Anadolu Agency: News in English, 99-08-13

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AA Daily

13 August 1999 Friday

CONTENTS

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

[02] SOCIAL SECURITY DRAFT LAW - MEETING OF LABOUR PLATFORM WITH OKUYAN, SOCIAL SECURITY MINISTER CANCELLED

[03] ASSASSINATION PLAN AGAINST OKYAY, CHIEF JUDGE IN OCALAN'S TRIAL - IRAQI ORIGIN TERRORIST CONFESSES HE PLANNED TO ASSASSINATE TURGUT OKYAY, CHIEF JUDGE OF ANKARA NO 2 DGM

[04] OKYAY, CHIEF JUDGE OF ANKARA NO.2 DGM: - ''WE ARE NOT AFRAID OF ANYBODY''

[05] PARLIAMENTARY GENERAL ASSEMBLY - PROPOSAL CONCERNING CHANGE IN POLITICAL PARTIES LAW ADOPTED

[06] TURKISH-IRANIAN SUPREME SECURITY COMMISSION MEETINGS - DISAGREEMENTS SOLVED DURING MEETINGS - MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING TO BE SIGNED TOMORROW

[07] PROTESTS OF LABOUR PLATFORM - MERAL, CHAIRMAN OF TURK-IS ''STRIKE CONTINUES, WE AIM TO WARN GOVERNMENT''

[08] SHOT DOWN OF PAKISTANI PLANE - FOREIGN MINISTRY: ''IT IS AN UNACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOUR THAT SUCH A DEFENSELESS PLANE WAS SHOT DOWN LIKE THIS''

[09] OKUYAN, LABOUR AND SOCIAL SECURITY MINISTER: - ''I BELIEVE EVERYBODY WILL PROTECT AND SUPPORT THIS DRAFT LAW''

[10] TURKISH-IRANIAN SUPREME SECURITY COMMISSION MEETING - MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING SIGNED BETWEEN THE TWO COUNTRIES

[11] LABOUR PLATFORM'S STRIKE - MANY GROUPS WHO GIVE UP WORK, START WALKING TO KIZILAY SQUARE IN ANKARA

[12] BAKU-CEYHAN PROJECT - TURKISH AND AZERBAIJANI WORKING GROUPS TO COME TOGETHER IN TBILISI IN SEPTEMBER

[13] GAP TO BE INTRODUCED TO THE WORLD BY CNN

[14] LABOUR PLATFORM'S STRIKE - OKUYAN, LABOUR AND SOCIAL SECURITY MINISTER: - ''PROVOKING THE GENERAL STRIKE WHICH DOES NOT COMPLY WITH THE LAWS, CANNOT BE A STANCE WHICH CAN BE TOLERATED''

[15] CETIN DOGAN FRIENDSHIP AND BROTHERHOOD BRIDGE WHICH BINDS TURKEY AND IRAQ OPENS

[16] FOGG, EU REPRESENTATIVE TO TURKEY: - ''IT IS A BIG CHANCE FOR TURKEY TO HAVE A GOVERNMENT WHICH HAS A MINORITY IN THE PARLIAMENT AND WHICH IS WILLING TO IMPLEMENT THE REFORMS''

[17] TURKEY-IRAN HIGH SECURITY COMMISSION'S MEETING - GUR, INTERIOR MINISTRY UNDERSECRETARY: ''TWO COUNTRIES FULLY AGREED TO COOPERATE TO STRUGGLE AGAINST PKK TERRORISM''

[18] ONE-DAY STRIKE OF LABOUR PLATFORM - WORKERS AT KIZILAY SQUARE START TO DISPERSE

[19] NATIONWIDE ONE DAY STRIKE OF LABOUR PLATFORM

[20] HASIPOGLU, TRNC PARLIAMENT SPEAKER ISSUES MESSAGE FOR 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF SECOND PEACE OPERATION: - ''GOING BACK TO THE TRAGEDIES OF THE PAST IS OUT OF QUESTION''

[21] AZERI OIL - ''STRAITS SHOULD NOT BECOME A PASSAGE WAY FOR OIL TANKERS''

[22] AMENSTY LAW TO TAKE EFFECT BEFORE PARLIAMENT RECESSES - PREMIER ECEVIT AGREES WITH BAHCELI, DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER, AND YILMAZ, ANAP LEADER - DRAFT LAW SUBMITTTED TO ANAP GROUP BY YILMAZ

[23] ITALIAN LUPO FRIGATE AT SAMSUN PORT

[24] CONSTITUTIONAL CHANGE - PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT: ''WE WILL SEE WITH THE IMPLEMENTATIONS THAT THE CONCERNS ARE UNNECESSARY''

[25] WHOLE OF PROPOSAL CONCERNING INTERNATIONAL ARBITRATION ADOPTED AT PARLIAMENTARY GENERAL ASSEMBLY

[26] CONSTITUTIONAL CHANGE FOR ARBITRATION - PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT: ''IT WAS A VERY IMPORTANT DEVELOPMENT THAT THE CONSTITUTIONAL CHANGE PASSED THROUGH THE PARLIAMENT BY THE MAJORITY OF VOTES IN FAVOR''

[27] THE U.S.: ''PKK IS A TERRORIST ORGANIZATION AND IT SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED TO SHELTER IN NORTHERN IRAQ''

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

HURRIYET (LIBERAL) BALIK WAS PROTECTED
Cengiz Balık, who killed Semsi Denizer, the Secretary General of the Confederation of Turkish Labour Unions (Turk-Is) and Chairman of General Miners' Union last Friday night, was protected by some people and the crimes he committeed for five times were hushed up. Investigators of the Ministry of Interior try to find out who protect Balık.

FAMOUS POET CAN YUCEL DIES
Can Yucel, who was one of the most famous poets of Turkey died in hospital in western province of Izmir last night. He was having cancer treatment for a long time.

