Anadolu Agency: News in English, 99-03-18

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AA Daily

18 March 1999 Thursday

CONTENTS

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

[02] BELGIAN FOREIGN MINISTRY: - ''WE TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION TURKEY'S CONCERNS''

[03] SECOND TURKISH FILMS FESTIVAL IN AUSTRIA

[04] 18TH INTERNATIONAL ISTANBUL FILM FESTIVAL

[05] MECHANICAL ENGINEERS CHAMBER AND CONTEMPORARY JURISTS ASSOCIATION CONDEMN TERRORIST ATTACKS

[06] TUNALIGIL, LEADER OF TURKISH PEOPLE LIVING IN KOSOVO: - ''KOSOVO CRISIS IS NOT THE PROBLEM OF ONLY SERBS AND ALBANIANS''

[07] PRESIDENT DENKTAS OF TRNC: - ''WE DEFEND TURKEY'S CASE ON CYPRUS''

[08] PREMIER ECEVIT ISSUES A CIRCULAR ABOUT THE HUMANITARIAN AID TO THE FOREIGN COUNTRIES - ECEVIT GIVES THE TASK OF THE COORDINATION OF HUMANITARIAN AID TO GUREL, THE MINISTER OF STATE

[09] EGE, FOREIGN TRADE UNDERSECRETARY: - ''THERE WAS A 2.4 PERCENT INCREASE IN EXPORTS IN 1998''

[10] MORE THAN THREE MILLION NEW VOTERS TO VOTE AT GENERAL ELECTIONS

[11] THE REVENUE OF ANTALYA'S HISTORICAL SIGHTS IN TWO MONTHS: 200 BILLION U.S. DOLLARS - THE REVENUES FROM THE HISTORICAL SIGHTS OF ANTALYA INCREASE BY 4 PERCENT

[12] 84TH ANNIVERSARY OF CANAKKALE VICTORY - PRESIDENT DEMIREL: ''OUR ESSENTIAL DUTY IN THE 84TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CANAKKALE WAR IS TO PROTECT ETERNALLY OUR UNITY AND INDIVISIBLE TERRITORIAL INTEGRITY OF OUR COUNTRY''

[13] PREMIER ECEVIT: ''THERE IS UNEASINESS IN EVERY PART OF THE SOCIETY DUE TO THE INDEFINITENESS IN THE ELECTION DATE AND THE GOVERNMENT'' - ''TURKEY DOES NOT NEED A GOVERNMENT CRISIS AT THE MOMENT, AND SHE CANNOT TOLERATE SUCH CRISIS, EITHER''

[14] STALEV, BULGARIAN AMBASSADOR TO TURKEY: - ''THE VISIT OF PRESIDENT DEMIREL, WHO IS ONE OF THE EXPERIENCED POLITICIANS OF THE WORLD, WILL IMPROVE THE RELATIONS BETWEEN THE TWO COUNTRIES''

[15] TAN, MINISTER OF TOURISM: - ''ACTION TO INFECT TOURISM WITH TERRORISM STEMS DIRECTLY FROM EUROPEAN COUNTRIES''

[16] BAYAR, MINISTER OF INTERIOR: - ''EVERY KIND OF MEASURE IS TAKEN AGAINST PERSONAL TERROR ATMOSPHERE TRIED TO BE CREATED FOLLOWING APPREHENSION OF OCALAN'' - ''WE ARE CARRYING OUT A DETAILED STUDY ABOUT HOW WE WILL HOST AND PROTECT THE TOURISTS TO VISIT TURKEY THIS YEAR'' - ''THERE ARE VERY IMPORTANT CLUES ABOUT THE ARSON ATTACK TO MAVI CARSI''

[17] EXPLOSION IN KIRIKHAN - BULGARIAN POLICE INVESTIGATES REAL IDENTITIES OF TWO BULGARIANS WHO BLEW UP IN CAR EXPLOSION

[18] DEMONSTRATIONS OF TERRORIST ORGANIZATION TARGETING TURKEY - FOREIGN MINISTRY: - ''DEMONSTRATIONS, BROADCASTINGS AND PUBLICATIONS OF THE SUPPORTERS OF TERRORIST ORGANIZATION TARGETING TURKEY, ARE BLACKMAILS AGAINST TRAVEL FREEDOM OF EUROPEAN NATIONS''

[19] NATO SECRETARY GENERAL ARRIVES IN TURKEY

[20] PRESIDENT DEMIREL: - ''ELECTIONS WILL BE HELD ON 18 APRIL'' - ''DO NOT TRY TO BRING SOMETHING LIKE SOLDIER'S SHADOW OVER THE REGIME''

[21] WARNING FROM TURKISH PEOPLE LIVING IN FRANCE: - ''DEBATE OF RESOLUTION REGARDED WITH SO-CALLED GENOCIDE ON ARMENIANS, WILL DISTURB 400 THOUSAND TURKISH PEOPLE LIVING IN FRANCE AND PLAY HAVOC WITH RELATIONS BETWEEN TURKEY AND FRANCE''

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

HURRIYET (LIBERAL)

THE END OF THE CRUEL BOMBER IS BLOODY
The assailants who wanted to hurl a petrol bomb to a shop in Istanbul could not achieve their will. The security forces killed one of the assailants in the clashes, while the other assailant escaped. The security forces seized a hand grenade, a TNT bar, and a gun.

