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

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AA Daily

09 Sept 1999 Thursday

CONTENTS

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

[02] TWO OUT OF THREE GREEKS DETERMINED TO BE UNDER WRECKAGE BY TURKISH RESCUE TEAM, RESCUED

[03] U.S. PRESIDENT CLINTON PRAISES TURKISH-GREEK SOLIDARITY

[04] YALCINBAYIR, CHAIRMAN OF PARLIAMENTARY CONSTITUTION COMMISSION: - ''QUALIFIED DEMOCRACY CAN FIRSTLY BE PROVIDED BY CHANGING THE CONSTITUTION''

[05] OZCAN, DEPUTY CHAIRMAN OF KAMU-SEN: ''SOCIAL SECURITY LAW IS CONTRARY TO CONSTITUTION''

[06] AYTEKIN, MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT GIVES INFORMATION ABOUT ACTION PLAN ON CLEANING SEA POLLUTION IN IZMIT BAY

[07] IRTEMCELIK, THE STATE MINISTER: ''HUMAN RIGHTS, IS ALSO ONE PRIMARILY IMPORTANT ITEM ON TURKEY'S AGENDA'' ''AS THE GOVERNMENT, WE ARE DETERMINED TO DO THE BEST IN THE SHORTEST POSSIBLE TIME-FRAME AND WE ARE PURSUING OUR EFFORTS TO THIS END WITHOUT FOREGOING THE INDISPENSABLE GROUNDS AND CONTEXT OF REALISM''

[08] TURKISH-GREEK DIALOGUE - SECOND ROUND TALKS START IN ATHENS

[09] GENERAL FULTON, BRITISH COMMANDER OF MARINE UNITS VISITS ADMIRAL ERDIL, NAVAL FORCES COMMANDER

[10] NATO MILITARY COMMITTEE TOUR AND MEETING WHICH WERE PLANNED TO BE HELD IN TURKEY AND GREECE BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 12 AND 18 POSTPONED DUE TO QUAKE

[11] CONTACTS OF IMF DELEGATION

[12] CONTACTS OF IMF DELEGATION

[13] MARMARA AND ATHENS QUAKES - PROF. DR. GORUR, DEAN OF ITU MINE FACULTY: - ''SEISMIC-1 WILL MEASURE THE MARMARA SEA FOR NEARLY ONE WEEK''

[14] FOREIGN AID TO DISASTER ZONE - NUMBER OF PLANES CARRYING AID AND FIRE EXTINGUISHER EQUIPMENT TO TURKEY REACHES 345

[15] CONTACTS OF IMF DELEGATION - COTARELLI: ''TALKS ON STAND-BY CONTINUE''

[16] CONTACTS OF IMF DELEGATION

[17] CHINA REQUESTS EDUCATION ON TOURISM FROM OGER TOUR

[18] U.S. SHIPS TO DEPART DISASTER ZONE TOMORROW

[19] FOREIGN EXCHANGE RESERVES OF CENTRAL BANK INCREASE TO 23.8 BILLION U.S. DOLLARS

[20] 7.2 BILLION U.S. DOLLARS PAID IN FOREIGN DEBT SINCE JANUARY 1, 1999

[21] TURKISH-GREEK DIALOGUE - GREEK FM SOURCES: ''THE MEETINGS IN JULY WERE HELD IN A POSITIVE ATMOSPHERE BUT GREEK TOUR MEETINGS ARE MORE POSITIVE THAN THE JULY MEETINGS''

[22] TURKEY-EU RELATIONS - GREEK FOREIGN MINISTRY: ''ALSO THE RELATIONS BETWEEN TURKEY AND THE EU WILL BE DISCUSSED AT THE EU FOREIGN MINISTERS' MEETING''

[23] THIRD METU INTERNATIONAL ECONOMY CONGRESS - PROF. DR. PRESCOTT: ''TURKEY STARTS TO CATCH UP WITH THE DEVELOPED COUNTRIES BY A HIGH SPEED''

[24] ERSUMER, ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES MINISTER, MEETS WITH ABLYAZOV, KAZAKH ENERGY MINISTER

[25] TRNC PRIME MINISTRY: ''WE FELT DEEP SORROW OVER THE EARTHQUAKE IN GREECE''

[26] 3RD INTERNATIONAL ECONOMY CONGRESS OF METU - FOGG, REPRESENTATIVE OF EU TO TURKEY: - ''CONDITIONS REGARDED WITH TURKEY'S FULL MEMBERSHIP TO THE EU, ARE PROMISING''

[27] TURKEY-KAZAKHSTAN JOINT ECONOMIC COMMISSION FIRST TERM MEETING - BAHCELI, DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER: - ''IT IS POSSIBLE TO REACH A TRADE VOLUME OF 1 BILLION U.S. DOLLARS, IN COMING YEARS''

[28] TURKEY-KAZAKHSTAN JOINT ECONOMIC COMMISSION FIRST TERM MEETING - BAHCELI, DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER: - ''RELATIONS BETWEEN TURKEY AND KAZAKHSTAN HAVE BEEN CONTINUING WITHIN FRAMEWORK OF FRIENDSHIP AND FRATERNITY''

