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Anadolu Agency: News in English, 99-04-05

Anadolu Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

From: The Anadolu Agency Home Page at <http://www.anadoluajansi.gov.tr/>

AA Daily

05 April 1999 Monday


CONTENTS

  • [01] FIRST ''INTERNATIONAL SWIMMING CHAMPIONSHIP'' IN TRNC ENDS - GERMAN SWIMMERS WIN GOLD MEDALS
  • [02] PRESIDENT DEMIREL SENDS A MESSAGE TO HIS KYRGYZ COUNTERPART AKAEV AND EXPRESSES CONDOLENCES
  • [03] LI PENG, CHAIRMAN OF NATIONAL PEOPLE'S CONGRESS OF CHINA, IN ANKARA
  • [04] PRESIDENT DEMIREL HOLDS A TELEPHONE CONVERSATION WITH HIS EGYPTIAN COUNTERPART HOSNI MUBARAK
  • [05] TURKISH CARGO PLANES MADE TO TURN BACK FROM BULGARIA DUE TO CLOSED AIR SPACES FOR THE AIR OPERATION
  • [06] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN
  • [07] EDUCATION OF THE KOSOVAR CHILDREN WHO CAME TO TURKEY - BOSTANCIOGLU, NATIONAL EDUCATION MINISTER: - ''WE WILL CARRY OUT ANY KIND OF INITIATIVES TO EDUCATE THE CHILDREN OF THE KOSOVAR FAMILIES WHO CAME TO TURKEY''
  • [08] GERMANS LIVING IN SOUTHERN ALANYA COUNTY HARSLY CRITICIZE ''INCORRECT NEWS'' OF EUROPE ABOUT TURKEY
  • [09] NATURE FIGHTERS ASSOCIATION PROTESTS PASSAGE OF RUSSIAN NAVAL VESSELS FROM THE STRAITS
  • [10] PEASANTS FROM BERGAMA DEMONSTRATE IN FRONT OF A SILVER PRODUCTION PLANT IN KUTAHYA
  • [11] EDITORS OF LEADING CERAMICS MAGAZINES DUE IN TURKEY
  • [12] 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF FOUNDATION OF NATO - CETIN, SPEAKER OF PARLIAMENT: - ''NATO'S CONTRIBUTIONS TO PEACE AND SECURITY WERE PROOVED ONCE AGAIN IN KOSOVO''
  • [13] HISTORICAL PLACES OF IZMIR PROTECTED BY CULTURAL AND NATURAL WEALTH PROTECTION COUNCIL
  • [14] PALESTINIAN PRESIDENT ARAFAT ARRIVES IN ANKARA
  • [15] PENG, SPEAKER OF CHINESE PARLIAMENT, MEETS WITH CETIN, PARLIAMENT SPEAKER
  • [16] FOREIGN MINISTER CEM : - ''TURKEY IS THE ONLY MEMBER COUNTRY TO THE NATO KEEPING HER BORDERS OPEN FOR KOSOVARS''
  • [17] POLITICAL DIRECTORS FROM SIX COUNTRIES TO COME TOGETHER IN LONDON
  • [18] FOREIGN MINISTER CEM : ''PLANES CARRYING AID WILL TAKE OFF WHEN MACEDONIA CONFIRMS THAT''
  • [19] ANADOLU AJANSI CELEBRATES ITS 79TH ANNIVERSARY
  • [20] POLITICAL CONSULTATION MEETING POSTPONED
  • [21] ARAFAT, PALESTINIAN HEAD OF STATE, IN ANKARA
  • [22] PREMIER ECEVIT: ''RED CRESCENT STARTED TO BUILD A TENT CITY TODAY WHICH WILL SHELTER 20,000 KOSOVAR IMMIGRANTS IN KIRKLARELI''
  • [23] TRNC TO START AID CAMPAIGN FOR KOSOVAN ALBANIANS

  • [01] FIRST ''INTERNATIONAL SWIMMING CHAMPIONSHIP'' IN TRNC ENDS - GERMAN SWIMMERS WIN GOLD MEDALS

    LEFKOSA, April 5 (A.A) - First ''International Swimming Championship'' which was held in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) ended on Sunday night.

    German swimmers won gold medals in three different categories of the championship which was held within the cooperation of TRNC Water Sports Federation and Near East University (YDU) and in which eight teams participated.

    The standings in the end of the First International Swimming Championship are as follows:

    12-17 Age Women: SSF Bonn (Germany), Poyraz (Kocaeli), Galatasaray,

    12-17 Age Men: SSF Bonn, Galatasaray, Fenerbahce,

    Adult Men: SSF Bonn, War Academy , Commando Force.

    [02] PRESIDENT DEMIREL SENDS A MESSAGE TO HIS KYRGYZ COUNTERPART AKAEV AND EXPRESSES CONDOLENCES

    ANKARA, April 5 (A.A) - President Suleyman Demirel sent on Sunday a message to his Kyrgyz counterpart Askar Akaev and expressed deep sorrow over the demise of Kyrgyz Prime Minister Zhumabek Ibraimov who passed away on Sunday in capital Bishkek from stomach cancer.

    The Presidential Press Center quoted President Demirel as expressing condolences to Ibraimov's family and whole Kyrgyz nation.

