Anadolu Agency: News in English, 99-03-22

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AA Daily

22 March 1999 Monday

CONTENTS

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

[02] ILLEGAL DEMONSTRATIONS IN ISTANBUL - POLICE ORGANIZATION: ''FOUR POLICEMEN ARE SHOT, AND ONE OTHER IS INJURED BY STONES AS THE DEMONSTRATORS OPENED FIRE TO THE SECURITY FORCES WHICH INTERFERED WITH THEM IN GAZI DISTRICT'' - ''A TOTAL OF 725 PERSONS ARE TAKEN INTO CUSTODY IN THE DEMONSTRATIONS HELD IN VARIOUS DISTRICTS''

[03] PREMIER ECEVIT ADDRESSES TO PEOPLE IN IZMIR: ''TURKEY IS A WHOLE WITH ITS ALEWITES AND SUNNIS''

[04] FOREIGN MINISTRY SUGGESTS CITIZENS AND FIRMS NOT TO USE THE ROUTE PASSING VIA YUGOSLAVIA FOR TRAVELLING OR TRANSPORTATION

[05] PRESIDENT DEMIREL LEAVES FOR BULGARIA: ''WE WILL SIGN AN AGREEMENT ON PROHIBITION OF ANTI-PERSONNEL MINES ON THE COMMON BORDER''

[06] YASSIN, SYRIAN DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER RESPONSIBLE FROM ECONOMIC AFFAIRS, ARRIVES IN ANKARA

[07] TRIAL OF CHIEF TERRORIST AT ANKARA STATE SECURITY COURT - OCALAN TO BE TRIED ALONE ON WEDNESDAY

[08] PREMIER ECEVIT: ''THE INITIATIVE OF POSTPONING THE ELECTIONS WILL BE INEFFECTIVE''

[09] PRESIDENT DEMIREL: ''DEPUTY PARLIAMENT SPEAKER'S OPENING AN ISSUE TRANSFERRED BY PARLIAMENT SPEAKER TO A COMMISSION, TO DISCUSSIONS IS NOT A PROPER BEHAVIOUR''

[10] TURKEY-IMF - DINCMEN, TREASURY UNDERSECRETARY: ''POLITICAL STABILITY IS VERY IMPORTANT IN CARRYING ON ECONOMIC PROGRAM''

[11] PRESIDENT DEMIREL ARRIVES IN BULGARIA: ''I BELIEVE THAT MY VISIT WILL FURTHER SPEED UP OUR BILATERAL RELATIONS''

[12] TURKEY EXPECTED TO SIGN STAND-BY OR EFF-LIKE AGREEMENT WITH IMF AFTER POLLS

[13] SOYSAL RESIGNS FROM DEPUTYSHIP - SOYSAL: ''MY PERSONALITY IS MADE A SUBJECT OF SPECULATION IRRESPONSIBLY, UNCONSCIOUSLY, AND IGNORANTLY''

[14] PRESIDENT DEMIREL IN BULGARIA - PRESIDENT DEMIREL MEETS WITH BULGARIAN PRESIDENT STOYANOV

[15] PRESIDENT DEMIREL ADDRESES TURKISH-BULGARIAN BUSINESS COUNCIL

[16] THAILAND'S DEPUTY FOREIGN MINISTER DUE IN TURKEY

[17] PRESIDENT DEMIREL IN BULGARIA - TURKEY AND BULGARIA SIGN ''AGREEMENT ON SWEEPING OFF LAND MINES ON COMMON BORDERS'' - DEMIREL: ''AIM OF FRIENDSHIP BETWEEN TURKEY AND BULGARIA IS TO FURTHER IMPROVE IN EVERY FIELD'' - BULGARIAN PRESIDENT STOYANOV: ''WE HELD VERY SINCERE TALKS. WE REACHED VERY POSITIVE RESULTS''

[18] TURKISH AND SYRIAN DELEGATIONS COME TOGETHER TO DISCUSS TRADE AND ECONOMICAL RELATIONS BETWEEN TWO COUNTRIES

[19] ERDIR, MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE AND RURAL AFFAIRS: - ''THE PRINCIPLES OF THE AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF THE EASTERN AND SOUTHEASTERN ANATOLIA PROJECT ARE DETERMINED'' - ''WE SUBMITTED IT TO THE PRIME MINISTRY BY PUTTING FORWARD THE FINANCIAL PORTFOLIO''

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

HURRIYET (LIBERAL) ERBAKAN RAID
Necmettin Erbakan, the former leader of the banned Welfare Party (RP) hit a blow firstly on the Virtue Party (FP) and its leader Recai Kutan and secondly on the parliament in order to lift the ban which bars him from involving in politics. Erbakan carried out his plan by making cooperation with Oguzhan Asilturk, a deputy from FP.

