Anadolu Agency: News in English, 99-05-10

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AA Daily

10 May 1999 Monday

CONTENTS

[01] AKTAS, MINISTER OF ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES: - ''TURKISH-AMERICAN BUSINESS COUNCIL'S MEETING WAS FRUITFUL''

[02] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

[03] NATO'S AIR OPERATION AGAINST YUGOSLAVIA - TURKISH F-16 WAR PLANES ACCUMULATE A TOTAL OF 1,287 FLIGHT HOURS

[04] PRESIDENT DENKTAS OF THE TRNC: - ''YOU ARE TRYING TO PUNISH MILOSEVIC, BUT MACARIOS HAD DONE SAME THINGS AND YOU HAD AWARDED HIM''

[05] 11TH INTERNATIONAL ANKARA FILM FESTIVAL ENDS

[06] SMUGGLED HISTORICAL WORKS BACK IN TURKEY - SEVEN MARBLE WORKS BELONGED TO ROMAN EMPIRE PERIOD AND FOUR WOODEN PANELS OF ULU MOSQUE RETURNED TO TURKEY

[07] PROFESSORS DISCUSS HEADSCARF INCIDENT ON TRT

[08] TURKEY EXPORTS HAZELNUT TO 80 COUNTRIES

[09] FORESTRY GENERAL DIRECTORATE TO RENT 12 HELICOPTERS TO FIGHT AGAINST FOREST FIRES

[10] TURKISH TELEPHONE EXCHANGE SOFTWARE IN SERVICE IN CHINA

[11] TRNC PRESIDENT DENKTAS: ''WHEN WE SAY TURKISH SOLDIER WE REMEMBER FREEDOM, DEMOCRACY AND HUMAN RIGHTS''

[12] WEU COUNCIL OF MINISTERS PERIODIC SPRING MEETING STARTS - TURK, NATIONAL DEFENSE MINISTER, IN BREMEN

[13] ULUGBAY, DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER: ''WHILE TURKISH ECONOMY ENTERS AMONG THE FIRST 20 ECONOMIES OF THE WORLD, WE TARGET TO ENTER AMONG THE FIRST 10 NOW''

[14] DPT'S REPORT ON FINANCIAL MARKETS

[15] BAYAR, MINISTER OF INTERIOR: ''WE DON'T HAVE THE ISSUE OF DUAL CITIZENSHIP AT OUR AGENDA''

[16] 131ST ANNIVERSARY OF FOUNDATION OF COUNCIL OF STATE - PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT: ''WE REQUIRE A REFORM IN JUDGEMENT''

[17] HEADSCARF CRISIS IN PARLIAMENT - GAZIANTEP LIONS AND LEO CLUBS: ''WE ARE OPPOSED TO ENTRANCE OF HEADSCARF TO PARLIAMENT''

[18] THAI DELEGATION IN ISTANBUL

[19] THEATER AN DER RUHR, ONE OF THE LEADING GERMAN THEATRES IN TURKEY

[20] IZMIR MUNICIPALITY OPENS INTERNATIONAL TENDER FOR CONSTRUCTION OF DEGIRMENDERE DAM WITH 5.5 TRILLION LIRAS BID BOND

[21] THIRD INTERNATIONAL PETROLEUM'99 FAIR TO BE HELD BETWEEN MAY 13 AND 16 IN ISTANBUL

[22] NEW DECISIONS FROM YPK - YPK UNITES ''IZMIR GULF CLEANSING'' AND ''SECOND PART CONSTRUCTION OF IMPROVEMENT OF IZMIR HARBOUR'' PROJECTS

[23] ATALAY, GENDARMERIE TROOP COMMANDER OF ARDAHAN: ''TERRORISM HAS NEARLY ENDED, IT IS DEVELOPMENT'S TURN NOW''

[24] VISIT OF ENERGY MINISTER TO U.S. - MINISTRY OF ENERGY: ''OUR MINISTRY HAS FOUND THE OPPORTUNITY TO DISCUSS IN DETAIL ITS POLICIES AND OPINIONS''

[25] SPEAKER OF PARLIAMENT ELECTIONS - CONSULTATION COUNCIL TO CONVENE ON TUESDAY TO DECIDE WHEN THE ELECTION ROUNDS START

[26] HEADSCARF CRISIS IN PARLIAMENT - PROF. BERKARDA, TERM PRESIDENT OF UNION OF NGOs: ''FUNDAMENTALISTS ENCOURAGE OUR PEOPLE TO UPRISING BY CREATING HEADSCARF CHAOS''

[27] WEU COUNCIL OF MINISTERS' SPRING TERM MEETINGS - TURK, MINISTER OF NATIONAL DEFENSE: ''THE MOST IMPORTANT DUTY OF WESTERN COUNTRIES IS TO FIND AN URGENT SOLUTION FOR REFUGEE PROBLEM'' - ''THE NATO SHOULD CONTINUE ITS AIR OPERATION UNTIL THE TARGET IS REACHED''

[28] TURKEY TO PURCHASE NATURAL GAS GROM NIGERIA

[29] RED CRESCENT SENDS AID TO ALBANIA, MACEDONIA, AND AZERBAIJAN

[30] GENERAL STAFF DELEGATION IN TBILISI - GEORGIAN NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS TO RECEIVE TRAINING IN TURKEY

[31] PRESIDENT DEMIREL: ''PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT SAID WHAT IS REQUIRED ON THE ISSUE OF IRAN. NECESSARY ATTITUDE IS ASSUMED''

[32] DENKTAS, TRNC PRESIDENT: ''THEY SHOULD ACCEPT THE FACT THAT GREEK CYPRIOTS ARE NOT THE GOVERNMENT OF TURKISH CYPRIOTS''

[33] WEU MINISTERS COUNCIL - TURK, MINISTER OF NATIONAL DEFENSE: ''TURKEY IS READY AND WILLING TO PARTICIPATE IN EFFORTS OF THIS NEW PERIOD TO MAKE EUROPEAN SECURITY AND DEFENSE CONCRETE''

[01] AKTAS, MINISTER OF ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES: - ''TURKISH-AMERICAN BUSINESS COUNCIL'S MEETING WAS FRUITFUL''

Aktas stated that this year's meeting mainly focused on energy, transportation and defense. ''Our aim was to bring the U.S. and Turkish businessmen together and make them discuss the problems if there are any. They were not only interested in energy investments but also in Baku-Ceyhan Pipeline and Turkmen Natural Gas Pipeline projects. I can tell you I returned with a positive impression,'' the Minister said.

