Anadolu Agency: News in English, 99-02-26

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AA Daily

26 February 1999 Friday

CONTENTS

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

[02] OCALAN, TERRORIST CHIEF, HAS 100,000 U.S. DOLLARS ON HIM WHEN CAPTURED

[03] RAHMI KOC RESIGNS FROM TURKISH-GREEK BUSINESS COUNCIL'S CHAIRMANSHIP

[04] TERRORISM DISCUSSIONS ON INTERNET

[05] BILICAN, THE HEAD OF THE POLICE ORGANIZATION: - ''WE TRY TO COMPLETE THE SERVICES WHICH COULD NOT BE FULFILLED BECAUSE OF TERRORISM''

[06] AHMET TAN, THE MINISTER OF TOURISM: - ''THE DETERMINED STEPS OF THE GOVERNMENT WILL LEAD TO POSITIVE RESULTS IN TOURISM SECTOR''

[07] KAVI, CHAIRMAN OF THE EXECUTIVE BOARD OF ISTANBUL CHAMBER OF INDUSTRY: ''TURKEY WILL BE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ENERGY DISTRIBUTION CENTRE IN THE TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY''

[08] ''SCIENTIFIC'' PROTEST TO GREECE

[09] SHEVARDNADZE, GEORGIAN PRESIDENT, IN TURKEY

[10] AKTAN, TRANSPORTATION MINISTER: ''GOVERNMENT HAS A POSITIVE APPROACH AND EFFORT TO SPEED UP ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN THE EAST AND THE SOUTHEAST''

[11] TRNC PRIME MINISTER EROGLU: ''WE EXPECT TURKISH BUSINESSMEN TO MAKE INVESTMENTS IN CYPRUS''

[12] TURKISH TOURISM TO BE INTRODUCED BY THE ''BEAUTY QUEENS''

[13] EGYPTIAN OIL MINISTER AL-BAMBI COMES TO ANKARA TO REVIEW COOPERATION BETWEEN TWO COUNTRIES IN ENERGY FIELD

[14] MAJKO, ALBANIAN PRIME MINISTER, TO COME TO TURKEY

[15] BRITISH TRADE DELEGATION DUE IN TURKEY

[16] RADIATION IN TRNC - LEFKE ENVIRONMENT AND INTRODUCTION ASSOCIATION: - ''THE NUMBER OF THE RADIOACTIVE ISOTOPES IN LEFKE IS 14 NOT 8''

[17] FAMOUS SINGER MUSTAFA SANDAL TO SHAKE FRANCE

[18] SOUTHEASTERN EUROPEAN COUNTRIES COOPERATION PROCESS - TURKEY TO TURN OVER TERM PRESIDENCY TO ROMANIA

[19] FINANCIAL SUPPORT FROM EUROPE TO TURKISH CINEMA

[20] HASIBOGLU, SPEAKER OF THE TRNC PARLIAMENT: - ''EXTREME ARMAMENT OF GREEK CYPRIOTS SHOWS THAT THEY ARE NOT PEACEFUL AT ALL''

[21] GEORGIAN PRESIDENT SHEVARDNADZE IN TURKEY - PRESIDENT DEMIREL: - ''GEORGIA IS A CLOSE FRIEND AND PARTNER OF TURKEY FOR REGIONAL PEACE AND STABILITY''

[22] TRNC PRIME MINISTER EROGLU AT TUSIAD

[23] JUDGEMENT OF TERRORIST CHIEF - OKCUOGLU, LAWYER OF TERRORIST CHIEF: ''I ABANDON MY DUTY FOR DEFENSE FROM NOW ON''

[24] TURKISH-EGYPTIAN ENERGY TALKS - MEETINGS BETWEEN DELEGATIONS OF THE TWO COUNTRIES END

[25] COMMANDERS IN EASTERN ERZINCAN PROVINCE - KIVRIKOGLU, CHIEF OF GENERAL STAFF: ''GREECE CAPTURED IN THE VERY ACT, THEY DON'T HAVE A WORD TO UTTER''

[26] TRNC PRIME MINISTER EROGLU AT TUSIAD

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

HURRIYET (LIBERAL)

MEANINGFUL RESIGNATION FROM RAHMI KOC
Rahmi Koc, Turkish businessman targetting improvement of Turkish-Greek relations since 1992, was dissapointed when Greece was caught on the very act with the support it expended to the terrorist organization. Koc resigned from Turkish-Greek Business Council Chairmanship.

