Anadolu Agency: News in English, 99-09-01

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AA Daily

01 Sept 1999 Wednesday

CONTENTS

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

[02] PRIME MINISTRY CRISIS MANAGEMENT CENTER:''RIGHT NOW ALL QUAKE SURVIVORS HAVE BEEN PROVIDED TENTS''

[03] HIGH LEVEL DELEGATION FROM PRIME MINISTRY CRISIS MANAGEMENT CENTER TO VISIT QUAKE STRUCK AREAS ON WEDNESDAY

[04] TRNC PRESIDENT DENKTAS TO VISIT THE U.S.

[05] FOREIGN MINISTER ISMAIL CEM MEETS WITH HIS FRENCH COUNTERPART HUBERT VEDRINE IN PARIS

[06] PRIME MINISTER BULENT ECEVIT RECEIVES PRESIDENT OF USAID, BRADY ANDERSON ON TUESDAY

[07] TOTAL OF 302 PLANES CARRYING AID MATERIAL COME TO TURKEY AFTER QUAKE DISASTER

[08] PRIME MINISTRY CRISIS MANAGEMENT CENTER: - ''500,000 BARRELS OF CRUDE OIL GRANTED BY IRAQ STORED IN CEYHAN TERMINAL OF BOTAS AND STARTED TO BE PUMPED TO KIRIKKALE''

[09] FOLEY, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE SPOKESMAN: - ''ALBRIGTH WANTS TO VISIT TURKEY VERY MUCH''

[10] U.S. NOT AGAINST IRAQI CRUDE OIL AID TO TURKEY

[11] U.N. SHEDS GREEN LIGHT FOR IRAQI OIL AID TO TURKEY

[12] PRESIDENT DEMIREL SENDS CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE TO KERIMOV, UZBEK PRESIDENT, FOR UZBEK NATIONAL DAY

[13] PRIME MINISTRY CRISIS MANAGEMENT CENTER STATEMENT: - ''A TOTAL OF 19, 279 BUILDINGS COLLAPSED, 30,922 BUILDINGS ARE NOT SUITABLE FOR SETTLEMENT''

[14] WORLD PEACE DAY - PRESIDENT DEMIREL: ''PRE-CONDITION OF INSTALLING PEACE IN WORLD IS SHARING JOY AND PAIN''

[15] PRESIDENT DENKTAS OF TRNC CAN MEET ANNAN, U.N. SECRETARY GENERAL IN U.S.

[16] TURKISH-GREEK FRIENDSHIP AFTER MASSIVE QUAKE - GREEK EMBASSY IN ANKARA THANKS TURKISH CITIZENS

[17] AYSEV, TURKISH TENOR, TO DONATE REVENUE OF CONCERT IN GERMANY TO SURVIVORS OF QUAKE

[18] U.S. SCIENTISTS START PREPARATION OF NEW GEOLOGICAL MAP OF DISASTER ZONE IN TURKEY

[19] BULGARIAN RED CROSS SENDING THREE LORRIES OF MEDICINES AND TENTS FOR SURVIVORS

[20] SOUTHEAST EUROPEAN MULTINATIONAL PEACE FORCE - TURKEY TO ALLOCATE MILITARY UNITS TO PEACE FORCE

[21] MOLLAOGULLARI, DIRECTOR GENERAL OF TCDD: - ''A POSTPONEMENT IN THE ANKARA-ISTANBUL RAILWAY PROJECT IS OUT OF QUESTION''

[22] EIGTH TRUCKSLOAD OF HUMANITARIAN AID SENT TO TURKEY WITHIN FRAMEWORK OF CAMPAIGNS IN AUSTRIA

[23] DENKTAS DUE TO THE U.S.

[24] INTERNATIONAL COUNSELING INSTITUTION SALOMON SMITH BARNEY SAYS TURKEY HAS NO SERIOUS PROBLEM IN ITS PRIVATIZATION PROGRAMME

[25] AKBULUT, PARLIAMENT SPEAKER STAGES A PRESS BRIEFING - AKBULUT: ''WE DECIDED TO LIMIT EXPENDITURES''

[26] AKBULUT, PARLIAMENT SPEAKER STAGES A PRESS BRIEFING - ''I AM VERY SORRY ABOUT PARLIAMENT'S BECOMING A TARGET''

[27] AKBULUT, PARLIAMENT SPEAKER STAGES A PRESS BRIEFING - AKBULUT: ''PARLIAMENT WILL DECIDE WHETHER OR NOT TO DISCUSS REPORTS OF INVESTIGATION COMMISSION''

[28] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT RECEIVES DIRECTORS OF AKUT, SEARCH AND RESCUE TEAM

[29] PATIENTS OF TURKISH DOCTOR IN U.S. START CAMPAIGN FOR QUAKE SURVIVORS

[30] ITALIAN FOREIGN MINISTER DINI: - ''EU HAS TO REGAIN TURKEY WHICH IS A SIGNIFICANT MEDITERRANEAN COUNTRY''

[31] A TURKISH AND ISLAMIC MUSEUM TO BE OPENED IN HUNGARY

[32] MINISTER OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HOUSING, KORAY AYDIN ''COST OF PREFABRICATED RESIDENCES IS AROUND 80-85 TRILLION TURKISH LIRAS WITHOUT GETTING ANY HELP''

[33] PRESIDENT DEMIREL: ''I WILL TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION REACTION OF PUBLIC OPINION ABOUT AMNESTY LAW''

[34] VERHEUGEN, MEMBER OF EU COMMISSION - ''TURKEY IS A PART OF EU'S ENLARGEMENT PROCESS''

[35] ATACANLI, FM DEPUTY SPOKESMAN: ''WE WISH INDEPENDENT STATEMENTS SUPPORTING TURKEY'S EU MEMBERSHIP TO TURN INTO AN OFFICIAL AND COMMON DECISION OF EU''

[36] MINISTER OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HOUSING, KORAY AYDIN ''WE WILL TAKE EVERY STEP CORRECTLY'' ''WE ARE STARTING TO CONTACT WITH FIRMS TOMORROW''

[37] FOREIGN AID TO DISASTER AREA

[38] MINISTER OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HOUSING, KORAY AYDIN ''EVERY UNIT OF PREFABRICATED BUILDINGS WILL COST 1,5 BILLION TURKISH LIRAS''

[39] FOREIGN AID TO DISASTER AREA

[40] FOREIGN MINISTER CEM IN LONDON

[41] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT RECEIVES SURDO, ITALIAN AMBASSADOR TO TURKEY - SURDO: ''ECEVIT THANKED FOR DINI'S STATEMENTS''

[42] VERHEUGEN, MEMBER OF EU COMMISSION ''RESULTS OF HELSINKI SUMMIT WILL DETERMINE THE FUTURE OF DIALOGUE WITH TURKEY''

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

HURRIYET (LIBERAL)

AFTERSHOCK PANIC
Two aftershocks measuring 5.2 and 4.6 on the Richter scale which shook Korfez yesterday, led to the panic of the residents of the region. The aftershocks killed one person while injured more than 200. More than 50 buildings which were damaged in the major quake collapsed in yesterday's aftershocks.

