Anadolu Agency: News in English, 99-03-10

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AA Daily

10 March 1999 Wednesday

CONTENTS

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

[02] ATACANLI, DEPUTY SPOKESMAN OF THE FM: - ''CHRISTIDIS AFFAIR IS NOTHING BUT AN IDENTITY CHECK PROCEDURE WITHIN FRAMEWORK OF RECIPROCAL COURTESY''

[03] PORTRAITS OF OTTOMAN SULTANS TO BE DISPLAYED ABROAD

[04] ACET, TURKISH AMBASSADOR TO BELGRADE, IN KOSOVO

[05] ISMAIL, SUDANESE FOREIGN AFFAIRS MINISTER: - ''WE AIM AT FURTHER IMROVING COOPERATION WITH TURKEY IN STRUGGLE AGAINST TERRORISM''

[06] ISIK AHMET, FORMER CHAIRMAN OF FRIENDSHIP, EQUALITY AND PEACE PARTY, DESCRIBES GREECE AS ''SPOILED CHILD OF EUROPE''

[07] U.N. PEACE FORCE MAKES WARNING SIGNS MORE CLEAR TO SEPARATE TERRITORIAL WATERS BETWEEN TRNC AND GREEK CYPRIOT ADMINISTRATION

[08] PARLIAMENT SPEAKER CETIN IN ISRAEL

[09] TURKEY ANSWERS EUROPEAN COURT OF HUMAN RIGHTS - TURKEY SENDS DETAILED INFORMATION CONCERNING THE CAPTURE OF OCALAN, TERRORIST CHIEF, TO ECHR

[10] KARAYALCIN ANSWERS HIS FRENCH COUNTERPART: - ''SEVERAL CIRCLES IN FRIENDLY AND ALLY COUNTRIES OF TURKEY MAKE DECLERATIONS AGAINST TURKEY INSTEAD OF CONDEMNING TERRORISM''

[11] LAWYER OF OCALAN ABOUT TO LOOSE HIS PROFESSION

[12] ING BARINGS: ''THE ELECTIONS PROMISE A BRIGHT FUTURE FOR TURKEY''

[13] ISRAELI PRESIDENT WEIZMAN:''TERRORISM IS NOT ACCEPTABLE''

[14] ANNULMENT DECISION IN THE SELL OF THE POAS

[15] A TURKISH WOMAN ELECTED AS THE HEAD OF THE U.N. WOMEN'S ADVANCE DEPARTMENT

[16] TURKISH DEVELOPMENT BANK GRANTS CREDITS FOR THE COMPLETION OF UNFINISHED PROJECTS IN SOUTH EAST

[17] TERRORIST CHIEF OCALAN'S LAWYER OKCUOGLU SAYS HIS PRISON SENTENCE IS NOT AN OBSTRUCTION FOR DEFENDING OCALAN

[18] ECEVIT, PRIME MINISTER: - ''THE VIRTUE PARTY PREPARES FOR SOME BARGAININGS WHICH WILL CREATE REGIME CRISIS BY SHOWING ITSELF AS IF IT WANTS AND DOES NOT WANT THE POSTPONEMENT OF ELECTIONS AT THE SAME TIME'' - ''I HOPE THE TRICK OF VIRTUE PARTY WHICH WILL CREATE MANY PROBLEMS WILL BE STOPPED IN THE PARLIAMENT'' - ''WE CANNOT ESCAPE THE 18 APRIL ELECTIONS'' - ''IF ELECTIONS ARE POSTPONED, OUR FUNCTION WILL BE REMOVED''

[19] EXPLOSION IN ISTANBUL - ONE PERSON DIED, EIGHT OTHERS INJURED

[20] PRESIDENT DEMIREL: - ''TURKEY DOES NOT WANT TO ENDURE THE PAIN OF THIS SEPARATIST TERRORISM ANY MORE'' - ''THE ONES WHO SUPPORT TERRORISM ARE THE ACCOMPLICES OF THIS CRIME. EVERY ONE SHOULD MOVE FROM BEHIND OF THIS MOVEMENT DIRECTED AGAINST TURKEY'' - ''GREECE HAS SUPPORTED THIS MOVEMENT, IS IT POSSIBLE FOR US TO SAY 'SHE HAS DONE WELL'? DOES THIS COMPLY WITH NEIGHBORHOOD, AND HUMANITY?''

