Anadolu Agency: News in English, 99-05-15

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AA Daily

15 May 1999 Saturday

CONTENTS

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

[02] BOSTANCIOGLU, NATIONAL EDUCATION MINISTER, IN TRNC

[03] NATO'S USAGE OF THREE TURKISH BASES - TANASKOVIC, YUGOSLAVIAN AMBASSADOR TO ANKARA: - ''WE WANT TO PROTECT AND MAINTAIN OUR RELATIONS WITH TURKEY FOR THE FUTURE GENERATIONS''

[04] TURKISH FIELD SERVICE DIVISION DUE IN ALBANIA

[05] TRNC FOREIGN AND DEFENSE MINISTRY: - ''THE GREEK CYPRIOTS HAVE INCREASED THEIR PROVOCATIONS AND HARASSMENTS IN THE BORDER''

[06] NEGOTIATIONS BETWEEN TEAS AND BULGARIAN ELECTRICITY INSTITUTION STARTS IN SOFIA

[07] PARLIAMENT SPEAKER ELECTIONS - PREMIER ECEVIT: ''WHEN WE COME TO THE FINAL ROUND, WE WILL TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION THE SITUATION. WE WILL COME TO A CONCLUSION WHICH WILL PLEASE EVERY SIDE''

[08] FOREIGN MINISTRY DELEGATION IN SOUTHEASTERN MARDIN PROVINCE - SAHINBAS, DEPUTY UNDERSECRETARY: ''WE ARE IMPRESSED BY THE DEVELOPMENTS IN FREE AND ORGANIZED INDUSTRY ZONES''

[09] PRESIDENT DEMIREL: - ''ATATURK'S DIRECTIVE SAYING THAT TURKEY WILL BE MODERN, DEVELOPED, PROUD, PROSPEROUS, WEALTY AND CIVILIZED, IS AN ARROW WHICH LEFT THE BOW. IT WILL FIND ITS TARGET''

[10] U.S. CITIZENSHIP OF MERVE KAVAKCI - RUBIN, U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN: - ''THIS IS A VERY SENSITIVE ISSUE. I CANNOT MAKE A COMMENT ON THIS ISSUE BEFORE THE TURKISH PARLIAMENT SOLVES THE PROBLEM''

[11] NATO'S AIR OPERATION AGAINST YUGOSLAVIA - TURKISH F-16 WAR PLANES ACCUMULATE A TOTAL OF 1,387 FLIGHT HOURS

[12] STATE MINISTER GEMICI DEU TO ALGERIA

[13] 18TH TURKISH DAY MARCH IN U.S. - PRESIDENT DEMIREL: - ''WE FOLLOW WITH GREAT PRIDE THE INCREASING ACTIVITIES AND SUCCESSES OF THE TURKISH COMMUNITY LIVING IN THE U.S.''

[14] PRESIDENT DEMIREL SENDS MESSAGE OF CONGRATULATION TO CIAMPI WHO WAS ELECTED AS NEW ITALIAN PRESIDENT

[15] USE OF TURKEY'S MILITARY BASES BY NATO - GENERAL KILIC, CHIEF COMMANDER OF AIR FORCES: - ''WE ARE STILL IN A WORKING PERIOD. THERE IS STILL NOT ANYTHING'' - ''WE ENTERED NATO, WE HAVE COMMITMENTS, WE HAVE TO ABIDE BY THESE''

[16] FIRST TURKISH CYPRIOT FAIR - STATE MINISTER GUREL: - ''AN ASSURANCE FORMULA WHICH IS NOT DESIRED BY TURKISH CYPRIOTS, IS UNACCEPTABLE FOR TURKEY''

[17] FOREIGN MINISTRY: - ''STATEMENTS OF CENNETI VIOLATE PRINCIPLE OF ABSTAINING FROM INTERFERENCE IN INTERNAL AFFAIRS. SUCH STATEMENTS ARE UNACCEPTABLE FOR US''

