Anadolu Agency: News in English, 99-08-05

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AA Daily

05 August 1999 Thursday

CONTENTS

[01] MEETING BETWEEN KOH, U.S. ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF STATE, AND MESROB II, PATRIARCH OF TURKISH ARMENIANS - TURKISH ARMENIANS PATRIARCHATE: ''WE DISCUSSED THE PROBLEMS OF THE TURKISH ARMENIANS''

[02] ORGANS OF BRITISH TOURIST SAVE LIVES OF TWO TURKS - FAMILY OF BRITISH TOURIST: ''WE DONATED THE ORGANS OF OUR DAUGHTER BECAUSE OUR DAUGHTER HAD ALWAYS WANTED TO DONATE HER ORGANS WHEN SHE DIED''

[03] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

[04] SAVAS, SUPREME COURT REPUBLICAN CHIEF PROSECUTOR, REQUESTS APPROVAL OF CAPITAL PUNISHMENT GIVEN TO OCALAN, HEAD OF TERRORIST ORGANIZATION

[05] WESTON OFFICIALLY APPOINTED AS U.S. SPECIAL COORDINATOR TO CYPRUS

[06] THE SEVEN-MONTH INCREASE IN AUTOMOTIVE EXPORTS EXCEEDS 47 PERCENT

[07] TURK DETAINED BY FBI, HANDED OVER TO INS

[08] SOMUNCUOGLU EVALUATES HIS VISIT TO ALBANIA: ''ALBANIA HAS A SPECIAL PLACE FOR STABILITY AND SECURITY IN THE BALKANS''

[09] SUPREME COURT OF APPEALS NO 9 TO EXAMINE APPEAL DOSSIER OF OCALAN CASE

[10] PREMIER ECEVIT: ''AS FAR AS I KNOW, THE TWO TURKISH SOLDIERS WHO ARE IN DETENTION IN IRAN, ARE NOT RELEASED, WE ARE WAITING''

[11] PRESIDENT DEMIREL RESPONDS TO QUESTIONS : ''WHILE STRUGGLE WITH TERRORISM IS BEING CARRIED OUT, STATE CAN'T HAVE EXPECTATIONS FROM SOME PLACES''

[12] CONFERENCE ON ''TURKEY: PROBLEMS AND OPPORTUNITIES ON THRESHOLD OF THE 21ST CENTURY'' CONTINUES IN ITALY

[13] ERDENGIZ, TRNC REPRESENTATIVE TO THE U.S: ''IF THE U.S. DOES NOT REVIEW ITS POLICIES, SHE WILL CONTINUE TO BE UNSUCCESSFUL IN HER INITIATIVES ABOUT CYPRUS QUESTION''

[14] ENVIRONMENT MINISTER AYTEKIN RECEIVES AUSTRALIAN AND BRITISH AMBASSADORS SEPARATELY

[15] FOREIGN EXCHANGE RESERVES OF CENTRAL BANK DECREASE TO 23.3 BILLION U.S. DOLLARS

[16] PRESIDENT DEMIREL RESPONDS TO QUESTIONS: ''IRAN WILL RELEASE THE TWO TURKISH SOLDIERS''

[17] FOREIGN DEBT PAYMENTS - 6.2 BILLION U.S. DOLLARS OF FOREIGN DEBT PAID SINCE JANUARY 1, 1999

[18] PASSENGER DETAINED BY FBI, REMAINS IN CUSTODY

[19] PREMIER ECEVIT ISSUES A CIRCULAR - ECEVIT PERMITS PUBLIC EMPLOYEES TO GET ORGANIZED IN LABOUR UNIONS AND CONFEDERATIONS

[20] PRESIDENT DEMIREL RECEIVES SAMSUN TRADE AND INDUSTRY CHAMBER DELEGATION - DEMIREL: ''TURKEY'S RECENT PROBLEMS ARE FINANCIAL''

[21] STATE MINISTER CAY RECEIVES LEBEDEV, RUSSIAN AMBASSADOR TO TURKEY

[22] PAKISTANI DEPUTY IN TRNC - TRNC PRESIDENT DENKTAS: ''THERE ARE TWO SOVEREIGN STATES, NOT TWO COMMUNITIES ON CYPRUS''

[23] KOH, U.S. ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF STATE HOLDS A PRESS BRIEFING : - ''NO BODY CAN DENY THAT MOST KURDS IN TURKEY DON'T SUPPORT USE OF VIOLENCE''

[24] KOH, U.S. ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF STATE HOLDS A PRESS BRIEFING : ''ECEVIT'S GOVERNMENT HAS UNDERTAKEN IMPORTANT STEPS IN HUMAN RIGHTS''

[25] KOH, U.S. ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF STATE HOLDS A PRESS BRIEFING : - KOH: ''WE URGE THE TURKISH GOVERNMENT TO APPLY ITS REFORMS TO ALL ARTICLES USED TO RESTRICT FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION'' - ''TURKEY WILL FIND THE OPPORTUNITY TO SHOW HER LOYALTY TO HUMAN RIGHTS AND DEMOCRACY DURING THE OSCE SUMMIT''

[01] MEETING BETWEEN KOH, U.S. ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF STATE, AND MESROB II, PATRIARCH OF TURKISH ARMENIANS - TURKISH ARMENIANS PATRIARCHATE: ''WE DISCUSSED THE PROBLEMS OF THE TURKISH ARMENIANS''

The Turkish Armenians Patriarchate statement said that the Patriarchate is very pleased that Koh held a courtesy visit to the spritual center of the Armenians who constitute the biggest Christian minority in Turkey.

