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Anadolu Agency: News in English, 99-03-03Anadolu Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Anadolu Agency Home Page at <http://www.anadoluajansi.gov.tr/>AA Daily03 March 1999 WednesdayCONTENTS
[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCANThese are some of the major headlines and their brief stories in Turkey's press on March 3, 1998. The Anadolu Agency does not verify these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.HURRIYET (LIBERAL) WE ASK U.S. FOR INFORMATION ABOUT A GREEK SPY EU ASSISTANCE TO TURKEY MILLIYET (LIBERAL)GREECE TO BE SURROUNDEDKorkmaz Haktanır, the Foreign Ministry Undersecretary said that the attitude of Greece towards Turkey is worse than the attitude of Syria. ''Greece has to change this, if not bad things will take place between the two states,'' Haktanır said. Loğoglu, the Foreign Ministry Deputy Undersecretary explained how Greece will be surrounded: ''We will take initiatives and bring the issue to the agenda of NATO, Organization on Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and other states. The attitude of Greece will also be reflected to the Aegean and Cyprus question.'' CEMIL BAYIK INSTEAD OF OCALAN SABAH (LIBERAL)PKK'S TARGET IS DSP CANDIDATESThe anger of the terrorist organization PKK has been directed towards Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit and candidates of the Democratic Left Party (DSP). PKK members phone DSP candidates before the coming elections and tell them that ''Premier Ecevit led to the capture of Abdullah Ocalan, our leader. DSP is our enemy. Don't be candidates from this party.'' Special security measures have been taken in sensitive regions due to threats of death. Aydın Arslan, the Emergency Regional Governor phoned Premier Ecevit and said ''Don't start your election campaign from this region.'' Thus, Ecevit decided to start the campaign from another region. SPECIAL TEAM'S IMRALI TOUR CUMHURIYET (LEFT)JUSTICE MINISTRY REMINDS OF THE PENALTY LAW FOR SEPERATIST ATTEMPTSThe Justice Ministry announced that all statements and information about the Ocalan investigation will be released by the Prime Ministry Crisis Administration Center. The ministry said they will take legal measures against those who support the terrorist PKK and publish images or press statements to support Ocalan, the chief terrorist. The Justice Ministry sent instructions to the Chief Prosecutors Offices to file a suit against foundations and associations who carry out seperatist activities even if they have ''political and cultural'' purposes. Selcuk Oztek, the Justice Minister, in the circular he sent to the Chief Prosecutors Offices, drew attention to the Turkish Penalty Law's 125th Act which suggests death penalty for those who ''attempt to harm the unity of the state or a part of it.'' EUROPEANS' EYE IS ON IMRALI The officials from both ministries stated that European participants can only attend the trial as spectators but not observers. European lawyers representing their country will also not be allowed in the trial. The ministries also stressed that Ocalan, the chief terrorist will be tried according to the international rules of justice. RADIKAL (LEFT)EUROPEANS IN TURKEY FOR OCALANThe delegation from the Council of Europe (COE) Committee for Prevention of Torture which arrived in Turkey on 27 February, left Bursa province for Imrali Island where Abdullah Ocalan, the chief of the terrorist organization PKK, is being kept in prison. The eleven-member delegation made inquiries in connection with the process for the trial of the terrorist chief. SEMDIN SAKIK TO DESCRIBE OCALAN YENİ YÜZYIL (LIBERAL)AMERICAN POLLThe U.S. Congress is very interested in Turkey's upcoming general elections and as usual in Western countries a polling study has been done. The Standart and Moors has carried out a survey about the general elections in Turkey. The results have summoned in a report and sent directly to the U.S. Congress. The report says that the Democratic Left Party (DSP) will be the first party after the elections. The ratios stated in the report are as follows: Democratic Left Party (DSP) - 25 percent Virtue Party (FP) - 19 percent Motherland Party (ANAP) - 17 percent True Path Party (DYP) - 13 percent Rebublican People's Party (CHP) - 7 percent Nationalist Movement Party(MHP) - 7 percent TÜRKİYE (RIGHT)GREECE IN SHOCKPolitical tension in Greece escalated once again after Theodoros Pangalos, the former Greek Foreign Minister who was forced to resign from his post by Prime Minister Costas Simitis, stated that they endeavoured Abdullah Ocalan, the chief of terrorist organization PKK, to be granted political asylum by an European country, and they surrendered him to Turkey when their efforts failed. ECEVIT: EUROPE WILL HAVE TO CONDEMN ITSELF ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)DELEGATION FROM THE COUNCIL OF EUROPEMAKE INQUIRIES ON IMRALI ISLAND The eleven-member delegation from the Council of Europe (COE) Committee for Prevention of Torture made inquiries in connection with the process for trial of the Abdullah Ocalan, the chief of terrorist organization on Imrali Island where Ocalan is being kept in prison. BUSINESSMEN SUPPORTS AID PROGGRAMME [02] NORMAN STONE, FORMER COUNSELOR OF MARGARETH THATCHER: - ''THE PKK IS DRUG SMUGGLER'' - ''OCALAN IS A PERSON WHO DIDN'T AVOID ORDERING MURDERS OF MANY FAMILIES INCLUDING CHILDREN''LONDON, March 3 (A.A) - Norman Stone, the former counselor of Margareth Thatcher, the former British Premier