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Anadolu Agency: News in English, 99-05-14Anadolu Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Anadolu Agency Home Page at <http://www.anadoluajansi.gov.tr/>AA Daily14 May 1999 FridayCONTENTS
[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCANThese are some of the major headlines and their brief stories in Turkey's press on May 14, 1999. The Anadolu Agency does not verify these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.HURRIYET (LIBERAL)DSP CONFUSEDBulent Ecevit, Prime Minister and leader of Democratic Left Party (DSP) and party administration were confused after the coalition protocol draft was published. Ecevit said, ''we have not yet submitted it to the partners.'' Speaking about the protocol, Ecevit said it is not a text that can not be agreed on. KAVAKCI TO BE DENATURALIZED Responding to the questions of reporters, Ecevit said, ''Under the laws, a person who accepted citizenship of another country, should ask for permission from Turkey beforehand even in cases where double citizenship is possible. Yet, Merve Kavakci did not get such a permission. So, a decree has been opened to signature to this end.'' MILLIYET (LIBERAL)LIKE TEXASMurat Kurt, 19, who was earlier dismissed from Kartal Vocational school for nondisciplinary action and drinking alcohol, shed blood at his old school on Thursday when Sebnem Sertac whom he loved, (17) did not return his love. Kurt shot and killed Huseyin Agirman, a teacher who tried to stop him and seriously wounded Sebnem Sertac. The attacker used his father's gun which he hid in a package before he entered the school. HAMAS' LOVE FOR MERVE SABAH (LIBERAL)WONDERFUL INVENTIONA computer was invented which can read the thoughts. This system was tested and became successful on Mehmet Erat, a Turkish citizen, who became paralyzed four years ago. Prof. Niels Birbaumer from Tubingen University, placed cables which are connected to the computer, on the head of Erat. These cables enabled Erat to convey his thoughts and wishes to the computer which is in front of him. LAST WORD FROM BAHCELI FOR PARTNERSHIP WITH DSP ''WE CAN AGREE'' CUMHURIYET (LEFT)HEZBOLLAH FOLLOW PKK'S PATHHezbollah militants who lost their strength in the South East city centers as a result of operations carried out in the region, now started getting organized in rural areas like PKK. It was reported that armed Hezbollah members visit the honorary imams in Cinar and Karacadag near Diyarbakir and ask for their support. Hezbollah spread to the rural areas with the help of PKK, it was said. INONU UNIVERSITY RECTOR, OMER SARLAK:''ENTRANCE TO SCHOOLS WITH HEADSCARF Meanwhile, Prof. Beyza Bilgin from Ankara University's Faculty of Divinities, said the part in Koran regarding headscarf does not oblige people to wear it but only ''recommends'' it. RADIKAL (LEFT)A STRANGE BARGAININGThe first concrete step towards the coalition will be taken on May 17, 1999. That means 14 days after Bulent Ecevit, leader of Democratic Left Party (DSP), was designated to form the government. Ecevit feels concern over the obstacles within the party more than the headscarf problem. Bulent Ecevit will meet with President Suleyman Demirel on Saturday to convey the developments. Ecevit will convene party committees on Sunday. AGAIN ISLET PROBLEM WITH ATHENS YENİ YÜZYIL (LIBERAL)ECEVIT CANNOT TRUST MHP''We have a historical opportunity ahead of us,'' said Devlet Bahceli, the leader of the National Movement Party (MHP) in a message he sent to the Prime Minister Ecevit. He repeated that the past must be forgotten and stressed once again that his party was open to discussions. The MHP leader also said that a government cannot be founded in this untrustful atmosphere. KOC:''GENTLEMEN, THIS DOESN'T GO LIKE THAT!'' TÜRKİYE (RIGHT)HORROR IN SCHOOLA former student namely Murat Kurt who was expelled from Kartal Vocational High School in Istanbul, opened fire on Thursday at his girl friend and a teacher in a classroom killing the two. Murat Kurt came to the school in Bagdat Street around 17.00 local time and entered the classroom number 11-d. Kurt forced Sebnem Sertac, his girlfriend to get out of the classroom, but Huseyin Agirman, the teacher tried to stop him. Kurt got angry about it and shot to death his girl friend and the teacher. KYRGZ MINISTER OF DEFENSE VISITS GEN. KIVRIKOGLU, CHIEF OF GENERAL STAFF ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)RECIPROCAL SELF-SACRIFICEMHP says the concession cannot be one-sided. While DSP says ''let's refrain to create an atmosphere of disharmony, MHP stresses that it is not