MILLIYET (LIBERAL)

WARRANTS OF ARREST FOR 33 CONTRACTORS
The Duzce Republican Chief Prosecutor's Office determined the identities of the contractors who constructed the buildings which killed 117 people in Duzce in the massive earthquake. The Office issued warrants of arrests for 33 people who constructed the collapsed buildings in Duzce.

SABAH (LIBERAL)

TIME FOR STRICT CONTROL OF CONSTRUCTIONS
The government which took a lesson from the quake is going to make many changes in the laws. The ''Construction, Tender and Local Tender Laws'' will be renewed to prevent unqualified constructions. Private rescue teams will be set up and the construction insurance will be ensured. Sukru Sina Gurel, the spokesman of the government, said that they all know that the quake disaster was a very big lesson.

CUMHURIYET (LEFT)

RADIKAL (LEFT)

ALBRIGHT'S GESTURE OF VISITING TURKEY
Madeleine Albright, the U.S. Secretary of State, said that she will stop in Istanbul on Sunday to emphasize the U.S. solidarity with Turkey which experienced the quake disaster. Albright who will stop in Turkey en route from Middle East to Asia, will visit the disaster zone for six hours. Ismail Cem, the Foreign Minister, will accompany Albright during her visit.

IMF DUE IN TURKEY FOR ASSISSTANCE
Carlo Cottarelli, the Chief of the Turkey Desk of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), said that he will come to Turkey to discuss the assisstance for the quake before September 15, 1999. Cottarelli said that they hope to have a standby agreement with Turkey and that they will discuss this issue in the annual meeting and the meetings between IMF and Turkey in October.

TÜRKİYE (RIGHT)

ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)

A HELPING HAND FROM IRAN
Mohammed Ferhadi, Iranian Health Minister who came to Turkey to hold observation as the special representative of Iranian President Mohammed Khatami, met with President Suleyman Demirel and Osman Durmus, Health Minister. Ferhadi said that Iran sent many tents, food, health materials and medicines to Turkey and will continue to send more. Ferhadi submitted the condolence message of Khatami to President Suleyman Demirel.

[02] PRIME MINISTRY CRISIS MANAGEMENT CENTER:''RIGHT NOW ALL QUAKE SURVIVORS HAVE BEEN PROVIDED TENTS''

It was stated that the quake paralyzed communication and transportation in the region causing delays in the transfer of tents sent by Red Crescent.

As of August 30, 35,000 from Red Crescent, 2,120 from Turkish Armed Forces (TSK), 5,000 from private sector, 3,000 from other provinces, 32,567 from foreign countries totalling up to 78,264 tents were sent to the quake struck regions.

Following the disaster, the Foreign Ministry had contacts to get 23,288 more tents which increased this number to 95,582, enough to shelter 370,328 people.

Currently, there are 21 tent cities in Sakarya, 13 in Kocaeli, 19 in Golcuk, 3 in Yalova and 6 in Bursa, housing 65,318 families. These tent cities have 55 toilets, 51 kitchens, 4 dining rooms, and 7 nurseries. Efforts continue to improve life standards in these settlements, it was said.

''As we receive better tents provided by our Foreign Ministry from abroad, they replace Red Crescent's tents. Right now all quake victims have been provided tents. Red Crescent's tents which are removed will be given to those who were affected by the quake in rural areas if they wish to have them,'' the statement said.

[03] HIGH LEVEL DELEGATION FROM PRIME MINISTRY CRISIS MANAGEMENT CENTER TO VISIT QUAKE STRUCK AREAS ON WEDNESDAY

The delegation will inspect activities and coordinate activities between crisis centers in these areas and Regional Crisis Management Center.

Ahmet Sagar, Prime Ministry Undersecretary; Fatih Guven, General Director of Red Crescent; Guner Saygili, Director of Rural Affairs, high level military authorities from Ministry of National Defense and several other authorities will leave Ankara at 7.30 a.m. on Wednesday. The delegation will visit Sakarya, Yalova, Golcuk and Kocaeli.

[04] TRNC PRESIDENT DENKTAS TO VISIT THE U.S.

Denktas, who is expected to arrive in Washington D.C. on September 6 Monday, will speak at the conference at Center for Strategy and International Studies (CSIS), a leading think tank, on Tuesday.

Other details of Denktas' visit are not yet clear, it was stated.

[05] FOREIGN MINISTER ISMAIL CEM MEETS WITH HIS FRENCH COUNTERPART HUBERT VEDRINE IN PARIS

''EU must openly display its policy'' Cem stated and stressed that Turkey did not accept G-8 countries' decision about Cyprus. Foreign Minister Cem pointed out that such a decision required deeper and wider research.

Turkey is happy see France's sensitivity about the disaster and Vedrine's proposal of scientific cooperation will be evaluated, he said.

Speaking about the Greek solidarity, Foreign Minister Cem noted that political and humanitarian issues were different and he was cautious about relations warming up between Ankara and Athens. Cem stressed that they saw Greek and Turkish people share more friendly feelings than politicians. ''I'm hoping that Greek people's feelings of solidarity would turn to political acts and we could form better relations between the two sides of the Aegean,'' Cem said.

Foreign Minister Cem also stated that he observed positive developments in Turkish-Syrian relations and reminded that he would meet with his Syrian counterpart Faruq Sara.

French Foreign Minister Vedrine also said he hoped Greek veto on EU funds to help Turkey would be removed during EU meeting in Finland this weekend. Vedrine stated that he wanted the obstacles staying in front of financial protocol to be removed and said EU failed to keep its old promise by not implementing the financial protocol. The French Foreign Minister also stressed that EU must not follow a discriminatory policy against Turkey.

Vedrine proposed scientific cooperation with Turkey following the quake disaster.

Responding to a question about the head of the terrorist organization, Vedrine stated that France was against death penalty in principle, however it respected Turkey's sovereignty.

EU Foreign Ministers will discuss EU's assistance to Turkey during the meeting which will be held in Finnish city Saariselka this weekend.

[06] PRIME MINISTER BULENT ECEVIT RECEIVES PRESIDENT OF USAID, BRADY ANDERSON ON TUESDAY

Anderson, following a one hour meeting with Ecevit, told reporters that he was appointed by the U.S. President Clinton to observe the effects of the quake in disaster areas. Anderson expressed condolences to those who lost their relatives in the disaster and to Turkish people.

Anderson also assured that the U.S. help for Turkey, ''a close ally'', would continue.

He said he was told by Ecevit that quake survivors' biggest need was housing and added that he would discuss this issue at the U.S. Congress on September 8.