[18] CLOSURE OF XANTHI TURKISH ASSOCIATION - FOREIGN MINISTRY: ''THE DECISION OF DISSOLUTION ONCE AGAIN SHOWS THE USE OF LAW TO SERVE POLITICAL PURPOSES IN GREECE'' - ''THE DECISION IS THE VIOLATION OF LAUSANNE TREATY, TURKISH-GREEK CULTURE PROTOCOL IN 1968, U.N. UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS, OSCE DOCUMENTS AND EUROPEAN HUMAN RIGHTS CHARTER''

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

HURRIYET (LIBERAL)

TURKISH DAY MARCH IN NEW YORK
The 18th traditional Turkish Day March will be held in New York, the U.S., later today. New York will be decorated with Turkish flags. Meanwhile Albanian people living in the U.S. are also expected to join the march where the Janissary Band will present a performance.

MILLIYET (LIBERAL)

''In their rhetoric, they said we came into existence from a female wolf and a Turk, we'll protect the last Turkish state. They provided arms to the young people. They let a number of people to feel pain and grief. Those who tried to make politics with use of force can't be defined as a democratic political party. And if exploitation of religion is included into this, than national integrity, secularism and democracy will be harmed. I hope they were changed. I wish a an auspicious coalition can be formed,'' she added.

SABAH (LIBERAL)

A storm broke out when the Greek MEGA TV broadcasted a Greek man's wish for his wedding on the Plati island.

Athens escalated the crisis while Ankara announced that necessary measures will be taken. Chief of General Staff General Huseyin Kivrikoglu said the thing what is necessary will be done like in the Kardak crisis.

GOVERNMENT IS O.K.
The Democratic Left Party (DSP), Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) and Motherland Party (ANAP) reached an agreement in silence.

Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said, ''formation of the government will be finalized at the beginning of next week.''

A YOUNG CANDIDATE FOR CHP LEADERSHIP
His name is Hursit Gunes. He is the son of Turan Gunes, one of the legendary politicians. He is 42 years old. He says, ''the Republican People's Party (CHP) received only four percent vote of the people under 30. These people constitute half of the total voters. And this shows that the CHP should be handed over to a young administrative personnel.''

Prof. Hursit Gunes is the brother of Ayse Gunes, who was made history with the watchword ''Ayse can go on a holiday'' before the Cyprus Peace Operation in 1974.

CUMHURIYET (LEFT)

Michael Crestides, the Charge d'Affaires of Greece which built houses and roads on the Platia island which is 45 km away from the Kardak island in the Aegean Sea, was summoned to the Foreign Ministry.

SUCCESS OF OUR YOUTH IN MUSIC
The ''Anatolia Kontrbas Quartet'' group including the Fine Arts Academy students ranked first in the 47th European Youth Music Festival which was organized in Neerpelt, Belgium.

The group ranked first in the Chamber Music part of the C category of the festival.

RADIKAL (LEFT)

SUPPORT TO TURKEY IN THE U.S. SENATE
A total of 37 senators from the U.S. Senate wrote a letter to the U.S. President Bill Clinton, 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''. In the letter the U.S. senators said that 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 undertakes in its region, was also very important for Washington.

YENİ YÜZYIL (LIBERAL)

RAMSTORE OPENS IN ALMATI
Almati Ramstore of Migros which is run by Koc Group opened with a ceremony in Almati. Almati Ramstore is the eight store which Migros 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 shopping center includes 46 shops, banks, one movie theater, and an ice skating area.

TÜRKİYE (RIGHT)

PARLAK, FP DEPUTY RESIGNS FROM HIS PARTY
Merve Kavakci scandal continued to shake the Virtue Party (FP). Following the resignations of Aydin Menderes and Mustafa Bayram,

Evliya Parlak, the Hakkari Deputy of the FP, resigned from his party yesterday.

ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)

ECEVIT:''THE GOVERNMENT WILL BE COMPLETED NEXT WEEK''
Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit, the Leader of the Democratic Left Party (DSP) who was designated to form the new government, said that formation of the new government will be completed probably in the beginning of the coming week. Ecevit will be received by President Suleyman Demirel later on Saturday. He will start second round of talks with political party leaders on Monday.

