Anadolu Agency: News in English, 99-05-25

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AA Daily

25 May 1999 Tuesday

CONTENTS

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

[02] DGM DELEGATION TO GO TO IMRALI ON TUESDAY FOR TRIAL OF CHIEF TERRORIST ABDULLAH OCALAN

[03] SUIT FILED AGAINST ULGAN, LAWYER OF OCALAN, TERORIST CHIEF

[04] TARTAN, MINISTER OF LABOUR AND SOCIAL SECURITY: ''DRAFT LAW ON UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE IS READY''

[05] HAZELNUT EXPORTS - 646,9 MILLION DOLLARS OF INCOME GAINED

[06] INDEPENDENCE DAY OF JORDAN - PRESIDENT DEMIREL SENDS A MESSAGE OF CONGRATULATION TO KING ABDULLAH BIN HUSSEIN

[07] CONSTANTA INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF PUPPET THEATRE - MINISTRY OF CULTURE TO PARTICIPATE IN FESTIVAL WITH SHADOW PLAY AND PUPPET GROUPS

[08] PROFILE OF EXPORTS FROM GAP REGION - IN FIRST FOUR MONTHS, 7.51 MILLION U.S. DOLLARS OF AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS EXPORTED TO THE U.S.

[09] EMERGENCY CALL SYSTEM TO BE ESTABLISHED IN BURSA

[10] FM: ''DESPITE WARNINGS MADE BEFOREHAND, IT HAS BEEN DEEPLY REGRETTED THAT THE DUTCH GOVERNMENT HAS NOT BANNED THIS ACTIVITY OF THE TERRORIST PKK''

[11] RESTORATION OF NEMRUT

[12] PANEL ON ''LABOUR UNIONS AND TURKISH-EU RELATIONS'' - TARTAN, MINISTER OF LABOUR AND SOCIAL SECURITY: ''WE'VE NEVER GIVEN UP OUR TARGET OF INTEGRATION WITH WEST''

[13] ''ART INSTITUTION'' AWARDS

[14] TOBB'S ECONOMY REPORT FOR 1998 - MIRAS, TOBB CHAIRMAN: ''NECESSARY REGULATIONS HAVE TO BE MADE IN POLITICAL PARTIES AND ELECTION SYSTEMS''

[15] EUROPEAN DEFENSE MINISTERS UNOFFICIAL MEETING TO TAKE PLACE IN BONN

[16] PRESIDENT DEMIREL: ''TODAY'S DIFFICULTIES ARE TRANSITORY. TURKEY HAS THE POWER TO OVERCOME THESE DIFFICULTIES''

[17] BAKU-CEYHAN OIL PIPELINE - AKTAS, MINISTER OF ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES: ''BOTH TURKEY AND AZERBAIJAN ARE EXPENDING EVERY EFFORT TO SPEED UP THE BAKU-CEYHAN PROJECT''

[18] EXPOTECNIA'99 FAIR TO BE OPENED ON JUNE 1

[19] TREASURY SELLS 201.7 TRILLION NOMINAL-VALUED TWO-YEAR BONDS

[20] TURKISH-JORDANIAN TRANINING MANOEUVRES - JOINT FIRING MANOEUVRES IN KAYNARCA TO TAKE PLACE ON WEDNESDAY

[21] TRIAL OF TERRORIST CHIEF - OKYAY, CHAIRMAN OF ANKARA NO:2 DGM: ''THERE WILL BE HEARINGS EVERYDAY APART FROM WEEKEND HOLIDAY''

[22] TURKISH AMBASSADOR IN PAKISTAN, BOZKURT ARAN LOSES HIS WIFE IN TRAFFIC ACCIDENT HE HAD ON TUESDAY

[23] PRESIDENT DEMIREL SENDS MESSAGE TO PAKISTANI PRESIDENT UPON TORNADO DISASTER

[24] ARMENIAN PATRIARCH MUTAFYAN VISITS ISTANBUL MAYOR GURTUNA

[25] TURKEY-KOLN SUMMIT - ISCHINGER, UNDERSECRETARY OF GERMAN FOREIGN MINISTRY, HOLDS CONTACTS IN ANKARA

[26] TURKEY-U.S. - U.S. NATIONAL SECURITY STUDY GROUP HOLDS CONTACTS REGARDING SECURITY INTERESTS OF THE U.S. IN 21ST CENTURY

