Anadolu Agency: News in English, 99-05-03

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AA Daily

03 May 1999 Monday

CONTENTS

[01] HEADSCARF CRISIS IN PARLIAMENT - A GROUP OF DEMONSTRATORS PROTEST FP DEPUTY KAVAKCI BY CHANTING SLOGANS ''TURKEY IS A SECULAR STATE''

[02] HEADSCARF CRISIS IN PARLIAMENT - FP DEPUTY KAVAKCI TO STAGE A PRESS CONFERENCE

[03] AUSTRALIAN GOVERNOR-GENERAL DEANE IN TURKEY

[04] PRESIDENT DEMIREL ADDRESSES ''PULSE OF THE POLITICS'' PROGRAM - DEMIREL DESCRIBES ENTERING OF KAVAKCI WITH PARLIAMENTARY GENERAL HALL WITH HEADSCARF AS ''PROVOCATION''

[05] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

[06] TEMPORARY SPEAKER OF PARLIAMENT SEPTIOGLU TO ACT AS PRESIDENT IN ABSENCE OF DEMIREL

[07] PRESIDENT DEMIREL ADDRESSES ''PULSE OF THE POLITICS'' PROGRAM - DEMIREL DESCRIBES ENTERING OF KAVAKCI WITH PARLIAMENTARY GENERAL HALL WITH HEADSCARF AS ''PROVOCATION''

[08] PRESIDENT DEMIREL ADDRESSES ''PULSE OF POLITICS'' PROGRAM - DEMIREL: ''CHANGES THAT WILL BE MADE IN ELECTION LAWS AND PARTIES LAWS SHOULD BE DISCUSSED AS AN ISSUE OF PARLIAMENT, NOT ONLY THE GOVERNMENT''

[09] PRESIDENT DEMIREL DESIGNATES ECEVIT TO FORM THE NEW GOVERNMENT

[10] PRESIDENT DEMIREL DESIGNATES ECEVIT TO FORM THE 57TH GOVERNMENT

[11] AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF ECEVIT

[12] NATO'S AIR OPERATION AGAINST YUGOSLAVIA - TURKISH F-16 WAR PLANES ACCUMULATE A TOTAL OF 1,105 FLIGHT HOURS

[13] PRESIDENT DEMIREL CALLS HIS AZERI COUNTERPART ALIYEV AND WISHES SPEEDY RECOVERY

[14] TURKISH EXPO'99 FAIR TO BE OPENED IN BAKU ON MAY 5

[15] PRESIDENT DENKTAS OF TRNC DEPARTS TURKEY

[16] THE ATTENDANCE OF KAVAKCI TO THE PARLIAMENT MEETING WITH HEADSCARF - SAVAS, CHIEF PROSECUTOR OF SUPREME COURT, ''NOBODY SHOULD HAVE DOUBT THAT I WILL DO WHAT IS REQURIED BY THE CONSTITUTION AND LAWS''

[17] PRESIDENT DEMIREL GIVES MANDATE OF FORMING THE GOVERNMENT TO ECEVIT - ECEVIT: ''WE'LL EXERT EFFORTS TO FORM A HARMONIOUS GOVERNMENT''

[18] EGE, FOREIGN TRADE UNDERSECRETARY: - ''WHEN POLITICAL STABILITY IS ENSURED, ECONOMIC STABILITY WILL ALSO BE ENSURED''

[19] TURKISH-U.S. RELATIONS TO BE DISCUSSED IN CONFERENCE TO BE HELD THIS WEEK

[20] SUSURLUK CASE - ISTANBUL DGM NO:6 RULES TO CEASE TRIAL OF SEDAT EMIN BUCAK

[21] DEANE, AUSTRALIAN GOVERNOR-GENERAL, IN ANKARA - PRESIDENT DEMIREL: ''TURKEY, WHICH IS A WORLD STATE, IS CARRYING OUT INITIATIVES TO OPEN HERSELF TO NEW GEOGRAPHIES''

[22] SUSURLUK CASE - ISTANBUL DGM NO:6 REJECTS REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF HALUK KIRCI FROM PRISON

[23] SEARCH FOR COALITION - DSP LEADER ECEVIT MEETS WITH DSP ECONOMY OFFICIALS TO DISCUSS ECONOMY PROTOCOL REGARDING 57TH GOVERNMENT

[24] TREASURY TO ARRANGE TWO TENDERS ON TUESDAY

[25] DEANE, AUSTRALIAN GOVERNOR-GENERAL, IN ANKARA - PRESIDENT DEMIREL: ''THE UNIQUE COURAGE OF TURKISH AND AUSTRALIAN SOLDIERS GAIN THE ADMIRATION OF THE WHOLE WORLD''

[26] GENERAL BETIR, GENDERMARIE COMMANDER GENERAL, IN BAKU

[27] PRESIDENT DEMIREL DEPARTS FOR FRANCE - DEMIREL: ''I WISH MY VISIT WILL CONTRIBUTE TO THE IMPROVEMENT OF THE RELATIONS BETWEEN TURKEY AND FRANCE''

[28] WORLD INTER-UNIVERSITIES WEIGHT-LIFTING CHAMPIONSHIPS

[29] THIRD ASIAN GROUP IFAP MEETING TO BE HELD IN NORTHERN SAMSUN PROVINCE BETWEEN MAY 12 AND 15

[30] GENERAL BETIR, GENDARMERIE GENERAL COMMANDER REACTS TO HEADSCARF CRISIS IN PARLIAMENT

[31] GOODWIN, BRITISH WRITER-JOURNALIST'S BOOK ON OTTOMANS: ''OTTOMANS DIDN'T GO TO COUNTRIES THEY CONQUERED BY HAVING A MISSIONARY MENTALITY''

[01] HEADSCARF CRISIS IN PARLIAMENT - A GROUP OF DEMONSTRATORS PROTEST FP DEPUTY KAVAKCI BY CHANTING SLOGANS ''TURKEY IS A SECULAR STATE''

Nedret Ulugbay, wife of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State Hikmet Ulugbay, Fatma Turk, wife of National Defense Minister Hikmet Sami Turk, and members of the Ataturk Association and the Turkish Women Union were among the demonstrators.

