Anadolu Agency: News in English, 99-09-05

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AA Daily

05 Sept 1999 Sunday

CONTENTS

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

[02] ''SAROS-99'' MANOEUVRES TO BE STAGED BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 8 AND 17

[03] EU FOREIGN MINISTERS' MEETING - GREECE NOT TO OBJECT TO EUROPEAN INVESTMENT BANK'S LOW-INTEREST LOAN OF 750 MILLION EURO TO TURKEY

[04] TALKS WITH WORLD BANK AND IMF INDEXED TO EARTHQUAKE - IMF DELEGATION TO COME TO TURKEY ON SEPTEMBER 8

[05] EU COMMISSION: ''CEM WILL BE INVITED TO COUNCIL MEETINGS''

[06] EU COUNCIL MEETING - FISCHER, GERMAN FOREIGN MINISTER: - ''CEM WILL BE INVITED TO BRUSSELS ON SEPTEMBER 13''

[07] EU COUNCIL MEETING - VEDRINE, FRENCH FOREIGN MINISTER: - ''TURKEY SHOULD BE GIVEN UNCONDITIONAL CANDIDACY STATUS''

[08] EU COUNCIL MEETING - MATUTES, SPANISH FOREIGN MINISTER: - ''TURKEY'S CANDIDACY SHOULD BE DECLARED''

[09] TRNC PRESIDENT DENKTAS LEAVES FOR U.S. - DENKTAS: ''WE DEFEND A RIGHTFUL CASE AND DEFEND THE CONCEPT THAT PEACE CAN'T BE BUILT ON INJUSTICE''

[10] FOREIGN MINISTER CEM: - ''MEETING IN FINLAND WAS NOT A MEETING AIMED AT TAKING DECISIONS''

[11] AID CAMPAIGN OF ISNA

[12] EU COUNCIL MEETING - EU TERM PRESIDENCY: - ''EVERYONE IS IN FAVOUR OF IMPROVEMENT OF RELATIONS BETWEEN TURKEY AND THE EU''

[13] JOINT PRESS CONFERENCE OF ALBRIGHT AND CEM

[14] JOINT PRESS CONFERENCE OF ALBRIGHT AND CEM

[15] JOINT PRESS CONFERENCE OF ALBRIGHT AND CEM

[16] PAPANDREU, GREEK FM: - ''WE HAVE TO WORK TOGETHER WITH ANKARA'' - ''WE WANT TO SEE A EU-MEMBER TURKEY''

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

HURRIYET (LIBERAL) ECEVIT: ''SOME CIRCLES MADE UNJUST ACCUSATIONS ON ARMY''
Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said that some circles, who have exploited the region since the earthquake disaster, made very unjust accusations on the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK). Ecevit said, ''this had aimed at harming an institution for which people attach great importance. Reaction of Mr. Chief of General Staff was very rightful. TSK contributed to search-rescue operations and works to haul away the rubble with a great force shortly after the earthquake.'

ALBRIGHT, THE U.S. SECRETARY OF STATE, DUE IN TURKEY
Madeleine Albright, the U.S. Secretary of State, is expected to pay a visit to Turkey later today. The Foreign Ministry noted that Albright is expected to arrive at the Ataturk Airport at 15:00 local time on Sunday. Albright will hold talks with Ismail Cem, Foreign Minister, and later make observations in the disaster area which was devastated by a 7.4-magnitude quake on August 17. Albright and Cem are expected to stage a press conference at 17:30 local time at the Ataturk Airport in Istanbul. Albright will depart Turkey following the press conference.

MILLIYET (LIBERAL) AFTERSHOCKS CONTINUE
A total of 14 aftershocks measuring between 2.9 and 4.2 on the Richter scale, continued to shake the disaster area between 01:16 local time and 21:30 local time on Sunday.