[02] BOSTANCIOGLU, NATIONAL EDUCATION MINISTER, IN TRNC

Bostancioglu and the accompanying delegation were received by Rauf Denktas, the President of the TRNC.

Addressing a speech during the meeting, Bostancioglu said that they consider the Turkish Cypriots as their brothers and sisters and they consider the Turkish Cypriot students as their own students.

Stressing that the cooperation agreement which was signed between the ministries of the two countries is still in effect, Bostancioglu noted that they will deliver some computers to the TRNC in accordance with the agreement and that some other computers will be sent as soon as possible.

Denktas said that they are in a full cooperation with Turkey in every issue.

Noting that they share the similar things with Turkey in language, religion and culture, Denktas stated that if the Turkish Cypriots can smile today, it is because of the Motherland and that the Motherland has been supporting Turkish Cypriots for many years.

Bostancioglu will open some schools and a teachers' club on Saturday.

[03] NATO'S USAGE OF THREE TURKISH BASES - TANASKOVIC, YUGOSLAVIAN AMBASSADOR TO ANKARA: - ''WE WANT TO PROTECT AND MAINTAIN OUR RELATIONS WITH TURKEY FOR THE FUTURE GENERATIONS''

Responding to questions of A.A correspondent on the latest developments, Tanaskovic noted that Turkey's allowance of the deployment of NATO aircrafts in her territory is a ''distressing incident.''

Evaluating this incident as ''a development which overshadows the bilateral relations'', Tanaskovic stated that despite this, the diplomatic canals with Turkey are open, and their contacts with the Turkish Foreign Ministry continue.

Evaluating the words of Ismail Cem, the Foreign Minister, saying that ''Turkey does not have any hostility with Yugoslav nation'', Tanaskovic stressed that the Yugoslav people do not have any hatred against Turkey and the Turkish nation, either.

Recalling the words of Cem saying, ''Turkey had told her allies before the NATO operation started that there can be dangerous developments in the region,'' Tanaskovic emphasized that if only Turkey could have informed her allies about the facts in Kosovo.

Stating that they attribute importance to their relations with Turkey and want to maintain them for the mutual interests of the future generations, Tanaskovic pointed out that this can only be possible by the joint efforts.

Tanaskovic said that he wished that Turkey had not been involved in this operation because Turkey can put forward her importance in the Balkans with a stable approach.

Tanaskovic noted that they support this view but the truth is very different from this.

Pointing out that they expect Turkey to suggest her allies that the operation should be ended, Tanaskovic stated that the temporory closure of Turkish Embassy in Belgrade is a very unlucky development.

[04] TURKISH FIELD SERVICE DIVISION DUE IN ALBANIA

A General Staff statement said that the division will be deployed in Elbasan province of Albania, where the Turkish Red Crescent is present at the moment.

The field service division will assist the refugees in the region which is under its responsibility, including the area of the Turkish Red Crescent.

The division will consist of a total of four brasseries, five bath units, two laundry units, a health unit including three doctors, six nurses and three ambulances and one supply unit which can purify 40 tons of water per hour.

Two security and guard squads which will be under the authority of the Gendermarie Commandership, will be assigned in the division to protect all these units.

A total of 159 personnel will be designated in the division and there will be 28 vehicles and 19 trailers in the field division.

The vehicles and their drivers will depart from Foca Harbour of western Izmir province for Durres Harbour of Albania by a vessel on Saturday and the other personnel will fly from Izmir to Tirana on May 18, 1999 and then will proceed to Elbasan.

[05] TRNC FOREIGN AND DEFENSE MINISTRY: - ''THE GREEK CYPRIOTS HAVE INCREASED THEIR PROVOCATIONS AND HARASSMENTS IN THE BORDER''

A Ministry written statement said that they expect such attacks of the Greek Cypriots should be ended as soon as possible, adding that they also expect the U.N. Peacekeeping Force should take some effective measures to put an end to such policies which escalate the tension on the Island.

The statement emphasized that in case of a sad event, the TRNC authorities cannot be considered responsible for such events.