[27] TWO PRIVATE COMPANIES TO START BOAT TOURS BETWEEN ANTALYA-TRNC AND ANTALYA-RHODES ISLAND

[28] BAKU-CEYHAN PIPELINE PROJECT - TURKISH AND AZERBAIJANI WORKING GROUPS TO CONVENE IN BAKU

[29] TURKEY-NATO OPERATION - FOREIGN MINISTRY: ''COORDINATION OF THE STATEMENTS OF NATO SPOKESMAN ARE AMONG THE PRINCIPLE RESPONSIBILITIES OF PERMANENT REPRESENTATIONS TO NATO

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

HURRIYET (LIBERAL)

LEADERS' SUMMIT
The foundation of a coalition government among the Democratic Left Party (DSP), the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) and the Motherland Party (ANAP) was laid down during the summit which was held among Ecevit, Bahceli and Yılmaz yesterday. Ecevit said that the government will be composed of 34 ministries including 17 executive and 17 state ministries.

MILLIYET (LIBERAL)

RESIGNATION ANNOUNCEMENT TO CILLER
The 30 founding members of the True Path Party (DYP) who convened in Ankara decided to issue a statement requesting Tansu Ciller, the DYP leader to resign. Meanwhile, the oppositions within the party are preparing themselves for the DYP Congress which will be held in July.

SABAH (LIBERAL)

IMRALI COURIER
Sibel Ceylan, the secretary of Niyazi Bulgan, one of the lawyers of Abdullah Ocalan, the chief terrorist was captured at Ataturk Airport and later arrested for transferring abroad the documents related with the Ocalan case. She would give the documents to PKK members in a train station in Belgium. A suit has been filed against her and Niyazi Bulgan for abetting the terrorist organization.

CUMHURIYET (LEFT)

RECONCILIATION IN LEADERS' SUMMIT
Premier Bulent Ecevit who agreed with leaders of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) and the Motherland Party (ANAP) for a coalition among MHP-ANAP and the Democratic Left Party (DSP) in principle, said that the commissions will start working today in order to form the government. The number of deputies of the Prime Minister will increae from two to three while the continuation of the eight years compulsory education has been accepted by the leaders. A regulation concerning the transformation of State Security Courts into a civilian line will be realized before the Ocalan trial.

RADIKAL (LEFT)

ITO IN ISRAEL
The Istanbul Trade Chamber paid a working visit to Israel. The visit was described as a significant step for the evaluation of economic relations between Turkey and Israel.

YENİ YÜZYIL (LIBERAL)

TURKEY SUBMITS PKK FILE TO GREECE
At the first day of the Struggle Against Crimes and Organized Crimes meeting, Turkish delegation headed by Necati Bilican, Director General of Security, called Greece not to provide assistance and support to terrorist organization PKK. While Turkish officials strressed the importance of the cooperation against international terrorism between two neighbouring countries, the Greek officials denied allegations that took place Ocalan's testimony.

TÜRKİYE (RIGHT)

LAWYERS TAKE BOOK TO OCALAN
Four lawyers of Abdullah Ocalan went once again to Imrali Island one week before beginning of the trial of terrorist chief. Ercan Kanar, Mahmut Sakar, Niyazi Bulgan, and Dogan Erbas took a shirt and a book to their client.

THREAD EXPORT OF GAP REGION INCREASES
Export of thread from the Southeastern Anatolia Project (GAP) region in the first four months of this year increased 67.9 percent to 57 million 171 thousand U.S. dollars. In the same period last year, the region exported 34 million 31 thousand U.S. dollars of thread.

ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)

[02] DGM DELEGATION TO GO TO IMRALI ON TUESDAY FOR TRIAL OF CHIEF TERRORIST ABDULLAH OCALAN

The delegation is formed by M. Turgut Okyay, the Chairman of Ankara No.2 DGM; Huseyin Eken, the Civilian Member; Colonel Abdulkadir Davarcioglu, the Military Member; Mehmet Maras, the stand-by Civilian Member, and Talat Salk, the DGM Republic Prosecutor.

