Anadolu Agency: News in English, 99-06-21

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AA Daily

21 June 1999 Monday

CONTENTS

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

[02] PRESIDENT DEMIREL: - ''TURKEY HAS GAINED ESTEEM BECAUSE OF HER APPROACH TOWARDS KOSOVO''

[03] PROFILE OF EXPORTS FROM GAP REGION - IN FIRST FIVE MONTHS, 10.4 MILLION U.S. DOLLARS OF AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS EXPORTED TO THE U.S.

[04] FOREIGN INVESTORS' TRANSACTIONS IN THE IMKB - IN FIRST FIVE MONTHS OF 1999 BUYING AND SELLING VOLUME OF FOREIGNERS REACHES TO 5.5 BILLION U.S. DOLLARS

[05] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT: - ''THERE HAS BEEN PERPETUAL PEACE ON CYPRUS SINCE THE TURKISH PEACE OPERATION''

[06] INTERROGATION ABOUT GULEN - YUKSEL, ANKARA DGM PROSECUTOR SAYS VIDEO- TAPES IN WHICH SPEECHES OF GULEN ARE RECORDED, INVESTIGATED

[07] PRIME MINISTRY ISSUES A CIRCULAR DETERMININING MEMBERS OF GOVERNMENT WHO WILL WORK AS CHAIRMEN AND MEMBERS IN COMMISSIONS

[08] FRIENDSHIP IN SARP BORDER GATE - FRIENSHIP BETWEEN TURKEY AND GEORGIA STRENGTHENED IN BUFFERZONE BY OLYMPIC DAY RACE

[09] SCHOOLS OF FETHULLAH GULEN - BOSTANCIOGLU, NATIONAL EDUCATION MINISTER: - ''THE SCHOOLS ARE UNDER CONTINUOUS CONTROL AND THE BOARD OF INSPECTORS CARRY OUT INSPECTIONS AT SCHOOLS''

[10] BLACK SEA TRADE AND DEVELOPMENT BANK OPENED

[11] STATEMENT OF G-8 COUNTRIES ABOUT CYPRUS - EROGLU, TRNC PRIME MINISTER: ''THE DECISION TAKEN BY THE G-8 COUNTRIES DOES NOT CONCERN TRNC''

[12] DENKTAS, TRNC PRESIDENT: ''THE WORLD COUNTRIES SACRIFIED US FOR THEIR OWN INTERESTS'' - ''THE FOREIGN INTERVENTION TO CYPRUS QUESTION PREVENTS THE SOLUTION OF THE PROBLEM''

[13] STATEMENT OF G-8 COUNTRIES ABOUT CYPRUS - FM: ''THE SOLUTION OF THE CYPRUS QUESTION CAN BE A LASTING SOLUTION ONLY IF THE BALANCES BETWEEN THE TWO SOVEREIGN STATES ON CYPRUS AND THE BALANCES BETWEEN TURKEY AND GREECE ARE PROTECTED, NOT BY INTERVENTION OF THE THIRD PARTIES''

[14] CONFERENCE ON ''STORY OF THREE SEAS'' ... - PRESIDENT DEMIREL: ''WORLD ECONOMY HAS STARTED TO SAVE ITSELF FROM THE RECENT CRISIS GRADUALLY''

[15] CONFERENCE ON ''STORY OF THREE SEAS'' - PRESIDENT DEMIREL: ''TURKEY IS A REGIONAL POWER TODAY AND SHE HAS BECOME A WORLD STATE''

[16] CONFERENCE ON ''STORY OF THREE SEAS'' - AL BANDI, EGYPTIAN OIL AND NATURAL RESOURCES MINISTER: ''THERE IS GREAT POTENTIAL IN THE REGION IN RESPECT OF ECONOMY''

[17] CONFERENCE ON ''STORY OF THREE SEAS'' - PRESIDENT DEMIREL: ''I WOULD LIKE TO STRESS ONCE AGAIN THAT TURKEY WON'T PERMIT TRANSFORMATION OF ISTANBUL AND CANAKKALE STRAITS INTO NATURAL PIPELINES''

[18] BLACK SEA TRADE AND DEVELOPMENT BANK OPENED

[19] U.N. SECURITY COUNCIL MEMBERS START TO WORK ON CYPRUS QUESTION

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

HURRIYET (LIBERAL)

CYPRUS IN G-8 SUMMIT
Industrialized seven countries and Russia (G-8) which convened at the annual summit in Koln, Germany, called on the leaders of the two communities on Cyprus to begin negotiations in the fall of 1999. The G-8 countries will give their full support to such a comprehensive negotiation. The G-8 urged both sides to go into the talks with no conditions.

MILLIYET (LIBERAL)

ADDITIONAL SOURCE OF 15 TRILLION LIRAS FOR TOURISM
Erkan Mumcu, the Minister of Tourism said that the Parliament Budget and Planning Commission decided to allocate 15.3 trillion TL from the 1 quadrillion TL which is set aside for the general budget, adding, ''The Ministry of Tourism will mainly use this source in its promotion activities which will help to overcome the crisis and a small portion of it will be used for urgent investments.''