MILLIYET (LIBERAL)

VIRTUE PARTY SEEKS TENSION
Devlet Bahceli, the leader of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) told the paper that the Virtue Party (FP) seeks tension. Noting that the change in the Political Parties Law won't lift the political ban on Necmettin Erbakan, the former leader of the banned Welfare Party (RP), Bahceli stated that FP has been pursuing a tension policy after 18 April elections.

SABAH (LIBERAL)

ASSASSINATION AGAINST OKYAY PREVENTED
An Iraqi origin member of the terrorist organization PKK, who was planning to stage an assasination against Turgut Okyay, Chief Judge of Ankara State Security Court (DGM) no:2, who tried Ocalan, the head terrorist, was captured in an operation in Yuksekova county in Hakkari province. Fetran Muhammed, the terrorist confessed that he would stage the assasination attack with two persons whom he would meet in Ankara.

CUMHURIYET (LEFT)

ECEVIT'S CONCERN FOR NORTHERN IRAQ
Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said that the state can't bargain with the head of a terrorist organization who is convicted by the Turkish justice either around a table or in other place. Responding to a question about the initiatives of forming a Kurdish state in Northern Iraq, Premier Ecevit said that ''as you know Northern Iraq became an unstable region following the Gulf Crisis, there is an authority gap in the region. A state structure has started to come out de facto there, in fact this structure is more modern than the one in Baghdad. The U.S. can have a policy supporting that state formation or not. This development can cause some troubles for Turkey in the future.''

RADIKAL (LEFT)

KOH:I AM OPTIMISTIC ABOUT TURKEY
Harold Koh, the U.S. Assistant Secretary for Human rights told the paper that ''I am optimistic about Turkey. The government functions very actively and I think a comprehensive dialogue has to be created.''

TÜRKİYE (RIGHT)

ASSASSINATION AGAINST OKYAY, CHIEF JUDGE PREVENTED
A PKK terrorist of Iraqi origin who entered Turkey from Iran to stage an assissination attack against Turgut Okyay, the chief judge, was captured in Hakkari yesterday. Confessing that he came to Turkey to kill Okyay who gave death sentence to Abdullah Ocalan, the head of the terrorist organization PKK, the terrorist said that ''two women who were PKK members were giving information to me.''

ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)

[02] SOCIAL SECURITY DRAFT LAW - MEETING OF LABOUR PLATFORM WITH OKUYAN, SOCIAL SECURITY MINISTER CANCELLED

After the completion of the studies of the general council of the parliament the same night, the administrators of the Labour Platform, who were watching the session, wanted to see Yasar Okuyan, the Minister of Labour and Social Security. However Rıdvan Budak, a deputy from the Democratic Left Party (DSP) who came near them, told that Okuyan, the Minister decided not to meet them after the Labour Plaftorm announced that it would hold demonstrations on Friday.

Later the administrators of the Labour Plaftorm left the parliament.

[03] ASSASSINATION PLAN AGAINST OKYAY, CHIEF JUDGE IN OCALAN'S TRIAL - IRAQI ORIGIN TERRORIST CONFESSES HE PLANNED TO ASSASSINATE TURGUT OKYAY, CHIEF JUDGE OF ANKARA NO 2 DGM

Nihat Canpolat, Hakkari Governor, told A.A correspondent that a terrorist with Iraqi origin was captured during the operation held in Yuksekova county and that the security forces learned during the interrogation of the terrorist that he entered into Turkey from Esendere border gate which is the border line between Turkey and Iran.

Canpolat said that the terrorist confessed that he aimed at assassinating Okyay and that he planned to stage this assassination with the help of two other persons.

Canpolat added that the terrorist was put into prison and his dossier was sent to the DGM of the eastern Van province.

Meanwhile, it was reported that the name of the terrorist who aimed at assassinating Turgut Okyay was Fetran Muhammed.

The officials told A.A correspondent that Fetran Muhammed was born in 1975 and was registered in Suleymaniye city of Northern Iraq and that he was living in Celalabat village of Northern Iraq.

[04] OKYAY, CHIEF JUDGE OF ANKARA NO.2 DGM: - ''WE ARE NOT AFRAID OF ANYBODY''

Okyay responded the questions of the journalists when leaving Ankara DGM building.

When recalled that there are news saying that a terrorist who was planning to assassinate Okyay was captured in southeastern Hakkari province, Okyay noted that he has just heard this news from the journalists and that he has not received any information about this yet.

When asked whether or not such incidents will affect him, Okyay noted that it was not that much important and that he does not fear of anybody; adding that what will happen will happen.

Responding a question whether or not he expected such an incident following the trial of Abdullah Ocalan, the head of the terrorist organization, Okyay said nothing will happen and that he did not expect anything.

Meanwhile, the number of the bodyguards of Okyay has been increased to four.

[05] PARLIAMENTARY GENERAL ASSEMBLY - PROPOSAL CONCERNING CHANGE IN POLITICAL PARTIES LAW ADOPTED

The proposal which was adopted in the parliamentary general assembly and takes effect, makes it difficult to close the political parties and paves the way to become an independent candidate to those who lead to the closure of the party.

In accordance with the new law which was prepared within the framework of the harmonization to the Constitutional Change in 1995, a banned political party cannot be established again under another name.

Under the draft law, the members and the founders of a political party who led the closure of the party by their words and actions, cannot be a member, founder, administrator or a controller of another political party for five years, after the issuance of the definite resolution of the Constitutional Court in the Official Gazette. The new law foresees that the political parties cannot run these persons as a candidate.

The provisional Article of the Constitution saying that ''these persons cannot run their candidacy for the deputyship'' is removed from the Constitution and thus, the ways will be opened for ''independent candidacy.''

The ten-year period in the existing laws are reduced to five years in accordance with the Constitution.

In accordance with the new law, any person who is 18 years old and who has the right to use his/her civil and political rights, can become a member of a political party. However, the judges and prosecutors, the members of the supreme judicial organs including Council of Audit, those who work as a civil servant in some public institutions and organizations, the other public employees who have not the quality of worker in accordance with their services and the members of the Armed Forces cannot be a member of the political parties. The lecturers of higher education were excluded from this ban. For these persons, the Law on Higher Education will be implemented.

