Anadolu Agency: News in English, 99-06-07

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AA Daily

07 June 1999 Monday

CONTENTS

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

[02] SECOND FLYING BROOM WOMEN'S FILMS FESTIVAL ENDS

[03] TRIAL OF HEAD OF TERRORIST ORGANIZATION - KESKIN, INTERVENOR LAWYER: ''AFTER THE MERITS OF THE CASE ARE READ OUT, THE PERIOD GIVEN TO THE DEFENSE WILL NOT EXCEED 15 DAYS''

[04] AKBULUT, SPEAKER OF PARLIAMENT: - ''REGARDING TERRORIST ATTACKS IN TURKEY, DEATH PENALTY IS LEGAL AND NECESSARY''

[05] TURKEY-IMF RELATIONS - COTTARELLI, CHIEF OF IMF TURKEY DESK, AND KIEKENS, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF IMF, DUE IN TURKEY

[06] FOREIGN TRADE IN ACCORDANCE WITH INDICES

[07] NUMBER OF KOSOVAR REFUGEES IN TURKEY INCREASES TO 17,017

[08] TRIAL OF HEAD OF TERRORIST ORGANIZATION - TRIAL TO RESUME TOMORROW AFTER THREE DAYS INTERVAL - ANKARA DGM PROSECUTORS TO EXPRESS THEIR OPINIONS ABOUT MERITS OF CASE

[09] AZERBAIJANI PRESIDENT ALIYEV TO RETURN TO BAKU ON WEDNESDAY

[10] NATO'S AIR OPERATION AGAINST YUGOSLAVIA - TURKISH F-16 WAR PLANES ACCUMULATE A TOTAL OF 1,886 FLIGHT HOURS

[11] FOREIGN JOURNALISTS IN TURKEY - A TOTAL OF 35 JOURNALIST FROM 26 COUNTRIES ARRIVE IN TURKEY AS GUESTS OF UNDERSECRETARIAT OF FOREIGN TRADE

[12] ALLEGATIONS CLAIMING THAT MILITARY OFFICIALS HELD TALKS WITH TERRORIST ORGANIZATION PKK - OFFICE OF GENERAL STAFF: - ''TURKISH ARMED FORCES HAS NEVER ACCEPTED PKK AS AN INTERLOCUTOR DURING ITS STRUGGLE AGAINST TERRORISM''

[13] SEAWOLF'99 MANEOUVRES CONTINUES

[14] OKUYAN, LABOUR AND SOCIAL SECURITY MINISTER: - ''WE WILL COME TOGETHER WITH THE SOCIAL INSTITUTIONS WHEN WE RETURN FROM ILO MEETING''

[15] GERMANS TO CONSTRUCT A HOLIDAY RESORT IN SOUTHERN ALANYA COUNTY

[16] SEAWOLF-99 MANOEUVRE - ADMIRAL ERDIL, FLEET COMMANDER: ''TODAY TURKISH FLEET HAS COME TO SUCH A LEVEL WHICH CAN DO ALL KINDS OF MISSION IN MEDITERRANEAN BOTH IN NATIONAL AND NATO FRAMEWORK''

[17] ILO LABOUR CONFERENCE - TISK GENERAL SECRETARY PIRLER: ''TURKEY IS ONE OF COUNTRIES WHICH ARE IMPLEMENTING REGULATIONS TO STOP INEQUAILITY BETWEEN WOMEN AND MEN''

[18] ILO LABOUR CONFERENCE - LABOUR AND SOCIAL SECURITY MINISTER MEETS WITH ILO GENERAL DIRECTOR JUAN SOMAVIA

[19] 1999 FISCAL YEAR BUDGET SUBMITTED TO PLANNING AND BUDGET COMMISSION - ORAL, MINISTER OF FINANCE: - ''WE, AS THE 57TH GOVERNMENT, TARGETED TO DECREASE THE INFLATION TO ONE-DIGIT-NUMBER RAPIDLY''

[20] ILO LABOUR CONFERENCE - MERAL, CHAIRMAN OF TURK-IS: ''SUPPORT EXTENDED BY SOME COUNTRIES TO TERRORIST ORGANIZATION WHICH IS RESPONSIBLE FROM DEATHS OF 30,000 PEOPLE SHOULD END''

[21] ORAL, MINISTER OF FINANCE: ''BUDGET DEFICIT WILL BE MUCH MORE BIGGER THAN THE AMOUNT WHICH WAS FORESEEN IN THE DRAFT''

[22] SAHIN, CHAIRMAN OF PARLIAMENTARY PLANNING AND BUDGET COMMISSION: ''WE AIM AT CONCLUDING BUDGET LAW AND BANKS LAW WITHIN THIS MONTH''

[23] TALKS START IN ISTANBUL TO BRING PROBLEM BETWEEN GEORGIA AND ABKHAZIA TO SOLUTION

[24] ITO DELEGATION TO GO TO TRNC ON TUESDAY

[25] AGROTEC'99 THIRD INTERNATIONAL AGRICULTURE AND AGRICULTURAL TECHNOLOGIES FAIR TO BE ORGANIZED IN ANKARA IN SEPTEMBER

[26] TRIAL OF OCALAN, HEAD OR TERRORIST ORGANIZATION - OZBAY, AN INTERVENOR LAWYER, DENOUNCES DEFENDANT'S LAWYERS TO MUDANYA CHIEF PUBLIC PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE - OZBAY: ''DEFENDANT'S LAWYERS PREFERED TO MAKE THE PROPAGANDA OF PKK INSTEAD OF ATTORNEYSHIP''

[27] TREASURY TO ARRANGE 14-MONTH DEBENTURE BOND TENDER INDEXED TO CPI

[28] ABKHAZIA PROBLEM - FM CEM: ''WE WISH AND HOPE THE PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED IN PEACE''

[29] ABKHAZIA PROBLEM - ABKHAZIAN HEAD OF DELEGATION BAGAPS: ''WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE IS TO STOP TERRORIST ACTIVITIES''

[30] GEORGIAN-ABKHAZIAN PEACE TALKS - MIRONOV, REPRESENTATIVE OF RUSSIA: ''THE IMPORTANT THING IS THAT THE TWO SIDES CAME TOGETHER AND THEY SEEK CONSENSUS'' - LACOMBE, OSCE'S MISSION CHIEF FOR GEORGIA: ''OSCE IS READY FOR EVERY KIND OF CONFIDENCE BUILDING MEASURES FOR BOTH SIDES''

[31] SANLIURFA TRADE AND INDUSTRY CHAMBER CHAIRMAN ISMAIL DEMIRKOL: ''TURKEY'S DEVELOPMENT IS POSSIBLE ONLY WITH DEVELOPMENT OF ITS SOUTH EAST''

[32] DRAFT LAW ON BANKS TRANSFERED TO SUB-COMMISSION

[33] ENERGY LOAN FROM EUROPEAN INVESTMENT BANK

[34] TURKISH BEER FACTORY IN MOSCOW

[35] STAGNATION CONTINUES IN AUTOMOTIVE - TOTAL PRODUCTION IN AUTOMOTIVE SECTOR RECESSED IN JANUARY-MAY PERIOD WHEN COMPARED WITH LAST YEAR

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

HURRIYET (LIBERAL)

BED OF FIRAT RIVER CHANGED FOR DAM CONSTRUCTION
The most important part of the Birecik Dam and Hydroelectrical Power Plant, which will produce 2.5 billion kilowatts per hour electricity, was realized. The bed of the Firat river was changed to pass through the dam.