[21] TRIPARTITE BALKAN SUMMIT IN ROMANIA - DEMIREL, STOYANOV AND CONSTANTINESCU TO MEET IN SINAIA

[22] 50TH YEAR CONFERENCE OF NATO - CUTILEIRO, WEU SECRETARY GENERAL: - ''EUROPE CANNOT PUT UP WITH THE DISCRIMINATION MADE IN THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE EU, BESIDES MANY OTHER PROBLEMS'' - ''THE PROBLEM ARISING FROM BEING A MEMBER OF THE NATO BUT NOT BEING A MEMBER OF THE EU LIKE TURKEY AND NORWAY SHOULD BE SOLVED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE''

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

HURRIYET (LIBERAL)

OCALAN GIVES PROCURATION TO TWO LAWYERS
Abdullah Ocalan, the chief of terrorist organization PKK, has given procuration to Ahmet Zeki Okcuoglu and his brother Selim Okcuoglu both are the lawyers registered to the Istanbul Bar, through Hacibey Erdogan, the Notary Public in Mudanya. Ahmet Zeki Okcuoglu applied to the Ankara State Security Court to hold talks with his client.

MILLIYET (LIBERAL)

THREE TERRORISTS KILLED
Three terrorists including two women who were the members of the illegal terrorist organization TKP/ML TIKKO, the Turkish Communist Party and Turkish Workers and Peasant Liberation Army which staged an assasination attempt against Ayhan Cevik, the Governor of Cankiri, were killed during the operations launched by the security forces in Coregibuyuk village in Tokat province.

HEALTH CONDITION OF GOVERNOR AYHAN CEVIK
Ayhan Cevik, the Governor of Cankiri who was seriously injured in the last week's bomb attack, is getting better. Prof. Dr. Metin Cakmakci, the Head Doctor of the Hacettepe University Medical Faculty Adults Hospital, said that Governor Cevik regained consciousness and easily sets up communication.

SABAH (LIBERAL)

THREE BELGIAN TOURISTS KILLED IN TRAFFIC ACCIDENT
Marie Therese Ghislanie Lamotte (61), Albert Delopne (60) and Olga Balfoird (70) were killed and Andre Lucien Georgs (74) were injured in an traffic accident in in Belek county of southern Antalya province. The injured tourist was taken to the State Hospital in Serik county of Antalya.

CUMHURIYET (LEFT)

OPERATIONS AGAINST TERRORISM
Seven supporters of the terrorist organization PKK were captured in an operation launched by the security forces in Turgutlu county of Manisa province in the Aegean region. Security forces also seized a number of fire- bomb belonged to the terrorists. Nihat Oral, the Dircetor of Security in Turgutlu, said that the captured terrorists were planning to launch fire- bomb attacks in order to protest capture of Abdullah Ocalan, the chief of terrorist organization PKK.

ATTACK ON THY BRANCH OFFICE IN ROME
An Italian journalist, who is claimed to be in connection with the bomb attack on the Turkish Airlines (THY) branch office in Rome during terrorist organization supporters' demonstrations on 20 February 1999, was questioned. It was mentioned that Annubi D'Avossa, a journalist of the Liberazione newspaper, was interrogated as he is seen in the pictures of the police. The managers of the newspaper accused the prosecutor who questioned their correspondent.

RADIKAL (LEFT)

GENERAL KIVRIKOGLU: FUNDEMENTALISM IS STILL A THREAT
General Huseyin Kivrikoglu, the Chief of General Staff, said that the main interior threats in Turkey are separatist terrorism and the fundementalist movements.

YENİ YÜZYIL (LIBERAL)

IMF WANTS URGENT REFORMS
A delegation headed by Hikmet Ulugbay, Deputy Prime Minister and State Minister responsible for the economy, started negotiations with the officials of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in the U.S. The IMF noted that structural reforms such as the social security reform and the privatization, are necessary for the success of the struggle against inflation in the wake of the general elections on April 18, 1999.

TÜRKİYE (RIGHT)

ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)

[02] ATACANLI, DEPUTY SPOKESMAN OF THE FM: - ''CHRISTIDIS AFFAIR IS NOTHING BUT AN IDENTITY CHECK PROCEDURE WITHIN FRAMEWORK OF RECIPROCAL COURTESY''

Responding to a question over the issue, Atacanlı told reporters, ''news reports issued by several newspapers in reference to the news of A.A dated 8 March 1999 concerning Michael Christidis affair, have created a wrong impression. The affair in question was nothing but an identity check procedure between the Greek Charge D'Affaires and security forces within the framework of reciprocal courtesy.''

Mihael Christidis, the Charge d'Affaires of the Greek Embassy in Ankara, also said that he wasn't detained by the Turkish police, only his identity was checked.