Huseyin Karakus, the Secretary and Cavit Yuva, the Process Server, will also accompany the delegation. The trial files which are consisted of 66 folders were put in a bag and sent to the Ankara Security Directorate on Monday. The bag will be taken to the Island on Tuesday.

Cevdet Volkan, the DGM Chief Prosecutor who will appear at the court with Prosecutor Salk, will go to the Island later. Colonel Ulku Coskun, on the other hand, who is the stand-by military member of the court will be called to the Imrali Island if it is seen necessary.

[03] SUIT FILED AGAINST ULGAN, LAWYER OF OCALAN, TERORIST CHIEF

The indictment which was prapered by Erol Canozkan, the Prosecutor of the Court, requests three up to five years of imprisonment for Niyazi Ulgan and his secretary Sibel Ceylan for ''abetting the illegal organization'' under Article 169 of the Turkish Penal Code.

The indictment notes that Ceylan, the secretary was taken into custody a time ago at Ataturk Airport and then arrested and brought to prison. Ceylan, who was born in Belgium, is claimed to take some documents given to her by Ulgan to Belgium, including the petition prepared by lawyers of Ocalan, the chief terrorist to be given to the European Court of Human Rights.

[04] TARTAN, MINISTER OF LABOUR AND SOCIAL SECURITY: ''DRAFT LAW ON UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE IS READY''

Tartan told A.A correspondent that Turkey is the only country which doesn't have unemployment insurance among the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries, adding all European Union (EU) countries have a law on unemployment insurance.

Noting that efforts aiming at establishment of a system which will provide income to those who lose their jobs like in all civilized countries have been completed, Tartan pointed out that ''unemployment benefit will be given to people within the framework of unemployment insurance by the draft law that is prepared, the medical treatment of unemployed people will be provided and assistance will be given in order to find them jobs.''

''Those who lost their jobs not due to their mistake will benefit from the law and the unemployment benefit will be 50 percent of the daily net income, '' said Tartan.

[05] HAZELNUT EXPORTS - 646,9 MILLION DOLLARS OF INCOME GAINED

Officials of Blacksea Hazelnut and Products Exporters' Union said that 157, 688 tons of hazelnut were exported to countries espacially to European countries till today. 155,188 tons of it were products of 1998 while the remaining part consisted of the products of 1996 and 1997.

Turkey exported 188,201 tons of hazelnut covering the same period last year and an income worth of 853,600 million dollars was gained in return. The decrease in the income gained from the hazelnut export stems from the decrease in the amount and in the price of hazelnut.

[06] INDEPENDENCE DAY OF JORDAN - PRESIDENT DEMIREL SENDS A MESSAGE OF CONGRATULATION TO KING ABDULLAH BIN HUSSEIN

The Presidential Press Center quoted President Demirel as saying, ''I would like to present my sincere congratulations on behalf of the Turkish nation for the Independence Day of the Jordanian Hashemite Kingdom. I want to reiterate my belief once again that the current excellent relations between Turkey and Jordan will further improve and strengthen in coming years.''

[07] CONSTANTA INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF PUPPET THEATRE - MINISTRY OF CULTURE TO PARTICIPATE IN FESTIVAL WITH SHADOW PLAY AND PUPPET GROUPS

The Ministry of Culture said in a written statement that Mustafa Mutlu, an actor of the State Theatre and Orhan Kurt and Hayret Kurt, two operators of Turkish famous shadow play ''Karagoz'' will represent Turkey in the festival in order to promote Turkey and Turkish stage-art abroad.

[08] PROFILE OF EXPORTS FROM GAP REGION - IN FIRST FOUR MONTHS, 7.51 MILLION U.S. DOLLARS OF AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS EXPORTED TO THE U.S.

In the same period last year, the region exported 5 million 966 thousand U.S. dollars of agricultural products to the U.S.

Officials at the Southeastern Anatolia Exporters' Union told the A.A correspondent that in the first four months of the year, they exported 3 million 706 thousand U.S. dollars in textiles; 68 thousand U.S. dollars in grain-cereals, and 3 million 727 thousand U.S. dollars in dried fruits.

Turkish goods in greatest demand were cotton thread, textile products, dried apricot, pistachio, and towel.