Anderson told reporters that Sukru Sina Gurel, State Minister would give him more information about the material damage the quake caused and the housing need in disaster areas.

He also noted that he was touched by the solidarity Turkish people displayed after the quake.

USAID is an independent state institution which was founded by former U.S. President John F. Kennedy in 1961. It provides help in various fields to serve economic and political interests of the U.S. world wide.

[07] TOTAL OF 302 PLANES CARRYING AID MATERIAL COME TO TURKEY AFTER QUAKE DISASTER

Fifteen of these planes came to join efforts to put out fire at Tupras oil refinery while others brought aid material and rescue teams.

Planes which took off from France, Switzerland, Lebanon, Oman and Yemen arrived in Turkey on Tuesday.

The U.S. sent aid equipment worth of 25,000 U.S. dollars to Red Crescent. It also sent 10,000 body bags, 30,000 blankets, 750 plastic covers, 10,000 surgery gloves and masks, 10,800 hygenic sets, 5,500 tents, 91 boxes of medical equipment, 16,400 water containers, 27 mobile toilets, 4 mobile showers, 8 sniffer dogs, a team of seismology experts and hydro engineers, medical teams, 8 work machines to Istanbul and Izmit areas.

More U.S. aid is expected to come on September 2 composed of 2,150 tents, 54 mobile tents, 4 diesel generators, 17 portable generators, 1 pressure washer.

In the meantime, People's Republic of China sent 1,000 water resistant tents, 10,000 blankets and 100 tons of humanitarian aid including medicine for quake victims. Chinese Red Crescent sent Turkish Red Crescent aid equipment worth of 60,000 U.S. dollars and Chinese Embassy in Ankara contributed by 40,000 U.S. dollars.

[08] PRIME MINISTRY CRISIS MANAGEMENT CENTER: - ''500,000 BARRELS OF CRUDE OIL GRANTED BY IRAQ STORED IN CEYHAN TERMINAL OF BOTAS AND STARTED TO BE PUMPED TO KIRIKKALE''

The Prime Ministry Crisis Management Center statement said that a field hospital sent by Norway started to serve the survivors in Golcuk while a field hospital sent by Czech Republic is expected to be set up again in Golcuk.

Emphasizing that there are not any problems in the energy production and transmission systems in the disaster zone, the statement noted that the 380- kilowatt Adapazari Transformer Center which attributes vital importance for the production of electricity in Turkey was repaired and started to produce electricity.

The statement stressed that the Red Crescent granted a total of 35,230 tents, 96,650 blankets, 2,000 sleeping bags, 22,100 kilograms of dried food, 29 portable kitchens, 2 mobile kitchens and four mobile hospitals having a bed capacity of 550.

Noting that 670 tons of oil and oil products which spread to the Marmara Sea was collected, the statement emphasized that the cleaning of the sea continues and that Turkey asked for the technical assistance of the World Bank for the cleaning up in the Marmara Sea and Turkish Petroleum Refineries Corp. (TUPRAS).

The statement said that the Directorate General of Provincial Bank approved three places in Adapazari and two places in Duzce which are suitable for settlement and started to carry out infrastructural works there; adding that a total of 19,848 buildings collapsed and 31,059 buildings are not suitable for settlement in the disaster area in accordance with the pre- estimations.

The statement noted that Thailand handed over nine tons of medical materials to the Turkish Airlines (THY) to be fetched to Turkey while Taiwan handed over 13.5 tons of aid to THY.

Noting that Turkey's Chief Consulate in New York said that the mosques which are bound to the Religious Affairs Department of the Consulate collected 33,000 U.S. dollars for the survivors, the statement stressed that the Colombus Foundation of Italy donated 25,000 U.S. dollars while American Jewish World Services granted 125,000 U.S. dollars to Turkey. The statement added that U.S. singer Scott Wilson granted 1462.50 U.S. dollars which he gained from his concert.

The statement emphasized that a total of 297 civilian and military planes, including 282 planes carrying humanitarian aid and rescue teams and 15 fire- extinguisher planes arrived in Turkey as of 8.30 a.m. on Monday.

The statement said that the northwestern parts of Turkey and the disaster zone will be under the effect of a new rainy weather as of Wednesday; adding that the rain is expected to be effective in the disaster zone and the north of Turkey until the weekend and that the temperatures will decrease to the seasonal normal temperatures.

[09] FOLEY, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE SPOKESMAN: - ''ALBRIGTH WANTS TO VISIT TURKEY VERY MUCH''

Staging a press conference, Foley noted that Albright wants to show that the U.S. will keep his promise to help Turkey in the following long term not only in such a tragical time.

Stressing that Albright can stop in Turkey in the end of her visit to the Middle East but that this has not become definite yet, Foley stated that the time will show whether or not Albright can stop in Turkey because she has to go to Asia after her visit to the Middle East but that Albright wishes to stop in Turkey.

Noting that Premier Bulent Ecevit will meet with U.S. President Bill Clinton on September 28, 1999 in the White House within the framework and official visit to Washington D.C., Foley stressed that the two leaders are expected to revise the dimensions of the bilateral relations and to discuss the effects of the quake.

Foley said that the U.S. can help Turkey in standing on her own feets and that this assistance covers the medium and long term economic needs of Turkey.

On the news saying that Turkey will ask for the U.S. Treasury guarantee in the selling of the earthquake bonds worth of five billion U.S. dollars, Foley noted that the U.S. takes into consideration different choices for the reconstruction of Turkey and that they will make their proposal more concerete in the following days but that they have not taken a decision about this issue yet.

Foley added that the U.S. provided aid worth of 8.8 million U.S. dollars to Turkey for the efforts to ease the pains of the major quake.

[10] U.S. NOT AGAINST IRAQI CRUDE OIL AID TO TURKEY

James Foley, the U.S. Department of State Spokesman, said that the U.S. is aware of the emergency humanitarian aid need of Turkey and that she is supporting Turkey for this issue.

Staging a press conference, Foley noted that the U.S. and the United Nations (U.N.) Sanctions Committee carried out joint efforts to determine whether or not the Iraqi aid to Turkey was within the framework of the embargo imposed on Iraq.

Foley stated that the Sanctions Committee will investigate the situation and will permit the aid if it considers the aid necessary.

Noting that this donation has been granted to Turkey after Turkey faced extraordinary conditions due to the quake, Foley stressed that this donation does not constitute an example for the future or any other transfers and that the U.S. and the U.N. Sanctions Committee carry out efforts to prevent the violation of the embargo imposed on Iraq.

[11] U.N. SHEDS GREEN LIGHT FOR IRAQI OIL AID TO TURKEY

The members of the Sanctions Committee reached a consensus to approve the oil aid of Iraq to Turkey if no countries object to the application by Wednesday evening.

The U.N. sources said that they do not expect any objection to the donation in accordance with the climate of the committee meeting.