    President Suleyman Demirel also underlined that Ibraimov's efforts to further improve prosperity in Kyrgyzstan and accelerate relations between Turkey and Kyrgyzstan, will never be forgotten.

    Ibraimov (56) had led the Kyrgyz government for just three months after he took over from Kubanychbek Zumaliyev in December. He had set plans to boost industrial and agricultural production, cut spendings, and fight corruption.

    [03] LI PENG, CHAIRMAN OF NATIONAL PEOPLE'S CONGRESS OF CHINA, IN ANKARA

    ANKARA, April 5 (A.A) - Li Peng, the Chairman of the National People's Congress in China, arrived in Ankara as the official guest of Hikmet Cetin, the Speaker of the Parliament, on Sunday evening.

    Peng and his delegation who firstly visited Istanbul was welcomed by Cetin, and the officials from the Chinese Embassy in Ankara at the Esenboga Airport.

    Cetin said that he attaches importance to the relations between Turkey and China and that they have the political will to improve these relations, adding that Turkey and China are two important countries which makes positive contributions to the peace, security, and cooperation in their region.

    Cetin noted that Turkish and Chinese delegations will exchange views about how to improve the economic, commercial and political relations and the inter-parliamentary relations and will evaluate the regional problems especially the Kosovo dispute where a humanity drama is being lived.

    Peng said that Turkey has a very important strategic position in the region and that to this end Turkey can contribute to the enhancement of peace and improvement of the region.

    Stressing that they will discuss the problems which interest the two countries, Peng noted that they wish to exchange views to live all together in peace and to improve their economic and political relations.

    Peng will meet with Cetin, will visit Premier Bulent Ecevit and will be received by President Suleyman Demirel.

    [04] PRESIDENT DEMIREL HOLDS A TELEPHONE CONVERSATION WITH HIS EGYPTIAN COUNTERPART HOSNI MUBARAK

    ANKARA, April 5 (A.A)- President Suleyman Demirel held a telephone conversation with his Egyptian counterpart Hosni Mubarak on Sunday.

    The conversation between the two leaders focused on the Kosovo crisis and the latest developments in the Middle East peace proccess on the eve of President Yasser Arafat's official visit to Turkey.

    President Suleyman Demirel also offered President Mubarak to launch initiatives for a humanitarian aid campaign for those who were forced to immigrate as a result of ethnic cleansing in Kosovo, within the structure of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC).

    [05] TURKISH CARGO PLANES MADE TO TURN BACK FROM BULGARIA DUE TO CLOSED AIR SPACES FOR THE AIR OPERATION

    SOFIA, April 5 (A.A) - It was revealed that four Turkish cargo planes which were carrying aid materials to the Kosovars in Albania and Macedonia were turned back from Bulgarian air space since the NATO temporarily closed the air space of Macedonia for the air operation.

    Some diplomatic and military sources in Sofia told A.A correspondent that Turkey applied to related Bulgarian authorities early on Sunday morning to get the permission for the transition of four Turkish cargo planes and that the Bulgarian authorities permitted the transition of the Turkish cargo planes from her air space.

    Later, the Turkish cargo planes took off from Turkey to Albania and Macedonia and entered the Bulgarian air spaces without any problem.

    The four Turkish planes which passed through Bulgarian air space earlier had to return to Turkey after they were told that some parts of Macedonian air space were temporarily closed to air traffic due to NATO air operation against Yugoslavia.

    [06] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

    These are some of the major headlines and their brief stories in Turkey's press on April 5, 1998. The Anadolu Agency does not verify these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.

    HURRIYET (LIBERAL) CHINOOK BRIGDE
    Turkey has decided to set up tent-sides for 20,000 Kosovon people on her territories after Macedonia did not permit Turkey's initiative to set up tent-sites in Macedonia. The Kosovon people will be brought to Turkey by the Chinook helicopters. Describing Kosovon people as friends of Turkish nation, Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit reminded that Turkey has provided humanitarian aid worth of 5,5 million U.S. dollars since the beginning of the crisis.

    THY COMES THIRD AMONG EUROPEAN AIRLINE COMPANIES
    The Turkish Airlines (THY) was in the third place among the famous 22 European airline companies in a survey which was carried out by the European Airlines Union by taking into consideration the punctuality of the airline companies. Aer Lingus, an Ireland Airlines company, standed at the top of the list of taking off on time while Scandinavian Airlines became the second punctual airline company and THY became the third. Czech Airlines, British Airways, Alitalia and Yugoslavian Airlines followed Turkey in the list of punctual flights.

    MILLIYET (LIBERAL)

    BOMB ATTACK TOWARDS DSP CAMPAIGN OFFICE
    A bomb which was left in a campaign office of the Democratic Left Party (DSP) did not explode since the cigarette that was put into the bomb to ignite the fuse extinguished. The officials in the office called the bomb experts and the bomb experts determined that the bomb was a home-made one.

    TURKES, FOUNDER OF MHP, COMMEMORATED IN
    THE SECOND YEAR FOLLOWING HIS DEATH
    Alparslan Turkes, the Founder of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), was commemorated in two different ceremonies in the second year following his death.

