Anadolu Agency: News in English, 99-06-29

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AA Daily

29 June 1999 Tuesday

CONTENTS

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

[02] BAHCELI SAYS GOVERNMENT WORKS IN HARMONY

[03] CONTACTS OF GEORGIAN DOMESTIC FORCES COMMANDER - GENERAL SHERVASHIDZE VISITS GENERAL BETIR, GENDERMARIE COMMANDER

[04] PRESIDENT DEMIREL MEETS WITH CUBAN MINISTER OF LIGHT INDUSTRY, JESUS PEREZ OTHON

[05] FM CEM TO PARTICIPATE IN MEETING FOR DETERMINING REPRESENTATIVE OF ANNAN, U.N SECRETARY GENERAL, TO KOSOVO

[06] BAHCELI, DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER AND STATE MINISTER: - ''WE SHOULD RESPECT THE DECISION''

[07] TURKISH EMBASSY IN BELGRADE RESTARTS ITS ACTIVITIES

[08] THE TRIAL OF HEAD OF TERRORIST ORGANIZATION - THE TRIAL STARTED ON 31 MAY 1999 ON IMRALI ISLAND - THE PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE DEMANDED CAPITAL PUNISHMENT FOR THE ACCUSED, ABDULLAH OCALAN - THE COURT DELEGATION REFUSED THE REQUEST OF DEFENSE TO POSTPONE THE TRIAL - KAPLAN AND KANAR, DEFENDANT LAWYERS WITHDREW FROM THE HEARINGS - ALTERNATE MEMBER MEHMET MARAS FOLLOWED THE TRIAL SINCE IT BEGAN FOR A POSSIBLE CHANGE IN THE STRUCTURE OF STATE SECURITY COURTS - OCALAN, THE ACCUSED, SAID THAT HE WAS NOT TORTURED AND SUBJECTED TO PRESSURE IN THE FIRST DAY OF THE TRIAL - OCALAN WHO CLAIMED THAT HE WANTED FOR ''PEACE AND BROTHERHOOD'' APOLOGIZED FROM THE FAMILIES OF MARTYRS - THE ACCUSED OCALAN CALLED THE MEMBERS OF TERRORIST ORGANIZATION TO GIVE UP ARMS - OCALAN SAID THAT HE COMMITTED MORE CRIMES THAT THE ONES INDICATED IN THE INDICTMENT - OCALAN SAID THAT HE HAD INFORMATION THAT OLOF PALME, FORMER SWEDISH PRIME MINISTER, WAS KILLED BY PKK VEJIN ORGANIZATION, A FRACTION OF PKK OF WHICH HIS EX WIFE WAS AMONG THE FOUNDING MEMBERS

[09] THE TRIAL OF HEAD OF TERRORIST ORGANIZATION - INTERVENOR LAWYERS, IN THEIR SUMMING UP REGARDING THE MERITS OF THE CASE, DEMANDED ACCUSED OCALAN TO BE EXECUTED

[10] TRIAL OF HEAD OF TERRORIST ORGANIZATION - JUDGE MEHMET MARAS REPLACES HIS MILITARY COUNTERPART AT ANKARA DGM WHICH TRIED HEAD OF TERRORIST ORGANIZATION

[11] A TERRORIST FROM BEKAA TO IMRALI - ABDULLAH OCALAN, WHO LAUNCHED A CAMPAIGN OF TERROR WITH THE DREAM OF FORMING A SEPARATE STATE ON TURKISH TERRITORY, WAS BROUGHT BACK TO TURKEY 20 YEARS AFTER HE WENT TO LEBANON ON JULY 2, 1979

[12] A TERRORIST FROM BEKAA TO IMRALI

[13] AKBULUT, PARLIAMENT SPEAKER: - ''THIS PUNISHMENT WAS NECESSARY, SO IT WAS GIVEN''

[14] DISSOLUTION IN TERRORIST PKK ORGANIZATION'S FLANK IN EUROPE

[15] OKUYAN, LABOUR AND SOCIAL SECURITY MINISTER: ''WE WELCOME THE DECISION OF THE COURT WITH RESPECT''

[16] DENKTAS, TRNC PRESIDENT: - ''THE DECISIONS TAKEN ON OUR BEHALF DO NOT CONCERN US''

[17] THE HEAD OF THE TERRORIST ORGANIZATION SENTENCED TO DEATH - ATACANLI, DEPUTY SPOKESMAN OF FOREIGN MINISTRY: - ''IT IS OUT OF QUESTION FOR US TO ACCEPT INTERVENTIONS OF OTHER COUNTRIES''

[18] TURKEY AND CUBA TO RUN JOINT CIGAR PRODUCTION PROJECT WITH 50 PERCENT SHARES

[19] HARRAN TO HOST REPRESENTATIVES OF WORLD'S RELIGIONS IN 2000

[20] U.S.: ''TURKEY AND GREECE WILL WITHDRAW ARMS FROM CYPRUS''

[21] U.S.-ORIGIN WEAPONRY ON CYPRUS - DENKTAS, PRESIDENT OF TRNC: ''GREEK- CYPRIOTS END UP A LOSER FROM WITHDRAWAL OF WEAPONS. THUS, WE GOT RID OF SOME WEAPONS'' - BRILL, U.S. AMBASSADOR: ''EVERYBODY WANTS THE START OF A CONSTRUCTIVE PROCESS ON CYPRUS''

[22] TURKEY'S AND GREECE'S ARMS REDUCTION ON CYPRUS - ATACANLI, DEPUTY SPOKESMAN OF FOREIGN MINISTRY: - ''AS A RESULT OF THE TALKS WITH THE U.S., THE SITUATION ON CYPRUS REGARDING THE U.S.-SUPPLIED WEAPONRY WAS MADE CONCORDANT TO THE U.S. LAWS BY US'' - ''THIS DEVELOPMENT DOES NOT NEGATIVELY AFFECT TURKEY'S POLITICAL AND MILITARY SITUATION IN THE TRNC''

[23] CHAIRMEN OF TURK-IS, HAK-IS AND DISK TO CONVENE ON WEDNESDAY - CHAIRMEN TO EVALUATE DRAFT LAW ON SOCIAL SECURITY REFORM

[24] LAWYERS OF HEAD OF TERRORIST ORGANIZATION OCALAN COULD APPLY TO EUROPEAN HUMAN RIGHTS COURT

[25] TURKEY GETTING READY TO TAKE PART IN TEMPORARY CIVILIAN ADMINISTRATION IN KOSOVO

[26] DENKTAS, TRNC PRESIDENT: ''THE MURDERS WHICH WERE COMMITTED ARE ANSWERED BACK UNDER THE LAWS''

[27] 1999 FISCAL YEAR BUDGET DRAFT LAW APPROVED - ORAL, MINISTER OF FINANCE: - ''THE 57TH GOVERNMENT WILL START WORKING WITH A BUDGET DEFICIT OF 9.2 QUADRILLION LIRAS''

[28] EXECUTION DOSSIERS WAITING AT THE PARLIAMENT - THERE ARE A TOTAL OF 36 EXECUTION DOSSIERS FOR 47 CONVICTS IN THE AGENDA OF THE PARLIAMENT

[29] NATIONAL DEFENSE MINISTER CAKMAKOGLU RECEIVES MEMBERS OF TURKISH- AMERICAN ECONOMIC COOPERATION COMMISSION

[30] WHITE HOUSE: ''OCALAN IS A TERRORIST'' - ROBINSON, THE U.N. HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS: - ''DEATH SENTENCE ON OCALAN IS DISQUIETING''

[31] MEETINGS OF KDP AND PUK IN WASHINGTON D.C. - ATACANLI, DEPUTY SPOKESMAN OF FOREIGN MINISTRY: - ''A JOINT STATEMENT WAS NOT ISSUED AT THE END OF MEETINGS, BUT PROGRESS HAS BEEN RECORDED IN SOME ISSUES''

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

HURRIYET (LIBERAL)

PREMIER ECEVIT: ''OUR NATION WAS NOT DECEIVED''
Premier Bulent Ecevit said on Monday that some circles wanted to provoke the public opinion against the Turkish Armed Forces but that Turkish nation was not deceived by this provocation.

TURKISH BASKETBALL SEALS EUROPE
The Turkish National basketball team beat Czech Republic by 78 to 73 in the second-round of the 31st European Championship and became the third in its category. Thus, the Turkish national team qualified to the quarter final. The Turkish sportsmen made Turkey proud of them by having victory in four matches in the tournament.

MILLIYET (LIBERAL)

ERA OF MURAD THE FOURTH
President Demirel stated that the Treasury was giving S.O.S signals and he likened Turkey's economical situation to the last days of the Ottoman Empire. ''If the taxes come short to pay the interest debts of the government, this is a real S.O.S call. Countries which do not have enough tax income get under big depressions,'' Demirel stated.