Iraqi administration earlier announced that it would pump 500,000 barrels of crude oil worth of 10 million U.S. dollars to Turkey in five days and that the revenues from the selling of this oil would be distributed to the survivors by the Turkish Red Crescent.

The officials told A.A correspondent that the deadline for the countries to object to the donation will be over at about 7 p.m. on Wednesday. If none of the countries which are the member of the Committee object to the oil donation of Iraq, the application will be approved.

Then, the U.N. Sanctions Committee is expected to tell the Iraqi Programme Office that Iraq can pump the crude oil worth of ten million U.S. dollars to Turkey as an assistance for the survivors. Thus, the donation will gain a legal ground.

[12] PRESIDENT DEMIREL SENDS CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE TO KERIMOV, UZBEK PRESIDENT, FOR UZBEK NATIONAL DAY

The Presidential Press Center statement said that Demirel said in his message that he is pleased about the progress in Uzbekistan which was recorded in all fields in a short time.

The statement noted that Demirel congratulated the eight anniversary of the independence of Uzbekistan and that Turkey attributes importance to the relations with Uzbekistan.

The statement added that Turkey will continue her efforts of improving the ties between the two friendly nations with determination.

[13] PRIME MINISTRY CRISIS MANAGEMENT CENTER STATEMENT: - ''A TOTAL OF 19, 279 BUILDINGS COLLAPSED, 30,922 BUILDINGS ARE NOT SUITABLE FOR SETTLEMENT''

The Prime Ministry Crisis Management Center statement said that 1,008 technical personnel continue to carry out the damage assessment works in the region and that a total of 770 billion Turkish liras of emergency aid was sent to the region.

Emphasizing that a total of 3,226 work machines are carrying out efforts in the disaster zone, the statement noted that a total of 180 cargo vehicles have been allocated in the region.

The statement stressed that the Soil Products Office (TMO) and Directorate General of Agricultural Enterprises (TIGEM) sent 49 tons of rice, 100 tons of flour and 2 tons of cheese to the disaster zone.

Noting that 580,000 barrels of crude oil sent by Iraq was stored in the Ceyhan terminal of Oil Transportation Through Pipeline Corp. (BOTAS), the statement emphasized that the necessary instructions for pumping of the oil to the Kirikkale refinery was given.

The statement said that German, Saudi Arabia, Albania, China, Iran, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Algeria, Oman, South Korea, Singapore, Norway, United Arab Emirates, Greece and United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) continue to send aid to Turkey.

The statement noted that it will be rainy and partially cloudy in the disaster zone today.

[14] WORLD PEACE DAY - PRESIDENT DEMIREL: ''PRE-CONDITION OF INSTALLING PEACE IN WORLD IS SHARING JOY AND PAIN''

Issuing a message upon the World Peace Day, President Demirel stated that the whole humanity is preparing for a new millennium by the hope of a better world, adding ''all countries adopted the idea that 'all peoples are equal irrespective of their language, religion, colour and gender and they have the right to equally benefit from the sources in the world' by the Age of Enlightment. Besides the extraordinary progress recorded in science and technology have provided the usage of world sources for the prosperity and happiness of the humanity. Democracy, which respects basic rights and freedoms and which is based on the supremacy of law, is speading to all countries and becomes a standart. These are promising devlopments for the future of the humanity.''

Noting that the major earthquake which killed thousands of people in Turkey didn't only make Turkish people suffer, but it also effected all countries and peoples, President Demirel ''people from different countries and nations, states and international institutions mobilized their sources to help Turkey. We are grateful for these efforts and thank once again to all of our friends in the world.''

[15] PRESIDENT DENKTAS OF TRNC CAN MEET ANNAN, U.N. SECRETARY GENERAL IN U.S.

The diplomatic sources in Washington D.C. said that Denktas who is expected to arrive in Washington D.C. on Monday, will make a speech in the Center for Strategic And International Studies (CSIS).

Denktas will later proceed to New York to give a conference in the Middle East Institute and will probably meet with Annan there.

If Denktas and Annan meets each other, Denktas will express the ideas of the Turkish side on Cyprus and will request that the U.N. should not impose fait accompli about this issue.

The U.N. and the U.S. are carrying out efforts for a meeting between Denktas and Glafcos Clerides, the Greek Cypriot leader, in autumn.

However, Denktas has been saying that such a meeting will not have a meaning in case TRNC is not granted political equality and in case his confederation proposal is not discussed.

Clerides is said to have a meeting with Annan in the U.N. Headquarters on September 17, 1999.

[16] TURKISH-GREEK FRIENDSHIP AFTER MASSIVE QUAKE - GREEK EMBASSY IN ANKARA THANKS TURKISH CITIZENS

The Greek Embassy said in the notice published by some newspapers that ''it is impossible for us to separately thank all Turkish citizens, various institutions and representatives of firms who convey their gratitude to Greek diplomatic representatives in Turkey in various ways such as sending flowers, telegrams and messages due to the aids sent by the Greek government and nation for the quake victims in Turkey. Greek Embassy in Ankara expresses its thanks and most sincere wishes for everybody in Turkey.''

[17] AYSEV, TURKISH TENOR, TO DONATE REVENUE OF CONCERT IN GERMANY TO SURVIVORS OF QUAKE

Aysev who went to Germany as the guest of German government, will share the floor with German and U.S. opera singers.

Aysev told A.A correspondent that the German officials told them that they felt very sad about the quake disaster and invited him to participate in the concert.

Emphasizing that a special organization will be held for the survivors, Aysev said that the revenues of the concert he will give in Haken Opera House on September 3 will be granted to the disaster zone.

[18] U.S. SCIENTISTS START PREPARATION OF NEW GEOLOGICAL MAP OF DISASTER ZONE IN TURKEY

Joel Robinson, an expert from the U.S. Geological Researches Center, said that the video mapping system titled ''VMS 200'' is being used for the first time in the preparation of the fault map of Izmit and its surrounding.

Emphasizing that the technology of the human beings does not prevent the quakes, Robinson noted that they can determine the destruction in the layers of the soil by their researches.

Stressing that they can determine to which direction the fault cracks in the region proceed to and which soil layers are more resistant and which are more weaker to the quakes by the geological maps, Robinson stated that their maps can be useful in the reconstruction of the disaster zone.

Robinson added that the government and the municipalities can give correct geological information to the contractors who want to construct buildings in the disaster zone and that thus, the contractors can use appropriate materials in their constructions.

The monitoring of the VMS 200 puts forward the geological map of the region. When the monitoring of different regions is united, the unique map of the region will be gained.

[19] BULGARIAN RED CROSS SENDING THREE LORRIES OF MEDICINES AND TENTS FOR SURVIVORS

The Bulgarian Red Cross is sending three lorries carrying medicines, tents and disinfectants to the disaster zone to contribute to the efforts of easing the pains of the quake victims.

