Anadolu Agency: News in English, 99-07-01

Anadolu Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

From: The Anadolu Agency Home Page at <http://www.anadoluajansi.gov.tr/>

AA Daily

01 July 1999 Thursday

CONTENTS

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

[02] GERMAN EMBASSY IN ANKARA HOSTS RECEPTION

[03] ''KOSOVO FRIENDS'' MEETING STARTS

[04] OKUYAN, LABOUR AND SOCIAL SECURITY MINISTER, LEAVES FOR TRNC - OKUYAN: ''IT IS SO NATURAL THAT THE SOCIAL PARTIES HAVE CRITICISM AND DIFFERENT IDEAS ABOUT THE DRAFT LAW ON THE SOCIAL SECURITY REFORM''

[05] AUSTRIA DECORATES TURKISH LAWYER WITH MEDAL OF MERIT

[06] POWER OF TURKISH ENTERPRENEURS IN GERMANY

[07] CONTACTS OF OKUYAN IN TRNC - DENKTAS, TRNC PRESIDENT: ''TURKEY WATCHES TRNC WITH INTEREST''

[08] COOPERATION PROTOCOL BETWEEN TURKEY AND TRNC SIGNED

[09] CITIZENSHIP OF MERVE KAVAKCI, FP DEPUTY - COUNCIL OF STATE REQUESTS INFORMATION, DOCUMENTS AND DEFENSE FROM PRIME MINISTRY AND INTERIOR MINISTRY

[10] TURK, JUSTICE MINISTER, SAYS THERE ARE NO INITIATIVES TO LIFT CAPITAL PUNISHMENT AT THIS STAGE

[11] TURKISH INDUSTRIALISTS TO CONVENE IN ROMANIA - TIB'99 TO BE OPENED BETWEEN OCTOBER 12 AND 16

[12] ARMS REDUCTION ON CYPRUS - IT IS REVEALED THAT GREECE HAS NOT WITHDRAWN WEAPONS FROM ISLAND - U.S. GIVES ASSURANCES TO TURKEY ABOUT THIS ISSUE

[13] RESOLUTIONS OF THE U.N. REGARDING CYPRUS - FM: ''THE APPROACH WHICH CONTRADICTS WITH THE REALITIES OF CYPRUS IS THE MAIN REASON OF NOT FINDING A SOLUTION ON THE ISLAND''

[14] TURKEY AND GREECE AGREE TO START HIGH-RANKING MEETINGS ON FIVE ISSUES

[15] PRESIDENT DEMIREL: ''DEVELOPMENT IS ONE OF THE BIGGEST NECESSITIES OF TURKEY''

[16] FM CEM EVALUATES HIS TWO YEARS AS FOREIGN MINISTER

[17] TURKEY AND GREECE TO COOPERATE IN RECONSTRUCTION OF BALKANS - PAPANDREOU, FM OF GREECE: ''IF WE AGREE ON SIMPLE ISSUES, WE WILL DISCUSS COMPLICATED ISSUES''

[18] 36TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION - IRTEMCELIK, MINISTER OF STATE: ''THE RELATIONS MAY LOSE ALTITUDE IN THE COURSE OF TIME, IF THE SIDES DO NOT TAKE CONCRETE PRECAUTIONARY STEPS'' - ''UNFORTUNATELY, THE CLIMATE AND GROUND OF THE RELATIONS BETWEEN TURKEY AND THE EU ARE LOOSENING UP''

[19] TURKEY-IMF RELATIONS - COTTARELLI, CHAIRMAN OF IMF TURKEY DESK: ''STUDIES CONTINUE IN A DETAILED WAY''

[20] RESOLUTIONS OF G-8 AND SECURITY COUNCIL RESTRICT AREA OF MANOEUVRES IN CYPRUS

[21] DENKTAS, TRNC PRESIDENT: ''INTERCOMMUNAL MEETINGS BLOCKED. THERE WILL BE STATE TO STATE MEETINGS''

[22] AKAYEV, KYRGYZ PRESIDENT, IN ANKARA - PRESIDENT DEMIREL: ''TURKEY AND KYRGYZISTAN WILL BE HAND IN HAND AND IN COOPERATION IN THE NEW CENTURY''

[23] TURKISH UNIT TO BE DEPLOYED IN KOSOVO - CAKMAKOGLU, NATIONAL DEFENSE MINISTER: - ''THERE IS NOT A DELAY IN THE DEPARTURE OF THE TURKISH UNITS FOR KOSOVO''

[24] TURKEY SUPPORTS SUSPENSION OF EMBARGO IMPOSED ON IRAQ

[25] KIVRIKOGLU, CHIEF OF GENERAL STAFF, IN HUNGARY - KIVRIKOGLU: ''WE ARE CARRYING OUT INITIATIVES TO IMPROVE THE RELATIONS WITH THE NEW NATO COUNTRIES''

[26] NATO STANDING NAVAL FORCE MEDITERRANEAN IN SOUTHERN ANTALYA PROVINCE

[27] U.N. SECURITY COUNCIL RESOLUTIONS ON CYPRUS - TRNC FOREIGN AND DEFENSE MINISTRY: - ''DEPENDING THE GOOD WILL MISSION ON THE G-8 STATEMENTS IS A BASIC MISTAKE''

[28] PRESIDENT DEMIREL AND AKAYEV, KYRGYZ PRESIDENT, SIGN JOINT STATEMENT

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

HURRIYET (LIBERAL)

HIS WORDS AFTER VERDICT
It was 10:34 local time. Abdullah Ocalan, the head of the terrorist organization, left the glass-box and conveyed his feelings to his lawyers after hearing the verdict, the death sentence handed down on him.

