Anadolu Agency: News in English, 99-05-19

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From: The Anadolu Agency Home Page at <http://www.anadoluajansi.gov.tr/>

AA Daily

19 May 1999 Wednesday

CONTENTS

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

[02] DENKTAS, PRESIDENT OF TRNC: ''GREEK CYPRIOTS ARE TRYING TO ANNIHILATE ISLAM AND AND TURKISHNESS ON CYPRUS''

[03] BRITISH AND ALBANIAN PRIME MINISTERS VISIT RED CRESCENT'S CAMP IN ELBASAN - BLAIR: ''THE CHILDREN HERE ARE THE FUTURE OF KOSOVO. THEY HAVE RIGHT OF LIVING LIKE OUR CHILDREN. WE'LL DO WHAT IS NECESSARY TILL THE END''

[04] 11TH INTERNATIONAL ISTANBUL THEATRE FESTIVAL BEGINS

[05] TURKEY MARKS MAY 19 YOUTH AND SPORTS DAY - FIRST CEREMONY HELD IN MAUSOLEUM OF ATATURK

[06] PRESIDENT DEMIREL ADDRESSES SPANISH EL PAIS: - ''AS A RESULT OF DECREASE IN TERRORIST ATTACKS, THE ECONOMIC GROWTH IN THE SOUTHEAST WILL INCREASE'' - ''THERE IS THE NECESSARY COMBINATION FOR A STABLE GOVERNMENT'' - ''OUR RELATIONS WITH EU ARE NOW ENTERING SUCH A CRITICAL PERIOD THAT A SIGN OF CHANGE IN AFFAIRS IS VERY IMPORTANT AND NECESSARY EVER BEFORE'' - ''WE HOPE THAT AN AGREEMENT IS REACHED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AND THE U.N SECURITY COUNCIL LIFTS SANCTIONS IMPOSED ON IRAQ''

[07] NATO'S AIR OPERATION AGAINST YUGOSLAVIA - TURKISH F-16 WAR PLANES ACCUMULATE A TOTAL OF 1,442 FLIGHT HOURS

[08] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT: - ''ELECTION OF PARLIAMENT SPEAKER AND EFFORTS TO FORM A NEW GOVERNMENT SHOULD NOT BE CONFUSED WITH EACH OTHER''

[09] TURKISH LITERATURE BUREAU IN THE NETHERLANDS - PROF. DR. KARPAT: - ''A CORRECT EVALUATION OF THE BALKANS IS NOT POSSIBLE WITHOUT KNOWING OTTOMAN HISTORY''

[10] GULUZADE, AZERI UNDERSECRETARY OF FOREIGN POLICY: - ''ARMAMENT OF ARMENIA JEOPARDIZES BAKU-CEYHAN PROJECT''

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

HURRIYET (LIBERAL)

SOMUNCUOGLU AND AKBULUT TO ATTEND THE FOURTH ROUND
No candidate could reach absolute majority (276) at the third round voting for election of parliament speaker. Sadi Somuncuoglu, Aksaray Deputy of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), and Yildirim Akbulut, Ankara Deputy of the Motherland Party (ANAP) who received the highest votes, will attend the fourth round that will take place on May 20. In the fourth round voting, the candidate who wins the highest vote, will become the new speaker of the parliament.

MILLIYET (LIBERAL)

OECD: A POWERFUL GOVERNMENT IS NECESSARY FOR REFORMS
The Organization for Economic Cooperatidon and Development (OECD) announced its estimations of Turkey's economic performance for the next two years. The OECD said that with a strong government, Turkey's growth rate will increase, but grave results might occur if Turkey deviates from the maintained financial discipline. Turkey will get out of its slow economy if it continues its structural reforms and follows the real interest limits, it was reported in the OECD's traditional evaluation that is released every six months.

SABAH (LIBERAL)

YILMAZ:''ECEVIT HAS TAKEN POSITIVE STEPS''
Mesut Yilmaz, the Leader of the Motherland Party (ANAP) evaluated Ecevit's statement concerning efforts to form the new government. He said that Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit, the Leader of the Democratic Left Party (DSP) who was designated to form the 57th government, has taken positive steps. He added, ''I hope his steps will receive approppriate responses.''