Noting that the Greek Cypriot soldiers curse, swear, throw stones and opened fire to the Turkish soldiers who are on duty in some regions near the border, the statement stressed that the Greek Cypriot soldiers made 34 such provocations in April and 31 provocations in the first 14 days of May.

Stressing that the Turkish side maintains its calmness against such provocations and launches the necessary initiatives within the framework of the U.N. Peacekeeping Force, the statement pointed out that the Greek Cypriot provocations did not decrease but increase during this time.

Pointing out that as a result of the disciplined and calm behaviour of the Turkish security forces, they prevented any sad incident which will occur due to the Greek Cypriot provocations until today; the statement noted that they feel uneasy about the escalation of the tension and facing some sad incident if the U.N. Peacekeeping Force and the Greek Cypriot soldiers cannot take some effective and concrete measures.

[06] NEGOTIATIONS BETWEEN TEAS AND BULGARIAN ELECTRICITY INSTITUTION STARTS IN SOFIA

The two parties are discussing Turkey's purchasing of a total of 37.4 billion kwh of electricity from Bulgaria for eight years.

The Turkish and Bulgarian officials discussed the details of the agreement which will be signed between the two institutions.

It was revealed that the negotiations were positive and that the agreement on the price of electricity and the technical information will probably be signed on Saturday.

If the agreement is signed, Ceylan Holding, a Turkish company, will construct a 136-km motorway and three dams in Bulgaria in return for the electricity to be purchased from Bulgaria.

[07] PARLIAMENT SPEAKER ELECTIONS - PREMIER ECEVIT: ''WHEN WE COME TO THE FINAL ROUND, WE WILL TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION THE SITUATION. WE WILL COME TO A CONCLUSION WHICH WILL PLEASE EVERY SIDE''

Addressing a statement about his visits to Sadi Somuncuoglu, Aksaray deputy of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) who is also a candidate, Ecevit noted that he had earlier put forward that the initiatives to form new goverment and the elections for parliament speaker should not be confused.

Noting that the officials from the MHP have also declared that they think the same, Ecevit said, ''we do not have initiatives on this issue. Mr. Gurkan is an experienced deputy speaker of parliament and to this end, he puts his candidacy for the office of speaker of parliament.''

''We leave this issue to the appreciation of the parliament. Of course, I said that I personally support Uluc Gurkan. Mr. Somuncuoglu welcomed this with understanding. When we come to the final round, we will take into consideration the situation, and will come to a conclusion which will please every side,'' Ecevit added.

Responding to a question, Ecevit stated that he had not applied to the leaders of the other political parties to get appointments for the second round talks within the framework of the efforts to form the new government.

Ecevit stressed that he should firstly meet with President Suleyman Demirel, adding that it is very natural and necessary to express the impressions he gained until today, to President Demirel.

When asked whether or not the new government will be formed by the next week, Ecevit said that he will do the best he can.

Ecevit emphasized that all the ministers signed the decision of the Council of Ministers which foresees the cancellation of the Turkish citizenship of Merve Kavakci, the Istanbul Deputy of the Virtue Party (FP) who came to the parliamentary general assembly meeting by wearing a headscarf, since she is a U.S. citizen.

[08] FOREIGN MINISTRY DELEGATION IN SOUTHEASTERN MARDIN PROVINCE - SAHINBAS, DEPUTY UNDERSECRETARY: ''WE ARE IMPRESSED BY THE DEVELOPMENTS IN FREE AND ORGANIZED INDUSTRY ZONES''

A Foreign Ministry delegation visited Fikret Guven, the Governor of southeastern Mardin province.

In their visit to Guven, Sahinbas noted that they visited the Mardin Free Zone and Organized Industry Region and listened to the problems of the businessmen; adding that they will reflect these problems to the related authorities in Ankara.

Noting that the Foreign Ministry started the process of restructuring in the last two years, Sahinbas said, ''we have carried out researches in the Free Zone and the Organized Industry Region. We were impressed by the developments. Mardin will have an important place in industry in the future.''

''Our ministry set up an economic and development unit. The initiatives in this field are underway. We have improved our relations with our neighbours by the initiatives of our ministry,'', Sahinbas added.

