|
|
|
Anadolu Agency: News in English, 99-11-04
[01] AA Daily
04 November 1999 Thursday
[02] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN
[03] These are some of the major headlines and their brief stories in
Turkey's press on November 4, 1999. The Anadolu Ajansi does not verify
these stories and does not vouch for their occuracy.
[04] HURRIYET (LIBERAL) - ---------------- GALATASARAY SOCCER TEAM IN
EUROPE AGAIN Galatasaray beat Italy's AC Milan 3-2 in the UEFA Champions'
League group match played late on Wednesday in Istanbul. Galatasaray who
lost hopes for Championsships' League two weeks ago, recorded a historical
night on Wednesday. Galatasary soccer team scored to goals in the last five
minutes. Players of Milan soccer team left the field in tears.
[05] BAHCELI: AMNESTY MAY NOT BE ISSUED When asked ''neither Democratic
Left Party (DSP) nor Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) is stepping back.
What is going to happen?,'' Devlet Bahceli, Deputy Prime Minister and
leader of MHP said, ''if nobody is stepping back, then you will remove the
problem. That's it,'' he responded. Bahceli responded to claims of
''cracks'' in the government caused by the amnesty law draft. He said
disagreements on any law were not big enough to cause instability in
Turkey. ''Stability in Turkey is above everything,'' he stressed.
[06] MILLIYET (LIBERAL) - ----------------- LESSON FROM MIT TO RUSSIA Prime
Minister Bulent Ecevit's visit to Moscow, which carries a vital importance,
starts today. Ecevit is scheduled to bring into the agenda the actions of
terrorist PKK organization in Russia. Atasagun, Undersecretary of National
Intelligence Organization (MIT), will proceed to Moscow from Paris on
Thursday to this end. Atasagun will submit a comprehensive PKK file to
Russia.
[07] HUMANITARIAN AID TO CHECHNYA Government, which regarded Chechnya
intervention as a domestic problem of Russia, focused on the humanitarian
dimensions of the incident. Ankara conveyed Russia its willingness to
extend humanitarian aid. Moscow administration said it allowed this. Also,
international organizations were warned on humanitarian aid issue.
[08] SABAH (LIBERAL) - --------------- HEAD OF MALKI WORTHS 12 MILLION U.S.
DOLLARS Erol Evcil confesses his crime: ''I ordered for the murder of Nesim
Malki when my debts increased very much.'' Istanbul State Security Court
(DGM) Prosecutor interrogated Evcil, suspect of Malki murder, for 8.5
hours. In the interrogation, Evcil confessed his crime and sent to prison.
Evcil seemed very tired in his arrival to DGM.
[09] CRISIS IS SUSPENDED FOR NOW Government partners suspended amnesty
draft law until they reach an agreement on Haluk Kirci, Esber Yagmurdereli,
and head scarf issue. Coalition partners agreed to suspend the issue till
they reach a compromise to negotiate the issue again. Emin Karaa, the
Chairman of the Parliamentary Justice Commission, said that he thinks it
will be useful to suspend the amnesty law for some time. Karaa noted that
they will not discuss the amnesty law as an urgent law.
[10] CUMHURIYET (LEFT) - ---------------- THERE ARE SIX ISSUES IN THE BAG
OF PREMIER ECEVIT Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit's visit to Russia starts
today. The agenda of his meeting with Vladimir Putin, Russian Prime
Minister, is expected to focus on six topics. They are: 1- Developments in
the Caucasus, the Balkans, Black Sea, and Central Asia. 2- Joint struggle
against terrorism. 3- Adding a new momentum to trade which decreased with
the economic crisis in Russia. 4- Realization of long term joint projects
in Turkey and in Russia. 5-Realization of ''Blue Stream'' natural gas
pipeline project within the framework of cooperation in energy field. 6-
Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) summit and
global problems.
[11] WINTER INCREASE IN INFLATION Price increases can not be stopped
despite all the efforts of the government. Winter expenses nourished the
inflation monster. Wholesale prices increased by 4.7 percent and consumer
prices increased by 6.3 percent in October.