The lorries departed Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, today.

The Bulgarian Red Cross officials said that the aid sent to Turkey is worth of 68,000 German marks and that it will be handed over to the Red Crescent officials in Izmit not later than Thursday morning.

[20] SOUTHEAST EUROPEAN MULTINATIONAL PEACE FORCE - TURKEY TO ALLOCATE MILITARY UNITS TO PEACE FORCE

Secretariat General of General Staff said that Sabahattin Cakmakoglu, the National Defense Minister, General Edip Baser, the Deputy Chief of General Staff and the Director of General Staff's Planning and Operation Department will represent Turkey in the opening ceremony of the Peace Force, which was activated on Tuesday.

Besides a ceremony team of 25 persons from the Presidency Troop of Guardsmen will be ready in the ceremony.

Turkey allocates one mechanized infantry battalion, one reconnaissance company and one gunner battery for the Operation of Supporting Peace that will be performed by the resolutions of the United Nations (U.N) or Organization of Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).

In addition to Turkey; Albania, Bulgaria, Italy, Macedonia, Romania and Greece participate in the Peace Force and the U.S. and Slovenia participate as observors.

[21] MOLLAOGULLARI, DIRECTOR GENERAL OF TCDD: - ''A POSTPONEMENT IN THE ANKARA-ISTANBUL RAILWAY PROJECT IS OUT OF QUESTION''

Mollaogullari told A.A correspondent that the news saying that the rehabilitation project of Ankara-Istanbul railway is postponed is not correct.

Emphasizing that the initiatives for the tender of the project have been completed, Mollaogullari noted that the project will not be postponed and that a tender for the railway will be annonced in the following days.

When the project which will cost 237 million U.S. dollars is fulfilled, the trains will travel between Ankara and Istanbul in five hours.

[22] EIGTH TRUCKSLOAD OF HUMANITARIAN AID SENT TO TURKEY WITHIN FRAMEWORK OF CAMPAIGNS IN AUSTRIA

In the campaigns launched by the Austrian-Turkish Associations' Union, all radio and television channels called on people to make donations for quake victims.

The 8 trucksload of humanitarian aid including tents, medicine, portable toilets, beds, blankets, foodstuff, clothings, detergents, and disinfectants, were sent to Sakarya, Kocaeli and Yalova provinces.

[23] DENKTAS DUE TO THE U.S.

Addressing journalists, President Denktas said that he plans to go to Istanbul on September 3 to make observations in the disaster area, and then leave for the Washington D.C. on September 5.

Recalling that he is scheduled to hold contacts both in Washington D.C., and in New York, President Denktas stressed that if he can come together with Kofi Annan, Secretary General of the United Nations (U.N.), he plans to give information to him about the latest developments on the island.

President Denktas who is expected to arrive in Washington D.C. on September 6, will stage a press briefing on September 7.

He is scheduled to address two conferences in New York.

The first conference will be organized on September 8 by the Middle East Forum, and the second will be held on September 9 by the Foreign Relations Council.

[24] INTERNATIONAL COUNSELING INSTITUTION SALOMON SMITH BARNEY SAYS TURKEY HAS NO SERIOUS PROBLEM IN ITS PRIVATIZATION PROGRAMME

Salomon Smith Barney analysts told A.A that they did not think the quake would cause a major diversion in the country's privatization programme. They said, prior to the quake, IMF and World Bank did not expect a serious privatization from Turkey within this year. Turkey will spend this year and the first months of 2000 to form the financial and legal infrastructure of TUPRAS and other institutions which will be privatized, they said and added that Turkey would start a privatization movement in the middle of 2000. The delay in the privatization of TUPRAS, alongwith other energy related institutions, will not cause an economic loss, they also stressed.

According to Salamon Smith Barney and international credit rating institution Fitch-IBCA analysts, Turkey can get a credit worth of 8-10 billion U.S. dollars from IMF and World Bank within an integrated programme.

Turkey could get 3 to 5 billion U.S. dollar credit within the stand-by agreement from IMF and it could get 5 billion U.S. dollars credit from World Bank as structural adjustment loan (SAL).

World Bank, prior to the earthquake, proposed SAL credit for structural reforms and considering Turkey's need to restructure quake hit regions, Turkey could get a credit of 5 billion U.S. dolars or above from World Bank, the analysts noted.

[25] AKBULUT, PARLIAMENT SPEAKER STAGES A PRESS BRIEFING - AKBULUT: ''WE DECIDED TO LIMIT EXPENDITURES''

Staging a press briefing upon the end of the first legislation year of the 21st term, Akbulut stated that the parliament decided not to use the payments allocated for purchasing vehicles and to restrict expenditures.

Noting that the state, nation and many countries of the world try to overcome the damage and pain caused by the massive earthquake on August 17, Akbulut added that ''I hope God to protect our nation and the whole human world from similar disasters.''

[26] AKBULUT, PARLIAMENT SPEAKER STAGES A PRESS BRIEFING - ''I AM VERY SORRY ABOUT PARLIAMENT'S BECOMING A TARGET''

In his press briefing, Akbulut stated that ''certainly our press will express its views, proposals, and criticisms as being the inseparable part of our modern and democratic parliamentary regime. We won't refrain from criticizing ourselves from time to time. If we have mistakes, we will correct them. We'll do our best for our nation. But we should never forget the fact that we will all do these by the help of the parliament, which is the indispensable organ of the national sovereignty.''

Giving information about the activities of the first legislation year of the 21st term, which lasted for nearly 4 months, Akbulut said that the general assembly of the parliament held 59 sessions and 15,298 pages of minutes about these sessions were recorded, recalling that the parliament adopted two constitutional changes.

Noting that 285 bills and 240 decrees having the effect of law remaining from the prior term came before the parliament, Akbulut said that six of the bills were given back to the government, 69 of them were united and adopted as 64 laws. Akbulut added that 88 of them are on the agenda and 122 of them are at the agenda of the commissions.

Stressing that the parliament hosted two important meetings, Akbulut noted that these meetings contributed to improvement of relations with other parliaments.

Akbulut pointed out that efforts are underway to ensure all units in the parliament to correspond and work by computers, adding a group was formed to control the problem of ''2000 year'' in computers and they are about to finish their work.

[27] AKBULUT, PARLIAMENT SPEAKER STAGES A PRESS BRIEFING - AKBULUT: ''PARLIAMENT WILL DECIDE WHETHER OR NOT TO DISCUSS REPORTS OF INVESTIGATION COMMISSION''

Responding to questions of journalists in his press briefing, Akbulut said that the amnesty law was adopted by the compromise reached among the coalition parties, adding ''the compromise seems not to have satisfied the sides, but I don't have many things to say about the amnesty law which was adopted by a compromise. Presidential Office examines the issue in legal respect. If there is an objection, Mr. President can send the law to be re- discussed by the parliament.''