MILLIYET (LIBERAL)

BLOODY AGREEMENT
The terrorist organizations PKK, Islamic Great East Raiders-Front (IBDA-C) and Turkish Workers and Peasant Liberation Army (TIKKO) signed an ''evil alliance'' at istanbul's Bayrampasa prison.

''Turkish Republic is our common enemy. Therefore we will give a common struggle. We will attack,'' they said in the agreement which was seized by the security forces. It was found out that the terrorists after signing the agreement, organized the attack at Mavi Carsi which resulted with the death of 13 people. The terrorists also sent massages to many European capitals to hamper Turkish tourism.

'' Do not come to Turkey as a tourist, otherwise we'll kill you. You can come with a different identity. But when you come as a tourist, you bring foreing money to Turkey and we don't want that,'' it said in the terrorists' message.

SABAH (LIBERAL)

Two Bulgarians namely Jivkov Ivanov and Dimitri Dimitrov entered into Turkey on March 14 from the Kapikule Border Gate with their BMW having GT 2026 Bulgarian license plate. The car was filled with time bombs ordered by terrorist organizations. And those bombs were to be used by terrorists to kill innocent people.

The two couriers set out for Iskenderun to meet with terrorists after having their meal in southern Hatay province. When they arrived in the Topbogazi region, the BMW was exploded. This time the right thing happened and the bombs killed two terrorist parasites instead of innocent people.

INITIATIVE OF DISGRUNTLED MPS BECOMES DIFFICULT
They managed to have the censure motion been put into the agenda of the Parliament but they don't have the majority to collapse the government and formula to overcome the agenda barrier.

The alliance between the disgruntled deputies and the Virtue Party (FP) earlier reached 268 votes. There is a need for 276 votes to overthrow the government.

CUMHURIYET (LEFT)

Turk said, except for defense purposes, Turkey cannot accept the bombing of Iraq. ''We told the U.S. authorities that we allow only reconnaisence flights over the Northern Iraq and they said they accepted that condition, '' Turk said.

FIRST COURT HEARING OF OCALAN MAY TAKE PLACE IN ANKARA
Chief of General Staff and the National Intelligence Organization issued a written statement which they sent to Ankara State Security Court (DGM) saying that there may be serious security problems if chief terrorist Ocalan is brought to Ankara for the court hearing scheduled for March 24. The background of the foreigners who will watch the trial is under investigation for possible past links to PKK.

RADIKAL (LEFT)

SOUTHEASTERN ANATOLIA COMMERCIAL IN CNN
The CNN International, a U.S. television channel, starts to broadcast the commercials about the Southeastern Anatolia region which were recorded within the sponsorship of Turkish Halkbank. The commercials draw the attention to the history, cultural, and economic potential of the Southeastern Anatolia region.

YENİ YÜZYIL (LIBERAL)

EIGHT SUPPORTERS OF PKK CAPTURED
Eight persons who were determined as to be the supporters of the terrorist organization PKK and who held various petrol bomb attacks in Bursa, were captured.

TÜRKİYE (RIGHT)

In a bloodcurdling accident yesterday, a bus, and a lorry collided, killing seven people and injuring 31 others in Sivrihisar. Six more people were killed when a car crashed into another car in Konya. In other traffic accidents happened in other provinces, 12 people died.

LOAN INDEXED TO POLLS
Ajay Chhibber, the World Bank Turkey Director, said holding the early elections on time and the new governmenmt's starting to take structural measures will give the international organizations the opportunity to support Turkey.

Stressing that Turkey should absolutely implement an IMF-supported programme, Chhibber said that the World Bank undertook to to give Turkey a Structural Concordance Loan worth almost three billion U.S. dolars.

ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)

The disgruntled deputies, who are watching for an opportunity to postpone the polls, put into practice the FP's demands yesterday. The censure motion, which was given by the FP foreseeing the discussion of some laws having priority until 22 March, was adopted with 254 votes in favor against 222 votes. The pre-discussion of the censure motion will be held on 20 March.

Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said, ''I don't care about the censure motion. These polls will be held because there isn't other way.''

[02] BELGIAN FOREIGN MINISTRY: - ''WE TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION TURKEY'S CONCERNS''

Addressing a weekly press conference, Pierre Emanuel De Bauw, the Deputy Spokesman of the Belgian Foreign Ministry, stressed that works are underway on the issue, and added that they are investigating the juridical basis of the matter.

Underlining that they are in perpetual contact with the Turkish Foreign Ministry, De Bauw recalled that a working unit has been established within the structure of the Belgian Interior Ministry. De Bauw remarked that the terrorist television channel broadcasts from Britain and uses the studios in Belgium, noting that this situation creates problem.