''I am very calm. I waited for this verdict. I am now at the most critical position that a person can ever face. Even you felt uncomfortable than me. You have still not overcome the shock. This is a 200-year problem. I don't know how it reached this point but I did not create it. I don't want to be the reason of a start which will get harder regarding its devastations. This deeply affects me. I did not struggle for my life. My age is obvious. Even a short-term solution can't give the freedom back to me. I don't have personal concerns and anythıng to lose. The plot, which was tried to be developed against Turkey, the Turkish-Kurdish dispute turned out to be nothing with my approach. I invited everybody to fulfil their responsibilities for the sake of peace. The solution of the problem will provide stability in Turkey. With this, Turkey can solve serious economic problems. If the arms do not fire, the situations will be unlocked,'' Ocalan told his lawyers.

THE MOST IGNOBLE OF THEM ARE ITALIANS
Italy, which took the head of the terrorist organization under her wings and hosted him in Rome for months, is now in mourning after hearing the death sentence given to Ocalan. The Italian President, who visited a camp where the Kurdish refugees are staying, said, ''don't worry, we won't allow execution of Ocalan. We'll try to prevent the execution.''

MILLIYET (LIBERAL) GOOD NEWS IN TAX
The Tax Law, which was adopted last year, will be softened. The expenditures worth maximum 3.5 billion Turkish Liras (TL) won't be searched. The source of the showy weddings, and the ones who purchase planes, yachts and expensive detached houses will be investigated.

The three-month period will be increased to six-month term in tax in advance while the rates will be decreased. The soccer players will pay a tax of 40 percent of their contracts. The Zero Year will be removed.

IMF GIVES GREEN LIGHT
Turkey and the IMF agreed to extend the staff-monitoring programme by six months and to sign a two year agreement to be valid as of the year 2000. It is mentioned that the amount of IMF support was not clear while Ankara demanded 10 billion U.S. dollars, and half of that amount is expected to be paid in the first year of the two-year stand-by.

SABAH (LIBERAL)

ECEVIT: ''WE ARE AT THE LEVEL OF AGREEMENT''
Bulent Ecevit, the Prime Minister, said, ''there is neither condolidation nor devaluation. I hope we'll reach an agreement with the IMF in coming days.''

35 MILLION U.S. DOLLARS FOR BALIC
Real Madrid of Spain offered 35 million U.S. dollars to transfer Elvir Balic, the international striker of Fenerbahce and Bosnia-Herzegovina. Thus Balic became one of the top ten expensive players.

CUMHURIYET (LEFT) FOREIGN MINISTRY TO EXPLAIN THE DEATH SENTENCE GIVEN TO
OCALAN

Foreign Ministry is in an effort to determine the policy that will be assumed against the pressures that will come on the death sentence given to Abdullah Ocalan, head of the terrorist organization.

GAP TO BE OUR LIGHT
Energy which is produced from the dams in Southeastern Anatolian Project (GAP) region, is nearly the half of the energy that is produced in Turkey. It was reported that the total energy production will reacht to 27 billion kilowatt/hour after the completion of other dams which are within the context of the project.

RADIKAL (LEFT)

ECEVIT: ''DO NOT FIND SECT ISSUE VERY ODD''
Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said, ''there are sects in every part of the world. Do not evaluate the ones, who disguise, with same approach to the ones who are trying to destroy secularism. Disguise can change into sincerity in the course of time.''

TÜRKİYE (RIGHT)

THEY CAN'T SEIZE THE STATE
Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit pointed out that they were resolved to struggle against fundamentalism. Addressing his party group meeting Ecevit said nobody should feel doubt about the state. Ecevit said ''no group having religious or political targets can have the opportunity to seize the state as long as our determination continues.''

ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)

EUROPE BOTH BALDHEADED AND ARROGANT
The Western world, which couldn't try Abdullah Ocalan, the head of terrorist organization, although he is a terrorist wanted with Germany by red-bulletin and he travelled in Europe for months, is now trying to blackmail for the EU membership by putting pressure on Turkey who carried out a trial that should be an example.

MINIMUM WAGE: 68 MILLION LIRAS
The minimum wage will increase to gross 93.6 million Turkish Liras (TL) as of today. The minimum wage increased 19.9 percent to net 68 million 631 thousand 120 TL.

ECEVIT: ''NO CONSOLIDATION''
Bulent Ecevit, the Prime Minister, said, ''there is neither consolidation nor devaluation in the agenda of our government. There is not a reason for devaluation in Turkey. Our foreign exchange reserves are increasing, and still over 22 billion U.S. dollars. There is not an abnormality in our foreign exchange currency. The current transactions of our balance of payments gave surplus. There is not any problem in our foreign payments. Besides, we are loyal to our debts. we don't express the words like consolidation. The rumours about this issue were baseless. Our economy will be rectified without this kind of compulsory measures. The 57th Republic Government is not pessimistic but determined in this issue.''

[02] GERMAN EMBASSY IN ANKARA HOSTS RECEPTION

Tunca Toskay, State Minister; Hikmet Sami Turk, Justice Minister; Sabahattin Cakmakoglu, National Defense Minister; Metin Bostancioglu, National Education Minister; Recai Kutan, the leader of the Virtue Party (FP); the deputies, representatives of the political parties and the officials of some embassies in Ankara participated in the reception.

When asked whether or his party will give a vote in favour of the capital punishment given for Abdullah Ocalan, the head of the terrorist organization, Kutan said that the trial was a fair one and that it is too early to make a comment on their behaviour before the decision comes in front of the parliament.

[03] ''KOSOVO FRIENDS'' MEETING STARTS

Ismail Cem, the Foreign Minister, represents Turkey in the meeting in which 16 countries participate.

Turkey, the U.S., Britain, France, Belgium, Germany, Greece, Italy, Holland, Russia and Spain participate in the meeting in the level of foreign ministers while Canada, China, Denmark, Finland and Japon participate in lower levels.

The European Union (EU), Organızatıon of Islamic Conference (OIC) and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) were also invited to the Kosovo Friends meeting.

The U.N. is expected to request the monetary and personnel aid from the friendly countries for Kosovo.