The Minister noted he was asked questions about Baku-Ceyhan Pipeline, Turkmen Natural Gas Pipeline, Blue Stream Project, and Iran Natural Gas Project at Strategic and international Cooperation institute. Turkey wanted to materialize all this, yet gave priority to Baku-Ceyhan Pipeline and Turkmen Natural Gas Pipeline, Aktas told reporters.

[02] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

HURRIYET (LIBERAL)

KAVAKCI'S U.S. CITIZENSHIP ALSO AT RISK
Meanwhile, Kavakci's U.S. citizenship is also at risk. When she took oath to become a U.S. citizen, she had announced that she would leave her Turkish citizenship. However, Kavakci is a Turkish citizen and this means she didn't keep her promise. It was reported that Kavakci must be stripped of her U.S. citizenship in order to be a deputy in the Turkish Parliament. The U.S. may not keep her as a U.S. citizen as she damaged the 'image of a U.S. citizen' it was also said.

MILLIYET (LIBERAL)

WARNING TO IRAN FROM ECEVIT
Reacting the protests in Iran to support Merve Kavakci, Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said ''Iran is trying to export its ideology,'' and added that this should not happen between neighbours. Ecevit also stressed that Iran is hosting PKK members along the border. ''I believe that Hatemi is trying to bring a modern regime, but there are some conflicts in Iran,'' the Prime Minister said.

SABAH (LIBERAL)

CUMHURIYET (LEFT)

GENERAL ATES IN ISRAEL
General Atilla Ates, the Commander of the Land Forces, left for Israel in order to pay an official visit to this country. A military delegation accompanies General Ates during his official visit. General Atilla Ates and accompanying delegation are expected to return to Turkey on May 12.

RADIKAL (LEFT)

TERRORIST ATTACK IN DARIKENT REGION OF TUNCELI PROVINCE
Terrorists set fire to four houses, a car, and a transformer center in Darikent region in Mazgirt county of Tunceli province. A group of nearly 20 terrorists raided Darikent region in the late hours of Saturday and set fire to the houses, the car, and the transformer center. A total of 13 livestock, which were in the barns of the houses, were perished because of the fire.

YENİ YÜZYIL (LIBERAL)

ANAP WANTS TO BE IN NEW GOVERNMENT
Mesut Yilmaz, leader of the Motherland Party (ANAP), said that the political scene which appeared following the April 18 general elections brought them an obligation to undertake a responsibility in a new political formation, adding that ''a new government model will be formed by the end of this month with contribution of ANAP.''

TÜRKİYE (RIGHT)

PROMOTION CAMPAIGN IN TOURISM
The number of tourists who visited Turkey in the first four months of this year is over 1.5 million. Ahmet Tan, the Minister of Tourism said his ministry is continuing efforts to overcome the problems experienced in tourism sector and added that more tourists will come as the weather gets warmer in the coming days.

ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)

1.5 MILLION TOURISTS VISIT TURKEY IN FIRST FOUR MONTHS
More than 1.5 million tourists visited Turkey in the first four months of 1999. ''This number is expected to rise as the weather gets warmer,'' said Ahmet Tan, the Minister of Tourism. However, there has been a 14.7 percent drop in the number of tourists who visited Turkey in the first four months of 1999 compared to the same period of 1998. About 50 percent of this year's tourists came from OECD countries. More than 161 thousand tourists were from Eastern Europe. Number of German tourists who visited Turkey in the beginning of this year is the highest. Commomwealth of Independent States (CIS), Romania, Iran, U.S., France, Britain, and Bulgaria follow Germany on the list.

[03] NATO'S AIR OPERATION AGAINST YUGOSLAVIA - TURKISH F-16 WAR PLANES ACCUMULATE A TOTAL OF 1,287 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 24 hours on May 9,

Meanwhile, a total of 801, 192 Kosovar people were forced to leave their homes so far. According to the latest figures, there are 13,474 refugees in Turkey; 50 thousand in Serbia; 63,300 in Montenegro; 396,300 in Albania; 204,070 in Macedonia; 9,974 in Germany; 45,500 in Bosnia-Herzegovina, and 17,758 in other countries. A total of 875 Albanian people who remained in Kosovo, have also been forced to move.

A total of 13,474 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 5,982 Kosovars have been sheltered at Gaziosmanpasa Refugee Camp in Kirklareli.

Turkey has provided shelters for a total of 9 thousand Kosovar refugees in camps in Macedonia and Albania. Both camps have capacity to host 20 thousand refugees.

[04] PRESIDENT DENKTAS OF THE TRNC: - ''YOU ARE TRYING TO PUNISH MILOSEVIC, BUT MACARIOS HAD DONE SAME THINGS AND YOU HAD AWARDED HIM''

Addressing the meeting, President Denktas stressed, ''the Greek Cypriots had begun an ethnic cleansing campaign against the Turkish Cypriots in 1963 under the leadership of Macarios. Within three days, Turkey had done what the NATO could not do in six or seven weeks today, and succeded in putting an end to ethnic cleansing campaign on the island. Cyprus has been living in peace since 1974. No one has the right to damage it.''

