Anadolu Agency: News in English, 99-03-24

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AA Daily

24 March 1999 Wednesday

CONTENTS

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

[02] FEAS BOARD MEMBERS IN ISTANBUL - BIRSEN, CHAIRMAN OF FEAS: ''THE SHARE OF EURASIA IN NEARLY 300 BILLION U.S. DOLLARS SPECIAL FUNDS APPROPRIATED FOR DEVELOPING COUNTRIES IN 1997 WAS VERY LOW''

[03] TAN, MINISTER OF TOURISM IN MOSCOW: ''TURKEY'S TOURISM CAN'T BE COLLAPSED''

[04] TURK, NATIONAL DEFENSE MINISTER: ''WE FAVOUR SOLUTION OF PROBLEMS BETWEEN TURKEY AND GREECE THROUGH PEACEFUL WAYS''

[05] KOSOVO CRISIS - MOST OF TURKISH EMBASSY STAFF LEAVE BELGRADE

[06] TURKISH PEOPLE LIVING ABROAD TO START VOTING AT NINE CUSTOM GATES TOMORROW

[07] BUSINESSMEN'S VISIT TO SPAIN - SPANISH PREMIER AZNAR: ''WE'LL CONTINUE TO OPPOSE TO EVERY KIND OF INITIATIVE AGAINST TURKEY''

[08] THE EDUCATIONAL TOURISM FROM TURKEY TO THE FOREIGN COUNTRIES INCREASES BY 8 PERCENT EVERY YEAR

[09] MARROW TRANSPLANTATION HOPE FOR DR. BABUNA - HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE QUEUE IN FRONT OF ABDI IPEKCI SPORTS HALL FOR THE TISSUE TEST SINCE EARLY MORNING

[10] ALANYA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY SENDS LETTERS TO THE FOREIGN PRESS AGENCIES NOTING THAT TURKEY IS A SAFE COUNTRY

[11] KOSOVO CRISIS - ATACANLI, DEPUTY SPOKESMAN OF FM: - ''TURKEY WILL FULFIL HER OBLIGATIONS IN CASE OF A POSSIBLE NATO STRIKE AGAINST YUGOSLAVIA''

[12] THE VISIT OF YASSIN, THE SYRIAN DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER - ATACANLI, THE FM DEPUTY SPOKESMAN: - ''WE DISCUSSED THE OPPORTUNITIES TO REVIVE THE ECONOMIC AND COMMERCIAL RELATIONS BETWEEN TURKEY AND SYRIA DURING THE VISIT OF YASSIN''

[13] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT STAGES A PRESS CONFERENCE : - ''KOSOVO HAS COME TO THRESHOLD OF A WAR RISK AS A RESULT OF PRESIDENT MILOSEVIC'S OBSTINACY AND SERBIAN CRUELTY''

[14] PRESIDENT DEMIREL: ''TURKEY BECOMES A COUNTRY WHICH SELLS WATER''

[15] SAHIN, THE MINISTER OF INDUSTRY AND TRADE: - ''THE INTERESTS WILL DECREASE TO 90 PERCENT AND BELOW IN THE FOLLOWING WEEKS''

[16] THE CONTACTS OF GEMICI'S, THE MINISTER OF STATE, IN MALI - GEMICI CONVEYS THE MESSAGE OF PRESIDENT DEMIREL TO KONARE, THE PRESIDENT OF MALI

[17] TURKISH-ROMANIAN RELATIONS - ULUGBAY, THE DEPUTY PM: ''TURKEY OVERCOME THE CRISIS BY IMPLEMENTING REAL CURRENCY POLICIES'' - ''THE OBSTACLES BETWEEN THE TWO COUNTRIES REMOVED AND JOINT INVESTMENT AREAS ARE CREATED'' - ''THERE IS A BIG POTENTIAL IN THE JOINT VENTURE SECTOR BETWEEN TURKEY AND ROMANIA''

[18] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT STAGES A PRESS CONFERENCE : - ''THE FP IS CLUTTERED OWING TO NECMETTIN ERBAKAN'' - ''UNSTABILITY AND UNCERTAINTY WITHIN THE FP GIVE RISE TO UNSTABILITY AND UNCERTAINTY IN TURKEY''

[19] PRESIDENT DEMIREL : - ''WE SHOULD ANNOUNCE THE TENDER FOR HAKKARI DAM AND SHOULD START ITS CONSTRUCTION IN 1999''

[20] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT STAGES A PRESS CONFERENCE : - ''MENACE OF FUNDAMENTALISM HAS NOT REACHED DISTURBING LEVELS'' - ''CRISIS WILL GAIN A STATUS OF WAR THAT WILL EFFECT WHOLE BALKANS IN CASE SERBIA DOES NOT STEP BACK''

[21] OYMEN, THE PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF TURKEY IN NATO: - ''THE MOST IMPORTANT AIM OF TURKEY IS THE SECURITY OF THE TURKISH NATION LIVING IN YUGOSLAVIA''

[22] PRESIDENT DEMIREL RECEIVES TURKISH INDUSTRIALISTS AND BUSINESSMEN IN AZERBAIJAN

[23] NATIONAL DAY OF PAKISTAN - PRESIDENT DEMIREL CONGRATULATES PAKISTANI PRESIDENT

[24] ANKARA EXPENDS SUPPORT TO NATO COUNCIL DECISION - ''TURKEY FEELS CONCERN OVER THE POSSIBLE DEVELOPMENTS IN THE NEAR FUTURE''

[25] STATEMENT OF PREMIER ECEVIT TO ''DIE ZEIT'' ''THERE IS NOT A KURDISH PROBLEM, THERE IS PKK PROBLEM''

[26] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT: ''IT IS NOT CERTAIN YET WHAT KIND OF A DUTY TURKEY WILL ASSUME IN THE OPERATION''

[27] FOREIGN MINISTER CEM TALKS TO ALBRIGHT AND PAPANDREOU ON THE PHONE

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

HURRIYET (LIBERAL) CLINTON WARNS
Bill Clinton, the US President said that the war in Kosovo can spill into Turkey and Greece. ''We are afraid that Kosovo crisis can confront Turkey with Greece. There will be more massacres if we set Milosevic free.