MILLIYET (LIBERAL)

A TOTAL OF 62 ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS CAPTURED IN BORDER
A total of 62 illegal immigrants who wanted to illegally pass from Turkey to Greece, were captured in northwestern Edirne province. The security forces captured 62 illegal immigrants, including 45 Iranians, three Iraqis, one Palestinian, and 11 Afghans, in Edirne province. The illegal immigrants will be deported.

SABAH (LIBERAL)

OKUYAN TO ATTEND ILO CONFERENCE
Yasar Okuyan, the Minister of Labour and Social Security, said that one of the most important aims of the 57th government is to provide better living standards by developing the rights and benefits of the workers, and to increase the labour norms to the level of International Labour Organization (ILO) standards. Minister Okuyan left for Geneva to participate in the ILO Conference.

CUMHURIYET (LEFT)

EFES'99 MANEOUVRES CONTINUE
''Efes'99 Maneouvres'' which are planned maneouvres of Turkish Armed Forces, continues. The infantry division and Aegean Air Troop, were successful in the Flying Unit Operation which was held in Gaziemir region of western Izmir province.

RADIKAL (LEFT)

LAWYERS OF ACCUSED OCALAN TO DEMAND ONE-MONTH PERIOD
Niyazi Bulgan, one of the lawyers of accused Abdullah Ocalan, the head of the terrorist organization, said that they will demand one-month period from the court to prepare their defense concerning the merits of the case which will be read out by the Republican Prosecutor. Bulgan noted that in accordance with the laws, only one-week or 15-day period is given to the defense lawyers; adding that despite their demand, the court will give them only 15 days.

YENİ YÜZYIL (LIBERAL)

COUNTDOWN FOR VOTE OF CONFIDENCE
Parliamentary General Assembly will begin to discuss coalition programme of the 57th government formed among the Democratic Left Party (DSP), the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), and the Motherland Party (ANAP). The vote of confidence for the new government will be held on June 9.

TÜRKİYE (RIGHT)

LAND MINE EXPLODES IN SEMDINLI
Six people including five village guards died, and five others were injured when they stepped on an anti-personnel land mine planted by terrorists in Semdinli County of southeastern Hakkari province. The injured people were taken to the Hakkari Military Hospital for medical treatment.

ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)

[02] SECOND FLYING BROOM WOMEN'S FILMS FESTIVAL ENDS

The winners of the National Short Film and Documentary Film Scenario Competition were given their awards in the closing ceremony of the festival which started on May 30, 1999.

A documentary film which was dedicated to the memory of Suzan Akay and titled ''Ne Icindeyim Zamanın Ne de Busbutun Disinda'' (Neither I am in Time, Nor I am Completely Out of It), was shown in the ceremony.

A total of 91 films, including 32 long-feature, 46 short-feature, and 13 documentary films, were shown in this year's festival which was held with the contributions of Culture Ministry, the European Commission, Sheraton Hotel, state-run Turkish Radio and Television (TRT), and Sabah, a Turkish daily.

Six guest woman directors from Germany, Britain, Israel, Azerbaijan, Canada, and Lebanon participated in this year's festival.

None of the films were considered as works which deserves to be the winner of the scenario and documentary competitions.

Asli Alper became the second in the scenario competition with her film titled ''Camdan Cama'' (From Window to Window), and Guler Yildirim became the third with her film titled ''13. Kilometre'' (13th Kilometre).

Berrak Taranc and Melek Ozman shared the second place in documentary film contest while Deniz Dalkilic and Hatice Guler shared the third place.

Taranc became the second with her film ''Tangolar ve Yalniz Kadin'' (Tangos and Lonely Woman) and Melek Ozman with her film ''Bir Kadinin Hayat Hakki Anlayisi'' (A Woman's Understanding of Right of Life).

Deniz Dalkilic became the third with her film ''Nobet 24 Saat'' (Duty of 24 Hours) and Hatice Guler with her''Varlar Ama...'' (They are Present but...).

[03] TRIAL OF HEAD OF TERRORIST ORGANIZATION - KESKIN, INTERVENOR LAWYER: ''AFTER THE MERITS OF THE CASE ARE READ OUT, THE PERIOD GIVEN TO THE DEFENSE WILL NOT EXCEED 15 DAYS''

Keskin addressed a statement to the journalists in Mudanya county of Bursa province, criticizing the statements of the lawyers of accused Ocalan. Lawyers of Ocalan had said that they would request 30 days for defense.

Stating that the lawyers of accused Ocalan aim at prolonging the trial process and causing chaos, Keskin said, ''they tried the same thing in the trial held on June 4. By prolonging the trial process, they aim at not only making the propaganda of the terrorist organization PKK and giving its messages, but also causing chaos and overshadowing the justice in front of the western world.''

Stressing that they want to end the trial as soon as possible, Keskin noted that to this end, the intervenor lawyers will not have a new demand.

Keskin said, ''we have said our last words. We will harshly object the illegal demands of the lawyers of accused Ocalan. The lawyership is a public task under the first article of the Lawyership Law. The public task requires seriousness and honesty. It is obvious that the lawyers of accused Ocalan do not have these principles. This cannot be permitted.''

[04] AKBULUT, SPEAKER OF PARLIAMENT: - ''REGARDING TERRORIST ATTACKS IN TURKEY, DEATH PENALTY IS LEGAL AND NECESSARY''

Addressing a programme called the ''Pulse of Policy'' on state run television channel TRT-1, Akbulut stressed that Abdullah Ocalan, the head of terrorist organization PKK, will account for his bloody actions in front of the independent jurisdiction.

Akbulut said, ''sanction of homicides he committed in Turkey, will be determined by the independent jurisdiction. In accordance with the Turkish constitution, if someone is sentenced to death penalty, his or her punishment should be approved by the parliament. Legality of capital punishment cannot be discussed. Of course, it is legal. It is also necessary and deterrent for interests of community. There are 30 thousand people who lost their lives in terrorists attacks. Turkish people are sensitive about martyrs.''