The group sang the Turkish National Anthem, the 10th Year March and the Youth March, and chanted slogans such as ''Turkey is secular and she will remain secular''.

Meanwhile Adnan Keskin, the Secretary General of the Rebublican People's Party (CHP), and Mehmet Sevigen, the former deputy of CHP, came to the National Sovereignty Park to support demonstrators.

Addressing demonstrators, Adnan Keskin underlined, ''secularism principle is the main element of internal peace in Turkey.''

Security forces took tight security measures, but the group dispersed without any incident after the protest.

[02] HEADSCARF CRISIS IN PARLIAMENT - FP DEPUTY KAVAKCI TO STAGE A PRESS CONFERENCE

Kavakci had entered the parliament hall at 18.20 local time to take her oath wearing a headscarf, and had to leave the hall as a result of harsh protest of the deputies of the Democratic Left Party (DSP).

Merve Kavakci came to the parliament building at 24.00 local time once again and held talks with her party members and Recai Kutan, the Leader of the FP.

Addressing journalists as she departed the parliament building, Kavakci said that she will stage a press conference on Monday.

[03] AUSTRALIAN GOVERNOR-GENERAL DEANE IN TURKEY

Aydin Tumen, the State Minister, and senior officials from the Foreign Ministry welcomed Mr. Deane and accompanying delegation at the Esenboga Airport.

Mr. Deane is scheduled to hold talks with President Suleyman Demirel later on Monday. Meeting is expected to focus on bilateral relations between the two countries, opportunities to further improve relations, international and regional problems.

Afterwards Mr. Deane will receive Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit and Husamettin Ozkan, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State.

Sir William Deane and accampanying delegation are expected to leave for Australia on Monday night.

[04] PRESIDENT DEMIREL ADDRESSES ''PULSE OF THE POLITICS'' PROGRAM - DEMIREL DESCRIBES ENTERING OF KAVAKCI WITH PARLIAMENTARY GENERAL HALL WITH HEADSCARF AS ''PROVOCATION''

Demirel responded to questions in ''Pulse of the Politics'', a live program in TRT-1.

When asked about coming of Merve Kavakci, Istanbul Virtue Party (FP) Deputy, to the Parliamentary Hall with headscarf to take an oath, Demirel said this was something planned for days.

Pointing out that 26 of the 27 women deputies in the Parliament abided by the rules, Demirel said this act was contrary to Islam, adding that the approach ''the one who covers her head is Moslem, the one who does not cover her head is not Moslem'' is separatism.

Demirel said this incident was ''provocation'' and noted that he make necessary warnings to prevent such an incident in the Parliament ''my warning had to be taken into consideration'' he added.

Demirel said the act was a tool of a movement in Turkey and abroad and pointed out that ''this is to announce their name by causing a chaos, Some of them are provocators.

Demirel condemned the headscarf incident in the Parliament and said ''the initiative to enter the Parliament with headscarf was something which happens against ''democratic republic''.

[05] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

HURRIYET (LIBERAL)

REACTION FROM BERNA YILMAZ TO ANAP
The most harsh reaction to the entering of Merve Kavakci, Virtue Party (FP) Istanbul Deputy, to the Parliament with headscarf, came from Berna Yilmaz, wife of Mesut Yilmaz, leader of the Motherland Party (ANAP). Yet, Berna Yilmaz's reaction was towards ANAP. She called Mustafa Tasar to the phone and said ''why don't you react? Why don't you make her go out.''

MILLIYET (LIBERAL)

CHIEF PROSECUTOR: ''I AM COVERING''
Vural Savas, Chief Prosecutor of the Supreme Court, speaking about the turban crisis in the Parliament said ''I am personally covering the incidents. Nobody should have doubts, I will do what is required by the Constitution and laws.''

SABAH (LIBERAL)

''GO HOME CILLER''
Organizations of the True Path Party (DYP) who convened in Ankara, called on Tansu Ciller, leader of DYP, to resignation. Mehmet Agar, who resigned from DYP and who was elected as independent deputy from eastern Elazig province, said he will participate in the leadership race.

CUMHURIYET (LEFT)

RADIKAL (LEFT) PRESIDENT DEMIREL: THIS IS A PROVOCATION
President Suleyman Demirel decribed entrance of Merve Kavakci, the Deputy of the Virtue Party (FP), to the parliament hall by wearing a headscarf, as a provocation. Noting that he warned the parliament before, President Demirel stressed, ''their action was nothing but a separatism.''

MODERNIZATION OF F-5 WAR PLANES
A defense project which aims at strengthening the existing structure of the Turkish defense industry will be implemented soon.

