Anadolu Agency: News in English, 99-09-07

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AA Daily

07 Sept 1999 Tuesday

CONTENTS

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

[02] TRNC PRESIDENT DENKTAS IN WASHINGTON D.C.

[03] OKUYAN, MINISTER OF LABOUR AND SOCIAL SECURITY: ''I DON'T HAVE ANY CONCERNS THAT SOCIAL SECURITY LAW CAN BE REJECTED''

[04] TRNC PRESIDENT DENKTAS IN U.S. - DENKTAS EVALUATES RECENT DEVELOPMENTS TO A.A: ''GREEK CYPRIOTS USED TACTICS AND CAME TO THE DOOR OF EU''

[05] RELATIONS BETWEEN TURKEY AND EU - GONEN, SECRETARY GENERAL OF IKV: - ''LATEST DEVELOPMENTS ARE HOPEFUL''

[06] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT SAYS HE WILL HAVE SEVERAL CONCRETE PROPOSALS FOR CONSTITUTIONAL CHANGE

[07] CORANTIS, GREEK AMBASSADOR TO ANKARA: ''WE'LL FOLLOW THE PATH OF PEACE AND COOPERATION''

[08] DCR'S PROPOSAL TO GOVERNMENT - DUFF AND PHELPS: ''IF THE WORLD BANK'S PARTIAL RISK GUARANTEE IS PUT INTO USE, THE RATING OF THE INTERNATIONAL QUAKE NOTES CAN INCREASE TO BBB+''

[09] A SEMINAR TITLED ''RECONSTRUCTION OF DISASTER ZONE AFTER THE MARMARA QUAKE IN THE LIGHT OF HYOGO AND KOBE EXPERIENCES'' HELD IN ANKARA - NAOYOSHI SASAKI, JICA AID TEAM DELEGATION CHAIRMAN, ''JAPAN IS WITH TURKEY IN RECONSTRUCTION OF CITIES''

[10] TURKEY AND MACEDONIA SIGN FREE TRADE AGREEMENT - TOSKAY, STATE MINISTER: - ''FREE TRADE AGREEMENT WILL CONSIDERABLY INCREASE EXPORT VOLUME BETWEEN THE TWO COUNTRIES''

[11] THE 2ND INTERNATIONAL GAP'99 FAIR

[12] ''SAROS-99 MANOEUVRES''

[13] TURKISH-ISRAELI TALKS ON WATER

[14] BRITISH TRAVEL AGENCIES PRAISE TURKEY

[15] TURKEY-EU RELATIONS

[16] PRESIDENT DEMIREL SENDS CONDOLENCE MESSAGE TO STEPHANOPOULOS, GREEK PRESIDENT

[17] PREMIER ECEVIT SENDS ''GET WELL SOON'' MESSAGES TO SIMITIS, GREEK PRIME MINISTER

[18] AKBULUT, PARLIAMENT SPEAKER, SENDS CONDOLENCE MESSAGES TO KAKLAMANIS, GREEK PARLIAMENT SPEAKER

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

HURRIYET (LIBERAL)

VELI GOCER CAPTURED
Veli Gocer, the famous contractor who claimed the lives of many people by the collapsed buildings which he constructed in the massive earthquake that shook Marmara region of Turkey on August 17, was very surprised when he saw the police in front of him. Gocer was captured in a house in Alibeykoy and then he was sent to Yalova judiciary organ.

MILLIYET (LIBERAL)

DEMOCRACY FIRE
Sami Selcuk, the Chairman of the Supreme Court of Appeals, said the constitution is not legitimate. Selcuk said that ''the 1982 Constitution was forced to be accepted by people by threatening them. We can't enter the new century with this constitution which foresees republican administration not democracy, and which lost its legitimacy.''

SABAH (LIBERAL)

TIME PRAISES PAMUK
Time, one of the most important magazines of the world listed Orhan Pamuk, a famous Turkish writer among the ''14 names that will carry Europe to the new millennium.'' The magazine also listed the names of the books of Pamuk.