SABAH (LIBERAL)

PRESIDENT DEMIREL ATTENDS THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF KEBAN DAM
President Suleyman Demirel attended a ceremony staged for the 25th anniversary of the starting of Keban Dam to production in Elazig. He said that the Keban Dam was a giant project among Turkey's development efforts, and a gate opening to Turkey's struggle for modernity. Recalling that Keban was the starting of Southeastern Anatolian Project (GAP), Demirel said electricity was the beginning of civilization.

CUMHURIYET (LEFT)

EUROPEAN MUSIC FESTIVAL
''European Music Festival'' which is being organized in different European countries within the scope of the celebrations for the June 21 World Music Day, will be held in Istanbul for the first time. The festival began with several concerts yesterday.

EXPORT FROM GAP REGOION TO THE U.S.
The exports of agricultural and animal products to The U.S. from the Southeastern Anatolia Project (GAP) region in the first five months of 1999 increased 49.6 percent to 10 million 434 thousand U.S. dollars. In the same period last year, the region exported 6 million 970 thousand U.S. dollars of agricultural and animal products to the U.S.

RADIKAL (LEFT)

OTTOMAN TREASURY FROM POLAND
The Museum of Turkish and Islam Works will host an exhibition titled as the ''War and Peace: Relations Between Ottoman Empire and Poland during the 15th-19th Centuries'' within the framework of the celebration for the 700th anniversary of foundation of the Ottoman Empire.

'SUNSET AT APOLLO TEMPLE' CELEBRATION IN ANTALYA
Side-Manavgat Promotion Group and Manavgat Trade and Industry Chamber organized ''Sunset at Apollon Temple'' celebration to promote Turkey's natural, historical and cultural assets. The Side-Manavgat Promotion Group which was formed by the joint efforts of 26 hotels in Manavgat region, was an important step to increase the tourism potential of the region. The group targets to protect Side's unique history and natural resources and revitalize its tourism.

TÜRKİYE (RIGHT)

ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)

TURKISH BUSINESSMEN RETURN FROM FAR EAST WITH HOPE
Turkish businessmen, who paid a visit to Hong Kong and Shanghai for a week, are hopeful about future of commercial relations with the Far East. Businessmen described their visit as very productive to improve relations. Pointing out that Hong Kong was the trade center of the Far East and that Shanghai was the Istanbul of China, the businessmen said Turkey and Turkish goods image should be established in the Far East, joint strategies should be determined towards the region and continuous participation should be provided with the fairs and exhibitions.

[02] PRESIDENT DEMIREL: - ''TURKEY HAS GAINED ESTEEM BECAUSE OF HER APPROACH TOWARDS KOSOVO''

Addressing weekly television programme ''The Pulse of Policy'' on the state run TRT-1 channel, Demirel stressed that Turkish soldiers are ready for Kosovo, and noted, ''Our soldiers will first arrive in Prizren that is densely populated by Turkish people. There is nothing to worry about. Turkey has expended full support to the NATO over the Kosovo crisis, and sheltered Kosovar refugees because she has a moral responsibility for Kosovars.''

Referring to the latest developments in Cyprus question, Demirel said that Ismail Cem, the Foreign Minister, conveyed him that there were several unpleasant records in the final communique of the G-8 formed by the industrialized seven countries and Russia which convened at an annual summit in Koln, Germany.

President Demirel pointed out, ''The U.S. President Bill Clinton bought the issue of Cyprus onto agenda of our meeting in Washington D.C. I told him not to include neither Turkey-Greece relations nor Cyprus question in the relations between Turkey and the U.S. We cannot admit this. There are two independent states on Cyprus. What is reasonable is to recognize both of them. The Cyprus question is the national case of Turkey. We cannot admit any offer that will damage Turkey's interests, and destroy security of Turkish Cypriots.''

President Demirel said, ''Democracy is indespensible for us. Turkey must maintain her improvement. But improvement requires stability. Turkey has been encountering with difficulties in providing democratic stability for a short while.''

Stressing that the overall politicians are responsible for increasing esteem and reliability of the political enstitutions as we approach to 2000s, Demirel said that the government should assists parliament, and parliament should support the government in their works.

Stressing that the organized crimes are one of the most important problems of Turkey, Demirel recalled that struggle against organized crimes is on the agenda of the parliament. He also added, ''the government should take a step towards adopting the law regarded with the struggle against organized crimes as soon as possible.''

[03] PROFILE OF EXPORTS FROM GAP REGION - IN FIRST FIVE MONTHS, 10.4 MILLION U.S. DOLLARS OF AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS EXPORTED TO THE U.S.

In the same period last year, the region exported 6 million 970 thousand U.S. dollars of agricultural products to the U.S.