SABAH (LIBERAL)

ATHENS SHEDS GREEN LIGHT FOR TURKEY
Greece accepted Turkey's candidacy to the European Union for the first time at the EU foreign ministers' unofficial meeting in Finland. Greece also adopted the financial aid to Turkey. Yorgo Papandreu, Greek Foreign Minister, said that Turkey and Greece have come closer in the wake of the devastating quake disaster in Marmara region. He added that this will also be reflected to the EU Council.

CUMHURIYET (LEFT)

SOLDIERS ARE DETERMINED
General Huseyin Kivrikoglu, the Chief of General Staff, stressed that ''the February 28 process will continue till the threat of fundamentalism ends.'' Reminding the laws that couldn't be adopted, the General oriented the attraction towards the government and parliament. Noting that four of the 18 decisions which were taken on February 28, 1997, were implemented, Kivrikoglu pointed out the political structure of the Supreme Board of Radio and Television (RTUK) which failed in banning especially fundamentalist broadcasts.

Emphasizing that the representative of the banned Welfare Party (RP) continues his membership to the RTUK although the RP was closed, the General stressed the importance of the amendments to the RTUK Law.

Requesting the parliament to put into effect the concerned laws, Kivrikoglu recalled that the parliament will resume its performances in October. The parliament approved the laws foreseeing that the compulsory education should be eight years, the distance of a mosque to another mosque should be at least 1,800 metres, the Religious Affairs will be the only authority to control the mosques and the State Supervision Committee will be the only authority to control the foundations.

RADIKAL (LEFT)

DEATH TOLL SURPASSES 15 THOUSAND
Prime Ministry Crisis Management Center stated that the death toll surpassed 15,078, and the number of injured people who are under medical treatment at the hospitals, increased to 23,984 as of 20:00 local time on Saturday.

TÜRKİYE (RIGHT)

THOUSANDS OF PRISONERS DISAPPOINTED
The coalition partners are once again working on the ''Amnesty Law'' that was vetoed by President Suleyman Demirel. Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit announced that the law will be discussed again in October.

EYES ON ATHENS
A critical day for relations with the EU. A detente is expected in Greece's policy towards Turkey's membership candidacy and funds.

U.S. SECRETARY OF STATE TO COME
Madeleine Albright, the U.S. Secretary of State, who will due in Turkey to make observations in the earthquake disaster area, will leave Turkey after holding a meeting with Foreign Minister Ismail Cem.

NEW ALLEGATION FROM IRAN
The Iranian press claimed that two people were killed when the Turkish soldiers opened fire on the Iranian territories.

ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)

-The U.S. will be guarantor state on Cyprus.

-The armies of sides on the island will be abrogated.

-Maras will be returned to the Greek Cypriot side.

-Joint currency will be adopted.

-There will be only one foreign minister on the island.

TENSION ESCALATES IN PRISONS
Tension which escalated after President Suleyman Demirel vetoed the Amnesty Law, continued. A total of 250 prisoners in Bayrampasa, Ulucanlar, Bartin, Umraniye, and Canakkale prisons, refused the counting proceedings yesterday.

[02] ''SAROS-99'' MANOEUVRES TO BE STAGED BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 8 AND 17

The Naval Forces Commandership issued a written statement saying that the ''Saros-99'', which is one of the concerted manoeuvres of the Naval Forces, will be staged in Central and Northern Aegean, Doganbey and Saros regions with the participation of Turkish, British and the U.S. naval and land elements.

The manoeuvres, which will start with the departure of vessels from the Golcuk and Foca Bases on September 8, will be concluded with the return of vessels to their bases on September 17.

The Fleet Commandership's frigates namely TCG Ege and TCG Oruc Reis, submarine namely TCG Batiray, assault boats namely TCG Sahin, TCG Atmaca, TCG Kartal; The Landing Fleet Commandership's landing ships namely TCG Serdar, TCG C-142, TCG C-145, TCG C-146, TCG C-147, and Maritime Infantry units will join the manoeuvres.

Besides, helicopters of the Land Forces Commandership, the Mechanized Infantry Squadron, the Air Forces' F-16 and F-4 war planes, and the U.S. and British warships and infantry naval units will participate in the manoeuvres.