OPERATION TO BE PAINFUL
Pentagon saiud that the operation of NATO directed against Kosovo will be ''rapid, violent, and painful.'' Meanwhile, Turkey said that she is ready to take mission in order to stop the violence in Kosovo. Onur Oymen, Turkish Permanent Representative to NATO said that ''Turkish military force is ready to take action under the commandership of NATO.''

MILLIYET (LIBERAL)

Many people supporting the Virtue Party (FP) particularly living in Germany will be carried to Turkey by the National Youth Foundation.

MURDERERS CAPTURED
Neytullah Getiner, who planned the petrol bomb attack on Blue Market in Kadıkoy district of Istanbul and his two friends were captured yesterday. Police said that two other people are wanted in relation with the incident, adding those who staged bomb attacks on Atrium and Carousel shopping malls in Istanbul are under custody. Necati Bilican, the director general of security said that ''two people who staged molotov cocktail attacks in Yenibosna and Merter districts of Istanbul were killed. If they didn't die, they would stage many bomb attacks.''

SABAH (LIBERAL)

THEY ARE CAPTURED
The operations started by Istanbul police against the terrorist organization PKK continue successfully. Neytullah Getiren, who ordered the bomb attack on Blue Market which caused the deaths of 13 innocent people, was arrested and put into prison.

CUMHURIYET (LEFT)

HOPELESS EFFORT OF SIGNERS
The Democratic Turkey Party (DTP) and disgruntled deputies launched a last initiative in the parliament yesterday who lost their hope of postponing the elections when the Virtue Party (FP) left them alone. Mahmut Yılbas, a deputy from DTP submitted a draft law which foresees establishment of alliances among political parties.

RADIKAL (LEFT)

In connection with the two terrorist incidents, a total of five people are kept under detention. The accused namely Akin Yavas who planned the the Atrium attack, received bomb training in Romania.

Necati Bilican, the Chief of Police, announced that the planner and the two of the assailants of Mavi Carsi arson attack were detained while other two assailants are wanted.

POLICE IS NOW VERY SWIFT
16 June 1997: rocket attacks on Directorate General of Security and Officers' Club in Harbiye. The assailants were captured after two days.

12 May 1998: assasination attempt against Akin Birdal, the Chairman of the Human Rights Organization (IHD). Two trigger men and Cengiz Ersever who incited the assasination were detained within 12 days.

5 March 1999: car bomb explosion which killed three people and injured Cankiri Governor Ayhan Cevik. The suspects were captured within 48 hours.

12 March 1999: car bomb explosion in front of the Carousel in Bakirkoy killing the cab driver. One day later, four people were captured in connection with the attack.

YENİ YÜZYIL (LIBERAL)

Five thousand people will convene today at the Abdi Ipekci Sports Hall to have their bloods taken.

At first, 2-3 millilitres blood samples will be taken from five thousand voluntary people today. These samples will be brought to the German Foundation Medical Center with a plane tonight. The German medical center will carry out a PCR analysis and account. The person whose blood is totally concordant to Dr Babuna's blood, will be called for the bone marrow transplantation.

KUTAN SHIRKS FOR THE THIRD TIME IN FIVE DAYS
Recai Kutan, the leader of the Virtue Party (FP), shirked for the third time in five days sying, ''we wanted the democratization been emerged not the postponement of elections.''

Reacting against the news claiming that the FP doesn't want polls on 18 April, Kutan said, ''we targeted to increase the level of the standard of democracy.''

TÜRKİYE (RIGHT) BELGIAN REVOLT AGAINST MED-TV
The Belgian people living in Danderleeuw town started a campaign in order to urge officials completely close the studios of the Med-TV, the moutpiece of the terrorist PKK and they applied to municipality to this end. The broadcasts of Med-TV were temporarily closed for 21 days yesterday for inciting people to hatred and violence.

ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)

''The illegal activities are staged by the people coming from outside our district. Nobody employs us. Tradesmen don't want to sell goods to us. There is not even a bank branch office. We don't have power to show reaction. We condemn the people who slander us,'' the residents of Gazi said.

[02] FEAS BOARD MEMBERS IN ISTANBUL - BIRSEN, CHAIRMAN OF FEAS: ''THE SHARE OF EURASIA IN NEARLY 300 BILLION U.S. DOLLARS SPECIAL FUNDS APPROPRIATED FOR DEVELOPING COUNTRIES IN 1997 WAS VERY LOW''

The high-level administrators of the FEAS member stock exchanges convened the same day at the Istanbul Stock Exchange (IMKB) to attend the Working Group Meeting of the Capital Markets Development Center in Istanbul.

