Anadolu Agency: News in English, 99-05-27

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AA Daily

27 May 1999 Thursday

CONTENTS

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

[02] EFFORTS TO FORM GOVERNMENT - PROTOCOL COMMISSION STUDIES ARE AT THE LEVEL OF PROVIDING UNITY OF EXPRESSION AND STYLE - HEADSCARF ISSUE TO BE ALSO INCLUDED IN PROTOCOL

[03] TUSIAD DELEGATION IN GERMANY - TUSIAD AND BDI ISSUE JOINT STATEMENT: - ''TURKEY SHOULD BE CONSIDERED AS A CANDIDATE COUNTRY FOR THE EU FULL- MEMBERSHIP, FOR WHICH THE CRITERIA WAS SPECIFIED, AND SHE SHOULD BE EVALUATED IN THIS STATUS'' - ''TUSIAD AND BDI REQUEST THE EU TO RAPIDLY BRING INTO FORCE THE FINANCIAL PROTOCOL, WHICH WILL REMOVE TURKEY'S COMMERCIAL LOSSES STEMMING FROM THE CUSTOMS UNION DECISIONS''

[04] TUSIAD DELEGATION CONCLUDES ITS CONTACTS IN GERMANY - YUCAOGLU, CHAIRMAN OF TUSIAD: ''I APPRECIATE GERMANY'S INITIATIVES FOR RAPPROCHEMENT BETWEEN TURKEY AND EU'' - ISCHINGER, UNDERSECRETARY OF GERMAN FOREIGN MINISTRY: - ''TURKISH-EU RELATIONS WILL ALSO BE DISCUSSED AT THE KOLN SUMMIT''

[05] PRESIDENT DEMIREL VISITS HIS AZERBAIJANI COUNTERPART ALIYEV - DEMIREL: ''WE ARE IN A MUTUAL SOLIDARITY WITH AZERBAIJAN'' - ALIYEV: ''TURKEY HAS BECOME THE PROP OF AZERBAIJAN AFTER AZERBAIJAN GAINED HER INDEPENDENCE''

[06] SUSPICIOUS PACKAGE FOUND NEAR TV LIVE-BROADCASTING VEHICLES IN MUDANYA - TABLE CLOCK FOUND INSIDE PACKAGE

[07] LOCAL ELECTIONS TO BE HELD IN 12 PLACES ON JUNE 6 - 40,376 ELECTORS TO CAST VOTES IN 216 BALLOT BOXES

[08] PREPARATIONS FOR FREE ZONE IN GAZIANTEP - KONUKOGLU, PRESIDENT OF GASBAS EXECUTIVE BOARD: ''NECESSARY INFRASTRUCTURE HAS BEEN COMPLETED FOR TRANSACTIONS OF EXPORT AND IMPORT''

[09] RICCIARDONE, U.S. COORDINATOR RESPONSIBLE FROM TRANSITION PERIOD IN IRAQ ADDRESSES TO A.A.: ''U.S. WON'T BE IN AN EFFORT IN IRAQ WITHOUT HAVING CLOSE COOPERATION WITH TURKEY''

[10] TRIAL OF CHIEF TERRORIST - OCALAN'S LAWYERS LEAVE FOR IMRALI ISLAND FOR LAST TIME

[11] GENERAL STAFF: ''GENERAL STAFF AND FOREIGN MINISTRY ARE TWO INSTITUTIONS WHICH ARE IN HARMONIOUS COOPERATION WITH EACH OTHER''

[12] BAKU-CEYHAN PIPELINE - TURKEY PRESENTS HER COMMERCIAL PROPOSAL TO AZERBAIJAN

[13] GAP REGION AND ENERGY - A TOTAL OF 59 PERCENT OF ENERGY CAPACITY OF GAP REGION PRODUCED AT THE MOMENT

[14] COUNCIL OF STATE'S DECISION ABOUT HEADSCARF - CIRAKMAN, CHAIRMAN OF COUNCIL OF STATE, SAYS THE CIVIL SERVANT, WHO COMES TO WORK WEARING HEADSCARF, MAY BE DISMISSED - CIRAKMAN SAYS IMPLEMENTATION IS ALSO VALID FOR UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

[15] ENERGY CONFERENCE - AYTEKIN, ENVIRONMENT MINISTER: ''SERIOUS ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS OCCUR IN THE PRODUCTON, TRANSFER, TRANSFORMATION, AND USAGE OF ENERGY''

[16] AKBULUT, PARLIAMENT SPEAKER, SAYS PARLIAMENT SHOULD WORK FIVE OR SIX DAYS A WEEK

[17] ENERGY CONFERENCE - PRESIDENT SULEYMAN DEMIREL: - ''TURKEY IS A CANDIDATE FOP BEING THE ENERGY TERMINAL OF THE WORLD IN NEXT CENTURY'' - ''BAKU-CEYHAN IS THE ONLY PROJECT WHICH GUARANTEES THE SECURITY AND CONTINUITY OF ENERGY IN THE REGION''

[18] ENERGY CONFERENCE - AKTAS, MINISTER OF ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES: - ''THERE IS A NEED FOR A 4.5 BILLION U.S. DOLLARS ANNUAL ENERGY INVESTMENT TILL THE YEAR 2010''

[19] 3.4 BILLION U.S. DOLLARS PAID IN FOREIGN DEBT SINCE JANUARY 1, 1999

[20] BANDIRMA BASE READY FOR AIR OPERATION AGAINST KOSOVO

[21] FOREIGN EXCHANGE RESERVES OF CENTRAL BANK INCREASE TO 22.5 BILLION U.S. DOLLARS

[22] AKBULUT, PARLIAMENT SPEAKER, RECEIVES ADMINISTRATORS OF BALKAN TURKS' SOLIDARITY ASSOCIATION

[23] ''MINISTERS' CONFERENCE'' STARTS IN GERMANY

[24] NATO'S AIR OPERATION AGAINST YUGOSLAVIA - TURKISH F-16 WAR PLANES ACCUMULATE A TOTAL OF 1,650 FLIGHT HOURS

[25] NUMBER OF KOSOVAR REFUGEES IN TURKEY INCREASES TO 16,625

[26] A NEW ISLET CRISIS IN AEGEAN - A GREEK ASSOCIATION TO PLANT A 40- SQUARE METERS FLAG ON ANGATHONISI ISLET

[27] TURK, NATIONAL DEFENSE MINISTER, GOES TO GERMANY

[28] MEETING OF CULTURE MINISTERS OF TURKISH SPEAKING COUNTRIES ENDS

[29] DEMIREL RECEIVES TOBB DELEGATION - ''RATHER THAN PRINCIPLES, YOU HAVE TO PUT WAYS IN FRONT OF THE GOVERNMENT'' - ''WE CAN CLOSE THE DEFICIT IN TOURISM''

