Anadolu Agency: News in English, 99-05-21

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AA Daily

21 May 1999 Friday

CONTENTS

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

[02] RETIREMENT AGE WAITING FOR NEW GOVERNMENT - ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COUNCIL WILL EVALUATE TO INCREASE RETIREMENT AGE

[03] NATO'S AIR OPERATION AGAINST YUGOSLAVIA - TURKISH F-16 WAR PLANES ACCUMULATE A TOTAL OF 1,478 FLIGHT HOURS

[04] SUPPORT TO TOURISM FROM BALLET - ACTIVITIES, WHICH WERE ORGANIZED TO REVIVE TURKISH TOURISM, TO START ON SATURDAY WITH PERFORMANCES OF WORLD- FAMOUS BOLSHOI BALLET AND OPERA AT ASPENDOS RUINS

[05] TURKISH THEATRES TO VISIT EUROPE - THE STATE THEATRES DUE IN ROMANIA, DENMARK, SWEDEN, BULGARIA, GERMANY, NETHERLANDS, BELGIUM, AND NAHCIVAN

[06] A PALESTINIAN COMPANY WANTS TO MARKET MANAVGAT WATER TO MIDDLE EAST

[07] HARPUT, SANLIURFA GOVERNOR: ''THE RELATIONS BETWEEN TURKEY AND SYRIA INCREASED FOLLOWING ADANA AGREEMENT''

[08] TURKEY AND TURKMENISTAN TO SIGN NATURAL GAS TRADE AGREEMENT TODAY

[09] TURKISH-HUNGARIAN STUDENT ASSOCIATION OPENS AN EXHIBITION TO PROMOTE TURKEY

[10] PRESIDENT DEMIREL RECEIVES AKBULUT, SPEAKER OF PARLIAMENT - DEMIREL: ''PARLIAMENT IS HEART OF DEMOCRACY, AND REPRESENTATIVE OF NATION'S WILL'' - AKBULUT: ''I BELIEVE THAT GOVERNMENT WILL BE FORMED SOON''

[11] FOREIGN DEBT PAYMENTS - 3.3 BILLION U.S. DOLLARS PAID IN FOREIGN DEBT SINCE JANUARY 1, 1999

[12] FOREIGN EXCHANGE RESERVES OF CENTRAL BANK INCREASE TO 22.3 BILLION U.S. DOLLARS

[13] SECOND FLYING BROOM WOMEN'S FILMS FESTIVAL TO START

[14] NATURAL GAS TRADE AGREEMENT SIGNED BETWEEN TURKEY AND TURKMENISTAN

[15] TRNC PRESIDENT DENKTAS OBJECTS INVOLVEMENT OF G-8 IN CYPRUS ISSUE

[16] ''TURKISH-TRNC SECOND COMPARATIVE LAW SYMPOSIUM'' - DAYIOGLU, CHAIRMAN OF THE TRNC HIGHER COURT: - ''TURKISH CYPRIOTS HAVE ESTABLISHED THEIR OWN COURTS SINCE 1963''

[17] TURKISH ARMED FORCES HOSTS NATO'S TRAINING GROUP MEETING

[18] FIFTEEN TURKISH JOURNALISTS TO GO TO GERMANY TO MAKE RESEARCHES AND ATTEND SEMINARS

[19] TURKEY'S KOSOVO POLICY - ATACANLI, DEPUTY SPOKESMAN OF FM: - ''THERE IS NO HESITATION OVER TURKEY'S KOSOVO POLICY, AND APPROACHES OF RELATED INSTITUTIONS WITHIN FRAMEWORK OF THIS POLICY''

[20] JAPANESE AJTC CONSORTIUM WAS GIVEN TIME TO COMPLETE CONTRACT PREPARATIONS UNTIL JULY 15 FOR IZMIT GULF PASSAGE

[21] NATURAL GAS AGREEMENT - NATURAL GAS TRADE AGREEMENT SIGNED BETWEEN TURKEY AND TURKMENISTAN

[22] THIRD INTERNATIONAL BELLAPAIS MUSIC FESTIVAL STARTS

[23] ADMIRAL DERVISOGLU, NAVAL FORCES COMMANDER, IN GERMANY

[24] PRAISE FROM THE U.S. TO TURKEY - RUBIN, SPOKESMAN OF THE U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT, SAYS U.S. APPRECIATES ROLE OF TURKEY IN KOSOVO

[25] AKTAS, MINISTER OF ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES: ''MEMBERS OF THE CONSORTIUM, THAT WILL BE ESTABLISHED ON TURKMEN NATURAL GAS PROJECT, WILL BE CLARIFIED ON JULY 14''

[26] RED CRESCENT CAMPS IN ALBANIA AND MACEDONIA - STATESMEN AND HIGH RANKING MILITARY OFFICIALS, WHO VISITED THE CAMPS IN VARIOUS TIMES, ARE PLEASED OVER THE SITUATION IN THE CAMPS

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

HURRIYET (LIBERAL)

MHP OPENS DOORS: APPOINTMENT TODAY
The doors for the government formation including the Democratic Left Party (DSP), the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) and the Motherland Party (ANAP), which was blocked by the 'excuse crisis' is opened.

