Anadolu Agency: News in English, 99-05-17

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AA Daily

17 May 1999 Monday

CONTENTS

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

[02] HELICOPTER PURCHASE OF TSK - SALE OF BLACK HAWK HELICOPTERS PASSED FROM THE U.S. CONGRESS

[03] NATO'S AIR OPERATION AGAINST YUGOSLAVIA - TURKISH F-16 WAR PLANES ACCUMULATE A TOTAL OF 1,416 FLIGHT HOURS

[04] EFFORTS TO FORM GOVERNMENT - ECEVIT, DSP LEADER, TO MEET WITH YILMAZ, LEADER OF ANAP

[05] NUMBER OF KOSOVAR REFUGEES INCREASES TO 15,992

[06] EXPECTATIONS OF EMPLOYERS FROM THE PARLIAMENT AND THE GOVERNMENT

[07] YESEMEK: THE FIRST AND ONLY OPEN AIR STATUE WORKSHOP OF THE WORLD

[08] EFFORTS TO FORM GOVERNMENT - PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT: ''MHP'S ATTITUDE IN REFUSING OUR REQUEST IS NOT THE END OF THE WORLD'' - ''ABSOLUTELY, OTHER GOVERNMENT ALTERNATIVES WILL BE FOUND''

[09] NATIONAL DEFENSE MINISTRY TO PURCHASE EIGHT CARGO HELICOPTERS

[10] STRUGGLE WITH ORGANIZED CRIME - BSEC WORKING GROUP TO HOLD ITS FIRST MEETING BETWEEN 23-27 MAY, 1999

[11] ERTUG, UNDERSECRETARY OF TRNC FOREIGN AND DEFENSE MINISTRY: - ''TURKISH CYPRIOTS SUFFERED A LOT BETWEEN 1963 AND 1974 FROM THE SAME KIND OF PLIGHT OF KOSOVAR PEOPLE. WE SAW THIS FILM BEFORE''

[12] TURKISH OFFICIALS VISIT HUNGARIAN BORDER

[13] ROCKLET CRISIS IN AEGEAN - TURKISH COAST GUARD OFFICIALS: ''THERE ISN'T ANY EXTRAORDINARY SITUATION''

[14] ''EFES-99 MILITARY EXERCISE'' TO START ON MAY 24

[15] JAPANESE CONSUL GENERAL IN ISTANBUL AND PAKISTANI AMBASSADOR TO ANKARA VISIT MAYOR OF IZMIR

[16] ''LITTLE SCIENTISTS'' MANAGE TO PURIFY INDUSTRIAL POLLUTION IN WATER

[17] 24 MEMBERS OF ILLEGAL HEZBOLLAH ORGANIZATION WHO PROPAGATES THE ORGANIZATION TO SMALL CHILDREN CAPTURED

[18] FOUR-MONTH BUDGET DEFICIT WAS 3.5 QUADRILLION LIRAS

[19] SITUATION OF KOSOVAR REFUGEES - AMBASSADOR TUFAN AND RED CRESCENT GENERAL DIRECTOR EVREN LEAVE FOR REGION TO VIST CAMPS IN ALBANIA AND MACEDONIA

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

HURRIYET (LIBERAL)

REFUSAL FROM MHP TO DSP, INVITATION FROM FP TO MHP
Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) suspended its relations with Democratic Left Party (DSP) in the apology crisis following the statements of Rahsan Ecevit, Deputy Chairwoman of DSP. Meanwhile, Virtue Party (FP) proposed ''Nationalist Front''. Devlet Bahceli, leader of MHP, refused request of Bulent Ecevit, leader of DSP, for a meeting and waited for an apology throughout the day. He became tough when he could not even get a signal to this end. Toskay, MHP Chairman, said there was no need for a meeting. Upon this development Recai Kutan, leader of FP, proposed MHP the ''Nationalist Front'' government which gets rightest parties under its roof. Kutan also proposed to support a government having the axis of MHP-ANAP-DYP, from the outside.