CUMHURIYET (LEFT)

15 SECURITY OFFICIALS DIE IN OPERATIONS AGAINST TERRORISM
Operations launched by the Turkish Armed Forces in the border region between Turkey and Iraq to prevent terrorists from entering into Turkey, are underway. A total of 18 terrorists were killed in the operations. Meanwhile, 15 security forces died in clashes with terrorists.

RADIKAL (LEFT)

Eight hand grenades which were tied with each other, ready to detonate and run on battery, were seized in the place where he hid those bombs to be used in the attack.

BOMB ATTACKS IN ISTANBUL
Unitentified assailants threw pipe-bombs on several bank branches and the Hasan Sahin Primary School in Maltepe district of Istanbul. The blasts caused financial damage, but no casulties were reported in the attacks.

TURKEY DEMANDS TO PURCHASE WAR PLANE OF THE 21ST CENTURY
Turkey demands to purchase Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) which is described as the war plane of the 21st century made jointly by the U.S. and Britain and also contribute to its production. According to the news published in Defense News magazine, which is known as the publication organ of the defense circle in the U.S, the Turkish government officials and the Turkish Aviation and Space Industry (TAI) started to hold contacts with the American administration and the firms to this end.

YENİ YÜZYIL (LIBERAL)

11TH INTERNATIONAL ISTANBUL THEATRE FESTIVAL BEGINS
The 11th International Istanbul Theatre Festival began overnight.

At the opening ceremony, Necdet Mahfi Ayral and Robert Wilson were given honour prizes for their contributions to the theatre.

TÜRKİYE (RIGHT)

ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)

[02] DENKTAS, PRESIDENT OF TRNC: ''GREEK CYPRIOTS ARE TRYING TO ANNIHILATE ISLAM AND AND TURKISHNESS ON CYPRUS''

YOK Chairman Guruz said that the TRNC is the outpost of the Turkish World in the geography called Eurasia, and the honour of the Worldwide Turkish community.

TRNC President Rauf Denktas said that the visit of the Turkish World scientists to the TRNC was very meaningful.

''We'll encounter less problems in political field if the Turkish World unites and carries out joint moves in the Turkishness issues. We expect this from the Turkish World,'' Denktas said.

Pointing out that a right, which is not based on the state principle and sovereignty, actually is not a right, Denktas said, ''a Turkishness issue exists in the Cyprus issue. There is a situation, which was gained as a result of Turkey's sacrifices by a nation confronting head on an attempt to annihilate the Turkish and Islamic culture, and this situation resulted in a state. If it did not occur like this, nobody would have paid attention to us.''

Noting that the Greek-Cypriots have defined themselves as ''Republic of Cyprus'' for 36 years and expended efforts to destroy Turkishness under a false name for years, Denktas said, ''however, we can't tell this to the Turkish World and Islamic World. Here, there is an attempt to annihilate Turkishness and Islamic culture.''

Stating that they saved their lives thanks to the martyrs and the sacrifices of Turkey, Denktas said, ''there is no turning back. This state will live. This state exists. This state deserves to be recognized. We want Turkish World to realize this. We know that there are difficulties.'' Pointing out that they are aware of the difficulties, and they are pleased with the cultural and commercial contacts, Denktas said they can upgrade relations to political relations starting from these.

''If you are going to sit at the table with the ones who disregard the existence of the state, and who want to destroy this existence; it is compulsory to accapt and make them accept this existence of the state. Otherwise, their invitation to us means 'nobody accepts the existence of the state, so we do not accept it either, and sit at the table.' Our answer is this: We exist. Turkey recognizes us. We have no intention of turning back. A community which declared and proved its sovereignty, do not go anwhere, supposing that it did not declare this.''

[03] BRITISH AND ALBANIAN PRIME MINISTERS VISIT RED CRESCENT'S CAMP IN ELBASAN - BLAIR: ''THE CHILDREN HERE ARE THE FUTURE OF KOSOVO. THEY HAVE RIGHT OF LIVING LIKE OUR CHILDREN. WE'LL DO WHAT IS NECESSARY TILL THE END''

Addressing the Turkish Red Crescent, Blair said that they are giving here a very good humanitarian service and lesson, and he wanted to thank on behalf of all mankind.

The Red Crescent Directorate General issued a statement saying that British Prime Minister Blair, who was welcomed at the camp by Ambassador Sukru Turan, and Fatih Evren, the General Director of the Red Crescent, and other officials, visited the Kosovar families.

