Anadolu Agency: News in English, 99-02-24

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AA Daily

24 February 1999 Wednesday

CONTENTS

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

[02] THE U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT: - ''THERE IS NO DOUBT THAT GREECE SHELTERED OCALAN, TERRORIST CHIEF''

[03] PRESIDENT DEMIREL RETURNS TO TURKEY

[04] CETIN, SPEAKER OF PARLIAMENT, LEAVES FOR BRITAIN

[05] FRIGHTENING NIGHT IN ISTANBUL - ASSAILANTS SABOTAGE A LORRY LOADED WITH LPG TUBES - TWO PERSONS SERIOUSLY INJURED AT INCIDENT

[06] EUROPEAN HUMAN RIGHTS COURT REJECTS OCALAN'S LAWYERS' DEMAND TO TAKE CAUTIONARY JUDGEMENT

[07] TURKISH PEOPLE LIVING IN THE U.S. THANKS PRESIDENT CLINTON'S ADMINISTRATION FOR ITS RESOLVED ATTITUDE AGAINST TERRORISM

[08] CONVENING OF ''SO-CALLED KURDISH PARLIAMENT'' IN BASQUE - MARIN, DEPUTY MINISTER OF INFORMATION OF SPAIN SAYS CONVENING OF SO-CALLED KURDISH PARLIAMENT TO GIVE DAMAGE TO SPAIN'S FOREIGN POLICY

[09] CETIN, SPEAKER OF PARLIAMENT, ARRIVES IN BRITAIN

[10] PKK TERRORISM IN GERMANY - BAVARIA STATE ASKS FOR CONFIRMATION THAT PKK IS TERORIST ORGANIZATION - GREENS CONDEMN PKK TERRORISM

[11] CHIEF TERRORIST TO BE TRIED ALONE - FILE OF OCALAN, THE TERRORIST CHIEF SEPARATED

[12] HISTORICAL TURKISH GRAVEYARD IN XANTHI DESECRATED - DEMONSTRATION IN KOMOTINI

[13] DISCUSSIONS FOR A NATIONAL PARK IN THE KURE MOUNTAINS

[14] BANGLADESH TO TAKE OVER D-8 TERM PRESIDENCY - A DELEGATION HEADED BY PRESIDENT DEMIREL PARTICIPATES IN THE SECOND SUMMIT TO BE HELD IN DACCA

[15] PREPARATIONS FOR OSCE SUMMIT START

[16] TRIAL OF CHIEF TERRORIST - LAWYER OKCUOGLU: ''ANKARA DGM DIDN'T RESPOND TO THE ISSUE OF OUR ARRIVAL ON IMRALI ISLAND''

[17] SUPPORT FROM JAPAN TO TURKISH EXPORTATION SECTOR

[18] FOREIGN MINISTRY: - ''FOR A PERMANENT SOLUTION, RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS BEYOND THE 1974 CONSTITUTION SHOULD BE GIVEN TO ALL NATIONAL COMMUNITIES IN KOSOVO INCLUDING THE TURKISH MINORITY'' - ''WE HOPE THE PROCESS TILL 15 MARCH WILL BE EVALUATED CONSTRUCTIVELY''

[19] PARLIAMENT SPEAKER CETIN IN LONDON - CETIN MEETS WITH BETTY BOOTHROYD, SPEAKER OF BRITISH PARLIAMENT

[20] KOC, CHAIRMAN OF TURKISH-GREEK BUSINESS COUNCIL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE: ''WE STRONGLY SUPPORT OUR GOVERNMENT'S ATTITUDE AGAINST RECENT DEVELOPMENTS'' - ''ALL OF THE JOINT ACTIVITIES PLANNED BY THE BUSINESS COUNCIL HAVE BEEN ANNULED''

[21] CHIEF TERRORIST AT THE AGENDA OF COE

[22] THE HEARING ABOUT THE POLITICAL ASYLUM REQUEST OF THE CHIEF TERRORIST FROM ITALY POSTPONED TO MARCH 22

[23] TALKS ON BAKU-CEYHAN PIPELINE TO CONTINUE IN MARCH

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

HURRIYET (LIBERAL)

APO: WE HAD VAIN DREAMS
Ocalan, terrorist chief, in his interrogation in Imrali Island, said ''I have seen the power of Turkish Republic. But we had vain dreams. We have walked on a road which has no end.'' Apo, after being interrogated by Mehmet Maras, the alternate member of Ankara State Security Court (DGM), was arrested under Article 125 of the Turkish Penal Code which foresaw ''treachery to the country.''

