Anadolu Agency: News in English, 99-11-20

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[01] AA Daily

20 November 1999 Saturday

[02] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN These are some of the major headlines and their brief stories in Turkey's press on November 20, 1999. The Anadolu Ajansi does not verify these stories and does not vouch for their occuracy.

HURRIYET (LIBERAL)

GM:''WE ARE PROUD OF TURKEY''
Jeff Hurlbert, the Deputy Chairman of General Motors (GM) which is the second biggest automobile company of the world said Turkey was an important country for GM when he came to Turkey to attend the opening of Opel Plaza, an investment of 10 million US dollars. ''The competition in Turkey is not different than in any other European market,'' Hurlbert said and added that GM was proud to be in the Turkish industry.

MILLIYET (LIBERAL)

CHIRAC ALSO EXPECTS GESTURE FROM TURKEY
French President also expects gesture from Turkey. Chirac said that he advocates Greece and said that ''please do something to ease the pressure on Costas Simitis, the Greek Prime Minister.''

SABAH (LIBERAL)

850 MILLION DOLLARS OF ENERGY AGREEMENT SIGNED
Turkey and the U.S. signed agreements that foresees 850 million dollars of cooperation in energy between the two countries. Cumhur Ersumer, the Minister of Energy and Bill Richardson, the U.S. Secretary of Energy signed the agreements.

CUMHURIYET (LEFT)

CYPRUS SUMMIT IN ISTANBUL
An unexpected Cyprus summit also took place in Istanbul yesterday by the initiative of Foreign Minister Ismail Cem. U.N. State Secretary Kofi Annan met with Rauf Denktas, the President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) and Greek Cypriot leader Glafcos Clerides.

RADIKAL (LEFT)

CYPRUS STAMP ON OSCE
TRNC President Rauf Denktas came to Istanbul yesterday to meet with Kofi Annan, the U.N. Secretary General. Denktas criticized Glafcos Clerides, the Greek Cypriot leader and said ''if there is no equal representation, I won't join the talks.'' Clerides who claimed that he was the ''Cyprus President'' also said that he wouldn't accept the solution of confederation.

TURKIYE (RIGHT)

SIMITIS:''TURKEY IS A EUROPEAN COUNTRY''
Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis said very positive developments were observed recently in Turkish-Greek relations and reminded of the cooperation between the two countries following the quake disasters in both countries. Simitis who spoke to the Turkish press for the first time in many years said ''joint committees in tourism, economic cooperation and other fields are seeking ways for stronger cooperation. We made important progress through a solid dialogue and I'm hoping that we can produce results,'' Simitis said.

ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)

ENERGY PARTNERSHIP WITH U.S.
About 850 million US dollar worth of agreements in energy field were signed between Turkey and the US in Istanbul on Friday. The agreements cover two natural gas central projects in Eskisehir and Alapli which will be run by build-operate-transfer model and two dam and hydroelectric central projects in Kargi and Gursogut. US Secretary of Energy Bill Richardson and Minister of Energy Cumhur Ersumer signed the agreements on behalf of their countries.

[03] FINNISH PRESIDENT IN ANKARA

State Minister Mehmet Ali Irtemcelik welcomed Finnish President, who was in Istanbul to participate in the OSCE summit, at Esenboga Airport.

Ahtisaari will visit Anıtkabir, the Mausoleum of Ataturk and come together with President Demirel. The two presidents are expected to stage a joint press briefing after the interdelegationary meetings.

The visit of Ahtisaari carries a special importance regarding Turkey's expectation of a decision about her candidacy to the EU at Helsinki summit.