Efforts carried out under the coordination of the Undersecretariat of the Defense Industry together with Isreal regarding the modernization of F-5 war planes have come to the last stage. The project aiming at modernization of 48 F-5 war planes of the Turkish Air Forces Commandership will be carried out by the cooperation among Israeli public institution IAI, Turkish Aviation and Space Industry Inc. (TAI) and Turkish Air Forces Commandership.

YENİ YÜZYIL (LIBERAL) ECEVIT: PLEASE PUT THIS LADY IN HER PLACE
Prime Minister Ecevit reacted harsly to Merve Kavakci, Deputy of the Virtue Party (FP) from Istanbul who created chaos during the parliament's opening session by wearing a headscarf. He stressed,

''No one may interfere with the private life of individuals, but this is not a private space. This is the supreme foundation of the state. Those who work here have to abide with the rules and customs of the state. It is not a place in which to challenge the state. Please put this lady in her place.''

GERMANS: TURKEY'S FAİTHFUL GUESTS
German tourists visited Turkey more than other foreigners between January- March this year. According to data of the State Statistical Institute, the number of tourists coming to Turkey decreased by 4.9 percent in the first three months of this year while German visitors formed 21.9 percent of the foreign visitors. In January-March period of this year, a total of 249,936 German tourists visited Turkey. In the meantime 117,650 Romanian tourists also prefered Turkey for holiday.

TÜRKİYE (RIGHT)

EARTHQUAKE SHAKES VAN
A slight earthquake measuring 3.5 on the Richter Scale shook eastern Van province. Officials at the Bogazici University Kandilli Observatory Earthquake Research Institute said that the epicenter of the earthquake was Van province. No casualties or financial damages were reported at the earthquake.

ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)

[06] TEMPORARY SPEAKER OF PARLIAMENT SEPTIOGLU TO ACT AS PRESIDENT IN ABSENCE OF DEMIREL

President Demirel is scheduled to attend opening ceremony of an exhibition namely ''Treasury of Sultan - Topkapi in Versailles'' which was organized within the framework of the 700th foundation anniversary of the Ottoman Empire.

President Demirel will hold talks with his French counterpart Jacques Chirac and French Prime Minister Lionel Jospin seperately.

The two meetings are expected to focus on the Kosovo crisis, the NATO, relations between Turkey and France, the European Union (EU) and on the latest developments both in Iraq and in the Middle East.

[07] PRESIDENT DEMIREL ADDRESSES ''PULSE OF THE POLITICS'' PROGRAM - DEMIREL DESCRIBES ENTERING OF KAVAKCI WITH PARLIAMENTARY GENERAL HALL WITH HEADSCARF AS ''PROVOCATION''

Responding to questions in ''Pulse of the Politics'', a live program in TRT- 1, Demirel said ''happening of such an incident made Turkish citizens sorry who called for tranquility and order with their votes casted during Parliamentary General elections.''

Demirel pointed out that the Parliament which directed Turkey's salvation in the past should not be a stage to such incidents, adding that ''everybody condemned this incident. I feel that everybody was sorry to this end.''

Demirel asked ''why do they make people uneasy?, it is impossible to understand this'', and added that ''in fact, this is not the incident of today. This was planned days ago.''

Noting that Parliamentarians who were elected with the free will of people formed the Parliament, Demirel said ''all of them take oath there with determination and excitement. They take oath on the inseparable integrity, Ataturk's reforms, secularism and secular democrat Turkey. While these happen, an ink was dropped on the scene which people cover with pleasure. Yet, I advise calmness to my people.''

[08] PRESIDENT DEMIREL ADDRESSES ''PULSE OF POLITICS'' PROGRAM - DEMIREL: ''CHANGES THAT WILL BE MADE IN ELECTION LAWS AND PARTIES LAWS SHOULD BE DISCUSSED AS AN ISSUE OF PARLIAMENT, NOT ONLY THE GOVERNMENT''

Responding to the questions in ''Pulse of the Politics'', a live program in TRT 1, Demirel evaluated the headscarf incident and stressed that this was important.

Demirel said, ''yet, we say that this is extremity. This has a base and Turkey struggles with this base for sometime. This is what we call fundamentalism. This means to found a state on basis of religion. Yet, Turkey showed with 75th anniversary of the foundation of Turkish Republic and with general elections that it is faithful to the Republic founded by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. The things what they do is in vain, it makes people unhappy.''

Demirel said 56th government expended great efforts and brought Turkey to elections in tranquility and thanked to Premier Bulent Ecevit and other government members due to their efforts.

Demirel said, ''I believe that a government could be formed from today's scene,'' adding that ''I hope that Turkey will not be obliged to seek for a government for a long time.''

President Demirel said he wanted a strong government that can work in harmony and pointed out that the most important duty of the government is to provide Turkey to live in tranquility and silence.

[09] PRESIDENT DEMIREL DESIGNATES ECEVIT TO FORM THE NEW GOVERNMENT

Ecevit became the leader of Republican Peoples' Party (CHP) in May 1972 and was designated for the first time in 1973 to form the government yet returned the duty when he could not form the government. The assignment was given to Ecevit again when Suleyman Demirel, then-leader of Justice Party (AP) of the time, also failed to form the goverment. Ecevit had formed a coalition government with National Salvation Party (MSP) on January 26, 1974 and acted as Prime Minister till November 17, 1974.