The preparations for a report, which foresees the conditions on institutional and actual basis necessary for the development of local capital markets, and includes also the internatinal implementations, started at the Working Group meeting held as a result of the joint initiative of the IMKB and OECD Private Sector Development Center.

Delegates of Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Moldovo, Romania, and the Ukraine, OECD experts and independent advisers attended the meeting.

Addressing the opening speech of the meeting, Osman Birsen the Chairman of IMKB and FEAS, said that the issue of legal and technical infrastructure concordance of Eurasian capital markets will be discussed at the meeting by taking into consideration the international implementations.

Birsen said that the recommendations in the reports, which will be submitted to the concerned governments after the compeltion of the studies, will be very important as those recommendations will determine the future of the economies and capital markets in the region.

[03] TAN, MINISTER OF TOURISM IN MOSCOW: ''TURKEY'S TOURISM CAN'T BE COLLAPSED''

Meeting with Turkish journalists at the residence of Turkish Embassy in Moscow last night, Tan stated that the governments of some European countries indirectly extend support to terrorist threats made in order to impede the progress of tourism in Turkey and these developments please the rivals of Turkey in the field of tourism.

Recalling that the tourism of Turkey continued to progress even during the Gulf War, Tan said that ''the number of tourists coming to Turkey can decrease 10 or 20 percent, but our tourism won't collapse. Similar events were also seen during the last ten years, but our tourism has always increased.''

Reminding that the number of tourists who came to Turkey from the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) was 43,000 people in 1989, Tan said that this number increased to 1,5 million people in 1996 and this number won't decrease below one million.

''EU countries want their citizens to spend their holidays in Greece, Spain and Portugal, which are the weak countries of the EU. An invisible hand regulates things in order to keep the money within EU,'' said Tan, adding that the Western media transmits the threats of the terrorist organization and this means an indirect support to terrorism.

Explaining the decisions taken by the government to promote terrorism, Minister of Tourism Tan stated that an additional support of approximately 15 million dollars will be provided to the budget allocated for promoting tourism.

Tan stressed that the prices of electricity and water will be reduced in touristic installations, adding ''the most effective security measures will be taken without disturbing any tourists.''

[04] TURK, NATIONAL DEFENSE MINISTER: ''WE FAVOUR SOLUTION OF PROBLEMS BETWEEN TURKEY AND GREECE THROUGH PEACEFUL WAYS''

Evaluating the statement of Bill Clinton, the U.S. President who said yesterday that ''countries are afraid that the Kosovo crisis can confront Turkey with Greece,'' Turk told A.A correspondent that ''the U.S. President wants to point out to the possible developments. The Balkans have always problems and it is a region where various clashes take place. Greece have sympathy with Serbs, which are Orthodox Christians. We have historical links with Kosovo. Thus the developments can lead to a confrontation between Turkey and Greece, who have already have problems between them.''

''Russians have always protected Serbians throughout the history,'' said Turk, adding Turkey contributes to multinational force within the framework of NATO.

''Our air troops are doing their mission, besides we have a destroyer on the sea. Our land troop is being prepared, however a land operation is difficult at the moment. Turkey wishes giving autonomy to Kosovo within the Yugoslavian Federal Republic in a way that guarantees the rights of the Turkish minority living there. Kosovo had earlier had a special status within the former Yugoslavia Federal Republic. All of these problems started by the ending of this status by Slobodan Milosevic, the Yugoslavian President in 1989.

[05] KOSOVO CRISIS - MOST OF TURKISH EMBASSY STAFF LEAVE BELGRADE

Officials at the Turkish Embassy in Belgrade said that most of the staff left Belgrade late on Tuesday.

Officials said the number of personnel, who continue working at the Embassy, decreased to six when the inferior staff and their families left Belgrade early on Tuesday and the diplomats left Yugoslavia late on the same day.

Ahmet Acet, the Turkish Ambassador to Belgrade; Hakan Olcay, the Undersecretary of the Turkish Embassy; the military attache and two secretaries still continue to fulfil their duties.

Pointing out that the issue of whether or not the remaining staff will stay at the Embassy building on the occasion of a NATO intervention has still not become clear, officials said that the decision for the closure of the Embassy will be made according to the extension and scope of the intervention.

[06] TURKISH PEOPLE LIVING ABROAD TO START VOTING AT NINE CUSTOM GATES TOMORROW

Turkish citizens living abroad can vote at Hopa-Sarp, Reyhanlı-Cilvegozu, Edirne-Kapıkule, Silopi-Habur highway custom gates and Antalya, Izmir-Adnan Menderes, Ankara-Esenboga, Istanbul-Ataturk ve Adana-Sakirpasa airport at custom gates as it is foreseen by the Supreme Board of Elections.

These citizens older than 18 years old can vote by showing their Turkish passport while entering or leaving the country.

According to the latest data, there are 3 million 455 thousand and 402 Turkish people living in 33 countries and approximately two million and 360 thousand of them are electors.

More than half of the electors living abroad live in Germany where there is one million and 384 thousand Turkish electors there.

[07] BUSINESSMEN'S VISIT TO SPAIN - SPANISH PREMIER AZNAR: ''WE'LL CONTINUE TO OPPOSE TO EVERY KIND OF INITIATIVE AGAINST TURKEY''

The Association of Turkish Contractors issued a statement saying that the Turkish businessmen delegation led by Yavuz Zeytinoglu, the Chairman of the Executive Board of the Foreign Economic Affairs Committee (DEIK) and the Turkish Union of Chambers who are currently holding contacts in Spain, were received by the Spanish Prime Minister Aznar.