Selonica-based Macedonian News Agency said Christidis told the Greek radios that his identity check was made within the framework of the control of the documents and licences of his motorcycle.

Christidis said that process took longer than the normal as he doesn't speak Turkish language, so an event like detention is out of question.

[03] PORTRAITS OF OTTOMAN SULTANS TO BE DISPLAYED ABROAD

The protocol concerning the exhibition, was signed by Istemihan Talay, the Culture Ministry, and Ersin Inceoglu, the Director General of the Is Bank that has undertaken sponsorship of the exhibition.

Addressing the signing ceremony, Talay noted that exhibition is composed of portraits of 36 sultans from 15th century to 20th century.

Talay also noted that some of the portraits will be restored for the exhibition.

The exhibition will compose of the portraits drawn by foreign and Turkish painters on canvas and wood. The portraits in the hand-printed books and the miniatures embroidered on ivory will also take part in the exhibition.

The worldwide famous portrait of Sultan Mehmet II, the Conqueror, painted by Italian painter Bellini will also be displayed.

Meanwhile a book including the portraits in the exhibition will be prepared by a team formed by the scientists from the Topkapi Palace, the Munich, Munster, Germany, Oxford, Harvard, Istanbul, Hacettepe, and Mimar Sinan universities.

[04] ACET, TURKISH AMBASSADOR TO BELGRADE, IN KOSOVO

The meeting focused on the latest developments in Kosovo and the interim peace agreement reached during the peace talks held in Rambouillet, France.

Addressing the meeting Rugova said that the situation in Kosovo became extremely risky as a result of continuing armed actions of Serbian security forces.

Pointing out that ethnic Albanian political circles and most of the Albanian people living in Kosovo have accepted the interim peace agreement, Rugoca stressed that the agreement should be brought into force by the NATO forces.

Ahmet Acet said in his part that the Turkish government support the interim agreement, and added that Turkey hopes a lasting peace agreement will be signed as soon as possible.

Acet is expected to meet with William Walker, the Chief of Monitors of Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) for Kosovo later today.

[05] ISMAIL, SUDANESE FOREIGN AFFAIRS MINISTER: - ''WE AIM AT FURTHER IMROVING COOPERATION WITH TURKEY IN STRUGGLE AGAINST TERRORISM''

Addressing a press conference, Dr. Ismail reminded that Sudan has signed the international agreements concerning the struggle against terrorism, and added that his country also suffers from terrorism.

Stressing that terrorist movements have been continuing in southern Sudan for two years, Dr. Ismail underlined that such actions have affected Sudan's economy negatively.

Pointing out that Sudan will become a country exporting oil in coming months, Dr. Ismail noted that income which will be provided from the export of oil, will be used for the infrastructure. He called the Turkish firms to make investments in Sudan.

Recalling that a protocol envisaging operating the political mechanisms between the foreign ministries of both countries, was signed during his contacts, Dr. Ismail emphasized that two more agreements will be signed in near future to improve economic and commercial relations between Turkey and Sudan.

Dr. Ismail and accompanying Sudanese delegation have proceeded to Istanbul after concluding contacts in Ankara.

Sudanese Foreign Affairs Minister will hold talks with the leading Turkish businessmen in Istanbul.

Dr. Ismail and accompanying delegation are expected to leave for Saudi Arabia later on Wednesday.

[06] ISIK AHMET, FORMER CHAIRMAN OF FRIENDSHIP, EQUALITY AND PEACE PARTY, DESCRIBES GREECE AS ''SPOILED CHILD OF EUROPE''

Ahmet said the Turkish minority in the Western Thrace has been exposed to inhuman practices, forced to migrate or assimilated as an attempt to clear off Turks from the region.

''Valuable land, university and military sites, industrial areas which belonged to Turks have been housed by the Greek government using several excuses. They were denied from their right to choose their religious leaders. Another method has been to strip our kinsmen off their Greek citizenship,'' she continued.

Ahmet also said Greeks made their education collapse in Western Thrace by eliminating books coming from Turkey and by using the wrong books that they wrote.

''They put pressure on Turks deliberately to erase the Turkish identity. Turkish institutions have been shut down and the Supreme Court decided that there are no Turks living in the Western Thrace. My late husband Dr.Sadik Ahmet was put into jail for saying 'I am Turkish','' she stated.

Ahmet pointed out that they complained to the European Human Rights institutions about the injustices against Turks living in the Western Thrace and continued:

''We are giving importance especially to education. We report injustices that are directed to us, to be able to continue education in our own language and practice our religious beliefs.