STRICT SECURITY MEASURES DUE TO NEWROZ
Newroz (Spring feast of the Vernal Equinox) celebrations did not lead to bloody incidents due to the strict security measures taken in spite of the provocations. Those who wanted to transform the celebrations into propoganda for the terrorist PKK did not reach their aim.

MILLIYET (LIBERAL)

MANY PEOPLE TAKEN INTO CUSTODY
Except small-scale illegal demonstrations, the Newroz celebrations were held in peace. However, police took into custody 700 people in Istanbul and 644 people, including 12 foreigners, in Diyarbakır, Adana, Konya, and Gaziantep provinces. It has been reported that a Belgian person among the foreigners was a commentator of the MED-TV, the mouthpiece of the terrorist PKK. Five policemen and one citizen were injured during the illegal demonstrations held in Gazi district of Istanbul.

SABAH (LIBERAL)

CUMHURIYET (LEFT)

ECEVIT: ''YOU CANNOT TRUST ON FP''
As the resignment of the government came on the agenda to prevent the parliament's discussing the motion for the postponement of the elections, Premier Bulent Ecevit said, ''the developments are not related with the resignment of the government.'' Ecevit added that noone can trust on the Virtue Party (FP).

RADIKAL (LEFT)

MESSAGES OF DEMIREL AND ECEVIT FOR NEWROZ
President Demirel issued a message yesterday for Newroz, the spring feast of the Vernal Equinox by saying that Newroz is the symbol of the unity seen in different societies having the same history. Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said in his part that Newroz has been the symbol of peace, tolerance, and friendship for many socities living in Central Asia, Caucasus, and the Middle East for one thousand year.

YENİ YÜZYIL (LIBERAL)

TAN, MINISTER OF TOURISM: ''IF I CANNOT SOLVE THE PROBLEMS, I WILL RESIGN''
Ahmet Tan, the Minister of Tourism, said, ''if I cannot solve the problems faced in tourism sector in a few weeks, I will resign and I will open a tourism agency.'' Tan said that he submitted the demands of the Turkish Union of Travelling Agencies (TURSAB) to Husamettin Ozkan, the Deputy Prime Minister.

TÜRKİYE (RIGHT)

YILMAZ, ANAP LEADER: ''A NEW ERA WILL START AFTER APRIL 18''
Mesut Yilmaz, the leader of the Motherland Party (ANAP), said in southeastern Siirt province that the Newroz is peace and friendship. Yilmaz said, ''a new era will start in Turkey after April 18.''

ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)

[02] ILLEGAL DEMONSTRATIONS IN ISTANBUL - POLICE ORGANIZATION: ''FOUR POLICEMEN ARE SHOT, AND ONE OTHER IS INJURED BY STONES AS THE DEMONSTRATORS OPENED FIRE TO THE SECURITY FORCES WHICH INTERFERED WITH THEM IN GAZI DISTRICT'' - ''A TOTAL OF 725 PERSONS ARE TAKEN INTO CUSTODY IN THE DEMONSTRATIONS HELD IN VARIOUS DISTRICTS''

A total of 725 persons were taken into custody in the demonstrations held in various districts of Istanbul.

Istanbul Police Organization said in its statement that they were informed before that the Newroz celebrations which are held on March 21 every year and which is the symbol of unity and solidarity, could be turned into a massive demonstration of the terrorist organization PKK and other illegal organizations, adding that they took firm security measures since last Friday.

Stressing that 409 persons were taken into custody in the searches and controls held in some provincial and county branches of a political party and in some organizational buildings which were preparing themselves for Newroz, the statement also said that 68 of the detained persons were registered in the records of the police organization from various crimes and that 18 of them were wanted by some authorities.

The statement noted that 133 persons who were preparing to hold illegal demonstrations were also taken into custody.

The statement pointed out that a group of 150 persons who gathered together and opened a banner in Bahcelievler district, were dispersed by the security forces.