Addressing the meeting, Aznar said that Turkey is a great state and the people, who don't believe this, can't change this fact.

Noting that Turkey and Spain will continue to cooperate in the Mediterranean within the framework of NATO and the European Union (EU), Aznar mentioned that the Turkish and Spanish businessmen's realizing joint projects in South America and Central Asia is natural.

The statement said the Turkish businessmen held contacts with the Spanish businessmen, and a cooperation agreement was signed between the Turkish and Spanish Unions of Contractors.

[08] THE EDUCATIONAL TOURISM FROM TURKEY TO THE FOREIGN COUNTRIES INCREASES BY 8 PERCENT EVERY YEAR

Turkish Union of Travelling Agencies (TURSAB) said that 100 travelling agencies operate in the language and educational tourism sector in Turkey.

While 30 percent of the educational tourism market is in the hands of the travelling agencies, 70 percent of the ones who go abroad to have education or to learn languages prefer the offices of the foreign educational institutions in Turkey.

TURSAB officials said that Turkey is an attractive country for the countries which provide abroad education with having 12 million students, addding that the educational tours become a growing sector due to the rapid increase in the demand for the abroad education.

Stating that the schools in the foreign countries are interested in the education fairs in Turkey, the officials drew the attention that only 50 foreign universities participate in the fair held by the British Council in Izmir, Istanbul, Ankara, Izmit, and Adana.

Noting that the students prefer Britain not only to learn language but also to have education, the officials stated that Turkey started to send students to the U.S., France, Germany, Austria, Italy, Australia, Switzerland, Malta, New Zealand, and even to Japan after the travelling agencies moved into the educational market.

The only but the biggest obstacle in the widening of the educational travelling market in Turkey is seen as the Turkish lira's losing value against the U.S. dollar and British Pound.

[09] MARROW TRANSPLANTATION HOPE FOR DR. BABUNA - HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE QUEUE IN FRONT OF ABDI IPEKCI SPORTS HALL FOR THE TISSUE TEST SINCE EARLY MORNING

The nurses started to take the blood samples of the citizens since 9.00 a.m. in the morning in the organization held by the German Stefan Morsch Stifftung Foundation and with the support of Mesut Yilmaz, the leader of the Motherland Party (ANAP) and his wife.

ALmost 5000 blood samples will be taken to Germany in the evening to hold special HLA tests which is necessary for the bone marrow transplantation.

The tests will be concluded no later than a week and the results will be evaluated by the computer records and the related ill people will be connected when necessary.

The organization especially aims at finding a suitable marrow for Dr. Babuna and at holding the transplantation as soon as possible.

[10] ALANYA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY SENDS LETTERS TO THE FOREIGN PRESS AGENCIES NOTING THAT TURKEY IS A SAFE COUNTRY

An official of tourism sector who heads the working group formed by ALTSO said that they send letters to the big press agencies of Britain, Germany, Switzerland, and Austria, adding that they noted in the letters that the incidents in Turkey are exaggerated.

The official stressed that the letters said that the negative propagandas held abroad do not reflect the truth and that Turkey is a safe country.

The official said that they invited the representatives of these agencies to Turkey in their letters.

Pointing out that they will make the foreign press representatives meet with the foreigners living in southern Alanya county by a reception in April, the official emphasized that the officials from the German Chief Consulate in western Izmir province will come to Alanya in May and will hold contacts.

The officials added that the officials of the Austrian Embassy in Turkey said in a statement addressed to their citizens that Turkey is not a risky country for holiday.

[11] KOSOVO CRISIS - ATACANLI, DEPUTY SPOKESMAN OF FM: - ''TURKEY WILL FULFIL HER OBLIGATIONS IN CASE OF A POSSIBLE NATO STRIKE AGAINST YUGOSLAVIA''

Addressing the weekly press conference at the Foreign Ministry,

Atacanli reminded that latest efforts to find a peaceful solution to the Kosovo crisis, have failed.

Remarking that Turkey has done her utmost to find a peaceful solution, Atacanli stressed that Turkey, as a member state to the NATO, joined the decision-making process concerning the Alliance's possible intervention, adding that Turkey will fulfil her obligations within the framework of the NATO's plans in the region.

Evaluating the U.S. President Bill Clinton's words that the Kosovo crisis may bring Turkey and Greece face to face, Atacanli told the reporters, ''Turkey, the U.S., and the international community wish Kosovo crisis to reach a peaceful solution immediately without bloodshed.''

Referring that the chararacteristics of the Balkan region makes the Kosovo crisis more complicated, Atacanli continued, ''escalation of the crisis just as the one in Bosnia-Herzegovina past years, will not be a desired development. Such a development will also effect the stability both ih the Balkans and in Europe negatively.''

The U.S. President Bill Clinton had noted in a meeting held in Washington D.C. yesterday, that they worry about the Kosovo crisis may bring Turkey and Greece, both the member states to the NATO, face to face.

[12] THE VISIT OF YASSIN, THE SYRIAN DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER - ATACANLI, THE FM DEPUTY SPOKESMAN: - ''WE DISCUSSED THE OPPORTUNITIES TO REVIVE THE ECONOMIC AND COMMERCIAL RELATIONS BETWEEN TURKEY AND SYRIA DURING THE VISIT OF YASSIN''

Addressing a weekly press conference, Atacanli noted that they investigated how to overcome the present stagnation in the economic relations between the two countries and that they had a consensus in the principles when responding to a question on the visit of the Syrian delegation.