The U.N., which is trying to re-construct Kosovo, is complaining about the lack of police force that will ensure the rule of law in the region. The U.N. demands contributions of the friendly countries especially for the infrastructural services including the police force, the construction of buildings, water, sewage and health services.

Turkey has already declared that she will send 26 personnel for the police force which will be set up by 3,000 personnel in the region. Ismail Cem said that Turkey thinks of increasing this number.

The U.S. declared that she will send 470 personnel to the region. The number of policemen who will go to Kosovo at the first stage is expected to reach 900 with the contributions of the other countries.

Cem will request in today's meeting that the rights of the Turkish minorities should be protected and that the arrangements which foresees the participation of the Turkish minorities in the administrative offices should be realized during the re-structuring of Kosovo.

The officials said that Turkey has many experts on Balkans who are not only scientists but also diplomats known and respected by the international arena; adding that they can benefit from the knowledge and the experiences of these experts during the re-construction of Kosovo.

Kofi Annan, who will address a press conference in the end of the meeting, is expected to declare his special envoy to Kosovo.

[04] OKUYAN, LABOUR AND SOCIAL SECURITY MINISTER, LEAVES FOR TRNC - OKUYAN: ''IT IS SO NATURAL THAT THE SOCIAL PARTIES HAVE CRITICISM AND DIFFERENT IDEAS ABOUT THE DRAFT LAW ON THE SOCIAL SECURITY REFORM''

Addressing a press conference at the Esenboga Airport prior to his departure to Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Okuyan noted that he is paying a visit to TRNC to sign the Cooperation Protocol between the Labour Ministries of Turkey and TRNC and that they will have meetings about the issues concerning their ministries.

Stressing that there is a good cooperation among the social security institutions and the ministries of the two countries by the Social Security Agreement which was signed in 1987 between Turkey and TRNC and some other cooperation protocols, Okuyan stated that they will sign the cooperation protocol which aims at contributing the re-construction of the TRNC social security system today.

Okuyan emphasized that this new protocol will improve the TRNC Social Security System, and will increase the cooperation in issues like working life, social insurance, finance and training.

Okuyan is expected to return to Turkey on Thursday.

[05] AUSTRIA DECORATES TURKISH LAWYER WITH MEDAL OF MERIT

Speaking in the ceremony held in Austrian Chief Consulate; Dr. Ralph Scheide, Austrian Ambassador to Ankara, said that they gave Basar the Austrian Medal of Merit for his services since 1972.

Then, Scheide decoratated Basar with the Medal of Merit.

Basar thanked Austria and said that he is very proud of being rewarded with this medal.

Ludwig Wundsah, Austrian Consul General, also participated in the ceremony.

[06] POWER OF TURKISH ENTERPRENEURS IN GERMANY

The survey of the Turkish Researches Center (TAM) indicated that the Turkish people who went to Germany as a worker have now become employers and that the Turkish people who immigrated to Germany as a worker many years ago now employ 265 people in Germany.

The investments, the value added tax, the turnover and profits of the Turkish enterpreneurs make significant contributions to the German economy.

The survey indicated that the number of the Turkish enterprises increased from 28,000 to 51,000 in a decade and that this is a 82.1 percent increase.

Pointing out that Turks are at the top of the foreign entreprenueurs in Germany by 18.9 percent, the survey noted that the Italians and the Greek follow Turkey in this list.

Prof. Dr. Faruk Sen, the Director of TAM, said that one of the contributions of the Turkish enterpreneurs in German economy is the employment.

Sen noted that each Turkish enterpreneur creates employment for 5.2 persons; adding that there are 265,000 people working in Turkish entreprises, including 185,000 Turks, 51,900 German and 28,100 other nationalities.

Noting that the Turkish people work as greengrocers and grocers, and in sectors like manufacturing, construction, and restaurant management; Sen stated that it is possible to see Turks in many sectors like computer engineering and consultation because the number of educated Turks increased.

Sen said, ''the annual growth rate of Turkish entreprises in Germany is 7.4 percent. The overall investments of Turks in Germany reached 11.1 billion German marks this year. The number, turnover and profit of the Turkish companies increase. The turnover of the Turkish enterpreneurs incereased to 46.1 billion German marks this year.''

[07] CONTACTS OF OKUYAN IN TRNC - DENKTAS, TRNC PRESIDENT: ''TURKEY WATCHES TRNC WITH INTEREST''

Speaking in the receival, Denktas said that the bureaucratic obstacles between Turkey and TRNC will be lifted and that the status named ''face-to- face cooperation'' will be ensured then.

Emphasizing that Turkey watches TRNC with interest and that she is trying to do her best to improve the relations, Denktas noted that he hoped that the agreement signed on Wednesday will be fruitful as soon as possible.

Okuyan said that the protocol signed between Turkey and TRNC will improve the present cooperation.

Okuyan will depart from TRNC on Thursday.

[08] COOPERATION PROTOCOL BETWEEN TURKEY AND TRNC SIGNED

Yasar Okuyan, Labour and Social Security Minister, on behalf of Turkey and Mehmet Altinay, TRNC Labour, Settlement and Social Minister, on behalf of TRNC signed the agreement.

Speaking in the ceremony, Okuyan said that the relations between the two ministries of the two countries were perfect and that the relations improved with this protocol.

Pointing out that the cooperation between the two ministries focused on setting up a unique social security order and improving the financial situation of the social security institutions in the TRNC, Okuyan noted that the two ministries will have a closer cooperation from now on.

Stressing that the protocol would take effect on Wednesday, Okuyan stated that the former protocols will not be taken into consideration after this protocol takes effect.

Okuyan emphasized that this new protocol will improve the TRNC Social Security System, and will increase the cooperation in issues like business life, social insurance, finance and training.

Mehmet Altinay said that they aim at increasing the cooperation between the two countries, especially the cooperation in business life.

Dervis Eroglu, TRNC Prime Minister, said that the world which ignores the point that the TRNC reached today, will start understanding the real facts as they see the support of strong Turkey.