[29] PRESIDENT DEMIREL RECEIVES PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT - MEETING FOCUSES ON PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT'S VISIT TO THE U.S, AND ON QUAKE DISASTER

[30] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT: - ''A TOTAL OF 86 COUNTRIES HAVE RUSHED TO HELP TURKEY IN THE WAKE OF DISASTER''

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

HURRIYET (LIBERAL) MILITARY ALLOCATES PLANE FOR AKUT
The Search and Rescue Association (AKUT) which was criticized by certain people, were hosted in the honourary hall of the Military Airport before departing for Greece. AKUT team was sent to Greece upon the wish of Corantis, the Greek Ambassador to Turkey following the quake in Greece. AKUT team which became famous after pulling alive 200 persons from debris after the massive earthquake in Turkey, works by most advanced apparatus. The first foreign team which arrived in Greece after the quake in this country was again the AKUT team.

THAT PHOTO
The paper seized the photo which all people in Turkey expected to see: Veli Gocer, a contractor who claimed the lives of many people during the massive earthquake in Marmara by the buildings constructed by him, was put into prison after his photo was taken. Totally 922 prisoners in Bursa Prison who heard that Gocer was put in the same place, started to shout slogans against him like ''We don't want that killer-contractor.''

MILLIYET (LIBERAL)

SCHOOLS POSTPONED IN SOME DISASTER PROVINCES
The starting date of schools in the provinces and counties which were devastated by the earthquake on August 17, particularly counties of Kocaeli and Adapazarı was postponed. In some counties, the new date will be determined after the damage-assessment work.

SABAH (LIBERAL)

DEBATE IN SUPREME JUDICIARY ORGANS
Guven Dincer, the Deputy leader of the Constitutional Court accused Sami Selcuk, the Chairman of the Supreme Court of Appeals who caused a debate in Turkey about the need of making a new constitution. Dincer accused Selcuk of ''being effected by theocratic ideas which are powerful in Istanbul.'' ''The most dangerous idea of Selcuk is his proposal of making religious education free from athoirity of state. Such kind of thoughts are against the foundation philosophy of the Turkish Republic,'' Dincer added.

CUMHURIYET (LEFT)

ECEVIT: CONDITIONS OF TURKEY ARE DIFFERENT
Premier Bulent Ecevit who evaluated the speech of Sami Selcuk, the Chairman of the Supreme Court of Appeals said that ''one has to accept the fact that every country has different conditions. These conditions determine the steps that can be taken in one country. Conditions of Turkey are also different.''

RADIKAL (LEFT)

GEOGRAPHY UNITES COUNTRIES
The Greek press said that Turkey immediately tried to help Greece although it was also devastated by a massive earthquake. Noting that the history separated Turkey and Greece, but geography united them again, Greek press added that geology also united the two neighbouring countries after the recent quakes.

TÜRKİYE (RIGHT)

SELCUK:I DON'T SUPPORT FUNDAMENTALISM
Sami Selcuk, the Chairman of the Supreme Court of Appeals who caused a debate in Turkey by his speech, said that ''I have never supported fundamentalism, on the contrary I fought against it.''

ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)

[02] TWO OUT OF THREE GREEKS DETERMINED TO BE UNDER WRECKAGE BY TURKISH RESCUE TEAM, RESCUED

The Turkish rescue team determined that there were alive persons trapped under debris of ''Ricomex'' factory which was damaged by the quake in Menidi region. As a result of a nine-hour common work by Turkish and Greek teams, two persons who were trapped under wreckage for 33 hours were rescued. Operation is underway to pull the third person alive from debris.

Meanwhile one of a Greek private television channel, MEGA TV which broadcast alive the rescue work said after rescue of the two persons from wreckage that ''Turkish and Greek hands pulled those trapped under debris to life again.''

Other Greek television channels which praise the relief work of the Turkish rescue team in Athens, evaluated AKUT's finding persons alive under debris by working in most dangerous places after 24 hours from the quake, as a great success.

[03] U.S. PRESIDENT CLINTON PRAISES TURKISH-GREEK SOLIDARITY

Clinton said in a written statement that ''the generous support extended by Greece to Turkey after the earthquake disaster near Istanbul last month was welcomed in all parts of the world. We now appreciate Turkey's showing the same spirit of cooperation and solidarity.''

U.S. President Clinton stated that the U.S. will extend aid to Greece due to the quake, but he didn't give any details.

The U.S. prepares an aid package following the quake calamity in Turkey.

[04] YALCINBAYIR, CHAIRMAN OF PARLIAMENTARY CONSTITUTION COMMISSION: - ''QUALIFIED DEMOCRACY CAN FIRSTLY BE PROVIDED BY CHANGING THE CONSTITUTION''

Yalcınbayır told A.A that they will start a general meeting and discussion about the issue of changing the constitution in the Constitution Commission when the parliament re-opens in October.

''Chairmen of the supreme judiciary organs have explained the need of changing the constitution for a long time. The constitution must be changed, '' said Yalcınbayır, adding that ''the right to freedom of thought and expression and human rights should further be taken under guarantee by the constitution. Change is also necessary in respect of putting forward clearly the cooperation among legislation, execution and judiciary. The right to fair trial should be recognized for everybody with all of its dimensions. Besides the country must have a governing democracy. I hope the parliament can work as a founding parliament and solve this issue which is accepted by all leaders,'' he said.