Officials at the Southeastern Anatolia Exporters' Union, told the A.A correspondent that in the first five months of the year, they exported 4 million 768 thousand U.S. dollars in textiles; 68 thousand U.S. dollars in grain-cereals; and 5 million 598 thousand U.S. dollars in dried fruits.

The Turkish goods in greatest demand were cotton thread, dried apricot, cotton textile products, and pistachio.

Meanwhile, the region realized 252 thousand U.S. dollars to Argentina in exports; 18 thousand U.S. dollars to Dominican Republic; 8 thousand U.S. dollars to Honduras; 982 thousand U.S. dollars to Canada; 17 thousand U.S. dollars to Costa Rica; 99 thousand U.S. dollars to Mexico; and 30 thousand U.S. dollars to Uruguay.

[04] FOREIGN INVESTORS' TRANSACTIONS IN THE IMKB - IN FIRST FIVE MONTHS OF 1999 BUYING AND SELLING VOLUME OF FOREIGNERS REACHES TO 5.5 BILLION U.S. DOLLARS

Officials at the IMKB told the A.A correspondent that foreigners bought shares worth of 2 billion 944 million U.S. dollars while they sold shares worth of 2 billion 645 million U.S. dollars in the first five months of 1999. Transaction volume increased to 5 billion 590 million U.S. dollars.

Foreign investors show great interests in the shares of the Yapi Kredi Bank.

The name of the top ten shares prefered by the foreign investors, and their transaction volumes in the first five month of 1999 at the Istanbul Stock Exchange (IMKB) are as follows:

Transactions Volume

Name of Share BUYING SELLING

--------------------- -------------------
1-YKB 460.422 427.558
2-AKBANK 404.786 372.510
3-IS (C) 299.326 229.512
4-SABANCI H. 273.064 202.626
5-TUPRAS 121.083 113.857
6-KOC HOLDING 111.675 83.873
7-GARANTI B. 109.370 123.225
8-MIGROS 105.438 110.558
9-EREGLI D.C. 98.673 44.888
10-DOĞAN HOLD. 89.684 85.408
===============================================
TOTAL 2.073.521 1.794.015</PRE>

[05] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT: - ''THERE HAS BEEN PERPETUAL PEACE ON CYPRUS SINCE THE TURKISH PEACE OPERATION''

Responding to a journalist who asked, ''G-8 countries called on United Nations (UN) to invite leaders of the two communities on Cyprus to unconditional negotiations. How do you evaluate this?'' Ecevit said there has been perpetual peace on Cyprus since the Turkish Peace Operation, but peace on Cyprus makes some circles uneasy. He added, ''we will continue to prevent Cyprus from living similar incidents with those seen in Bosnia- Herzegovina and in Kosovo.''

When asked whether or not he will attend the celebrations for the 25th anniversary of the Cyprus Peace Operation, Ecevit said that he has not made a plan yet.

When reminded about the allegations claiming that Fethullah Gulen was behind the crisis between Uzbekistan and Turkey, and schools which belonged to Gulen and the National Education Ministry, were closed in Uzbekistan, Ecevit said, ''Uzbek President has several unjust concerns about Turkey. He has taken measures to this end. Turkey does not intervene in domestic affairs of another country. I attribute great importance to the relations with Uzbekistan. We cannot admit these relations to be damaged by unneccessary touchiness.''

[06] INTERROGATION ABOUT GULEN - YUKSEL, ANKARA DGM PROSECUTOR SAYS VIDEO- TAPES IN WHICH SPEECHES OF GULEN ARE RECORDED, INVESTIGATED

Responding the questions of the journalists when leaving the DGM building, Yuksel noted that the interrogation about Gulen continue and that it is enlarged.

Stressing that the tape recordings of Gulen's speeches which he made in various dates are being deciphered, Yuksel stated that he is investigating whether or not there are more tape recordings of Gulen and that if there are any, he will investigate those cassettes, too.

Yuksel is carrying out the interrogation about Gulen under the Article 146 of the Turkish Penal Code on charges of ''violating the rules of the state and constitution.'' The Article 146 of the Turkish Penal Code demands capital punishment for this crime.

[07] PRIME MINISTRY ISSUES A CIRCULAR DETERMININING MEMBERS OF GOVERNMENT WHO WILL WORK AS CHAIRMEN AND MEMBERS IN COMMISSIONS

The commissions were earlier set up at the parliament. The members of the government who will work as a chairman of member in the commissions are as follows:

HIGHER BOARD OF PLANNING
Chairman: Premier Bulent Ecevit

Members: Devlet Bahceli, the State Minister and Deputy Prime Minister; Husamettin Ozkan, the State Minister and Deputy Prime Minister; Hikmet Ulugbay, State Minister; Mehmet Kececiler, the State Minister; and the Ministers of Finance, Housing and Settlement, Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Industry and Trade, Energy and Natural Resorces.

Bahceli will preside the Council meetings to which Ecevit cannot attend.