The statement noted that Koh wanted to know whether the Turkish Armenians have any problems about the human right issue, how they teach and train the clergymen for the churches and the teachers who can speak Armenian for their minority schools, and if the Armenians are represented politically.

The statement stressed that Koh received information about the Patriarch elections which were held ten months ago.

The statement emphasized that Mesrob II told Koh that the Turkish citizens with Armenian origin who are about 60,000 people living in Istanbul do not have any problems in their daily lives and in administrative authorities.

Stressing that Koh asked Mesrob a question about clergy school, the statement quoted Mesrob II as saying that they will try to meet the need of clergymen by the university system and that the Moslems do not have their own ''medrese''s (Moslem theological schools.)

Emphasizing that Mesrob II said that Turkish Armenians have some problems, including religious problems and ethnical minority problems but that these problems can be overcome when the regulations prepared in 1930s are modernized; the statement noted that Mesrob said they should give some time to the government because it is a new government and that they try to help the local administrations in every field.

The statement added that Mesrob II responded the continuing questions of Koh that ''we are the citizens of Republic of Turkey, and they try to solve our problems with the local administrators and that we trust the statesmen for our success.''

[02] ORGANS OF BRITISH TOURIST SAVE LIVES OF TWO TURKS - FAMILY OF BRITISH TOURIST: ''WE DONATED THE ORGANS OF OUR DAUGHTER BECAUSE OUR DAUGHTER HAD ALWAYS WANTED TO DONATE HER ORGANS WHEN SHE DIED''

Catherina Elenor and John Thomas, the mother and father of Bradford, came to Marmaris county of Aegean Mugla province after they heard their daughter died.

The father of Bradford told A.A correspondent that his daughter loved Turkey and the Turkish people very much and that so she came to Turkey with her friends to spend her holiday.

He said that her daughter who fell down in a disco when she was drunk and suffered from cerebral hemorrhage, underwent two surgical operations in a private hospital.

He noted that despite all the efforts, her daughter's brain died and she could not be saved; adding that they fulfilled the will of their daughter and donated her organs.

He stated that they will take the body of their daughter back to Britain on Thursday.

Meanwhile, the liver and the kidney of Bradford were transplanted to two Turkish people in western Izmir province while the doctors are trying to find appropriate patients to transplant the kidney and the eye of Bradford.

[03] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

HURRIYET (LIBERAL)

OCALAN QUAKE IN PKK
The ''end the armed struggle and leave the borders of Turkey'' call of Abdullah Ocalan, the head of the terrorist organization PKK, resulted in tremors in the PKK. The other heads of the organization had differences in points of views on whether or not to obey the call of Ocalan. The terrorists who are in the mountains, are divided into two. Everybody in the organization started to think differently while the discussions were made through the transceivers.

MILLIYET (LIBERAL)

SADDENING END IN AGRICULTURE
Turkey, an agriculture country, became a country which imports vegetables and fruit. Turkey faces a very sad table after the imports of the vegetables and fruit were permitted 15 years ago. The vegetable and fruit imports of Turkey nearly reached two billion U.S. dollars a year. Turkey started to import banana, coconut, pineapple, apple, pear, and even haricot bean, lentil, and chickpea.

SABAH (LIBERAL)

ORGANS OF A BRITISH GIRL WHO DIES IN MARMARIS TO SAVE FOUR TURKS
The organs of Nersy Bradford, a British girl who died of cerebral hemorrage in Marmaris county of Aegean Mugla province, will save the lives of four Turkish people. The family of Bradford donated the liver, heart, and kidney of their daughter without any doubts.

CUMHURİYET (LEFT)

BESIKTAS AND TRABZON ELIMINATED
Besiktas drew with Israeli Haifa team in its second pre-elimination match of the Champions' League held in Israel and was eliminated from the league. Trabzonspor which had a match with Hamburg team of Germany in Intertoto league, was defeated by Hamburg by four to one and lost the chance of challenging in this league.

