Anadolu Agency: News in English, 99-06-14

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AA Daily

14 June 1999 Monday

CONTENTS

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

[02] EROGLU, TRNC PRIME MINISTER: ''TRNC WILL BE AN INDEPENDENT STATE AS LONG AS THE WORLD EXISTS''

[03] STATE MINISTER YALOVA SAYS NEW STRATEGY NEEDED FOR PRIVATIZATION IN TURKEY

[04] ECONOMIC COMMISSION MEETING ENDS

[05] CENTRE OF BORON RESERVES IS EMET COUNTY OF KUTAHYA - A TOTAL OF 70 PERCENT OF WORLD BORON RESERVES IN TURKEY

[06] EPHESUS EXCAVATIONS ARE 104 YEARS OLD

[07] TURKEY'S MEDIA MAP PUBLISHED

[08] TURKEY'S CREDIT NOTE - CAVANAUGH, TURKEY ANALYST OF STANDART AND POOR'S, SAYS THEY MAY REVISE TURKEY'S ECONOMIC OUTLOOK AND CREDIT NOTE IN CASE AN AGREEMENT IS SIGNED WITH IMF AND IF MEASURES ARE TAKEN TO ADJUST ITS PUBLIC FINANCE

[09] NATO'S AIR OPERATION AGAINST YUGOSLAVIA - TURKISH F-16 WAR PLANES ACCUMULATE A TOTAL OF 2115 FLIGHT HOURS

[10] ECONOMY AND TRADE ATACHEE OF BRITISH EMBASSY : '' WE MUST INCREASE COOPERATION BETWEEN TURKISH AND BRITISH BUSINESSMEN''

[11] PRIVATIZATION UPPER BOARD MEETING - PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT: ''WE WILL HAVE TO REVIEW THE DISORGANIZATIONS ABOUT PRIVATIZATION AND NEGATIVE CONSEQUENCES STEMMED FROM THE CONSTITUTION, LAW, AND POLICIES''

[12] TRNC PRIME MINISTER EROGLU: - ''WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR MR. ECEVIT, ANATOLIAN PEOPLE, AND TURKISH ARMY WHICH CARRIED OUT PEACE OPERATION IN 1974''

[13] OZMEN, GOVERNOR OF KILIS, AND MIRO, GOVERNOR OF ALEPPO, HOLD MEETINGS

[14] TURKISH WARSHIPS IN TRNC HARBOURS

[15] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT RECEIVES TADA DELEGATION

[16] NATIONAL DEFENSE MINISTER CAKMAKOGLU DUE IN FRANCE

[17] TURKISH BUSINESSMEN DELEGATION IN HONG KONG

[18] IMF DELEGATION TO COME TO TURKEY

[19] PRIVATIZATION UPPER BOARD MEETING ENDS - STATE MINISTER YALOVA: - ''PRIVATIZATION PROJECTS WILL CONTINUE''

[20] CHANGE IN STRUCTURE OF DGMs - JUSTICE MINISTER SAYS CHANGE AT DGMs DOES NOT TARGET A ''SPECIFIC PERSON''

[21] INTERNATIONAL ENERGY CONFERENCE - ISTANBUL TO HOST CONFERENCE ON ''STORY OF THREE SEAS: ENERGY FUTURE OF CASPIAN, BLACK SEA, AND MEDITERRANEAN''

[22] ENVIRONMENT MINISTER FEVZI AYTEKIN TO REPRESENT TURKEY AT THE WHO CONFERENCE

[23] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT RECEIVES TADA DELEGATION - NUZHET KANDEMIR, FORMER TURKISH AMBASSADOR TO U.S. - ''MR. ECEVIT WILL PAY A VISIT TO WASHINGTON D.C. IN SEPTEMBER''

[24] THE HUMANITARIAN AID FOUNDATION SENDS FOOD AID TO KOSOVO

[25] COOPERATIVE PARTNER-99 MANOEUVRES START - 36 BATTLESHIPS FROM 8 COUNTRIES PARTICIPATE IN MANOEUVRES

[26] TURKISH-FRENCH BUSINESS COUNCIL JOINT MEETING - PERIGOT, CHAIRMAN OF FRENCH SIDE OF COUNCIL: - ''WHY SHOULD TURKEY NOT BE THE NUMBER ONE PARTNER OF TURKEY'' - CHAUVET, GENERAL DIRECTOR OYAK RENAULT: ''WE OVERCAME EIGHT CRISES IN TURKEY, NOW WE ARE THE LEADER OF THE MARKET'' - MARTIN, GENERAL DIRECTOR DANONESA: ''TURKEY IS A SCHOOL OF COMPETITION'' - COUSSERAN, FRENCH AMBASSADOR: ''TURKEY IS A REAL EUROPEAN COUNTRY''

[27] ISLAMIC COUNTRIES INTER-PARLIAMENTARY UNION MEETING

[28] RICCIARDONE, THE U.S. SPECIAL COORDINATOR RESPONSIBLE FOR TRANSITION PERIOD IN IRAQ, HOLDS CONTACTS IN ANKARA

[29] ERTUGRULOGLU, FOREIGN AND DEFENSE MINISTER OF TRNC: - ''G-8'S INVITATION FOR TALKS WITHOUT PRE-CONDITIONS IS MEANINGFUL''

[30] PRIVATIZATION UPPER BOARD MEETING ENDS - YALOVA, MINISTER OF STATE: - ''WE HAVE DISCUSSED THE PRIVATIZATION PROJECTS WHICH HAVE BEEN CONTINUING SINCE 1985''

[31] FRENCH DELEGATION VISITS TUSIAD

[32] GUREL, STATE MINISTER RECEIVES TADA DELEGATION

[33] OGER, CHAIRMAN OF GERMAN-TURKISH FOUNDATION MEETS WITH OTO SCHILY, GERMAN INTERIOR MINISTER: ''AS BEING A EUROPEAN COUNTRY, YOU MUST SOLVE PROBLEM OF GREECE''

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

HURRIYET (LIBERAL)

TELEPHONE TAPPING LAW
The draft law regarding 'organized crime and telephone tapping' is on the Government's agenda. According to the draft which was prepared by the Parliament Justice Commission during the last government's administration, the telephones can be tapped for three months by judge's decision. This period can be prolonged twice by the court which could reach to nine months.