    SABAH (LIBERAL)

    THY COMES THE THIRD IN PUNCTUALITY IN EUROPE
    Turkish Airlines (THY) was in the third place among the famous 22 European airline companies in a survey which was carried out by the European Airlines Union by taking into consideration the punctuality of the airline companies.

    MAY IT BE THE TIME OF THE TURKS IN U.S.
    United Turkish-American Associations (BTAD) decided to celebrate May as the ''Turkish Month'' in New York. The traditional Turkish day march which is held every year by the Turkish-American Associations Federation (TADF) will be held on May 15, 1999 in Madison Avenue. The TADF also planned to arrange a ''Turkish Week'' between May 14 and 21, 1999 in New York city of the U.S.

    CUMHURIYET (LEFT)

    LI PENG, CHAIRMAN OF NATIONAL PEOPLE'S PARTY IN CHINA, IN ANKARA
    Li Peng, the Chairman Of National People's Party in China, arrived in Ankara. Peng and his delegation will hold official contacts in Ankara where they went as the official guest of Hikmet Cetin, the Speaker of the parliament.

    A TERRORIST CARRYING A TIME BOMB STRAPPED TO HIM BLOWS UP
    A time bomb strapped to a male terrorist went off, ripping him apart in eastern province of Tunceli. The time bomb, strapped to Cenan Akgun went off at Saturday night in Erdemli quarter of Marcık locality in Tunceli province. Officials said that no body died or injured except the bomber.

    CONDOLENCE FROM PRESIDENT DEMIREL TO AKAYEV,
    PRESIDENT OF KRYGYZISTAN
    President Suleyman Demirel sent a message to Askar Akayev, the President of Krygyzistan, to express his condolence for the death of Cumabek Ibrahimov, the Prime Minister of Krygyzistan.

    RADIKAL (LEFT)

    INJURED FRENCH SKIER GOES TO FRANCE BY
    PRIVATE PLANE SENT BY HIS COUNTRY
    The French skier who was trapped under snow in an avalanche on the mountains near central Nigde province and who was injured, goes to France by a private plane sent by his country. A French health company sent an ambulance plane, an expert neurolog and a cardiolog to central Kayseri province where the skier was hospitalized.

    ''LIMAN'' IN MEDITERRENEAN
    The first of the eight Russian war ships named ''Liman'' which sails to reach the Mediterrenean, passed through the Canakkale Strait on Sunday and opened to the international waters of the Aegean Sea. The Liman is expected to reach the Adriatic Sea today.

    GNP INCREASES 6.33 PERCENT TO 204.5 BILLION U.S. DOLLARS IN 1998
    The Gross National Product (GDP) of Turkey increased 6.33 percent from 192.4 billion U.S. dollars to 204.5 billion U.S. dollars in 1998. The figures of the State Statistics Institute (DIE) indicated that Turkey realized a national revenue worth of 204.5 billion U.S. dollars in 1998, including 46.1 billion U.S dollars from industrial sector, 39.9 billion U.S. dollars from commercial sector, 34.5 billion U.S. dollars from agricultural sector, 27.7 billion U.S. dollars from transportation and commmunication sector, 18.4 billion dollar from governmental services.

    YENİ YÜZYIL (LIBERAL)

    PRESIDENT ARAFAT OF PALESTINE DUE IN TURKEY
    Palestinian President Yasser Arafat will pay an one-day official visit to Turkey on Monday. President Arafat is expected to request Turkey's support for the Palestinian state which he plans to declare on May 4. President Suleyman Demirel will host a luncheon in honour of Arafat. He is also scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit.

    IT IS BURSA'S TURN FOR DR. BABUNA
    Residents of Bursa province will undergo a tissue test within the framework of efforts to find a suitable tissue to make marrow transplantation to Dr. Oktar Babuna, a young successful brain surgeon suffering from leukemia, on April 6.

    TRAFFIC ACCIDENT IN KARS KILLS 10 PEOPLE
    A total of 10 people were killed and four others were injured when a lorry collided with a minibus in eastern Kars province. The injured people were taken to the Kars State Hospital for medical treatment.

    TÜRKİYE (RIGHT)

    TERRORIST WHO CLAIMED 13 INNOCENT LIVES DAMNED
    Metin Yamalak, one of the terrorists who staged fire-bomb attack in the Mavi Carsi shopping mall killing 13 people on March 13, was brought to the scene in order to explain what he did that day. A group of nearly 150 people who ran after the armoured police vehicle, protested the terrorist and shouted slogans ''Damn With PKK'' and ''Turkey will be a grave for Ocalan.'' Tight security measures were taken around the market.

    ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)

    PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT: WE WILL SET UP TWO TENT-SITES
    Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said that Turkey will set up two tent-sites for a total of 30 thousand Kosovon people. He noted that the first tent- site will be set up in Kirklareli province and the other in Albania. Stressing that Turkey will do her utmost to help Kosovon people, Prime Minister Ecevit added, ''our main target is to provide these people to return their home as soon as possible.''

    SUICIDE BOMBER AGAIN
    A male terrorists set off the time bomb strapped to his body killing himself, in Tunceli province in Eastern Anatolia region.

    The time bomb strapped to Cenan Akgun, exploded in Erdemli district of Marcik region in Tunceli. No casualties were reported in the attack.