[12] RADIKAL (LEFT) - ------------- DISAPPOINTMENT OF FP LEADER Recai Kutan,
leader of Virtue Party (FP), currently holding contacts in the U.S., said
he could not find the support he expected regarding the closure case opened
against his party. Kutan who met with Grossman, the U.S. Assistant
Secretary of State, and officials of State Department, responded to the
questions of reporters in Turkish-American Associations Assembly. Kutan
said they discussed with Grossman what will happen in a country when there
is democracy without mentioning the name of FP. Kutan said Grossman told
him that the U.S. was totally opposed to the closure of parties.
[13] BUDGET IN PARLIAMENT The draft budget of the year 2000, which will
form the basis of stand-by agreement with the International Monetary Fund
(IMF), was submitted to the Parliamentary Planning and Budget Commission by
Sumer Oral, Finance Minister.
[14] TURKIYE (RIGHT) - --------------- CHECHNYA CONCERN Prime Minister
Bulent Ecevit, who will leave for Russia today, speaking about the
operation towards Chechnya, said Chechnya issue is the internal problem of
Russia. Ecevit said, '' we are saddened and concerned that the military
operation is causing considerable harm to Chechen civilians. We are
saddened, and we are concerned about possible migration. A group of
refugees from Chechnya, mostly women and children, had already arrived in
Turkey.'' ''We have decided to warn other countries and international
organizations to be ready for a possible immigration,'' Ecevit added. ''We
are saddened and concerned that the military operation is causing
considerable harm to Chechen civilians. We are saddened in human terms and
concerned about possible migration. A group of refugees from Chechnya,
mostly women and children, had already arrived in Turkey.'' ''We have
decided to warn other countries and international organizations to be ready
for a possible immigration,'' Ecevit added. PRESIDENT APPROVES LAW WHICH
ALLOWS MEN TO PAY THEIR WAY OUT OF MILITARY SERVICE President Suleyman
Demirel approved the Customs Law and the bill allowing young men to pay to
shorten their military service in a bid to boost revenues after devastating
earthquake which hit Marmara region in August. In accordance with the law
on short-military service, the men who were born before January 1, 1973 and
did not start their compulsory 18-month military service before the law
enters into effect, can benefit from the law. Those who want to benefit
from the law have to make their applications within six months after the
law enters into effect, and pay 15 thousand German Marks (8,060 U.S.
dollars) to do just 60 days of military service. The men who won't be over
40 years old as of December 31, 1999, can pay 20 thousand German Marks and
avoid the call-up altogether.
[15] ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE) - ------------------ ACTIONS TO PROTEST SALARY
INCREASE BROADENS Civil servants began to protest government which
envisaged 15 percent increase in salaries in January and 10 percent
increase in July. The civil servants staged protests throughout in Turkey
and protested the inadequate increase in salaries foreseen to be given to
them in the year 2000.
[16] EROL EVCIL IN PRISON Erol Evcil, one of the murder suspects of Nesim
Malki assasination, was brought to Istanbul under tight security measures
together with eight people who were taken under custody. A. Cengiz Engin,
Republican Prosecutor of State Security Court (DGM) interrogated Evcil.
Three people and businessman Yuksel Caglar were released. Erol Evcil, Hakan
Karakurt, Nalan Karakurt, and Huseyin Avli Silahci were arrested. Evcil was
sent to Kartal prison.
[17] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT LEAVES FOR RUSSIA
[18] ANKARA, Nov 4 (A.A) - Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit left for Russia on
10:20 local time Thursday as the official guest of Vladimir Putin, Russian
Prime Minister. A delegation composed of Cumhur Ersumer, Minister of Energy
and Natural Resources; Suayip Usenmez, Minister of State; Rustu Kazim
Yucelen, Minister of State; Ismail Cem, Foreign Minister; Yusuf Gokalp,
Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs; Senkal Atasagun, Undersecretary
of National Intelligence Organization (MIT); businessmen, and journalists
accompany Ecevit. Foreign Minister Cem and State Minister Yucelen will
attend the delegation in Russia.