MILLIYET (LIBERAL)

The roof and the retaining wall of the primary school in Zumrutevler district of Bursa collapsed on the students because of the strong southwest wind which was being effective since Monday night.

NOW BOYCOTT TO ATHENS
Turkish-Greek Business Council, Chaird by Rahmi Koc, decided to break off trade relations with Greece. Economic relations will be soured following the political relations which were tensed due to attitude of Athens which supported terrorist PKK and embraced terrorist chief. The decision for boycott will be conveyed to Athens on Wednesday. Sarik Tara, Acting Chairman, said they did everything to improve Turkish-Greek friendship for 14 years ''we did our best. Greece intervenes to our internal affairs and do their best to weaken us. We have annuled three meetings. ENKA, my holding, will not purchase good from them.''

SABAH (LIBERAL)

DEATH FINDS THEM IN THE BREAK HOUR
Suddenly a very loud noise was heard. They could not understand what happened. Bricks were falling from the sky on their small bodies. Six of them died till the teachers came near them. Republican Prosecutorship started an investigation and Mehmet Adiguzel, constructor of the Ihsan Dikmen Primary School, was taken under custody.

CUMHURIYET (LEFT)

DEMIREL: HUMANITY CAN NOT BE LIKE THIS
President Suleyman Demirel, who reiterated his reaction to Greece on the issue of foreign support of terrorism, said ''They fail to act as a civilized country. I announce this as hostility. Whoever expends support to the ones who killed those innocent people, all of them will be bloody handed.'' Demirel also warned that Turkey is obliged to cut the foreign support of this.

RADIKAL (LEFT)

TERRORISM TROUBLE IN ROME
As the supporters of Abdullah Ocalan, the chief of terrorist organization PKK plan to hold a march in Rome later today in order to support the terrorist chief, the Italian police tightened the security measures against possible violent protests. Rose Russo Jeruolino, the Italian Interior Minister, stressed that all necessary measures were taken and violent actions will not be tolerated anyway.

A NEW ERA WITH THE PHILIPPINES
President Suleyman Demirel concluded his official visit to the Philippines and said before his departure, ''as we approach a new century, Turkey and the Philippines both take place in two powerful regions of the world, should make use of the new opportunities.''

Pointing out that they have taken significant steps towards completing the legal basis of the economic cooperation between the two countries, Demirel emphasized that the agreement envisaging economic and technical cooperation between Turkey and the Philippines will be beneficial for the business circles.

TÜRKİYE (RIGHT)

14 TERRORISTS KILLED IN SOUTHEAST
A total of 14 terrorists were killed during operations launched by the security forces in Southeastern Siirt and Sirnak provinces.

Security forces killed seven terrorists in Hevindisiran Hill Region in Siirt, three terrorists in the rural area in Idil county of Sirnak, three terrorists in the Maden Guneyi Toptepe Region and one terrorist in the rural area in Guclukonak county.

AGAR, DEPUTY FROM ELAZIG, RESIGNS FROM THE DYP
Mehmet Agar, the Deputy from Elazig Deputy, resigned from the

True Path Party (DYP). Addressing a news conference he staged in the Elazig Journalists Association, Agar pointed out that he will attend in the April 18 elections from the Eastern Elazig province as an independent deputy.

ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)

STORM CAUSES CASUALTIES
A total of six students were killed and four others injured in Bursa Province in the Marmara Region when the roof and the retaining wall of a primary school collapsed due to the strong southwest wind which was being effective since Monday night.

[02] THE U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT: - ''THERE IS NO DOUBT THAT GREECE SHELTERED OCALAN, TERRORIST CHIEF''

Responding to a question about President Suleyman Demirel's demand regarding that Greece has to be included in the list of countries supporting terrorism and abetting terrorists, Foley noted that they are in intensive contact with the Greek government, but refrained giving information about these contacts.

Stressing that the opposition of the U.S. to sheltering terrorists is obvious, Foley reiterated that there is no doubt Greece has sheltered Ocalan in recent weeks.

Describing the ''list of countries supporting terrorism and abetting terrorists'' and inclusion of new countries to the list as extremely serious, Foley reminded that countries whose high-level officials provide assistance to terrorism, take place in the list in question.