[03] EU FOREIGN MINISTERS' MEETING - GREECE NOT TO OBJECT TO EUROPEAN INVESTMENT BANK'S LOW-INTEREST LOAN OF 750 MILLION EURO TO TURKEY

Addressing a press conference, Papandreu added that they will also offer to give a ''road map'' to Turkey in addition to the candidacy status.

Recalling that a dialogue process has begun between Ankara and Athens on certain issues, Papandreu noted that they have relegated political problems, and given priority to humanitarian aid in the wake of the quake disaster.

Underlining the importance of solidarity between Greek and Turkish people, Papandreu pointed out that the civil defense organizations in Greece call them every day to offer their assistance.

Papandreu told the reporters that the Greek search and rescue teams which had rushed to disaster zone to participate in efforts, were welcomed with a great hospitality, adding that messages of two nations are very significant for politicians.

Noting, ''Athens wants to launch a new initiative to ease relations between Turkey and the EU. We will not object any more to the European Investment Bank's low-interest loan of 750 million Euros to Turkey. Also, we will not oppose to the development fund aid of 150 million Euros which was blocked at the European Parliament,'' Papandreu emphasized that they hope their attitude will bring a new dynamism into relations between Turkey and the EU.

Claiming that Greece wants to see a westernized Turkey more than any other EU countries, Papandreu said that the two sides have many things to do in future.

Stressing that Turkey can become a candidate country to the EU by a concrete decision which will be taken at the Helsinki summit,

Papandreu added that they will offer a road map including human rights issue, and Cyprus question.

Papandreu told the reporters that he had held talks with Ismail Cem, Foreign Minister, to convey his opinions.

The EU Council will take up its approach towards Turkey on Sunday.

Diplomatic sources in Saariselka said that Turkey will not possibly accept the road map which was not given to other canditate countries.

The same sources defended that the road map is a new kind of discrimination.

[04] TALKS WITH WORLD BANK AND IMF INDEXED TO EARTHQUAKE - IMF DELEGATION TO COME TO TURKEY ON SEPTEMBER 8

The CAS talks, which started with the World Bank in July, were postponed due to the earthquake while the talks mainly focused on aid and reconstruction.

Officials say the World Bank has an aid model within framework of the aid to Erzincan so it will act in accordance with that model regarding the Marmara quake.

Noting that the talks with the World Bank on the Structural Accordance Loans (SAL) can start in October, officals recall that the talks with the IMF on the Stand-By can also start in October.

Meanwhile, it was mentioned that the IMF delegation led by Carlo Cottarelli, the IMF's Turkey Desk Chief who will come to Turkey on September 8, will stay in Turkey for one week.

The IMF targets to hold contacts on the ''Urgent Aid Loan'' that was planned to be extended to Turkey within the framework of the quake that hit the Marmara Region.

The IMF, which earlier aimed at giving a 325 million U.S. dollars aid to Turkey equalling one-fourth of Turkey's quota, may increase this amount to 650 million U.S. dollars following the talks.

It was also mentioned that the World Bank's quake aid, which was annuonced as 300 million U.S. dollars, can exceed 500 million U.S. dollars.

[05] EU COMMISSION: ''CEM WILL BE INVITED TO COUNCIL MEETINGS''

Addressing a press briefing, Wegter stressed that the EU has shed green light to the financial aid worth of 30 million Euros to Turkey in addition to 4 million Euros which was given by the Humanitarian Aid Fund (ECHO) in the wake of the quake disaster.

Wegter told reporters that the decision will be approved in the official council meeting which will be held in Brussels next week.

Wegter stressed that they have assumed a joint attitude to launch initiatives to release financial aid worth of 150 million Euros which was offered to give Turkey in 1998 from the development fund allocated to the developing countries, but postponed at the European Parliament.

Recalling that the EU has a commitment of Financial Protocol worth of 375 million Euros within scope of the Customs Union, Wegter said, ''the Financial Protocol remains blocked.''

