. Overall entrances and exits are dependent on the permission of the related authorities in accordance with the decision taken by the Council of ministers on February 17, 1999.

[02] PRESIDENT DEMIREL DUE TO THE PHILIPPINES - THREE AGREEMENTS TO BE SIGNED DURING THE VISIT

The Foreign Ministry issued a statement saying that Demirel will leave for the Philippines as the official guest of his Filipino counterpart Joseph Estrada.

Hikmet Sami Turk, the National Defense Minister; Metin Sahin, the Industry and Trade Minister; Ahmet Tan, the Tourism Minister, senior officials, academicians, businessmen and journalists will accompany Demirel during his visit to the Philippines.

The statement pointed out that bilateral relations between Turkey and Philippines, regional and international questions regarding both countries will be taken up during the contacts of Demirel.

Agreements envisaging economic and technical cooperation, mutual encouragement of investments are expected to be signed during the official visit of President Demirel.

Demirel is scheduled to meet with his Filipino counterpart Estrada. He will also receive Gloria Macapagal Arrayo, the Deputy President of the Philippines, Marcello Fernan, the Chairman of the Filipino Senat, and Manuel Villar, the Chairman of the Filipino House of Representatives.

[03] KOSOVO QUESTION - FOREIGN MINISTRY WARNS CITIZENS AND TRANSPORTATION COMPANIES NOT TO USE YUGOSLAVIA'S ROUTE FOR SOMETIME

A Foreign Ministry statement advised citizens, who will travel via Yugoslavian Federal Republic and Turkish companies making transportation to Europe, not to use this route for sometime.

The statement said in case the sides could not reach an agreement on the issue of political solution till 13:00, Secretary General may start air operation within the framework of the authority given by NATO Council.

[04] OZTEK, TURKEY'S AMBASSADOR TO BRUSSELS WANTS TURKISH CITIZENS IN BELGIUM TO BE CAUTIOUS AGAINST PROVOCATIONS

During the meeting, which Belgian newspapers and televisions covered closely, Oztek mentioned about the reactions caused by the capture of terrorist chief and pointed out that nobody should have the doubt that Turkey was a legal state and that terrorist chief would be judged justly.

Stressing that supporters of terrorist organization firstly attacked Greek representations and that they will start the ''second page now'', Oztek said they will incite Turkish communities and will be in an effort to create confusion. Oztek urged Turkish community to act in unity and integrity as it happened till now.

Oztek wanted Turkish citizens in Europe not to respond to the provocations but inform security units and Turkish official authorities against the provocations. He said this opportunity should not be given to those people who target creating confusion.

[05] JOHNSON, COEPA CHAIRMAN BRITISH PARLIAMENTARIAN DUE IN TURKEY NEXT WEEK

The British parliamentarian will come to Turkey on the issue of judgement of terrorist chief and will meet with Parliament Speaker, Prime Minister and several government officials.

COEPA written statement on the issue said this visit didn't mean interference to the judgement of Turkey carried out against the terrorist activities and recalled that COEPA many times harshly critized violence activities of the terrorist organization.

The statement said the aim of the visit was to express the sensitivity that the judgement should be convenient to the principles of COE and European Human Rights Charter.

The statement also pointed out that judgement's taking place in front of international observers will overcome possible unjust accusations against Turkey.

[06] CALL FROM PREMIER ECEVIT TO YOUNG PEOPLE ON MOUNTAINS

Ecevit staged a news conference titled ''Details of the Call'' in Premiership Central Building.

Recalling that he had made a call to the members of the terrorist PKK organization when terrorist chief captured and said ''you came to the end of dead-end. Surrender yourself to the justice of the state so that you may be able to make use of Repentance Law which is on the agenda of the Parliament'', Ecevit said ''those young people who made their families and the whole nation to suffer a lot, should have understood that they will not be able to cope with the state.''

Ecevit said Repentance Law was on the agenda of the Parliament, even if the Parliament could not convene now, all parties promised to issue this law.

Ecevit said ''I am calling on the young people who are on the mountains to come and surrender. All of them will make use of Repentance Law and the state will protect each of them. They will receive profession training till the law takes effect. Circular to this end begam to be sent to the governorships, security forces and prosecutorships.''

[07] CAPTURE OF TERRORIST ORGANIZATION - FOREIGN MINISTRY: ''STRUGGLE AGAINST TERRORISM, WHICH TURKEY CARRIED OUT WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF LAW, REACHED TO ITS TARGET WHEN TERRORIST CHIEF CAPTURED AND SENT TO JUSTICE''

A Foreign Ministry statement said sending terrorist chief to the justice was an important stage recorded in struggle against international terrorism and pointed out that several European governments were resolved not to let the terrorist to enter their countries and shelter him. The statement thanked to the countries who refrained from encouraging terrorism and taking Turkey's warnings into consideration.

The statement stressed that Turkish justice is independent and that this independence is absolute and without condition and pointed out that efforts to influence judges and prosecutors formed a crime under Turkish law.

The statement said ''it is not possible for anyone, within Turkey or outside Turkey, to interfere judgement. Turkey, being a legal countries, meticulously fulfils the requirements of international law. To this end, Turkey will not allow or tolarate any interference that may come from any third circle. The ones who did not implement the principle of priority of law, with the pretext of considering their own interests, do not have the right to utter a word on the issue of just judgement.''