SABAH (LIBERAL)

''TURKEY, A SUCCESS STORY''
John McArthur, the Advisor to the Chairman of World Bank, who entered the Koc Holding's Executive Board in March said ''Turkey was a success story''. McArthur said the living standards were rising everyday, and Turkey was continiously developing although not everything was perfect. ''There are millions of educated people. There are of course those who don't receive good education but millions of people are switching to a modern life. There are of course problems, but problems existed in Canada too, where I was born,'' he stated.

CUMHURIYET (LEFT)

NATO DELEGATION AT PARLIAMENT
The NATO delegation which was headed by Tahir Kose, Deputy Chairman of the NATO PArliamentarian Assembly, and Pedro Holstein-Camphillo, a Portugal parliamentarian and the Chairman of the Sub-Commission of the Future of the NATO Armed Forces, visited Kamran Inan, the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the Parliament. Inan said that as soon as Slobodan Milosevic, the Yugoslavian President, is in office; they cannot talk about peace in the region.

RADIKAL (LEFT)

PARLIAMENT TO CONTINUE ITS WORK IN JULY
The parliament decided to continue its work to pass the prior drafts laws, including the law on the struggle against fundamentalism. To this end, the parliament extended its working days till the end of July.

TÜRKİYE (RIGHT)

THE WATER BALLOONS BLOW UP AND TRANSFER STOP
Two balloons which were used in transferring potable water from Turkey to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) to solve the potable water problem of TRNC in the short term, blew up and the transfer had to stop. The Directorate General of State Water Works (DSI) launched contacts with the Norwegian company to solve the water problem of TRNC and signed a new agreement with the company to operate two new ballons for the transfer. The DSI officials said that the new balloons will be brought to Turkey this week and will start the transfer of water as soon as possible.

FM CEM: ''WE WANT ACTIVE ROLE IN KOSOVO''
Ismail Cem, the Foreign Minister, said that Kosovo dispute carries importance for Turkey and that they want an active role in the studies which will be held in Kosovo. Cem noted that Turkey wants to be included in the re-structuring of the economy of Kosovo and the re-structuring in Kosovar political life.

ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)

CRITICAL BABUNA MEETING
Today is the decision day for the blood bank campaign which was started by Dr.Oktar Babuna. The Health Ministry's Ethical Council will discuss how the blood must be collected, how the system will work, where it will be stored, how the blood samples will be examined, and how it will be archieved. Haluk Tokucoglu, the Undersecretary of Ministry of Health said the campaing must continue in a disciplined way.

[02] BAHCELI SAYS GOVERNMENT WORKS IN HARMONY

Bahceli attended the reception held at Dolmabahce Palace for the 17th Ministers Conference of European Research Coordination Agency (EUREKA) which will start on Wednesday.

Responding to a reporter's question, Bahceli said the government was working in harmony. ''The government made the Parliament work effectively. The Parliament works to pass laws that are expected by the people. Some of the laws have already passed,'' he stated.

Bahceli declined to comment on the retirement age and added that seven ministers currently work with the Minister of Labour and Social Security on this matter. Bahceli also added that the wage increase of civil servants will be announced in the first or second weeks of July.

When reminded about the head of the terrorist organization Abdullah Ocalan's trial, Bahceli said the decision would be taken by independent jurisdiction.

The 17th Ministers Conference will convene at Ciragan Palace on Tuesday under Bahceli's chairmanship. Representatives at ministry level from 25 European countries are expected to attend the conference.

Meanwhile, the ''Lillehammer'' award which is given to the most successful research and development project of EUREKA in environmental field will be given on Tuesday night.

[03] CONTACTS OF GEORGIAN DOMESTIC FORCES COMMANDER - GENERAL SHERVASHIDZE VISITS GENERAL BETIR, GENDERMARIE COMMANDER

Betir said that he is very pleased to see Shervashidze, the Domestic Forces Commander of friendly country Georgia, in Turkey.

Emphasizing that a total of 54 Georgian soldiers are trained by the Turkish Armed Forces, Betir noted that these soldiers will be sent back to Georgia after their training ends.

Stressing that Shervashidze got information about the Turkish armed forces, especially the Turkish gendarmarie forces, Betir stated that they will make contributions to Georgia for improving the gendarmerie forces of Georgia soon.

[04] PRESIDENT DEMIREL MEETS WITH CUBAN MINISTER OF LIGHT INDUSTRY, JESUS PEREZ OTHON

Demirel mentioned the existing cooperation between Turkey and Cuba and stressed that an agreement must be signed to prevent double taxation in addition to agreements to encourage investments.

Recalling the previous contacts between the two countries on struggle against drug trafficking and terrorism, Demirel said ''if agreements are signed on prevention of double taxation and fight against terrorism, the legal base for cooperation between two countries will be formed.'' Turkey and Cuba know each other's situations, he pointed out. The people of both countries will benefit from developing relations and opportunities exist to do this, the President also added.

The Cuban Miniser Othon said he brought a 'warm salute' from Castro to Demirel and emphasized the importance of his visit for Cuba. Cuba is working very hard to boost its economy and its international relations are important in this respect, Othon stated and added that there will be more visits between Turkey and Cuba. The agricultural sector is a big potential for economic cooperation, he pointed out.

The Cuban Minister mentioned the agreement on the joint cigar production between Turkey and Cuba. Othon stressed that Turkey was exceptionally given permission to produce cigars together with Cuba following Castro's meeting with Demirel and no other country was allowed to jointly produce cigars with Cuba other than Turkey.

Briefing Othon about Turkish economy, Demirel reminded that Turkey was the world's 16th biggest economy and had commercial relations with 135 countries. Industrial products constitute a large portion of its foreign trade and Turkey sells almost everything to Europe today, the President stated. Turkey's industrial force can meet some of Cuba's meets, Demirel underlined and pointed to Cuba's advanced medicine industry. Othon said they were ready to share all their information in the medical field with Turkey and said the two countries could also cooperate in cotton production. Demirel agreed on cooperation in cotton and stated that Turkey had the world's leading textile industry.

[05] FM CEM TO PARTICIPATE IN MEETING FOR DETERMINING REPRESENTATIVE OF ANNAN, U.N SECRETARY GENERAL, TO KOSOVO

Fred Eckhard, the U.N. Spokesman, said that the related governments are expected to be invited to make contributions to the non-governmental administration and the international police force which will be set up in Kosovo during the meeting.

The monetary support of the related governments is foreseen for the normalization of the daily life and the re-construction of Kosovo.

Meanwhile, Cem will get a briefing from Volkan Vural, Turkish Ambassador to the U.S., and other diplomats on Tuesday.

The bilateral meeting between Cem and Yorgo Papandreu, the Greek Foreign Minister, can be held after the Kosovo meeting.

[06] BAHCELI, DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER AND STATE MINISTER: - ''WE SHOULD RESPECT THE DECISION''

Responding the questions of the journalists in the EUREKA meeting, Bahceli noted that the independent jurisdiction continues and that there is a Supreme Court stage in the trial process of Ocalan at the moment.

Responding another question, Bahceli stated that he thinks that the conscience of the nation is comforted by the decision of the court.

[07] TURKISH EMBASSY IN BELGRADE RESTARTS ITS ACTIVITIES

Addressing the weekly press conference; Sermet Atacanli, the Foreign Ministry Deputy Spokesman, said that the Turkish Embassy in Belgrade which stopped its activities due to the air operation against Yugoslavia on March 25, restarted its activities on Monday in the level of Charge d'Affairs.

Ahmet Acet, the Turkish Ambassador to Belgrade, and the personnel of the Turkish Embassy in Belgrade came to Turkey after the Turkish Embassy stopped its activities on March 25, a day after the air operation against Yugoslavia was launched.

[08] THE TRIAL OF HEAD OF TERRORIST ORGANIZATION - THE TRIAL STARTED ON 31 MAY 1999 ON IMRALI ISLAND - THE PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE DEMANDED CAPITAL PUNISHMENT FOR THE ACCUSED, ABDULLAH OCALAN - THE COURT DELEGATION REFUSED THE REQUEST OF DEFENSE TO POSTPONE THE TRIAL - KAPLAN AND KANAR, DEFENDANT LAWYERS WITHDREW FROM THE HEARINGS - ALTERNATE MEMBER MEHMET MARAS FOLLOWED THE TRIAL SINCE IT BEGAN FOR A POSSIBLE CHANGE IN THE STRUCTURE OF STATE SECURITY COURTS - OCALAN, THE ACCUSED, SAID THAT HE WAS NOT TORTURED AND SUBJECTED TO PRESSURE IN THE FIRST DAY OF THE TRIAL - OCALAN WHO CLAIMED THAT HE WANTED FOR ''PEACE AND BROTHERHOOD'' APOLOGIZED FROM THE FAMILIES OF MARTYRS - THE ACCUSED OCALAN CALLED THE MEMBERS OF TERRORIST ORGANIZATION TO GIVE UP ARMS - OCALAN SAID THAT HE COMMITTED MORE CRIMES THAT THE ONES INDICATED IN THE INDICTMENT - OCALAN SAID THAT HE HAD INFORMATION THAT OLOF PALME, FORMER SWEDISH PRIME MINISTER, WAS KILLED BY PKK VEJIN ORGANIZATION, A FRACTION OF PKK OF WHICH HIS EX WIFE WAS AMONG THE FOUNDING MEMBERS

The A.A correspondents who covered the trial summarized the developments regarding the trial since it began:

The lawsuits opened against Ocalan in various provinces were combined in Ankara State Security Court no: 2. And it was decided to transfer the case to Imrali island due to security reasons.