Atacanli stated that the water issue was not included in the agenda of their contacts with the Syrian delegation headed by Yassin who paid an official visit to Turkey between March 22 and 23.

[13] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT STAGES A PRESS CONFERENCE : - ''KOSOVO HAS COME TO THRESHOLD OF A WAR RISK AS A RESULT OF PRESIDENT MILOSEVIC'S OBSTINACY AND SERBIAN CRUELTY''

Addressing a press conference at the Prime Ministry, Ecevit gave information about latest developments both in Turkey and abroad.

Referring the Kosovo crisis, Prime Minister Ecevit underlined that Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic's obstinacy has brought Kosovo to the threshold of a war risk. He noted that modern world has no patience any more for Serbian cruelty.

Prime Minister Ecevit emphasized that Turkey will fulfil her obligations in case of a possible NATO strike against Yugoslavia.

He continued, ''Turkey attributes great importance to peace in the Balkans and welfare of the Kosovon people. Fire in Kosovo may spread to the whole Balkans. Responsibles of this crisis are Serbians, the Serbian Administration, and several foreign powers supporting Serbians. About a decade ago, the world was saved from ideological polarization, but for the time being ethnical polarity has begun to be effective once again. I wish President Milosevic and the Serbian Administration will evaluate the latest situation without any delay and before the NATO's possible military action.''

Referring the closure of the MED-TV, the broadcasting organ of the terrorist organization PKK, Prime Minister Ecevit described this development as a great succes for the Turkey's struggle against terrorism and a hopeful development.

Reminding that the MED-TV's broadcast has been suspended for a period of 21 days by the British Independent Television Commission (ITC), Prime Minister Ecevit stressed that the world has begun to recognize the facts.

Remarking that there are several other broadcasting organs provoking separatist terrorism in Turkey, Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit stressed that Turkey will launch initiatives against such broadcasting organs.

[14] PRESIDENT DEMIREL: ''TURKEY BECOMES A COUNTRY WHICH SELLS WATER''

Addressing a speech in the meeting of the Regional Directors of the State Water Works (DSI), Demirel pointed out that they examine what is achieved and what is not achieved in seventy-five years since the Republic of Turkey was established.

Stating that he wants to thank Ziya Aktas, the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, and Dogan Altinbilek, the Director General of DSI, for the successes of DSI, Demirel noted that they put forward the 2000 year targets of DSI.

Demirel said, ''there are still some businesses which make us feel excited. We should continue our studies as if we started them now, without feeling bored, tired and exhausted.'', adding that carrying water to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) is an unforgetable service.

Emphasizing that this service should continue, Demirel stressed that he is very pleased about the fulfilment of the Manavgat Project, adding that this project is a miracle of engineering and that thus, Turkey becomes a country which sells water.

[15] SAHIN, THE MINISTER OF INDUSTRY AND TRADE: - ''THE INTERESTS WILL DECREASE TO 90 PERCENT AND BELOW IN THE FOLLOWING WEEKS''

Sahin said at the 38th General Assembly of National Productivity Center (MPM) that ''there are problems in Turkey. Economy is on the top of the problems of Turkey. We carried out efforts to get out of the crisis with the minimum damages. The best way for Turkey is reconciliation. All the sectors were in reconciliation to overcome the crisis. The government tries to do its best.''

Sahin added, ''Turkey has to be determined to make its economy better in every field. Today the inflation and the interests do not suit. The inflation is decreasing, but there is a conflict in the interests. It is obvious that the payments of interests cannot be met by normal incomes. We need resources in more appropriate conditions. A positive result will be passed in the parliament and to this end the economy will gain trust. The interests will decrease to 90 percent and below in the following weeks.''

[16] THE CONTACTS OF GEMICI'S, THE MINISTER OF STATE, IN MALI - GEMICI CONVEYS THE MESSAGE OF PRESIDENT DEMIREL TO KONARE, THE PRESIDENT OF MALI

Addressing the weekly press conference, Sermet Atacanli, the Deputy Spokesman of the Foreign Ministry, said that President Demirel invited Konare, the President of Mali, to Turkey in his message.

Atacanli noted that Demirel stressed in his message that the visit of the delegation from the Ministry of Foreign in Bamako, the capital of Mali, would accelerate the friendly relations between Turkey and the Republic of Mali.

Atacanli listed the issues of cooperation which were discussed in the contacts of the Turkish delegation headed by Gemici in Bamako between March 14 and 17 as follows:

-The Minister of Mali Armed Forces was invited to Turkey to sign a framework agreement on Military Education, Technical, and Scientific Cooperation and an Agreement on Cooperation in Military Education between General Staff and Mali General Staff.

-The Commander General of Mali Gendermarie will visit Turkey to sign a protocol on Military Cooperation between Gendermarie Commandership and Mali Gendermarie Organization.

-A protocol on cooperation will be signed between Fire Brigade of Istanbul and Mali Fire Brigade.

-Turkey will give high education scholarships to the students from Mali.

-A honorary consulate of Turkey will be opened in Bamako, the capital of Mali.

