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Anadolu Agency: News in English, 99-05-28

Anadolu Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

AA Daily

28 May 1999 Friday


CONTENTS

  • [01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN
  • [02] FOREIGN MINISTRY FEELS UNEASY ABOUT CLASHES BETWEEN INDIA AND PAKISTAN
  • [03] SLOVENIAN JOURNALISTS IN MUGLA PROVINCE - SLOVENIAN JOURNALISTS SAY TURKEY IS A SAFE COUNTRY
  • [04] CREDIT VOLUME AT BANKS INCREASES TO 15.1 QUADRILLION LIRAS
  • [05] PRESIDENT DEMIREL SENDS A CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE TO ALIYEV, AZERBAIJANI PRESIDENT, FOR NATIONAL DAY OF AZERBAIJAN
  • [06] FLIGHTS BETWEEN TRABZON AND TBILISI START
  • [07] NATO'S AIR OPERATION AGAINST YUGOSLAVIA - TURKISH F-16 WAR PLANES ACCUMULATE A TOTAL OF 1,668 FLIGHT HOURS
  • [08] REPO TRANSACTIONS INCREASE TO 4.2 QUADRILLION LIRAS
  • [09] WELTEKE, MEMBER OF GERMAN CENTRAL BANK COUNCIL, DUE IN TURKEY
  • [10] TURKISH PRESS DAY IN NEW YORK
  • [11] CKHOROTSKU COUNTY OF GEORGIA AND ARHAVI COUNTY OF TURKEY BECOME SISTER MUNICIPILATIES
  • [12] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT VISITS JUSTICE MINISTER OZTEK
  • [13] PREMIER ECEVIT CELEBRATES HIS 75TH BIRTHDAY - ECEVIT: ''THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD HAVE LONG LIFE BECAUSE THERE ARE MANY PROBLEMS IN FRONT OF TURKEY''
  • [14] TURKEY-IMF RELATIONS - IMF DELEGATION HEADED BY COTERELLI, DUE IN TURKEY BEFORE JUNE 15
  • [15] NUMBER OF FOREIGN TOURISTS COMING TO TURKEY, DECREASES 15 PERCENT
  • [16] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT VISITS AKTAN, TRANSPORTATION MINISTER
  • [17] AKYELLI, ACTING CHAIRMAN OF EXECUTIVE BOARD OF IZTO: - ''WE HAVE TAKEN CONCRETE STEPS TO FURTHER IMROPE COMMERCIAL RELATIONS WITH CHINA''
  • [18] EROGLU, TRNC PRIME MINISTER: ''BALLOON BRINGING WATER FROM TURKEY WILL RE-START TO WORK SOON''
  • [19] WEU DEFENSE MINISTERS' MEETING - TURK, NATIONAL DEFENSE MINISTER RETURNS TO TURKEY
  • [20] WEU DEFENSE MINISTERS' MEETING - TURK, DEFENSE MINISTER: ''TURKEY'S ISOLATION FROM WEU IS OUT OF QUESTION''
  • [21] TURKISH-US BUSINESS COUNCIL - PARRIS, U.S. AMBASSADOR TO TURKEY: ''FOREIGN INVESTORS WAIT IN FRONT OF TURKEY'S DOOR''
  • [22] EUROPEAN BUSINESSMEN SUMMIT - YUCAOGLU, TUSIAD CHAIRMAN: ''WE TOLD GERMAN CHANCELLOR THAT EU HAS TO TAKE A LEAP FORWARD IN ITS POLICY TOWARDS TURKEY''
  • [23] PROTOCOL OF 57TH GOVERNMENT - ''THERE IS NO INTERFERENCE IN DRESSING OF WOMEN IN THEIR PRIVATE LIVES, HOWEVER MEASURES TAKEN TO PREVENT WOMEN FROM WEARING HEADSCARF IN PUBLIC SPHERE, WILL CONTINUE TO BE IMPLEMENTED''
  • [24] PROTOCOL OF 57TH GOVERNMENT - LEADERS OF COALITION PARTIES TO COME TOGETHER AT LEAST ONCE A MONTH TO EVALUATE ACTIVITIES OF GOVERNMENT
  • [25] PROTOCOL OF 57TH GOVERNMENT - ''LIMITATIONS IN WORKERS' RIGHTS TO END, AND LABOUR UNION RIGHTS OF CIVIL SERVANTS TO BE BROADENED''
  • [26] PROTOCOL OF 57TH GOVERNMENT ''EIGHT YEARS COMPULSORY EDUCATION WILL CONTINUE''

  • [01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

    These are some of the major headlines and their brief stories in Turkey's press on May 28, 1999. The Anadolu Ajansi does not verify these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.

    HURRIYET (LIBERAL)

    NSC TO DISCUSS FUNDAMENTALIST AND OBSCENE PROGRAMMES ON TV
    The National Security Court (NSC) will discuss the fundamentalist and obscene programmes on the television channels. The participants will request that heavy sanctions should be imposed on some private television and radio channels which broadcast fundamentalist and obscene programmes. The participants will emphasize that the concerning Law on the Supreme Board of Radio and Television (RTUK) should be changed to impose these heavy sanctions.

    GOVERNMENT TO BE FORMED TODAY
    The studies for the coalition which will be formed by the Democratic Left Party (DSP), the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) and the Motherland Party (ANAP) have been completed. The leaders of DSP, MHP, and ANAP will meet at the Prime Ministry Residence at 2.00 p.m. today. The list of the Council of Ministers which will be prepared at this meeting, will later be submitted to President Suleyman Demirel.