Noting that they have to wait for the Turkey report which will be issued by the EU Commission under chairmanship of Romano Prodi, Wegter said, ''Ankara did not join the European Conference which was established for the participation of Turkey. It is not known whether or not this formation will preserve its existence.''

Reminding that works are underway for the European Investment Bank's low- interest loan of 600 million Euros, Wegter told reporters that financial aid worth of 750 million Euros which was envisaged in the past for the infrastructure, but blocked later, has remained postponed.

Stressing that the relations between Turkey and Greece have been improving, Wegter said that Turkey has recorded significant progress, and added that the exclusion of the military prosecutor from the State Security Court (DGM) was the best example of this progress.

Wegter also claimed that if the capital punishment given to Abdullah Ocalan, head of the terrorist organization PKK, will not be carried out, this will make a positive effect on the EU.

When asked about the road map offered by Greece, Wegter noted that he has not received a detailed information about content of the road map.

[06] EU COUNCIL MEETING - FISCHER, GERMAN FOREIGN MINISTER: - ''CEM WILL BE INVITED TO BRUSSELS ON SEPTEMBER 13''

Staging a press briefing, Joscka Fischer, the German Foreign Minister, said that Ismail Cem, Foreign Minister, will be invited to

Brussels to attend the EU Council meeting on September 13.

Underlining the importance of improving relations between Turkey and Greece, Fischer told reporters that Greece thinks to release the Financial Protocol within scope of the Customs Union.

Stressing that Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit's letter to German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder included a realistic and positive approach, Fischer noted that this approach will play an important role in further improvement of relations.

Pointing out that they have showed understanding towards Turkey's approach, Fischer also added that Turkey's candidacy status will be on agenda of the Helsinki Summit which will be held in December.

[07] EU COUNCIL MEETING - VEDRINE, FRENCH FOREIGN MINISTER: - ''TURKEY SHOULD BE GIVEN UNCONDITIONAL CANDIDACY STATUS''

Addressing a press briefing, Vedrine said, ''There are two separate approaches towards Turkey. Some countries offered that Turkey should be given a list of pre-conditions called as ''road map'', and then granted candidacy status. Others defended that Turkey shold be given unconditional candidacy status first.''

Stressing that France is in the latter group, Vedrine said when the issue of Turkey's candidacy was brought onto agenda of meetings it is impossible to speak due to difference of opinions.

Vedrine underlined that reason and consistency require acceptance of Turkey's candidacy.

Noting that the idea of submitting a road map to Turkey will lead to controversy, Vedrine said Sweden is among the countries having a negative approach towards Turkey.

Pointing out that Finland, term president of the EU, will maintain works to determine an attitude till the Helsinki Summit,

Vedrine told reporters that Paris Administration defends not to discriminate Turkey.

[08] EU COUNCIL MEETING - MATUTES, SPANISH FOREIGN MINISTER: - ''TURKEY'S CANDIDACY SHOULD BE DECLARED''

Addressing a press briefing after the European Union (EU) foreign ministers' unofficial meeting in Finland, Matutes said, ''a new period has begun in relations between Turkey and the EU. Relations between Turkey and Greece have also started to improve.''

Stressing that Spain wants the EU not to disciriminate among the candidate countries, Matutes told reporters that all candidates should be given equal chances, and added that those which conclude the criteria first, can become members to the EU.

Meanwhile, it was reported that Sweden and Denmark are among the countries having negative approach to give Turkey unconditional candidacy status.

[09] TRNC PRESIDENT DENKTAS LEAVES FOR U.S. - DENKTAS: ''WE DEFEND A RIGHTFUL CASE AND DEFEND THE CONCEPT THAT PEACE CAN'T BE BUILT ON INJUSTICE''

TRNC President Rauf Denktas left for the U.S. to hold contacts on Cyprus question.

Speaking to reporters at the Ataturk Airport State Guesthouse prior to his departure, Denktas said he will explain the Turkish side's policy for the current situation of the Cyprus question.

''We are defending a rightful case and defending the concept that peace can't be built on injustice,'' he said.

