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Anadolu Agency: News in English, 99-05-08Anadolu Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Anadolu Agency Home Page at <http://www.anadoluajansi.gov.tr/>AA Daily08 May 1999 SaturdayCONTENTS
[01] CHIEF OF GENERAL STAFF RETURNS TO TURKEYANKARA, May 8 (A.A) - General Huseyin Kivrikoglu, the Chief of the General Staff, returned late on Friday to Turkey from Belgium where he attended the NATO Military Committee Chairmanship turnover ceremony.The General Staff issued a statement saying that General Kivrikoglu paid an official visit to Ukraine between May 3 and 5 before the ceremony in the Belgian capital of Brussels. The statement said General Kivrikoglu met with Valery Pavlovic Pustvoytenko, the Prime Minister of Ukraine; General Oleksandr Kuzmuk, the Defense Minister of Ukraine; General Volodimir Skidcenko, the Chief of the Ukranian General Staff; and other high-level officials within the framework of his official visit to Ukraine. The issues of the Partnership for Peace activities, cooperation in the defense industry and other common issues concerning Turkey and Ukraine were discussed at those meetings. General Kivrikoglu also visited several military facilities, headquarters, the Academy of defense and the Darnitsa Tank Repair Factory. [02] COE CALLS ON TURKEY TO ANNUL CAPITAL PUNISHMENTBUDAPEST, May 8 (A.A) - Daniell Tarchys, the Secretary General of the Council of Europe (COE), called on Turkey to annul the death penalty, it was reported on Friday.When asked whether the COE will shelve Turkey's full-membership if the terrorist chief is sentenced to capital punishment at the lawsuit to start on May 31, during a press conference he staged following the COE Ministers Committee meeting, Tarchys recalled that the moratorium preventing the execution of death penalty in Turkey has been continuing since mid 1980s. Pointing out that they expect Turkey to continue the moratorium till the approval of the agreement annuling the death penalty, Tarchys stated that the capital punishment was lifted in 32 members while the moratorium still continues in other nine members. [03] VERGAU, GERMANY'S AMBASSADOR TO ANKARA: ''RELATIONS BETWEEN TURKEY AND GERMANY ENTERED INTO A PERIOD OF QUIESCENCE''ISTANBUL, May 8 (A.A) - Hans-Joachim Vergau, the German Ambassador to Ankara, said on Friday that 'some ''storms'' have recently broke out in the relations between Turkey and Germany.''Now, the relations entered into a period of quiescence. We have to feel concern about this period. Doesn't Turkey want to be a member of the European Union (EU)? Does Turkey have the concern of being excluded from Europe? Even the pools on April 18 didn't diffuse this concern,'' Vergau stated. Addressing the opening remarks of the seminar on ''Scientific Research and Cooperation in Field of Education'' which was organized by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) at the Istanbul Technical University, Vergau recalled that he has been in Turkey for four years and some ''storms'' have broke out in the relations between Turkey and Germany. Noting that Turkey is an ally of Germany, and cooperates with Germany also in the Kosovo issue, Vergau said, ''Mr. Prime Minister of Germany stated that Turkey is a candidate for EU membership. He brought clarity to the issue on the basis of principle. Turkey has to expend efforts to fulfil some conditions for EU membership. The issue of whether Turkey desires to realize raproachment with the EU is one of the issues that should be taken up by the new Turkish government.'' Pointing out that the EU Term President Germany is hopeful from the EU Summit to take place in Koln, Vergau stated that Germany doesn't differantiate Turkey from the EU member countries. [04] TURKEY-PRESS SCANThese are some of the major headlines and their brief stories in Turkey's press on May 8, 1999. The Anadolu Agency does not verify these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.HURRIYET (LIBERAL)HEADSCARF VAMPIREChief Prosecutor Savas who opened a case to close the Virtue Party (FP)on Friday said Kutan, the FP leader and other party members are using the headscarf to abuse religion ''like vampires who feed on blood.'' In his seven page indictment, Savas said Kavakci was deliberately chosen for this plan and added that Erbakan was behind it. KAVAKCI PLANS TO RESIGN AND LIVE IN U.S. MILLIYET (LIBERAL)CHIEF PROSECUTOR: ''FP IS LIKE A MALIGNANT TUMOUR''Vural Savas, Chief Prosecutor of Supreme Court, who filed a suit to Constitutional Court for the closure of Virtue Party (FP), said in his indictment that ''leader of FP, its administrators, mayors and parliamentarians exploit religious feelings like blood