The by-laws of the political parties can foresee opening foreign representatives in foreign countries whose regulations are convenient.

The closure cases for the political parties will be opened in the Constitutional Court by the Supreme Court Republican Chief Prosecutor. The Supreme Court Republican Chief Prosecutor's Office will request the documents which it considers as important and necessary from the political parties to investigate.

The Constitutional Court will decide to close a political party in case:

1- ''the by-laws and the programmes of a political party is against the independence of the state, the inseperable integrity of the country and the nation, the human rights, the principles of equality and the state based on laws, the national sovereigntly, the principles of the democratic and secular republic; targets at defending and trying to adopt the dictatorship of a class or any kind of dictatorship; and inciting people to commit crimes'';

2- ''the Constitutional Court determines that a political party becomes a focal point where the actions against the fourth paragraph of Article 68 of the Constitution.''

3- ''a political party receives financial support from foreign countries, international organizations and any real or legal body which is not of Turkish nationality.''

In accordance with this, the Republican Chief Prosecutor's Office can request the quit of the general party congress and the central executive board in no later than two years after an action was committed in case an action against the provisions of the Article 68 were committed by the party general congress, central executive board, the parliamentary group meeting and parliamentary group executive committee meeting. If the members of the political party are sentenced to various punishments on charges of their actions and speeches against this article, the Republican Chief Prosecutor's Office can request the exclusion of these members from the party.

In case a political party does not fulfil this demand within 30 days after the notification, the Republican Chief Prosecutor's Office will file a lawsuit for the closure of that political party. If the mentioned political party excludes these persons, authorities or the councils from the party, the lawsuit will be abated. Otherwise, the Constitutional Court will give a decision about the lawsuit filed by investigating the dossier itself and by listening to the statements of the Republican Chief Prosecutor who investigated the dossier and the representatives of the political party those who have information about the issue, the other related persons.

A political party will become the ''focus of acts'' if that party discusses these acts at the Great Congress, Central Executive Board (MKYK) and in party's Parliament group and implies or openly accepts that these acts were committed by the party members.

In accordance with the new law, any person who is 18 years old and who has the right to use his/her civil and political rights, can become a member of a political party. However, the judges and prosecutors, the members of the supreme judicial organs including Council of Audit, those who work as a civil servant in some public institutions and organizations, the other public employees who have not the quality of worker in accordance with their services and the members of the Armed Forces cannot be a member of the political parties. The lecturers of higher education were excluded from this ban. For these persons, the Law on Higher Education will be implemented.

The incomes and the expenditures of the political parties should not be against their targets under the new law. The political parties will not have commercial activities and will not take credit and debt. The financial audit of the political parties will be made by the Constitutional Court.

The financial audit of the political parties will be done by the Constitutional Court.

The political parties which are determined to receive donation, goods and incomes against the provisions of this new law by the Constitutional Court, will be urged to register the whole of these incomes as revenues to the Treasury and the equivalent amount of the value of the immovable goods to be registered in the title deed office.

The political parties cannot receive aids, cannot get instructions and cannot agree with the decisions and the actions of the foreign countries, the international institutions and the real and legal bodies which are not of Turkish nationality, that are against the independence and territorial integrity of Turkey.

The donor and the representatives of the parties who takes the donations, will be sentenced to imprisonment terms changing from six months to one year. Those who grants credits and who takes this credit, will be subject to the same imprisonment terms.

The allocation will be paid to the political parties per annum in accordance with the overall valid votes which are announced by the Supreme Election Board after the general elections.

The allocation to the political parties whose incomes were registered as incomes to the Treasury and whose immovables were registered in the title deed office, will be reduced by half.

[06] TURKISH-IRANIAN SUPREME SECURITY COMMISSION MEETINGS - DISAGREEMENTS SOLVED DURING MEETINGS - MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING TO BE SIGNED TOMORROW

The Turkish delegation headed by Yahya Gur, Interior Ministry Deputy Undersecretary, and the Iranian delegation headed by Gulam Hussein Bolandiyan, Iranian Deputy Interior Minister, decided to sign a memorandum of understanding on Friday.

Responding a question about the allegations of Iran saying that Turkish warplanes bombed Iranian territory, Gur said that ''an apology or a compensation'' was out of question and that these issues were not discussed during the meetings.

The way of the operations against any terrorist activities in the border which constituted a disagreement between the two sides, was overcome by a formula of ''concurrent operation.'' In accordance with this, the Turkish and Iranian security forces will stage concurrent operations in their territories against the terrorist activities and will render the terrorist ineffective in the end of planned and coordinative studies.

The two sides decided to activate the implementation of the issues foreseen in the memorandum of understanding by having direct phone talks between the authorized generals of the two countries.

The two delegations decided verbally that they will discuss Iran's allegations saying that Turkish warplanes bombed Iranian territory, after the Turkish delegation which held observations in this country prepares its report and that this issue will not be included in the memorandum of understanding which is planned to be signed on Friday.

The Iranian delegation did not accept the existence of the terrorist organization PKK within Iranian territory while the Turkish delegation gave the dossiers, video-tapes and addresses including the activities of PKK in this country which was prepared by the Turkish intelligence authorities.

Iranian delegation submitted a dossier about the activities against Iran to the Turkish delegation.

A high-ranking official who participated in the meetings, said that the disagreements resulted from the usage of Turkish language and Persian language in the texts which will be prepared and that to this end, the meetings prolonged.

The Iranian delegation is expected to return to its country after signing the memorandum of understanding.

[07] PROTESTS OF LABOUR PLATFORM - MERAL, CHAIRMAN OF TURK-IS ''STRIKE CONTINUES, WE AIM TO WARN GOVERNMENT''

Responding to questions of journalists about cancellation of the meeting with Yasar Okuyan, the Minister of Labour and Social Security, which was scheduled for this morning, Meral said that ''the Minister said that there was no need to meet and they would adopt the law in its recent form. We didn't request to cancel the meeting, he did.''