    [07] EDUCATION OF THE KOSOVAR CHILDREN WHO CAME TO TURKEY - BOSTANCIOGLU, NATIONAL EDUCATION MINISTER: - ''WE WILL CARRY OUT ANY KIND OF INITIATIVES TO EDUCATE THE CHILDREN OF THE KOSOVAR FAMILIES WHO CAME TO TURKEY''

    KASTAMONU-ANKARA, April 5 (A.A) - Metin Bostancioglu, the National Education Minister, said on Sunday that they will carry out any kind of initiatives to provide education for the children of the Kosovar families who came to Turkey.

    Responding the questions of the journalists when returning to Ankara from an election campaign in northern Kastamonu province, Bostancioglu said, ''more than five thousand Kosovars entered to Turkey from the border. Most of them went to Istanbul and Bursa. There are 400 families in the region we call 'tent-site' in northwestern Kirklareli province. We try to determine the number of the children in this tent-site who are at the age of education.''

    ''We also trying to determine the teachers who are staying in the tent-site, or who will stay there later. We will provide education in the classes we immediately set up by the help of these teachers. If there are not any teachers in the tent-sites, we have some teachers in Turkey who can speak Albanian and Bosnian. We can carry out the education of the Kosovar children by these teachers,'' Bostancioglu added.

    Bostancioglu stated that the immigration to Turkey continues and that starting the education of these children at the moment is out of question.

    Stressing that they carried out investigations in northwestern provinces of Edirne and Kirklareli, Bostancioglu noted that they will carry out efforts there to educate these children regardless of their number.

    [08] GERMANS LIVING IN SOUTHERN ALANYA COUNTY HARSLY CRITICIZE ''INCORRECT NEWS'' OF EUROPE ABOUT TURKEY

    ANTALYA, April 5 (A.A) - The German citizens who are living in Alanya county of southern Antalya province harshly criticized on Sunday the ''incorrect news'' and ''ugly propagandas'' which are made against Turkey in the European countries.

    Alanya Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ALTSO), Alanya Tourism Operators Association (ALTID), Turkish-German Friendship Association (HUR-TURK) and Alanya Regional Executive Board of the Turkish Union of Travelling Agencies (TURSAB) held a meeting with the attendance of the German citizens to show the representations of the foreign television channels that the ugly propagandas carried out in Europe against Turkey are not true.

    In the meeting in which the representatives of German ZDF, ARD, SAT 1, DW, RTL, and British BBC television channels were present, an official from HUR- TURK said that the news which are carried out in Europe against Turkey are unfounded and do not reflect the truth.

    Stating that not a single foreigner died in an terrorist attack in Turkey, the official said that the foreign press should be informed about this before and that everybody in Turkey should try to prevent these ugly propagandas.

    A German official from HUR-TURK said that ''very disgusting'' tricks are made in Europe against Turkey and that he has been living in Alanya for 12 years, adding that he has not faced any problems arising from terrorism.

    The attendants in the meeting invited the Germans to Turkey and said that there is nothing to fear about in Turkey.

    [09] NATURE FIGHTERS ASSOCIATION PROTESTS PASSAGE OF RUSSIAN NAVAL VESSELS FROM THE STRAITS

    ISTANBUL, April 5 (A.A) - The Nature Fighters Association held a demonstration on Sunday to protest the passage of Russian naval vessels from the Straits.

    Addressing the journalists, Zafer Murat Cetintas, the Chairman of the Association, stressed, ''international powers usurp the rights of those living near the Straits. Measures should be taken before it is too late. International powers should not intervene to the Straits any more. The Straits are belonged to Turkey.''

    Pointing out that they will meet the Russian naval vessels with motorboats at the entrance of the Istanbul Strait, Cetinbas told the reporters that their protest will continue in coming days. Members of the Nature Fighters Association ended their demonstration after chanting slogans.

    [10] PEASANTS FROM BERGAMA DEMONSTRATE IN FRONT OF A SILVER PRODUCTION PLANT IN KUTAHYA

    KUTAHYA, April 5 (A.A) - Some peasants from Bergama county of western Izmir province held a demonstration on Monday in Kutahya province of the Aegean region to protest the production of gold with cyanide.

    The peasants closed the entrance door of a silver production plant in Tavsanli county of Kutahya province and shouted slogans against the production with cyanide.

    An official from Bergama Environmental Executive Board said that they learned that 18 tons of cyanide which the Eurogold company had to transfer from Bergama was brought to this plant in Kutahya and that they will continue to protest production with cyanide until the imperialistic countries and their hazardous substances leave Turkey.

    Stating that they do not want gold production with cyanide anywhere in Turkey and that they do not accept the international multi-lateral agreements on investments (MAI), the official noted that MAI agreement is a trick which does not give a right to the Council of State of Turkey to intervene the situation.

    The workers of the plant who could not enter the plant since the peasants closed the entrance gate confirmed that 18 tons of cyanide was brought to the silver mine zone in Kutahya.

    The peasants later left the plant.

    [11] EDITORS OF LEADING CERAMICS MAGAZINES DUE IN TURKEY

    ANKARA, April 5 (A.A) - Editors of the leading ceramics magazines from several countries, will pay a visit to Turkey between April 6-11 it was reported on Monday.

