Anadolu Agency: News in English, 99-06-01

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AA Daily

01 June 1999 Tuesday

CONTENTS

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

[02] EU COUNCIL MEETING - TURKISH-EU RELATIONS DISCUSSED IN SECRET

[03] SPANISH TRADE AND TOURISM MINISTER: ''EXPOTECNIA WILL GIVE NEW DIRECTION TO TURKISH-SPANISH RELATIONS''

[04] ERCEL, DIRECTOR OF CENTRAL BANK: - ''I HOPE THAT THE BANKING LAW WILL BE PASSED IN THE SHORTEST TIME''

[05] DISCUSSION FORUM ON ''TURKEY'S ROLE IN THE BALKANS''

[06] LIONS AWARD TO BARIS MANCO, FAMOUS POP SINGER - ''MELWIN JONES FELLOWSHIP'' AWARD GIVEN TO MANCO'S WIFE

[07] ISKI WATERPIPE EXPLODES INJURING ONE PERSON

[08] DRUG SMUGGLER PKK TERRORISTS CAPTURED IN GERMANY

[09] SEAWOLF-99 MANEOUVRES - ALL VESSELS LEAVE MAIN BASES AND HARBOURS

[10] TURKISH BUSINESSMEN DELEGATION DUE IN CHINA BETWEEN JUNE 12 AND 19

[11] DIFFICULTY IN TAX INCOMES CONTINUES - INCREASE IN TAX INCOMES IS SIX PERCENT BEHIND THE 50 PERCENT INFLATION RATE

[12] PREMIER ECEVIT: ''THE PROGRAM OF THE GOVERNMENT WILL BE READ EITHER ON THURSDAY OR FRIDAY''

[13] RESTORATION OF HISTORICAL GATE TO BEGIN IN ANTIOCHEIA ANCIENT CITY

[14] TURKISH-CHINESE RELATIONS - BATIBAY, TURKISH AMBASSADOR TO CHINA: ''OUR RELATIONS WITH CHINA ARE AT VERY GOOD LEVEL''

[15] NATO'S AIR OPERATION AGAINST YUGOSLAVIA - TURKISH F-16 WAR PLANES ACCUMULATE A TOTAL OF 1,796 FLIGHT HOURS

[16] CALMNESS RESUMES IN MUDANYA AFTER PEOPLE WHO WILL ATTEND COURT HEARING LEFT FOR IMRALI ISLAND

[17] COMMEMORATION DAY OF FM MARTYRS - PRESIDENT DEMIREL: ''REPUBLIC'S DIPLOMACY CREATES GREAT APPRECIATION AND ADMIRATION IN INTERNATIONAL FIELD''

[18] SANBERK, TURKISH AMBASSADOR TO BRITAIN: - ''OCALAN REPRESENTS PKK, NOT KURDISH PEOPLE''

[19] TRIAL OF TERRORIST CHIEF - OCALAN ASKED ABOUT ALLEGATIONS IN INDICTMENT

[20] TRIAL OF TERRORIST CHIEF - OCALAN SAYS HE WAS RESPONSIBLE FROM THE ORGANIZATION AT FIRST DEGREE

[21] TRIAL OF TERRORIST CHIEF - OCALAN: ''THE ASSISTANCE OF GREECE IN PURCHASING HEAVY WEAPONS MOSTLY HAS COMMERCIAL MEANING'' - ''THE TRAINING STARTED TO BE GIVEN ALMOST ON EVERY SUBJECT AFTER 1990 IN GREECE''

[22] TRIAL OF TERRORIST CHIEF - OCALAN: ''ORGANIZATION DECIDED TO KILL SEVERAL MEMBERS SUCH AS BELIC, ISIK, AND SAKIK DUE TO INTERNAL CONFLICTS'' - ''I GOT INFORMATION THAT PALME WAS KILLED BY PKK REJIN (RESURRECTION) ORGANIZATION''

[23] TRIAL OF TERRORIST CHIEF - OCALAN: ''WE HAD RELATIONS WITH ASALA IN 1980'' - ''THE ORGANIZATION ALMOST HAS 200 MILLION U.S. DOLLARS''

[24] TRIAL OF TERRORIST CHIEF - ''WE HAD CONNECTIONS WITH ASALA'' - ''BRITAIN INVITED DUNLAYICI TO THE PARLIAMENT. DUNLAYICI THEN WAS KEPT THERE FOR FOUR YEARS''

[25] TRIAL OF TERRORIST CHIEF - OCALAN: ''I DIDN'T SPEAK TO RIFAT AL- ASSAD'' - ''IN BLACK SEA REGION, THERE ARE SOME GROUPS WHICH ARE FRIENDS OF PKK. WE GAVE THEM TRAINING SUPPORT''

[26] TRIAL OF TERRORIST CHIEF - OCALAN: ''GREECE GAVE EVERY KIND OF TRAINING INCLUDING BOMB TRAINING TO PKK TERRORISTS AND SENT THEM BACK TO TURKEY TOGETHER WITH EVERY KIND OF MUNITIONS FOR ATTACKS''

[27] TRIAL OF TERRORIST CHIEF - SUSPECT OCALAN: ''PKK MIGHT HAVE BEEN INVOLVED IN HUMAN SMUGGLING'' - ''PKK HAS A POLITICAL TRAINING CENTER IN THE NETHERLANDS''

[28] TRIAL OF TERRORIST CHIEF - OCALAN: ''ERBAKAN SENT TWO LETTERS TO OUR REPRESENTATION IN SYRIA''

[29] TRIAL OF TERRORIST CHIEF - OCALAN: ''I WAS UNINFORMED ABOUT CARNAGE IN BASBAGLAR VILLAGE''

[30] COUSSERAN, FRENCH AMBASSADOR TO TURKEY, VISITS PIRISTINA, MAYOR OF IZMIR

[31] ''COMMEMORATION DAY OF FM MARTYRS'' - PREMIER ECEVIT: ''ONES WHO ATTEMPT TO USE TERRORISM AS A TOOL TO DESTROY PEACE AND STABILITY IN TURKEY WILL ALWAYS BE DISAPPOINTED''

[32] AFTERNOON SESSION OF TERRORIST CHIEF' TRIAL - OCALAN: ''I HELD TALKS WITH GERMAN DEPUTIES''

[33] AFTERNOON SESSION OF TERRORIST CHIEF' TRIAL

[34] SIXTH INTERNATIONAL ASPENDOS OPERA AND BALLET FESTIVAL TO BEGIN ON JUNE 12

[35] FM MARTYRS COMMEMORATED - FM CEM: ''TODAY, TERRORISM WAS CONDEMNED BY THE WORLD''

[36] EXPOTECNIA'99 FAR OPENED - GUREL, MINISTER OF STATE: ''THE LEGAL INFRASTRUCTURE FOR COMMERCIAL AND ECONOMIC RELATIONS BETWEEN TURKEY AND SPAIN SHOULD BE FORMED WITHIN A MOST POSSIBLE SHORTEST TIME'' - RODRIGO RATO, SPANISH MINISTER OF STATE: ''SPAIN SUPPORTS TURKEY'S ENTERING THE EU''

[37] SECOND TECHNOLOGY CONGRESS - YUCAOGLU, CHAIRMAN OF TUSIAD: - ''PRODUCTION OF TECHNOLOGY IS THE ONLY WAY FOR TURKEY TO KEEP UP WITH GLOBAL COMPETITION'' - ''WE EXPECT THE NEW GOVERNMENT TO RAPIDLY ADOPT THE SIGNIFICANT REFORMS FOR TURKEY'S FUTURE''

[38] TURKEY DISCUSSED AT CHIRAC-SCHRODER SUMMIT

[39] SECOND TECHNOLOGY CONGRESS - CHIBBER, WORLD BANK TURKEY DIRECTOR: - ''IT IS TOO EARLY TO EVALUATE THE NEW GOVERNMENT. WE'LL WAIT AND SEE''

[40] ITALIAN JOURNALISTS LEAVE TURKEY

[41] TURKEY-GREECE - FOREIGN MINISTER CEM SENDS A LETTER TO PAPANDREU, GREEK FOREIGN MINISTER, ON THE ISSUE OF COOPERATION AGAINST TERRORISM

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

HURRIYET (LIBERAL)

ERCEL, DIRECTOR OF CENTRAL BANK: ''WE WILL REACH THE MOST EFFICIENT
CONTROL''
Gazi Ercel, the Director of the Central Bank, said that having an efficient control over the banks is important. Stating that to this end, they prepare a banking law, Ercel noted that they will reach the most efficient control of the world as soon as the banking law is passed.