Noting that the Greek Cypriot side is known as the legal Cypriot government by the whole world due to misunderstandings, President Denktas pointed out that the Greek Cypriot side still tries to dominate island by hiding behind this misunderstandings.

Emphasizing that the Turkish Cypriot side has taken preventive measures against such targets of the Greek Cypriots, Denktas continued, ''the TRNC exists. The Cyprus question could not be solved for 36 years by ignoring the TRNC's existence on the island, and by an aproach that there is only one government, only one nation on Cyprus. Now, I am calling whole world to correct this wrong point of view.''

Denktas pointed out, ''You are trying to punish Yugoslav President Slobadan Milosevic; but Macarios had done the same things, and you had awarded him for his actions by usurping the rights of the Turkish Cypriots.''

Stressing that they endeavour to further improve the TRNC's ecomony, President Denktas reminded that they have signed reciprocal agreements with Turkey to this end, and thanked Turkey.

[05] 11TH INTERNATIONAL ANKARA FILM FESTIVAL ENDS

The ''Journey Towards Sun (Gunese Yolculuk)'' directed by Yesim Ustaoglu, won the Best National Film award while Erkan Can was awarded with the Best Actor Prize for his performance in the ''On the Ship (Gemide)'', and Ayda Aksel was awarded with the Best Actress Prize for her performance in the ''Diploma for Madness (Kaciklik Diplomasi)''.

Names of the other winners are as follows:

The Best Supporting Actor: Haldun Boysal (On the Ship)

The Best Supporting Actress: Guler Okten (Diploma for Madness)

The Best Fiction: Nevzat Disiacik (Diploma for Madness)

The Best Art Director: Suna Ciftci (Diploma for Madness)

The Best Music: Nedim Otyam (Diploma for Madness)

The Best Picture Director: Jaceh Petrycki (Journey Towards Sun)

The Promising New Director: Serdar Akar (On the Ship)

The Promising Male Performance: Olgun Simsek (Mixed Pizza)

The Promising Female Performance: Mizgin Kapazan (Journey Towards Sun)

The Aziz Nesin Labour Prize: Zeki Okten and Agah Ozguc

The Mass Media Prize: Irfan Demirkol and Binnur Kilinckaya

The Onat Kutlar Best Screenplay Prize: Yesim Ustaoglu (Journey Towards Sun)

The Onat Kutlar Best Director Prize: Yesim Ustaoglu (Journey Towards Sun)

[06] SMUGGLED HISTORICAL WORKS BACK IN TURKEY - SEVEN MARBLE WORKS BELONGED TO ROMAN EMPIRE PERIOD AND FOUR WOODEN PANELS OF ULU MOSQUE RETURNED TO TURKEY

Addressing a press conference at the Esenboga Airport, Prof. Dr. Tekin Aybas, the Undersecretary of Culture Ministry, stressed that Turkey is determined to take back all smuggled historical works.

Prof. Dr. Aybas reminded that the marble works were smuggled by the Dutch Consul General in İzmir 105 years ago.

The marble works will be displayed in the Anatolian Civilizations Museum.

Meanwhile, four wooden balustrade panels belonged to the Ulu Mosque which was constructed in 1227 in Divrigi county of central Sivas province will be displayed in the Turkish-Islamic Works Museum in Istanbul in coming days.

Responding to questions of journalists at the Esenboga Airport, Mustafa Keten, the Director General of Foundations, noted that they will send reports regarded with other 56 missing historical works to the foreign representations and international organizations as soon as possible.

[07] PROFESSORS DISCUSS HEADSCARF INCIDENT ON TRT

Prof. Kaboglu suggested that deputies shoud be educated about law. ''Deputies have immunity and financial privileges to take decisions for the people,'' he said, and added that there are constitutional laws on everything, including dress code for those who work in the Parliament.

''Kavakci shouldn't have done this as a deputy. Her party shouldn't have given her this authority. Even if they did, the Parliament Speaker should have said 'no','' Prof. Kaboglu continued.

He went on to say that Kavakci was a scapegoat and that she was sent to the Turkish Republic as an agent.

Prof. Necla Arat, Chairwoman of Women's Problems Research Center of istanbul University who also attended the tv debate said that ''the incident was not merely a headscarf problem. It was the surfacing of a contra-revolution.''

[08] TURKEY EXPORTS HAZELNUT TO 80 COUNTRIES

Officials at the Black Sea Union of Hazelnut Exporters told the A.A correspondent that Turkey exports hazelnut mainly to European countries.

Germany comes at the top of the list with an export rate of 38 percent while France, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Britain, and the U.S. follow Germany on the list.

Russia, Lebanon, Israel, Serbia, Argentina, South Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, Australia, Uzbekistan, Morocco, People's Republic of China, Costa Rica, India, Panama, and Turkmenistan take place among the countries.

Turkey's annual hazelnut export changes between 190 thousand tonnes and 245 thousand tonnes.

[09] FORESTRY GENERAL DIRECTORATE TO RENT 12 HELICOPTERS TO FIGHT AGAINST FOREST FIRES

The Forestry General Directorate will pay Guneydogu Aviation Corporation about 4.7 million U.S. dollar rental fee.

The 12 helicopters which are capable of pouring water onto the fire from their tanks will be brought to Turkey starting in June. June, July, August, and September are the months with the highest fire risk in Turkey.

Majority of the helicopeters will give service in Aegean, Mediterranean, and Marmara regions.

[10] TURKISH TELEPHONE EXCHANGE SOFTWARE IN SERVICE IN CHINA

The new software makes it possible to benefit from the advantages of the Integral Services Digital Network (ISDN) by the ISUP signals which are realized by the voice, data, and the image transmission in the telephone lines.