[30] PRESIDENT DEMIREL: ''I DON'T CONSIDER THE DECREASE IN IMPORTS AS A PLEASANT DEVELOPMENT''

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

HURRIYET (LIBERAL)

YES, WE ALSO HIT SERBS
General Huseyin Kıvrıkoglu, the Chief of the General Staff who monitored the strikes of the F-16s at night at the 9th Main Jet Base in Balıkesır, said that ''our planes carried out the missions of both 'cat' (preventing the attack of enemy planes) and launching attacks.''

MILLIYET (LIBERAL)

OTTOMAN IN PARIS
Prince Bulent Osman, the only grandson of son of Abdulhamit's daugther is married with a French journalist and they live in France and often come to Istanbul. Prince who supports secularism and republic says that ''Ataturk abolished the empire and the caliphate as a result of the cooperation of Vahdettin, the Ottoman sultan with the enemy.''

SABAH (LIBERAL)

OCALAN TRIAL TO BE POSTPONED
The government has started an initiative aiming at turning the State Security Courts into pure civilian courts in order to prevent the West to discuss the verdict to be given by the State Security Court about Ocalan, the chief terrorist. Ecevit who is supported by ANAP and MHP ordered the Minister of Justice to prepare a draft about the issue. In the first hearing, the trial is expected to be postponed.

CUMHURIYET (LEFT)

KIVIRIKOGLU:IT IS AN EXAM OF HONOUR FOR NATO
General Huseyin Kıvrıkoglu, the Chief of General Staff said that Turkish F- 16s bombed Serbian targets, adding NATO has to complete the mission it started because this is an matter of honour for NATO.

RADIKAL (LEFT)

57TH GOVERNMENT IS READY
An agreement has been reached regarding the distribution of ministries in the cabinet. The cabinet list is expected to be submitted to President Suleyman Demirel tomorrow. The Democratic Left Party (DSP) will have 13 ministries, the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) will have 12 ministries and the Motherland Party (ANAP) will have 9 ministries. National Education Ministry has been given to DSP, while the Ministry of Finance has been given to MHP.

YENİ YÜZYIL (LIBERAL)

HEADSCARF PROBLEM IN PROTOCOL
The interparty commission transferred the problem of headscarf to the leaders' summit. The Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) wished to put the opening of imam hatip religious schools and the solution of headscarf crisis into the protocol. The Motherland Party (ANAP) supported MHP. However, the officials of the Democratic Left Party (DSP) rejected that and persuaded others to transfer the issue to the leaders' summit.

TÜRKİYE (RIGHT)

ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)

[02] EFFORTS TO FORM GOVERNMENT - PROTOCOL COMMISSION STUDIES ARE AT THE LEVEL OF PROVIDING UNITY OF EXPRESSION AND STYLE - HEADSCARF ISSUE TO BE ALSO INCLUDED IN PROTOCOL

Sources said there some incompatibilities concerning the distribution of ministries.

Sources said reliance and concordance among the three parties were based as established facts in the outset Articles of the government protocol.

The protocol defines the headscarf issue as a ''social ulcer'' and states that the Parliament is the place for the solution of that problem.

The protocol foresees that the female students can attend the lessons at the secondary schools for the training of Islamic religious personnel by wearing headscarf.

Sources said that the protocol mentions that terrorism will be eradicateed with multi-dimensional measures, and the talks on the Repentance Law still continue. Sources said the Repentance Law will be mentioned in the protocol with a diplomatic expression.

Meanwhile, the protocol will also include the establishment of committees for struggle against poverty and corruption; restriction of parliamentary immunity with a Parliamentary decision and formation of a legal document on privatization.

The protocol also foresees that the person, who is in connection with terrorist organizations, mafia, gangs, and sects, will be discharged from office and the legal arrangements will be carried out.

[03] TUSIAD DELEGATION IN GERMANY - TUSIAD AND BDI ISSUE JOINT STATEMENT: - ''TURKEY SHOULD BE CONSIDERED AS A CANDIDATE COUNTRY FOR THE EU FULL- MEMBERSHIP, FOR WHICH THE CRITERIA WAS SPECIFIED, AND SHE SHOULD BE EVALUATED IN THIS STATUS'' - ''TUSIAD AND BDI REQUEST THE EU TO RAPIDLY BRING INTO FORCE THE FINANCIAL PROTOCOL, WHICH WILL REMOVE TURKEY'S COMMERCIAL LOSSES STEMMING FROM THE CUSTOMS UNION DECISIONS''

TUSIAD and BDI issued a joint statement within the framework of the contacts of the delegation led by Erkut Yucaoglu, the Chairman of the Executive Board of the TUSIAD who arrived in Germany as the guest of the BDI.

The statement said Germany, as one of the most important and powerful economies of the European Union (EU), has to protect not only the EU policies but also her national interests when the EU expansion process is discussed, stressing ''Turkey should be accepted as a candidate country for the European Union (EU) full-membership, for which the criteria was specified, and she should be evaluated in this status.''

Pointing out that such an attitude will enable Turkey to fulfil the criteria for the EU full-membership by adopting the democratic and economic reforms, the statement said that such a development will create the basis necessary for most effective solution of the existing problems between Turkey and Germany and also the Cyprus issue.