TEN TERRORISTS KILLED
A total of ten terrorists were killed in southeastern provinces of Hakkari, Sanliurfa, and Sirnak while one terrorist was captured in southeastern Mardin province. One soldier died during the operations.

MILLIYET (LIBERAL)

GREECE FULLY WATHCHES OCALAN'S HEARING
Foreign observers found the trial of Abdullah Ocalan, the chief terrorist very disciplined and well-organized. The representatives of the foreign embassies and consulates in Turkey who returned to Mudanya after watching the hearing on Imralı island, seemed surprised about the disciplined and well-organized trial. Meanwhile, Greek television channels covered the trial and particularly the accusations of Ocalan, the chief terrorist of Greece.

SABAH (LIBERAL)

OCALAN ANNOUNCES HIS SUPPORTERS
Ocalan also gave the names of those countries which extend support to the terrorist organization. ''PKK is supported nearly by 140 countries. Italy, Russia, Syria, Greece, and Germany are the leading ones. Greece has supported the PKK in all issues, but she betrayed us. They couldn't bear me even for one and a half hour.

CUMHURIYET (LEFT)

EU TO DISCUSS THE CASE
The Koln Summit of the European Union (EU) which will be held on June 3 and 4, 1999, carries importance for Turkey in two aspects. Firstly, the parties are expected to point out their opinion about the problems which can occur if Abdullah Ocalan, the terorrist chief, is sentenced to capital punishment and if this punishment is executed. Second, the EU and the West European Union (WEU) will take a step in integrating these two organizations which will make Turkey face a danger of exclusion from the European Security and Defense Identity (ESDI).

COAL MINE COLLAPSES, KILLING ONE
A coal mine collapsed in northwestern Zonguldak province, killing one. The coal mine, which was illegally constructed, collapsed due to a landslide, killing a worker of the mine.

RADIKAL (LEFT)

FOREIGN IMMIGRANTS FLOCK TO ISTANBUL
Istanbul which attracted Turks from all over the country for many years, now has become an attraction for people of foreign origin. According to the 1998 figures of Security Department, there is a total of 65 thousand foreigners who currently live in Istanbul. These people came to this city either to find employment or they stay in Istanbul because they are married to Turks. This number does not include those who live in the city illegally. Bulgarians with a population over 19,000 come first and they are followed by Americans, Germans, Russians, French, Iraqis, Iranians, Turkish Cypriots, Syrians, and Greeks.

YENİ YÜZYIL (LIBERAL)

SEAWOLF-99 MANEOUVRES START
The Seawolf-99 maneouvres of the Naval Forces started as the vessels left the main bases and harbours. The maneouvres will be held in the international waters of Marmara, Aegean, and Eastern Mediterranean Seas and will end on June 25, 1999.

SLIGHT QUAKE SHAKES EASTERN ERZURUM PROVINCE
Slight earthquake shook eastern Erzurum province. The epicenter of the quake was Narman county of Erzurum and the quake was measuring 3 on the Richter scale. No casulties were recorded in the quake.

TÜRKİYE (RIGHT)

ECEVIT:IT'S JUSTICE TO DECIDE
Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said on Monday that the preparations about the Ocalan trial have been completed in a way which suits a serious state. ''Both the rights of the suspect and the lawyers are protected. Now it is justice which will decide on this issue,'' he added.

ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)

''I share the grief and suffering of the families of terrorism victims, and I apologize.''

''I want those who are at the mountains to leave their weapons. I realized that we can't reach anywhere with armed struggle.''

''I will sacrifice my life for Turkey if it will serve to a purpose. Turks and Kurds must live together.''

''I must live for peace and brotherhood. If I am given the chance, I can gather 10 thousand people who are at the mountains in three months.''

TURKISH JEWELRY TO FIVE CONTINENTS
Goldas Jewelry which became a world brand in gold, is selling its products to 27 countries in five continents. Its export target for this year is 30 million U.S. Hasan Yalinkaya, the Chairman of Goldas Jewelry Administration Board said they were not affected by the global crisis. ''Last year, we exported jewelry which was worth of 16 million U.S. dollars. We aim to increase it to 30 million U.S. dollars in 1999,'' Yalinkaya stated.

[02] EU COUNCIL MEETING - TURKISH-EU RELATIONS DISCUSSED IN SECRET

Noting that Germany, the EU Term President submitted a report to the EU Council about relations with Turkey, Verhengen said that the issue of relations with Turkey will come to the agenda in the Koln Summit.

Responding to a question about the trial of the chief terrorist, Verhengen said that the EU Term Presidency asks Turkey for a fair trial which will abide with the European standarts.

Meanwhile, various views about the messages that will be given to Turkey during the Koln Summit were noted down in the EU backstage.

While Greeks defend the view that it is late to give a positive message to Turkey and this has to be left to the Helsinki Summit which will be held at the end of this year, Pierre Moskovici, the French Minister said that a clear message will be given to Turkey in Koln and the respond of Turkey to that is expected.

Lamberto Dini, the Italian Foreign Minister said in his part that they want to give a clear message to Turkey from Koln.

Abel Matutes, the Spanish Foreign Minister focused on the importance they attribute to improvement of relations and dialogue with Turkey.

Meanwhile, the ministers and diplomats refrain from making comments regarding the trial of the chief terrorist except from saying ''they won't interfere with the internal affairs of Turkey and the EU has taken attitude against the death sentence.''

[03] SPANISH TRADE AND TOURISM MINISTER: ''EXPOTECNIA WILL GIVE NEW DIRECTION TO TURKISH-SPANISH RELATIONS''

The economic action plan agreed between Spain and Turkey last year will develop further and cover tourism as well, Pisenero said at a press meeting. Forums were organized to support the action plan during Expotecnia'99.

Talking about the 410 million U.S. dollar credit Spain will give Turkey, the Minister said 10-20 million U.S. dollars of this amount have already been given.

Responding to a question about the decision of the Basque government to host a meeting of the so-called Kurdish parliament in Spain's Basque region, Pisonero said: ''This is a decision taken by the Basque Parliament independent from the Spanish government. We don't even know if this decision will be implemented or not. We don't support their decision. We know that Turkey is a democratic country and we're trying to show the realities about Turkey.''

Pisonero stressed that they wanted to further develop the economic relations with Turkey and reminded that there are joint investment projects between the two countries. Spain is getting ready to do business with Turkey all around the world.

The Spanish firms regard privatization in Turkey as a good sign, the Minister said, and added, ''What is important is to sustain stability. This is very important for the future.''

[04] ERCEL, DIRECTOR OF CENTRAL BANK: - ''I HOPE THAT THE BANKING LAW WILL BE PASSED IN THE SHORTEST TIME''

Ercel responded the questions of the journalists prior to the dinner he gave for the honour of Ernst Welteke, a member of the Executive Board of the German Central Bank.

Emphasizing that the Central Bank and the Treasury closely follow the developments in the banks, Ercel noted that the Turkish Banking system has a past of 130 years.

Stressing that there can be some unimportant problems in the system, Ercel stated that they know how to solve these problems.

Noting that they know the issue technically and to this end, they prepared the Banking Law, Ercel emphasized that then, Turkey will reach a banking system with the most efficient control mechanism in the world.

Pointing out that the active total of the Turkish banking system is 114 billion U.S. dollars, Ercel said that the small exceptions in the banking system should not be generalized.

Responding a question saying that some banks give high rates of interests for the deposits; Ercel stated that the banking is based on trust and that to this end, any development and comment which can adversely affect this trust, will endanger the system.

Ercel added that he hopes that the high rate of interests will decrease when the inflation decreases by strong macro-economic policies.