MILLIYET (LIBERAL)

MEASURE AGAINST HADEP
Vural Savas, Chief Prosecutor, called on Constitutional Court to prevent Peoples Democracy Party (HADEP) to participate in the elections. Savas said terrorists of PKK warned southeastern people saying that ''we will set your village into fire and kill all of you if you do not give vote to HADEP.''

SABAH (LIBERAL)

''THERE WILL NOT BE AFFECT ON JUDGEMENT''
David Logan, Britain's Ambassador to Ankara, said on Thursday that capture of Abdullah Ocalan, the terrorist chief, is an issue which draws the international interest, adding that foreign intervention cannot be accepted in the judicial process, but that the interest is legal.

Logan said that he mentioned about this issue since the trial process of the terrorist chief is related with the relations between Turkey and the European Union (EU).

CUMHURIYET (LEFT)

MGK WARNS GREECE
The National Security Council (MGK) discussed the latest developments following the capture of Abdullah Ocalan, the terrorist chief, and the support of Greece in terrorism in their meeting held on Thursday. MGK warned the countries which support terrorism. Turkey requested that Greece should condemn the terrorist organization (PKK) and that she should end supporting terrorism.

RADIKAL (LEFT)

FAMOUS BUSINESSMAN KOC: ''IT IS ENOUGH''
Rahmi Koc, famous businessman, said that he resigned from his office as the chairman of the Turkish-Greek Business Council which he was working for seven years. Koc said that he resigned from his office because the agenda of the Greeks was very different from that of Turkish.

YENI YUZYIL (LIBERAL)

TURKEY'S RATING NOTE NOT TO CHANGE
The Japanese Rating Organization JCR, which is headed by Masami Shigematsu, the chairman of the Turkish desk of the organization, is expected to find Turkey's former rating note of 'BB' enough and is not expected to change it.

TÜRKİYE (RIGHT)

CALL TO THE TERRORISTS IN THE MOUNTAINS
The announcements prepared by Hakkari Governorship which addressed the terrorists in the mountains and which were thrown to the mountains from the helicopters requested that the terrorists should surrender the Turkish security forces.

ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)

[02] OCALAN, TERRORIST CHIEF, HAS 100,000 U.S. DOLLARS ON HIM WHEN CAPTURED

Ocalan also had two Italian eye glasses, a passport and a watch other than the money on himself.

The support of Greece in terrorism was revealed when the terrorist chief was captured and brought to Turkey. In his interrogation Ocalan said the Greek Ambassador to Kenya suggested giving him a gun to be used to commit suicide or to use in other possibilities in case he was in danger. Ocalan said he did not get the gun.

Meanwhile, every moment of the terrorist chief on the Imrali Island is recorded by video cameras. It is revealed that the terrorist chief stays in a private room having a toilet and a bathroom and that a high-ranking security official stays on guard by himself.

The outside security is provided by the Gendermarie Commandership, while the terrorist chief cannot hold contacts with anyone except the high- ranking security officials.

The terrorist chief said in his statement the details of his days in Europe and blamed his so-called representatives as not being able to find a place for him to shelter.

[03] RAHMI KOC RESIGNS FROM TURKISH-GREEK BUSINESS COUNCIL'S CHAIRMANSHIP

According to the written statement made by Can Cagdas, Koc Holding's Public Relations Coordinator, Koc sent his resignation letter to the Foreign Economic Relations Committee (DEIK) on Thursday.

Koc stated the following in his letter:

''Since 21 Dec 1992, I worked hard with my friends to improve our business, social, cultural and sometimes even political relations with our neighbour Greece.

However, we have not received the same enthusiasms and effort from the Greek businessmen. We always had to initiate and give direction to the events. We persisted and thought we would never give up. I had to shoulder the reactions directed at me from both inside and outside our organization. But, I realized that all my efforts were in vain as our Greek friends had a completely different agenda than ours. I see that Turkish-Greek Business Council's mission is meaningless under these circumstances. Therefore, I request the acceptance of my resignation.''