A Netas statement said that the Netas company is very proud of making Turkey known by their technological superiorities and talented Turkish engineers; adding that the company continues to produce new communication systems for their clients, regardless of in which geographical region they live.

The statement noted that Netas company continues to undertake the responsibility of realizing the MS100i telephone exchange software of the Nortel Networks, which is the main partner of Netas, since 1993.

Netas Software Development Group carries out software projects for the DMS100i telephone exchanges not only in China, but also in Central and Latin America, Commonwealth of Independent States, North America, Middle East, Brazil, and Turkey.

[11] TRNC PRESIDENT DENKTAS: ''WHEN WE SAY TURKISH SOLDIER WE REMEMBER FREEDOM, DEMOCRACY AND HUMAN RIGHTS''

Visiting General Dogu Aktulga, the Commander of Aegean Army, Rauf Denktas said that ''being together with soldiers always makes us happy and pleased. When we talk about Turkish soldiers, we remember peace and freedom that were brought to Cyprus by Turkish soldiers. Thus, showing respect to our soldiers is almost equal to worship. The Turkish army which comes among the leading powers in the world is the most experienced army today.''

Meeting with Ahmet Piristina, the mayor of Izmir province, Denktas stated that he wishes to improve the relations between TRNC and Izmir municipality, noting that the political power in Greece won the latest elections by saying that ''we've solved the integration issue between Cyprus and Greece not only in military aspect, but also in social and democratic aspects.''

Noting that Greece wishes to transform Cyprus into a Greek island and to declare it as a second Greek Republic through membership to the EU, Denktas said that ''this is their real game. TRNC and Turkey told them that 'if you take one step, we'll take stronger steps.' We've once again understood that this policy is true in our recent contacts in Ankara with President Suleyman Demirel and Foreign Minister Ismail Cem. Now we get information saying that Greek Cypriots try to activate G-8 countries including the U.S. We have to resist to that. Countries behave in a such way as if we don't exist. All issues can be negotiated on table.''

Stressing that he has been negotiating with the Greek Cypriot side for 20 years, Rauf Denktas, the TRNC President said that the Greek Cypriot side acts as if she is the Cyprus government. ''I wish them to see the existence of 65 million Turks who are against giving concessions regarding the Cyprus issue so that they should give up adventure and armament,'' said Denktas, adding that Greece arms the Greek Cypriot side and she continiously arms herself in Aegean.

[12] WEU COUNCIL OF MINISTERS PERIODIC SPRING MEETING STARTS - TURK, NATIONAL DEFENSE MINISTER, IN BREMEN

A Turkish delegation, headed by Hikmet Sami Turk, National Defense Minister, will participate in the meeting.

Guner Oztek, Turkish Permanent Representative in WEU, some officials from the National Defense Ministry, Foreign Ministry and the Office of Chief of General Staff, will also join the meeting.

The attendants will discuss putting into effect the Amsterdam Agreement, the European security and defense in the light of the resolutions of the NATO summit, the situation in the West Balkans and the defense policies within the framework of European crisis administration.

[13] ULUGBAY, DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER: ''WHILE TURKISH ECONOMY ENTERS AMONG THE FIRST 20 ECONOMIES OF THE WORLD, WE TARGET TO ENTER AMONG THE FIRST 10 NOW''

Addressing the 73rd foundation anniversary of the State Statistics Institute (DIE), Ulugbay said one of the missions that should be done by DIE is to determine the physical measures of Turkish people.

Noting that statistical information is important not only for administrations, but also for industrial and service sectors, Ulugbay said DIE has to update the information in order to meet the changing needs.

''We don't know the average heights of our people in respect of their age, we have to collect this information. This is important because serving people in many industrial goods and easing person's physical comfort have become the leading elements of competition in our world today. We have the obligation to give information to our industry which is competitive in the world in this field,'' said Ulugbay.

Ulugbay pointed out that statistics is also necessary in the field of health in order to provide social solidarity in communal life, adding asking questions about blood groups in census is also important.

Omer Gebizlioglu, the Chairman of DIE said in his part that DIE is a reliable institution which has proven its success in 73 years, adding DIE publishes nearly 300 news bulletin annually and more than 200 booklets incorporating hundreds of statistical information.

[14] DPT'S REPORT ON FINANCIAL MARKETS

According to the DPT's monthly report on the ''Developments in Financial Markets'', the increase in the net foreign factor incomes became effective in the gross domestic product growth's protecting its positive level in 1998.

The budget expenditures remained within the limits foreseen by the Staff Monitor Agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) while the tax revenues were below the target due to decrease in production and imports in the first three months of 1999.

The report said the average of maturity became 359 days and the domestic borrowing rate became 115.2 percent in the first quarter of 1999. In the same period in 1998, the the average of maturity was 196 days and the rate of domestic borrowing was 99.5 percent.

Noting that the domestic net credit volume increased 46.7 percent to 12.3 quadrillion Turkish liras (TL) in march 1999, the report stressed that a recession has been continuing since August 1998, the month when the Russian crisis erupted.

The report said the share of deposit banks' domestic credit volume in total deposits decreased from 47.3 percent to 46.7 percent in March 1999.

Menawhile, the report said the interest rates in the repo market decreased from 84.5 percent to 82.2 percent in March 1999 while the overnight interest rate in the interbank money market increased from 76.2 percent to 76.9 percent in April 1999.

According to the report, the real currency index (1 U.S. dollar+1.5 German Marks, 1987:100) as of April 1999 increased over to 0.3 percent of the level at the end of 1998. The Index in April 1999 was below one percent of the level in April 1998.

The report said the Wholesale Price Index (TEFE) in April 1999 increased over to the level in April 1998 while the rate of increase in the prices in public manufacturing sector became effective in that development.

This situation stemmed from a 10.9 percent increase in the oil products sub- sector with the effect of the increase in crude oil prices especially in international markets.