and the Chairman of the Department of International Relations in Bilkent University, responded to an article written by Harold Pinter, a British playwriter published on February 27 in ''The Spectator'' and Stone supported the views of Turkey about the capture of the chief terrorist and people of Kurdish origin.''Harold Pinter tell us that Kurdish people are kept under pressure in Turkey, adding they don't have the right to use their own language. Even the French paper Le Monde claims that there is an ethnical cleansing in Turkey. Turkish people are getting more nervous about such claims. The PKK which is far from being an independent movement, is a Maoist movement and it is involved in drug trafficking. While Ocalan was trying to find ways to get asylum from Belarussia, he proposed one million dollars to this country. Moreover Ocalan is a person who can order the murders of families including children,'' said Stone. Stressing that the blame of the activities carried out by the terrorist organization against civilians are tried to be put on the Turkish security forces, Norman added that Semdin Sakık, one of the top names within the terrorist organization confessed when captured that these terrorist activities were staged by them. ''I have no doubt that Ocalan will also confess that,'' he said. ''There are two important facts in Turkey. First of all two third of Kurdish people live in Central and Western Anatolia and they did not vote for People's Democracy Party (HADEP) which claims that it talks on behalf of Kurds. Secondly Kurds are not like Albanians living in Kosovo. In spite of the official discourse, Albanians and Serbians don't marry with each other. When we look at Turkey, marriage between Turks and Kurds is widespread in Turkey. Kosovonians speak Albanian language, however there are several languages among Kurds. This shows that transforming Kurdish culture into reality is a difficult concept,'' said Stone. Responding to the claim of Pinter who alleges that Kurdish culture is under pressure, Stone said that ''loot at the demonstrations in Europe. They read a newspaper called 'Ozgur Gundem-Free Agenda'' in Turkish. The television they have set up usually broadcasts in Turkish. Kurdish people don't have a united culture. No body reads newspapers in Kurdish and listen to Kurdish music, although they are not forbidden in Turkey.'' Praising Turkish people, Stone said in his article that ''Turks are good people, their state system works very well. Their operation of capturing Abdullah Ocalan was perfect. Nobody died and as you see Kurds attack Greek embassies more than Turkish embassies in Europe. Foreigners who come to Turkey are both deeply impressed by and respect Turkish people. In fact I have not seen another country where foreigners like natives as such.'' ''Turkish people are right in considering the EU's lack of confidence concerning Ocalan case as an insult. EU will be disappointed about its lack of confidence at the end of the case. People such as Harold Pinter's writing about countries of which they have no idea is irresponsibility. There is a problem and it can be solved by many ways, however this has never include having sympathy towards Ocalan and the other terrorists,'' he added. [03] THE UN SECRETARY GENERAL ANNAN: - ''I HOPE TURKEY AND GREECE WILL NOT FIGHT WITH EACH OTHER BECAUSE OF OCALAN AFFAIR''NEW YORK, March 3 (A.A) - Kofi Annan, the Secretary General of the United Nations (UN), said on Tuesday that he hopes Turkey and Greece will not fight with each other because of Abdullah Ocalan, the chief of terrorist organization PKK.Addressing a press conference, Annan emphasized that he monitors closely the influence of Ocalan affair on the relations between Turkey and Greece. Annan expressed his hope saying that such a difficult period and tension would not cause a war between the two countries. Referring to the Cyprus issue, Annan stressed that the UN will start a new initiative aiming at finding a peaceful solution to the Cyprus question in the coming months. Reminding that Ann Hercus, the Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary General to Cyprus, continues carrying out the shuttle diplomacy on the island, Annan noted that the decision envisaging not to deploy the Russian made S-300 missiles on the Southern Cyprus, contributed to the ease of the tension on the island. Noting that the UN will endeavour to find a peaceful solution to the Cyprus question, Annan pointed out, ''the Cyprus question is not a problem having an easy solution. Furthermore it has become more complicated recently as a result of several reasons.'' Annan refrained from explaining details of the new initative of the UN on the island. [04] ALBANIAN PRIME MINISTER MAJKO IN ANKARAANKARA, March 3 (A.A) - Pandeli Majko, the Albanian Prime Minister arrived in Ankara on Tuesday night with his delegation for a two-day official visit.Majko and the Albanian delegation were welcomed by Sukru Sina Gurel, the State Minister and the Government Spokesman at Ankara's Esenboga Airport. Pascal Milo, the Albanian Foreign Minister is also among the delegation. Another group in which there was Luan Haydaraga, the Albanian Defense Minister and Yilli Bufi, Albanian Minister of Public Economy and Privitization had come to Ankara earlier during the day. Majko is expected to come together with President Suleyman Demirel; Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit; Chief of General Staff Gen. Huseyin Kivrikoglu and Foreign Minister, Ismail Cem during his stay in Ankara as well