    The Directorate General of the Central Anatolia Exporters Unions issued a statement saying that the editors were invited to Turkey by the Ceramics Sector Promotion Committee.

    Editors from Belgium, Hungary, Ukraine, France, Russia, Poland, Czech Republic, People's Republic of China, Finland and Austria will be informed about the ceramics sector in Turkey during the visit.

    The group will also visit the International Ceramics and Bathroom Products'99 Fair organized by the TUYAP.

    Guest editors are scheduled to hold talks with representatives of the Turkish ceramics sector.

    [12] 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF FOUNDATION OF NATO - CETIN, SPEAKER OF PARLIAMENT: - ''NATO'S CONTRIBUTIONS TO PEACE AND SECURITY WERE PROOVED ONCE AGAIN IN KOSOVO''

    ANKARA, April 5 (A.A) - Hikmet Cetin, the Speaker of Parliament, issued a message on Sunday for the 50th anniversary of foundation of the NATO.

    Stressing that the NATO's contributions to peace and security were proved once again in the tragedy in Kosovo, Cetin noted that the NATO exposed that it is the biggest organization in the field of security which was founded on the main principles such as democracy, freedom, and the superiority of law.

    Cetin underlined in his message, ''NATO which was established in order to protect liberty and independence of the democratic countries against the totalitarian extension represented by the Soviet Union in the wake of the Second World War, have realized significant achievements without abandoning its principles in its 50 year history. On the other hand the NATO has succeeded in adapting itself to the new conditions. The NATO has extended its values from the Atlantic to the Central Asia within the framework of the Partnership Programme for Peace and the Europe-Atlantic Partnership Council.''

    He continued, ''participation of Czech Republic, Hungary, and Poland to the Alliance on March 12, 1999 as the new allies, was a meaningful development reflecting NATO's improvement process.''

    Remarking that Turkey was one of the first members of the NATO, Cetin underlined, ''Turkey, one of the two allies having borders with the Soviet Union, had contributed the security during the Cold War period, and had played a significant role in setting up close relations between NATO and the Balkans, the Caucasia, and the Central Asia in the wake of the Cold War.''

    Describing Turkey as the provider of security in her region within the structure of the NATO, Cetin stressed that Turkey will maintain her current position constantly in coming days.

    [13] HISTORICAL PLACES OF IZMIR PROTECTED BY CULTURAL AND NATURAL WEALTH PROTECTION COUNCIL

    IZMIR, April 5 (A.A) - The Cultural and Natural Wealth Protection Council of the Culture Ministry protects the historical places of western Izmir province, which is facing settlement for over 5,000 years and which has become the cradle of many civilizations for ages; it is reported on Monday.

    The Cultural and Natural Wealth Protection Council protects the mosques, the houses, castles, bridges, arches, cisterns, wells, shops, inns, Turkish baths, caravansarais, madrasas, complexes, darul kurra (a school which gives education on Koran to expertise level), churches, synagogues, fountains, libraries, cinemas, hospitals, train stations, stations, schools, municipilaty buildings, graveyards of Moslems, Jews, and Christians, monuments, baths, tumuluses, necropolises, ancient sites, governmental hall, Izmir International Fair, Mother Mary's House and even the plane trees.

    The number of the buildings protected in Izmir and its counties reaches 2000, including 1500 houses and 500 social buildings.

    There are mainly the historical houses in the centrum while Bergama, Selcuk, and Seferihisar counties are rich in ancient sites and Tire county is rich in mosques and tombs.

    The religious places like mosques, synagogues, churches in the centrum and the counties of Izmir draws the attention of the foreign tourists.

    The House of the Mother Mary in Selcuk county of Izmir which is a holy place for all the Christians not only serves for the pilgrimage of the Christians, but also makes significant contribution to the Turkish tourism.

    [14] PALESTINIAN PRESIDENT ARAFAT ARRIVES IN ANKARA

    ANKARA, April 5 (A.A) - President Yasser Arafat of Palestine arrived in Ankara on Monday morning to pay an one-day working visit to Turkey.

    Ismail Cem, the Foreign Minister; Fuat Yassin, the Palestinian Ambassador to Turkey, and other senior officials from the Foreign Ministry, welcomed President Arafat at the Esenboga Airport.

    Addressing the journalists at the airport, Cem noted that he was proud of welcoming Arafat on behalf of President Suleyman Demirel.

    Cem also stressed that he expects President Arafat's contacts in Turkey will result in positive developments for both countries.

    President Yasser Arafat said in his part that he is pleased to be Turkey.

    President Arafat is scheduled to meet with President Suleyman Demirel and Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit.

    His contacts in Turkey are expected to focus of international and regional problems.

    The issue of declaration of the Palestinian state on May 4, will also be brought onto the agenda of the meetings.

    President Arafat is expected to depart Turkey later today.

    [15] PENG, SPEAKER OF CHINESE PARLIAMENT, MEETS WITH CETIN, PARLIAMENT SPEAKER

    ANKARA, April 5 (A.A) - Li Peng, the Speaker of the Chenese National People's Congress, visited on Monday Hikmet Cetin, the Speaker of the Parliament.

    Cetin said that he attaches importance to the relations between Turkey and China, and that Turkey and China are two countries which contribute to the peace and cooperation in their region.