[09] CITIZENSHIP OF MERVE KAVAKCI, FP DEPUTY - COUNCIL OF STATE REQUESTS INFORMATION, DOCUMENTS AND DEFENSE FROM PRIME MINISTRY AND INTERIOR MINISTRY

The Council of State had an interlocutory judgement about the lawsuit filed demanding the annulment of the decision of the Council of Ministers and the delay of the enforcement. The Council requested that the Prime Ministry and the Interior Ministry should prepare a defense and that the two ministries should give all the information and the documents which constituted a base for the decision of the Council of Ministers.

The Council of State gave 30 days to the two ministries to submit the information and the documents.

In case these documents are not submitted in 30 days, the Council of State will give a decision in accordance with the present documents and information.

The Council will firstly discuss whether or not to delay the enforcement and then will give a decision about the merits of the case.

The Council of Ministers denaturalized Kavakci from her Turkish citizenship when she was revealed to be a U.S. citizen without getting permission from the related authorities.

Later, Kavakci filed a lawsuit at the Council of State requesting the annulment of the decision in question and the enforcement.

[10] TURK, JUSTICE MINISTER, SAYS THERE ARE NO INITIATIVES TO LIFT CAPITAL PUNISHMENT AT THIS STAGE

Turk responded the questions in a programme in NTV channel, a private television channel.

When recalled that there are some comments saying that 'he is trying influence the Supreme Court regarding the period after Abdullah Ocalan, the head of the terrorist organization, was sentenced to capital punishment; Turk noted that this is not correct and is out of question.

Stressing that he has not uttered a single word about the trial since he was assigned as the Justice Minister and that he is very careful about not telling anything about the trial; Turk stated that they have changed the Constitution to ensure that the State Security Courts (DGMs) are as impartial and independent according the criteria of the European Court of Human Rights seeks for and to indicate that the trial in the DGMs are fair jurisdictions.

Turk said, ''then, we passed the law which harmonizes the DGM law with the Constitution. I am paying attention and careful to this issue. Yesterday, the journalists asked me what will happen after the Ankara DGM decision. I told them that the trial still continues and that the punishments which require 15 or more year imprisonments and capital punishments will be investigated by the Supreme Court. I told them that the accused has the right to appeal the decision.''

''I told them that the decision can probably be sent to the rectification organs because it is an important case. This is a technical term. This does not mean that the Supreme Court will rectify the decision,'' Turk added.

When reminded that then, his evaluation was just a procedure not a hope or expectation, Turk stressed that it was just the procedure and that there are some other methods of law against the decisions including the appeal or the rectification of the decision.

Noting that this issue is important because the methods of domestic law should be ended to apply to the European Court of Human Rights, Turk said that these are the domestic law methods but that the European Court thinks that when the Supreme Court approves the decision, the domestic law methods are over.

Turk said, ''the related persons can apply to the local Republican Chief Prosecutor to appeal the decision in a month after the decision of the court is notified to them and the local Republican Chief Prosecutor will submit this application to the Supreme Court Republican Chief Prosecutor's office.''

''If the Supreme Court Republican Chief Prosecutor finds this request correct, he will demand the correction of the decision. This is only the procedure. What I said yesterday was this. I expressed this as a method of law. I did not mean any other thing,'' Turk added.

When asked whether or not the words of Tansu Ciller, the leader of the True Path Party (DYP), saying that the Justice Ministry and the State Ministry Responsible for the Human Rights are preparing to submit a draft law on the lifting of the capital punishment, are true, Turk noted that there is no such preparation at the moment and that the statement of Ciller can result from a misunderstanding or a misevaluation.

Turk said, ''a draft law on the Turkish Penal Code was submitted to the parliament by the 55th government. That draft law foresaw a life-time imprisonment rather than the capital punishment. But, when this draft was submitted, Ocalan was not captured and the capture of him was out of question. It was a proposal which was prepared by taking into consideration the developments in the modern law and the membership of Turkey in the Council Of Europe (COE). There is not any initiative for this at this stage.''

Responding a question about the Law on Repentance, Turk stated that the Law on Repentance is a term used by the public opinion and that the real name of this law is the Law on the Provisions to be Implemented for Some Criminals.

Stating that the law is in effect except its first article and that the repentance of a criminal is not enough, Turk emphasized that the aim of this law is preventing the organized crimes and the collapsing the terrorist organizations and that it is a part of struggling against terrorism.

Turk pointed out that the Interior Ministry is carrying out studies about this draft law which was adopted by the Justice Commission in 20th parliamentary term.

When asked whether Ocalan, and Semdin Sakik, the second man of the terrorist organization, can benefit from the Law on Repentance, Turk noted that a member of the terrorist organization cannot be forgiven totally but his or her punishment can be reduced by this law and that the new text of this draft will be discussed at the parliament again.

[11] TURKISH INDUSTRIALISTS TO CONVENE IN ROMANIA - TIB'99 TO BE OPENED BETWEEN OCTOBER 12 AND 16

Turkey will participate in the TIB at national level for the third time.

Releasing a statement, the Export Development Center said that every kind of technical products and equipment are displayed at the TIB which is the most important fair in Romania.

The fair constitutes an important platform for setting up lasting business ties in the Romanian market.

As a result of the commercial ties that the participant Turkish companies will set up, Turkey's exports to Romania are expected to increase.

The trade volume between Turkey and Romania was 800 million U.S. dollars.

[12] ARMS REDUCTION ON CYPRUS - IT IS REVEALED THAT GREECE HAS NOT WITHDRAWN WEAPONS FROM ISLAND - U.S. GIVES ASSURANCES TO TURKEY ABOUT THIS ISSUE

The diplomatic sources said that Greece, which declared that she would withdraw some of the U.S.-made weapons that are deployed on Cyprus, has not withdrawn the weapons although the time given for withdrawal of the weapons expired.

Turkey withdrew all the mentioned weapons from Cyprus on June 15, 1999 within the framework of the commitment she gave to the U.S.