Following the briefing on the activities at the camp, Blair said that a very good humanitarian service, and lesson are given here, and that he wanted to thank on behalf of the humankind. Stating that it won't be better than this, he sait that people can freely speak at the camp which is is good and important.

Signing the book of honour at the camp, Blair said, ''I want to thank to all of you for your efforts. We're facing a problem that we can overcome.''

Speaking to reporters before leaving the camp, Blair said that this Kosovo issue is the case of all of us, as the NATO members. We are determined in this, he added.

Stating that the refugees at the camp will return back to their homes in the near future, Blair said that he heard that an opposition movement started against Milosevic. These movements indicate that this wrong policy of Milosevic won't be long-lived, he said, adding that the children here are the future of Kosovo, and they have the right of living like our children. We'll do what is necessary till the end, he said.

[04] 11TH INTERNATIONAL ISTANBUL THEATRE FESTIVAL BEGINS

Addressing tne opening ceremony, Sakir Eczacibasi, the Chairman of the Executive Board of Istanbul Culture and Art Foundation, said, ''as we approach to the 21st century which is described as the century of knowledge, ethnic clashes, religious conflicts and wars continue in many parts of the world. But theatre has been calling humanity to friendship, unity and peace for centuries.''

Robert Wilson and Necdet Mahfi Ayral, the oldest actor of the Turkish theatre, were given honour awards in the opening ceremony.

A total of 16 theatre companies from several countries including France, Spain, Germany, Greece, and Brazil, participate in this year's theatre festival.

Two different interpretations of ''Faust'' will be staged in order to mark 250th anniversary of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.

Following the opening ceremony, the play ''Faust Circulation 3.0'' performed by the Catalan Theatre Company.

The 11th International Theatre Festival will end on June 4.

[05] TURKEY MARKS MAY 19 YOUTH AND SPORTS DAY - FIRST CEREMONY HELD IN MAUSOLEUM OF ATATURK

Within the framework of the celebrations, the first celebration was held in the Mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the Founder of Republic of Turkey.

President Suleyman Demirel attended the ceremony, and laid a wreath of red and white carnations on the mausoleum.

Ali Riza Septioglu, the Interim Speaker of Parliament, Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit, General Huseyin Kivrikoglu, the Chief of General Staff, Guven Dincer, the Acting Chairman of Constitutional Court, ministers, commanders of land, air and naval forces, Devlet Bahceli, the Leader of Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), Recai Kutan, the Leader of Virtue Party (FP), Mesut Yilmaz, the Leader of Motherland Party (ANAP), and other high- level officials were in attendance at the ceremony.

After a moment of silence in memory of Ataturk and martyrs of the Independence War, President Suleyman Demirel signed the Special Book of the Mausoleum.

The May 19 was the beginning of the Turkish Independence War. Ataturk had left Istanbul for Samsun by the Bandirma Ship on May 16, 1919 in order to start the Independence War in Anatolia, and he arrived in Samsun on May 19, 1919.

[06] PRESIDENT DEMIREL ADDRESSES SPANISH EL PAIS: - ''AS A RESULT OF DECREASE IN TERRORIST ATTACKS, THE ECONOMIC GROWTH IN THE SOUTHEAST WILL INCREASE'' - ''THERE IS THE NECESSARY COMBINATION FOR A STABLE GOVERNMENT'' - ''OUR RELATIONS WITH EU ARE NOW ENTERING SUCH A CRITICAL PERIOD THAT A SIGN OF CHANGE IN AFFAIRS IS VERY IMPORTANT AND NECESSARY EVER BEFORE'' - ''WE HOPE THAT AN AGREEMENT IS REACHED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AND THE U.N SECURITY COUNCIL LIFTS SANCTIONS IMPOSED ON IRAQ''

Addressing the Spanish El Pais newspaper, President Demirel said terrorism is the main problem in the southeast, and introducing the issue as if it was a ''Kurdish problem'' was the propaganda of the PKK.

Demirel stressed that the PKK, which mercilessly kills civilians, is an organization financed with drug smuggling, robbery, threats and money laundering.

Emphasizing that the terrorist PKK organization is trying to make the southeastern Anatolia be a desolate region by attacking on civil targets, Demirel said the PKK destroys schools, razes bridges, and railways, and put land-mines on the roads.