MILLIYET (LIBERAL)

METALLICA ENTHUSIASM IN ISTANBUL
Metallica, a famous heavy metal music band, came to Istanbul again. Metallica gave a concert in Ali Sami Yen Stadium for three hours and entertained all its fans in the concert which were about 20,000. Metallica earlier came to Turkey five years ago.

TRNC STARTS TO INVESTIGATE OFF-SHORE BANKS
Mehmet Bayram, the Economy and Finance Minister of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) said that the claims saying that money is laundered in off-shore banks in TRNC are not true. Bayram noted that off-shore banks don't have any connection with the TRNC, adding ''these banks can't accept any deposits from TRNC, they can't transfer money without the permission of the government. Therefore, no transaction can be connected with the country.'' Pointing out that they prepare draft laws on off-shore banks and casinos in TRNC, Bayram said, ''these laws will be enacted soon.''

SABAH (LIBERAL)

IMF DELEGATION DUE IN TURKEY TOMORROW
The delegation of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) will come to Turkey tomorrow within the framework of their annual evaluation studies. The delegation will hold contacts with Istanbul Chamber of Industry (ISO), Istanbul Chamber of Commerce (ITO), the Banks Union and many private sector and finance circles in Istanbul between June 15 and 16. Later, IMF delegation will hold contacts with Treasury, State Planning Institution (DPT), Finance Ministry, Central Bank and Privatization Administration in Ankara.

NEW TARGET IN PRIVATIZATION: 2 BILLION U.S. DOLLARS
The Supreme Board of Privatization (OYK) will convene today with a critical agenda. The bureaucrats of the OYK will propose the revision of the targets of 1999 and will discuss their recipes which will accelerate the privatization. The predicted value of the revenues of 1999 will nearly be two billion U.S. dollars.

CUMHURIYET (LEFT)

TANTAN: ''POLICE WILL BE MODERN''
Sadettin Tantan, Minister of Interior, said the debates related with his ministry stemmed from the negligence of the organization for 20 years. Tantan said the target was not the organization but the people. ''Police will be modern. The first step to realize this would be to prevent politics from entering to the ministry.''

RADIKAL (LEFT)

PRESIDENT DEMIREL TO BE AWARDED BY AZERBAIJAN WITH ''INDEPENDENCE MEDAL''
President Suleyman Demirel will be awarded by Azerbaijan with ''Independence Medal'' which is the most honourable reward of Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan said that Demirel deserves this award because he has always supported the independence and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, contributed to development of friendship between Turkey and Azerbaijan and launched efforts for the solution of the Karabakh conflict and strengthening of unity and solidarity among Turkish speaking countries.

TÜRKİYE (RIGHT)

HEAVY RAINSTORM CAUSES DAMAGE
Heavy rainstorm in Ayas county of Ankara and its surroundings caused damage in cultivated areas. The rain that started at 16:30 local time in Ayas, which is known as the fruit and vegetable store of Ankara, caused serious damage on vegetables and fruits. It is not yet clear if there are casualties in the heavy rainstorm which lasted for half an hour. Several fields are inunduated.

ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)

VIRTUAL EDUCATION STARTING
Education through the internet which the Higher Education Council (YOK) has been working on for a long time, will start in September. The students who study through the internet will pay secondary prices and the test results will be announced by e-mail. All courses will be given in Turkish. The programme will be supported by television, telephone, and similar communication devices.

[02] EROGLU, TRNC PRIME MINISTER: ''TRNC WILL BE AN INDEPENDENT STATE AS LONG AS THE WORLD EXISTS''

Addressing the opening ceremony of ''Dervis Eroglu boulevard'' which was constructed by Yenisehir municipality, Eroglu briefed about the developments related with Cyprus and noted that although the world saw TRNC state, it pretended not to see.

''TRNC has whatever a state has to have. The ones who have come from various countries of the world noticed that they have come to another state. Yet, they continue their insistence not to recognize TRNC,'' Eroglu said, adding that whatever the world says, TRNC has given its decision, and founded its independent state. It has announced its determination to consolidate its state, Eroglu added.

Meanwhile, Orhan Tasanlar, Bursa Governor, said they appreciated Eroglu's struggle in this rightful case in Cyprus, and pointed out that ''our rightful case will succeed in the end.''

[03] STATE MINISTER YALOVA SAYS NEW STRATEGY NEEDED FOR PRIVATIZATION IN TURKEY

The privatization will be ''open, transparent, equal for everyone, honest, and will not cause any disputes'', Yalova stated and stressed that privatization is essential for Turkish economy. ''The way that privatization is implemented brought up some disputes, but everyone agrees on its vitality,'' the Minister noted.

Yalovo said a new strategy must be used for privatization and added that privatization must not be a goal, but a way to restructure the economy.

''Turkish economy has been following an unstable route because of political instability and April 18 elections. These flaws must be immediately removed and the necessary measures must be taken. Economy must gain acceleration. Privatization is an important part of economy. Turkey must accomplish a healthy privatization,'' Yalova explained.

Pointing out to the need to create an ''International Arbitration Board'' especially in the field of energy for better privatization, Yalova said they are planning on a constitutional change on this matter.

''Privatization must take its place in the Constitution without damaging Turkey's sovereignty rights,'' defended the Minister who also pointed to the importance of a calendar that will be formed by Privatization Higher Board (OYK).

Speaking of ''transparency'', Yalova said, ''this doesn't mean that the previous implementations were not transparent. However, there must be no secrets, mysteries, or speculations left on this issue.''

[04] ECONOMIC COMMISSION MEETING ENDS

The meeting which was held at the Prime Ministry lasted for four and a half hours.

The participants discussed the budget of 1999, the subsidies for cereals, the improvement of the border trade, and the draft laws that will be submitted to the parliament.

The Prime Ministry Press Centre statement which was issued after the meeting said that the participants gave information about the discussions on the budget of 1999, and evaluated the technical information about the subsidies for cereals which will be given to the Council of Ministers.