The statement said Turkey, as a reliable and important NATO ally, has played effective role for years in security of Europe in critical times, stressing that Turkey's clear principle of very definitely separating religious affairs from the state affairs, is a noteworthy criterion.

''The dynamism Turkey has showed in her economic growth in last five years and the remarkable increase in her imports of investment goods openly put forward the Turkish government's determination in the target for sustainable economic growth. In parallel to the sustainable growth, the increase in the income per capita will have a clear effect on the decrease in probable external emigration tendencies in medium term. The balanced regional policies which will remove the difference in income distrubition between the east and west of Turkey, should support this development,'' the statement said.

Noting that Turkey's imports from the EU have been doubled together with the conclusion of the Customs Union between Turkey and the EU and Germany, which is the most important ecenomic partner of Turkey, increased her trade with Turkey to 13.6 billion German Marks, the statement said that the joint project opportunities in the Black Sea and the Central Asia created important cooperation opportunities between Turkey and Germany.

Stressing that TUSIAD and BDI, in their countries, have undertaken to contribute to the developments about the process of Turkey's entering the EU within the framework of the rational principles, the statement said, ''especially prior to the Koln Summit, TUSIAD and BDI targeted to expend intense efforts to better inform the public about the opportunities which will be created for bot the two countries and whole Europe on the occasion of Turkey's entering the EU as a full-member. Consequently, TUSIAD and BDI request the EU to rapidly bring into force the financial protocol which will remove Turkey's financial losses stemming from the Customs Union decisions.''

[04] TUSIAD DELEGATION CONCLUDES ITS CONTACTS IN GERMANY - YUCAOGLU, CHAIRMAN OF TUSIAD: ''I APPRECIATE GERMANY'S INITIATIVES FOR RAPPROCHEMENT BETWEEN TURKEY AND EU'' - ISCHINGER, UNDERSECRETARY OF GERMAN FOREIGN MINISTRY: - ''TURKISH-EU RELATIONS WILL ALSO BE DISCUSSED AT THE KOLN SUMMIT''

TUSIAD delegation met the same day with Werner Muller, the Minister of Economy of Germany. Later, the TUSIAD delegation held a meeting with Prof. Dr. Klaus Gretschmann, the General Director of the German Prime Ministry Department of Economy and Financial Affairs and was received by Wolfgang Ischinger, the Undersecretary of the German Foreign Ministry.

Following the meetings, TUSIAD Chairman Yucaoglu said, ''we held meetings in a clear and positive atmosphere. We explained our joint opinions with the the Confederation of German Industrialists (Bundesverband der Deutschen Industrie-BDI) to the German officials we met with. I can say that Germany, as the Term President of the Europen Union (EU) carried out a serious and comprehensive initiative for Turkey's rapprochement with the EU and her entering the necessary candidacy mechanisms.''

''However, it is difficult to know and estimate how these processes, most of which are diplomatic, will end. We, as the business world, together with the BDI want to help Germany in this initiative and keep warm our relations. We've to wait for a time, because these processes can't be fixed rapidly. Turkey newly held general elections. The new government and parliament are being prepared to put into practice reforms. I feel a healthy starting point. I appreciate Germany's serious initiatives in this issue,'' he said.

When asked whether Turkey's membership to the EU will be discussed at the Koln Summit, Yucaoglu told the A.A correspondent, ''we expressed the importance of taking true steps before taking new steps, and we expressed that we want the process be accelerated. I don't think that very important decisions will be taken at the summit as expectation. However, I feel that the steps to enrich the Turkish-EU relations are being taken. Actually, we are speaking within a middle-term and long-term frame.''

Following his meeting with TUSIAD delegation, Wolfgang Ischinger said the Turkish delegation and he discussed several opportunities of the Turkish- German cooperation.

Pointing out that they also discussed the EU Summit to be held in Koln, Ischinger said that the Turkish-EU relations will also be in the agenda of the summit.

''We've briefed the TUSIAD delegation on Germany's initiatives to enable Turkey to record progress in her relations with the EU. We've expressed the conditions Turkey has to fulfil to record this progress. We've reached a consensus that the Turkish-German relations were not established only on a traditional basis, the commercial relations between the two countries should be improved and there is an economic potential in investment field. Germany, as the Term President of the EU, will continue her intense initiatives at the summit in Koln for the rapprochement between Turkey and the EU,'' Ischinger said.

[05] PRESIDENT DEMIREL VISITS HIS AZERBAIJANI COUNTERPART ALIYEV - DEMIREL: ''WE ARE IN A MUTUAL SOLIDARITY WITH AZERBAIJAN'' - ALIYEV: ''TURKEY HAS BECOME THE PROP OF AZERBAIJAN AFTER AZERBAIJAN GAINED HER INDEPENDENCE''

Azerbaijani President Aliyev arrived in Turkey after he underwent a heart by-pass surgery in the U.S.

At the meeting, President Demirel said, ''the relations between the two sister countries are very good. We are the two sister states of the same nation.''

Noting that Azerbaijan has recorded great progress in last five-six years as a result of Aliyev's efficient administration and proved that she is a world state, Demirel said, ''We are in a mutual solidarity with Azerbaijan. This will always continue like this.''

Azerbaijani President Haydar Aliyev said that these statements of President Suleyman Demirel once again declared the friendship and brotherhood between Turkey and Azerbaijan.

''Yes, we're the two states of the same nation. Turkey became the prop of Azerbaijan after she gained her independence. Turkey has always approached and assisted Azerbaijan generously,'' he stated.

Aliyev said he had to return to Azerbaijan after receiving medical treatment in the U.S. but he arrived in Turkey upon an invitation of President Demirel.

[06] SUSPICIOUS PACKAGE FOUND NEAR TV LIVE-BROADCASTING VEHICLES IN MUDANYA - TABLE CLOCK FOUND INSIDE PACKAGE

Security forces who were on patrol in Mudanya found a package stuck with sticky tape in a bench near the quay besides live television broadcasting vehicles.

Police evacuated the area, took wide security measures, and bomb experts came. A bomb expert put on a special dressing and exploded the package by fuse. The pieces of a table clock were found.