Foley noted that they will certainly consider including Greece in the list in case of appearance of new informations and proofs.

Pointing out that Greece is a friend and an ally country of the U.S., Foley told the reporters that he had underlined before the difference of opinion between the U.S. and Greece over sheltering Ocalan, adding that the collective activities in the fields of policy, economy and security among the NATO countries, form the general picture.

Iran, Iraq, Syria, Sudan, Libya, North Korea and ve Cuba take place in the list of countries supporting terrorism and abetting terrorists issued by the U.S. State Department annually.

[03] PRESIDENT DEMIREL RETURNS TO TURKEY

Demirel returned to Turkey after wrapping up a visit to the Philippines where he visited upon an official invitation from Joseph E. Estrada, the President of the Philippines.

Evaluating his visit to the journalists in Ankara's Esenboga Airport, Demirel said bilateral relations between the two countries and facilities to further improve cooperation were discussed during the contacts.

Demirel said they focused on further improvement of economic and trade relations between Turkey and the Philippines who have assumed important roles in their regions, adding that they exchanged views regarding regional and international issues during the visit.

Demirel said, ''during my visit, we have signed economic and technical coperation agreement, agreement on mutual preservation and promotion of investments and an agreement foreseeing visa exemption.''

Demirel also said a memorandum of understanding was signed foreseeing establishment of joint chamber of trade and an agreement foreseeing preservation of double taxation. Demirel also said during the visit positive steps were taken due to the opening of Turkey to Asia Pasific region which has an important share in the world economy.

Demirel said the delegation accompanying him during the visit held beneficial meetings with their Filipino counterparts.

Hikmet Sami Turkey, Minister of National Defense, Metin Sahin, Minister of Industry and Trade, Ahmet Tan, Minister of Tourism, high level officials, academicians, businessmen and journalists accompanied him.

[04] CETIN, SPEAKER OF PARLIAMENT, LEAVES FOR BRITAIN

Cetin will start his contacts by meeting with his British counterpart Betty Boothroyd.

Cetin will participate in a luncheon which will be hosted by Donald Anderson, the Chairman of the British Parliamentary Commission of Foreign Relations, and later will come together with Robin Cook, British Foreign Secretary, and with the members of the British Parliamentary Commission of Foreign Relations.

Cetin will also address a group of deputies who are members of British Parliament and will respond to questions.

Parliament Speaker Cetin will stage a news conference on February 25 in the Foreign Journalists Association where Ozdem Sanberk, Turkey's Ambassador to London will be in attendance.

Cetin will also give a conference in London School of Economics the same day.

Parliament Speaker Cetin will participate in a lunch in Buckingham Palace on February 26 which will be hosted by Prince Andrew, the York Duke and brother of Prince Charles, on behalf of the Royal Family.

Cetin is expected to return to Turkey on February 27.

[05] FRIGHTENING NIGHT IN ISTANBUL - ASSAILANTS SABOTAGE A LORRY LOADED WITH LPG TUBES - TWO PERSONS SERIOUSLY INJURED AT INCIDENT

Officials told the A.A correspondent that arsonists set on fire a lorry loaded with LPG tubes which was parked in the street and the tubes that caught fire, exploded.

Small pieces coming off from tubes hit the surrounding buildings. Muzaffer Kuyucuoglu and Mehmet Toprak were seriously injured at the incident and were later taken to the nearby hospitals for medical treatment.

Attack caused panic and fear among the residents.

A full investigation regarded with the incident is underway to capture the responsibles of the arson attack.

[06] EUROPEAN HUMAN RIGHTS COURT REJECTS OCALAN'S LAWYERS' DEMAND TO TAKE CAUTIONARY JUDGEMENT

Ocalan's lawyers filed a complaint against Turkey last week under the articles 2, 3, 5, and 6 of the European Human Rights Convention related to torture, fair trial, and right to live and under 39 which suggests cautionary judgement decision.

The Human Rights Court rejected Ocalan's lawyers' demand to have him talk to his foreign lawyers and examined by doctors who are also determined by them.

On the other hand, the Court decided to ask for an urgent response from Turkey under article 54 over clarification of the terrorist's arrest and his access to his lawyers.

The European Human Rights Court will convene at a later date to evaluate other applications by Ocalan's attorneys.