The rate of increase in the first quartef of 1999 decreased 3.3 percent to 17.2 percent and the agricultural prices increase rate reduced from 37.8 percent to 20.3 percent.

In the same period, the private manufacturing industry prices increase rate decreased from 18 percent to 14.2 percent while the public manufacturing prices increase rate increased from 3.5 percent to 20.3 percent.

The consumer prices increased by 4.9 percent in April 1999, and this stemmed from the increase in the food and cigarette-tobacco prices.

[15] BAYAR, MINISTER OF INTERIOR: ''WE DON'T HAVE THE ISSUE OF DUAL CITIZENSHIP AT OUR AGENDA''

Responding to questions of journalists about the issue of American citizenship of Merve Kavakcı, a deputy of the Virtue Party (FP) who caused a headscarf crisis in the parliament, Cahit Bayar said that ''the Ministry of Interior didn't start a investigation about the position of Merve Kavakcı.''

''Did Merve Kavakcı get permission from you for dual citizenship?'' asked journalists to Bayar who said that ''there is no such mechanism. States regulate the issue of dual citizenship within the framework of their own rules, we don't have this issue at our agenda today. Dual citizenship is not possible in Turkey. A new law was adopted in Germany, certain rules will be applied due to that.''

''Can't a Turkish citizen have dual citizenship?'' asked journalists to Bayar who said ''you ask the question from a different way. I say that the rules of the U.S. are valid to be an American citizen. If a Turkish citizen also wishes to be a German citizen, there are rules for that which are valid for such a situation.''

[16] 131ST ANNIVERSARY OF FOUNDATION OF COUNCIL OF STATE - PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT: ''WE REQUIRE A REFORM IN JUDGEMENT''

Speaking to reporters after attending the ceremony to celebrate the 131st anniversary of the foundation of the Council of State, Prime Minister Ecevit said that the Council of State was one of the important steps taken during the Ottoman Empire era regarding the foundation of a democratic state of law.

''The speech of Mr. Chairman of the Council of State had a characteristic of a lesson for us, the parliamentarians. In general, we require a reform in judgement. We have to make some serious changes especially in the fields of administration and administrative judgement. We have to remove the obstacles to increase the number of members and staff. I'd like express my pleasure to the people who are expending efforts in this very important field,'' Ecevit emphasized.

When asked what he thinks about the criticisms against Merve Kavakci, a deputy of the Virtue Party (FP), Ecevit said, ''I stated what I have to say.''

Responding to another question, Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said, ''I made the statement 'put this woman in her place' addressing the FP deputies.''

[17] HEADSCARF CRISIS IN PARLIAMENT - GAZIANTEP LIONS AND LEO CLUBS: ''WE ARE OPPOSED TO ENTRANCE OF HEADSCARF TO PARLIAMENT''

A signature campaign started in Salihli county of Manisa province to protest Merve Kavakcı, a deputy of the Virtue Party (FP) who caused the headscarf crisis in the parliament.

Meral Ceydeli, the Chairman of the Gaziantep Sahinbey Lions Club read out a joint declaration saying ''we are opposed to entrance of headscarf to our parliament as being the symbol of bad thoughts.''

[18] THAI DELEGATION IN ISTANBUL

An official from ITO Executive Board said that although the trading volume between Turkey and Thailand increases, the result is not satisfying.

Stating that the reason of the low rate of trading volume between the two countries is that the two countries do not know the economy of the other side enough, the official drew the attention that the products and services of the two countries can be introduced by the fairs.

The official stated that the initiatives to make Istanbul the finance and tourism centre of the future are underway and that they aim at completing these initiatives in 2000.

Paribatra said that he believes that the relations between Thailand and Turkey will be very brilliant, adding that Thailand believes that Turkey will make significant contributions in his country's entering the Central Asian and European markets and that similarly Turkey can reach the Far East markets via Thailand.

[19] THEATER AN DER RUHR, ONE OF THE LEADING GERMAN THEATRES IN TURKEY

The guest threatre will perform the play in Ankara (Kucuk Tiyatro) between 20-21 May and in Istanbul (Aziz Nesin Stage) between 23-25 May.

Roberto Ciulli, the art director of Theater An Der Ruhr, directs the play in which Nihat Ileri, Levent Oktem, Recai Hallac and Ferhad Fegi, Turkish artists of the Istanbul State Theatre will also take part.

The cruel dimensions of life in big cities are questioned in the play which also stresses the language chaos by using German, Spanish, English and Turkish languages.

Besides the Turkish players, Thorsten Krohn, Klaus Herzog, Christine Dorner, Simone Thoma, Petra Von Der Beek, David Hevla, Gerd Posny take part in the play.

[20] IZMIR MUNICIPALITY OPENS INTERNATIONAL TENDER FOR CONSTRUCTION OF DEGIRMENDERE DAM WITH 5.5 TRILLION LIRAS BID BOND

It announced that the investment bond is 5 trillion 520 billion Turkish Liras (TL) and the bid bond is 5 billion 520 million TL.

According to the announcement published in the Official Gazette the same day, the bids for the construction of the Degirmendere Dam together with its all facilities will be submitted by sealed tender.

The dam, which will contribute to the drinking water demand in Izmir, will have a 4.2 million cubic meter reservoir volume and supply a 5 million cubic meter water to downtown annually.

The tender for the Degirmendere Dam, which was foreseen to be constructed within 30 months, will be carried out by the IZSU Tender Commission at 14:00 local time on May 27, 1999.

The letters of bid should be submitted to the IZSU Directorate General till 11:00 local time on May 27, 1999.

The specifications is available at the IZSU Directorate General for 250 million TL.