Hikmet Ulugbay, Tunca Toskay, Yuksel Yalova, Mehmet Kececiler; the State Ministers; Sumer Oral, Finance Minister; Husnu Yusuf Gokalf, Agriculture and Rural Affairs Minister; and Ahmet Kenan Tanrikulu, Industry and Trade Minister; participated in the meeting.

[05] CENTRE OF BORON RESERVES IS EMET COUNTY OF KUTAHYA - A TOTAL OF 70 PERCENT OF WORLD BORON RESERVES IN TURKEY

Unal Alinc, Director General of Emet Etibor Corp., said that 70 percent of the world boron reserves are situated in Turkey.

Addressing a statement in the boron factory which is being constructed in Emet county of the Aegean Kutahya province, Alinc noted that there are rich boron ore beds in the U.S., China, and Argentine, except Turkey.

Recalling that Turkish boron ores were found in Bigadic county of Balikesir province in 1900, in Mustafakemalpasa in 1954, in Emet and Hisarcik counties in 1956, and in Seyitgazi and Kirka in 1968, Alinc stated that the boron was processed and sold by Eti Holding.

Alinc stressed that the boron is used in textile, enamel, glass, dye, chemical substance, ceramics, fertilizer, photograph, medicine, cosmetics, soap, and detergent industries, and in nucleer practices.

Alinc emphasized that a total of 200,000 tons of boron were produced in 1998 and that Emet Etibor Corp. sold boron mineral worth of seven trillion Turkish liras in 1998.

A ton of boron mineral which is defined as ''the mineral of the century'' is sold for 180 U.S. dollars.

[06] EPHESUS EXCAVATIONS ARE 104 YEARS OLD

A new protection project will be realized in the ancient Ephesus site under the presidency of Prof.Dr. Friedrich Krinzinger, Head of Austrian Archeology Institute.

The new excavations which will be carried out by 40 workers and 280 Turkish and foreign scientists, carry importance because these are the last excavations before the year 2000.

The team which will carry out the excavations this year, gave importance to the excavations in Yamac Evleri (Slope Houses). A project was prepared for these houses which were constructed for the distinguished people in the period of King Augustus.

Although these houses whose walls are full of frescos and decorative colorful marbles were restorated for many times, the restorations in the roofs of these houses which were made in 1980 did not give the desired result.

Later, a commission which was set up by the officials of Austrian Science Ministry, Culture Ministry, Friends of Ephesus Association, Austrian Archeology Museum, Austrian Sciences Academy, decided to realize the project which was chosen in the end of the international competition held in 1995.

The project which aims at covering the roof which is nearly 4,000 square metres staying faithful to the original, is expected to cost two and a half trillion Turkish liras.

Meanwhile, the restorations and excavations in Ancient Theatre, Tomb of Lucas, Agora, Paulos Inn, and Mother Mary Church are underway.

The officials gave importance to the documentation and laboratory studies this year. A publication which will cover the new findings in the Ephesus and the history of this ancient site, will be published within the framework of these efforts.

A booklet about the plastic works of the ancient Ephesus Site will also be prepared this year.

[07] TURKEY'S MEDIA MAP PUBLISHED

According to the report which is based on 1998 figures, the national and local media are stronger in cities like Istanbul and Ankara where the income level and population are higher. The report includes Turkey's media map which shows 3,500 publications, 1,056 radio and 280 tv channels. One important result of the report is that Istanbul's local media controls Turkey's national media.

Istanbul, with a population of almost 10 million, is the center of national radio and television channels as well as printed publications. There is a total of 964 publications, 128 radio and 29 television channels in Istanbul. Istanbul comes first on the list of national publications with 94 national newspapers and 518 national magazines. Ankara and Izmir follow Istanbul on the list.

Ankara, on the other hand, comes first on the local level with its local 663 publications. Izmir and Istanbul come the second and third in this category. Kayseri, Icel, Adana, and Bursa are other provinces which have a high number of local publications. There are also cities which do not have any or only one local newspaper like Bingol, Mus, and Sirnak. The Gross National Domestic Product is below Turkey's average in these places. Centers which are close to metropolitans like Yalova, Kirklareli, Kirikkale, and Kocaeli do not have any local newspapers or magazines although the income level is high.

The distribution of radio stations which totals to 1,056, on the other hand, depends on the population rather than the income level. Sinop and Tunceli have no local radio stations. Tunceli and Sinop with a population drop of 62 and 27 percent are discouraging areas for those who plan to open radio stations.

Provinces like Tunceli, Ardahan, and Bayburt which have low populations have no television channels.

There is a total of 35 national, 230 local, and 15 regional television channels currently broadcasting all through out Turkey, including the unregistred channels.

[08] TURKEY'S CREDIT NOTE - CAVANAUGH, TURKEY ANALYST OF STANDART AND POOR'S, SAYS THEY MAY REVISE TURKEY'S ECONOMIC OUTLOOK AND CREDIT NOTE IN CASE AN AGREEMENT IS SIGNED WITH IMF AND IF MEASURES ARE TAKEN TO ADJUST ITS PUBLIC FINANCE

Speaking to A.A correspondent Cavanaugh evaluated developments related with the new government and Turkey's economy, and pointed out that public finance deficit was the reason of high inflation that is the most important problem of Turkey.

Cavanaugh stressed that in case public finance deficit is adjusted, inflation would drop and noted that required financial measures should be taken to this end.

Recalling that Turkey took appropriate measures and signed ''Staff Monitoring'' agreement with the IMF last year, Cavanaugh said they disclosed Turkey's economic outlook as ''positive'' in August 1998.

Cavanaugh said fiscal discipline started to be spoilt as of the end of 1998, adding that upon that they had to change Turkey's economic outlook from ''positive'' to ''stable'' at the beginning of the year.

Pointing out that an agreement that may be signed with IMF may be effective on Turkey's note to an extend, Cavanaugh said the important thing was to provide public finance balance, and stressed that such developments are elements that may change Turkey's economic outlook and credit note.