The assignment was given to Ecevit again after the collapse of CHP-MSP coalition. Yet, he could not succeed and returned the assignment to President. Ecevit was designated for the fifth time when CHP got the majority of votes in 1977. Yet, Ecevit who could not get a result from the talks he made to form coalition government, formed a minority government. Although the minority government was ratified on June 21, 1977 by Fahri Koruturk, then-President, it could not get a vote of confidence from the Parliament and ended on July 21, 1977.

When second Nationalist Front (Fifth Demirel) government was overthrown with a censure motion on December 31, 1977, the duty was given to Ecevit in 1978. Ecevit formed his third government again with the participation of 11 independent deputies. Third Ecevit Government had stayed in ruling from January 5, 1978 to November 12, 1979.

Bulent Ecevit, who acted as Deputy Prime Minister in the 55th government formed by Mesut Yilmaz, leader of the Motherland Party (ANAP) in 1997, was designated to form the government for the seventh time when the 55th government was overthrown with a censure motion on December 2, 1998.

When efforts to form the 56th government failed, President Demirel designated Ecevit for another time on January 7, 1999. Ecevit, for the second time in his political life, tried minority government. It was ratified by President on January 11, 1999. Thus, fourth Ecevit government got vote of confidence from the Parliament on January 17, 1999. President Suleyman Demirel on May 3, 1999 (today) designated Bulent Ecevit to form the 57th government when Democratic Left Party (DSP) became the first party in Parliamentary General Elections which was held on April 18,1999.

[10] PRESIDENT DEMIREL DESIGNATES ECEVIT TO FORM THE 57TH GOVERNMENT

Responding to the questions of journalists following his meeting with President Suleyman Demirel, Ecevit said he was asked to form the new government by Demirel.

Pointing out that he thanked to the confidence President Demirel showed to him, Ecevit recalled that he did not launch an initiative earlier before the assignment of Demirel is clarified. Demirel said he will start his studies related with the formation of the new government as of this morning.

''We will visit Anitkabir, Mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, at 16:00 local time with our new deputies. Than I will convene Chairmanship Council in General Headquarters. I will listen to the views of some deputies on Tuesday. Of course, those deputies are able to take the pulse of the people, '' Ecevit said.

Ecevit said he even did not hold contacts within the party before Demirel's designation became clear. I will visit to the leaders of political parties according to the number of deputies. I will take their views. What kind of a government Turkey needs at this stage and what are the government facilities, I will discuss all these.''

Ecevit said he will be in an effort to make the government he will form that is in harmony within itself ''the government will at least have three parties.''

Ecevit said the government should be in harmony within itself, in the Parliament and with the opposition, adding that ''there are several basic national problems related with the regime which require consensus and agreement for a solution.

Ecevit said none of the government can solve some of these problems by itself even if it has the absolute majority.

''Democracy is a compromise regime. We have attributed importance to harmonization in period of 55th and 56th government. We could increase the confidence of our people.''

[11] AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF ECEVIT

Mr. Ecevit who graudated from the Istanbul American College in 1944, got married with his school mate Rahsan Aral in 1946.

Bulent Ecevit began his carrier as a translator in Directorate General of the Press and Information in 1944, and served as press attache in the British capital London between 1946 and 1950.

He worked as writer and editor in newspapers such as ''Ulus (Nation)'', ''Yeni Ulus (New Nation)'', ''Halkci (Populist)'' and ''Milliyet''. Mr. Ecevit also issued montly ''Ozgur Insan (Free Human)'' magazine in 1972 and weekly ''Arayis (Search)'' magazine in 1981.

In 1959, Mr. Ecevit was elected as deputy of Rebublican People's Party from Ankara province. He was elected as Secretary General of the CHP in 1966, and in 1972 he became the leader of the party.

In the wake of the September 12, 1980 military intervention, Ecevit quited from the leadership of the CHP. After the political bans were lifted in 1987, Mr. Ecevit has become leader of the Democratic Left Party instead of his wife Rahsan Ecevit in 1987. Following DSP's failure in general elections, Mr. Ecevit abandoned his position once again, but he was elected as the party leader by the DSP General Assembly in 1989.

Bulent Ecevit who served as Labour Minister in Prime Minister Ismet Inonu's governments between 1961 and 1965, led the coalition government formed by the CHP and the National Salvation Party (MSP) in 1974.

Mr. Ecevit formed a minority government in 1977, but he could not get vote of confidence at the parliament. He served as prime minister of government which was set up by the participation of the independent deputies in 1978.

Bulent Ecevit wrote several poetry and political books and translated many famous writers into Turkish.

Poets of Ecevit were also published in Germany, the USSR, Romania, Yugoslavia, Denmark, and Sweden.

Mr. Ecevit studied English Language and Literature at the Ankara University, Sanskrit and History of Art at the London University. He gave lectures at the Hamburg University in 1985 and at several universities ih the U.S. in 1988.

Bulent Ecevit was sentenced to imprisonment terms three times on charges of oposition to the military administration.

Mr. Ecevit took part at the 55th government which was formed by Mesut Yilmaz, the Leader of the Motherland Party (ANAP) on June 30, 1997, as the deputy prime minister and minister of state.

Ecevit was designated to form 56th government on December 2, 1998 by President Suleyman Demirel, but he gave back the mandate after failing to form government on December 21. He was given the mandate for the second time on January 7, 1999, and he formed the 56th government on January 11, 1999 and became prime minister for the fourth time.

The DSP won 136 seats in the 550-seat parliament during the April 18, 1999 general elections and became the largest group at the parliament.

