Anadolu Agency: News in English, 99-03-16

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AA Daily

16 March 1999 Tuesday

CONTENTS

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

[02] PRESIDENT DEMIREL: ''TURKISH ENTREPRENEURS ARE DETERMINED TO CONTRIBUTE IN EVERY FIELD TO UZBEKISTAN'S EFFORST TO DEVELOP''

[03] TURKISH AND UZBEK PRESIDENTS SIGN AGREEMENT TO FIGHT AGAINST TERRORISM

[04] PRESIDENT DEMIREL: ''LIKE IN EVERY FIELD, TURKEY IS UZBEKISTAN'S NUMBER ONE FRIEND IN ITS FIGHT AGAINST TERRRORISM''

[05] KERIMOV: ''WE NEED TO LEARN A LOT FROM TURKEY''

[06] DEMIREL: ''TURKEY HAS ALWAYS SUPPORTED UZBEKISTAN DURING HARD TIMES AND OUR SOLIDARITY AND SUPPORT WILL LAST FOREVER''

[07] PRESIDENT DEMIREL IN UZBEKISTAN - PRESIDENT DEMIREL RECEIVES TURKISH BUSINESSMEN: ''TURKEY IS THE ONLY COUNTRY WHICH DOES NOT MAKE ACCOUNTS ON CENTRAL ASIAN COUNTRIES''

[08] PRESIDENT DEMIREL OPENS KOC HOLDING'S ''SAMKOCOTO'' FACTORY IN SAMARQAND: - ''TURKEY WILL CONTINUE TO SUPPORT DEVELOPMENT EFFORTS OF UZBEKISTAN''

[09] TURKEY'S FIRST ''TISSUE BANK'' SET UP IN CEKMECE NUCLEAR RESEARCH AND TRAINING CENTRE

[10] 111 SWISS PEOPLE AS VOLUNTARY ENVOYS OF TOURISM ARRIVE IN ANTALYA TO KNOW TURKEY BETTER

[11] TURKISH DELEGATION'S CONTACTS IN MALI

[12] CAKIR, THE GOVERNOR OF ISTANBUL: - ''A WAVE OF TERRORIST ATTACKS DIRECTED BY THE MEDIA BROADCASTING WITH SEPARATIST CONTEXT, STARTED AFTER THE HEAD OF TERRORIST ORGANIZATION WAS CAPTURED AND BROUGHT TO TURKEY'' - ''WE CONSIDER THE LATEST STRING OF TERRORIST ATTACKS IN ISTANBUL AS THE ATTACKS OF PKK'' - ''THE INTERROGATIONS RELATED WITH THE ATTACKS CONTINUE. I CAN SAY THAT THERE ARE POSITIVE DEVELOPMENTS''

[13] THE TV BROADCAST OF TERRORIST ORGANIZATION - AKTAN, MINISTER OF TRANSPORTATION: ''WE START INITIATIVES IN INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTIONS''

[14] OKCUOGLU, OCALAN'S LAWYER, APPOINTS 15 MORE ATTORNEYS

[15] TURKISH-UZBEK JOINT INVESTMENT IN SAMARQAND

[16] ISTANBUL'S TUBE PASSAGE PROJECT STARTS IN SEPTEMBER

[17] FOREIGN MINISTER CEM: - ''I THINK THAT THE MED-TV WILL NOT BE ABLE TO MAKE TERRORIST PROPAGANDA AGAINST TURKEY ANY MORE AS OF THE BEGINNING OF MAY''

[18] COLLECTIVE STRUGGLE AGAINST TERRORISM - COMPREHENSIVE MEASURES AGAINST TERRORISM TAKE EFFECT IN ISTANBUL

[19] PRESIDENT DEMIREL DUE TO BULGARIA

[20] SELVI, DEPUTY CHAIRMAN OF THE CHP: - ''WE WILL NOT SUPPORT CENSURE MOTION''

[21] AMERICAN-TURKISH COUNCIL CHAIRWOMAN KASSEBAUM BAKER: ''TURKEY IS AN IMPORTANT COUNTRY FOR U.S. AND THERE ARE LOTS OF OPPORTUNITIES IN TURKEY''

[22] ROLLS-ROYCE HOLDS THE BIGGEST SHARE OF ENERGY COOPERATION WHICH WILL BE OPENED IN SIRNAK

[23] MED-TV BROADCASTS FROM EUROPE - ANKARA INTENSIFIES INITIATIVES AFTER IT HAS BEEN REVEALED THAT THE CALLS FOR TERRORIST ATTACKS ARE MADE VIA MED- TV

[24] NATO SECRETARY GENERAL DUE IN TURKEY

[25] MINISTER MORIMOTO: ''WE WISH TO STRENGTHEN RELATIONS BETWEEN JAPAN AND TURKEY''

[26] INTERIOR MINISTER BAYAR: - ''WE HAVE FOUND VERY SIGNIFICANT CLUES CONCERNING TERRORIST ATTACKS''

[27] TURKEY AND CHINA AGREE TO INTENSIFY COMMON INVESTMENTS

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

HURRIYET (LIBERAL) CALL FOR VIOLENCE FROM CENTRE OF EUROPE
Europe which supports the terrorist PKK thinking that it is a political movement, can't stop the broadcasts of MED-TV, the mouthpiece of the terrorist PKK, which calls for orders of massacre. Le Soir, one of the leading newspapers of Belgium covered the terrorist activities in Turkey and noted that ''the call for terrorism is made by MED-TV, which is the broadcast organ of the PKK.'' Le Soir pointed out that Mustafa Karasu, a PKK terrorist called for violence on MED-TV on February 20 and this call reached its goal.