CUMHURIYET (LEFT)

TURKEY SHOULD PAY PRICE FOR EU
If European Union (EU) really wants to make Turkey a full member,it could say ''let us solve the problems inside.'' Now, they will tell Turkey to come after solving its problems and the dialogue which continues for 36 years, will also last for another 36 years.

RADIKAL (LEFT)

TRAFFIC INTENSIFIES: TURKEY IS CLOSE TO EU
Relations between Turkey and European Union (EU), which had been frozen in 1997, began to get warmer again following the summit in Finland. A delegation from Foreign Ministry left for Finland. Foreign press made the interpretation that ''Turkey approached to the EU'', Partnership Council may convene in November.

TÜRKİYE (RIGHT)

RAUF DENKTAS: ''WE WILL REVIEW RELATIONS WITH HOLBROOKE''
Rauf Denktas, President of Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), responding to the statement of Richard Holbrooke who was appointed representative of the U.S. to U.N., said ''I hope Holbrooke has not told these words. If they have an idea to eliminate Denktas, then, this means they have not learned anything. This is a reason for us to review of relations.''

ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)

VELI GOCER CAPTURED
Veli Gocer, the contractor of the buildings most of which collapsed in Yalova and Cinarcik in the quake, was captured in Istanbul on Monday. Gocer was taken into custody and was brought to the police organization to be interrogated.

[02] TRNC PRESIDENT DENKTAS IN WASHINGTON D.C.

Denktas who had dinner with Baki Ilkin, the Turkish Ambassador to the U.S. and Ahmet Erdengiz, the TRNC Representative to the U.S., will also come together with representatives of the American media and and proceed to New York on Tuesday evening.

Denktas is expected to explain his views about the Cyprus question by meeting with Kofi Annan, the U.N. Secretary General on Thursday.

Rauf Denktas is also likely to meet Tom Weston, who was recently appointed as the Coordinator of the U.S. Department of State for Cyprus and Sir David Hannay, the British Representative to Cyprus before leaving the U.S.

[03] OKUYAN, MINISTER OF LABOUR AND SOCIAL SECURITY: ''I DON'T HAVE ANY CONCERNS THAT SOCIAL SECURITY LAW CAN BE REJECTED''

A protocol, regarding establishment of International Labour Organization (ILO) Information Center, was signed between Labour and Social Security Ministry and ILO.

Heribert Sharrenbroich, ILO Asia and Europe Regional Director, addressing the signature ceremony, said the center will be beneficial for the labourers, employers, students and researchers, adding that the target of the project was to increase employment and level of income.

Sharrenbroich said two Centers will be formed in the coming term for the children who lost their parents in quake zone, Yalova and Golcuk. Sharrenbroich also congratulated Minister Okuyan for the successful conclusion of Social Security Law.

Okuyan in his part thanked to all the countries who extended aid to Turkey immediately after they heart about the quake disaster in Turkey.

Pointing out that ILO Turkey Representation brought the idea of ILO Information Center in the year 1994, and that his ministry accepted this project, Okuyan said information flow will be more regular between Turkey and ILO after this center is put into service.

Responding to a question if damage assessment work of industrial institutions were made in the quake region, Okuyan said priority was given to houses in damage assessment work, adding that this work will be concluded in Yalova on Wednesday.

Okuyan also said prefabricated houses have to be erected, noting that 50, 000 temporary houses should be formed in the quake zone till November 30.

When asked if he had a concern that Social Security Draft Law, that was submitted to the approval of President Suleyman Demirel will be vetoed, Okuyan said, ''no, I don't have any concerns. President Demirel has to observe the laws that was submitted to his confirmation. This observation does not mean that he will reject this. I don't have any concerns that Social Security Law can be rejected.''

Responding to another question, Okuyan said an ILO delegation from Geneva will hold a technical study in the quake region in related fields.

[04] TRNC PRESIDENT DENKTAS IN U.S. - DENKTAS EVALUATES RECENT DEVELOPMENTS TO A.A: ''GREEK CYPRIOTS USED TACTICS AND CAME TO THE DOOR OF EU''

Evaluating the recent developments about the Cyprus question to A.A correspondent, Rauf Denktas said that G-8 states ignore the realities about this issue.