[09] EMERGENCY CALL SYSTEM TO BE ESTABLISHED IN BURSA

Orhan Tasanlar, the Bursa Governor; Erdogan Bilenser, the Mayor of Bursa Greater City, and Kemal Bayrak, the Bursa Security Director evaluated the Bursa Security Directorate Technology Adaptation Project (BEMTAP 2000) at a meeting, and gave information about the developed Emergency Call Sytem.

Prof. Esref Adali from the ITU's Computer Engineering department who is the project coordinator said that they are now able to follow the 18 vehicles of the Security Directorate on a map and can send written messages to them as a result of works which started last year. The system will cost 10 million U.S. dollars, Prof. Adali added. The next stage is providing fire trucks, ambulance, and gendarme for the system, he continued.

The Emergency Call System requires the combining of ''City Information System'' which was prepared by the Greater City Municipality and the BEMTAP 2000 information network created by the Security Directorate. After establishing a central network, all fire trucks, ambulances and police will be coordinated from one center.

The system will work through only one number in all Turkey. Anybody who is in trouble will reach to emergency units through dialing this number.

The system also includes telephone numbers and address information which will prevent prank calls.

[10] FM: ''DESPITE WARNINGS MADE BEFOREHAND, IT HAS BEEN DEEPLY REGRETTED THAT THE DUTCH GOVERNMENT HAS NOT BANNED THIS ACTIVITY OF THE TERRORIST PKK''

A Foreign Ministry statement said that ''a meeting was held on May 24, 1999 by the terrorist organization PKK serving fully the unacceptable aims of this terrorist organization. Despite warnings made beforehand, it has been deeply regretted that the Dutch government has not banned this activity of the terrorist PKK. It is not possible to explain meetings regarding terrorism with freedom of expression or freedom of gathering. Besides that, such an approach is contrary to the obligations of countries stemming from agreements signed regarding the struggle with terrorism. Turkey will continue in resolution its successful struggle with terrorism by keeping loyal to the rules of law. However, the Turkish public opinion will insistently continue to request those countries who close their eyes to such initiatives aiming at encouraging terrorism that has become the biggest threat against human life and freedoms, to abide by the principles of international law and obligations.''

[11] RESTORATION OF NEMRUT

Nemrut was described by archaeology circles as the 8th Wonder of the World, and was taken to the World Cultural Heritage List by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

Within the scope of the restoration works, giant statues and monumental tomb which were built by King Antiochos I of Commagene in 30 B.C., will be restored within five years.

The capital Samosata of the Commagene Kingdom that had ruled Adiyaman and surroundings from 162 B.C to 72 B.C., was flooded by waters of the Ataturk Dam.

Meanwhile, tumulus which is assumed to be the tomb of King Antiochos I, has remained as a secret for centuries because it was buried under rocks and soil.

Opening of the monumental tomb is considered as the most important step of the restoration project.

[12] PANEL ON ''LABOUR UNIONS AND TURKISH-EU RELATIONS'' - TARTAN, MINISTER OF LABOUR AND SOCIAL SECURITY: ''WE'VE NEVER GIVEN UP OUR TARGET OF INTEGRATION WITH WEST''

Addressing the panel on ''Labour Unions and the Turkish-EU Relations'' Tartan said that Turkey regards herself as a part of the west due to historical, economic, and social reasons, adding she is a member of organizations like the Council of Europe, NATO and the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).

Stressing that Turkey launches efforts to fulfil her obligations actively in her relations with international organizations like the United Nations (U.N) and the International Labour Organization (ILO), Tartan said ''Customs Union is a step taken from which Turkey can't return. We exert efforts in order to improve the social and economic level and democracy in Turkey in order to further advance that step. We believe that the EU will feel the absence of Turkey in its integration process soon.''

Noting that Turkey can't benefit from funds of the EU although she signed customs deal with the EU, Tartan said that the EU has to show a positive approach towards Turkey's full membership to the EU.

[13] ''ART INSTITUTION'' AWARDS

The traditional awards are being given every year in order to assits improvement of art, and its spread in the society.