[04] TERRORISM DISCUSSIONS ON INTERNET

The debates also take place on the websites of well known names of the media like BBC and New York Times.

This week's discussions on BBC News website focused on the terrorist attacks of Ocalan's supporters in Europe and the incident was compared to the Kosovo problem. The New York Times also is hosting a similar debate on its website.

Participations from Turkey revealed the facts about the terrorist organization. Below are the website addresses where you can express your opinion and use your vote:

http://www.times.com/yr/mo/day/news/world/turkey_kurd.html

http://news/bbc.co.uk/hi/english/talking-point

[05] BILICAN, THE HEAD OF THE POLICE ORGANIZATION: - ''WE TRY TO COMPLETE THE SERVICES WHICH COULD NOT BE FULFILLED BECAUSE OF TERRORISM''

Addressing a speech in the reception held for the policemen who finished the ''Sixteenth Course of Struggling Against Terrorism'', Bilican said that Turkey has been struggling against terrorism for a long time.

Recalling that Abdullah Ocalan, the terrorist chief, was captured and brought to Turkey, Bilican noted that the terrorist organization caused serious damages in Turkey.

Bilican stated that the terrorist organization prevented the completion of investments in the Southeastern Anatolia Region, burned and destroyed the things which were realized in the region and killed thousands of people.

Noting that the studies of the state concerning the development of the areas which were damaged by the terrorism remained incomplete due to terrorism atmosphere, Bilican said that the studies which could not be fulfilled will be realized from now on.

[06] AHMET TAN, THE MINISTER OF TOURISM: - ''THE DETERMINED STEPS OF THE GOVERNMENT WILL LEAD TO POSITIVE RESULTS IN TOURISM SECTOR''

Tan got information from the officials of the tourism sector and listened to the problems of this sector in the meeting titled ''The Evaulation of the Tourism in 1998'' which was held in Marmaris county of Aegean Mugla province.

Stating that they can be successful in case they put forward the problems of the ministry and the sector and the proposals of solutions together, Tan said that the government was formed in a special period, but that important developments are faced in the political life of Turkey.

Tan said, ''tourism is not an event which requires significant date of maturities. The preparation season in tourism covers the period between January and March. The preparations end no later than April. Our government realized significant developments by determined steps. We started many positive studies.''

[07] KAVI, CHAIRMAN OF THE EXECUTIVE BOARD OF ISTANBUL CHAMBER OF INDUSTRY: ''TURKEY WILL BE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ENERGY DISTRIBUTION CENTRE IN THE TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY''

Addressing a conference on ''the Turkey reality and the national state process'' in Izmir, Kavi pointed out the celebration of the seventy-fifth anniversary of the Republic of Turkey and stated that Turkey significantly developed in every field in these seventy-five years.

Noting that Turkey started to take its first steps in industry in the year 1950, Kavi noted that Turkey faced many important developments in economy and industry since that time.

Emphasizing that the global economic crisis affected Turkey as it affected the other countries, Kavi drew the attention to the economic problems.

Stressing that some other problems are faced in the foreign trade equilibrium in 1998 beside the inflation problem, Kavi emphasized that holding the elections a year earlier will also cause some problems.

Stating that whole world is aware of the efforts of Turkey, Kavi said, ''Turkey will be in the middle of the energy distribution centre in the twenty-first century. The world knows this.''

Noting that the water is also very important in the twenty-first century, Kavi added that Turkey has a superiority in this energy sector.

Expresing the political issues, Kavi said that the understanding of a state which has a regulative function rather than an intervening function has become more important today.

[08] ''SCIENTIFIC'' PROTEST TO GREECE

Delilbasi, in a written statement, said the developments happening the the recent days proved that Greek government expended support to terrorism which is a universal crime.

Delilbasi said DTCF will review cultural and scientific cooperation with the Greek universities to protest the support of Greece to the targets which will not go beyond the dreams.

Delilbasi said ''we expect Greek people and the scientists, whom we believe do not support terrorism, to condemn this attitude of their government.''

[09] SHEVARDNADZE, GEORGIAN PRESIDENT, IN TURKEY

Shevardnadze was welcomed by President Demirel, Aydin Tumen, the Minister of State, and high-ranking officials at the Esenboga Airport.

A joint statement of Turkey and Georgia and the signature of various agreements between the two countries are expected within the framework of the contacts of Shevardnadze.

