Anadolu Agency: News in English, 99-04-07

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AA Daily

07 April 1999 Wednesday

CONTENTS

[01] TRNC PRESiDENT RAUF DENKTAS SAYS THEY WILL TEMPORARILY OPEN MARAS TO KOSOVAR REFUGEEES

[02] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

[03] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT ON CNN TV: - ''I DO NOT TAKE YUGOSLAVIA'S CEASE- FIRE OFFER SERIOUSLY''

[04] MASS DISMISSINGS FROM JOBS DECLINE SHARPLY SINCE FEBRUARY 1999

[05] PLANE CRASH IN ADANA - AKIN, CHAIRMAN OF PUBLIC RELATIONS DEPARTMENT OF THE THY: - ''ALLEGATIONS REGARDING REASON OF CRASH ARE NOTHING BUT HYPOTHESISES YET''

[06] ONE GOVERNOR AND TWO CHIEF INSPECTORS APPOINTED TO COORDINATE AID DISTRIBUTION TO KOSOVAR REFUGEES

[07] TRIAL OF TERRORIST CHIEF OCALAN - ANKARA STATE SECURITY COURT TO TRY OCALAN ON IMRALI ISLAND CONTINUOUSLY

[08] FOREIGN MINISTER CEM: - ''WE ENDEAVOUR FOR KOSOVO NOT TO BECOME SECOND BOSNIA''

[09] INVESTMETNS IN SOUTH EAST WILL BENEFIT FROM DISCOUNTED ELECTRIC ENERGY FOR THREE YEARS

[10] FOUR RUSSIAN WAR SHIPS WAITING FOR COMMAND TO SAIL TO MEDITERRENEAN VIA STRAITS

[11] CROATIAN TRADE DELEGATION IN AEGEAN IZMIR PROVINCE

[12] A CONFERENCE ON THE FUTURE OF THE CLEAN FOSSIL FUEL SYSTEM TO BE HELD BETWEEN MAY 26-29 IN ANKARA

[13] ITALIAN DEMONSTRATOR TO BE JUDGED AGAIN

[14] SCHWIMMER, COE MEMBER AND COEPA RAPPORTEUR: - ''PKK DOESN'T REPRESENT KURDS'' - ''KURDS ARE NOT UNDER PRESSURE IN TURKEY''

[15] EGS COMPANY TO MAKE CLOTH-AID FOR KOSOVAR REFUGUEES

[16] GEORGIEVSKI, MACEDONIAN PREMIER SHOWS TURKEY AS A MODEL COUNTRY

[17] CEM, FOREIGN MINISTER: ''IF WE CONTINUE TO LIMIT TERRORISM, WE'LL SAVE MONEY AND OUR GROWTH RATE WILL FURTHER INCREASE''

[18] REGIONAL GOVERNORS MEETING - BAYAR, MINISTER OF INTERIOR: ''LIVE BOMBS GIVE THEIR OWN PUNISHMENTS''

[19] ART INSTITUTIONS UNDER THE STRUCTURE OF CULTURE MINISTRY TO GRANT THEIR REVENUES BETWEEN APRIL 11 AND 17 TO ''HAND IN HAND FOR KOSOVO'' CAMPAIGN

[20] WORLD BANK-TURKEY-MACEDONIA - INTERNATIONAL AIDS TO MACEDONIA TO BE BE ORGANISED FROM TURKEY

[21] AN AGREEMENT SIGNED BETWEEN ISTANBUL AIRLINES AND TRNC STATE MINISTRY AND VICE-PRIME MINISTRY - FLIGHTS FROM GERMANY TO TRNC TO BE HELD AT THE PRICE OF GERMANY-ANTALYA FLIGHTS

[22] EU COUNCIL OF FOREIGN MINISTERS TO HOLD A COORDINATION MEETING WITH FOREIGN MINISTERS OF NEIGHBOURING STATES INCLUDING TURKEY

[23] LUFTHANSA, GERMAN AIRLINE COMPANY, INCREASES ITS NUMBER OF FLIGHTS FOR SUMMER - KISCH, REPRESENTATIVE OF LUFTHANSA IN TURKEY: - ''I AM LIVING IN ISTANBUL AND I FEEL MYSELF SECURE. OUR COMPANY SEES TURKEY AS A SECURE COUNTRY''

[24] TURKEY-NATO OPERATION - PRESIDENT DEMIREL SENDS ACET AS THE SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE TO THE REGION AHEAD OF HIS VISIT TO ALBANIA AND MACEDONIA THAT WILL TAKE PLACE ON SUNDAY

[25] WORLD HEALTH DAY - PREMIER ECEVIT: ''WE'LL CONTINUE TO ATTRIBUTE IMPORTANCE TO FAIR DISTRIBUTION OF HEALTH SERVICES IN OUR COUNTRY''

[26] EUROPEAN-MEDITERRANEAN FOREIGN MINISTERS CONFERENCE

[01] TRNC PRESiDENT RAUF DENKTAS SAYS THEY WILL TEMPORARILY OPEN MARAS TO KOSOVAR REFUGEEES

When the BBC asked him about the Greek claims that ''he is trying to change the island's population and he will not let them leave once they are settled in Maras'', Denktas stressed that this is only a temporary measure and that the Kosovars can stay in Maras until they can return their homes.