[17] TURKISH-ROMANIAN RELATIONS - ULUGBAY, THE DEPUTY PM: ''TURKEY OVERCOME THE CRISIS BY IMPLEMENTING REAL CURRENCY POLICIES'' - ''THE OBSTACLES BETWEEN THE TWO COUNTRIES REMOVED AND JOINT INVESTMENT AREAS ARE CREATED'' - ''THERE IS A BIG POTENTIAL IN THE JOINT VENTURE SECTOR BETWEEN TURKEY AND ROMANIA''

Addressing a speech in the conference titled ''the Improvement in the Economic Relations of Turkey and Romania'', Ulugbay noted that there is a big potential in the joint venture sector between Turkey and Bulgaria and that the obstacles between the two countries are removed and the joint investment areas are created.

Stating that the legal infrastructure of the commercial relations of Turkey and Romania is set up, Ulugbay stressed that the relations between the two countries have improved in the last decade and that the trading volume exceeded one billion U.S. dollar.

Stressing that the rate of interests will decrease in March, Ulugbay said that the seven billion U.S. dollar foreign capital led to the increase in the rate of interests in Turkey and that this shadows the implemented policy.

Meanwhile, Volkan Bozkir, the Turkish Ambassador to Romania, said that Turkey and Romania try to enhance peace and security in the region and that the economic relations between Turkey and Romania constitute an example for the region, adding that a total of 5,231 Turkish companies operate in Romania.

Radu Ciamba, the Romanian Ambassador to Turkey, drew the attention that the political relations between the two countries are really very much, adding that the two countries share the similar opinions on the regional problems.

Ciamba stressed that the investments between the two countries varified and that new areas of investments will occur as Romania passes the privatization law.

[18] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT STAGES A PRESS CONFERENCE : - ''THE FP IS CLUTTERED OWING TO NECMETTIN ERBAKAN'' - ''UNSTABILITY AND UNCERTAINTY WITHIN THE FP GIVE RISE TO UNSTABILITY AND UNCERTAINTY IN TURKEY''

Addressing a press conference at the Prime Ministry, Ecevit gave information about latest developments both in Turkey and abroad.

Ecevit underlined, ''unstability and uncertainty within the FP give rise to unstability and uncertainty in Turkey. Postponement of the general elections scheduled on April 18, 1999, is not possible any more. But discussions on whether to hold elections or not, will apparently continue.''

Reminding that several of responsibles of recent terrorist attacks in Istanbul have been captured by the security forces, Ecevit stressed that operations will continue to pursue other terrorists.

Ecevit told the reporters, ''several travel agencies try to make use of such attacks in order to dissuade tourists not to come to Turkey for holiday. There is no danger in Turkey for tourists. Effective measures taken by the security forces in touristic areas of Turkey, resulted in great success. All necessary preparations against terrorism have also been taken for this year's tourism season. No countries and no nations need to worry about the issue. Meanwhile, I wish a happy and peaceful feast of sacrifice both in Turkey and abroad.''

Prime Minister Ecevit also added that required arrangements have begun in the border region with Syria to allow people to exchange greetings with their relatives in Syria for the feast of sacrifice next week. He told the reporters that the Syrian authorities have accepted these arrangements.

[19] PRESIDENT DEMIREL : - ''WE SHOULD ANNOUNCE THE TENDER FOR HAKKARI DAM AND SHOULD START ITS CONSTRUCTION IN 1999''

Addressing a speech in the Directors General Meeting of the State Water Works (DSI), Demirel noted that three installations will be set up on Zap Water in southeastern Hakkari province and that each of these installations will produce one and a half and two billion kilowatts of electricity per hour.

Stating that they want to announce a tender for Hakkari Dam and that they want to start the construction in 1999, Demirel said, ''let's start the construction, so that we can say that we do the similar things in the other part of the country, as the things done in one part of the country.''

Thanking Austria which provided finance for the construction of Kargamis, Muratli, and Borcka Dams, Demirel said, ''the resources did not meet the demands and the will of DSI. DSI has 195 dams today. When we started the construction of dams, there were only three dams in Turkey. We carry out the construction of 107 dams at the moment.''

Stressing that carrying water to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) is an unforgetable service, Demirel said, ''the carrying of water from Dragon Brook to Cyprus will be one of the successes of DSI. Another success is the fulfilment of Manavgat Brook. I gave importance to this project because there are many water supplies with seven billion cubic metres between Antalya and Silifke. And it is possible to carry 4 billion cubic metres of this brook to the various harbors of Mediterranean. This project is a wonder of engineering. All we do is carrying 500 million cubic metres. Increasing this figure by eight times is possible. Thus, Turkey becomes a country which sells water.''

Recalling that another important issue is the fulfilment of the fourth and fifth units on the Firat River, Demirel drew the attention that the Birecik Dam was constructed in Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) model and that more than 20 countries provided finance for this project.

Demirel emphasized that a total of three billion kilowatts of electrical production will be realized by the time the Kargamis and Birecik dams are constructed.

Noting that Southeastern Anatolian Project is a significant project worth of 32 billion U.S. dollars, Demirel defined this project as a project for putting an end to poverty and impoverishment.

Demirel added that the complementary elements of this project like the investments on highways, airports and irrigation are also being carried out.

Expressing the drinking water services of the DSI in the greater cities, Demirel recalled that he went to Japan in 1992 and that Japan requested more than one billion U.S. dollars for the Istanbul Drinking Water Project.

Emphasizing the six greater city drinking water projects of DSI, Demirel noted that the DSI will carry out many projects in the following ten years.

[20] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT STAGES A PRESS CONFERENCE : - ''MENACE OF FUNDAMENTALISM HAS NOT REACHED DISTURBING LEVELS'' - ''CRISIS WILL GAIN A STATUS OF WAR THAT WILL EFFECT WHOLE BALKANS IN CASE SERBIA DOES NOT STEP BACK''

Addressing a press conference at the Prime Ministry, Ecevit gave information about latest developments both in Turkey and abroad.