[12] NATO'S AIR OPERATION AGAINST YUGOSLAVIA - TURKISH F-16 WAR PLANES ACCUMULATE A TOTAL OF 1,105 FLIGHT HOURS

The General Staff Information Center issued a statement saying that the Turkish F-16 war planes which are deployed at the Ghedi Airbase in Italy, stayed in air for 31 hours on May 2.

Meanwhile, a total of 749,511 Kosovar people were forced to leave their homes so far as a result of ethnic cleansing campaign in Kosovo. According to the latest figures, there are 12,542 refugees in Turkey; 50 thousand in Serbia; 63,300 in Montenegro; 382 thousand in Albania; 166 thousand in Macedonia; 9,974 in Germany; 45,500 in Bosnia-Herzegovina and 20,195 in other countries. A total of 820 thousand Albanian people who remained in Kosovo, have also been forced to move.

A total of 12,542 Kosovar refugees have entered Turkey from Istanbul, the Tekirdag-Corlu border gate, and from the Edirne-Kapikule border gate since the beginning of NATO air operation.

A total of 5,434 Kosovars have been sheltered at Gaziosmanpasa Refugee Camp in Kirklareli.

Turkey has provided shelters for a total of 5,554 Kosovar refugees in camps in Macedonia and Albania. Both camps have capacity to host 20 thousand refugees.

Meanwhile, a convoy of six lorries carrying humanitarian aid worth of 391 thousand U.S. dollars, left for Albania.

[13] PRESIDENT DEMIREL CALLS HIS AZERI COUNTERPART ALIYEV AND WISHES SPEEDY RECOVERY

The Presidential Press Center issued a statement saying that President Demirel received information about the health condition of his Azeri counterpart Aliyev, and wished him speedy recovery.

President Haydar Aliyev (75) had spent two weeks in Turkey at the beginning of this year, and received treatment for acute bronchitis.

It was reported that President Aliyev's health condition is better, but it is not clear yet when he will be able to travel to his country.

[14] TURKISH EXPO'99 FAIR TO BE OPENED IN BAKU ON MAY 5

The 4th Turkish Trade and Industry Fair is also being supported by the Azerbaijan Trade and Industry Chamber.

Addressing a press conference, Bilgin Aygun, the Director General of the Forum Firm, noted that the fair aims at further improving commercial relations between Turkey and Azerbaijan, and increasing Turkish businessmen's investments in this country.

Air conditioners, construction equipments, door-window systems, agricultural equipments, telecommunication equipments, and automotive products will be displayed in the fair.

[15] PRESIDENT DENKTAS OF TRNC DEPARTS TURKEY

Addressing journalists at the Ataturk Airport, President Denktas described his contacts in Turkey as very productive and positive.

Reminding that the humanitarian aid collected by the Turkish Cypriots, was handed over to the refugees, President Denktas stressed, ''the Turkish Cypriots had experienced a similar pain in past. We, therefore, understand their sufferings.''

When asked about the Russian made S-300 missiles which are planned to be deployed at Crete, President Denktas noted, ''Greece and the Greek Cypriot side are just like criminals committing homicide. It is not reasonable. They are excited because they know that they will be punished for this.''

[16] THE ATTENDANCE OF KAVAKCI TO THE PARLIAMENT MEETING WITH HEADSCARF - SAVAS, CHIEF PROSECUTOR OF SUPREME COURT, ''NOBODY SHOULD HAVE DOUBT THAT I WILL DO WHAT IS REQURIED BY THE CONSTITUTION AND LAWS''

Responding to the questions of A.A correspondent, Savas said he very closely covered the incidents. Savas said, ''nobody should have doubts that I will boldly do what is ordered by the constitution and the laws.

Savas said that he will call for the tape regarding the developments in Parliamentary General Hall.

Savas earlier initiated investigation against Virtue Party (FP) upon the denouncement of Nuh Mete Yuksel, Ankara DGM Republican Prosecutor.

Savas also wanted the list of the names of the deputies who became Independent and later registered to FP after the closure of Welfare Party (RP).

[17] PRESIDENT DEMIREL GIVES MANDATE OF FORMING THE GOVERNMENT TO ECEVIT - ECEVIT: ''WE'LL EXERT EFFORTS TO FORM A HARMONIOUS GOVERNMENT''

Responding to questions of journalists, Ecevit said that he can't say anything about various government formulas before holding the preliminary meetings with party leaders.

Noting that he will meet with the administration of his own party today and with deputies from his party tomorrow, Ecevit said that ''after the first tour, we will have more information about a possible government.''

Stressing that while launching efforts to form a harmonious government they won't give concessions from the character of secular and democratic republic, Ecevit said that ''I hope we will overcome this problem by our understanding of secular republic soon and I trust our people's common sense. Yesterday, citizens protested Merve Kavakcı in front of the parliament and there were women wearing head scarves among them. These women know the distinction between the private life and the rules of the state. No body interferes with the way women dress in Turkey. However the state has some principles. For instance women can be soldiers and police officers, but they don't think of wearing head scarves when they are working.''

Ecevit stressed that the MHP didn't react to the incident in the parliament yesterday, Ecevit said ''other parties will also evaluate the reactions coming from the public opinion.''

''I will visit all the party leaders if they accept,'' said Ecevit, adding politics and religion shouldn't be interfered with each other. ''Majority of our people are very intelligent about this issue,'' said Ecevit, adding ''Mr. President is very sensitive about this issue too. Our attitude will continue, DSP gives attribute to implement secularism in a way which doesn't put the real believers, who don't manipulate religion, into difficult position,'' he added.

