Anadolu Agency: News in English, 99-07-02

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AA Daily

02 July 1999 Friday

CONTENTS

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

[02] FOREIGN EXCHANGE RESERVES OF CENTRAL BANK INCREASE TO 22 BILLION U.S. DOLLARS

[03] MINISTER OF EDUCATION, METIN BOSTANCIOGLU SAYS THEY REACHED THEIR TARGET IN EIGHT YEARS COMPULSORY EDUCATION PROGRAMME

[04] ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COUNCIL MEETING - PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT: ''GOVERNMENT HAS NOTHING TO TAKE BACK''

[05] MINISTER OF LABOUR, YASAR OKUYAN RETURNS FROM TRNC

[06] GENDARME LIEUTENANT COLONEL GERARD REAUD, GENDARMARIE ATTACHE OF FRANCE DECORATED WITH TURKISH ARMED FORCES MEDAL OF MERIT

[07] FOREIGN MINISTRY: ''TURKISH JURISDICTION IS INDEPENDENT. OUTSIDE INTERFERENCES ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE''

[08] DEPUTY CHAIRMAN OF MHP, YAHNICI: ''WE DON'T WANT TO PASS A LAW WHICH DOESN'T HAVE PEOPLE'S SUPPORT''

[09] THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COUNCIL'S MEETING

[10] THE U.S. EXPANDS FULL SUPPORT FOR TURKISH-GREEK DIALOGUE

[11] COHEN, THE U.S. DEFENSE SECRETARY, DUE TO TURKEY AND GREECE

[12] KYRGYZ PRESIDENT AKAYEV IN ANKARA - PRESIDENT DEMIREL HOSTS A DINNER IN HONOUR OF HIS KYRGYZ COUNTERPART - PRESIDENT DEMIREL: - ''BILATERAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION BETWEEN TURKEY AND KYRGYZSTAN SERVE REGIONAL PEACE, STABILITY, PROSPERITY, AND DEVELOPMENT'' - PRESIDENT AKAYEV: - ''I BELIEVE THAT 21ST CENTURY WILL BE A GOLDEN PERIOD FOR FURTHER IMPROVEMENT OF TURKISH-KYRGYZ FRIENDSHIP''

[13] CENTRAL BANK ISSUES A BOOKLET ON EURO

[14] CONSTANTINESCU, ROMANIAN PRESIDENT, DUE IN TURKEY

[15] SIXTH ANNIVERSARY OF SIVAS INCIDENT

[16] PREMIER ECEVIT RECEIVES CIANBA, ROMANIAN AMBASSADOR

[17] 7TH TURKISH STATE AND COMMUNITIES, FRIENDSHIP, FRIENDSHIP AND COOPERATION GENERAL ASSEMBLY STARTS IN DENIZLI

[18] SEVENTH TURKISH WORLD CONVENTION MEETING - PRESIDENT DEMIREL: ''THERE IS A GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY IN FRONT OF THE TURKISH WORLD TODAY''

[19] KYRGYZ PRESIDENT AKAYEV VISITS PARLIAMENT SPEAKER AKBULUT

[20] PREMIER ECEVIT RESPONDS QUESTIONS - ECEVIT: ''SPECIAL MEETING OF ITALIAN PARLIAMENT FOR A TERRORIST DOES NOT EXALT, ITALY BUT HUMILIATE HER''

[21] STATE MINISTER ABDULLAH CAY : ''MELUNGEONS WHO OPENLY DECLARE THEMSELVES TURKISH ARE ALSO IN OUR ASSEMBLY''

[22] TURKEY-IMF RELATIONS - ULUGBAY, STATE MINISTER: ''IMF WELCOMES OUR REQUEST CONCERNING STAND-BY AGREEMENT''

[23] HERCUS, DEPUTY SPECIAL ENVOY OF ANNAN, U.N SECRETARY GENERAL, TO CYPRUS; APPOINTED AS SPECIAL ENVOY TO CYPRUS

[24] TRNC PRESIDENT, DENKTAS SPEAKS AT 7TH CONVENTION OF TURKISH STATES AND COMMUNITIES FRIENDSHIP, BROTHERHOOD, AND COOPERATION

[25] TURKISH-IMF RELATIONS

[26] TURKISH-IMF RELATIONS - COTTARELLI, CHIEF OF TURKISH DESK OF IMF: ''WE HAVE TAKEN A SIGNIFICANT STEP WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF STAFF MONITORING AGREEMENT''

[27] TURKEY-IMF RELATIONS - COTTARELLI, CHIEF OF TURKISH DESK OF IMF: - ''AS SOON AS THE STUDIES FOR STAND-BY ARE COMPLETED, THE SUPPORT WILL BE GIVEN''

[28] RATINGS AND TURKEY - DCR TURKEY'S ACTING DIRECTOR ABAC: ''TURKEY CAN GET SURPRISING RATINGS NEXT YEAR IF IT SIGNS AGREEMENT WITH IMF''

[29] IMF'S FINAL STATEMENT

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

HURRIYET (LIBERAL)

MESSAGE FOR DENKTAS
The Washington administration sent a message to President Rauf Denktas of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) through his son Serdar Denktas, the leader of the Democrat Party who is currently in the U.S. Washington and called on President Denktas to sit the table with the Greek Cypriot side for negotiations.

TURKISH TROOPS DEPART FROM ANKARA FOR KOSOVO
The first convoy of the Turkish Peace Force for Kosovo, which was designated for the multi-national Kosovo Force (KFOR) that was formed to establish and protect peace in Kosovo, departed from Ankara. The convoy includes almost 130 soldiers from the Forth Army Corps Commandership in Mamak county of Ankara, and a total of 52 military vehicles, including eight armoured vehicles which were draped with Turkish flags.

MILLIYET (LIBERAL)

ECEVIT WARNS EUROPE: DO NOT INTERFERE OUR DOMESTIC AFFAIRS
Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit criticized Europe that has been putting pressure on Turkey not to carry out capital punishment given to Abdullah Ocalan, the head of the terrorist organization. Ecevit said that no one has the right to interfere with Turkey's domestic affairs.

SABAH (LIBERAL)

GIANT INVESTMENT IN BURSA
Bosch, one of the worldwide prominent firms of Germany, will make a giant investment in Bursa worth of 220 million German Marks. Dr. Klaus Peter Fouguet, the Director General of the Bosh, said that the future of Turkish automotive industry will be brilliant.

CUMHURIYET (LEFT)

TURKEY WANTS TO LAUNCH A JOINT OPERATION IN IRAN
Ankara puts pressure on Tehran government to launch a joint operation against the terrorist organization PKK that has taken shelter in Iranian territories after Syria and Iraq.

RADIKAL (LEFT)

6TH ANNIVERSARY OF SIVAS INCIDENT
Today is the 6th anniversary of the Sivas massacre where a total of 37 intellectuals were burnt to death. Tight security measures have been taken in Sivas province, and a total of 250 police from neighbouring provinces have been deployed in different parts of the city.

TÜRKİYE (RIGHT)

GENERAL KIVRIKOGLU IN HUNGARY
General Huseyin Kivrikoglu pays an official visit to Hungary that became member of the NATO. General Kivrikoglu visited the Turkish Martyr Graveyard in Hungary.

FOREIGN EXCHANGE RESERVES OF CENTRAL
BANK INCREASE TO 22 BILLION U.S. DOLLARS
The foreign exchange reserves of the Central Bank increased to 22 billion 216 million U.S. dollars. The Central Bank data shows that the foreign exchange reserves which climbed by 563 million U.S. dollars between 18-25 June, increased to 22 billion 216 million U.S. dollars as of 25 June.

ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)

TURKISH CONVENTION STARTS
The 7th Convention of Turkish States and Communities Friendship, Fraternity, and Cooperation will start in Denizli later today. The convention which will be chaired by Abdulhaluk Cay, the State Minister, will continue till July 4. President Haydar Aliyev of Azerbaijan, President Nursultan Nazarbayev of Kazakhstan, President Asker Akayev of Kyrgyzstan, President Islam Kerimov of Uzbekistan, President Saparmurat Turkmenbasi of Turkmenistan, and President Rauf Denktas of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) will attend the convention.

[02] FOREIGN EXCHANGE RESERVES OF CENTRAL BANK INCREASE TO 22 BILLION U.S. DOLLARS

The Central Bank data shows that the foreign exchange reserves, which climbed by 563 million U.S. dollars between 18-25 June, increased to 22 billion 216 million U.S. dollars as of 25 June.

The Central Bank's foreign exchange reserves were 21 billion 653 million U.S. dollars on 18 June.

Meanwhile, according to the 11 June-based statistics, Turkey's total international gross reserves decreased 523 million U.S. dollars to 32 billion 668 million U.S. dollars between 4-11 June.

The international gross reserves of Turkey were 33 billion 191 million U.S. dollars on 4 June.

As of 11 June, Turkey's international reserves were composed of 1 billion 12 million U.S. dollars in gold reserves; 21 billion 636 million U.S. dollars in the Central Bank's foreign exchange reserves; and 10 billion 20 million U.S. dollars in the commercial banks' foreign exchange reserves.

[03] MINISTER OF EDUCATION, METIN BOSTANCIOGLU SAYS THEY REACHED THEIR TARGET IN EIGHT YEARS COMPULSORY EDUCATION PROGRAMME

Bostancioglu was briefed about Adana's educational problems by Oguz Kagan Koksal, the Adana Governor. The Minister said they aimed to increase the number of schools with dormitories and pull the number of students in a classroom down to 30.

Bostancioglu also stressed that his Ministry was also working to recover the high schools as much as the elementary schools and continued: ''I am not happy with the present structure of the high schools. Therefore, we will restructure the high schools as vocational and technical. Currently, our children either wait at the door of the universities or they get an education on a field that they don't like and they become unhappy. The education must not target only a diploma, it must be educative.'' The Minister said they are planning to give general education in 35 percent of the high schools, and vocational and technical education in 65 percent of them.

Speaking about the problem of insufficient number of teachers, Bostancioglu said they will hire acting teachers who will work on contract basis to solve this problem. The acting teachers will possess the same rights with regular teachers. The governorships will carry out teacher hirings. The vacancies will be advertised once the open positions at every school are listed, he explained.

The Adana Governor Koksal stated that many crowded families migrated to Adana from East and South East Turkey and this caused problems in education.

[04] ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COUNCIL MEETING - PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT: ''GOVERNMENT HAS NOTHING TO TAKE BACK''

The Economic and Social Council convened under the chairmanship of Ecevit on Thursday who stated that the social security regulations are interpreted as only raising the retirement age and said this was not true.

The Prime Minister said the commission which was formed during last week's Ministers Council meeting has not yet presented their reports to the Ministers Council and added that the regulations would be turned into a draft law after getting the views of the State Planning Council and the Economic and Social Council.

Ecevit stated that he believed that the Economic and Social Council will carry out a fruitful meeting and said that they could be given another extra week to examine their works and present their views on the matter.

[05] MINISTER OF LABOUR, YASAR OKUYAN RETURNS FROM TRNC

Upon his return, Okuyan told reporters at Ankara's Esenboga Airport that his meeting with Albayrak was very fruitful.

Okuyan stated that he signed a protocol of cooperation with Albayrak. ''With this protocol, the outdated protocols that were signed in the past have been cancelled and the basics of new cooperation have been determined. We decided to cooperate to recover the TRNC social security, and work together on the fields of work life, social security, financement, in- service training, and other subjects that enter the range of our ministries.''

[06] GENDARME LIEUTENANT COLONEL GERARD REAUD, GENDARMARIE ATTACHE OF FRANCE DECORATED WITH TURKISH ARMED FORCES MEDAL OF MERIT

Betir said he was pleased to give Colonel Reaud the medal on behalf of Huseyin Kivrikoglu, the Head of the General Staff. ''You had many services in Turkey. I hope you continue them in your country as well,'' he told Colonel Reaud.

In his speech, Colonel Reaud expressed his gratitude for the medal and said his appointment to Turkey three years ago was an award as well.

Colonel Reaud said, during his stay in Turkey, he had the chance to visit all parts of Turkey as all the headquarters were open to him. Reaud thanked his colleagues and the Turkish gendarme troops who he worked with and stressed the importance of team work.

''I will be back to France within 1.5 month. Even if I weren't given this medal, I would return with great memories. But from now on I will carry those memories on my uniform,'' Reaud added.

[07] FOREIGN MINISTRY: ''TURKISH JURISDICTION IS INDEPENDENT. OUTSIDE INTERFERENCES ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE''

Turkish jurisdiction is independent, the Foreign Ministry stressed, adding that outside interferences are not acceptable.

The Foreign Ministry urged the world not to attempt such behaviours.

It was said that some foreign circles focus only on the death penalty given to Ocalan and irresponsibly criticise the Turkish justice.

The Foreign Ministry said it was wrong to form links between Ocalan's death penalty and Turkey's relations with the European Council and the EU. The Ministry condemned such approaches.

Ocalan's trial was held in front of the eyes of many foreign individuals and press members, and the whole world watched the hearings, it was noted. ''We call everyone to refrain from provocative attitutes and be respectful towards the state of law principle,'' the Foreign Ministry concluded its statement.

-ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COUNCIL'S MEETING
ANKARA, July 2 (A.A) - Salim Uslu, the Director of Hak-Is Workers Union, said that a draft which excludes the non-governmental organizations and their contributions, would not reflect Turkey's realities

As he was leaving the meeting of the Economic and Social Council on Thursday night, Uslu told reporters that the Council could convene once again before the Ministers Council meeting.

Uslu stated that they displayed a determined attitute at the meeting and said they will continue their meetings as non governmental organizations.

Vahdettin Karabay, the DISK General Director, on the other hand, expressed his concerns about unemployment insurance and job security. ''The retirement age must not be 38-43, but it can't be 60 either,'' he added. Karabay noted that he will discuss their problems with the directors of employers and employees unions confederations on Thursday night at Hilton Hotel. Karabay said they will try to reach an agreement at the Economic and Social Council's meeting next Wednesday. During the meeting, Karabay said the decisions of previous governments on job security and unemployment insurance must also be considered and added that Prime Minister Ecevit also shared his concerns regarding job security. ''If people who are 44-45 years old are left unemployed, where will they continue their insurance? We want these problems to be solved,'' he said.

[08] DEPUTY CHAIRMAN OF MHP, YAHNICI: ''WE DON'T WANT TO PASS A LAW WHICH DOESN'T HAVE PEOPLE'S SUPPORT''

''We must sit and discuss how this law can be changed so that people would support it and it wouldn't bother anyone's conscience,'' Yahnici stated.

The state does not face a problem of fighting against a terrorist organization, it only needs to disable the remains of the organization and destroy the sources which train militants, he stressed. ''At this stage, if you say you want to pass the Repentance Law to destroy PKK, it would be wrong,'' he added.

Yahnici reminded that a total of two thousand people so far benefited from the Repentance Law and majority of these people were in prison.

[09] THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COUNCIL'S MEETING

During the three hour meeting, the workers side stated that the social security draft law prepared by the Ministry of Labour carried very heavy conditions for workers. The workers side demanded that the reform must also bring job security and unemployment insurance.

During the meeting, it was agreed that 10,800 was a very high number for payment of primiums. Turkish Chambers and Commodity Exchanges Union (TOBB) regarded the draft law positively while other civil society organizations viewed it with caution.

The government representatives told the workers side who reacted to the draft law, that this was only a draft, not a proposition and added that the proposal will become more definite after negotiations.

According to the decision of the Council meeting, the representatives of the civil society organizations who attended Thursday's meeting, will get together on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday and prepare a draft proposal on social security reform. The directors of the civil society organizations will meet with Yasar Okuyan, the Minister of Labour and Social Security, to discuss the draft proposal on July 5 and 6. The proposal which will be shaped during these talks will be evaluated on July 7 at the Economic and Social Council. The proposal will take its final shape on July 7 and be presented to the Ministers Council on July 9.

[10] THE U.S. EXPANDS FULL SUPPORT FOR TURKISH-GREEK DIALOGUE

Addressing a press conference, Foley mentioned meeting between Ismail Cem, the Foreign Minister, and his Greek counterpart Yorgo Papandreu in New York, the U.S.

Foley described decision of two countries to maintain dialogue on five topics including terrorism, as a positive development.

Expressing the Washington's satifaction over the decision, Foley reiterated that the U.S. encourages dialogues between Turkey and Greece.

[11] COHEN, THE U.S. DEFENSE SECRETARY, DUE TO TURKEY AND GREECE

Addressing journalists at the U.S. Defense Department Pentagon, Cohen said that he is in contact with his friends in Turkey.

Reminding that he also held talks with Greek Defense Minister, Cohen told reporters that he will visit seven ally countries in seven days.

Cohen is expected to visit Turkey and Greece after July 10. In an earlier statement, James Foley, the Spokesman of the U.S. State Department, said that the U.S. expands full support for Turkish-Greek dialogue. Foley described decision of two countries to maintain dialogue on five topics, including terrorism, as a positive development.

Joint defense programmes of the U.S. with Turkey and Greece are expected to be taken up at Cohen's contacts in these countries.

[12] KYRGYZ PRESIDENT AKAYEV IN ANKARA - PRESIDENT DEMIREL HOSTS A DINNER IN HONOUR OF HIS KYRGYZ COUNTERPART - PRESIDENT DEMIREL: - ''BILATERAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION BETWEEN TURKEY AND KYRGYZSTAN SERVE REGIONAL PEACE, STABILITY, PROSPERITY, AND DEVELOPMENT'' - PRESIDENT AKAYEV: - ''I BELIEVE THAT 21ST CENTURY WILL BE A GOLDEN PERIOD FOR FURTHER IMPROVEMENT OF TURKISH-KYRGYZ FRIENDSHIP''

Addressing the dinner, President Demirel said that a brilliant future waits for the Turkish world at the 21st century which is being described as the century of Eurasia.

Pointing out that mutual visits make a considerable contribution for the further improvement of relations between the two countries, President Demirel stressed that Turkey appreciates reforms which were realized by Kyrgyzstan under the leadership of Akayev.

Noting that Turkey expands full support for the foreign policy strategy of Akayev under the title of ''Silk Road Doctrine'', Demirel said that the doctrine has attracted attentions of Turkish public opinion, academic circles, and politicians.

Referring to the formation of the ''Turkish Language Speaking Countries Summit'', President Demirel stressed that the summit will be so useful for the improvement of multilateral cooperation among the sister countries of this formation. Demirel expressed hope over productive and positive results of the 6th Summit which will be held in Azeri capitaly Baku this fall.

President Demirel also pointed out, ''Turkey and Kyrgyzstan are two sister countries who have undertaken significant responsibilities in the region. Bilateral relations and cooperation between Turkey and Kyrgyzstan serve regional peace, stability, prosperity, and development.''

President Akayev in his part described Turkey as a ''Pole Star'' for Kyrgyz people, and added that Turkey has supported Kyrgyzstan since the day she gained her independence.

Stressing that Kyrgyzstan has stepped forward in the global policy as a result of President Demirel's efforts, Akayev noted, ''I believe that 21st century will be a golden period for further improvement of Turkish-Kyrgyz friendship.''

Yildirim Akbulut, the Speaker of Parliament; General Atilla Ates, the Commander of Land Forces; Ahmet Necdet Sezer, the Chairman of the Constitutional Court; Recai kutan, the Leader of the Virtue Party (FP); and several other high-level officials were in attendance at the dinner.

[13] CENTRAL BANK ISSUES A BOOKLET ON EURO

A Central Bank statement said that the booklet summarized the activities of the Turkish Central Bank about Euro, including the ensurement of coordination in financial sector, the exchange of information, the determination of the requirements of the sector for this issue.

The other issues in the booklet are the arrangements on the regulations, studies about the Euro payment, the changes in the computers about Euro, the arrangements in some accounts opened in the Central Bank, the publications about Euro, the training studies, the meetings and seminars, the real sector survey, and the following the arrangements about the monetary and the financial statistics of the European Union (E.U) institutions.

The statement said that the booklet will also be transmitted in a web site in the internet.

[14] CONSTANTINESCU, ROMANIAN PRESIDENT, DUE IN TURKEY

The Foreign Ministry said that Contantinescu will hold meetings with Demirel and will receive Yildirim Akbulut, the Parliament Speaker; Premier Bulent Ecevit, and Huseyin Kivrikoglu, the Chief of General Staff, during his visit to Turkey.

Constantinescu will make a speech about the ''Turkish-Romanian Relations'' in the conference which will be held by the Foreign Policy Institute.

The Turkish-Romanian Joint Economic Commission is expected to convene within the framework of the visit of Constantinescu.

The diplomatic resources said that the relations between Turkey and Romania are perfect and that there is not any problem between the two countries.

The diplomatic resources added that the relations between the two countries will improve with the visit of Constantinescu.

[15] SIXTH ANNIVERSARY OF SIVAS INCIDENT

Turkish Bars Union released a written statement on the sixth anniversary of Sivas incidents. ''We spent six years with increasing sorrow and longing for our intellectuals who were burned to death in Sivas,'' the statement noted, and continued: ''The court decided that masses of people were provoked to overthrow the secular system and bring sheria rules in our country. Such attempts became more obvious recently and private education institutions were established to brainwash children starting from early ages. Those who want to bring sheria want to leak into justice and civilian administrations. We must continue an organized struggle by being faithful to Ataturk's reforms and principles to prevent such a threat posed againt our secular Republic.''

''We remember those who lost their lives six years ago at Madimak Hotel with respect and promise that we will protect the secular Republic under all conditions,'' it was stated.

[16] PREMIER ECEVIT RECEIVES CIANBA, ROMANIAN AMBASSADOR

Responding the questions of the journalists following the meeting, Cianba said that Emil Contantinescu, Romanian President, will visit Turkey next week and that they discussed the issues which will be taken up during the visit.

Emphasizing that the Turkish-Romanian Joint Economic Commission will convene a day before Contantinescu arrives in Turkey, Cianba noted that the Commission will evaluate the developments in the economy sector.

Stressing that there are not only negative but also positive developments in the region, Cianba stated that the Turkish-Romanian relations are a goood example for the positive developments.

Recalling that Romania is in the first place of the list of the candidate members of NATO, Cianba thanked Turkey for supporting Romania in this issue.

[17] 7TH TURKISH STATE AND COMMUNITIES, FRIENDSHIP, FRIENDSHIP AND COOPERATION GENERAL ASSEMBLY STARTS IN DENIZLI

After singing the National Anthem, an iron-beating ceremony was held which symbolized Turks' gaining their independence. President Demirel; Rauf Denktas, the President of Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC); Devlet Bahceli, the Deputy Prime Minister; Sefer Muradov, the Turkmenistan State Minister; Kuday Belginov, the Kyrgyz Head of Delegation; Hidayet Orucov, the Azeri State Secretary; Saim Erdenov, the Kazakh Head of Delegation, and Abdul Akat Celilov from Ozbeki delegation beat iron, from highest to lowest rank according to the tradition.

A delegation was formed under the chairmanship of State Minister Abdulhaluk Cay from representatives of Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and TRNC to run the first session of the Assembly.

Yusuf Ziya Goksu, the Denizli Governor who spoke at the Assembly's opening gave information about Denizli's economic structure. Goksu said friendship, solidarity, and cooperation between Turkish states and communities will reach to its summit at this Assembly.

The activities will be carried out in seven commissions in the Assembly.

1-Society, administration, law,

2-Education, training

3-Culture

4-Science

5-Economic, trade and financial relations

6-International relations

7-Youth

The commission reports will be released on the last day of the Assembly. The decisions taken during the Assembly will be announced to the publics of all participating countries. The circulars and regulations will be published in a book.

The Assembly will last for three days.

[18] SEVENTH TURKISH WORLD CONVENTION MEETING - PRESIDENT DEMIREL: ''THERE IS A GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY IN FRONT OF THE TURKISH WORLD TODAY''

Speaking in the opening ceremony of the Seventh Convention of Turkish States and Communities Friendship, Fraternity, and Cooperation, Demirel noted that this was the seventh meeting of the Turkish countries which was firstly held in 1992.

Stressing that this convention improves the solidarity among the Turkish countries, Demirel stated that it constitutes a meaningful opportunity to reiterate that the determination of the Turkish countries for the joint ideals of the humanity.

Drawing the attention to the words ''friendship, brotherhood, and cooperation'' which are mentioned in the title of the meeting, Demirel said, ''the idea which brings together the people from Adriatic to Chinese Wall and from Atlantic to Pacific is a common target to improve our moral partnership and cooperation and to carry it to a new century.''

''Nobody should feel uneasy about the convention of the representatives of the Turkish world which has always proved its determination to the ideals of the humanity. Because, our solidarity is for friendship and cooperation, '' Demirel added.

Demirel continued, ''there is a golden opportunity in front of the Turkish world. This big world could protect its identity, culture, and state and could still be in the world by a cultural unity and solidarity. Turkey is very pleased to face these developments. Turkey contributed to put forward a new solidarity spirit in the joint geography of the Turkish countries. Turkey only wants the peace and welfare of the friend countries.''

[19] KYRGYZ PRESIDENT AKAYEV VISITS PARLIAMENT SPEAKER AKBULUT

Following their one hour meeting, Akbulut gave a dinner for Akayav's honour at the Parliament's Ceremony Hall.

Akbulut pointed to the cultural and historical links between Turkey and Kyrgyzistan and reminded that Turkey was the first country who recognized Kyrgyzistan's independence after the collapse of the former Soviet Union.

''Turkey has been watching with great appreciation the political and economic reforms started by Akayev. We support reforms which will make Kyrgyz people happier. We believe these efforts of Kyrgyzistan will be successful,'' Akbulut stated and promised to work to develop relations between the two countries in every field.

Akayev said the eternal friendship and brotherhood between Kyrgyzistan and Turkey will continue to give its fruits in the next century.

[20] PREMIER ECEVIT RESPONDS QUESTIONS - ECEVIT: ''SPECIAL MEETING OF ITALIAN PARLIAMENT FOR A TERRORIST DOES NOT EXALT, ITALY BUT HUMILIATE HER''

Ecevit responded the questions of the journalists when leaving the Prime Ministry.

When asked a question saying that the Draft Law on Repentance was withdrawn from the Parliament and whether or not there is a disagreement among the partners of coalition, Ecevit said that there is not any problems among the members of the coalition and that the Justice Commission decided to discuss some changes in the Commission meeting.

Ecevit said, ''the Interior Ministry is making some preparations about this law. We will evaluate all these and then submit the draft law to the parliament as soon as possible. There is not any disagreement among the members of the coalition. We are trying hard not to have some articles in the law which can make the Turkish nations uneasy.''

Responding a question on whether or not the decisions given for Ocalan and Semdin Sakik, the second man of the terrorist organization, have some effects on the Repentance Law; Ecevit said that these decisions did not affect the law.

When asked his opinion about the campaigns in favour and against the execution of the capital punishment, Ecevit noted that he thinks that this issue should not be in the first items of the agenda from now on and the independent jurisdiction proces is continuing.

Ecevit said, ''the pressure of the foreign countries can bear contrary situations, rather than the expectations of these countries. It is not a normal thing that the western people are interested in this issue for a long time, and it is not a praising thing for the western world. The problem we are face to face at the moment is a serious terrorism problem. The efforts of politicizing this terrorism is very worthless, and it is not possible to have a result in these politicization efforts.''

When asked a question saying that there are news which said that the capital punishment given for Ocalan can be a bargaining matter in the relations of Turkey with Europe, Ecevit said, ''I do not want to talk about these things. We cannot make this a bargaining matter. A process will be carried out in accordance with the conscience, beliefs, and needs of Turkey. I think that it is very inconvenient to say something which can affect the jurisdiction.''

Responding a question saying that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) will hold a press conference and a five billion U.S. dollar aid is mentioned and whether or not he is hopeful about this aid, Ecevit noted that they can hold a press conference in which they will declare their views and that he thinks that there are positive developments.

Responding a question about when the legal arrangement on the international arbitration will be submitted to the parliament, Ecevit stated that they will submit the draft law as soon as possible.

When asked a question saying that there are positive signals but that Mesut Yilmaz, the leader of the Motherland Party (ANAP), is talking about a negative economic table and whether or not there is a difference of opinion, Ecevit said, ''there is not any difference of opinion. It is true that we have some problems in economy. On the other hand, there are some positive developments.''

''There is a revival in production and an increase in the usage of capacity. The rate of interests decreased yesterday. I hope that this will be a continuous decrease. It is obvious that we are facing a serious problematic period. But, there is a potential Turkish society and economy which can overcome the problems as soon as possible. We are trying to benefit from this potential,'' Ecevit added.

When asked his opinion about the increase in the prices of the products, Ecevit said that some of the prices were not increased for a long time and that some prices had to be incereased.

Responding a question saying that Azerbaijan feels uneasy about the schools of Fethullah Gulen and that she started an interrogation and whether or not Turkey will take some measures, Ecevit said that he had not heard anything about this issue.

[21] STATE MINISTER ABDULLAH CAY : ''MELUNGEONS WHO OPENLY DECLARE THEMSELVES TURKISH ARE ALSO IN OUR ASSEMBLY''

Cay, in the opening speech he gave at the 7th Convention of Turkish State and Communities Friendship, Brotherhood, and Cooperation, reminded that the first Convention was gathered in 1993 with the support of President Demirel and Alpaslan Turkes, then leader of the National Movement Party.

''Last year, some Turkish states could not participate in the 6th Assembly. Today, our kinsmen who came from the farthest corners of the world are with us. The Melungeons who openly declare themselves as Turkish are also among us. I hope that the Assembly will be beneficial for the Turkish Republic and the rising seven Turkish states.''