HIGHER BOARD OF SOUTHEASTERN ANATOLIA PROJECT (GAP):
Chairman: Premier Bulent Ecevit

Members: Devlet Bahceli, the State Minister and Deputy Prime Minister; Mustafa Yılmaz, the State Minister and the Housing and Settlement Minister.

HIGHER BOARD OF CREDITS:
Chairman: Hikmet Ulugbay, State Minister

Members: The Agriculture and Rural Affairs and the Industry and Trade, Energy and Natural Resorces Ministers.

HIGHER BOARD OF COORDINATION IN DEFENSE INDUSTRY:
Chairman: Premier Bulent Ecevit

Members: The National Defense, Foreign, Finance, Industry and Trade, Energy and Natural Resorces Ministers.

HIGHER BOARD OF COORDINATION IN CRISIS:
Chairman: Premier Bulent Ecevit

Members: Hikmet Ulugbay, State Minister; Justice, National Defense, Finance, National Education, Housing and Settlement, Health, Transportation, Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Labour and Social Security, Industry and Trade, Energy and Natural Resorces, Forestry and Environment Ministers.

BOARD OF MONEY-CREDIT AND COORDINATION:
Chairman: Devlet Bahceli, State Minister and Deputy Prime Minister.

Members: Hikmet Ulugbay and Yuksel Yalova, State Ministers.

HIGHER BOARD OF PRIVATIZATION:
Chairman: Premier Bulent Ecevit

Members: Devlet Bahceli, the State Minister and Deputy Prime Minister; Hikmet Ulugbay and Yuksel Yalova, State Ministers, Finance, Industry and Trade Ministers.

BOARD OF COORDINATION IN DISASTERS:
Chairman: Devlet Bahceli, State Minister and Deputy Prime Minister.

Members: Interior, Finance, Housing and Settlement, and Health Ministers.

HIGHER BOARD OF COMMUNICATION:
Chairman: Husamettin Ozkan, State Minister and Deputy Prime Minister.

Members: Interior and Transportation Ministers.

[08] FRIENDSHIP IN SARP BORDER GATE - FRIENSHIP BETWEEN TURKEY AND GEORGIA STRENGTHENED IN BUFFERZONE BY OLYMPIC DAY RACE

The sportsmen of the two countries in various age groups came together in the bufferzone at the Sarp Border Gate in the end of the race which they started in their own territories.

During the ceremony in the bufferzone, the sportsmen sang songs and the folk dance teams of the two countries performed their traditional dances.

Togay Bayatli, Secretary General of Turkish National Olympiad Committee, said that this is the first time that the sportsmen of the two neighbourly countries started the race at the same time and came together at the border gate; adding that this is a very good example for the global friendship and peace in the threshold of the 21st century.

Emphasizing that the sportsmen of the two countries hugged each other in the name of friendship and peace, Bayatli noted that they hope that as the relations between the two countries improve, the people living in the two countries can safely travel between Turkey and Georgia without undergoing some firm controls at the border gates.

Pgona Begretionz, the Chairman of the Georgian National Olympiad Commmittee, said that they hope that all the neighbouring countries can realize such organizations; adding that thus, the establishment of the global peace will be more easier.

[09] SCHOOLS OF FETHULLAH GULEN - BOSTANCIOGLU, NATIONAL EDUCATION MINISTER: - ''THE SCHOOLS ARE UNDER CONTINUOUS CONTROL AND THE BOARD OF INSPECTORS CARRY OUT INSPECTIONS AT SCHOOLS''

Responding the questions of the journalists about the schools of Fethullah Gulen, at the National Education Ministry, Gulen noted that they will carry out inspections at Gulen's schools from now on.

Bostancioglu stressed that nobody can destroy the Turkish education system.

When a journalist said that an operation was launched concerning the schools of Gulen, Bostancioglu stated that there is nothing like an operation.

Noting that the studies about the Private Schools Regulation continue for a long time, Bostancioglu emphasized that the regulation has not taken its last shape, yet.

Bostancioglu said, ''this regulation was earlier sent to the Prime Ministry but it was turned back. The studies about this regulation are underway. It can be passed soon. I have always waited for the end of the school year. The changes in education should be made after the educational year ends. When the year ends, many studies will be carried out rapidly.''

Bostancioglu said that they will do the what the proposal of the Board of Inspectors says, in the end of its inspections.

When asked whether or not there is a report about the schools of Gulen, Bostancioglu pointed out that the name of Gulen is not present in the records of these schools because most of the schools are registered and set up in the name of a company, association, and foundation and that they look at the education standards of these schools.

[10] BLACK SEA TRADE AND DEVELOPMENT BANK OPENED

Addressing a speech in the opening ceremony; Ersoy Volkan, the Director of BSTDB, said that the BSTDB will be a good opportunity for the countries of the Black Sea to show that they can not only cooperate, but also realize joint trade.

Volkan noted that the joint efforts and cooperation of the Black Sea countries will overcome the political problems and disputes in the region.

Stressing that the Asian crisis negatively affect Russia and the other countries of the region, Volkan stated that this negative effect will increase in a few years and that it will mostly affect the Central Asian countries, then.