    MILLIYET (LIBERAL)

    ROBBERY BROUGHT TO PARLIAMENTARY AGENDA
    The Interbank issue was brought into the Parliament's agenda. The more complicated profiteering gets, the more it is opened up. However, the state have heard of the profettering for three years.

    It was revealed that Cavit Caglar's Interbank was opened with the loans obtained also from this bank. The Treasury informed the Ministry on September 20, 1996 that a total of 254 million U.S. dollars loan was given to Caglar just before the sale of Interbank.

    The statement said the loans were opened by bubble companies registered at foreign off-shore centers as the Nergis Group's credit limits were not convenient.

    IMPRISONMENT TO FIERY SUPPORTERS
    The Supreme Court decided that the person who opens fire in the air from a convoy gathered after a sport match to celebrate a victory, should be sentenced with minimum two-year in prison with charges of ''creating fear and panic among the public''.

    The people who celebrate the victories in sports by shooting in the air, are playing with the lives of innocent people. Last year, a person was killed and five people were injured due to such kind of celebration.

    SABAH (LIBERAL)

    ''SUPER RETIREMENT'' ANNULED
    Another round of struggle between the Parliament and the Constitutional Court for ''Super Retirement'', which has been continuing since 1986, has been finished.

    The law which gives the right of retirement in one night to the deputies, was sent to the Parliament's archieve of shame.

    Noting that the Constitutional Court became tired of annuling while the deputies are not exhausted from wearing the Parliament down, the Constitutional Court, in its verdict, said deputyship can't give privilege to anybody.

    MOST EXPENSIVE MEAT SOLD IN TURKEY
    According to a research carried out by the American Business Council and the Union of Milk, Meat, Food Industrialists and Producers (SETBIR), the most expensive meat in the world is sold in Turkey. The price of meat is almost three-fold of the price in Greece.

    One kg of meat is sold for 9.30 U.S dollars in Turkey while the price of one kg of meat in North America is 2 dollars and 2.5 dollars in South America.

    NEW CRISIS WITH ATHENS
    Now, there is an Esek (Gaydaros) island crisis erupted between Ankara and Athens. Turkey protested Greece and warned not to make such an attempt when she announced that a 40 square meters of a Greek flag will be planted on the island today.

    Michael Christides, the Undersecretary of the Greek Embassy in Ankara, was summoned to the Foreign Ministry to protest Greece's decision to plant a flag on the island which is in the south of Samos island.

    Ministry stressed that the island is one of geographical formations whose state of belonging is not known.

    CUMHURIYET (LEFT)

    DEMIREL: ''RESTRUCTURING IN ENERGY SECTOR IS OBLIGATORY''
    President Suleyman Demirel said that the energy sector should be liberalized and restructured. Demirel addressed a speech in ''The Role of the Cleaner Fossil Fuels In Sustainable Development'' conference.

    JUSTICE MINISTRY PREPARES TWO-ALTERNATIVE
    DRAFT LAW FOR CHANGE IN DGMS
    The Ministry of Justice prepared a two-alternative draft law for a change in the Constitution to exclude military judges and prosecutors from the structure of the State Security Courts (DGM). Some circles said that in case the draft law is sent to the parliament, the trial of Abdullah Ocalan, the chief terrorist, can be postponed. However, Selcuk Oztek, the Justice Minister, said that the first hearing of Ocalan trial will be held on May 31, 1999 on the Imrali Island.

    RADIKAL (LEFT)

    FINGER PRINTS OF THE SPECTATORS OF OCALAN CASE TO BE TAKEN
    Cevdet Volkan, Ankara State Security Court (DGM) Republican Chief Prosecutor, gave information about how the participants of the hearing of Abdullah Ocalan, the terrorist chief, will go to the Imrali Island and the measures which will be taken in the trial process. Volkan said that the sea bus for Imrali Island will depart Mudanya county at 7.40 a.m. Volkan noted that the finger prints and the photographs of the spectators of the hearing will be taken as a security measure.

    SOME POINTS OF COALITION PROTOCOL
    The coalition protocol said that the national education will still last for eight years and that the civilian servants will be chosen by a central examination method. The coalition protocol also noted that the State Security Court (DGM) will be excluded from the military judges. Stressing that the development of the southeast will be given the priority and that the Law on Repentance will include the terrorists in the mountains, not the leaders' staff of the terrorist organization PKK.

    YENİ YÜZYIL (LIBERAL)

    ONE POLICEMAN FOR EVERY TOURIST
    The police department in southern Antalya province protects tourists with extraordinary measures and methods by four thousand personnel.

    Natik Canca, the Police Chief in Antalya, said, ''ice cream sellers in shore, the people walking around as if they are lovers, the people who are walking around as if they are street venders and the cab drivers are the policemen on duty.''

    KOC: ''THIS COALITION LIVES FOR TWO-THREE YEARS''
    Rahmi Koc, the Chairman of the Executive Board of the Koc Holding, said, ''we saw that a short-lived coalition is not beneficial. I think also the politicians saw this reality. From now on, there should be long-lived governments. This will be beneficial for all of us.''

    ''There should be a government, which can provide stability. We hope that the new government will carry on for two or three years,'' he said.

    TÜRKİYE (RIGHT)

    TEN TERRORISTS KILLED IN SOUTHEAST
    Ten terrorists were killed in the operations held against the terrorist organization PKK in the State of Emergency Region (OHAL). A Turkish soldier died during the operations.