[19] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT LEAVES FOR RUSSIA - ECEVIT: ''WE WILL BE ABLE TO
DISCUSS BILATERAL RELATIONS AS WELL AS PROBLEMS OF REGION AND THE WORLD''
[20] ANKARA, Nov 4 (A.A) - Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said on Thursday
that bilateral relations as well as problems of the region and the world
would be discussed during his official visit to Russia. Ecevit who spoke at
Ankara's Esenboga Airport before leaving for Russia, said friendly
relations based on mutual confidence would be for the benefit of the two
countries. He said important developments were recorded in economy and
trade field in the recent years. ''Yet, negative influence of world
economic crisis on Russian economy caused narrow straits on our trade
volume and economic relations,'' Ecevit said, adding that during the visit
they will look for ways to enliven relations. Ecevit said concrete steps
should be taken at the same time to improve political dimensions of
relations. He said: ''Besides, we will have the opportunity to remind that
the support given to terrorist PKK organization by some circles in Russia
contradict with the friendly relations. We attribute a special importance
to the solution of Chechnya problem through peaceful ways and within the
territorial integrity of Russia. Yet, we are sad because of humanitarian
concerns that civilian people are harmed in recent weeks. We are worried
because of the possibility that Turkey may face a new migration problem. A
group of refugees, mostly composed of women and children, has already come
to Turkey. We have called on Russia's confirmation for Red Crescent's
sending humanitarian aid to Chechnen people. Russian government found this
request as positive,'' he said. Ecevit noted that many tensions are
experienced in the Caucasus, adding that he will have the opportunity to
discuss with Russian officials what could be done to provide tranquility in
this sensitive region. Ecevit pointed out that ''Blue Stream'' natural gas
project carried a vital importance in relations with Russia, and noted that
''under the project which was signed at the end of 1997, Russia will
transport a great quantity of natural gas to Samsun under the Black Sea
through pipelines. Ecevit said this project will not prevent transportation
of Turkmen and Azerbaijani gas to Turkey via Caspian basin and to the
Mediterranean via Turkey. Ecevit said he will participate in a ceremony to
lay the foundation of Turkish Trade Center in his visit and noted that this
center was the evidence of the importance which Turkish entrepreneurs
attribute to economic and trade relations with Russia. Ecevit said they
will also seek for ways in Moscow for the solution of the problems of
contractors. ''Several important documents which will add new dimensions to
our cooperation, and a cooperation declaration in struggle against
terrorism will be initialed and signed during the visit. I wish this visit
will contribute to the peace, stability, and welfare atmosphere in our
region and to the further improvement of bilateral relations'' he said.
When asked if an additional protocol will be signed related with ''Blue
Stream'' project, Ecevit said, ''technical works are under way. There is no
problem that we can not solve.''
[21] TURKEY-ROMANIA COOPERATION IN CONSTRUCTION SECTOR
[22] ANKARA, Nov 4 (A.A) - The International Contractors' Union and the
Foreign Economic Relations Council (DEIK) will hold a meeting titled
''Turkish-Romanian Construction Sector'' in Istanbul on Friday. The union
and the council will hold this meeting to improve the cooperation between
Turkey and Romania in the construction sector. The representatives of 45
Romanian companies, including the prefabricated hut producers and
construction material producers, are expected to participate in the
meeting. The Romanian delegation will be headed by Alexandru Dobre, the
Chairman of the Executive Board of Romanian Contractors' Union ARACO. The
participants are expected to evaluate the cooperation opportunities with
Romania concerning the reconstruction of settlements in the quake-hit
areas.