sucking vampires. FP: IT IS ILLEGAL SABAH (LIBERAL)BALLOT BOX IS SEENIf 110 Virtue Party (FP) parliamentarians are banned from the politics, there will be elections in 53 provinces within three months following the decision. Vural Savas, Chief Prosecutor of Supreme Court, applied to Constitutional Court for the closure of FP. He demanded all the parliamentarians of FP, not only the administrators, to be stripped of their deputyships and banned from the politics, except Aydin Menderes. MENDERES: ''CENTRAL RIGHT WAITS FOR DEMIREL'' CUMHURIYET (LEFT)FUNDAMENTALIST ATTEMPT IN MALATYAA group including 2000 people reacted by putting dress code circular in Inonu University as an excuse in Malatya province. It was reported that Ramazan Keskin, Imam of a mosque, incited the incidents. Necati Bilican, Director General of Security Department, said they were informed about the incidents beforehand, adding that the incidents were fundamentalist activities. A total of 236 people were taken into custody, business places were destroyed. ADDITIONAL EVIDENCES TO BE SUBMITTED RADIKAL (LEFT)ECEVIT TO MEET WITH PARTY LEADERSPrime Minister Ecevit will start meeting with the party leaders on Saturday in an attempt to form the government. Ecevit will not propose partnership to any parties in his first tour of meetings but will only get the leaders' views on different government formulas. Following the first tour, the Prime Minister will meet again with the leaders who are likely to be in the coalition. Ecevit will meet with Devlet Bahceli, the leader of the National Movement Party (MHP); Recai Kutan, the leader of the Virtue Party (FP); Mesut Yilmaz, the leader of the Motherland Party (ANAP); and Tansu Ciller, the leader of the True Path Party (DYP) on Saturday. ANNOYANCE IN VIRTUE PARTY YENİ YÜZYIL (LIBERAL) JIHAD REHEARSAL Necdet Akboga, Kanal 7 correspondent and Yurt News Agency Malatya representative was taken into custody for visiting the shops in the area one by one and called the sellers to close their shops and join the protests. OPERATIONS EXPANDED AGAINST PKK TÜRKİYE (RIGHT)FIRST OF ALL PARLIAMENT CHAIRMANSHIPBulent Ecevit, leader of Democratic Left Party (DSP) will pay his first visit to Devlet Bahceli, leader of Nationalist Movement Party (MHP). Ecevit will later visit Recai Kutan, leader of Virtue Party (FP), Mesut Yilmaz, leader of the Motherland Party (ANAP), and Tansu Ciller, leader of True Path Party (DYP). Ecevit will be able to get a trump card against MHP if he can get the support of DYP and ANAP. It was reported that MHP proposes rotating chairmanship yet DYP and FP wanted the Parliament Speaker from MHP. DEMIREL: I DID WHAT IS REQUIRED ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)HEAVY CASE TO FPHarsh sytle from Vural Savas, the Chief Prosecutor of the Supreme Court:All adminstrators of FP, including Recai Kutan, the leader, its parliamentarians, and mayors are like vampires which could not be nourised by nothing but blood, and added they always formed an open and close danger preventing functioning of democracy. He said its high ranking administrators should be banned from the politics for five years and they should be stripped of their deputyship. [05] DENKTAS, PRESIDENT OF TRNC: ''BRITAIN LOST HER RIGHT OF GUARANTORSHIP'' - ''ALLOCATION OF MILITARY BASE TO GREECE BY GREEK-CYPRIOTS IS A PROVOCATION''ANKARA, May 8 (A.A) - Rauf Denktas, the President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), said on Friday that Britain lost her title of guarantorship in the Cyprus issue, and every step taken by Britain is in favor of Greek-Cypriots.Responding to the questions of reporters about Britain's guarantorship in the Cyprus issue, the TRNC President Denktas, who arrived in Ankara for a private visit, said that Britain can't fulfil guarantorship, emphasizing, ''every step taken by London has been in favor of Greek-Cypriots. We always protested this, and we'll continue to do so.'' When asked whether Britain will again take a role in talks on the Cyprus issue, Denktas said, ''God forbid. Britain has never fulfiled guarantorship. Because, she, as a guarantor, has always taken wrong steps since the beginning. She recognized Makarios and his government as a legal state. Makarios and his government, which oppressed us for eleven years, were responsible of collapse of partnership republic which was guaranteed by London.'' When asked what he thinks about the Greek warplanes' attempt to land in the Baf airbase in the Greek-Cypriot side, Denktas said he was pleased with the sensitive approach of the Turkish public opinion to the developments about the Cyprus issue, but such kind of incident should be named as hot developments. Noting that Turkey