DANGEROUS STUBBORNNESS
The Chief Prosecution of the State Security Court in Ankara is preparing to try Necmettin Erbakan, the former leader of the banned Welfare Party (RP) at the court. Prosecution will prepare a roll of inquiries under Article 146/1 of the Turkish Penal Code claiming that Necmettin Erbakan cooperated with the terrorist PKK and illegal organizations Dev-Sol (Revolutionary Left) and IBDA-C in order to throw the secular Turkish Republic. The Chief Prosecution requests death sentence for Ahmet Tekdal, the former leader of the Welfare Party (RP), Sevki Yılmaz, a former deputy from Rize province, Hasan Huseyin Ceylan, a former deputy from Ankara and Ibrahim Halil Celik, a former deputy from Sanlıurfa province under the Article 146-1 of the Turkish Penal Code.

MILLIYET (LIBERAL)

PKK'S BOMBS IN HANDS OF ''FALCONS''
The secret circular sent by Cahit Bayar, the Minister of Interior to 80 governors noted that the new action teams of the terrorist PKK namely ''falcons'' stage the recent terrorist attacks. The circular stressed that all the Southeastern origined people living in Europe as refugees may return to Turkey and take part in the terrorist activities. In the meanwhile, ERNK, the so-called political organ of the terrorist PKK assumed responsibilty over the attack on Blue Market which took place in Kadıkoy district of Istanbul on Saturday.

SABAH (LIBERAL)

REVOLT OF POLICE
The revolt of Polat Bilici, a police officer of Kurdish origin started when his daughter looked at the photos of those people died in Blue Market in Goztepe on Saturday and asked his father why people kill each other. Bilici decided to protest the things that are going on by wrapping the Turkish flag on him and kissing the flag in front of Ataturk monument in Cumhuriyet square in Izmir province. He shouted saying ''I am of Kurdish origin, but I am a Turkish policeman who loves his country. Principles of Ataturk became my principle. I am ashamed of the things done as a Kurd.''

CUMHURIYET (LEFT)

HARSH REACTION FROM TURKEY TO GREECE
Turkey reacted negatively to the efforts of Greece to search for dialogue with Turkey as Greece is in trouble in the international arena after her support to terrorism has been understood. Turkey said that Greece has to end her support to terrorism before searching for dialogue by sending the message to Greece that ''firstly acquit yourself, later ask for dialogue.''

RADIKAL (LEFT)

YENİ YÜZYIL (LIBERAL)

TÜRKİYE (RIGHT)

ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)

[02] PRESIDENT DEMIREL: ''TURKISH ENTREPRENEURS ARE DETERMINED TO CONTRIBUTE IN EVERY FIELD TO UZBEKISTAN'S EFFORST TO DEVELOP''

Turkish and Uzbek delegations held talks after the meeting of the two countries' presidents. After their meeting, Demirel and Kerimov signed an agreement and told the press that their meeting was very fruitful and useful.

They said they reviewed all aspects of bilateral relations and cooperation between the two countries and exchanged opinions on regional and international subjects that are of interest to both countries.

Demirel stated that the relations between Turkey and Uzbekistan have been developing on grounds of equality, mutual respect, and interest, and said ''During today's talks, we agreed to take the necessary measures to strengthen and richen the cooperation and the relations between the two countries which are tied to each other with friendship.''

He also added that Turkey regards it as its responsibilty to contribute to Uzbekistan's efforts to complete its economical and political reforms, to establish its state and strengthen its sovereignity and independence, like all other Central Asian republics. Demirel continued:

''If we look back to the past eight years, we see the advancement in our relations. Our cooperation is developing in every field. There is no reason why it should not develop further in the future. The SAMKOCOTO factory which we will open tomorrow shows the high level reached in the relations and the factory is also a meaningful product which heralds bright days in the future. SAMKOCOTO is the biggest Turkish investment in Uzbekistan. Turkey comes first on the list of countries who make foreign investments in Uzbekistan and we are proud of that.''

Demirel also expressed grief, on behalf of the Turkish nation, about the terrorist attack which took place in Taskent on Feb 16, 1999 and said ''We loath such acts and feel great sorrow.''

''It is known by the whole world that these terrorist acts, which try to create chaos and conflict in public, destruct peace and deviate Uzbekistan from the policies it has been following so far, will never reach their aim, '' President Demirel said and he stressed that Uzbekistan is the assurance of peace, stability, security and common welfare in the Central Asia.

''Terrorism will take them nowhere. There can be no excuses for terrorism. Turkey strongly condemns terrorism which targets the innocent people's right to live, threatens the stability and the judicial system of the countries and damages peace. I would like to stress once again that Turkey is ready for any kind of cooperation with Uzbekistan to fight against terrorism. As a result, I believe that our meeting today has opened new horizons and brought new dimensions to our cooperation.''

[03] TURKISH AND UZBEK PRESIDENTS SIGN AGREEMENT TO FIGHT AGAINST TERRORISM

In the agreement, it was also stated that Turkey and Uzbekistan will work together to develop bileteral ties according to ''The Solidarity and Cooperation Agreement''.