Pierre Emanuel De Bauw also reminded that they had warned the officials of the MED-TV in February.

Denying the news reports claiming that the Belgian Foreign Ministry advised Belgian people not to prefer Turkey for holiday travels, De Bauw told the reporters that they have only warned those who will spend their holidays in Turkey to be careful.

[03] SECOND TURKISH FILMS FESTIVAL IN AUSTRIA

The Association issued a statement saying that the Turkish people living in Austria and the Austrian people who want to get more information about the Turkish cinema, had showed great interest in last year's festival.

The Station Wien Association pointed out that they have choosen the films reflecting the underground culture, efforts of overcoming the circle of tradition and minorities in the social life.

The films which will be shown at the Schikander cinema within the framework of the festival, are ''Heavy Novel (Agir Roman)'' by Mustafa Altioklar, ''Innocence (Masumiyet)'' by Zeki Demirkubuz, ''Mixed Pizza (Karisik Pizza)'' by Umur Turagay, ''Kurz und Schmerzlos'' by Fatih Akin and ''Anatomy of a Man (Bir Erkegin Anatomisi)'' by Yavuz Ozkan.

[04] 18TH INTERNATIONAL ISTANBUL FILM FESTIVAL

The Expotecnia'99 which will be organized by the Spanish Trade Ministry in Istanbul between June 1-6, will be the sponsor of the ''One Country - One Cinema'' section where films of leading Spanish directors including Carlos Saura, will be shown.

The opening film of the International Film Festival will be the latest work of Saura: ''Tango''.

[05] MECHANICAL ENGINEERS CHAMBER AND CONTEMPORARY JURISTS ASSOCIATION CONDEMN TERRORIST ATTACKS

The TMMOB issued a written statement saying that violent actions towards civilian people have increase to frightening levels recently.

Referring the fire-bomb attack on the Mavi Carsi shopping center in Goztepe district in Kadikoy county of Istanbul which claimed 13 innocent lives, the statement underlined, ''such incidents are crimes against humanity. They are totaly unacceptable whatever their reasons are.''

The statement condemned strongly the circles that try to benefit politically from such bloody actions.

Meanwhile, the Contemporary Jurists Association (CHD) also condemned the fire-bomb attack on the Mavi Carsi shopping center.

The Association stressed in its written statement, ''no one can expect us, the jurists of state of law, to remain silent against such attacks causing civilian casualties.''

[06] TUNALIGIL, LEADER OF TURKISH PEOPLE LIVING IN KOSOVO: - ''KOSOVO CRISIS IS NOT THE PROBLEM OF ONLY SERBS AND ALBANIANS''

Addressing meeting of the Political Affairs Committee of the Council of Europe Parliamentarians Assembly; Tunaligil, the Leader of the Kosovo Turkish Democratic Union Party, stressed that Kosovon Turks have the right of closely monitoring the peace talks, and added that they will not admit a new arrangement which will reverse the rights given by the 1974 Kosovon Constitution.

Tunaligil remarked that in accordance with the 1974 Constitution, Turkish language is one of the three official languages in Kosovo, and reminded that the Turkish community living in Kosovo has been given the right of using the symbol of the Turkish flag.

He also stressed, ''overall nations in Kosovo should be given equal rights; ethnic rights should respected in the judgement organs, and the right of education in Turkish language should continue.''

Pointing out that more than 60 thousand Turkish people live in Kosovo, Tunaligil added that nearly 200 thousand people speak in Turkish language.

[07] PRESIDENT DENKTAS OF TRNC: - ''WE DEFEND TURKEY'S CASE ON CYPRUS''

Addressing a conference on ''The Latest Developments in Region and Their Effects on Cyprus'' at the War Academies Commandership, President Denktas expressed satisfaction over addressing a conference on Cyprus question in front of the Turkish soldier who protect and improve the principles of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the Founder of the modern and secular Republic of Turkey.

Stressing that a vision has emerged during the periods of last two governments and such a determination has relieved them, President Denktas underlined that the protocol signed by himself and President Suleyman Demirel in January 1997 and ensuing protocols pointed out the existence of the TRNC.

Remarking that the main target of the Greek Cypriot side is to colonize the Turkish Cypriots, Denktas said that the world recognized the Greek Cypriot community as the legal government of Cyprus and crowned it with full membership to the European Union (EU).

Recalling that they have been endeavouring to explain that the two communities on the island are equal, for 20 years, Rauf Denktas continued, ''Turkey has seen, understood, and evaluated after a long period that the Greek Cypriots aim at making Cyprus a Greek Cypriot Republic. Turkey said the last word: the TRNC exists, this Republic has stemmed from the division of a partnership established in 1960.

There were of cource flounders against such a powerful voice. Today, the U.S., Britain, Germany, and the United Nations (UN) Security Council wait for the general elections in Turkey in order to see whether or not this powerful voice, this resistance continue. I am telling them that general elections will not change anything.''