Noting that it is impossible to talk about parliament's decision on the issue, Akbulut pointed out, ''regarding terrorist attacks in Turkey, the death penalty is legal, and necessary. Turkish people also wants death penalty because it is deterrent.''

Stressing that everyone is equal in Turkey, Akbulut added that there is no discrimination between Kurds-Turks or Shiites-Sunnites, Akbulut noted, ''there is an equality and democratic way of living in Turkey. It is completely wrong to consider the case as a political matter. This is terrorism. These are people used by foreign powers. Because I do not suppose our citizens to have such bloody ambition. I know the condition of our citizens living in eastern part of Turkey. A differentiation has never taken part among them.''

Expressing satisfaction over decrease of terrorist incidents in Turkey, Akbulut added, ''Proposals that will overcome education and health problems in the southeast, and that will provide economic development in the region, should be brought onto the agenda of the parliament.''

Yildirim Akbulut said that in case of establishment of the Constitutional Committee, he will assign the constitutional change envisaging new arrangements in the structure of the State Security Courts (DGMs) to the committee.

Akbulut said, ''as the Parliamentary Plan and Bugdet Committee continues its studies, we can realize the constitutional change in question. The change consists of two or three articles. If the constitutional change is adopted by a two third of votes at the parliament, referandum will not be needed. I believe that deputies will act with sensivity.''

Referring to deputyship of Merve Kavakci, the Istanbul deputy of the Virtue Party (FP) who was denaturalized, Akbulut pointed out, ''dimensions of this issue were changed. She is not a Turkish citizen any more. But she has right to object this decision. Although her denaturalization, we must wait for continuation of a legal process.'' Akbulut stressed that parliament should not be kept with artifical agendas.

Emphasizing that the the 57th government formed among the Democratic Left Party (DSP), the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), and the Motherland Party (ANAP) will get the vote of confidence, Akbulut underlined that new government will overcome all problems of Turkey.

Pointing out that they will work in an indulgence atmosphere, and within the framework of the Turkish Constitution, impartiality, and the principle of superiority of law, Akbulut said, ''I will not allow incidents that will damage parliament's esteem.''

[05] TURKEY-IMF RELATIONS - COTTARELLI, CHIEF OF IMF TURKEY DESK, AND KIEKENS, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF IMF, DUE IN TURKEY

Responding to questions of the A.A correspondent, Kiekens said that he will attend the last day talks of the IMF delegation which will hold contacts in Turkey between June 15-28.

Kiekens recalled that the IMF delegation headed by Carlo Cottarelli will pay a visit to Turkey within the framework of regular consultations.

He stressed that this first round talks with the new Turkish government, can form ground for an agreement. He added that if they consider new government's policies on structural reforms and inflation as determined during the first round talks, they will provide financial support with an agreement.

Kiekens expressed wish over new government to be successful in applying structural reforms to overcome economic problems in Turkey. He also emphasized that adoption of these economic policies by the parliament will show government's determination.

The ''Staff Monitoring Programme'' of 18 months signed between Turkey and the IMF, will end at the end of this month.

The IMF delegation headed by Carlo Cottarelli will come to Turkey on June 15 within the framework of regular consultations.

The delegation will hold contacts with private sector and finance circles in Istanbul between June 15-16, and start consultations in Ankara on June 17.

IMF delegation is expected to leave Turkey on June 28 after meeting with the public institutions in Ankara.

[06] FOREIGN TRADE IN ACCORDANCE WITH INDICES

A State Statistics Institute (DIE) statement said that the export price index decreased by 1.7 percent and the import price index decreased by 2.5 percent in February 1999.

The export quantity index increased by 4.1 when compared with the figures of the same period in 1998 while the import quantity index decreased by 17.7 percent, the export price index reduced by 1.6 percent and the import price index dropped by 9.9 percent.

[07] NUMBER OF KOSOVAR REFUGEES IN TURKEY INCREASES TO 17,017

The Interior Ministry issued a statement saying that a total of 7,590 Kosovar refugees have arrived at the Corlu Airport in Tekirdag; 7,239 refugees have entered Turkey from the Kapikule Border Gate in Edirne, and 2, 188 others have arrived at the Ataturk Airport in Istanbul as of 10:00 local time on Monday.

The statement noted that 7,301 Kosovar refugees have been provided shelters in the Gaziosmanpasa Refugee Camp in Kirklareli province.

[08] TRIAL OF HEAD OF TERRORIST ORGANIZATION - TRIAL TO RESUME TOMORROW AFTER THREE DAYS INTERVAL - ANKARA DGM PROSECUTORS TO EXPRESS THEIR OPINIONS ABOUT MERITS OF CASE

Cevdet Volkan, Ankara State Security Court (DGM) Republican Chief Prosecutor, and Talat Salk, DGM Republican Prosecutor, will express their opinions about the merits of the case.

Later, accused Ocalan and his lawyers will demand for time to prepare their defense concerning the merits of the case.

A delegation set up by M. Turgut Okyay, Chief Judge of Ankara DGM; Huseyin Eken, member; and Abdulkadir Davarcioglu, military judge, tries Ocalan.

Accused Ocalan had said in the first court session that he had not faced any torture and that he would live for peace and brotherhood from now on; adding that he apologized from the relatives of the ones who were killed or injured due to PKK terrorism.

Accused Ocalan also explained the countries which supported PKK, the relations of PKK, and the financial resources of the organization.

The 139-page indictment which was prepared by Cevdet Volkan, Talat Salk, Nuh Mete Yuksel and Hamza Keles, Ankara DGM Prosecutors, was read out in the first court session.

Hasip Kaplan and Ercan Kanar, the lawyers of accused Ocalan, demanded that the trial should be postponed, but this was rejected by the court delegation. Later, Kaplan and Kanar declared that they withdrew from the case, claiming that 'the paths of domestic law were blocked.'

The other lawyers of accused Ocalan did not participate in one of the hearings, claiming that they could not find a place to stay. Later, the lawyers of accused Ocalan were placed in a public guest house by the initiatives of Okyay, the Chief Judge.

The relatives of the ones who were killed or injured by the PKK terrorism, the intervenors, and the lawyers of accused Ocalan, were given the right to speak during the court sessions.

[09] AZERBAIJANI PRESIDENT ALIYEV TO RETURN TO BAKU ON WEDNESDAY

Azerbaijani Presidential Office said that Aliyev, who would return to Azerbaijan on Thursday, has later decided to return to his country on Wednesday by completing his holiday in Turkey which lasted for nearly 20 days.