as Uluc Gurkan, the Parliament Deputy Speaker and the leaders of the political parties. Necati Bilican, Chief of Security Department will meet with Pascal Milo in Ankara. Yavuz Ege, Foreign Trade Undersecretary will meet with Yilli Bufi during the two-day visit of the Albanian delegation. [05] PRESIDENT DEMIREL DEPARTS FROM BANGLADESHDHAKA, March 3 (A.A) - President Suleyman Demirel who paid an official visit to Bangladesh in order to attend the second summit of the Developing Eight (D-8) formed by eight Islamic developing countries, left Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh for Turkey early on Wednesday morning.President Shahabuddin Ahmed of Bangladesh, Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wazed and Erdinc Olumlu, the Turkish Ambassador to Bangladesh, were in attendance at the Dhaka International Airport to see President Demirel's off. President Demirel held talks with his Bangladeshi counterpart Shahabuddin Ahmed; Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wazed; Hassan Habibi, the Iranian Vice President; Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif; Amr Moussa, the Egyptian Foreign Minister; and Begum Halide Ziya, the Bangladeshi opposition leader during his visit to Bangladesh. [06] PARLIAMENT SPEAKER CETIN LEAVES FOR IRELANDISTANBUL, March 3 (A.A) - Hikmet Cetin, the Speaker of Parliament and an accompanying delegation left on Wednesday morning for Ireland to pay an official visit to the Republic of Ireland as the guest of Seamus Pattison, the Speaker of the Irish parliament.Cetin will be received by Irish President Mary Mc Aleese later today, and then he will come together with Pattison. Hikmet Cetin is scheduled to meet with Dick Spring, the former Irish Foreign Minister and former leader of the Labour Party, on 4 March. The same day, Cetin will receive Gay Mitcel, an Irish deputy from the main opposition party, David Andrews, the Irish Foreign Minister, Michael Ferris, a deputy from the Labour Party, and the members of the Institute of the European Affairs. Cetin and the accompanying delegation will return to Turkey on Sunday after making observations at several facilities. Huseyin Yildiz, a deputy from Mardin, Turhan Guven, a deputy from Icel, Ali Dincer, a deputy from Ankara, Tamer Kanber, a deputy from Balikesir and Selahattin Beyribey, a deputy from Kars will accompany Cetin during his official visit to Ireland. [07] NUMBER OF TOURISTS WHO COME TO ANTALYA IN FEBRUARY INCREASES BY 25 PERCENTANTALYA, March 3 (A.A) - A total of 90,270 tourists arrived in southeastern province of Antalya by air, it is reported on Wednesday.The number of tourists who visited Turkey in February, which is the shortest month of the year, increased by 25 percent compared to the same month last year and this pleased the representatives of the tourism sector in Turkey. The majority of the tourists who came to Antalya in February was composed of Germans as usual by 62 percent. Officials pointed out that 55,171 German tourists came to Antalya in February this year, Israeli tourists followed Germans by 9 percent, French tourists followed them by five percent and Austrian tourists by 3 percent. Recalling that 70,462 tourists came to Antalya in February last year, officials noted that the increase in the number of tourists this year is promising for the new season and more tourists are expected to come to the province in March. [08] DEFENSE MINISTER TURK ATTENDS WEST EUROPEAN UNION TRANSATLANTIC FORUM CONFERENCEWASHINGTON D.C., March 3 (A.A) - Sami Turk, the National Defense Minister who is in Washington D.C. to attend the West European Union (WEU) Transatlantic Forum Conference briefed journalists about his contacts in Washington D.C. at a press conference on Tuesday.Turk talked about the NATO Defense Ministers meeting which was hosted by William Cohen, the U.S. Secretary of Defense. During the meeting, Turk said, the defense ministers of several countries exchanged views on the NATO expansion and cooperation for peace. There will be another meeting held in Washington D.C. in late April because of the 50th anniversary of NATO's foundation. Turk summarized other occasions where the participant ministers discussed the European Security and Defense Identity, NATO-WEU relations, and Formation of a European Defense Capacity. The Defense Minister said he had the chance to talk to Cohen about issues that is of interest to both Turkey and the United States. Turk also met with Walter Slocombe, the U.S. Department of Defense Undersecretary for Policy during his visit. Turk said he will give a speech on Wednesday morning about Turkey's defense policy which he describes as an important opportunity to convey Turkey's views on the matter. The Defense Minister will return to Turkey on Wednesday afternoon. [09] FIRST TILE MUSEUM OF TURKEY TO BE OPENED ON 5 MARCHANKARA, March 3 (A.A) - The first tile museum of Turkey will be opened by Istemihan Talay, the Minister of Culture, in western Kutahya Province on 5 March, it was reported on Wednesday.Turkish tile-making is famous worldwide with the unique tiles made in Kutahya and Iznik. The museum was set up in the complex which was constructed in 1412 by Yakup Celebi II, the Ruler of the Germiyanogulları State. The tomb of Yakup Celebi also takes place in the complex which has been restored by the Ministry of Culture. The most significant samples of the tile art will be displayed in the museum along with the documents and equipments regarding the historical development of tile-making. Meanwhile Istemihan