The court consisted of Turgut Okyay, the Chief Judge; and court member Huseyin Eken, and military member Abdulkadir Davarcioglu. Taking into consideration the discussion for a constitutional change regarding the structure of State Security Courts which foresees to exclude military members from the court, procedures were completed for an alternate civilian member to watch the court sessions.

Later, Hasip Kaplan and Ercan Kanar expressed their objections to the structure of DGMs, and reminded the view of the European Court of Human Rights' which regards the existence of military members in the DGMs as against the independence of jurisdiction. Kaplan and Ercan then asked the trial to be postponed until a change in the Constitution and law regarding the structure of DGMs was made. The court delegation rejected this request.

Ocalan who asked permission to speak in the first court session said that he was not tortured or subjected to pressure since he was apprehended, and claimed that ''he wanted to live for peace and brotherhood''. Ocalan also apologized from the relatives of martyrs.

Ocalan also claimed that his apprehension was against the principles of international law.

Later, Cevdet Volkan, the Republican Chief Prosecutor of Ankara DGM, and Talat Salk, Republican Prosecutor, summarized the 139 page indictment.

The prosecutors demanded capital punishment in the indictment on charges of ''treason'' in accordance with the 125th Article of Turkish Penal Code after they evaluated from the point of law the establishment of terrorist organization PKK, and its acts of violence, and its internal and external connections.

Ocalan who asked permission to speak, said that he had nothing to say for the indictment and stated that more acts of violence were committed than those stated in the indictment. Stating that he himself formed the program and strategy of the PKK, Ocalan said that he would not answer such claims.

Calling the members of terrorist organization to give up arms Ocalan claimed that he could bring down the terrorists on the mountains in three months. ''Too much pain has been experienced. These must not be experienced again. There is the political freedom and freedom of thought in Turkey. Why should I want something which already exists?'' Ocalan said.

Claiming that he was not trying to save himself, Ocalan said that ''I wish I had reached this level of conscience in 1973.''

Alleging that he was ruined by the acts of violence against civilians, Ocalan said, ''I continuously asked for a ceasefire. The pains experienced in Kosovo and Bosnia are obvious. I exterted too much efforts. I did not order for suicide attacks. This cannot be regarded as an extenuating circumstance by law. I know what the activities against the national unity of the country means within the constitutional system of the state. I emphasized Kurdistan on geographical base, not political.''

When Ocalan recalled the rebellion of Sheikh Sait, Okyay, the Chief Judge, asked him if he meant ''Mosul and Kirkuk'' when he said ''1925''. Ocalan then said, ''the recent situation is more dangerous than 1925. Please, understand me. I request you to understand me. The unity of Turkey is very important.''

Stating that he started to see very clearly that the path of terrorist organization will not yield any result, Ocalan said that he himself called for ceasefire, and wanted to bring the terrorist organization to a more realistic line.

Ocalan said that this situation was understood better in 1993 and 1994, and Turkey started to wipe them out. ''I do not have a problem of saving myself. Our fellows say 'it will not be appropriate if you speak this way', and others want to lynch me. I wish I had this consciousness level in 1973. Then, this path would not have been taken,'' Ocalan added.

Stating that he was conveyed expressions such as ''PKK is being used very badly,'' Ocalan said that he tried to reverse this path, but he could not control everything.

Ocalan said that he was relieved when the system headed for a solution. Defending that many acts of violence stated in the indictment were realized before 1996, Ocalan said, ''there were letters coming from the highest officials of the state. I was receiving sensitive letters. What could have I done alone? I understood that nowhere could be reached with armed struggle. I headed for Europe. After that, the operation to nail me down started.''

Emphasizing that he was responsible for what he had done in the past, and he wanted to be responsible also for now, Ocalan claimed that the problems could be solved on ''the axis of democratic Republic''.

Stressing the MED-TV had connections with the PKK, Ocalan said that he was the first degree responsible person of the organization on the second court session of the trial as he was responding the questions of Okyay, the Chief Judge.

Stating that Greece aided the terrorist organization PKK by setting up training camps in the country, Ocalan said that Greece also helped them to purchase heavy weapons on commercial grounds.

Ocalan, said that every kind of training was given in Greece after 1990. He added that there is a hospital of the terrorist organization in Iran. Ocalan also said that Greek Cypriot side extended support for the terrorist organization for providing passports and for transit passages.

Ocalan said that they also received financial aid from the churches in Europe.

Stressing that decisions were given to kill some members of the terrorist organization, and ''tens of people'' were punished this way, Ocalan said that this stemmed from internal conflicts. Ocalan claimed that he did order to kill any members.

When asked if the PKK killed Olof Palme, the former premier of Sweden, Ocalan said that ''he had information that PKK Vejin organization of which his ex-wife Kesire Ocalan was among the founding members, killed Palme.''

Ocalan also said that they had relations with extreme leftist, illegal organizations Turkish Revolutionary Party, TIKKO, DHKP-C, and Revolutionary People's Party at the level of logistic support in the Black Sea Region.

Ocalan said, ''I want to dwell upon Britain. Britain has a deep policy of its own concerning Kurds. This country supports some, and expends others.''

Stating that the annual income of the terrorist organization is around 250 million US dollars, Ocalan added that they had relations with the Armennian terrorist organization ASALA in 1980s. Ocalan said that the organization had a representation in Armenia.

Ocalan said that the terrorist organization could be involved in human smuggling, adding that they did not give any donations to the Human Rights Association.

Accused Ocalan said they gave 200,000 German Marks to closed Peoples' Labour Party (HEP) and Peoples' Democracy Party (HADEP) to make them find a place. Ocalan also claimed that he did not order for Basbaglar massacre where 33 soldiers were martyred.

Ocalan also submitted his 81-page written defense to the court.

In the afternoon session of the second day of the trial, the intervenors were given the right to speak. Intervenors who spoke in tears from time to time, showed the pictures of the martyrs and turning to Ocalan, they asked ''how could you take the lives of these people?''

Resul Akay, Chairman of Confederation of Civil Servants' Labour Unions (Kamu-Sen), one of the intervenors, pointed out that terrorist PKK had a drug network which caused poisoning of Turkish and European youth. Fatma Ceylan, wife of a martyr, said ''I want this murderer to be hanged soon.''

In the court session of June 2, which was the third day of the court hearing, Chief Judge Turgut Okyay asked questions regarding several allegations which took place in several media organs.

Accused Ocalan said he had met with German Senator Lummer in Damascus and wanted help from this person to stop acts of violence in Europe. Ocalan said the terrorist organization did not prevent President Suleyman Demirel from going to the wedding of son of Mehmet Agar, Elazig Independent Deputy, adding that Lawyer Selim Okcuoglu informed them that Demirel would not go to the wedding.

''The weapons which were apprehended in Sanliurfa, Gaziantep, and Cilvegozu were destined for Hezbollah. If they had come to us, Iran would have delivered them in the border'' Ocalan said, adding that he did not give orders for suicide attacks.

Nothing that financial aid came from Greece and Southern Cyprus, Ocalan defended that ''people who have the mentality of peasant ruling'' may have burnt the business places and farms in Eastern and Southeastern region until 1996. Ocalan also claimed that he did not give orders for the attacks to touristic installations, factories, and production centers, and for the burning of forests.''

[09] THE TRIAL OF HEAD OF TERRORIST ORGANIZATION - INTERVENOR LAWYERS, IN THEIR SUMMING UP REGARDING THE MERITS OF THE CASE, DEMANDED ACCUSED OCALAN TO BE EXECUTED

In the third day of the continious trial, accused Ocalan said there was no pressure forwarded to the Kurds today, adding that ''any revolt from now on will be wrong'' as he was responding to the questions of Mehmet Okyay, the Chief Judge.

Ocalan claimed that he did not give orders to set into fire the houses of temporary village guards, business places, and to kill their relatives.

In the hearing, intervenors who did not attend previous court sessions, were given the right to speak.

Yildiz Namdar, a nurse and one of the intervenors, while crying, tried to read the text composed of three pages which was very emotional. Namdar said her husband Murat Namdar, a non-commissioned officer, was killed by the terrorist PKK members on Erzurum highway.

The words of Namdar brought tears to the eyes of lawyers and those who were in the courtroom. Chief Judge Okyay was also seen wiping his eyes with a handkerchief.

In the fourth day of the trial which started on June 3, lawyers and relatives of the accused did not participate in the court session with the pretext that they could not find a place to stay. A guest house in Gemlik was found for the lawyers and relatives of the accused with the initiative of the Court.

In the fourth day of the trial, Chief Judge Okyay and intervenor lawyers continued to pose questions to accused Ocalan.

Responding to these questions, Ocalan proposed terrorist PKK organization to hold a ''peace congress''. Ocalan asked the state to make a call for peace.