Aliyev went through a by-pass surgery in the U.S. and later came to Turkey upon the invitation of President Suleyman Demirel.

Aliyev is expected to participate in the opening of the new terminal of Bine airport on June 13 and the Summit of Heads of Turkish Speaking States that will be held in Baku on June 14.

[10] NATO'S AIR OPERATION AGAINST YUGOSLAVIA - TURKISH F-16 WAR PLANES ACCUMULATE A TOTAL OF 1,886 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, flew 28 hours on June 6.

According to the latest figures, there are 16,932 refugees in Turkey; 50 thousand in Serbia; 68,400 in Montenegro; 443,900 in Albania; 247,400 in Macedonia; 21,700 in Bosnia-Herzegovina, and 83,493 in other countries.

A total of 16,932 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 7,296 Kosovar refugees have been provided shelters in the Gaziosmanpasa Refugee Camp in Kirklareli province.

Turkey has provided shelters for more than 12 thousand Kosovar refugees in camps in Macedonia and Albania. Both camps have capacity to host 20 thousand refugees.

[11] FOREIGN JOURNALISTS IN TURKEY - A TOTAL OF 35 JOURNALIST FROM 26 COUNTRIES ARRIVE IN TURKEY AS GUESTS OF UNDERSECRETARIAT OF FOREIGN TRADE

The foreign journalists came together with their Turkish colleagues in Istanbul within the framework of the visit aiming at introducing the cultural values, the trade, and tourism potential of Turkey to the foreign countries.

The foreign journalists who will visit Istanbul Stock Exchange (IMKB) during their visit to Istanbul, will give a briefing to the Turkish Industrialists and Businessmen Association (TUSIAD) on Tuesday.

The journalists will later visit Ankara, western Izmir and southern Antalya provinces.

[12] ALLEGATIONS CLAIMING THAT MILITARY OFFICIALS HELD TALKS WITH TERRORIST ORGANIZATION PKK - OFFICE OF GENERAL STAFF: - ''TURKISH ARMED FORCES HAS NEVER ACCEPTED PKK AS AN INTERLOCUTOR DURING ITS STRUGGLE AGAINST TERRORISM''

The statement recalled that relying on testimonies of Abdullah Ocalan, the head of terrorist organization, during the trial on Imrali Island, several press organs issued news reports claiming that military officials held talks with terrorist organization.

The statement underlined, ''As the trial of head of terrorist organization, and the collapse process of the terrorist organization continue, such baseless and unreal news reports were evaluated as an action towards damaging respected image of the Turkish Armed Forces in the public opinion, and caused deep distress among members of the Turkish Armed Forces.''

''As it was pointed out in another statement issued on March 18, 1999 on the issue, the Turkish Armed Forces has never accepted the terrorist organization PKK as an interlocutor during its struggle against terrorism, and will not accept in future. The Turkish Armed Forces will maintain its determined struggle against terrorism with the support of great Turkish nation,'' the statement stressed.

[13] SEAWOLF'99 MANEOUVRES CONTINUES

The Seawolf'99 Maneouvres began on June 1, and will continue till June 25. At the first stage of the maneouvres, various war tactics were exercised. A total of 14 frigates, 15 assault boats, 9 submarines, 8 logistic ships, 6 coast guard boats, and F-4, F-16 war planes belonged to the Air Forces join the Seawolf'99 Maneouvres.

Meanwhile, 13 international observers watch the maneouvres.

[14] OKUYAN, LABOUR AND SOCIAL SECURITY MINISTER: - ''WE WILL COME TOGETHER WITH THE SOCIAL INSTITUTIONS WHEN WE RETURN FROM ILO MEETING''

Okuyan, who participated in the 87th Working Conference of ILO which was held in Geneva, told A.A correspondent that he will submit a dossier concerning the social security reform to the leaders of the parties which set up the coalition and that he will get the approval of the leaders.

Okuyan noted that President Suleyman Demirel has been informed about the studies of the Labour and Social Security Ministry until today but that the draft law on the Social Security Reform has not been completed yet.

Stressing that the social security is the most prior problem of Turkey, Okuyan stated that the social security institutions are foreseen to give a deficit of 2.5 quadrillion Turkish liras in the 1999 budget.

Noting that the social security problem should be solved as soon as possible, Okuyan stressed that he will meet with the social institutions when he returns from ILO meeting.

Okuyan said, ''we aim at collecting all the information notes about the social security which have been written until today and reaching a concencus among the parties. We will try to get assistance and get ideas from the parties to prepare the draft law and will try to fulfil this draft with compromise.''

Okuyan emphasized that he will submit the dossier they prepared firstly to the leaders of the Democratic Left Party (DSP), Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) and the Motherland Party (ANAP) and later will submit it to the Council of Ministers.

Pointing out that he does not want to say anything about the retirement age in the Social Security Agency (SSK), Okuyan said that if he says something about the retirement age, this will mean imposing an age to the parties which form the coalition.

Stressing that the ministry does not have a definite opinion about the retirement age, Okuyan noted that the retirement age will be determined in the end of the work of the technical staff.

[15] GERMANS TO CONSTRUCT A HOLIDAY RESORT IN SOUTHERN ALANYA COUNTY

The resort will be completed in 2000 and the German Bayern Munich football team will be the first guests of the resort.

The Mail Company which bought all the post offices in Germany within the framework of privatization, constructs this resort on 35 acres of land near Alanya county of southern Antalya province.

The resort will include 20 separate blocks and can host three thousand people at one time.

Isa Kuculmez, the Mayor of Kestel region, said that the German Mail Company held the first contacts with Greece but that they persuaded the company to construct the holiday resort in Turkey as a result of their personal initiatives.

Kuculmez added that thousands of German postmen will have a holiday in Kestel as of 2000.

[16] SEAWOLF-99 MANOEUVRE - ADMIRAL ERDIL, FLEET COMMANDER: ''TODAY TURKISH FLEET HAS COME TO SUCH A LEVEL WHICH CAN DO ALL KINDS OF MISSION IN MEDITERRANEAN BOTH IN NATIONAL AND NATO FRAMEWORK''

In his visit to Husnu Tuglu, the Governor of Antalya, Admiral Erdil said that the ''Sea Wolf Manoeuvre, which is one of the planned exercises of the Turkish Naval Forces and which is exercised every year in June, started on June 1 this year by the departure of the ships to the Marmara Sea.''