Cavanaugh pointed out that they knew that Banks Law was discussed in the Parliament, adding that issuing of this law would be a positive development for Turkey. She said reforms, mainly social security, which will provide structural adjustments, were very important for Turkey.

S and P had not changed its ''B'' not given to Turkey lately in December 1996, yet turned economic outlook from ''positive'' to ''stable'' in January 1999.

[09] NATO'S AIR OPERATION AGAINST YUGOSLAVIA - TURKISH F-16 WAR PLANES ACCUMULATE A TOTAL OF 2115 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 23 hours June 13.

Meanwhile, a total of 920.127 Kosovar people were forced to leave their homes so far as a result of ethnic cleansing campaign in Kosovo. According to the latest figures, there are 17,541 refugees in Turkey; 50 thousand in Serbia; 69,400 in Montenegro; 444,200 in Albania; 244.300 in Macedonia; 21, 700 in Bosnia-Herzegovina, and 72,986 in other countries.

The officials said that no new refugees have entered to Turkey in the last 24 hours.

A total of 7,617 Kosovars have been sheltered at Gaziosmanpasa Refugee Camp in Kirklareli.

[10] ECONOMY AND TRADE ATACHEE OF BRITISH EMBASSY : '' WE MUST INCREASE COOPERATION BETWEEN TURKISH AND BRITISH BUSINESSMEN''

Macpherson who visited Trabzon Trade and Industry Chamber (TTSO), met with Mazhar Afacan, the Chairman of the Administration Board, and businessmen.

''Development of the existing trade relations with Turkey became Britain's government policy. An agreement was signed between the two governments on May 13 in the framework of a three year campaign which started last year. Our goal will be to search for cooperation opportunities between Turkish and British businessmen,'' she explained.

Afacan reminded that the number of exporters in Trabzon increased to 1000 from only 4 in the beginning of 1990's. ''All we want is capital. There is nothing we cannot do once we have capital,'' he stressed.

Macpherson was later briefed about the industry and trade potential in Trabzon and advantages of trade with the CIS countries.

[11] PRIVATIZATION UPPER BOARD MEETING - PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT: ''WE WILL HAVE TO REVIEW THE DISORGANIZATIONS ABOUT PRIVATIZATION AND NEGATIVE CONSEQUENCES STEMMED FROM THE CONSTITUTION, LAW, AND POLICIES''

Addressing the opening remarks of the Privatization Upper Board (OYK) meeting, Ecevit said they will take pains in carrying out an intense work from now on, recalling that several positive steps were taken in privatization, and several changes were made by the 55th and 56th governments.

Ecevit stated that in those periods, transparency was provided to great extent, and the building lands of the privatized Public Economic Enterprises (SEEs) were decided to be exposed to a separate privatization process.

''However, it has to be admitted that there could not be positive and sufficient result despite all of these. There has not been a sufficient support from the public opinion to privatization. However, this was not caused by the attitude of the Privatization Administration Board (OIB). OIB has carried out a very productive and positive performance. Thus, I congratulate Mr. Ugur Bayar and his personnel. However, it is clear that there are some mistakes in order and system. These should absolutely be discussed and removed,'' Ecevit mentioned.

Noting that there were some obstacles and difficulties in privatization stemming from the Costitution and law, Ecevit said, ''thus, I think it will be very beneficial if the system will be reviewed.''

Pointing out that workers think that privatization has the same meaning with unemployment, Ecevit said this dimension of the issue should also be discussed.

Ecevit stated that he will explain his opinions about the issue to the OYK and ask the OIB to carry out a new work about the issue.

Responding to a question about the ''Privatization Schedule'', Ecevit said the schedule will be determined according to the results of the mentioned research.

''The acceleration of the schedule is very beneficial. However, it is seen that the current speed is insufficient in the existing system. The privatization revenues have been equalled to the privatization spendings. Thus, the privatizations has lost its meaning. I hope we'll make a more productive arrangement as soon as possiblle by reviewing these issues objectively,'' Ecevit added.

[12] TRNC PRIME MINISTER EROGLU: - ''WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR MR. ECEVIT, ANATOLIAN PEOPLE, AND TURKISH ARMY WHICH CARRIED OUT PEACE OPERATION IN 1974''

Eroglu visited Orhan Tasanlar, the Governor of Bursa, and Erdogan Bilinser, the Mayor of Bursa, this morning.

Addressing the meeting, Eroglu emphasized that they overcame all difficulties with the help of Turkish people. He added that although the world does not recognize them, the Turkish Cypriots maintain their independence with support of Turkey.

Noting that they endeavour to make the TRNC recognized by the international community, Eroglu added, ''there was bloodshed between the two communities on the island. There are two separate states on Cyprus and there is no chance to live together. As TRNC, we do not have a hostile attitude on Cyprus. Our relations with the Greek Cypriot side will resume as soon as our existence is recognized. The Orthodoxes are continuing the carnage which they committed against Turkish Cypriots in the past, now in Kosovo. All these bitter experiences have justified the fact once again that the two states should live separately on the island.''

Bilenser stressed that Mr. Ecevit's determination had played an important role in TRNC's struggle to gain her independence, adding, ''Turkish Cypriots living on Cyprus have survived thanks to Prime Minister Ecevit's determination.''

[13] OZMEN, GOVERNOR OF KILIS, AND MIRO, GOVERNOR OF ALEPPO, HOLD MEETINGS

Ozmen told A.A correspondent that their meetings were very positive and that they had agreed upon cooperation in commercial, industrial, cultural, and sports fields in the end of the inter-delegationary meetings which were held in Aleppo.

Emphasizing that the studies of the commissions for preparing a draft protocol are underway, Ozmen said, ''the commissions decided to open exhibitions between the two countries, to arrange sports and cultural activities, to benefit from the experiences of the Kilis organized industrial region to set up an organized industrial region in Aleppo.''

Ozmen noted that they discussed giving priority to information, setting up joint commissions and determining the joint venture fields.

''We also discussed the face-to-face meeting of the relatives who are living in Kilis and Aleppo in the religious feasts. Thus, we decided that the relatives can meet each other in the first day of the religious feast in Turkey, and on the second day in Syria,'' Ozmen added.