The agreement confirms that the long term and constructive cooperation should be developed between the two countries. It prohibits intervention to domestic affairs and states that the two countries should respect each other's political and economic independence.

''The sides agree to consult each other to preserve the peace and security in the region. They also agree to sign an agreement in the military and technical field in the near future to further develop international and regional stability. The sides are in full agreement that the fight must be intensified against all kinds of terrorism, organized crime, smuggling of weapons, drugs and psychotropic material. Both sides condemn the terrorist acts which are nourished by extreme political movements which threatens the countries' territorial unity,'' it was stated in the agreement.

The agreement also included cooperation in fields of industry, agriculture, livestock, energy, international transportation and communication, preservation of enviroment and health, as efforts to strengthen economic ties.

[04] PRESIDENT DEMIREL: ''LIKE IN EVERY FIELD, TURKEY IS UZBEKISTAN'S NUMBER ONE FRIEND IN ITS FIGHT AGAINST TERRRORISM''

Demirel who said he was very distressed by the attack against Kerimov which took place on Feb 16, continued:

''Terrorism is a big trouble that Turkey is very familiar with.

Those who employ terrorism has no mercy. We support Uzbekistan in its fight against terrorism. We'll try to meet all needs of Uzbekistan to fight terrorism. I hope such acts would never repeat. The terrorism is to block Uzbekistan's development. Those who employ terrorism will never be successful.''

Demirel also said Uzbekistan will not be exposed to the movements which abuse religion, such as Algeria or Afganistan.

Briefing the economical ties between Turkey and Uzbekistan, Demirel drew attention to the growing trade volume which increased to 270 million U.S. dollars from 75 million U.S. dollars in 1992. and said Turkish entrepreneurs help Uzbekistan's economic development.

Demirel mentioned that the growing trade rate brings with itself some frictions and said he will talk to Kerimov in order to do the future projects better.''There is a need for acceleration in the economic relations,'' Demirel said.

Demirel also stressed that the Joint Economic Commission between Turkey and Uzbekistan should meet as soon as possible and added that they will try to develop cooperation in science and technical fields.

Talking about the Trans-Caucasian project, Demirel said, ''until the completion of this project, Uzbekistan should benefit from Turkey's acting as a bridge to Europe.''

Demirel also pointed out that there are shortcomings in the military field between the two countries and said the situation must be improved.

Later, President Demirel invited Kerimov to Turkey.

[05] KERIMOV: ''WE NEED TO LEARN A LOT FROM TURKEY''

Kerimov pointed out that there have been 46 protocol agreements signed between Turkey and Uzbekistan so far and added that they will try to increase this number.

The Uzbek President also stressed that Turkey has an important role to promote peace and stability in the region and said the two countries should cooperate against terrorism, drug and weapon smuggling, organized crime and religious fundamentalism.

Later, Kerimov stated that all kinds of support will be given to Turkish businessmen who will come to Uzbekistan to make investments. Kerimov also mentioned that Turkey and Uzbekistan will get closer if a short and easy way is found in the communication field.

Kerimov said they need Turkey's support to become a member of Black Sea Economic Cooperation Organization. He also added that they are ready for cooperation to train military personnel with Turkey which has the biggest military force in the NATO.

Responding to a question, Kerimov said Turkey was founded as a secular state 75 years ago. ''We need to learn a lot from Turkey. Those who threaten Turkey and Uzbekistan are trying to divert us from our path. Both countries will continue to be secular states,'' he said.

[06] DEMIREL: ''TURKEY HAS ALWAYS SUPPORTED UZBEKISTAN DURING HARD TIMES AND OUR SOLIDARITY AND SUPPORT WILL LAST FOREVER''

Demirel who continues his official visit in Uzbekistan, attended a dinner given to his honour by his Uzbek counterpart, Islam Kerimov.

Demirel, who spoke at the dinner, said Turkey has been proudly following Uzbekistan's developments since it gained its independence. ''The people of the two countries are deeply connected to each other with ties of friendship which we inherited from our common history. The friendship between Turkey and Uzbekistan will last forever. Our hearts beat at the same time. Your successes make us happy and your troubles will torment us, '' he said.

Demirel also stated that Uzbekistan has been successful in getting united with the world as a result of the sensitivity it displayed to strengthen its independence, the fast steps it took in the economic field and the stable foreign policy it followed.

Turkeys regards Uzbekistan as a country of great importance in the preservation of peace and stability in the Central Asia, he added and said he hoped his visit would further contribute to the peace and welfare of the region.

Demirel also mentioned the importance of SAMKOCOTO factory and described the project as a ''solid product of our developing economical ties''. ''I am sure new projects will be added to this one in the 21st century,'' he added.

Demirel who later talked about the future of Euroasia, said ''I am pleased to express that there is total agreement between the two countries regarding the future of Euroasia. Turkey supports Uzbekistan's efforts to develop its ties with other Central Asian countries. Forming of cooperation mechanisms among the Central Asian republics is vital in keeping peace, welfare and stability of the region. The Ankara Decleration and the Silk Road Summit are giant steps towards creating new transportation, communication, and energy infrastructures. 'The 6th Turkish Speaking Countries Summit' which will be organized this year in Baku will serve to improve the relations.''

The President said that he hoped the cooperation in the education field which started in 1991 and 1992 would also continue. ''Continue sending your children to Turkey to study. They are our children too. They will inherit the common future of both Turkey and Uzbekistan,'' he said.