Referring the unilateral membership application of the Greek Cypriot side to the EU, Denktas emphasized, ''Cyprus which is member to the EU, is on the south, and Cyprus which is not member to the EU, is on north. We do not admit such a sentence.''

President Denktas noted, ''we were trying to warn the world about the tricks of the Greek Cypriot side. The foreign diplomats told us, ''You were right,'' when they understood that Greek Cypriot side was involved in Ocalan affair. Do they need an Ocalan affair every year to believe us? Turkey's determination is appropriate and it should endure.''

Stressing that the Greek Cypriots remain intransigent on the issue of Cyprus question, Denktas said, ''Greek Cypriots should withdraw the resolution accusing Turkey and supporting terrorist PKK which was adopted in the wake of Ocalan affair. How can we talk about peace with such a community? The Cyprus question is a matter between Turkey and Greece, but the Greek Cypriot side wants to carry it onto the international platform.''

Pointing out that they work to remove bureaucratic obstacles between Turkey and the TRNC, and to establish a kind of customs union, Denktas said that they warn the young people in the TRNC not to be deceived by Greek Cypriot propagandas.

Stressing that the TRNC will be a part of Anatolia in every field as a result of the integration process, Denktas noted that this process will further strengthen the TRNC.

Reiterating that the reconciliation is only possible with the recognition of the TRNC, Rauf Denktas added, ''this is the essence of peace. Let the unification to come later. Borders will disappear in the course of time.''

[08] PREMIER ECEVIT ISSUES A CIRCULAR ABOUT THE HUMANITARIAN AID TO THE FOREIGN COUNTRIES - ECEVIT GIVES THE TASK OF THE COORDINATION OF HUMANITARIAN AID TO GUREL, THE MINISTER OF STATE

Issuing a circular, Ecevit said that some difficulties were faced in sending these humanitarian aids of Turkey and some international institutions to the foreign countries which need this emergency humanitarian aid.

The circular underlined the following principles:

-The coordination of the aid of the public institutions and organizations, and the private institutions, associations and citizens to be sent to the foreign countries will be ensured by Sukru Sina Gurel, the Minister of State; and the Ministry of State will be informed about the aid and its results.

-The demands of the countries which request humanitarian aid will be evaluated by the Ministry of Foreign and the result will be submitted to the Prime Ministry and Ministry of State.

-The Ministry of Foreign Affairs should approve the humanitarian aid to the foreign countries and the coordination will be provided.

-The Prime Ministry will ratify the financial support to the foreign countries.

-The efforts for providing help should comply with the provisions of the Aid Providing Law and the ones who can provide aid in accordance with the law will get permission from the related authority.

-No transactions will be done without the approval of the Ministry of State on how and by whom the aid will be sent to the countries. The Ministry of State will be in coordination with the Minsitry of Foreign.

-The humanitarian aid will be sent by the Turkish Red Crescent.

[09] EGE, FOREIGN TRADE UNDERSECRETARY: - ''THERE WAS A 2.4 PERCENT INCREASE IN EXPORTS IN 1998''

Speaking to reporters at a cocktail party held upon the anniversary of the foundation of the Association of Foreign Trade Vocational Officials, Ege said the increase in exports to especially stable markets was an important edvelopment despite all negativities, adding, ''for instance, the increase in our exports to the European Union (EU) and the U.S. was about ten percent. These are considerably important developments.''

When asked whether or not the European and the U.S. markets can meet the decrease in exports stemmed from the Asian and Russian crises, Ege said the North Africa, excluding Libya, emerged as an important market for Turkey and the increase in exports to that market met the loss in Russia.

Responding to a question about the anti-inflationist programme, Ege said, ''first of all, the existing situation should be specified accurately. Thus, data is important and we are working on them. It is possible to make accurate statements about other issues after a serious progress is recorded on this issue.''

[10] MORE THAN THREE MILLION NEW VOTERS TO VOTE AT GENERAL ELECTIONS

According to the lists prepared after the 1997 census, about 3.3 million of new voters and 70 thousand vote boxes were added since the last elections.

More than 6 million people in Istanbul, 2 million in Ankara, 2 million in Izmir, 1 million in Bursa, 1 million in Konya and 1 million in Adana will vote at the general elections.