When asked how he evaluates the Spanish attitude towards the convention of a probable so-called Kurdish parliament in Vitoris, Demirel said, ''I have to thank to the Spanish government for its support in this issue.''

Noting that he personally discussed the issue in Washington D.C. with Spanish Premier Jose Maria Aznar, Demirel said, ''their defining themselves as the (Kurdish parliament in exile) is nothing except the propaganda to disguise the terrorist attacks of the PKK. On contrary to its name, that parliament doesn't have a characteristic of representation. None of its members were elected. Besides, most of them are also the members of the PKK and bound to the terrorist organization with ties which can't be denied.''

Pointing out that Turkey was satisfied with the Spanish Constitutional Court's shelving the concerned decision of the Basque parliament, Demirel said, ''our sincere hope is a complete failure in the PKK's attempt to call its so-called 'parliament' for convention in Basque region that will harm the relations between Turkey and Spain.''

Responding to a question about the situation of Turkish-Spanish relations, Demirel said, ''we have close relations with Spain. Our economic contact is gradually increasing. The Expotecnia fair is an important opportunity for the two countries to work for the same target.''

The questions asked to President Suleyman Demirel and his answers are as follows:

''Question: General and local elections were held in Turkey on April 18. How much the polls were far from the effect of the capture of Ocalan?

Answer: The People's Democracy Party (HADEP) receives a little bit more than four percent of total votes in polls in 1995. The same results were repeated. I think this is the answer to your question.

Question: However, this is insufficient to explain the success of nationalist parties in the ballot boxes. Observers say apprehension of Ocalan created increase in the patriotism and nationalism, and this was reflected in the poll results.

Answer: It is difficult to make a decision about the effect of capture of Ocalan in the poll results. I can't make further comment on this issue.

Question: What kind of a government formations will come out from the April 18 elections?

Answer: It is certain that the results do not allow any party to take the power alone. I think the necessary combination for a stable government will be found.

Question: Do you believe that the results ''drove Islamic nightmare away''?

Answer: Turkey is a constitutional, democratic, and secular state. Religion was separated from the state, and it can't be used for political purposes. Religion should not be used for political benefits. The state is obliged to protect the basis of the constitutional structure. The Virtue Party (FP) came into existence after the Welfare Party (RP) became illegal as it used belief for its own interest.

A political party, which violates the Turkish Constitution, has to be ready for the legal consequences. Democracy and freedom should not be used to annihilate the state, democracy, and freedom. All of the political parties in Turkey make use of all of the freedoms, and democracy can't exist without them. However, the political parties have to be aware of their responsibilities.

Question: What do you think of the success of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) in the elections?

Answer: It was surprising as their votes were about 8-10 percent normally. It is a political party having 35-year history. We'll see in near future their performance at the Parliament.

Responding to a question about the existing situation of the relations between Turkey and the European Union (EU), President Demirel said the relations entered into a gradual recession process following the Luxembourg summit.

Stressing that Turkey's expectations for the expansion of relations in that process also increased, Demirel said, ''first of all, we wanted our candidacy be recognized completely and clearly. Secondly, we wanted same treatment shown to other candidates. Despite our initiatives, the EU stayed away from meeting these expectations especially after the Luxembourg summit. The same thing happened also following the Cardiff and Vienna summits. In addition to all of these, there is not a sign that the EU will change its policy towards Turkey.''

Stressing that the Turkish interest in the EU was gradually decreasing in response to its attitude, Demirel said the Term President Germany didn't expend any effort to normalize the situation.

''Turkey now attaches more importance to her integration with Europe compared to hundred years ago. Turkey decided to fulfil her responsibilities to be a full-member. The legal right was given with the Ankara Agreement in 1963. I hope the EU will change its discriminative attitude towards my country, and contribute to increase of western idea in Turkey. Our relations are now entering such a critical period that a sign of change in affairs is very important and necessary than ever before,'' he stated.

Responding to question about the Turkish-Iraqi relations, President Demirel said Iraq is an important country for both Turkey and the region.

Recalling that an extraordinary situation has been continuing for nine years since the Gulf crisis, Demirel said, ''Turkey strongly supports with determination sovereignty, political unity, and territorial integrity of Iraq.''

Noting that the conditions in Iraq became difficult due to sanctions, Demirel said, ''this is an issue which seriously concerns us. We hope that an agreement is reached as soon as possible, and the U.N. Security Council lifts the sanctions.''