MILLIYET (LIBERAL)

MESSAGE GOING FROM ANAP
The Motherland Party (ANAP) gave Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) the message that ''don't refuse request of Ecevit for appointment. Or you will give an ill-tempered image which is contrary to the constructive policy you are following.''

SABAH (LIBERAL)

MALICIOUS ATTACK ON COFFEE HOUSE OF SOLDIERS
A bomb attack was staged on a coffee house, which the soldiers usually go, in Doryol county in souther Hatay province. Seven soldiers, three civilians, and the terrorist who staged the attack, were wounded during the incident.

CUMHURIYET (LEFT)

GURKAN SEEKS FOR A SUPPORT
Elections for Parliament Speakership will be resulted this week. Third tour will take place on Tuesday. If an outcome can not be taken, the fourth tour will be on May 20. Sadi Somuncuoglu, from Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), Nevzat Yalcintas, from Virtue Party (FP), Yildirim Akbulut from the Motherland Party (ANAP) and Ahmet Iyimaya from the True Path Party (DYP) and Uluc Gurkan from the Democratic Left Party (DSP) participate in as candidates. Gurkan, the DSP candidate visited Recai Kutan, leader of FP on Sunday can call for support.

RADIKAL (LEFT)

Since early on May 16, a number of correspondents have been waiting in the Gumusluk region in Bodrum opposite to the islet. Getting permission from the military officials, correspondents left for the islet to take pictures. A Greek assault boat patrolling around the islet harrassed the boat, and the Turkish journalists were obliged to return back to Gumusluk.

TURKISH DAY IN THE U.S.
The 18th traditional Turkish Day March was held in New York, the U.S., with splendid celebrations. New York was decorated with Turkish flags. The Janissary Band's performance charmed both Turkish and American people.

YENİ YÜZYIL (LIBERAL)

EXPLOSIVE DISASTER IN ERZURUM
Three siblings who were killed when an explosive device went off in eastern Erzurum province, were laid to rest. The siblings aged between 4-13, found the explosive which is thought to be rocket, near Mimar Sinan Barracks, and took it to barn near their house to play.

Mirza and Melek Oguz, parents of the children, and Suat Oguz, their brother who were injured in the blast, are under medical treatment in the Aziziye Hospital.

TÜRKİYE (RIGHT)

MISSILE THREAT IN AEGEAN
Athens stated that it will deploy a total of 36 missiles from Meric to Crete Island, and will form a shield against Turkey. This plan will be realized within three years. Meanwhile, a new radar system will be installed in the region within the framework of the plan.

THIRD ROUND VOTING FOR PARLIAMENT SPEAKER TO BE HELD TOMORROW
The third round voting for the election of parliament speaker will be held tomorrow. Candidates who could not reach required 367 votes at the first and second round votings, will compete with each other in the third round.

ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)

YERLIKAYA TAKES GOLD MEDAL
Hamza Yerlikaya, the Olympic and World Champ in 85 kg category, took gold medal and became champion again in the 46th European Men's Graeco-Roman Style Westling Championships. Yerlikaya beat his opponent Martin Lindberg of Sweden in the final.

[02] HELICOPTER PURCHASE OF TSK - SALE OF BLACK HAWK HELICOPTERS PASSED FROM THE U.S. CONGRESS

The sale notice which Pentagon submitted to the Congress by the beginning of May, was confirmed on Sunday as the 15 days legal period expired without any opposition. Thus, there is no obstacle in front of the sale of the helicopters which has a total value of approximately 560 million U.S. dollars.

The 50 Black Hawk helicopters were decided to be purchased from the Sikorksy company last autumn to meet the needs of Turkish Land Forces, later an agreement was signed.

It was reported that the helicopters which will begin to be delivered this year, will improve unit transfer ability to a great extend.