[04] AFTERSHOCKS CONTINUE

Bogazici University's Kandilli Observatory recorded nine aftershocks between 11.21 p.m. on Saturday and 5.18 a.m on Sunday:

Time Magnitude Epicenter

----- --------- ---------
23.21 3.1 Bolu

23.42 2.8 Izmit

00.09 3.1 Bolu

01.17 3.0 Bolu

02.24 3.2 Bolu

02.35 3.3 Bolu-Kaynasli

03.03 2.6 Yalova

04.21 3.3 Bolu-Duzce

05.18 3.0 Bolu

[05] PRIME MINISTRY CRISIS MANAGEMENT CENTER ANNOUNCES DEATH TOLL AS 705

A total of 705 buildings collapsed in Bolu, Duzce, Kaynasli, Cumayeri, Golyaka and Yigilca in the quake.

Quake survivors were given 352 prefabricated dwellings so far. More than 24, 000 tents were sent to the region including those which were sent from abroad. The power systems which suffered serious damage during the quake were repaired in short time and all provinces and villages in the quake area have been given electricity. Efforts continue to clear out the roads which were blocked by debris in the quake.

14,140 personnel, 1,832 work machines, 36 helicopters, 3 ambulance planes, 7 rescue planes, 438 vehicles and 234 sniffer dogs participate in rescue works.

Red Crescent, Turkish Armed Forces and other public institutions sent 74 mobile kitchens, 1 laundry place, 16 mobile showers, 3 mobile bakeries, more than 26,000 beds, about 12,000 sleeping bags, more than 269,000 plankets, 3,500 duvets, 600 tons of food, 5 satellites, 6,800 heaters and 50 telephones.

A total of 506 doctors, 114 nurses and 1,058 health personnel are in charge in the quake region and they were provided with 467 ambulances, 8 mobil hospitals, 6 polyclinic tents, 855 units of blood, serum, medicine and other medical supplies.

Six generals and 6,890 military personnel are currently working in the area. Land Forces Commandeship is supervising the activities from the Logistic Support Coordination Center in Duzce and Bolu.

The Foreign Ministry is in charge of the coordination of foreign aid sent to the quake region. 30 countries and the UN sent a total of 1,632 rescue personnel and 6 helicopters.

Israel set up a field hospital and is sending 2,000 sleeping bags.

[06] FINNISH PRESIDENT AHTISAARI VISITS ATATURK'S MAUSOLEUM

Ahtisaari signed the special notebook of the mausoleum and later visited Anitkabir's section where Ataturk's personal belongings are displayed.

State Minister Mehmet Ali Irtemcelik accompanied Ahtisaari during his visit to Anitkabir.

President Demirel will recieve the Finnish President at the Presidential Palace on Saturday afternoon. Ahtisaari is the first Finnish President visiting Turkey in the last 28 years.

[07] MHP LEADER BAHCELI: ''TURKEY HAS WON THE CHANCE OF PROMOTING HERSELF BY CLINTON'S VISIT AND OSCE SUMMIT''

Speaking in a press briefing, Yahnici said that the visit of Clinton and the OSCE summit had positive results in respect of Turkey, although she spent billions dollars for the summit.

Evaluating the developments that took place in foreign policy in the last days, Yahnici stated that Turkey will catch the vision of ''leader country'' in the beginning of 2000. The speeches of the U.S. President also referred to that, Yahnici added.

Mentioning the problems in the Caucasus, Yahnici said that the improvement of relations among Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan and Turkey is significant. ''The four contries need such a change in their relations. Turkey must be ready to fulfil her mission as she is obliged to undertake a mission regarding the peace in Caucasus,'' he said.

''Russia should listen to the world public opinion and end the tragedy in Chechnya,'' he said and added that they also favour to improve relations with Greece.

[08] DEMIRELS SAYS ALL COUNTRIES MUST WORK TOGETHER TO CREATE A GOOD WORLD FOR WORLD'S CHILDREN

In his message, Demirel said today children still died of hunger or were exposed to violence, torture or had to work under heavy conditions and sometimes these factors led them to pick up bad habits.