    CIRAKMAN, CHAIRMAN OF COUNCIL OF STATE: ''A CIVILIAN
    SERVANT WEARING A HEADSCARF CAN BE DISMISSED''
    Erol Cirakman, the Chairman of the Council of State said that a civilian servant who insists on wearing a headscarf can be dissmissed from work. Cirakman added that this application also includes the university students who insist on wearing a headscarft to the university.

    ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)

    INDUSTRIALISTS AT PRESIDENTIAL RESIDENCE
    President Suleyman Demirel said that he does not consider the decrease in the imports as a pleasing development; adding that the most important thing is increasing the exports. Demirel received the delegation of Turkish Exporters' Assembly (TIM) at the Presidential Residence in Cankaya district.

    AKBULUT, PARLIAMENT SPEAKER: ''THE PARLIAMENT SHOULD WORK MORE''
    Yildirim Akbulut, the Parliament Speaker, said that there are many laws which should immediately be passed and that to this end, the Parliamentary General Council should convene five or six days a week in the following period. Akbulut noted that the Law on the Budget, the Banking Law, the Local Administrations Law and Unemployment Insurance Law are the laws which should be passed as soon as possible.

    [02] FOREIGN MINISTRY FEELS UNEASY ABOUT CLASHES BETWEEN INDIA AND PAKISTAN

    ANKARA, May 28 (A.A) - The Foreign Ministry said that it feels uneasy about the clashes between India and Pakistan which occured across the cease-fire line of Jammu and Kashmir which led to the death of people on Friday.

    A Foreign Ministry statement said that Turkey always supports the maintenance of peace and the establishment of cooperation between the two important countries of Asia.

    Stressing that Turkey welcomed the steps of India and Pakistan taken in this issue, the statement said that Turkey hopes that Pakistan, with which she has friendly ties, and India, with which she wants to improve her friendly relations, will put an end to the clashes which negatively affects the regional peace before they lead to a more serious tension.

    The statement emphasized that Turkey hopes that the two countries will resume the dialogue process to solve all the problems in peaceful ways and in compliance with the Lahor Declaration which was signed between the prime ministries of the two countries in February 1999.

    India and Pakistan have gone to war twice over Kashmir since they won independence from Britain in 1947.

    [03] SLOVENIAN JOURNALISTS IN MUGLA PROVINCE - SLOVENIAN JOURNALISTS SAY TURKEY IS A SAFE COUNTRY

    MUGLA, May 28 (A.A) - The Slovenian journalists who came to Mugla province of the Aegean Region, said on Thursday that Turkey is a safe county.

    The Sloven journalists who arrived in Mugla after visiting Istanbul, Marmaris, and Fethiye counties of Mugla, visited the historical houses of Mugla and the Karabaglar Plateau which is under protection.

    The Slovenian journalists later visited Osman Gurun, the Mugla Mayor, and asked him questions about the trial of Abdullah Ocalan, the terrorist chief.

    When responding the questions about the terrorist organization PKK and Ocalan, Gurun said that everything is under control in Turkey at the moment and that the Slovenian journalists should understand the reactions of the ones whose relatives are killed or injured due to PKK terrorism.

    Gurun noted that Turkey is a state based on law and that the independent judicial organs will try the terrorist chief in transparency and in front of the whole world; adding that Turkey does not expect an increase in the terrorist attacks.

    Gurun stated that Turkey is as safe as European countries and as much risky as the European countries.

    The Slovenian journalists said that Mugla can attract the tourists within the framework of culture tourism.

    [04] CREDIT VOLUME AT BANKS INCREASES TO 15.1 QUADRILLION LIRAS

    ANKARA, May 28 (A.A) - The credit volume of the banking system increased by 456.3 trillion Turkish Liras (TL) between May 7 and 14, and reached 15 quadrillion 160.1 trillion TL, it was reported on Friday.

    The credit volume was 14 quadrillion 703.8 trillion TL on May 7.

    The Central Bank statistics show that 14 quadrillion 405.3 trillion TL of loan was given to non-financial circles by the banking system as of May 14. The total credit given to non-financial circles was composed of 841.4 trillion TL of the Central Bank's loans, 12 quadrillion 393 trillion TL of deposit banks' loans and 1 quadrillion 170.9 trillion TL development and investment banks' loans.

    The total loan given to financial circles was 754.8 trillion TL as of May 14, and this was composed of 410.4 trillion TL of deposit banks' loans, 336.7 trillion TL of development and investment banks' loans and 7.7 trillion TL of Central Banks' loans.

    Meanwhile, banks' receivables, which will be liquidated, increased to 1 quadrillion 444.7 trillion TL as of May 14.

    [05] PRESIDENT DEMIREL SENDS A CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE TO ALIYEV, AZERBAIJANI PRESIDENT, FOR NATIONAL DAY OF AZERBAIJAN

    ANKARA, May 28 (A.A) - President Suleyman Demirel sent a congratulatory message to Haydar Aliyev, the President of Azerbaijan, for the National Day of Azerbaijan on Friday.

    A Presidential Press Center statement said that President Demirel congratulated the National Day of Azerbaijan.

    The statement said that Demirel noted that the relations between the two friendly countries are the guarantee of the future cooperation and solidarity between the two countries.

    Noting that the relations between Turkey and Azerbaijan constitute an example for the regional cooperation, Demirel stated that he is sure that Azerbaijan, which is a respected member of international community, will continue to develop.