Emphasizing that the Kosovo crisis negatively affected the economies of the Balkan countries, Volkan said that this crisis mostly affected the transportation and tourism fields.

Volkan recalled that former Yugoslavia and her neighbouring countries which provide most of their revenues from transportation, lost a great deal of their revenues of transportation due to the NATO air operation against Yugoslavia; adding that to this end, the transit highways, railways, were closed to traffic while rivers were closed to transportation due to the NATO operation.

Pointing out that the Kosovo crisis also negatively affected the tourism sector in the region, Volkan emphasized that Turkey and Greece were the two countries which were negatively affected from the crisis.

Reminding that the global crisis can be overcome by improving the regional cooperation and the economic solidarity, Volkan pointed out that BSTDB will play an important role in this issue.

Noting that the BSTDB will carry out its banking transactions in competition and international standards, Volkan said that the most important problem of the bank is the financial resource problem.

Stressing that the BSTDB is an organ which aims at economic development in the region, Volkan said, ''the trade among the 11 countries which are the members of the banks is less than three billion U.S. dollars. This number is under the potential of the bank. Our bank will try to increase the fund resources of the region. Also, we will set up firm relations with the rating organizations.''

''We will carry out an impartial and just credit policy. We will contribute to the regional unity by our trade and investments. Also, we will set up an attractive market to attract the investments in the region,'' Volkan added.

Stressing that the BSTDT aims at being an efficient name in the international capital market, Volkan stated that the region needs an industrial production system with a strong infrastructure and a strong financial sector.

H.E.Y. Papantoniou, the Greek National Economy and Finance Minister, said that the BSTDB aims at providing welfare and development in the Black Sea region, adding that with this bank, they are entering a new period in economy and political diplomacy in the Black Sea and the Balkans.

Papantoniou noted that they request that the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSCE) should be enlarged and that within the framework of this enlargement process, the Central European and Central Asian countries should be included in the alliance.

Meanwhile, the officials told A.A correspondent that the bank will try to overcome the economic problems which occurred due to Kosovo crisis.

Turkey, Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Georgia, Greece, Moldova, Romania, Russia, and Ukraine are the members of BSTDB.

Turkey, Greece, and Russia are the biggest shareholders of the bank.

[11] STATEMENT OF G-8 COUNTRIES ABOUT CYPRUS - EROGLU, TRNC PRIME MINISTER: ''THE DECISION TAKEN BY THE G-8 COUNTRIES DOES NOT CONCERN TRNC''

Rauf Denktas, TRNC President, Dervis Eroglu and Mustafa Akinci, Deputy Prime Minister, made their weekly meeting. Denktas, Eroglu, and Akinci evaluated the statements of the G-8 countries concerning Cyprus which was issued in the end of the Cologne summit.

Addressing a statement following the meeting, Eroglu noted that the G-8 statement was issued within the framework of the efforts of taking the Cyprus question to the international platform and that the decision taken by these countries does not concern TRNC.

Eroglu said, ''the decision taken by the G-8 countries does not concern TRNC because there is not an appropriate situation for the parties to come together. In which status can we start the negotiations? When we sit at the table again, both parts will sit with the title of the 'leaders of the societies'. Later, one leader will be the 'leader of the society' while the other will be the 'president' in the end of the meeting. This is not possible.''

Recalling the decision on carrying out a policy which is based on the principle of two states, Eroglu noted that Ann Hercus; the Deputy Special Envoy of Kofi Annan, the United Nations (U.N.) Secretary General, to Cyprus; should continue her shuttle diplomacy on Cyprus.

Stressing that they think that the infrastructure of the negotiations should be prepared if there will be a meeting, Eroglu stated that they think that the negotiations which are started without any preconditions and without the adoptation of the realities on Cyprus and the existence of two states on Cyprus, will not have a positive result.

Emphasizing that they have taken part in the negotiations without a precondition for many years, Eroglu said, ''the good will mission of Annan turned into a stance of submitting proposals later. And, we could not reach a solution although we carried out negotiations for years. The policy which we put forward following the decisions taken by the European Union (EU), was not accepted. Not a single positive step was taken. The Secretary General did not say anything about our policy. Thus, it is impossible to start the negotiations under all these conditions.''

Pointing out that the stance and the decision of the G-8 countries is wrong, Eroglu emphasized that they expect a stance which accepts the realities and that it will be unnecessary to come together without an understanding stance.

Mustafa Akinci, the Deputy Prime Minister, said that nobody in the world should think that Turkish Cypriots are not in favor of peace, dialogue, and negotiations, and that they are in favour of TRNC, and the Turkish Cypriots are in favour of meetings which will have positive results.

Akinci stressed that they emphasize that a negotiation process which will result in failure every time and in which one part will be 'state' and the other will be 'society', is wrong.

Akinci noted that if a positive and final result is expected from the negotiations, the U.N. Secretariat General and Ann Hercus should make a serious preparation about the infrastructure.