Greece is being warned by the European Union once in a while. However, Greece is the spoiled child of the EU. It doesn't take the warnings seriously. Turks who live in the Western Thrace want to practice their religion, speak their language, and live humanly on the soil they grew up. They want these rights to be respected.''

[07] U.N. PEACE FORCE MAKES WARNING SIGNS MORE CLEAR TO SEPARATE TERRITORIAL WATERS BETWEEN TRNC AND GREEK CYPRIOT ADMINISTRATION

In the written statement of the UNFICYP that was released on Tuesday, it was said that the marks were made more clear to avoid any violation of the marine line that seperates the territorial waters on the east of the island.

''Danger, stay away'' is written with big letters on the signs to warn the fishermen and the captains of the cruise boats. If any violation occurs despite these clear warnings, the violated side will have the right to confiscate the boats and detain its passangers.

It was also reported that this measure was taken due to the increasing number of passages to TRNC from the south of the Marine Security Line (MSL) in Derinya region.

[08] PARLIAMENT SPEAKER CETIN IN ISRAEL

Addressing the meeting, Peres described Turkey as the locomotive of the Islamic world.

Stressing that Israel attributes great importance to relations with Turkey, Peres underlined that terrorism is not enemy but an international threat, and added that international cooperation is necessary to struggle against such threat.

Reminding that he had paid an official visit to Israel when he was serving as the foreign minister, Hikmet Cetin said he is pleased with being in Israel again.

Cetin underlined, ''Turkey has been contributing to the Middle East Peace Process from the very beginning,'' describing Peres as one of the architects of the Peace Process.

Hikmet Cetin later come together with David Ivry, the Chief Counselor of the Israeli Prime Minister for the National Security.

Meanwhile, Barlas Ozener, the Turkish Ambassador to Israel, hosted a dinner in honour of Cetin and the accompanying parliamentary delegation.

At the second day of his visit, Cetin will be received by Israeli President Ezer Weizman. He will also come together with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his Israeli counterpart Ban Tichon.

Cetin will also pay an official visit to Palestine on March 11 as the guest of Ahmet Gueri, the Chairman of the Legislation Council of Palestine Autonomous Administration.

Hikmet Cetin and accompanying parliamentary delegation are expected to return to Turkey on Friday.

[09] TURKEY ANSWERS EUROPEAN COURT OF HUMAN RIGHTS - TURKEY SENDS DETAILED INFORMATION CONCERNING THE CAPTURE OF OCALAN, TERRORIST CHIEF, TO ECHR

In an answer sent to the ECHR, it is stated that the chief of the terrorist organization was rendered ineffective by Kenyan authorities, and handed over to Turkish authorities waiting in the airport. In the letter which gave detailed information about all stages starting from Ocalan's being brought to Turkey by airplane, and his being taken under custody, and his being arrested; it is stressed that the principles of European Council were respected in all these stages.

In the letter sent by Turkey, it is stated that the chief of the terrorist organization is kept in a 13 squaremeter room, which is lightened, and is not sound-proof. It is also stated that Ocalan has access to 24 hours hot and cold water.

Stating that Ocalan also has the opportunity to read books, newspapers, and magazines, and he was given a radio, the letter said Ocalan was given every opportunity to continue his daily life.

The letter said the chief of the terrorist organization can take fresh air in a 45 square meters courtyard. It also stated that four doctors, a nurse, and every kind of medical equipment are kept ready 24 hours a day.

The letter said that, every kind of precaution was taken for Ocalan not to feel himself isolated, and emphasized that he is definitely not exposed to any kind of pscyhological or physical pressure.

In the letter, it is pointed out that Turkish Criminal Code was prepared with the inspiration of German Criminal Code; and the limitations brought to terrorism criminals in Germany are more than the limitations in Turkey. The letter said that the best example to this is the bans brought to the lawyers for such crimes in Germany.

In the letter sent to ECHR, it is stated that the chief of the terrorist organization was rendered ineffective by the Kenyan authorities, and handed over to Turkish authorities waiting in the airport.

Reminding that Italy and Germany, which were both members of European Council, could not dare even to bring Ocalan in front of justice by showing their domestic order as an excuse, the letter said Turkey took every security measure to protect this very dangerous terrorist.

Stressing that there was international arrest warrant for Ocalan with the charges of terrorism, crime against humanity, and being a part of drug trafficking, the letter said Kenyan authorities handed over Ocalan to Turkish officials to be brought in front of justice in accordance with the general law principles.

The letter said that Turkey did not commit any police activity in Kenya, and pointed out that Kenyan authorities did not have any complaint concerning this issue.