Guven stated that they want to benefit from the recommendations of the Foreign Ministry in regional and local development.

The delegation later visited the Multi-Purpose Society (MARDIN-CATOM) and Encouraging the Initiative Center.

[09] PRESIDENT DEMIREL: - ''ATATURK'S DIRECTIVE SAYING THAT TURKEY WILL BE MODERN, DEVELOPED, PROUD, PROSPEROUS, WEALTY AND CIVILIZED, IS AN ARROW WHICH LEFT THE BOW. IT WILL FIND ITS TARGET''

Addressing a speech in a diploma ceremony for the officers in Istanbul, Demirel noted that Turkey should not have any hesitation, conflicts in mind and hopelessness in the threshold of the 21st century, and added that she will follow the path of Ataturk.

Demirel stated that the person who give importance to education will be useful for himself and for his country.

Noting that he visited seven schools today, Demirel stressed that the most important problem Turkey faces with in the threshold of the 21st century is the education.

Pointing out that not only the quantity but also the quality of the education is important, Demirel emphasized that everybody should help improvement of the education opportunities in Turkey.

Stressing that they aim at a more literate Turkish population, Demirel said that this means a more clever and more reconciled Turkey.

[10] U.S. CITIZENSHIP OF MERVE KAVAKCI - RUBIN, U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN: - ''THIS IS A VERY SENSITIVE ISSUE. I CANNOT MAKE A COMMENT ON THIS ISSUE BEFORE THE TURKISH PARLIAMENT SOLVES THE PROBLEM''

Rubin noted that Turkish parliament is trying to solve this problem so he cannot make a comment on this issue before the Turkish parliament solves this problem.

Responding the questions in a press conference, Rubin stated that as a general principle, they think that the freedom of expression, religion and belief which are internationally protected by the secularism, cover general things not private things.

Noting that the U.S. citizenship of Kavakci concerns Immigration and Citizenship institute, Rubin emphasized that there is not a U.S. law preventing the participation of a U.S. citizen in the elections of a foreign country.

Rubin stressed that there are some possibilities that a U.S. citizen can be denaturalized in the cases including taking an oath in that country and being the citizen of that country.

When asked whether or not Turkish parliament applied to the U.S. State Department for the U.S. citizenship issue, Rubin pointed out that the issue should be discussed with the Immigration and Citizenship institute but that he will carry out researches about this issue.

[11] NATO'S AIR OPERATION AGAINST YUGOSLAVIA - TURKISH F-16 WAR PLANES ACCUMULATE A TOTAL OF 1,387 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 40 hours on May 14.

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; 236,500 thousand in Macedonia; 18,500 in Bosnia-Herzegovina, and 46,257 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 province.

Turkey has provided shelters for a total of 5,700 Kosovar refugees in camps in Macedonia and Albania. Both camps have capacity to host 20 thousand refugees.

Meanwhile, a convoy of 14 lorries carrying humanitarian aid to the refugee camp in Albania, arrived in Albania.

[12] STATE MINISTER GEMICI DEU TO ALGERIA

The Foreign Trade Undersecretariat issued a statement saying that the delegation will pay an official visit to Algeria upon an invitation of Algerian co-president of the Turkish-Algerian Joint Economic Commission (JEC).

Within the framework of the visit, the delegation is scheduled to attend meeting of the Turkish-Algerian Business Council, and opening ceremony of the Turkish export products exhibition.

Gemici will be received by Algerian President Liamine Zerouai.

He will also hold talks with Algerian Energy and Mines Minister, Trade Minister and National Solidarity and Family Minister.

The delegation is expected to return to Turkey on May 21.

[13] 18TH TURKISH DAY MARCH IN U.S. - PRESIDENT DEMIREL: - ''WE FOLLOW WITH GREAT PRIDE THE INCREASING ACTIVITIES AND SUCCESSES OF THE TURKISH COMMUNITY LIVING IN THE U.S.''

Issuing a statement, the Presidential Press Center said President Suleyman Demirel sent a message to the Turkish community in the U.S. upon the ''18th Turkish Day March''.