Bulent Ecevit, the leader of DSP, and Devlet Bahceli, the leader of MHP, will meet today.

MILLIYET (LIBERAL)

LAST DAYS FOR TARKAN
Tarkan, a world-famous pop-singer who was drafted as he became a deserter but insisted on not returning back to Turkey, will be stripped off Turkish citizenship.

The denaturalization dossier was opened to signature of the Council of Ministers.

SABAH (LIBERAL)

AKGONENC, WOMAN DEPUTY FROM FP: ''I CAN GIVE UP IF YOU WISH''
Oya Akgonenc, a woman deputy from the Virtue Party (FP), was very sad when she briefed the FP deputies on the allegations saying that she is a U.S. citizen. Akgonenc told the FP deputies that she can give up and leave the party if they wish.

CUMHURIYET (LEFT)

U.S. CITIZENSHIP OF AKGONENC, WOMAN DEPUTY FROM FP
Oya Akgonenc, a woman deputy from the Virtue Party (FP) who is a U.S. citizen, staged a press conference. Akgonenc said that the rector of the Cukurova University provided work to Akgonenc at the university in the category of foreign teachers by hiding her Turkish citizenship. Akgonenc noted that she's benefitting from all legal rights in the U.S.; adding that she never left her Turkish citizenship.

RADIKAL (LEFT)

YENİ YÜZYIL (LIBERAL)

MHP wants the Ministry of National Education and the Anadolu Ajansi (A.A) and the Turkish Radio and Television (TRT) which Bulent Ecevit insistently wants to keep under his control. Like the Virtue Party (FP) also the MHP thinks that the DSP makes ''massacre'' at the National Education Ministry.

FINANSBANK GROWS ABROAD
The balance sheet size of the Finansbank Holland N.V. increased over to 600 million U.S. dollars and the balance sheet size of the Finansbank Swiss increased over to 440 million U.S. dollars in 1998.

Finansbank issued a statement saying that Finansbank is the biggest Turkish bank which gives services in five foreign countries and has the biggest investment abroad. Finansbank set up Finansbank Swiss in 1990; Finansbank Holland N.V. in 1994 and Finansbank Moscow in 1998. Besides, it has 20 percent stake in the French Banque du Bosphore.

TÜRKİYE (RIGHT)

MILITARY VEHICLE HITS LANDMINE
An officer and two privates were injured when a military vehicle hit a land mine in Kurtalan county of southeastern Siirt province.

Officials said the landmine was earlier planted by terrorists.

ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)

Sakik brothers can appeal to the Supreme Court.

''Fingerless Zeki'' code-named Semdin Sakik was found quilty of killing 113 civilians and 125 soldiers in 191 assaults.

In his last statement before the sentencing, Sakik wanted to benefit from the Repentance Law. ''I've always struggled against the organization's chief and the organization itself. I want to carry on doing that,'' Sakik said.

[02] RETIREMENT AGE WAITING FOR NEW GOVERNMENT - ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COUNCIL WILL EVALUATE TO INCREASE RETIREMENT AGE

The employee sector had requested the increase of retirement age of female workers to 50 and male workers to 55 as was confirmed in the 54th government in the ''Social Security Reform Commission'' meeting which was staged by the participation of the representatives of the employee, employer and the government.

Since the employer sector and the SSK Directorate General had requested that the retirement age of women should be increased to 58 and men to 60 in the commission meeting which was held under the auspices of Labour and Social Security Ministry, the related parties could not have a compromise.

The employer sector had also demanded that the workers who have an insurance period between 10 and 15 years should retire at the age of 49-51, those who have 5-10 years insurance period should retire at the age of 52- 54 and those who have less than five year-insurance period should retire at the age of 55-57; adding that the women should retire after working for 20 years and men after working for 25 years.

The related parties have evaluated the present situation of the SKK, discussed the proposals for improving the agency and evaluated the opinions of the social parties about increasing the retirement age in five commission meetings which were held until today.

Both the employee, the employer and the SSK Directorate General had a compromise in the last council meeting in the number of premium payment days which is 5,000 business days.

The representatives of the governments had proposed that the retirement age issue should be included in the agenda of the Economic and Social Council meeting which will be held following the formation of the new government.

At the moment, a woman worker who starts working at 18 can retire if she works for 20 years without any intervals and pays the premium for 5,000 business days while a man worker can retire if he works for 25 years without any intervals and pays the premium for 5,000 days.