[21] THIRD INTERNATIONAL PETROLEUM'99 FAIR TO BE HELD BETWEEN MAY 13 AND 16 IN ISTANBUL

The Petroleum 99 fair which will be held within the auspices of President Suleyman Demirel will be staged on the campus of Istanbul Technical University by the contributions of PT World magazine, Petroleum Products Employers Trade Union (PUIS) and Turkish Trade Union of Fuel and Oil Sector Employers.

A conference in which the effects of privatizing the Petrol Ofisi and Turkish Oil Refineries Corp. (TUPRAS), the problems faced in privatization and the Turkish strategy in the transfer of Caspian oils will be discussed in the conference which will be staged within the framework of the fair on May 15, 1999.

Ziya Aktas, the Energy and Natural Resources Minister, Cumhur Ersumer, the former Energy and Natural Resources Minister, and many other officials from TUPRAS, Petrol Ofisi Corp. (POAS), PUIS and British Petrol (BP) will participate in the conference.

[22] NEW DECISIONS FROM YPK - YPK UNITES ''IZMIR GULF CLEANSING'' AND ''SECOND PART CONSTRUCTION OF IMPROVEMENT OF IZMIR HARBOUR'' PROJECTS

A Prime Ministry Press Center statement said that the YPK decided to unite ''Izmir Gulf Cleansing'' and ''Second Part Construction of Improvement of Izmir Harbour'' projects under the name ''Izmir Harbour Cleansing and Enlargement Construction'' project.

The new project which will be realized in build-operate-transfer (BOT) model, is under the programme of the Directorate General of Railway, Harbour, Airports Construction (DLH) of the Transportation Ministry to find a solution to the traffic jam in Izmir Harbour, which has a very important role in Turkish economy.

The YDK also decided to exclude Turkey-Georgia (Kars-Tbilisi) Railway Construction Project, one of the most significant Turkish projects, from the programe of the Directorate General of Turkish Public Railways Administration (TCDD) in order to support it with a better financial resource.

The YDK decided to include this railway project within the programme of the Directorate General of Railway, Harbour, and Airports Construction (DLH).

[23] ATALAY, GENDARMERIE TROOP COMMANDER OF ARDAHAN: ''TERRORISM HAS NEARLY ENDED, IT IS DEVELOPMENT'S TURN NOW''

Ayhan Nasuhbeyoglu, the Governor of Ardahan said that 25 billion liras of the post will be met by the Governorship and military units will contribute to the construction of the building.

Nasuhbeyoglu said that the new post building is planned to be completed this year.

Omer Atalay, the Gendarmerie Troop Commander in Ardahan recalled that the terrorist incidents which took place in Eastern and Southeastern Turkey didn't take place in northeastern Ardahan and its region, adding ''terrorism has ended in these regions, now it is the turn to provide economic development. This will only be possible by realizing our unity and solidarity.''

[24] VISIT OF ENERGY MINISTER TO U.S. - MINISTRY OF ENERGY: ''OUR MINISTRY HAS FOUND THE OPPORTUNITY TO DISCUSS IN DETAIL ITS POLICIES AND OPINIONS''

The Ministry issued a statement giving information about the contacts of Ziya Aktas, the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, and the accompanying delegation who attended the 18th annual conference which was organized in Washington D.C. between May 5 and 8 by the Turkish-American Business Coucil and its interlocutor organization the American-Turkish Council (ATC).

The statement said the Turkish-U.S. cooperation opportunities in Central Asia and Caucasus in the fields of energy, defense, telecommunications, finance, banking, agriculture, stockbreeding, tourism, textiles, ready-to- wear and transportation were discussed at the sessions of the annual conference at which more than 500 participants attended.

''The officials of our ministry and organizations, the U.S. government officials, businessmen and financial circles have found the opportunity to discuss Turkey's energy issues. During that conference, which drew the close attention of the U.S. public opinion and press, our ministry has found the opportunity to discuss in detail its policies and opinions about several issues including especially privatization and investment opportunities in Turkey, Baku-Ceyhan crude oil pipeline and project on Turkmen natural gas pipeline via Caspian,'' the statement said.

The statement stated that Energy Minister Aktas addressed the official dinner saying that Eurasia will be the center of the next century and the energy line, which will revive the historical Silk Road, will pass via Turkey.

The statement said Energy Minister Aktas and the accompanying delegation also attended a meeting organized by a foundation namely CSIS, and exchanged opinions about Turkey's oil and gas projects.

[25] SPEAKER OF PARLIAMENT ELECTIONS - CONSULTATION COUNCIL TO CONVENE ON TUESDAY TO DECIDE WHEN THE ELECTION ROUNDS START

The ten-day deadline to be a candidate for the parliament speaker position will end on Tuesday midnight.

In accordance with the Constitution and the By-Law of the Parliament, two third (367) of total number of deputies is required in the first two rounds of the secret voting.

If this number of votes can't be reached, the absolute majority (276) of the total number of deputies is required in the third round.

If the absolute majority can't be reached, two of the candidates, who receive highest votes, can attend the fourth round.

In the fourth round, the candidate, who wins the highest vote, becomes the Speaker of the Parliament.

The election process is completed within 10 days after applications are submitted; that is until May 21, 1999.

[26] HEADSCARF CRISIS IN PARLIAMENT - PROF. BERKARDA, TERM PRESIDENT OF UNION OF NGOs: ''FUNDAMENTALISTS ENCOURAGE OUR PEOPLE TO UPRISING BY CREATING HEADSCARF CHAOS''

Addressing a press briefing together with Prof. Dr. Turkan Soylan, Prof. Dr. Berkarda said that ''a woman who talks about holy war in a terrorist organization's meeting in the U.S. should know that private life covers home and streets. Working in the Parliament comes within the public sphere and public work has been regulated by the Constitution, laws, and regulations. According to Article 24 of the Constitution the limits of religious beliefs are specified. Arrangements upon religious basis can't be realized in public institutions and offices. Thus, headscarf can't enter into public institutions, in fact, the European Court of Human Rights rejected such kinds of applications from persons living in secular states. Public servants have to subject to the codes regulating their dress; thus, women public servants' heads should be open.''