''My dearest citizens, kinsmen and Turkey's American friends,

I sincerely share the enthusiasm, exuberance and gladness of you who gather today upon the 18th Traditional Turkish Week and Turkish Day March.

As a result of your initiatives in the country and abroad, Turkey is rapidly developing in every field and taking the place she deserved in the world. A brilliant future is awaiting our country and nation,'' President Demirel said.

President Demirel noted that the partnership relations between Turkey and the U.S. possessing fundamental tradition and which increase on the basis of free market economy and respect to democracy, supremacy of law, human rihgts and freedoms, are rapidly increasing in every field.

''Your unity and solidarity make great and considerable contributions to this development. With this respect, I request you to especially continue your contributions to the relations between the two countries and protect your unity and solidarity,'' President said in his message.

[14] PRESIDENT DEMIREL SENDS MESSAGE OF CONGRATULATION TO CIAMPI WHO WAS ELECTED AS NEW ITALIAN PRESIDENT

In his message, President Demirel said, ''I hope relations between our two countries and our nations will reach its traditional acceleration again during your presidency term. I will be glad to come together with you in order to discuss ways to further improve of our reciprocal relations.''

[15] USE OF TURKEY'S MILITARY BASES BY NATO - GENERAL KILIC, CHIEF COMMANDER OF AIR FORCES: - ''WE ARE STILL IN A WORKING PERIOD. THERE IS STILL NOT ANYTHING'' - ''WE ENTERED NATO, WE HAVE COMMITMENTS, WE HAVE TO ABIDE BY THESE''

General Kilic responded to the questions of reporters following the ceremony which was held at the Military Martyrdom in Cebeci, Ankara to commemorate the Air Martyres.

When asked whether there was a development about the NATO's request, General Kilic said, ''yesterday, Mr. Chief of General Staff made a statement. We're still in a working period. Of course, we entered the NATO, we've commitments and we've to abide by these. But, there is not an issue like this or that place.''

When asked whether the three bases, which were mentioned, still are not clear, Kilic said, ''of course, they are not clear. There is still not anything. However, the government saw it fit to Turkey. Thus we are discussing the details.''

Responding to another question, General Kilic said use of the military bases in Turkey by the NATO won't create problems about the flights over the Aegean Sea.

''We have a such a capability that we take off from Diyarbakir, fly over the Aegean and then return back to Diyarbakir. Aegean doesn't have any relation with the use of air base in Balikesir. The palnes, which fly over whole Aegean, come to Malatya from Diyarbakir. They realize fuel-supply for two times. They go to their place and landed in Mus,'' he said.

When asked what he thinks about Greece's attempt to open the Platia roclets for settlement in such a period, General Ilhan Kilic said, ''shanty house can't be built on a place without a title deed.''

[16] FIRST TURKISH CYPRIOT FAIR - STATE MINISTER GUREL: - ''AN ASSURANCE FORMULA WHICH IS NOT DESIRED BY TURKISH CYPRIOTS, IS UNACCEPTABLE FOR TURKEY''

Gurel responded the questions of journalists at the opening ceremony of the First Turkish Cypriot Fair which was organized by the Turkish Cypriot Development Platform in Ankara.

When reminded the news reports claiming that the Cyprus question was taken into agenda of the G-8, Gurel noted, ''creating new so-called sides except for concerned ones and making the problem more complicated, will not ease efforts aiming at finding a solution to the question. To this end, such a development will not be welcomed by Turkey.''

Responding to a question about allegations claiming that Britain prepares a constitution for Cyprus, Gurel stressed, ''third sides launched initiatives many times to prepare several texts and to impose these models on concerned sides. A reminiscent initiative will also be fruitless. Because those who will decide about future of Cyprus, are the Turkish Cypriots, the Greek Cypriot, Turkey and other concerned sides. Such initatives, therefore, are useless.''

Turkish Cypriots' handicrafts and regional foods are being displayed in the fair.