Ocalan defended the idea that ''Greece wanted to undermine us as we entered to tendency of peace since 1993.''

Claiming that people did not approach in a friendly manner to him in Russia and Italy, Ocalan said he wanted to use his preference in favor of Turkey, Ocalan said ''I will be in Turkey even if I live or die.''

''No pressure was made on me and my lawyers. People approached with respect to me in Turkey. Especially during my interrogation... This is the state approach. I will also be respectful,'' said Ocalan, adding that he did not have money personally belonging to him and noted that he did not need it.

Noting that so-called ''Kurdish Parliament in Exile'' should not show an approach based on enmity towards Turkey, Ocalan defended that he believed in Ataturk nationalism and culture nationalism.

In the fourth day of the trial, intervenor lawyers began their summing up regarding the merits of the case. All of the intervenor lawyers called for capital punishment for accused Abdullah Ocalan under Article 125 of the Turkish Penal Code.

In the fifth day of the trial of accused Abdullah Ocalan, the head of the terrorist organization, Chief Judge, Prosecutors and intervenor lawyers posed several questions to Ocalan.

Claiming that they did not expend monetary aid to Human Rights Association (IHD), Ocalan said political training was given in training camps in the Netherlands and in Belgium.

When asked about his relations with the associations in Turkey, Ocalan said ''I have told about HADEP and IHD. There were several Kurdish organizations. There was a Kurdish newspaper named Roja Welat. These are legal. I know as Kurdish institutions. They are not illegal.''

Ocalan claimed that it was impossible for the terrorist organization to get involved in drug smuggling, adding that drug smuggling was a crime of humanity and that ''aid'' may be taken from those people who got involved in drug smuggling under the name of donation. Ocalan said, ''I even banned smoking cigarette within the organization.''

After the questions, Kemal Bilgic, one of the defense lawyers, listed their demands related with the widening of the investigation.

Recalling the ''peace and friendship'' call from Ocalan and from the so- called Chairmanship Council of the terrorist PKK organization, Bilgic started to read out the two-page statement. When he read out the phrase of ''great warriors have great peace'', the intervenor lawyers started to protest. The intervenor plaintiffs and lawyers reacted to these words by saying ''war for what, against who''.

Intervenor lawyers protested the statements of lawyers of the accused saying they constitute propoganda of terrorist organization. Intervenor lawyers and intervenors left the court hall when Chief Judge Okyay wanted Sevket Can Ozbay, one of the intervenor lawyers, to go out.

The court delegation gave an interim decision and rejected all demands of the lawyers of the accused regarding the widening of the investigation and adjourned the trial to June 8 to give time to prosecutors to prepare their summing up regarding the merits of the case.

In the sixth day of the trial Cevdet Volkan, Chief Prosecutor of Ankara DGM, and Talat Salk, Republican Prosecutor, read out the summing-up of accusations composed of 13 pages against accussed Abdullah Ocalan, head of the terrorist organization.

The summing up said:''A public file was suited against accused Ocalan on April 26, 1999 to try and punish him on grounds that he aimed at giving some or whole of the territories under the sovereignty of this state to the sovereignity of another country, inverting independence of this state, or holding acts aiming to split its unity, and separate some of the territories which are under the ruling of this state. Public cases that had been opened against the accused and file of our court have been combined and extra time has been given for us to prepare our opinions regarding the merits of the caase during the continous trial of Ocalan.''

''Accused Ocalan is not sincere in his defense. The armed gang did not give up its aim of forming an independent Kurdistan, which was the foundation target of the armed gang PKK. Ocalan's announcing a unilateral ceasefire aimed to help the organization prepare itself better and to win an opportunity to make a political and diplomatic leap forward.''

''Abdullah Ocalan said that they carried out activities to set up an independent Kurdish state in the beginning, and later the practice has shown them that it was not possible to attain his goal; thus, they decided to define a new aim of living together in the democratic republic, in a free atmosphere, on the basis of equality and that they gave up their aim of setting up an independent Kurdistan. His defense and the views he put forward are not to be taken into accound and these are all evaluated as an effort to save himself from the deadlock.''

''The number of citizens with Kurdish origin who lost their lives in clashes with PKK gangs, is not limited with the number of intervenors' children. Children of many Turkish citizens of Kurdish origin who attended the trial as intervenors, but did not address to the court, were killed by PKK gangs. Presently, there are many Turkish citizens of Kurdish origin among security forces fighting against PKK gangs. Temporary village guards who fight against the PKK gangs along with security forces, are also citizens of Kurdish origin.''

''The Turkish Republic has neither put pressure on Kurdish people nor denied them'' the summing up said, adding that ''all terrorist activities which PKK did were the ones which contradict with humanity and constitute crime.'' It recalled that target of these terrorist activities was to oppose to the state order.

''The terrorist activities which were started by the PKK in Turkey can not be accepted as an independence movement. Because nations which are in the struggle of liberation, try to enforce their sovereingty in their country. To this end, only figthing with the powers who claim sovereignty in a territory illegally can be considered as a liberation struggle. The PKK which resorts to terrorist activities is illegal. ''

''Basic principles of our state had been accepted before the foundation of the terrorist organization PKK, established by accused Abdullah Ocalan, No power or institution has the initiative to change, harm or remove these principles. In that respect, no meaning can be given to his understanding of the power of the Turkish Republic, its democratic structure, and its working afer 1993 or following his capture.''

''It is clear that this intention targets the integrity of Turkey's country and nation, political structure of the state, security of people and protection of their freedoms, provision of social prosperity, development and improvement of the country.''

The summing-up pointed out that the concept which the accused used ''free unity'' did not have anything to do with the concept of ''democratic unity.''

In the final part of the summing up, it was said that as the crime of the accused is determined to be constant, punishment of the accused under Article 125, continuation of the arrest status, and confiscation of the goods and money, determined to be belonging to the organization were requested.

The accused and his lawyers requested time from the court to prepare their defense regarding the merits of the case.

Chief Judge Okyay said maximum period was 15 days according to the lawyers and gave 15 days period to the accused and the lawyers to make their defense regarding the merits of the case.

The hearing was adjourned to June 23, 1999.

[10] TRIAL OF HEAD OF TERRORIST ORGANIZATION - JUDGE MEHMET MARAS REPLACES HIS MILITARY COUNTERPART AT ANKARA DGM WHICH TRIED HEAD OF TERRORIST ORGANIZATION

Chief Judge Turgut Okyay, in the seventh court session, read out a written minute of the court delegation that alternate Judge Mehmet Maras followed the hearings from the very beginning.

Kemal Bilgic, one of the lawyers of the accused, said they had an objection regarding the procedure.

Pointing out that the government prepared a change before the hearing in accordance with the 6/1st Article of the European Convention of Human Rights because of the change in the Article 143 of the Turkish Constitution, and the change in the structure of the DGMs, Kemal Bilgic recalled that they requested to stop the trial, but their request was rejected.

After this decision, Ocalan, the accused was given the right to speak to defend himself.

Ocalan started his words by saying ''Mr. Chief Judge and dear members,'' adding that he prepared the written summary of his defense.

Accused Ocalan said he undertook the responsibility of what has been done so far. Ocalan pointed out that his defense was not legal but political.

Accused Ocalan claimed that this trial was one of the most important trials of Republican period, adding that ''you may call this either Kurdish revolt or terrorism. It is an important cause whatever its name is.''

Mentioning about historical development of incidents which he defined as ''Kurdish problem'', Ocalan noted that Kurds and Turks acted together in Manzikert (Malazgirt) Battle of Alparslan in 1071, during Yavuz Sultan Selim period, and in War of Independence headed by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. Ocalan said Ataturk made an alliance with Kurds and that he had statements to this end and noted that participation of Kurds had important role in success recorded in republican period.

Defending that the alliance reached during periods of Alparslan, Yavuz Sultan Selim, Sultan Murat, and Ataturk could not be developed during the period of Republic of Turkey, accused Ocalan said this was the most basic problem, and existence of the terrorist PKK organization indicates this.

Noting that the revolt of the terrorist organization PKK has to be the last revolt, the accused pointed out that ''this has to be really the last revolt. We will not ask for concessions. The conflict of the PKK has to be removed, the things which people lived in 15 years are evident. A conflict following this, is more dangerous.''

Claiming that the terrorist organization has to be drawn into its structure of the state and a more dangerous fight has to be prevented from being carried into the 21st century, Ocalan said ''this should not continue. This is the real mission. I don't say this to live and for myself. I did not say I wanted to live. This has to be prevented. The danger that is directed against the state has to be removed. The danger is great. We can't say that we will have a result by one trial. In fact, my defense is not legal, but rather political. Continuing the existing conflict without thinking of its results goes beyond the aim. The tool that is used to acquire the freedom and to reach the target is unnecessary. There is no need for this conflcit. This had to end in the beginning of 1990's.''

Accused Ocalan said he did not deny his responsibility in the terrorist activities, adding that integrating with ''democratic republic'' and serving it was a virtue.