Prime Minister Ecevit told the reporters, ''the struggle against fundamentalism has begun in the period of the 55th government, and it has still been continuing. Such efforts have reduced the menace of fundamentalism in Turkey. Therefore, I think menace of fundamentalism has not reached disturbing levels. Today, any political party supporting fundamentalism loses its popularity in public opinion.''

When reminded the statements of the U.S. President Bill Clinton that a possible war in Kosovo may include both Turkey and Greece, and of Russian Prime Minister Yevgeny Primakov that the NATO should scrutinize the developments in Kosovo, Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit described the situation in the Balkans as extremely complicated.

Noting that the Serbian security forces's cruelty against ethnic Albanians living in Kosovo, has escalated tension in the Balkans, Ecevit told the reporters, ''a grave crisis will arise in the Balkans in case the Serbia does not step back. Such a crisis will gain a status of war that will affect whole Balkan countries. I wish Yugoslav President Milosevic will sign the peace agreement immediately which was already accepted by Kosovon side.''

Ecevit stressed that besides the Serbian Administration, the Russian Federation should also evaluate the situation with a more realistic point of view.

When asked whether or not Turkey has taken security measures for the Turkish minority living in Kosovo, Prime Minister Ecevit pointed out, ''we expect Turkish origin people living in Kosovo to be given equal rights when a fair order will be established in Kosovo. Crisis has begun in Kosovo when Serbian Administration took back the gained rights of Albanian and Turkish origin people.''

[21] OYMEN, THE PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF TURKEY IN NATO: - ''THE MOST IMPORTANT AIM OF TURKEY IS THE SECURITY OF THE TURKISH NATION LIVING IN YUGOSLAVIA''

Addressing a speech in the NATO Council meeting which is set up by the permanent representatives of 19 countries that are members of NATO, Oymen pointed out that Turkey is the most important and most loyal ally of NATO in the region.

Oymen said, ''the resolutions of NATO are the common resolutions. Turkey wishes that this issue was solved peacefully. We wish that in case there is a military operation, a peaceful agreement was signed as soon as possible. We believe that the solution will come by the peaceful methods and by diplomacy. We wish that Yugoslavia approaches to a peaceful solution in the direction of the expectations of NATO and the international community even if a military operation is realized.''

Drawing the attention to the importance of the issue for the honor and dissuation of NATO, Oymen said, ''NATO has to allocate its forces to protect the regional peace and security and to prevent the spread of the clashes. Besides, NATO and the international community expressed their expentations for many times and made agreements. These agreements were not applied.''

''We give importance to the Turkish nation living there. Their security is the most important aim of Turkey. We want that the political geography does not change, that the territorial integrity of Yugoslavia is protected, that the clashes do not spread, and that the Kosovons are given wide regional autonomy without changing the border. These are our expectations. Yugoslavia has to comply with her commitments and has to carry out efforts for this.''

[22] PRESIDENT DEMIREL RECEIVES TURKISH INDUSTRIALISTS AND BUSINESSMEN IN AZERBAIJAN

Receiving the the delegation of the Executive Board of the Turkish Industrialists and Businessmen Association in Azerbaijan, Demirel said that he will carry out all kind of efforts to solve the problems which the Turkish businessmen face in Azerbaijan.

Cemal Yangin, the Chairman of the Executive Board of the Association, said that the problems arising from the transition of Azerbaijan to free market economy negatively affect them, and requested help from President Demirel.

Stating that the Turkish businessmen carry out initiatives in the Balkans, Caucasus, Central Asia, Demirel noted that there are some problems in every country, adding that requesting the solution of the problems is the not only the right but also the task of the businessmen.

Demirel promised that he will help the delegation meet with Haydar Aliev, the President of Azerbaijan, after the religious feast.

Recalling that he will go to Baku in June to attend the fifth meeting between the presidents of the countries which speak Turkish, Demirel said that the problems occur because the countries in the region try to re-gain self-control.

Pointing out that the institutions of the new administration is different from that of the former administration in these countries, Demirel said, ''only setting up these institutions on the papers are not enough. It is necessary to change their staff. This is the problem. We do not want to run these countries. Of course, this is not possible. The countries should run themselves and should maintain their independence.''

''All I want is to have an independent state there. Those countries do not have any other friends other than us. We are their friend. We only think of their best,'' Demirel added.

[23] NATIONAL DAY OF PAKISTAN - PRESIDENT DEMIREL CONGRATULATES PAKISTANI PRESIDENT

Presidential Press Center statement said Demirel who sent a message to Tarar said ''I am pleased to send my congratulations to you and brotherly Pakistani people on behalf of myself and Turkish people.''

Demirel said ''development of Pakistan in every field since it declared its independence, and its contribution to regional peace and security gives us assurances about the bright future of Pakistan. Turkey and Pakistan have strong friendly relations and cultural values having a mutual history. We are proud that our relations with Pakistan are example to other countries.''

''It is a pleasure for me to note that cooperation between our countries developed in every field and that there is a political will between the two countries to further deepen and enrich this cooperation'' Demirel pointed out.