[23] WORLD BANK AND IMF DELEGATION TO CONTINUE THEIR FINANCE SECTOR REFORM
INITIATIVES BY NEW YEAR
[24] ANKARA, Nov 4 (A.A) - The World Bank and the International Monetary
Fund (IMF) delegation will continue their finance sector reform initiatives
by the new year. The delegation headed by Lalit Raina, an official from the
World Bank Finance Sector Department, left Turkey last week. The delegation
held contacts for reforms to be implemented in the finance sector. Two
experts from this delegation did not leave Turkey and participated in the
contacts of the IMF delegation headed by Carlo Cottarelli, the Chief of
Turkey Desk of IMF. The officials told A.A correspondent on Thursday that
the World Bank thinks of resuming the contacts in the new year because they
want to see the result of the stand-by agreement which is planned to be
signed between Turkey and the IMF. The World Bank delegation recommended
that Turkey should privatize the Emlak Bankasi firstly and then privatize
the Halk Bankasi, the officials said. The officials noted that the
delegation also advised that the banks which face financial problems should
be united and the bank marriages should be encouraged. The delegation also
recommended that the independent internal and external control mechanisms
should be fortified and the quality of the financial assets of the banks
should be improved, the officials stated. The officials stressed that the
delegation emphasized that the 100 percent public guarantee on the bank
accounts encourages the banks which have difficulties in finding foreign
credits and whose capital structure are not strong, to collect money by
higher costs. This fact endangers the system and surpasses the power of the
Saving Account Insurance Fund, the officials added. The officials pointed
out that Turkey started to adopt the view that the 100 percent public
guarantee should be gradually decreased to the European Union (EU)
standards. The World Bank and IMF delegation also said that the groundwork
should be laid to ensure the banks gain money from the banking transactions
rather than the finance of the public securities, the officials emphasized.
The officials added that the World Bank will grant Turkey 750 million U.S.
dollar financial sector credit next year within the framework of the
reconstruction of the finance sector.
[25] FP APPLIES TO CONSTITUTIONAL COURT FOR ANNULMENT OF SOCIAL SECURITY
LAW
[26] ANKARA, Nov 4 (A.A) - The Virtue Party (FP) applied to the
Constitutional Court for the annulment of the Social Security Law on
Thursday. A FP delegation including the FP group acting leaders Abdullatif
Sener, Bulent Arinc, Ismail Kahraman, and a group of FP deputies, handed
over the deposition asking for the annulment of the Social Security Law to
Sadi Buyukeren, the Secretary General of the Constitutional Court. When
leaving the Constitutional Court, Sener said that they asked for the
annulment of all the articles of the law except the article on the
unemployment insurance. Sener claimed that the law does not comply with the
social state, state of law, and equality principles foreseen in the
Constitution. They continuously say that the law does not comply with the
realities of Turkey, Sener noted. A total of 54 million people lost their
hopes for the future, Sener stated. Sener stressed that the True Path Party
(DYP) also prepares a petition for the annulment of the Social Security
Law. However, the number of deputies of this party is not enough to apply
for the annulment, Sener recalled. Sener emphasized that the deputies of
the DYP will support FP's petition with their signatures. When asked
whether or not the Constitutional Court will annul the law, Sener said that
the Court will see that the law is contrary to some articles of the
Constitution when it examines their deposition. Sener added that the law is
against the Article 2, 10, and 60 of the Constitution and prevents the
vested interests.
[27] COTTARELLI, IMF TURKEY DESK CHIEF, VISITS ZIRAAT BANKASI
[28] ANKARA, Nov 4 (A.A) - Carlo Cottarelli, the Chief of Turkey Desk of
the International Monetary Fund (IMF), met with the officials of the Ziraat
Bankasi on Thursday. Following the two-hour meeting, Cottarelli told A.A
correspondent that they discussed the prior issues including Turkish
banking system and the monetary markets. When asked about the deficits and
losses of the public banks, Cottarelli said that the works on the deficits
and losses of the public banks continue. The IMF delegation headed by
Cottarelli visited Halk Bankasi on Wednesday.
[29] 5TH EU-MEDITERRANEAN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COUNCILS SUMMIT
[30] ANTALYA, Nov 4 (A.A) - President Suleyman Demirel said on Thursday
that Turkey was determined to defend her full membership rights which
stemmed from the Partnership Agreement which was signed between Turkey and
the European Union (EU) in 1963. The 5th EU-Mediterranean Economic and
Social Councils and Similar Institutions Summit has begun in Antalya on
Thursday. Addressing the summit, President Demirel stressed, ''process
which started in Barcelona, Spain, in November, 1995 reflected a common
politicial vision that aimed at connecting Europe and Mediterranean to each
other with strong ties. We could not reach our common target yet. We should
accelerate our efforts, and seize new opportunities for our joint well-
being.'' Demirel continued, ''the historical Silk Road has re-emerged after
the collapse of the Iron Curtain. The Caspian, Black Sea, and Mediterranean
have begun to unite with new transportation, communication, and energy
corridors. Europe is intermingling with Asia via Mediterranean. Eurasia has
become a political fact. Possibility of peace increased in the Middle East.