suitable to suspect from eachother. ''we want trust,'' the party says. DYP DISCUSSES GOVERNMENT [02] ISRAEL BALLET GROUP PERFORMS IN ANKARAANKARA, May 14 (A.A) - Ankara's ballet lovers enjoyed a delightful performance by the Israel Ballet on Thursday night.The ballet group formed by 35 dancers from the former Soviet Union and western countries has both classical and neo-classical ballet pieces in its repertory. The dancers also tour the rural regions of Israel and try to raise interest for ballet among students, young people, and soldiers. Thursday night's performance started with ''La Valse'' which takes place in a ballroom. In the second part, the group performed a piece which was not originally included in the programme. ''Tango Neon'' was the highlight of the third part which combined traditional tango with neon lights. The group will repeat the same performance on Friday night. [03] NIMROD READY TO VISITORS - INFRASTRUCTURE DEFICIENCIES IN SITES TO BE REMOVEDKAHTA, May 14 (A.A) - Infrastructure deficiencies of Nimrod Mountain in Kahta county in southeastern Adiyaman province, which was taken into the list of World Culture Heritage List by UNESCO, and which was defined as the 8th miracle of the World, will be removed.The institutions accelarated their efforts following the directives of Kadir Calisici, the Governor, that there should not be any infrastructure deficiencies in Nimrod Mountain and other places. They have decided to mend the roads of the sites, increase the number of employees, conclude service units, and to bring water to the eastern part of Nimrod Mountain with pumps. Meanwhile, it was also decided to close 2000 year old Cendere Bridge, which is the eldest bridge in the world that is open to traffic. The vehicles will pass through a suspension bridge that is 200 meters away. All the elements that spoil the scenery of the bridge will be removed. A car park, that can include 200 vehicles, will be constructed to Nimrod Mountain and Culture Ministry will make arrangements in the surroundings. [04] ANKARA WELCOMES ANOTHER WEEK FULL OF MUSICANKARA, May 14 (A.A) - The capital is starting another week full of music. Idil Biret, famous Turkish pianist will be the highlight of the 16th Ankara International Music Festival. Akbank Chamber Orchestra, Orchestre Philarmoniqe de Liege and violonist Uto Ughi are also among the performers.Orchestre Philarmonique de Liege will accompany Biret on May 21. Biret will play pieces from Franck during the concert. Akbank Chamber Orchesra, on the other hand, will play works of Schnittke, Mozart, Usmanbas and Haydn. Ankara State Opera and Ballet (ADOB) will perform Rossini's ''Il Barbiere Di Siviglia'' directed by the Italian director Vincenzo Grisostomi Travaglini as the last opera of 1998-1999 music season. Ismail Dede prepared the costumes and the setting for Rossini's masterpiece which takes place in Spain's Siviglia city in the 17th century. Dede tried to remain faithful to that period's outfits and the general atmosphere of the city. Antonia Pirolli will direct the orchestra. There will also be a Neapolitan songs concert on May 19. On the same day, Carl Orff's famous work Carmina Burana will be staged at ODTU. The Presidential Symphony Orchestra (CSO), this weekend, will play Elgar's cello concerto, Liszt's piano concerto, and Rachmaninof's Symphonic Dances accompanied by cellist Ali Dogan and pianist Yesim Gokalp. [05] SUPPORT TO TURKEY IN THE U.S. SENATE - 37 SENATORS COLLECTIVELY WROTE A LETTER TO CLINTON AND REQUESTED TURKEY'S DEFENSE PURCHASES TO BE SUPPORTEDWASHINGTON D.C., May 14 (A.A) - A total of 37 senators from the U.S. Senate wrote a letter to Bill Clinton, the U.S. President, having a mutual signature and requested support to be expended to Ankara to meet defense purchases of Turkey which they defined as a ''very important ally''.Senators in the letter said Ankara has been one of the most firm partners and reliable ally of the U.S. for a long time, adding that the strategic role which Turkey undertake in its region was also very important for Washington. The senators said Turkey recently fulfils a very important duty in Kosovo for NATO. Recalling that Ankara was exposed to many threats in an unstable region, the senators requested Clinton not to create difficulties to Turkey's defense purchase programs. The initiative led by Senator Jesse Helms, Chairman of International Relations Committee, one of the most effective names of the Senate, is defined as one of the most important support Turkey obtained from the Congress in the past years. Diplomatic circles in Washington say this initiative, backed