Yalcınbayır stressed that there is full consensus of opinion to change Provisional Article 15 of the Constitution, adding changing the constitution is the task of all political parties and the parliament not only the government.

[05] OZCAN, DEPUTY CHAIRMAN OF KAMU-SEN: ''SOCIAL SECURITY LAW IS CONTRARY TO CONSTITUTION''

Suayip Ozcan said in a written statement that the approval of the social security law caused uneasiness among the public employees, claiming that ''President Suleyman Demirel who took into consideration the rightful demands of society about the amnesty law, didn't show the same sensitivity regarding this law and this is a contradiction.''

Claiming that the social security law is against the constitution in this form, Ozcan said that ''the issue will be transferred to the Constitutional Court. Whatever the result will be, the government's adoption of such a law which mistreated 54 million people, will yield negative results in respect of government.''

[06] AYTEKIN, MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT GIVES INFORMATION ABOUT ACTION PLAN ON CLEANING SEA POLLUTION IN IZMIT BAY

Releasing a written statement, Aytekin gave information about the action plan on cleaning sea pollution in Izmit Bay.

Noting that substances such as wooden pieces, nylon bags, etc. are collected by Petroleum-Chemistry Holding Inc. (PETKIM) officials and put in barrels, Aytekin said that observations are underway to assess the damage and find out whether or not refining installations of all industrial institutions around Izmit have been affected by the quake.

The Mineral Research and Exploration Institute (MTA) also gave a briefing to Aytekin about the ''Preliminary Report on Observations and Evaluations about the Marmara Quake'' prepared by MTA experts about the geology of Izmit, its surroundings and quake maps.

The experts will also prepare another report about the resistance of buildings that will be constructed from now on in provinces devastated by the massive earthquake. Changing the settlement areas of provinces like Kocaeli and Adapazarı can come to the agenda due to these reports, the statement added.

[07] IRTEMCELIK, THE STATE MINISTER: ''HUMAN RIGHTS, IS ALSO ONE PRIMARILY IMPORTANT ITEM ON TURKEY'S AGENDA'' ''AS THE GOVERNMENT, WE ARE DETERMINED TO DO THE BEST IN THE SHORTEST POSSIBLE TIME-FRAME AND WE ARE PURSUING OUR EFFORTS TO THIS END WITHOUT FOREGOING THE INDISPENSABLE GROUNDS AND CONTEXT OF REALISM''

Irtemcelik received Husnu Ondul, the Chairman of Human Rights Association, and Osman Baydemir, the Deputy Chairman of Human Rights Association.

Prior to the meeting, Irtemcelik told reporters that ''it is our desire to strike the most advanced platform in this area in tandem with the developments taking place around the world, and leave behind the the constraints with which we had to bind ourselves, mainly because of the dire conditions caused by separatist terrorism all along the previous years.''

''As the government, we are determined to do the best in the shortest possible time-frame and we are pursuing our efforts to this end without foregoing the indispensable grounds and context of realism,'' he added.

Irtemcelik said, ''in this approach, inspired as well as strengthened by the enlightened aspirations our nation holds, being open to receiving the views and the contributions of non-governmental organizations is only rational and in tune with our times.''

''Indeed, we are passing through a crucial stage where there is an increased overall will in Turkey - in our people, society, and state - to make a headlong new start toward the better and the more advanced in every field, of course without recourse to instability. This is why we must access the present stage with utmost care and diligence. As a matter of fact, organizations which are genuinely interested with human rights; which do not prescribe to any concealed agenda; which act with the knowledge that the field of human rights, cannot, by its very own nature, allow selective and discriminatory handling; and which do not serve the purposes of any other organization be it legitimate or not, have services to render to our people and nation as we proceed toward a more enlightened future, and they can shed their light upon us who shoulder the responsibilities of governing the country,'' he continued.

''Our government has the desire and the will to strike a sound and honest communication in this respect and, without any prejudice to their organizational independence, will consider the views of those human rights organizations which act with the full sense of their responsibilities; which yearn for humanity as a whole and without any discrimination and for Turkey with all its people without exception; which do not have partisan political adherence, as well as those which we hope will demonstrate the maturity of not to abide any longer by such partisanship,'' he stated.

''As the government, this is where and how we stand on this important subject. It is precisely in this understanding that I accepted with pleasure the request of the executives of the Human Rights Association to see me. I do hope our meeting will be worthwhile,'' Irtemcelik added.

Husnu Ondul, in his part, said that the establishment of a ministry on a special cause within the structure of the state is in harmony with the peculiarities of Turkey being a democratic, secular, and social state of law.

Stating that they paid a courtesy visit to Irtemcelik, Ondul said that they will exchange opinions concerning the future of human rights in Turkey. Ondul added that they will inform Irtemcelik, the State Minister, about their campaigns ''freedom to thought'' and ''no to capital punishment''.

Ondul pointed out that the desire for higher democratic standards prevailed within the society by the formation of the new government, and he emphasized that the government took positive steps in this direction.

Ondul added that every step taken by the government to increase the standards of democracy and human rights will be supported by the Human Rights Association.