Bulent Kılıcıtepe, the Deputy Director of Security in Bursa province said that the clock in the package was a normal one, but they try to find out when was it put on the bench and who put it. Kılıctepe said that fingerprints on the pieces of the clock will be examined.

The investigation about the incident continues.

[07] LOCAL ELECTIONS TO BE HELD IN 12 PLACES ON JUNE 6 - 40,376 ELECTORS TO CAST VOTES IN 216 BALLOT BOXES

Officials of the Supreme Board of Elections said that electors will cast their votes in one province, three counties, and five hamlets to elect their mayors and people will vote to elect both mayor and members of the municipality assembly in three hamlets.

Totally 40,376 electors will cast their votes in 216 ballot boxes in the local elections.

Below are the names of the province, counties, and hamlets where the local elections will be held to elect mayors and the number of electors:

Bilecik-Centre (16,219), Aksaray-Gulagac (3297), Erzurum-Cat (2190), Samsun- Ayvacık (3989), Samsun-Carsamba-Hurriyet (1351), Burdur-Celtikci-Bagsaray (1384), Aydın-Soke-Sazlıkoy (3179), Manisa-Saruhanlı-Hacırahmanlı (2521), Kahramanmaras-Centre-Karadere (1637).

Below are the names of hamlets where elections will be held to elect both mayors and members of the municipality assembly and the number of electors:

Eskisehir-Mihallıccık-Dinek (726), Nevsehir-Kozaklı-Karahasanlı (1838), Hatay-Samandag-Kusalanı (2045).

The political parties which participated in the general elections held on April 18, 1999 will again compete in the local elections with their same candidates.

Those who participated in the elections as independents can also compete this time.

[08] PREPARATIONS FOR FREE ZONE IN GAZIANTEP - KONUKOGLU, PRESIDENT OF GASBAS EXECUTIVE BOARD: ''NECESSARY INFRASTRUCTURE HAS BEEN COMPLETED FOR TRANSACTIONS OF EXPORT AND IMPORT''

Konukoglu told A.A correspondent that the Gaziantep Free Zone which will start to work in the coming days will ease the regional economy in a considerable extent.

Noting that warehouses and offices have been constructed in the free zone which was founded in the area of 1,4 million meter squares near the organized industry region, Konukoglu said that ''free zone will not only ease the industry in Gaziantep, but also that of Southeastern Project (GAP).''
''Gaziantep Free Trade Area which is being constructed near Organized Industry Region and which has 350 partners will focus on production. The free zone will contribute to GAP in reaching its target,'' he said.

Kamil Gerecci, the Director General of GASBAS said in his part that the determination of the free zone as ''production'' makes it different from other free zones.

Pointing out that services of banking, insurance, engineering, computer- software, architecture, contracting, consulting, agency, commercial supervision, commission agency, and transportation will be given, Gerecci said that ''the free zone has important advantages by being close to the highways, ports, airport, and border gates.''

[09] RICCIARDONE, U.S. COORDINATOR RESPONSIBLE FROM TRANSITION PERIOD IN IRAQ ADDRESSES TO A.A.: ''U.S. WON'T BE IN AN EFFORT IN IRAQ WITHOUT HAVING CLOSE COOPERATION WITH TURKEY''

Ricciardone told A.A correspondent that ''the U.S. won't be in any effort regarding the future of Iraq without having close cooperation with Turkey.''

Ricciardone, whose active mission is to coordinate the activities of the Iraqi opposition against Saddam Hussein, the Iraqi Head of State, stated that the U.S.'s contacts with Turkey continue regarding Iraq.

The leaders of the Iraqi opposition groups who participated in a panel held in Washignton D.C. said that Saddam Hussein who was uneasy about the activities of the Iraqi opposition can launch new attacks and they requested the U.S. to take additional military protection measures for them.

Ahmet Celebi, who is the Chairman of the Iraqi National Congress (INC) which shelters the Iraqi opposition delegation who came to Washington D.C., claimed that Saddam ordered his forces to move towards Northern Iraq which later controlled a village, requesting the U.S. to provide ''protection from air.''

Celebi and leaders of other opposition groups demanded the broadening of the authorities of the war planes which are in charge of carrying out ''Northern Watch'' and moving the no-fly zone in Northern Iraq to the south. Celebi also wishes the U.S. to take similar steps in Southern Iraq.

The opposition leaders said, ''while we launch initiatives to overthrow Saddam, we wish the U.S. to describe how she will protect us.''

Hosyar Zebari, a high ranking official of the Iraqi Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) told A.A correspondent that their region can't be protected without the support of Turkey.

Noting that their region is very close to the Saddam's region, Zebari said that ''we are in the most dangerous situation. The U.S. has to assure us the strongest guarantees so that we can act.''

Pointing out that they hope to get positive result from the U.S regarding their demands, Zebari said that ''for us to continue, assurance has to be given to us.''

Celebi later told A.A that they regard some policies of Turkey as supporting Iraq, adding ''Turkey's main concern is the terrorist PKK which is mainly supported by Saddam. Why do you treat Saddam by tolerance? We wish to be close friends with Turkey.''

The Iraqi oppsition leaders said that their political unity will be clear after the election they will hold on July 7.

[10] TRIAL OF CHIEF TERRORIST - OCALAN'S LAWYERS LEAVE FOR IMRALI ISLAND FOR LAST TIME

Mahmat Sakar, Hasip Kaplan, and Ercan Kanar who came to the check-point in the entrance of Mudanya county at 10.00 local time today, waited for the car carrying Niyazi Bulgan whose imprisonment is requested, and Mehmet Ocalan, the brother of Abdullah Ocalan, the suspect.

Mehmet Ocalan, whose document of permission has not reached the communication bureau, couldn't leave for the island. The things Mehmet Ocalan brought for his brother were brought to the island by the lawyers.

Meanwhile, the arrival of Turkish and foreign press members in Mudanya continues while three days have been left to the treason trial. Those press members who don't have identity cards are not permitted to enter the ''Communication Office'' which provides the transportation with Imralı island.