The two countries will discuss accelerating the studies like the activation of the project of Kars-Tbilisi railways, which constitutes the biggest part of Eurosian Transportation Corridor and the realization of Baku-Tbilisi- Ceyhan main pipeline project.

Shevardnadze will continue his contacts in Istanbul on Saturday.

[10] AKTAN, TRANSPORTATION MINISTER: ''GOVERNMENT HAS A POSITIVE APPROACH AND EFFORT TO SPEED UP ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN THE EAST AND THE SOUTHEAST''

Speaking to A.A correspondent Aktan said the 56th Government was in a positive approach and effort to speed up economic development in Eastern and Southeastern regions.

Aktan said his ministry will do what is required to speed up development of the region, adding that ''we have important investments like the Souteastern Anatolian Region (GAP) Airport. Construction of another Airport in Yuksekova county in southeastern Hakkari province is programmed. Our studies continue in the region for investments.''

[11] TRNC PRIME MINISTER EROGLU: ''WE EXPECT TURKISH BUSINESSMEN TO MAKE INVESTMENTS IN CYPRUS''

Eroglu visited Memduh Oguz, Kocaeli Governor in Izmir where he came as the guest of Hilmi Cavli, TRNC Istanbul Consul General and

Kocaeli Industrialists' and Businessmen's Association.

Eroglu who spoke at the conference tİtled ''The Political and Economical State of Turkey on the Brink of 2000's'', said they are working to create a country with a powerful economy which can ''stand on its feet'' and take its place among other nations in the world.

''We've completed the studies of infrastructure in our country and formed industrial regions. Turkish businessmen regard our country as a risky region for investments. It is not as risky as it is thought. There is no expectation of war. Even if there is such risk, İt İs İn southern Cyprus. Other countries invest more in the southern Cyprus. We want Turkish businessmen to invest in TRNC. This could be in the sector of servİce. We allocate land for those who will construct touristic facilities. We rent it for 39 years, we can even double this period if it is necessary,'' Eroglu continued.

The TRNC prime minister also mentioned the economical and trade agreements between Turkey and TRNC and said ''the agreement over credits with low interest rates is an important one. We benefited a lot from Turkey's support on this. According to the free trade agreement, anything that is produced in TRNC will be treated as it is produced in Mersin or Adana. This will help a lot at the customs.''

When answering the questions of the press, Eroglu said they have condemned the Southern Cyprus Greek administration for the support they expended to terrorist chief Ocalan.

Eroglu stressed that they increased the security measures to prevent terrorism and added that they ''metİculously investigate'' the applications of Turkish students who come to Cyprus to study.

He pointed out that no demonstrations took place by the supporters of Ocalan in TRNC since the hİs capture and reminded that 4 students who held demonstrations supporting the terrorist organization were expelled a few years ago.

[12] TURKISH TOURISM TO BE INTRODUCED BY THE ''BEAUTY QUEENS''

The attention of the world countries will be drawn to the Virgin Mary Monastary by the beauty contest titled ''Miss Tourism International'' which will be held in October in Selcuk county of Izmir, where the ruins of the famous historical Ephesus are situated.

One of the members of the organization company said that they aim at turning the projectors of the world to Ephesus, where the house of Virgin Mary is also situated, a year before 2000.

Noting that the musicians, actors and actresses and showmen who will be invited to Turkey from other countries for the beauty contest will constitute the visual aspect of this organization, the official said that they aim at introducing Selcuk, Ephesus, Kusadasi and Turkish tourism to the world by the help of this beauty contest.

[13] EGYPTIAN OIL MINISTER AL-BAMBI COMES TO ANKARA TO REVIEW COOPERATION BETWEEN TWO COUNTRIES IN ENERGY FIELD

Hamdi Al-Bambi, the Egyptian Oil Minister who visited Ziya Aktas, Turkish Energy and Natural Resources Minister, said delegations of both sides will meet to evaluate the natural gas projects as well as other projects in the energy field during today's meetings. Al-Bambi also stated that they will decide on the steps that need to be taken for the application of these projects.

Al-Bambi who was received by President Suleyman Demirel talked about the relations between Egypt and Turkey. The Egyptian Oil Minister stated that Aktas gave him assurances on the realization of the activities in the energy field between Turkey and Egypt. '' The relations between the two countries will improve in every field'' he added.