RADIKAL (LEFT)

FM: ''KOH IS NOT SENSITIVE ENOUGH''
Sermet Atacanli, Foreign Ministry Deputy Spokesman, evaluated the contacts of Harold Koh, the U.S. Assistant Secretary of State, reponsible for human rights, in Southeastern provinces and his statements regarded with the state of human rights in Turkey. Atacanli said that they expected foreign visitors having official identitities who come to Turkey to pay required attention to the sensitivities of this country. Atacanli said, ''Turkey is an open country. Everybody, foreign or native people, can go everywhere they want within the framework of existing rules. Yet, foreign guests having official identitities in particular are expected to pay necessary attention to the sensitivities of this country.''

TÜRKİYE (RIGHT)

A TOTAL OF 11 TERRORISTS KILLED
A total of 11 terrorists were killed in the operations carried out by the security forces against the terrorist organization PKK in southeastern Turkey. The operations which were launched after six persons were killed by the terrorists in Silvan continues.

ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)

DRAFT LAW ON SOCIAL SECURITY CANNOT BE SUBMITTED TO PARLIAMENTARY GENERAL
ASSEMBLY
The Draft Law on Social Security could not be submitted to the Parliamentary General Assembly because the Labour Platform staged a sit-in in Ankara's Guven Park to protest the retirement age. The chairmen of the non-governmental organizations which set up the Labour Platform walked to the parliament. The parliament took this warning into consideration and withdraw the draft law.

[04] SAVAS, SUPREME COURT REPUBLICAN CHIEF PROSECUTOR, REQUESTS APPROVAL OF CAPITAL PUNISHMENT GIVEN TO OCALAN, HEAD OF TERRORIST ORGANIZATION

Savas prepared a two-page notification in the end of his examinations after the Ocalan's dossier was submitted to him.

Savas said, ''Abdullah Ocalan lead the terorist organization PKK which is the most bloody terrorist organization of the 20th century and ruled the attacks of his militants which are considered 'crimes of humanity' in accordance with the international modern law criteria. Thus, it can be definitely understood from the concept of the dossier that he violated the 125th article of the Turkish Penal Code (TCK) for many times.

Some foreing statesmen who are proved that they aided and abetted the terrorist PKK organization and its head Abdullah Ocalan, the accused, by disregarding the international law and the agreements they signed regarded with the terrorism, and some so-called human rights champion assosiations and institutions which are always known to be hostile against Turkey, tried to oppress our government and judiciary.

However, Ankara No 2 State Security Court (DGM) tried the suspect by granting the defense rights to his lawyers in the widest sense which are not given in any other courts; and the Court gave this decision without being influenced; and realized a fair trial in accordance with the procedures.

To this end, the approval of the sentence given to Abdullah Ocalan is requested.''

[05] WESTON OFFICIALLY APPOINTED AS U.S. SPECIAL COORDINATOR TO CYPRUS

The U.S. Department of State statement said that Weston was officially appointed as the U.S. Special Coordinator to Cyprus after former coordinator Thomas Miller was appointed as the U.S. Ambassador to Sarajevo.

The statement noted that Bill Clinton administration attaches importance to the solution of the Cyprus question and that the U.S. administration is determined to find a fair and lasting solution to the question.

Thus, the diplomatic staff of the U.S. on Cyprus is totally changed.

[06] THE SEVEN-MONTH INCREASE IN AUTOMOTIVE EXPORTS EXCEEDS 47 PERCENT

The automotive and by-industry exports increased 47.1 percent in the first seven months of 1999 and reached 1.4 billion U.S. dollars.

The Uludag Exporters' Unions statement said that the automotive exports reached 385.7 million U.S. dollars in the first seven months of 1999 when compared with the same period of 1998.

The statement noted that the exports of tractors increased to 17 million U.S. dollars while the exports of the by-industry increased to 701 million U.S. dollars.

The exports between January and July 1999 are as follows:

. Exports

Type of product (Thousand U.S. dollar)

------------------------------ -----------------------
Tractor 17.095

Bus-minibus-midibus 179.819

Otomobile 385.703

Lorry 16.342

Motor vehicle with special purpose 2.806

Work machines 3.576

Vessels and floating vehicles 60.853

Planes and spacecrafts 67.103

Bicycle, motorcycle 8.385

Agricultural machines 2.076

Tanks and armoured war vehicles 15.724

Towing vehicles 213

Automobile by-industry 700.923

--------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL 1.462.644</PRE>

[07] TURK DETAINED BY FBI, HANDED OVER TO INS

Joe Parris, an FBI officials, said that the detained Turk violated the INS laws so he was handed back to this service while Tom Bush, the spokesman of FBI, said that they searched the Delta Air flight from Atlanta to Istanbul on a tip-off they heard from a person living in Valdosta city saying that the detained person was dangerous for the security of the U.S.

Sue Brown, the INS spokesman, confirmed that the mentioned Turk was under their detention.

[08] SOMUNCUOGLU EVALUATES HIS VISIT TO ALBANIA: ''ALBANIA HAS A SPECIAL PLACE FOR STABILITY AND SECURITY IN THE BALKANS''

Noting that Albania means ''Europe'' for Turkey, Somuncuoglu stated that Greece launches incredible efforts to have a better position than Turkey in the Balkans.