The diplomatic sources noted that the U.S. determined the deadlıne for the withdrawal of the mentioned weapons as June 30, 1999 but that Greece has not completed the withdrawal of the weapons.

On the other hand, Yannis Nikolau, Greek Deputy Government Spokesman, said on Monday that Athens had fulfilled its responsibility of withdrawing the U.S.-made weapons from the Greek Cypriot side.

Ankara which determined that Greece behaved contrary to her commitments to the U.S., launched initiatives about this development and expressed her ideas to the U.S.

Faruk Logoglu, Foreign Ministry Deputy Undersecretary, drew the attention of Mark Parris, U.S. Ambassador to Ankara, on this issue in the telephone call he made on Monday.

The diplomatic sources said that Parris gave assurances to Turkey about this issue and that the U.S. will ensure Greece's withdrawing the weapons on Cyprus.

[13] RESOLUTIONS OF THE U.N. REGARDING CYPRUS - FM: ''THE APPROACH WHICH CONTRADICTS WITH THE REALITIES OF CYPRUS IS THE MAIN REASON OF NOT FINDING A SOLUTION ON THE ISLAND''

The Foreign Ministry statement said that the United Nations (U.N) Security Council issued two resolutions in the end of its meeting held on June 29, 1999; adding that one of the resolution was the extension of the mandate of the peace force until December 15, 1999 and that the other resolution was about the good will mission of Kofi Annan, the U.N. Secretary General.

Emphasizing that the resolution regarding the U.N. peace forces said that the mandate of the peace force is extended by the consent of the 'government of Cyprus'. In fact, there ıs no such government. The statement noted that the approach which contradicts with the realities of Cyprus is the main reason of not finding a solution on the Island.

Noting that the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) informed the Security Council that the resolution which considers the Greek Cypriot side as the 'government of Cyprus' cannot be accepted and that the cooperation with the peace force can be carried out only with the decisions taken by the TRNC government, the statement stressed that the stance of TRNC is supported by Turkey.

Pointing out that the resolution of the Security Council related wıth the peace force included some views about on which facts the solution on Cyprus should be based, the statement emphasized that the opinions fail to reflect the agreement of the two sides on Cyprus and that to this end, they do not have any validity.

Emphasizing that the resolution on the good will mission of Annan was based on the G-8 summit statement, the Foreign Ministry statement pointed out that the good will mission of the Secretary General ıs directed to the two sides ın the Island and based on the principle of mutual consent of the two sıdes.

The statement said, ''there are serious obstacles in front of the negotiations on Cyprus which result from the allegations and the behaviours of the Greek Cypriot side. The Security Council's taking a resolution based on the G-8 statement in such a situation does not suit with the good will mission.''

''Moreover, the resolutions of the Security Council not only request negotiations without any preconditions but also continues to act like the Greek Cypriot side can be the representative of whole of the Island by referring to this side as 'the government of Cyprus.' Besides, the resolutions try to put forward a solution which is not based on the mutual consent by claiming that the negotiations should start without any preconditions,'' the statement added.

Stressing that recording an improvement on Cyprus can be provided only by determining correctly the reason of not having a solution until today and by accepting the realities of the Island, the statement noted that Turkey maintains her strong conviction that there can be an advance in the solution of Cyprus question by accepting that there are two equal and sovereign states on Cyprus and by taking into consideration the Turkish- Greek balance on the Island.

[14] TURKEY AND GREECE AGREE TO START HIGH-RANKING MEETINGS ON FIVE ISSUES

Ismail Cem, the Foreign Minister, and Yorgo Papandreu, the Greek Foreign Minister, came together in New York, where they went within the frawork of Kosovo Friends Meeting.

Cem and Papandreu made separate statements to the journalists following the meeting between the two ministers lasted for two hours.

Cem and Papandreu said that the issues which will be discussed in the meetings are the struggle against terrorism, organized crimes, drug trafficking, tourism, cultural issues, environmental problems and illegal immigration.

Cem noted that they will try to sign bilateral and even multi-lateral agreements in the end of the meetings which will be launched in July; adding that Turkey and Greece have a consensus about the improvement of the cooperation in the issues concerning the Balkans and the Black Sea.

Papandreu stated that he hopes that the other important issues rather than these five issues will be discussed later.

Both ministers stressed that they did not discuss the Cyprus question very intensively in their meeting.

Underlining that they do not have big expectations from the meetings which will start in July, Cem defined 'the meeting with his Greek colleague' as 'a positive step taken in the right way.'

Papandreu said that he agrees with Cem's opinion about today's meeting.

[15] PRESIDENT DEMIREL: ''DEVELOPMENT IS ONE OF THE BIGGEST NECESSITIES OF TURKEY''

Demirel participated in a ceremony held for laying the foundation of Ankara CarrefourSa.

Speaking in the ceremony, Demirel noted that this foundation is the eight shop of Carrefour in Turkey and that only two of the shops have been constructed and started working but the others were being constructed.

Stressing that thousands of people will work in these shops, Demirel stated that these shops will have contracts with the farmers and will buy the products from the farmers and sell them to the Turkish people as is done in France.

Noting that this issue is more important the shop itself, Demirel stressed that thus, both the producers and the consumers will be pleased and that Turkish nation should be happy and proud of such things.

Thanking the interest of France in Turkey to French Ambassador who participated in the ceremony, Demirel stated that the relations between the two countries are perfect and that France will continue to make investments in Turkey.

Later, Demirel laid the foundation of Ankara CarrefourSa.

[16] FM CEM EVALUATES HIS TWO YEARS AS FOREIGN MINISTER

Drawing the attention that his term in office is one of the difficult terms, Cem said that the Foreign Ministry has many experiences and that Turkey gained successes in these two years by uniting this experience with new ideas.

Expressing his meeting with Yorgo Papandreu, the Greek Foreign Minister, Cem noted that the point they reached today cannot be underestimated.