VOTERS VOTE BOXES
------ ------
ADANA 1.055.138 5.893
ADIYAMAN 275.262 1.616
AFYON 403.766 2.277
AĞRI 187.130 1.204
AMASYA 226.314 1.304
ANKARA 2.349.277 12.232
ANTALYA 919.821 4.854
ARTVİN 124.957 757
AYDIN 577.041 3.128
BALIKESİR 731.736 4.011
BİLECİK 117.875 725
BİNGÖL 106.859 729
BİTLİS 117.363 743
BOLU 354.317 2.098
BURDUR 167.436 959
BURSA 1.288.836 6.819
ÇANAKKALE 313.845 1.761
ÇANKIRI 146.147 902
ÇORUM 369.160 2.198
DENİZLİ 521.690 2.769
DİYARBAKIR 551.927 3.212
EDİRNE 268.933 1.448
ELAZIĞ 311.608 1.890
ERZİNCAN 138.180 1.111
ERZURUM 420.249 2.740
ESKİŞEHİR 445.458 2.443
GAZİANTEP 618.013 3.338
GİRESUN 272.859 1.582
GÜMÜŞHANE 86.175 677
HAKKARİ 76.524 436
HATAY 695.067 3.733
ISPARTA 242.566 1.369
İÇEL 858.045 4.930
İSTANBUL 6.194.086 31.870
İZMİR 2.154.364 11.844
KARS 161.174 909
KASTAMONU 255.631 1.781
KAYSERİ 592.655 3.461
KIRKLARELİ 214.741 1.205
KIRŞEHİR 151.823 891
KOCAELİ 755.136 3.980
KONYA 1.017.742 5.521
KÜTAHYA 375.528 2.192
MALATYA 406.915 2.467
MANİSA 798.531 4.471
K.MARAŞ 499.173 2.786
MARDİN 274.896 1.559
MUĞLA 440.243 2.368
MUŞ 153.212 883
NEVŞEHİR 174.170 962
NİĞDE 199.123 1.034
ORDU 463.072 2.592
RİZE 205.662 1.242
SAKARYA 487.791 2.585
SAMSUN 741.676 4.232
SİİRT 106.433 663
SİNOP 141.075 927
SİVAS 388.094 2.731
TEKİRDAĞ 374.775 2.015
TOKAT 404.609 2.440
TRABZON 477.368 2.740
TUNCELİ 50.077 484
ŞANLIURFA 518.599 3.070
UŞAK 200.119 1.131
VAN 320.375 1.792
YOZGAT 309.784 1.778
ZONGULDAK 410.444 2.289
AKSARAY 202.178 1.081
BAYBURT 48.776 339
KARAMAN 125.819 744
KIRIKKALE 188.356 1.061
BATMAN 174.076 1.077
ŞIRNAK 113.798 680
BARTIN 128.332 769
ARDAHAN 75.497 457
IĞDIR 79.003 488
YALOVA 114.224 632
KARABÜK 147.174 893
KİLİS 61.445 388
OSMANİYE 234.008 1.204
------- -----
TOPLAM 37.451.356 208.596

[11] THE REVENUE OF ANTALYA'S HISTORICAL SIGHTS IN TWO MONTHS: 200 BILLION U.S. DOLLARS - THE REVENUES FROM THE HISTORICAL SIGHTS OF ANTALYA INCREASE BY 4 PERCENT

The officials from the Provincial Cultural Directorate said that the revenues gained from the historical sights of Antalya and its vicinity increased by four percent in January and February 1999 when compared with the revenues gained in the same period in 1998.

Stating that 233,000 domestic and foreign tourists visited the museums and historical sights of Antalya in the first two months of 1999, the officials noted that they gained 201 billion U.S. dollars from the entrance fees of these historical sights.

Meanwhile, the Aspendos Theatre draws the maximum attention of the tourists among the historical sights in Antalya. Ancient Perga Ruins follows the Aspendos Theatre, while Antalya Museum is considered as the most attractive museum among the museums visited by the domestic and foreign tourist.

[12] 84TH ANNIVERSARY OF CANAKKALE VICTORY - PRESIDENT DEMIREL: ''OUR ESSENTIAL DUTY IN THE 84TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CANAKKALE WAR IS TO PROTECT ETERNALLY OUR UNITY AND INDIVISIBLE TERRITORIAL INTEGRITY OF OUR COUNTRY''

Issuing a message upon the 84th anniversary of the Canakkale Victory, President Demirel said, ''there were such turning points in our glorious history that they were full of lessons for us and the humanity. The Canakkale Naval Victory was one of the meaningful and great legends.''

''Hundreds of thousands of young people fought under hard conditions with the enemies, who had superior powers and trying to occupy Turkey. They died for the sake of the same case and belief at the same trenches. Thus, the Canakkale Martrydom is the memorial and monument of the eternal existence of Turkey and her indivisible integrity with her nation,'' President Demirel said.

''This epic is the honor of the Turkish people. Our essential duty in the 84th anniversary of the Canakkale War is to protect eternally our unity and indivisible integrity of our country,'' President Demirel added.

[13] PREMIER ECEVIT: ''THERE IS UNEASINESS IN EVERY PART OF THE SOCIETY DUE TO THE INDEFINITENESS IN THE ELECTION DATE AND THE GOVERNMENT'' - ''TURKEY DOES NOT NEED A GOVERNMENT CRISIS AT THE MOMENT, AND SHE CANNOT TOLERATE SUCH CRISIS, EITHER''

Responding the questions of the journalists on his evaluations about the statements of Kivrikoglu in Canakkale Airport, Ecevit said, ''there is uneasiness in all parts of the society due to the indefiniteness in the election date and the government. Turkey is facing a critical stage which is both positive and negative. I mean the terrorist attacks when I say negative. These are the flutterings in despair. The terrorists try to benefit from this instability.''