Speaking to A.A. correspondent, Somuncuoglu evaluated his visit to Albania where he participated in the laying-down ceremony of the Rrogozina-Elbasan highway, which is a part of the Balkan highway.

Pointing out that Albania and the Balkans are in a process of reconstruction, Somuncuoglu added that the European Union (EU), the U.S. and developed countries attribute special importance to public works of this region.

''Highways are being constructed in all places of the Balkans. One of our firms won a part of the tender. We are proud of our successful businessmen who work here,'' he said.

Noting that Greece launches all kinds of efforts not to make the West-East corridor to come to Turkey and uses the possibilities of the EU to this end, Somuncuoglu said that Greece has 12 economy consultants in Albania, whereas Turkey has none.

Somuncuoglu stressed that Albanians want to do business with Turkish people, adding Albanians consider Turks as their relatives. ''If Turkey is not within the peace and stability of the Balkans, it means that Turkey has endangered her future. The Balkans mean Europe for Turkey,'' he said.

Somuncuoglu added that Albania is a very advantageous country in respect of customs and quotas and Turkish businessman continue to hold contacts regarding dam tenders in Albania.

[09] SUPREME COURT OF APPEALS NO 9 TO EXAMINE APPEAL DOSSIER OF OCALAN CASE

The appeal dossier was sent to Supreme Court of Appeals No.9 Punishment Unit after Vural Savas, the Supreme Court Republican Chief Prosecutor, prepared his notification requesting the approval of the capital punishment given to Ocalan.

Since the courts are in the judicial recess, it is not considered possible for the Supreme Court of Appeals Punishment Unit In Charge to examine of the appeal dossier on Ocalan case until September 6, 1999 when the new judicial year will start.

Thus, the Supreme Court No.9 Punishment Unit which is examining the appeal of the sentences given under the 125th article of the Turkish Penal Code will give a decision about the appeal demand of Ocalan.

Firstly, the dossier will be given to a judge of a reviewing court. This judge will examine the dossier until the date of the court session. After the court session, this judge will explain the concept of the whole dossier, including the statements of the suspect lawyers in the court session, to the delegation.

Since the lawyers of Ocalan requested having the appeal examination in court session, a date for the court session will be determined and the date of the court session will be notified to the lawyers of Ocalan. Only Ocalan's lawyers will express their reasons for the appeal in the court session. The intervenors and the intervenor lawyers can only watch the court session under the Law of the Supreme Court of Appeals. Ocalan who is under arrest on the Imrali Island, will not participate in the court session.

After the court session ends, the five-member delegation will determine a date when it will declare its decision about the appeal request. The delegation will announce its decision again in a court session in the determined date.

If the Supreme Court of Appeals No.9 Punishment Unit approves the capital punishment given to Ocalan, the sentence will become definite. Then, Ocalan has the right to request that the Supreme Court should lift the approval decision; that it should change this decision and thus, annul the decision of the court; which is known as the extraordinary method of law. Vural Savas who requested the approval of the capital punishment given to Ocalan, has to accept this request first of all. In case Savas rejects this request, the domestic methods of law end for Ocalan. If the capital punishment given to Ocalan is approved and becomes definite, the issue of whether or not executing this punishment will depend on the decision of the parliament.

If Supreme Court of Appeals No.9 Punishment Unit annuls the decision given to Ocalan in accordance with the procedures and merits of the case, Ocalan will be tried by the Ankara DGM again.

[10] PREMIER ECEVIT: ''AS FAR AS I KNOW, THE TWO TURKISH SOLDIERS WHO ARE IN DETENTION IN IRAN, ARE NOT RELEASED, WE ARE WAITING''

Responding to questions, Ecevit said that he explained his views about the recent call of Abdullah Ocalan, the head of the terrorist organization yesterday, noting he does not have anything to add to them.

''When will the draft law on social security be taken up by the parliament?'' asked journalists to Ecevit who replied that ''today, the parties having groups in the parliament work on the calendar of the parliament. I suppose they will reach a compromise. We will learn the result alltogether.''

When journalists asked Premier Ecevit whether or not his meeting with Harold Koh, the U.S. Assistant Secretary of State who made the Foreign Ministry uneasy by his statements, will be held in a tense atmosphere, Ecevit said ''we'll see...How can I know now?''

''Will you react?'' asked journalists to Ecevit who said that ''if such a situation that needs to show reaction, happens, we will speak to him. I don't want to behave in a biased manner right now.''

[11] PRESIDENT DEMIREL RESPONDS TO QUESTIONS : ''WHILE STRUGGLE WITH TERRORISM IS BEING CARRIED OUT, STATE CAN'T HAVE EXPECTATIONS FROM SOME PLACES''

Responding to questions of journalists at Presidential Palace about the recent call of Abdullah Ocalan, the head of the terrorist organization PKK who called his supporters to give up arms, President Suleyman Demirel said that the attitude of the Turkish Republic State about terrorism is clear.