Stressing that they aim at improving the good neighbourly relations with Syria, Ozmen stated that the draft protocol will be signed with Miro who will arrive in Kilis in the following days.

Ozmen added that his visit to Aleppo is the first serious meeting which aims at improving the good neighbourly relations between the governors of the border cities.

[14] TURKISH WARSHIPS IN TRNC HARBOURS

The ships which are under the command of Admiral Mustafa Ozbey will anchor at TRNC harbours until June 17, 1999 and will be open to the visit of the Turkish Cypriots.

Ozbey and the commanders of the ships will visit Rauf Denktas, TRNC President; Ertugrul Apakan, Turkish Ambassador to Lefkosa; and General Aydin Sen, Commander of Turkish Cypriot Peace Forces, today.

Two submarines, two assault boats anchored at Girne Harbour while two frigates and two submarines anchored at Gazimagosa Harbour.

The ships will depart from TRNC on Thursday.

[15] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT RECEIVES TADA DELEGATION

Nuzhet Kandemir, the former Turkish Ambassador to the U.S.; Tansu Okandan, the Director General of the Political Affairs Department of the Foreign Ministry; and Umit Pamir, the Prime Ministry Adviser for Foreign Affairs, were also in attendance at the meeting.

Meanwhile, within the framework of their contacts in Ankara, the TADA delegation was given a brifing by officials at the U.S. Embassy in Ankara.

The delegation also visited the Israeli Embassy in Ankara.

[16] NATIONAL DEFENSE MINISTER CAKMAKOGLU DUE IN FRANCE

Cakmakoglu is scheduled to meet with Alain Richard, the French Defense Minister, on June 16.

Meeting between the two defense ministers are expected to focus on the defense industry projects between the two countries, Turkey's concerns over security and defense identity of Europe, and Kosovo crisis.

Cakmakoglu who will visit the ''Space and Aviation Fair, is also expected to make observations in the Eurocopter, Dassault, Matra, and Aerospatiale firms.

He will return to Turkey on June 17.

The Eurocopter firm is interested in Turkey's defense tender envisaging purchase of 145 helicopters which costs five billion U.S. dollars.

France also watches closely the modern tank production tender in Turkey. The modern tank production project where the French Leclers tanks also take place, includes at least 800 tanks. The project is expected to cost 3.5 billion U.S. dollars.

Meanwhile, talks are underway between Turkey and France on the production of medium-range missiles.

Draft resolution regarded with the so-called genocide on Armenian people, which was adopted by the French Parliament last year, had escalated tension in diplomatic relations between Paris and Ankara. Following Turkey's harsh response, the French government had decided to postpone the draft resolution which needs approval of the Senate to become law.

[17] TURKISH BUSINESSMEN DELEGATION IN HONG KONG

A seminar titled ''Turkish economy, joint ventures and business opportunities'' was held in the second day of the visit of Turkish delegation.

Addressing a speech in the seminar, Avni Ozcan called on Monday the businessmen of Hong Kong to make investments in Turkey.

Ozcan said that Hong Kong has a giant investment potential and that Turkey wants to benefit from this potential; adding that Turkey aims at improving the trade with Hong Kong.

Tarik Yalvac, Turkish Chief Consul in Hong Kong, said that the relations between Turkey and Hong Kong improved in the last one and a half years.

Drawing the attention that Hong Kong will be an intermediary economic region in the commercial relations of Turkey in the Far East, Yalvac noted that first of all Turkey should be introduced well because a country which is not introduced well, cannot make an investment.

Anna Lei, Deputy Chairman of Hong Kong Trade Improvement Council, said that the exports of Turkey to Hong Kong increased despite the global crisis; adding that the participation of more than 100 Hong Kong companies is the indicator of the interest in Turkey.

Manohar Chug, Head of European Committee of the Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce, pointed out that Turkey is an entrance door to the markets of the surrounding countries, adding that the tourism and business contacts between the two countries can improve if the Turkish Airlines (THY) arranges flights to Hong Kong.

Turkish and Hong Kong businessmen made bilateral meetings following the seminar.

Meanwhile, the trading volume between Turkey and Hong Kong was 405.9 million U.S. dollars in 1997 but the exports reduced to 144.3 million U.S. dollar and the imports decreased to 284.8 million U.S. dollars in 1998 due to the global crisis.

The iron-steel products are the main products which are exported from Turkey to Hong Kong while the watches, machines, the spare parts of radios, and televisions, and electronical instruments are the main items imported from Hong Kong.

[18] IMF DELEGATION TO COME TO TURKEY

The delegation will first meet the Istanbul Industry Chamber (ISO), Istanbul Trade Chamber (ITO), the Banks Union, and representatives of the private sector and finance circles and come to Ankara on June 17. The delegation will hold meetings at Treasury, State Planning Institution, Finance Ministry, Central Bank, and Privatization Administration Board, and collect information about the developments on Article 4 consultation activities that occured since last year.

Willy Kiekens, the IMF's Executive Director of European region stated that he will participate in the last part of meetings of IMF delegation. The ''first tour'' meetings between the IMF delegation and the new Government on Article 4 will form a base for an agreement, Kiekens noted. ''If we observe a determination on structural reforms and anti-inflation policies during the first tour meetings with the government, we can later have an agreement and provide financial support to Turkey. The approval of economic policies in the Parliament will indicate the government's determination,'' he said.

In the meantime, it is reported that the government will receive ''green light'' even if it cannot find financial support from the IMF. IMF's ''green light'' to Turkey will give positive messages to international circles and this will enable Turkey to borrow and decrease the cost of borrowing.

The IMF delegation will leave Turkey on June 28.

[19] PRIVATIZATION UPPER BOARD MEETING ENDS - STATE MINISTER YALOVA: - ''PRIVATIZATION PROJECTS WILL CONTINUE''

Addressing journalists after meeting of the Privatization Upper Board, Yalova pointed out that proposals for constitutional changes concerning the legal obstacles on privatization, will be brought onto agenda of the Board of Ministers as soon as possible.