Ecevit added, ''meanwhile, the basic indicators in economy have a tendency to the positive marks. The inflation, the high cost of living decreased below fifty percent in the recent years. The interest rates which increased to 150 percent decreased below 100 percent. Some sectors start to overcome the crisis. Of course, a government crisis and the continuation of this indefiniteness will convert all these positive indicators into negative.''

Ecevit continued, ''Turkey does not need a government crisis at the moment, and she cannot tolerate such crisis, either. I believe that the parliament can have a healthy resolution by taking into consideration the tendencies of all the parts of the society.''

''We cannot make any issue a matter of bargain. There is not enough time for this. There is one month left until the elections. I do not think that the parliament can convene every day. To this end, nobody has the right to include new issues to the agenda of the parliament.'', Ecevit said.

Noting that they had carried out efforts to make the parliament discuss some urgent laws before the election schedule started, Ecevit said, ''the ones who try to include some motions for resolution in the agenda of the parliament at the moment did not participate in the parliament when we carried out efforts to discuss some laws. Once the elections are over, we then will discuss the laws which has the priority.''

Ecevit then departed from the airport to join the Canakkale Victory celebrations.

[14] STALEV, BULGARIAN AMBASSADOR TO TURKEY: - ''THE VISIT OF PRESIDENT DEMIREL, WHO IS ONE OF THE EXPERIENCED POLITICIANS OF THE WORLD, WILL IMPROVE THE RELATIONS BETWEEN THE TWO COUNTRIES''

Stalev evaluated the relations between Turkey and Bulgaria in his statement to the A.A correspondent.

Stating that Turkey and Bulgaria will discuss the bilateral relations, the regional problems including the Kosovo dispute, the issues including the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSCE), and the membership of Bulgaria to NATO, Stalev said, ''we want to be a member of NATO and we are pleased about the support of Turkey in this issue. Within this framework, we hope that Turkey will lobby for Bulgaria's becoming a member of NATO in the NATO Summit which will be held in Washington D.C.''

Stalev added, ''the Kosovo dispute is obvious. Bulgaria's and Romania's being the member of NATO will contribute to the regional security and stability. Being the member of NATO is the most important foreign policy of Bulgaria. When Bulgaria becomes a member of NATO, she will become a more credible country for the foreign investors.''

Stressing that the second important foreign policy of Bulgaria is the membership to the European Union (EU), Stalev noted that the NATO membership will contribute to the EU membership, adding that the NATO identity is important in saving Bulgaria from the influence of the former Eastern Europe.

Recalling that Turkey opens to Europe via Bulgaria, Stalev emphasized that Bulgaria should not be considered only as the European gate of Turkey, adding that the two countries should recognize each other more, while the mutual trade should be improved.

Stalev said, ''the good neighbourly relations between Turkey and Bulgaria are the guarantee of the investments.''

Stalev stated that Demirel will be granted Medal of State and will open a branch of a Turkish bank, a Turkish factory, a highway, and a power plant during his visit.

Stalev pointed out that they want the Turkish businessmen to make investment in Bulgaria and their own businessmen to invest in Turkey.

Stalev noted that they try to implement the market economy with all its rules and that all the conditions for these investments are present, adding that Bulgaria realized more than two billion U.S. dollar foreign investments in there years.

Stressing that they want to improve the cooperation with Turkey in defense industry sector, Stalev noted that Bulgaria has an advanced defense industry and that their cooperation will increase in case they become a member of NATO.

Stating that Bulgaria is in the Middle East European Free Trade Zone and that she has trade agreements with Russia, Stalev added that the Turkish businessmen can be more advantegeous in the Middle East European and Russian markets by producing goods in Bulgaria, where the labour force is cheap.

[15] TAN, MINISTER OF TOURISM: - ''ACTION TO INFECT TOURISM WITH TERRORISM STEMS DIRECTLY FROM EUROPEAN COUNTRIES''

Speaking to reporters, Ahmet Tan said it was seen that some recent reservation cancellations in tourism were caused by the guiding of the foreign ministries of each country.

Noting that there is no need to panic at this stage, Tan said Turkey is wanted to be put under pressure and that the unforeseen danger will be overcome if people keep themselves away from panic against that pressure.

''These countries made those reservation cancellation according to the news they received from the mass media organs supporting the terrorist PKK organization. They didn't take into considerations the news they received from their Embassies and press representatives in Turkey,'' Tan said.

Pointing out that Europe is anxious about Turkey's successes in the past, Tan said, ''these countries are trying to overshadow the tourism in Turkey with the broadcast organs of terrorist organizations.''

Stressing that Turkey took every measure step by step and will continue to do so, Tan said the only thing to be made is a diplomatic attack and that is being carried out at the highest level.