[05] DISCUSSION FORUM ON ''TURKEY'S ROLE IN THE BALKANS''

Dietrich Schlegel, the director of the Southeastern European programmes of the Radio of ''Voice of Germany,'' who participated in the forum as a speaker, said that regional problems have diversified recently, adding Turkey has always been regarded as a partner country in the region.

Noting that Turkey has always participated in the regional cooperation efforts, and tries to improve her relations by bilateral agreements, Schlegel stated that Turkey is generally successful in her policy in the region.

In his speech, Schlegel compared Turkey's policy in Bosnia crisis and Kosovo crisis, noting that the Turkish press and public opinion thinks that Europe has a double standart towards Bosnians as they are muslims. Nevertheless, the Turkish foreign policy continues to be peaceful and balanced, he added.

Pointing out that Turkey wished the west to have a more effective role regarding the Bosnian crisis, Schlegel said that the Turkish press had evaluated the deployment of the Turkish troops in Zenica by saying ''Turkish soldier entered the Balkans for the first time after 1912.''

Claiming that Turkey is emotional about the Kosovo crisis, Schlegel said that 50,000 Turkish people in the region are also effective in her approach about the crisis.

Stressing that Turkey's and Greece's policy in the Balkans is similar to each other in several aspects, Schlegel noted that Greece regards Turkey as a threat.

Schlegel said that Greece's membership to the European Union (EU) is bad luck for Turkey, adding the EU officialy thinks that Turkey has to improve her relations with Greece particularly about the Cyprus question.

He added that the EU has made a mistake and the conditions which are valid for Romania and Bulgaria should also be applied to Turkey.

Bulent Akarcalı, the Deputy Leader of the Motherland Party (ANAP), Guven Dincer, the Acting Chairman of the Constitutional Court, various party representatives and academicians participated in the forum.

[06] LIONS AWARD TO BARIS MANCO, FAMOUS POP SINGER - ''MELWIN JONES FELLOWSHIP'' AWARD GIVEN TO MANCO'S WIFE

Lale Manco, the wife of Baris Manco, received the ''Melwin Jones Fellowship'' Award on behalf of Baris Manco.

Speaking in the ceremony, an official from Rihtim Karakoy Lions Club said Melwin Jones was the founder of the Lions Clubs and to this end they gave this award.

Stressing that this award, which is given to the people whom the U.S. Lion Clubs approve, is the award of ''peace and brotherhood'', the official noted that Baris Manco gave message to the whole world by his works, music, and even by his death and that to this end, they find it appropriate to give their award to Baris Manco.

A documentary film about the life of Baris Manco was shown, and the Kurtalan Ekspres, the band of Baris Manco, played the best-loved songs of Manco in the ceremony.

[07] ISKI WATERPIPE EXPLODES INJURING ONE PERSON

Those who were stuck in their vehicles were rescued by firemen while Mevlut Aydin who was driving a minibus suffered fractures on his leg when he was squeezed between the minibus and a barrier. He was later taken to hospital.

Meanwhile, a policeman who was regulating the traffic at the scene was hit by a car. The policeman who was taken to the hospital was reported to be in serious condition. The driver of the car who ran away from the scene later was arrested and it was reported that he was driving under influence at the time of the accident.

[08] DRUG SMUGGLER PKK TERRORISTS CAPTURED IN GERMANY

The German State Protection Department started a multidimensional investigation when the activities of drug trafficking have increased in Germany.

Sadık Baydas and Nihat Durmus, the ''so-called high ranking members'' of the terrorist PKK who were determined to sell drugs, were taken into custody by the police.

Hamburger Abendblaatt Newspaper published in Hambourg city of Germany, said that Baydas and Durmus, who were charged of selling drugs, were captured when a businessman informed them to police.

The members of the terrorist organization who wanted to use the office of the businessman, whose name is not given, for selling drugs, beat the businessman badly when he rejected the usage of his office by PKK terrorists. A huge amount of drug was seized in the flats of the two terrorists who were captured.

The PKK members were arrested for selling drugs and blackmailing.

While Hamburg State Criminal Department said that people can inform the activities of the terrorist PKK to a telephone no. (428658847), Wolfang Ketels, the German police chief said that those who are threatened by the PKK will be protected.

[09] SEAWOLF-99 MANEOUVRES - ALL VESSELS LEAVE MAIN BASES AND HARBOURS

A Naval Forces Commandership statement said that the maneouvres will take place in the international waters and air spaces of Marmara, Aegean, and Eastern Mediterranean Seas between June 1 and 25, 1999; adding that the maneouvres will be conducted by Admiral Ilhami Erdil, the Fleet Commander.

The frigates, assault boats, submarines, and helicopters having guided missiles of the Turkish Naval Forces and the bombardmend aircrafts of the Air Forces participate in the maneouvres.

The war and command control practices and the search-rescue operations, protection of the commercial convoys and the humanitarian aid activities of the United Nations (U.N.) will be realized in the maneouvres.

The training maneouvres for improving the coordination and the cooperation between the Naval and Air Forces will also be held within the framework of the maneouvres.

The maneouvres will end as the units return to their main bases or harbours on June 25, 1999.

[10] TURKISH BUSINESSMEN DELEGATION DUE IN CHINA BETWEEN JUNE 12 AND 19

The Foreign Trade Undersecretariat (DTM) statement said that Turkish businessmen will hold bilateral contacts with the Chinese businessmen in Shangai city of China and Hong Kong to increase the Turkish exports to this country.

The statement noted that the DTM officials will hold bilateral contacts with the Chinese governmental officials to increase the trading volume between the two countries.

The statement stressed that DTM officials will give a seminar titled ''Turkish Economy, Joint Venture and Investment Opportunities'' to the Turkish and Chinese businessmen in Hong Kong and Shangai.

The Turkish delegation consists of the officials of the textile, food, chemicals, iron-steel, construction, ceramics companies, and the representatives of the foreign trade companies.

[11] DIFFICULTY IN TAX INCOMES CONTINUES - INCREASE IN TAX INCOMES IS SIX PERCENT BEHIND THE 50 PERCENT INFLATION RATE

According to the Public Accounts Bulletin of the Finance Ministry, the income gained from taxes increased by 43.4 percent compared to the same period last year. The amount is a good signal when compared to the 34.6 percent increase in March.

Both the stagnation in economy and the decrease in tax ratios have been effective regarding this development in tax incomes.

The increase in the income tax has been 44.2 percent, which is lower than the increase last year, while the increase in the corporation income tax has been 33.6 percent and it is better this year.

The amount of incomes gained from various taxes in the four months of this year and the percent of their increase are as follows:

TAXES INCOME INCREASE RATE
(Billion TL) (percent)

--------------- -------------- -------------
Income Tax 1.151.588 44.2

Corporation Tax 171.985 33.6

Vehicles 54.873 93.7

Inheritance and

Transfer Tax 1.203 -11.3

Additional Tax 28.685 69.1

Vehicle Purchase Tax 40.556 41.3

Fuel Consumption Tax 448.362 41.8

Bank &amp; Insurance Tax 154.065 44.3

Stamp Tax 92.810 49.1

Expenditure 74.486 33.8

Customs duty 70.601 55.6

VAT taken in imports 399.401 27.7

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[12] PREMIER ECEVIT: ''THE PROGRAM OF THE GOVERNMENT WILL BE READ EITHER ON THURSDAY OR FRIDAY''

When Ecevit arrived at the Prime Ministry, he responded the questions of the journalists on whether or not the program of the 57th government is completed.

The commission in charge of preparing the program of the 57th government includes Mehmet Kececiler, State Minister; Tunca Toskay, State Minister; Sadi Somuncuoglu, State Minister; Hikmet Ulugbay, State Minister; Cumhur Ersumer, the Energy and National Resources Minister; and Nami Cagan, the Forestry Minister.

The vote of confidence for the 57th government will be held next week.

[13] RESTORATION OF HISTORICAL GATE TO BEGIN IN ANTIOCHEIA ANCIENT CITY

Dr. Mehmet Taslialan, the Director of Yalvac Museum said the gate had great architectural value. ''We will restore the entrance gate by putting together all its pieces. This is not so easy as we will try to remain faithful to the gate's original structure. Every piece should be put to where it belongs,'' Taslialan explained and said that the gate will be used while entering the city like it did hundreds of years ago. The gate is thought to be 10 meters long, 22.9 meters wide and 3.37 meters thick. A archeology team of 50 Canadian students will come to Yalvac in the following days and join the excavations.