Meanwhile, the Social Security Reform Commission, continues its initiatives for ''Chairmanship Council'' which foresees the amendment in the SSK law no 4792 and the seperation of the agency insurance services and health services.

The Council had evaluated the proposals for how to make the SSK more functional.

The SSK Directorate General had requested that the members of the SSK executive board should be increased from five to eight and had proposed that the executive board should be set up by eight people, including two workers, two employers, one retired, one representative from the State Planning Organization (DPT), one representative from the Labour and Social Security Ministry and one from SSK General Assembly.

Meanwhile, the SSK Directorate General had demanded that the agency services should be carried out by contractual personnel who are not considered as workers in order to have more effective services while the employee sector had said that they think that the workers who are employed under law no 1475 should carry out the agency services.

The commisssion will prepare a report and submit it to the new government after the initiatives are completed.

[03] NATO'S AIR OPERATION AGAINST YUGOSLAVIA - TURKISH F-16 WAR PLANES ACCUMULATE A TOTAL OF 1,478 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 36 hours on May 20.

Meanwhile, a total of 858,630 Kosovar people were displaced so far as a result of ethnic cleansing campaign in Kosovo. According to the latest figures, there are 16,386 refugees in Turkey; 50 thousand in Serbia; 64,000 in Karabakh; 433,300 in Albania; 226,600 thousand in Macedonia; 20,000 in Bosnia-Herzegovina, and 48,344 in other countries.

No new refugees entered into Turkey in the last 24 hours.

A total of 32 humanitarian aid flights, 21 to Tirana, the capital of Albania, and 11 to Scopje, the capital of Macedonia, were realized yesterday.

A total of 372 tons of food stuff, medical materials, tents, and other types of aid materials were sent to Albania and Macedonia by these 32 aid flights.

[04] SUPPORT TO TOURISM FROM BALLET - ACTIVITIES, WHICH WERE ORGANIZED TO REVIVE TURKISH TOURISM, TO START ON SATURDAY WITH PERFORMANCES OF WORLD- FAMOUS BOLSHOI BALLET AND OPERA AT ASPENDOS RUINS

The activities, which will start on May 22 with the performances of the world-famous Bolshoi Ballet and Opera, aimed at drawing tourists to Turkey.

The Bolshoi soloists, who will arrive in southern Antalya province with the organization of the Belek Tourism Investors' Union (BETUYAB), will perform solos at the stage for three hours.

Speaking to the A.A correspondent, Sirer Aydin, the General Director of the BETUYAB, said that the Bolshoi Opera will perform a programme including various arias of different operas while the ballet dancers will stage a repertoire including populer ballets.

Pointing out that they invited twenty ambassadors in Ankara to the Bolshoi performances at the Aspendos ruins, Aydin said, ''our aim is to promote tourism and celebrate tenth anniversary of the foundation of the BETUYAB.''

[05] TURKISH THEATRES TO VISIT EUROPE - THE STATE THEATRES DUE IN ROMANIA, DENMARK, SWEDEN, BULGARIA, GERMANY, NETHERLANDS, BELGIUM, AND NAHCIVAN

The Europe tour of Ankara State Theatre (ADT) and Van State Theatre covers Romania, Denmark, Sweden, Germany, Bulgaria, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Nahcivan.

Ankara State Theatre will firstly perform a puppet show in Kostenets city of Romania between May 27 and June 2, and then will visit the other European cities with ''Azizname-95'', a play written by Aziz Nesin, a Turkish novelist and playwriter.

The play will be performed in Copenhagen city of Denmark on May 27 in Aurhus city on May 28, in Goteborg city of Sweden on May 30 and in Stockholm city on May 31.

A play which was written by Bertolt Brecht, a German poet, play writer, theatre director, and theorician, in Bulgaria on June 6,8 and 10.

''Beni Dunya Kadar Sev'' (Love Me As Much As the World) which is written by Dincer Sumer, a Turkish playwriter and an actor, will be performed in Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium.

''Geyikler Lanetler'' (The Deers-Empty Words, and Curses), which is written by Murathan Mungan, a novelist, poet, and play-writer will be played in Berlin city of Germany on June 22,23 and 24.

Van State Theatre will go to Nahcivan to perform ''Eski Fotograflar'' (Old Photographs) on June 4.

[06] A PALESTINIAN COMPANY WANTS TO MARKET MANAVGAT WATER TO MIDDLE EAST

The Manavgat water project is also called ''Peace Water Project'' because many people think that it will make positive contributions to the Middle East Peace Process.

An official from the Executive Board of Antalya Gucbirligi Holding (AGH) told A.A correspondent that the Manavgat Water Project which was fulfilled last year is completed with all its plants and is ready to sell water.

Recalling that they are waiting for the approval of the Council of State to run and market the Manavgat water, the official said that a Palestinian company applied to their company to market this water in the Middle East countries.