Recalling that 16 investigation commissions were set up in the prior legislation year, Akbulut pointed out that they didn't send the investigation files to the general assebmly not to prevent the heavy schedule of the parliament.

Responding to another question, Akbulut stated that there is a compensation case filed about the construction of the parliament hall but the amnesty law won't effect this case.

[28] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT RECEIVES DIRECTORS OF AKUT, SEARCH AND RESCUE TEAM

Addressing the meeting, Ecevit said, ''the government has decided to scrutinize overall laws regarded with settlement places, and with the inspection of building-sites. We have been negligent until now.

I suppose that no one inspects the buildings which he/she plans to purchase, except a few of them.''

Prime Minister Ecevit thanked members of the AKUT for their contribution in search and rescue works during recent cataclysms.

Stressing that the AKUT had strived to save lives in the last year's flood disaster, Ecevit said, ''As a civilian and voluntary organization, you have made a considerable contribution to our state and nation during these difficult days. You have also made clear that search and rescue works should be carried out on scientific bases. I congratulate you.''

Meanwhile, Nasuh Mahruki, Chairman of the AKUT, gave information about their works.

Stressing that their mission is to decrease the loss of life to minimum in such disasters, Mahruki added that they have been continuing training activities for three years to this end.

Mahruki said, ''The civilian defense teams in 4 provinces, are very professional. They are working so hard, but their number is insufficient. Even the U.S. could not cope with such a massive quake which hit a huge area. 50 personnel of the AKUT organized nearly 1,000 people in the disaster area.''

Mahruki who proposed several suggestions to Ecevit about making search and rescue efforts more effective, stressed that first-aid courses should be given in primary and high schools to prepare young generation for calamities.

Stressing that they aim at eastiblishing a center to convey their experiences to people, Mahruki noted, ''We can undertake training of people in first-aid.''

Ecevit underlined that AKUT's offers have sheded light on works of government on the issue, adding, ''the quake devastated Turkey's industrial heartland including nine provinces. For the first two days, transportation and telecommunication were cut off. After the first two days, successful search and rescue works were carried out with AKUT's precious contributions.''

Underlining the importance of official and civilian rescue teams in Turkey which takes place on an active fault line, Ecevit stressed that they will do their utmost to activate civilian defense teams in 80 provinces.

When asked about allegations claiming that no patients were sent to the U.S. hospital ships, Ecevit stressed that they did not receive any complaint about the issue from Mark Parris, the U.S. Ambasador to Turkey.

Meanwhile, Husamettin Ozkan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State, said that patients were sent to the ships.

[29] PATIENTS OF TURKISH DOCTOR IN U.S. START CAMPAIGN FOR QUAKE SURVIVORS

Joe Cabibbo, father of Mia Cabibbo, 16, who was operated by Prof. Kalayoglu and had a liver transplant in 1993, started the campaign. Capital Times, local newspaper of Wisconsin's Madison city, announced the campaign on its first page while local television channels also supported the campaign through special interviews.

''I was first surprised when I saw the announcement in a frame which said 'Friends of Dr.Kalayoglu, Help For Turkey Aid Fund'. Later, I found out that the father of one of my patients whom I performed a liver transplant gave the ad in the most popular newspaper of Madison, Capital Times,'' Dr. Kalayoglu said.

Through the efforts of local television channels and newspapers, the campaign also attracted the attention of people inhabiting outside Madison and Kalayoglu has been receiving hundreds of phone calls from people who wish to contribute to the fund.

[30] ITALIAN FOREIGN MINISTER DINI: - ''EU HAS TO REGAIN TURKEY WHICH IS A SIGNIFICANT MEDITERRANEAN COUNTRY''

Addressing a meeting which was held with the participation of Italian Ambassadors to several countries, Dini stressed that the EU cannot delay any more Turkey's status of candidacy.

Dini called on Italian Ambasadors to defend Turkey's candidacy.

Stressing that Turkey is a very important country for the EU, Dini underlined that Turkey should be included in EU's enlargement process.

Recalling that he will pay an official visit to Turkey on September 16 as the guest of Ismail Cem, Foreign Minister, Dini said his contacts in Turkey will focus on efforts to improve relations between the two countries which were damaged by the Ocalan affair.

[31] A TURKISH AND ISLAMIC MUSEUM TO BE OPENED IN HUNGARY

Laszlo Czoma, Director General of Kastell Museum, stressed that there are many historical works of arts belonged to the Ottoman Empire period in Hungary that had been under Ottoman rule for 150 years.

Czome noted that the museum where these works of art will be displayed, will also be enriched with Islamic works of art, and added that experts are studying on the project of the museum.

[32] MINISTER OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HOUSING, KORAY AYDIN ''COST OF PREFABRICATED RESIDENCES IS AROUND 80-85 TRILLION TURKISH LIRAS WITHOUT GETTING ANY HELP''

''We decided on a standard price in order to include all firms which are active in this field'', he said.

Aydin told reporters that quake survivors would be hosted temporarily at prefabricated apartments before they move to their permanent residences. All alternatives have been considered and his ministry started looking for a field to erect prefabricated buildings, the Minister added.

Provincial Bank General Directorate will form the infrastructure for these temporary settlements. The cost of 50,000 prefabricated residences will be around 80 to 85 trillion Turkish liras without getting any help and it will be met by the Disaster Fund.

The Minister called on businessmen to help the government build these apartments in order to complete this project in the shortest time possible.

[33] PRESIDENT DEMIREL: ''I WILL TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION REACTION OF PUBLIC OPINION ABOUT AMNESTY LAW''

Responding to questions of journalists, President Demirel stated that ''this is a democratic society. If the society reacts to an adopted law, this is very natural. This is open and talking society...This is also a state of law and there are rules of the state which is governed in accordance with them. However the reaction of the public is the most powerful power that operates this system.''

''Will you take this reaction into account?'' asked journalists to President Demirel who said that ''I said I would. However the supremacy of law is in question. If the rules of law are fully implemented, the reaction of the public opinion can't go beyond the state of law.''

When asked if he can send back the law, President Demirel said that ''wait today and tomorrow...My counselors are examing the law. Presidential Office is not the place to re-prepare the law. I am not a judge. President can only request the parliament to examine the law once again.''

President Demirel pointed out that the parliament adopted the amnesty bill and he examines the law now.

Responding to a question about the social security law, President Demirel said that ''I've also that on my agenda. We all examine them. Under Articles 89 and 104 of the Constitution, the President can send back the laws submitted to him by the parliament. This is obligation of the President.''

Noting that if Turkey had two parliaments such kind of issues would be easier, President Demirel said that ''the senate would give a decision and the parliament could discuss the issue again. That was the use of the senate. When the senate was abolished, either the President or the Constitutional Court had the obligation to fulfil this duty.''