Yalova told reporters, ''these proposals will be submitted to approval of the parliament after being discussed by the Board of Ministers. Within the framework of Privatization Upper Board's works which were considered as very successful by Prime Minister Ecevit, a package was presented at today's meeting. Subjects that take place within the scope of privatization for 1999, will be taken up at the next meeting of the Privatization Upper Board.''

[20] CHANGE IN STRUCTURE OF DGMs - JUSTICE MINISTER SAYS CHANGE AT DGMs DOES NOT TARGET A ''SPECIFIC PERSON''

The Parliamentary Constitutional Commission started to discuss the proposal for a change in Article 143 of the Constitution.

Addressing the meeting, Turk said that two of the five members of the DGMs were military judges in accordance with the 1961 Constitution, and one of the three members of the DGMs is a military judge in accordance with the 1982 Constitution.

Hikmet Sami Turk stated that the presence of a military judge at the DGM has always been discussed, but such an attitude is not true as the Supreme Court is the aouthority for the appeal of the decisions given by the DGMs.

Noting that defining the change as an ''arrangement to civilianize the DGMs'' is also not true, Turk said, ''the arrangement will be the replacement of the military judge with a civil one.''

Justice Minister Hikmet Sami Turk said that there are 20 DGMs in 20 provinces, and 18 of them are currently active.

Hikmet Sami Turk noted that Turkey signed the Human Rights Universal Charter in 1948; she accepted the European Human Rights Charter in 1950, and lastly she accepted the European Court of Human Rights' authority as binding in 1989.

Recalling that some decisions of the DGMS were brought to the European Court of Human Rights with charges that ''there is a military judge at these courts so these decisions did not suit the fair judgement'', Turk said that the change couldn't be adopted as there was an atmosphere of elections although the preparations for the constitutional change reached the final stage by taking into consideration the reasons of the decisions of the European Court of Human Rights.

''The allegations, which were put forward concerning the timing of the constitutional change, did not have any rightful reason,'' Turk stressed.

Turk stated that there are currently a total of 7,022 cases in the DGMs, and that the change does not have a direct connection with the case on Imrali Island.

Noting that Turkey has to adpot a constitutional change in the structure of the DGMs within the framework of her commitments and the agreements she signed, Hikmet Sami Turk said, ''this change does not target a specific person.''

Turk emphasized that the verdict to be given by the DGM which deals with the case on Imrali Island should not be defined as the verdict of a dependent court.

Stressing that the decisions given by military judges are also just, Turk said the constitutional change aimed at bringing the Turkish law into international norms.

[21] INTERNATIONAL ENERGY CONFERENCE - ISTANBUL TO HOST CONFERENCE ON ''STORY OF THREE SEAS: ENERGY FUTURE OF CASPIAN, BLACK SEA, AND MEDITERRANEAN''

Presidents of Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Egypt; prime ministers, energy ministers, and bureaucrats of several regional countries have been invited to the conference which will be held under the auspices of President Suleyman Demirel.

Nearly 400 businessmen from different countries are also expected to attend the conference.

[22] ENVIRONMENT MINISTER FEVZI AYTEKIN TO REPRESENT TURKEY AT THE WHO CONFERENCE

Fevzi Aytekin, the Environment Minister, and a group of experts from the Environment and Health Ministries, will represent Turkey at the WHO Conference which will be in British capital London between June 16-18.

Meanwhile, health and environment ministers of 51 European countires who will come together within the framework of the conference, are expected to sign a protocol aiming at preventing water pollution.

[23] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT RECEIVES TADA DELEGATION - NUZHET KANDEMIR, FORMER TURKISH AMBASSADOR TO U.S. - ''MR. ECEVIT WILL PAY A VISIT TO WASHINGTON D.C. IN SEPTEMBER''

Addressing journalists after Prime Minister Ecevit received the Turkish American Associations Assembly (TADA) delegation, Kandemir said, ''Ecevit told the members of the delegation that he will pay a visit to Washignton D.C. in September, and he will bring the issue of promotion of Turkey onto agenda during his contacts in the U.S. capital.''

Mark Parris, the U.S. Ambassador to Turkey, had conveyed the U.S. President Bill Clinton's letter inviting Ecevit to Washington D.C., on June 11.

Meanwhile, Tolga Cubukcu, the Chairman of the TADA, said that they told Prime Minister Ecevit at the meeting that they encounter with difficulties on the promotion of Turkey.

Cubukcu said that Turkey cannot introduce herself in the U.S. against several other lobbies.

Pointing out that the U.S. public opinion does not know about Turkey's policies towards actual problems such as Cyprus question and the Kosovo crisis, Cubukcu noted that they have demanded Ecevit's support for promotion of Turkey in the U.S.

[24] THE HUMANITARIAN AID FOUNDATION SENDS FOOD AID TO KOSOVO

Responding to questions of the A.A correspondent, Osman Atalay, Spokesman of the IHH, said that they have sent 134 container trucks of food aid to the Kosovar refugees so far since the beginning of the NATO's air operation against Yugoslavia.

Pointing out that return of Kosovar refugees to their homes can take three or four months, Atalay called on Turkish people to maintain aid for Kosovar people.

Atalay noted that six of the trucks have set out for Albanian, and six others are heading towards Macedonia.

The food aid includes 29 tonnes of liquid oil, macaroni, sugar, milk, beans, 122 tonnes of flour, 5 tonnes of milk powder, and 5 tonnes of tinned fish.

[25] COOPERATIVE PARTNER-99 MANOEUVRES START - 36 BATTLESHIPS FROM 8 COUNTRIES PARTICIPATE IN MANOEUVRES

A total of 36 battleships from Turkey, Georgia, Greece, U.S., Romania, Ukraine, and France, are participating in the manoeuvres.

The NATO officials briefed the commanders of the participant vessels on the manoeuvres, and also the vessel commanders and high-level personnel held mutual official contacts.

The participant vessels will put out to the Black Sea on Wednesday and perform the the war scenerios which were earlier planned.

The Cooperative Partner-99, which was planned to help the integration of the PFP countries into the NATO, will continue till June 28.