Under the agreement signed with the U.S. company, Turkish Aviation and Space Industry (TAI) and Military Electronic Industry (ASELSAN) companies will contribute to the production of these helicopters by giving parts worth of 110 million U.S. dollars.

Amerikan firmasiyla imzalanan anlaşma uyarinca, Türk Havacilik ve Uzay Sanayii TAİ ve ASELSAN şirketleri de bu helikopterlerin üretimine 110 milyon dolarlik parça katkisinda bulunacak.

Turkey, with another agreement signed in 1992, had purchased 45 Black Hawk helicopters. There are 19 French-German made Cougar and 19 Russian made MI- 17 helicopters in the inventory of Turkish Armed Forces. Turkey jointly produces 30 of the Cougar type general purpose helicopters.

[03] NATO'S AIR OPERATION AGAINST YUGOSLAVIA - TURKISH F-16 WAR PLANES ACCUMULATE A TOTAL OF 1,416 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 29 hours on May 16.

Meanwhile, a total of 859,788 Kosovar people were displaced so far as a result of ethnic cleansing campaign in Kosovo. According to the latest figures, there are 15,950 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 15,950 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 6,806 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.

[04] EFFORTS TO FORM GOVERNMENT - ECEVIT, DSP LEADER, TO MEET WITH YILMAZ, LEADER OF ANAP

Bulent Ecevit, Prime Minister and leader of DSP who was designated to form the new government, will meet in the afternoon with Mesut Yilmaz, leader of the Motherland Party (ANAP) which Ecevit wanted to include in a coalition with DSP.

Yilmaz will convene ANAP Chairmanship Council before his meeting with Ecevit. It was also reported that MHP, which has frozen ties with DSP in coalition talks, will also hold a Chairmanship Council meeting in the evening.

Meanwhile, Recai Kutan, leader of Virtue Party (FP) will chair General Administration Committee meeting of his party. FP is not included in the government formulas envisaged by DSP yet, Kutan on Sunday called on MHP and said ''there is a group here, apart from DSP, having 414 Parliamentarians. Several governments can be issued from here.''

True Path Party (DYP) also follows the developments. Mehmet Golhan, DYP Deputy Chairman, addressing a news conference on Sunday, said the nation has given them the duty of opposition, yet stated that they will not refrain from the assignment if necessary.

[05] NUMBER OF KOSOVAR REFUGEES INCREASES TO 15,992

The Interior Ministry issued a statement saying that a total of 6,976 Kosovar refugees have entered Turkey from the Kapikule Border Gate in Edirne; 7,243 others have arrived at the Corlu Airport in Tekirdag and 1, 773 of them have arrived at the Ataturk Airport in Istanbul as of 10:00 local time on Monday.

The statement noted that 6,949 Kosovar refugees have been provided shelters in the Gaziosmanpasa Refugee Camp in Kirklareli province.

[06] EXPECTATIONS OF EMPLOYERS FROM THE PARLIAMENT AND THE GOVERNMENT

A report prepared by TISK said the structure in central right and central left, which was weakened, should be recovered, and stressed the importance of including the citizens and non-governmental organizations to the administration and control processes for the formation of a strong and stable government.

The TISK report said role, assignments, and authorities of the state should be re-arranged within the framework of ''Economic Constitution'' concept, and pointed out that inter-active relation between the citizens and parliamentarians should be provided and advantage relations in politics should be reduced to minumum level.

The report said, ''democracy should be provided within the parties, domination of leader should be ended, and functions of local administrations should be improved.''

TISK report called on the new government to overcome aspects of tax law which prevent investment and employment and to renew labour regulations according to flexibility principle. It said adjustments should be made in labour regulation regarding salaries, employment, and work hours.

The report stressed that participation of non-governmental organizations to the administration and inspection processes actively and cooperation with public administration is a requirement of contemporary democracy, and added that non-governmental organizations were the most important means of social solidarity.