The winners of the awards are as follows:

Plastic Arts and Theatre Award: Prof. Hikmet Simsek

Best Play Writer Award : Esber Yagmurdereli

Best Production Award : ''Deers and Curses'' staged by

the Ankara State Theatre

Best Director Award : Yucel Erten, director of the

''Happy End''

Best Female Performance Award : Tulay Gunal Cimenser,

''Happy End''

Best Male Performance Award : Cetin Tekindor, ''Happy End'' and

Erol Kardesci, ''Goya''

Best Translation Award : Ataol Behramoglu, translater of

the ''Cherry Orchand'' of Anton

Chekhov

Best Costume and Scenery Award: Gul Emre, ''Happy End''

Best Supporting Actor Award : Tayfun Eraslan, ''Frank 5''

Best Supporting Actress Award : Devrim Yakut, ''Frank 5''

Best Music Award : Kemal Gunuc ''Frank 5''

Best Light Award : Osman Selim Yildiz, ''Passenger''

Best Painting Award : Bilal Erdogan

Best Statues Award : Meric Hizal

Best Ceramic Award : Mutlu Baskasa

[14] TOBB'S ECONOMY REPORT FOR 1998 - MIRAS, TOBB CHAIRMAN: ''NECESSARY REGULATIONS HAVE TO BE MADE IN POLITICAL PARTIES AND ELECTION SYSTEMS''

Miras said in the foreward of the ''Economic Report'98'' published by TOBB for 1998 that firstly economic stability has to be provided for continious, balanced, and speedy development, stressing that structural arrangements regarding privatization, social security, and finance sectors have to be realized as soon as possible.

Noting that ambiguity continues with structural problems like ''high inflation, public deficits, debts, and instable growth,'' Miras said that growth and export increase rates decrease in a considerable extent while partial success has been reached in policies of inflation and budget.

Miras stressed that as the real interests increased to a level which threatens production, the investment opportunities of the real sector become difficult.

Evaluating the developments in the world and Turkey and bringing solution proposals to the economic problems which are at the agenda, the TOBB report said that in 1998 the decrease in the consumption and investment expenditures of private sector has been effective in the decrease of growth rate. The report pointed out that the rate of capacity usage decreased in 1997 compared to 1998 in all subordinate sectors of manufactured industry.

The report also stressed that the inflation rate has reached its lowest rate in wholesale prices since 1990 and in consumer prices since 1992, adding the prices of wholesale commodities decreased by 36.7 points to 54,3 percent and the consumer prices decreased by 29.4 points to 69.7 percent.

[15] EUROPEAN DEFENSE MINISTERS UNOFFICIAL MEETING TO TAKE PLACE IN BONN

A Foreign Ministry statement said Defense Ministers will discuss issues regarding European Security and Defense Identity and exchange views on latest developments related with Kosovo crisis during the meeting which will take place on May 28, 1999.

A delegation, headed by Hikmet Sami Turk, Minister of National Defense, will represent Turkey during the meeting.

[16] PRESIDENT DEMIREL: ''TODAY'S DIFFICULTIES ARE TRANSITORY. TURKEY HAS THE POWER TO OVERCOME THESE DIFFICULTIES''

Addressing a vessel-launching ceremony, Demirel recalled that establishment of shipyard in Tuzla was the decision of a government in 1968, which he was ruling.

Demirel said Turkey now has ships which are 10 years old, and pointed out that ''we are trying to reach 15 million Dead Weight Tonne (DWT). I am happy to say that our insistence in Maritime sector still continues today.''

Mentioning about the problems of Maritime sector, Demirel said ''these are not so difficult that can not be solved.''

Meanwhile, Cengiz Kaptanoglu, Chairman of Maritime Trade Chambers, said maritime sector was affected by global and political crisis, adding that their target was to reach 15 million DWT and 10 billion U.S. dollars exchange level in maritme trade fleet.

Kaptanoglu wished Maritime Ministry to be established soon and wanted new ship and yacht construction to be promoted. He also called on laws related with maritime sector to be issued soon.

[17] BAKU-CEYHAN OIL PIPELINE - AKTAS, MINISTER OF ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES: ''BOTH TURKEY AND AZERBAIJAN ARE EXPENDING EVERY EFFORT TO SPEED UP THE BAKU-CEYHAN PROJECT''

Aktas said the studies, which were specified in the Istanbul Protocol signed in April, will be concluded before the three-month period which was foreseen in the protocol.