Noting that the second stage of this manoeuvre has ended with the transfer of the ships to the ports which they will visit, Admiral Erdil said that ''as being the commander of the fleet, we visit Antalya port with seven frigates, six assault-boats, three submarines and other assistant ships. On June 11, we will exercise the shooting activities of the sea exercise by the participation of General Huseyin Kıvrıkoglu, the Chief of General Staff. This manoeuvre is the largest scale national exercise which is administrated by me, planned by the Naval Forces and performed by the Fleet Comandership. We've exercised a very successful and useful training. We've seen the possibilities and talents of the frigates and ships which have recently joined our fleet during this period.''

Tuglu, the Governor of Antalya said in his part that ''if you look at the history of the Naval Forces, you see that it has an honoured past. Our Naval Forces is the guarantee of our country and friends and one of the deterring elements of our enemies.''

[17] ILO LABOUR CONFERENCE - TISK GENERAL SECRETARY PIRLER: ''TURKEY IS ONE OF COUNTRIES WHICH ARE IMPLEMENTING REGULATIONS TO STOP INEQUAILITY BETWEEN WOMEN AND MEN''

In the speech he gave in the 87th Labour Conference of the International Labour Organization (ILO), Pirler stated that world's common goal was to find a ''proper'' job for everyone who is willing to work.

Pirler pointed out that the countries which manage to operate their market economy successfully, increase their competitive power and take part in globalization, are able to offer their citizens better jobs. The U.S., with a growth rate which did not drop below three percent in the last five years, comes first on this list of countries, he added.

The developing countries suffer from problems like hidden unemployment. The social security umbrella is too small and unregistered sectors are very common, Pirler explained and noted that in Turkey the size of unregistered economy is significant. The agriculture sector has a share of 40 percent in civil employment, and this situation causes the hidden unemployment to increase, Pirler said.

Although Turkey is implementing regulations to stop inequality between women and men, the participation of women in work force is still low, Pirler emphasized.

The maximization of interest of social sides depends on developing initiatives and this is gradually appreciated better everywhere in the world. ''There are good signs indicating that this reality is being realized by workers and employers organizations. Maybe because of this reason, in the recent years our country is witnessing a better dialogue between the social sides and relative social peace. The magic words of work life in the last years are dialogue, cooperation, harmony and tolerance,'' he concluded.

[18] ILO LABOUR CONFERENCE - LABOUR AND SOCIAL SECURITY MINISTER MEETS WITH ILO GENERAL DIRECTOR JUAN SOMAVIA

Okuyan told Somavia that he is ready to make any kind of contribution for the materialization of four strategic targets Somavia put in the report.

The priorities of the 57th government programme overlaps with ILO's targets, Okuyan pointed out and summarized these areas as the development of social dialogue, creating employment and development of work regulations.

The Minister stressed that the cooperation between Turkey and ILO must be strengthened and reminded that Turkey successfully completed a part of the projects aiming to prevent child labour.

Turkey is ready to do its share to open ILO Information Center in Ankara as soon as possible, Okuyan said and invited Somavia to the Center's opening.

Okuyan concluded his words by emphasizing the importance of technical cooperation between Turkey and ILO.

[19] 1999 FISCAL YEAR BUDGET SUBMITTED TO PLANNING AND BUDGET COMMISSION - ORAL, MINISTER OF FINANCE: - ''WE, AS THE 57TH GOVERNMENT, TARGETED TO DECREASE THE INFLATION TO ONE-DIGIT-NUMBER RAPIDLY''

Noting that the struggle, which started in 1998, will continue with determination, Oral said, ''a special importance will be attached to our struggle against inflation not to mistreat our low income people.''

Finance Minister Oral presented the 1999 Fiscal Year Budget Draft Law to the Planning and Budget Commission. Minister Oral said that time is the most important obstacle in front of them concerning the process of discussion of the budget which was failed to be concluded in the previous legislative term.

Noting that they preferred the option to renew the incompleted budget law draft instead of preparing a new one, Oral said, ''thus the wholeness of budget will be protected by forming a content appropriate to the 1999 year budget and the policies of the 57th government, a broad time will be gained for preparations of the budget of 2000, the confusions and disorders, which may be created when the two budgets coincide, will be prevented and the opportunity for economy to enter into a new progress by saving itself from expectation and uncertainty will be provided.''

Minister Oral said he strongly believes that the budget will be legalized till the end of June as a result of intense efforts.

Evaluating the world economy, Oral said the crises in Asia and Russia led the foreign investors, who distrusted the emerging markets, escape from those markets. Oral said that the escape resulted in the decrease of values of shares in the stock exchanges, increase in interest rates, increase in borrowing costs, squeeze in demand, decrease in production and increase in unemployment and inflation.

Pointing out that the recession in the world economy is expected to be recovered as of the year 2000, Oral said that those developments in the world economy closely concern and affect the Turkish economy.

Evaluating the Turkish economy, Finance Minister Oral said that a programme, which targeted to provide a lasting decrease in inflation and create stability in macroeconomic balances, was implemented in 1998, and those targets were achieved in the first half of 1999.

Noting that economic activities paused when Turkey entered the atmosphere of elections in the third quarter of 1998, Oral said that the economy started recess in the last quarter of 1998.

Pointing out that the programme, which is being implemented with determination, makes an important contribution to balance the effect of global crisis on Turkey, Oral said that the targets of the programme were mostly achieved.

Finance Minister said the Gross National Product (GNP) growth rate was 3.8 percent and the GNP per capita increased to 3,224 U.S. dollars in 1998.

Noting that the exports increased 2.7 percent to 27 billion U.S. dollars and the imports decreased 5.4 percent to 45.9 billion U.S. dollars last year, Oral said that the foreign trade volume decreased by 2.6 percent while the rate of exports meeting imports increased to 58.7 percent.

Pointing out that in January-March 1999 period, exports increased 10.4 percent to 6 billion U.S. dollars and imports decreased 30.6 percent to 7.8 billion U.S. dollars, Oral said that the foreign trade deficit dropped 60.2 percent to 1.8 billion U.S. dollars.

Finance Minister Oral added that the foreign trade volume decreased 23.1 percent to 13.9 bilion U.S. dollars.

Stating that the gross international reserves, which was 27.2 billion U.S. dollars at the end of 1997, reached 29.5 billion U.S. dollars at the end of 1998, Oral said the total gross reserves at banks were 33.9 billion U.S. dollars as of April 14, 1999 and the Central Bank's foreign exchange reserves were 21.8 billion U.S dollars as of May 28, 1999.

Stressing that the prior target is to decrease the inflation and have the wholesale prices increase decrease to about 50 percent at the end of 1999, Oral said there was only 4.3 points deviation in the target despite the global crisis.

Finance Minister Sumer Oral noted that the total foreign debt stock was 102.7 billion U.S. dollars at the end of 1998.