Reminding that there are some problems in transporting this water, the official noted that they are carrying out initiatives to solve this problem.

Noting that the countries which will buy this water will face some problems in storing this water, the official stated that the water should be kept in the harbours of the countries and that to this end, these countries should have plants in the harbours.

A total of 90,000 cubic metres purified water and 90,000 cubic metres raw water will be sold from this plant which is constructed at a price of 130 million U.S. dollars in Manavgat county of southern Antalya province.

[07] HARPUT, SANLIURFA GOVERNOR: ''THE RELATIONS BETWEEN TURKEY AND SYRIA INCREASED FOLLOWING ADANA AGREEMENT''

Harput told A.A correspondent that the relations between Turkey and Syria was not good enough because Syria supported the terrorist organization PKK and sheltered Abdullah Ocalan, the terrorist chief, adding that the commercial relations were deteriorated in parallel to this.

Stressing that Syria sent the terrorist chief to another country as Turkey pressed and the relations between the two countries entered into a softening period, Harput noted that many things changed after the Adana agreement was signed.

Harput said, ''the relatives living in two countries could exchange Bairam greetings face to face, not beyond the wires. Now, there are significant developments in commercial relations. The exports and imports between the two countries gradually increase. A total of 44 Turkish citizens received the document to have trade with Syria. I hope that this number will increase.''

Pointing out that they demand 13 products from Syria and Syria demand industrial and food products from Turkey, Harput stated that their target is to turn Akcakale Border Gate to a first class gate and to set up an open marketplace.

[08] TURKEY AND TURKMENISTAN TO SIGN NATURAL GAS TRADE AGREEMENT TODAY

The natural gas agreement will be signed the same day in Ashkabat within the scope of the project on transportation of the Turkmen natural gas into Turkey via the Caspian, and into Europe via Turkey.

Saparmurat Turkmanbasi, the President of Turkmanistan, is expected to attend the ceremony for the signing of the agreement which will be signed by Ziya Aktas on behalf of Turkey.

It was mentioned that Minister Aktas can stage a press conference on the project following the signing ceremony.

The pipeline, which will be nearly 2,000 km in length, will carry natural gas from Turkmenbasi city of Turkmenistan near the Caspian Sea to eastern Erzurum province passing under the Caspian Sea and via Baku, Azerbaijan and Tbilisi, Georgia.

The flow of natural gas through the pipeline, which is expected to cost 2- 2.3 billion U.S. dollars, will start in the year 2002.

Turkey, at first stage, will obtain 16 billion cubic meters natural gas. If necessary, a 14 billion cubic meters of supplementary natural gas transportation into Europe can be realized.

[09] TURKISH-HUNGARIAN STUDENT ASSOCIATION OPENS AN EXHIBITION TO PROMOTE TURKEY

The Turkish-Hungarian Student Association opened an exhibition at the Budapest Technical University to promote natural, cultural, and historical assets of Turkey.

Ender Arat, the Turkish Ambassador to Hungary, and the Rector of the Budapest Technical University were in attendance at opening ceremony of the exhibition where authentic samples of the Turkish culture such as copper handicrafts and carpets, are being displayed.

Meanwhile, Arat thanked students for their contribution to the promotion of Turkey.

[10] PRESIDENT DEMIREL RECEIVES AKBULUT, SPEAKER OF PARLIAMENT - DEMIREL: ''PARLIAMENT IS HEART OF DEMOCRACY, AND REPRESENTATIVE OF NATION'S WILL'' - AKBULUT: ''I BELIEVE THAT GOVERNMENT WILL BE FORMED SOON''

Demirel congratulated Akbulut, and said, ''Parliament is the heart of democracy, and the representative of the nation's superior will. I wish you great success in your new post.''

Stressing that he paid a visit of courtesy to President Demirel, Akbulut said, ''I would like to benefit from Mr. Demirel's opinions and experiences. There are several problems that our Parliament has to overcome, but these are not insurmountable problems. I believe that the 57th government will be formed soon. I hope that with hard working, we will provide prosperity, unity, and peace in Turkey.''

[11] FOREIGN DEBT PAYMENTS - 3.3 BILLION U.S. DOLLARS PAID IN FOREIGN DEBT SINCE JANUARY 1, 1999

The Central Bank data shows that the Treasury paid 2 billion 526.24 million U.S. dollars; the Central Bank repaid 179.05 million U.S. dollars; the Ministry of National Defense and the Defense Industry paid 324.07 million U.S. dollars and the Defense Fund paid 6.39 million U.S. dollars in foreign debt between January 1 and May 20, 1999.

Meanwhile, a total of 470.32 million U.S. dollars of foreign debt was repaid within the first three weeks of May.

The foreign debt payment was 432 million U.S. dollars in January; 765.8 million U.S. dollars in February; 770.5 million U.S. dollars in March and 836.41 million U.S. dollars in April 1999.