Noting that Greek Cypriots resorted to the tactics of saying ''yes'' to the things TRNC says ''no,'' Denktas said that Greek Cypriots continue to apply the embargo and do their best to punish Turkey.

Stressing that Greek Cypriots have recently applied to the European Court of Human Rights and removed the issue of ''exchange of property'' by hiding it under the mask of human rights, Denktas pointed out that ''they have never used the meetings to achieve a result. They gained time and they caused us to lose time.''

''We want to find a method which will contribute to get a result and this depends on accepting the realities,'' said Denktas, adding that ''G-8 countries ignored the realities and wanted to bring the two leaders on the island together. The U.S. was also behind them. They even tell us what to speak. They want us to re-discuss a formula which caused us to lose 20 years. We are trying to explain that this is impossible. We can talk from state to state. There are two separate states, two democracies and two peoples. For 36 years they have been governing themselves. Unless these realities are accepted, there is no need to lose time. The U.N. Secretary General knows these realities, but I see that he is under pressure.''

Denktas said that he will convey the message to U.N. Secretary General on Thursday that the G-8 countries should not send letters asking for head to head negotiations with Greek Cypriots.

When A.A correspondent said ''the earthquake that rocked Turkey and the aid extended by the EU countries to this end softened the atmosphere'' and asked would this have any effect on Cyprus problem, Denktas said ''this humanitarian aid is very good of course. Yet, expecting the sides to give concession from their national cases will be too much optimism. Yet, the softened atmosphere may help the problems to be negotiated in a more positive atmosphere.''

Denktas, who will hold contacts in Washington D.C. on Tuesday will proceed to New York and brief about lastest developments related with Cyprus at a meeting staged by an institution called ''Briefings.''

Denktas will meet with the U.N. Secretary General on Thursday and will later meet Thomas Weston and Sir David Hannay, Special Representatives of the U.S. State Department and Britain to Cyprus.

TRNC President Denktas who will return to Turkey on Monday, will hold contacts with the members of the government regarding the outcomes of his visit to the U.S.

[05] RELATIONS BETWEEN TURKEY AND EU - GONEN, SECRETARY GENERAL OF IKV: - ''LATEST DEVELOPMENTS ARE HOPEFUL''

Development Foundation (IKV) said on Tuesday that the latest developments in relations between Turkey and Greece are hopeful.

Responding to questions of the A.A correspondent, Gonen said that foreign policy of a country cannot be based on enmity against another country, and added, ''It was so hard to experience such a tension between the two neighbouring countries.''

Noting that the quake disaster which hit nortwestern Turkey on August 17, was an opportunity for two countries to improve relations,

Gonen pointed out that Greece has done her utmost to assist Turkey in those difficult days.

''It was understood that Greece would not object any more Turkey's candidacy to the European Union (EU), and EU's aid to Turkey in the wake of the quake disaster. But Greece did not pledge to lift the veto, and Greek business circles' attitude was not clear,'' Gonen said.

Stressing that the Turkish business circles are getting ready to take up the relations as they did in the past, Gonen recalled that a full-scale meeting will be held with Greek Business Council two weeks later to speed up the relations between the two countries.

Gonen told the A.A correspondent, ''There is a very positive atmosphere for the time being. We should make use of political will and more conventional systems to make existing potantial more productive.''

[06] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT SAYS HE WILL HAVE SEVERAL CONCRETE PROPOSALS FOR CONSTITUTIONAL CHANGE

Ecevit responded to the questions related with the issues that came to the agenda within the framework of the speech of Sami Selcuk, Chairman of Supreme Court, which he made at the opening ceremony of judicial year.

When a journalist asked what could be done in the new legislation year for the civilianization of the constitution, and increasing standarts of democracy and human rights, Ecevit recalled Democratic Left Party (DSP) from the very beginning defended that the constitution should be prepared again.

Ecevit said, ''of course, constitutional changes can be provided with a great compromise in the Parliament. We will have several concrete proposals to this end. Yet, this can only take place with the majority of the Parliament and compromise between the coalition partners. We will obviously hold studies related with this.''