[18] EGE, FOREIGN TRADE UNDERSECRETARY: - ''WHEN POLITICAL STABILITY IS ENSURED, ECONOMIC STABILITY WILL ALSO BE ENSURED''

Ege told A.A correspondent that the fund inflow will be possible only by foresight, and that the basic factor which will help this is the political stability.

Stressing that all Turkish companies are facing a fund trouble; Ege noted that in case there is a serious inflow of fund in the short term, the interests will decrease, the Treasury's borrowing will decrease and the tax incomes will increase.

Ege said that the national export strategy will be revised by taking into consideration the new developments.

Stating that the program of the new government should be known for the revise transactions, Ege stressed that the initiatives for this has not been concluded yet.

Ege said, ''then, we will revise this program every year. I cannot say the positive and negative deviations in the exportation targets at the moment. The policies and the measures are more important than the quantity. The national export strategy can take some time. But, we will try to conclude our initiatives until the end of May.''

Emphasizing that Turkey does not face any problems in the export credits, Ege stated that there are some developments in the Japanese Eximbank credit worth of 200 million U.S. dollars and that the credit can be used in three or five months.

Yavuz Ege said, ''there are not any problems with the World Bank. When my collegues return from the meetings with the World Bank, we will learn everything. But, the credit given by the World Bank can increase a little bit.''

Ege emphasized that he had comprehensive meetings with the Russian officials a short time ago and that they reached some positive points in the meetings.

Noting that they are waiting for the new government at the moment, Ege said, ''we will hold more comprehensive and detailed meetings with Russia in the Joint Economic Commission (JEC) Meeting which will be probably be held in July.''

[19] TURKISH-U.S. RELATIONS TO BE DISCUSSED IN CONFERENCE TO BE HELD THIS WEEK

The energy and defense issues will constitute the first items of the agenda of this year's conference and Ziya Aktas, the Energy and Natural Resources Minister, many high-ranking officials and businessmen will participate in the conference.

The U.S. administration, the U.S. companies and the representatives of some U.S. institutions will join the conference which will be held within the cooperation of Turkish American Business Council that is activating within the framework of the American-Turkish Council (ATC), Turkey's American Friends Association and Foreign Economic Affairs Council (DEIK).

The conference which is held in February or in a spring month every year is considered as a very useful forum in which Turkey and the U.S. discuss cooperation issues in details and in which they show their approaches informally.

The parties will discuss not only the defense and energy issues but also the industry, textile, agriculture, telecommunication, education, trade issues and the relations with the third countries.

Ziya Aktas will meet with some U.S. officials and will join in other meetings.

[20] SUSURLUK CASE - ISTANBUL DGM NO:6 RULES TO CEASE TRIAL OF SEDAT EMIN BUCAK

The verdict of the Istanbul DGM No:6 about Sedat Edip Bucak is as follows:

''As it is understood the suspect Sedat Edip Bucak was elected as a deputy this term, the Court ruled to stop this trial in accordance with Article 253/4 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, and send the court file to the parliament through the Justice Ministry for once again lifting his parliamentary immunity by taking into consideration Article 83/4 of the Constitution.''

The verdict of the Court about Mehmet Agar is as follows:

''The Court ruled to stop legal procedure for the lawsuit filed against the suspect Mehmet Kemal Agar as he was re-elected as a deputy; to wait for the decision of the Council of State and then follow the necessary legal procedure according to the content of the dossier which is still at the Council of State.''

Haluk Kirci, the only arrested defendant of the case and who was captured and arrested on grounds that he got involved in many crimes including the killing of seven people from Turkish Labour Party (TIP), Ayhan Akca, Ziya Bandirmalioglu, Oguz Yorulmaz, Ercan Ersoy and Ayhan Carkin, the police officials, Sami Hostan and Ali Fevzi Bir, the business partners of Omer Lutfu Topal, Abdulgani Kizilkaya, driver of Bucak, attended the hearing which started in Istanbul State Security Court (DGM) at 10:15 local time.

[21] DEANE, AUSTRALIAN GOVERNOR-GENERAL, IN ANKARA - PRESIDENT DEMIREL: ''TURKEY, WHICH IS A WORLD STATE, IS CARRYING OUT INITIATIVES TO OPEN HERSELF TO NEW GEOGRAPHIES''

Addressing a statement following the inter-delegationary meetings which are held within the contacts of Willian Deane, Australian Governor-General; Demirel noted that Turkey attributes importance to improving the relations with Australia and that both countries have the good will for improving their relations.

Recalling that the basis of the Turkish and Australian relations went back to Canakkale War, Demirel noted that he gave information about the economic situation of Turkey and that the Turkish citizens who immigrated to Australia constitute a friendship bridge between the two countries.

Deane said that he helps Turkish people living in Australia and thanked the Turkish Republic for showing hospitality when they want to commemorate their martyrs in western Canakkale province.

Deane noted that ''Peace at Home, peace in the world'' words of Ataturk, the founder of Turkey, will continue to be a big inspiration for them, adding that Turkey and Australia do not have any problems between them and that they discussed the economic issues in the meetings.