Accused Ocalan claimed that the state did not expand democratic openings much, so this made existing problems to a more dangerous position. Ocalan defended that ''this should be an opportunity. Do we have another way? Who will benefit from more suffering?''

Ocalan said ''I can never be against the bais of the Republic. In social events, five or ten years are not important. I fully believe that the constitution of tomorrow will be more democratic. I am on trial under Article 125. This is a penal article. I will be convicted this or that way. But I struggle to make freedom exist. I went through a process of change and transformation. After all of the things happened, it is difficult for me to express these. Noone about whom the society has already given a decision, can survive. I survived for the things I could do for this territory and the democracy. I would like to point out sincerely that I am ready to do my best to make the 20th century a century of peace and brotherhood due to the results of these painful experiences. With my regards.''

Lawyers of accused Abdullah Ocalan, head of terrorist organization, concluded their defense regarding the merits of the case in eight hours in two days.

In the 8th court session of the trial which started at 10:40 on Thursday, the lawyers continued to read out their joint written defense which is composed of 15 folders and nearly 350 pages.

Lawyers of the accused, in their defense, claimed that State Security Courts (DGMs) were not independent and defended that history will give the best judgement.

Lawyers of the accused concentrated on historical analysis in their defenses and claimed that all the procedures were against the law since the capture of accused Ocalan. They claimed that the procedures were null and void to this end and defended that the accused should be released.

Kemal Bilgic, lawyer of the accused, wanted Ocalan to be punished under Article 168/1 of Turkish Penal Code, not under Article 125 of the Code as it was demanded in the prosecutor's summing up of the case. Article 168/1 of the Code which arranges the crime of forming armed gang and association, envisages 15 years of imprisonment terms.

Bilgic noted that the crimes of which Ocalan is accused were evaluated within the context of Article 125 as he was the incitor as the head of the terrorist organization, and as he was the highest ranking administrator of the organization.

The lawyer said accused Ocalan had the position of giving orders as the head of the terrorist organization, and that he was not involved in an armed activity and defended that the orders he gave were a natural outcome of being the administrator.

Bilgic also wanted Article 59 of Turkish Penal Code which foresees reduction of penalty, to be implemented for the accused.

[11] A TERRORIST FROM BEKAA TO IMRALI - ABDULLAH OCALAN, WHO LAUNCHED A CAMPAIGN OF TERROR WITH THE DREAM OF FORMING A SEPARATE STATE ON TURKISH TERRITORY, WAS BROUGHT BACK TO TURKEY 20 YEARS AFTER HE WENT TO LEBANON ON JULY 2, 1979

The head of the terrorist organization, code named ''Apo'', who went to Lebanon on July 2, 1979 via Syria to initiate his bloody acts of violence, was brought back to Turkey with a successful operation performed by Turkish armed forces on February 15, 1999, 20 years after he fled to Lebanon.

The head of the terrorist organization who gave directives to implement bloody plans made in various camps in Lebanon, left for Syria in 1992 due to Turkey's determined attitude because ''the Bekaa Valley lost its function'' as said by Ocalan himself.

The head of the terrorist organization directed the bloody terrorist acts from here for long years although Syrian administration denied this for a long time. He had to leave Syria due to Turkey's resolved attitude and unrelenting pressure.

An unstoppable process started for the head of the terrorist organization when he left Syria on October 9, 1998.

October 9, 1998:

Syrian officials told the head of the terrorist organization to leave the country upon the pressures of Turkey. Ocalan wanted Ayfer Kaya, having code name Rozalin, so-called representative to Greece, to make necessary preparations to go to Greece as Syrian officials told him that he could not go to Lebanon. Meanwhile, the head of the terrorist organization who got a false passport in the name of Abdullah Sarikurt, and began to wait for news from Greece.

Ocalan departed Damascus when positive news came from Badovas, ''one of his friends in Greece'', with his own words. Ocalan left for Stockholm together with Ayfer Kaya and later landed in Athens.

A high level official of the Greek intelligence, Dimitri, welcomed him and he was taken to a room. Greek official told Ocalan that he could only stay in Greece till 5.00 p.m. Ocalan decided to go to Russia when his demand to get asylum and to stay in a hotel in the airport, was rejected.

Upon this, Ocalan called a terrorist, code named Mahir, in Russia and asked if he could go to this country. Ocalan's Russian adventure started when Russian officials allowed him to come to this country.

The head of the terrorist organization left for Russia together with Ayfer Kaya with a jet that was allocated to him by Greek officials.

The terrorist code named Mahir, and a Russian official, who is responsible of the Geopolitic Parliament Commission, and two businessmen welcomed the head of the terrorist organization in the country.

October 11, 1998:

Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz had disclosed that the head of the terrorist organization was in Russia.

October 20, 1998:

Yilmaz spoke for a second time: ''We have determined that the head of the terrorist organization has been in a suburb in Moscow for one week. He is not able to direct the terrorist organization, even cannot talk to his supporters on the phone.'' Despite all these, Russian officials continued their allegations that the head of the terrorist organization was not in their country.

October 27, 1998:

''Apo note'' from Turkey to Russia. ''Extradite the head of terrorist organization to Turkey!''

Ocalan who stayed in Moscow for 30 days, sheltered in a two flat house. He began to look for another country upon the demands of Russian officials to leave the country.

Ocalan, upon the invitation of Montovani, Italian Re-structuring Party Deputy, left for Italy, by taking into consideration relations between Italy and European Union.

Lebedev, Russia's Ambassador to Ankara who conveyed a private message of Russian Prime Minister Primakov to Yilmaz, then Prime Minister, said Ocalan was not in their territory any more and that he will not be allowed to enter the country again.

November 12, 1998:

Ocalan who landed at the Rome Airport, was welcomed by Ahmet Yaman, a supporter of terrorist organization. The head of the terrorist organization told the first police who approached him that he was Abdullah Ocalan, the head of the terrorist organization.

Italian officials who initiated the asylum process, told Ocalan that they will not extradict him to Turkey. But, they added that they may extradite him to Germany if this country requests his extradition within the framework of the Schengen Agreement. Ocalan was arrested on grounds that he used a false passport.

The news report that the head of the terrorist organization was captured in Italy caused a wave of joy in Turkey. Relatives of people, who were killed in terrorist attacks and those who were wounded due to these attacks hoped that the head of the terrorist organization will be extradited to Turkey by Italy, ''a NATO ally'', and will account for his crimes in front of the Turkish justice.

The Justice Ministry made its first application to Italy through Interpol for the extradition of the head of the terrorist organization.

November 14, 1998:

Yet joy turned into disappointment due to the attitude which Italy assumed following the capture of the head of the terrorist organization. Supporters of the terrorist organization staged demonstrations in several European countries and attacked a group of Turkish journalists in Rome. Italian security forces watched the incidents and did not interfere.

November 15, 1998:

Hasan Denizkurdu, Minister of Justice, said a draft change was prepared in the Turkish Penal Code to abolish capital punishment which is claimed to create problem in the extradition of the head of terrorist organization to Turkey.

November 16, 1998:

Calls for boycott began against Italian goods.

[12] A TERRORIST FROM BEKAA TO IMRALI

The head of the terrorist organization, who was declared as ''unwanted guest'' even in Italy, had to to go Kenya when all the airports of Europe were closed to him.

Ocalan who was hosted in the residence of the Greek Ambassador in Kenya began to look for another place for him, yet this quest ended in Imrali island where he would account for his crimes in front of the Turkish justice.

November 17, 1998:

Ocalan, the head of the terrorist organization, was interrogated by Italian judges for the first time. Ocalan, during his two-hour interrogation, claimed that he repented for the bloody acts of violence he staged.

November 18, 1998:

European Parliament rejected a proposal of Greek, Spanish, and Italian parliamentarians to grant political asylum to the head of terrorist organization in another European country. Meanwhile, reactions against Italy continued increasingly.

November 19, 1998:

Diliberto, the Italian Justice Minister, confirmed decision for the arrest of Ocalan. The decree foresaw Ocalan to be kept in a house by taking into consideration his illness.

November 20, 1998:

Ocalan, the head of the terrorist organization, who was arrested on grounds of having a false passport, was released by the Rome Court of Appeals as the time he was under arrest was adequate.

Ocalan who was kept in a hospital during the time he was arrested, settled in a villa under police control. They told Ocalan that he was free yet he should not leave the house due to security reasons.

November 30, 1998:

Extradition file in Rome: A 900-page file, composed of four files, including Turkey's request for extradition of Ocalan, was conveyed to Italian officials.

December 7, 1998:

The head of the terrorist organization was interrogated by a French judge due to the illegal activities of the terrorist organization in France.

December 16, 1998:

The head of the terrorist organization held tete-a-tete meetings with Turkish, Italian, British, Belgian, German, Dutch, and Greek journalists, parliamentarians from various countries, lawyers and a British lord during his stay in Italy.

Ocalan held contacts with his supporters easily in the villa. Yet, Ocalan began to look for another country as he faced the threat of being under continuous arrest in Italy. He thought of South Africa, Greece, Russia, the Netherlands, Finland, and Baltic countries.