Talay will also open the new halls of the Kutahya Archaeology Museum which was established in the Vacidiye Madrasah that was constructed by Umur Bin Savci, the Ruler of the Germiyanogulları State between 1314 and 1315. [10] ANKARA GOVERNORSHIP CALLS ON TERRORIST ORGANIZATION MEMBERS TO SURRENDERANKARA, March 3 (A.A) - The Governorship in Ankara called on the members of the terrorist organization PKK to surrender in order to benefit from the Law on the Repentance.The Governorship said in a written statement that terrorism has not achieved its end in any country of the world and everybody knows that nothing can be achieved by terrorism. Noting that the legal process has started by the capture of Abdullah Ocalan, the chief terrorist and baby-killer, the statement pointed out that ''our government has declared to the public opinion that the Law on Repentance will be adopted by the parliament rapidly after the coming elections that will be held on April 18,1999. The state has assured that no punishment is foreseen for those people who joined the terrorist organization PKK, but who did not commit crimes and also for those who informed officials to ease the capture of terrorists or to prevent the occurance of other crimes. Besides the sentences of those who help in the dissolution of the terrorist organization by their confessions, will be decreased. Our state will provide vocational and technical training opportunities to those people who surrender during the period till the law on repentance is adopted.'' The statement added that the terrorists should benefit from the opportunity granted to them and surrender to the security units soon. [11] AMBASSADOR VURAL: ''GREECE IS MISBEHAVING''NEW YORK, March 3 (A.A) - Volkan Vural, Turkey's Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN) criticized on Wednesday Greece harshly in New York for the support it offered to the terrorist organization PKK.Ambassador Vural who attended the meeting of the UN Correspondents Association in New York pointed out that the Greek ministers resigned not because they were embarrassed of their cooperation with the terrorist organization but because they failed to protect the terrorist chief Ocalan. ''Greece is misbehaving and Greece's attitude towards Turkey is not friendly'' Vural said. ''The PKK wouldn't have been able to come to this point without outside support,'' the ambassador said and he listed Syria, some powers in the Northern Cyprus and Greece among the supporters of the terrorist organization. Vural described Greece's attitude as ''sad.'' Referring to the passport provided for the chief terrorist Ocalan by Greece, he said the recent incident has damaged Turkey's trust for Greece seriously. ''Greece's behaviour is targeted at creating unstability in Turkey, therefore it is an hostile act,'' he continued. Responding to the questions of foreign journalists, the Ambassador said the chief terrorist Ocalan will have a fair trial which will be open to public except for confidential hearings required by the prosecutors. Vural, upon an another question, stated that Turkey did not execute death penalty since 1984. Volkan Vural said he hoped the terrorism which has been continuing for 15 years in Turkey would come to an end and added that Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit announced a ''compassion package'' for the South East Anatolia. [12] AKBEL, TURKISH AMBASSADOR TO AUSTRIA: - ''GREECE WAS CAPTURED IN THE VERY ACT''VIENNA, March 3 (A.A) - Omer Akbel, the Turkish Ambassador to Austria, criticized on Wednesday the different attitudes assumed by the European Union (EU) towards the terrorist organization PKK, saying that terrorism cannot be tolerated whatever its reasons are.Pointing out that Greece was captured in the very act in the seizure of Abdullah Ocalan, the chief of terrorist organization PKK, Akbel described Greece's attitude envisaging ''what is bad for Turkey is better for Greece'' as upsetting. Responding to questions of correspondent of the Austrian News Agency (APA) over the latest developments, Akbel said that the Greek Ambassador to Kenya who provided fake passport to Ocalan and hosted him at the embassy residence, was caught red-handed. Akbel stressed that the three Greek ministers were dismissed for not violating the international laws, but for failing to protect a terrorist. Noting that none of the governments of member states to the European Union (EU) or the EU institutions recognized this obnoxious attitude of Greece, Akbel also criticized manners of Italian and German governments towards the terrorist chief, saying that all criminals should be brought to justice. Akbel expressed concern over the mentality of several Austrian politicians who think that violence potential of the terrorist organization is less in Austria compared with the incidents in Germany. Stressing that the ERNK, the political wing of the terrorist PKK, has formed a command center through a so-called official bureau, Akbel reminded the last week's occupations of embassies. Referring to the meeting of the Austrian Social Democrat Party (SPO) held last week, Akbel noted that he could not understand how the SPO meeting became the scene of threats of supporters of the terrorist organization PKK, who say things like ''we will continue terrorist actions againts Turkey.'' Criticizing the news reports broadcast by the Austrian State Radio and Television Organization (ORF) regarding the supporters of the PKK during the last week's embassy occupations, Akbel emphasized that the PKK is not the