Recalling that the Chairman of the Turkish Trade Unions Federation (Turk- Is), the Confederation of Revolutionary Workers' Unions (DISK), the Confederation of Turkish Employers' Unions (TISK), the Turkish Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges (TOBB) and the Turkish Traders and Small Businessmen's Confederation (TESK), known as ''Five-way Initiative'' in public, came together for the national interests basing on the basic principles of Republic, the report said effectiveness of non-governmental organizations should be increased in administration of the country.

[07] YESEMEK: THE FIRST AND ONLY OPEN AIR STATUE WORKSHOP OF THE WORLD

Nearly 300 statues in Yesemek which is known as the first and only open air statue workshop of the world, attract visitor's attention.

Infrastructure preparations in Yemenek have been concluded by the Gaziantep Archaeology Museum.

The Yesemek Open Air Museum takes place on the slope of a hill near Yesenek village, 23 km southeast of Islahiye county.

Yesemek was first discovered by Felix Von Luschan who held excavation activities near Zincirli village in 1890.

A team headed by Prof. Dr. Bahadir Alkim, succeeded in bringing nearly 200 statues to light.

The open air statue workshop was opened to operation by Emperor Suppilluma I of Hittite between 1375-1335 B.C.

[08] EFFORTS TO FORM GOVERNMENT - PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT: ''MHP'S ATTITUDE IN REFUSING OUR REQUEST IS NOT THE END OF THE WORLD'' - ''ABSOLUTELY, OTHER GOVERNMENT ALTERNATIVES WILL BE FOUND''

Ecevit responded to the questions of reporters. When asked if the refusal of MHP was a suprise, Ecevit said, ''I was especially confused when Mr. Bahceli, leader of MHP, showed idealists as interlocutors to us. Because we are negotiating with a party. We thought we were talking with a legal party which was founded according to Political Parties Law. Yet, apart from this, taking several associations as interlocutors and expecting us to apologize from the nationalist, idealist group made me confused.''

When asked if the alternatives were the ones which also include True Path Party (DYP), Ecevit said, ''I don't know anything at the moment. As you know, I will talk to Mesut Yilmaz, leader of ANAP, at 14:00. We will discuss other possibilities afterwards.''

Responding to a question if ties with MHP was totally cut, Ecevit said ''this is not something that depends on us. Ask the question to MHP. We have not closed the doors.''

When asked if he will call for another appointment from MHP, Ecevit said that was something MHP can know.

Ecevit, responding to a question about the evaluation of Recai Kutan, leader of Virtue Party (FP), which called for another government apart from DSP, said ''this is not a situation which requires my evaluation.''

[09] NATIONAL DEFENSE MINISTRY TO PURCHASE EIGHT CARGO HELICOPTERS

Bids for the international tender will be received in the coming days.

The cargo helicopters will be able to carry heavy equipments, weapon, ammunition, and personnel in any kind of weather conditions, and will have two automatic flight control systems and related equipments.

The crew seats will be armoured, and the cargo helicopters will have an internal capasity to carry a unit of at least 44 people.

[10] STRUGGLE WITH ORGANIZED CRIME - BSEC WORKING GROUP TO HOLD ITS FIRST MEETING BETWEEN 23-27 MAY, 1999

Press Centre of the Directorate General of Security recalled in a written statement that the Cooperation Agreement was signed during the third meeting of the the BSEC Ministers of Interiors held in Corfu city of Greece between October 1-2, 1998.

The statement added that the first meeting of the working group which was formed under Article 6 of the Agreement will be hosted by Turkey in Belek county of Antalya province.

The meeting will last till May 27, 1999.

[11] ERTUG, UNDERSECRETARY OF TRNC FOREIGN AND DEFENSE MINISTRY: - ''TURKISH CYPRIOTS SUFFERED A LOT BETWEEN 1963 AND 1974 FROM THE SAME KIND OF PLIGHT OF KOSOVAR PEOPLE. WE SAW THIS FILM BEFORE''

Responding to the questions of the A.A correspondent, Ertug said that there are several lessons that the NATO, which seeks solution for the Kosovo crisis, should take from the things Turkey made on Cyprus.