[16] BAYAR, MINISTER OF INTERIOR: - ''EVERY KIND OF MEASURE IS TAKEN AGAINST PERSONAL TERROR ATMOSPHERE TRIED TO BE CREATED FOLLOWING APPREHENSION OF OCALAN'' - ''WE ARE CARRYING OUT A DETAILED STUDY ABOUT HOW WE WILL HOST AND PROTECT THE TOURISTS TO VISIT TURKEY THIS YEAR'' - ''THERE ARE VERY IMPORTANT CLUES ABOUT THE ARSON ATTACK TO MAVI CARSI''

Speaking to reporters, Bayar said they are carrying out a ''very careful study'' about how they will host and protect the tourists who will visit Turkey this year.

''The circular we will prepare concerning the issue will be sent to the Governor's Offices in coming days,'' he said.

Responding to a question about the Newroz celebrations, Bayar said, ''Newroz is our traditional feast. Celebration of this feast in each province according to traditions is very natural. Thus, we didn't restrict the Governor's Offices. But we won't allow the people who will try to use the feast to implement terrorism.''

Responding to another question, Interior Minister Bayar said that they obtained important clues about the arson attack on the Mavi Carsi shopping mall in Istanbul, adding, ''now, I can't announce these clues but the arsonists will be arrested in a very short time.''

[17] EXPLOSION IN KIRIKHAN - BULGARIAN POLICE INVESTIGATES REAL IDENTITIES OF TWO BULGARIANS WHO BLEW UP IN CAR EXPLOSION

Sources close to the Bulgarian Interior Ministry told the A.A correspondent that the Bulgarian Police, who had a suspicion about the identities of the two Bulgarians, opened a full-scale investigation to determine the real identities of these persons according to the information came from Turkey.

Meanwhile, it is revealed that the BMW with CT 2026 AC Bulgarian licence plate which entered Turkey on 14 March from the Kapikule Border Gate, belonged to a Bulgarian namely Petar Solunkin and was registered at the Stara Zagora Traffic Department.

Officials at the Bulgarian Interior Ministry said that they have still not received sufficient information about the real identities of the two Bulgarians killed in the explosion and whether or not car was stolen.

Meanwhile, Bulgarian press covered the story in the first pages with the headlines ''Two Bulgarians Blew Up In Anatolia'', ''Ours Were Bringing Arms To Kurds'' and ''Bulgarian Exploded In Turkey''.

Bulgarian newspaper Trud said there was not an information or evidence at the registration or record of the Captain Andrevo and border police proving that a BMW with that licence plate left Bulgaria.

[18] DEMONSTRATIONS OF TERRORIST ORGANIZATION TARGETING TURKEY - FOREIGN MINISTRY: - ''DEMONSTRATIONS, BROADCASTINGS AND PUBLICATIONS OF THE SUPPORTERS OF TERRORIST ORGANIZATION TARGETING TURKEY, ARE BLACKMAILS AGAINST TRAVEL FREEDOM OF EUROPEAN NATIONS''

The Ministry issued a statement saying that the terrorist organization PKK has been taken under control as a result of determined and effective struggle of the Turkish security forces.

The statement pointed out that terrorists act wrecklessly excessive and menace with an anger stemmed from the collapse of the organization both in Turkey and abroad.

The Foreign Ministry emphasized that the PKK aims at creating a wrong impression about Turkey by launching brutal attacks against defenseless and innocent civilians.

Recalling that the terrorist organization had used similar threats in past, the statement underlined that terrorists could not reach neither to touristic places nor to the other settlement centers due to tight security measures taken by the security forces.

The statement remarked, ''terrorists are being captured or surrendered to justice in every occasion. Therefore, no one should take into consideration such menaces and propagandas of terrorists.''

The Foreign Ministry expressed regret over several governments that prefer to be a mere spectator to such a blackmail instead of struggling to protect rights of their people.

The statement also added, ''but we believe that Europe's rationalism and common sense will prevail and our guests will enjoy their peaceful holidays in Turkey as they did before.''

[19] NATO SECRETARY GENERAL ARRIVES IN TURKEY

Prior to the NATO Summit scheduled to take place in Washington D.C. between 23-25 April 1999 upon the 50th anniversary of its foundation, Solana will visit 19 NATO members including newly accepted Hungary, Poland and Czech Republic. Within the framework of his tour, Solana is expected to proceed from Turkey to Greece after wrapping up his contacts in Ankara.

Solana will be received by President Suleyman Demirel and Hikmet Cetin, the Speaker of the Parliament, and will meet with Ismail Cem, the Foreign Minister, and Hikmet Sami Turk, the Minister of National Defense.

Solana will leave Ankara late on the same day after staging a press conference to give information about his contacts in Ankara.

[20] PRESIDENT DEMIREL: - ''ELECTIONS WILL BE HELD ON 18 APRIL'' - ''DO NOT TRY TO BRING SOMETHING LIKE SOLDIER'S SHADOW OVER THE REGIME''

Demirel told reporters that nobody should try to bring something like a soldier's shadow over the regime. ''Nobody should put the soldiers into this,'' he added.

Stating that nobody should give the opportunity to start new discussions over the credibility of the Parliament, Demirel said there is no need to feel concern and law is required to hold the elections after 18 April.