Stressing that Ocalan was blindfolded by Kenyan authorities, the letter said that Turkish doctor in the plane later opened this blindfold to check Ocalan's health.

In the letter sent to the ECHR, it is said that the chief of the terrorist organization was brought to Imralı island, and he was blindfolded for a short while due to the safety of security forces who brought him to the island.

[10] KARAYALCIN ANSWERS HIS FRENCH COUNTERPART: - ''SEVERAL CIRCLES IN FRIENDLY AND ALLY COUNTRIES OF TURKEY MAKE DECLERATIONS AGAINST TURKEY INSTEAD OF CONDEMNING TERRORISM''

Karayalcin expressed Turkey's concern, saying ''several circles in friendly and ally countries make declerations against Turkey instead of condemning terrorism.''

Recalling that Turkey has been struggling against terrorism, Karayalcin underlined that terrorist organization PKK has claimed thousands of innocent lives, including women, children and even babies since 1984.

Stressing that Lang cannot deny the fact that the PKK is a drug trafficker, Karayalcin reminded that the Ocalan affair has been inherited to the independent jurisdiction.

Emphasizing that in accordance with the Constitution of Republic of Turkey, there are no discriminations based on religious belief, language, race, sect, sexuality, and political opinion among the Turkish people.

Lang had made declarations against Turkey in a speech on the ''Europe 1'' radio station on February 28, 1999.

[11] LAWYER OF OCALAN ABOUT TO LOOSE HIS PROFESSION

The Istanbul State Security Court had earlier sentenced Orucoglu to one year eight month in prison on charges of making separatist propaganda on March 11, 1993 in accordance with the 8th article of the Anti-terrorism Law no 3713.

Okcuoglu was tried on the same charges once again on March 8, 1996 and sentenced to one year one month ten days in prison in accordance with the interim article of the Law no 4126 which envisages the 8th article in question to be changed.

Okcuoglu had served his imprisonment in the Bayrampasa and Gemlik prisons.

As Ahmet Zeki Okcuoglu applied to the Ankara State Security Court to hold talks with his client Abdullah Ocalan, the Istanbul State Security Court sent a letter to the Directorate of Istanbul Bar and recalled the penalty given to Okcuoglu.

The 5th and 72th articles of the Advocacy Law foresee refusal of the Bar membership of those who were sentenced to imprisonment of more than one year on charges of infamous crimes.

The situation of Okcuoglu will be taken up at the meeting of the Executive Board of Istanbul Bar on March 11, 1999.

Okcuoglu will loose the right of defending Abdullah Ocalan and loose his profession in case the Istanbul Bar decides to expel him from the Bar.

[12] ING BARINGS: ''THE ELECTIONS PROMISE A BRIGHT FUTURE FOR TURKEY''

Claiming that the elections will not change the structure of the parliament, the report commented that the coalition formed by the Motherland Party (ANAP) and the Democratic Left Party (DSP) will rule the country after the elections which will be held on April 18, 1999.

Emphasizing that the most important event for Turkey in the first half of 1999 is the April elections, the report said that the best scenario following the elections will be the coalition of ANAP and DSP.

Commenting that the formula in which the ANAP and DSP participate will be a positive event, the ING Barings said that the capture of the terrorist chief ''increased the popularity of Premier Bulent Ecevit.''

Recalling that the growth rate of Turkey decreased from 6.2 percent to 2 percent due to the political instability, the report noted that the politicial, economical and financial systems of Turkey are more flexible than it is seen, and has the capacity to heal rapidly.

Stating that the realization of the elections will increase the confidence economically, the report added that the support of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is very important.

The report also stressed that the inflation will decrease by 24 percent and reach to 61 percent and the interest rates will rapidly decrease due to the IMF support, adding that the growth rate of Turkey will increase to 5 percent by the year 2000.

[13] ISRAELI PRESIDENT WEIZMAN:''TERRORISM IS NOT ACCEPTABLE''

''We are carefully following the developments. Terrorism is not acceptable, '' Weizman said. The Israeli President also stressed that the Europe's approach to Turkey on this matter was unjust.

Cetin later visited the Genocide Museum. The Parliament Speaker also visited the tomb of Yitzak Rabin, Israeli Prime Minister who was assasinated in 1995, and left a piece of stone on his tomb which is a Jewish tradition.

The Parliament Speaker later met with his Israeli counterpart, Dan Tichon.

[14] ANNULMENT DECISION IN THE SELL OF THE POAS

The officials of the Privatization Administration said that this decision meant the cancellation of the tender, adding that the Supreme Board of Privatization can evaluate the latest situation and can have a new decision following the annulation decision of the court.