In the meantime, 40 billion Turkish Liras from the Prime Ministry Promotion fund and 20 billion Turkish Liras from the Tourims Ministry fund mounting to a total of 60 billion Turkish Liras was assigned for Yalvac Museum Directorate.

The cash will be used to improve the landscape around St.Paul's Church and put fences around Antiocheia Ancient City.

[14] TURKISH-CHINESE RELATIONS - BATIBAY, TURKISH AMBASSADOR TO CHINA: ''OUR RELATIONS WITH CHINA ARE AT VERY GOOD LEVEL''

Hosting a reception for Turkish journalists upon the starting of Turkish Airlines (THY) flights between Istanbul and Beijing, Batıbay stated that the increasing visits between the two countries are also a signal of the improving relations between the two countries.

Noting that following the joint declaration issued in 1971, the two countries signed agreements on ''Commerce, Economic Industry, and Technical Cooperation, Civilian Air Transportation, Science and Technology, Health, Navigation, Energy, Forest, Tourism, and Culture,'' Batıbay pointed out that China has recently reached a good level in respect of economic growth.

Stressing that the foreign trade volume of China is approximately 325 billion dollars, Batıbay said that China's exports are 183 billion and its imports are 140 billion dollars.

Pointing out that the non-stop flights of THY which started on May 19 between Istanbul and Beijing will be a good tool for improving the bilateral relations rapidly, Batıbay said these direct flights can also attract western businesmen.

Batıbay added that tourism has also started to revive in China and Turkey has to focus on promotion in order to attract Chinese tourists.

[15] NATO'S AIR OPERATION AGAINST YUGOSLAVIA - TURKISH F-16 WAR PLANES ACCUMULATE A TOTAL OF 1,796 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 32 hours on May 31.

According to the latest figures, there are 16,758 refugees in Turkey; 50 thousand in Serbia; 65,300 in Montenegro; 443,000 in Albania; 257,500 in Macedonia; 21,500 in Bosnia-Herzegovina, and 79,758 in other countries.

A total of 15,750 Kosovar refugees including 6,022 women, 5,203 men, and 5, 203 children have entered Turkey from Istanbul, the Tekirdag-Corlu border gate, and from the Edirne-Kapikule border gate in the last 24 hours.

A total of 7,232 Kosovar refugees have been provided shelters in the Gaziosmanpasa Refugee Camp in Kirklareli province.

Turkey has provided shelters for a total of 7,445 Kosovar refugees in camps in Macedonia and Albania. Both camps have capacity to host 20 thousand refugees.

[16] CALMNESS RESUMES IN MUDANYA AFTER PEOPLE WHO WILL ATTEND COURT HEARING LEFT FOR IMRALI ISLAND

The families of terrorism victims who will be present at Wednesday's hearing are following today's hearing from televisions in open tea houses at the waterfront.

Rahime Cicek whose son died in a clash with the terrorist organization in Tunceli said she was surprised that Ocalan who is the murderer of 30 thousand people asked for forgiveness. ''I find it shameful that such a person lives under the Turkish flag. He talks as if nothing happened. Our grief can only be eased if he is executed,'' Cicek said.

Fatma Acikbas who also lost her son to the terrorist organization asked for the punishment of all members of the terrorist organization, not only the chief terrorist Ocalan. ''With the money spent on this trial, factories would have been built, and hundreds of people would have found employment, '' Acikbas remarked.

Nimet Baspinar, mother of another terrorism victim, on the other hand, reacted to the transportation of Ocalan's relatives with first class vehicles to the Island.

[17] COMMEMORATION DAY OF FM MARTYRS - PRESIDENT DEMIREL: ''REPUBLIC'S DIPLOMACY CREATES GREAT APPRECIATION AND ADMIRATION IN INTERNATIONAL FIELD''

President Demirel issued a message for the ''Commemoration Day of Foreign Ministry's Martyrs'' saying that ''our diplomats who make us proud by their successes serve our state and nation with a conscioussness of history and a feeling of patriotism, and defend our high interests. While diplomats of our Republic gain the respect of other countries, many of them have been the targets of treacherous attacks while representing Turkey abroad.''

''The Turkish Republic, which is a great world state, will protect her status of being the basic guarantee of stability and peace in her region in the 21st century. I would like to express my gratitute and appreciation on behalf of my state and nation to the personnel of the Foreign Ministry. I also commemorate all martyrs of the foreign ministry who died in attacks,'' he added.

[18] SANBERK, TURKISH AMBASSADOR TO BRITAIN: - ''OCALAN REPRESENTS PKK, NOT KURDISH PEOPLE''

Addressing a television programme on the SKY-TV, Sanberk reminded that the Kurdish people living in Turkey can easily take part in political parties, different units of Turkish state, and in government just like other Turkish citizens.

Sanberk stressed, ''Kurdish people are being represented in any level of Turkish State.''

Recalling that Turkish citizens with Kurdish origin were represented by a legal political party during the April 18 general elections, Sanberk noted, ''They participated in the general elections besides the other political parties. Therefore, no one can consider PKK representing the Kurdish people.''

Pointing out that trial of Ocalan which started on Imrali Island yesterday, is not connected with the Kurdish problem, Sanberk noted that Ocalan has gone to trial because of some certain crimes. He added, ''these crimes are violence and homicide. The trial is being held under light of proofs. And there are many proofs.''

When asked about structure of the State Security Courts (DGM), Sanberk said, ''trial is not being held by a military court. Most of judges are civilians. Procecutors are also civilians. There is only one military judge. Ocalan is being held within the civilian legal system.''

Pointing out the studies at the parliament to change structure of the DGM, Sanberk also added that this change can be expected to effect the trial.

[19] TRIAL OF TERRORIST CHIEF - OCALAN ASKED ABOUT ALLEGATIONS IN INDICTMENT

Relatives of terrorism victims, those who were injured in the PKK attacks, foreign representatives, journalists, lawyers of Ocalan, and Ocalan's relatives who arrived in Imrali Island to attend the trial, were taken to the court hall at 09.45 local time this morning. After the court delegation took its place in the court hall at 10.00 local time, Ocalan was brought to bullet-proff glass box in the hall.

Turgut M. Okyay, the Chairman of Court, read testimonies which Ocalan gave to gendarme, prosecutors, his additional testimony, and his testimony to alternate judgeship.

Noting that he gave these testimonies by his ''free will'', Ocalan said several gaps can be found in his testimony as a result of his difficult psychological condition.

[20] TRIAL OF TERRORIST CHIEF - OCALAN SAYS HE WAS RESPONSIBLE FROM THE ORGANIZATION AT FIRST DEGREE

Responding to a question of Okyay, the Court Chairman, who asked ''are you the head of the organization since its foundation?'' Ocalan said that ''he was the founder of the organization, and he was the head of this organization since its foundation.''

Ocalan went on as follows:

''I was the first degree responsible person of the organization. But, until the moment I was captured, I was the first degree responsible person of the organization. Some of the organization members are still loyal. I am responsible from the activities of the organization at first degree. There is an internal struggle inside the organization since 1990 concerning its activities and program.''

When Chairman Okyay reminded that there are some information that ''he ordered killing of some people because of internal conflicts in the organization,'' Ocalan pointed out that they have a regulation, and said that thus he does not have a very spesific order since the decisions given by the organization are executed after they are approved by the center.

[21] TRIAL OF TERRORIST CHIEF - OCALAN: ''THE ASSISTANCE OF GREECE IN PURCHASING HEAVY WEAPONS MOSTLY HAS COMMERCIAL MEANING'' - ''THE TRAINING STARTED TO BE GIVEN ALMOST ON EVERY SUBJECT AFTER 1990 IN GREECE''

As he responding the questions of Okyay, the Court Chairman, Ocalan said that, ''usually, we were not registering the ones who were under 17-18 years old. But there may be some exceptions.''