[17] FOREIGN MINISTRY: - ''STATEMENTS OF CENNETI VIOLATE PRINCIPLE OF ABSTAINING FROM INTERFERENCE IN INTERNAL AFFAIRS. SUCH STATEMENTS ARE UNACCEPTABLE FOR US''

Reminding that Hussein Mohammed Lavasani, the Iranian Ambassador to Turkey, was summoned to the Foreign Ministry yesterday in order to protest attitude of Cenneti, the Foreign Ministry in its statement noted that Mr. Lavasani was told that such attitudes will escalate tension between the two countries, and will prevent good neighbourhood relations from being further improved.

Pointing out that Iranian government was earlier called on not to interfere in Turkey's internal affairs, the statement underlined that it is very sad that such statements overshadow Iran's changing attitude towards Turkey after Mohammed Khatami has taken over the presidency.

Addressing a khutbah at the Tehran University on May 14, Cenneti claimed that Turkish authorities are ''against religion and freedom''.

Extending support for Merve Kavakci, the Istanbul Deputy of Virtue party (FP) who created chaos by attending the opening ceremony of the parliament with her Islamic style headscarf, Cenneti said, ''administrators and officials of a country can be this much contrary of religion and freedom. They could not put up with a half a meter cloth on her head.''

[18] CLOSURE OF XANTHI TURKISH ASSOCIATION - FOREIGN MINISTRY: ''THE DECISION OF DISSOLUTION ONCE AGAIN SHOWS THE USE OF LAW TO SERVE POLITICAL PURPOSES IN GREECE'' - ''THE DECISION IS THE VIOLATION OF LAUSANNE TREATY, TURKISH-GREEK CULTURE PROTOCOL IN 1968, U.N. UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS, OSCE DOCUMENTS AND EUROPEAN HUMAN RIGHTS CHARTER''

Issuing a statement, the Foreign Ministry recalled that the Xanthi Turkish Association, which was set up by the Western Thracian Turkish Minority, was closed by the Xanthi Multi-Member Trial Court in 1984 upon the application of the Governor of Xanthi with charges that the association has the word ''Turkish'' in its title.

Noting that the appeal case which was filed by the association the same year against the decision, was heard after 15 years at the Thrace Court of Appeals due to continuous delays, the statement said that the Court ruled to close the association by justifying the request of the Xanthi Governor who considered that the aims and principles of the association mentioned in its by-law were ''contrary to laws, ethics and public order''.

Pointing out that the Court, in its verdict, said the ''Turkish'' word in the association's name and its addressing the Western Thracian Turks in its by-law created an impression that the ''Xanthi Turkish Association'' belongs to the Turks within the borders of Greece, the statement said the Court decided that the association was contrary to the public order, claiming that the association, which carries out activities within the borders of the Greek state, seems that it was set up by Turks and serves for political purposes of a foreign country.

The Foreign Ministry stressed that the word ''Turkish'' in the association's name is not a word used for Turkish citizenship, but an adjective symbolizing the Western Thracians of Turkish origin, and this reality was not taken into consideration deliberately.

Recalling that the Lausanne Treaty doesn't include a restriction of the right to determine the ethnic roots of minorities living in the territories of two countries, the statement said, ''Greece defines the minority in Turkey as the (Istanbul Greeks) ethnic identity. Greece also mentions that there is a Greek minority in Albania. Besides, Greece can discover noble communities (Helen) even in the places in far distances, and doesn't take into consideration any inconvenient situation in definding those people as diaspora Greeks. Greece's refusing the identity of the Turkish minority in her country while protecting those people she claimed that they are of Greek race is an important indicator of the contradiction she fell into.''

''The desicion to dissolve the Xanthi Turkish Association creates contradiction with the implementations foreseen by Greece for her own minorities, and constitutes a violation of the articles and rules of the Lausanne Treaty, Turkish-Greek Culture Protocol in 1968, U.N. Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) documents and European Human Rights Charter regarding basic freedoms including especially the freedom of expression and setting up association,'' the statement noted.

''The Human Rights Watch Report, which was issued in January 1999, documented Greece's refusal of the Turkish minority's ethnic identity in her territories and freedom of setting up association,'' the statement stressed.

A.A

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