Many European countries told the head of the terrorist organization that they will treat him similarly if he comes, and Britain in a written statement gave him the message not to come.

Ocalan left for Russia again on January 16. Russian security forces gave him 10 days to leave the country.

February 1, 1999:

Ocalan, the head of the terrorist organization, contacted his ''Greek friends'' and the terrorist Ayfer Kaya, and left for Greece when he was not wanted in Russia.

Ocalan who was welcomed by Greek officials, was not allowed to enter from the airport. He was brought to a military installation used by Greek intelligence.

From here, Ocalan was brought to Minsk in Belarus with a plane en route to the Netherlands. He returned to Athens when all airports were closed to him.

February 2, 1999:

Ocalan, the head of the terrorist organization, was sent to Kenya from here. Greek officials welcomed him in Kenya and he was sheltered in the residence of the Greek Ambassador for sometime.

February 16, 1999:

Greek officials told the head of terrorist organization to leave the Embassy to go to another country as Kenyan officials were informed about Ocalan and were uneasy.

Ocalan was captured with a successful operation of Turkish security forces in Nairobi Airport and was brought to Turkey at 03:00 local time. Ocalan was brought to Imrali island where he was to be judged.

The head of the terrorist organization, Abdullah Ocalan whose trial started on May 31, 1999 and lasted for about a month, was sentenced to death according to Article 125 of the Turkish Penalty Code for treason on June 29.

[13] AKBULUT, PARLIAMENT SPEAKER: - ''THIS PUNISHMENT WAS NECESSARY, SO IT WAS GIVEN''

Responding the questions of the journalists, Akbulut noted that the trial on the Imrali Island was a fair one and that the defense rights were provided fastidiously.

Akbulut said, ''of course, this punishment was necessary. So, it was given. Capital punishment is a legal punishment. There was legal obligation for this punishment. The conditions required this punishment. It will be wrong if I make any comment on what the decision of the parliament will be when it comes in front of the parliament.''

''Turkey did not turn a blind eye to terrorism and will never turn a blind eye to it. Those who apply to terrorism will receive their response. Turkey is an indivisible whole with its state and nation,'' Akbulut added.

Meanwhile, Mesut Yilmaz, the leader of the Motherland Party (ANAP), said that the decision is the discretion of the court and it will be wrong to make a comment at this stage because it will come to the Parliament to be voted.

[14] DISSOLUTION IN TERRORIST PKK ORGANIZATION'S FLANK IN EUROPE

Sources said the statements of Ocalan at his trial by the Ankara State Security Court (DGM) No: 2 saying, ''I apologize from the families of martyrs. I want to serve the Republic of Turkey. I can do whatever you want, '' caused confusion among the terrorist organization's flank in Europe. The harsh criticisms were made by the European flank and dissolution started when the PKK's so-called leadership council defended Ocalan's statements.

The so-called high-level officials Emin Kaya code-named Celal Abbas Komur, the advisor of Ocalan; Akif Hasan code-named Sami Coskun, the former spokesman of the Europe ERNK; and Ahmet code-named Mehmet Zeki Budak, who is responsible for Cologne; came together in Cologne. Following the meeting, these opinions were defended:

''Abdullah Ocalan gave in by failing to resist even as much as a symphatizer. He betrayed the PKK and himself. Unfortunately, the PKK leadership council accepted this submission. At this stage, the flank should be gathered under a new rank to give the start for a new process and organization to save the PKK.''

Following the meeting, those who revolted against the terrorist organization were asked to be ''arrested'' in accordance with an instruction sent by the PKK's so-called leadership council.

The sources said Ocalan's ''advisor'' Celal Abbas Komur was being kept in a house by the terrorist organization while Sami Coskun and Mehmet Zeki Budak, and some terrorists who escaped from the terrorist organization, are wanted by the terrorist organization.

The sources said a total of 25 terrorists who reacted against the statements of Ocalan and the so-called leadership council, left the organization in Gottingen.

The sources stressed that those incidents within the organization were tried to be kept secret while the executions in the organization may increase in coming days to prevent dissolutions.

[15] OKUYAN, LABOUR AND SOCIAL SECURITY MINISTER: ''WE WELCOME THE DECISION OF THE COURT WITH RESPECT''

Stressing that the Republic of Turkey is a state based on law, Okuyan stated that Ocalan, the head of the most bloody and most violent terrorist and drug-smuggling organization who led to the deaths and injuries of many people, and the loss of 100 billion U.S. dollars, and the immigration of millions of people, was tried under fair Turkish jurisdiction and in front of the whole world.

Okuyan added that today, the court gave the final decision, and that they welcomed the decision of the court.

On the other hand, Ismail Kose, the acting chairman of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) parliamentary group, wished that the decision of the court will be auspicious for the nation, and congratulated the fair jurisdiction which put forward its free and independent will.

Kose evaluated this trial as one of the most important trials which were supported by the Turkish nation.

Kose stressed that the court heard the voice of the conscience of the Turkish nation and gave a decision which will please the Turkish nation; adding that the judicial process will continue.

Kose emphasized that they will vote in favour of the capital punishment when it comes in front of the parliament.

[16] DENKTAS, TRNC PRESIDENT: - ''THE DECISIONS TAKEN ON OUR BEHALF DO NOT CONCERN US''

Denktas received the representatives of Yerel Media Corp., a joint institution of the Turkish local television channels.

Speaking in the meeting, Denktas noted that they respond to the tricks and games of inter-communal negotiations together with Turkey and that this is a consultation and confederation from one state to another.

Drawing the attention that Glafcos Clerides, the leader of the Greek Cypriot side, said in 1972 that 'disagreement is the best for us', Denktas emphasized that the real policy of Clerides is disagreement.

Recalling the words of Clerides saying ''the immigrants will return to their homeland. The guarantee of Turkey cannot be accepted. The multi- national force will come. When we gain all these, the Greek nationality will gain victory on Cyprus'', Denktas said that the aim of the Greek Cypriots was sending the Turkish Cypriots away from the Island.

Addressing the Greek Cypriots, Denktas said, ''if you wish, we can have a cooperative and confederal agreement. If you do not want, we do not need such a thing.''

Criticising the stance of the Islamic countries on Cyprus, Denktas said that the Islamic countries do not have a public opinion. Denktas stressed that some of the Islamic countries acts in accordance with the signal they get from the U.S. or Russia.

Denktas said that they always request that the Islamic countries should send an official delegation to the Island to get information about the Cyprus issue.

[17] THE HEAD OF THE TERRORIST ORGANIZATION SENTENCED TO DEATH - ATACANLI, DEPUTY SPOKESMAN OF FOREIGN MINISTRY: - ''IT IS OUT OF QUESTION FOR US TO ACCEPT INTERVENTIONS OF OTHER COUNTRIES''

Staging a press conference at the Foreign Ministry building, Atacanli evaluated the death sentence against Ocalan.

Recalling that one stage of the continuing process of the trial has been concluded, Atacanli said, ''we should wait for the finalization of this process. Besides this, we do not have the authority to interfere with the decisions of the jurisdiction, and it is out of question for us to accept other countries' recommendations or interventions.''

[18] TURKEY AND CUBA TO RUN JOINT CIGAR PRODUCTION PROJECT WITH 50 PERCENT SHARES

Previously, Tekel had 45 percent of shares, the private sector had five percent and Cuba had 50 percent of shares of Tekel-Catec joint cigar production project.

The decisions taken at the end of the meeting have been presensented to the Higher Planning Council (YPK) and within one year after the YPK approves the decisions, the Cuban tobacco will be brought to Turkey where it will be used to make mini cigars. Catec's retail company will market the cigars, the Minister explained.

Yucelen said the Cuban cigar tobacco will be grown in Turkey within the next three years and it will be used in cigar production. Turkey and Cuba will sign an agreement in the next two months for partnership.

The Cuban Minister Othan stated that such a commercial relation will bring the two countries even closer and added that the cigar project will constitute a base for commerce and cooperation between Turkey and Cuba.

[19] HARRAN TO HOST REPRESENTATIVES OF WORLD'S RELIGIONS IN 2000

The symposium ''A Hope Symbol in Dialogue: Prophet Abraham'' will be held both in Harran and Istanbul between May 15 and 19, 2000. The symposium will be organized by Journalists and Authors Foundation and Christian and Jewish authorities.

Ibrahim Halil Aksit, the Harran head of district said the symposium carried great importance for Judaism, Christianism, and Islam and Pope, the leader of Christians, was expected to attend it.

''The symposium aims to bring religions together. We are happy to host such an organization. We will host our guests in the best way we can. We are already excited about it,'' Aksit stated.

[20] U.S.: ''TURKEY AND GREECE WILL WITHDRAW ARMS FROM CYPRUS''

Addressing a press conference, Rubin noted that they carried an investigation when they heard that the two sides on Cyprus deployed some U.S.-made weapons on Cyprus and that they got information from the two sides.

Stressing that they requested the two governments on Cyprus to withdraw the weapons which should not be deployed on the Island, Rubin stated that two governments accepted to withdraw the mentioned weapons.