[07] PRESIDENT DEMIREL IN UZBEKISTAN - PRESIDENT DEMIREL RECEIVES TURKISH BUSINESSMEN: ''TURKEY IS THE ONLY COUNTRY WHICH DOES NOT MAKE ACCOUNTS ON CENTRAL ASIAN COUNTRIES''

Listening to various problems of Turkish businessmen and citizens, President Demirel said that he did not visit this country on a normal time, but he came here due to the explosions that took place in Uzbekistan. ''Who ever says that Turkey has finger in these explosions says something stupid, '' said President Demirel.

Recalling that Uzbekistan gained her independence eight years ago, President Demirel stated that Uzbekistan still tries to set up a national and independent state.

Noting that there is not an indefiniteness in Turkey's policy, as Turkish people determine this policy, President Demirel stated that ''Turkish state has spiritual responsibility towards these countries.''

Stressing that the conditions of Uzbekistan are a bit different from the other Central Asian countries, President Demirel said that Uzbekistan is the greatest and richest state of the Central Asia.

Noting that Uzbekistan has many difficulties, President Demirel told Turkish businessmen that he explained their complaints to Uzbek President.

President Demirel said that the Turkish state is behind the Turkish businessmen in Uzbekistan, adding Turkey comes the first country in Uzbekistan in respect of investment.

Emphasing that Turkey does not have anything to win by causing an explosion in Tashkent, President Demirel said Turkey does not have the intention to interfere with the internal issues of the Uzbek administration.''Our state is an honest one and we have honour,'' he added.

[08] PRESIDENT DEMIREL OPENS KOC HOLDING'S ''SAMKOCOTO'' FACTORY IN SAMARQAND: - ''TURKEY WILL CONTINUE TO SUPPORT DEVELOPMENT EFFORTS OF UZBEKISTAN''

Addressing a speech at the ceremony held for the opening of the ''SamKocOto'' factory founded by Koc holding company in Samarqand, President Demirel stated that ''I am happy about the fact that Turkish firms contributed to economic development of Uzbekistan by investments. I believe that this installation, which is the biggest investment of Koc Holding, the biggest industry group in Turkey, will be beneficial for the Uzbek economy and people. This factory which was set up by the common efforts of Turkey and Uzbekistan and great efforts of our enterpreneurs and workers is a good example of the cooperation between the two countries.''

Noting that there are representatives of more than 20 Turkish firms and more than 300 Turkish-Uzbek joint firms in Uzbekistan at the moment, President Demirel said the closest and eternal friend of Uzbekistan is Turkey and Turkish enterpreneurs realized an investment worth of one billion dollars for the development of Uzbekistan.

Before the ceremony, President Demirel visited the tomb of Imam Al Buhari, who lived between 810-870 in Samarqand and who is known as a scholar of religion interpreting the Islam religion by a modern understanding.

[09] TURKEY'S FIRST ''TISSUE BANK'' SET UP IN CEKMECE NUCLEAR RESEARCH AND TRAINING CENTRE

The tissue bank, which could not get license from the Ministry of Health for the moment tries to produce tissue by using the bones and placenta which are put aside after surgeries.

CNAEM said that the tissue bank was set up by benefitting from the concerned applications at the tissue banks abroad and using the equipments of Turkish Atomic Energy Institution.

The head of femur (the bone that extends from the pelvis to the knee, being the longest and largets bone in the body) which is put aside after prosthesis surgeries and the amnion membrane inside the placenta are packed and sterilized by raditation in installations where Cobalt-60 Gama source is used.

The sterilized tissues can be kept for five years in room tempature and this decreases the risk of getting infected by other illnesses to the minimum level.

The issue obtained from femur is used in orthopaedics and the tissue gained from amnion membrane is used for treatment of burns.

The tissues used in transplantations in Turkey are imported at expensive prices from abroad, the officials said, adding the foreign exchange loss of Turkey will be prevented by the foundation of the Turkish tissue bank.

[10] 111 SWISS PEOPLE AS VOLUNTARY ENVOYS OF TOURISM ARRIVE IN ANTALYA TO KNOW TURKEY BETTER

The Swiss tourists, who work in various offices of Kuoni travelling agency of Switzerland, which sends tourists to Turkey, said that they will work as envoys of tourism when they return to their country.

The Swiss tourists will see the natural beaties and sight seeings in Antalya and get information about Turkey in three days and they will convey their impressions to Swiss citizens when they return back.

Ahmet Tarhan, the Deputy Director General of Pamfilya Tourism firm which hosts the Swiss people, told press members at Antalya Airport that 30,000 tourists from Switzerland came to Antalya last year, adding they expect an increase of 40 percent in the number of tourists who will visit Turkey this year.

Noting that the real aim of the visit is to show Swiss people the real face of Turkey; Tarhan said, ''the recent developments in Turkey are negatively reflected in European press, which doesn't consider the events in Turkey as terrorist activities, but as if human rights is ignored in Turkey. Turkey can't promote herself in a good way in Europe, therefore such kind of developments negatively affect our tourism.''

Roger Zintl, the Marketting Director of Kuoni Tour said in his part that he closely knows Turkey, adding ''Turkey is a heaven and my 11 friends will understand this fact during their visit to Turkey.''

[11] TURKISH DELEGATION'S CONTACTS IN MALI

The officials from the two countries will sign an agreement on Economic and Technical Cooperation and negotiate for an agreement on military training during the visit.