Demirel said that all the procedures to issue this law and postpone the election should be finished before 18 April. ''If these cannot be finished before 18 April, the elections will be done. That's all. There is no need to feel concern,'' he added.

Responding to a question, Demirel said:

''It is not to Turkey's benefit to convene the parliament by preventing the elections after this date. Because the Parliament was also in difficulty to work before these 'disgruntled' deputies emerged. It was a divided parliament. Now it is divided again. In this situation, it is very difficult for the parliament to realize a function. What is correct is to renew the Parliament with the free will of the people on 18 April. That is, it is to hold the elections on 18 April.

Stating that elections were declared 9 months before in Turkey, Demirel said that he warned then not to announce elections so early because the state will be paralysed. President Demirel said that ''nobody should give opportunity to start new discussions over the credibility of the parliament.'' Emphasizing that the will of the parliament is over everything, Demirel said, 'but the place of every institution of the Republic of Turkey is determined in the Constitution. There are laws which will be issued by the Parliament. The procedures of these laws are determined. The governments have considerably important functions here. The commissions have functions. The President has functions. That is, everything is not over when you obtained a majority in the Parliament. That is the system. When there is such a system, everyday discusions can naturally create confusion.''

Demirel said, ''there is nothing to feel concern. The parliament tries to do something within its legal basis. As long as there is legality, nobody should feel concern. And I do not see a situation in which the legality is abandoned.''

Concerning the expressions of Huseyin Kıvrıkoglu, the Chief of General Staff, Demirel said, the General Chief of Staff expressed his views and this should not be evaluated as an ''ultimatom''. This should not be evaluated as ''the democracy in Turkey is under the shadow of soldiers, Demirel said, ''do not try to bring something like soldier's shadow over the regime.''

''There is nothing secret in Turkey. The rules are certain. That's why, I am saying that there is no need to feel concern. There is no need for new rules, either. I apply these rules as they are. And nobody should put the soldier into this. In the end, the Chief of General Staff has expressed his ideas. It is of no use to take this immediately as 'the Chief of General Staff has given an ultimatom'.''

Responding to a question which says ''Kıvrıkoglu warns that there will be chaos in the country in case the 312nd Article will be changed. What is your opinion about changing the 312nd Article of the Turkish Penal Code (TCK) ?'' Demirel said:

''There are persons who defend to change the 312nd Article of TCK, and there are persons who defend not to change it. The Chief of General Staff says that it is not true to change it in today's circumstances. This is what he says. There is nothing to create excitement here.

What is Turkey dealing with? A fire which occured three or four days ago burned our 13 citizens to death. The ones who administer the state are sitting on a thin rope. They are incredibly uncomfortable today. They try to prevail law and order calmly without announcing this uncomfort.''

When asked, ''the military wing started to express its views in such critical periods. Earlier, such difficulties had beed experienced during the Refahyol (Welfare Party-True Path Party coalition) period. These statements have the peculiarity of a semi-warning...'' Demirel said:

''Shouldn't they say anything? That is, when a question is asked, should the Chief of General Staff say 'my lips are sealed'? When the Chief of General Staff says 'we do not think that it will not be good in Turkey if the 312nd Article of TCK is removed', will democracy in Turkey be under the shadow of soldiers?

Everbody is talking too much, and nobody says nothing. Or else, if the Chief of General Staff says 'we want the elections to be held', does this also mean that the shadow of soldiers is in this thing?

Many people in Turkey say that they want the elections to be held. A group emerged saying that they do not want the elections to be done. But this thing was put on the track.''

Demirel said, '' what I ask from you, do not try to evaluate this as something like a soldier's shadow over the regime. That is, it is decided to hold the elections in Turkey, and the elections will be held after four weeks. Yes, it is the right of the parliament members to convene the parliament. But is it normal to convene the parliament, and put stones in front of this train, which stem only from vexation or something else? There is nothing wrong legally, but is it normal?''

President Suleyman Demirel added that, ''the elections will be held in 18 April.''

[21] WARNING FROM TURKISH PEOPLE LIVING IN FRANCE: - ''DEBATE OF RESOLUTION REGARDED WITH SO-CALLED GENOCIDE ON ARMENIANS, WILL DISTURB 400 THOUSAND TURKISH PEOPLE LIVING IN FRANCE AND PLAY HAVOC WITH RELATIONS BETWEEN TURKEY AND FRANCE''

Goker and accompanying delegation have summoned Poncelet nearly 20 thousand signatures collected for the resolution regarded with the so-called genocide on Armenians not to be debated at the senate.

Addressing the meeting, Goker underlined that debate of the resolution will disturb nearly 400 thousand Turkish people living in France and play havoc with improving relations between Turkey and France.

Representatives of the Armenian community living in France, had also visited Poncelet last week and demanded the resolution to be brouhgt onto agenda of the French Senate.

Resolution in question was adopted by the French parliament last year and caused significant problems in Turkish-French relations.

The resolution envisages France's recognition of so-called genocide on Armenians. It should be approved by the senate to become law.

A.A

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