    [06] FLIGHTS BETWEEN TRABZON AND TBILISI START

    TRABZON, May 28 (A.A) - The flights between northeastern Trabzon province and Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, started on Friday.

    The flights which are realized by Sarptur tourism company which operates in Trabzon, will be held once a week from Trabzon to Tbilisi and the vice- versa.

    The flights from Tbilisi to Trabzon will depart from Tbilisi at 9.15 p.m. local time on Sundays, and will land at the Trabzon Airport at 10.15 p.m. local time.

    The flights from Trabzon will be held at 9.30 a.m. local time on Mondays.

    The officials said that the tickets cost 77 U.S. per person, including the taxes; adding that a bigger aircraft can be allocated for these flights if there is an increasing demand to these flights.

    [07] NATO'S AIR OPERATION AGAINST YUGOSLAVIA - TURKISH F-16 WAR PLANES ACCUMULATE A TOTAL OF 1,668 FLIGHT HOURS

    ANKARA, May 28 (A.A) - Turkish F-16 war planes that participate in the NATO's air operation against Yugoslavia accumulated a total of 1,668 flight hours, it was reported on Friday.

    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 18 hours on May 27.

    Meanwhile, a total of 917,087 Kosovar people were displaced so far as a result of ethnic cleansing campaign in Kosovo. According to the latest figures, there are 16,625 refugees in Turkey.

    A total of 16,625 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 7,193 Kosovar refugees have been provided shelters in the Gaziosmanpasa Refugee Camp in Kirklareli province while 3,445 refugees stay in the camp in Macedonia and 4,000 refugees in the camp in Albania.

    [08] REPO TRANSACTIONS INCREASE TO 4.2 QUADRILLION LIRAS

    ANKARA, May 28 (A.A) - The repo transactions, made by the banks with their customers, increased by 89.9 trillion Turkish liras (TL) between May 7 and 14, and reached 4 quadrillion 224.7 trillion TL, it was reported on Friday.

    According to the Central Bank statistics, the repo transactions were 4 qaudrillion 134.8 trillion TL on May 7.

    The reverse repo transactions between the banks and their customers, which were 92.9 trillion TL on May 7, rose 0.6 trillion TL to 93.5 trillion TL on May 14.

    The repo transactions among financial organizations climbed 325.9 trillion TL to 1 quadrillion 853.3 trillion TL on May 14. The amount was 1 quadrillion 527.4 trillion TL on May 7.

    The reverse repo transactions among the financial organizations which were 1 quadrillion 115 trillion on May 7, increased 493.7 trillion TL to 1 quadrillion 608.7 trillion TL on May 14.

    [09] WELTEKE, MEMBER OF GERMAN CENTRAL BANK COUNCIL, DUE IN TURKEY

    ANKARA, May 28 (A.A) - Ernst Welteke, the Chairman of the Central Bank in Hessen State of Germany and the member of the German Central Bank Council, will visit Istanbul between May 31 and June 2, 1999; it was reported on Friday.

    A Central Bank statement said that Welteke will be accompanied by a ten- member delegation from Frankfurt Economic Development Cooperation.

    Welteke, who will take over the chairmanship of Bundesbank in September, will address a speech titled ''The position of Euro, the single currency unit of the European Union (EU) countries after six Months it was put into effect and Frankfurt, as a finance center'' in the dinner which will be given by Gazi Ercel, the Director of Turkish Central Bank, on May 31 in Istanbul.

    [10] TURKISH PRESS DAY IN NEW YORK

    NEW YORK, May 28 (A.A) - Fuat Tanlay, Turkish Chief Counsellor in New York, gave a reception for the honour of the members of the Turkish-American Journalists' Association and the foreign journalists who are employed in the United Nations (U.N.) and in New York on Friday.

    The reception was held to introduce the Turkish-American Journalists' Association which was set up a year ago, to the foreign journalists.

    The first issue of ''Basin Magazine'', which is the magazine of the Association, was distributed in the reception.

    Behzat Baris, the Chairman of the Association, addressed a speech in which he gave information about the background of the Turkish press and the problems faced in this sector.

    [11] CKHOROTSKU COUNTY OF GEORGIA AND ARHAVI COUNTY OF TURKEY BECOME SISTER MUNICIPILATIES

    ARHAVI, May 28 (A.A) - Ckhorotsku county of Batum city in Georgia and Arhavi county of Artvin province of Turkey, become sister municipilaties on Friday.

    The mutual visits which were launched between the two counties to improve the cultural exchanges, commercial relations, and to enhance the friendship, are underway.

    A delegation from Ckhorotsku county of Georgia came to Arhavi for a three- day visit.

    Jvania Arnold, Mayor of Ckhorotsku county, said that the ties between the two nations will strengthen by such approaches.

    Vasfi Kurdoglu, Arhavi Mayor, said that they have taken significant steps between the two municipatilies and that they declared the two municialities as sister municipalities.

    The Georgian delegation later visited some private and official organizations in Arhavi.

    [12] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT VISITS JUSTICE MINISTER OZTEK

    ANKARA, May 28 (A.A) - Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit visited on Friday Selcuk Oztek, the Minister of Justice.

    When asked after the meeting whether the trial of suspect Abdullah Ocalan will be delayed, Prime Minister Ecevit said, ''this issue doesn't concern the government.''

    Justice Minister Oztek said they won't submit the two draft laws which foresee to exclude the military members from the State Security Courts (DGMs), to the Council of Ministers and Parliament, but they will present them to the Justice Ministerb of the new government.