When asked about the dimensions of the strike decision of the Labour Platform, Meral said that the process continues. Recalling that the decision of the Labour Platform was declared around 19.00 local time on Thursday, Meral said that ''we don't think that our decision has reached the whole country. This is one of the things which makes us uneasy. We thought that the draft law would be discussed next week.''

Claiming that the draft law was brought to the parliament by the government very quickly, Meral said that ''the target of our decision is to warn the government and to show our reaction in a civilized form.''

When asked whether or not the relations with the government have been broken off, Meral stressed that the government does not have the right to break off the relations and to show such an attitude.

Meral said that the leaders of the Labour Plaftorm will come together at 13.00 local time and evaluate the situation.

Meral told on Thursday night after the end of the Labour Palftorm meeting that the one-day strike would be held on Friday saying that no progress was recorded during the meeting with Yasar Okuyan, the Minister and the chairman of the three confederations of labour unions.

[08] SHOT DOWN OF PAKISTANI PLANE - FOREIGN MINISTRY: ''IT IS AN UNACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOUR THAT SUCH A DEFENSELESS PLANE WAS SHOT DOWN LIKE THIS''

The Foreign Ministry statement said that Turkey feels deep sorrow about the death of 16 Pakistani soldiers who were on the plane which was shot down by Indian warplanes on August 10, 1999.

The statement said, ''we think that the shot down of such a defenseless plane in this way is an unacceptable behaviour. We express our condolences to friendly Pakistan for the death of the soldiers.''

Emphasizing that Turkey always supported and encouraged the maintanence of peace and the establishment of cooperation between the two important countries of Asia, the statement noted that Turkey always have serious concerns about every development which will prevent the establishment of security between the two countries and increase the tension.

Stressing that this incident contradicts with the expectations and increased the worries, the statement said, ''discussing this saddening incident between Pakistan and India without causing any new tensions, carries importance. We hope the two sides behave moderately and keep their dialogue canals open.''

[09] OKUYAN, LABOUR AND SOCIAL SECURITY MINISTER: - ''I BELIEVE EVERYBODY WILL PROTECT AND SUPPORT THIS DRAFT LAW''

Responding the criticisms about the draft law which is being discussed at the Parliamentary General Assembly, Okuyan recalled that this arrangement is the draft law which received the most speculations.

Okuyan said, ''can a newly-established government bring an arrangement which will make the people unhappy? We can see the problem between the Turkish nation and the politicians. The Turkish nation lost their hope for the politicians. They want the politicians to save their future rather than their today.''

''We have brought this arrangement to correct the system which gives deficits every day. If we do not interfere with the system, we cannot pay the pensions of the retired persons five years later,'' Okuyan added.

Okuyan continued, ''we are setting up the unemployment insurance which is being discussed for 48 years. However, the only issue discussed in the public opinion is the retirement age. The retirement at 58 and 60 do not concern those who are working at the moment. It concerns those who start working from now on. It is the issue of 30 or 40 years later. Turkey will be a leader and respected country 30 or 40 years later.''

[10] TURKISH-IRANIAN SUPREME SECURITY COMMISSION MEETING - MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING SIGNED BETWEEN THE TWO COUNTRIES

In the memorandum of understanding signed by Yahya Gur, Interior Ministry Undersecretary, and Gulam Hussein Bolandiyan, Iranian Deputy Interior Minister, they decided to struggle against terrorist and separatist organizations like ''Peoples' Combatants organization, PKK, and KDP.''

In the memorandum of understanding, which was composed of four articles, it was decided to establish a telephone and fax line aiming to strengthen cooperation between the commanders who were appointed by the two countries to struggle effectively against separatist terrorist PKK organization. The commanders will make the planning and coordination of simultaneous operations in order to render the terrorist groups ineffective and they will provide continuous information flow for border security.

A map, accepted by the two countries will be used to overcome the problems stemming from the names of the places. Unexpected controls can be made to the desired region with a helicopter or any convenient vehicle against a terrorist group upon the request of a commander.

The memorandum of understanding also included the bombing allegations of the Iranian side in Piransehir region. Turkish side wanted the issue to be taken up again after the delegation, which holds a technical observation, concludes its report.

Turkey has given an 50 page dossier to Iranian side which include the activities of the terrorist organization. Also two maps and a video tape showing the nests of PKK were given.

Meanwhile, Iranian side has given a file including the activities of KDP and Peoples' Combatants organizations, and a video tape related with the bombing allegations.

The seventh Supreme Committee Meeting will take place in Iran in May 2000.

[11] LABOUR PLATFORM'S STRIKE - MANY GROUPS WHO GIVE UP WORK, START WALKING TO KIZILAY SQUARE IN ANKARA

Employees working in various units of some hospitals, except their emergeny units, also joined the one-day strike starting from

09.00 local time. Workers and civil servants working in various offices in Ulus district of Ankara, stopped working and started to walk to Numune Hospital and Kızılay Square.

The road is closed to traffic as workers gathered in front of Central Bank in Ulus district.

Meanwhile employees of Yegenbey Tax Office carry banners saying ''we are right, we will win'' and ''IMF to the grave, pensioners to power'' and they hang the poster ''there is strike in this office'' in the entrance of the building.

Meanwhile groups of employees working in many other public offices started to walk to Kızılay Square.

[12] BAKU-CEYHAN PROJECT - TURKISH AND AZERBAIJANI WORKING GROUPS TO COME TOGETHER IN TBILISI IN SEPTEMBER

Giorgi Canturiya, the President of the Georgian State Oil Company said that John Wolf, the Special Consultant of Bill Clinton, the U.S. President for Caspian Basin will also attend the meeting.

Canturiya stated that the working groups will leave for the U.S. in the coming days and meet with officials of the World Bank.