Pointing out that the total principal and interest amount repaid in foreign borrowing was 12.5 billion U.S. dollars in 1998, Oral said that a total of 3.5 billion U.S. dollars was realized in foreign debt repayment in the first five months of 1999.

Oral added that the domestic borrowing stock reached 15.4 quadrillion Turkish Liras in April 1999.

[20] ILO LABOUR CONFERENCE - MERAL, CHAIRMAN OF TURK-IS: ''SUPPORT EXTENDED BY SOME COUNTRIES TO TERRORIST ORGANIZATION WHICH IS RESPONSIBLE FROM DEATHS OF 30,000 PEOPLE SHOULD END''

Addressing to the General Council of the International Labour Organization (ILO) in the 87th International Labour Conference, Bayram Meral, the Chairman of Turk-Is stated that Turkey is the only secular and the most democratic country in her region, noting that Turkey maintains and strengthens her qualities in spite of the damages of the terrorist organization PKK, which carries out violence against humanity by the support of certain states and which has been collapsed in great extent.

Stressing that by the collapse of the terrorist organization, he believes that important steps will be taken to lift several limitations regarding freedoms and rights to organize in labour unions in Turkey, Meral said that ''the pre-condition of decreasing the unemployment and poverty in my country is carrying out new investments. New investments can only be realized in an atmosphere in which there are no terrorist attacks. This is the only demand of eleven millions of Turkish workers, whom I represent.''

Noting that applications such as privatization and subcontractors impedes the usage of rights and freedoms included in ILO, Meral said that Turkey is one of the few countries which approved the seven basic conventions of ILO, adding the supervision mechanism of ILO has to be made more effective.

Meral added that they expect the new Turkish government to solve problems related to social security and to abolish the impediments that stand in front of the labour union rights of civil servants.

[21] ORAL, MINISTER OF FINANCE: ''BUDGET DEFICIT WILL BE MUCH MORE BIGGER THAN THE AMOUNT WHICH WAS FORESEEN IN THE DRAFT''

''According to the estimations made by taking into consideration the four- month developments, the tax revenues are expected to be below the amount foreseen in the draft,'' he said.

Oral submitted the budget draft law to the Parliamentary Planning and Budget Commission. Oral said the budget deficit is expected to be much more bigger that the amount foreseen in the draft.

''As a result of the evaluations made by taking into consideration the four- month budget implementation, it was understood that there will be deviations from the figures specified in the draft, regarding some appropriation items, especially the borrowing interests and personnel spendings. Thus it is natural that the budget deficit will be much more bigger than the amount targeted in the draft,'' he said.

Oral stated that the tax revenue increased 43.7 percent to 3 quadrillion 286 trillion Turkish Liras in the first four months of the year.

[22] SAHIN, CHAIRMAN OF PARLIAMENTARY PLANNING AND BUDGET COMMISSION: ''WE AIM AT CONCLUDING BUDGET LAW AND BANKS LAW WITHIN THIS MONTH''

Planning and Budget Commission said on Monday that they aim at concluding the Draft Law on Budget for 1999 Financial Year and the Draft Law on Banks within this month.

Addressing a statement in the opening of the Planning and Budget Commission's meeting, Metin Sahin said that they will work hard and aim at concluding the budget and bank laws within this month.

During the afternoon session of the commission and following the presentation of Hikmet Ulugbay, the draft law on Banks will be transferred to the sub-commission, Sahin said, adding the sub-commission which is composed of representatives of all parties, will convene on Tuesday and the draft law will start to be discussed on Wednesday.

[23] TALKS START IN ISTANBUL TO BRING PROBLEM BETWEEN GEORGIA AND ABKHAZIA TO SOLUTION

Ismail Cem, the Foreign Minister will deliver an opening speech at the meeting at noon.

The meeting in Istanbul is also expected to focus on economic, humanitarian and social aspects of the problem besides its political and security facets.

Representatives from the UN, Organization of Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), the U.S., Germany, Britain, France, and Russian Confederation are also participating in the meeting.

Delegations of 25 people both from Georgia and Abkhazia, and delegations of 10 people formed by Georgian and Abkhazian citizens who live in Turkey will also be present at the meetings.

The Abkhazian problem is rooted from the unclear status of Abkhazia which is in Georgian borders and has been waiting for a solution since 1991.

The constitution which Georgia adopted after it gained independence in 1991, doesn't mention the status of Abkhazia and this caused clashes between the separatist powers in Abkhazia and Georgian forces.

UN Observer Military Missionaire for Georgia (UNOMIG) was formed to inspect the implementation of the ceasefire agreement that was signed between the sides on July 27, 1993. Five Turkish officers were also appointed as observers in UNOMIG. Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) Peace Force was deployed in Abkhazia in June 1994 upon the demand of the sides.

Ethnical conflicts brought with itself an important refugee problem and a big part of Georgians had to flee from Abkhazia. Out of the 230 thousand inhabitants of Abkhazia, UNOMIG estimates 90 thousand Abkhazians, 50 thousand Armenians, 40 thousands Russians and Georgians living there.

Prior to the ethnical conflicts, the population of the Georgians was about 240 thousand and Abkhazians was 94 thousand.

The decisions taken in UN, OSCE and other international platforms called for a peaceful solution to the problem and stressed that the territorial integrity, independence and political unity of Georgia must be protected.

The bileteral contacts between Georgian and Abkhazia have been continuing since 1997 under the observence of Ambassador Liviu Bota, the UN Secretary General Special Representative, and with the participation of Russia and OSCE representatives.

[24] ITO DELEGATION TO GO TO TRNC ON TUESDAY

The delegation is headed by Sinan Aygun, the Chairman of ATO Executive Board, and Yuksel Tavsan, the Chairman of ATO Assembly will meet with TRNC Trade Chamber Executive Board members and Chamber Assembly members to talk about cooperation opportunities. The delegation will have a meeting on Tuesday night at Jasmine Court Hotel which will focus on economic issues.

On Wednesday, the Turkish delegation will be accepted by the TRNC President Rauf Denktas; Ertugrul Hasipoglu, the TRNC Parliament Speaker; TRNC Prime Minister Dervis Eroglu; Ertugrul Apakan, Turkish Ambassador in Lefkosa, and Mehmet Bayram, TRNC Minister of Economy and Finance.

The delegation will also visit Aydin Sen, the Turkish Peace Forces Commander, and Ali Nihat Ozeryanli, the TRNC Security Forces Commander before they leave the Island on Friday.

[25] AGROTEC'99 THIRD INTERNATIONAL AGRICULTURE AND AGRICULTURAL TECHNOLOGIES FAIR TO BE ORGANIZED IN ANKARA IN SEPTEMBER

Agrotec is Turkey's biggest agriculture fair and is open to farmers coming from all places in Turkey.