Turkey is participating in the manoeuvres with one frigate, two mine- sweepers, and three assault boats.

[26] TURKISH-FRENCH BUSINESS COUNCIL JOINT MEETING - PERIGOT, CHAIRMAN OF FRENCH SIDE OF COUNCIL: - ''WHY SHOULD TURKEY NOT BE THE NUMBER ONE PARTNER OF TURKEY'' - CHAUVET, GENERAL DIRECTOR OYAK RENAULT: ''WE OVERCAME EIGHT CRISES IN TURKEY, NOW WE ARE THE LEADER OF THE MARKET'' - MARTIN, GENERAL DIRECTOR DANONESA: ''TURKEY IS A SCHOOL OF COMPETITION'' - COUSSERAN, FRENCH AMBASSADOR: ''TURKEY IS A REAL EUROPEAN COUNTRY''

Francois Perigot, the Chairman of the French side of the Turkish-French Business Council, said, ''why should France not be the number one partner of Turkey?''

The annual meeting of the Turkish-French Business Council which carries out activities within the framework of the Foreign Economic Relations Committee (DEIK), was held in Istanbul.

Addressing the opening remarks of the meeting, Aldo Kaslowski, the Chairman of the Turkish side, said that Turkey and France are two important partners, and emphasized that these two countries have to record further progress in their bilateral relations.

Stressing that their presence at the meeting was the living proof of the level of their reliance on the Turkish economy, Francois Perigot stressed that other French companies which have not made business with Turkey yet, should make use of the offered opportunities.

Noting that they rely on Turkey's future, Perigot said that the regional capacity is another important reason for investing in Turkey.

Noting that the Turkish and French have very similar mentality, Perigot said they will do their utmost for Turkey's integration into the European Union (EU), adding, ''we strongly supported the integration into the EU. Some countries which we earlier supported, were accepted.''

Pointing out that that solidarity between Turkey and France is compulsory, Perigot said, ''we always supported Turkey in the defense of all cases. Turkey and France are partners. However, France has not became the number one partner of Turkey yet. Why should not France be the number one partner of Turkey in near future?''

Noting that Turkey does have distinctive conditions and competition provisions, Perigot said, ''I was the president of the Unilever. Is there anyone among you to know this? You had to work in Turkey to be the president of Unilever. This was a pre-condition. As you are working in Turkey, I want to mention that a vast range of possibilities are awaiting you.''

Stressing that the Turkish consumer demands products with the same quality in Europe, Jacques Chauvet, the General Director of Oyak Renault, said that they were successful in production for export.

Pointing out that there were crises in Turkey from time to time but Turkey continued her growth, Chauvet said, ''if you stay in Turkey for five years, you face two crises. If you live in Turkey for 15 years, the number of crises increases to 4. If you work in Turkey for 30 years, you experience 8 crises. We have been in Turkey for 30 years and we overcame 8 crises. However, we're now the leader of the market.''

Francois Martin, the General Director of the DanoneSA, said that there are three serious problems in Turkey like the high inflation, high interest rates, and strong competition, adding, ''Turkey is a school of competition.''

Jean Claude Cousseran, the French Ambassador to Ankara, said Turkey is a real European country, stressing that France will defend Turkey's candidacy to the EU. Cousseran said they hope the political dialogue between Turkey and the EU will be again brought into the agenda and developed.

Later, the representatives of the 18 French companies, including Aerospatial, Alcatel, Alstrom, Banque Nationale De Paris, Bouygues, and Perenco, held bilateral contacts with the officials of 49 Turkish firms.

According to the DEIK statistics, Turkey realized 1.3 billion U.S. dollars in exports to France in 1998. The share of France in Turkey's exports was 4.8 percent which ranked France in sixth place after Germany, the U.S., Britain, Italy, and Russia.

Turkey's imports from France last year was 3 billion 33 million U.S. dollars. The share of France in Turkey's imports was 6.6 percent which ranked France in fourth place after Germany, Italy, and the U.S.

[27] ISLAMIC COUNTRIES INTER-PARLIAMENTARY UNION MEETING

Five deputies will represent Turkey at the three-day meeting where regulation of the Union will be adopted.

A total of 26 countries will be represented at the meeting where Kuwait and Afghanistan will attend as observers.

Izzettin Laraki, the Secretary General of the Organization of

Islamic Conference (OIC), the Secretary General of the Inter-parliamentary Union, and the Deputy Secretary General of the Arabian Inter-parliamentary Union, will also be in attendance at the meeting.

The meeting will begin tomorrow morning with message of Ayatollah Sayyed Ali Khamenei, the Iranian Spiritual Leader, and with speech of Iranian President Mohammad Khatami.

[28] RICCIARDONE, THE U.S. SPECIAL COORDINATOR RESPONSIBLE FOR TRANSITION PERIOD IN IRAQ, HOLDS CONTACTS IN ANKARA

Responding to questions of the A.A correspondent, the diplomatic sources said that Ricciardone had come together with Faruk Logoglu, the Deputy Undersecretary of the Foreign Ministry, last weekend, and informed him about the latest developments in Iraq.

At the meeting, the Turkish side had stressed, ''Turkey attributes great importance to the territorial integrity of Iraq, and to the protection of Iraq's political integrity.''

Ricciardone is expected to come together with high-level official from the Middle East Affairs Department of the Foreign Ministry later today.

Responding to questions of the A.A correspondent in May, Ricciardone, had pointed out that steps regarded with future of Iraq is being taken by consulting Turkey.

Ricciardone whose real duty is to coordinate activities of Iraqi opposition against President Saddam Hussein, noted that contacts with Turkey on the issue of Iraq, will continue.

Meetings organized by the attempts of the U.S. to overcome problems between the KDP and the PUK, will begin in Washington D.C. on Wednesday.

Sami Abdurrahman, the politbureau member, will represent the KDP while a delegation headed by the Kemal Fuad will attend the meetings on behalf of the PUK.

Abdurrahman had held contacts in Ankara last Friday.