[07] TURKISH PEOPLE LIVING IN THE U.S. THANKS PRESIDENT CLINTON'S ADMINISTRATION FOR ITS RESOLVED ATTITUDE AGAINST TERRORISM

In the letters signed by Tolga Cubukcu, the Chairman of the TADA; a series of developments which began with deport of Abdullah Ocalan, the chief of terrorist organization PKK, from Syria, and ended with his seizure in Kenya, were recalled.

Stressing that the U.S. Government has never stepped back in its determination on the struggle against terrorism, Cubukcu expressed satisfaction over the U.S. support towards Turkey to bring Ocalan to justice.

Underlining that the attitudes of the Turkey's several European allies such as Italy and Germany, were upsetting, the letter noted that it could be said that these two countries supported the terrorist organization secretly.

Cubukcu emphasized that the incompetence of Italy and Germany allowed Ocalan to leave Rome without being tried and caused terrorist actions against Turkey to continue.

Describing Greece's attitude as more grave, Cubukcu reminded that Greece did not contended with assisting Ocalan to flee from justice, but officialy supported the terrorist PKK.

Cubukcu said that this aspect of the Ocalan affair should be very upsetting for the American people who take place among targets of international terrorism.

Reminding that the President Bill Clinton's Administration has declared international terrorism as the biggest threat against the national security of the U.S., Cubukcu also added that they hope the U.S. will maintain its harsh reaction against the countries supporting terrorism and abetting terrorists targeting both the U.S. and her allies.

More than 50 Turkish-American organizations come together under the umbrella of the TADA.

[08] CONVENING OF ''SO-CALLED KURDISH PARLIAMENT'' IN BASQUE - MARIN, DEPUTY MINISTER OF INFORMATION OF SPAIN SAYS CONVENING OF SO-CALLED KURDISH PARLIAMENT TO GIVE DAMAGE TO SPAIN'S FOREIGN POLICY

Speaking to a group of Turkish journalists, who were invited to Madrid to be informed about the ''Expotecnia 99''fair, that will be staged by Spanish Foreign Trade Institude (ICEX) in Istanbul between June 1 and 6, Martin Marin said his government thought of applying to Constitutional Court to prevent the meeting.

He said Spanish government will launch all legal initiatives to prevent the realization of this meeting that wil damage foreign policy of the country and will take all required measures, adding that autonomous regions should abide by the decisions of central government in internatioal relations and stressed that this is a requirement of constitution.

The Spanish official recalled that statements of Spanish Prime Minister pointed out that Spanish government was also against this meeting.

[09] CETIN, SPEAKER OF PARLIAMENT, ARRIVES IN BRITAIN

Ozdem Sanberk, the Turkish Ambassador to Britain, and other senior officials welcomed Cetin at the Heathrow Airport.

Cetin will start his contacts by meeting with his British counterpart Betty Boothroyd lated today.

Cetin will participate in a luncheon which will be given by Donald Anderson, the Chairman of the British Parliamentary Commission of Foreign Relations, in his honour, and later will come together with Robin Cook, British Foreign Secretary, and with the members of the British Parliamentary Commission of Foreign Relations.

Cetin will also address a group of deputies who are members of British Parliament and will respond to questions.

Parliament Speaker Cetin will stage a news conference on February 25 in the Foreign Journalists Association.

Cetin will also give a conference in London School of Economics the same day.

Parliament Speaker Cetin will participate in a lunch in Buckingham Palace on February 26 which will be hosted by Prince Andrew, the York Duke and brother of Prince Charles, on behalf of the Royal Family.

Cetin is expected to return to Turkey on February 27.

[10] PKK TERRORISM IN GERMANY - BAVARIA STATE ASKS FOR CONFIRMATION THAT PKK IS TERORIST ORGANIZATION - GREENS CONDEMN PKK TERRORISM

Following the state cabinet meeting, Gunther Beckstein, the Interior Minister of Bavaria state, said that it was wrong to show the PKK's activities as harmless and innocent activities.

Beckstein said that Bavaria state would present to the Assembly of States a draft law aiming at deporting without trial the PKK supporters whose involvement in violent activities is proved.

Meanwhile, the Unity 90/Greens, the little partner of the coalition government, condemned the PKK terrorism in Germany.