    Pointing out that the new Justice Minister can either see one of the draft laws fit or prepare another one, Oztek said, ''actually, there are not many alternatives. The proposal which will be made by the new Justice Minister, will be essential. We made a preparation and we will submit it to the new minister.''

    Noting that he presented the draft laws to Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit, Oztek said, ''Mr. Prime Minister will have the draft laws observed by jurists. He will discuss them with the new minister and reach an agreement.''

    Stressing that the trial of terrorist chief will start on May 31, Oztek said, ''a postponement at this stage is out of question. Everything is ready. All of the infrastructural preparations have been concluded. There shouldn't be any hesitation. The State Security Court will give decision about the developments after that. We can't estimate this at this moment.''

    [13] PREMIER ECEVIT CELEBRATES HIS 75TH BIRTHDAY - ECEVIT: ''THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD HAVE LONG LIFE BECAUSE THERE ARE MANY PROBLEMS IN FRONT OF TURKEY''

    ANKARA, May 28 (A.A) - Bulent Ecevit, the Prime Minister and the leader of the Democratic Left Party (DSP), said on Friday that the 57th government should have a long life and should be harmonious because there are many problems in front of Turkey waiting to be solved.

    Ecevit responded the questions of the journalists when leaving the Prime Ministry after he met with Selcuk Oztek, Justice Minister.

    When a journalist reminded that he is celebrating his 75th birthday and whether the 57th government will have a long life one like him, Ecevit said, ''it should have a long life because there are problems in front of Turkey. Turkey could not solve the problems for a long time because she was living in an election period for many years.''

    ''Turkey solved her problems in short or medium term. I wish that the government which we hope to form today or tomorrow, will work in compliance with the parliament and the public opinion and that it will have a long life. I believe that we can realize the reforms which have not been realized until today,'' Ecevit added.

    When asked to summarize his 75th year-life with a few words, Ecevit noted that this 75 year period is one full of fluctuations in regime and in some other perspectives.

    Ecevit said, ''Turkey faced problems at every step. But, she have overcome all the problems. Turkey's development gained momentum. Turkey is among the most important countries of the world today. When I look at the past, I consider the past as the examinations which Turkey took.''

    ''Although there were some deficiencies in those examinations, Turkey could find solutions in the end. I hope that our new goverment will meet the expectations of our public,'' Ecevit added.

    When asked what the biggest change in Turkey in this period was, Ecevit stated that the most important issue was the realization of the elections in peace and security.

    Responding a question whether he has a message to Turkish youth, Ecevit stressed that as the education of the Turkish youth improves, the success of the Turkish youth increases not only in Turkey, but also in the world; and that the young generations which can carry Ataturk's ideas and principles to the future, have been brought up in Turkey.

    Drawing the attention that Ataturk is the only leader who entrusted his principles and reforms to the youth, Ecevit emphasized that as long as the young generations are conscious about these principles and reforms, they will contribute to the development of Turkey.

    [14] TURKEY-IMF RELATIONS - IMF DELEGATION HEADED BY COTERELLI, DUE IN TURKEY BEFORE JUNE 15

    ANKARA/WASHINGTON D.C., May 28 (A.A) - The International Monetary Fund delegation headed by Carlo Coterelli, the Chief of IMF Turkey Desk, will come to Turkey before June 15, it was reported on Friday.

    The IMF officials told the A.A correspondent that the delegation will come to Turkey possibly in the second week of June.

    The IMF officials said that they wait for the formation of the 57th government, adding that date of the visit will be determined as soon as the new government is formed.

    As they stressed that it is too early to say something right now, the officials underlined that the new government that will have a considerable majority at the parliament, can realize fundamental reforms.

    The IMF delegation was planning to pay a visit to Turkey in May, but the visit was delayed to June due to efforts to form the new government.

    The delegation that will stay in Turkey for 15 days, will receive information about the realizations in 1999, and the macroeconomic targets.

    The delegation will also hold talks with the new government on the Staff Monitoring Agreement ends in June.

    If the new government insists on making an agreement including financial support, high-level officials will begin to work on a new agreement in Washington D.C. in July.

    [15] NUMBER OF FOREIGN TOURISTS COMING TO TURKEY, DECREASES 15 PERCENT

    ANKARA, May 28 (A.A) - Within January-April period of this year, number of foreign tourists coming to Turkey for holiday, decreased 15 percent, it was reported on Friday.

    The State Statistical Institute (DIE) issued a statement saying that a total of 1,565,862 foreign tourists visited Turkey within the first four months of 1999.

    In the same period of last year, a total of 1,842,892 foreign people had come to Turkey for holiday.

    The statement pointed out that 59,1 percent of tourists prefered airways, 33.5 percent of them came to Turkey by highway, 6.1 percent by sea, and 1.3 percent by railway.

    Meanwhile, number of foreign tourists coming to Turkey in April, decreased 33.9 percent to 425,606. In April 1998, 643,702 foreigners had visited Turkey.

    [16] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT VISITS AKTAN, TRANSPORTATION MINISTER

    ANKARA, May 28 (A.A) - Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit paid a visit of courtesy on Friday to Hasan Basri Aktan, the Transportation Minister who is one of the three independent members of the 56th government.

    Addressing the meeting, Ecevit thanked Mr. Aktas for his services.