[12] FOREIGN EXCHANGE RESERVES OF CENTRAL BANK INCREASE TO 22.3 BILLION U.S. DOLLARS

The Central Bank data shows that the foreign exchange reserves, which climbed by 108 million U.S. dollars between 7-14 May, increased to 22 billion 317 million U.S. dollars as of 14 May.

The Central Bank's foreign exchange reserves were 22 billion 209 million U.S. dollars on May 7.

Meanwhile, according to the 30 April-based statistics, Turkey's total international gross reserves increased 345 million U.S. dollars to 33 billion 402 million U.S. dollars between 22-30 April.

The international gross reserves of Turkey were 33 billion 57 million U.S. dollars on April 22.

As of 30 April, Turkey's international reserves were composed of 1 billion 12 million U.S. dollars in gold reserves; 21 billion 739 million U.S. dollars in the Central Bank's foreign exchange reserves; and 10 billion 650 million U.S. dollars in the commercial banks' foreign exchange reserves.

[13] SECOND FLYING BROOM WOMEN'S FILMS FESTIVAL TO START

Halime Guner, the General Coordinator who spoke at the opening meeting of the Festival which took place at Ankara Sheraton Hotel said they are happy to offer film lovers a total of 91 films this year. There are 32 long feature films, 46 short feature films, and 13 documentaries will be shown.

Six women directors from Germany, Britain, Israel, Azerbaijan, Canada, and Lebanon as well as Turkan Soray will be the guests of the Festival. The films in which Soray took part and documentaries which tell about her art life can be enjoyed throughout the Festival.

Guner pointed out that the European Commission, Sheraton Hotel, and Turkish Radio and Television (TRT) sponsored the festival and thanked Yenimahalle and Cankaya municipalities for opening their cinema halls for them.

Tuncay Alemdaroglu, the Yenimahalle Mayor who also spoke at the opening ceremoney noted that women's problems are still waiting for a solution in Turkey and said: ''Women still have problems although they legally made gains through Ataturk's reforms. Some fundamentalist movements want to exclude women the society.'' Alemdaroglu also added that his municipality aims to help women to overcome these problems.

[14] NATURAL GAS TRADE AGREEMENT SIGNED BETWEEN TURKEY AND TURKMENISTAN

Ziya Aktas, Energy and Natural Sources Minister, and President Saparmurat Turkmenbasi of Turkmenistan signed the agreement on behalf of their countries.

Within the scope of the agreement which envisages transportation of Turkmen natural gas into European markets via Turkey, Turkey will purchase 16 billion cubic metres of natural gas annually within a period of 30 years.

Meanwhile, a total of 14 billion cubic metres of natural gas will be trasported into the western markets via Turkey through a 2000 km pipeline which is expected to be operational in 2002.

The pipeline was foreseen to cost between 2-2.5 billion U.S. dollars.

[15] TRNC PRESIDENT DENKTAS OBJECTS INVOLVEMENT OF G-8 IN CYPRUS ISSUE

Denktas explained to the Mongolian journalists that what Serbs are doing to Kosovars today was done to Turkish Cypriots by the Greek Cypriots. He added that the Greek Cypriots are awarded by the World which recognizes them as the ''legal government''.

The TRNC President pointed out that the European Union encourages the Greek Cypriot side by accepting their membership application. Moreover, the G-8 group which is formed by developed countries are attempting to take side in the issue, he added.

''The Cyprus issue is only among Turkish Cypriots, Greek Cypriots, Turkey, and Greece. This is a matter of balance. If you add a fifth side to it, you will turn it into a very complicated problem, and it would become impossible to solve it. We are determined not to get out of this frame,'' Denktas stated.

''To resume negotiations, the Greek Cypriot administration must accept that they don't represent Turks on the island, remove sanctions, give up animosity, and stop providing bases to Greece. The problem will be resolved when the Greek Cypriot side accepts that they are not the sole government of the whole Cyprus,'' he continued. Denktas also repeated that they are open to state-to-state talks.

Responding to a question, the TRNC President said he will be a candidate during next year's Presidential elections since he thinks the Turkish Cypriots still need him.

[16] ''TURKISH-TRNC SECOND COMPARATIVE LAW SYMPOSIUM'' - DAYIOGLU, CHAIRMAN OF THE TRNC HIGHER COURT: - ''TURKISH CYPRIOTS HAVE ESTABLISHED THEIR OWN COURTS SINCE 1963''

Addressing the ''Turkish-TRNC Second Comparative Law Symposium'' at the Dogu Akdeniz University in the TRNC, Dayioglu gave information about functions and problems of the TRNC Higher Court.

Noting that the Higher Court also serves as the Constitutional Court, the Supreme Court, and the Higher Administrative Court, Salip Dayioglu reminded that the Higher Administrative Court appoints the judges because there is no Justice ministry in the TRNC.