Evaluating the meeting as ''a good meeting'', Cem stated that he knows that his Greek colleague has some problems arising from the domestic policy.

The meeting between Turkey and Greece firstly started between Cem and Papandreu and later the delegations participated in the meeting.

The two sides said that the meeting lasted for nearly two hours because they prepared a five-article document on which the two ministers agreed upon.

Cem and Papandreu agreed that the meetings between the high-ranking officials of the foreign ministries of the two countries on five issues will start in July.

The five issues were struggling against terrorism, tourism, cultural issues, environmental problems and illegal immigration.

The diplomatic circles said that the ''struggle against terrorism'' is a ''sin qua non'' issue for Turkey.

Turkish diplomatic sources emphasized that the issues which Turkey and Greece agreed upon, do not include a provision saying that the problems between the two countries will be solved in the International Justice Council.

[17] TURKEY AND GREECE TO COOPERATE IN RECONSTRUCTION OF BALKANS - PAPANDREOU, FM OF GREECE: ''IF WE AGREE ON SIMPLE ISSUES, WE WILL DISCUSS COMPLICATED ISSUES''

Greek Foreign Minister said that they will discuss ''more complicated issues'' if the two countries reach an agreement at the talks in July on five issues.

Making a statement at the U.N. building following his meeting with Ismail Cem, the Foreign Minister, Papandreou said they wıll ınvestıgate how the second step wıll be taken ın case a bılateral and multı-lateral agreement can be provıded ın the fıelds of ''tourism; questions of environment; issues dealing with cultural exchanges and cultural issues between the two countries; issues such as drug trafficking, illegal migration, terrorism and trans-border crime; and trade.''

Papandreou added that Turkey and Greece agreed to enhance their cooperation on multilateral issues concerning the Balkans and the Black Sea, particularly for the reconstruction of the Balkans.

Greek Foreign Minister said in this context they will be working closely with their two business communities who have a very important role to play.

Responding to a question about Abdullah Ocalan, the head of the terrorist organization, Papandreu said everybody is aware of the opinions of Greece about that issue; Ismail Cem and he did not discuss those issues.

Papandreou stated that the Kosovo question enabled the two countries to work together, adding that this factor played catalyst role.

[18] 36TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION - IRTEMCELIK, MINISTER OF STATE: ''THE RELATIONS MAY LOSE ALTITUDE IN THE COURSE OF TIME, IF THE SIDES DO NOT TAKE CONCRETE PRECAUTIONARY STEPS'' - ''UNFORTUNATELY, THE CLIMATE AND GROUND OF THE RELATIONS BETWEEN TURKEY AND THE EU ARE LOOSENING UP''

Addressing the 36th General Assembly of the Economic Development Foundation (IKV), Irtemcelik the interest of Turkey in the integration movement in Europe does not stem from a simple desire for being a member of a club, which was established by developed countries, but stems from the European ''vocation'' she has in her personality.

Recalling that Article 28 of the partnership agreement that Turkey signed with the European Economic Community in 1963, was defined as ''the final target of the relations is the full-membership to the EU,'' Irtemcelik said that the 40-year history of the relations have been shaped within the framework of stages foreseen by the partnership agreement.

Stressing that the EU managed to bear the financial burden stemmed from its policy opening to East following the cold war, and it has an economy which was less affected by the global crisis, Irtemcelik said, ''the importance of Turkey's integration to this economy with which she has customs union relations, will be recognized. Despite the wide-spread atmosphere of crisis that the world economy has faced recently, it is a meaningful and beneficial issue that Turkey's exports to the EU were increased.''

Irtemcelik emphasized that this situation also proved the importance of synchronic steps that should be taken to reinforce Turkey's integration to the EU.

Pointing out that as a result of the negativities since the Luxembourg Summit, the majority is jow questioning whether Turkey's efforts for integration have really a reliable basis, and seeking a reasonable answer, Irtemcelik said, ''to tell the truth, the answer of this question is that unfortunately, the cliamte and ground of the relations are gradually loosening up, and the relations may lose altitude if the sides do not take concrete precautionary steps. At this stage, we observe with sorrow that the progress, which should be taken in the relations, could not be achieved despite the covenant commitments. And the final target, which is the essence of the relations, has wrapped itself up in quality of which realization became indefinite.''

Stating that this situation results from the discriminative decisions taken against Turkey in Luxembourg Summit, Irtemcelik said that this decision excluded Turkey from the enlargement process of the EU and that this summit bound to the perspective of full membership and the perspective of candidacy to subjective and biased conditions.

Emphasizing that this unlucky decision which cannot even be defended by its owners, deteriorated the spirit of the realations, Irtemcelik noted that the important issue today is whether or not the EU will put forward the necessary political will to take concrete steps which can ease the relations.

Stressing that the things which are experienced after the Luxembourg Summit made it difficult for Turkey to be optimistic, Irtemcelik stated that the 'European strategy for Turkey' which was foreseen to be activated to integrate Turkey with the EU in every field was away from progressing despite all the constructive efforts of Turkey.

Irtemcelik emphasized that the EU has not put forward the financial opportunities and the political will which will put the mentioned strategy in effect, yet.

Irtemcelik pointed out that one of the most important factors which constitute an obstacle in the Turkish-E.U relations is the traditional Greek policy which is against Turkey.

Irtemcelik said that the negative developments which have been faced for a long time in the Turkish-Greek relations due to the disgruntled stance of Athens is an inconvenient approach which cannot be attributed to the Turkish-EU relations.

Noting that Turkey fulfills a great deal of her commitments in her relations with the EU, Irtemcelik stressed that the customs union is a good example for this.

Stressing that the Helsinki Summit in which the enlargement issue will be discussed will constitute a good opportunity for Europe to lay its relations with Turkey on a healthy base, Irtemcelik stated that this opportunity should not be missed.

Irtemcelik emphasized that otherwise, it will be indispensible for Turkey to start a radical evaluation about her relations with the E.U.