The ministers are expected to issue a statement on the agreements reached during the meetings after the delegations complete their talks.

[14] MAJKO, ALBANIAN PRIME MINISTER, TO COME TO TURKEY

The bilateral, regional and international issues, especially the Kosovo issue, are expected to be discussed between Turkey and Albania during Majko's visit to Turkey.

It is stated that Majko's arrival to Turkey, after the Kosovo meetings which is held in France and resulted ın a principle agreement, has importance.

During Majko's contacts, Turkey will emphasize the view that it is necessary to solve the Kosovo dispute within the framework of the territorial integrity of Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and within the scope of giving rights and liberties beyond the 1974 constitution to all the national communities in Kosovo, including the Turkish minority.

[15] BRITISH TRADE DELEGATION DUE IN TURKEY

Britain's Istanbul Consulate General statement said Lord Paul, chairman of Caparo Group LTD, will be accompanied by officials from 12 British companies and that the delegation will visit Turkish Iron and Steel Producers Association, Turkish-British Business Council and Foreign Capital Association.

Members of the delegation will also meet with officials of Foreign Trade Undersecretariat Privatization Administration and Ankara Chamber of Industry.

With the visit further improvement of trade relations between Turkey and Britain is targetted.

[16] RADIATION IN TRNC - LEFKE ENVIRONMENT AND INTRODUCTION ASSOCIATION: - ''THE NUMBER OF THE RADIOACTIVE ISOTOPES IN LEFKE IS 14 NOT 8''

Oktay told A.A correspondent that the officials of Turkish Atomic Energy Authority (TAEK) who came to the region confirmed the radioactive leak and that they determined 14 isotopes in the region.

Stating that the places of the 13 isotopes have been determined, Oktay noted that they cannot find where the other isotope is.

Noting that they do not take enough measures to make the isotopes ineffective, Oktay said, ''the intervention of the Ministry of Health and Environment which took into consideration our warnings is pleasing. Our task is to put this issue on the agenda until the isotopes are taken away from Lefke and until they are made ineffective.

Oktay stressed that the CMC mine company burried 16 barrels of cyanide and that these barrels are still in the same place they were burried, adding that they held contact with this company and that they will determine the place of the barrels by the maps they requested from the company which showed the places of the barrels.

Oktay emphasized that the 200 barrels of sulphuric acid which is left on the Island by the multilateral company which produced silver, gold, copper and iron pyrites for about fifty years is still where they were left.

[17] FAMOUS SINGER MUSTAFA SANDAL TO SHAKE FRANCE

Sandal signed an agreement with the Sony company in Paris, concerning the production of two albums titled ''Araba'' (The Car) and ''Aya Benzer'' (Looks Like the Moon).

After the ceremony held for the signature of the agreement in Paris, the officials of the Sony company said that they were very pleased to work with a young Turkish musician like Mustafa Sandal.

Sandal said that they planned to produce two albums in France firstly and that he believes that he will be successful in this country.

The album produced by Tarkan in the recent months made a great success and got among the albums which were on the top of the music lists.

[18] SOUTHEASTERN EUROPEAN COUNTRIES COOPERATION PROCESS - TURKEY TO TURN OVER TERM PRESIDENCY TO ROMANIA

Foreign Ministry statement said Turkey will turn over the term presidency to Romania with a meeting of Political Directors Meeting. During the meeting, situation of cooperation process, completed projects and the planned targets would be reviewed.

The statement said an agreement regarding establishment of Southeastern European Trade Development Center was signed during Turkey's term presidency.

The statement pointed out that all the views were told at cooperation process meetings, in which Yugoslavia attended, at a time when Kosovo crisis threatened regional security.

The statement said Daniel Tarschys, Secretary General of Council of Europe, sent a letter of Foreign Minister Ismail Cem and noted that they decided to include the Southeastern European Countries Process among the regional organizations which the Council will cooperate in formation of European architecture.

Cem in his response to Secretary General said ''efforts of the process to provide peace, confidence and stability in the region and to increase welfare of the people of the region is parallel to the basic thoughts and understanding of the international community and COE. The statement said Cem also briefed about the completed projects and the projects for future.