The Supreme Board of Privatization can apply to the Council of State for the appeal of this decision which is given by the Ankara Administrative Tribunal.

[15] A TURKISH WOMAN ELECTED AS THE HEAD OF THE U.N. WOMEN'S ADVANCE DEPARTMENT

The Foreign Ministry said in its statement that Erturk, who was chosen as the head of this department in the meeting of the U.N. Women's Status Commission, was before carrying out the presidency of the International Searching and Education Institute for the Advance of Women (INSTRAW) since October 1997.

The statement also said that having a Turkish woman as the head of such a high-ranking office is very pleasing.

The main tasks of the Women's Advance Department are the improvement of women rights and the status of women in political and economic field, the direction and preparation of the studies concerning the position of the women, the realization of the equality of women and men in all the plans and programs of the U.N.

[16] TURKISH DEVELOPMENT BANK GRANTS CREDITS FOR THE COMPLETION OF UNFINISHED PROJECTS IN SOUTH EAST

Bayhan stated that they will start granting credits once the bank experts finish investigating the applications. The credit application period has been extended to 6 months from 2 months.

The credit limit has also become 300 billion TL.

A total of 4.1 trillion TL. of credit has been granted to 117 firms so far, Bayhan reminded.

The TKB General Director said 10 trillion TL has been assigned to be used in 1999 and 20 trillion for the 2000. Bayhan also pointed out that this number could be raised upto 30 trillion after it is reviewed. The new program includes health and education sectors beside production industry. The officials are also discussing to include tourism among these sectors.

Responding to the questions of journalists, Bayhan said the applying firms could get their credits in 1.5 month and added that 190 firms could benefit from this program currently. This number could increase, he added.

With this program, employments for more than 8000 people will be created, Bayhan pointed out.

Bayburt, Gumushane, Hatay, Ordu and Yozgat have been added to the project list while Kahramanmaras and Malatya were taken out.

Bayhan stressed that economical and social development of the South East is as important as the security measures taken in the region.

[17] TERRORIST CHIEF OCALAN'S LAWYER OKCUOGLU SAYS HIS PRISON SENTENCE IS NOT AN OBSTRUCTION FOR DEFENDING OCALAN

''We asked the prosecutor to provide us with written information about how we can see Ocalan, on which days, and under what conditions. If we are given a written document, this will be very important for our defense right and it would avoid confusion,'' Okcuoglu said.

When asked if his prison sentence will influence his defense, Okcuoglu said, ''I was put into prison for a crime of thought. This does not obstruct my defending Ocalan.''

Okcuoglu told the reporters that ''he with some other lawyers'' will defend the terrorist chief Ocalan. He also said his brother Selim Okcuoglu accepted to be Ocalan's lawyer.

A group of people protested Okcuoglu and those who accompanied him while they were leaving Mudanya to go to Istanbul, despite the high security measures taken in the area.

[18] ECEVIT, PRIME MINISTER: - ''THE VIRTUE PARTY PREPARES FOR SOME BARGAININGS WHICH WILL CREATE REGIME CRISIS BY SHOWING ITSELF AS IF IT WANTS AND DOES NOT WANT THE POSTPONEMENT OF ELECTIONS AT THE SAME TIME'' - ''I HOPE THE TRICK OF VIRTUE PARTY WHICH WILL CREATE MANY PROBLEMS WILL BE STOPPED IN THE PARLIAMENT'' - ''WE CANNOT ESCAPE THE 18 APRIL ELECTIONS'' - ''IF ELECTIONS ARE POSTPONED, OUR FUNCTION WILL BE REMOVED''

Addressing a press conference in the Prime Ministry, Ecevit criticised the call for extraordinary meeting of the parliament and the stance of the FP.

Ecevit said, ''the banned Welfare Party (RP) was a sign of uneasiness. It used to create political crisis and even regime crisis. Now, the Virtue Party seems to have a tendency to continue this tradition. The certain proof of this is that the FP's starting to play a double game. The Virtue Party prepares for some bargainings which will create regime crisis by showing itself as if it wants and does not want the postponement of elections at the same time. While Turkey goes to the elections in peace, the FP tries to create uneasiness from peace.''

Defending the view that there is the election fear behind the stance of the FP, Ecevit noted that the FP, which believed that it will be the first party in the elections sees at last that this will not come true.

Pointing out that all the signs indicate that his party is the first among the others, Ecevit said, ''the FP started to find a way to postpone the elections following this development. Now, we cannot withdraw the elections which will be held on April 18, 1999. The postponement of the elections at this stage will cause chaos. It can ruin the politics.''