Prof. Dr. Saylan said in her part that ''we condemn the entrance of this alive bomb, namely Merve Kavakcı, a Virtue Party (FP) deputy to the parliament by wearing a headscarf and those who permit her.''

[27] WEU COUNCIL OF MINISTERS' SPRING TERM MEETINGS - TURK, MINISTER OF NATIONAL DEFENSE: ''THE MOST IMPORTANT DUTY OF WESTERN COUNTRIES IS TO FIND AN URGENT SOLUTION FOR REFUGEE PROBLEM'' - ''THE NATO SHOULD CONTINUE ITS AIR OPERATION UNTIL THE TARGET IS REACHED''

The WEU defense ministers who convened at the morning session under the chairmanship of Rudolf Scharping, the Defense Minister of Germany, evaluated the European security and defense policy, and the Balkan crisis.

Addressing the meeting, Hikmet Sami Turk, the Minister of National Defense, said that one of the essential duties of the western countries is to find an urgent solution to the refugee issue.

''We deeply concern about the systematic ethnic cleansing campaign which is carried out in Kosovo by the Yugoslavian security forces, and we harshly condemn such kind of treatments,'' Turk said.

Staging a press conference following the meeting, Turk said that they consider that meeting as a step which was taken to establish the European Defense and Security identity on a concrete basis.

Pointing out that the security and defense arrangements, which will be made within the European Union (EU), should include all of the European allies, Hikmet Sami Turk said, ''I stressed the necessity for the institutionalization of the mechanisms which will embrace them better.''

Noting that the crisis in the Balkans was also discussed at the meeting, Turk said, ''I emphasized during my speech at the meeting that we deeply concern about the systematic ethnic cleansing campaign which is carried out in Kosovo by the Yugoslavian security forces, and we harshly condemn such kind of implementations. At this stage, the most important duty of the western countries is to find an urgent solution for thr refugee problem. This is an ethic responsibility of all of us. Another important duty is the continuation of the NATO air operation till the target is achieved. The way to prevent another humanitarian calamity in the center of Europe depends on this determination.''

Stressing that with this respect, Turkey will continue to support the Alliance and fulfil her responsibilities, Hikmet Sami Turk said that other defense ministers also expressed the importance of the determination necessary for the solution of the problem.

Emphasizing that Turkey was one of the countries which firstly lended their helping hands to the Kosovar refugees and sent humanitarian aid, Turk said that the humanitarian aid supplied by Turkey up until now has reached four million U.S. dollars.

Noting that the cost of refugee camp opened in Turkey reached 12 million U.S. dollars, Turk said that Turkey also set up camps in Macedonia and Albania, which have the capacity to host 20 thousand refugees and costed nearly two million U.S. dollars.

Stressing that they were pleased with sharing every kind of opportunity with the Kosovars who are exposed to ethnic cleansing campaign, Turk stated, ''during my speech, I consequently invited the Belgrade administration to act with common sense and accept the requests of the international community in order to put an immediate end to humanitarian calamity in Kosovo.''

[28] TURKEY TO PURCHASE NATURAL GAS GROM NIGERIA

The Turkish Embassy in Lagos issued a statement saying that Nigeria will export 260 million U.S. dollars LNG to Turkey within two years in accordance with an agreement signed between the two countries.

Noting that the transfer of natural gas to Turkey will start in October 1999, the statement said that the agreement, which was signed between the Pipeline Oil Transportation corp (BOTAS) and the Nigerian Liquified Natural Gas Company, will be reviewed after two years.

[29] RED CRESCENT SENDS AID TO ALBANIA, MACEDONIA, AND AZERBAIJAN

Addressing a ceremony before the departure of 21 trucks carrying aid particularly food stuff to these three countries, Fatih Evren, the Director General of the Red Crescent said that services given to Kosovars who escaped from Serb violence and who took shelter in city-tents founded by the Red Crescent in Albania, Macedonia, and Kırklareli province of Turkey are carried out with success.

Fatih Evren said that there is an aid stuff worth of 172,3 billion liras in 21 trucks, adding that the Red Crescent also sends aid to Azerbaijani people every month who are forced to leave their homes due to Armenian attacks.

Evren said that the Red Crescent teams distribute food stuff by a specified programme in two city tents founded in Bedre and Agcabedi cities of Azerbaijan at the end of 1993, where nearly 10,000 Azerbaijanis take shelter.

[30] GENERAL STAFF DELEGATION IN TBILISI - GEORGIAN NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS TO RECEIVE TRAINING IN TURKEY

The delegation held a meeting with David Tevsadze, the Defense Minister of Georgia.

It was mentioned that the issue of military cooperation between the two countries was discussed at the meeting.

Meanwhile, Ckeidze said that 25 non-commissioned officers of the Georgian Armed Forces will receive military training in Turkey.

Ckeidze said that the Georgian Border Forces are weak, but the Forces will include professional personnel till the year 2004.

Pointing out that a total of 400 Georgian non-commissioned officers are being trained in several countries, Ckeidze said he believes Turkey will make the necessary assistance.

It was mentioned that the General Staff delegation will give a two-month training at the Lilo base and continue training in Turkey till the end of the year.

Officials said the Georgian non-commissioned officers, who are trained by the expert unit, will be assigned on the Turkish-Georgian border and participate in the Turkish-Georgian joint military exercises.