When Okyay asked from where the organization provide heavy weapons, Ocalan said: ''The commercial method was used in this issue. I have a representative in technical issue. My first representative is Fethi Demir. The assistance of Greece in purchasing of heavy weapons mostly has commercial meaning. The organization members were being trained in Yugoslavia. I had never been to Greece before I left Syria. I have no information if gas training is being given in Greece. It has been said that gas training was given to PKK members in Greece. Also, I have heard that some technical equipments were also provided. But I repeat; I have never been to Greece. The training started to be given almost on every subject in Greece after 1990. The ones who were trained here were coming to the rural areas by airplane. The airplanes were coming via Damascus, or Lebanon, or Iran.''

Responding to a question, Ocalan said that ''there are no training camps of the terrorist organization in Iran,'' adding that, yet, there is a hospital for the organization here. Ocalan said that theoratical information is given in this hospital, and this situation is known by the Iranian authorities. Ocalan also said that Iran confiscated the majority of weapons sent for the organization via this country.

Stating that there were also missiles among the confiscated weapons, Ocalan said that they have a very weak representation in Greek Cypriot side, and that they do not have military training camp here.

Ocalan said, ''they (Greek Cypriots) helped for the transit passage of organization members and for providing passport,' adding that the money transferred from Greek Cypriot side to the organization was given via ''churches.''

Ocalan added, ''the fake passport I was carrying when I was caught, was provided by our Athens representative from the Greek Cypriot side.''

[22] TRIAL OF TERRORIST CHIEF - OCALAN: ''ORGANIZATION DECIDED TO KILL SEVERAL MEMBERS SUCH AS BELIC, ISIK, AND SAKIK DUE TO INTERNAL CONFLICTS'' - ''I GOT INFORMATION THAT PALME WAS KILLED BY PKK REJIN (RESURRECTION) ORGANIZATION''

Responding to a question of M. Turgut Okyay, the court Chairman, who asked ''for whom the decision of killing was given?'' Ocalan said the desicion to kill were given against the terrorists like (Betin) code-named Sahin Belic, (Cemal) code-named Cemil Isik, and Semdin Sakik. Ocalan said that the decision to kill them was given as they followed an ideology different from the organization's aim.

Responding to another question, suspect Ocalan said he can't give a definite number of terrorists who were killed in this way, but there were approximately ''tens of terrorists'' punished by the organization by that way. Ocalan said that this was an internal conflict.

When asked whether he gave the orders personally, Ocalan said, ''I definetely did not give the instructions to kill by giving names. My ex- wife Kesire Yildirim is a central committee member. At the congress, she was punished with death, but I didn't allow execution of this decision. I think she is still probably living in Sweden.''

When reminded by the Court Chairman that an arrest warrant in his absentia was issued with charges of giving the instructions to kill a PKK terrorist in Germany on August 7, 1984, Ocalan said, ''the blame of many murders in Europe, including assasination of Olof Palme, were tried to be put on me. The high-level members of the organization who say that the orders of those murders were given by me, are the people who opposed to me.''

When Okyay said, ''look, listen to this carefully... You made statements when Sweden rejected to grant the terrorists escaped from the PKK with asylum and you gave the instructions to kill Olof Palme,'' suspect Ocalan said, ''this is a plot against me. The PKK was provoked to join the violent activities in Europe. This played a role in assasination of Palme. In that period, Ali Cetiner was responsible for Europe. He was captured in Sweden. I think he worked for the Swedish and German police.''

When asked whether his written statement about murder of Palme published in the PKK's publication organs had an effect, Ocalan said, ''no. I want to see those written statements. Those were written by Huseyin Yildirim. He is the organization's person in charge for foreign affairs. In his statement, he threatens Olof Palme and says that Palme has to bear the consequence. If I had given such an order, I wanted the Hurriyet newspaper to publish that statement, but they did'nt publish it. I got information that Palme was killed by the 'PKK Rejin (Resurrection)' Organization. This organization was set up by Kesire Yildirim and Huseyin Yildirim and they tried to develop it. It carries out activities generally in Europe.''

[23] TRIAL OF TERRORIST CHIEF - OCALAN: ''WE HAD RELATIONS WITH ASALA IN 1980'' - ''THE ORGANIZATION ALMOST HAS 200 MILLION U.S. DOLLARS''

Responding to question of Turgut M. Okyay, the Chairman of Court, on PKK's acquisition of weapons, suspect Ocalan said, ''After the Gulf War, a great number of weapons were put up for sale in Iraq. It was possible to purchase any kind of weapons, even missiles. There, we also purchased Kanas assasination weapons.''

Ocalan pointed out his brother and his relatives who visited him on Imrali Island after his capture in Kenya in February, told him to be courageous.

Okyay reacted Ocalan's words, and said, ''You should not need someone else's support. Act freely.''

Ocalan claimed that he said what he thought when he was calling on for peace and brothership yesterday, adding that ''this is not beause I am scared.''

Responding to a question of Okyay, Ocalan said that organization has almost 200 million U.S. dollars.

When asked whether or not the PKK smuggles drug, Ocalan noted, ''Drug is a crime against humanity, but some of our representatives might have taken money from drug traffickers under the name of donation. This situation is also the same in Europe. We admit intentional drug trafficking as the biggest crime in the PKK. I have even banned smoking. Some of the PKK members may join the drug business abroad.''

[24] TRIAL OF TERRORIST CHIEF - ''WE HAD CONNECTIONS WITH ASALA'' - ''BRITAIN INVITED DUNLAYICI TO THE PARLIAMENT. DUNLAYICI THEN WAS KEPT THERE FOR FOUR YEARS''

When Cahit Torun, one of the intervenor lawyers asked Ocalan if PKK has any connection with the Armenian terrorist organization ASALA, Ocalan said: ''We had connections with ASALA in 1980s. I myself had a meeting with members of this organization. Later our connection was cut down due the the internal conflicts in this organization, and differences in our activities.''

Responding to another question, Ocalan said that there are representatives of the organization in Armenia, and the financial support for the organization is being provided by the people in this country. Ocalan said, ''the state does not start any official relation, but it pretends not to see our activities. Many countries apply this method.''

Responding to a question about the relations of PKK and Britain, Ocalan said: ''I wanted to emphasize Britain in my speeches. Britain invited Faysal Dunlayıcı (one of the spokesmen of the organization in Europe) to the parliament. Later, Dunlayıcı was kept in Britain for four years. Britain has a deep Kurdish policy by itself. This is being lived since 150 years. This country protects some, and spends some. I was always worried that this country would show a similar approach for us.''

[25] TRIAL OF TERRORIST CHIEF - OCALAN: ''I DIDN'T SPEAK TO RIFAT AL- ASSAD'' - ''IN BLACK SEA REGION, THERE ARE SOME GROUPS WHICH ARE FRIENDS OF PKK. WE GAVE THEM TRAINING SUPPORT''

When Court Chairman Turgut Okyay asked whether he met with Rifat al-Assad, Ocalan said that he didn't speak to Rifat al-Assad.

Claiming that the allegation mentioned in the Greek Public Order Ministry's report which states that Rifat al-Assad smuggles drugs, was a lie of Greece, Ocalan said the PKK doesn't have a drug laboratory in Iran.

When Cahit Torun, an intervenor lawyer, reminded the statements of Hursit Han, who is tried by the State Security Court (DGM), who said that he gave 1.5 trillion Turkish Liras (TL) every year to the PKK as they helped in drug smuggling, suspect Ocalan said such an event is out of question.

''I know that drug smuggling gangs were established only in urbans by using the name of the PKK,'' Ocalan said.

When asked whether there is a connection between Huseyin Baybasin and the PKK, Ocalan said Baybasin attended a programme on the television channel and said that he cut up relations with drug smuggling after 1990.

Noting that Baybasin would have given donations to the organizational structure in Lice while he was in Turkey, suspect Ocalan claimed he doesn't think Baybasin has 40 percent stake in the Med-TV and he doesn't have such an information.

When Court Chairman Okyay asked whether they received instructions from a state to stage activities to create instability in the regions from where the Baku-Ceyhan Oil Pipeline will pass, Ocalan said there was not such an order and there was not an activity with that objective.