    Stressing the importance of telecommunication in the modern world, Ecevit said, ''developments in the communication technology provide positive advantages for humanity, but they can also give rise to several developments that can easly jeopardize human world. We have to prevent these dangers within the rules of a democratic state of law. We had a very fruitful cooperation with Mr. Aktan.''

    Meanwhile, Hasan Basri Aktan pointed out that they have taken significant steps such as modernization of airports, and Turkey's participation to the important transportation corridors in Europe.

    Husamettin Ozkan, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State, was also in attendance at the meeting.

    [17] AKYELLI, ACTING CHAIRMAN OF EXECUTIVE BOARD OF IZTO: - ''WE HAVE TAKEN CONCRETE STEPS TO FURTHER IMROPE COMMERCIAL RELATIONS WITH CHINA''

    IZMIR, May 28 (A.A) - Mehmet Akyelli, the Acting Chairman of the Executive Board of the Izmir Trade Chamber (IZTO), said on Friday that they have taken concrete steps to further improve commercial relations between Turkey and People's Republic of China during their visit to Beijing.

    Issuing a written statement, Akyelli recalled that they paid a very positive and useful visit to People's Republic of China between May 19-24.

    Noting that they aim at creating new business opportunities in Chinese market, Akyelli reminded that they visited the Turkish Embassy in Beijing, the Development and Promotion of International Trade Council, the 6th International Beijing Fair, and the Beijing'99 2nd International High Technology Fair during their visit.

    Stressing that China is among the five most powerful economies of the world with her potential, Akyelli said, ''Our visit to People's Republic of China is very important to further improve commercial relations between the two countries. Our target is to determine groups of goods that will be mutually traded between Turkey and China. Some of our members held contacts with their Chinese counterparts. As a result of these contacts, we have relaized business connections worth of 1 million 350 thousand U.S. dollars in the fields of furniture, jewellery, electronic, electricity, and production, and services sector. Meanwhile, we held significant talks to improve cooperation and partnership in mining sector.''

    [18] EROGLU, TRNC PRIME MINISTER: ''BALLOON BRINGING WATER FROM TURKEY WILL RE-START TO WORK SOON''

    LEFKOSA, May 28 (A.A) - Dervis Eroglu, the Prime Minister of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) said on Friday that the balloon which was bringing water from Turkey and which was out of order, will re-start to work in the coming days.

    Responding to questions of journalists about the issue, Eroglu stated that the balloon which was out of order, is being repaired and it will be ready soon.

    Noting that decisions were taken about bringing water to TRNC from Turkey by pipelines and some analysis was made, Eroglu said that after the formation of the government in Turkey they will hold contacts with the Turkish government to speed up the project.

    [19] WEU DEFENSE MINISTERS' MEETING - TURK, NATIONAL DEFENSE MINISTER RETURNS TO TURKEY

    ANKARA, May 28 (A.A) - Hikmet Sami Turk, the National Defense Minister who participated in the West European Union (WEU) Defense Ministers meeting in Bonn, Germany, returned to Turkey on Friday.

    Addressing a statement at Esenboga Airport, Turk stated that they focused on European security and defense policy and the recent developments in Kosovo during the WEU meeting.

    Noting that Turkey is conscious of the importance of Bonn meeting in respect of security and stability in Europe, Turk said this is pleasing.

    Pointing out that solidarity and resolution have been displayed within the alliance regarding the air operation in Kosovo, Turk stated that ''I told the meeting that the Kosovo operation has to be successful in order to show to the world that no permission will be given to such crisis which threatens the European peace. I also stressed that Turkey is resolved to fulfil her obligations, she will continue to help Kosovar refugees, but conditions have to be created to make these refugees return to their homes before winter.''

    Hikmet Sami Turk was accompanied by officials from Ministry of National Defense and Foreign Ministry at the meeting in Bonn.

    [20] WEU DEFENSE MINISTERS' MEETING - TURK, DEFENSE MINISTER: ''TURKEY'S ISOLATION FROM WEU IS OUT OF QUESTION''

    BONN, May 28 (A.A) - Defense ministers of the West European Union (WEU) member countries came together with those of nine NATO countries in Bonn on Friday.

    Addressing to Turkish press, Hikmet Sami Turk, the National Defense Minister said that they came together in order to determine the European security and defense policy and all ministers reached a consensus of opinion considering this issue.

    Noting that working groups composed of experts will be formed to examine certain issues from now on, Turk stated that the reports prepared by them will be discussed in such meetings from time to time.

    Stressing that the system of 15 EU states plus 6 non-EU, but NATO states will be maintained, Turk said ''I suppose the next meeting will be realized either in September or October during the term presidency of Luxembourg.''

    ''Is Turkey being isolated from WEU?'' asked journalists to Turk who said that ''this is totally out of question. On the contrary, the inclusion of all associate countries including Turkey is foreseen and we have some proposals of making this concrete.''

    After the end of the WEU defense ministers' meeting, Turk said that ''ideas which complete each other rather than conflicting ones have been expressed concerning the Kosovo crisis at the meeting.''

    ''We hope Turkey and the other countries having the status of associate membership to join the new defense system with equal rights and fully,'' said Turk, adding Kosovo problem was also discussed at the meeting.

    ''At the meeting, we focused on hoping the Kosova air operation to reach its aim quickly, continuation of diplomatic efforts, return of Kosovar refugees to their homes after installation of peace and re-construction of Kosovo,'' he said.

    Turk said he exchanged views with other ministers and particularly with Rudolf Scharping, the German Minister of Defense about defense issues that concern Turkey and Germany.