''All countries must work together to create a good world for children regardless of their language, religion and colour. Because children are the future of the world. The UN General Council signed the Convention on Children's Rights on November 20, 1989 where the rights of every child were listed and guaranteed. The countries which signed the agreement are responsible to leave a livable world for children,'' Demirel said.

Demirel stressed that Turkey treasured its children and reminded that Ataturk declared the opening day of the Turkish Parliament as the Children's Day which is the only children's day celebrated in the world.

''Besides children who enjoy good lives, we have those who live in the streets and pick up bad habits. It is everybody's responsibility to save these children from this environment and raise them as individuals who will be valuable for Turkey and all humanity. I believe joint efforts of all countries can help to create a world in which peace will prevail and where hatred, revenge, violence, starvation and bad habits cannot survive. If today's children are raised with love, affection and tolerance, it is not unlikely to leave them a world like this. With these thoughts, I send my love to all children on Children's Rights Day,'' Demirel concluded his message.

[09] TURKEY WANTS TO IMPROVE ITS WINTER TOURISM

Mumcu told A.A that his Ministry continued works to add variety to tourism activities in Turkey. ''13 areas have been declared as winter tourism centers. Areas that are owned by the Treasury or the Ministry of Forestry will be assigned to investors to build the first facilities,''.

The Ministry currently works to complete infrastructure works at Erzurum's Palandoken, Isparta's Davraz Mountain, Aksaray's Hasan Mountain and Kars' Sarikamis. Today Turkey has a bed capacity of 4,095 in its winter facilities and this number will rise to 12,360 once the new facilities open to tourism.

[10] STATE MINISTER YALOVA: ''OSCE WILL HAVE OUTCOMES WHICH WILL AFFECT THE YEARS TO COME''

Yalova spoke about the privatization of Meat and Fish institutions in Burdur and Konya and Steel-Iron Factory in Iskenderun. He also said Izmir's sea transportation will be privatized.

Responding to questions about OSCE Summit, Yalova said the summit would have very important outcomes for both Turkey and Europe in the years to come. The high participation of the summit strengthened Turkey's respectibility and value in the world's eye, he also noted.

[11] PREMIER ECEVIT:''ISTANBUL IS CAPITAL OF EURASIA''

Speaking at Ataturk Airport before his departure, Ecevit said that ''in my eyes Istanbul is the capital of Eurasia.''

Ecevit congratulated all state institutions, Foreign and Interior Ministries, non-governmental organizations, Istanbul governorship and Istanbul municipality for their contributions to the realization of OSCE summit in a successful way.

The meetings took place without upsetting anybody, said Ecevit and added that all the guests praised Turkey's organization. The importance of Istanbul has increased once again, he said and noted that ''Istanbul has proven this time that it is the capital of Eurasia.''

Very importants steps were taken in the summit regarding security and human rights in Europe, Central Asia and Atlantic regions, he said.

''Moreover, Baku-Ceyhan oil pipeline agreement and other projects about natural gas and energy were signed. These are very important. Thus Turkey will both solve its own energy problem permanently and also become an important energy centre of the world. This will further strengthen the geopolitical status of Turkey in the world,'' Ecevit ended.

[12] AKBULUT RECEIVES FINNISH PRESIDENT AHTISAARI ''INTEGRATION WITH EUROPEAN INSTITUTIONS IS A PRIORITY OF TURKISH FOREIGN POLICY''

Akbulut said the Ottoman Empire was one of the states which recognized Finland's independence and Turkish-Finnish friendship had a long past. The two countries have no big problems and have the necessary potential to further develop bilateral relations and cooperation, Akbulut added.

The two countries stand as stability elements in their own regions and friendly relations between them contribute to peace and stability in Europe, Akbulut went on to say.

''Integration with European institutions is one of the priorities of Turkish foreign policy and in this respect Turkey wishes to become a EU member,'' Akbulut told Ahtisaari.

Various cultures and societies form Europe which is united by common values and cultural differences shold not constitute a barrier to working together, Akbulut said.