[12] DENKTAS, TRNC PRESIDENT: ''THE WORLD COUNTRIES SACRIFIED US FOR THEIR OWN INTERESTS'' - ''THE FOREIGN INTERVENTION TO CYPRUS QUESTION PREVENTS THE SOLUTION OF THE PROBLEM''

Denktas received the delegation of Azerbaijani artists who came to TRNC to participate in the Fourth International Magosa Culture, Arts, and Tourism Festival.

Speaking at the meeting, Denktas said, ''they call the Greek Cypriots 'the government of Cyprus'. The U.S. people call the Greek Cypriots as 'the government of Cyprus' to please the Greek lobby and the Britain use this term because they have to protect their forces in the Greek Cypriot side against the Greek Cypriot terrorism. They sacrificed us for their own interests.''

Pointing out that the foreign intervention to the Cyprus question prevents the solution of the problem because the foreign countries consider the Greek Cypriot side as the so-called ''state'', Denktas noted that only Turkey, Greece, Turkish Cypriots, and the Greek Cypriots should participate in the negotiations which are held for solving the question.

Denktas said, ''when some other countries get involved in the task of Secretary General of United Nations (U.N.), the Greek Cypriots continue to say that they are the 'government.' Because the ones who intervene the question know them as the 'state' but they do not search how they became the government.

''So, they want to make some other people get involved in the question. We say that the problem is among the Turks, Greeks, and the two nations living on Cyprus. When some other people than these four interferes with the problem, this problem cannot be solved. Our task is protecting our country and doing the best for our people,'' Denktas added.

Stating his reaction to the Greek Cypriot's allocating a base to Greece on the island and getting armed under a fake title; Denktas continued, ''for God's sake, we have Turkey. She is a strong country which has rights on Cyprus. We have reached a good point in our struggle. We have set up our state. Our new expectation is the recognation of our state by friendly countries. When our state is recognized, the Cyprus question will be solved.''

[13] STATEMENT OF G-8 COUNTRIES ABOUT CYPRUS - FM: ''THE SOLUTION OF THE CYPRUS QUESTION CAN BE A LASTING SOLUTION ONLY IF THE BALANCES BETWEEN THE TWO SOVEREIGN STATES ON CYPRUS AND THE BALANCES BETWEEN TURKEY AND GREECE ARE PROTECTED, NOT BY INTERVENTION OF THE THIRD PARTIES''

The Foreign Ministry statement said that the G-8 countries issued a statement in the end of the Cologne summit concerning Cyprus.

The G-8 demanded that Kofi Annan, the United Nations (U.N.) Secretary General, should invite the two sides on Cyprus to a meeting in fall 1999, and expressed hope that a solution can be found until the Organization of Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) summit which will be held in November 1999, the Foreign Ministry statement pointed out.

Drawing attention that the parties held many meetings to find a solution to the Cyprus question until today, the statement said, ''Greek Cypriot side which benefits from being internationally recognized, an advantage which it unjustly usurped, was the party which prevented the solution in all the meetings. Every unsuccessful negotiation increased the distrustful situation, the separation, and the tension in Cyprus.''

Stressing that the full membership process to the European Union (E.U) which the Greek Cypriot side started by the Luxembourg summit that means an integration of Greek Cypriot side with Greece, removed all the parametres of solution about Cyprus issue, especially the equality parameter; and that this process deteriorated the Turkish-Greek balance and brought the negotiation process into a deadlock.

The statement drew attention that the Greek Cypriot side continues to bring advanced technology weapons, to set up military air and naval bases for Greece, and to carry out its tension policy which aims at supporting the PKK terrorism against Turkey.

The statement stressed that the Greek Cypriots rejects the proposals of the U.N. Secretariat General even for taking simple military measures which aim at increasing the confidence in the bufferzone.

The statement emphasized that the negotiations which are started in the present distrustful situation, and without the parameters which are based on the realities, cannot be successful.

The statement said, ''within this context, we totaly support Denktas' proposal of confederation. There are two equal, sovereign, and democratic states which represent the two nations of the Island today. A solution to Cyprus question can be a lasting solution only if the balances between the two sovereign states on Cyprus and the balances between Turkey and Greece are protected, not by the intervention of the third parties.''

''To this end, we should not urge the parties to have negotiations, but should determine the reasons why a solution cannot be found, and try to pave the way for an appropriate solution for negotiations which will result in solution. The path for an appropriate solution can be opened only if the existence of TRNC is accepted.''

[14] CONFERENCE ON ''STORY OF THREE SEAS'' ... - PRESIDENT DEMIREL: ''WORLD ECONOMY HAS STARTED TO SAVE ITSELF FROM THE RECENT CRISIS GRADUALLY''

Addressing the opening speech of the international conference on ''The Story of Three Seas: The Future of Caspian Sea, Black Sea and the Mediterranean'' held by the Foreign Economic Relations Council, Black Sea Economic Cooperation Business Council and Cambridge Energy Research Associates, President Demirel pointed out to the introduction photo of the conference which is a pipeline and said that ''this photograph is the picture of a new age of peace, cooperation and prosperity. This pipeline is a life bond which strengthenes our common ideals and common future and which brings together the three seas.''