[24] ANKARA EXPENDS SUPPORT TO NATO COUNCIL DECISION - ''TURKEY FEELS CONCERN OVER THE POSSIBLE DEVELOPMENTS IN THE NEAR FUTURE''

Foreign Ministry statement pointed out the importance Turkey attributed to the providing of stability in the Balkans region and recalled that Turkey, within the framework of its historical and cultural relations with the region, expended efforts for the solution of problem through peaceful ways.

The statement said Ankara expressed sorrow that Kosovo crisis reached to serious dimensions, adding that ''Turkey feels concern over the possible developments in near future.''

Noting that Ankara supported decision of NATO Council, the statement said ''although it has been come to this critical stage, we wish Belgrade administration to act with common sense and give a positive response to the expectations of international community.''

[25] STATEMENT OF PREMIER ECEVIT TO ''DIE ZEIT'' ''THERE IS NOT A KURDISH PROBLEM, THERE IS PKK PROBLEM''

Speaking to weekly ''Die Zeit'' newspaper published in Germany, Ecevit said Kurdish people talked in their own languages, published magazine in their own language and even made radio broadcasting in kurdish language. Ecevit stressed that there was no need for a separate Kurdish party in the Parliament as there are already many Kurdish origin deputies.

Speaking to foreign countries about the terrorist organization Ecevit said ''I can say to those countries to give up expending support to the terrorist organization.''

Mentioning about the election issue Ecevit said ''elections will take place. I hope stability will be provided after this.''

Ecevit noted that investments towards Southeastern Anatolia Region increased after capture of the Abdullah Ocalan, chief of terrorist organization.

Mentioning about Turkish-European Union (EU) relations, Ecevit said Turkey, which is a part of Europe for centuries, has the right to be EU member by basing on the Partnership Agreement it signed with the EU in 1963. Ecevit stressed that Turkey was at the same time a country extending to the Balkans, the Middle East, Central Asia and Far East with its geostrategic location.

Responding to a question if Turkey stil wants EU membership, Ecevit said Turkey was patient to this end, adding that ''yet, time will come and Europe will knock our door.''

Ecevit noted that Turkey attributed importance to the improvement of relations with European countries, adding that Turkey was ready for bilateral cooperation with Germany in which 2.5 Turkish citizens live in. Ecevit said ''yet, we will not be able to discuss political problems with Europe as long as doors of EU are closed to us. Our relations will be limited with economy and other issues.''

Ecevit said in case Turkey is included in EU candidate list, this will mean a ''new start'' in relations, adding that EU should not be under the influence of obstacles put by Greece.

Ecevit said there is separatist terrorism in Turkey as it happened in Britain, Spain and France and pointed out that Turkey will not be able to accept whole of Coppenhagen criterion as there is not a minority in Turkey as it was defined. ''There is only Turkish citizenship in Turkey.''

Mentioning about Cyprus issue, Ecevit stressed the importance of cooperation between the two communities living on the island ''there is an important point which can not be ignored, that is the existance of two separate states on the island.''

Ecevit said conflicted situation in the Aegean should be solved within the framework of ''civilian dialogue'', adding that ''As we are seeking for ways for a peaceful dialogue, Greece tries to impose existing problems as EU-Turkey problem not as Turkey-Greece problem.''

[26] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT: ''IT IS NOT CERTAIN YET WHAT KIND OF A DUTY TURKEY WILL ASSUME IN THE OPERATION''

Responding to the questions of reporters Ecevit said Turkey was officially informed before the NATO operation and noted that they covered the developments closely.

Ecevit said ''we are covering the news reports. Yet, this is not an unexpected incident because although Kosovon Albanians, and Kosovars in general, accepted the peace plan, Serbs, despite all the insistencies and good will initiatives, continued oppression against Kosovars. There was a de facto war in Kosovo for months. Yet, this was in the characteristic of a local war. Now it became a wide ranged war. This may result in very concerning outcomes. The activity of migration which has started already will increase wholly. Nearly 250,00 Kosovon Albanians had to leave their homes.''

''Meanwhile, many Kosovon Turks began to look for ways to immigrate. This immigration will affect neighboring countries, may be it will also affect Turkey'' Ecevit said.

Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said ''Milosevic openly threatened Macedonia, there is the possibility that it will turn into a war that will not be remained limited with Kosovo only. This operation started within NATO solidarity. Turkey is included in this solidarity. As you know Turkish planes are deployed near Kosovo. It is not clear yet what kind of a duty Turkey will undertake. We will see in time whether it will be an active duty, inspection or an protection duty.''

Responding to a question if Turkey was informed before the operation, Ecevit said ''official information is given. The U.S. State Secretary Albright has called our Foreign Minister tonight.''

Asked if a crisis desk was formed to this end or not, Ecevit said ''we will closely cover the incident and take required measures.''

[27] FOREIGN MINISTER CEM TALKS TO ALBRIGHT AND PAPANDREOU ON THE PHONE

A Foreign Ministry statement said Foreign Minister Ismail Cem said a mission group was formed during Southeast European Foreign Ministers Meeting, held in Bucharest, aiming to cope with the possible humanitarian problems that may erupt in Kosovo. The statement said mission group was formed upon the proposal of Turkey.

Cem said Turkey launched necessary initiatives to Romania, which acts as the Term President of Southeast European Countries Cooperation Process, to activate the group. The statement said Albright expended support to this initiative.

The statement said, afterwards Papandreou, Greek Foreign Minister, called Cem on the phone within the framework of the Southeast European Process and told about his views regarding activation of the humanitarian mission group in question and the cooperation between the Southeast European countries on humanitarian issues.

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