Pointing out that they better esteemed and understood the things Turkey made for Cyprus after seeing the incidents in Bosnia-Herzegovina in the past and in Kosovo today, Ertug said, ''the Motherland Turkey provided peace and security of the Turkish Cypriot nation with the Peace Operation in 1974. It will be of little value even if we express our gratitude and indebtedness to the Motherland frequently. Because, we better esteem and understand the things Turkey made for our nation when we see the incidents in the world.''

''The people of Kosovo is now suffering what we suffered in the past. The NATO is doing its utmost for the solution of the problem but it can't launch a land operation, the essential step that should be taken. Turkey realized air bombardment on Cyprus in 1964 and a successful land operation in 1974,'' he said.

Ertug stressed that Turkey did the ''most true thing'' both in Cyprus issue and in Kosovo, and fulfilled her duties.

[12] TURKISH OFFICIALS VISIT HUNGARIAN BORDER

Briefing the Turkish officials, who visited the Hungarian southeastern border, at the Gyula border gate, the Hungarian officials said that the accumulations occur in the Romanian side.

Noting that the parking lots in the Romanian side are small and the Romanian customs officials are working very slowly, the Hungarian officials requested the Turkish citizens to take visa in Turkey in order not to encounter any difficulty.

The Hungarian customs officials stated that they give transit visa on the border to the Turkish truck drivers who don't have visa.

[13] ROCKLET CRISIS IN AEGEAN - TURKISH COAST GUARD OFFICIALS: ''THERE ISN'T ANY EXTRAORDINARY SITUATION''

Journalists who have been waiting for three days in Gumusluk village of Bodrum county of Mugla province, again put out to sea with two fisherman boats on Monday. A Greek Coast Guard Boat came near the press members near Kardak islet.

The Greek Coast Guard Boat which was on patrol, recorded the images of the journalists by a camera. A Turkish Coast Guard ship also came to the region to prevent the harrasment of Turkish journalists by the Greek coast guard boat. Officials said that the Greek coast guard boat is patrolling as usual, adding there is not an extraordinary situation.

Meanwhile, journalists who got permission from the Turkish Coast Guard officials, swam near Kardak islet.

[14] ''EFES-99 MILITARY EXERCISE'' TO START ON MAY 24

The General Staff issued a statement saying that the ''Efes-99 Military Exercise'' will be performed in the international air space and waters of the Aegean Sea, and in the Doganbey-Seferihisar manoeuvres region with the participation of the Land, Naval, and Air Forces' elements.

The coordination and cooperation principles among the Land, Naval, and Air Forces, and several defense tactics will be experienced in the military exercise at which also real munitions will be used.

More than 30 foreign observers from the NATO, Partnership for Peace, and other countries will also participate in the military exercise. The ''observer day'', which will be performed in Doganbey on June 10, will be open to press and public.

[15] JAPANESE CONSUL GENERAL IN ISTANBUL AND PAKISTANI AMBASSADOR TO ANKARA VISIT MAYOR OF IZMIR

After his meeting with Japanese Consul General Ishido, Piristina said that they discussed issues in the relations between Turkey and Japan.

Noting that Japanese Consul General recalled in te meeting a total of 800 thousand Japanese tourists visited Turkey last year, Piristina said, ''however, we can't reach the same number this year due to the activities of the terrorist organization. Mr. Consul General has stated that he'll expend personal efforts to let the Japanese tourists to come to Turkey.''

Following the meeting between Piristina and Ishido, Karamatullah Khan Ghori paid a courtesy visit to Piristina.

Pointing out that there has been a relationship between Turkey and Pakistan based on historical close friendship, Piristina said that Pakistan attaches great importance to the International Izmir Fair.