The statement said that the security forces warned the demonstrators who gathered around in Gazi district and who opened banners and shouted slogans, to disperse and that the demonstrators damaged the police car, three armoured vehicles and cars which were parked in the area.

The statement also said that four policemen and one demonstrator were shot and one policemen was injured by a stone as the demonstrators opened fire towards the security forces which interfered with them.

Meanwhile, a ten year old child was injured as the illegal demonstrators opened fire to the security forces which wanted to disperse the demonstrators in Sarigazi district.

The security forces took 17 demonstrators into custody in Sarigazi, 12 demonstrators in Beykoz district, 20 demonstrators in Pendik district and 6 demonstrators in Uskudar district.

[03] PREMIER ECEVIT ADDRESSES TO PEOPLE IN IZMIR: ''TURKEY IS A WHOLE WITH ITS ALEWITES AND SUNNIS''

Addressing to people in western province of Izmir, Prime Minister Ecevit stated that the Tax Law which was adopted during their term, has provided justice in taxation and those who didn't give tax in the past give taxes now, adding ''the sources of the state will increase and new business fields will be provided.''

Noting that the concerned incitement law will be adopted and investments will be carried out in Southeastern regions, Ecevit said that ''the Southeastern problem will not only be prevented by weapons, but also by investments and factories.''

''Alewites, Sunnis, Turks and Kurds established this secular and democratic country altogether under the leadership of Ataturk, the founder of modern Turkey. The members of the DSP don't take into consideration whether or not people are of Kurdish-Turkish origin or Alewites-Sunnis. It is enough for us to see that these people are loyal to Turkish Republic.''

Stressing that they have started a very resolved struggle against gangs and mafia, Ecevit said that the leaders of gangs and mafia are captured one by one, adding this success is realized by the harmony among the institutions.

Recalling that they have decreased the inflation rate below 50 percent and interest rates below 100 percent, Prime Minister Ecevit said that the foreign finance institutions rely on the future of Turkey.

[04] FOREIGN MINISTRY SUGGESTS CITIZENS AND FIRMS NOT TO USE THE ROUTE PASSING VIA YUGOSLAVIA FOR TRAVELLING OR TRANSPORTATION

The Foreign Ministry pointed out that Turkey is concerned about the continuation of clashes in Kosovo after the end of the Kosovo peace negotiations in Paris which led to the deployment of new Serbian troops in and near Kosovo.

Recalling that the initiatives and callings of the international society on Yugoslavian administration to sign the agreement continue, the statement stressed that there is a possibility of a NATO intervention directed against Yugoslavian Federal Republic in the meanwhile the OSCE observer team to Kosovo has started its proceedings to withdraw from Kosovo.

[05] PRESIDENT DEMIREL LEAVES FOR BULGARIA: ''WE WILL SIGN AN AGREEMENT ON PROHIBITION OF ANTI-PERSONNEL MINES ON THE COMMON BORDER''

President Demirel is accompanied by a delegation including Ismail Cem, the Foreign Minister, some governors, rectors, businessmen, artists and press members.

Addressing a statement at Esenboga Airport before his departure, President Suleyman Demirel said that Turkey and Bulgaria take steps towards a common future by being aware of the fact that countries should get out friendship, not hostility from history.

Noting that they will exchange views about bilateral and regional issues with Bulgarian President Stoyanov, President Demirel said that ''the developments that took place between the two countries within the last two years are very pleasing. Our economic and commercial relations are developing and the free trade agreement between us play a determing role in this respect.''

Stressing that the peace and stability in the Balkans are under threat once again by the important developments in Kosovo, President Demirel said that they will have the opportunity to take up all regional and international issues including this problem with Stoyanov.

President Demirel said that he will open the office of a Turkish bank in Sofia and the additional installations of a paper mill belonging to a Turkish firm, pointing out to the importance of more investments by Turkish businessmen. President Demirel said that he will also have the opportunity to meet with Turkish kinsmen in Bulgaria.

''Another important aim of my visit is to sign an agreement on prohibiton of anti-personnel mines at the common border,'' said President Demirel, adding that the joint declaration concerning the establishment of a free trade area between Romania, Bulgaria and Turkey in 2002 will speed up the economic and commercial relations with Bulgaria.