Stressing that the Turkish Cypriots have been treated unjustly for 36 years and referring to the expression of ''Greek-Cypriot'' as a legal government makes the solution difficult, Denktas said, ''as Clerides openly said that he consented to inter-communal talks for tactical purposes, and the aim of his tactic is to show the Turkish side was unwilling to come to an agreement by saying 'yes' to everything to which the Turkish side says 'no', otherwise, he doesn't believe in things like federation, and there is not a government in the northern part of the island but as the whole world calls them (the Cypriot government) how we can expect them to say they are not the (Cypriot government). Since that time, we have said that spending time at the inter-communal negotiation table became useless and we can talk only from state to state, and we insist on these. Also Turkey supported this policy.''

Noting that there is not a thing completely inappropriate to the interests of the U.S. who is determined in solving the Cyprus question, Denktas said, ''what we expect from U.S. President Bill Clinton is to put forward what he said few years ago. He had said that there are two owners on Cyprus, the Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots. As there are two owners, the 1960 Agreement was a partnership agreement. The Greek Cypriots destroyed the principles of this agreement. They attacked to change the Greek Cypriot administration into Cyprus government but they failed. If Mr. Clinton sees these realities, makes the Greek Cypriot accept these and asks them how they can call them the government of the Turkish Cypriots on the basis of which law, agreement and right, than there is nothing that the Greek Cypriots can explain. Thus Mr. Clinton has to say to the Greek Cypriots that he can't allow such an injustice. We want them to accept us as a democratic state as the Greek Cypriot side, and want the negotiations to start after this. If they do this, the Cyprus question can be solved in 3-5 months. Thus we are going to the U.S. to explain this.''

Stating that some mass media organs are talking about a U.S. plan but they did not receive such a plan or proposal, the TRNC President said, ''the Cyprus question will be solved by the agreement of the two owners in the issues of how they will arrange their properties and how they will cooperate, not by external plans. The Cyprus question can't be solved by external things that are not based on realities.''

Pointing out that he reiterated his proposal he put forward on August 31, Denktas said, ''we talk about confederation. We talk about an agreement based on two states. This is the law and realism. A compromise can't be reached without these.''

When asked what kind of an attitude they would follow if they recieve a pressure for the acceptance of the package claimed to be prepared by the U.S., Denktas said, ''the side to put pressure has to give something to the side it will put pressure on. The U.S. is not the side which protects and secures us. The U.S. has been treating us unjustly for 36 years by accepting the Greek Cypriots as a government. First of all, they have to give up this injustice to make us trust in them. We want this. Pressure can't be put on us because we don't have any receivables from anybody.''

Later, TRNC President Rauf Denktas left for the U.S.

[10] FOREIGN MINISTER CEM: - ''MEETING IN FINLAND WAS NOT A MEETING AIMED AT TAKING DECISIONS''

Addressing journalists at the Ataturk Airport, Cem said that the main target of the meeting was to form decisions which will be discussed at the Helsinki Summit.

Recalling that the there were three main topics on the agenda of the meeting, Cem told reporters, ''One of them was to provide bank loans to Turkey in the wake of the quake disaster. I want to tell you that the EU has made a considerable contribution to Turkey to this end. What is important now is to meet our needs in the long term. The good will approach of the EU continues towards Turkey.''

''The second issue was related with the commitments which the EU has not fulfilled yet. This is not connected with the humanitarian aid. From time to time, we were told that one certain member country vetoed the aid to Turkey. But as I said before, this problem is between Turkey and the EU. I suppose that works are underway to record progress on the issue. The Greek Foreign Minister also mentioned this. I hope they will solve this problem, '' Cem said.

''The third issue was about the candidacy status. It was understood that the Helsinki Summit will seek a solution,'' Cem added.

Stressing that Turkey's approach on the issue is clear and obvious, Cem said, ''we want the same criteria with the other other candidate countries.''