Denktas said that the Greek Cypriots are provoked by everything, even by the existence of Turks living in Cyprus, when he was asked ''if his offer to the refugees was a provocation''. The TRNC President added that they approach the issue from a humanutarian point of view and that they are ready to house the Kosovar refugees in Maras.

Denktas, also announced that he will once again be a candidate during the presidential elections in 2000. He said he has not yet completed his task and the people still want him.

[02] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

HURRIYET (LIBERAL)

MAVI CARSI MURDERER ARRESTED BY STATE SECURITY COURT
Metin Yamalak who participated in the petrol bomb attack at Mavi Carsi in istanbul's Kadikoy district which resulted with the death of 13 people last month, pleaded guilty on Tuesday at the State Security Court (DGM). Yamalak was recently arrested in Mersin where he was sent to organize Nevruz demonstrations and then brought to istanbul. Yamalak, after his interrogation which lasted for five hours at the DGM, was sent to jail.

MILLIYET (LIBERAL)

MAGNIFICANT TURK
Prof. Umran Inan who works at the Electrical Engineering Department of the Stanford University in the United States has made an important discovery about the electric currents in the atmosphere. Through Inan's discovery, the storms will be followed easily and more accurate information will be obtained about the chemical structure of the atmoshpere. As a result of Inan's studies which was supported by the NASA and the American National Science Foundation, the electric currents could now be seen as radio waves. Before this discovery, only photos of electric currents could be taken which were insufficient. The scientists will be able to watch detailed formation of atmospheric events in the western hemisphere through the four receivers which will be placed at certain points of the world.

SABAH (LIBERAL)

FOUR LAWYERS OF OCALAN HOLD TALKS WITH THEIR CLIENT
Hasip Kaplan, Ercan Kanar, Irfan Dundar, Mahmut Sakar and Ahmet Zeki Okcuoglu, lawyers of Abdullah Ocalan, the chief of the terrorist organization PKK, went to Imrali Island where Ocalan is being kept in prison, and held talks with their client. Meanwhile, responding to questions of journalists, Irfan Dundar pointed out that preparations for the defense of Ocalan has not been completed yet.

CUMHURIYET (LEFT)

BAND REGARDING ELECTION PROPAGANDA PERIOD TO STARTS ON APRIL 8 The propaganda period of the general and local elections, and the bans regarding this period will start on April 8. The Higher Election Council (YSK) said that the parties can make election propaganda only as directed by Article 298 of the election law during the period between April 8 and one day before the election day.

RADIKAL (LEFT)

IT WAS BURSA'S TURN FOR DR. BABUNA
A total of 9,119 residents of Bursa province underwent 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.

YENİ YÜZYIL (LIBERAL)

HEROIN OPERATION IN VAN
Security forces seized a total of 19.7 kg of pure heroin in an operation launched in Gurpinar county of eastern Van province. Acting on a tip-off, security forces stopped a private automobile in a junction on Hakkari-Van highway and seized 19.7 kilogram of pure heroin having a market value of nearly 500 billion Turkish liras.

TÜRKİYE (RIGHT)

He also noted, ''we should carry out our efforts against this inhumane violence in solidarity. The foundation principle of NATO is the preservation of freedoms. This is a holy goal. NATO, which is the last hope of millions of people who long for freedom, should carry out its strong and resolved attitude to fulfil its goal wholly.''

EARTHQUAKES SHAKE ERZINCAN AND SIVAS PROVINCES
Medium scale earthquakes shook eastern Erzincan province and central Sivas province. No casualties were reported in earthquakes, but financial damage occured in several villages.

[03] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT ON CNN TV: - ''I DO NOT TAKE YUGOSLAVIA'S CEASE- FIRE OFFER SERIOUSLY''

Responding to questions of Larry King, the famous talk-show host of the CNN TV, Bulent Ecevit stressed that the most important thing for the time being is the future of victims of ethnic cleansing campaing in Kosovo.

Prime Minister Ecevit said, ''will they be allowed to return to their homes, to their country? Will they be able to gain back their passports, and identity cards? Will they be able to establish a political setup which will provide security? A few days cease-fire does not mean anything unless these questions are answered in a positive way.''

Ecevit noted that he fully agrees with the refusal of the western countries to accept Yugoslavia's offer.