representative of the Kurdish people. Akbel recalled that the participation rate at the latest elections had reached up to 85 percent in Southeastern Anatolia region although the PKK called for boycott. Akbel stressed that the trial of Ocalan will not effect upcoming general elections, noting that terrorist actions in Southeastern Anatolia region have nearly come to an end, and comprehensive development plans will be carried out in the region. Akbel also added that every people have the right of speaking in Kurdish language. [13] COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS ON KERKUK-YUMURTALIK OIL PIPELINE TO BE MODERNIZEDANKARA, March 3 (A.A) - A big part of the communication systems on the Kerkuk-Yumurtalik crude oil pipeline will be modernized, it was reported on Wednesday. The Kerkuk-Yumurtalik pipeline is back on the agenda after the recent bombardment of the pipeline by the United States.The digital communication systems (scada) and telecommunication links will be renewed in two stages. The 640 kilometers long portion of the pipeline which is on Turkish side will be financed by BOTAS's resources. The cost of the project is estimated to be around 10 million U.S. dollars. The renovation of the communication systems which is on the Iraqi side of the pipeline (340 kilometers) will be met by a special package because of the U.N. sanctions imposed on Iraq. It was reported that the communication systems will be completely digitalized with this project. [14] MAJKO, ALBANIAN PRIME MINISTER, IN ANKARAANKARA, March 3 (A.A) - The inter-delegationary meetings between Turkey and Albania which were held within the framework of the contacts of Pandeli Majko, the Albanian Prime Minister, who is paying an official visit to Turkey, ended on Wednesday.Premier Bulent Ecevit, Hikmet Ulugbay, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State, Sukru Gurel, Minister of State, Ismail Cem, Foreign Minister, officials from the Foreign Trade Undersecretary and the Undersecretary of Treasury, Necati Bilican, the Head of the Police Organization, Umit Pamir, Prime Ministry Consultant, and Ahmet Okcun, Turkish Ambassador to Albania, participated in the inter-delegationary meetings. Majko, Albanian Prime Minister was accompanied by Pascal Milo, Albanian Foreign Minister,Luan Haydaraga, Albanian Defense Minister, Anastas Angyeli, Albanian Finance Minister, Ylli Bufi, Albanian Public Economy and Privatization Minister, and Saimir Bala, Albanian Ambassador to Turkey, in the meetings. Ismail Cem, the Foreign Minister, gave a luncheon for the honour of Pandeli Majko, Albanian Prime Minister, and his delegation. Pascal Milo, Albanian Foreign Minister, Necati Bilican, Head of the Police Organization, and the other officials joined the luncheon held in the State Guesthouse. Majko is expected to be received by President Suleyman Demirel in the afternoon. [15] BAR NER, ISRAELI AMBASSADOR, MEETS WITH OZKAN, DEPUTY PRIME MINISTERANKARA, March 3 (A.A) - Uri Bar Ner, Israel's Ambassador to Ankara, arrived in Premiership building on Wednesday and met with Husamettin Ozkan, Deputy Prime Minister.Bar Ner, speaking after the meeting, said they held a routine meeting with Ozkan in which economic and political relations were evaluated. Sources close to Premiership said Bar Ner, during the meeting, briefed Ozkan about the news reports appeared in the newspapers which said Yasar Kaya, leader of Democracy Party (DEP), which was closed by the Constitutional Court, was invited to Israel. The sources said Israeli Ambassador told Ozkan that this was not an invitation of the state but that the invitation was made by an Israeli author. It was also reported that Bar Ner evaluated the allegations that Israel formed connections with the terrorist organization as ''nonsense.'' Turkish-Israeli economic relations covering GAP region and cooperation issues in the field of textile were taken up during the meeting. Meanwhile, it was recalled that Hikmet Cetin, Parliament Speaker, will visit Israel on March 9. A Foreign Ministry statement said on Tuesday that an Israeli delegation, headed by Eitan Ben-Tsur, will come to Turkey on Thursday to hold official consultations. The statement said bilateral relations as well as regıonal issues, will be taken up during the meeting that will take place under the chairmanship of Korkmaz Haktanir, Foreign Ministry Undersecretary and Ben-Tsur. [16] A TURK ELECTED AS THE HEAD OF THE UN TIR TRANSPORTATION CONTROL ORGANGENEVA, March 3 (A.A) - Yildiz Kasikci, Turkish Finance Consultant in the United Nations (U.N.) Permanent Representation in Geneva, was elected as the head of the ''Trans-international Route (TIR) Transportation Control Organ'' which activates within the auspices of the U.N., it was reported on Wednesday.The ''TIR Transportation Control Organ'' which is formed within the framework of the amendments done in the U.N. TIR convention dated 1975 and concerning the transportation of goods by the highways, is set up by nine members. In order to prevent the smuggling in TIR transportation, firm measures will be applied in the selection of the transportation companies which will benefit from the system under the new rules implemented in the revision of the TIR convention. All the implementation in the member countries will be closely monitored by the newly set up TIR Control Organ. Turkey actively joins the rehabilitation efforts which have been carried out for four years because of her position in the highway transportation. [17] FORD COMPANY TO MOVE INTO THE CENTRAL