Pakistani Ambassador Ghori said he paid a visit to congratulate Piristina as he was elected as the Mayor of Izmir, recalling that he was newly appointed as the Pakistani Ambassador to Ankara.

Ghori said they started to further improve the relations from Izmir.

[16] ''LITTLE SCIENTISTS'' MANAGE TO PURIFY INDUSTRIAL POLLUTION IN WATER

The little scientists, both of whom are twelve years old, took the selective comittee special award with their project on ''Use of Electro- Oxidation Method in Purification of Waste Water from Settlements'' in the Eighth Research Projects Competition among the High-School Students in Turkey.

''We were deeply distressed when we saw the pollution in the Alleben brook passing from the inside of the city. There, children are playing and several vegetables are grown. When we saw these, we sought a method to prevent the pollution and purify the water,'' the little scientists said.

''We were invited to the stage as the 'little scientists' and we were very pleased with that. The environmental pollution reached serious dimensions. With the project we developed, we researched the feasibility to purify the water with electrochemical methods, and we succeeded in that. After we cleaned the solid pieces off the kitchen, sewer, and factory waste-water, we gave electricity to the water and removed the chemical substances and organic substances causing odour. And the water again became clear,'' they said.

[17] 24 MEMBERS OF ILLEGAL HEZBOLLAH ORGANIZATION WHO PROPAGATES THE ORGANIZATION TO SMALL CHILDREN CAPTURED

Security officials in Tarsus said that 24 people were captured in operations staged against the illegal Hezbollah organization by the Anti- Terrorism teams.

Officials said that the members of the illegal organization propagate the organization to small children under the name of ''Koran courses'' in mosques of slums of the county.

The suspects confessed during their interrogations that they were involved in kidnapping of Ahmet Aydın, the imam of Benlizade Mosque for preventing the activities of the illegal organization and they threatened three others imams in the county.

[18] FOUR-MONTH BUDGET DEFICIT WAS 3.5 QUADRILLION LIRAS

According to the data of the Ministry of Finance Directorate General of Accountancy, the budget spendings in January-April 1999 period was 7.9 quadrillion. The personnel expenditures were 2 quadrillion 9 trillion TL, other current spendings were 229 trillion TL, and investment expenditures were 194 trillion TL.

The Treasury paid 3 quadrillion 90 trillion TL in domestic borrowing interest and 245 trillion TL in foreign debt interest.

A total of 911 trillion TL was transferred to the social security organizations including State Employees Pension Fund, Social Insurance Authority (SSK) and Social Security Agency for Artisans and the Self- Employed. A total of 167 trillion TL was transferred to the Public Economic Enterprises while a total of 392 trillion TL was realized in tax return payment. The total transfer spendings reached 5 quadrillion 468 trillion TL.

Meanwhile, the budget revenues in the first four months of the year was 4 quadrillion 369 trillion TL.

The tax revenues increased 43.7 percent to 3 quadrillion 286 trillion TL.

The special income and funds provided 616 trillion TL in the budget while the added budgets income reached 111 trillion TL.

[19] SITUATION OF KOSOVAR REFUGEES - AMBASSADOR TUFAN AND RED CRESCENT GENERAL DIRECTOR EVREN LEAVE FOR REGION TO VIST CAMPS IN ALBANIA AND MACEDONIA

Issuing a statement, the Foreign Ministry said Ambassador Tufan and Red Crescent General Director Evren left the same day for Tirana to visit the camps in Elbasan and Boyane which were set up by the Red Crescent.

The statement said Ambassador Tufan will determine the new services that can be given to the Kosovar refugees, and convey his opinions and views to the concerned authorities.

A total of four thousand refugees ar staying at the Elbasan camp in Albania, and nearly 4,200 others are staying at the Boyane camp in Macedonia. Turkey is supplying the requirements of these Kosovar refugees.

A.A

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