''We are expecting to be given equal status with other candidates and open a new page in Turkey-EU relations at the Helsinki Summit,'' Akbulut stressed.

Turkey holds great opportunities for foreign investors, Akbulut noted and pointed out that Turkey and Finland developed economic and trade relations recently.

He also thanked Antisaari for the aid Finland sent Turkey after the quake disaster which strengthened friendly ties between the two countries.

[13] TURKEY AND ISRAEL TO COOPERATE IN TOURISM

Tourism Minister Erkan Mumcu said Turkey and Israel were developing a model titled ''East Mediterranean'' and were getting ready to present this to world tourism market. ''We will offer an attrative product if we can market Tarsus and Jerusalem together,'' Mumcu said.

Mumcu will attend the Tourism Joint Commission's Meeting in Israel on Sunday where he will discuss cooperation in tourism with Israeli authorities. Promotions have already started in the US to start a tourist exchange programme between Turkey and Israel.

''Tourists who come from overseas countries have special interests in religion, sports and culture. They generally stay longer than ten days and want to visit cultural and religious sites. These religious centers are mostly gathered in Anatolia and Israel. Egypt can also be a part of this programme with its old civilization,'' Mumcu explained.

Mumcu said he and his Israeli counterpart agreed on a travel route which will start in Athens, pass from Istanbul, Ephesus, Antalya, Haifa and end in Jerusalem. Israel and Turkey will also cooperate in the restoration of historical sites, Mumcu added.

[14] FINNISH PRESIDENT:''PROBLEMS OF OUR COUNTRIES ARE SIMILAR''

''Targets of all of us are similar, we want to serve our people,'' the Guest President said.

Speaking after the lunch hosted by Yıldırım Akbulut, the Parliament Speaker, Finnish President said that he was inexperienced and he is the first president elected by the people in Finland.

Ahtisaari said that Akbulut was prime minister and minister once and he wants to benefit from Akbulut's experiences.

Ahtisaari stated that there are similarities between the two countries, stressed Ahtisaari and added that the issues on the agenda are similar, for instance the debate on presidential system.

Many bills are expected to be adopted by the Turkish parliament, said Ahtisaari and added that this will further strengthen the democracy in Turkey.

Ahtisaari said that he wishes a good future for Turkey on behalf of Finland and EU Term Presidency.

[15] SABANCI-DUPONT PARTNERSHIP TARGETS WORLD MARKET IN 21ST CENTURY

Sabanci and DuPont will set up cord fabric factories in North America, Germany and South Africa, Sabanci Holding announced on Saturday.

The two-three year plan aims to establish a company based in the Netherlands and targets 1 billion US dollar endorsement. Guler Sabanci will run the company which targets to be the world's biggest company in nylon production.

Sabanci-DuPont partnership aims to send cord fabric to all tire factories in South America. The company will produce 14,000 cord fabrics in a year.

[16] CLINTON AND SIMITIS STAGE JOINT PRESS BRIEFING (1)

Staging a joint press briefing with Greek Premier Costas Simitis, the U.S. President Clinton said that ''Turkey and Greece need to go hand in hand into the future, and the festering disputes need to be resolved.''

Mentioning the problems between Turkey and Greece in the Aegean, Clinton said that the two countries can resort to an impartial party for solution of their problems rather than waiting.

Clinton said that in his contacts in Turkey he stressed the importance of the solution of problems between Turkey and Greece including the Cyprus question. He added that he also brought to agenda in Turkey the re-opening of clergy school in Heybeliada, Istanbul and he hoped for positive developments in the coming two months about the indirect talks on Cyprus, Helsinki summit and Turkish-Greek negotiations.

Clinton also reaffirmed his strong support for Turkey to enter the European Union (EU) at Helsinki summit, adding U.S. is not a EU member, the decision will be given by EU countries, but the U.S. wishes Turkey to be integrated with Europe.