When asked about the situation of Kosovanian refugees in Turkey, Ecevit said, ''nearly 20 thousand Kosovanian people will be sheltered in Turkey near border region with Bulgaria. Meanwhile, Turkey will build a tent-site which will accommodate 10 thousand people in a very comfortable and healthy way in Macedonia. Another tent-site will be set up in Albania for 10 thousand refugees.''

Responding to a question whether or not Turkey and Greece work together with the same goal of protecting refugees, Ecevit pointed out, ''I hope so. I was glad to learn that Greece has also agreed to provide shelter for 5 thousand displaced Kosovanian people, but of course this has nothing to do with the problems between Turkey and Greece. We hope that Greece will stop providing support to terrorism and will agree to take up the issues between the two neighbouring countries through dialogue.''

Responding to another question on should the NATO bring ground troops into this conflict, Ecevit said, ''it would be rather difficult to take such a decision, but I think that the NATO should continue military operation more effectively. 1999 is the 50th anniversary of the NATO. This operation against the Yugoslav administration is the first experience of NATO in a real conflict and if the NATO fails in this conflict, it will create immense problems for the world. The NATO has to win this conflict in one way or another.''

[04] MASS DISMISSINGS FROM JOBS DECLINE SHARPLY SINCE FEBRUARY 1999

During the four month period between November 1998 and January 1999, around 17 thousand textile, ten thousand metal and four thousand construction workers were dismissed from their jobs in Turkey as a reflection of the global economic crisis.

The Labour and Social Security Ministry officials reported that they started following the firings closely through their ''Follow-up Commission'' after the increasing number of dismissings. The commission was formed to follow up the firings, find out about its reasons, and take the necessary measures. The ministry officials said there have been few cases of individual firings, but not any group firings since February 1999. The officials also stated that some work places re-hired the workers who were previously dismissed.

In the report prepared by the ''Follow-up Committee'', it was suggested that the tax laws must be revised to increase employment and the value added tax (VAT) rates for export goods must be reviewed. The report also suggested lowering the cost of electricity and water at industrial managements, and forming of specialty customs to avoid the competition of the Far East in textile sector. Following are the other recommendations of the report:

-Obligatory Economy period must end

-Entrance of smuggled goods to Turkey must be prevented

-An effective struggle against illegal employment must start

-Minimum wage must be excluded from tax

During the committee discussions, the employer representatives demanded job security while the employee committee stressed that the flexible working hours model, which is used in the West, will help to avoid mass firings. But no consensus has been reached over this issue.

[05] PLANE CRASH IN ADANA - AKIN, CHAIRMAN OF PUBLIC RELATIONS DEPARTMENT OF THE THY: - ''ALLEGATIONS REGARDING REASON OF CRASH ARE NOTHING BUT HYPOTHESISES YET''

Responding to questions of the A.A correspondent over the issue,

Akin stressed that the officials have begun to search the plane's ''black box'' to determine the cause of the crash.

Reminding that a delegation headed by Yusuf Bolayirli, Director General of the Turkish Airlines, left for the scene of the crash in order to make observations, Akin noted that an experts team from the Directorate General of the Civilian Aviation, is also in the scene of the incident.

A Boeing 737-400 airplane belonged to the Turkish Airlines that took off from the Adana airport at 00:36 a.m. on Wednesday, bound for Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, crashed near Ceyhan county, some 25 miles from Adana, killing all six crew members aboard.

The airplane was due to bring home Turkish pilgrims who had completed the annual pilgrimage to Islam's holiest sites in Saudi Arabia.

[06] ONE GOVERNOR AND TWO CHIEF INSPECTORS APPOINTED TO COORDINATE AID DISTRIBUTION TO KOSOVAR REFUGEES

The ''Temporary Higher Coordination Council'' which was formed by the Interior Ministry to provide accommodation and food for the refugees convened on April 6 under the leadership of Interior Minister Cahit Bayar. The council discussed the immediate construction of a tent city in Kirklareli to provide shelter for five thousand Kosovars. The council decided that TEDAS will install an electricity sytem for the refugees; the Directorate of Rural Affairs will furnish a sewege and water system; the Transportation Ministry will provide communication and mail service; the Gendarme General Commandership and the Security General Directorate will be responsible for the security of the refugees; the Treatment Services of the Health Ministry will offer health service at the tent city; and the Turkish Armed Forces and the Red Crescent will deliver warm food to the refugees.

A total of 155 billion Turkish liras was sent from the the Prime Ministry Social Help and Solidarity Fund on March 25 for the Kosovar refugees. So far, seven thousand and 376 Kosovar refugees have entered Turkey. About two thousand of them are currently residing at Kirklareli Gaziosmanpasa Refugees Guesthouse.