    Responding to a question, Turk said that ''Germany had implemented some restrictive measures against Turkey regarding purchase of weapons in the past. We hope that these won't be repeated. I told my view to German Defense Minister.''

    [21] TURKISH-US BUSINESS COUNCIL - PARRIS, U.S. AMBASSADOR TO TURKEY: ''FOREIGN INVESTORS WAIT IN FRONT OF TURKEY'S DOOR''

    ISTANBUL, May 28 (A.A) - Mark Parris, the U.S. Ambassador to Turkey said on Friday that foreign investors wait in front of Turkey's doors particularly to invest in energy and telecommunication fields in Turkey.

    Addressing to the Turkish-U.S. Business Council, Parris said that these investments will develop the infrastructure and production power in Turkey, adding ''these are necessary for continious and strong economic growth.''

    Stressing that huge amount of money is needed for these investments which can't be afforded by Turkish private and public sectors, Parris stated that Turkey has to make an investment of 4 billion dollars annually to meet her energy need for the coming 20 years and these investments are evaluated as 'privileges' in Turkish laws.

    Pointing out that foreign investors need the guarantee of an impartial fortification council to carry out such huge amounts of investments in Turkey, Parris said Turkey has to realize structural reforms.

    Recalling that the new government is being formed in Turkey, Parris said he is optimistic and thinks that the new government will fulfil its promises.

    Mustafa Koc, the Chairman of Turkish-American Business Council said in his part that the council works to improve Turkish-American commercial relations and the new government will struggle to overcome the serious economic problems.

    Koc said that they will hold a meeting in Ankara in the coming months to introduce the new members of the cabinet and to discuss policies in important sectors.

    Koc said they aim to make Turkey get more shares in the U.S. market and realize joint investment among Turkish and American businessmen for reconstruction of the Balkans.

    [22] EUROPEAN BUSINESSMEN SUMMIT - YUCAOGLU, TUSIAD CHAIRMAN: ''WE TOLD GERMAN CHANCELLOR THAT EU HAS TO TAKE A LEAP FORWARD IN ITS POLICY TOWARDS TURKEY''

    BONN, May 28 (A.A) - The Chairmanship Council meeting of Union of the European Industrialists and Employers' Confederations (UNICE) was held in Bonn city of Germany on Friday.

    Erkut Yucaoglu, the Chairman of the Association of the Turkish Industrialists and Businessmen (TUSIAD) said in his meeting with Gerhard Schroder, the German Chancellor that the European Union (EU) has to take a leap forward in its policy towards Turkey.

    Schroder said in his part that he hopes Turkey to progress rapidly in the way towards full membership to the EU.

    Addressing the UNICE meeting, Yucaoglu said that Turkey has to be a full member of the EU as this is also important for the priorities of the European business world.

    Explaining the problems Turkish firms face regarding the operation of the customs union, Yucaoglu said that Turkey has to be included in the infrastructure and cooperation projects among countries in Europe.

    Participating in the last part of the meeting, Gerhard Schroder explained the general policy of the German government.

    Schroder later met with Hans-Olaf Henkel, the Chairman of the German Industrialists' Union (BDI) and Yucaoglu.

    Yucaoglu told Schroder that Turkish and German private sectors are in a consensus of opinion to make a great leap forward regarding EU's policy on Turkey.

    Schroder said he knows that and he took up this issue with the Turkish government, adding Germany supports Turkey, which has to help Germany to persuade other countries of Europe considering this issue.

    [23] PROTOCOL OF 57TH GOVERNMENT - ''THERE IS NO INTERFERENCE IN DRESSING OF WOMEN IN THEIR PRIVATE LIVES, HOWEVER MEASURES TAKEN TO PREVENT WOMEN FROM WEARING HEADSCARF IN PUBLIC SPHERE, WILL CONTINUE TO BE IMPLEMENTED''

    ANKARA, May 28 (A.A) - The coalition protocol which was signed by the Democratic Left Party (DSP), the Motherland Party (ANAP) and the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) which constitute the 57th government said that ''there is no interference in the dressing of women in their private lives, however the measures taken to prevent transformation of the headscarf into a political symbol in public institutions will continue to be implemented as it targets the basic principles of the Republic, it is reported on Friday.

    The coalition protocol of the 57th government formed among DSP, MHP and ANAP is as follows:

    ''Our nation has showed that it prefers solution of the problems by tolerance, reconciliation and cooperation rather than instability, clash and polarization in our political life. The formation of the government by three parties does not give the opportunity to the three parties to implement their own programmes,'' said the protocol.

    Noting that the coalition partners will attribute importance to working in harmony with each other and the parliament, the protocol went on saying that ''Our government regards further improvement of democracy and human rights as its basic mission towards its citizens. We are determined to prevent interference of religious affairs in the state affairs as it is foreseen by the principle of secularism. Political parties which form the government will pursue such an attitude which will prevent formation of fronts in the society. Thus confidence in the state will be strengthened. Our government waits for the constructive contributions of all the political parties, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and all our citizens to the efforts of our government. On the one hand the struggle against separatist movements and all kinds of terrorism will continue till a successful result is achieved. On the other hand economic, social, political, educational measures will be taken in order to end the sources of the separatist terrorism abroad. We regard struggling with organized crime organizations, gangs and corruption as our main mission. The final aim of political, economic and social activities should be the peace and happiness of people. To this end our government will provide broadening of education to reach a society of information and prosperity and attribute importance to provide our citizens benefit from health services and live in an environment whose balance is protected.''