When Okyay asked what the PKK targetted in opening to the Black Sea, Ocalan said, ''in this region, there are some groups which are the friends of the PKK. Our relation with them is at the level of logistic support. The names of these groups are the Revolutionary Party of Turkey, Turkish Workers and Peasants Liberation Army (TIKKO), Revolutionary People's Salvation Party- Front (DHKP-C) and Revolutionary People's Party. These organizations requested support from us and our organization gave training support to these organizations. However, our relations with these organizations did not develop very much.''

[26] TRIAL OF TERRORIST CHIEF - OCALAN: ''GREECE GAVE EVERY KIND OF TRAINING INCLUDING BOMB TRAINING TO PKK TERRORISTS AND SENT THEM BACK TO TURKEY TOGETHER WITH EVERY KIND OF MUNITIONS FOR ATTACKS''

When Court Chairman Okyay asked Ocalan whether Greece gave money for traveling to the Seychelles Islands, Ocalan said I heard that Greece gave money. ''Greece would have firstly provided a passport for me from South Africa. But later, I learned there was not such an initiative. They lied to me,'' Ocalan said.

When asked what Mihalis Haralanbidis, a deputy of Pasok, requested from the PKK, suspect Ocalan said, ''I held a meeting with this person in Bekaa in 1987-1988, but he didn't make an offer. He talked about friendship. This person came to Bekaa with a group of reporters.''

When asked which countries helped in the establishment of the organization, Ocalan said they received support from the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) at the beginning. ''They trained us at their camps. Syria did not set up official relations with us. However, she did not raise obstacles.''

When asked whether the terrorist organization was used by Syria and Greece, Ocalan said, ''there is no doubt that they wanted to use the PKK within their general policy. Besides, we also benefited from this. We mutually used each other. This is a political situation.''

Responding to another question, Ocalan said Greece gave every kind of training, including bomb training, to PKK terrorists, and sent them back to Turkey together with every kind of munitions for attacks.

Claiming that he didn't give any instructions for forest fires and terrorist activities in holiday resorts, suspect Ocalan said terrorists staged some activities in touristic regions within their own initiatives.

Noting that he doesn't have a clear information about the sabotage of the Arms Factory in Kirikkale, Ocalan said it was sometimes stated that the sabotage was staged by the terrorists responsible for Elazig and sometimes it was stated that it was launched by the terrorists responsible for Diyarbakir.

[27] TRIAL OF TERRORIST CHIEF - SUSPECT OCALAN: ''PKK MIGHT HAVE BEEN INVOLVED IN HUMAN SMUGGLING'' - ''PKK HAS A POLITICAL TRAINING CENTER IN THE NETHERLANDS''

Noting that they hired buildings in the Netherlands for training activities, Ocalan pointed out, ''officials may be aware of these activities of the political training center of the PKK in the Netherlands.''

Stressing that the PKK has several sub-ordinate organizations in Switzerland to provide financial source for the MED-TV, broadcasting organ of the PKK, Ocalan said that money might have been deposited to Swiss banks through these sub-ordinate organizations. He added that he has no information about the bank accounts, and those who deposited money to the Swiss banks.

When asked about the PKK's relations with Human Rights Association (IHD), and with the Mazlum-Der, Ocalan said that the organization has no relation with these associations. He said, ''they just set up a delegation to get soldiers. Then, I said that it could be a good gesture to improve such activities. We did not donate to the IHD, and they did not donate us.''

Defending that they have no connections with the foreign organizations such as the Irish Republican Army (IRA), the Japanese Red Army, ETA, Hezbollah, the Red Brigades, and the IBDA-C, Ocalan claimed that the IBDA-C and the Hezbollah tries to take place of the PKK.

Ocalan said that they had a powerful organization in Libya during 1980s when a number of Turkish workers were in Libya, but for the time-being they have relations with Libya only on the level of being sympathizers.

He continued, ''we have no relation with trade unions. During the ceasefire experiment in 1993, I held talks with Hatip Dicle from the political party leaders. Our meeting had focused on the peace process. I think in 1987, I had met with Dogu Perincek. His target was to set up relations with us, and to become more powerful. But this relation could not be set up as a result of ideological differences.''

Noting that the so-called Kurdish Parliament in exile was established by his directions, Ocalan said, ''we extended support, but we did not give instructions to hold meetings.''

Claiming that the incident in eastern Bingol province which claimed lives of 33 privates, played an important role in damaging the ceasefire experiment in 1993, Ocalan said, ''we cannot approve killing of these soldiers.''

Reminding Semdin Sakik who was sentenced to death by the Diyarbakir State Security Court, said that he ordered the incident, and the Olof Palme homicide, Ocalan defended that these allegations are not true.

Suspect Ocalan also claimed that he held talks with Turgut Ozal, former President, through Jalal Talabani. Ocalan said, ''we declared unilateral ceasefire upon the request of Ozal. Ozal told Talabani that he slept in rest for the first time in 10 years when I heard about the news of ceasefire.''

[28] TRIAL OF TERRORIST CHIEF - OCALAN: ''ERBAKAN SENT TWO LETTERS TO OUR REPRESENTATION IN SYRIA''

Responding to another question of the Court Chairman, suspect Ocalan claimed that Mesut Yilmaz, when he had come to ruling in April 1996, wanted to establish a relation with HADEP, People's Democracy Party, similar to the process between Palestine and Israel. Ocalan also claimed that they received the information that the author Alev Alatli would come to meet them and Yilmaz was informed about this.

Ocalan said a bomb had exploded in Damascus at that time and that meeting could not be realized, and noted that he got an information that Alev Alatli later met a member of the terrorist organization named ''Sahin'' in Europe.

Nothing that letters were sent in the period of former coalition government between former Welfare Party (RP) and the True Path Party (DYP), and that two letters came to their representations in Syria, Ocalan said the letters were sent by Necmettin Erbakan, former leader of the closed Welfare Party (RP).

Responding to the question of court chairman suspect Ocalan said he did not have the letter with him, but that it was in the archieves. Ocalan said ''Ilnur Cevik, the journalist, was planned to be sent as intermediary, yet letters came instead of this.''

Kemal Bilgic, one of the lawyers of the suspect, wanted the Court delegation to ask his client Ocalan if he signed Geneva Agreement. The Court Delegation did not find this question as appropriate and did not ask this question.

Bilgic also wanted the court delegation to provide him facility to meet with his client when an interval was given to the hearing during the week. The Court Chairman said this request will be conveyed to the concerned sides.

Lawyer Bilgic wanted Ocalan to be asked the question if terrorist organization had decided not to hold activities against the civilians.

Responding to the question of Okyay, the Court Chairman, to this end, Ocalan said ''our decision to hold activities against civilians is out of question. There was a four-way gang in the organization. I have disclosed this gang earlier. We have struggled against them very much. We have expended efforts to prevent activities against civilians.''

[29] TRIAL OF TERRORIST CHIEF - OCALAN: ''I WAS UNINFORMED ABOUT CARNAGE IN BASBAGLAR VILLAGE''

When Cahit Torun, an intervenor lawyer, asked whether Yalcin Kucuk informed him about the operations, Ocalan said he spoke to Prof. Yalcin Kucuk on the phone and Prof. Kucuk warned him to leave his staying place not to be captured.

''It is totally an allegation and wrong that Mesut Yilmaz of the Motherland Party (ANAP) sent a message to me secretly concerning this issue,'' Ocalan said.

Responding to another question, suspect Ocalan said in the letter, which was sent by Necmettin Erbakan, the former leader of the banned Welfare Party (RP), it was mentioned that an economic and social package was tried to be opened, but the atmosphere of violence prevented it, and recommended the PKK that ''it would be good if they stop it'', and he accepted this.

Responding to a question about the carnage in Basbaglar village, the terrorist chief claimed he was uninformed about that massacre and he disapproved it.

Ocalan claimed that doctor Baran was responsible for that carnage.

When Court Chairman Okyay asked how they can provide contact with the PKK terrorists, Ocalan said they provided communication through transceivers, and telephones, and sometimes they used couriers.

Court Chairman Turgut Okyay said the Court received records about Ocalan's state registration, and record of conviction, and the reports on his periodical examinations, and the autopsy reports of the killed people.

Suspect Ocalan said he received periodical examinations by doctors and he doesn't have anything to say about those documents.

Court Chairman M. Turgut Okyay decided to continue the hearing in the afternoon.