[31] PRESIDENT DEMIREL: ''PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT SAID WHAT IS REQUIRED ON THE ISSUE OF IRAN. NECESSARY ATTITUDE IS ASSUMED''

When asked ''there is an excessive demonstration in Iran against secular regime of Turkey and that it still continues. How do you evaluate this?'', Demirel said ''Mr. Ecevit said what is required to this end. There is nothing I can add.''

When asked if any contact with Iranian President or sending a message could be in question, Demirel said ''I don't think it is needed at the moment.''

Responding to a question how he evaluated the process of forming the new government, Demirel said ''efforts are underway.''

When a journalist asked if any postponement was in question, President Demirel said ''no. There is not any postponement. Formation of a coalition government is not easy. Mr. Ecevit exerts efforts to form a harmonized government. If a country has principles and grounds, an outcome could be reached.''

President Demirel said he thought everything occurs according to the principles ''I mean everything takes place according to the rules since April 18. I think these things should not be done in a hurry. You know 56th government had been formed in 43 days.''

[32] DENKTAS, TRNC PRESIDENT: ''THEY SHOULD ACCEPT THE FACT THAT GREEK CYPRIOTS ARE NOT THE GOVERNMENT OF TURKISH CYPRIOTS''

Addressing a conference titled ''Past, Present and Future of TRNC'' staged for a private school students, Denktas mentioned about the support Turkey expended to them and noted that ''our power is Turkey. I believe that everything will be more easy with this support.''

Denktas said tricks, supported by foreign sources, are underway to split up this beautiful country, ''don't be deceived by these tricks. You should know that you all have to act altogether if this country faces a danger one day. You, who will protect this country, should be proud of being a Turkish citizen and preserve your unity and integrity.''

Denktas said it was their natural right to live freely and without being under the administration of anybody, and pointed out that ''we had the right to establish our state when Greek Cypriot side devastated the partnership. Yet, unfortunately bigger countries ignore this and say to Greek Cypriot side that they were the legal Cyprus government. In this way they prevent solution of Cyprus question.''

Denktas said they always relied on Turkey and struggled with the determination of belief and insistency. ''President Demirel has a statement which says 'Turkey recognizes TRNC. Nobody should dare to give harm to TRNC. If you do so, that will mean you give harm to Turkey'', Denktas said adding that ''this is the biggest assurance given to us. This is the source of our tranquility.''

Denktas said they will not sit at negotation table with the Greek Cypriot side if they don't accept the fact that they are not the government of Turkish Cypriots, and continued as saying ''we will not sit at the same table if they don't do so because we do not recognize Southern Cyprus' authority. We will not leave our rightful case with oppression.''

[33] WEU MINISTERS COUNCIL - TURK, MINISTER OF NATIONAL DEFENSE: ''TURKEY IS READY AND WILLING TO PARTICIPATE IN EFFORTS OF THIS NEW PERIOD TO MAKE EUROPEAN SECURITY AND DEFENSE CONCRETE''

Turk, who participated in spring term meetings of Western European Union (WEU), staged a news conference and said the issue of security and defense of Europe was discussed during the meetings, adding that implementation of Amsterdam agreement added a new momentum, in political platform, to the efforts to strengthen Europe's security and defense identity.

Pointing out that NATO Summit which took place in Washington provided direction and accelaration to the efforts of European allies in this field, Turk said the place and the role of the European allies, who are not members of EU, in security and defense of Europe, will be one of the most important issues of the coming term.

Hikmet Sami Turk said WEU, following Maastrich agreement, assumed the role of a brigde between NATO and EU, and added that ''we have contributed to all the activities carried out within WEU in every field and in every level although we opposed to the artificial connection created between EU and WEU memberships.''

Turk said ''I hope that this unity which has political, legal and financial dimensions will continue in case WEU is integrated with the EU'', and pointed out that people will witness important developments in security and defense of EU in the near future.

''Turkey is ready and willing to participate in efforts in this new period to make European security and defense concrete. Functioning of Europe's security and defense mechanisms in harmony and their being useful could only be realized by creating satisfactory models which will provide contribution of all countries who are willing to participate in these efforts'' Turk said adding that ''Bremen ministers council is the last opportunity in which our views and expectations are expressed before EU Koln summit. I had the opportunity to disclose Turkey's expectations during an official and an unofficial meeting which I had participated in. I am pleased to see that our views are similar to the expectations of other partner countries.''

Turk said ''our allies in the EU made statements giving the impressions that they accepted allies, who are not EU members, to take place in new security and defense structures by preserving their gainings. We are pleased over this.''

Pointing out that they discussed the issue of integration of WEU to EU during the meetings, Turk noted that this was a process.

When a journalist asked Turkey's point of view to the problems, Turk said ''Turkey is an important power in the Middle East and in the Balkans. Kosovo crisis still continues at the moment and NATO air operations will also continue in this respect. Military operations will continue unless the conditions put forward by NATO is accepted. Yet, military operations are not adequate to get a result. This was seen in Iraq earlier. To this end, while military operations continue in an intensified way, other methods like limiting diplomatic relations and economic and oil embargo, should support military operations.''

Noting that Turkey favored a peaceful solution to Kosovo crisis and that she wished Russia to reach an outcome in its efforts, Turk said Kosovo crisis has a humanitarian aspect and that there is an obligation to help the refugees in Albania and Macedonia.

Turk said he held bilateral contacts with Defense Ministers of Norway, Luxembourg and Greece, adding that they discussed issues related with structure of WEU.

Turk, Minister of National Defense, said he and Akis Çohacopulos, Greek Defense Minister, decided to solve the issues before they turn into a problem, pointing out that ''yet, we still do not approve of Greece's attitude on several issues. Their support to terrorism is one of these. We expect Greece not to direct to such things in the future because Turkey and Greece take part in the same alliance. Thus, preserving integrity of these two countries are again the committment of these two countries. Anyway, NATO opposes to terrorism. NATO member countries should not expend support to terrorism.''

A.A

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