[13] GAP TO BE INTRODUCED TO THE WORLD BY CNN

A five-member team from CNN arrived in the region to prepare a programme titled ''Water and the Importance and Influence of the GAP on the Regional People.''

Erkan Alemdaroglu, the Regional Director of the GAP Regional Development Administration, told A.A correspondent that the CNN team headed by David Swanson and including a journalist Mary Pflum, Sirin Payzin Acet, Gungor Yilmaz and a cameraman, will carry out observations in southeastern provinces of Sanliurfa, Diyarbakir and Mardin.

Alemdaroglu said that the CNN team will carry out observations in Mardin Organized Industry Zone, Multi-Purpose Society Center (CATOM) and the Enterprenuer Incentive Center (GIDEM).

Alemdaroglu noted that the CNN team will later visit Deyr'ul Zafaran Monestary and the Kirklar Church and will go to Sanliurfa.

Alemdaroglu stated that the CNN team will shoot a film from T-1 tunnel, the fields that are open to irrigation, the Ataturk Dam, Balikligol and the historical places in Harran.

Alemdaroglu stressed that the CNN team will depart the region on August 16, 1999 after carrying out observations in Diyarbakir.

[14] LABOUR PLATFORM'S STRIKE - OKUYAN, LABOUR AND SOCIAL SECURITY MINISTER: - ''PROVOKING THE GENERAL STRIKE WHICH DOES NOT COMPLY WITH THE LAWS, CANNOT BE A STANCE WHICH CAN BE TOLERATED''

Responding the questions of the journalists at the parliament, Okuyan said that most of the workers did not obey the illegal call.

Emphasizing that they tolerate every kind of demonstrations which are held in compliance with the laws, Okuyan noted that the legal procedure will be applied against the illegal protests.

Okuyan said, ''those who provoke the general strike do this provocation by knowing the sanctions of the laws. So, this is their problem. Provoking the general strike which does not comply with the laws, cannot be a stance which can be tolerated. I thank the workers and the civil servants who behaved with common sense against this call and who did not participate in the protests.''

Okuyan stated that the meeting between himself and the Labour Platform last night was held on the invitation of Ridvan Budak, the deputy of Democratic Left Party (DSP) not on his invitation.

Noting that he and the Labour Platform had to end the meeting beause he would participate in the General Assembly meeting and decided to meet each other late on Thursday night, Okuyan said, ''I listened to the statements of Labour Platform saying that 'the general strike will continue' from the televisions after the general assembly. Can there be anything left for a minister to discuss when the decision to go on an illegal strike was taken?''

Okuyan stressed that Mesut Yilmaz, the leader of Motherland Party (ANAP) was not effective in interruption of the dialogue with the Labour Platform; adding that even Yilmaz thought that the meetings should continue.

Okuyan added, ''I believe that the draft law on social security will take effect with a majority. I will make very important statements to my citizens after the law takes effect.''

On the continuing insistent questions of the journalists, Okuyan noted that he will not make a statement about this issue at this stage.

[15] CETIN DOGAN FRIENDSHIP AND BROTHERHOOD BRIDGE WHICH BINDS TURKEY AND IRAQ OPENS

An opening ceremony was held at the border region of Uzumlu village of Hakkari's Cukurca county. The bridge is 130 meters long, 8 meters wide and was completed in one year. The bridge was named Cetin Dogan Friendship and Brotherhood Bridge due to the contributions of Lieutenant General Cetin Dogan.

Nihat Canpolat, the Hakkari Governor, said the bridge would boost the region's economy and would have a greater significance after the opening of the trade center which is planned to be built in the region.

Lietutenant General Cetin Dogan who spoke at the opening stressed that the bridge will be a bridge of friendship between Turks and Iraqi people on the other side of the border.

The Turkish side of the bridge which binds Turkey and Iraq will be paved by Department of Rural Affairs and Northern Iraqi local administration will pave its part on the Iraqi side.

[16] FOGG, EU REPRESENTATIVE TO TURKEY: - ''IT IS A BIG CHANCE FOR TURKEY TO HAVE A GOVERNMENT WHICH HAS A MINORITY IN THE PARLIAMENT AND WHICH IS WILLING TO IMPLEMENT THE REFORMS''

Fogg told A.A correspondent that new administration of the EU Commission which is chaired by Romano Prodi, former Italian Prime Minister, considers the improvement of the relations with Turkey as positive.

Fogg said that the government of Turkey is willing to implement the necessary reforms for the Turkish economy and that it has a strong support at the parliament to implement the reforms.

Drawing the attention that the most important problem of Turkey is ''the inflation and the cost of the high rate of borrowing'', Fogg noted that the government is trying to overcome these economic problems by the reforms like international arbitration, social security and the agricultural reforms and that the government is also in good cooperation with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Recalling that Turkey needs foreign capital investments especially in energy sector, Fogg stated that the foreign investors can be attracted to this sector which is very attractive for the international capital, by the new arrangements.

Noting that Turkey's full membership chance within the enlargement process of the EU is not behind that of the other members, Fogg stressed that the full membership of the other members is not easy, either.

Stressing that Turkey has a giant economic potential, Fogg emphasized that to this end, she thinks that the relations between Turkey and the EU will improve.

Stating that Turkey has some advantegeous points within the EU's enlargement and full membership process, Fogg said that these points are having a reformist structure, having a strong and well-prepared administrative staff, having an incentive potential and making the necessary arrangements by signing the Customs Union.

Emphasizing that Turkey's signing the Customs Union agreement is very positive, Fogg noted that Turkey became in harmony with the Customs Unions conditions by the measures she took and that Turkish enterpreneurs reached a competitive structure.

Recalling that Meda 2 programme will be in effect next year after the Meda 1 programme which is the ''cooperation and aid programme of the Mediterranean countries'', Fogg stated that she hopes this new programme will provide many financial opportunities to Turkey.

Stressing that they attributes importance to the small and medium scale enterprises, Fogg said that these enterprises promise a brillant future for the Turkish economy and that they will continue to help these enterprises which have significant potentials.