and TRNC have the right of taking necessary measures against every kind of movement tried to be made by the Greek-Cypriot administration against the TRNC, Denktas stated that those measures will always be taken. Stressing that allocation of a military base to Greece by Greek-Cypriots was illegal, Denktas stressed, ''this is a provocation. This indicates that they are not in favor of compromise.'' Emphasizing that Greek-Cypriots continue to move on their wrong way in 1963, Denktas said, ''I hope they can understand that they are on the wrong way.'' [06] HASANOV, AZERBAIJANI LABOR MINISTER, AND DADASHOV, CHAIRMAN OF AZERBAIJANI CONFEDERATION OF LABOR UNIONS, IN TRNCLEFKOSA, May 8 (A.A) - Namik Hasanov, the Azerbaijani Minister of Labor and Social Security, and Akil Dadashov, the Chairman of the Azerbajani Confederation of Labor Unions, arrived late on Friday in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) as the guests of Mehmet Albayrak, the Minister of Labor, Housing and Social Security of the TRNC.The guest delegation was received by Ertugrul Hasipoglu, the Acting President of the TRNC and the Speaker of the TRNC Parliament; Ertugrul Apakan, Turkey's Ambassador to Lefkosa; Mustafa Akinci, the Deputy Prime Minister of the TRNC; and Mehmet Albayrak, the Minister of Labor, Housing and Social Security of the TRNC. Addressing the meeting, Ertugrul Hasipoglu said as the TRNC, their aim is to develop the cooperation between the Turkish Republics and to be officially recognized by the world as a Turkish Republic. Mehmet Albayrak said they wish cooperation and mutual solidarity among sister countries in every field. Albayrak said that the Azerbaijani delegation arrived in the TRNC to hold contacts over the Workers' Health and Labor Security Week. The guest Azerbaijani delegation will leave the TRNC on May 9. [07] POINT OF VIEW OF U.S. ABOUT HEADSCARF: ''OATH WITH HEADSCARF IS TURKEY'S INTERNAL PROBLEM''WASHINGTON, D.C., May 8 (A.A) - A source close the U.S. administration said the issue of taking oath with headscarf is Turkey's internal problem, it was reported on Friday.Speaking to the A.A correspondent, the source said, ''also we have dressing rules. The oath with headscarf is Turkey's internal problem. However, we hope that the issue won't turn into a new social dispute between the secularists and fundamentalists.'' The source stressed that the oath with headscarf at the parliament is not an ''issue of human rights''. [08] AKTAS, MINISTER OF ENERGY: ''RUSSIAN AND INANIAN NATURAL GAS PROJECTS WILL BE FROZEN TILL REALIZATION OF TURKMEN NATURAL GAS''WASHINGTON, D.C., May 8 (A.A) - Ziya Aktas, the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, said that the Baku-Ceyhan oil pipeline project and the Turkmen natural gas project constitute Turkey's priorities in the issue of energy, adding, ''the Russian and Iranian gas projects will be frozen till the Turkmen gas project becomes definite.''Addressing the Strategical and International Works Center, a think-tank organization in Washington, D.C., Aktas said, ''energy is the state policy in Turkey. President Suleyman Demirel makes a considerable contribution to this policy and Turkey will implement the same state policy.'' Recalling that Turkey is planning to purchase natural gas from several coutries especially from Russia and Iran, Aktas said, ''however, we give strategical priority to the Baku-Ceyhan and Turkmen gas projects. The Russian gas project namely 'Blue Stream' and the Iranian gas project will wait till the realization of the Turkmen gas project.'' Aktas said that the draft of the trade agreement will come out following the talks with the Turkmen delegation next week, and most probably, the final agreement will be signed before the end of May 1999. Aktas stated that Turkey will feel the need for other gas projects after the Turkmen gas is concluded, thus Turkey didn't cancel the Russian and Iranian gas projects. ''We have the capacity to purchase the natural gas of all of these countries. However, the problem lies on the precedence. We gave priority to the Turkmen gas,'' he said. Stressing that there were positive developments also in the Baku-Ceyhan oil pipeline, Ziya Aktas mentioned that the documentation related to the Baku- Ceyhan was planned to be finalized in July 1999 within the framework of the protocol which was signed in April 1999 in Istanbul. Aktas noted that in addition to the Azerbaijani oil, a part of the Kazakh oil was also foreseen to flow through the Baku-Ceyhan as Turkey and Kazakhstan signed an agreement in principle. When asked whether Turkey's energy projects will be damaged in case of a rapproachment between the U.S. and Iran in forthcoming period, Energy