    Stating that they closely follow the reforms which are realized in China and that they appreciate these reforms, Cetin drew the attention to the incidents in Kosovo and noted that the biggest tragedy is being lived in Kosovo.

    Cetin stressed that the dispute should be solved in peaceful ways and that the people who left their lands should return to their countries.

    Li Peng said that Turkey has a strategic position and that she plays an important role in ensuring regional and global peace with this strategic position.

    Noting that the most cruel and sorrowful incidents of the century are faced in Kosovo, Peng stated that his country which was attacked several times in the past is against the air operations.

    [16] FOREIGN MINISTER CEM : - ''TURKEY IS THE ONLY MEMBER COUNTRY TO THE NATO KEEPING HER BORDERS OPEN FOR KOSOVARS''

    ANKARA, April 5 (A.A) - Ismail Cem, the Foreign Minister, said on Monday that Turkey is the only member country to the NATO keeping her borders open for the Kosovar people who were forced to leave their homes as a result of the ethnic cleansing campaign in Kosovo.

    Addressing journalists at the Esenboga Airport where he welcomed Palestinian President Yasser Arafat, Cem underlined that Turkey is ready to provide aid for 46 thousand Kosovars, and pointed out that no country could reach to this number.

    Referring to tent-site having a capacity of 10 thousand people which will be set up in Macedonia, Cem noted that they are waiting for the Macedonia's approval. He added that the airplanes will take off as soon as Macedonia confirms Turkey's initiative.

    Emphasizing that NATO's air operation against Yugoslavia, aims at preventing Kosovo from becoming a second Bosnia, Cem told the reporters, ''a grave tragedy is taking place in Kosovo for the time being. NATO's air operation prevented at least mass massacres.''

    When asked about the passage of the Russian naval vessels from the Straits, Cem said, ''these vessels also signifies encouragement of the Yugoslav President Slobadan Milosevic and his government. I do not suppose that it was functional, but Russia had better not to do this. It has further escalated the tension in the region.''

    [17] POLITICAL DIRECTORS FROM SIX COUNTRIES TO COME TOGETHER IN LONDON

    ANKARA, April 6 (A.A) - Political directors from Turkish, German, French, British, Spanish, and Italian foreign ministries will come together on April 7 in London, it is reported on Monday.

    Foreign Ministry said that a Turkish delegation headed by Uluc Ozulker, the Foreign Ministry Deputy Undersecretary will participate in the political consultation meeting.

    The statement noted that there is no specific agenda of the meeting, adding some regional and international issues that concern the six countries can be taken up at the meeting.

    [18] FOREIGN MINISTER CEM : ''PLANES CARRYING AID WILL TAKE OFF WHEN MACEDONIA CONFIRMS THAT''

    ANKARA, April 5 (A.A) - Ismail Cem, the Foreign Minister said on Monday that Turkey is ready to help Kosovar refugees and Turkey plans to set up two tent cities for refugees in Macedonia and Albania.

    Noting that 300 tents were sent to Macedonia one week ago, but they couldn't be set up by the officials of this country due to some problems, Cem said that he continously talks with Macedonian Foreign Minister on the phone, adding that when Macedonia's confirmation is received, planes carrying aid will leave for Macedonia.

    Stressing that they plan to set up a tent-city for 10,000 refugees in Albania, Cem said, ''Turkey is ready to shelter 20,000 refugees and she takes steps more than the other EU countries. Turkey is the only NATO country which keeps her borders open to refugees.''

    Foreign Minister Cem added that they submitted a proposal to the last NATO meeting foreseeing to accept refugees by each NATO country due to her own economy, geography, and population. Cem said that the assistance of Turkey is not enough, and other countries should also contribute.

    Responding to a question, Cem said that Turkey's sending military troops to the region is out of question at the moment.

    Referring to the comparisons made between Kosovo and Bosnia, Cem said that the NATO operation prevents Kosovo from becoming another Bosnia at the moment. Recalling that 200,000 people were killed in Bosnia, Cem said that ''a dreadful tragedy is seen in Kosovo, but the operation has at least prevented the occurance of massacres. If NATO didn't intervene, people would have suffered more.''

    Emphasizing that the aim of NATO is to decrease the damage that could be given by Serbs to civilian people to the minimum level, Cem said that Turkey does not have another policy other than that.

    Stressing that the Straits belong to Turkey, but ships can pass through the Straits according to the Montreux Treaty, Cem said ''these ships have two meanings. Firstly it is a movement directed towards Russian public opinion. Secondly Russia tries to encourage Milosevic government, which she feels close. I don't think this this will be functional, but if Russia didn't do that, it would have been better. This act will increase the tension, it won't contribute to peace.''

    Responding to questions about the visit of Yasser Arafat, President of Palestine to Turkey, Cem recalled that Turkey had earlier recognized the state character of Palestine, adding Turkey won't make a choice in the beginning of May.

    [19] ANADOLU AJANSI CELEBRATES ITS 79TH ANNIVERSARY

    ANKARA, April 5 (A.A) - Anadolu Ajansi celebrates its 79th anniversary of its foundation.

    Anadolu Ajansi was established aiming to inform the whole country and the world about the National War of Freedom and rightful case of Turks.