Noting that she believes that Euro, the single currency of the EU, will be used as a reserve money like the U.S. dollar in the following days, Fogg stressed that she thinks that euro will be an instrument to improve the economic relations between Turkey and the EU.

Drawing the attention that the Turkish Central Bank carries out studies for the harmonizatıon of Euro in the banking system, Fogg said that the usage of Euro with the trade between Turkey and EU countries will increase the business volume and will facilitate the procedures.

[17] TURKEY-IRAN HIGH SECURITY COMMISSION'S MEETING - GUR, INTERIOR MINISTRY UNDERSECRETARY: ''TWO COUNTRIES FULLY AGREED TO COOPERATE TO STRUGGLE AGAINST PKK TERRORISM''

Following the High Security Commission's meeting which has been continuing for three days, Turkey and Iran reached an agreement on Thursday night. ''Our meeting was very positive and we had a consensus on security issues, '' Gur told reporters after the signing of memorandum of understanding.

A cooperation already existed between the two countries but some new decisions were taken to confirm this cooperation, Gur noted and continued:

''A telephone line will be set up between the two commanders appointed by Iran Islamic Republics and Turkish Republic. We will set up this line. The two commanders will discuss security matters and try to bring solutions on the phone. These two commanders will also be authorized to carry out simultaneous operations. They will inspect areas that they find suspicious.''

Claims of Iran about bombings will be dealt with mutual confidence and cooperation, Gur pointed out. ''Briefly, both countries agreed to struggle against PKK terrorism and they displayed their political will to cooperate on this issue,'' he added.

Gulam Hussein Bolandiyan, the Iranian Deputy Interior Minister, on the other hand, stressed that the release of two Turkish soldiers who illegally passed the Iranian border is an indication of good will and said that this agreement would fortify the friendship between the people of two Muslim countries.

''Iranian territory can not become a safe haven for terrorists,'' Bolandiyan said. Speaking about the bombing incident, the Iranian head of delegation, Bolandiyan stated that he believed Turkish military planes will not let such incidents to occur again.

While responding to reporters' questions, Gur said Iran and Turkey will carry out simultaneous operations in their own territory with their own security forces in coordination with each other.

One reporter asked Bolandiyan why the two Turkish soldiers were kept in Iran for 22 days although according to the Erzurum agreement, Turkey and Iran should mutually return soldiers who violate borders. ''We have laws regarding border violations in Iran. Such problems are solved through judicial ways. But we gave instructions and speed up their release,'' he answered.

Upon another question about PKK's activities in Iranian land, Bolandiyan denied the existence of PKK camps in Iran. ''PKK camps, bases and hospitals are imaginary. I told these in my previous visits too. Such places don't exist. If you know the address to such places, come and we will see them together. However, Iranian-Turkish border is too long and PKK sometimes take advantage of this,'' he said.

"We will not allow other countries, especially Israel, to damage our relationship with Turkey," Iranian delegation chief Bolandian also added following the signature ceremony.

[18] ONE-DAY STRIKE OF LABOUR PLATFORM - WORKERS AT KIZILAY SQUARE START TO DISPERSE

Siyami Erdem, Chairmen of Confederation of Public Workers' Trade Unions (KESK), addressed the workers and civil servants at Kizilay Square.

Erdem said the Turkish public suffered by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) recipes in the first three months of the government.

Stressing that two laws concerning the workers were taken into agenda in this period and that these laws are the arbitration law and ''social devastation law'', Erdem said, ''the Constitution is wanted to be changed in accordance with the IMF directives. The social state is put aside and a privatized state will be created. The public institutions are made an issue of bargaining with the international capital by the Arbitration Law.''

Recalling the statement of Premier Bulent Ecevit saying that ''we will resist the insistencies'', Erdem said, ''Why doesn't Premier Bulent Ecevit talk about the insistence of the IMF? Isn't it the acceptance of an insistence?''

Vahdettin Karabay, the Chairman of the Confederation of Revolutionary Workers' Unions (DISK), said that the gathering of 15 labour organizations is important for the democracy.

Karabay noted that they are in favour of a compromise and that to this end, they went to the parliament yesterday; adding that they could not meet with the government.

Karabay said, ''if we do not want any compromise, what's the use of our going to the parliament?''

Stressing that the government takes 55 million people against itself, Karabay said, ''we will not only continue our protests but also try to reach a compromise. We exist for the sake of Turkey. We do not want any disagreements. We do not target provocations. The people and the parliament should know these.''

Later, the workers and the civil servants started to disperse after the Labour Platform asked them to do so.

[19] NATIONWIDE ONE DAY STRIKE OF LABOUR PLATFORM

In Izmir, employees from various work places marched to Konak square. No public services were given since 9 a.m. other than state and university hospitals, health centers, emergency, intensive care and labour units at SSK dispensaries.

Members of Izmir Doctors Chamber gathered in Ege University Medicine Faculty's garden and read out a statement to prevent the legalization of social security draft law and international arbitration.

Workers of Confederation of Revolutionalry Workers' Unions (DISK) along with workers of Metal-Is Labours Union also walked to Konak Square, sometimes blocking the traffic. People in their cars sometimes supported the workers' cause by honking their horns and waving hands. Members of Freedom and Solidarity Party (ODP), Republican People's Party (CHP), and Workers Party (IP) gave support to hundreds of workers and civil servants who gathered in front of Izmir Municipality building.

Police took tight security measures in Diyarbakir, Batman, Siirt, Malatya, Sirnak, Elazig and Mardin which also witnessed similar protests. Apart from emergency units, hospitals did not give any services. Trains also stopped at Diyarbakir Train Station on Friday morning.

About 4,000 workers and civil servants joined the one day strike in Gaziantep. Many workers gathered at Kirkayak Park starting at 9 a.m and chanted slogans. Following the reading of a joint decleration of the Labour Platform, they walked to Democracy Square under heavy police presence. Later, the workers dispersed when the labour union executives told them to return to their homes or to their unions.