The statement pointed out that with the judgement of terrorist chief, it will be possible to disclose cooperation of several foreign countries and foreign circles with the terrorist organization, their financial support to the terrorist organization and it will also be possible to display their shares taken from drug trafficking. The statement also said the responsibles will also be brought to justice.

The statement said the ones who expended support to the terrorists, despite all warnings of Turkey, now involved in an effort to create new agendas between Turkey and the European Union (EU) to save Greece and Greek Cypriot side who were captured red handed in cooperation with terrorism. The statement said ''we are calling the EU's attention not to be deceived by this game. EU is under the responsibility of asking this member, who expended an open support to terrorism, to turn from this goings-on and make it to account for this support.''

The statement pointed out that Greece and Greek Cypriot administration firstly should give up expending support to terrorism and account for its attitude in aiding and abetting this murderer who claimed thousands of lives and stressed that Turkey will cover this issue insistently and with determination.

The statement said tolarance of several circles shown to the terrorist organization for years made them target of terrorism and expressed hope that necessary lessons would be drawn.

Noting that terrorist organization threatened administrators of several European countries and institutions in which they held their latest attacks and that they made bargainings with them to put an end to their terrorist activities, the statement said ''the administrators in question, now, under the threat of terrorism, gave the impression that they will launch initiatives against Turkey. We advise them not to be involved in such an attitude.''

The statement said such initiatives which meant bowing to terrorism and encourging it, will create direct internal problems for them and make their people the target of terrorism. The one who bow to them in fear against this threat and violance, will make their communities to confront with more serious problems.

The statement said Turkey was resolved to evaluate the opportunities, which were created with the capture of terrorist chief, to increase welfare and hapiness of people adding that ''everybody should be confident that problems, related with terrorism which lasted for long years, will be solved.''

Foreign Ministry statement also pointed out that the most important contribution of EU, European Commision and other circles, would be to assume their responsibilities in struggle against terrorism instead of being involved in the assertions to direct this process.

[08] CALL FROM PREMIER ECEVIT TO YOUNG PEOPLE ON MOUNTAINS - ECEVIT: ''I AM CALLING ON YOUNG PEOPLE ON MOUNTAINS TO PUT DOWN THEIR WEAPONS AND HAND THEMSELVES IN''

Addressing a news conference titled ''Details of the Call'' which he directed to members of terrorist PKK organizations who are in mountains, Ecevit briefed about the circular which is named as ''Repentance Circular'' in public.

Recalling that he had made a call to the members of the terrorist PKK organization when terrorist chief captured and said ''you came to the end of dead-end. Surrender yourself to the justice of the state so that you may be able to make use of Repentance Law which is on the agenda of the Parliament'', Ecevit said both Ocalan, terrorist chief and leading names of the separatist organization who are living in Europe, deceived those young people and pushed them to the fire without endangering themselves.

Ecevit said helping those young people to save themselves from this trap, will speed up dispersion in terrorist PKK organization and also help our nation to get rid of a trouble. Ecevit said he had received assurances from all parties in Parliament that they would back a ''repentance law'' after general elections in April.

Ecevit said those young people would be able to make use of an intense job training till Repentance Law is put into effect and thus they will be prepared for a more productive and peaceful life.

Ecevıt saıd ''Today is the day. Rescue yourselves from the hands of those who exploited and threw you into the fire. You cannot defeat the state.''

[09] CALL FROM PREMIER ECEVIT TO YOUNG PEOPLE ON MOUNTAINS - ECEVIT: ''JUDICIARY PROCESS STARTED TO OPERATE. WE HAVE NO RIGHT TO INTERFERE''

Ecevit responded to the questions of reporters following the news conference where he disclosed ''details of the call''.

When recalled that terrorist chief will talk to a video tape to make a call to the young people in the mountains, Ecevit said ''that depends on his own will. We will not want something like this. Moreover, judiciary process has started and we have no right to interfere.''

Responding to another question Ecevit said the circular, which was prepared in connection with Repentance Law, would be conveyed to the young people in mountains or their relatives by related institutions and press.

Responding to another question about the circular, Ecevit said the Repentence Law, which will be passed from the parliament, will also cover the past, adding that ''if the ones who had committed crimes earlier hand themselves in the state and give information that will put and end to the terrorist activities, they will benefit from the facilities of this law.''

Responding to another question about the statements of terrorist chief which said he was in service of Turkey, Ecevit refrained from commenting on it but said ''it is clear that Ocalan is thinking of his own life. He knows justice will reveal all his crimes. He must be hoping for a slight rescue.''

[10] ''REPENTANCE CIRCULAR'' - PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT SENDS CIRCULAR TO GOVERNORSHIPS

The circular which was published with the signature of Prime Minister Ecevit, noted that struggle of the state against terrorism came to a new stage after the capture of terrorist chief.

The circular said the last blow should be put on the terrorist organization to provide social peace, increase the level of public services, which are brought under very difficult conditions due to terrorism, and to be successful in intensified development efforts.

Pointing out that it would not be possible to legalize the draft law, which is known as ''Repentance Law'' in public, before the general elections that will take place on April 18, 1999, the circular said ''in order to help the ones who want to get rid of the terrorist organization before the law is issued, should be called to surrender now.''

It said thus the ones who will hand themselves in will benefit from the job and technical education facilities to get prepared to life and receive lighter sentences. The circular said the ones who are members of the terrorist organization but who did not commit crime and who give valuable information to faciliate the capture of terrorists and collapse of organization, will not be given punishment.

A.A

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