The participating firms will display tractors, seeds, insecticides and veterinary techniques. It was also proposed to embassies to set up their own stands promoting their countries.

Except farmers who come to see the fair, people only who were invited can visit Agrotec'99.

[26] TRIAL OF OCALAN, HEAD OR TERRORIST ORGANIZATION - OZBAY, AN INTERVENOR LAWYER, DENOUNCES DEFENDANT'S LAWYERS TO MUDANYA CHIEF PUBLIC PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE - OZBAY: ''DEFENDANT'S LAWYERS PREFERED TO MAKE THE PROPAGANDA OF PKK INSTEAD OF ATTORNEYSHIP''

In his deposition he submitted to Ayhan Koksal, the Chief Public Prosecutor of Mudanya, Sevket Can Ozbay claimed that eleven defendant lawyers; namely Ercan Kanar, Hasip Kaplan, Niyazi Bulgan, Mahmut Sakar, Irfan Dundar, Hatice Korkut, Mehmet Fehmi Gunes, Mukrime Tepe, Kemal Bilgic, Ender Buyukculha, and Dogan Erbas ''are aiding and abetting the armed gang.''

In his deposition, Ozbay said, ''at the trial, the lawyers of the accused, totally opposite to the statements of their client, attempted to read out a PKK statement and talk about a two-sided war and the victims of the other side of that war. Those lawyers attempted to accuse the Republic of Turkey and show her as a side in that war although the accused they are defending does not want such a thing. Their statement with the headline of 'June 1999, To Press and Public' is the certain proof of this crime. Such attitudes incite the terrorist organization PKK and cause the number of our matryrs increase. These lawyers preferred to make the propaganda of PKK instead of fulfiling their duties and defending their client. The crime of aiding armed gang was openly committed on June 4 and 6 in front of the State Security Court and the press.''

Speaking to reporters, Ozbay stressed that the the Republic of Turkey is a state of law, and that everybody especially the lawyers should be respectful to the laws.

Defending that Ocalan's lawyers ''openly'' committed the acts which are considered as a crime by the laws, Ozbay said he requested the Chief Prosecutor's Office to launch an investigation in accordance with Article 169 of the Turkish Penal Code.

''During my meeting with the Prosecutor, I learned that the document of the denunciation will be sent to the Ankara DGm No: 2 that is trying Abdullah Ocalan on Imrali Island. Probably, a result concerning my deposition will be brought on the island tomorrow.''

[27] TREASURY TO ARRANGE 14-MONTH DEBENTURE BOND TENDER INDEXED TO CPI

At the second tender in June, net 100 trillion Turkish Liras (TL) borrowing was targeted.

Meanwhile, the 14-month real interest rate will be 23.70 percent (annual simple interest rate: 20.31 and annual composite interest rate: 20 percent).

The value date is June 9, 1999 and the maturity is August 9, 2000.

Meanwhile, Treasury will realize a total of 2 quadrillion 509 trillion 223.6 billion TL in domestic borrowing repayment in June 1999.

[28] ABKHAZIA PROBLEM - FM CEM: ''WE WISH AND HOPE THE PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED IN PEACE''

Addressing the openning of the meeting which started in Istanbul and hosted by Turkey for the solution of the problem between Georgia and Abkhazia, Ismail Cem stated that he hopes the meeting concerning the confidence building measures to provide taking of lasting measures in a common field.

Noting that Turkey constitutes a middle way in passage of routes like the Balkans, the Middle East and Caucasus, Cem said that the ancestors of many Turkish citizens are from the Caucasus.

Stressing that this region has the potential of being the energy line, Cem said that ''the stability is not only important for this region, but also for the international society and Turkey.''

Pointing out that Georgia has a strategical importance in respect of transportation routes, Cem said that a new regional cooperation to improve economic relations is needed.

Ismail Cem said that the Geneva Process is promising in respect of contributing to positive developments between the two sides for peace and he thanked to Liviu Bota, the U.N. Secretary General's Special Representative about the issue and the representative of the Russian federation.

Noting that Turkey tries to actively participate in the peace process in this region to which she is bound with historical and cultural links, Cem said that they expect brave steps to be taken regarding confidence-building activities in the meeting.

Cem stressed that the crucial point of the problem is the lack of confidence, adding ''we wish the problem to be solved in peace and we wish to see the region as one of peace, stability and cooperation.''

''We hope this meeting, which is held in Istanbul, having a special status of connecting two continents and civilizations, to be also a bridge between the participants,'' said Cem.

Vaja Lortkipanidze, the Georgian State Minister and the Chairman of the Georgian delegation said in his part that the meeting continues in connection with the Geneva process and this process has transformed into a real one, noting that they expect and hope positive steps and decisions to be taken regarding the solution of the Abkhazian problem to end the tension.

Referring to the issue of the return of refugees, Lortkipanidze stated that unilateral efforts are not enough to realize this and determinations have been realized for few years to make them return to their homes.

Stressing that this issue is the most important problem for themselves,

Lortkipanidze said that they are ready to discuss the issue in a comprehensive way, adding the participation of international society in the negotiations is important.

Responding to questions of press members after the meeting, Cem stressed that the negotiations held between Georgia and Abkhazia are important for Turkey and the Turkish nation.

''This is a geography where Turkey has great relations... Turkey undertakes a pioneer role here. We have been working for a long time to fulfil this. We expect, hope and guess the Georgians and Abkhazians to solve the problems between the two societies and to start a peaceful process. We, as Turkey contribute to this. We attribute importance to this issue and the negotiations.''

[29] ABKHAZIA PROBLEM - ABKHAZIAN HEAD OF DELEGATION BAGAPS: ''WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE IS TO STOP TERRORIST ACTIVITIES''

Sergey Bagaps, the Head of the Abkhazian delegation, in his speech he gave at the meeting, said many people and countries made efforts to find a solution and thanked Turkey and the Foreign Minister Ismail Cem for their involvement.

Speaking of the clashes between Georgia and Abkhazia, Bagaps said the problem will continue if Georgia supports terrorist activities. ''What must be done is to stop terrorist activities,'' he stressed. The problem cannot last forever and peace can only be maintained through an agreement, Bagaps added.

The Abkhazian Head of delegation also stated political and other kinds of pressures should not be applied on Abkhazians and answered allegations of genocide.

Bagaps said such allegations must be directed to those who started the war in 1992 and 1993. Georgia prevents the return of the refugees, he said and added the refugees go back despite terrorism and threats.

Bagaps reminded that half a million Abkhazians lived in Turkey and said Georgia was trying to cut off Abkhazia's ties with the whole world including Turkey.