    Anadolu Ajansi, which was established on April 6, 1920, started its broadcasting in a country which is under occupation with an outdated and rented printing machine, and today it continues the broadcasting with the most developed computer technology after 79 years with the same exciment.

    The target of the foundation of Anadolu Ajansi was disclosed by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, founder of Modern Turkish Republic, on April 8, 1920 as follows:

    ''As Ottoman Sultanate center, which is the heart of Islam world, entered under the occupation of enemy, and as all the country and nation came face to face with a great danger, by taking into consideration that the whole nation and country have been exposed to a great danger, there is a need to enlighten the people with the most true internal and external news, and an institution under the name of Anadolu Ajansi was established under the administration of a special delegation composed of the most authorized persons.

    Information and news reports which Anadolu Ajansi will give with the most rapid devices will be based on the evaluations and basic sources of our Representatives Delegation. The statements of Anadolu Ajansi should be hanged to the places where they can be seen by the people, and required measures should be taken to publish, reproduce, and distrubute the statements.

    Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, on behalf of Representativese Delegation.''

    Anadolu Ajansi had published its first bulletin on April 12, 1920.

    The first bulletin which had the peculiarity of a ''call to Anatolian people'' said:

    ''As center of our state is under the occupation of enemy, at those times when Anadolu and Rumeli began to launch bold activities within the determination and resolution of self defense, Anadolu Ajansi which was established to provide the most correct news reports and information, starts duty today. It is not necessary to explain that the news reports and information should be read by all the people. The news reports we will give should be written on black plates everyday on the doors of telegraph houses, should be published in places where there are adequate devices, should be distributed and sent to cities, towns, counties, and even to small villages. Following this introduction, the recent developments are as follows...''

    The bulletin later gave brief information about the recent political developments in various places of the world.

    Anadolu Ajansi which began to use telex at the beginning of 1940's, widened its news network in the years 1960's and 1970's and adjusted to the technology of computer era in 1986.

    Computer news network, which covers the whole country and representations abroad, gives service with the technology of the year 2000's in the 79th anniversary of its foundation.

    Anadolu Ajansi with 20 Districts and Office Directorates within the country and representations in 20 places abroad takes the pulse of the news reports. Anadolu Ajansi has a principle to have its own journalists in every part of the country besides its directorates and representations.

    Anadolu Ajansi has cooperation with the news agencies of around 100 countries besides AP, Reuters, and AFP. Thousands of news reports come to the Anadolu Ajansi from these sources.

    Anadolu Ajansi which serves these news reports to the service of the media, also conveys the developments in Turkey to the foreign agencies in question.

    Anadolu Ajansi is also a member of ''European Agencies Union'' which surrounds the Mediterranean and acted a pioneer role to the unification of the news agencies under the roof of ''Mediterranean New Agencies Union.'' It later cooperated with the friendly Turkish Republics and provided the formation of ''Turkish Speaking Countries News Agencies Union'' to convey the vocie of Turkey to Central Asia and to transfer the developments in these countries to Western media.

    A.A. which is the founder of Balkan News Agencies Union, is also a member of Asia-Pasific New Agencies Union.

    Anadolu Ajansi also began to implement VBI (vertical blanking interline) system which is called as ''Datum broadcasting.'' Broadcasting of Anadolu Ajansi began to be sent to the subscribers with this system. Thus, a news report which is given to broadcasting from the center, can be brought to the computers of the subscribers through satellite. With this stysem the Agency managed to reach every part of the country, and to a wide geography extending from Europe to Turkish Republics, Middle East and Northern Africa.

    Anadolu Ajansi also implements the most developed technology in photograph service. With the computer system and satellite line, more than 100 quality photographs a day are sent to the subscribers.

    Anadolu Ajansi which put its seal to a 79 year period, carries out its duty with a professional understanding and produces news reports for 24 hours a day without intervals.

    [20] POLITICAL CONSULTATION MEETING POSTPONED

    ANKARA, April 5 (A.A) - The political consultation meeting which was foreseen to be held in London on April 7 among political directors from Turkish, German, British, Spanish and Italian Foreign Ministries is postponed, it is reported on Monday.

    Sermet Atacanlı, the Foreign Ministry Deputy Spokesman said that the meeting has been postponed to an indefinite date due to the heavy schedule about the developments in Kosovo.

    Foreign Ministry had earlier noted that a Turkish delegation headed by Uluc Ozulker, the Foreign Ministry Deputy Undersecretary would participate in the political consultation meeting.

    The statement had noted that there was no specific agenda of the meeting, adding some regional and international issues that concern the six countries could be taken up at the meeting.

    [21] ARAFAT, PALESTINIAN HEAD OF STATE, IN ANKARA

    ANKARA, April 5 (A.A) - President Suleyman Demirel said on Monday that Turkey was always a supporter of Palestine's case and pointed out that it will continue to be so. Demirel also expressed readiness to improve bilateral relations as is wanted by Palestine.

    President Suleyman Demirel and Yasser Arafat, who came to Turkey on a one- day official, held a joint press conference following the meetings between the delegations of the two countries.