[07] NATO'S AIR OPERATION AGAINST YUGOSLAVIA - TURKISH F-16 WAR PLANES ACCUMULATE A TOTAL OF 1,442 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 12 hours on May 18.

Meanwhile, a total of 851,800 Kosovar people were displaced so far as a result of ethnic cleansing campaign in Kosovo. According to the latest figures, there are 16,240 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 16,240 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 7,099 Kosovar refugees including 2,187 women, 1,951 men, and 2, 961 children have been provided shelters in the Gaziosmanpasa Refugee Camp in Kirklareli province.

Turkey has provided shelters for a total of 11,314 Kosovar refugees in camps in Macedonia and Albania. Both camps have capacity to host 20 thousand refugees.

Meanwhile, two airplanes belonged to the Turkish Air Forces, which transferred 140 military service personnel to Albania, returned to Kayseri.

[08] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT: - ''ELECTION OF PARLIAMENT SPEAKER AND EFFORTS TO FORM A NEW GOVERNMENT SHOULD NOT BE CONFUSED WITH EACH OTHER''

When asked whether or not the formation of new government was locked to the election of parliament speaker, Mr. Ecevit told the reporters, ''No, we defended many times before that these two issues should not be confused with each other in accordance with the Turkish Constitution. I think that other political party leaders also share the same opinion with me.''

Responding to a question whether or not they held contacts with the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) following yesterday's developments, Bulent Ecevit said that he did not hold contacts with MHP officials.

When reminded that Oral Calislar, journalist, was sentenced to imprisonment, Prime Minister Ecevit expressed sorrow over the issue.

[09] TURKISH LITERATURE BUREAU IN THE NETHERLANDS - PROF. DR. KARPAT: - ''A CORRECT EVALUATION OF THE BALKANS IS NOT POSSIBLE WITHOUT KNOWING OTTOMAN HISTORY''

Addressing opening ceremony which was held with participation of Erkut Onart and Orhan Ertugruloglu, Turkish Consuls in Rotterdam and Deventer, Mehmet Tutuncu, the Responsible for the Bureau, said that many Turkish people still live in territories once belonged to the Ottoman Empire, and try to maintain the Turkish literature.

Tutuncu stressed that the KIBATEV and the Turnalar Magazine aim at helping production of culture and literature of Turkish people living in different countries.

Prof. Kemal Karpat from the Wisconsin University, the U.S., said that a correct evaluation of the current developments in the Balkans is not possible without knowing the Ottoman history.

Stressing that there are parallelisms between social situations of 13th century's Ottoman Empire and the 20th century's Republic of Turkey, Prof. Dr. Karpat noted that histories of all regional countries, including Russia, intersect with history of the Ottoman Empire.

Reminding that people from different communites had lived together in peace for 300 years under rule of Ottoman Empire, Prof. Dr. Karpat said, ''for at least 300 years, there was no uprising in the Balkans as a result of successful system of the Ottoman Empire. They had created a system which was beyond today's democratic order. They had paid respect to the basic rights of people. As a result of such mutual understanding and respect, people had lived in peace until the end of 19th century.''

Emphasing that the world has started to understand this fact, Prof. Dr. Karpat added that even the U.S. President Bill Clinton has accepted that regional communities committed carnages against each other after the collapse of the Ottoman Empire.

[10] GULUZADE, AZERI UNDERSECRETARY OF FOREIGN POLICY: - ''ARMAMENT OF ARMENIA JEOPARDIZES BAKU-CEYHAN PROJECT''

Responding to questions of the A.A correspondent, Guluzade noted that People's Republic of China joined Russia and Iran that provides economic aid and weapons to Armenia.

Reminding that China gave 8 long-ranged missiles to Armenia, Vefa Guluzade noted that Turkey should not be silent against an allience formed among People's Republic of China, Russia, and Iran.

Noting that defense ministers of the member countries to the Commonwealth of Independent States convened in Armenia today, Guluzade emphasized that such developments creates a grave danger for Azerbaijan.

Guluzade claimed that Russia that leads the Commonwealth of Independent States, wants to destroy Azerbaijan by holding the meeting in Armenia, a move which makes Azerbaijan to join the meeting impossible.

Guluzade also added, ''armament of Armenia jeopardizes the Baku-Ceyhan oil pipeline project, and the Trans-Caspian projects.''

A.A

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