''It can be a heavy blow for the respect of the parliament. I hope the trick of Virtue Party which will create many problems will be stopped in the parliament, and it should be. This trick will obstruct the Virtue Party first of all,'' Ecevit added.

Stressing that they undertake the post of peacefully carrying Turkey to the elections, Ecevit said that in case uneasiness occurs, the political scene in the parliament turns into a chaos and the elections are postponed, their function will be removed.

Responding a question, Ecevit said that if different issues are taken into the agenda in the Parliamentary General Assemby on Saturday, the deputies will try to fill the agenda of the parliament by many different issues and grounds.

Ecevit said, ''meanwhile, there are some bargainings at the moment. To this end, no new issue can be taken in the agenda of the parliament just five weeks before the elections. Passing new laws in the process of elections campaigns is not possible. Moreover, some persons start initiatives to take various issues which can cause regime crisis to the parliamentary agenda at the moment.''

When asked whether or not the toppling of the government caused regime crisis, Ecevit noted that the toppling of the government was not related with the regime crisis.

Ecevit said, ''we took over the post of forming the government to peacefully carry Turkey to the elections which will be held on April 18, 1999. We fulfill this assignment with success and in a way that nobody can criticise. We peacefully carry Turkey to the elections and everybody knows this. But, if uneasiness occurs, the political scene in the parliament turns into a chaos and the elections are postponed, our function will end. Then, we will carry out our efforts to rule the country after the elections which will be held in another time.''

Responding a question whether or not he discussed the postponement of the elections, with the leaders of the Motherland Party (ANAP) and the True Path Party (DYP) who support his government, Ecevit said that he could not meet them and recalled that these leaders declared that they opposed to the postponement of the elections.

[19] EXPLOSION IN ISTANBUL - ONE PERSON DIED, EIGHT OTHERS INJURED

The explosion took place at 1.15 p.m. in a taxi which was parked in front of the Bakirkoy Health Clinic that was near a big shopping mall, breaking the windows of the houses, work places and cars and setting fire the taxi and three other cars nearby.

The fire was put out by the fire brigade while the injured people were hospitalized in the nearby health institutions.

The investigations which were held in the scene indicated that the driver of the taxi died.

The Liqufied Petroleum Gas (LPG) is believed to be the reason of the explosion in the taxi.

Erol Cakir, Istanbul Governor who came to the scene to carry out investigations, said that the LPG or a bomb could cause the explosion in the taxi.

Cakir said that the bomb experts believed that the explosion was caused by a bomb and that they are not sure at the moment, adding that if the reason of the explosion is a bomb, the suspects will be captured.

[20] PRESIDENT DEMIREL: - ''TURKEY DOES NOT WANT TO ENDURE THE PAIN OF THIS SEPARATIST TERRORISM ANY MORE'' - ''THE ONES WHO SUPPORT TERRORISM ARE THE ACCOMPLICES OF THIS CRIME. EVERY ONE SHOULD MOVE FROM BEHIND OF THIS MOVEMENT DIRECTED AGAINST TURKEY'' - ''GREECE HAS SUPPORTED THIS MOVEMENT, IS IT POSSIBLE FOR US TO SAY 'SHE HAS DONE WELL'? DOES THIS COMPLY WITH NEIGHBORHOOD, AND HUMANITY?''

Demirel received the members of Diplomacy Correspondents Association, and responded their questions concerning the latest developments in Turkish foreign policy.

Responding to a question concerning the capture of the chief of the terrorist organization PKK, and the following developments, Demirel said:

''We did our job. Turkey suffers from the separatist terrorism for a long time. She has lost her 5 thousand innocent citizens from terrorism. Five thousand soldiers became martyrs, and 20 thousand children of this country were turned into terrorists and then they lost their lives. There is a scene with 30 thousand deaths. This incident which continues for 15 years must finish.''

Stressing that Turkey is fed up with terrorism very much, Demirel continued as follows:

''Turkey tries to finish this incident within her borders. This is Turkey's business. This is the requirement of the right of sovereignty, this is the characteristic of being a state. If this incident takes support from abroad, it is not so easy to finish this. In the last five-six months, all the world has seen that this incident is supported from abroad. When you look at the World, nobody can defend the support given to terrorism from abroad within the context of universal law. When you enter into the context of universal law, all states of the World, all states which are the members of the UN, OSCE, NATO, and EU, condemn terrorism, and put their signatures under the rules which foresee cooperation in the struggle against terrorism. Now, there is an international promise in the middle. Terrorism is an incredibly grave incident. In accordance with the 3rd article of Universal Declaration of Human Rights, everbody has the right to live, to freedom and security. But terrorism is a very important incident which violates this rule. It is the most grave of the crimes directed against peace and security.