Dayioglu stressed that the TRNC judges are independent, and they have no problems with their personnel rights.

The Symposium will end later today.

[17] TURKISH ARMED FORCES HOSTS NATO'S TRAINING GROUP MEETING

Colonel Cengiz Kurkcu, the TSK Partnership For Peace (PFP) Training Center Commander reminded during the meeting which was closed to the press that NATO Training Group (NTG) is directly linked to NATO Military Committee. The meeting aimed to offer the attenders a chance to exchange information about training capacities, and to develop training opportunities, Colonel Kurkcu told A.A.

A total of 28 representatives participated in the meeting from Turkey, Denmark, Canada, Germany, U.S., Holland, Czeck Republic, Poland, Hungary, Australia, Moldova, Finland, Kazakhistan, and Slovenia.

Colonel Kurkcu stated that education system and activities, simulation in training, education through internet, and usage of simulators, virtual classrooms, PFP training activities and training of women were among the subjects that were discussed during the five day meeting.

The participants also visited War Academies Commandership and were given information by Major General Hayri Guner, the Head of Staff of War Academies, about training systems.

The language problem, which is the major problem of countries which are not NATO members also came up during the meeting. It was suggested that NATO and PFP members should connect through internet and cooperate in training.

Training activities which are directed to support peace must be fortified and a study group should be formed to provide cooperation, it was agreed.

The participants had the chance to visit Topkapi Palace, Agia Sophia Museum and other touristic sites and take a city tour in Istanbul.

M.Van Damme, the Euro-Atlantic Cooperation Chief of Staff was also present during the meeting. It was reported that Van Damme will attend the opening of two classes by PFP Education Center.

The next meeting of NATO's Training Group Joint Services Sub Group will be organized in Warsaw between Sept. 6 and 10.

[18] FIFTEEN TURKISH JOURNALISTS TO GO TO GERMANY TO MAKE RESEARCHES AND ATTEND SEMINARS

The 15 journalists are the winners of 1998 Local Press Award and were also elected among those who participated in the competition.

The structure of local German press, its function, and how it works, the structure of German Newspaper Publishers Federal Union and its function, daily problems of German journalists in the framework of the press law, German Journalists' Union's tasks and targets, Journalists Labour Union, Federal Government Press and Advisory Department's tasks, and working fields of German Press Agency, will be explained during the seminars.

The Turkish delegation will also have the chance to make researches at local newspapers and institutions. The journalists will return home on June 5.

[19] TURKEY'S KOSOVO POLICY - ATACANLI, DEPUTY SPOKESMAN OF FM: - ''THERE IS NO HESITATION OVER TURKEY'S KOSOVO POLICY, AND APPROACHES OF RELATED INSTITUTIONS WITHIN FRAMEWORK OF THIS POLICY''

Sermet Atacanli, the Deputy Spokesman of the Foreign Ministry, stressed that there is no hesitation over Turkey's Kosovo policy, and approaches of related institutions within framework of this policy. Emphasizing that policies aiming at protecting Turkey's main national interests, are being carried out within the framework of general national policy by determining their principles before, Atacanli said, ''policies in question are established with participation of our all related institutions and authorities. In their participation, these institutions and authorities take into consideration their posts carefully.''

Atacanli said, ''in such a process, the main target is to evaluate the issues, to take true decisions, and to determine the most beneficial policies. Following the decision-taking stage, we do not have a tradition or a practice to keep open the policy for further discussions.''

Sermet Atacanli pointed out that in the application stage, the main point is to provide a lasting and close coordination among the related institutions and authorities in order to carry out the policy in the best way.

''This is what we have done on the issue of Kosovo that has political, humanitarian, and military dimensions. There is no hesitation over Turkey's Kosovo policy, and approaches of related institutions within framework of this policy,'' he added.

[20] JAPANESE AJTC CONSORTIUM WAS GIVEN TIME TO COMPLETE CONTRACT PREPARATIONS UNTIL JULY 15 FOR IZMIT GULF PASSAGE

It was reported that Japan AJTC consortium has been given time until July 15 to complete contract preparations for Izmit Gulf Passage. The AJTC group must complete all the works for the contract and submit it to Highways General Directorate latest by July 15.

If Highways General Directorate does not sign a contract with the selected firm at the end of this period, the IBCO Firms Group which is the second on the list will be contacted for negotiations.

The Izmit Gulf Passage draft which was initialed between the 55th government and the company group in 1997 was approved by the Council of State and they had reached the contract stage.

The authorities said that the project which had an investment cost of 1.8 billion U.S. dollars was not materialized because an international Arbitration Council was not formed which was demanded by companies and credit institutions.