The Balkans have recorded significant progress in uniting with Europe. All
these developments will bring forth peace, cooperation, and prosperity in
Mediterranean's huge geography, including Europe.'' President Demirel
underlined that Turkey was the only country which signed the Customs Union
with the EU. He added that Turkey was ready to cooperate with other
regional countries within the framework of the European-Mediterranean
partnership. ''Cooperation was our joint target in the Barcelona
Decleration in 1995. We stressed in this document that dialogue, and mutual
respect among cultures and religions, were the preconditions of good
relations among nations,'' Demirel emphasized. President Demirel pointed
out Turkey believed a united Europe which is constructed on solidarity
among constitutional democracies sharing the common values and the same
ideals. He added, ''discrimination against Turkey at the EU's Luxembourg
Summit created a profound disappointment among Turkish people. This
discrimination was considered as an effort to define the EU on religious
ground. It was an unfairness towards joint ideals which we have defended
altogether for 50 years. Suc a discriminative attitude also received harsh
reaction from several circles in the EU. And it proved that Turkey was not
alone in her belief in a pluralist and united Europe. Defenders of the
pluralist and united Europe have extended efforts to correct this
historical mistake.'' Demirel emphasized that Turkey was determined to
defend her full membership rights stemmed from the Partnership Agreement
which was signed between Turkey and the EU in 1963, adding that Turkey
expected the EU to assume Turkey the same attitude with the other
candidates. ''Within this framework, the European Commission's
recommandation report dated October 13, 1999 to the Council of Europe was a
milestone. Declaring Turkey's candidacy to the EU at the Helsinki Summit in
accordance with the report, will further strengthen Mediterranean dimension
of the EU. Turkey's full membership to the EU will make a considerable
contribution to peace, prosperity, and stability in the Meditarranean Basin,
'' Demirel said. He underlined, ''Turkey is one of the biggest economies of
Mediterranean Region, Eastern Europe, the Balkans, Black Rea Region, and in
Caspian Basin. Turkey is the sixth biggest economical partner of the EU.
Our three-and-a-half-year experience of Customs Union showed that Turkey
was able to adopt herself to the competition within the EU. Turkey's trade
volume has reached to 75 billion U.S. dollars. Turkey is a trade and
investment partner of European and Mediterranean countries. Istanbul has
become the finance and trade center of Eurasia. New energy geography which
emerged in Caspian Basin, will mingle with global markets with natural gas
and oil pipelines via Turkey. Turkey exports industrial products to 135
countries. Turkey has become a world state as a result of her successes.
She is a very significant economic power in her geography. Turkey is the
founder member of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation, the ECO, and the D-8.
She is the heart of the economic cooperation network including 24 countries
and 3 continents.'' Demirel also added, ''let's unite our powers for a new
peace and prosperity vision. Lets provide cooperation and solidarity
instead of dispute and hostility. Lets constitute together our joint
future.''