The Greens issued a written statement saying that they condemn every violent and terrorist activities staged in connection with the apprehension of Abdullah Ocalan.

Warning that every kind of violent activities in the future would give rise to new unfairnesses, the Greens called Turkey to carry out a fair and just trial and to allow international observers to follow the trial.

[11] CHIEF TERRORIST TO BE TRIED ALONE - FILE OF OCALAN, THE TERRORIST CHIEF SEPARATED

The State Security Court (DGM) in Ankara decided to write a notification to the State Security Court Chief Prosecution in order to decide whether or not the chief terrorist would be tried in DGM in Ankara due to security reasons.

The chief terrorist and his lawyers did not participate in the hearing heard in the State Security Court in Ankara, but the other suspect Yalcın Kucuk, and his lawyers were present.

Unal Haney, the Republican Prosecutor requested the punishment of Kucuk in accordance with the Turkish penal code.

Pointing out that Ocalan was caught and brought to Turkey, Haney also asked the documents about Ocalan to be separated and the trial about him to continue in another essence. He also asked the continuation of Ocalan's arrestment. The prosecutor also asked for the separation of the cases about other suspects who were arrested in absentia, namely Mehmet Sırac Bilgin, Zubeyir Aydar, Mahmut Kılınc, and Mesut Uysal.

The court gave additional time to Kucuk and his lawyers to prepare their defense.

The court delegation also decided the continuation of the chief terrorist's arrestment and to separate the files of the chief terrorist due to security reasons and to complete the case in an short period of time.

The indictment asks for ''capital punishment'' of the chief terrorist and accuses him of ''treason and committing crime against the country and sovereignty of the state'' according to Article 125 of the Turkish Penal Code. Ocalan is also tried within the scope of this file which accuses him of the ''murders committed by the terrorist organization PKK in Adana and its surrounding.''

[12] HISTORICAL TURKISH GRAVEYARD IN XANTHI DESECRATED - DEMONSTRATION IN KOMOTINI

Unknown assailant who attacked the Turkish graveyard in Ahrenpinar district in Xanthi, destroyed six tombstones.

Xanthi police said it opened an investigation into the incident.

Meanwhile, it was mentioned that supporters of terrorist organization would hold a demonstration on Thursday in Komotini.

The local Greek press called the residents to join the protest march while it said that supporters of terrorist organization living in Salonica and other cities would participate in the demonstration.

[13] DISCUSSIONS FOR A NATIONAL PARK IN THE KURE MOUNTAINS

Irfan Celik, Deputy Undersecretary of the Ministry of Forestry, told the meeting that the Development Programme of the Kure Mountains National Park has an administrative structure that suits with the people living in the region.

Emphasizing that the Kure Mountains which is situated between northern Bartin and Kastamonu provinces is an area which needs to be protected due to the biological variety, an official from the General Directorate of National Parks said that they applied a pluralist approach in the draft development plan for the first time.

An official from the United Nations (U.N.) Food and Agriculture and Organization (FAO) recalled that Turkey signed a ''Development and Protection Project for the Biodiversity of the National Parks and the Administration of Protection Areas'' and added that 310,000 U.S. dollars was granted to Turkey for this project.

[14] BANGLADESH TO TAKE OVER D-8 TERM PRESIDENCY - A DELEGATION HEADED BY PRESIDENT DEMIREL PARTICIPATES IN THE SECOND SUMMIT TO BE HELD IN DACCA

Sermet Atacanlı, the Foreign Ministry Deputy Spokmesman told a press briefing that ''Turkey is still the Term-President of the D-8 cooperation. Mr. President will address the summit as he has the title of term president and give the term presidency to Bangladesh.''

Recalling that D-8 entered into force by the ''Conference on Development '' held in Istanbul on October 22 by the participation of Iran, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Malesia, Indenosia, Egypt and Nigeria upon the invitation of Turkey, Atacanlı said that the second summit meeting will be held in Dacca.

Noting that D-8 Commission meeting will be held on Friday and D-8 Council of Ministers meeting will be held on Saturday before the D-8 Summit, Atacanlı stated that President Demirel will also hold bilateral meetings with the heads of state and governments who will participate in the summit.

Atacanlı said that ''the aim of starting the D-8 cooperation is to improve economic cooperation among eight countries, which have a great economic potential, population and geographical area.''