[34] VERHEUGEN, MEMBER OF EU COMMISSION - ''TURKEY IS A PART OF EU'S ENLARGEMENT PROCESS''

Addressing the Foreign Affairs Commission, Verheugen, the member responsible for the enlargement process and Turkey file, said that

Turkey had thought that she was discriminated at the Luxembourg Summit.

He added that issues such as changing the decision taken at the Luxembourg Summit, and granting Turkey status of candidacy are on the agenda of the Helsinki Summit.

Stressing that he defends Turkey's candidacy, Verheugen pointed out that only EU candidacy can accelerate the reform process in Turkey.

Verheugen said that if the EU wants a democratic, westernized, and stable Turkey, it should assume a fair and stable attitude against Turkey.

[35] ATACANLI, FM DEPUTY SPOKESMAN: ''WE WISH INDEPENDENT STATEMENTS SUPPORTING TURKEY'S EU MEMBERSHIP TO TURN INTO AN OFFICIAL AND COMMON DECISION OF EU''

Addressing a weekly press briefing, Atacanlı said that ''we hope independent statements to turn into an official and common decision of the EU.''

''Recently there have been statements of many EU member states, which are our friends and which supported the idea of opening the way for Turkey's relations with the EU,'' said Atacanlı, recalling that many countries such as Italy, France and Germany explained similar views within this framework.

Reminding that the foreign ministers of the EU will come together in an unofficial meeting this weekend, Atacanlı said that the Foreign Ministry closely monitors the developments.

[36] MINISTER OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HOUSING, KORAY AYDIN ''WE WILL TAKE EVERY STEP CORRECTLY'' ''WE ARE STARTING TO CONTACT WITH FIRMS TOMORROW''

''We will take positive steps towards a clean society. This is the reason why we are very sensitive on this matter. We will take our each step correctly,'' Aydin said. The Minister noted that equipments produced by all firms who are active in this field have been included in technical specifications.

''We will start contacting with firms and signing agreements tomorrow. We have already inspected all firms one by one. We know their capacity and what they could do. We will compare their proposals with our information about them and agree on a certain figure with them,'' Aydin said but declined to announce the names of the firms.

The Minister pointed out that there was no need to build prefabricated apartments in Istanbul and said that about 1,000 apartments of Disaster Affairs General Directorate could be opened for people who need housing, even permanently.

The prefabricated apartments will be completed before the end of November.

There is a need for 35-50 thousand apartments and Ministers Council is thinking on different alternatives to pull this number down, Aydin said. Other alternatives are placing civil servants and their families who suffered losses at various camps or opening a refugee settlement which could host 1,000 to quake victims.

Temporary prefabricated buildings will be erected in areas close to city center. These buildings could also be used in the future.

Aydin told reporters that Provincial Bank was a specialized institution and had sufficient resources to form the infrastructure.

Responding to a question about heating of these residences, Aydin said they would bring a solution to this issue at a meeting on Thursday.

Quake victims will also be provided some furniture. Istikbal Firm will donate 10,000 beds and with contributions coming from other companies, they will have sufficient number of beds.

When asked if the new prefabricated buildings would cause any environmental pollution, the Minister assured that no trees would be cut during the construction and the ministry would follow an environmentalist policy.

A big part of damage assessment works will be completed till this weekend and the results will be announced in the beginning of next week.

Disaster Affairs General Directorate was not late to respond, but it had to wait until the rescue operations were over, Aydin stressed upon a question.

The Minister declined to answer a question on Mass Housing Administration's (TOKI) activities.

When asked if any measures were taken against a possible landslide in quake struck regions, Aydin said landslide risk was present in many regions of Turkey, not only in disaster areas, and added that they did not receive any demands in this field.

[37] FOREIGN AID TO DISASTER AREA

Addressing the weekly press conference, Sermet Atacanli, Deputy Spokesman of the Foreign Ministry, said that 17 more planes are expected to arrive in Turkey in the coming days.

Atacanli recalled that the Foreign Ministry, has launched urgent initiatives following the cataclysmic quake on August 17, and gave information to journalists about the activities of the ministry.

Reminding that a crisis coordination council was set up under the chairmanship of Korkmaz Haktanir, Undersecretary of the Foreign Ministry, to contribute to the search and rescue, and relief avtivities, Atacanli stressed that within this framework, the ministry sent directions to all Turkish representations abroad to provide arrival of specialized teams to Turkey.

Atacanli told reporters that the ministry also issued statements for the Directorate General of Security, and the Directorate General of Customs, and requested help for all foreign teams and humanitarian aid to be dispatched to the disaster area.

Noting that Foreign Ministry officials have also been charged at the Ataturk Airport, and in Izmit, Adapazari, and Yalova provinces, Atacanli said that they have also a representative in the Prime Ministry Crisis Management Center.

Atacanli said, ''A total of 307 planes have arrived in Turkey as of September 1. 292 of these planes were carrying humanitarian aid and search and rescue teams, and 15 others were carrying fire-fighting teams. We expect 17 more planes to arrive in Turkey in the coming days.''

Recalling that a total of 70 countries have dispatched aid in a bid to assist Turkey to overcome deadly result of the quake, Atacanli added, ''We are gratefull to all countries and international organizations which did not leave Turkey alone in days of calamity. The Turkish nation will always remember their friendship, and their warm and affectionate efforts.''

Stressing that foreign search and rescue teams have saved many lives in disaster area with their self-sacrifice, Atacanli noted that they will send special silver plates to the member of foreign teams as a sign of Turkey's gratification. ''Alongside the plate will be sent a letter expressing our gratefulness and an invitation for them and their families to spend a holiday as the guest of the Tourism Ministry,'' he added.

Atacanli told reporters that urgent need lists were sent to the Turkish representations abroad.

The list includes tents, prefabricated houses, contaniers which can be used as house, sheets, medical supplies, first-aid equipment, mobile clinics, generators, satellite communication systems, blood transfer devices, jeeps, dumper trucks, ambulances, orthopedic equipment, and work machineries.

[38] MINISTER OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HOUSING, KORAY AYDIN ''EVERY UNIT OF PREFABRICATED BUILDINGS WILL COST 1,5 BILLION TURKISH LIRAS''

Aydin told reporters that the Council of Ministers decided on three stages of housing for quake victims; tent cities, temporary and permanent housing.

Setting up of tent cities has been almost completed and now the second step is to place these people in quake resistant temporary residences before the winter, he explained.

Provincial Bank will be in charge of building the infrastructure of temporary prefabricated buildings.

To avoid disagreements, prefabricated buildings were planned as two twin units each measuring 30 squaremeters. Technical specifications and unit prices have been also agreed on. Each unit will cost 1,5 billion Turkish Liras. They agreed on a standard price to offer equal opportunity to all firms active in this field.

Koray Aydin called on all institutions, associations and individuals who want to contribute to the construction of these temporary settlements in order to lessen the government's burden.