''We took up our cooperation with Bulgaria regarding the struggle with terrorist organizations and organized crime elements during the Triple Summit held among Turkey, Romania, and Bulgaria. We will have the opporutinty to revise our cooperation in this area during my visit to Bulgaria,'' said President Demirel.

''Turkey, which is a world state, contributes to improvement of common prosperity in a wide geography from Asia to Europe by her dynamic enterprise power,'' he added.

[06] YASSIN, SYRIAN DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER RESPONSIBLE FROM ECONOMIC AFFAIRS, ARRIVES IN ANKARA

Yassin was welcomed by Ulugbay at the Esenboga airport.

Addressing a statement at the airport, Ulugbay said that he wanted that the friendship between Turkey and Syria be improved and that they carry out efforts for the peace and security.

Ulugbay noted that he believes that the visit of Yassin will contribute to the economic and commercial relations between the two countries.

Yassin said that they carry out efforts to improve the economic and commercial relations between the two countries, adding that they carry out initiatives to find new ways and to prepare the studies for this.

Yassin noted that they will discuss all the requirements for the cooperation between the two countries during his visit.

Yassin will be received by Hikmet Cetin, the Speaker of the Parliament, and will meet Aydin Tumen, the Minister of State; Hasan Basri Aktan, the Minister of Transportation; and Ahmet Tan, the Minister of Tourism.

Yassin will leave Turkey on Tuesday.

[07] TRIAL OF CHIEF TERRORIST AT ANKARA STATE SECURITY COURT - OCALAN TO BE TRIED ALONE ON WEDNESDAY

The court session which will be held at State Security Court in Ankara will decide whether or not Ocalan will be tried at this court due to security. Zeki and Selim Okcuoglu, the lawyers of the chief terrorist are expected to participate in the court session together with families of martyrs who will voluntarily interpose in the session with the permission of the court.

The court decided to try the chief terrorist alone on Wednesday in the session heard on February 24, 1999 by separating his file from the files of other suspects namely Mehmet Sırac Bilgin, Zubeyir Aydar, Mahmut Kılınc, Yalcın Kucuk, and Mesut Uysal.

The indictment stresses that Abdullah Ocalan, the chief terrorist is the chief of an illegal terrorist and crime organization, the planner of the organization's massacres in Turkey and the person who ordered commitment of crimes such as robberies and massacres. ''PKK guerillas are the best ones in the world who risk their lives... We can send tens and hundreds of guerrillas to such kind of activities,'' had said the chief terrorist on MED-TV, the mouthpiece of the terrorist PKK.

The last part of the indictment requests the death sentence of the suspect Ocalan under Article 125 of the Turkish Penal Code which regulates crimes of treason and crimes committed against the country and its sovereignty.

Meanwhile, the investigation carried out by Talak Salk, the Deputy Chief Prosecutor of the State Security Court in Ankara; Nuh Mete Yuksel, Hamza Keles, and Cevdet Volkan, the chief prosecutor concerning Abdullah Ocalan, the chief terrorist, continues.

[08] PREMIER ECEVIT: ''THE INITIATIVE OF POSTPONING THE ELECTIONS WILL BE INEFFECTIVE''

Responding to questions of journalists, Premier Ecevit said that there is no need for him to resign, adding the tricks played in the parliament won't be successful.

''There are institutions, constitutional institutions in Turkey which will prevent illegal initiatives. The initiative launched in the parliament yesterday will not be succesful. I have no doubt of that. This initiative confirms my word issued a few days ago which caused submission of a censure motion about me. We face a civilian coup attempt, but this will not be successful,'' said Ecevit.

[09] PRESIDENT DEMIREL: ''DEPUTY PARLIAMENT SPEAKER'S OPENING AN ISSUE TRANSFERRED BY PARLIAMENT SPEAKER TO A COMMISSION, TO DISCUSSIONS IS NOT A PROPER BEHAVIOUR''

Responding to questions of journalists on the plane from Ankara to Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, President Demirel said that conditions can change in Turkey anytime, but his visit to Bulgaria should be realized.

''The changing internal political issues are complicated in Turkey, but they can be overcome as long as people abide with the legitimate rules,'' said President Demirel.

''People say that Prime Minister Ecevit will resign, what do you think?'' asked a journalist to President Demirel who said that ''what will resignation solve? If it will solve problems, it is allright. But the government has to be in power till April 18 when the elections are held. The function of the government is to take Turkey to the coming elections safely.''