Rejecting to give any information about the type and the amount of the U.S.- made weapons on the Island, Rubin emphasized that the weapons on Cyprus were mostly the ones which were deployed on the Island after 1987.

When recalled that there are news saying that Ismail Cem, Foreign Minister, and Yorgo Papandreu, Greek Foreign Minister; who will go to New York to hold contacts for Kosovo; will discuss the problems between Ankara and Athens; Rubin said that he heard that there will be a meeting and that having meetings between allies is good.

[21] U.S.-ORIGIN WEAPONRY ON CYPRUS - DENKTAS, PRESIDENT OF TRNC: ''GREEK- CYPRIOTS END UP A LOSER FROM WITHDRAWAL OF WEAPONS. THUS, WE GOT RID OF SOME WEAPONS'' - BRILL, U.S. AMBASSADOR: ''EVERYBODY WANTS THE START OF A CONSTRUCTIVE PROCESS ON CYPRUS''

''I wish good luck to them. The Greek-Cypriots ended up a loser from the withdrawal of weaponry,'' Denktas said.

TRNC President Denktas received Kenneth Brill, the U.S. Ambassador to Lefkosa.

Responding to questions of reporters about withdrawal of U.S.-supplied equipment from Cyprus, Denktas said, ''the Greek-Cypriots said that 'there were some U.S. made weapons on the Turkish side,' and they defined those weapons. The U.S. acted and evaluated the issue seriously. They said 'we will make inspections in both sides.' Consequently, it was seen that the weapons on the Greek-Cypriot side are more than five or ten times than the weapons on our side. They were obliged to give back the weapons. This is what happened. Thus, we got rid of some weapons.''

Denktas said that the U.S. Ambassador targeted to take up the reaction showed by the Turkish side against the issue of G-8, and announced that this initiative will bring some innovations.

Noting that the U.S. thinks the requests of the Turkish Cypriots can be met at the negotiation table, Denktas said, ''we think that it is impossible to remove the (Greek Cypriot sides') precondition of 'legal government' as long as they and the world considers the Greek-Cypriot side as the legal government. This was proved by experience.''

Pointing out that there is a precondition of government on Cyprus at the negotiation table, Denktas said nothing can be achieved as long as the U.N. Secretary General invites the ''two communities'' to negotiations by accepting this precondition, and the Greek-Cypriots are benefiting from this.

Stressing that the Greek-Cypriots oriented the issue towards different platforms by making use of that situation, and now their target is the European Union (EU), Denktas said, ''thus, we defended that the discretion is at those who unjustly considered the Greek-Cypriot side as the legal government which is contrary to the supremacy of law, and we continue to do so.''

Noting that the interference of the G-8 encouraged and pleased the Greek- Cypriots, Denktas said the decision of the U.N. Security Council has not become clear yet, and thus, making a statement after its decision will be more accurate.

The U.S. Ambassador Kenneth Brill said the aim of the G-8 should be taken into consideration, not the decision of the G-8.

Brill said everybody wants the starting of the process of constructive meetings on Cyprus.

Brill stated that the aim of the U.S. and other countries was to have the issue entered into a positive process to get a positive result.

[22] TURKEY'S AND GREECE'S ARMS REDUCTION ON CYPRUS - ATACANLI, DEPUTY SPOKESMAN OF FOREIGN MINISTRY: - ''AS A RESULT OF THE TALKS WITH THE U.S., THE SITUATION ON CYPRUS REGARDING THE U.S.-SUPPLIED WEAPONRY WAS MADE CONCORDANT TO THE U.S. LAWS BY US'' - ''THIS DEVELOPMENT DOES NOT NEGATIVELY AFFECT TURKEY'S POLITICAL AND MILITARY SITUATION IN THE TRNC''

Responding to questions of journalists during his weekly press conference at the Foreign Ministry building, Atacanli evaluated the U.S. State Department James P. Rubin's statement saying that ''both Turkey and Greece will withdraw certain U.S. origin equipment from Cyprus upon the request of the U.S.''

Noting that the U.S. authorities earlier informed the Turkish authorities that some of U.S. supplied weaponry should not exist on Cyprus in accordance with the concerned U.S. laws, Atacanli said the U.S., contacted also with Greece concerning the U.S.origin weaponry in Southern Cyprus.

''As a result of the talks and cooperation with the U.S. authorities, the situation in Northern Cyprus regarding the U.S. origin weaponry in question, has been made concordant to the U.S. laws by us under the opinion of the TRNC authorities,'' Atacanli said.

Stressing that the U.S. side claimed that the same result was provided on Southern Cyprus by Greece which had a broad responsibility and obligations, Atacanli said the U.S. stated that the U.S. administration will prepare a report on all of those developments, and submit it to the U.S. Congress.

Atacanli stated that the incident is a separate situation which totally stemmed from the U.S. laws and includes only the weapons mentioned in the concerned regulations.

''The incident does not have any connection with other sides of the Cyprus question. This development does not negatively affect Turkey's political and military situation in the TRNC. The security of the Turkish Cypriot nation will be always under Turkey's guarantorship,'' Atacanli stressed.

Responding to a question, Atacanli said the U.S. did not propose a reduction in the number of soldiers, who are fulfilling their missions within the structure of the Peace Force that Turkey provides in the TRNC. Atacanli who did not give information about the number of the U.S. origin equipment that Turkey will withdraw from Cyprus, said that this is a military issue.

Responding to another question, Atacanli stated that the issue should be evaluated totally within its dimensions, stressing that this issue should not be connected to the Cyprus question and initiatives for solution.

Atacanli said this issue should not be connected to also the meeting that was foreseen to be held in New York between the Foreign Ministers of Turkey and Greece.

''These two issues should be considered separately. The content and solution parameters of the Cyprus question are different. It is a different issue from the Turkish-Greek relations; they do not have direct connections. Of course, it can be thought that a recovery in the relations between Turkey and Greece may reflect positively in the searches for solution on Cyprus, but it does not change the reality that these two issues should be evaluated separately,'' Atacanli said.

Pointing out that the U.S. authorities expressed that Greece, which had more responsibility and obligations than Turkey, realized the foreseen arms- reduction upon the request of the U.S., Atacanli said, ''we hope that the U.S. authorities carried out the necessary investigation into the incident. We understood from the U.S. statement that Greece got this result. We have to respect this statement.''

[23] CHAIRMEN OF TURK-IS, HAK-IS AND DISK TO CONVENE ON WEDNESDAY - CHAIRMEN TO EVALUATE DRAFT LAW ON SOCIAL SECURITY REFORM

Bayram Meral, the Chairman of Turk-Is; Salim Uslu, the Chairman of Hak-Is and Vandettin Karabay, the Chairman of DISK, will evaluate the draft law on the Social Security Reform which was prepared by the Labour and Social Security Ministry.

Meral, Uslu, and Karabay are expected to prepare a joint statement about this issue.

Uslu told A.A correspondent that the meeting which will be held on Wednesday carries importance not only for the workers, but also for all the employees; adding that they will evaluate the draft law on the social security reform.

Emphasizing that the rights of the workers are tried to be usurped by some studies titled social security reform and that the unemployment and the inflation reached its peak, Uslu noted that they should unite for struggling against this crisis.

The chairmen of the three organizations said that the draft law on the social security includes very heavy conditions for the workers.

[24] LAWYERS OF HEAD OF TERRORIST ORGANIZATION OCALAN COULD APPLY TO EUROPEAN HUMAN RIGHTS COURT

The citizens of the Turkish Republic who has ratified the European Human Rights Agreement, have the right to apply to the European Human Rights Court regarding cases finalized within Turkey's borders. Therefore, Ocalan's lawyers, following the final decision of the Court of Appeals, could apply to the European Human Rights Court.

Their application will be first reviewed in the related department of the European Human Rights Court. One or two judges will examine their application before it is discussed by the Court delegation which will also include a Turkish judge.

Meanwhile, the European Human Rights Court will ask for Turkey's defence. The Turkish Republic can give a verbal or written defence.

The European Human Rights Court will take a decision after hearing the defence of both sides. It will either find Ocalan's lawyers right and make Turkey pay compensation for damages or it will decide that the decision of the Turkish DGM is appropriate and overturn Ocalan's appeal.

The lawyers stated that the European Human Rights Court does not have the legal basis to take a decision to stop Ocalan's execution as the Agreement does not clearly specify such action.

Prof. Sulhi Donmezer told A.A that Ocalan's lawyers staged a political defence rather than discussing the merits of the case. Donmezer pointed out that they might have done this to open the way for the European Human Rights Court. The Court might order Turkey to pay compensation for damages if it decides that Ocalan was not given a fair trial.

The European Rights Court, before the trial began, warned Turkey that Ocalan must have a fair and impartial trial, and Turkish authorities gave the necessary response to this warning, Donmezer said. Donmezer also reminded that the European Human Rights Court did not issue cautionary measures for the cases it dealt with so far.

The lawyers also noted that the cautionary measure decision of the European Human Rights Court would not affect Ocalan's execution procedure.