In Edirne and Tekirdag, municipality services including buses stopped for one day.

In Konya workers gathered at Zafer Square and walked to SSK Hospital chanting slogans on the way. Some buses did not operate in Konya.

Workers in Cankiri, Hatay, Sanliurfa, and Eskisehir also staged similar protests.

In the tourism's capital, Antalya, the crisis in terrorism affected the demonstrations. The representatives of tourism labour unions told the A.A. correspondent that they supported the protests ''spiritually'' however did not ''physically'' join the demonstrations.

''Turkish tourism is going through a critical period and the tourists should not be affected by this protest. Some circles are looking for an excuse to use against us. We decided to stay outside the demonstrations to prevent this from happening,'' they said.

[20] HASIPOGLU, TRNC PARLIAMENT SPEAKER ISSUES MESSAGE FOR 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF SECOND PEACE OPERATION: - ''GOING BACK TO THE TRAGEDIES OF THE PAST IS OUT OF QUESTION''

Issuing a statement for the 25th anniversary of the Second Peace Operation, Hasipoglu noted that the struggle of the existence of the Turkish Cypriots for their independence, sovereignty and freedom carries the determination is not to prevent any single Turkish Cypriot from being buried in the mass graves.

Hasipoglu said, ''we are struggling against the inconvenient formulas which include the risk of bringing the old days to Cyprus with this understanding. TRNC, whose cost was paid by lives, blood and self-sacrifice, will carry TRNC to the future. A single backward step is also out of question.''

Stressing that the Greek Cypriots and Greek forces continued to attack the Turkish settlements despite the ceasefire signed after July 20 Peace Operation, Hasipoglu said, ''the provocative and uncompromising stance of the Greeks and Greek Cypriots in the peace talks in Geneva led to the Second Peace Operation. The regions which had their freedom by the Second Peace Operation which started on August 14, 1974, celebrate the 25th anniversary but we are also feeling sarrowful and mourning for our innocent and defenseless kinsmen who were targets of the mass massacres.

''The mass graves which are considered together with the enthusiasm of freedom in the Second Peace Operation are the saddening but real indicators of what the Greek-Greek Cypriot policy of spread and racism brought to the Turks on Cyprus,'' Hasipoglu added.

Hasipoglu noted that he shares the enthusiasm of those who reached freedom by the Second Peace Operation and reiterated the gratitude and the faithfulness to Motherland Turkey.

[21] AZERI OIL - ''STRAITS SHOULD NOT BECOME A PASSAGE WAY FOR OIL TANKERS''

In the declaration, it was stressed that the cultural cooperation between TMO and AMI would be strengthened and other architectural institutions in Caucasia and Asian countries were invited to join their cause. The participants also expressed concerns over the radar towers which are planned to be built on the straits and said it would spoil the view.

Because of the ongoing war at Azerbaijan's Nagorno Karabakh region, the cultural and historical heritage is under great risk, it was noted and decided that an independent scientific council which would be formed by the Cultural Ministry would carry out researches in coordination with UNESCO.

In the final part of the declaration, it was emphasized that architectural, urban, historical, cultural and natural elements of Bogazici and Canakkale straits must be preserved and they must not become a passage way for oil tankers.

[22] AMENSTY LAW TO TAKE EFFECT BEFORE PARLIAMENT RECESSES - PREMIER ECEVIT AGREES WITH BAHCELI, DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER, AND YILMAZ, ANAP LEADER - DRAFT LAW SUBMITTTED TO ANAP GROUP BY YILMAZ

Premier Bulent Ecevit agreed with Devlet Bahceli, Deputy Prime Minister and Mesut Yilmaz, the leader of Motherland Party (ANAP), on the Amnesty Law. Three leaders decided to discuss the draft law on amnesty after the adoptation of the Draft Law on Social Security.

Yet, ANAP will put forward a condition saying that those who were dismissed from the universities and public institutions due to the headscarf issue, should benefit from the Amnesty Law.

ANAP group had an extraordinary meeting today. Mesut Yilmaz told his deputies that the prisoners started to wait for the amnesty and that to this end, he requested the amnesty law's being passed from the parliament before the parliament recesses.

Yilmaz also said in his group meeting which was close to the press that there are many persons who are not pleased with the amnesty and that there can be such persons in the coalition governments; adding that everybody should accept this amnesty.

Speaking after the group meeting, Murat Basesgioglu, group acting leader, said that they decided to hold meetings with the members of the coalition on the amnesty issue especially the repentance law, the postponement of the crimes of press, the amnesty of some of the crimes in the Penal Code and the reduction in some of the punishments.

Basesgioglu said, ''when the amnesty law is being prepared, the restrictions in the Constitution concerning the amnesty issue will not change. We will tell our interlocutors that ANAP will not accept the inclusion of the crimes which will disturb the public conscience and the infamous crimes in the scope of amnesty. We want to pass the law if the amnesty of the students and the amnesty of the civil servants are considered within the scope of the amnesty.''

''ANAP is not in favour of putting restrictions in the scope of the students' amnesty. We will propose that the amnesty of those who are dismissed from the universities regardless the reason of their dismissal should be passed in a wider sense and that the students who benefit from the amnesty should behave in compliance with the regulations of the universities when they restart their education,'' Basesgioglu added.

Basesgioglu continued, ''we did not find it appropriate to make some restrictions about the headscarf issue within the framework of justice and equality criteria. We request that those who are dismissed from the universities and the public institutions, should be considered within the framework of the scope of the amnesty.''

[23] ITALIAN LUPO FRIGATE AT SAMSUN PORT

The ship's commander Colonel Luici Capone and Italian Embassy's Sea Defence Attachee Carlo Ferrata visited Metin Ilyas Aksoy, the Samsun Governor. ''We are very good friends with Turkey and we want to develop this friendship. During our five day stay, we will have the chance to get to know Turkish people and culture. We are happy to work together with Turkish Sea Forces, '' they told Aksoy.