''The state does not need anything to end this struggle with terrorism,'' said President.

Upon another question, President Demirel said that Iran will release the two Turkish soldiers who are in detention there.

[12] CONFERENCE ON ''TURKEY: PROBLEMS AND OPPORTUNITIES ON THRESHOLD OF THE 21ST CENTURY'' CONTINUES IN ITALY

In yesterday's session of the conference which was organized in the Bellagio Conference Center of the Rockfeller Foundation near Como Lake in northern Italy, issues such as globalizing; bilateral relations between Turkey and the U.S; and Turkey's political, economical and social status were taken up.

Uner Kirdar, the Chief Counselor of Chairman of the U.N. Development Programme, gave information about the global developments while Orhan Guvenen, Undersecretary of the State Planning Organization (DPT) made a speech on ''Globalization and Turkey's Role''.

Later, a video tape on ''Turkey: A Developing Regional Power or A State in Crisis'', which was a part of the ''Big Decisions'' series, was shown.

Ilter Turkmen, former Foreign Minister, and Sukru Elekdag, former Ambassasor to the U.S., also gave information about bilateral relations between Turkey and the U.S.

Issues of ''Relations between Turkey and the U.S'', ''Turkey and the Balkans: Steps to be Taken with Middle East and Central Asia'' will be discussed at today's sessions.

The conference will end later today.

[13] ERDENGIZ, TRNC REPRESENTATIVE TO THE U.S: ''IF THE U.S. DOES NOT REVIEW ITS POLICIES, SHE WILL CONTINUE TO BE UNSUCCESSFUL IN HER INITIATIVES ABOUT CYPRUS QUESTION''

Responding to questions of A.A., Erdengiz pointed out that ''the chance of the U.S. to help in Cyprus question will be low as long as the American policy does not rescue itself from the Greek-Greek Cypriot lobby and does not change its policies based on the cold war. If Bill Clinton, the U.S. President is serious, he should do the both. The U.S. has to do her homework well.''

Criticizing the renewal of the U.S. diplomats related with the Cyprus question, Erdengiz said that ''it is difficult to understand this behaviour in such circumstances. The experienced American diplomats have all been replaced.''

The negotiations with the Greek Cyproit side at the intercommunal level is impossible and the U.S. approach saying that Turkish Cypriots should get their rights at the table is no more acceptable; he said.

''The problem between TRNC and Greek Cypriots will be transformed into one between European Union (EU) and TRNC,'' said Erdengiz, adding that the Greek Cypriots also want to use its EU card against Turkey.

Noting that if the U.N. Secretary General prepares the necessary atmosphere in New York, the TRNC won't refrain from participating in the negotiations, Erdengiz added that the only proposal that is brought to table is confederation and this shows that the Turkish side wishes to negotiate in good will.

[14] ENVIRONMENT MINISTER AYTEKIN RECEIVES AUSTRALIAN AND BRITISH AMBASSADORS SEPARATELY

Responding to questions of journalists, Aytekin said that in his meeting with Ian Foryth, the environmental cooperation between Turkey and Australia was scrutinized.

Stressing that Australia is one of the leading countries regarding protection of environment, Foryth reminded that they held contacts with Turkey in the past on the issue of climate changes.

Underlining that Australia is ready to set up cooperation with Turkey, Foryth invited Aytekin to join the visit of President Suleyman Demirel to Australia at the end of this year.

Meanwhile, Aytekin reminded that Britain wants to make investment in Turkey in the field of environment, adding that the issue was brought onto agenda of his meeting with David Logan.

Logan, in his part, said that Aytekin who had paid earlier an official visit to Britain, gave information about his contacts in this country.

[15] FOREIGN EXCHANGE RESERVES OF CENTRAL BANK DECREASE TO 23.3 BILLION U.S. DOLLARS

The Central Bank data shows that the foreign exchange reserves, which dropped by 41 million U.S. dollars between July 23-30, decreased to 23 billion 307 million U.S. dollars as of 30 July.

The Central Bank's foreign exchange reserves were 23 billion 348 million U.S. dollars on July 23.

Meanwhile, according to the 16 July-based statistics, Turkey's total international gross reserves increased by 936 million U.S. dollars to 34 billion 267 million U.S. dollars between July 9-16.

The international gross reserves of Turkey were 33 billion 328 million U.S. dollars on July 9.

As of 16 July, Turkey's international reserves were composed of 1 billion 12 million U.S. dollars in gold reserves; 22 billion 609 million U.S. dollars in the Central Bank's foreign exchange reserves; and 10 billion 646 million U.S. dollars in the commercial banks' foreign exchange reserves.

[16] PRESIDENT DEMIREL RESPONDS TO QUESTIONS: ''IRAN WILL RELEASE THE TWO TURKISH SOLDIERS''

Responding to questions of journalists in Presidential Palace about the recent call of Abdullah Ocalan, the head of the terrorist organization PKK, President Demirel said that ''this is a very complicated issue. Nobody wishes bloodshed and the continuation of terrorism in Turkey. Sooner or later Turkey will end its struggle with terrorism and it does not need anything to end it. Commands like 'continue the struggle' or 'stop it' don't add or take out anything regarding our struggle with terrorism.''