Recalling that the final target of the cooperation between Turkey and the EU is constructing the relations on full membership, Irtemcelik stressed that if this final target is lost and loses its plausibility, then the interrogation of the cooperation between Turkey and the EU will be made.

Irtemcelik said, ''within this context, the customs union without the perspective of full membership will be a matter of discussion and how much the customs union serve for the interests of Turkey in the changing global conditions will be discussed. To this end, the following period constitutes a very sensitive period for the future of Turkish-EU relations.''

Stating that Turkey did not forget her responsibilities in reaching her target of being the full member of the EU, Irtemcelik pointed out that Turkey do not want any concessions but that she only want her right and that she cannot accept the least or the discriminative approaches.

Irtemcelik said that he hopes that the EU will adopt a responsible and foresighted stance which is the requirement of its position, adding that they hope that the EU will stop carrying out unfair and mistaken behaviours which the Turkish-EU relations cannot bear.

[19] TURKEY-IMF RELATIONS - COTTARELLI, CHAIRMAN OF IMF TURKEY DESK: ''STUDIES CONTINUE IN A DETAILED WAY''

Speaking to A.A correspondent Cottarelli said no date has been determined for the news conference which was postponed to Friday.

Meanwhile, it was reported that at least one person from the IMF delegation will stay in Turkey to hold studies on the details.

Several people from Turkish business world, who are close to Carlo Cottarelli, hold persuasion talks to make IMF reach an agreement with Turkey.

A businessman said in a telephone conversation with Cottarelli, he learned that IMF was close to reach an agreement with Turkey.

[20] RESOLUTIONS OF G-8 AND SECURITY COUNCIL RESTRICT AREA OF MANOEUVRES IN CYPRUS

Ismail Cem, Foreign Minister, clarified this view of Turkey to Kofi Annan, the U.N. Secretary General, whom he met on Wednesday.

Cem pointed out that ''resolutions of the Council harmed the good will mission of Secretary General and the indirect talks carried out in the island.''

Noting that he did not think President Rauf Denktas of the Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) will obey to a negotiation invitation that will take place within these parameters, Cem said ''nevertheless, TRNC President knows better how he will act.''

Cem conveyed the message of Turkey to Annan that Turkey did not have an intention to put pressure on Denktas not to come to negotiation table, adding that ''on the contrary, Turkey supports the attitude of Denktas.''

Speaking to reporters following his meeting with Kofi Annan, Cem pointed out that draft resolutions adopted by the U.N. Security Council have not brought solution to the problem for years and stressed that ''insisting on the same methods will not be useful.''

Cem noted that it was very risky to try to impose a Dayton type negotiation to Denktas, adding that Denktas may refuse such an invitation.

Cem said ''Denktas can not be expected to enter into such a framework. It is out of question.''

[21] DENKTAS, TRNC PRESIDENT: ''INTERCOMMUNAL MEETINGS BLOCKED. THERE WILL BE STATE TO STATE MEETINGS''

Making a statement in Istanbul where he went to participate in the ''Seventh Turkish Countries Friendship, Brotherhood and Cooperation General Assembly'', Denktas noted that the United Nations (U.N) Security Council prepared a report which astonished everybody.

Denktas stated that the former resolutions of the Security Council were changed and the ''intercommunal meetings'' are tried to be revived by this report.

Stressing that he will participate in the general assembly meeting upon the invitation of President Suleyman Demirel, Denktas emphasized that he will give information about the latest developments on Cyprus in his speech in the meeting.

Later, Denktas will go to northern Samsun province and will give conferences in the Black Sea Region.

Denktas will return to TRNC on July 8, 1999.

Meanwhile, Dervis Eroglu, TRNC Prime Minister, will arrive in Turkey this afternoon to attend the general assembly meeting.

[22] AKAYEV, KYRGYZ PRESIDENT, IN ANKARA - PRESIDENT DEMIREL: ''TURKEY AND KYRGYZISTAN WILL BE HAND IN HAND AND IN COOPERATION IN THE NEW CENTURY''

Turkish and Kyrgyz delegations signed some documents which will improve the present cooperation in the end of the meetings.

Speaking in the ceremony, Demirel noted that they aim at improving the present cooperation between the two countries in the new century.

Stressing that Turkey watches the developments in Kyrgyzistan after she gained her independence with interest, Demirel stated that this country progressed by the reforms which were made under the presidency of Akayev and that this country has become a world country.

Pointing out that the achievements of Kyrgyzistan please Turkish nation, Demirel recalled that Turkey and Kyrgyzistan have very good relations after Kyrgyzistan gained her independence eight years ago.

Noting that the visit of Akayev will improve the relations, Demirel emphasized that they discussed the bilateral relations, regional and international problems during their contacts.

Demirel said, ''as a result, the relations between the two countries are perfect and they comply with the spirit of friendly and cooperation agreements. Our countries want to maintain and improve the relations in the 21st century. Turkey and Kyrgyzistan will be hand in hand and in cooperation in the new century.''

Akayev in his part said that he is very grateful for the results of his visit and that there is not only linguistic and historical unity but also unity in respect of the democratic relations between the two countries.

Emphasizing that the joint statement which was signed between the two countries reflects the actual meaning of his visit, Akayev stressed that the actual slogan of this statement which they considered as a historical statement, is ''Turkey and Kyrgyzistan are hand in hand in 21st century.''

Meanwhile, four important documents were signed between Turkey and Krygyzistan.

The two presidents signed a joint statement and the delegations signed an agreement which prevents the double taxation, the cooperation protocol between the finance ministries of the two countries and the protocol concerning the free of charge transfer of the printing office in the Turkish-Kyrgyz Manas University.

[23] TURKISH UNIT TO BE DEPLOYED IN KOSOVO - CAKMAKOGLU, NATIONAL DEFENSE MINISTER: - ''THERE IS NOT A DELAY IN THE DEPARTURE OF THE TURKISH UNITS FOR KOSOVO''

Responding the questions of the journalists when he came to the parliament to participate in the National Defense Commission meeting, Cakmakoglu noted that the allegations saying that the Turkish units are late for leaving for Kosovo are not true.