ASIAN MARKET THROUGH KOC HOLDINGALMATI, March 3 (A.A) - The products of the Ford Motor Company, one of the U.S automotive companies, will be moved into the Central Asian market through Ram Auto, one of the branches of Koc Holding, famous Turkish company; it was reported on Wednesday.''Ford Sales and After Sales Centre'' which is set up in Kazakhstan, was opened by Kurtulus Taskent, Turkish Ambassador to Almaty, in a ceremony. Mehmet Ali Neyzi, Directorate General of Ram Foreign Trade, and Ronald Plomp, the Sales Manager of Ford Motor Company in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, participated in the opening ceremony of the new centre. Escort and Mondeo car models, Explorer jeep model, Ford Transit and Ford Super Duty F model minibuses and Cargo model lorries will be sold in the centre. [18] THE HUMANITARIAN AID OF THE RED CRESCENT TO BANGLADESH CONTINUESANKARA, March 3 (A.A) - The Red Crescent on Wednesday sent its second part of humanitarian aid to Bangladesh, which faces problems following the torrential rain disaster.Red Crescent Directorate General said in its statement that twelve-ton food, medicine and medical equıpment were sent from Ankara to Bangladesh by a military transportation plane. Noting that twelve-tons of humanitarian aid stuff which were sent to Bangladesh on Tuesday arrived in Bangladesh the same day, the statement added that the humanitarian aid to this country will continue. [19] CONNECTION OF GREECE WITH TERRORIST ORGANIZATION - FOREIGN MINISTRY REVEALS RELATIONS BETWEEN GREECE AND TERRORIST ORGANIZATION WITH THE BOOKLET ''GREECE AND TERRORIST PKK ORGANIZATION''ANKARA, March 3 (A.A) - The Foreign Ministry brought absolute proofs of connection between Greece and terrorist organization PKK to the agenda of international public opinion by bringing together the proofs in a booklet named ''Greece and PKK terrorism'' it was reported on Wednesday.The Foreign Ministry which began to launch activities after finding out that terrorist chief resided in Greek Embassy in Nairobi, brought together all the documents, statements of Greek officials, photographs and confessions of the terrorists, regarding connection of Greece with the terrorist organization in a booklet. The booklet said the main aspect of Greek policy concerning Turkey is ''Enemy of my enemy is my friend'' and pointed out that it was determined that terrorist organization launched three kinds of illegal activities, namely, media and propaganda, terrorist training and allocation of sources. The booklet disclosed the support of Greek government, its officials and political party representatives with many examples, and added that ''cooperation with PKK'' policy, which started during the period of Papandreu, continued during the period of New Democracy and PASOK governments. The booklet said in the annual international terrorism report of the U.S., Greece was identified as a country having suitable atmosphere to realize international terrorist activities and also included the statement ''Greece took very small steps in struggle against terrorism'' which was also included in the report. The booklet also mentioned about a news report of Observer newspaper dated Sept 28, 1997 in which confessions of terrorist Seydo Hazar were included, and listed the confessions of the terrorist with Greece as saying: ''-11 Stinger missiles, produced under licence of Greece, were sold to Tamil EElan Liberation Tigers by terrorist PKK. -As PKK made preparations for terrorist activities in London and other European cities, it was protected by terrorist organization November 17 and financed by sources close to Greek secret service. -Leaders of November 17 carried out close relations with the organs of Greek intelligence service. -November 17 was ready in trainings of the PKK terrorists who were planned to stage attacks in Turkey. -Greek intelligence service provided shelters and Greek passports to PKK terrorists. -PKK, apart from November 17, is in close relations with Tamil EElan Liberation Tigers and German Neo-Nazi and Hamas organizations. In the final parts of the booklet, statements of Pangalos, former Foreign Minister of Greece, were given which he made following the capture of terrorist chief and the news reports which appeared in Greek media. The booklet said centers of terrorist organization in Greece were listed as ''Lavrion, Lamia camps and shelters in Athens and Salonica''. This booklet which revealed relations between Greece and the terrorist organization, were sent to representation of Turkey abroad, representations of foreign countries and international organizations in Turkey and to media institutions. [20] PRESIDENT DEMIREL: - ''TURKEY SINCERELY BELIEVES THAT ECONOMIC COOPERATION WILL BE THE KEY OF PEACE IN THE NEXT CENTURY''ANKARA, March 3 (A.A) - President Suleyman Demirel said on Wednesday that Turkey believes that the economic cooperation would be the key of peace in the next century.Addressing a statement at the Esenboga Airport, President Demirel, who returned from D-8 Summit held in Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh; said that he turned over the term presidency of D-8 Summit to Bangladesh. Demirel noted that the basic targets of D-8 Summit which can be defined as improvement of the economic cooperation and as increasing the trade between the countries which are the members of the D-8 Summit were confirmed once more in the Dhaka Declaration which was adopted in the second summit. Demirel said, ''Dhaka Declaration also decided that meetings between the businessmen