Two special security doors have been formed at the Communication Office for those who will attend the court hearings to be held on Imralı island.

[11] GENERAL STAFF: ''GENERAL STAFF AND FOREIGN MINISTRY ARE TWO INSTITUTIONS WHICH ARE IN HARMONIOUS COOPERATION WITH EACH OTHER''

Press Centre of the General Staff pointed out to the news published recently claiming that there are great differences of opinion between the two institutions.

Noting that the initiatives aiming at making these two institutions confront each other are unpleasing, the statement stressed that ''foreign ministry is responsible from foreign policy while the General Staff is responsible from internal and external security, and they are in harmony with each other. The spheres of responsibilities of the two institutions are different, however within the framework of these missions and responsibilities, country policies are determined in coordination and by taking into consideration the existing political documents. The activities of approval and making suggestions regarding the change of country's policies are carried out by the National Security Council and the parliament.''

The statement went on saying that ''we attribute great importance to acting in line with internal and international law, finding out the truths, and protection of national interests. Coordination and cooperation with all the concerned institutions of the state regarding important issues such as 'sending troops abroad, accepting troops to Turkey, or permission of the use of Turkish airports by foreign warplanes' are realized at the highest level and final decisions are given. After determining the policies, they are fully implemented by all the institutions of the state.''

[12] BAKU-CEYHAN PIPELINE - TURKEY PRESENTS HER COMMERCIAL PROPOSAL TO AZERBAIJAN

Releasing a statement, the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources said that the Ministry expects the Azerbaijani Working Group, which includes the members of the AIOC consortium, and Azerbaijan to observe our proposal with understanding.

According to the statement, the studies for realization of the Baku-Tbilisi- Ceyhan crued oil pipeline project continue within the ''mutual cooperation and understanding'' between the Turkish and Azerbaijani sides.

Turkey's commercial proposal, which was prepared in accordance with the principle of the Lump Value Fixed Price Turn-Key Delivery Contract, was submitted the same day to Abid Sharifov, the Deputy Prime Minister of Azerbaijan, and to the Azerbaijani Working Group in response to the proposal presented to the Turkish side on April 2, 1999 by the Azerbaijani Working Group.

Pointing out that Turkey's counter offer was prepared by intense efforts of all of the concerned Ministries and Organizations, the statement said, ''the time spent for preparation of our counter proposal, which was took up with great good will, is the necessity of these serious and intense efforts. We expect the Azerbaijani Working Group including the members of the AIOC consortium and Azerbaijan to observe and evaluate our proposal with the same understanding.''

Stressing that Turkey is committed to the principles of the Istanbul Protocol, which was signed with Azerbaijan on April 13 in Istanbul, and to the three-month time limit, which was mentioned in that protocol, the statement said, ''Turkey is ready to conclude as soon as possible the Agreements for the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan. Our determination in this issue continues.''

According to the statement, the sides also agreed to continue talks on finalizing the commercial proposal in question, the Inter State Agreement, and the Transit State Agreement in Ankara on June 4, 1999.

[13] GAP REGION AND ENERGY - A TOTAL OF 59 PERCENT OF ENERGY CAPACITY OF GAP REGION PRODUCED AT THE MOMENT

The figures of the GAP Regional Development Administration indicated that the production of electricity from the Karakaya and Ataturk Dams which produce the significant part of interconnective energy reached 145,6 billion kilowatts per hour by the end of 1998.

The figures also indicated that 89.98 billion kilowatts per hour of this energy which is worth of 8.7 billion U.S. dollars produced by Karakaya dam while 55.6 billon kilowatts per hour of this energy is produced by Ataturk Dam.

Meanwhile, the GAP region produced 20 billion kilowatts per hour energy out of 42.2 billion kilowatts per hour of electrical energy which was produced in 1998.

The GAP region had 18 percent share in the overall energy production of Turkey which is 68.7 billion kilowatts per hour.

The Karakaya, Ataturk, Dicle and Kralkizi dams started operation while the Batman, Birecik, Karkamis, and Sanliurfa dams are being constructed at the moment.

The Ilisu and Cizre dam projects are put into the programme to be constructed as soon as possible.

[14] COUNCIL OF STATE'S DECISION ABOUT HEADSCARF - CIRAKMAN, CHAIRMAN OF COUNCIL OF STATE, SAYS THE CIVIL SERVANT, WHO COMES TO WORK WEARING HEADSCARF, MAY BE DISMISSED - CIRAKMAN SAYS IMPLEMENTATION IS ALSO VALID FOR UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

Speaking to reporters following his meeting with Yildirim Akbukut, the Speaker of the Parliament, Cirakman recalled that Zuheyla Zeybek, who was working at the Cerrahpasa Medical Academy, was dismissed by her administration with charges of ''violating disciplined order''.

Recalling that the counter lawsuit filed by Zuheyla Zeybek against her administration was rejected by the Council of State, Cirakman said, ''coming to work wearing headscarf is a conscious and deliberate conduct. There was not any violation of law in the University's giving a decision for direct-dismissal. Since this issue was resolved to decision of judgement, administrations can dismiss the civil servants who insist on coming to work by wearing headscarf. I think and believe that such resistance will be overcome as long as such kind of decisions continue to be given.''

When asked whether that decision binds the woman deputies, Cirakman said the rules for the civil servants can't be implementaed against the deputies.

''They have their own rules. These rules are implemented. Thus, the Council of State is not responsible for this, but this case and this understanding are the examples for the people at the Parliament and the people who will implement those rules. Because there is not nay difference among the civil servants. Like the offical organizitions, the parliament is a great organ of the state,'' he said.

When asked whether that decision affects the university students, Cirakman said, ''you give such a decision about the civil servants as they are dependent on discipline. Also the university students are bound by discipline. Student is bound by discipline. Disciplinary punishment can be implemented on the student. I hope that such movements and conducts at universities will be prevented.''

Responding to another question, Council of State Chairman Cirakman said Merve Kavakci, a Virtue Party (FP) deputy who was stripped off Turkish citizenship by Council of Ministers' decision, has still not applied to the Council of State.