Albania, Bulgaria, Macedonia, Romania, Turkey, Yugoslavia and Greece participate in as members and Bosnia-Herzegovina and Crotia participate in observer status to the process which is the only cooperation process covering regional countries.

Turkey, in its presidency, staged Foreign Ministers Conference in June 1998 and a summit of Heads of States and Governments in Istanbul and in Oct 1998 in southern Antalya province and political directors convened four times in one year.

[19] FINANCIAL SUPPORT FROM EUROPE TO TURKISH CINEMA

The Afsar Company has undertaken the distribution of long feature films named ''Alice and Martin'' and ''Place Vendom'', Belge Company has undertaken the distribution of the film named ''Los Amantes del circolo Polar'' and the A Film Company has undertaken distribution of

''American Cuisine''.

The Eurimages has been established in 1988 in order to support the European cinema industry against the Hollywood cinema industry.

The Eurimages has provided financial support worth of 1.17 billion French Frank to a total of 679 European films so far.

[20] HASIBOGLU, SPEAKER OF THE TRNC PARLIAMENT: - ''EXTREME ARMAMENT OF GREEK CYPRIOTS SHOWS THAT THEY ARE NOT PEACEFUL AT ALL''

In a written statement, Hasiboglu stressed that according to the official statistics the share of armament in the Gross National Product (GNP) is 5.5 point in the Greek Cypriot side.

Hasipoglu underlined that the Greek Cypriot side has become a powder- barrel.

Pointing out that armament expenditure per capita in the Greek Cypriot side has reached 753 U.S. dollars this year, Hasiboglu noted that this figure is higher than the ones in the member states to the NATO.

Emphasizing that the Greek Cypriot side spends the money which should be spent for the prosperity of the people and establishment of lasting peace on Cyprus, prodigally, Hasiboglu pointed out the contradiction between disarmament propoganda of the Greek Cypriot side and the armament competiton among the Greek Cypriots.

[21] GEORGIAN PRESIDENT SHEVARDNADZE IN TURKEY - PRESIDENT DEMIREL: - ''GEORGIA IS A CLOSE FRIEND AND PARTNER OF TURKEY FOR REGIONAL PEACE AND STABILITY''

Addressing the official greeting ceremony, President Demirel described Georgia as a close and reliable friend and partner of Turkey for regional peace and stability.''

Demirel said, ''we will take up the opportunities for further improving the cooperation and relations between Turkey and Georga during the two day visit of Georgian President Shevardnadze. We also discuss issues of the Caspian energy sources, the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline, the rehabilitation of the Batum Airport, the project envisaging the revival of Silk Road, the Kars-Ahilkelek-Tbilisi railway, and our multilateral relations on the international platform such as the Black Sea Economic Cooperation Organization, the United Nations, the NATO, Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe and the Council of Europe.''

Describing President Shevardnadze as one of the architects of a new world order, Demirel stressed, ''Turkey attributes great importance to the stability in the Caucasus and within this framework to the independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and political unity of Georgia. Turkey will continue to do her utmost to help Georgia to overcome difficulties she facec with.''

Demirel expressed satisfaction over Georga's efforts aiming at unification with the Western organization.

Demirel also added that the relations between the two countries which are already excellent, will gain a new acceleration with Turkey visit of President Shevardnadze.

President Shevardnadze said in his part that he is pleased to be in Turkey and thanked President Demirel for his contribution for the improvement of the relations between Turkey and Georgia.

Uluc Gurkan, the Acting Speaker of Parliament, Aydin Tumen, the

State Minister, Hikmet Sami Turk, the Defense Minister, Ismail Cem, the Foreign Minister and other senior officials were in attendance at the meeting.

[22] TRNC PRIME MINISTER EROGLU AT TUSIAD

Eroglu noted that he gave information to the members of the TUSIAD about the economic problems that the TRNC encounter with, and the efforts aiming at reviving private sector in the TRNC, along with TRNC's current political situation.

Eroglu expressed satisfaction over the importance attributed by the TUSIAD to the TRNC, stressing that they are pleased with the determination of the TUSIAD to maintain its contributions for the economic developments of the TRNC:

Erkut Yucaoglu, Chairman of the Turkish Industrialists and Businessmen Association (TUSIAD), said in his part that their meeting focused on what could be done for the TRNC's economic development.