of the D-8 countries will be held, taking into consideration that improvement of the economic cooperation requires the increase of the contacts of the businessmen and the entrepreneurs of the countries which are the members of the D-8, in parallel with the summits that will be held in every two years.'' ''Another decision taken in the summit is related with the crop duster project which Turkey will set up and produce. That the prototype of the crop dusters will be made ready to fly until the end of the twentieth century and that the project can be turned into a project of civilian crop duster with multi-purposes were stated in the Dhaka Declaration.'', Demirel added. Noting that Egypt undertook the post of hosting the third of the D-8 Summit, Demirel stressed that he had the opportunity to have bilateral meetings with Sahabuddin Ahmed, Bangladeshi President, Sheikh Hasina Wazed, Bangladeshi Prime Minister, Nawaz Serif, Pakistani Prime Minister, Mahatir bin Mohammed, Malezian Prime Minister, Hasan Habibi, Deputy Iranian President, Amr Moussa, Egyptian Foreign Minister, Haryono Suyono, Indonesian Minister of Welfare and Struggling Against Poverty, and Ali Alatas, Indonesian Foreign Minister. Emphasizing that they exchanged views about the position of the global economy and the bilateral relations in the meetings, Demirel said, ''we launched an aid program to sister Bangladesh, because of the results of the torrential rain disaster she faced. Within the framework of this program, the first part of the twelve-ton food and medicine aid equıpment reached to Bangladesh by a miltary plane before we left Dhaka.'' Pointing out that Turkey believes that the economic cooperation is the key of peace in the next century from the heart, Demirel added that the D-8 Summit serves for this aim as the other kinds of economic cooperation movements. Drawing the attention that D-8 Summit is a useful initiative which helps Turkey in benefitting from the opportunities of the global economy and which can lead the Turkish industry to find new markets and new areas of investments like the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC) and the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), Demirel added, ''I see this economic cooperation movement which covers 24 countries from three continents and a population of one and a half million as a significant investment made for the future.'' Meanwhile, responding a question of the journalists on whether or not the plane carrying President Suleyman Demirel faced a danger in the air, the pilot of the plane said that they did not face any danger. [21] TRIAL OF FORMER DEPUTIES OF BANNED DEP - FOUR FORMER DEPUTIES TRIED WITH CHARGES OF ''AIDING TERRORIST ORGANIZATION''ANKARA, March 3 (A.A) - The trial of Leyla Zana, Orhan Dogan, Hatip Dicle and Selim Sadak, the former deputies of banned Democracy Party (DEP), on charges of ''aiding the terrorist organization'' with a message they sent to the People's Democracy Party (HADEP) Congress in Ankara on 4 October 1998 started on Wednesday.The lawsuit against these four former deputies, who are still at Ankara Main Closed Prison, was opened with the demand of imprisonment terms from three years up to five years for each of them. In this lawsuit, a total of 15 suspects including four members of the Mesopotamia Music Group, which sang songs at the congress are being tried. Mehmet Turgut Okyay, the Chairman of the Ankara State Security Court (DGM) No:2, said that the accused Leyla Zana, Hatip Dicle, Orhan Dogan and Selim Sadak sent a statement to the Court saying that they wouldn't attend the hearing, adding that the suspects, who are arrested on absentia, are still not captured. The indictment demanded the Court to sentence those 15 suspects including Leyla Zana, Orhan Dogan, Hatip Dicle and Selim Sadak with imprisonment terms from three years up to five years on charges of ''aiding and abetting the terrorist organization'' in accordance with Article 169 of the Turkish Penal Code. Pointing out that the imprisoned four suspects committed the mentioned crime with the message they sent to the HADAP Congress in Ankara on 4 October 1998, the indictment said that Sahabettin Ozarslaner, the Deputy Chairman of HADEP, and the members of Mesopotamia Music Group should be sentenced to same imprisonment terms with charges of ''aiding the terrorist organization''. [22] GUTHRIE, CHIEF OF THE BRITISH GENERAL STAFF, VISITS KILIC, AIR FORCES COMMANDER, AND DERVISOGLU, NAVAL FORCES COMMANDERANKARA, March 3 (A.A) - Sir Charles Guthrie, the Chief of the British General Staff, visited on Wednesday General Ilhan Kilic, Air Forces Commander, and Admiral Salim Dervisoglu, Naval Forces Commander.Guthrie, who is paying a visit to Turkey as the guest of General Huseyin Kivrikoglu, the Chief of the General Staff, met with Ilhan Kilic in the Headquarters of the Air Forces Commandership. Kilic said in the meeting that British Royal Air Forces and the Turkish Air Forces have good relations, adding that to this end, the meeting was realized within the framework of a courtesy meeting. Guthrie later went to the Headquarters of the Naval forces Commandership and held a meeting with Dervisoglu for some time. [23] DENKTAS, TRNC PRESIDENT: ''THE GREEK CYPRIOTS DO NOT HAVE AN INTENTION TO REACH A CONSENSUS''LEFKOSA, March 3 (A.A) - Rauf Denktas, the President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), said on Wednesday that the Greek Cypriots do not have an intention to reach a consensus, adding that he called on his country