[15] ENERGY CONFERENCE - AYTEKIN, ENVIRONMENT MINISTER: ''SERIOUS ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS OCCUR IN THE PRODUCTON, TRANSFER, TRANSFORMATION, AND USAGE OF ENERGY''

Addressing a speech in the conference titled ''the Role of Cleaner Fossil Fuel Systems in the Sustainable Development'', Aytekin noted that the share of the fossil fuels in the production of energy resources in Turkey is nearly 60 percent.

Aytekin said, ''the share of the charcoal is 8 percent, the oil is 23 percent, lignite is 66 percent, and the natural gas is one percent. 90 percent of the oil which sets up nearly half of the energy demand of Turkey is imported while the natural gas production in Turkey meets almost three percent of the demand.''

Stressing that since the domestic production of charcoal does not meet the demand in Turkey, the charcoal is also important; Aytekin stated that the charcoal is important to prevent the pollution in some cities which are important sectors in iron-steel, cement, industry, and which face air pollution because of this.

Stating that the carbondioxide emissions in the atmosphere which occur due to the usage of the fossile fuels, accumulate in the atmosphere and affect the chemical features of the atmosphere, Aytekin stressed that this incident leads to environmental changes in the globe because of the greenhouse effect.

Aytekin said that many measures including the emission controls, energy efficiency studies, usage of clean fuels, usage of renewable energy resources, the usage of modern technologies, and the application of emission control systems should be implemented in every sector of Turkey.

[16] AKBULUT, PARLIAMENT SPEAKER, SAYS PARLIAMENT SHOULD WORK FIVE OR SIX DAYS A WEEK

Akbulut received Fuat Miras, the Chairman of the Turkish Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges (TOBB), and the members of the executive board.

Stressing that the Law on the Budgets should be passed as soon as possible, Akbulut stated that it is necessary to discuss and pass the Banking Law, the Local Administrations Law, and Unemployment Insurance Law as soon as possible.

Akbulut emphasized that he will convene the leaders of the political parties if necessary as a follower of the laws which should be immediately passed.

Akbulut said, ''I propose that the parliament should work continuously in the following period. We convene the General Council three days a week. We should increase the working days of the council to five or six.''

''The General Council starts its meeting at 3.00 p.m. and finishes at 7.00 p.m. We should increase the working hours until the night or may be we should start in the morning. As it is known, Turkey was dealing with the elections for a long time. She did not have enough time to deal with important issues,'' Akbulut added.

[17] ENERGY CONFERENCE - PRESIDENT SULEYMAN DEMIREL: - ''TURKEY IS A CANDIDATE FOP BEING THE ENERGY TERMINAL OF THE WORLD IN NEXT CENTURY'' - ''BAKU-CEYHAN IS THE ONLY PROJECT WHICH GUARANTEES THE SECURITY AND CONTINUITY OF ENERGY IN THE REGION''

Addressing the opening remarks of the conference on ''Role of Cleaner Energy Systems in Sustainable Development'' held at the Hilton Hotel in Ankara, President Suleyman Demirel said Eurasia possesses majority of new exhaustible sources like natural gas and oil which were foreseen to supply the increase in the energy consumption in the world in next two decades.

Defining Turkey as the heart of this geography, Demirel said, ''Turkey, as the biggest economy in her region, will play the key role in consumption and transportation of these sources into the world markets. As a result of this characteristic, Turkey, which has one of the most dynamic energy markets in the world, is a candidate for being the energy terminal of the world in next century.''

Pointing out that Baku-Ceyhan oil pipeline and the natural gas pipeline passing via the Caspian constitute the corner stone of the new energy infrastructure, Demirel said, ''Baku-Ceyhan oil pipeline is the only project which guarantees the security and continuity of the energy in the region. It is the most ecenomical route for transportation of the Caspian basin energy resources into the world markets. At the same time, it is the only project providing the maximum protection of environment. This project will be implemented in the year 2000.''

''At this stage, I want to emphasize once again that Turkey can't allow the Istanbul and Canakkale Straits to change into natural oil lines. Baku- Ceyhan oil pipeline is the most suitable solution method which prevents this unacceptable situation at this very moment,'' Demirel stressed.

President Demirel stated that Turkey's natural gas demand will increase to 54 billion cubic meters in the year 2010 and to 81 billion cubic meters in the year 2020.

''In our agenda, we have the Blue Stream project which will carry natural gas from Russia into Turkey via the Black Sea. We are ready to carry out necessary talks to purchase natural gas from several countries especially Kazakhstan-Azerbaijan and Qatar. Egypt and Turkey, last year, agreed to accelerate efforts for the project which foresees Turkey's purchasing of annually 11 billion cubic meters of natural gas from Egypt by the year 2000. Turkey will continue her initiatives to make use of the natural gas and oil resources around her with the understanding of cooperation and joint prosperity, contributing to the economic dynamism in the region,'' President Demirel added.

[18] ENERGY CONFERENCE - AKTAS, MINISTER OF ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES: - ''THERE IS A NEED FOR A 4.5 BILLION U.S. DOLLARS ANNUAL ENERGY INVESTMENT TILL THE YEAR 2010''

''In addition to the public sector, also the private sector should invest in energy field,'' Aktas stated.

Addressing the energy conference at the Hilton Hotel in Ankara, Minister Aktas said that the world changed into a ''global market'' as a result of globalization.

Noting that Europe and Asia will be connected to each other in next century, Aktas said Turkey will have a central situation in that integrated region.

Recalling that Turkey, which is in the process of a rapid development, has limited energy source opprtunities, Aktas said that the annual energy demand in Turkey reached at about 8-10 percent while the increase in energy demand in the developed countries was 1.4 percent a year.

Minister Aktas stressed that the Baku-Ceyhan crude oil pipeline and the Turkmen natural gas pipeline passing via the Caspian are Turkey's two prior projects.

Noting that those two projects will enable the regional countries to approach Turkey and the western countries, Aktas stressed the importance of pipelines near the historical Silk Road.