Military training will be given to Malian Army and assistance will be extended to Malian Fire Brigade by the agreements that will be signed upon the request of Mali.

The opportunities of cooperation in industry, trade, agriculture, education and construction business will be discussed during the visit, which is the first one between Turkey and Mali.

The Turkish delegation headed by Hasan Gemici will return to Ankara on March 19 after wrapping its contacts in Bamato, the capital of Mali.

[12] CAKIR, THE GOVERNOR OF ISTANBUL: - ''A WAVE OF TERRORIST ATTACKS DIRECTED BY THE MEDIA BROADCASTING WITH SEPARATIST CONTEXT, STARTED AFTER THE HEAD OF TERRORIST ORGANIZATION WAS CAPTURED AND BROUGHT TO TURKEY'' - ''WE CONSIDER THE LATEST STRING OF TERRORIST ATTACKS IN ISTANBUL AS THE ATTACKS OF PKK'' - ''THE INTERROGATIONS RELATED WITH THE ATTACKS CONTINUE. I CAN SAY THAT THERE ARE POSITIVE DEVELOPMENTS''

Cakır told a press conference that Turkey is a country targetted by terrorism for the reasons which are obvious for everyone, and stressed that Istanbul is a megapol with discrepancies against terrorism with its location, domestic and foreign economical and social relations, and problems.

Stating that Istanbul has become a stage for terrorist attacks since 1970s, Cakır said that the city is under the threat of separatist terrorism for the last 15 years.

Cakır said that a wave of terrorist attacks started after 16 February 1999 when the head of the terrorist organization was captured and brought to Turkey, stating that this wave of attacks is directed by the media broadcasting with separatist context. He added that almost 300 terrorist attacks occured as of 16 February. Cakır said that 13 people were killed, and 45 people, including 5 policemen, were wounded as a result of these attacks. Cakır also said that nearly 200 people were caught in relation with these attacks, and 71 of these were arrested by the courts.

Defining the arson attack on Blue Market which caused the death of 12 people as a massacre and brutality, Cakır said that terrorist organization PKK undertook the responsibility for the attack.

Cakır said that the terrorist organization PKK has important role in all these attacks, and the legal institutions of the terrorist organization help PKK to carry out these attacks.

When a journalist asked about these legal institutions, Cakır answered that ''I do not think that more comment is necessary. Sarıgazi hamlet chairman of a political party was caught in the act right after a petrol bomb attack to a public bus.''

Stressing that the state will overcome these troubles as it did before, and capture the criminals, Cakır said that they have no intention to give concessions from the principles of the state of law.

Cakır said that everybody should clearly know that they can reach nowhere by using terrorism. ''We know that they are on the brink of collapse, and they try to hide,'' he said.

Cakır said that they considered the terrorist attacks in recent days in Istanbul as the ''attacks by the PKK''. ''The interrogations related with the attacks continue. I can say that there are positive developments,'' he added.

Responding to a question, Cakır said that it was out of question to declare emergency rule in Istanbul. He added that the existing legal possibililities are sufficient. ''We do not thint to reach this point either,'' he said.

When a journalist asked if there are any new terrorist organization other than the PKK, Cakır said, ''we consider the attacks as the attacks of PKK. Also, MED-TV admits them.''

[13] THE TV BROADCAST OF TERRORIST ORGANIZATION - AKTAN, MINISTER OF TRANSPORTATION: ''WE START INITIATIVES IN INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTIONS''

Responding the questions of A.A correspondent which reminded that there were statements which said the latest terrorist attacks were directed via Med-tv, Aktan said that especially Turkish Telekom brings the issue onto the agenda on every occasion.

''The information given to us is that this possibility is given to Med-tv by private firms and international institutions cannot intervene. But we start every necessary initiative to stop the media institutions which broadcast to serve terrorism,'' he said.

Aktan also added that the Foreign Ministry is also in an effort to this end.

[14] OKCUOGLU, OCALAN'S LAWYER, APPOINTS 15 MORE ATTORNEYS

Ocalan has given this authority to Okcuoglu in the public notary proxy which he signed by the presence of Hacıbey Erdogan, Mudanya Notary. Following this, Okcuoglu assigned 15 lawyers from different bars to defend Ocalan in the court.

Okcuoglu said that his client gave him this authority, thus 15 other attorneys will help him and his brother Mehmet Selim Okcuoglu.

Stating that a group of lawyers which visited Imralı Island this morning together with Selim Okcuoglu consisted of attorneys who were appointed to defend Ocalan, Okcuoglu said the remaining attorneys will also join his meeting with his client on Tuesday and Friday.

[15] TURKISH-UZBEK JOINT INVESTMENT IN SAMARQAND

Addressing the opening ceremony, Rahmi M. Koc, the Chairman of the Executive Board of Koc Holding, described the SamKocOto factory as the biggest investment of the Koc Holding in abroad.

Expressing satisfaction over President Demirel's presence at the opening ceremony of the SamKocOto factory, Koc underlined, ''we plan to produce five thousand midibuses and trucks annually in such a modern and integrated factory. Meanwhile we maintain contacts for several other investments in the wake of the SamKocOto.''

Stressing that Uzbekistan has recorded significant progress within seven years, Rahmi Koc noted, ''Uzbekistan's determination has encouraged Turkey to make investments in this country.''