[22] TURKEY-IMF RELATIONS - ULUGBAY, STATE MINISTER: ''IMF WELCOMES OUR REQUEST CONCERNING STAND-BY AGREEMENT''

Addressing a joint press conference with Carlo Cottarelli, the Chief of Turkish Desk of IMF, Ulugbay noted that the Turkish delegation told IMF delegation that Turkey is determined to implement a programme on the struggle against inflation.

Ulugbay thanked the officials of the IMF and the World Bank for their contributions to the programme of struggling against inflation.

When asked the amount of the financial support of the IMF for the stand-by agreement, Cottarelli said that the amount of the support is not determined yet but it is being discussed in Washington D.C.

[23] HERCUS, DEPUTY SPECIAL ENVOY OF ANNAN, U.N SECRETARY GENERAL, TO CYPRUS; APPOINTED AS SPECIAL ENVOY TO CYPRUS

Sarah Russell, the U.N. Spokeswoman on Cyprus, told A.A correspondent that Hercus was appointed as the Special Envoy of Annan to Cyprus on Thursday.

Kofi Annan said in the last report he sent to the U.N Security Council that he would appoint Ann Hercus as his Special Envoy to Cyprus as of July 1, 1999.

[24] TRNC PRESIDENT, DENKTAS SPEAKS AT 7TH CONVENTION OF TURKISH STATES AND COMMUNITIES FRIENDSHIP, BROTHERHOOD, AND COOPERATION

Denktas, in his opening speech, stressed the importance of this gathering which brought together people of the same origin and culture who have stayed apart for over a century and said they viewed the future with hope.

''We have worries at the same time. Those who want to remove us from Cyprus continue their propagandas in brother countries. According to them, we are a minority who try to divide a country. We want this fault to be corrected, '' Denktas stated. The TRNC President asked the Turkish states to send representatives to observe what is going on in Cyprus.

''We are not acting to divide a unitary state. We were expelled by armed force from a republic which was established by the precondition of one nation cannot oppress the other one. They wanted to enslave us, we didn't allow it. For 36 years, they have been deceiving the world and pretending like it is their own state. They have been presenting us as a minority trying to divide the Greek state and Turkey as the invader. We, as an unseparable part of Turkey, want this fault to be corrected. We did not divide this country, we were expelled from our own country by armed forces. Cyprus is the starting point of Milosevic's deeds. Macarios used the same methods to expel us. They wanted us to submit, but we didn't yield. We trusted Turkey and we were saved from being enslaved by Turkey's help and support. We want our brothers to understand this. You also had to live under oppression once, but finally reached your independence. Were you also separatists? Is it a crime to fight for freedom,'' Denktas said.

The Cyprus Republic which was established in 1960 will not become a Greek Republic, he stressed and added that the Greeks want to push them out of their own land. ''We didn't pull down the flag. We fought as Turks and we won. I want you to understand this,'' Denktas said.

The condition of peace in Cyprus is complete equality, Denktas noted and said that the international agreements signed in 1960 were violated by the Greek side on the same day.

The TRNC President went on to say that they have been fighting for freedom for 100 years and the Greeks have been making anti-propaganda to the whole world for 36 years. ''The UN decisions do not bind TRNC, Turkey, or the brother countries,'' he said. Denktas reminded of President Demirel's words ''Turkey will make it clear to the world that it sides with the TRNC,'' and said this was a relief for his country.

It is a big assurance for the TRNC to know that a strong state like Turkey is behind them, Denktas said and called on the Turkish states to support them. ''One day, you may have to struggle when you are right. So do not stay far, and give your hand for help,'' he said.

[25] TURKISH-IMF RELATIONS

Ulugbay, in the joint press meeting he held with Carlo Cottarelli, the IMF Turkey Desk Director, said a ''Monetary Council'' will not be included in the IMF regulations.

The Monetary Council is based on the principle of not adjusting the local currency depending on the dollar currency. A country which adopts Monetary Council regulations must apply very strict monetary and currency policies.

[26] TURKISH-IMF RELATIONS - COTTARELLI, CHIEF OF TURKISH DESK OF IMF: ''WE HAVE TAKEN A SIGNIFICANT STEP WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF STAFF MONITORING AGREEMENT''

Addressing a joint press conference with Hikmet Ulugbay, the State Minister, Cottarelli noted that the developments in Turkey in the first four months of 1999 were positive, but that Turkey should take some strategic steps, and that the steps which will be taken from now on carry importance.

Stressing that he does not want to get into specifics about their contacts, Cottarelli stated that they have recorded an advance within the framework of the anti-inflationist programme which was started between Turkey and the IMF but that the other necessary measures should be taken as soon as possible.

Emphasizing that the economic activities of Turkey stagnated since the beginning of 1999, Cottarelli stressed that the representatives of the government told them that they foresee decreasing the inflation to 25 percent in the end of 2000 and to 10 percent by the end of 2001.

Noting that they have taken a significant step towards a definite programme in the end of their contacts in Turkey, Cottarelli emphasized that they have put forward a programme which can be supported by the IMF and that they have determined the specific steps. Cottarelli added that these programmes are being implemented and that if all the points of a more detailed programme are implemented, it can be successful. Stating that the follow-up programme will continue to be carried out in the following months, Cottarelli said that this programme will be a bridge for the next period.

Evaluating the developments in 1998 and the first half of 1999 in Turkey, Cottarelli noted that this period was a period when some complicated developments occured in the economy. Stressing that the inflation decreased and there are some positive course in the balance of payments, Cottarelli stated that the interest rates increased too much and that as a result the economic activities decreased.

Stating that the growth should be based on a strong ground, Cottarelli pointed ut that this should be made by taking lasting measures. Pointing out that the social security reform is one of the problems of Turkey, Cottarelli emphasized that the social security deficit reached to very significant figures and that the present system is away from giving the necessary support to the retired people.

Noting that there are some problems resulting from the structure of the support given to agriculture, Cottarelli stressed that the efficiency of the economic system can improve by privatization.

Stressing that the efforts of decreasing the inflation should be supported by all the sectors, Cottarelli said that Turkey needs a more comprehensive programme at the moment and that Turkey needs a national study in which all the sectors will participate.

[27] TURKEY-IMF RELATIONS - COTTARELLI, CHIEF OF TURKISH DESK OF IMF: - ''AS SOON AS THE STUDIES FOR STAND-BY ARE COMPLETED, THE SUPPORT WILL BE GIVEN''

Addressing a joint press conference with Hikmet Ulugbay, the State Minister, Cottarelli noted that the amount of the support will be determined in the end of the meetings held in Washington D.C.

Responding a question, Ulugbay said that the studies on the budget of 2000 fiscal year will continue until the end of 1999 and that they will hold contacts with the IMF after the macro-economic and budget targets are determined.

Ajay Chhibber, the Representative of World Bank in Turkey, said that the programme is a comprehensive programme which handles the problems and that this programme discusses the basic structural reforms.

Noting that this programme will revive the economy, Chhibber stated that they will be pleased to support this programme.

When asked the amount of the financial support, Chibber stressed that the structural reforms will be discussed in the following months but did not tell anyting about the amount of the financial support.

[28] RATINGS AND TURKEY - DCR TURKEY'S ACTING DIRECTOR ABAC: ''TURKEY CAN GET SURPRISING RATINGS NEXT YEAR IF IT SIGNS AGREEMENT WITH IMF''

Abac said they were not planning to change the ''BB'' grade that was earlier given to Turkey until the end of this year. Prof. Abac who spoke at a conference at Ankara Industry Chamber evaluated the effects of ratings on Turkish economy and undustrial institutions during a global crisis.

Turkey must urgently start using foreign sources actively to get out of this difficult situation, Prof. Abac stressed. He also criticized the other international rating institutions which did not change Turkey's grade since 1994 and stated that Turkey did not have 1994's conditions now. He said it was wrong not to change Turkey's grade despite developments like the stand by agreement and the increasing foreign currency reserves.

Prof. Abac emphasized the importance of having Turks in international rating institutions and said foreigners evaluated Turkey from outside while Turks lived inside the country. ''We cannot treat Turkey preferentially, but we can avoid injustices,'' he added.

The most important weakness of rating institutions is that they give low grades to keep their risks low, he noted and continued:

''Naturally, they prefer to keep their grades low in order not to face the criticisms of investors. Especially if you are woking with very large business volumes, then the lower you grade it, the better you sleep at nights. Because the investors will not come and ask for an explanation from you when something goes wrong in that country,'' Prof. Abac explained.

He said the BB grade they've given to Turkey was certainly correct and added that it was hard to explain why other rating institutions give Turkey single B's.

If Turkey signs agreement with IMF, it could have surprising ratings next year, he stressed. ''The emerging market dress which is trying to be put on Turkey does not fit Turkey well,'' he stated. ''We must show to the whole world, that we don't belong to this category. You will see that the ratings will increase in the next period. But in the meantime, Turkey is paying a price. If we didn't grade Turkey BB, it wouldn't have been able to borrow 3.2 billion US dollars. Turkey will borrow 1.2 billion US dollars more towards the end of this year. This is because of our rating,'' he explained.

Zafer Caglayan, the Chairman of Ankara Industry Chamber, in his speech said low grades given to a country made it difficult to borrow from the international makets. The drop in the state's grade causes a decline in all the financial institutions in that country, he concluded.

[29] IMF'S FINAL STATEMENT

IMF published a final statement following their meetings in Turkey which lasted for two weeks. The statement said struggle with inflation requires a coordinated effort in financial and structural fields. The interest rates will drop significantly and the inflation will drop to 10 percent in 2001 if the government programme is implemented, the statement added.

The statement said that the whole sale prices inflation rate for this year is expected to be between 50 and 55 percent and and 55 percent is targeted in consumer prices.

Turkey can reach its economic target with the cooperation of all segments of its society including government, society, workers and entrepreneurs, it was pointed out in the statement.

A.A

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