[19] 3.4 BILLION U.S. DOLLARS PAID IN FOREIGN DEBT SINCE JANUARY 1, 1999

The Central Bank data shows that the Treasury paid 2 billion 603.86 million U.S. dollars; the Central Bank repaid 183.95 million U.S. dollars; the Ministry of National Defense and the Defense Industry paid 325.93 million U.S. dollars and the Defense Fund paid 6.39 million U.S. dollars, and the International Monetray Fund (IMF) was repaid 251.93 million U.S. dollars in foreign debt between January 1 and May 26, 1999.

Meanwhile, a total of 567.34 million U.S. dollars of foreign debt was repaid between May 1 and 26.

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.

[20] BANDIRMA BASE READY FOR AIR OPERATION AGAINST KOSOVO

The Base is waiting for the NATO aircrafts which will be used in the operation.

The Base which has hosted Turkish war aircrafts until today, will host 18 NATO bombardment aircrafts this time.

A total of 100 U.S. personnel arrived at the Bandirma Base where C-5 Galaxy Cargo aircrafts and military equipment were earlier brought.

The U.S. personnel who will work in land services were placed in the hotels of Bandirma while some other U.S. personnel who are expected to arrive in Bandirma will be placed in the prefabricated huts which will be constructed at the base.

The two tracks of the Base are kept open for the deployment of the transportation aircrafts and the war aircrafts.

Meanwhile, the people in Bandirma county is excited about the NATO's air operation against Kosovo which will start from their county in June.

The people in Bandirma welcomes NATO's choosing Bandirma Base to put an end to the tragedy that the Muslims in Kosovo face for many years.

[21] FOREIGN EXCHANGE RESERVES OF CENTRAL BANK INCREASE TO 22.5 BILLION U.S. DOLLARS

The Central Bank data shows that the foreign exchange reserves, which climbed by 249 million U.S. dollars between 14-21 May, increased to 22 billion 566 million U.S. dollars as of 21 May.

The Central Bank's foreign exchange reserves were 22 billion 317 million U.S. dollars on 14 May.

Meanwhile, according to the 7 May-based statistics, Turkey's total international gross reserves increased 465 million U.S. dollars to 33 billion 867 million U.S. dollars between 30 April and 7 May.

The international gross reserves of Turkey were 33 billion 402 million U.S. dollars on 30 April.

As of 7 May, Turkey's international reserves were composed of 1 billion 12 million U.S. dollars in gold reserves; 22 billion 209 million U.S. dollars in the Central Bank's foreign exchange reserves; and 10 billion 645 million U.S. dollars in the commercial banks' foreign exchange reserves.

[22] AKBULUT, PARLIAMENT SPEAKER, RECEIVES ADMINISTRATORS OF BALKAN TURKS' SOLIDARITY ASSOCIATION

Akbulut received the delegation from the Association which is headed by Rifki Atasever, the Chairman of the Association.

Pointing out that the association is the biggest associations of Turkey, Atasever gave information about the activities of the association in 1998.

Akbulut said that Turks who lived in various places of Europe in the Ottoman Empire, spreaded the Turkish culture to Europe.

Stressing that some of the kinsmen who are left out of the Turkish borders immigrate to Turkey, Akbulut stated that he will help the association solve the problems it faces.

[23] ''MINISTERS' CONFERENCE'' STARTS IN GERMANY

The high-ranking diplomats from nearly 30 countries, including Aydin Sahinbas, Foreign Ministry Deputy Undersecretary, participate in the conference.

The main item of the agenda of the conference is the ''Southeastern Europe Stability Programme'' which is prepared by Fischer.

The participants will discuss the democratization, the developments in free market economy, the cooperation in security, and the enhancement of the stability in the Balkans, and will try to find the ways how the Balkan countries can become a member of the European Union (EU).

Each Balkan country will try to be integrated with the EU within the framework of the agreements which take into consideration the special position of these countries.

Turkey, Germany, Albania, Bosnia, Bulgaria, Croatia, Macedonia, Hungary, Romania, Russia, Slovenia, the U.S., Canada, and Japan participate in the conference.

The representatives of the EU, the Organization of the Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), Council of Europe (COE), the United Nations (U.N.), the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees, NATO, Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), and the West European Union (WEU) also participate in the conference.

The representatives of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Bank, European Investment Bank, and some finance organizations join the conference.

[24] NATO'S AIR OPERATION AGAINST YUGOSLAVIA - TURKISH F-16 WAR PLANES ACCUMULATE A TOTAL OF 1,650 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 26.

Meanwhile, a total of 912,079 Kosovar people were displaced so far as a result of ethnic cleansing campaign in Kosovo. According to the latest figures, there are 16,610 refugees in Turkey; 50 thousand in Serbia; 64,000 in Montenegro; 441,507 thousand in Albania; 250,100 thousand in Macedonia; 20,500 in Bosnia-Herzegovina, and 69,362 in other countries.

A total of 16,610 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 7,192 Kosovar refugees have been provided shelters in the Gaziosmanpasa Refugee Camp in Kirklareli province.

[25] NUMBER OF KOSOVAR REFUGEES IN TURKEY INCREASES TO 16,625

The Interior Ministry issued a statement saying that a total of 7,484 Kosovar refugees have arrived at the Corlu Airport in Tekirdag; 7,131 refugees have entered Turkey from the Kapikule Border Gate in Edirne, and 2, 010 others have arrived at the Ataturk Airport in Istanbul as of 10:00 local time on Thursday.

The statement noted that 7,193 Kosovar refugees have been provided shelters in the Gaziosmanpasa Refugee Camp in Kirklareli province.

[26] A NEW ISLET CRISIS IN AEGEAN - A GREEK ASSOCIATION TO PLANT A 40- SQUARE METERS FLAG ON ANGATHONISI ISLET

Ethnos newspaper, which is published in Athens, claimed that the officials of the association got permission from the Greek Ministries of Defense and Maritime for that attempt.

The newspaper said the members of the association who will leave for the islet with 30 boats, will plant a 13 meter flagpole on the islet and hoist a 40 square meter flag which they claimed to be the biggest flag of Greece.