Stressing that the units which firstly entered in Kosovo were the units of other countries that were deployed in Macedonia, Cakmakoglu stated that these countries sent their units in Macedonia to Kosovo.

Pointing out that these units did not have to pass through the territories of some other countries, Cakmakoglu emphasized that the Turkish units have to pass through the air space or via the territories of a country to reach Kosovo and that this is why Turkish units were not the first units in Kosovo.

Recalling that the Turkish units were very successful in their mission in Somali and Bosnia, Cakmakoglu pointed out that the Turkish units will prove that they are an example force in Kosovo.

Later, Cakmakoglu participated in the National Defense Commission meeting.

A total of six international agreements were accepted in the meeting.

[24] TURKEY SUPPORTS SUSPENSION OF EMBARGO IMPOSED ON IRAQ

Ismail Cem, the Foreign Minister, told Annan in yesterday's meeting that Turkey welcomes lifting of the embargo imposed on Iraq under some conditions and in case Iraq complies with the U.N resolutions.

Cem said he thinks that such a development will help solving the Iraq dispute.

Making a press conference following the meeting, Cem noted that Turkey did not accept the draft resolution which was prepared by Britain and which is on the agenda of the Security Council.

Cem invited Annan to the Organization of Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) summit which will be held between November 18 and 19, 1999 in Istanbul.

The sources said that Annan is expected to participate in the summit.

[25] KIVRIKOGLU, CHIEF OF GENERAL STAFF, IN HUNGARY - KIVRIKOGLU: ''WE ARE CARRYING OUT INITIATIVES TO IMPROVE THE RELATIONS WITH THE NEW NATO COUNTRIES''

The two military delegations started the contacts after the military ceremony held by Ferenc Vegn, Hungarian Chief of General Staff.

Two delegations discussed the bilateral relations, military cooperation and projects within the framework of NATO.

Later, Kivrikoglu visited Turkish Martyrs' Monument which was constructed on the memory of the Turkish soldiers who died in Galicya front in the World War I.

Responding the questions of A.A correspondent after his visit to the monument, Kivrikoglu said that they are carrying out initiatives to improve the relations with Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland, which became NATO members on March 12, 1999.

Kivrikoglu noted that the relations with these countries should not be limited only in military level.

Noting that he held very useful meetings in Czech Republic two days ago, Kivrikoglu stated that he will go to Poland tomorrow and will complete his visits.

[26] NATO STANDING NAVAL FORCE MEDITERRANEAN IN SOUTHERN ANTALYA PROVINCE

The Stanavformed is set up by the German destroyer FGS Luetjens, Italian frigate ITS Libeccio, Dutch frigate HNLMS Bloys Van Treslong, Spanish frigate SNS Navarra, Turkish fritade TCG Kocatepe, British frigate HMS Iron Duke and U.S. destroyer Uss Peterson.

The Stanavformed will stay in Antalya until July 5, 1999.

The aim of the visit of Stanavformed is indicating the continuing existence and solidarity of NATO in the south region.

The Naval Forces Commandership statement said that this visit to Antalya will improve the friendly relations between the personnel of the Stanavformed.

The Stanavformed which is under the command of Admiral David M. Stone from U.S. Naval Forces, was set up in 1992 as a NATO rapid reaction force.

The Stanavformed participated in many NATO operations and maneouvres which were held in the past years.

The war ships can be visited by the citizens between July 3 and 4, 1999 and will also be visited by Antalya Governorship and Antalya Municipality.

[27] U.N. SECURITY COUNCIL RESOLUTIONS ON CYPRUS - TRNC FOREIGN AND DEFENSE MINISTRY: - ''DEPENDING THE GOOD WILL MISSION ON THE G-8 STATEMENTS IS A BASIC MISTAKE''

The Foreign and Defense Ministry statement said that the good will mission depends on the consent of the two sides on Cyprus and that depending the good will mission on the G-8 statements is a basic mistake.

The statement noted that the resolution concerning the good will mission of Kofi Annan, U.N Secretary General, results from an unreal hypothesis saying that the negotiation process can be launched without finding a joint ground between the two sides on Cyprus.

Pointing out that this stance will not be useful as the ''intercommunal meetings'' were blocked in Glion, the statement emphasized that ''what should be done is to build the solution framework and parameters on the facts. TRNC, in order to open the ways for a lasting solution, revealed a constructive political will basing on the existence of the two states on August 31, 1998.''

The statement said TRNC will continue to depend on the confederation proposal dated August 31, 1998 which shows the ways for compromise.''

The statement said the resolution regarding the extension of the mandate of the U.N Peace Forces depended on the understanding that so-called (Cyprus government) and (Cyprus republic) exists, adding that ''the resolution is unacceptable for TRNC.''

The statement said the approach which is far away from the facts and justice is the most important obstacle which blocked the ways for solution.

[28] PRESIDENT DEMIREL AND AKAYEV, KYRGYZ PRESIDENT, SIGN JOINT STATEMENT

The statement said that the two sides will carry out efforts to improve the relations and that the two countries always support each other.

Drawing the attention that the Turkish and Kyrgyz nations have similarities in language, history, belief and economic and social development models; the statement noted that the two countries aim at taking a joint step in the new century.

The statement stressed that Turkey, which is the first country that gave a friendly hand to Kyrgyzistan after she gained independence, supported the democratic and economic reforms in Kyrgyzistan.

The statement emphasized that the two countries are determined to have a joint step within the framework of the foreign political doctrine of Kyrgyzistan titled ''Silk Road Diplomacy'' and that the two countries are against the drug trafficking, fundamentalism, terrorism and separatism within this framework.

The statement pointed out that the two countries aim at improving the political dialogue, making the legal framework perfect and increasing the activities of the present joint economic commission.

A.A

Anadolu Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article