Upon another question, President Demirel said that Iran will release the two Turkish soldiers.

Pointing out to the statement of Iranian Foreign Minister about the issue, President Demirel said that ''it is wrong to exaggerate issues, certain border issues and other issues between states and cause conflicts between them. Such kind of events always take place. As I told you earlier, the two soldiers might have passed the border. Is it the end of the world? The Iranian state is not that inexperienced not to understand this, it is an experienced state.''

When asked whether or not he will discuss this issue with Iranian President Khatami, President Demirel said that ''if there was a need, I would. But there is no need, because they told us that the soldiers would be released.''

When asked whether or not a date has been given, President Demirel said ''no, no, that is all.''

Responding to questions about the Draft Law on Social Security and international arbitration, President Demirel said ''the process continues. The issues are being discussed at the level of parliament as this is a democratic process. Everybody has to accept the fact that before giving a decision, it is natural to discuss them. As they are discussed, it means that a result will come out.''

When asked whether or not a backward step is in question about international arbitration, President Demirel said that ''it is at the agenda of the parliament and it is not only the issue of the government, it is the mission of whole Turkey. It is the issue of abiding with the international law or not. Correct decisions will be given if the public opinion and the parliament are informed well.''

Upon questions about the contacts and statements of Harold Koh, the U.S. Assistant Secretary of State in Turkey, President Demirel said that ''it has been stated that they are not kind and polite.''

Demirel added that Koh didn't ask him for an appointment.

[17] FOREIGN DEBT PAYMENTS - 6.2 BILLION U.S. DOLLARS OF FOREIGN DEBT PAID SINCE JANUARY 1, 1999

The Central Bank data shows that the Treasury paid 5 billion 216.07 million U.S. dollars; the Central Bank repaid 265.66 million U.S. dollars; the Ministry of National Defense and the Defense Industry paid 442.92 million U.S. dollars, and the Defense Fund paid 17.33 million U.S. dollars in foreign debt between January 1 and August 4, 1999.

Meanwhile, a total of 342.04 million U.S. dollars of foreign debt was repaid within the first three days of August.

The foreign debt payment was 432.01 million U.S. dollars in January; 765.75 million U.S. dollars in February; 770.55 million U.S. dollars in March; 836.41 million U.S. dollars in April; 680.99 million U.S. dollars in May; 1 billion 718.55 million U.S. dollars in June; and 714.64 million U.S dollars in July 1999.

[18] PASSENGER DETAINED BY FBI, REMAINS IN CUSTODY

In the statement of the FBI, it was pointed out that Caglar, who had been in the U.S. since March 7, has been handed over to the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS).

No detailed information was given in the statement whether or not Caglar has committed crime in the U.S.

Thomas Fisher, District Director for the INS, said that Caglar is being held by the INS because his visa expired on June 6.

Fisher added that INS officials are interviewing Caglar about his activities in the U.S.

[19] PREMIER ECEVIT ISSUES A CIRCULAR - ECEVIT PERMITS PUBLIC EMPLOYEES TO GET ORGANIZED IN LABOUR UNIONS AND CONFEDERATIONS

The circular was sent to the State Ministry, Deputy Prime Ministries, concerned institutions, governorships and municipalities, the Chairmanship of Higher Education, Secretariat General of National Council, Prime Ministry and central institutions of the Prime Ministry. The circular pointed out that one of the most important indicators of a democratic state and a state of law is freedom to organize.

Premier Ecevit said in the circular that if necessary, dialogue should be realized with administrators of labour unions and their views and proposals should be taken.

Noting that the recognition of the freedom of organization is one of the indispensable rights of employees, the circular added that ''in fact Turkey accepted the freedom of all public employees including civil servants to get organized in labour unions by signing international documents and conventions such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, European Convention of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, European Charter and the International Labour Organization (ILO) Conventions No. 87, 98 and 151. However the issue has not been based on a legal framework in Turkey.''

''We request all public officials not to prevent public employees from getting organized in labour unions and confederations till necessary regulations are made,'' the circular added.

[20] PRESIDENT DEMIREL RECEIVES SAMSUN TRADE AND INDUSTRY CHAMBER DELEGATION - DEMIREL: ''TURKEY'S RECENT PROBLEMS ARE FINANCIAL''

Addressing the meeting, Demirel said that recent problems in the Turkish economy are financial difficulties stemming from the process of the financial mechanisms.

Noting that the government is aware of these problems, Demirel reminded that all necessary measures to overcome such difficulties have been declared by the government.

Demirel said that it was thought that the problems will be overcome within 3 or 4 months.