[08] TURKISH-GREEK DIALOGUE - SECOND ROUND TALKS START IN ATHENS

The Turkish and Greek delegations started their two-day talks on the opportunities for cooperation in the fields of environment, tourism, and trade at the Greek Foreign Ministry building.

Mithat Balkan, the Deputy Undersecretary of the Foreign Ministry, is heading the Turkish delegation, and the Greek delegation is headed by Anastasios Skopelitis, the Political Director of the Greek Foreign Ministry. Ali Tuygan, the Turkish Ambassador to Athens, is also in attendance at the talks.

After the talks in Athens, the delegations will again convene in Ankara between September 15 and 16 to discuss the cultural and regional cooperation, and international cooperation in struggling against terrorism and smuggling.

The first-round Turkish-Greek talks started in Ankara on July 26 and 27, and concluded in Athens on July 29 and 30.

Following the talks, the sides had stressed that the talks, at which several fields of cooperation were determined, were held in a very positive atmosphere.

[09] GENERAL FULTON, BRITISH COMMANDER OF MARINE UNITS VISITS ADMIRAL ERDIL, NAVAL FORCES COMMANDER

Admiral Erdil said that the Saros exercise which started on September 8, continues in Doganbey and Saros bays by the participation of Turkey, the U.S., and Britain, adding nearly 600 marines, 19 ships, and 17 helicopters participate in the exercise that will end on September 17.

Admiral added that the training of the Mediterranean Permanent Naval Forces to prepare for battle, which started in East Mediterranean on September 7, continues.

[10] NATO MILITARY COMMITTEE TOUR AND MEETING WHICH WERE PLANNED TO BE HELD IN TURKEY AND GREECE BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 12 AND 18 POSTPONED DUE TO QUAKE

Turkey round of the Military Committee Tour to which the chiefs of general staff of the NATO countries, the NATO military representatives, and the high-ranking officials of the NATO headquarters would attend, was planned to be held in Istanbul.

The guests were planned to watch the maneouvres, to visit the military units, and to participate in the programmes in which Turkey's historical and cultural wealths will be exhibited.

The officials said that the 135th Military Committee Meeting will be held in Brussels between September 14 and 15, 1999.

[11] CONTACTS OF IMF DELEGATION

Demiralp received the IMF delegation led by Carlo Cotarelli, the IMF's Turkey Desk Chief.

Following the meeting in which also the high-level officials at the Central Bank, State Planning Organization, and Finance Ministry participated, Selcuk Demiralp and Carlo Cotarelli staged a joint press briefing.

Demiralp said some parameters concerning the budget performance, and economic targets after the quake were reviewed at the meeting with the IMF delegation.

Noting that the inflation was taken up as 50 percent for the end of 1999, 25 percent for the end of the year 2000 and 10 percent for the end of the year 2001 at the meetings, Demiralp said there had been some changes in the economic situation after the earthquake.

Demiralp stated that the talks with the IMF within the scope of the Staff- Monitored Agreement resumed the same day, and will continue in Washington D.C. at the end of September.

The Treasury Undersecretary said the IMF delegation headed by Cotarelli will hold contacts at the concerned organizations to discuss the issues of quake and staff-monitored programme within the framework of its seven or ten day visit to Turkey.

[12] CONTACTS OF IMF DELEGATION

Staging a press briefing at the Treasury Undersecretriat building, Cotarelli said, ''Turkey has to convey her request for aid to the IMF with a letter. Later, the issue will be examined at the IMF executive Board.''

Cotarelli said they will prepare a report on earthquake, and finalize their study concerning the issue in early October.

[13] MARMARA AND ATHENS QUAKES - PROF. DR. GORUR, DEAN OF ITU MINE FACULTY: - ''SEISMIC-1 WILL MEASURE THE MARMARA SEA FOR NEARLY ONE WEEK''

Gorur told A.A correspondent that the measurements of the ship will be evaluated by the ITU and Mineral Resarch and Administration Institute (MTA) experts in seismic laboratories and that they cannot give information about the results of their researches earlier than one or one and a half months.

Emphasizing that he thinks that the quake which hit Athens two days ago following the quake measuring 7.4 which hit the Marmara Region on August 17 can be related with the Northern Anatolia Fault Line, Gorur noted that he does not have any concrete findings about this thesis.

Gorur said, ''it is necessary to examine whether the features of the Northern Anatolia Fault Line continue in the Aegean Sea. Examinations could not be held in the Aegean Sea due to the ongoing tension between Turkey and Greece. The examinations could only be held in the international waters. Neither Turkey nor Greece was carrying out seismologic researches because the seismologic researches were banned and the two countries obeyed this ban. To this end, a detailed research in the base of the Aegean Sea could not have been held by the two countries. If the scientist of the two countries give hand in hand by benefiting from the friendship atmosphere which improved after the Marmara quake, significant researches can be held in the Aegean Sea.''

''But, we know that the Northern Anatolia Fault Line makes a curve to south starting from the Izmit Gulf and when it arrives in the Aegean Sea, it changes direction. The continuation of this line will be in the northwestern-southeastern direction. The quake which hit Athens was similar to that direction but slightly south of that direction. But, we can think that a major quake in Turkey can activate the cracks in the surrounding,'' Gorur added.