[07] TRIAL OF TERRORIST CHIEF OCALAN - ANKARA STATE SECURITY COURT TO TRY OCALAN ON IMRALI ISLAND CONTINUOUSLY

Officials told the A.A correspondent that Talat Salk, Nuh Mete Yuksel, and Hamza Keles, prosecutors of the case, continue works in order to complete the additional indictment under the leadership of Cevdet Volkan, the Chief Prosecutor of the Ankara State Security Court.

The additional indictment is expected to be completed until April 20. The additional indictment then will be sent to the court in order to combine with the former lawsuit. The additional indictment will also be notified to the terrorist chief.

If the preparations on Imrali island cannot be completed before April 30, the hearing will be held in Ankara.

The Ankara State Security Court will determine the date of the hearing as soon as the hall where the hearing will take place on April 30, and all other preparations are completed on Imrali island. Within this framework, the hearing is expected to be held at the end of May.

A limited number of journalists will be allowed to watch hearing which will be held under tight security measures.

[08] FOREIGN MINISTER CEM: - ''WE ENDEAVOUR FOR KOSOVO NOT TO BECOME SECOND BOSNIA''

Addressing the journalists in central Kayseri province, Cem noted that Turkey has done her utmost for Kosovanian refugees and will continue to do so.

Reminding that 200 thousand people were massacred because they were simply Muslim, Cem stressed, ''we endeavour for Kosovo not to become a second Bosnia.''

Pointing out that any aid to Kosovo is very important for those who lost their homes and relatives in conflicts, Cem told reporters, ''the Turkish government has launched an initiative on the issue. We, as the Foreign Ministry, have also started a campaing among the Turkish people living abroad.''

[09] INVESTMETNS IN SOUTH EAST WILL BENEFIT FROM DISCOUNTED ELECTRIC ENERGY FOR THREE YEARS

TEAS and TEDAS will give the managements 50 percent off their electricity cost in their first year, 40 percent off in their second year and 25 percent off in their third year.

TEAS and TEDAS will be responsible for inspecting the usage of the discount program to assure that it is used for the right purposes. In case of detecting a faulty usage, the managements will have to return the government support they were given to the Treasury.

The three year program took effect on March 5, 1999.

[10] FOUR RUSSIAN WAR SHIPS WAITING FOR COMMAND TO SAIL TO MEDITERRENEAN VIA STRAITS

The Russian sources said that four Russian war ships, including an anti- submarine, a patrolling and defense ship and two landing ships are waiting for command to start its voyage to the Mediterrenean.

The sources stated that these ships are trained for additional mission prior to the operation of the Black Sea Fleet of Russia which will start on April 19, 1999.

Stating that the ships are armed, the sources noted that the ships can start sailing in 24 hours in case they are given such command.

Russia had before informed Turkey that these ships would start their voyage within the framework of the Montreaux Straits Convention on the dates which were determined before, but only the Russian ship named ''Liman'' passed through the Straits.

The Russian fleet continuously informs Turkey that the other ships could not pass through the Straits on the before-determined dates and that they will start their voyage to the Mediterrenean as soon as they get the command.

The sources said that these ships have not received such command and that the Russian authorities can give the command at any moment, adding that to this end, the Black Sea Fleet has to issue transition statement to Turkey.

[11] CROATIAN TRADE DELEGATION IN AEGEAN IZMIR PROVINCE

Radovanic, who visited Izmir Chamber of Commerce, said administrators of tourism, construction and automotive companies, who are in Croatian delegation, were willing to make business with Turkey.

Noting that Croatia's exportation to Turkey was composed of crude leather and was annually 69 million U.S. dollars, Radovanic said, ''our importation is mainly on textile. Turkish textile products are preferred in our market with their quality and cheapness.''

Mehmet Akyelli, Izmir Chamber of Commerce Deputy Chairman, said Turkey was willing for the construction of Croatia and Bosnia-Herzegovina, adding that ''we have decided to participate in Zagreb Fair as associate country for the year 1999. It is clear that this is an opportunity that should be evaluated well by Turkish business circles.''

[12] A CONFERENCE ON THE FUTURE OF THE CLEAN FOSSIL FUEL SYSTEM TO BE HELD BETWEEN MAY 26-29 IN ANKARA

The Energy and Natural Resources Ministry, the Turkish National Committee of the World Energy Council (WEC), U.S. Secretariat of Energy, U.S. Agency for the International Development, the U.S. Energy Union, the WEC and the working group for the cooperation of Energy between the Black Sea region and the Central Asian Republics will be the sponsors of the conference.

The issues including the strategic importance of the fossil fuels in Europe and Asia, applying clean technology, the jeopolitics of the fossil fuels, the cleanness of the fossil fuels and environmental cleanness, the role of the fossil fuels in the economic development process, the improvement of the life standarts in the investments of the fossil fuels will be discussed in the conference which will be supported by the United Nations (UN), the World Bank and the World Coal Institute.