Noting that problems in the Turkish economy stem from the transition period which the state has been living through, President Demirel also added that if a competition order is established and a competition law is adopted, and most of the state-run installations can be privatized, then economy will recover quickly.

[21] STATE MINISTER CAY RECEIVES LEBEDEV, RUSSIAN AMBASSADOR TO TURKEY

Addressing the meeting, Cay stressed that there are historical ties between Turkey and Russia.

Noting that a new formation has appeared after the collapse of the Soviet Union, Cay recalled that Turkey set up close relations with the Turkish Republics which gained their independences.

Pointing out that there are federate republics speaking Turkish language in the Russian Federation such as Bashkortostan, Cay noted that these countries also want bilateral relations between Turkey and Russia to further improve.

Cay emphasized that cooperation among Turkey, Russia and Ukraine is neccessary to protect regional peace.

Meanwhile, Lebedev said in his part that a cooperation has begun between the new Turkish government and his country.

Reminding that there is a large population speaking Turkish language within the Russian Federation, Lebedev underlined that the two countries can set up productive and useful cooperation on the issue.

Noting that he shares the same opinions with Cay about importance of regional cooperation between Turkey and Russia, Lebedev stressed that the two countries will undertake great projects in the region in future.

[22] PAKISTANI DEPUTY IN TRNC - TRNC PRESIDENT DENKTAS: ''THERE ARE TWO SOVEREIGN STATES, NOT TWO COMMUNITIES ON CYPRUS''

The guest deputy was received separately by TRNC President Rauf Denktas and Ertugrul Hasipoglu, the TRNC Speaker of the Parliament the same day.

Denktas referred to the recent resolution of the U.N. Security Council about the Cyprus question in the meeting and stated that there are two sovereign states, not two communities on Cyprus and if negotiations start, these have to be held at the level of two states.

Denktas accepted the invitation of Kursat Zaman to Pakistan.

Hasipoglu said in the meeting with Kursat Zaman, the Pakistani deputy that they want to further improve the cooperation with Pakistan.

Zaman said in his part that he came to TRNC for the second time and he has detailed information about the Cyprus question, adding Pakistan regards TRNC as a friendly state.

Supporting the confederation proposal of the Turkish side on Cyprus, Zaman pointed out that Pakistan is the second state after Turkey which extends support to TRNC.

''We don't allow in Pakistan the Greek Cypriot side to show itself as the only state due to the TRNC reality and we are proud of being a good friend of TRNC,'' he added.

[23] KOH, U.S. ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF STATE HOLDS A PRESS BRIEFING : - ''NO BODY CAN DENY THAT MOST KURDS IN TURKEY DON'T SUPPORT USE OF VIOLENCE''

Addressing a press briefing the same day to evaluate his contacts in Ankara, Istanbul and southeastern provinces, Koh stated that ''Kurds want to enjoy the basic human rights guaranteed to all people under international law including the freedom to express one's language and culture, and freedom to organize political parties that represent their interests, and want to remain Turkish citizens.''

Stressing that the U.S. has long maintained that there can be no purely military solution to ''Kurdish issues,'' Koh said ''far from hurting Turkey's territorial integrity, an inclusive policy that acknowledged these rights would strengthen the Turkish state by giving the Kurdish community a genuine stake in their country's future. An enduring solution must lie in the expansion of democracy, and in bold and imaginative political, social, and economic measures to foster full democratic political participation for all of Turkey's citizens and to promote broader the freedom of expression on the Southeast.''

[24] KOH, U.S. ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF STATE HOLDS A PRESS BRIEFING : ''ECEVIT'S GOVERNMENT HAS UNDERTAKEN IMPORTANT STEPS IN HUMAN RIGHTS''

Addressing a press briefing to evaluate his contacts in Turkey, Koh said that Turkey played a crucial role in helping to combat a brutal campaign of ethnic cleasing in Kosovo, adding:

''Turkey demonstrated to the world its committment to fostering human rights and democracy abroad. This trip has strengthened my hope that Prime Minister Ecevit's government will show the same commitment at home by acting to safeguard freedom of expression, to end torture and impunity, to protect human rights defenders and to seek reconciliation with Turkey's Kurdish population.''

Expressing his thanks for the hospitality shown to him in Turkey, Koh also evaluated the Turkish-U.S. relations.

''Although thousands of miles separate Turkey and the U.S., common interests and aspirations unite us,'' said Koh, adding that Turkey is not only a key NATO ally; but it is also a bulkward of stability in a region critical to the U.S. strategic interests and an increasingly significant partner in trade and energy.

Noting that Turkey demonstrated its determination and compassion during the Kosovo crisis, Koh said that President Clinton and Secretary Albright will personally express gratitude to Prime Minister Ecevit when he visits the U.S. at the end of September about the issue.