Koc also gave information about the factory, ''SamKocOto factory has been established with a capital of 64 million 118 thousand U.S. dollars. The Turkish Eximbank has provided 23.2 million U.S. dollars of the capitay. A total of 660 people including 10 Turks will be employed at the SamKocOto factory. Meanwhile 120 Uzbek workers have been trained in the motorway facilities in Adapazari province.''

Addressing the opening ceremony, President Islam Kerimov of Uzbekistan described the factory as a sign of eternal friendship between Turkey and Uzbekistan.

Pointing out that the factory will the only center producing trucks and buses in Asia, President Kerimov stressed he believes that the factory will reach full capacity as soon as possible and will begin to meet vehicle need of the regional countries.

[16] ISTANBUL'S TUBE PASSAGE PROJECT STARTS IN SEPTEMBER

Authorities from the Transportation Ministry and the Public Works and Housing Ministry came together on Tuesday where the two two sides briefed each other about their studies and projects to bring Istanbul's transportation problem to a solution.

According to a transportation study done, Istanbul's population was expected to reach to 9.6 million in 2005 and the number of motor vehicles to 700 thousand. ''However, today Istanbul's population has already become 10 million and there are 1 billion 750 thousand motor vehicles in the city, '' it was noted in the report.

Under these conditions, it was said in the report that, a rail system for Istanbul cannot be avoided. Apart from the tube passage, there is also a Topkapi-4th Levent Metro Project which has been implemented and its construction is continuing.

The Tube Passage Project will cost 1.6 billion U.S. dollars and will finance itself in a period of eight years.

The authorities will finalize their talks within a month with a Japanese State Institution OECF, for providing a credit of 870 million U.S. dollars. The remaining 730 million U.S. dollar will be obtained from the Treasury and other resources.

Hasan Basri Aktan, the Transportation Minister stated that the project, which will bring a solution to Istanbul's transportation problem, will be opened to a tender in September this year.

''The Marmaray Project will do the job of ten bridges by itself without creating environmental polution and without destroying the nature around the Strait,'' Aktan concluded.

[17] FOREIGN MINISTER CEM: - ''I THINK THAT THE MED-TV WILL NOT BE ABLE TO MAKE TERRORIST PROPAGANDA AGAINST TURKEY ANY MORE AS OF THE BEGINNING OF MAY''

Addressing journalists in central Kayseri province, Cem reminded that Turkey has put pressure for the closure of the MED-TV, and noted, ''but we encounter with several difficulties. There are some excuses such as that governments cannot interfere to broadcasting matter.''

Pointing out that they insistently work on the issue with a very strong thesis, Cem said that their efforts will resulted in coming days.

Cem told the reporters, ''no broadcasting organization can order for homicide or terrorism towards people of a country. The MED-TV broadcasts from Britain and clearly orders homicide and terrorism in Turkey. We have been struggling for the closure of this television channel for a long time. Moreover I held a telephone conversation with British Foreign Secretary ten days ago and conyeded him the issue once again. Such a matter requireds more time. I think the MED-TV will not be able to make terrorist propaganda against Turkey any more as from the beginning of May.''

Referring the latest developments in Kosovo, Cem underlined that bloodshed in Kosovo should come to an end instantly, and said that the military force killing people in Kosovo, has gone too far recently.

Remarking that there are many people having historical links with the Turkish nation, Cem told the reporters, ''Turkey is extremely sensitive on the Kosovo issue. Turkey played a significant role in NATO's interference. I hope the Serbian side will sign the peace agreement and bloodshed will stop.''

Recalling that he held talks over the issue with his Romanian counterpart, Cem emphasized, ''we as the Balkan countries, plan to hold a meeting in Romania in order to convey Balkans' opinions to the peace talks in France. Romanian Foreign Minister tries to organize the meeting.''

Ismail Cem also mentioned that the foreign press issues extremely exaggerated news reports claiming that terrorist organization has targeted the Turkish tourism.

Cem added, ''several intentional circles create such news in order to hamper the Turkish tourism. They say that journeys to eastern and southeastern regions of Turkey will be inconvenient.

We do not share such an opinion. Our tourism minister endeavour to to prevent this inclinations by publications and by meetings. We also help tourism minister in his efforts.''

[18] COLLECTIVE STRUGGLE AGAINST TERRORISM - COMPREHENSIVE MEASURES AGAINST TERRORISM TAKE EFFECT IN ISTANBUL

Within this context, all doors of installations such as cinemas, stadiums will be equipped with metal dedectors, and cameras where needed.

Necessary precautions against possible fire will be taken in locations where social, economic, and sportive meetings or gatherings took place. In these places, security personnel will be hired to cooperate with security forces on a 24 hours basis.

Stating that the terrorist attacks directed from abroad increased considerably after Abdullah Ocalan, terrorist chief, was caught, a bulletin issued in the Official Gazette said these attacks changed their nature and turned into attacks directed to innocent end defenseless people, and their properties with petrol bombs, bombs, and weapons.

The bulletin said the security forces provided the security of people respecting the principles of state of law and human rights.

Pointing out the discrepancies of a megapol like Istanbul with a continously increasing population, the bulletin said that additional security measures are required for some installations.

These places are listed as shopping malls, big shops, hotels, factories, foreign exchange offices, parking lots, auto galleries, oil stations, wedding halls, cinema and theater halls, cafes, bars, discos, restaurants, sites for residence, and industrial sites, transportation terminals, stadiums, sports facilities, and political party buildings.