The alternatives for the future, the energy security of these fossil fuels, the reform in the energy market, the removal of the communicational obstacles are the other issues which will be discussed in the conference.

Bill Richardson, the U.S. Secretary of Energy; Jim Adam, the Chairman of WEC; Rilwanu Lukman, the Chairman of the Organization of Petrol Exporting Countries (OPEC); Huseyin Arabul, the Chairman of the Turkish National Committe of WEC and Barmek Holding; Robert W.Gee, the U.S. Assistant Secretary of Energy who is responsible from the fossil fuels, and the representatives of the advancing energy companies in the world are expected to participate in the conference which will be held under the auspices of President Suleyman Demirel.

[13] ITALIAN DEMONSTRATOR TO BE JUDGED AGAIN

A file had been suited against the Italian demonstrator on charges of ''discriminating people according to race and region and inciting people to hatred and enmity'' during Newroz festival in 1998. The defendant was sentenced to one year imprisonment terms on charges of making propaganda against inseparable integrity of Turkish Republic.

Supreme Court, which concluded observation of the penalty given to the Italian demonstrator by Diyarbakir DGM on June 16, 1998, decided to re- judge the defendant on grounds that there was a mistake in quality of the crime.

Supreme Court's reverse decision said, ''Frisullo Damiano Giovanni, Italian citizen defendant, chanted slogans in favor of terrorist chief and terrorist organization on March 21, 1998 by showing Newroz festival as pretext. The Italian citizen joined in the crowd which holds a demonstration, supported their acts and was taken on shoulders of the terrorists by getting their sympathy. Thus, this act was evaluated as appreciating an action which the laws regards as crime. So, it was understood that there was a mistake in quality of his crime and was decided that he should be punished with 8/1 article of Struggle Against Terrorism Law.''

The decision said opposition of the lawyer of the defendant for appeal was seen appropriate in this respect and pointed out that reversing of the judicial sentence was decided unanimously.

Muharrem Erbey, lawyer of the defendant, claimed that his objection petition which he gave to the Supreme Court was misevaluated.

Erbey told A.A correspondent that his defendant was punished under Article 8/1 of Struggle Against Terrorism Law and that Supreme Court wanted this judgement to take place in this respect.

The lawyer said, ''a file was suited against my client on charges of discriminating people according to race and region and inciting people to hatred and enmity under 312/2 Article of Turkish Penal Code. The penalty of this crime varies one to 4,5 years. Later, the prosecutor changed the article and my client was judged under article 8/1 of Struggle Against Terrorism Law. The penalty of this varies between 1 and 3 years. In my objection petition, I requested the annulment of the penalty as a whole. Yet, Supreme Court wants my client, who was punished under Article 8/1 of Struggle Against Terrorism Law, to be punished with the same Article again. Moreover, if I had written my petition wrong, Supreme Court should not have been mistaken.''

Giovanni, the Italian demonstrator, who was sentenced to one year imprisonment terms by Diyarbakir DGM, was returned to his country when his penalty was turned to fine and when the punishment was postponed for five years.

[14] SCHWIMMER, COE MEMBER AND COEPA RAPPORTEUR: - ''PKK DOESN'T REPRESENT KURDS'' - ''KURDS ARE NOT UNDER PRESSURE IN TURKEY''

The Austrian politician, who is expected to participate in the case of Abdullah Ocalan, the chief terrorist by the decision of COEPA, which will be held on Imralı island, stressed that the terrorist PKK continuously threatens the local people in Turkey.

''The international public opinion has started to perceive the PKK and Kurdish people together; however, the big majority of the Kurdish people are not supporters of the organization. PKK gets the support of the people only by threatening them,'' he said.

Addressing a statement to Die Presse newspaper, a central rightist daily, Schwimmer, a member of the Austrian Peoples' Party said that ''one who says that Kurds are oppressed in Turkey doesn't say the truth. A Kurdish person in Turkey can get higher positions like the former President Turgut Ozal.''

Stressing that very important progress is recorded in Turkey during the recent years, Schwimmer pointed out that registering those taken into custody by computers is an important step in preventing torture and mistreatment during custody.

Schwimmer, who will be sent to the case of Abdullah Ocalan, the chief terrorist that will be held at the end of this month, Schwimmer pointed out that ''Turkey is right in not accepting observers.''

Describing the Turkish nation as very proud, the Austrian politican recalled the words of Turkey which stressed that ''there is no need to observe Ocalan's case because the trial of a terrorist in Germany or Austria is not subject to international observation either.''

COE respects the principle of the Turkish legal system which does not accept foreign observers to its trial processes, he added.