Noting that the draft decisions and the report of the Council of Ministers will be evaluated during the commission meeting, Atacanlı stated that a Dacca Declaration will be published at the end of the summit.

Atacanlı stressed that various cooperation fields will be revised during the Commission and Council of Ministers meetings and information will be given concerning the developments acquired by the industrial and health working groups that work under the coordination of Turkey, adding that important progress was provided from the working groups on crop duster project and AIDS Prevention and Control Programme.

Pointing out that TAI will produce the prototype of crop duster, Atacanlı stated that the first test flight of the plane is foreseen to be held in the last quarter of 1999.

Stressing that the coming summit is foreseen to be held in Cairo, Atacanlı said that the definite date and place of the summit will be determined during the Dacca Summit.

''Our country wishes to share the information she has due to her geographical status and broad economic relations with friendly countries in order to contribute to the world peace. Enforcement of the projects foreseen under the D-8 cooperation will be benefical, some countries of D-8 have been negatively affected from the recent economic crisis in a considerable extent and views will be exchanged about the effects of this crisis and the measures taken,'' Atacanlı added.

[15] PREPARATIONS FOR OSCE SUMMIT START

Addressing the weekly press conference, Sermet Atacanli, the Deputy Spokesman of the Foreign Ministry, said that an ''Istanbul Summit Executive Secretariat'' was established within the Foreign Ministry structure in accordance with the decisions of OSCE and Ambassador Sadi Calislar was appointed as the Executive Secretary.

Atacanli said that the heads of states or governments and foreign ministers of 54 OSCE member countries and the representatives of Japan and Korea would attend the Summit Meeting.

Atacanli said that the preparation for the OSCE Summit and the Summit Meeting would be held at the Ciragan Palace and Kempinsky Hotel complex.

Pointing out that the OSCE Summit would be one of the largest conventions in the 20th century, Atacanli said that they expect almost three thousand delegation members and correspondents to attend the Summit.

[16] TRIAL OF CHIEF TERRORIST - LAWYER OKCUOGLU: ''ANKARA DGM DIDN'T RESPOND TO THE ISSUE OF OUR ARRIVAL ON IMRALI ISLAND''

Lawyer Ahmet Zeki Okcuoglu said that they came to Mudanya to proceed to the Imrali Island after the verdict for arrestment in absentia had been changed into arrestment in presence.

Pointing out that they couldn't give meaning to the reaction of residents in Mudanya, Okcuoglu said, ''we are fulfilling attorneyship duty in accordance with Article 12 of the Attorneyship Law. We returned back as we did not find our interlocutors. We are still awaiting the response of the Ankara DGM for our request to leave for the island.''

[17] SUPPORT FROM JAPAN TO TURKISH EXPORTATION SECTOR

The mentioned credit will be used to meet the finance requirements of the small and medium scale industrial institutions and to support their exports.

The Undersecretary of the Treasury said in its statement that the Executive Committee of the Japanese Eximbank decided to grant the mentioned credit worth of 200 million U.S. dollars in its today's meeting.

The statement added that the studies to complete the consultations about the conditions of the mentioned credit and to put this credit into effect as soon as possible are underway.

[18] FOREIGN MINISTRY: - ''FOR A PERMANENT SOLUTION, RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS BEYOND THE 1974 CONSTITUTION SHOULD BE GIVEN TO ALL NATIONAL COMMUNITIES IN KOSOVO INCLUDING THE TURKISH MINORITY'' - ''WE HOPE THE PROCESS TILL 15 MARCH WILL BE EVALUATED CONSTRUCTIVELY''

Foreign Ministry issued a written statement saying that the news informing that there were new clashes in Kosovo created concerns, adding, ''thus, Turkey believes that peace and stability should be secured in the region rapidly. Turkey calls the sides to keep away from applying to violence and wants the sides to abide by the U.N. Security Council's resolutions regarding Kosovo.''

Pointing out that Turkey was pleased with the common will which was provided for the peaceful solution although the final agremment has not still been signed, the statement said that Turkey hopes that the sides will evaluate constructively the period till 15 March.

There has been a progress in the negotiations continuing since 6 February at Rambouillet for the solution of Kosovo issue and the sides have reached a consensus on a ''comprehensive autonomy''.

It is foreseen that the sides should sign the agreement until 15 March and specify the implementation principles at the conference to be held the same date.