[22] SUSURLUK CASE - ISTANBUL DGM NO:6 REJECTS REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF HALUK KIRCI FROM PRISON

Haluk Kirci, the only arrested defendant of the case and who was captured and arrested on grounds that he got involved in many incidents including the killing of seven people from Turkish Labour Party (TIP), Ayhan Akca, Ziya Bandirmalioglu, Oguz Yorulmaz, Ercan Ersoy and Ayhan Carkin, the police officials, Sami Hostan and Ali Fevzi Bir, the business partners of Omer Lutfu Topal, Abdulgani Kizilkaya, driver of Bucak attended the hearing which started in Istanbul State Security Court (DGM) at 10:15 local time.

The other suspects, who are tried without arrest, Sedat Edip Bucak, a True Path Party (DYP) deputy; Ibrahim Sahin, former chairman of Special Operation Department; and the policemen, who are exempt from the hearings, Enver Ulu, Mustafa Altunok and a former National Intelligence Organization (MIT) official Korkut Eken; and Yasar Oz, who is staying in prison for another crime, did not attend today's hearing.

Atalay Cebesoy, the lawyer of the arrested suspect Haluk Kirci, requested the Court to release his client from prison.

Aykut Cengiz Engin, the Istanbul DGM Prosecutor, said the imprisonment of suspect Haluk Kirci should continue.

Later, the Court rejected the request for the release of Kirci from prison.

The main and annexed indictments, which were prepared by the Istanbul DGM Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, request imprisonment terms from five years up to nine years each for the suspects Ibrahim Sahin, Ayhan Carkin, Ayhan Akca, Ercan Ersoy, Oguz Yorulmaz, Enver Ulu, Mustafa Altunok, Ziya Bandirmalioglu, Abdulgani Kizilkaya, Korkut Eken, Ali Fevzi Bir and Sami Hostan with charges of ''setting up armed gangs to commit crimes and not informing the concerned athourities about the people against whom arrest warrants were issued''.

The indictment requests imprisonment term of two years up to four years for suspect Yasar Oz with charges of ''being a member of an armed agang which was set up to commit crimes''.

The indictment requests imprisonment term of three years up to seven years for suspect Haluk Kirci with charges of ''setting up armed gang to commit crimes and issuing false driving license and identity card and using them''.

The indictment requests imprisonment term of eleven years up to twenty years for Sedat Edip Bucak, whose dossier was annexed to this case on May 4, 1998 but his trial was ceased as he was re-elected as a deputy, with charges of ''setting up armed gang to commit crimes and not informing the concerned authorities about the place of Abdullah Catli, who was wanted with the verdict of arrest in absentia and ''carrying dangerous arms''.

[23] SEARCH FOR COALITION - DSP LEADER ECEVIT MEETS WITH DSP ECONOMY OFFICIALS TO DISCUSS ECONOMY PROTOCOL REGARDING 57TH GOVERNMENT

Prime Minister Ecevit held a meeting with Husamettin Ozkan, the Minister of State and the Deputy Prime Minister, and Zekeriya Temizel, former Minister of Finance and the DSP candidate for Istanbul Greater City Mayor.

Speaking to reporters following an half an hour meeting at the house of Temizel, Ecevit said some economists and he discussed the protocol.

Pointing out that identification of economic problems in detail and preparation of their solutions become very important when the responsibility of forming the government is undertaken, Ecevit said, ''my valuable economist and financier friends and I have already discussed this issue. We are carrying out a more detailed work.''

When asked what the priorities of the new government will be in economy, Ecevit said, ''I will inform you about it when our studies are concluded. Otherwise, our efforts will be of no use.''

When asked whether or not he will control the economy in the new government, Ecevit said, ''now, we are not at the level of discussing these details.''

[24] TREASURY TO ARRANGE TWO TENDERS ON TUESDAY

Treasury, which plans a net sale between 800 trillion and 1 quadrillion Turkish Liras (TL) at these two tenders, specified the valued date for both tenders as May 5.

The maturity for six-month bonds is November 3, 1999; and the maturity for 14-month debenture bonds is June 7, 2000.

At the previous six-month term bond tender of the Treasury on April 27, 1999, the gross annual interest rate became 77.85 percent, and at the previous 14-month debenture bond tender of the Treasury on April 20, 1999, the gross annual interest rate became 94.33 percent.

[25] DEANE, AUSTRALIAN GOVERNOR-GENERAL, IN ANKARA - PRESIDENT DEMIREL: ''THE UNIQUE COURAGE OF TURKISH AND AUSTRALIAN SOLDIERS GAIN THE ADMIRATION OF THE WHOLE WORLD''

Addressing a speech in the luncheon which Demirel gave for the honour of William Deane, the Australian Governor-General, Demirel noted that the relations between the two nations improved as time passed.

Noting that Turkey and Australia, which share the joint democratic value and ideals, have similar opinions on some important international issues; Demirel stated that the two countries have cooperation in some international organizations.

Stating that both countries will carry out joint efforts in issues which concern all humanity, including the control of the weapons of mass destruction, terrorism and drug trafficking in the 21st century and that he believes that the two countries will be in solidarity; Demirel stressed that Turkey, which is a stability island in the region which shelters some present and potential disputes, makes active contribution to the establishment of peace in the Middle East, the Balkans and the Caucasus.

Demirel said that Australia is a strong guarantee in protecting the peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region.

Demirel invited the Australian enterpreneurs to make investments in the energy sector in Turkey, which will turn into an energy terminal as soon as she becomes the key country in transferring the Eurasian oil and natural gas to the world markets.

Deane said that he had the opportunity to improve the relations between the two countries by his visit to Turkey.

Stating that they watch the role of Turkey in her region, Deane noted that to this end, they congratulate Turkey for her assistance to the Kosovar refugees.