Recalling that the government realized several important constitutional changes, Ecevit said other changes will follow this.

Responding to another question, Ecevit said the Parliament will work like a founder parliament having democratic structure, noting that the Parliament has already started to work like this.

When asked why concrete steps have not been taken so far for constitutional change, Ecevit said, ''I am speaking about this government. The reformist steps and constitutional changes which have taken place in the period of this government, have not been made so far in Turkish political life. ''

When asked if a revision will take place in economic targets due to the quake disaster, Ecevit said balance sheet of the quake should be determined with figures before deciding on this.

[07] CORANTIS, GREEK AMBASSADOR TO ANKARA: ''WE'LL FOLLOW THE PATH OF PEACE AND COOPERATION''

The True Path Party (DYP) Women Commission members led by Ahmet Akgun, the, the Chairman of the DYP Headquarters in Cankaya county of Ankara, visited the Greek Ambassador to express their gratitude over Greece's aid to Turkey after the devastating earthquake on August 17.

Addressing the meeting, Corantis said the aid extended by Greece to Turkey will continue.

Noting that the quake disaster led to positive changes in the relations between Turkey and Greece, Corantis said that Greece will be influential in the issue of Turkey's candidacy to the European Union (EU).

''Many people wonder what happened to the Greek people in the earthquake. The answer is so simple. Greece is in the seismic zone and faced serious quakes in the past. Some urbans were levelled. The earthquake in our neighbour was perceived as a disaster in Greece,'' he said.

Corantis stated that the closeness in relations were perceived by not only the Turkish and Greek peoples but also the governments.

Pointing out that he was very affected by the sincerity between the players of Galatasaray and the Greek spectators during the soccer match between Galatasaray and PAOK in Athens, Corantis said, ''the earthquake has destroyed the taboos. From now on, we will follow the path of peace and cooperation.''

[08] DCR'S PROPOSAL TO GOVERNMENT - DUFF AND PHELPS: ''IF THE WORLD BANK'S PARTIAL RISK GUARANTEE IS PUT INTO USE, THE RATING OF THE INTERNATIONAL QUAKE NOTES CAN INCREASE TO BBB+''

The IBAR/Duff and Phelps, which is the subordinate company of the DCR in Turkey, issued a statement saying that if Turkey can meet the financing of the infrastructural, environmental, and residential construction requirements which were caused by the quake, with the World Bank's ''partial risk guaranteed'' projects system, the DCR will rank those projects and make the international debenture bond issue be realized with ratings that are five points above the country's current rating of BB (-).

It said that this situation will provide the opportunity for the sale of project-based ''World Bank Partial Risk Guaranteed'' international quake notes from the ''investor category'' of BBB (+), and thus it will create the opportunity for a 10-15 year term low-interest borrowing.

Noting that the financing crisis in Asia and Russia created problems for the developing countries in the usage of foreign sources for their projects, the statement said as a result of that situation, the World Bank focused on the partial guaranteed borrowing programmes to protect the foreign investors who will invest in those countries from the country risks, till the economic conditions become appropriate.

''Turkey's issuing projected and ranked debenture bonds having the World Bank's Partial Risk Guarantee into the international markets to finance the infrastructural, environmental, and residential construction need which emerged after the devastating earthquake, will be the most appropriate way. Turkey is a very appropriate country to benefit from the World Bank's Guarantee System,'' it said.

[09] A SEMINAR TITLED ''RECONSTRUCTION OF DISASTER ZONE AFTER THE MARMARA QUAKE IN THE LIGHT OF HYOGO AND KOBE EXPERIENCES'' HELD IN ANKARA - NAOYOSHI SASAKI, JICA AID TEAM DELEGATION CHAIRMAN, ''JAPAN IS WITH TURKEY IN RECONSTRUCTION OF CITIES''

Naoyoshi Sasaki, the Chairman of JICA Aid Team, which propose preparation of ''creative'' construction plans in reconstruction of cities, said Japan was with Turkey in reconstruction.

Toshiaki Kato, another quake expert, briefed about the destruction of the buildings which were damaged.