Gorur continued, ''that a massive quake will hit Istanbul is a scientific thesis. But, we can tell which extention of the Northern Anatolia Fault Line will cause a quake after our researches. In my opinion, the Northern Anatolia Fault Line which causes quake continues under water. The researches held in ITU indicate this truth. There are some records that quakes, the epicenters of which were the Aegean Sea, occured before. To this end, a quake will hit Istanbul. The quakes occur from east to west when you look at the history. It is not a definite fact but when you start from the Erzincan quake and end on August 17, you can see that the quakes occured from east to west. That is, the cracks are younger in the east part. Now, a line near Istanbul broke. To this end, there can be a massive quake in Istanbul. But, we cannot know when.''

[14] FOREIGN AID TO DISASTER ZONE - NUMBER OF PLANES CARRYING AID AND FIRE EXTINGUISHER EQUIPMENT TO TURKEY REACHES 345

The Foreign Ministry statement said that the number of military and civilian planes carying humanitarian aid and fire extinguisher equipment to the disaster zone reached 345 as of 10.30 a.m. this morning.

The statement noted that 15 of these planes arrived in Turkey to help the fire extinguishing activities while 330 planes brought humanitarian aid.

The officials said that planes carrying humanitarian aid from China, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Britain are expected to arrive in Turkey in the following days.

The officials noted that Turkish Armed Forces sent five planes to Italy, one plane to the U.S., and two planes to Germany for the transfer of aid to Turkey.

[15] CONTACTS OF IMF DELEGATION - COTARELLI: ''TALKS ON STAND-BY CONTINUE''

Staging a press briefing, Carlo Cotarelli recalled that the stand-by issue will also be on the agenda of the IMF delegation that will come to Turkey in October.

Cotarelli said they estimate that the negative effects of the earthquake in Marmara will be less on the revenues, but more serious on the growth.

The IMF Turkey Desk Chief stated that there might be an increase in Turkey's economic growth next year as a result of the reconstructions.

Recalling that first of all, they have to know the cost concerning the earthquake issue, Cotarelli said they can carry out later their evaluation on the damages caused by the quake.

Noting that they will evaluate whether or not the earthquake changed the structure of spendings, Cotarelli said the construction expenditures within the framework of reconstruction will be a single spending, but it was too early to estimate the quake cost.

Responding to a question, Treasury Undersecretary Selcuk Demiralp said there was not any deviation in inflation, borrowing, budget revenues, and expenditures as of the end of August.

Demiralp said they reached a consensus with the IMF in June and July concerning the stand-by, and within this framework, the talks on the issue will continue in Washington.

Selcuk Demiralp added that it was clear that the quake will affect the revenues and spendings.

[16] CONTACTS OF IMF DELEGATION

Staging a joint press briefing with Carlo Cotarelli, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Turkey Desk Chief, Demiralp answered the questions of journalists.

Responding to a question about the agricultural purchase prices, Selcuk Demiralp said they tried to take into consideration especially the budget deflator concerning the fixing of this year's purchase prices.

''We will consider this during our talks, but the decisions which have been taken until now, will not suspend or badly affect our programme,'' he said.

Demiralp stated that the criteria which were taken up with the IMF at the talks in June, will be reviewed by taking into consideration the decrease in the revenues and increase in the expenditures after the quake.

Noting that it was decided to attach importance to the budget discipline and adopt laws on structural reforms at the meetings with the IMF in June, Demiralp said, ''also, some parameters regarding the budget performance were determined in June. Besides, consensus was reached on taking every kind of measure to decrease the inflation to nearly 50 percent at the end of 1999, 25 percent in the year 2000, and 10 percent in the year 2001.''

Undersecretary Demiralp said that the domestic and foreign borrowings will be reviewed within the framework of the criteria that will be discussed by the IMF delegation.

Responding to a question about the IMF's earthquake aid, Demiralp said, ''25 percent of our quota will be released and this means 330 million U.S. dollars. This is generally used for the balance of payments within the framework of the IMF programme. However, the use of this aid depends on the discretion of the Republic of Turkey. Turkey may decide to use it for the balance of payments. She may spend by recording it as a budget revenue. Thus, the primary factor is the release of the money, and the second factor is the decision of the government about the issue.''

Stressing that the amount of foreign exchange reserves were at a higher level when the balance of payments is considered, Demiralp said that there was not a very important reason for the use of this aid in the balance of payments.

Demiralp pointed out that the money will be repaid to the IMF later.

Demiralp added that the World Bank delegation which continues its observations about the damages caused by the quake, will conclude its work at the weekend.

[17] CHINA REQUESTS EDUCATION ON TOURISM FROM OGER TOUR

Oger Tour which signed an agreement with the Chinese International Tourism Society (CITS), will start tours to China as of October 23.

Introducing the Oger Tour's 1999 winter programme in Sanya city of Hainan island in south of China, Vural Oger, the Chairman of the Oger Tour Executive Board, said the tourists who come to China, will stay in Beijing for a few days and take a holiday on the southern beaches of China.

Wang Xiao Peng, the Governor of Hainan, said that the initiative of the Oger Tour will introduce Hainan island to Europe and provide financial contribution. Governor Peng requested support from the Oger Tour for the tourism education.