''We witness a clear improvement regarding the element of trust in global markets. The debate on the reasons of the financial crisis continues. There is one clear point that the economies having global responsibilty have to take effective measures on time against the danger of stagnation in global economy. In this respect the last G-7 Summit and the final declaration adopted there constitute an important turning point regarding the efforts to find a solution to problems of global economy,'' said President Demirel.

President Demirel said that the measures taken in the summit regarding ''strengthening of international financial institutions, increasing transparency in markets, strengthening of financial regulations in industrial countries, strengthening macro-economic policies and financial systems in rising markets, developing methods regarding crisis administration, supporting the mechanism of contingent credit line adopted by IMF and supporting social policies which protect poors and weaks'' are correct.

Noting that he attributes great importance to the ''Koln Debt Initiative'' adopted during the G-7 Summit directed at helping countries which have too much debts, President Demirel said that ''I evaluate the G-7 Summit Declaration as the new symbol of the world's leading economies' resolution regarding the continuation of the growth of the global economy and their devotion to free trade. In this respect, I underline the importance of free trade. I believe that we have to contribute to development of free trade. Because free trade is the only way for developing countries to acquire the good-life conditions.''

[15] CONFERENCE ON ''STORY OF THREE SEAS'' - PRESIDENT DEMIREL: ''TURKEY IS A REGIONAL POWER TODAY AND SHE HAS BECOME A WORLD STATE''

Addressing the opening speech of the international conference on ''The Story of Three Seas: The Future of Caspian Sea, Black Sea and the Mediterranean'' held by the Foreign Economic Relations Council, Black Sea Economic Cooperation Business Council and Cambridge Energy Research Associates, President Demirel stated that Turkey takes resolved initiatives to contribute to the development of free trade which is still a new fact in her region.

Noting that the only aim of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation is to form a free area which will secure free movement of goods, capital, service and people in the Black Sea basin.

Stressing that Turkey is an economic power focus in her region, President Demirel recalled that Turkey is the founding partner of Black Sea Economic Cooperation, ECO and D-8 and she is the focal point of an economic cooperation network which extends from Atlantic Ocean to Bering Strait and which incorporates three continents and 24 countries.

''Turkey is still the biggest economy in Eastern Europe, the Balkans, the Black Sea, Caspian basin and the Middle East,'' said President Demirel, adding Turkey's total foreign trade volume has reached 80 billion dollars, Turkish entrepreneurs sell goods to 135 countries, do business in 53 countries and the total of the investment Turks living in Europe undertook in Europe reached seven billion dollars.

''The most important challenge that stands in front of Turkey is to form the legal structures which are in harmony with economy and implement the basic economic and financial reforms as soon as possible. Turkey takes important steps to this end,'' President Demirel added.

[16] CONFERENCE ON ''STORY OF THREE SEAS'' - AL BANDI, EGYPTIAN OIL AND NATURAL RESOURCES MINISTER: ''THERE IS GREAT POTENTIAL IN THE REGION IN RESPECT OF ECONOMY''

In his speech in the international conference on ''The Story of Three Seas: The Future of Caspian Sea, Black Sea and the Mediterranean'' held by the Foreign Economic Relations Council, Black Sea Economic Cooperation Business Council and Cambridge Energy Research Associate, Hamdi Al Bandi said that countries in Northern Africa and Caspian regions have energy sources, but they need high technology to use their sources and European countries have the high technology.

Noting that energy sources constitute the infrastructure of insdustrial countries' economies, Al Bandi said that the developing countries having the sources have to form strong economic basis.

Stressing that important steps have to be taken for transfer of technology, Al Bandi pointed out that a long-term partnership have to be formed among the concerned countries.

Nicolae Staiculescu, the Undersecretary of the Romanian Industry and Trade Ministry said in his part that Romania wishes to participate in the cooperation in the region not as a transit country, but with the technology she owns.

Staiculescu said that Romania wishes to speed up privatization and participate in managing of oil in Turkmenistan and search for oil in Kazakhstan, stressing that activities aiming at making the national oil institution private have also started in Romania.

Yolly Gurbanmuradov, the Deputy Chairman of Turcomen Council of Ministers said in his part that his country wants to be one of the leading energy producers of the world and his country exports much of the energy she produces.

Stressing that they support Baku-Ceyhan Pipeline, Gurbanmuradov said that it is the turn of Caspian Pipeline now.