[30] COUSSERAN, FRENCH AMBASSADOR TO TURKEY, VISITS PIRISTINA, MAYOR OF IZMIR

Addressing the meeting Piristina said, ''there were always good relations between Turkey and France in the past. Good cultural relations which were set up between the two countries recently, are also very pleasing.''

Reminding that Mr. Cousseran had visited him to congratulate his victory in local elections, Piristina noted that they may ask support of French companies on the municipality investments.

Mr. Cousseran said in his part that he will also visit French schools, and businessmen making business with French counterparts in Izmir.

When asked about his opinions about the trial of Abdullah Ocalan, the chief of terrorist organization PKK, Mr. Cousseran said that Turkish jurisdiction will decide on the issue.

[31] ''COMMEMORATION DAY OF FM MARTYRS'' - PREMIER ECEVIT: ''ONES WHO ATTEMPT TO USE TERRORISM AS A TOOL TO DESTROY PEACE AND STABILITY IN TURKEY WILL ALWAYS BE DISAPPOINTED''

Issuing a message upon the Commemoration Day of Foreign Ministry's Martrys, Prime Minister Ecevit said, ''we pay homage and bow respectfully to the memories of the Foreign Ministry and other public organizations personnel who lost their lives with treacherous attacks of terrorists while they were fulfiling their missions abroad, and their relatives, and we share the grief of the people they left behind.''

''Memories of our valuable martyrs will exist till the end and Turkish nation will always remember them.

I want to emphasize once again that the terrorists, who killed the representatives of the Republic of Turkey with their ignoble attacks, and try to harm Turkey's unity and integrity with such treacherous acts and waylay our country that is rapidly growing and developing and recording progress for becoming a world power, and their collaborators can't achieve their desire and dream. The current situation of the ones who faced with realities after understanding that they can never divert or corrupt a powerful state like Turkey with terrorist activities, should be a lesson to everybody.

Turkey is a country which aims at contributing to increase in economic and social prosperity in her geography by living in peace and tranquility with all of the world countries. The ones, who attempt to use terrorism as a tool to destroy peace and stability in Turkey will always be disappointed, '' Ecevit said.

[32] AFTERNOON SESSION OF TERRORIST CHIEF' TRIAL - OCALAN: ''I HELD TALKS WITH GERMAN DEPUTIES''

Responding to questions of Turgut M. Okyay, the Chairman of Court, whether or not he met with the special representative of German Chancellor, suspect Ocalan said, ''No, I did not. But I held talks with several German deputies, and officials from the Protection of Constitution Organization, in Syria before. Talks focused on strengthening political relations. Officials of the Protection of Constitution Organization, requested us to be respectful to the German democracy, and to obey the rules of democracy and law. Then, we wanted them not to arrest PKK members. We would hold meetings on ministry level, but no meeting was held because of technical reasons.''

Responding to a question, suspect Ocalan said that the Turkish citizens and their relatives came to the United Nations (UN) Atrush Camp willingly. He added that there was no compulsion.

Claiming that they were informed about the cross-border operations launched by the Turkish Armed Forces in Northern Iraq, before operations started, suspect Ocalan said that he got information from the Iraqi Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) about the operations. Pointing out that writings which were issued with the code name of Ali Firat, were belonged to himself, Ocalan said that he first used code name of Ali, then called himself as Hammer during his presence in Syria.

Pointing out that he did not need to use code name after he became known in Syria, Ocalan said, ''Everyone in Syria knows me.''

Ocalan noted that they expected many PKK members to leave the organization to benefit from the Repentance Law, but number of PKK members leaving organization, decreased.

Suspect Ocalan said, ''I have started a legal process in the organization, and worked for this process.''

Okyay said that suspect Ocalan submitted several documents to the court.

[33] AFTERNOON SESSION OF TERRORIST CHIEF' TRIAL

Kandemir said, ''we have never made racial discrimination during our 5,000 years history. We are all brothers, whatever our language, religion, and race are. I am ashamed of being face to face with a murderer.''

Pointing out that there were Presidents, Parliament Speakers, and Ministers from Kurdish people, Kandemir said, ''we will protect each others' rights altogether. I am sure that the murderer of the soldiers will get the punishment he deserved.''

Meanwhile, Ahmet Beskardes, father of a victim of terrorism, who said he was a Kurdish citizen, also pointed out that he was faithful to the state and nation as a citizen of Turkish Republic. Beskardes said, ''I lost my son to the terrorist organization. I am showing the photograph of my son to this murderer. How can you kill those people?''

Meanwhile, Beskardes turned to suspect Ocalan and uttered several words in Kurdish. The word ''Armenian'' was heard among those.

Families of other relatives of terrorism victims wanted trial of suspect Ocalan to end soon and asked him to be sentenced to the punishment he deserved.

Resul Akay, Chairman of Public Trade Union (Kamu-Sen), one of the intervenors, pointed out that members of the union suffered a lot from the terrorist organization for 15 years and noted that citizens were exposed to evil attacks.

Pointing out that people in Eastern and Southeastern regions were massacred, Akay said, ''we have lived brotherly in this region for years. PKK is not only a terrorist organization, but a Kurdish genocide act. This terrorist organization is also a drug network which poison Turkish and European youth.'' Akay demanded the suspect to be punished.

Mahir Akcelik, who was wounded in a terrorist attack, and who participated in the hearing as intervenor, said there were many people like him, and noted that some of them lost their hands, some arms, some legs, and that some of them died. Akcelik said, ''we want to suspect to be punished soon.''

Rasim Ak, another person who was wounded in second Northern Iraqi operation, said his two friends who were near him died in terrorist attacks.'' Addressing the court delegation, Ak said ''take our rights from this man.''

Meanwhile, Fatma Ceylan, speaking on behalf of wives of the terrorism victims, recalled that her husband was killed in an ambush when he was patrolling in Lale region of Istanbul. Ceylan said, ''my children were very young when their father died. They do not know what a father is. I want this murderer to be hanged soon.''

Fatma Ceylan fainted after she completed her speech.

Later the names of the intervenors were recorded on the minutes.

Okyay, the court chairman, then ended the session.

[34] SIXTH INTERNATIONAL ASPENDOS OPERA AND BALLET FESTIVAL TO BEGIN ON JUNE 12

Addressing a press conference, Istemihan Talay, the Culture Minister, said that the festival will strengthen the Turkish tourism. He noted, ''Turkey is one of the most important tourism centers of the world. Turkey was promoted with her sea, sand, and sun. But her culture of one thousand years should also be introduced.''

The festival will start with the ''Carmen'' of Georges Bizet which will be performed by the Ankara State Opera and Ballet.

The Ankara State and Ballet will also perform the ''Aida'' of Giuseppe Verdi.

Following the Presidential Symphony Orchestra's gala concert on June 16, the Mersin State Opera and Ballet will stage the ''Madame Butterfly'' of Giacomo Puccini on June 21.

Aspendos will host the Croation State Opera and Ballet on June 23 while the Bulgarian Opera and Ballet will be the guest of the festival with the ''Othello'' on June 28.

The Istanbul State Opera and Ballet will greet audience with the ''Carmina Burana'' of Carl Orff on July 1, and with the ''Hoffmann's Tales'' of Jacques Offenbach on July 3.

The Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra will organize a ''Johann Strauss Night'' on July 5, and the Izmir State Opera and Ballet will perform the ''Giselle'' of Adolphe Charles Adam.

The 6th International Aspendos Opera and Ballet Festival will end on July 10 with the ''Fidelio'' of Ludwig van Beethoven which will be performed by the Izmir State Opera and Ballet.

[35] FM MARTYRS COMMEMORATED - FM CEM: ''TODAY, TERRORISM WAS CONDEMNED BY THE WORLD''

Addressing the ceremony, Foreign Minister Ismail Cem stressed that Turkey can never be daunted by terrorism, stressing that the Foreign Ministry martyrs proved that reality to the world.

Pointing out that Turkey showed all of the countries what kind of a danger terrorism is, and how she perturbed even the ones who took terrorism weapon in their hands, Cem said, ''terrorism was condemned by the world. If there are still some people who say the opposite, these people are gradually showing their bloody faces and condemned by the world.''