Noting that Turkey is aware that the full membership to the EU requires completion of a certain process, Cem said, ''There is not need for great expectations. Our candidacy process is turning into a natural proceeding. If this process is realized, it will be benefical for both the EU and Turkey.''

When asked, ''Will the financial damage in the Turkish economy stemmed from the quake disaster, be influencial on Turkey's economic commitment for the full membership to the EU?'' Cem told reporters, ''This is not in question for the time being. Our greatest loss is the loss of lives. Turkey will overcome the economic losses.''

[11] AID CAMPAIGN OF ISNA

Seyid Momammad Seyid, the Chairman of the ISNA, said the Moslems in North America have to be mobilized for the earthquake disaster in Turkey.

Recalling that the catastrophe in Turkey was more serious than tha the disasters in California in 1989 and 1994, Seyid said, ''the calamity that our Moslem brothers and sisters faced in Turkey has created a serious humanity tragedy. I call on all people to help Turkey before it is too late.''

Meanwhile, the United Technology firm based in Hartford, U.S., submitted a 200 thousand U.S. dollars aid cheque to tne Red Cross organization.

Company officials said their aid campaign continues.

[12] EU COUNCIL MEETING - EU TERM PRESIDENCY: - ''EVERYONE IS IN FAVOUR OF IMPROVEMENT OF RELATIONS BETWEEN TURKEY AND THE EU''

Staging a press briefing after the European Union (EU) foreign ministers' unofficial meeting in Finland, Halonen said that Greece has a productive and positive approach towards Turkey.

Halonen told reporters that Ismail Cem, Foreign Minister, has been invited to Brussels to attend the EU Council meeting on September 13, adding that Turkey gave a positive signal to the invitation.

Expressing satisfaction at the improving delations between Turkey and Greece, Halonen stressed that Turkey has to fulfil the same criteria with the other candidate countries.

Meanwhile Hans van den Broek, member of the EU Commission responsible for the foreign relations, said that the quake is a natural disaster, and could not solve political problems.

Giving information to journalists about the EU Commission's humanitarian aid, Van den Broek said that the EU has shed green light to the financial aid worth of 30 million Euros to Turkey in addition to 4 million Euros which was given by the Humanitarian Aid Fund in the wake of the quake disaster.

Van den Broek added that they launch initiatives to release aid worth of 150 million Euros which was postponed by the European Parliament.''

Pointing out that the European Investment Bank will also give a low- interest loan of 500-600 million Euros, Van den Broek emphasized that a considerable part of the Mediterranean Budget (MEDA) will be allocated to Turkey in the year 2000.

Van den Broek also added that the Financial Protocol of 375 million Euros, and the European Investment Bank's loan of 750 million Euros remained blocked.

[13] JOINT PRESS CONFERENCE OF ALBRIGHT AND CEM

Addressing the meeting, Albright said that her visit to Turkey aims at expressing once again the U.S.' support to Turkey.

Albright stressed that the U.S. will extend support to Turkey in the long term in a bid to assist her to heal the wounds of the quake disaster.

Cem thanked Albright, and the U.S. President Bill Clinton for their support, stressing that the Turkish people will never forget the U.S.' contribution.

[14] JOINT PRESS CONFERENCE OF ALBRIGHT AND CEM

Addressing the press conference, Albright said that they are ready to do their utmost in a bid to help Turkey to heal the wounds in the wake of the quake disaster.

Expressing satisfaction at being in Istanbul, Albright said that she could not continue her tour in the Middle East without coming to Turkey.

Expressing deep sorrow over the great loss of life in the quake disaster on behalf of the U.S. President Bill Clinton and the American people, Albright noted that it will take long time to reconstruct the region, but it is not possible to bring back those who lost their lives.

Recalling President Clinton's call for help to Turkey, Albright noted that Turkey has been an ally and friend of the U.S. for a long time.

Reminding that within framework of President Clinton's call for help, more than 11.5 million U.S. dollars have been collected,

Albright said that the U.S. search and rescue teams had participated in the efforts to reach those who were trapped under rubble.