[17] CONFERENCE ON ''STORY OF THREE SEAS'' - PRESIDENT DEMIREL: ''I WOULD LIKE TO STRESS ONCE AGAIN THAT TURKEY WON'T PERMIT TRANSFORMATION OF ISTANBUL AND CANAKKALE STRAITS INTO NATURAL PIPELINES''

Addressing the opening speech of the international conference on ''The Story of Three Seas: The Future of Caspian Sea, Black Sea and the Mediterranean'' held by the Foreign Economic Relations Council, Black Sea Economic Cooperation Business Council and Cambridge Energy Research Associates, President Demirel stated that the new regional and global role of Turkey has become clearer with her determining status in the new energy equations being formed in Euroasia.

Noting that Turkey has double advantages in the new global game, President Demirel said that ''Turkey is a very great energy market by being the biggest and most rapidly growing economy of her region and with an energy investment packet of 128 billion dollars to be realized in 30 years. On the other hand, Turkey is a key country in transportation of Caspian oil and natural resources to world markets.''

Stressing that the key projects are Baku-Ceyhan oil pipeline project and the natural pipeline that passes through the Caspian Sea, President Demirel pointed out that these projects constitute the most economic, shortest and the most secure alternative in transportation of energy sources.

''The Ankara Declaration signed by Turkey, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan and Ozbekistan on October 29, 1998 to support Baku-Ceyhan pipeline was a historical step,'' said President Demirel, adding Turkey, Azerbaijan, Georgia and the U.S. which play a determining role in realization of this project are determined to lay down the foundation of the Baku-Ceyhan pipeline not late than the middle of 2000.

Pointing out that the legal and technical studies on the natural gas pipeline project via Caspian sea started by Turkey and Turkmenistan on October 29, 1998; continue, Demirel said that purchase agreement was signed between the two countries nearly one month ago.

Recalling that Turkey has promised to buy at least 16 billion cubic meters of natural gas from Turkmenistan annually, President Demirel said that ''this project continues to be the basic priority of us.''

Noting that he wishes to thank Richard Morningstar, the special representative of the U.S. President Bill Clinton for his contributions to the realization of this project, President Demirel also thanked to friendly countries of Azerbaijan, Georgia, Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan.

President Demirel said that Turkey continues to diversify her energy resources to meet her rapidly growing energy need, adding Turkey wishes to increase her natural gas import from Russia through ''Blue Stream'' and to realize new cooperation and partnerships to buy natural gas from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Egypt and Qatar.

Emphasizing that the signing of Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC) Charter on June 5, 1998 in Yalta city of Ukraine and Silk Road Summit held on September 7, 1998 by the participation of 34 countries are the two historical steps taken regarding the future of Euroasia, President Demirel said that ''I am proud to say that the main projects which constitute the infrastructure of the Silk Road are still being constructed in Turkey, such as the Black Sea highway and the Kars-Tbilisi Railway, which are also the part of the Black Sea corridor between Pan-Europe corridors.''

''Seas which separate countries in this region from each other have started to bring them together by new cooperation mechanisms and spiritual bounds. The people living in this geography come together again through the seas and on the basis of common values such as democracy, peace, cooperation, supremacy of law and common prosperity. We came together to talk about the story of three seas today. This story is also the story of the common and bright future,'' President Demirel said.

[18] BLACK SEA TRADE AND DEVELOPMENT BANK OPENED

Addressing the inauguration of the BSTDB, Karaoz stated that countries have to maintain such values as transparency and protection of environment while realizing sustainable development.

Noting that special importance has to be given to small and medium scale enterprises and they have to be supported financially, Aydın Karaoz stated that these enterprises won't only develop the countries, but also strengethen the regional integrity.

P. Gennimatas, the Deputy President of the European Invesment Bank said in his part that BSTDB has a very important role in respect of regional development.

Stressing that BSTDB won't only address the Balkans, but also the Black Sea, Gennimatas said that Black Sea is very important for Europe.

EIB Deputy President Gennimatas pointed out that the long-run credits of EIB can be used in infrastructural investments in Turkey, Albania, Romania and Bulgaria.

[19] U.N. SECURITY COUNCIL MEMBERS START TO WORK ON CYPRUS QUESTION

The draft resolution which will be prepared by the five permanent members of the U.N. Security Council, will be submitted to the Security Council this week or at the beginning of the next week at the latest for approval.

The draft resolution is expected to refer to the call of the G-8 countries.

Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) sources told A.A about the call of G-8 and the initiatives within the U.N. that ''will everything be solved till September about the Cyprus question so that the concerned sides will sit around a negotiation table? In this respect the declaration of G-8 has no value.''

Meanwhile TRNC officials in New York hold contacts with the members of the Security Council and have requested them to take into consideration the views and concerns of TRNC which are stated below:

-A chance has to be given to the good-willing mission of the U.N. Secretary General and his representative,

-Shuttle diplomacy should continue until a result is achieved,

-TRNC's confederation proposal has to be taken into consideration,

-The sides should discuss the proposal of compensation of property.

Meanwhile the Security Council will hold an official meeting to determine its attitude about the Cyprus question and to extend the term in office of UNFICYP (United Nations Peace Keeping Force in Cyprus).

The Council will also adopt the two draft resolutions, which are being prepared about the Cyprus question in this meeting.

A.A

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