    [24] PROTOCOL OF 57TH GOVERNMENT - LEADERS OF COALITION PARTIES TO COME TOGETHER AT LEAST ONCE A MONTH TO EVALUATE ACTIVITIES OF GOVERNMENT

    ANKARA, May 28 (A.A) - The leaders of the three parties which form the 57th coalition government will come together at least once a month and evaluate the activities of the government, it is reported on Friday.

    The coalition protocol of the 57th government is as follows:

    ''The parties which are partners of the coalition will charge one deputy prime minister in the government. The legal arrangement concerning the third deputy prime minister will be realized soon. Dr. Devlet Bahceli, the leader of MHP will represent the prime minister during the partnership. Appointments which are done by one signature will be realized by written decrees having two signatures, those which are done by two signatures will be realized by written decrees having three signatures and appointments which are done by four signatures will be realized by decrees having four signatures. The changes in the number of parliamentarians of the coalition partners won't change the distribution of ministries among coalition governments. Necessary initiatives will be taken in order to adopt an repentance law which will be supported by the public opinion and which will strengthen the struggle with terrorism. The new budget will be tried to be adopted by the parliament in June. The bank law will be adopted in a way which will protect savings of citizens, support productive investments and exports and give confidence to internal and external markets. Another priority of the government is to change the Articles 83 and 100 of the Constitution to limit the parliamentary immunity. The state security courts will be re-arranged. The law regarding the widening of authorities of the local administrations and increasing its resources, the laws regarding social security reform and political ethics law will be adopted as soon as possible.''

    [25] PROTOCOL OF 57TH GOVERNMENT - ''LIMITATIONS IN WORKERS' RIGHTS TO END, AND LABOUR UNION RIGHTS OF CIVIL SERVANTS TO BE BROADENED''

    ANKARA, May 28 (A.A) - The limitations in workers' rights will end and labour union rights of civil servants will be broadened according to the government protocol of the 57th government.

    Here is the coalition protocol:

    TARGETS OF COALITION
    A) Public administration

    Our government is determined to reconstruct the public administration.

    An understanding of just, transparent, productive and participatory administration will be implemented in public administration and public services.

    Discrimintation will be prevented in appointments and entrance exams of civil servants will be done by a central system.

    B) Economic and Social Policies

    The foundation of economic and finacial policies which will be implemented by our government will be to realize sustainable government.

    The economic programme which will be implemented will be the basis of development of the country in stability. Economic stability will be provided by decreasing budget defecits, taking effective measures against unregistered economy. Thus an atmosphere of confidence will be created in economy.

    For financing public defecits the resources of the Central Bank won't be used in any condition. The realist rate of exchange policy which is being implemented will continue. While struggle against inflation continues, poor people will be protected.

    Economic and social policies will be formed to increase the prosperity of farmers and villagers and to overcome the underdevelopment of southeastern and eastern Turkey. Deficiencies in infrastructrue will be overcome by ''build-operate-transfer'' system.

    Privatization will be carried out in a way which gives trust to public opinion and which takes into consideration the public interests.

    Importance will be attributed to infrastructure of railway and sea transportation.''

    [26] PROTOCOL OF 57TH GOVERNMENT ''EIGHT YEARS COMPULSORY EDUCATION WILL CONTINUE''

    ANKARA, May 28 (A.A) - The eight years compulsory education will continue, the protocol of the 57th coalition government noted on Friday.

    Pointing out that the Turkish Republic will continue to pursue a peaceful foreign policy which will be based on ''peace at home peace abroad'' principle of Ataturk, the founder of modern and secular republic.

    ''The leading condition which will be taken into account in our relations with any country or international institution will be non-existance of support to separatist terrorism in our country,'' added the protocol.

    The last two parts of the protocol are as follows:

    ''C) Education

    Our government will continue to implement the eight years compulsory education.

    No opportunity will be given to ideological polarization or conflicts in schools and universities.

    Vocational and technical education will be encouraged.

    Those students who complete their fifth year in primary school can take Koran courses to be given by the Deparment of Religious Affairs and to be inspected by National Education Ministry.

    D)Foreign Policy

    The aim of foreign policy is to provide our state to be an effective side in bilateral and multilateral international relations by an understanding which takes into consideration the rights, interests and concerns of our state.

    Turkey's full membership to the European Union (EU) is a right stemming from history, geography and agreements. No concession will be given from our national rights and interests in return to the efforts to be a full member of the EU.

    Necessary initiatives will continue to be taken in order to correct the defects that come out in implementation of the customs deal.

    In our foreign policy, special importance will be given to all our regional relations particularly with the Balkans, the Middle East and Caucausus.

    Meanwhile importance will be paid to improvement of existing relations particularly with Islamic countries, Russia, Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC) countries and China.

    Our government will pursue an active and stable policy aiming at improving cooperation with Turkish Republics in economic, social, cultural and political fields.

    Our policies directed at protecting and improving the gained rights of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) will continue.

    The conditions of improving relations with Greece are respectively stated as; the end of Greece's support to terrorist activities in Turkey, her acceptance of solving problems through dialogue and not casting EU's shadow on our bilateral relations.

    Armenia should end invading the Azerbaijani territory and give up the hostile campaign she carries out against Turkey in the international field so that our relations can improve.

    Our effective contributions to prevent our Bosnian and Kosovar brothers from pressure and injustice and even genocide will continue in resolution.''

    A.A


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