to be protected.Addressing a statement, Denktas evaluated the statements of Kofi Annan, the United Nations (U.N) Secretary General, saying that initiatives concerning Cyprus will be launched; and the visits of Graf Zu Rantzau, the Special Envoy of Germany which is the Term President of the European Union (EU) at the moment, and Thomas Miller, Special Coordinator of the U.S. Secretary of State to Cyprus. Denktas noted that they were informed three weeks ago that Thomas Miller would visit Cyprus and that he does not think that the visit is related with the latest developments. Denktas said, ''we knew that Miller will come. Miller will be informed about the tension between Turkish and Greek relations escalating by the latest developments when he visits TRNC.'' Recalling that Rantazu visited the Island a month ago, Denktas said, ''we meet with Rantazu as not the Term President of the EU, but as the special envoy of Germany. We stated our reasons of not discussing the EU issue to him in his last visit to the Island. Of course, we will underline the latest situation arising from the Ocalan issue in his new visit.'' Stressing that they inform the special envoy of Kofi Annan on Cyprus about the Cyprus issue in every meeting, Denktas emphasized that the Greek Cypriots applied to many tricks to rule whole Cyprus by their own and that they use ''Byzantine tricks'', adding that these tricks should be ended. [24] PREMIER ECEVIT MEETS WITH HIS ALBANIAN COUNTERPART MAJKO - ECEVIT: ''SPREADING OF CLASH IN KOSOVO AND ITS REACHING THE DIMENSIONS OF WAR CONSTITUTE A SERIOUS ISSUE OF CONCERN'' - ''A CHANGE IN THE PROPOSAL FOR THE MISSION OF NORTHERN WATCH FORCE IS OUT OF QUESTION''ANKARA, March 3 (A.A) - Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said on Wednesday that spreading of the clash in Kosovo and its reaching war dimensions constitute a serious issue of concern.Speaking to reporters, Ecevit said Pandeli Majko, the Prime Minister of Albania, and he held a very productive meeting. Pointing out that Albania is in a very critical region surrounded by fire, Ecevit said, ''there are great services to be given to Albania by Turkey in the field of security. Turkey successfully carries out these services. Mr. Majko has expressed their pleasure with these services. Turkey contributes to all of the units established in the frame of foreign security and domestic security and peace in Albania. Besides, our cooperation in the field of economy continues to develop.'' ''There is the education problem of the children of the families of Albanian origin in Turkey. We have mentioned that we will also take up that issue. It was a very beneficial and productive meeting,'' Ecevit said. When asked whether or not they discussed the Kosovo issue during the meeting, Ecevit said, ''naturally, they have concerns about the Kosovo issue. We also have concerns. Unfortunately, Serbia's incredible and unbelievable resistance continues. As it is known, Kosovo has had broad freedoms and rights in the past. All of those were taken back by the Serbian administration. Thus the Kosovo Albanians have serious troubles. They were exposed to unjust treatment. Thus the spread of clash and its reaching the dimensions of war constitute a serious issue of concern.'' ''Of course, our guest and we have evaluated these possibilities. Because, the problem of the Kosovo Albanians is the problem of Turks, and it closely concerns the republic of Albania,'' Ecevit mentioned. Responding to the question ''a U.S. newspaper claimed that Turkey, Britain and U.S. signed a new agreement about the missuon proposal for the Northern Watch Force. Is it True?'', Ecevit said, ''no, a change is out of question. There are engagement rules that Turkey decided to obey. It is out of question to expect a new thing from Turkey except those.'' [25] THE THIRD OF THE EXPERTS MEETING CONCERNING FORMATION OF COOPERATION HELD IN ISTANBULANKARA, March 3 (A.A) - The Third Experts meeting concerning the formation of the Black Sea Naval Cooperation Task Group (BLACKSEAFOR) was held in Istanbul between February 24 and 26, 1999 with the participation of the experts from Bulgaria, Georgia, Romania, Russian Federation, Turkey and Ukraine, it was reported on Wednesday.The joint statement which was issued after the meeting said that the foreseen initiative to promote the regional cooperation between the coastal countries to the Black Sea will enhance the peace and security in the region. The written statement of the Foreign Ministry said that the representatives of the mentioned countries confirmed their support to the initiatives of their countries and that they exchanged more comprehensive views on the agreement concerning the formation of BLACKSEAFOR in the joint statement of the experts meeting. The Foreign Ministry statement noted that the parties in the meeting had made a step forward in putting an end to the missions of the Black Sea Naval Forces Commanders Committee (BSNC) and the Planning Group. Conforming that the aim of the BLACKSEAFOR is the enhancement of peace and security, friendship, good neighbourly relations and the mutual thrust, the joint statement said that the representatives confirmed once more that the BLACKSEAFOR can undertake the role in the international initiatives including the United Nations (U.N.) and Organization of Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) mandated peace support operations as well as in ''coalition of the willing'' type initiatives. A.A Anadolu Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |