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Anadolu Agency: News in English, 99-03-25Anadolu Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Anadolu Agency Home Page at <http://www.anadoluajansi.gov.tr/>AA Daily25 March 1999 ThursdayCONTENTS
[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCANThese are some of the major headlines and their brief stories in Turkey's press on March 25, 1998. The Anadolu Agency does not verify these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.HURRIYET (LIBERAL) TURKISH F-16S' DEFENSE MISSION KINSMEN ARRIVE AT KAPIKULE BORDER GATE MILLIYET (LIBERAL)SLAP ON HITLER SERBSNATO, which was established 50 years ago, launched an operation against a country for the first time. All the Balkans are in an atmosphere of war. TURKEY: WE'LL ABIDE WITH ALL ORDERS OF NATO SABAH (LIBERAL)SAVAS:IT'S TREASON TO MANIPULATE RELIGIONVural Savas, the Chief Prosecutor of the Court of Appeals who is disliked by the members of the Virtue Party (FP) as he started an investigation about FP saying that it is the successor of the Welfare Party (RP), hosted important guests yesterday. Hilmi Ozkok, the Deputy Chief of General Staff visited Savas with two generals. ''It is treason to manipulate religion for political aims,'' said Savas, criticizing some intellectuals, politicans, and writers. KOC'S RASH TO AMERICA CUMHURIYET (LEFT)TURKEY ALARMEDTurkey alarmed all her units at the Thrace border due to the operation of NATO towards Yugoslavia. The General Staff, the Commandership of Air Forces and the Foreign Ministry set up ''crisis desks.'' The Turkish troops which can join a possible air strike completed their training. DAM PROTOCOL WITH AUSTRIA RADIKAL (LEFT)GENERAL STAFF SETS UP A CRISIS DESKThe General Staff set up a crisis desk for the air strikes staged by NATO against Yugoslavia and President Suleyman Demirel was informed about the air strikes. The General Staff and the Foreign Ministry informed Demirel about the dimensions and the results of the operation during the air strikes. ELECTION BY TURKISH PEOPLE LIVING ABROAD STARTS A MILITARY VEHICLE SHOT: ONE SOLDIER DIED YENİ YÜZYIL (LIBERAL)APO'S CASE TO CONTINUE ON IMRALI ISLANDThe hearing for the trial of Abdullah Ocalan, the terrorist chief, continued in the State Security Court (DGM) in Ankara. The DGM decided to continue the trial on the Imrali Island for security reasons. THOUSANDS OF HOPE FOR DR.BABUNA TÜRKİYE (RIGHT)PREMIER ECEVIT: TURKEY HAS TAKEN MEASURESPremier Bulent Ecevit said that Turkey has taken all measures related with the war in Kosovo, adding the intervention of NATO in Kosovo was expected. Responding to questions in TV, Premier Ecevit said that ''Milosevic has also openly threatened Macedonia, there is the possibility of spreading of this war from Kosovo to other places.'' LOYALTY TO DR. BABUNA ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)REFUGUEES START TO COME TO TURKEYThe Kosovon kinsmen started to come to Turkey on Wednesday night. The first convoy of the kinsmen went to Bulgaria via village roads and arrived at the Kapikule Border Gate at 10.30 p.m. About 500 people sheltered in Turkey until late hours on Wednesday night. [02] ONE TURKISH SOLDIER DIES IN ARMED ATTACK TOWARDS GENDARMERIE VEHICLE PATROLLING AROUND IN YENIKENTISTANBUL, March 25 (A.A)- A Turkish soldier died in an armed attack towards a gendermarie vehicle patrolling around in Yenikent district of Istanbul early on Thursday morning.It was reported that some unidentified assailants opened fire to a gendarmerie vehicle which belonged to the Esenyurt Gendermarie Headquarter and which was patrolling around in Yenikent district and that the driver of the vehicle died. That the soldiers were trapped after they departed for the Avcilar toll collection gates of the highway on a tip-off saying that an accident had happened there. When the gendermarie vehicle were going to the Avcilar toll collection gates, some unidentified assailants opened fire to the vehicle near Bahcesehir district and clashes started between the Turkish soldiers and the unidentified assailants who later managed to escaped from the scene. The officials said that they sent many military units to the scene and that the efforts to capture the assailants are underway. [03] CAPPADOCIA TRAIN TOUR IN THE RELIGIOUS HOLIDAY - TICKETS SOLD OUT FOR THE TOURANKARA, March 25 (A.A) - The Turkish Public Railways (TCDD) will arrange a special tour to Cappadocia during the religious holiday for the people who like travelling to the historical sights by train, it is reported on Thursday.TCDD will realize a new tour to the Cappadocia between March 26 and 31 which is similar to the one it arranged in the Eid al-Fitr holiday and in the semester holiday. The tour will start from Istanbul on Friday and will last for six days. The ones who join the tour can visit Urgup, Goreme, Uchisar, Ortahisar, Guvercinlik Valley, Dervent, Zelve, Avanos Pasabagi, Derinkuyu, Nevsehir and Ihlara Valley. The TCDD said that it booked 108 seats for the Cappadocia tour and that all the tickets were sold out. [04] TURKISH PEOPLE LIVING ABROAD START TO VOTE AT CUSTOM GATESANKARA, March 25 (A.A) - Turkish people living abroad started on Thursday at 06.00-07.00 local time to vote for the coming general elections that will be held in Turkey on April 18, 1999.The citizens can vote at nine custom gates namely Hopa-Sarp, Reyhanlı- Cilvegozu, Edirne-Kapıkule, Silopi-Habur highway custom gates and Antalya, Izmir-Adana Menderes, Ankara-Esenboga, Istanbul-Ataturk and Adana-Sakirpasa airport custom gates till 15.00-16.00 local time on April 18. The citizens older than 18 years can vote by showing their Turkish passports while entering or departing from 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. A total of 170,000 Turkish electors living in France follow Turkish electors living in Germany, 169,000 electors in the Netherlands follow those in France, 118,000 electors in the U.S. follow those in the Netherlands, 95,000 electors in Austria follow those in the U.S., 81,000 electors in Saudi Arabia follow those in Austria, 58,000 electors in Belgium follow those in Saudi Arabia, 49,000 electors in Switzerland follow those in Belgium and 46,000 electors in the U.K. follow those in Switzerland. [05] TUNISIA REQUESTS FOUR COACHES FROM TURKEY TO TRAIN HER WEIGHT-LIFTING NATIONAL TEAMANKARA, March 25 (A.A) - Tunisia requested on Thursday four coaches from Turkey to train her weight-lifting national team.The success of Turkey in weight-lifting continues to draw the attention of the countries which want to make a giant leap forward in this field of sports. An official from the Tunisian Weight-lifting Federation said that Turkey is very successful in weight-lifting and that they requested four Turkish coaches to train their national team. Stating that Tunisia aim at making a giant leap forward in weight-lifting, the official noted that they want to be as successful as Turkey in this field of sports by charging four Turkish coaches. [06] PREPARATIONS FOR FEAST OF SACRIFICE AT TURKISH-SYRIAN BORDER - HARPUT, GOVERNOR OF URFA: ''SYRIAN ADMINISTRATION HAS SOFTENED HER STANCE REGARDING THIS ISSUE FOR THE FIRST TIME''SANLIURFA, March 25 (A.A) - Preparations are underway for the greetings for the Feast of Sacrifice between Turkish and Syrian people, which are relatives of each other at the Turkish-Syrian border without any wire fence for the first time. The municipality of Ceylanpınar informs citizens about the method of greeting during the bairam, it is reported on Thursday.Sahabettin Harput, the governor of Sanlıurfa said that the Syrian administration has softened her stance with Turkey regarding this issue for the first time, adding ''the cooperation here will contribute to the relations between the two countries.'' Harput got information from Sabri Baskoy, the county governor and military officials about the efforts carried out for the realization of the greetings between Turkish and Syrian people. Harput said that the meeting with the Syrian governor of Al Hasaka to lift the wire fence during the greetings in bairam was successful and the agreement reached between the two governors was accepted by the administrators of the two countries. The officials had earlier noted that the area was stabilized and that they tried to build the other social installations before the third day of the feast. [07] NATO'S AIR OPERATION AGAINST YUGOSLAVIA - ADMIRAL DERVISOGLU, COMMANDER OF NAVAL FORCES: ''WE ARE READY TO SEND ADDITIONAL NAVAL FORCE TO NATO IN ADRIATIC SEA''ANKARA, March 25 (A.A) - Admiral Salim Dervisoglu, the commander of Naval Forces said on Thursday that the Turkish Naval Forces is ready to contribute to NATO forces in Adriatic Sea if there is such a need.Responding to questions of journalists about NATO air operation against Yugoslavia during the visit of Admiral Esko A. Illı, the Finnish Commander of Naval Forces, who is an official guest, Admiral Dervisoglu stated that ''Turkish frigate Muavenet is in Adriatic Sea at the moment, NATO didn't request us to send additional naval force to the NATO's Permanent Naval Force in Mediterranean. If NATO requests, the Turkish Naval Force has this potential. The policy of Turkish Republic and the government is to act within the decisions taken by NATO.'' ''Turkey has assumed her responsibilities concerning this operation. We have humanitarian responsibilities towards people living in this region. Turkey is a member NATO and acts within the decisions taken by NATO,'' he added. [08] AZNAR, SPANISH PM, RECEIVES TURKISH BUSINESSMEN - AZNAR: ''TRUST SPANISH FRIENDSHIP''MADRID, March 25 (A.A) - Jose Maria Aznar, Spanish Prime Minister, said on Thursday that Turkey and Spain carry out a strategic and political cooperation, adding that Turkey should trust Spanish friendship as long as he is the Prime Minister of Spain.Aznar received the Turkish businessmen who are in Madrid for the introduction of Expotecnia'99 Fair which will be held in Turkey. Addressing a speech, Aznar said that the commercial relations between Turkey and Spain is improving, but that the two countries should make more investments in the territory of the other. Stating that Expotecnia Fair will accelerate the bilateral relations, Aznar noted that Turkey and Spain should maintain their cooperation and that both economic and cultural cooperation are important for the two countries. Stressing that they should trust more to each other to improve their relations, Aznar stated that the two governments should support the joint studies of the businessmen of Turkey and Spain and that in fact they support. Meanwhile, Turkish businessmen gave information about the Expotecnia fair which will be held between June 1 and 6 in Istanbul. Elena Pisonero, the Spanish State Minister Responsible From Tourism and Trade, said that the Spanish government requested that Turkey and Spain should have long-term commercial relations rather than having crisis escalating between the two countries due to the Bask government's invitation to the so-called Kurdish parliament to convene in their building. [09] ADMIRAL ILLI, FINNISH NAVAL FORCES COMMANDER, IN ANKARA - ILLI VISITS ADMIRAL DERVISOGLU, NAVAL FORCES COMMANDERANKARA, March 25 (A.A) - Admiral Esko A. Illı, Finnish Naval Forces Commander who is paying an official visit to Turkey, visited Admiral Salim Dervisoglu, Naval Forces Commander, on Thursday.Illi was welcomed by a military ceremony in the Commandership of Naval Forces. Dervisoglu and Illi held a meeting for some time after the ceremony. Addressing a statement prior to the meeting, Dervisoglu said that a Naval Forces Commander from Finland is visiting Turkey for the first time since the Republic was established. Dervisoglu said, ''I feel very pleased about hosting the Naval Forces Commander of a nation which is really very away from Turkey but which has friendly relations with Turkey.'' ''I hope that this visit will lead to a cooperation between the naval forces of the two countries which do not have any conflict. We consider Finland as a friendly country with which we can have cooperation in every field including education, exchange of staff and defense industry,'' Dervisoglu added. [10] EXTRAORDINARY MEASURES TAKEN AT NATO HEADQUARTERS - MILITARY FLANK NOTES THAT OPERATION WON'T END WITHOUT REACHING TARGETS COMPLETELYBRUSSELS, March 25 (A.A) - Extraordinary security measures have been taken at NATO Headquarters in Brussels and military sources point out that Wesley Clark, an American General who is the Supreme Allied Commander for Europe (SACEUR) is the only person who will decide on the ending of the air operation launched against Yugoslavia, it is reported on Thursday.General Clark can decide to continue the operation in day time on Thursday if he deems necessary. The military flank point out that the air operation won't stop without reaching completely the targets and ''the operation will be launched rapidly as long as the wheather conditions permit.'' Military sources reiterate that the possibility of a land operation is out of question, recalling that the order of NATO Council is necessary for such kind of an initiative. However if it is necessary, for instance if the pilot of a crashed airplane is sought or saved, the intervention of small-scale land troops is foreseen. Land forces of NATO will enter Kosovo region in order to maintain peace if Serbs sign the peace agreement. Meanwhile it is seen that the aim of the air raids that exceed the borders of Kosovo is not only to ''intimidate'' the Serbian administration. Sources stress that the dimensions of the operation can be expected to increase and get tougher after the reaction of Serbs. ''Milosevic will either accept peace or his military infrastructure will be collapsed broadly for the ending of the air attacks,'' they say. NATO Council, the political flank will convene on Thursday afternoon to evaluate the information received from military. Javier Solana, the NATO Secretary General and General Clark will hold a joint press briefing the same day. Greece is the only country within NATO which has a different attitute towards the crisis and the statement of Akis Cohacopulos, the Greek Defense Minister who called for the ending of the air operations shocked the diplomatic flank. NATO Council is expected to warn Greece about this issue. It is reported that NATO has entered such a ''war'' for the first time. Officials in Brussels describe the event as ''an operation to install and protect peace'' and also as ''fight for honour and prestige.'' Sources stress that NATO is resolved to render a powder barrel ineffective which is at the centre of Europe. Experts say that the tough statements issued by NATO, Serbia and other countries should be carefully evaluated as they are part of the game and scenery. The important role of the U.S. in decision-making mechanism is also stressed and the ending signs of the operation will first be seen in the U.S. if the targets are fully reached. [11] NATO'S AIR OPERATION AGAINST YUGOSLAVIA - THY CANCELS ITS FLIGHTS TO THE COUNTRIES WHOSE AIR SPACES ARE CLOSEDISTANBUL, March 25 (A.A) - Turkish Airlines (THY) cancelled on Thursday its flights to the countries whose air spaces are closed due to the air operation launched against Yugoslavia by NATO.THY statement said that the air spaces of Serbia, Crotia, Bosnia- Herzegovina and Albania were closed due to the state of war in the region, adding that the flights of THY to Tiran, the capital of Albania, Zagreb, the capital of Crotia, Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia-Herzegovina and Skopje, the capital of Macedonia, were cancelled until the air spaces of the mentioned countries are re-opened to air traffic. The statement noted that the efforts of the European Civilian Aviation Authority to slide the air corridors of the flights to other European countries continue. [12] OYMEN, TURKEY'S PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE TO NATO: - ''ALLIANCE IS NOT AGAINST YUGOSLAVIA'S PEOPLE, INTEGRITY AND BASIC INTERESTS''BRUSSELS, March 25 (A.A) - Onur Oymen, Turkey's Permanent Representative to the NATO, said prior to the NATO Council meeting that the alliance doesn't target Yugoslavia's people, territorial integrity and basic interests.Stating that the NATO countinously evaluates the situation and the developments, Oymen said, ''our hope is that Milosevic will accept the expectations of international community and peace will be provided rapidly. Continuation of air operation will not be necessary on the condition of reaching the political targets like signing the Interim Agreement for Peace by Serbians which was earlier signed by the Kosovan Albanians; abiding by the conditions of the agreement signed between the NATO and Belgrade in October 1998 and putting an end to the clashes in Kosovo.'' ''We, as the NATO Council, hold regular meetigs. We carry out detailed evaluations and the military authorities brief us on the air operation,'' Oymen said. Recalling that the attitude of Russia was not surprising and Russia, as a member of the Contact Group, contributed to the agreement prepared for Kosovo, Oymen said that one of the international mediators trying to persuade Yugoslavia is Russia. Pointing out that the NATO and Russia don't have different opinions about the agreement, Oymen stressed that from the beginning, the NATO and Russia have defended different methods about the issues of troop build-up in Kosovo and applying to military methods. ''The reaction of Russia is not surprising for us and NATO's using power was not also surprising for Russia. Because, the alliance had earlier announced that it will use force if diplomacy fails,'' Oymen said. Noting that it is diffucult to estimate the extension of the operation, Oymen said, ''we suppose Milosevic will understand that peace is the only solution that can be accepted by everybody.'' ''The NATO countries don't have any negative feelings towards Yugoslavian people. We consider Yugoslavia's territorial integrity as one of the basic principles. Turkey is of this opinion. And the NATO openly expressed this opinion. We don't have an intention which is contrary to Yugoslavia's basic interests. Refraning from giving harm to civilians is one of the NATO's basic principles,'' Oymen stressed. ''After the experiences in Bosnia, it is diffucult for the international community to endure a humanitarian catastrophe. Almost two thousand people were killed and many people were injured in Kosovo while nearly 250 thousand people were obliged to leave Kosovo. There is a pathetic humanitarian drama. The international community wants that drama to be finished as soon as possible and expects the NATO to fulfil its duties,'' Oymen emphasized. Pointing out that the NATO Ocuncil will evaluate Yugoslavia's declaration of state of war, developments recorded after the operation and Russia's attitude, Oymen said that Secretary General Solana will announce NATO's approach on behalf of the 16 countries. [13] ARRIVAL OF KOSOVAN MUSLIMS IN TURKEY - 1,313 PEOPLE ENTER TURKEY IN LAST THREE DAYSEDIRNE, March 25 (A.A) - The arrival of the Kosovan Muslims in Turkey continues while 1,313 of them entered Turkey in last three days from the Kapikule Border Gate in Edirne, it was reported on Thursday.The Edirne Governor's Office issued a written statement saying that a total of 1,313 Kosovans including 337 children and 421 women reached the Kapikule Border Gate with buses and cars between 22:00 local time on 22 March and 08:15 local time on March 25. Pointing out that the Kosovans went to their relatives living in Istanbul, Bursa, Tekirdag and Yalova, the statement said that the customs officials work in coordination with their Bulgarian counterparts to accelerate the customs procedure. Suleyman Mushka, 58, a Kosovan arrived in Turkey by bus, said, ''this problem is not a two-day issue. Our situation is very grave. The Serbians bomb at random and shoot everywhere inconsiderately. I sent my sons, daughters and grandchildren to Turkey. Turkey is our second homeland. The Republic of Turkey helped Bosnia. She will also help us.'' Meanwhile, the Gaziosmanpasa Guesthouse in Kirklareli, which was established in 1989 after the immigration from Bulgaria and later hosted the Bosnians, was made ready for Kosovans. [14] TOPRAK, CHAIRMAN OF RTKDD: ''PEOPLE SAY THAT NEARLY 4000 OUT OF 7000- 8000 PEOPLE WHO LEFT KOSOVO ARE ON THE WAY TO TURKEY''SKOPJE, March 25 (A.A) - Suayip Toprak, the Chairman of Solidarity and Cultural Association of Turks of Thrace (RTKDD) in Bursa province, who is currently in Skopje, stated on Thursday that people say that nearly 4000 out of 7000-8000 Albanian people who left Kosovo and came to Macedonia from Elezhan border gate, are on the way to Turkey.Suayip Toprak told A.A correspondent that after the opening of the border gate between Kosovo and Macedonia two days ago, 6000-7000 Kosovons came to Skopje. ''After the commencement of the air operation by NATO against Yugoslavia, we hear news saying that people stay at their homes in Kosovo. Thus nobody passed through the Elezhan border gate. We've received news saying that many people like 25,000-30,000 left Kosovo for Albania,'' said Suayip Toprak, adding nearly 800 people who escaped from Serbian violence had earlier come to Bursa province of Turkey and many Kosovans are expected to come to Bursa again this time. [15] FOREIGN MINISTER CEM MEETS WITH RUSSIAN AMBASSADOR LEBEDEV AND YUGOSLAVIAN CHARGE D'AFFAIRES KRULJEVICANKARA, March 25 (A.A) - While the NATO's air operation against Yugoslavia continues, intense talks are held at the Foreign Ministry building on Thursday.Aleksander Lebedev, the Russian Ambassador to Ankara, and Slavko Kruljevic, the Charge d'Affaires of Yugoslavian Embassy in Ankara, came to the Foreign Ministry building and held meetings with Foreign Minister Ismail Cem separately. Yugoslavian Charge d'Affaires Kruljevic, who came to the Foreign Ministry building at about 12:00 local time, didn't give information about the meeting which lasted for half an hour. Speaking to reporters prior to his meeting started at 12:30 local time, Russian Ambassador Lebedev said that he will brief Foreign Minister Ismail Cem on Russian President Boris Yeltsin's statements late on Wednesday. [16] NATO AIR OPERATION AGAINST YUGOSLAVIA - PRESIDENT DEMIREL: ''THEY'VE USED ALL THE POSSIBILITIES OF DIPLOMACY'' - ''WE ARE WITHIN NATO AND EXTEND SUPPORT TO THIS DECISION OF NATO''ANKARA, March 25 (A.A) - President Suleyman Demirel said on Thursday that the decision of NATO to intervene in Yugoslavia has been taken after long- discussions and after using all the possibilities of diplomacy, adding ''not doing anything would damage the deterability and honour of NATO this time.''Responding to questions of journalists, President Demirel stated that Bill Cilton, the U.S. President sent a letter to himself to give information and Turkey is ready to face the first immigration wave from Kosovo. Noting that every country, not only Turkey is interested in Kosovo, President Demirel said there are 19 NATO states. ''We have a city for 3000 people in Kırklareli province where Bosnian people had stayed earlier and guesthouses in Istanbul. Thus we can face the first wave easily,'' said President Demirel. ''The only military force in the world is NATO, there is no other force. NATO does not belong to one country, it is a collective and generally a defense force. But the reason of intervention in Kosovo is to protect people who suffer from massacre. Europe had witnessed the massacre committed against innocent people irrespective of women, girl, children in Bosnia. Thus no body can defend the view that such kind of an incident should continue in Kosovo. The events taking place in Kosovo are the continuation of the events that occured in the past in Bosnia,'' said Demirel. Responding to another question, President Demirel said ''we are within the NATO and extend support to its decision.'' [17] PREMIER ECEVIT: ''I HOPE THE NATO AIR OPERATION WILL BE SUCCESSFUL WITHOUT GIVING DAMAGE TO CIVILIANS'' - ''OUR 11 AIRCRAFTS PARTICIPATED IN THE AIR OPERATION LAST NIGHT''ANKARA, March 25 (A.A) - Premier Bulent Ecevit expressed on Thursday his hope that the air operation started by NATO on Wednesday night against Yugoslavia be successful and not give damage to civilians.Speaking to journalists about the air operation against Yugoslavia, Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said that 11 Turkish aircrafts, who had mission, participated in the air operation last night, adding at this stage Turkish aircrafts have the mission of defense, not attack. Noting that NATO started an air operation against Yugoslavia last night due to the fact that the Serbian administration closed the channels of compromise and peace, Ecevit said that ''our planes stayed in the air for six hours last night and they supplied fuel for three times. That was a very successful operation. NATO did not ask Turkey to send land forces, I hope there won't be any need for that, but against all possibilities, our military troop is ready and it waits in Mamak, Ankara.'' Stressing that a migration flow has started from Kosovo to Turkey, Ecevit said that 1300 Turkish kinsmen arrived in Turkey and there is not any problem about settling of these people, because they have relatives in Turkey. ''I hope they will return to their homelands as soon as possible,'' he added. Pointing out to a pleasing news, Premier Ecevit said that Basri Aktan, the Minister of Transportation of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) and Dervis Eroglu, the TRNC Prime Minister phoned him by cellular phones, which is a new development. ''The usage of cellular phones was restricted in TRNC till today. At the moment, Telsim succeded in that. From now on, people in TRNC can communicate with the whole world by cellular phones,'' he added. [18] PRESS CONFERENCE OF FM CEM: - ''TURKEY CONTINUES HER INITIATIVES FOR A PEACEFUL SOLUTION IN KOSOVO'' - ''I DON'T WANT TURKEY AND GREECE ENTER INTO STATE OF WAR''ANKARA, March 25 (A.A) - Ismail Cem, the Foreign Minister, said on Thursday that Turkey fulfils her responsibilities within the NATO and conforms to the joint decisions of the NATO, stressing that Turkey continues her initiatives for a peaceful solution for the Kosovo crisis.Staging a press conference on the NATO air operation started against Yugoslavia late on Wednesday, Foreign Minister Cem said that Turkey shares common history and culture with Kosovo, emphasizing that they expend serious efforts to prevent Kosovo from being a new Bosnia. Responding to question, Ismail Cem said that he doesn't expect that Kosovo crisis will cause Turkey and Greece to confront each other. ''A state of war between Turkey and Greece due to Kosovo crisis can be possible only if Greece supports Serbians by leaving the NATO and fights with the NATO. And I don't expect that such a situation can happen,'' Ismail Cem said. [19] TURK, MINISTER OF NATIONAL DEFENSE: - ''TURKEY SUPPORTS NATO'S INTERVENTION IN KOSOVO. OUR PLANES ARE IN THE REGION'' - ''TURKEY HAS THE CAPABILITY TO CONTROL SEVERAL RISKY ATMOSPHERES WHICH CONSTITUTE THREATS FOR PEACE IN THE REGION AND WORLD''GEBZE, March 25 (A.A) - Hikmet Sami Turk, the Minister of National Defense, said on Thursday that Turkey supports NATO's intervention in Kosovo and the Turkish planes are in the region.Speaking to reporters during his visit to the TUBITAK Marmara Research Center in Gebze, Turk said that the NATO became obliged to stage an air operation when the Serbians gave negative response to international calls for peace. Pointing out that the aim of the NATO is not to wage war against Yugoslavia but to pursuade the Serbians for a peaceful solution, Turk said, ''Turkey supports NATO air strike on Yugoslavia. Our planes are in the region.'' Stressing that Turkey is located in a region in the middle of the world's most unstable Balkans-Caucasus-Middle East triangle, Turk said, ''as a result of her strategical location, Turkey is capable of controlling the risky atmospheres which constitute threats for peace in the region and in the world. However, she also faces various several risks.'' [20] PRESS CONFERENCE OF FM CEM - ''THE TURKISH PLANES PERFORM THEIR MISSION WITHIN THE UNDERSTANDING OF DEFENSE'' - ''TURKEY, AS A SERIOUS COUNTRY, FULFILS HER RESPONSIBILITIES AND CONTINUES HER DETERMINATION''ANKARA, March 25 (A.A) - Ismail Cem, the Foreign Minister, said on Thursday that the Turkish planes are carrying out a mission within the understanding of defense within the framework of the NATO air operation against Yugoslavia, adding, ''there is not any indication that the Turkish planes will exceed this understanding. Our planes don't function as bombers, they fulfil their mission within the understanding of defense.''Staging a press conference on Kosovo crisis, Cem said, ''Kosovo is very important for Turkey. For us, Kosovo is a part of our history. The Kosovan Albanians and Turks are the people with whom we share history, culture, and belief. We have assumed a serious policy to prevent Kosovo from being a second Bosnia.'' Noting that Turkey makes efforts to enable the West European countries to better perceive the issue, Cem recalled that to this end, they proposed humanitarian aid for Albania and Macedonia at the latest meeting of the Foreign Ministers of Countries of South Eastern Europe Co-operation (SEEC) in Romania. ''We, as Turkey, have followed an approach aiming at not giving permission to the annihilation of the impressions of the Turkish history both in Bosnia and Kosovo. Despite our initiatives for a peaceful solution, now we are facing a new situation with the operation started late on yesterday,'' Cem said. Noting that they continue to expend efforts to prevent the new situation from changing into clashes, Cem said that a cooperation center was established at the Prime Ministry with the participation of the Foreign Ministry, and a special center was established at the Foreign Ministry to follow the developments continuously. Pointing out that they are in contact with the concerning sides, and he talked on the phone late on yesterday with the U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, and Greek Foreign Minister Yorgo Papandreu, Cem said, ''Turkey, as a serious country, fulfils her commitments and responsibilities, complies with the joint decisions of the NATO, and her determination continues. We, as Turkey, want a rapid conclusion of clashes and peaceful solution.'' Responding to a question, Cem said the Greek Foreign Minister called him on the phone to talk about Turkey's proposal for humanitarian aid for Albania and Macedonia. Stressing that the necessary measures were taken to help more than 1,300 Kosovans, who escaped from Kosovo and entered Turkey early on Thursday, in their travels to places where their relatives stay, Cem said, ''they are our people. Of course, they are the people to whom we are deeply grateful as we have common history. We always want them to live in their homeland, but we provide every kind of support to let them stay near their relatives in Turkey.'' Recalling thet he met separately with Slavko Kruljevic, the Charge d'Affaires of the Yugoslavian Embassy in Ankara, and Aleksander Lebedev, the Russian Ambassador to Ankara, Cem said Kruljevic conveyed him Yugoslavia's sensitivities and opinions about the air operation. Pointing out that Kruljevic also expressed their opinion that the NATO should stop its operation against Yugoslavia, Cem said Russian Ambassador Lebedev and he made a general evaluation. ''Russia has an important location and situation. Stressing this importance, I told Mr. Lebedev that Russia has a specific influence on Serbia and she is a member of the Contact Group so she has to use these characteristics,'' Cem said. ''Mr. Lebedev conveyed me Russia's approach and uneasiness about the operation,'' Cem said. Noting that Russia announced that she ''has almost frozen'' her relations with NATO, Cem said this was an unpleasant development as they want the NATO-Russian relations to further improve, not to be frozen. ''Mr. Ambassador Lebedev expressed that Russia only wants a rapid conclusion of clashes and a solution on a peaceful platform,'' Cem said. Meanwhile, Russian Ambassador Lebedev told reporters following his meeting with Foreign Minister Cem, that he conveyed Russian President Boris Yeltsin's letter to Foreign Minister Ismail Cem. Lebedev, who declined to give information about the content of the letter sent to the leaders of the NATO member countries, said, ''I hope the third world war won't break out.'' ''We hope that Turkey will pay a constructive and positive role for the peaceful solution of Kosovo crisis. NATO operation may create negative consequences in Europe and even in the world and affect our bilateral relations. However, I hope that we can find the ways to overcome this problem,'' Lebedev added. [21] IT HAS BEEN CLAIMED THAT KANI YILMAZ, SAKINE CANSIZ, AND ALI HAYDAR KAYTAN WERE KILLED BY THE INSTRUCTION OF OCALAN, TERRORIST CHIEFBRUSSELS, March 25 (A.A) - Faysal Dumlayıcı, code-named as Kani Yılmaz who was one of the high level members of terrorist organization PKK in Europe, and ERNK members Sakine Cansız, and Ali Haydar Kaytan code-named as Fuat, were killed by the instruction of Abdullah Ocalan, the chief of the terrorist PKK, before he was arrested, it has been claimed on Thursday.Reliable sources in Belgium said that these three terrorists who were called to join the 6th congress of terrorist organization held in Iran last month were caught by the terrorists. And they were killed after they have been accused of ''being faulty in the plot against the leader (Ocalan)'', the sources said. The same sources pointed out that Kani Yılmaz have not been seen in Belgium and Germany since February. Meanwhile, the sources who said that it has been ordered to kill the three women who were together with the terrorist chief in Kenya, also pointed out that these three women have not been seen in the circles close to the terrorist organization. [22] AKTAN, TRANSPORTATION MINISTER IN TRNC - AGREEMENT WHICH FORESEES TURKCELL TO SET UP A CELULAR PHONE SYSTEM SIGNEDLEFKOSA, March 25 (A.A) - Hasan Basri Aktan, Transportation Minister, visited Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) on Thursday.Aktan said in his statements during his visit that TRNC is important for Turkey and the latter will continue her support in the field of infrastructure for the development of TRNC. Stating that they visited TRNC to put into service the ''roaming'' application with all its facilities, Aktan said that everybody should know that there is a 65-million-people power behind the Turkish Cypriots. Aktan also submitted the projects concerning the rail system, port, and airport constructions to TRNC Prime Minister Dervis Eroglu, stating that these projects will be put into force in a short period of time. Meanwhile, TRNC President Rauf Denktas said that they expend efforts to strengthen TRNC, and they never bow to a threat tothis end. As he received Aktan, Denktas pointed out that the Greek Cypriots build up weapons. Denktas said that this weapon pile up is too much for the Turkish Cypriots and too small for Turkey. Stating that what Serbs did in Bosnia and Kosovo today were done against the Turkish Cypriots by the Greek Cypriots in the past, Denktas reiterated his call to the World to tell the Greek Cypriots that they were not the government of whole Cyprus. Denktas emphasized that the biggest source of peace and guarantee for Turkish Cypriots is Turkey, adding that Turkey will never leave Cyprus to Greece. Meanwhile, the protocol which foresees Turkcell to start activities in TRNC was signed. With this protocol, Turkcell will start activities in TRNC just like Telsim. The Telsim subscribers who live abroad will also be able to use their celular phones in TRNC. Hasan Basri Aktan, Transportation Minister, later visited Girne and then he left TRNC for Turkey. [23] KRULJEVIC, CHARGE D'AFFAIRES OF YUGOSLAVIAN EMBASSY IN ANKARA: - ''THE YUGOSLAVIAN GOVERNMENT CAN'T ACCEPT THIS AMERICAN MANOEUVRE STAGED UNDER THE NAME OF PEACE'' - ''WE EXPECT TURKEY TO CHANGE HER ATTITUDE'' - ''THE BILATERAL RELATIONS WERE HARMED WITH TURKEY'S SUPPORT TO NATO AIR OPERATION''ANKARA, March 25 (A.A) - Slavko Kruljevic, the Charge d'Affaires of the Yugoslavian Embassy in Ankara, said on Thursday that the Yugoslavian government can't accept the American manoeuvre which is staged under the name of peace.Addressing a press conference at the Yugoslavian Embassy, Kruljevic said, ''as a result of this, a part of our territories will be lost. And this attitude will constitute an example for the separatists and terrorists.'' Claiming that the NATO targeted civilians in addition to the military facilities, Kruljevic said that Serbian refugee families were killed during the air operation late on Wednesday. Kruljevic claimed that the NATO attacked on Yugoslavia to force her to accept the ''so-called'' peace plan at Ramboillet, and actually Yugoslavia signed two political documents in Paris. ''The Kosovan Albanian delegation signed the Interim Agreement which foresees self-government in Kosovo. The Serbian delegation did not sign it. Anyway, I don't know a country to sign such an agreement,'' he said. Noting that the Serbian delegation signed other political documents at the talks on 18 March in Paris, Kruljevic said that this delegation is the representative of all of the ethnic groups in Kosovo. ''More important, two of the representatives in that delegation were of the Turkish minority in Kosovo. We are in favor of equal rights for all ethnic group,'' Kruljevic said. Noting that the Yugoslavian people try to protect their territorial integrity and multi-cultures, Kruljevic said, ''what you witness is an effort to create a new international world order.'' Stressing that Yugoslavia expect Turkey to change her attitude, Kruljevic said the bilateral relations between Turkey and Yugoslavia were harmed with Turkey's support to the NATO air operation. [24] NATO AIR OPERATION AGAINST YUGOSLAVIA - A TOTAL OF 11 TURKISH F-16 WAR PLANES PARTICIPATE AT OPERATION IN ''AIR DEFENSE ROLE''ANKARA, March 25 (A.A) - Nearly 150 war planes from 13 member states to NATO joined overnight's air operation against Yugoslavia, it was reported on Thursday.A total of 11 Turkish F-16 war planes participated at operation in ''air defense role''. The Office of General Staff Martyr Journalists Hasan Tahsin Press and Information Center issued a statement saying that nearly 150 war planes from 13 member states to the Alliance including Turkey, and the U.S., and British naval ships in the Adriatic, joined the operation. The air operation targeted air-defense and command-control systems of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. The targets were not limited with Kosovo, but comprised whole Yugoslavia. Yugoslavia responded air operation with 21 MIG-29 air planes, but three of these war planes were shot down. Missile launches from ground to air, against NATO war planes were not effective. A total of 11 Turkish F-16 war planes deployed in Ghedi, Italy, participated at the operation in ''air defense role''. Within this scope, Turkish war planes served perpetually for 6 hours. Overall NATO war-planes have returned to the airport without any damage. Officials underlined that the air operation against Yugoslavia has resulted in desired success and the officials continue to evaluate target- destruction analysis. Meanwhile, a total of 12 thousand 500 people have migrated from Kosovo to Macedonia so