[29] ERTUGRULOGLU, FOREIGN AND DEFENSE MINISTER OF TRNC: - ''G-8'S INVITATION FOR TALKS WITHOUT PRE-CONDITIONS IS MEANINGFUL''

Speaking to reporters, Ertugruloglu said that the biggest pre-condition is the permission for the Greek-Cypriot side's carrying a title as if it were the ''government of whole Cyprus''.

''The serious thing is this pre-condition. It's out of question for us to feel the necessity to sit at a negotiation table with Greek Cypriots as long as this pre-condition is not removed,'' he stressed.

Emphasizing that there is a reality on the island and this reality is the existence of two different communities and two different states and the existence of those two states should be recognized, Ertugruloglu said, ''an agreement on Cyprus can be possible if two sovereign states sit at the negotiation table.''

Responding to a question about the U.N. Secretary General's report regarding the extension of the mandate of the U.N. Peacekeeping Force on Cyprus, Ertugruloglu said the mistakes about the Cyprus issue are continuing and an attitude was assumed as if there were a single central government on the island.

Noting that the U.N., with such an approach, added one more mistake into its mistakes continuing for years, Ertugruloglu said he deems unnecessary to discuss the secondary mistakes without removing the real mistakes.

Stressing that the Turkish Cypriot nation can't give up their state that they founded with their free will, Tahsin Ertugruloglu said, ''everybody should understand that this state should be recognized. We don't expect more from our people. We never allow anybody to violate our rights.''

[30] PRIVATIZATION UPPER BOARD MEETING ENDS - YALOVA, MINISTER OF STATE: - ''WE HAVE DISCUSSED THE PRIVATIZATION PROJECTS WHICH HAVE BEEN CONTINUING SINCE 1985''

Speaking to reporters following the meeting of the OYK, Yalova said the privatization projects were evaluated at the first OYK meeting presided by Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit.

''At today's meeting, the privatization projects, which have been continuing since 1985, were discussed. The Privatization Administration Board (OIB) made a detailed informative presentation covering last 14 years concerning privatization,'' he said.

''Mr. Prime Minister has asked us to accelerate privatization projects in next term; to remove the current deficiencies in the regulations about privatization within an approach, which gains confidence of the public, takes into consideration the conditions in our country, pays regard to spread of capital through the base, and takes into consideration the social dimensions as it was mentioned in the government programme and the coalition protocol,'' he stated.

Responding to a question, Yalova said, ''we decided to discuss the targets for privatization in our next meeting.''

[31] FRENCH DELEGATION VISITS TUSIAD

During his visit, Perigot stressed that it is pleasing to see that the number of joint investments and the trade volume between Turkey and France are increasing.

Noting that they want to further improve their investments in manufactured goods and service sectors in Turkey, Perigot stated that they plan to carry out serious investments in the fields of food, automotive, contracts, energy and telecommunication.

Erkut Yucaoglu, the Chairman of TUSIAD said in his part that the government has taken the reforms to its agenda by serioussness and resolution.

Noting that they welcome the government programme, Yucaoglu said that he hopes the parliament will also adopt a serious working programme.

[32] GUREL, STATE MINISTER RECEIVES TADA DELEGATION

In his speech before the meeting, Gurel said that ''our mission is to provide the communication of the Turkish person living abroad with Turkey in a healty way and make him/her get the status he/she deserves in the society in which he/she lives.

Noting that there are great deficiencies regarding the promotion of Turkey abroad, Gurel said that these stem from the characteristics of Turks' national identity and their being modest.

Gurel stressed that the experiences of the Assembly are very important for them.

Tolga Cubukcu, the Chairman of TADA said in his part that Minister Gurel has always supported them, adding they search for ways in Ankara to further progress the efforts they launch regarding the promotion of Turkey.

Noting that they have conveyed the message to officials that the Turkish state has to take up the promotion issue in a more serious way, Cubukcu said that particularly Turks living in California state of the U.S. are negatively effected by the anti-Turkey activities of the Armenian lobby.

The TADA delegation will participate in the reception hosted by Mark Parris, the U.S. Ambassador to Turkey this evening. On Tuesday, the delegation will leave for Israel after wrapping up their contacts in Ankara.

[33] OGER, CHAIRMAN OF GERMAN-TURKISH FOUNDATION MEETS WITH OTO SCHILY, GERMAN INTERIOR MINISTER: ''AS BEING A EUROPEAN COUNTRY, YOU MUST SOLVE PROBLEM OF GREECE''

The two took up Turkish-German relations, Turkish-EU relations and the initiatives planned to be taken by the German-Turkish Foundation regarding both these relations and also the problems of Turkish people living in Germany during the meeting.

Noting that Turkey is the only modern, secular and democratic islamic country, Vural Oger said that Turkey wants to see herself in the EU with her developing economy and dynamic population structure.

Pointing out that the Kohl government tried to isolate Turkey from the EU because she has a different religion and culture, Oger said the new German government is in a warmer approach concerning Turkey's membership and does not take into consideration the criteria of religion.

Stressing that Turkey welcomed German's initiative for Turkey's membership during the Koln Summit of the EU, Oger said ''if you leave the issue to Greece in the EU, Turkey can't join EU in thousand years. As being a European country, you must solve the problem of Greece.''

Otto Schily, the German Interior Mniister said in his part that ''I've always thought that Turkey has to join the EU.'' Reminding that Turkey has to fulfil certain obligations, the German minister said that Turkey will be an important entrance door opening to the Middle East and the Central Asia for the EU.

''The main thing is economic. Rather than searching for the defects of Turkey, you must be careful about the attitude of Greece. We can't get the financial assistance we deserve due to the customs deal by the veto of Greece. Turkey is ignored, while common infrastructural efforts with several Eastern European countries are launched. As long as the EU countries stand behind Greece, this country won't sit around a negotiation table with Turkey,'' Oger said.

Otto Schily stressed that they regard the foundation as an institution playing the role of a bridge between the two countries and they want to work more closely with it.

Vural Oger also requested the German minister's support for the establishment of a ''German-Turkish Culture Television'' channel aiming at better explaining Turkey and the Turkish culture in Germany.

A.A

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