Schwimmer, who runs for candidacy to be the COE Secretary General, added that the COE ''spectators'' who will witness that the trial process is carried out fairly can be useful for Turkey.

[15] EGS COMPANY TO MAKE CLOTH-AID FOR KOSOVAR REFUGUEES

The EGS statement said that the textile and ready-made cloth products which are collected from the partners of EGS company will be send to the tent- sites that are set up for the Kosovar refuguees in northwestern Kirklareli province and that they will be given to the refuguees there.

An official from EGS recalled that the EGS company is a company which has many partners including nearly 500 producers and exporters, and said that their initiative will be one of the most comprehensive clothing aid campaigns which have been realized in Turkey until today.

Emphasizing that nearly all of their partners will join the campaign, the official said that to this end, they set up aid collection centres in Izmir and Denizli provinces in the Aegean Region and that they will send these clothes to Kirklareli by lorries.

Stating that the Kosovar refuguees are living in very severe conditions, the official noted that Turkey sheltered these people and that their company will do its best to make cloth-aid for these miserable people.

[16] GEORGIEVSKI, MACEDONIAN PREMIER SHOWS TURKEY AS A MODEL COUNTRY

Addressing a press briefing, Georgiveski critized CNN and BBS broadcast institutions which said that Macedonia remained passive regarding refugees and she behaved in an inhumane way towards refugees.

''No country helped the Kosovar refugees and Macedonia has economic difficulties. Only Turkey fulfilled her promise of aid and she also increases her aid to the refugees while rich countries of the World and Europe pretended not to see what was going on. We once again thank Turkey, which should be taken as a model country,'' he added.

[17] CEM, FOREIGN MINISTER: ''IF WE CONTINUE TO LIMIT TERRORISM, WE'LL SAVE MONEY AND OUR GROWTH RATE WILL FURTHER INCREASE''

Foreign Minister Cem told reporters that Turkey has also been effected from the economic crisis seen in the Far East and Russia.

Noting that Russia is important for Turkey, Cem said that ''we have a shuttle trade worth of nearly 10 billion dollars annually with Russia. Our constructers have a business volume of six billion dollars there in addition to our commercial relations.''

''We have both material and spiritual loss due to terrorism. Our soldiers die and it is not possible to bring them back. Turkey spends 4-5 billion dollars for terrorism and Southeastern region annually. Terrorism costed us more than 75 billion dollars in 15 years. In spite of the global economic crisis, the growth rate of Turkey was 4 percent in 1998 and we guess it will be 4-5 percent this year, this will further increase in 2000.''

[18] REGIONAL GOVERNORS MEETING - BAYAR, MINISTER OF INTERIOR: ''LIVE BOMBS GIVE THEIR OWN PUNISHMENTS''

Bayar who participated in the sixth Regional Governors Meeting Bayar spoke to journalists and said the first item of the meeting was the elections.

Pointing out that this meeting was staged to hold the elections in tranquility and security, Bayar said ''all the elections had taken place in tranquility in the past. We are in an effort to hold coming elections in maturity that will suit to Turkish nation and Turkish Republic.''

Noting that the elections will take place under the supervision of justice organs, Bayar said, ''we are trying to ease their works. We have sent a circular to the governorships to hold the elections in tranquility. The governsorships prepared comprehensive plans and sent to us. Every kind of requirements of the governorships will be met to hold the elections in tranquility.''

Evaluating the bomb attack on Suleyman Kamci, Bingol governor, Bayar said ''the governors are the most authorized offices of the provinces. They take every kind of measures on security issues. Several evil-minded people realize such attacks from time to time and in the end gave their own punishments. Also, our security forces capture the responsibles of the attacks in the shortest time. Every kind of measures are taken to provide the security of people.''

[19] ART INSTITUTIONS UNDER THE STRUCTURE OF CULTURE MINISTRY TO GRANT THEIR REVENUES BETWEEN APRIL 11 AND 17 TO ''HAND IN HAND FOR KOSOVO'' CAMPAIGN

A Culture Ministry statement said that the revenues of the activities in the 29 scenes of the State Theatres; Ankara, Istanbul, Izmir, Mersin and Antalya units of the State Opera and Ballet; 18 groups and choruses and 5 sympony orchestras which will be performed between April 11 and 17 will be donated to the campaign named ''Hand in Hand For Kosovo.''

In the statement, Istemihan Talay, the Culture Minister, evaluated their support for the campaign as an initiative of the artists, and art institutions by which they share the agony of the Kosovars.

Talay said, ''I sincerely believe that our people will be interested in our activities and will give a hand to the Kosovars by buying a ticket.''