far. NATO forces deployed in Macedonia have taken all defense measures against a possible attack. [25] PRESIDENT DEMIREL STAGES CONFERENCE ON FOREIGN POLICY - DEMIREL EVALUATES NATO AIR OPERATION: - ''NOBODY CAN SAY THAT THE OPERATION WAS LAUNCHED FOR A POLITICAL BENEFIT''ANKARA, March 25 (A.A) - President Suleyman Demirel said on Thursday that nobody can say that the NATO air operation was launched for a political benefit.Stating that a state can't massacre civilians even if they are its own citizens, Demirel said ''the international order doesn't give permission to the statement like 'these are my citizens, why do you interfere?' Because, in international meaning, the nations go bail for each other.'' President Demirel staged a conference on ''Turkish Foreign Policy'' at the Middle East Technical University. Pointing out that the foreign policies of countries are formed and shaped according to their location, geographical factors, historical factors, and international conjuncture, President Demirel said that the stability in the internal policy also affects the foreign policy. Demirel said the Republic of Turkey celebrated the 75th anniversary of her foundation, she lived in peace during that period. ''This 75-year peaceful period enabled Turkey to develop herself in every field. On the eve of the 21st century, we should not forget that we have a glorious history and great nation,'' President Demirel stressed. Emphasizing that Turkey is a state of law, Demirel said all of the Turkish governments succeeded in protecting the national interests and will continue to do so. Defining the period between the First and Second World Wars as the European order and the period after 1945 as the European-Atlantic order, Demirel said that in both periods, Europe was rescued by Atlantic, and Europe failed to rescue itself. Noting that the U.S. is the basic architect of the European-Atlantic order, Demirel said that this is an order of international institutions. [26] PRESIDENT DEMIREL STAGES CONFERENCE ON FOREIGN POLICY : - ''TURKEY'S PROBLEMS WITH NEIGHBOURING COUNTRIES ARE NOT NEW''ANKARA, March 25 (A.A) - President Suleyman Demirel said on Thursday that Turkey's problems with neighbouring countries are not new.Addressing a conference at the Middle East Technical University (ODTU) on the foreign policy, President Demirel pointed out that when the Ottoman Empire was liquidated, the conditions of liquidation were not determined clearly, and today Turkey encounters several significant matters as a result of this. Noting that Turkey, as a pacifist country, aim at solving these problems through dialogue and finding peaceful solutions, Demirel stressed, ''the Republic of Turkey is heir of a multi-national empire. This inheritance has both positive and negative effects on Turkey's foreign policy. It is very natural that Turkey has taken over such problems with neighbouring countries from the Ottoman Empire period.'' When asked whether or not Turkey may encounter with a misfortune outside the NATO operations against Yugoslavia, Demirel said, ''we cannot take into consideration what is unforeseen to us. The new world order does not allow any state to massacre even its own citizens. Because nations are guarantors of each other in the international sense. In the eve of the air operation against Yugoslavia, NATO held long-discussions and used all the possibilities of diplomacy. It cannot be claimed that protection of Kosovon people is the political interest of any one. The main object of the operation is nothing but humanitarian reasons.'' Referring to the terrorist chief Abdullah Ocalan affair, President Demirel underlined that the Western countries impose double standarts to Turkey on the issue of Ocalan. Demirel said, ''when the Ottoman Empire was liquidated, Kurdish and an Armenian states could not be founded, and today there are several circles in the Western countries who want to realize this. I do not mean western governments, but when you look over western press, you will see some maps. It is not possible that we destroy Kurdish or Armenian states because they have never existed. People living in Turkey have equal opportunities. There is no discrimination in Turkey, but there are intriguers aiming at creating sedition.'' Demirel also stressed, ''we call Abdullah Ocalan a terrorist. If we do not call such a person claiming more than 30 thousand lives as terrorist, who can be called as terrorist?'' He noted, ''the next century will not endure neither a cultural conflict not a cultural degeneracy. Cultural diversity makes our world richer. Turkey, therefore, will continue to contribute to the universal culture and will be effected by it.'' [27] PRESIDENT DEMIREL STAGES CONFERENCE ON FOREIGN POLICY : - ''TURKEY IS THE ONLY COUNTRY STRUGGLING AGAINST TERRORISM WITHIN LAW''ANKARA, March 25 (A.A) - President Suleyman Demirel said on Thursday that Turkey is the only country struggling against terrorism within the law.Addressing a conference at the Middle East Technical University (ODTU) on the foreign policy, President Demirel reminded the bomb attack in a shoping mall in Kadikoy district of Istanbul where 13 people were burnt to death, and said, ''you see what terrorists have done to our innocent people. Turkey treats those who are responsible of this incident within the law.'' Demirel stressed that the human rights abuses in Turkey have been stemming from the lack of education. He added that when terrorism is excluded from the agenda of Turkey, complaints about human right abuses will reduce in Turkey. A.A Anadolu Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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