''It became increasingly clear to me that our two countries also share important interests and aspirations in the area of human rights and democracy. In my role as the Assistant Secretary, I have an obligation to report on human rights conditions around the world and to advise the Secretary of State on such matters. In my travels in Turkey, I listened to many concerns expressed to me about: restrictions on freedom of expression, especially political, cultural and religious expression; the continued use of torture and the lack of accountability of those who commit it; harrasment of human rights defenders, including NGOs, defense lawyers, doctors who document abuse, and journalists who report on human rights and the difficult situation in the Southeast, where terrorism by the PKK and other groups, economic underdevelopment, forced village evacuations and the rights of Turkey's citizens of Kurdish descent remain serious concerns,'' Koh said.

The new government of Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit has undertaken some important steps in the field of human rights, said Koh, listing them as removing the military judges from the State Security Courts, proposing the legislation to increase the accountability of civil servants and to increase the punishments for those found to have engaged in torture. Koh said that ''the government's mandate is strong and signals sharper focus on these issues.''

''The challenges that face Turkey are not unique. With respect to democracy and human rights, every country in the world still has progress to make. The U.S. is also a work in progress: indeed our Constitution defines our national mission as achieving 'a more perfect Union.' Since the United States is an open democracy, we are committed to addressing our most difficult and divisive human rights issues in public and in the courts. It is sometimes painful when others point out errors to us, but we Americans have welcomed the scrutiny, for such domestic and external criticism have made us stronger by pushing us to address our problems,'' said Koh.

''I have encouraged Turkish officails to view human rights defenders as their allies, not their adversaries, as they move to make needed reforms, and to ensure that these groups enjoy unfettered ability to carry out their legitimate activites,'' he added.

[25] KOH, U.S. ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF STATE HOLDS A PRESS BRIEFING : - KOH: ''WE URGE THE TURKISH GOVERNMENT TO APPLY ITS REFORMS TO ALL ARTICLES USED TO RESTRICT FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION'' - ''TURKEY WILL FIND THE OPPORTUNITY TO SHOW HER LOYALTY TO HUMAN RIGHTS AND DEMOCRACY DURING THE OSCE SUMMIT''

Staging a press conference, Koh said that ''when all elements in society have access to meaningful, peaceful, political and cultural expression,'' emotional and contentious issues can be raised within the existing system, rather than in extremist opposition to it.

''Full freedom of expression - political and cultural - may feel threatening, but we have learned that freedom of expresssion in fact enhances societal order and stability,'' Koh stated.

Pointing out that they strongly support the Ecevit government's ongoing efforts to lift several articles of the Turkish Constitution, Penal Code and anti-terror law that restrict freedom of expression, Koh said, ''but it is important that reforms be thorough and effective. When restrictions were lifted in the past, individuals were still prosecuted for speech acts.''

''In our country, we have learned through hard experience that the best way to respond to bad speech is with more speech. We therefore urge the Turkis government to apply its reforms to all articles used to restrict freedom of expression,'' Koh mentioned.

Claiming that many people living in the Southeastern Anatolia did not know about the government's new measures, Koh said, ''we urge government officials at all levels to make such changes a priority and ensure that the public is aware of the initiatives.''

Noting that ''on his travels, many people in the Southeast told him that there is now an unprecedented opportunity for progress on the issue of achieving reconciliation with the Kurdish population'', Koh said, ''furthermore, no longer the issue remains unresolved, the more likely that it will pose a substantial barrier to reform in the other areas I have mentioned.''

Recalling that the Organization of Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) will hold its summit in Istanbul in November 1999, Koh said, ''that desicion pays tribute to the respect the OSCE has for Turkey and to Turkey's own diplomatic capacities.'' Noting that the summit will shine a global spotlight on Turkey, Koh said that the summit will offer the entire country an opportunity to demonstrate her commitment to human rights and democracy.

Pointing out that Mustafa Kemal Ataturk spoke prohetically of the international system of human rights protections that has evolved today, Koh said, ''if lasting peace is sought, it is essential to adopt international measures to improve the lot of masses. Mankind's well-being should take the place of hunger and oppression.''

''Ataturk said we must liberate our concepts of justice, our laws and legal institutions, from the bonds which hold a tight grip on us, even though they are incompatible with the needs of our century. these words have as much resonance today as when Ataturk first spoke them,'' Koh said.

Responding to the questions of reporters, Koh said he found the opportunity to speak to Akin Birdal, the former Chairman of the Human Rights Associations; and Leyla Zana, a former deputy of the banned Democracy Party who are now staying at the Ankara Prison.

Responding to another question, Koh said that all of the people in Turkey should have equal rights, and within this framework, ''freedom of expression, cultural freedoms, prevention of torture and freedom of using own language are important.''

Responding to the question about the news that ''he said the human rights situation in Turkey should be brought into international arena,'' Koh said he did not make such a statement.

Responding to the question about Abdullah Ocalan's call to PKK terrorists for laying their arms, Koh said Turkey is facing a complex problem and he is in favour of solving the prblem with dialogue and political ways.

Noting that the U.S. is against terrorism and the terrorist PKK organization, Koh said, ''the U.S. cares the people in Turkey.''

A.A

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