Minister Aktas said, ''I don't think so. Also the countries having oil will prefer Turkey. A rapproachment between the U.S. and Iran will ease our job in naural gas.'' When asked what he thinks about the objections of the consortium to the Baku-Ceyhan, Aktas said, ''the oil prices were very low few months ago. They said those prices constitute an obstacle in front of the Baku-Ceyhan. Now, the oil prices increased. I hope these issues will be overcome.'' Stressing that the Baku-Ceyhan and Turkmen gas projects are not only the issues of energy but also strategical matters, Minister Aktas said, ''as a result of these projects, the Caucasian countries and the Central Asian republics will integrate with the West.'' [09] PRENDERGAST, DEPUTY SECRETARY GENERAL OF U.N.: - ''THE CYPRUS ISSUE TO BE SOLVED WHEN THE SIDES WANT IT''NEW YORK, May 8 (A.A) - Sir Kieran Prendergast, one of the aides of Kofi Annan, the Secretary General of the U.N., claimed that the sides don't have the inclination to solve the Cyprus issue, it was reported on Friday.Addressing the CNN's World Report programme, Prendergast said the Cyprus issue was prolonged, and it stemmed from the ''lack of will of the sides for solution'', not from the U.N. Security Council's lack of will to have its resolutions be implemented. Noting that the two sides should reach an agreement for a solution, Prendergast said that not only the political will but olso the inclination of tho two sides for an agreement play a role in solution. Sir Kieran added that the Cyrus issue will be solved one day. [10] TURKEY TO JOIN CANNES FILM FESTIVALISTANBUL, May 8 (A.A) - Serdar Akar's ''Gemide'' and Ferzan Ozpetek's ''Harem Suare'' will represent Turkey at the 52nd Cannes Film Festival, it was reported on Saturday. Eight more movies which are not participating in the competition will be shown during the festival to promote Turkish cinema abroad.Mustafa Altioklar's ''Agir Roman'', Tunc Basaran's ''Kaciklik Diplomasi'', Reis Celik's ''Hoscakal Yarin'', Sinan Cetin's ''Propaganda'', Biket Ilhan's ''Kayikci'', Omer Vargi's ''Hersey Guzel Olacak'', Turgut Yasalar's ''Leopar Kuyrugu'' and Kudret Sapanci's ''Laleli'de bir Azize'' will be enjoyed by the viewers and the distributors. Kadri Yurdatap, Chairman of Movie Owners Union (SESAM) said they wanted to host the distributors at the next Istanbul Film Festival. During this year's festival, Turkey hired a good size stand, twice as big as Greece's, Yurdatap said, to promote Turkish cinema. In the previous years, Turkey had limited financial resources for the promotional activities. Yurdatap also pointed out that Turkey's ads will appear in festival magazines to open to foreign markets. [11] 98 PERCENT OF U.S. FIRMS READY TO BUY TURKISH PRODUCTS, SURVEY SAYSANKARA, May 8 (A.A) - Ninety-three percent of 28 thousand U.S. firms are ready to buy Turkish goods, showed the results of a survey done by International Exporters Federation (IEF). While four percent of these firms reported that they did not consider to buy Turkish goods, three percent of them stated they did not have an opinion on the matter. American exporters describe Turkish goods as medium to good quality and find the prices reasonable.Turkey's export to the U.S. increased by 30-40 percent in clothing compared to last year. There are four main causes of this increase, the report listed: the U.S. economy is growing; Americans are becoming more aware of Turkish products; Turkish exporters are in search of alternative markets after the shrinking of Russian and European markets, and Turks noticed the potential in the U.S. market. The IEF report stresses that leather clothing is popular in the U.S. and Turkey can benefit from the export of leather outfits, shoes, as well as various sports products, food and beverages. The demand for car spare parts is also big, the report pointed out and added that they expected a decline in the exportation of livestock, steel, alcoholic drinks and certain food products from Turkey to the U.S. Turkish businessmen should present brief and simple sales letters and promotion brochures to the U.S. firms and should contact them directly without any mediators, the IEF report suggested. Turkish businessmen should use internet more often and sustain high standards in their products, it was also noted in the report. [12] TURKISH NAVAL FORCE TO PURCHASE 6 FRIGATES, 12 CORVETTES AND 28 HELICOPTERS IN NEXT DECADEWASHINGTON D.C., May 8 (A.A) - Turkish Naval Force Commandership decided to purchase six frigates, 12 corvettes and 28 helicopters in the next 10 years to increase Turkey's defense capacity, it was reported on Saturday.The six frigates will be built at Turkish shipyards with the contributions