He is pleased about starting of indirect talks on Cyprus issue in New York in the beginning of December, said Clinton.

Clinton said that he told Greek Premier Simitis his resolution about holding serious negotiations in New York and added that one should not dream too much, as it is a tough and long way.

[17] CLINTON AND SIMITIS STAGE JOINT PRESS BRIEFING (2)

Simitis said, during his meeting with Clinton, he stressed international law and agreements must be respected regarding Turkish-Greek relations.

At a press meeting Simitis said Turkey and Greek took steps to improve relations but Turkey must respond to Greece's initiatives in a more convincing way.

''Turkey's EU candidacy cannot be possible before it accepts the conditions which will help to solve some problems. During my meeting with Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit and during the meeting of our Foreign Minister Yorgo Papandreu and his Turkish counterpart Ismail Cem, we stressed that Turkey must take action,'' Simitis noted.

Speaking about meetings which will be held in New York, Simitis said he and Clinton agreed that the meetings must lead to a solution.

Speaking about the violent incidents that took place in Athens on Friday night, Simitis said the incidents were illegal and would not affect traditionally strong US-Greek relations.

[18] OFFICIAL CEREMONY HELD FOR FINNISH PRESIDENT IN ANKARA

Speaking in the official ceremony held for Finnish President Martti Ahtisaari, who is currently paying an offical visit to Ankara, President Demirel said that Helsinki Summit is expected to be a turning point in respect of Turkey-EU relations.

The last summit of the EU in this century will be held in Helsinki, said Demirel and added that ''the EU Commission recommended the official confirmation of Turkey's candidacy for full membership at this summit. If this happens, this will mean correcting the decisions taken at Luxembourg summit.''

Ahtisaari congratulated in his part Turkey for organizing the OSCE summit in such a succesful way.

He wanted to visit Turkey very much, Ahtisaari said and noted that he would come last May, but he couldn't due to developments in Kosovo.

The guest president said that he will take up the issue of improving the bilateral relations in all fields with Turkish officials, adding they will naturally discuss the relations between Turkey and the EU as Finland is the EU Term President.

Ahtisaari said that he couldn't come to Turkey since 1968 although he wanted to visit Turkey very much.

[19] US SECRETARY OF STATE ALBRIGHT WARNS BELGIUM ABOUT TURKEY'S EU CANDIDACY

Michel told press that Albright reminded of the US President Clinton's message and said the EU must approve Turkey's candidacy at the Helsinki Summit.

Michel told Albright that Belgian supported Turkey's candidacy, however added that Turkey must also meet the Copenhagen criteria like other candidate countries.

Albright said that her country was uncomfortable about the European Security and Defense Identity (ESDI) which is tried to be formed by 15 EU member countries. Albright also warned Michel that non-EU member countries like Turkey must not be discriminated in EDSI.

[20] EDUCATION MINISTER BOSTANCIOGLU SAYS SCHOOLS IN QUAKE REGION WILL OPEN WHEN CONDITIONS IMPROVE

Ministry of Housing and Public Works is getting ready to build a school in Kaynasli, Bostancioglu noted and said damage assessment works continued in the schools in the quake area.

Bostancioglu said good education could not be given in the tents therefore they will continue classes either in prefabricated dwellings or in the buildings once they are repaired.

[21] EUROPEAN INVESTMENT BANK TO GIVE TURKEY 610 MILLION US DOLLAR LOAN

Following the OSCE Summit, Biancarelli who came to Izmit met with Izmit Acting Mayor Kadri Veziroglu and received information about the latest situation in the quake struck Izmit.

''I hope that the world does not live such a disaster again. We will do our best to help the reconstruction of the quake region. This loan is one of the few loans that we give without asking for any treasury assurance and it will be used in insfrastructure services, construction of dwellings and to support private sector and people who own small businesses,'' he explained.

Biancarelli, after visiting some tentcities returned to Istanbul.

A.A

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