Liviu Bota, the UN Secretary General's Special Representative stated that it was time to heal the wounds and said the lack of confidence was the biggest obstruction to reach a solution.

Bota added that their goal was to develop contacts between Georgia and Abkhazia and take concrete measures to make cooperation possible between the two sides in various fields.

[30] GEORGIAN-ABKHAZIAN PEACE TALKS - MIRONOV, REPRESENTATIVE OF RUSSIA: ''THE IMPORTANT THING IS THAT THE TWO SIDES CAME TOGETHER AND THEY SEEK CONSENSUS'' - LACOMBE, OSCE'S MISSION CHIEF FOR GEORGIA: ''OSCE IS READY FOR EVERY KIND OF CONFIDENCE BUILDING MEASURES FOR BOTH SIDES''

At the session, which was open to press, of the talks started at the Hilton Hotel in Istanbul to solve the problem between Georgia and Abkhazia, the representatives of the Georgian and Abkhazian delegations and observers expressed their opinions.

Lev Miranov, the representative of Russia which has the ''status of facilitating'' among the ''U.N. Secretary General's Friends Group Countries'', said that it can be possible to solve the problem if the military clashes between the two sides are prevented and the psychological problems are overcome.

Stating that the important thing is that the two sides convened to seek consensus, Mironov stressed the importance of creating confidence building atmosphere for the solution of problems.

Noting that the problems, which should be solved between the two sides, have increased, Mironov said the refugees' returning back to their homelands is one of the most important issues, and they started to return back to their homelands, and he believes the Abkhazian authorities are doing their utmost concerning the issue.

Recalling that the refugees in Gali region feel concern about re-occurance of a clash, Mironov said he hopes progress will be recorded about those issues at the talks.

Ambassador Jean Michel Lacombe, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Georgia Mission Chief, said in his part that he hopes the confidence building atmosphere between the two sides will improve at the talks which will shed light on several humanitarian and concrete issues.

Stressing that the sensitive situation in Gali region may create a danger of clash at any moment, Lacombe said the refugees' returning to their homelands should be facilitated and their security should be provided.

Pointing out that the OSCE decisions should be obeyed during the solution stage of the problem between Georgia and Abkhazia, Lacombe said that OSCE is ready for every kind of confidence building measure for both sides.

Mireille Musso, the French Ambassador to Georgia, said that Turkey is a country where people from different cultures and ethnic structures live together in peace so holding the peace talks in Istanbul is very important.

Musso stated that the solution of the problems between the two sides should be sought in peace.

Pointing out that the most important things between the two sides are the refugees' returning back to their homelands and Georgia's territorial integrity, Musso said those issues should be taken up in a confidence building atmosphere.

[31] SANLIURFA TRADE AND INDUSTRY CHAMBER CHAIRMAN ISMAIL DEMIRKOL: ''TURKEY'S DEVELOPMENT IS POSSIBLE ONLY WITH DEVELOPMENT OF ITS SOUTH EAST''

Demirkol told A.A. that the region holds raw material besides a huge potential and these rich resources were unearthed by the South Eastern Anatolia Project (GAP).

The increasing purchasing capacity of those who live in South East creates a market and this could be a step to reach out to the Turkish Republics and Caucasia.

''Turkey's development is possible only with the development of its South East. Therefore we invite big Turkish firms and businessmen to form partnerships with the region's firms and businessmen. We have some insufficient areas but these are things that are observed in all Turkey. Most important of all, we don't have a terrorism problem. Other flaws in infrastructure will be recovered in time,'' Demirkol explained.

Sanliurfa's biggest problem is transportation, he pointed out and continued:

''Once the construction of Gaziantep-Sanliurfa highway is completed and the GAP international airport which will be used to transport regional products to foreign markets is built, this problem will be removed. As a result, companies and businessmen who invest in South East will make gains.''

[32] DRAFT LAW ON BANKS TRANSFERED TO SUB-COMMISSION

The Planning and Budget Commission will start to discuss the draft law on Wednesday, if the sub-commission can conclude its works and report about the draft.

Addressing the commission, Hikmet Ulugbay, the Minister of State, said that the annulment of the authorization law, which constitutes the basis for the change made by a decree having the effect of law, by the Constitutional Court brought the Law on Banks to the level of discussion.

''This law, and the rules which were arranged in accordance with the authorization law, are legally in effect and there is a right to use them. Thus there is not a legal gap. The law is in force. It is being implemented with its current situation and it will continue to be like that,'' Ulugbay added.

[33] ENERGY LOAN FROM EUROPEAN INVESTMENT BANK

Releasing a statement, TSKB said that the industrial heat and electricity production loan in question will be used in the support of energy investments in the private sector.

In accordance with the loan agreement, the investors are foreseen to produce clean energy to supply their own demands. The private sector companies, which will produce electricity or steam by using combined transformation or cogeneration technologies, can benefit from the loan.

The companies to use the loan should be an autoproductor or have an autoproductor group status. The funds can be appropriated as leasing or loan.

Treasury guaranteed the loan which was obtained from the European Investment Bank.

[34] TURKISH BEER FACTORY IN MOSCOW

The factory was opened by Yuri Lujkov, Moscow Mayor, one of the leading politicians of the country.

Lujkov, who is considered as the most powerful candidate of Presidency elections in the year 2000, at the same time acts as the chairman of a party named the Motherland. Addressing the opening ceremony of the factory, Lujkov said their country needed such kind of investments in that period. He said the sound coming from the factory was like a music for him.

Nedim Narli, Deputy General Director, said the factory in the long term targets getting 10 percent of Russian market.

Efes Pilsen will produce 150 million litre of beer per year and aims to double this capacity within two years.

Efes Pilsen will compete with Baltika and Ocakovskoe, traditional beers of the country, and Viking, one of foreign investors, in Russian market.

Narli said consumption of beer increases every year in Russia, so that beer market in this country was very convenient.

[35] STAGNATION CONTINUES IN AUTOMOTIVE - TOTAL PRODUCTION IN AUTOMOTIVE SECTOR RECESSED IN JANUARY-MAY PERIOD WHEN COMPARED WITH LAST YEAR

A statement of Automotive Industry Association said a total of 28.951 motor vehicles were produced in May, and a total of 97.926 in January-May period.

Motor vehicle production was 32.328 in May in 1998, and 145.813 in January- May period of last year.

Total automobile production in January-May period decreased 31 percent when compared to 1998, and realized as 70,150.

A total of 22.684 automobiles were produced in May in 1998 and a total of 1010 automobiles were produced in January-May period.

Automotive Industry Association officials said automobile importation also decreased 4 percent in January-May period and realized as 38.481.

A.A

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