''The parliament is a lofty institution and any event that take place there can't degrade the parliament as an institution. You can't put anything to the place of parliament or politics when you damage these institutions. We should only criticize the members of such institutions in order to correct their mistakes,'' he added, noting that he doesn't want to involve in the debate regarding the initiative taken to postpone the elections.

[10] TURKEY-IMF - DINCMEN, TREASURY UNDERSECRETARY: ''POLITICAL STABILITY IS VERY IMPORTANT IN CARRYING ON ECONOMIC PROGRAM''

Dincmen responded to the questions of reporters during a break given in a seminar titled ''Evaluation of General Incentives Policies and Specifying of New Strategies'' staged by Treasury Undersecretariat and the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges (TOBB).

When asked about the effect of developments in policy on Turkish-IMF relations, Dincmen stressed they talked about economy not politics with the IMF.

Responding to a question how postponement of elections will effect monetary support program that will be applied with the IMF, Dincmen said ''political stability is very important in carrying out economy program. I think I explained everything with this sentence.''

When asked about Treasury's usage of short term advance from Central Bank, Dincmen recalled that they always envisaged usage of short term advance in program at the end of months.

Dincmen said ''we have not used long term money from the Central Bank since July 1998. I don't think we will do it.''

[11] PRESIDENT DEMIREL ARRIVES IN BULGARIA: ''I BELIEVE THAT MY VISIT WILL FURTHER SPEED UP OUR BILATERAL RELATIONS''

Addressing a short statement at Sofia Airport, President Demirel said that he is accompanied by a bigger delegation this time and this will contribute to improvement of relations between the two countries.

Noting that the relations between Turkey and Bulgaria are very ''good,'' President Demirel said that ''our aim is to exert efforts in order to further improve these relations.''

President Demirel said that they will talk about regional and world issues and exchange views about recent developments with Bulgarian President Petar Stoyanov.

[12] TURKEY EXPECTED TO SIGN STAND-BY OR EFF-LIKE AGREEMENT WITH IMF AFTER POLLS

Officials told the A.A correspondent that a ''Staff Monitoring'' is generally replaced with a Stand-By while there is a high opportunity for the preference of an EFF, which is assisted by Structural Concordance Loans (SCL), in spite of a Stand-By including strict measures.

IMF officials stressed that staff monitoring programmes were signed with countries such as Egypt and Venezuella and that agreement is followed in general by a Stand-By with the IMF as it is the copy of stand-by.

Officials mentioned that a country, which is implementing a staff monitoring programme, is ready for a stand-by.

Noting that the technical infrastructure of a possible agreement with the IMF was formed during the talks in Washington D.C., officials said it is difficult to start to implement the agreement before August 1999 due to the processes like mutual visits, the ''Letter of Intention'' of the new government and approval of it by the IMF General Assembly even if the early elections will be held on time.

Recalling that the first effect of a classical agreement, which is supported by fund source, with the IMF will be on the rating organizations, officials said that the rating organizations will change their monitorings into ''positive''.

Officials said as a result of such an agreement, the foreign borrowing canals will be opened and the borrowing at the U.S. dollars market, which seeks stability and includes mostly institutional investors, will become feasible.

Stressing that an agreement with the IMF is important in accordance with obtaining an external support rather than the loan of the IMF, officials said the total support, which will be got from international financial organizations, including especially the World Bank and from the foreign borrowing, will easily increase over to ten billion U.S. dollars.

[13] SOYSAL RESIGNS FROM DEPUTYSHIP - SOYSAL: ''MY PERSONALITY IS MADE A SUBJECT OF SPECULATION IRRESPONSIBLY, UNCONSCIOUSLY, AND IGNORANTLY''

Staging a press conference at the Parliament to explain the reasons for his resignation, Soysal said that he voted against the earlier elections on 18 April and he still has the same opinion.

Noting that the concordance laws to the Constitution were not been adopted, Soysal said it is wrong to hold the local and general elections at the same time.

Pointing out that the movement, which was started by the deputies called as ''the disgruntled deputies'' by the public, created an important opportunity for the government but it failed to benefit from that movement, Soysal said that within this atmosphere, national interests should be considered rather than personal interests, adding, ''as I believe in this, I have tried to guide this movement since the beginning.''