Kato added that formation of a disaster information center will also be beneficial.

Toshiyuki Ozaki, another expert, who briefed about the hauling away of the rubble, said this process operated very slowly, adding that aftershocks may cause more casualties.

Meanwhile, Toshinori Tomiaki speaking about restoration planning of the cities, said the prefabricated houses should be a place in which victims of the quake will be comfortable. He said new settlement places should be closer to former city sites and proposed new installations to be established that will make the life easy.

[10] TURKEY AND MACEDONIA SIGN FREE TRADE AGREEMENT - TOSKAY, STATE MINISTER: - ''FREE TRADE AGREEMENT WILL CONSIDERABLY INCREASE EXPORT VOLUME BETWEEN THE TWO COUNTRIES''

Tunca Toskay, the State Minister, and Adnan Kahil, the Macedonian State Minister signed the agreement.

Nikola Gruevski, Macedonian Trade Minister, was also in attendance at the signing ceremony.

Addressing the ceremony, Toskay expressed his wish that the agreement would lead positive consequences for both countries.

Toskay also expressed satisfaction at signing free trade agreement with Macedonia which has taken significant economic steps since she gained her independence in 1991.

Stressing that the agreement will considerably increase export volume between the two countries, Toskay noted that the agreement will also give rise to the investments.

Toskay said that Turkey will have an opportunity to set up a new bridge with Europe by signing free trade agreement with Macedonia.

Meanwhile, Kahil said in his part that there are high-level political relations between Turkey and Macedonia.

He noted that the economic relations between the two countries will further improve with the free trade agreement.

[11] THE 2ND INTERNATIONAL GAP'99 FAIR

The income of the entrence tickets will be donated for the child victims of quake disaster.

Besides the Turkish firms, 300 foreign firms from Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Ukraine, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), South Africa, Syria, Israel, United Arab Emirates, Lebanon, Jordan, and Turkish Republics in the Central Asia will take part in the fair.

In the fair, agricultural products, foodstuff, construction, durable consumption goods, automotive, high-tech, and packing products will be displayed.

Meanwhile, President Suleyman Demirel's name will be given to the Congress, Fair, and Trade Center which will be constructed in the region.

President Demirel, and President Rauf Denktas of the TRNC are expected to attend the opening ceremony of the fair.

[12] ''SAROS-99 MANOEUVRES''

Staging a press conference, Colonel Orhan Ertunc, the Commander of the Southern Sea Region Commandership's Department of Military Exercises, said the Saros-99 is a multi-national and multi-force manoeuvres including the Turkish, British, and the U.S. navy, marines, and air forces elements, adding that it is a very important opportunity for the further development of military relations among the participant countries.

Noting that a total of 19 ships, 17 helicopters, and 1,750 navy infantries will participate in the manoeuvres and the number of the personnel will reach six thousand, Colonel Ertunc said, ''the manoeuvres which was planned by the Northern Sea Region, will be directed and commanded by the commanders of the Turkish and British units.''

Colonel Orhan Ertunc said the Turkish Naval Forces Fleet Commandership's two frigates, three assault boats, one submarine, one tank landing ship, four tank landing vessels, and the Turkish Air Forces' F-16s and F-4s will participate in the manoeuvres. Ertunc stated that the F-16 and F-4 planes will make 36 sorties.

The Colonel added that the foreign participant personnel will visit the Canakkale battlefield in the Gelibolu peninsula on September 18.

[13] TURKISH-ISRAELI TALKS ON WATER

The Foreign Ministry issued a statement and said that the Turkish and Israeli delegations led by Mithat Balkan, the Deputy Undersecretary of the Foreign Ministry, and his Israeli counterpart Yuav Biran held a meeting the day before, adding that the Israeli delegation had also met with the officials at the State Water Works (DSI).

The statement said the capacity of the Manavgat water-supply facilities, quality of the water, cost of the water exportation and transportation were the issued discussed at the meeting between the DSI officials and the Israeli delegation.

The cooperation project is expected to be taken up in detail following the research and evaluation works that will be carried out under the light of general data determined at the meetings.