[31] 5TH EU-MEDITERRANEAN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COUNCILS SUMMIT
[32] ANTALYA, Nov 4 (A.A)- Yildirim Akbulut, the Parliament Speaker, said
on Thursday that Turkey supports the cooperation fields which were brought
to the agenda within the framework of the European Union (EU)-
Meditterranean Partnership. Akbulut spoke in the ''Fifth EU-Mediterranean
Economic and Social Councils and Similar Institutions Summit'' which is
being held in southern Antalya province. He adopts the policies which were
set up within the framework of this partnership, Akbulut noted. Akbulut
stated that he believes that a firm cooperation which will be set up in the
region will be useful for all the regional countries. The Mediterranean
basin carries a strategic importance for the EU, Akbulut stressed. The
regional stability and welfare will also be useful for the European
countries, Akbulut emphasized. Akbulut pointed out that the cooperation
foreseen by the EU-Mediterranean Partnership gradually improves. Akbulut
said that the relations which firstly started by the trade agreements, are
being improved in a way that they cover nearly all the fields, including
political, economic, and social. The Mediterranean countries are handled as
a whole within the framework of the partnership process which started by
the Barcelona Conference on November 1991, Akbulut noted. Akbulut stated
that they are trying to determine the cooperation fields. The EU-
Mediterranean Partnership united in a single economic programme titled
''Meda'' in 1996, Akbulut stressed. The programme provides funds for the
bilateral and regional projects, Akbulut recalled. Akbulut emphasized that
Turkey cannot utilize the assistance foreseen by the Meda due to the
political reasons. The relations between Turkey and the EU go back to older
days when compared with the relations between the EU and the other
Mediterranean countries, Akbulut pointed out. Akbulut continued, ''these
relations are as improved as the full membership targets. Signing the
customs union agreement between Turkey and the EU provided an economic
unity which is beyond the general framework of the Mediterranean
Partnership. Moreover, Turkey supports the cooperation fields which are
brought on the agenda within the framework of the EU-Mediterranean
Partnership.'' ''Turkey adopts the policies set up within this framework
and believes having firm cooperation in the region will be useful for not
only herself but for all the other regional countries. To this end, Turkey
will continue to contribute to the establishment of a peaceful and stable
region,'' Akbulut added.
[33] TURKISH-GERMAN COOPERATION COUNCIL CONVENES
[34] ISTANBUL, Nov 4 (A.A) - The 6th meeting of the Turkish-German
Cooperation Council started in Istanbul on Thursday. Addressing the opening
ceremony, Sevinc Dalyanoglu, the Director General of Economic Affairs
Department of the Foreign Ministry, said that the Council had become the
sign of institutionalization of cooperation in the field of economy. The
Undersecretariat of Treasury gave information to participants on the issues
such as recent legal arrangements in Turkish economy, patent, energy
projects, and tourism in Turkey. A joint protocol will be signed, and a
press conference will be staged about bilateral contacts tomorrow.
[35] 5TH EU-MEDITERRANEAN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COUNCILS SUMMIT
[36] ANTALYA, Nov 4 (A.A) - Mehmet Ali Irtemcelik, the State Minister, said
on Thursday that Turkey is conscious about the conditions which are
necessary for the full membership to the European Union (EU). Irtemcelik
spoke in the Fifth EU-Mediterranean Economic and Social Councils and
Similar Institutions Summit which is being held in southern Antalya
province. Realistic targets should be determined to be successful in the
Europe-Mediterranean cooperation, Irtemcelik noted. Turkey always gives
priority to the cooperation in the economic field, Irtemcelik stated.
Irtemcelik recalled that Turkey attributes a special importance to the role
of women in the society which is included in the agenda of the summit,
since the first days of the Republic. Referring to the Turkey-EU relations,
Irtemcelik stressed that Turkey is the oldest partner of the EU. Turkey had
applied to become a member of the former European Economic Community (EEC)
before some other European countries, Irtemcelik stressed. The Custom Union
agreement which was signed in 1995 was a significant step taken in the
direction of full membership to the EU, Irtemcelik said. Irtemcelik pointed
out that Turkey is the only country which has custom union with the EU.
Turkey does not think that she will become a full member very soon, but she
will do her best, Irtemcelik said. Irtemcelik noted that the EU earlier had
a discriminative attitude towards Turkey, but that Turkey's expectations
are modest. Turkey wants to have a similar and equal attitude which the EU
has shown towards the other candidates, Irtemcelik stated. Irtemcelik
stressed that Turkey does not claim that she fulfils all the conditions for
the full membership, and even she does not insist on the determination of a
date to start the full membership negotiations. The equal status which is
given to the other candidates should also be given to Turkey without any
additional conditions, Irtemcelik emphasized. Irtemcelik added that when
this status is given, the rest will be Turkey's responsibility.