Stating that the Virtue Party (FP) pursuaded many circles that the change of Article 312 will be discussed later but the events were tried to be taken into a course which he can't agree with, Soysal said that it is impossible for him, as an independent deputy, to prevent this.

Mumtaz Soysal said it is out of question that he never thought of receiving salary for a few more months with the postponement of the polls.

''Now, my personality is made a subject of speculation irresponsibly, unconsciously, and ignorantly. It can't be expected that I will give permission to this. Thus I resigned from deputyship,'' Soysal said.

When asked whether or not he is regretful for his guiding the movement of the disgruntled deputies, Soysal said, ''no, I don't want it to continue like this. Everybody, including the President and Parliament Speaker, is responsible.''

For the validity, the Parliament should approve Soysal's resignation.

[14] PRESIDENT DEMIREL IN BULGARIA - PRESIDENT DEMIREL MEETS WITH BULGARIAN PRESIDENT STOYANOV

President Demirel was welcomed with official ceremony at the Bojana Palace by Bulgarian President Petar Stoyanov, Foreign Minister Nadejda Mihalova and other officials.

The Presidents later held a meeting in which also Foreign Minister Ismail Cem and Tahsin Burcuoglu, the Turkish Ambassador to Sofia, participated.

Meanwhile, Bulgarian police took strict and intense security measures upon President Suleyman Demirel's visit which is followed by many reporters.

[15] PRESIDENT DEMIREL ADDRESES TURKISH-BULGARIAN BUSINESS COUNCIL

President Demirel, currently on an official visit to Bulgaria, addressed Turkish-Bulgarian Business Council and said businessmen have very important roles to reflect positive Turkish-Bulgarian relations in concrete partnership and cooperation projects.

Demirel told the businessmen that ''our duty is to expend efforts to remove the obstacles in front of your cooperation.'' President Demirel went on as saying: ''Turkey is the 16th biggest economy of the world with its 400 billion U.S. dollar Gross National Product. Turkish economy takes places at the first rows in Europe and in the World in manufacture figures.''

Demirel said Turkish and Bulgarian businessmen have many cooperation and partnership opportunities that they can benefit.

Noting that trade volume between the two countries were more than 500 million U.S. dollars according to 1998 data, Demirel said this should be increased and that entrepreneurs of the two countries should evaluate free trade agreement well.

Demirel expressed pleasure that more than 650,000 Turkish companies were active in Bulgaria and that direct investments were more than 100 million U.S. dollars.

President Demirel noted that Turkish construction sector which proved itself worldwide, was willing to undertake contracts in third countries with Bulgaria and pointed out that another area which has a high developing potential was tourism.

[16] THAILAND'S DEPUTY FOREIGN MINISTER DUE IN TURKEY

A Foreign Ministry statement said political consultations between Turkey and Thailand will take place between the delegations of the two countries which will be headed by Paribatra, Thailand's Deputy Foreign Minister and Korkmaz Haktanir, Foreign Ministry Undersecretary.

The two sides will exchange views on regional and international issues and discuss bilateral relations during political consultations. A Memorandum of Understanding is envisaged to be signed regarding establishment of regular political consultation mechanism between foreign ministries of Turkey and Thailand Kingdom.

The statement also said second Term JEC meeting between Turkey and Thailand will be made between the delegations headed by Paribatra and Yavuz Ege, Foreign Trade Undersecretariat. Paribatra is expected to return to his country after concluding his contacts in Turkey on March 25.

[17] PRESIDENT DEMIREL IN BULGARIA - TURKEY AND BULGARIA SIGN ''AGREEMENT ON SWEEPING OFF LAND MINES ON COMMON BORDERS'' - DEMIREL: ''AIM OF FRIENDSHIP BETWEEN TURKEY AND BULGARIA IS TO FURTHER IMPROVE IN EVERY FIELD'' - BULGARIAN PRESIDENT STOYANOV: ''WE HELD VERY SINCERE TALKS. WE REACHED VERY POSITIVE RESULTS''

Demirel, who is currently paying a two-day official visit to Bulgaria, met with Bulgarian President Petar Stoyanov. Demirel and Stoyanov later presided the interdelegationary meetings.

Following the interdelegationary meetings, Foreign Minister Ismail Cem and Bulgarian Foreign Minister Nadejda Nihaylovna signed an agreement on sweeping off land mines on common borders.

The agreement foresees prohibition of the use of anti-personnel mines and sweeping off land mines earlier planted on the common borders of the two countries.