Speaking to the A.A correspondent, Ziya Aktas said the studies related to the Baku-Ceyhan pipeline continue.

Noting that Metin Aral, the Deputy Undersecretary of the Ministry, will convey Turkey's opinion about the turn-key delivery construction of the pipeline to Baku on Wednesday, Aktas stated, ''our aim in the turn-key delivery was that we wanted the Botas undertake the construction. We wanted the Botas construct the pipeline as a contractor on behalf of the consortium. Also they made the same offer. Now we're sending our offer in this parallelism. I mean we didn't offer contracting of Botas. The other side asked us whether the Botas can realize this. And we said yes. Now we're conveying our conditions.''

Responding to a question about the price of Turkmen natural gas, Aktas said, ''we believe that Turkmenistan and we reached an agreement on a better formula.''

''The natural gas price in question is a two-year average price. Actually, the 78 U.S. dollars is one of the multipliers of the coefficient in the formula we'll implement when we purchase the natural gas. However, there are another multipliers in the formula. This doesn't mean that we'll purchase the natural gas for 78 U.S. dollars. The price may be under or above 78 U.S. dollars. Because, there are some parameters like price of crude oil and fuel oil,'' he said.

[18] EXPOTECNIA'99 FAIR TO BE OPENED ON JUNE 1

Luis Carderera, Undersecretary of Spanish Foreign Trade, issued a written statement and said they attributed importance to relations with Turkey, adding that Turkey can make use of Spain to expand its exportation to Europe, Northern Africa, and Latin America due to commercial and industrial cooperation opportunities.

Carderera pointed out that Expotecnia'99 was an expression of their belief to Turkey and expression of their confidence as a partner in trade and a friend in Europe, adding that Spanish government accepted Expotecnia'99 as a base to increase multilateral industrial cooperation and to increase mutual trade.

A total of 300 biggest companies of Spain will exhibit latest developments in industry technology and basic investment goods and bring into the agenda the business fields which they can make jointly with Turkey.

Also,''Turkish-Spanish Investment and Cooperation Forum'' will be staged with the cooperation of Spanish Foreign Trade Institude (ICEX) and Foreign Economic Relations Committee (DEIK).

The fair will end on June 6.

[19] TREASURY SELLS 201.7 TRILLION NOMINAL-VALUED TWO-YEAR BONDS

The total bid was 267 trillion 445.7 billion TL while the annual composite interest rate became 117.13 percent.

The minimum annual composite interest rate was 106.52 percent and the maximum annual composite interest rate was 117.13 percent.

The minimum simple interest rate became 79.51 percent and the highest simple interest rate became 87.13 percent while the annual simple interest rate was 85.55 percent.

Meanwhile, a total of 16.5 trillion TL of debenture bonds were sold to public over the interests emerged at the tender.

The value date is May 26 and the maturity is February 21, 2001.

At the previous 21-month (641-day) debenture bond tender on April 5, 1999, the annual composite interest rate became 106.71 percent and the total sale was 315.1 trillion TL.

Meanwhile, the Treasury will realize 331 trillion 201.1 billion TL in domestic borrowing repayment.

Treasury's domestic borrowing repayment in May 1999 will reach 2 quadrillion 182.3 trillion TL together with the repayment of 2 trillion 242.8 billion TL on May 28.

[20] TURKISH-JORDANIAN TRANINING MANOEUVRES - JOINT FIRING MANOEUVRES IN KAYNARCA TO TAKE PLACE ON WEDNESDAY

A statement of fifth Army Corps Commandership said the manoeuvre will start at 10:00 local time with the participation of 24 officers and non- commissioned officers and 102 soldiers from Jordan and Turkish soldiers from 3rd Armoured Brigade Commandership.

A Turkish unit, composed of 11 officers, seven non-commissioned officers and 116 soldiers, had gone to Jordan on April 30 within the framework of the agreement signed between Turkey and Jordan.

Joint training manoevres will be concluded on May 30.

[21] TRIAL OF TERRORIST CHIEF - OKYAY, CHAIRMAN OF ANKARA NO:2 DGM: ''THERE WILL BE HEARINGS EVERYDAY APART FROM WEEKEND HOLIDAY''

Responding to the questions of reporters related with the trial process, Okyay said, ''the trial will be continous. There will be hearing everyday apart from weekend holiday.''