[20] WORLD BANK-TURKEY-MACEDONIA - INTERNATIONAL AIDS TO MACEDONIA TO BE BE ORGANISED FROM TURKEY

Officials at World Bank's office in Ankara said that Chhibber met with Boris Stojmenov, the Macedonian Minister of Finance in Istanbul on April 4 and took up issues like the effects of Kosovo crisis and measures aiming at overcoming them.

Chhibber also discussed issues of structural reform in Macedonia and directing trade to new markets in his meeting with Stojmenov.

World Bank has also requested Macedonia to hold a ''Extraordinary Donation Campaign'' in the beginning of May concerning international aid for Kosovar refugees.

Macedonia which realizes an important portion of her trade with Yugoslavia, has also negatively been affected from the refugee crisis that erupted after the NATO's air operation against Yugoslavia.

[21] AN AGREEMENT SIGNED BETWEEN ISTANBUL AIRLINES AND TRNC STATE MINISTRY AND VICE-PRIME MINISTRY - FLIGHTS FROM GERMANY TO TRNC TO BE HELD AT THE PRICE OF GERMANY-ANTALYA FLIGHTS

The agreement which foresees tourist transportation from Germany to the TRNC at the price of Germany-Antalya flights will be valid between April 1 and December 31, 1999.

Mustafa Akinci, the TRNC State Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, said in a statement that their efforts to decrease the costs of transportation to decrease the transportation problems had positive results.

Stating that they expect a 50 percent increase in the number of tourists coming from Germany to the TRNC when compared with the figures of 1998, Akinci noted that this discount is not only limited with Germany and covers the tourists coming from Austria and Belgium.

[22] EU COUNCIL OF FOREIGN MINISTERS TO HOLD A COORDINATION MEETING WITH FOREIGN MINISTERS OF NEIGHBOURING STATES INCLUDING TURKEY

EU sources said that the EU Council of Ministers will convene at the level of ministers of interior today to ''search for a principle'' regarding aid to Kosovo and this ''search'' will be completed by the meeting that will be held among foreign ministers tomorrow.

EU Council of Ministers will determine the amount of money that will be given to Kosovar refugees and approve it.

Foreign Ministers of Macedonia, Bulgaria, Romania, Albania, Croatia, and Turkey, which is described as one of the important countries regarding assistance to refugees, will come together with EU Council tomorrow.

Foreign Ministers will exchange views about material needs and coordination.

Ismail Cem, the Foreign Minister is planned to come to Luxembourg on Thursday afternoon and return to Ankara the same night.

[23] LUFTHANSA, GERMAN AIRLINE COMPANY, INCREASES ITS NUMBER OF FLIGHTS FOR SUMMER - KISCH, REPRESENTATIVE OF LUFTHANSA IN TURKEY: - ''I AM LIVING IN ISTANBUL AND I FEEL MYSELF SECURE. OUR COMPANY SEES TURKEY AS A SECURE COUNTRY''

Ofer Kisch, the Representative of Luftansa in Turkey, gave information about their ''Summer Schedule'' which started on March 28, 1999 in a meeting held in Istanbul.

Stating that they put flights to new places and they increased the number of their connected flights, Kisch said that the reservations of flights to Turkey for the summer are very much.

Kisch noted that there was a decrease in the number of tourists coming from the European countries and the U.S. to Turkey since autumn.

Kisch also stressed that he is living in Istanbul and he feels himself secure, adding that their company sees Turkey as a secure country.

[24] TURKEY-NATO OPERATION - PRESIDENT DEMIREL SENDS ACET AS THE SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE TO THE REGION AHEAD OF HIS VISIT TO ALBANIA AND MACEDONIA THAT WILL TAKE PLACE ON SUNDAY

Sermet Atacanli, Foreign Ministry Deputy Spokesman, addressing a weekly news conference, responded to questions of reporters regarding the issue and briefed about Turkey's support and diplomatic initiatives to Kosovon refugees.

Atacanli said President Suleyman Demirel will go to Albania and Macedonia on Sunday on a one-day visit, adding that Ahmet Acet, Turkey's Ambassador to Belgrade, was appointed by President Suleyman Demirel as special representative and that will go to the region on Wednesday with his new title.

Noting that Acet will take private messages to the Presidents of Albania and Macedonia and will prepare a report regarding the recent developments. In the message, Demirel conveyed Turkey's views and concerns regarding the issue, and initiatives to send aid to Kosovon refugees.

Noting that Foreign Minister Ismail Cem will leave for Luxembourg on Thursday to participate in a meeting which the EU countries will hold in foreign ministers level and with regional countries and international aid institutions, Atacanli said Cem's participation to NATO Council Foreign Ministers meeting, that will take place on April 12, 1999, was also in question.

Pointing out that Turkey sent a representative to a meeting which Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) will hold in Geneva on Wednesday, Atacanli said ''Turkey is an active member of OIC. Turkey, within this framework, carries out efforts to issue a decision from the meeting in the direction of its theses.