Pointing out that the association spokesman defined their attempt as a ''social activity'', Ethnos said the members of the association, which was established ten years ago, were planning to leave for the islet together with their families.

Turkey stresses that the state of belonging of islands and islets excluding the island and islets which were transferred to Greece by mentioning their names in the concerned international agreements, has not been specified.

There is not any record about Agathonisi islet in international agreements.

[27] TURK, NATIONAL DEFENSE MINISTER, GOES TO GERMANY

Addressing a statement at the Esenboga Airport prior to his departure, Turk said that they will evaluate the latest developments in the Kosovo crisis and the European security and defense policy with the defense ministers of the countries which are the members of the European Union (EU) and the European countries which are NATO allies.

Stressing that he will put forward his opinion about the European Security and Defense Identity (ESDI) and his expectations from the Koln Summit of the EU, Turk stated that the Turkish government has followed these initiatives which can have important results in medium and long term.

Turk said, ''our government increased its bilateral and multilateral contacts to reach our expectations in this issue, especially in protecting our benefits in the West European Union in case it is integrated to the EU and in setting our rights on legal basis.''

''Our government is following the developments in the ESDI issue and launches the necessary initiatives. The decisions taken in this meeting about the ESDI will be effective in the determination of our future stance in NATO,'' Turk added.

Turk emphasized that they can find the opportunity to re-evaluate the Kosovo crisis during this meeting.

Turk pointed out that the NATO operation against Kosovo which was launched to put an end to the humanitarian tragedy and to prevent the spread of the regional conflicts to the neighbour countries and the threat of these conflicts for the European peace and security, continue with determination.

Turk added that the NATO is quickly approaching to the targeted result.

Emphasizing that the NATO should be successful in its operation against Kosovo, Turk pointed out that this operation is very important for the establishment of permanent peace in Kosovo and for the efficiency and the credibility of NATO.

When asked a question on the initiatives for the usage of some of the Turkish bases by the NATO aircrafts, Turk said that the necessary preparations are carried at the bases.

Turk said that two air bases are prepared at the moment, adding that a third one can be prepared if necessary.

Turk added that the deadline for the usage of these bases for the NATO operation is not definite at the moment.

[28] MEETING OF CULTURE MINISTERS OF TURKISH SPEAKING COUNTRIES ENDS

A joint declaration was issued in the end of the meeting which was held between May 25 and 27, 1999.

Istemihan Talay, the Culture Minister, was elected as the Temporary Coordinator of TURKSOY.

The declaration said that the Permanent Council decided to hold its 13th meeting in Ankara in December.

The declaration emphasized that Gagauz Place was elected as an observer member of TURKSOY on the proposal of Azerbaijan and Kyrgyzistan.

The joint declaration noted that the Council decided to participate in the 1300th anniversary celebrations of Dede Korkut Epic, an anthology which includes epics about the lives of the Oguz people who came to Anatolia from the Central Asia and formed the basis of the Ottoman Empire, which will be held in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, on June 14 and 15.

The declaration stated that an international festival will be held for the students who have education in Turkey and for the students of the countries which speak Turkish language.

Azerbaijan and Kyrgyzistan participated in the meeting in the level of ministers while Kazakhstan was represented by a culture delegation.

Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan did not join the meeting while Bashkortostan and Khakassia participated the meeting in the level of culture ministers.

The other autonomous republics and Gagauz Place joined the meeting in the level of low-ranking officials.

[29] DEMIREL RECEIVES TOBB DELEGATION - ''RATHER THAN PRINCIPLES, YOU HAVE TO PUT WAYS IN FRONT OF THE GOVERNMENT'' - ''WE CAN CLOSE THE DEFICIT IN TOURISM''

President Demirel received the same day the Union of Turkish Chambers and Commodity Exchanges (TOBB) delegation led by Fuat Miras.

Addressing the meeting, President Demirel said there are some problems in the Turkish economy and there was a crisis in the last quarter of 1998.

Noting that the most important problem today is the high interest rates, Demirel said the interest rates fluctuate between 90-100 percent and the U.S. dollar interest rates between 20-25 percent despite the inflation at about 50 percent.

Noting that the crisis in the Far East is one of the threatening factors, Demirel said the goods in dumping which are brought to Turkey from those countries created problems for the Turkish companies producing those products.

Stressing that Turkey realizes 75 percent of her trade with Europe, Demirel said, ''we didn't face difficulties in Europe and the U.S. The liveliness and trade reduced in these markets, but there was not a crisis. Payment difficulties in Russia badly affected us. I want to state that Turkey didn't lose her markets in the ready-to-wear field.''

President Suleyman Demirel said the problems in tourism erupted in April and May 1999.

Noting that the crisis in tourism doesn't stem only from lack of promotion, Demirel said, ''a total of 180 thousand German tourists visited Antalya last year. In the same period this year, the number of German tourists in Antalya is 50 thousand. I think this can be compensated this in next months.''

[30] PRESIDENT DEMIREL: ''I DON'T CONSIDER THE DECREASE IN IMPORTS AS A PLEASANT DEVELOPMENT''

Demirel received the same day Okan Oguz, the Chairman of the Assembly of Turkish Exporters (TIM) and the accompanying delegation.

Addressing the meeting, President Demirel said sufficient income should be provided to enable the state to work and there is a need for external source if that income can't be supplied.

''And this means interest. This can happen in a transitory time. The existing problem in Turkey stems from the high interest rates. The industrialists have difficulties in selling the processed raw material they purchased on high interest rate. These are transitory events. Turkey decreased the inflation from at about 100 percent to 50 percent. All of these problems will be removed when the inflation decreased to at about 10 percent. The chronic inflation is the main reason for the problems. The state is obliged to take every necessary measure,'' Demirel said.

Noting that especially textile, leather, automotive, and steel-iron sectors encountered difficulties in exports due to the crises in Russia and Far East, Demirel said that profit ratios decreased in other sectors but there is not a huge crisis in general.

A.A

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