[39] FOREIGN AID TO DISASTER AREA

Addressing the weekly press conference, Atacanli said, ''A total of 23,296 tents have been provided through Turkish representations abroad in a bid to help quake victims' need for temporary shelters. 16,395 of these tents have been sent to Turkey so far.''

Recalling that the Foreign Ministry has also provided nearly 25 thousand tents from abroad as donation, Atacanli told reporters that several countries have pledged to send 16 thousand more tents to the disaster area.

Noting that ministry is also striving to provide prefabricated houses, Atacanli said that within this framework, many countries have promised to dispatch 15 thousand prefabricated houses to Turkey.

Atacanli added, ''A total of 244 billion 667 million 435 thousand 564 Turkish liras, 739 thousand 365 U.S. dollars, and 397 thousand 376 German marks have been collected in bank accounts opened by the Foreign Ministry, as of August 31.''

Pointing out that a delegation headed by Kormaz Haktanir, the Undersecretary of Foreign Ministry, visited the disaster area on Sunday, Atacanli recalled that Haktanir is still in the region.

Responding to criticisms against the efforts of the ministry, Atacanli said, ''This allegations are not right. We have been working hard since we heard about the quake. We want to meet journalists who claimed that the Foreign Ministry is sleeping, with our staff who have been working without sleeping.''

Responding to a question, Atacanli referred to the decision of the Iraqi government to send Turkey free oil worth of 10 million U.S. dollars, and said that there was any problem about Iraq's offer, and Turkey does not make any differentiation regarding foreign aid.

Recalling that many countries have offered aid to Turkey in the wake of the devastating quake, Atacanli said, ''we stated that we do not make any discrimination about the issue of aid principally. We are gratefull to all countries and international organizations which did not leave Turkey alone in days of calamity. The Turkish nation will always remember their friendship, and their warm and affectionate efforts. We thanked to Iraq for her offer, and accepted it. Process of pumping oil from Iraq to Turkey, is about to end soon. We have informed the United Nations Sanctions Committee about Iraq's offer. There is no problem about the issue.''

When reminded the news reports claiming that no patients were sent to the U.S. hospital ship which has cast anchor in Golcuk,

Atacanli told reporters, ''I have no detailed information about the latest situation in the region, but there is no any disagreement. If there is a need and if there is an organization to meet this need, there is no reason of not asking this organization for help.''

[40] FOREIGN MINISTER CEM IN LONDON

Cem is expected to receive prominent editors and columnists of several British newspapers later today.

He will first come together with Sir David Hannay, British Special Representative for Cyprus, tomorrow.

Then, he is scheduled to meet with Robin Cook, British Secretary of Foreign Affairs. Mr. Cook will host a luncheon in honour of Cem following the meeting.

Cem who is expected to stage a press conference at the Turkish Embassy in London, will also come together with George Robertson, British Secretary of Defense later on Thursday.

Meanwhile, Cem will address a seminar on ''Capital Markets and Investment in Turkey'' on Friday.

He is expected to return to Turkey the same day.

[41] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT RECEIVES SURDO, ITALIAN AMBASSADOR TO TURKEY - SURDO: ''ECEVIT THANKED FOR DINI'S STATEMENTS''

Addressing to the Italian ANSA news agency after his meeting with Premier Ecevit the same morning, Surdo said that ''Premier Ecevit also thanked for the concern and aid of Italy following the massive earthquake that hit Turkey.''

Noting that the visit of the Italian Foreign Minister Dini's visit to Turkey on September 16 has also come to the agenda of the meeting, Sudo said that an old credit worth of 38 billion Italian liras of the Italian government for Turkey is still valid, adding this money will be useful for reconstruction efforts in Turkey.

Meanwhile it is reported that Surdo will proceed to Izmit province on Thursday and visit the third tent built by Italy for 400 persons.

[42] VERHEUGEN, MEMBER OF EU COMMISSION ''RESULTS OF HELSINKI SUMMIT WILL DETERMINE THE FUTURE OF DIALOGUE WITH TURKEY''

Addressing the Foreign Affairs Commission of the European Parliament, Verheugen explained his views in sum to the deputies asking his attitude about Turkey as follows:

''Turkey is a part of the EU's enlargement process. If this decision was not taken, the file about Turkey wouldn't be given to me. Turkey had the feeling that a discrimination was made against herself during the Luxembourg Summit. Now changing Luxembourg decision and giving status of candidacy to Turkey in Helsinki summit are at the agenda. I favour such a decision to be taken. Only by this way, the process of reform in Turkey can speed up. We have to give her a perspective which is equal to the ones given to other candidates.''

Responding to additional questions of certain deputies, Verheugen said that ''the issue of Turkey is very important. I was expecting your questions and I was prepared. If Turkey joins the train of candidates, this does not mean that we will provide special easiness to this country. Turkey is still remote to the criteria of Copenhagen, but a new element has been that Turkish President told German Chancellor that Turkey accepted and want to respect these criteria. Negotiations for full membership will start when these words enter into force.''

Verheugen went on saying that ''we are discussing an issue which concerns the future of Europe. I warn you not to look down on the dimensions of this issue. Do we want Turkey among us if she accepts to abide with the criteria? Do we want to give a realistic perspective to this country? When Kohl met Mesut Yılmaz in 1997, he told that Turkey had a vocation for Europe. He was right. We must determine the way we will follow towards Turkey. Will we deceive Turkey, or give a chance to her by opening the doors?''

Responding to questions about the southeastern problem, Verheugen said that ''we have a hope of dialogue with Turkey regarding this important issue. Luxembourg Summit caused breaking off political dialogue with Turkey. Turkey reacted to that thinking a discrimination was made against her. In this case, resuming dialogue with Turkey depends on the results of Helsinki Summit. There are important changes in Turkey, problems are being discussed. We have to think what will be the political results of the earthquake disaster. The solidarity shown by European countries to Turkey has been more than expected. This is an encouraging point. After the quake a debate on the system has started in Turkey and this can bring a new and interesting process, we have to also support the cautious approachment between Turkey and Greece. We have to wait, but if we want to speak with Turkey, the ways of dialogue have to be opened.''

Responding to a question, Verheugen said that he favours the sides on Cyprus to sit around a negotiation table for the solution of the problem, adding the inclusion of the Greek Cypriot side among the EU candidates can ease the solution of this problem and the EU has to contribute to search for a compromise on the island. However he stressed that as long as the problem on the island is not solved, the full membership of the Greek Cypriot side will cause problems.

Upon the words of a Greek deputy who was annoyed by him, Verheugen said that ''the last word will be said by the Commission or the Parliament regarding the issue of enlargement. As long as the problem is not solved on Cyprus, there are states who oppose the full membership.''

''We also expect Turkey to be productive and positive towards her neighbours,'' added Verheugen.

A.A

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