''We have deficiencies in education, we will be grateful to you if you assist us in this issue,'' the Governor said.

Expressing his sorrow over the losses in the earthquake in Turkey, Peng said, ''Turkey is our friend. Today is the day of solidarity. We do our best to help Turkey.''

[18] U.S. SHIPS TO DEPART DISASTER ZONE TOMORROW

The U.S. Embassy in Ankara statement said that three U.S. ships and 2,100 personnel will depart Golcuk on Friday after providing nearly three weeks of humanitarian assistance in close coordination with the government of Turkey.

Emphasizing that the Turkish and the U.S. officials continue to assess the ongoing relief efforts, the statement noted that the officials concluded that the U.S. Kearserge team has accomplished its principal mission of delivering and erecting temporary shelter for the numerous victims made homeless by the earthquake and providing basic field medical treatment.

Noting that the Turkish and the U.S. officials carried out coordinative efforts in the disaster zone, the statement stressed that all the assets were utilized to their best potential during this relief effort.

Stressing that the search and rescue operations and the first aid in the first days after the quake carried importance, the statement emphasized that the efforts intensified on providing temporary shelter for the survivors after ARG and MEU arrived in Turkey.

The statement said that the U.S. personnel distributed more than 6,000 tents within the framework of the aid and that a total of 100 patients were cured in the basic health units which were set up in three different places.

The statement noted that the U.S. marines helped prepare ten tent-sites and constructed over 800 tents in surrounding towns of Golcuk, Halidere, Degirmendere, Dogukisla, Korfez, and Arsenal; adding that they also helped distribute bedding supplies, portable toilets, water, sump pumps, generators, medical, and other relief supplies.

The USS Kearserge, USS Ponce and Gunston Hall ships departed early from Spanish port on August 18, 1999, arrived in Turkey to help the efforts in the disaster zone.

[19] FOREIGN EXCHANGE RESERVES OF CENTRAL BANK INCREASE TO 23.8 BILLION U.S. DOLLARS

The Central Bank data shows that the foreign exchange reserves, which climbed by 776 million U.S. dollars between August 27 and September 3, increased to 23 billion 871 million U.S. dollars as of September 3.

The Central Bank's foreign exchange reserves were 23 billion 95 million U.S. dollars on August 27.

Meanwhile, according to the August 20-based statistics, Turkey's total international gross reserves decreased 448 million U.S. dollars to 35 billion 332 million U.S. dollars between August 13 and 20.

The international gross reserves of Turkey were 35 billion 780 million U.S. dollars on August 13.

As of August 20, Turkey's international reserves were composed of 1 billion 12 million U.S. dollars in gold reserves; 23 billion 335 million U.S. dollars in the Central Bank's foreign exchange reserves; and 10 billion 986 million U.S. dollars in the commercial banks' foreign exchange reserves.

[20] 7.2 BILLION U.S. DOLLARS PAID IN FOREIGN DEBT SINCE JANUARY 1, 1999

The Central Bank data shows that the Treasury paid 6 billion 26.25 million U.S. dollars; the Central Bank repaid 296.03 million U.S. dollars; the Ministry of National Defense and the Defense Industry paid 527.46 million U.S. dollars; the Defense Fund paid 17.33 million U.S. dollars and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) was repaid 344.77 million U.S. dollars in foreign debt between January 1 and September 8, 1999.

Meanwhile, a total of 269.95 million U.S. dollars of foreign debt was repaid between September 1 and 8.

The foreign debt payment was 432.01 million U.S. dollars in January; 765.75 million U.S. dollars in February; 770.55 million U.S. dollars in March; 836.41 million U.S. dollars in April, 680.99 million US dollars in May; 718.55 million U.S. dollars in June; 714.64 million U.S. dollars in July, and 1 billion 22.99 million U.S. dollars in August 1999.

[21] TURKISH-GREEK DIALOGUE - GREEK FM SOURCES: ''THE MEETINGS IN JULY WERE HELD IN A POSITIVE ATMOSPHERE BUT GREEK TOUR MEETINGS ARE MORE POSITIVE THAN THE JULY MEETINGS''

The Greek Foreign Ministry sources said that the meetings in July were also held in a positive atmosphere but that the Athens tour meetings are more positive than the July meetings because of the solidarity which occured after the two quake disasters.

Emphasizing that the Turkish and Greek sides can submit tomorrow the draft agreements, the sources noted that the two sides agreed on some of the issues.

The sources added that the Greek tour will end tomorrow and the second round will resume in Ankara on September 15, 1999.

Stressing that Foreign Minister Ismail Cem and George Papandreu, Greek Foreign Minister, will come together in a lunch or a dinner on September 23, 1999 in New York where the United Nations (U.N.) General Assembly will convene, the sources said that the two ministers can evaluate the results of the second round meetings.

[22] TURKEY-EU RELATIONS - GREEK FOREIGN MINISTRY: ''ALSO THE RELATIONS BETWEEN TURKEY AND THE EU WILL BE DISCUSSED AT THE EU FOREIGN MINISTERS' MEETING''

The Greek Foreign Minister, in its written statement, said that the sanctions imposed on Yugoslavia, aid to the Balkans, and the developments in the Middle East and East Timor will be discussed at the meeting tpo which Foreign Minister Ismail Cem was invited.