by 37 senators, in a 100-member Senate, was a strong message. Turkey wants the U.S. administration to change its attitude which turned back various defense purchase programs of Turkey in the last years with several reasons. Gen. Batmaz Dandin, Chairman of General Staff Plan and Principles Department, who had participated in ''Turkish-American Relations'' conference last week, clearly voiced Turkey's uneasiness related with the attitude of the U.S. administration. Gen. Dandin in his speech in the conference said the U.S. which rejected Turkey's defense purchase requests from time to time gradually became an unreliable source and warned that the U.S. companies would not be successful in Ankara's defense tenders as long as this attitude continues. Gen. Dandin recalled that the U.S. administration prevented Turkey's purchase of 10 Super Cobra assault helicopters and postponed delivery of Sea Hawk naval helicopters and Perry type frigates. [06] MOURNING IN KARTAL VOCATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL - TEACHERS AND STUDENTS ARE IN SHOCK - NO CHANGE IN HEALTH CONDITION OF SEBNEM SERTACISTANBUL/KADIKOY, May 14 (A.A) - Teachers and students are in shock in Kartal Vocational High School following the armed attack which resulted in the killing of a teacher and which wounded a female student.The students decorated the desk of Sebnem Sertac, the female student who was seriously wounded by Murat Kurt, the attacker, and the desk of Huseyin Agirman, the teacher. The students are still in shock and mourn for their teacher and friend. Meanwhile, it was reported that there was no change in health condition of Sertac who was shot twice from the head. A bullet entered the head of Sertac from her left ear went out from her head by passing through her brain. Murat Kurt, who entered the classroom no. 11-D shot both his girlfriend and the teacher who tried to intervene him. The wounded two were taken to Kartal Private Umut Hospital, but the teacher died. [07] NEW MOVIES START THIS WEEK IN ANKARAANKARA, May 14 (A.A) - While, the 16th Ankara International Music Festival is coming to an end, new movie theaters in Ankara will start showing new movies this week.Emir Kusturica's ''Black Cat-White Cat'' tells about Grga Pitic and Zarije who have been friends for 25 years. Nicholas Cage's new movie ''Eight Milimeters can also be seen this week. The children can enjoy the cartoon film, ''The Prince of Egypt'' directed by Brenda Chapman and Steve Hickner. Val Kilmer, Sandra Bulloc and Ralph Fiennes dubbed this animation movie. Below is the list of movies shown in Ankara's different movies theaters: METROPOL: The Prince of Egypt, the Black Cat-White Cat, Governess, A Destiny of Her Own, Patch Adams and Love at First Sight. MEGAPOL: Life is Beautiful, She's All That and Propoganda KORU: Eight Milimeters, She's All That, Faculty KUN: Eight Milimeters BUYULU FENER: She's All That, Faculty KAVAKLIDERE: Tango, She's All That, Black Cat-White Cat, the Prince of Egypt [08] RAMSTORE OPENS IN ALMATIALMATI, May 14 (A.A) - Almati Ramstore of Migros Turk which is run by Koc Group opened with a ceremony in Almati on Friday. Almati Ramstore is the eight store which Migros Turk opened abroad.Ramstore which is situated on one of the busiest boulevards of Almati is also facing the Presidential Palace. Kazakh customers flocked to the megamarket right after its opening. The Kazakhs mostly bought meat and bananas, it was reported. President Demirel, in the message he sent to the shopping center's opening, congratulated Koc Group and said he was proud to see the level reached by the Turkish investors abroad. Alexandr Pavlov, the Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister who also spoke at the opening ceremony thanked Koc Group and praised its efforts for building such a high quality facility in such a short time. Kurtulus Taskent, the Turkish Ambassador in Kazakhistan said Ramstore was a good indication of developing Turkish-Kazakh economic relations. Taskent explained that Turkey has investments worth of 1 billion U.S. dollars and a trade volume of 500 million U.S.dollars in Kazakhistan and stressed that Kazakhistan was a very important partner of Turkey. President Nazarbayev, during the contacts he had with the Turkish statesmen and businessmen said that he hoped Turkey's big companies continue to invest in his country, Taskent also added. The Ambassador also congratulated Aysel Turk Construction Company for finishing the construction of the facility in less than a year despite the harsh winter conditions. Temel Atay, Koc Holding's Acting Chairman of Administration