of a foreign firm, it was said in the Defense Group meetings of ''Turkish- American Relations'' conference in Washington D.C. The total value of the project which will be coordinated by the National Defense Ministry is expected to cost 1.5 billion U.S. dollars. A tender will open officially this year. The corvettes, on the other hand, are estimated to cost one billion U.S. dollars and this project will be handled by Defense Industry Undersecretariat (SSM). First eight and then four corvettes will be constructed with a foreign partner in Turkish shipyards. Six regular helicopters and 22 sea helicopters will also be purchased to be used by the Naval Force Commandership. Last year an agreement was signed with the U.S. Sikorsky Aircraft company for the purchase of six Sea Hawk sea helicopters. The new helicopters are expected to be the same type. The helicopters will cost a total of 700 million U.S. dollars. [13] PRESIDENT DEMIREL MEETS WITH TRNC PRESIDENT DENKTASANKARA, May 8 (A.A) - President Suleyman Demirel said on Saturday that Cyprus question was a national case for Turks, adding that friendly countries should not put in this question to bilateral relations with Turkey because Turkey was very sensitive to this end.Speaking before his meeting with Rauf Denktas, President of Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), Demirel said Cyprus question was Turkey's national case, adding that ''We have been saying this to the world for years. Turkey, being a country in peace, wants its kinsmen in Cyprus to live safely and be in welfare.'' Noting that there was a de facto situation in Cyprus and that there were two states there, Demirel said ''the issue is the relations of these countries on this island. Turkish Cypriots suffered a lot, former conditions can not be created again.'' Demirel said ethinc cleansing, which was made in Bosnia in the past and in Kosovo today, was tried in Cyprus. The ones who evaluate Cyprus question politically should not forget this. Meanwhile, Denktas, TRNC President, said they could not accept any pressure, adding that there were some activities related with the issue. Denktas said he was pleased to discuss these with Demirel. Foreign Minister Ismail Cem and Nazif Borman, TRNC's Ambassador to Ankara were also present at the meeting. [14] PRESIDENT DEMIREL: ''NOBODY SHOULD FOLLOW ANYTHING THAT CONTRADICTS WITH THE REPUBLIC''ANKARA, May 8 (A.A) - President Suleyman Demirel said on Saturday that nobody should go after anything that contradicts with the Republic.Demirel received Karabuk Economic Development and Social Aid Foundation delegation composed of Hamit Cepni, its Chairman and other members. Mehmet Cetinkaya, one of the members of the delegation mentioned about the incident caused by Merve Kavakci, Istanbul Deputy of Virtue Party (FP) who entered the Parliament with headscarf, and thanked to Demirel as he took the matter seriously. Demirel said he wanted peace, unity and integrity to be preserved in Turkey and added that the only condition for this was to protect Republic. Pointing out that it was said that ''we want a free Turkey'', Demirel said ''Yes, Turkey is free, yet it is natural that the state will be careful if you want to spoil order in Turkey, damage its inseparable integrity and domestic peace.'' Mentioning about tourism sector Demirel said ''the difficulties in tourism sector experienced this year stemmed from political conjuncture, not the deficiencies in promotion. There is no need for panic, required measures have been taken.'' Demirel said despite all the problems experienced in tourism, 10 million people visited Turkey last year, adding that the target for this year will be 25 million people. ''We are following the issue. Required measures will be taken. There are provocations in Europe to prevent people from coming to Turkey. All these difficulties are transitory. We will support the institution who are engaged in tourism'' Demirel pointed out. Demirel said Turkey, througout his 75 years old republic, developed positive relations with all the countries of the world, adding that today's problems were inherited from the Ottoman Empire. Demirel said efforts were exerted to solve these problems yet that was not so easy. Demirels aid ''Turkish Republic is a deterrent power and a peace force.'' Demirel, who also recevied Ardahan Province Development Foundation Executive Board, said Aktas Border Gate will be opened and that contacts were underway with Georgia to this end. Demirel said ''Aktas Border Gate will be opened and deficiencies of Turkgozu Border gate will be overcome.'' A.A Anadolu Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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