[25] TURKEY GETTING READY TO TAKE PART IN TEMPORARY CIVILIAN ADMINISTRATION IN KOSOVO

Ambassador Sukru Tufan told the A.A. correspondent that they were discussing Turkey's contribution to the U.N. police force and its participation in the temporary civilian administration that will be formed in the region.

Tufan also said they were about to start talks to decide on the most effective methods on how to transport aid that will be provided by Turkey and to determine on the needs of Kosovo. Tufan reminded that Turkish Red Crescent, 'Kizilay' sent two container truckfulls of humanitarian aid to Prizren which was the first humanitarian aid that entered Kosovo during the war. ''We had positive contacts about continuation of this aid. In this respect, we hired a storage in Prizren. We came to Pristine for the same reason today,'' he stated. Turkey will open up a contact center in Pristina as soon as possible, the Tufan noted. They will work in coordination with the Foreign Ministry and search out possibilities to bring education, communication, and other services besides food aid, Tufan pointed out.

Tufan went on to say that he had a meeting with Sergio Vieira de Mello, the Deputy General Secretary appointed by the U.N. General Secretary Kofi Annan as a civilian administrator to Kosovo and discussed the possibilities to include high level Turkish representatives to the U.N. administration.''We exchanged opinions on the Turkish troops that will give service in KFOR. I can tell you our meeting was very positive,'' Tufan stated.

Turkish humanitarian aid delegation will continue its contacts in Kosovo also on Wednesday.

[26] DENKTAS, TRNC PRESIDENT: ''THE MURDERS WHICH WERE COMMITTED ARE ANSWERED BACK UNDER THE LAWS''

Responding the questions of the journalists regarding the death sentence given to Abdullah Ocalan, the head of terrorist organization, Denktas noted that nobody can be pleased if a person is sentenced to capital punishment and that there is a legal decision there and that they should wait for the end of the judicial process.

Denktas stated that every murder has a punishment under the laws and that the capital punishment given for Abdullah Ocalan, the head of the terrorist organization, is a decision given within the framework of laws.

Denktas stressed that there is the appeal stage of this decision and that there will be a voting at the parliament for whether or not to approve the capital punishment.

[27] 1999 FISCAL YEAR BUDGET DRAFT LAW APPROVED - ORAL, MINISTER OF FINANCE: - ''THE 57TH GOVERNMENT WILL START WORKING WITH A BUDGET DEFICIT OF 9.2 QUADRILLION LIRAS''

Giving information about the budget figures at the General Assembly meeting, Finance Minister Sumer Oral said the Parliamentary Planning and Budget Commission decided to make a 3,7 quadrillion TL addition into the budget and approved the total budget allowances to be 27.3 quadrillion TL.

''Thus, the budget deficit increased from 5.5 quadrillion TL to 9.2 quadrillion TL. In this respect, the 57th government will start working with a 9.2 quadrillion TL of deficit on July 1,'' he said.

Stressing that there is not an economic crisis in Turkey, Oral said, ''there has been a squeeze due to decreasing domestic and foreign demand stemmed from the Russian crisis. A gradual recovery has started in the economy after March and April.''

Responding to the criticisms about the budget, Oral said Turkey did not submit to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Noting that Turkey signed agreements with the IMF for 16 times, Oral said, ''Turkey has to take some measures. However, she has to take those measures for the future of her. This can't happen like this because the IMF wants it like this.''

Sumer Oral added that all of the Ministries will start the preparations for the 2000 year fiscal budget as of July 1.

[28] EXECUTION DOSSIERS WAITING AT THE PARLIAMENT - THERE ARE A TOTAL OF 36 EXECUTION DOSSIERS FOR 47 CONVICTS IN THE AGENDA OF THE PARLIAMENT

Parliament, since 1922, apart from those who were executed following Menemen and Dersim incidents, ratified death sentences given against 532 people, including 13 parliamentarians. Here are the names of 13 parliamentarians who had been executed, including the parliamentarians who attempted a suicide attack against Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, founder of modern Turkish Republic.

''Haci Abdulvehap Omer, Yusuf Ziya Kocoglu, Hasan Hayri Kangotan, Keskinli Riza Silsüpüroglu, Ziya Hursit, Hafiz Mehmet, Abidin Bey, Halis Turgut, Hilmi Bey, Arif Bey, İsmail Canbolat, Sükrü Bey, Rüstü Pasha.''

Adnan Menderes, defunct Prime Minister, Hasan Polatkan, and Fatin Rustu Zorlu, former ministers, had been hanged after 1960 military intervention.

Under Article 92 of Grand National Assembly internal regulations, related with the fulfillment of death sentences, Premiership decrees concerning fulfillment of court decisions which becomes definite, are sent to Justice Commission as the basic commission.

Justice Commission investigates this decree and prepares a legal text to ratify the execution of the penalty or not. This text becomes definite after being discussed in General Assembly. The Commissions and General Assembly are not able to change the decision of the Court.''

[29] NATIONAL DEFENSE MINISTER CAKMAKOGLU RECEIVES MEMBERS OF TURKISH- AMERICAN ECONOMIC COOPERATION COMMISSION

Addressing the meeting, Mrs. Baker expressed satisfaction over visiting Turkey in a period when the new government was formed.

Pointing out that the relations between Turkey and the U.S. have began after the U.S. gained her independence, Cakmakoglu noted that these relations are further improving.

He added, ''we are two friendly countries trying to solve problems in the world within the structure of the NATO. Such relations along with the official relations help friendship to improve between the two countries.''

Responding to a question, ''what will be your vote when the Ocalan case is brought onto agenda of the parliament?'' Cakmakoglu noted, ''my prior statements are still valid.''

When asked whether his prior statement was in favour of execution, Cakmakoglu said, ''Yes, it was.''

[30] WHITE HOUSE: ''OCALAN IS A TERRORIST'' - ROBINSON, THE U.N. HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS: - ''DEATH SENTENCE ON OCALAN IS DISQUIETING''

Joe Lochart, the Spokesman of the White House, declined to comment on the death sentence on Ocalan.

Lockhart told reporters that they thought Ocalan was an international terrorist who should be surrendered to justice.

White House Spokesman Lockhart recalled that the lawyers of Ocalan will appeal at a higher court.

The death sentence for Ocalan was given as the first news item of the television channels in the U.S. The news was also announced by all of the news sites in internet.

Meanwhile, the CNN, which opened a web site for messages, asks its readers to convey their opinions about the issue. Many messages are being sent to this site by the people, including mostly the Turkish side and the relatives of martyrs.

The Fox News television, in its internet site, issued the photograph of a relative of martry with a rope.

Microsoft and NBC, at their internet site MSNBC, gave place to the news at the top of the ''News'' under the headline ''Kurdish rebel was sentenced to death.''

The Time magazine, which is published in the U.S., wrote that Turkey sentenced Ocalan to death and now reached the level of taking a political decision for whether or not execute him.

Noting that the death sentence was not a surprise, the magazine said that ''also the supreme court is expected to approve the verdict.''

Meanwhile, the British SKY TV gave place to opinions of its audience. Most of the people defended that Ocalan should be hanged.

Meanwhile, a spectator namely Stephanie who talked to the SKY TV on the phone from Istanbul, stressed that she is a member of the Christian community living in Turkey, and she has the same rights with the Turkish people, defending that the situation of Ocalan is different, Stephanie said Ocalan deserved to be hanged as he acted like a ''monster''.

Mary Robinson, the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, said that the death sentence for the head of the terrorist organization is disquieting.

Claiming that Ocalan was exposed to a ten-day incommunicado detention, and he was limited access to his lawyers, and his lawyers were threatened, Robinson said that she was aware of the seriousness of the charges for which Ocalan was sentenced, but added that in view of concerns about the lack of due process, it was particularly disquieting that Turkey's State Security Court had sentenced him to death.

Robinson said in a statement that the removal of military officers from the three-member panel judging Ocalan was welcome although it came after the trial had started.

[31] MEETINGS OF KDP AND PUK IN WASHINGTON D.C. - ATACANLI, DEPUTY SPOKESMAN OF FOREIGN MINISTRY: - ''A JOINT STATEMENT WAS NOT ISSUED AT THE END OF MEETINGS, BUT PROGRESS HAS BEEN RECORDED IN SOME ISSUES''

Addressing a weekly press conference at the Foreign Ministry, Atacanlı pointed out that following the meetings, the KDP delegation came to Ankara to inform officials about their contacts.

Recalling that officials from the Turkish and British Embassies in Washington D.C. were also in attendance at the meetings within the framework of the Ankara Process, Atacanlı reiterated that a joint statement was not issued at the end of the meetings.

Atacanli named the issues where progress has been recorded as follows:

''-to put an end to attacks on press members, and to create a positive atmosphere for a reconciliation,

-to set up a joint committee to coordinate efforts to prevent the terrorist organization PKK from finding shelters in the region,

-to open mutual party offices in cities,

-to start preparations to allow families who were forced to move,

-to prepare electoral rolls for the local elections.''

Recalling that the PUK delegation also wanted to pay a visit to Ankara, Atacanlı told reporters that a certain date has not been determined yet for the visit.

A.A

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