Council pointed out that the shopping center which cost 32 million U.S. dollars will also create employment for hundreds of people and offer a very wide range of high quality products to Kazakh customers. ''I believe Ramstore will be an important part of Kazakhs' daily lives as well as being an important bridge between Turkey and Kazakhistan,'' Atay concluded. The shopping center includes 46 shops, banks, one movie theater, and an ice skating area. [09] RADIC, CROATIAN DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER, VISITS TAN, MINISTER OF TOURISMANKARA, May 14 (A.A) - Ahmet Tan, Minister of Tourism, said on Friday that tourism is the most firm and direct way in realizing and maintaining peace.Speaking during a meeting with Jure Radic, Croatian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister Re-Settlement and Development, Tan said peace come to countries and region through the tourists, adding that ''later this path is followed by the politicians and statesmen.'' Tan noted that they will discuss tourism cooperation issues together with the Croatian delegation and pointed out that he wished Kosovo crisis to end soon and peace to come to region. Radic in his part said tourism was one of the most important sectors in Croatia, adding that they attributed importance to the development of tourism together with economy. Radic said they will seek for cooperation facilities between Turkey and Croatia during the visit. Croatian Deputy Prime Minister also pointed out that peace prevails fully in his country. [10] LABOUR PARTY DENOUNCES AGAINST YUKSEL, PROSECUTOR OF DGMANKARA, May 14 (A.A) - Labour Party (IP) on Friday denounced against Nuh Mete Yuksel, Republican Prosecutor of State Security Court (DGM), on grounds that ''he misused his duty with political intentions''.A written statement issued by IP General Headquarters said that a denouncement was made by Huseyin Gokcearslan and Mehmet Cengiz, lawyers of Dogu Perincek, leader of IP, against Yuksel. In the denouncement, it is said that Yuksek accused Perincek of ''aiding and abetting the terrorist organization'' and that investigations were made in all organizations of IP upon his demand and that Perincek was taken into custody. The denouncement also pointed out that Sami Demirkiran, the confessor wrote two petitions attributing to the court yet that these petitions did not go to the Court but reached to Yuksel. ''Nuh Mete Yuksel is not the prosecutor of the concerned file since the starting of the hearings. Dilaver Kahveci, the Prosecutor, follows this hearing. Isn't there anybody in Ankara DGM apart from Yuksel? Is Sami Demirkiran the private choice of Yuksel?'' the denouncement said and wanted Yuksel to be taken from the duty for the safety of the interrogation and wanted a public case to be opened after bringing a conclusion to the complaint. IP earlier denounced Judges and Prosecutors High Committee against Yuksel and Justice Ministry sent the file to Ankara Republican Chief Prosecutorship after giving permission to Yuksel for investigation. The second denouncement was made in Ankara Republican Chief Prosecutorship as it has connection with the investigation which has been opened earlier and that permission was given to Yuksel. [11] ANKARA DGM NO:1 SENTENCES YALCIN KUCUK TO 1 YEAR 4 MONTH INPRISONMENTANKARA, May 14 (A.A) - The Ankara State Security Court (DGM) No:1 punished Yalcin Kucuk, a former professor at the Gazi University, with 1 year and 4 month in prison and 137 million Turkish Liras (TL) fine with charges of ''propagandizing against the indivisible integrity of the state with its country and nation'' with his statement to the terrorist organization's broadcasting organ, the MED TV, on November 19, 1995, it was reported on Friday.The Court acquitted suspect Haluk Gerger, who was tried with the same case, while separated the dossiers of other three suspects. Yalcin Kucuk, who is currently serving another imprisonment sentence at the Haymana Prison, didn't attend today's session. His lawyers Eylem Togrul and Mustafa Bayram Misir requested the Court to acquit their client. Mehmet Orhan Karadeniz, the Chairman of the Court, announced the verdict, saying that Yalcin Kucuk was sentenced to 1 year and 4 month imprisonment 137 million TL fine in accordance with Article 8/1 which includes the rule ''propagandazing against the state's indivisible integrity with its country and nation'' of the Anti-Terrorism Law. Noting that the Court acquitted suspect Haluk Gerger, the Court Chairman said that the Court separated the dossiers of the suspects arrested in absentia Mahir Sayin, Mehmet