[19] PRESIDENT DEMIREL DUE TO BULGARIA

President Demirel will be decorated with ''Stara Planina'' state medal, the most significant medal of Bulgaria, during his visit to this country.

President Petar Stoyanov has approved the document related with decorating President Demirel with state medal. The document says that President Demirel is being given the medal for his efforts to further improve relations between Turkey and Bulgaria.

Meanwhile the Bulgarian Interior Ministry has tightened security measures to prevent any unpleasent incidents during President Demirel's visit.

President Demirel will meet with his Bulgarian counterpart Petar Stayanov, Bulgarian Prime Minister Ivan Kostov and Yordan Sokolov, the Speaker of the Bulgarian Parliament during his visit to Bulgaria.

His contacts are expected to focus on bilateral relations between the two countries and the latest developments in the region.

Demirel will also attend the opening ceremony of the Demirbank Bulgaria A.D.

[20] SELVI, DEPUTY CHAIRMAN OF THE CHP: - ''WE WILL NOT SUPPORT CENSURE MOTION''

Addressing a press conference, Selvi stressed that postponement of the general elections will lead the country into a new chaos.

Pointing out that disgruntled deputies have left Turkey's interests aside, Selvi stressed that general elections should be held on April 18, 1999.

Selvi also added that they, as the CHP group, will participate at the general assembly and endeavour for the general elections to be held in 18 April.

Meanwhile Demir Berberoglu, the deputy of the Motherland Party (ANAP) from Eskisehir; Tekin Enerem, the deputy of the ANAP from Istanbul; Omer Demir, the deputy of the ANAP from Kirklareli; and

Hasan Denizkurdu, the independent deputy from Izmir, joined among the deputies supporting the censure motion against government.

Following their participation, the number of signatures collected for the censure motion, increased to 26.

[21] AMERICAN-TURKISH COUNCIL CHAIRWOMAN KASSEBAUM BAKER: ''TURKEY IS AN IMPORTANT COUNTRY FOR U.S. AND THERE ARE LOTS OF OPPORTUNITIES IN TURKEY''

Kassebaum Baker said the importance of the trade relations should be understood better and added that the regional developments might effect the trade relations between the two countries.

Kassebaum, when responding to a question said, Turkey and the U.S. have long term relations, and said she did not think the trade relations would be affected by the financial crisis in Asia and the South America.

The energy sector has an important role in the trade relations between the two countries, she said and reminded of the support given by the U.S. for the oil pipeline. She said the Baku-Ceyhan pipeline has political and financial aspects.

Kassebaum stressed that many U.S.companies want to make investments in Turkey and emphasized the importance of continious contacts and communication between Turkey and the U.S.

Dr. Yilmaz Arguden, deputy Chairman of the Turkish-American Business Council, who also spoke at the press meeting stated that the trade relations between the two countries gained momentum after the U.S. described Turkey as one of the ten emerging markets in the world.

Arguden said the two Councils are working to develop trade relations and to remove the obstacles in front of this development.

He pointed out that Turkey is a country of opportunities for the U.S. and added that the friendship and cooperation between the countries will contribute to the trade relations.

Arguden also stressed that Turkish economy has been powerful despite the global financial crisis and this made the international circles realize that they could make investments in Turkey.

[22] ROLLS-ROYCE HOLDS THE BIGGEST SHARE OF ENERGY COOPERATION WHICH WILL BE OPENED IN SIRNAK

The cooperation aims to establish mobile centrals, and produce electricity and steam energy using all kinds of natural gas, coal, fuel-oil, crude oil, industrial and domestic wastes and water.

The capital of the cooperation has been reported as 35 billion 600 million TL and Rolls-Royce holds the biggest share which is 17 billion 800 million TL.

Other shareholders are Bilen Bilkent Energy Investments Cooperation, Meteksan Printing Techniques Industry and Trade Cooperation, Tepe Insfrastructure Constructions Cooperation and Bilkent Holding.

The first branch of the company will be opned in Sırnak's Idil province.

[23] MED-TV BROADCASTS FROM EUROPE - ANKARA INTENSIFIES INITIATIVES AFTER IT HAS BEEN REVEALED THAT THE CALLS FOR TERRORIST ATTACKS ARE MADE VIA MED- TV

A high level official from the Foreign Ministry told A.A that no concrete result has been reached so far in spite of the initiatives in all the countries, especially Britain, Belgium, France, Netherlands, and Sweden which give facilities directly or indirectly to the broadcasts of MED-TV since 1995 when it started its broadcasts.

Stressing that Ankara continuously expended efforts in these countries, the official said the reason why the broadscasts of MED-TV cannot be prevented is that ''the understanding and will to prevent the broadcasts have not reached to the required level'' in these countries.

''Recent events revealed that both MED-TV and Ozgur Politika are not any publishing or broadcasting institution, but they are in fact directly involved in directing and administrating the terrorist organization. What everybody who is determined to struggle against terrorism should do is to give an end to these broadcasts. Otherwise, the ones who give permission to these broadcasts will also be responsible from the deaths in terrorist attacks,'' the official said.

Le Soir, a Belgium newspaper, had pointed out that the call for terrorism was made in MED-TV in an article about the terrorist attacks in Turkey.

[24] NATO SECRETARY GENERAL DUE IN TURKEY

Reliable sources at the NATO Headquarters, said that Solana is prepared about criticisms and warnings he will encounter in Turkey.