Yucaoglu pointed out that the TUSIAD has undertaken the promotion of the collective activities of the Turkish businessmen and the TRNC Government.

Yucaoglu also added that they are ready to do their utmost for the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus in any time.

[23] JUDGEMENT OF TERRORIST CHIEF - OKCUOGLU, LAWYER OF TERRORIST CHIEF: ''I ABANDON MY DUTY FOR DEFENSE FROM NOW ON''

Addressing a news conference Okcuoglu said he faced with the danger of being lynched, and claimed that the state could not perform the duty of protecting them.

Claiming that he did a public work as a jurist but that it was impossible to fulfil this duty under these conditions, Okcuoglu said ''I abandoned my duty for defense from now on.''

Okcuoglu said other lawyers will not be able to perform their duty of defense if assurances are not given for security of life and defense.

[24] TURKISH-EGYPTIAN ENERGY TALKS - MEETINGS BETWEEN DELEGATIONS OF THE TWO COUNTRIES END

During meetings between the delegations of the two countries, headed by Ziya Aktas, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources and Egyptian Oil Minister Hamdi al-Bambi on energy issue, they decided to improve cooperation in both countries.

Aktas, Minister of Energy, speaking after the meeting said there were very close relations between Egyptian Republic and Turkish Republic, adding that close relations between President Suleyman Demirel and Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak resulted in positive outcomes.

Aktas recalled that the company which carries out studies about natural gas in Egypt participated in a tender given by state run pipeline company BOTAS, and that another concrete example was the studies carried out by TPAO in Egypt.

Aktas said in today's meeting they decided to further improve relations, and briefing about the natural gas Turkey will purchase from Egypt Aktas said: ''natural gas pipeline between the two countries is the most important issue. A letter of intention has been signed last year with Egypt regarding transportation of Egyptian natural gas to Turkey by passing it under the Mediterrenean. In today's meeting we took another step and decided that another alternative, passage from the territory, is possible. An with a protocol we will sign today, the two sides will express their intention. We also decided that decisions that will be taken after the feasibility reports will result in an outcome.''

Aktas also said Turkey was determined to purchase natural gas from Egypt.

Aktas recalled the previous initiatives of Turkey to hold 17th World Oil Congress in Turkey that will take place in the year 2003 and disclosed that Egypt will support Turkey against Brazil in the voting on March 3.

Meanwhile, the guest minister Al-Bambi briefed about the protocol that will be signed and expressed pleasure over the improvement of bilateral cooperation.

[25] COMMANDERS IN EASTERN ERZINCAN PROVINCE - KIVRIKOGLU, CHIEF OF GENERAL STAFF: ''GREECE CAPTURED IN THE VERY ACT, THEY DON'T HAVE A WORD TO UTTER''

Evaluating terrorist incidents in Southeastern Anatolian Region, Gen. Kivrikoglu said ''the situation is calm and will be better in the region. Terrorist incidents came to a level that can be controlled. There are still some young people in the mountains who were deceived. We believe that they will surrender to Turkish justice soon because insisting on it will not be a way out.''

Chief of General Staff and the force commanders who accompany him are expected to return to Ankara today after concluding their observations in the region.

[26] TRNC PRIME MINISTER EROGLU AT TUSIAD

Addressing the meeting with Erkut Yucaoglu, Chairman of the Turkish Industrialists and Businessmen Association (TUSIAD), Dervisoglu pointed out, ''Ocalan affair is extremely significant to bring who assisted the terrorist organization PKK to light. The U.S. and other countries, and the European Union (EU) that has begun full membership negotiations with the Greek Cypriot side, saw that Greece supports terrorism.''

Erkut Yucaoglu, Chairman of the Turkish Industrialists and Businessmen Association (TUSIAD), said in his part that they protest seriously the attitude displayed by Greece.

Reminding that Rahmi Koc, a leading Turkish businessmen, resigned from his his post as the Chairman of the Turkish-Greek Business Council which he has been filling since 21 December 1992, Yucaoglu stressed that Turkey should assume a serious attitude against Turkey.

Emphasizing that they have sent press bulletins to inform the foreign press over the issue, Yucaoglu called Turkish people to give direct messages to the Greek public opinion.

A.A

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