Canakci, and Kemal Burkay. The indictment requested imprisonment terms from 4 years and 6 months up to 7 years and 6 months for Yalcin Kucuk, Haluk Gerger, Mahir Sayin, Mehmet Canakci, and Kemal Burkay with charges of ''aiding and abetting the terrorist organization''. [12] PREMIER ECEVIT: ''THE GOVERNMENT WILL BE COMPLETED IN THE BEGINNING OF NEXT WEEK''ANKARA, May 14 (A.A) - Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said on Friday that forming a government is not a simple thing, adding the formation of the new government will be completed probably in the beginning of the coming week.Responding to questions of journalists about the decision of the Council of Ministers about the denaturalization of Kavakcı's Turkish citizenship, Ecevit said that he does not know the technical details of the decree. Ecevit said that he does not either know whether or not the decree has been sent to Presidential Office. ''Is it the Supreme Board of Elections (YSK) or the parliament which will cancel the official report given to Merve Kavakcı for her deputyship,'' asked a journalist to Ecevit who said that ''I couldn't know these legal details. The Parliamentary Speakership Bureau and the judicary organs of YSK can know them.'' ''Is there a change in the coalition protocol prepared?'' asked journalists to Ecevit who said, ''no, but that is not the final text.'' Recalling that Greece has permitted private property in Platia rocks near Kardak islet, Premier Ecevit said, ''this is not her first practice. We can't accept these.'' Ecevit said that he will meet with the General Staff and and the Foreign Ministry about the issue. ''After the closure of the MED TV, the mouthpiece of the terrorist organization PKK, a television channel namely 'Cudi TV' started to broadcast from the same frequency,'' asked journalists to Premier Ecevit who responded that ''we also monitor that and necessary initiatives have been taken.'' ''There are news saying that the government didn't permit the use of the airbase in Balıkesir among the three bases which was requested to be used by NATO, is this correct?'' Ecevit said, ''I don't have such an information. However, these airbases are ours and they are continuously used for our own needs. In that respect, maybe the use of all of them by the NATO has not been accepted. But if you ask these details to the General Staff, you will get more satisfying information.'' [13] NATO'S AIR OPERATION AGAINST YUGOSLAVIA - TURKISH F-16 WAR PLANES ACCUMULATE A TOTAL OF 1,347 HOURS OF FLIGHTANKARA, May 14 (A.A) - Turkish F-16 war planes that participate in the NATO's air operation against Yugoslavia accumulated a total of 1,347 hours of flight, it was reported on Friday.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 6 hours on May 13. Meanwhile, a total of 859,788 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 14,131 refugees in Turkey; 50 thousand in Serbia; 64,400 in Montenegro; 430 thousand in Albania; 239 thousand in Macedonia; 9,974 in Germany; 18,500 in Bosnia-Herzegovina and 43,757 in other countries. A total of 14,131 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 6,635 Kosovars have been sheltered at Gaziosmanpasa Refugee Camp in Kirklareli. Turkey has provided shelters for a total of 9,700 Kosovar refugees in camps in Macedonia and Albania. Both camps have capacity to host 20 thousand refugees. The statement said 15 trucks carrying humanitarian aid to refugees in Macedonia and Albania which started out from Ankara on May 10 arrived in Skopje while two trucks continue their travel within Bulgarian borders. Recalling that Javier Solana, the Secretary General of the NATO, visited on May 12 the refugee camps in Macedonia and Albania including the Turkish Red Crescent's camp in Elbasan, Albania, the statement said, ''the Secretary General has stated that the Turkish Red Crescent's Camp is a well-organized and well-prepared camp.'' [14] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT'S PROGRAMME FOR WEEKENDANKARA, May 14 (A.A) - Bulent Ecevit, the Prime Minister and the leader of the Democratic Left Party (DSP) who was designated to form the new government, will be received on May 15 by President Suleyman Demirel, it was reported on Friday.Prime Minister Ecevit will brief President Demirel on his impressions he got at the end of his first round talks with the political party leaders within the framework of the efforts to form the government, and have President Demirel's opinions at the meeting to start at 15:00 local time on Saturday at the Presidential Palace in Cankaya, Ankara. Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit will meet on May 16 with the DSP Parliamentary Group members. Ecevit, who will later hold a meeting with the DSP Party Assembly members, will take authorization from the Party Assembly within the framework of the efforts to form the government. Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit will visit separately the leaders of the probable coalition partner political parties on May 17. [15] NUMBER OF KOSOVAR REFUGEES IN TURKEY REACHES 15,845ANKARA, May 14 (A.A) - The Interior Ministry announced on Friday that a total of 15,845 refugees, who were obliged to leave Kosovo due to oppression and massacre, arrived in Turkey.The Interior Ministry issues a statement saying that 6,952 Kosovar refugees have entered Turkey from the Kapikule Border Gate in Edirne; 7,139 others have arrived at the Corlu Airport in Tekirdag and 1,754 of them have arrived at the Ataturk Airport in Istanbul as of 10:00 local time on Friday. It said 6,722 of those Kosovar refugees are hosted at the Gaziosmanpasa Immigrants' Guesthouse in Kirklareli. [16] CHIEF PROSECUTOR SAVAS:''NEWS CLAIMING THAT AN INVESTIGATION STARTED ABOUT MHP IS UNREAL''ANKARA, May 14 (A.A) - Vural Savas, the Chief Prosecutor of the Supreme Court of Appeals said on Friday that the news claiming that investigations have been started against the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) are totally unreal.Issuing a written statement, Vural Savas said that ''I would like to announce to the public opinion that the news claiming that our chief prosecution investigates the MHP are totally unreal.'' A news published in a newspaper noted the same day the Supreme Court of Appeals and Chief Prosecution of Ankara State Security Court started a wide- scale investigation accepting the news published in papers about MHP after the April 18 elections as ''warning.'' Noting that the prosecutors particularly focus on deputies who are tried before and whose cases have been abated due to lapse of time, the news added that the programme and by-law of the MHP are also examined in order to find out whether or not MHP is a legitimate party which can be a government partner. [17] PRIVATIZATION OF ELECTRICITY DISTRIBUTIONANKARA, May 14 (A.A) - The Council of State's Administrative Case Departments General Council stopped the execution of the contracts and agreements for government concession, franchise and transfer of right of operation, and the last decision of the Council of Ministers regarding commission of the Aktas A.S. with distribution, transmission, and trade of electricity in the Anatolian part of Istanbul, it was reported on Friday.The Chamber of the Electricity Engineers objected to the decision of the Council of State Department No:10 refusing the request to cease the execution of franchise and operation-transfer right contracts signed with the Aktas A.S. and the last decision of the Council of Ministers about commission of the Aktas A.S. with transmission, distribution, and trade of electricity in the Anatolian edge of Istanbul. The Council of State Administrative Case Departments General Council, which took up the application, stopped the execution of the Council of Ministers' desicion and the contracts in question. The Council of State later will make its decision on the merits of the case. [18] RADIC, CROTIAN DEPUTY PREMIER, VISITS GUREL, MINISTER OF STATE, AND PREMIER ECEVITANKARA, May 14 (A.A) - Jure Radic, the Deputy Prime Minister and Ministre of Reconstruction and Development of Crotia, visited on Friday Sukru Sine Gurel, the Ministre of State.The meeting between Gurel and Radic, who arrived on Thursday in Ankara within the framework of an official visit, was closed to press. Later, Radic was received by Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit. State Minister Sukru Sina Gurel and Ivica Tomic, the crotian Ambassador to Ankara, also attended the meeting which was closed to press. Radic is expected to proceed the same day to Antalya after wrapping up his contacts in Ankara. [19] SEZER, MINISTER OF FORESTRY: ''GENOCIDE IS A CRIME AGAINST HUMANITY''KIRKLARELI, May 14 (A.A) - Arif Sezer, the Minister of Forestry said on Friday that the Tracian region witnessed the arrival of Kosovars, adding ''genocide is a crime committed against people.''Sezer got information about the situation of Kosovar refugees staying in Gaziosmanpasa Immigrants Guest House in Kırklareli province from officials. Kemal Onal, the governor of Kırklareli said that there are still 6,772 people who stay in the guest house at the moment, adding that ''all kinds of Kosovars' needs are met by our state.'' Arif Sezer said