Responding to a question, Atacanli said Turkish planes continued its flights envisaged within the context of aid to Kosovon refugees, adding that the planes used the air spaces of both Bulgaria and Greece to this end.

Atacanli said that Turkey has sent 5 planes full of aid supplies to Albania and 4 planes to Macedonia for the tent cities planned to be settled for the Kosovon refugees and noted that ''it can not be said that international community brought a satisfactory solution on the issue.''

When recalled that NATO Council decided to sent special units to Albania, Atacanli said there was no official call made to Turkey in the direction of this decision.

Atacanli said the force in question will be responsible for the coordination of aid that will be expended to refugees who were forced to leave Kosovo, adding that it will be deployed on the territories of Albania. Foreign Ministry Deputy Spokesman also said this force was sent to the region in order to determine the human tragedy there in cooperation with Albania and the officials of the U.N. High Commissioner For Refugees.

Pointing out that required steps will be taken following the decision issued by NATO Council, Atacanli noted that following an evaluation of essential character of the unit, a call for concerned countries can be in question.

Responding to another question, Atacanli stressed that the composition and target of the unit was not in the quality of ''combatant'', adding that ''yet, self-defense is a concept which has place in international law. If there will be such an attack, we should suppose that it will be equipped to be able to defend itself.''

Atacanli said NATO Council, the day before, authorized Javier Solana, NATO Secretary General, to give green light to deploy Apache helicopters in Albania. The U.S. announced that it wanted to send 24 Apache helicopters. NATO Council's confirmation was required to deploy Apache helicopters in Albania.

Responding to the questions, Atacanli briefed about the Russian ships that will pass from the Straits and noted that according to the latest announcement made from Russia to Turkey it was said that six ships were foreseen to pass from the Straits in two groups on April 12 and 13.

Atacanli said the announcements regarding the passage of Russian ships were made according to rules and regulations by Russian side.

[25] WORLD HEALTH DAY - PREMIER ECEVIT: ''WE'LL CONTINUE TO ATTRIBUTE IMPORTANCE TO FAIR DISTRIBUTION OF HEALTH SERVICES IN OUR COUNTRY''

Issuing a message published due to World Health Day and Health Week in Turkey, Premier Ecevit said that living a healthy life is one of the basic rights of human beings.

''On the threshold of the 21st century, many people struggle to live and they can't benefit from basic health services at the sufficient level due to injustices in the distribution of income, economic difficulties, fights, and clashes in the world. On the other hand, new discoveries are used to protect and improve human health due to the reflections of the developing technology on medicine,'' Premier Ecevit added.

[26] EUROPEAN-MEDITERRANEAN FOREIGN MINISTERS CONFERENCE

A statement of European Commision's Turkey Representation said representatives of 27 countries will discuss how a momentum could be added to the partnership in the direction of Barcelona statement while entering to third millenium.

It was reported that during the meeting in Stuttgart, developments recorded following the previous conferences held in Barcelona and Malta will be evaluated and the Middle East Peace Process will be taken up as the main issue.

A delegation headed by Uluc Ozulker, Foreign Ministry Deputy Undersecretary, will represent Turkey during the conference. Nezihi Ozkaya, European Union (EU) Department Deputy General Director and Ihsan Sakarya, International Security Affairs Department Chairman will also participate in the meeting.

European Commission statement said the conference is Stuttgart has another importance as it takes place at a period when MEDA-1 program funds, which form financial flant of European-Mediterranean partnership, ends.

EU, since 1995, provides financial aid to the Mediterranean countries within the context of European-Mediterranean Parnership and within the framework of MEDA-1 program. The program from which Turkey has taken 235 million Euro project support undertakings so far, will end by the end of December 1999. To this end, the attentions are forwarded to the MEDA-2 program which will be put instead of MEDA-1. MEDA-2 is envisaged to cover a seven-year period (2000-2006). This will be the difference of MEDA 2 from MEDA 1.
Diplomatic sources told A.A correspondent that Turkey, which did not have great expectations from the conference, wanted share of MEDA-2 funds in general budget to be increased and the fund allocated to Turkey to be increased. The same sources recalled that Turkey had several difficulties regarding MEDA-1 funds, adding that the aid which was committed could not be implemented due to political and technical deficiencies.

European Parliament claimed several pre-conditions, such as human rights and democracy, to release the aid committed to Turkey. Signature of framework agreement, regarding the funds, took a long time due to technical reasons, and the aid in question was not given to Turkey although it has been committed. Greece has put a veto to the MEDA fund but had to withdraw it as a result of the pressure put by other Mediterranean countries. Greece still has a veto on aid promised to Turkey within the framework of Customs Union.

A.A

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