The Council of State had declined ATHC Group's wish to have international Arbitration Council on the grounds that it opposed to ''build-operate- transfer'' law, the authorities explained and stressed that the major reason for the delay was that the companies asked for international arbitration.

If the latest version of the agreement as approved by the Council of State is accepted by the ATHC Group, the construction of the project will start in July.

An investment of 1.8 billion U.S. dollars are expected for the project that will be run by the AJTC Consortium. The AJTC Consortium is formed by Tur Enka, Japanese Mitsubishi, Heavy industries Itachi Corporation, Marubeni Corporation, NKK, IHI, and the British Trafalgar House Corporation.

The project includes a total of 24 kilometers of highway and connection roads construction and Izmit Gulf Passage which will be three kilometers long. The project is expected to be completed in three or four years.

The Izmit Gulf Passage will be one of the world's longest bridges and will be first run by the companies which built it before they transfer it to Highways General Directorate.

The fees that will be charged from drivers who will use the izmit Gulf Passage and paid highways will be determined by these companies as well as Highways General Directorate.

[21] NATURAL GAS AGREEMENT - NATURAL GAS TRADE AGREEMENT SIGNED BETWEEN TURKEY AND TURKMENISTAN

Turkey and Turkmenistan signed Natural gas trade agreement in Turkmen capital Ashkhabat today with a ceremony.

Turkmen Head of State Turkmenbasi who signed the agreement on behalf of Turkmenistan said the most important aspect of natural gas agreement was that its price became definite.

Recalling that the project will start at the end of the year, Turkmenbasi said ''Turkmen natural gas will reach to Turkey in the year 2002.''

Stressing that the project would strengthen independence and stability of Turkmenistan, Turkmenbasi said they thank to President Suleymen Demirel due to his contributions.

Turkmenbasi also thanked to Bill Clinton, the U.S. President and his assistan Al Gore.

Responding to a question Turkmenbasi said they did not have a problem with Azerbaijan regarding the status of Caspian, and recalled that Aliev said they will not oppose to the transportation of Turkmen natural gas to Turkey.

Responding to another question Turkmenbasi said relations between the U.S. and Iran were getting softer, adding that gas transportation to Turkey via Iran would be possible in the future.

Ziya Aktas, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, who signed the agreement on behalf of Turkey, said they have come to an important stage in bringing Turkmen natural gas to Turkey.

Aktas said Turkmen natural gas will play an important role in meeting Turkey's energy needs.

Within the scope of the agreement which envisages transportation of Turkmen natural gas into European markets via Turkey, Turkey will purchase 16 billion cubic metres of natural gas annually within a period of 30 years.

Meanwhile, a total of 14 billion cubic metres of natural gas will be trasported into the western markets via Turkey through a 2000 km pipeline which is expected to be operational in 2002.

The pipeline was foreseen to cost between 2-2.5 billion U.S. dollars.

[22] THIRD INTERNATIONAL BELLAPAIS MUSIC FESTIVAL STARTS

Artists from Turkmenistan, Macedonia, Azerbaijan, Italy, Belgium, Switzerland, besides Turkey and TRNC participate in the Festival which started in Bellapai Monastery.

A total of 12 concerts will be given throughout the festival which takes place under auspices of Rauf Denktas, President of TRNC, and with the contribution of Turkey's Embassy in Lefkosa, State Ministry, Deputy Premiership and art lover people, institutions and organizations.

The festival will end on June 13 with violin recital of Hakan Sensoy and Zeynep Yamanturk from Turkey.

[23] ADMIRAL DERVISOGLU, NAVAL FORCES COMMANDER, IN GERMANY

Responding to the questions of Turkish reporters following the meeting, Dervisoglu said he talked to Greek Naval Forces Commander on the phone during the incidents which erupted in the Aegean due to a wedding and added that ''there is always a communication between Turkish and Greek Naval forces commanders that can be consulted on every issue.''

Dervisoglu said he met with his Greek counterpart during the meeting and discussed various issues ''there are problems between Turkey and Greece. This is not a secret'' he added.

Dervisoglu said neiter Turkey nor Greece could wish solution of problems between the two countries through war.

Dervisoglu said ''Turkey has rights according to international laws. Turkey's renouncing from these rights is out of question. It is also impossible to share the suppositions that they could only be solved through war. We will act as a part of our own general policy. I know that there is not a view in this policy like solving problems through war. As the commanders of the two countries, we are careful in solving problems before causing them to escalate. I personally do not have any doubt about the good will of Greek Naval Forces Commander.''

Responding to a question about the attitude of Greece which closed its air space to Turkish Air Forces planes, Admiral Dervisoglu said ''it is very natural to expect all NATO members to act with the same understanding, while there is a hot clash in Kosovo.''

Admiral Dervisoglu pointed out that nobody should feel uneasy over the military cooperation between Turkey and Israel, adding that this was not against third countries.