Noting that the families of martyrs made the greatest self-sacrifice which can be made for their country, Cem said that Turkey managed to prove herself in front of the world as a result of those sacrifices of martyrs and their relatives.

Pointing out that the Foreign Ministry martyrs proved their patriotism in front of the world and the Turkish people can't be daunted by terrorism, Cem said, ''there have been attacks in the long history of the humanity and Turkey from time to time; and difficult times were experienced, but Turkey wasn't intimidated. Turkey, within her borders, and as a result of ministry personnel, overcame terrorism and will continue to do so.''

[36] EXPOTECNIA'99 FAR OPENED - GUREL, MINISTER OF STATE: ''THE LEGAL INFRASTRUCTURE FOR COMMERCIAL AND ECONOMIC RELATIONS BETWEEN TURKEY AND SPAIN SHOULD BE FORMED WITHIN A MOST POSSIBLE SHORTEST TIME'' - RODRIGO RATO, SPANISH MINISTER OF STATE: ''SPAIN SUPPORTS TURKEY'S ENTERING THE EU''

Addressing the opening ceremony of the Expotecnia'99 Fair, State Minister Gurel said the efforts for prevention of double taxation should be finalized as soon as possible.

Pointing out that Spain has become an important trade partner of Turkey for years, Gurel said, ''the foreign trade with Spain has recorded important progress since 1996. Spain ranked ninth in the list of countries with which Turkey realized biggest exports and imports in 1998. The trade volume increased to 945 million U.S. dollars in 1995 and to 1.8 billion U.S. dollars last year.''

Noting that the trade volume was not at the desired level despite positive developments between the two countries, Gurel said that Expotecnia Fair will create important opportunities to further improve commercial relations.

''It will be more beneficial when the joint investments activities cover the third countries,'' Gurel added.

Recalling that Spain gave 400 million U.S. dollars of loan to Turkey, Gurel said this loan will accelerate the Spanish companies' investments in Turkey.

Rodrigo Rato, the Minister of State and the Deputy Prime Minister of Spain, said in his part that Turkey has a very dynamic entrepreneur sector and very big potential.

Rato said it will be beneficial for the two countries if the Turkish and Spanish companies sign investment and cooperation agreements and realize joint projects in the third countries.

Rato stated that Spain supports the European Union (EU) membership of Turkey, which is a European and sister country of Spain in Mediterranean.

Noting that Turkey is the political partner of Spain at first stage, Rato said the two countries should work hard to deepen the relations.

Meanwhile, responding to a question, State Minister Sukru Sina Gurel said a decision on the identity of the EU will be given at the Summit to take place in Koln, Germany, stressing, ''our attitude against the EU is clear.''

Noting that Turkey has agreements for partnership with the EU and Turkey expends every effort to advance those agreements, Gurel said that EU's putting forward several conditions for candidacy of Turkey is not fair.

A total of 300 companies from 17 different sectors are participating in the fair opened at the World Trade Center in Istanbul.

The fair will continue till June 6.

[37] SECOND TECHNOLOGY CONGRESS - YUCAOGLU, CHAIRMAN OF TUSIAD: - ''PRODUCTION OF TECHNOLOGY IS THE ONLY WAY FOR TURKEY TO KEEP UP WITH GLOBAL COMPETITION'' - ''WE EXPECT THE NEW GOVERNMENT TO RAPIDLY ADOPT THE SIGNIFICANT REFORMS FOR TURKEY'S FUTURE''

The Second Technology Congress, which was organized by the TUSIAD, Scientific and Technical Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK) and Turkish Foundation of Technology Development (TTGV), started the same day in Istanbul.

Addressing the opening remarks, Yucaoglu defended that the most important obstacle in front of production of technology in Turkey is the failure in providing a stable atmosphere of activity in the private sector in the field of research-develop.

Pointing out that the share of hi-tech products in Turkey's exports remained at about 8 percent, Yucaoglu said the share of those goods is 70 percnet in Singapore; 67 percent in Malaysia, and 28 percent in Israel.

''After spending one year with unproductive political discussions, we expect the new government to rapidly adopt the significant reforms for Turkey's future. TUSIAD believes that the government should gather the institutions and organizations in the fields of technology and science under the umbrella of a ministry by taking a comprehensive technology and Research-Develop programme into its agenda,'' he said.

Meanwhile, Cemil Arikan, the Deputy Chairman of the Executive Board of the TUBITAK, said in his part that the security of a country, which does not have a powerful technology and can't produce technology, can't be an issue of discussion.

Fikret Yucel, the Chairman of TTGV, said the ''National Innovation Project'', which was formed with contributions of several organizations, was nearly concluded.

[38] TURKEY DISCUSSED AT CHIRAC-SCHRODER SUMMIT

Responding to questions of the A.A correspondent, an official at the Elysee Palace quoted Chirac as saying to Schroder that the EU Summit which will be held in Koln, Germany, between June 3-4, should create an opportunity to overcome the deadlock in relations between Turkey and the EU.

Referring to his meeting with President Suleyman Demirel in Paris on May 5, Chirac wanted Schroder to find a formula to improve relations.

Chirac also told Schroder that the necessary works to fulfil EU's obligations towards Turkey within the framework of Customs Union, should be finalized.

Turkey protested the decisions taken at the Luxembourg Summit, and stated that she ends the political dialogue with the EU last year.

[39] SECOND TECHNOLOGY CONGRESS - CHIBBER, WORLD BANK TURKEY DIRECTOR: - ''IT IS TOO EARLY TO EVALUATE THE NEW GOVERNMENT. WE'LL WAIT AND SEE''

Addressing the Second Technology Cogress session on ''Turkey's Technological Development in Globalization'', Chibber said both public organizations and the private sector in Turkey should increase their spendings on Reasearch-Development, otherwise Turkey will encounter difficulties in reaching the developed countries.

Pointing out that Turkey's exports of manufactured goods are composed of the products based on low-technology and natural resources, Chibber said that there was not an important change in Turkey's export structure between 1985 and 1996, and Turkey's exports continue to be dependent on intense- effort products.

Chibber said this situation is valid especially for the textiles and ready- to-wear sectors.

Noting that it is understood that Turkey is still a producer, which works with low-price manpower among the OECD members, when the manpower cost per hour is compared in international field, Chibber said, ''actually, Turkey lost important part of her cost advantage against her medium-income rivals between 1988 and 1994.''

Chibber stressed that Turkey has to form a very clear strategy to develop technology.

Chibber stated that the World Bank assisted Turkey through several projects to enable her to reinforce her place in the world market.

[40] ITALIAN JOURNALISTS LEAVE TURKEY

Italian journalists group who called themselves as ''International Peace Mission'', noted that they will distribute a written press release at the Ataturk Airport at 13.00 local time before their departure.

Turkish journalists asked the group members who came to the airport at 13.30 local time if they will issue a statement or not, but Italian journalists did not attempt to distribute a press release, and they were non-reacting.

Turkish journalists then did not take the press release which was understood as deliberate, and left the Ataturk Airport to protest Italian journalists.

Italian journalists left for Rome at 14.20 local time by an airplane which belonged to the Alitalia Airlines.

[41] TURKEY-GREECE - FOREIGN MINISTER CEM SENDS A LETTER TO PAPANDREU, GREEK FOREIGN MINISTER, ON THE ISSUE OF COOPERATION AGAINST TERRORISM

Diplomatic sources said Foreign Minister Cem sent a letter to Papandreu a few weeks ago including proposals for the cooperation of two countries in struggle against terrorism. The same sources said the issue that the two countries may sign a cooperation agreement against terrorism was brought to the agenda.

Meanwhile, it was reported that Greece did not respond to the letter in question.

Dimitri Reppas, Greek Government Spokesman, responded to the questions of Greek journalists related with the Aegean islet crisis.

When the journalists claimed that ''at a time when Foreign Minister Ismail Cem took a positive step by sending a letter to Greek Foreign Minister Yorgo Papndreu, Ankara demanded territory in the Aegean'', Reppas claimed that Ankara is involved in a deadlock with its conflicted policies, adding that Ankara on one hand wants Greek territories in a provocative way, and on the other hand it extends its friendship hand.

A.A

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