The statement said Greek Foreign Minister Yorgo Papandreu and Deputy Foreign Minister Yannis Kranidiotis will attend the meeting.

Meanwhile, the Greek Foreign Ministry sources said that the decisions including the aid to Turkey which were taken at the unofficial meeting of the EU foreign ministers between September 4 and 5 will be officially approved at the meeting on September 13-14, the sources said Turkey's candidacy is expected to be discussed at the meeting in detail.

Noting that there were different opinions within the EU concerning Turkey's candidacy, the sources said ''what the road map, which is thought to be offered to Turkey, will include, and how this road map can be attached to Turkey's candidacy,'' are the issues that have to be considered seriously.

The same sources stressed that the road map has to have technical and political dimensions, adding that Athens will adopt a position by taking into consideration the developments within the EU.

Sources added that Ismail Cem and Yorgo Papandreu are expected to hold a bilateral meeting.

[23] THIRD METU INTERNATIONAL ECONOMY CONGRESS - PROF. DR. PRESCOTT: ''TURKEY STARTS TO CATCH UP WITH THE DEVELOPED COUNTRIES BY A HIGH SPEED''

Making a speech on ''Can the Turkish Technologies Catch Up With the Giant Technologies?'' in the Third Middle East Technical University (METU) International Economy Congress, Prescott noted that he divides the developments in the world into two parts and that these are before 1800 and after 1800. Prescott added that there were not so many differences between the life standards of the world countries before 1800.

Drawing the attention that the incomes per person increased nearly 32 times in the industrialized countries since 1800, Prescott stated that the differences of international incomes result from the efficiency and the productivity in the usage of the technologies.

Stating that the development in Britain started in 1800, in Mexico in 1865 and in Turkey in 1925, Prescott stressed that despite this, Turkey passed Mexico in the recent days.

Noting that Turkey is in good position in growth, Prescott emphasized that Turkey started to catch up with the industrialized countries, but she still has to develop.

Prescott listed the reasons of Turkey's catching up with the industrialized countries as the decrease in the efficiency of the unproductive groups and as the creation of more competition.

Prescott added that he is very optimistic about Turkey.

[24] ERSUMER, ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES MINISTER, MEETS WITH ABLYAZOV, KAZAKH ENERGY MINISTER

The Energy and Natural Resources Ministry statement said that the two ministers discussed the energy projects which are planned to be fulfilled by Turkey and Kazakhstan.

The statement noted that Ersumer and Ablyazov exchanged views about the latest developments of the initiatives of the Turkish Petroleum Corp. (TPAO) in Kazakhstan.

Emphasizing that the Kazakh side proposed setting up working groups in the energy fields, the statement stressed that Turkey's assistance in the transfer of Kazakh oil and natural gas to the world markets through Baku- Ceyhan pipeline was also discussed during the meeting.

[25] TRNC PRIME MINISTRY: ''WE FELT DEEP SORROW OVER THE EARTHQUAKE IN GREECE''

The TRNC Prime Ministry issued a written statement saying that the Turkish Cypriot nation and the government felt great sorrow over the destruction, losses and grief caused by the quake in Greece after the devastating earthquake in Turkey which had also saddened them.

Noting that it is a humanitarian task to be sensitive to the grief of humanity and to lend a helping hand, the statement said the Turkish Cypriots, whose history is full of grieves, will not refrain from fulfilling their responsibilities against this disaster in Greece, and will extend all kind of material and moral support to the Greek people.

''As the TRNC government, we consider it as a positive development that the necessity for a relation based on cooperation with mutual friendly feelings of the Turkish and Greek peoples, who share the same region and are obliged to live with the geographical conditions in this region, has been revealed, '' it said.

[26] 3RD INTERNATIONAL ECONOMY CONGRESS OF METU - FOGG, REPRESENTATIVE OF EU TO TURKEY: - ''CONDITIONS REGARDED WITH TURKEY'S FULL MEMBERSHIP TO THE EU, ARE PROMISING''

Addressing the 3rd International Economy Congress organized by the Middle East Technical University (METU), Fogg gave informations about relations between Turkey and the EU, and about the EU's enlargement process.

Describing the latest developments in Turkey-EU relations as very promising, Fogg said that these developments are a stage to further improve the relations.

Pointing out that Turkey should not be too optimistic in short term about the full membership to the EU, Fogg said that although the European Comission, executive organ of the EU, has begun to consider Turkey among the candidate countries, the Commission is dependent on the decisions of the European Parliament.

Fogg noted that without a decision of the European Parliament, it will be a big mistake to be hopeful about the strategy of the European Commission.

Stressing that to become a candidate to the EU is very difficult, Fogg noted that Turkey is more fortunate compared with East European countries, and added Turkey has proved that she has a strong administration, and private sector.

Underlining the importance of the Customs Union Agreement which came into force on January 1, 1996 between Turkey and the EU, Fogg noted that a study over effects of the Customs Union on Turkey, has not been made yet.

Pointing out that the EU could not give the financial aid stemmed from the Customs Union Agreement, to Turkey, Fogg also added that Turkey was not excluded from the enlargement strategy of the EU.