[19] PARLIAMENT SPEAKER CETIN IN LONDON - CETIN MEETS WITH BETTY BOOTHROYD, SPEAKER OF BRITISH PARLIAMENT

Ozdem Sanberk, the Turkish Ambassador to London, also attended the meeting, which took nearly half an hour at the British Parliament.

Following his meeting with Boothroyd, Cetin attended the luncheon given in his honor by Donald Anderson, the Chairman of the Parliamentary Commission for Foreign Affairs.

[20] KOC, CHAIRMAN OF TURKISH-GREEK BUSINESS COUNCIL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE: ''WE STRONGLY SUPPORT OUR GOVERNMENT'S ATTITUDE AGAINST RECENT DEVELOPMENTS'' - ''ALL OF THE JOINT ACTIVITIES PLANNED BY THE BUSINESS COUNCIL HAVE BEEN ANNULED''

Rahmi Koc stressed that the Business Council annuled all of the planned joint activities with Greece.

Issuing a written statement, Rahmi Koc said that it was unacceptable that a country sets up relations with terrorist organizations, and cooperates with the groups which encourages and protects people staging terrorist activities. Koc stressed that it was openly revealed that Greece assumed such attitudes and thus she became a country supporting terrorism.

Pointing out that the constructive approaches of the Turkish business circles, intellectuals, and Turkish government couldn't bring any result for years, Koc said that Turkey's allies with which she continues joint defense policies with full-loyalty, and especially the European Union (EU) countries pretend not to see this attitude of Greece.

''The Turkish-Greek Business Council, which has developed constructive solutions for our problems with Greece since 1984, strongly supports the Turkish government's policies and attitudes against the recent developments. All of the joint activities planned by the Business Council have been cancelled and the Greek interlocutors have been informed of this annulment,'' Koc said.

[21] CHIEF TERRORIST AT THE AGENDA OF COE

Alev Kılıc, the Turkish Representative to COE, criticized the statement published by Russel Johnson, the Chairman of the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly (COEPA) for not condemning the violent activities of the terrorist organization PKK.

The statement issued by the Chairman of COEPA noted that the visit planned to Turkey was cancelled as the Turkish government did not welcome that, and expressed sorrow over the situation.

Responding to a question of a representative about the postponement of the visit of Russel to Turkey although this issue was not at the official agenda of the Committee of Delegates, Alev Kılıc pointed out that Turkey will be pleased about the courtesy visit of Johnston to Turkey as the new Chairman of COEPA, but Turkey thinks that it will be better if this visit takes place after the elections.

Alev Kılıc also gave the message that the visit of Jonhson to Turkey due to the chief terrorist is not welcomed when one takes into account the fact that justice is independent in Turkey and it can't be under any influence.

Meanwhile, the trial of the chief terrorist in Turkey is expected to be taken up during the meeting of Committee of Delegates on Thursday.

[22] THE HEARING ABOUT THE POLITICAL ASYLUM REQUEST OF THE CHIEF TERRORIST FROM ITALY POSTPONED TO MARCH 22

Officials from the Italian Asylum Council and Legal Studies Association for Immigration were also present at the hearing.

Paolo Di Fiore, the judge said that the identities of the concerned sides were realized and the hearing was postponed to March 22.

Meanwhile, the application of Turkey concerning the extradition of the chief terrorist which was withdrawn later due to the recent developments, was heard by the Rome Court of Appeal on Tuesday and postponed to March 2.

The postponement resulted from the strike of the lawyers and lawyer of Turkey will note on March 2 that Turkey has withdrawn its appliciation concerning the extradition request of Ocalan, the chief terrorist.

[23] TALKS ON BAKU-CEYHAN PIPELINE TO CONTINUE IN MARCH

The Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources issued a statement saying that the talks among Turkey, Azerbaijan and the consortium operation company AIOC in Ankara were concluded.

The statement said that the sides also held meetings on Baku-Ceyhan oil pipeline project between 19-22 February.

Pointing out that the final texts were reviewed and adopted at those meetings, the statement said that the AIOC was briefed on the method to be pursued in the implementation of the issues on which the sides had reached a consensus.

It said the talks would continue in Turkey by 1 March 1999 with full participation of the delegations.

During these meetings, except the transit government agreement, the recoveries for the investment conditions and the liabilities of the sides regarding the realization of the project can be put on the agenda.

A.A

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