in his part that ''our nation has protected people without making a discrimination among them in respect of race, sect and religion within the framework of our state tradition which lasted for one thousand year. Our nation didn't commit genocide. We also embraced the Jewish people who were tried by the Inquisition court. It is again the Turkish Republic which had embraced Kurdish people in Northern Iraq. While a country like Britain didn't accept more than 3000 Kosovars, Turkey has embraced all refugees coming from Kosovo. The government of the Turkish Republic is sensitive about these issues, while the Turkish people wants to help in such cases. I believe that the events taking place in Kosova won't last long and our Kosovar brothers will return to their countries soon.'' Sezer, the Minister of Forestry gave a cheque worth of 11 billion Turkish liras to Onal, the governor of Kırklareli in order to meet the demands of Kosovar refugees. Responding to questions about the measures taken to prevent fires in forests, Sezer said that a tender of helicopter has been realized, adding ''we have 8,000-12,000 fire workers in our country. When we look at the countires in the world, we see that we are better than Greece, Spain and Italy in the struggle with fire. The way to prevent fires can only be realized by the development of people living in forest villages.'' [20] NATO SECRETARY GENERAL VISITS ELBASAN CAMP IN ALBANIAANKARA, May 14 (A.A) - Javier Solana, the Secretary General of the NATO, visited the Kizilay's (Red Crescent) refugee camp in Elbasan, Albania, it was reported on Friday.The Foreign Ministry said Solana who visited on May 12 the camp together with the U.S., British, Danish, and Australian high-level military officials, spoke to refugees and got information from the officials at the camp. Refugees expressed their pleasure with the conditions at the camp and said that their requirements were met while the Turkish doctors said there is not any epidemic at the camp. Stressing that he visited only Turkey's camp as she is the most reliable ally of the NATO, Solana said that no better thing can be done under those existing conditions, expressing his pleasure over the situation at the camp. [21] ERSIN PASHA MOSQUE OPENED IN GIRNE, TRNC - TRNC PRESIDENT DENKTAS: ''WE REALIZED ONE OF OUR DREAMS''LEFKOSA, May 14 (A.A) - Mehmet Nuri Yılmaz, the Chairman of Religious Affairs Department, who is currently in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), said on Friday that mosques are places of peace and tranquility, adding that ''we shouldn't alienate the mosques from their sacred target.''Addressing the ceremony held upon the opening of the mosque namely ''Nurettin Ersin Pasha Mosque'' which was constructed in Girne city of TRNC, Yılmaz, the Chairman of the Religious Affairs said that the civilization has been spread to the world from mosques, and mosques have assumed important roles during the period of national struggle. Recalling the speech of Ataturk in Balıkesir saying ''mosques are sacred places, the function of them is not only worship, but also they are places to provide solidarity among people,'' Yılmaz said mosques are places where reconciliation, love, respect, and brotherhood are suggested to people, adding this character of mosques has to be protected. ''This mosque constructed in Girne proves that this country belongs to Turkish people and Muslim people,'' he added. Rauf Denktas, the TRNC President said in his part that ''a dream has been realized and people can live as long as they dream. We had been dreaming of the arrival of Turkish soldiers in the island by looking at Toros mountains for years. We survived by this dream and carried out our struggle by believing that this dream will come true one day.'' Noting that Ersin Pasha on July 20, 1974 came to TRNC in a hot day, Denktas said that ''we reached victory, salvation, and freedom by Turkish soldiers who wrote the the history of Turkish history with golden letters under the commandership of Ersin Pasha.'' Calling out to retired General Ersin, Denktas said that ''we can't pay our gratitute to you, Turkish soldiers, martyrs, and war veterans.'' Retired General Nurettin Ersin said in his part that the Turkish Armed Forces carried out the Peace Operation in 1974 in order to end the pain of Turkish Cypriots and won a victory, adding he is honoured as his name is given to the mosque. The construction of the mosque started in 1996 and it costed 1,12 billion Turkish dollars. A.A Anadolu Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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