The Samsun Governor stated that Turkey's friendship with Italy is rooted from the past, however Turkey was disappointed by the Italian support to the terrorist organization. ''Despite everything, we are happy to see you here and we expect you to see the realities,'' Aksoy told the Italian delegation. Aksoy presented his Italian guests various gifts as well as books about Samsun.

Lupo Frigate can be visited by people between 3.30p.m. and 5p.m. for five days.

[24] CONSTITUTIONAL CHANGE - PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT: ''WE WILL SEE WITH THE IMPLEMENTATIONS THAT THE CONCERNS ARE UNNECESSARY''

Speaking to reporters following the adoptation of the proposal foreseeing the Constitutional change, Ecevit said Parliament, with its ruling and opposition, protected the proposal for Constitutional change that will facilitate arbitration.

Ecevit said ''acceptance of the proposal with the support and votes of the parties which had taken place in state administration and who know how economy works, shows the importance of it.''

Ecevit said ''of course, several circles feel concern. I respect these concerns, yet, we will see with the implementations that those concerns are unnecessary. I hope that Turkish economy will be opened to the world more easily with this.''

[25] WHOLE OF PROPOSAL CONCERNING INTERNATIONAL ARBITRATION ADOPTED AT PARLIAMENTARY GENERAL ASSEMBLY

The proposal concerning the solution of the disagreements resulting from the concession specifications and contracts on the public services by national and international arbitration was accepted by 448 votes.

A total of 506 deputies participated in the secret voting for the whole of the proposal. The proposal was accepted by 448 votes to 45 votes. A total of 11 deputies abstained and two votes were invalid.

Since whole of the proposal was adopted with the votes of more than two third majority of the whole of the deputies, there will not be a direct referendum. Under Article 175 of the Constitution, President has the right to open a referendum if he wishes.

The Article 47 of the Constitution concerning the statism, the Article 125 of the Constitution which arranges the judicial control against the activities and procedures of the administration and Article 155 which includes the formation and the authorities of the Council of State, were amended.

In accordance with these amendments, the concept of ''privatization'' was included in the Constitution for the first time. Also, the solution of the disagreements resulting from the concession specifications and the contracts concerning the public services by the national and international arbitration, was made possible. But, only the ''foreign element'' disagreements will be solved by the international arbitration.

Meanwhile, the Council of State's ''observation'' authority for the concession specifications and contracts was converted into only ''expressing the ideas.'' The Council of State will announce its ideas within two months.

Article 1 - Constituion of Turkish Republic's Article 47 has been changed as ''Statism and Privatization and the following points have been added.

''The law dictates the basics and style regarding the privatization of managements and possessions owned by the state, public economic enterprises and other public legal bodies. The state determines by law which of the investments and services run by public economic enterprises and other public legal bodies it will transfer to real or legal bodies through law agreements.''

Article 2 - The following points have been added to the Article 125 of the Constitution of the Turkish Republic.

''A solution could be sought through international arbitration for conflicts that rise from agreements related to public services. International arbitration is sought only if conflicts carry a foreign element.''

Article 3 - The Constitution's Article 155 has been changed as following:

''The Council of State is charged with running trials, examining drafts of rules and regulations, solve administrative conflicts and state its opinion within two months about public services agreements, draft laws sent by the Ministers Council and carry out other tasks specified by law.''

Article 4 - This law takes effect after it is published in the Official Gazette. In case of a referendum, Article 1 will be voted seperately and Articles 2 and 3 will be voted together.

The voting results which enabled the constitutional change on international law is shown in the following table:

ARTICLES FIRTS MEETING SECOND MEETING
. YES / NO YES / NO
------------------------------------------------------
Voting of the articles 400 / 29 -

Article 1 416 / 22 432 / 42

Article 2 405 / 22 435 / 52

Article 3 368 / 17 437 / 56

Article 4 362 / 16 447 / 39

All - 448 / 45</PRE>

[26] CONSTITUTIONAL CHANGE FOR ARBITRATION - PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT: ''IT WAS A VERY IMPORTANT DEVELOPMENT THAT THE CONSTITUTIONAL CHANGE PASSED THROUGH THE PARLIAMENT BY THE MAJORITY OF VOTES IN FAVOR''

Speaking to reporters, the Prime Minister said, ''first of all, it has been proved that the Parliament is working in harmony by reaching a consensus against serious national problems without taking into consideration any discremination between the power and opposition. I know some people and circles have concerns about the issue but I hope that those people and circles will understood in a short time that these concerns are not realistic, null and void.''

Noting that all of the political parties, which have seats at the Parliament, have political experience, Ecevit said, ''if all of them can agree on this issue, than there is a consensus that it is a necessary and beneficial development for our country.''

''I congratulate all of the members of the Parliament for their efforts for achieving such a successful result and giving such an important example of consensus to meet the requirements of the country by working day and night, '' the Prime Minister stated.

[27] THE U.S.: ''PKK IS A TERRORIST ORGANIZATION AND IT SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED TO SHELTER IN NORTHERN IRAQ''

Addressing foreign journalists at a press briefing in Washington D.C., Elizabeth Jones, the U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for affairs with Near East, said that the terrorist PKK organization should not exist in Northern Iraq, giving response to the news which said that the terrorist PKK organization might withdraw from the Turkish territories and cross to Northern Iraq.

Jones made a statement, which may lead to a misunderstanding, saying that the withdrawal of the PKK might be coordinated with Turkey but a high-level official at the U.S. State Department later informed the A.A correspondent saying, ''we consider the PKK as a terrorist organization and our policy about this issue continues exactly in the same way. We do not defend holding any talk with the PKK or giving any concession to the PKK. The terrorist PKK organization should not be allowed to shelter in any place. The PKK also should not exist in Northern Iraq.''

The official said the the U.S. urges the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and Patriotic Union for Kurdistan (PUK) to struggle against the PKK.

A.A

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