[27] TURKEY-KAZAKHSTAN JOINT ECONOMIC COMMISSION FIRST TERM MEETING - BAHCELI, DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER: - ''IT IS POSSIBLE TO REACH A TRADE VOLUME OF 1 BILLION U.S. DOLLARS, IN COMING YEARS''

The first term meeting of the Turkey-Kazakhstan Joint Economic Commission (JEC) was held in Ankara.

Bahceli, and Muhtar Ablyazov, Kazakh Energy, Industry and Trade Minister, were in attendance at the meeting.

Addressing the meeting, Bahceli said that commercial relations between the two countries has been continuing to increase since 1992, and added that the trade volume between Turkey and Kazakhstan reached to 470 million U.S. dollars in 1998.

Bahceli noted that the export to Kazakhstan which was 19 million U.S. dollars in 1992, increased to 212 million U.S. dollars in 1998 while import from Kazakhstan which was 10 million U.S. dollars in 1992, climbed to 253 million U.S. dollars in 1998.

Recalling that the commercial relations between the two countries were also affected negatively by the global economic crisis, Bahceli pointed out, ''recent recession in the commercial relations is temporary, and it is possible to reach a trade volume of 1 billion U.S. dollars, with Kazakhstan in coming years.''

Stressing that the energy sector has a leading role in commercial relations between the two countries, Bahceli noted, ''transportation of the Kazakh and Azeri oils into western markets via Turkey, will make a considerable contribution to the bilateral relations. We request Kazakh government to extend support to our initiatives regarded with the project.''

Underlining that the joint production can be provided in mining sector with the participation of the Turkish firms, Bahceli added that joint gold production should be given priority within this framework.

[28] TURKEY-KAZAKHSTAN JOINT ECONOMIC COMMISSION FIRST TERM MEETING - BAHCELI, DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER: - ''RELATIONS BETWEEN TURKEY AND KAZAKHSTAN HAVE BEEN CONTINUING WITHIN FRAMEWORK OF FRIENDSHIP AND FRATERNITY''

Addressing the first term meeting of the Turkey-Kazakhstan Joint Economic Commission (JEC) which was held in Ankara, Bahceli pointed out that the meeting was very useful to further improve relations between the two countries.

Stressing that the economic and commercial relations between Turkey and Kazakhstan should be further improved, Bahceli said that the Turkey- Kazakhstan Business Council should convene frequently to this end.

Recalling that the Turkish Eximbank has given loan to Kazakhstan, and it will maintain the financial support to this country, Bahceli said that the two countries should also cooperate in the field of industry.

Noting that energy, mining, construction, and transportation are the significant cooperation fields between Turkey and Kazakhstan, Bahceli added that the two countries can cooperate in various fields from tourism to health services.

Bahceli said, ''transportation between Turkey and Kazakhstan will ease when the Trans-Eurasia Highway project is finalized.''

Meanwhile, Muhtar Ablyazov, the Kazakh Energy, Industry and Trade Minister, expressed profound sorrow at the great loss of life in the earthquake which devastated northwestern Turkey on August 17.

Describing Turkey as a significant country in Kazakhstan's foreign relations, Ablyazov said that they want to benefit from Turkey's experiences.

[29] PRESIDENT DEMIREL RECEIVES PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT - MEETING FOCUSES ON PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT'S VISIT TO THE U.S, AND ON QUAKE DISASTER

Addressing journalist following the meeting which lasted for nearly one hour, Ecevit said that the meeting focused on his visit to the U.S. at the end of this month, and on the quake disaster which devastated northwestern Turkey on August 17.

Recalling that they have given priority to solution of housing problem in the disaster area, Prime Minister Ecevit said, ''We held contacts with experienced countries to solve the housing problem. Government is determined to provide tents for quake victims before the winter comes.''

Responding to a question about the International Monetary Fund (IMF) delegation's contacts in Turkey, Ecevit noted, ''Relations with the World Bank, and with the IMF have been improving hopefully.''

Stressing that the World Bank has pledged to give Turkey a financial aid worth of 750 million U.S. dollars in addition to the aid worth of 300 million U.S. dollars, Ecevit told reporters that the World Bank has also decided to encourage several international organizations to provide financial aid to Turkey.

Ecevit also added, ''Concrete steps of the parliament and the state have increased willingness of the IMF and the other organizations to assist Turkey. I can say that a hopeful process has begun.''

[30] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT: - ''A TOTAL OF 86 COUNTRIES HAVE RUSHED TO HELP TURKEY IN THE WAKE OF DISASTER''

Ecevit said that the Turkish nation has united to cope with the aftermath of the disaster, adding that a considerable amount of financial aid has been collected in the bank accounts for quake victims.

Ecevit said, ''86 countries have rushed to help Turkey in the wake of the quake disaster with their financial aid, mobile hospitals, search and rescue teams, and humanitarian aid in a bid to to heal the wounds of the quake disaster. Such a solidarity showes Turkey's respect in the world.''

Stressing that the donations will be used in construction of new settlement units for the quake victims, Ecevit said, ''we will inform the people about the spending of donations. The government has set up an impartial inspection delegation. People want to know how their donations are being used. They have the right to know it.''

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