[37] STATEMENT OF PREMIER ECEVIT TO IZVESTIA NEWSPAPER: ''ECONOMIC
COOPERATION POTENTIAL WITH RUSSIA HAS NOT BEEN USED TOTALLY''
[38] MOSCOW, Nov 4 (A.A) - Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit, who spoke to
Izvestia newspaper prior to his visit to Russia, said economic cooperation
potential between the two countries has not been used totally. In his
statement to the newspaper, Ecevit said bilateral relations improve within
friendship and mutual confidence, adding that ''the most impressive side of
our relations is that trade and economic relations of the two countries
progress successfully despite the negative effects of Russia's economic
difficulties.'' Ecevit pointed out that total economic growth of the two
countries reached 8 billion U.S. dollars and that Turkish construction
companies had successful works in Russia. Ecevit said Turkey hosted nearly
one million Russian tourists every year, adding that ''besides, thousands
of Turkish engineers and employees work in Russia. More than 1000 students
are educated here. Many Turkish schools have been opened in this country.
These can not even be imagined 10 years ago.'' Pointing out that Turkey
will meet most of its natural gas need in the year 2010 from Russia, Ecevit
said, ''I don't think we have used all cooperation potential between the
two countries.'' Responding to a question about Chechnya, Ecevit said, ''we
don't want to interfere to domestic affairs of Russia. We think this
problem can be solved by peaceful ways.'' Prime Minister Ecevit recalled
that Turkey had recognized overall states which gained their independence
after the collapse of the Soviet Union, without any discrimination. Ecevit
added, ''there are countries where people with Turkish origin is living
among these states. Historical, cultural, and religious ties connect us
with these countries. But we attribute great importance to our friendship
with Russia in regard to Eurasia. Turkey considers Russia as a powerful and
precious partner. We will continue to work together for the future of
Eurasia.''
[39] 5TH EU-MEDITERRANEAN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COUNCILS SUMMIT
[40] ANTALYA, Nov 4 (A.A) - Husamettin Kavi, the Co-president of Turkey-
European Union (EU) Joint Consultation Committee, said on Thursday that the
Europe-Mediterranean region will lay the ground of the development. Kavi
spoke in the Fifth EU-Mediterranean Economic and Social Councils and
Similar Institutions Summit which is being held in southern Antalya
province. Every step taken in the peace processes of the Balkans, the
Caucasus, and the Middle East, will provide a sustainable development, Kavi
noted. Kavi stated that it is obvious that peace is the focal point of the
improvement of the security, cooperation, economy, and democracy. The
economic improvement cannot be considered as an independent development
from the democratic improvement, Kavi stressed. Kavi added that the
improvements taken in democracy, law, and human rights will lead to the
development of economy in the 21st century.
[41] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT ARRIVES IN MOSCOW
[42] MOSCOW, Nov 4 (A.A) - Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit arrived in Russian
capital Moscow on Thursday for a three-day official visit. Vladimir Sherbak,
the Russian Deputy Prime Minister, welcomed Ecevit with a military ceremony
at the Sheremetyevo-1 Airport. Rustu Kazim Yucelen, the State Minister, and
Nabi Sensoy, the Turkish Ambassador to Russia, were also in attendance at
the ceremony. Prime Minister Ecevit, his wife Rahsan Ecevit, and
accompanying delegation later left for the President Hotel.
[43] 5TH EU-MEDITERRANEAN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COUNCILS SUMMIT
[44] ANTALYA, Nov 4 (A.A) - Karen Fogg, the European Union (EU) Commission
Permanent Representative to Turkey, said on Thursday that the EU Commission
is very pleased to work together with the non-governmental organizations.
Fogg spoke in the Fifth EU-Mediterranean Economic and Social Councils and
Similar Institutions Summit which is being held in southern Antalya
province. The improvement of the non-governmental organizations facilitates
the integration, Fogg noted. They support the establishment of free trade
zone among the Mediterranean countries, Fogg stated. Fogg stressed that
such relations improve the friendly relations among the countries. Fogg
emphasized that the EU proposed a participation strategy to Turkey in the
direction of the full membership. The recognition of Turkey as a candidate
to the EU will only be possible by implementing some measures, Fogg pointed
out. The aim of these measures is to prepare Turkey to the EU, Fogg said.
Fogg noted that Turkey is a part of Europe and she is the door of Europe
which is opened to the Black Sea and the Central Asia. To this end, Turkey
can play a more important role in the region, Fogg added.
A.A
|