Dervisoglu said ''the thing we are doing is only the natural cooperation of countries which are in the same region and which share similar values and the trainings are military exercises targetting humanitarian aims.''

Pointing out that Turkish Naval Forces is among the strongest naval forces of Europe, Dervisoglu said ''we have a great fire power. Our effort is to contribute to European defense after being a member of EU and to have the right to speak in European defense planning. Turkey is a part of Europe and Turkish Naval Forces is a very important aspect within these efforts. Of course, we want to have the right to speak in planning of defense of Europe as we are ready to have every kind of contribution.''

Dervioglu is expected to return to Turkey on Saturday.

[24] PRAISE FROM THE U.S. TO TURKEY - RUBIN, SPOKESMAN OF THE U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT, SAYS U.S. APPRECIATES ROLE OF TURKEY IN KOSOVO

Addressing the news conference Rubin evaluated Turkey's role in Kosovo and said Turkey showed an extraordinary support and leadership in contributing to the military and humanitarian aims of NATO. He said Turkey became the first ally country accepting 20,000 Kosovar refugees and added that Turkey expended another important aid with the camps it established in Macedonia and Albania.

Rubin said Turkey also gave its own F-16 planes to the order of ally power operation and accepted deployment of 74 planes and tanker planes of the alliance in its territories and thus it proved that it is a very important ally.

Rubin pointed out that the U.S. appreciated the roles Turkey played on all these issues.

Responding to the question of a Greek journalist, who seemed to feel uneasy over these statements of Rubin, which said what would he say about Greece, Rubin only said Greece is an important ally of NATO and have humanitarian aim contributions.

[25] AKTAS, MINISTER OF ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES: ''MEMBERS OF THE CONSORTIUM, THAT WILL BE ESTABLISHED ON TURKMEN NATURAL GAS PROJECT, WILL BE CLARIFIED ON JULY 14''

Aktas said Turkish companies may take place in the consortium.

Aktas responded to the questions of reporters following the signature of natural gas trade agreement between Turkey and Turkmenistan.

When asked how he evaluated the words of Sapharmurad Turkmenbasi, Turkmenistan Head of State, which said Turkmenistan will be the country which sells Turkey the cheapest natural gas, Aktas said ''we tried to make the most appropriate agreement for Turkey and Turkmenistan. They gave an average figure.''

Speaking about bringing of Turkmen natural gas to Turkey, Aktas said the preparations for the consortium will be concluded in July, adding that the companies which will participate in the consortium will be determined in a meeting which will take place in Ashgabat on July 14.

Aktas said the pipeline was planned to be concluded at the begining or middle of the year 2002, and pointed out that five billion cubic meters natural gas will be transportated in the first stage and that this quantity will be incrased to 16 billion cubic meters afterwards.

Aktas said also 14 billion cubic meters natural gas will be transportated to Europe from the natural gas pipeline in question and noted that this gas will be transportated through Bulgaria and Greece.

Pointing out that Turkish companies could be included in the consortium, Aktas said Turkey's natural gas need was very big and that 14 billion cubic meters natural gas could be used in Turkey if it can not be exported to Europe.

When asked how political uncertainity in the Caucasus will effect the future of the project, Aktas said ''world is changing. Regional countries also change. I believe that this change will be positively. Both Turkey and other regional countries will benefit when East-West corridor is opened.''

Responding to another question Aktas said international arbitration was not valid in Turkmen natural gas project.

The pipeline was foreseen to cost between 2-2.5 billion U.S. dollars.

[26] RED CRESCENT CAMPS IN ALBANIA AND MACEDONIA - STATESMEN AND HIGH RANKING MILITARY OFFICIALS, WHO VISITED THE CAMPS IN VARIOUS TIMES, ARE PLEASED OVER THE SITUATION IN THE CAMPS

Foreign Ministry officials said the needs of the tent camps, which were established by the Red Crescent, and were foreseen to have 5,000 people at the first stage, were met in a short time and they were activated. Measures are still taken for the maintenance of the camps under the best conditions.

Javier Solana, NATO Secretary General, visited Elbasan camp in Albania on May 12, 1999 together with the U.S., British, Danish and Austrian high ranking military officials and got information from the officials. Solana was pleased over the situation in the camp and thanked to Turkish Red Crescent over their efforts.

Elbasan Camp was also visited by General Jean-Pierre Kelche, French Chief of General Staff, on May 14, 1999. General Kelche said the Red Crescent organized the camp very well.

Meanwhile, Tony Blair, British Prime Minister, who also visited the camp praised the efforts and congratulated officials of the Red Crescent.

Kiro Gligorov, Macedonian President, visited Boyane tent camp in Macedonia on May 17, 1999. Pointing out that the Red Crescent held a very successful work in the camp, Gligorov said Turkey was one of the two or three countries who promised to give aid to Macedonia and who realized it.

A.A

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