[26] GENERAL BETIR, GENDERMARIE COMMANDER GENERAL, IN BAKU

Addressing a statement at the Bine Airport of Azerbaijan, Betir said that he was very pleased to be in Azerbaijan and hoped that his contacts in this country will be positive for the two countries.

Betir noted that they will only discuss the military issues responding a question on what they will discuss in the meetings.

Betir will meet with Usubov this evening and Betir and his delegation are expected to visit the Gendermarie Training Center and Motorized Regiment on Tuesday.

[27] PRESIDENT DEMIREL DEPARTS FOR FRANCE - DEMIREL: ''I WISH MY VISIT WILL CONTRIBUTE TO THE IMPROVEMENT OF THE RELATIONS BETWEEN TURKEY AND FRANCE''

Addressing a statement at the Esenboga Airport of Ankara, Demirel noted that he will open the exhibition of ''Ottoman Palace Treasures'' which will be held at Versailles Palace Museum with Chirac.

Noting that this exhibition will be the most magnificant activity among the activities which are held abroad for the 700th anniversary of the Ottoman Empire, Demirel said, ''the Ottoman Palace Treasures Exhibition in which nearly 300 works of Topkapi Palace Museum, including the Golden Throne, will be displayed, is very important for the promotion of Turkey abroad.''

''Versailles Palace Museum is one of the most visited museum of the World. We met the support and contribution of Jacques Chirac in allocating this museum for the exhibition of Ottoman Palace Treasures with gratitute. This exhibition constitutes a concrete indicator of the close cooperation of Turkey and France,'' Demirel added.

Stating that he will hold meetings with Chirac and Lionel Jospin, French Prime Minister, during his visit, Demirel stressed that he will discuss the bilateral relations and exchange views about the daily regional and international developments.

Stressing that he will make a speech concerning Turkish foreign policy in a dinner this evening, Demirel emphasized that he will have interviews with the leading French press agencies during his visit.

Demirel said that he will discuss how the commercial relations between the two countries can be improved with the Turkish and French businessmen on Tuesday, adding that he wished that his visit will contribute to the improvement of the relations between Turkey and France.

[28] WORLD INTER-UNIVERSITIES WEIGHT-LIFTING CHAMPIONSHIPS

Abdulaziz Alpak, who competed at the 105 kg category, took two silver and one bronze medals with 175 kg in snatch, 212.5 kg in clean and jerk, and 387.5 kg in total.

Turkish National Team took three gold, three silver, and four bronze medals in four categories on Sunday.

[29] THIRD ASIAN GROUP IFAP MEETING TO BE HELD IN NORTHERN SAMSUN PROVINCE BETWEEN MAY 12 AND 15

A Turkish Agricultural Chambers Union (TZOB) statement said that a work- shop in which the Uruguay and General Agreement of Tariffs and Trade issues will be discussed, will be held in the first and second days of the meeting.

IFAP Asian Group meeting will be held in the third day of the meeting. The representatives of the countries which are the members of the IFAP and the agricultural organizations of the Middle East and Caucasus countries which are not the members of the IFAP will participate in this meeting.

Rasid Pertev, the Deputy Secretary General of IFAP, the experts from the World Bank and the other institutions will join the meeting.

[30] GENERAL BETIR, GENDARMERIE GENERAL COMMANDER REACTS TO HEADSCARF CRISIS IN PARLIAMENT

Responding to question of A.A correspondent about the issue, Betir said that ''this event shouldn't have taken place in the Parliament, but it happened. But the necessary reaction was shown against it.''

Noting that the development process of the cooperation agreement signed earlier will be evaluated in the metings that will take place in Baku, General Betir pointed out that a new cooperation agreement or protocol is not at the agenda.

Usubov, the Azerbaijani Minister of Interior said in his part that the two sides will focus on the military cooperation in their contacts without giving further details.

Stressing that their aim is to benefit from the experiences of Turkey in the military field, Usubov said that the health of Haydar Aliyev, the Azerbaijani President, who went through a by-pass surgery during his visit to the U.S., is fine, adding that he is expected to return to Azerbaijan within 10-12 days.

[31] GOODWIN, BRITISH WRITER-JOURNALIST'S BOOK ON OTTOMANS: ''OTTOMANS DIDN'T GO TO COUNTRIES THEY CONQUERED BY HAVING A MISSIONARY MENTALITY''

Fuad Ajami, the Professor of the International Etudes Faculty of John Hopkins University analysed the book which noted that ''Ottomans didn't go to the countries they conquered with a missionary mentality and they didn't try to change the national identitites of the peoples living in the conquered territories.''

Noting that everybody is of the same opinion that the Ottoman Empire is a Turkish Empire, the writer said that ''the empire is nevertheless is a community which speaks many languages.''

Goodwin said that Balkan Slavs constituted the high ranking administrators and officers in the Ottoman empire and its ceremonies were taken from the Byzantium Empire. Its sailors were Greek and merchants were Armenian. Their alphabet was Arabic.''

''The monetary revolution created by the new world and the inflation that erupted damaged the lives of the Ottomans which were based on rents and fixed income,'' said the writer, adding that as a result of that, everybody tried to be public servants, and their number increased from 60,000 to 100, 000 between 1640-1656.

Jason Goodwin added that the Ottoman Empire took its first foreign debt in 1850 and it went bankrupt after 20 years and the Ottoman Empire lost the power to survive when the nationalist movements increased within the empire.

A.A

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