Later, Petar Stoyanov decorated President Suleyman Demirel for Bulgaria's medal of state, the ''Great Balkan Mountains'' medal.

Addressing the ceremony, Demirel said, ''I accept this medal, which was given to my personality and as the symbol of the Turkish-Bulgarian friendship, as it was given to Turkey and the Turkish nation.''

Addressing the joint press conference staged by the two Presidents, Demirel said Turkey and Bulgaria have a very good friendship which constitutes an example, and for the benefits of the Turkish and Bulgarian peoples.

Noting that the cooperation continues in every field, Demirel said the two countries are carrying out a very good cooperation in the struggle against terrorism, drug smuggling, and organized crimes threatening the region and the world.

Stating that the the trade volume between the two countries reached 600 million U.S. dollars, Demirel said their target is one billion U.S. dollars in trade volume.

''Turkey has recorded progress in several fields. Bulgaria has to benefit more from these opportunities of Turkey. There are huge projects which can be realized between our two countries. We held beneficial talks on these issues. We want to cooperate more in every field,'' Demirel said.

Noting that they also discussed the problems of the Turkish Muslim minority in Bulgaria, Demirel said,''we are pleased with the Bulgarian government's close interest in the problems of the Turkish origin Bulgarian citizens.''

Responding to a question about Kosovo, Demirel said, ''to stop bloodshed in Kosovo is a humanitarian duty and responsibility. There is a necessity for the use of force in the regions where diplomacy is failed.''

Bulgarian President Petar Stoyanov said that the meetings were held within a sincere atmosphere and very positive results were reached.

Noting that the political dialogue between Turkey and Bulgaria was developed very well, Stoyanov said, ''our relations are at a level higher than ever. Development of our bilateral relations will constitute an example for our region.''

Pointing out that they discussed bilateral economic issues and other issues during the talks, Stoyanov said, ''we are sure that Turkey can expend efforts to put an end to the effect of the Islamist fundamentalism in Bulgaria. I suppose we attach importance to common values about this issue.''

[18] TURKISH AND SYRIAN DELEGATIONS COME TOGETHER TO DISCUSS TRADE AND ECONOMICAL RELATIONS BETWEEN TWO COUNTRIES

Ulugbay and Salim Yassin, the Syrian Deputy Prime Minister responsible for Economy are leading Turkish and Syrian delegations.

Ulugbay said the delegations mostly focused on trade and economical relations and possible ways to develop them.

When asked if another border gate will be opened between Turkey and Syria, Ulugbay said ''we have enough gates'', and added that this question should be asked to the Interior Minister since the governors deal with that matter.

[19] ERDIR, MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE AND RURAL AFFAIRS: - ''THE PRINCIPLES OF THE AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF THE EASTERN AND SOUTHEASTERN ANATOLIA PROJECT ARE DETERMINED'' - ''WE SUBMITTED IT TO THE PRIME MINISTRY BY PUTTING FORWARD THE FINANCIAL PORTFOLIO''

Erdir told A.A correspondent that they submitted the financial portfolio of the initiatives in the project to the Prime Ministry and the Undersecretariat of the Treasury.

Emphasizing that resources worth of ten trillion Turkish liras are necessary for the investments in the region in the first step and that they stated this to the Prime Ministry by a report, Erdir noted that they will import cattles for breeding from the U.S. and Germany within the project.

Noting that they will give animals for breeding to the farmers by the help of the cooperatives to improve the animal breeding in the region and that the milk and meat production will increase then, Erdir said, ''the specification on animals is prepared. We will import cattles for breeding from the U.S. and Germany soon. We are setting up cooperatives for the farmers. We will give them nutrition animals.''

Stressing that they will provide honey production by allocating beehives and bees for the farmers, Erdir said, ''these are the investments which can provide profits in a short time. Also, the silkworm sector occured in the region. We take this sector among the agricultural policies which need to be encouraged. We will encourage this sector, too.''

Pointing out that they plan to develop the carpet and rug sector in the region, Erdir stressed that they also determined the initiatives which can be carried ou for fruit and vegetable growing, greenhouse sector and viniculture.

Erdir said, ''I submitted the financial situation of the things to be done in the region to the Prime Ministry. We determined the principles of the agricultural development in the Southeastern Anatolia Project. We start to implement them.''

A.A

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