When asked if an interval will be given after June 15, Okyay said ''this is not in question. We will hold a continous trial if there is not any problem.''

Responding to the questions if there will be a change in DGM Law, Okyay said this was the assignment of the Parliament, adding that ''it will not change for us.''

Responding to a question if the defense could demand for additional time, Oktay said, ''it may be. Everything will be solved within methods. The right for defense is sacred. We respect to the right of defense.''

When recalled that lawyers of defendant Ocalan opposed to ''glass box'' and when asked about his views, Okyay said, ''it is used almost in every country of Europe. It is appropriate for security of life and it is right.''

When asked how flow of information will be provided to the public in trial process, Okyay recalled that journalists would cover the case. Okyay said ''hearings are open. The court delegation will decide for the camera- shooting that day. May be, we will allow taking pictures at the beginning, but not always.''

[22] TURKISH AMBASSADOR IN PAKISTAN, BOZKURT ARAN LOSES HIS WIFE IN TRAFFIC ACCIDENT HE HAD ON TUESDAY

The Islamabad Embassy authorities said the Ambassador went under an operation on Tuesday morning and he is in good condition. Ambassador Aran's two daughters who were also in the car were injured and one of them is reported to be in serious condition.

The accident took place on Islamabad-Lahore highway in Penjap state which was opened in 1997. Ambassador Aran was appointed to his post last year.

[23] PRESIDENT DEMIREL SENDS MESSAGE TO PAKISTANI PRESIDENT UPON TORNADO DISASTER

President Demirel said thet he was deeply saddened to have learned about the tornado disaster which claimed many lives and gave material damage to southern regions in Sindh State of Pakistan.

Demirel said he shared their grief and conveyed his condolences to Tarar and to the families of the victims.

[24] ARMENIAN PATRIARCH MUTAFYAN VISITS ISTANBUL MAYOR GURTUNA

Gurtuna, during Mutafyan's visit, stated that tolerance between religious segments of a society is essential and said ''Differences should never be an excuse for hostility. On the contrary, a richness must come out of these differences.'' This atmosphere of tolerance will prevail in our country while entering the 21st century and Turkey will become stronger, he added.

Mutafyan said the purpose of visit was to congratulate Gurtuna on his new post. The 700th anniversary of foundation of the Ottoman Empire overlaps with the 538th anniversary of the Patriarchate's foundation, Mutafyan reminded.

Mutafyan presented Gurtuna an autograph of Mehmet, the Conquerer, from the Partiarchate collection. Gurtuna, on the other hand, offered him a badge symbolizing the 700th anniversary of foundation of the Ottoman Empire.

[25] TURKEY-KOLN SUMMIT - ISCHINGER, UNDERSECRETARY OF GERMAN FOREIGN MINISTRY, HOLDS CONTACTS IN ANKARA

Ischinger, who was received early the same day by Foreign Minister Ismail Cem, met later with Korkmaz Haktanir, the Undersecretary of the Foreign Ministry. Later, Ischinger and the accompanying delegation held a meeting with the Turkish delegation led by Uluc Ozulker, the Deputy Undersecretary of the Foreign Ministry.

Speaking to reporters following the meetings, Ischinger said that they discussed the relations between Turkey and Germany and international issues like the Kosovo crisis and the Middle Eastern Peace Process with the Turkish side.

Noting that they held very beneficial and constructive meetings, Ischinger said that the Turkish-EU relations also came to the agenda.

Pointing out that he will brief German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer on the results he got from his contacts in Ankara, Ischinger said that he thinks giving information about the details of his contacts before that presentation will be wrong.

When asked whether he invited Foreign Minister Ismail Cem to the Koln Summit, Ischinger said that the issue of expansion process of the EU won't be on the agenda of the Koln Summit.

''Thus, we don't expect any of the associate partners to come to the Koln Summit. We expect neither Turkey nor other associate partners to come to the Koln Summit,'' he stated.

Ischinger, who arrived in Turkey on Monday, is expected to leave Turkey today.