Noting that she stressed the importance of providing a long-term aid to Turkey at a meeting last week in Wahington D.C. with the representatives of some religious institutions, Albright said, ''I think that within this framework the U.S. aid should be in long term. I am pleased to state here that Turkey and the U.S. have started the negotiations on a frame agreement for the improvement of the bilateral commercial and investment relations. We proposed to the Turkish government to send a delegation to Washington D.C. till September 20 for the increase of the textile quota. As a result of this, meeting the losses of the Turkish textile companies, which were badly affected by the quake, will be possible.''

Pointing out that they were deeply affected by the solidarity of the Turkish people after the earthquake, Albright said they also supported the international aid sent to Turkey.

Stating that bringing the ones who lost their lives in the quake back to life is impossible, Albright said the region can be reconstructed.

Noting that her visit to Turkey had an humanitarian aim as well as aimed at once again stressing the U.S. friendship to Turkey, Albright said, ''Turkey and the U.S. have been allies for peace for decades and they had acted jointly in the NATO operation to prevent ethnic cleansing in Kosovo. Turkey generously helped the people of Kosovo during that crisis.''

Albright stated that the Ecevit government's important reforms will help in Turkey's being a powerful and rich Western democracy.

Albright emphasized that Turkey and the U.S. cooperated also in difficult days.

Foreign Minister Ismail Cem thanked to U.S. President Bill Clinton and the U.S. people for their support and aid they extended to Turkey after the quake.

''The aid and support you extended in such difficult days are very important. We won't forget these,'' he said.

Noting that Albright and he shared the grief of the people in the disaster area during their visit, Cem said, ''the material and moral support extended to Turkey by the international community are very special for us. On behalf of the Prime Minister and the government, I once again want to thank to our friends.''

[15] JOINT PRESS CONFERENCE OF ALBRIGHT AND CEM

Addressing the press conference, Albright said that the U.S. supports Turkey's membership to the European Union (EU).

Albright recalled that she had stressed during her talks with the EU foreign ministers that Turkey should become the 12th candidate .

Responding to a question about the relations between Turkey and Greece, Albright said the U.S. had concerns about the relations between the two allied countries, and added that the Greek government was very generous to Turkey in the wake of the quake disaster.

Albright told the reporters, ''we are hopeful about the future of the relations between the two countries,'' adding such a cooperation and understanding can be reflected to the political relations.

When asked about the latest developments in Northern Iraq, Albright said that the U.S. supports the territorial integrity of Iraq.

Albright also added that they are working to assist Turkey to overcome such a devastating disaster, stressing that this issue will also be discussed during Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit's visit to the U.S. at the end of this month.

[16] PAPANDREU, GREEK FM: - ''WE HAVE TO WORK TOGETHER WITH ANKARA'' - ''WE WANT TO SEE A EU-MEMBER TURKEY''

Staging a press briefing after the European Union (EU) foreign ministers' meeting in Finland, Papandreu said the opinions of Ankara and Athens would be openly reflected when Ismail Cem is hosted in Brussels and sits at the table with the EU ministers, creating a new opportunity.

Papandreu stated that they are in favor of officially recognition of Turkey's EU candidacy, they don't have religious, cultural and ethnic criteria, the European values should be considered as a basis and Turkey's candidacy should be judged under same conditions as other candidates.

''We want to see a European Turkey, and even a EU-member Turkey,'' he said.

Noting that there is a positive atmosphere but the problems remain to exist in the agenda, Papandreu said as a result of that positive atmosphere, true steps can be taken for the solution of problems.

Stating that they would record progress also in the common interests if Ankara and Athens work together, Papandreu said the ''road-map'' they proposed to offer Turkey, will be discussed after the official acceptance of Turkey's candidacy and before the start of full-membership negotiations.

Stressing that the dialogue which started with Turkey before the earthquake disaster developed very positively, and the earthquake disaster caused a humanitarian closeness, Papandreu said humanitarian aid and political problems are two different issues, adding that lifting veto on the Financial Protocol is out of question.

A.A

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