    Speaking during the news conference, Demirel recalled the bottleneck in peace process in the Middle East and added that ''policies implemented by Israel in West Bank and Jerusalem, which we did not approve of, have role in this respect. Interdelegational agreements should be implemented completely. We wish activities that will escalate tension should be avoided. We hope a compromising attitude could be provided.''

    Noting that he conveyed what Turkey did regarding the process following Arafat's previous visit, Demirel said Arafat conveyed him very valuable information about the process. Noting that peace process was an opportunity for the concerned countries and the countries of the region, he added, ''this opportunity should not be wasted.''

    President Demirel pointed out that Turkey knows the daily problems of Palestinians, adding that ''I know how much embargo and other limitations made the life difficult. I want these problems to be overcomed soon and want the life to turn to normal.''

    Stating that they have discussed developments regarding Kosovo during his meeting with Arafat, Demirel recalled that the refugee problem in Kosovo is a problem which the Palestinians had to suffer.

    Demirel said the Palestinians overcomed many problems with patience and firmness, stressing that this problem should be understood and supported by other world countries. Demirel said ''it is the right of Palestinian people to reach welfare. This target is not so far away to be reached. Turkey will continue to do its best to this end.''

    Meanwhile, Arafat, Palestinian Head of State, in his part thanked to the support which friendly Turkish people extended to the case of Palestine. Arafat said they could stand still with the power they could get from this support.

    Noting that they have discussed latest developments in the region with President Demirel and other Turkish officials during his visit to Ankara, Arafat recalled that peace process was frozen at the moment and noted that Wye Plentation agreement was put to the shelf with the previous agreement.

    Arafat said that latest developments in Jerusalem were not pleasant and noted that there were efforts of Israel to make the city Jewish. Arafat said identity cards of Christians and Moslems are taken to change the status of Jerusalem and expressed regret over the things made to increase the population of Jews.

    Arafat said Isreal constructed new settlement places to Bethlehem and this region and that the city was blockaded wholly, adding that they prevented the people to reach this region.

    Recalling that transitory section of Wye Plentation agreement will expire on May 4, Arafat said he came to Ankara to consult with President Demirel and to take his views and advises at a period when this transitory period came to an end.

    Arafat also received Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit. No statement was issued following this meeting in which Foreign Minister Ismail Cem attended.

    Arafat left for Moscow following his meeting with Premier Ecevit.

    [22] PREMIER ECEVIT: ''RED CRESCENT STARTED TO BUILD A TENT CITY TODAY WHICH WILL SHELTER 20,000 KOSOVAR IMMIGRANTS IN KIRKLARELI''

    ANKARA, April 5 (A.A) - Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said on Monday that ''Red Crescent started the same day to build a tent city which will shelter 20,000 Kosovar immigrants in Kırklareli province.''

    Noting that only six NATO countries said that they could accept immigrants, Ecevit pointed out that Turkey and the U.S. each can shelter 20,000 immigrants, Germany can shelter 10,000, Norway can shelter 6000, Canada and Greece can shelter 5000 immigrants.

    Speaking to reporters, Bulent Ecevit said that Turkey is ready to set up a tent city for 10,000 people on the Macedonian border, adding aid in two cargo planes has already been sent to this end and equipment for a tent city for 10,000 people will be sent to Albania by 13 TIR trucks, tomorrow morning.

    ''Our citizens of Kosovar and Albanian origin in Turkey have decided to send humanitarian aid in eight trucks. The number of immigrants we can shelter in and out Turkey exceeds 40,000, because nearly 6000 Kosovars have already come to our country. The installation in Kırlareli province can shelter 3000 immigrants,'' said Ecevit, adding that the first convoy of immigrants will come to Turkey from Macedonia by 12 planes today or tomorrow in order to take shelter in the tent city of Kırklareli.

    Noting that four banks started an aid campaign with 50 billion TL for Kosovar immigrants, Prime Minister Ecevit said that these are Ziraat Bank, Halk Bank, Vakıflar Bank, and Emlak Kredi Bank.

    Responding to questions, Premier Ecevit said that those who will take shelter in the tent city for 20,000 people will start to come to Turkey tomorrow.

    ''Turkey is the only country which takes action rapidly and which decided to accept the highest number of refugees to her territory,'' said Ecevit.

    When asked whether or not Turkish troops are prepared for a land operation, Premier Ecevit said that ''there is not anything like that at the moment. This news is not true.''

    [23] TRNC TO START AID CAMPAIGN FOR KOSOVAN ALBANIANS

    LEFKOSA, April 5 (A.A) - Ali Talat, the leader of the Republican Turkish Party (CTP) in Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) called on the party members and their supporters on Monday to give winter clothes to Albanian people who had to migrate from Kosovo.

    Talat said that he curses fanaticism and chauvinism, adding that the Kosovo tragedy continues and ethnical cleansing, massive immigration and massacres are still seen in Kosovo.

    Pointing out to the chauvinist demonstrations held in the Greek Cypriot side, Talat said that ''such kind of demonstrations won't bring any use to the solution of intercommunal problems on Cyprus and Turkish-Greek relations.''

    Ahmet Otuken, the Chairman of the Turkish Cypriot Civil Servants' Labour Union said in a written statement that everybody has obligation to help Kosovonian people.

    Otuken recalled that Turkish Cypriots witnessed similar genocide and deportations in the past.

    A.A


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