Terrorism targets to destroy the basic freedoms, democracy, and human rights, and to destabilize the governments which are set up through democratic means, and to destroy the pluralist civilian society. Thus, all states are called to cooperate in the struggle against terrorism.

Is there anyone who can say what is going on in Turkey is not terrorism? When Turkey struggles against this incident, she righteously waits for international support, she righteously expects her neighbours and the other members of the international civilized world to fulfil their obligations.

Turkey has expressed her pain many times and made her call. I once again make a call today. Turkey does not want to endure the pain of this separatist terrorism any more. Nobody should support separatist terrorism. Terrorism has no pretext. What is bad is the terrorism itself. The ones who give pretext to terrorism, are the accomplices of terrorism. I call all civilized World: 'Everybody should move from behind of this movement. Nobody should support this movement. In the civilized world, the individuals, institutions, and states, should not support this. I do not think that there is someone who can say 'no, they should support this'. Then, the civilized world should do what befits.

In this incident which started with the transfer of this person from Syria to Moscow, and then to Italy, and then his disappearence, and his showing up in Greek Embassy in Kenya, Greece supported this movement. Is it possible for us to say 'she (Greece) has done well'?

Is it possible for another country of the World to say that Greece has done something righteous? Does this comply with the neighbourhood, and humanity?

We are NATO allies with Greece. That is, if there is a threat, and enmity directed to our countries within the framework of NATO, we will resist against it together. When Turkey shed tears of blood, what does it mean the support of Greece to this bloodshed? What we wanted from Greece was to move from behind of this terrorism incident just like what we wanted from the civilized world. That was our call and I am still behind this call.''

[21] TRIPARTITE BALKAN SUMMIT IN ROMANIA - DEMIREL, STOYANOV AND CONSTANTINESCU TO MEET IN SINAIA

President Suleyman Demirel, Petar Stoyanov, his Bulgarian counterpart, and Emil Constantinescu, his Romanian counterpart, will discuss the latest developments in the region, especially the Kosovo dispute; and the political and the economic relations between the three countries.

Tripartite free trade zones will be set up between Turkey, Romania and Bulgaria and cooperation in tourism field will be launched in the summit.

An agreement concerning the cooperation of the mentioned countries in tourism will be signed during the summit. The agreement foresees the broad cooperation between the three countries in tourism field, especially the facilitation of the visa applications and the incentives of the tourism companies in order to benefit from the touristic potential of Turkey, Romania and Bulgaria.

Demirel, Stoyanov and Constantinescu will sign a joint declaration which foresees the setting up the free trade zones between the three countries, besides the tourism agreement.

The presidents of Turkey, Bulgaria, and Romania will exchange views about the joint struggle against the organized crime acts and the drug trafficking, and the membership of Romania, and Bulgaria to NATO prior to the NATO meeting which will be held next month in Washington D.C.

The first of the summit between Turkey, Romania, and Bulgaria was held in October 1997 in Bulgaria and the second was held in April 1998 in Turkey.

[22] 50TH YEAR CONFERENCE OF NATO - CUTILEIRO, WEU SECRETARY GENERAL: - ''EUROPE CANNOT PUT UP WITH THE DISCRIMINATION MADE IN THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE EU, BESIDES MANY OTHER PROBLEMS'' - ''THE PROBLEM ARISING FROM BEING A MEMBER OF THE NATO BUT NOT BEING A MEMBER OF THE EU LIKE TURKEY AND NORWAY SHOULD BE SOLVED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE''

Addressing a speech in the morning session of the 50th Year Conference of NATO held in London, Cutileiro recalled that there are three countries which are the members of NATO but not the members of the EU including Turkey, adding that this number will increase to six with the new members of the NATO.

Cutileiro also recalled that these two organizations are very important and that the Europeans found their defense union in NATO and their European identity in the EU in the process which started by the cold war.

Stating that Europe lives with its own conflicts and it perceives NATO as a military union and the EU as an economic cooperation, Cutileiro noted that a new closeness occured between NATO and EU following the collapse of the Berlin Wall.

Emphasizing that the EU cannot put up with the discrimination made in the membership of the EU besides many other problems, Cutileiro drew the attention to the countries which are the members of the NATO and not the members of the EU like Turkey and Norway, and the visa-versa, adding that these problems should be solved as soon as possible.

A.A

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