[26] TURKEY-U.S. - U.S. NATIONAL SECURITY STUDY GROUP HOLDS CONTACTS REGARDING SECURITY INTERESTS OF THE U.S. IN 21ST CENTURY

The study group, who met with high ranking officials of Foreign Ministry Policy Planning Department, also plan to meet with effective names from political, military, and academic circles within the framework of their contacts.

Garry Hart, who heads the 15-people study group, issued a statement following their meeting in Foreign Ministry, and said they regarded Turkey as an important country in her region, and noted that economy, politics, foreign policy, defense, and energy issues were discussed in the meetings.

Hart said the study group was established in the year 1998 and pointed out that he will present the studies to the U.S. President in the year 2001 as a report.

[27] TWO PRIVATE COMPANIES TO START BOAT TOURS BETWEEN ANTALYA-TRNC AND ANTALYA-RHODES ISLAND

Fikret Ruzgar, the Manager of Amiral Navigation Company in his statement said the sea transportation between Antalya and the TRNC is a problem and added that there is a big potential in sea transportation in Cyprus.

''There are 15 thousand university students in TRNC. There are also soldiers. There is only air transportation available between TRNC and Antalya. This sometimes creates problems. The TRNC has a passenger capacity of 20 thousand,'' Ruzgar explained.

The boats which have a speed of 30 nautical mile per hour will go to the TRNC on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays and to Rhodes Island only on Thursdays.

Serhan Yavasoglu, one of the partners of Fener Tourism and Sea Transportation Company said Fener Tourism will also organize tours between Antalya-TRNC and Rhodes Island. Yavasoglu explained their waterjets have a passenger capacity of 250 and have a speed of 35 nautical mile per hour. The waterjets also have air cushions and are not affected by the bad weather conditions.

''We are planning to give service to eight to ten thousand people who will go from Antalya to the TRNC. Besides, we aim to provide transportation for the ten percent of tourists who visit Antalya,'' Yavasoglu said.

Fener Tourism will have boat tours from Antalya to the TRNC's Girne Bay on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. There will be also tours from Antalya to Rhodes Island on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

[28] BAKU-CEYHAN PIPELINE PROJECT - TURKISH AND AZERBAIJANI WORKING GROUPS TO CONVENE IN BAKU

The Turkish Working Group, which is expected to arrive in Azerbaijan late on May 26, will be led by Metin Aral, the Deputy Undersecretary of the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources.

The Turkish delegation and the Azerbaijani Working Group, which will be headed by Abid Sherifov, the Deputy Prime Minister of Azerbaijan, are expected to take up four main issues.

It was mentioned that mainly, the fixture for the inter state talks, the issue of guarantee and the situation of transit countries will be discussed at the meeting, which is evaluated as one of the last steps to be taken before the decision about the route which will carry the Azerbaijani main oil to the world markets.

Turkey and Azerbaijan earlier reached an agreement that the Baku-Ceyhan project will cost 2.4 billion U.S. dollars.

David Woodward, the Chairman of the AIOC consortium which operates the Cirak, Azeri and Gunesli beds in the Azerbaijani side of the Caspian Sea, requested Turkey to meet the extras if there will be additional costs during the construction.

[29] TURKEY-NATO OPERATION - FOREIGN MINISTRY: ''COORDINATION OF THE STATEMENTS OF NATO SPOKESMAN ARE AMONG THE PRINCIPLE RESPONSIBILITIES OF PERMANENT REPRESENTATIONS TO NATO

A Foreign Ministry statement said the news report which appeared in a press organ today attributing to the ministry were ''figment of the imagination.''

Disclosing actual dimensions of the incident mentioned in the news report, the statement said:

''NATO Secretary General, in a meeting dated April 20, 1999, said NATO Press Spokesman was under a heavy responsibility due to Kosovo operation, and that it was impossible to carry out this job with limited personnel in NATO Information Department. NATO Secretary General requested some of the allied countries to assign several diplomats in NATO who are experienced on relations with the press, also by undertaking the costs.''

The statement said request of NATO Secretary General is not to appoint personnel to control the issues and views of the allies which they did not want to be disclosed, but to provide support personnel to the spokesman and information section.

The news report which appeared in a newspaper claimed that disclosure of Kosovo action plans by some sources outside of Turkey stemmed from ''disorder and negligence'' of Foreign Ministry.

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