Solana who thinks that he will be asked ''How do you evaluate that a terrorist who claimed more than 30 thousand lives in a NATO member state, was hidden in the embassy of another NATO member state,'' wanted his advisers to prepare a reasonable reply.

Pointing out that Turkey has warned strongly the diplomatic and military circles within the structure of the Alliance, foreign monitors noted that Turkey is ''angry'' with several of her Western allies and describes their attitude as inexplicable.

The foreign monitors said, ''NATO is an organization which has undertaken the protection of security. The ally countries are expected not to support any initiative against the security of another member state to the Alliance. It is an extremely significant problem for the Alliance that chief of a terrorist organization which declares war against Turkey, was supported by another ally country. The Secretary General is also aware of this fact, but the NATO mechanisms do not enable such a problem which has not been lived before, to be solved.''

Defending that Ankara is determined to warn her Western allies within the structure of the NATO, the monitors pointed out that many European allies contributed to the Greece's wrongdoings to be ignored by underlining the issue of how Ocalan will be tried.

Stressing that MED-TV, the broadcasting organ of a terrorist organization who aim at damaging Turkey's integrity, continue to broadcast from two member states to the NATO, the monitors reminded that Serbian radios broadcasting against the NATO, were bombed and closed in Yugoslavia.

Meanwhile, a Turkish expert close to the Alliance said, ''such an opinion claiming that Greece supports terrorism, is wrong. In fact, Athens takes place in the very base of the terrorism. Those who wants to keep Turkey away from Europe, support terrorism which has been lasting since the Cyprus Peace Operation. Their 'mind' is already known clearly. It is normal that Turkey which is one of the most powerful members of the NATO, wants Solana to remind several ally countries their rights and obligations within the structure of the Alliance.''

The issue of ''confidence-building measures'' between Turkey and Greece will also be taken up during Solana's visit to Turkey.

Officials at the Foreign Ministry denied Greece's allegations claiming that Ankara has ceased initiatives on the confidence building measures. They stressed that it is not possible to talk about confidence for the time being.

[25] MINISTER MORIMOTO: ''WE WISH TO STRENGTHEN RELATIONS BETWEEN JAPAN AND TURKEY''

Morimoto spoke at the meeting which was organized to give information about the projects implemented in Turkey with Japanese financial and technical support.

The Japanese Minister said Japan gives the second biggest financial support to Turkey after Egypt in the region, however Turkish people do not have much information about the projects run by the Japanese support.

''Last year, the foreign ministers of the two countries met in New York and decided to increase the political cooperation between Turkey and Japan. In this framework, Turkish-Japanese Cultural Center has been established and we will celebrate the Center's first anniversary this year,'' he said.

Toshiro Hosoi, the First Secretary who also spoke at the meeting said Japan offered the biggest financial aid to other countries in the last seven years. He reminded that until 1997, Japanese aid to Turkey reached to 2.96 billion U.S. dollars. Hosoi stressed that Turkey has a big potential and power in the Middle East as a friend of Japan and has the same ideologies with the western countries.

Tasuo Yonebayashi, the chairman of the Ankara office of the Japanese International Cooperation Agency stated that Japan so far has given Turkey a technical cooperation which is worth of 209 million dollars.

Yonebayashi also mentioned that Japan is now interested in the Tube Passage Project in Istanbul.

As an attempt to inform public about the projects which are run with Japanese support, a tour was organized to promote Research and Earthquake Disaster Prevention Center, Harbour Hydrological Research Center, Development of Population Education Project and the Control of Contagious Diseases Project.

[26] INTERIOR MINISTER BAYAR: - ''WE HAVE FOUND VERY SIGNIFICANT CLUES CONCERNING TERRORIST ATTACKS''

Noting that Turkey experience an important period, Bayar stressed that they have expected such terrorist attacks since the capture of Abdullah Ocalan, the chief of terrorist organization PKK, in Kenya last month.

Reminding that Turkey has been suffering from terrorism for years, Bayar underlined that Turkey's efforts will result in success.

He also added that tight security measures taken by the security forces, have started to be effective.

[27] TURKEY AND CHINA AGREE TO INTENSIFY COMMON INVESTMENTS

Haktanir who is in Beijing to make political consultations briefed the Anadolu Agency about his contacts with the Chinese authorities.

''We target to increase our trade capacity to 1.5 billion U.S. dollars from 1 billion U.S. dollars. We will intensify joint investments with China. The Chinese side opened this way by building two dams in Turkey. We will implement the projects which we agreed on. All the necessary economical agreements have been signed between China and Turkey,'' Haktanir explained.

He also stated that Turkey regards China as an element of stability both in the region and in the world and added that China's constructive approach helped to overcome the Asian crisis. He stated that China which is a growing economical power will be even more powerful in the next century.

The minister said China and Turkey has very parallel views on the Iraqi issue. Haktanir also added that China and Turkey agree to support each other in the international organizations and asked for Chinese support for membership of the U.N. Security Council in 2001.

''We stressed to the Chinese authorities that their territorial unity is as important to us as our own. We are determined not to allow any activities to disintegrate China that may take place in our own soil,'' Haktanir said.

The Minister also talked about the revitalization of the Silk Road: ''The revitalization of the Silk Road is not a simple dream. It is becoming more and more solid everyday. We aim to turn the Silk Road into a telecommunication and transportation corridor,'' Haktanir concluded.

A.A

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