[14] BRITISH TRAVEL AGENCIES PRAISE TURKEY

The Travel Agencies' Union of Turkey (TURSAB) issued a statement saying that British agencies described Turkey as a secure country.

The Sunworld, a leading British travel agency, sent 183 experts to different parts of Turkey last month to make observations.

Experts who spent one week in Turkey, prepared a detailed report about their impressions in Turkey, and gave Turkey full mark for security, service quality, and cleanliness.

British experts praised Turkish people's hospitality and friendly approach. They added that facilities in Turkey are of good quality, and new.

Turkey's natural and historical assets and Turkish kitchen were also praised in the report.

It was also noted that none of the experts gave any negative report about Turkey.

[15] TURKEY-EU RELATIONS

Speaking to the A.A correspondent, Kamran Inan said there were encouraging developments occurred at the latest meeting of the EU foreign ministers in Finland, adding, ''however, there has still not been a decision taken for Turkey's candidacy for full-membership.''

Stressing that such a decision can be taken at the summit in December, Inan said it was understood that Sweden, Denmark and Austria put forward their opinion that they had an indecision about Turkey's candidacy.

Expressing his pleasure over the positive attitude of Greece, Inan said it is out of question that a decision for Turkey's candidacy won't be taken at the EU General Affairs Council meeting in Brussels.

Noting that pleasing decisions were taken at the meeting in Finland regarding the financial aid, Inan said, ''it has been decided to give Turkey at first stage a 500 million Euro loan from the European Investment Bank. A consensus of opinion has been reached for extending an additional loan of 750 million Euro also from the European Investment Bank. It has been decided to release the 150 million Euro which was foreseen to be given to Turkey within the framework of the European strategy. Besides, it was decided to give Turkey a 30 million Euro urgent aid in addition to the 4 million European Currency Unit (ECU) urgent aid. It has been decided to extend a considerable amount of aid to Turkey in the year 2000 from the Mediterranean Fund. However, the Greek Foreign Minister stated that Greece did not lift her veto on the 600 million Euro fund mentioned in the Fourth Financial Protocol. With this respect, the developments should be considered with a realistic optimism.''

Emphasizing that the interest shown in Turkey by the EU member countries and nearly 80 countries due to the earthquake disaster was pleasing, Kamran Inan said he expects the EU to approach Turkey more differently and positively.

Pointing out that the Helsinki Summit in December will be the last chance, Inan said, ''in case of a negative decision at this forthcoming summit, Turkey will have to review all her relations with the EU including the Customs Union.''

[16] PRESIDENT DEMIREL SENDS CONDOLENCE MESSAGE TO STEPHANOPOULOS, GREEK PRESIDENT

The Presidential Press Center statement said that Demirel wanted to express deep sorrow of the Turkish nation over the quake which hit Greece today.

Demirel said, ''we feel and share your sorrow due to the deaths and losses which the quake that hit your country today caused because we have experienced the similar disaster a short time ago. I would like to convey ''get well soon'' and condolence messages for the survivors on behalf of myself and Turkish nation and would like to express that we are in solidarity with the Greek nation in this hard time. I would like you to be sure that Turkey will not abstain from any support and aid to your country and nation against this disaster.''

[17] PREMIER ECEVIT SENDS ''GET WELL SOON'' MESSAGES TO SIMITIS, GREEK PRIME MINISTER

The Foreign Ministry statement said that Ecevit tried to get in contact with Simitis on the phone today but that he could not talk with Simitis on the phone due to the busy telephone lines.

The statement noted that to this end, Ecevit sent ''get well soon'' message to Simitis through Greek Embassy in Ankara.

[18] AKBULUT, PARLIAMENT SPEAKER, SENDS CONDOLENCE MESSAGES TO KAKLAMANIS, GREEK PARLIAMENT SPEAKER

Akbulut said, ''I feel great sorrow over the quake disaster which happened in Greece today. We feel the sorrow of you and the Greek people. I would like to convey condolence messages due to the quake on behalf of myself and the members of the parliament and would like to say that Turkish nation is beside the Greek nation.

A.A

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