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Anadolu Agency: News in English, 99-11-20Anadolu Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Anadolu Agency Home Page at <http://www.anadoluajansi.gov.tr/>[01] AA Daily20 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)CHIRAC APPROVES TURKEY'S CANDIDACYFrench President Jacques Chirac told Hurriyet's Editor-in-Chief Ertugrul Ozkok that ''he could say that Turkey's candidacy to EU would be accepted at the Helsinki Summit''. ''First of all I would like to thank to Turkish authorities for this excellent organization,'' Chirac said. ''For long years, I've been supporting Turkey's candidacy to the EU. I was on my own and pessimistic, but now I am much more optimistic,'' Chirac added. Turkey's EU candidacy will not be only a ''label candidacy'' but will be the first step towards full membership, Chirac noted and said this will take time like it is for other candidate countries. ''Europe feels respect for enthnic, political and religious values. I have 4 million Muslims living in my country. Fundamentalism is what Europe opposes. Your religion does not constitute a barrier,'' Chirac told Hurriyet. GM:''WE ARE PROUD OF TURKEY'' MILLIYET (LIBERAL)ATHENS BURNS ITSELFThere was great protest against Bill Clinton who came to Greece. Those protestors who don't want to see U.S. President Bill Clinton in Greece, burned the city. 15 people were injured in the events. Demonstrators broke the windows of shops and shouted slogans saying ''killer Clinton.'' CHIRAC ALSO EXPECTS GESTURE FROM TURKEY SABAH (LIBERAL)FROM HEAVEN TO HELLBill Clinton who was in a very friendly atmosphere in Turkey for five days, was welcomed by the slogans of ''go home killer'' in Greece. Even the quake sufferers forgot their pain and embraced Clinton in Turkey. Clinton saw the difference between the two countries when he went to Greece. Ten thousands of people started to demonstrate in Athens before Clinton's plane landed. 850 MILLION DOLLARS OF ENERGY AGREEMENT SIGNED CUMHURIYET (LEFT)PEACE AND DEMOCRACYThe summit of the Organization on Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) ended by the closing remark of the President Suleyman Demirel. Four documents were signed about the functions the OSCE will undertake in the next century. CFE agreement on adaptation, European Security Charter, Istanbul Declaration and Vienna Declaration were all signed. Addressing the summit, President Demirel said ''We have come to the end of our proceedings, we have, I believe, taken important decisions. The security charter we have signed will guide all of us and the organization in its future work. It is the end-product of almost five years of hard work and reflections. It is a text which embodies the common stance of all member states and carries with it the weigh of consensus. this is not to be taken lightly. The adapted CFE treaty, which has been signed is the result of hard and protracted negotiations, difficult choices had to be made.'' CYPRUS SUMMIT IN ISTANBUL RADIKAL (LEFT)TORTURE REPUBLICThe parliament discussed the law described as ''revolution'' by Justice Minister Hikmet Sami Turk and couldn't accept to bring torturers to justice directly. According to the law only the directors of civil servants can permit their servants to be tried at court. CYPRUS STAMP ON OSCE TURKIYE (RIGHT)LAST SUMMIT OF MILLENIUM ENDS WITH SUCCESSLeader of all countries which participated in OSCE Summit said they found Turkey's organization excellent. The conference ended on Friday after the sessions during which human rights, security and economy were discussed. The leaders who spoke at the closing sessions expressed gratitute to Turkey for the hospitality they were shown and said they believed the summit would have beneficial outcomes. SIMITIS:''TURKEY IS A EUROPEAN COUNTRY'' ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)TURKMEN NATURAL GAS TO COME TO TURKEY IN 2002Turkmen President Saparmurat Turkmenbasi said Turkey would start receiving Turkmen natural gas in 2002. Turkmenbasi said he was very happy that the Trans-Caspian Natural Gas Pipeline project agreement was signed and added that ''the Turkmen natural gas will come to Turkey from its ancestor land and its own richness''. In the first stage, Turkey will get 30 billion cubic meters of natural gas annually of which 16 billion cubic meters will be consumed in Turkey. The remaining 14 billion cubic meters will be transferred to Europe via Turkey. Turkmenbasi said these figures could be increased upon Turkey's demand. ENERGY PARTNERSHIP WITH U.S. [03] FINNISH PRESIDENT IN ANKARAANKARA, Nov 20 (A.A) - Finnish President Martti Ahtisaari arrived in Ankara on Saturday upon the official invitation of President Suleyman Demirel.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 CONTINUEISTANBUL, Nov 20 (A.A) - A minor earthquake having a magnitude of 3.6 on the Richter scale occured on Saturday at 4 a.m. in Canakkale while the aftershocks of Duzce earthquake continues.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 ----- --------- --------- 23.42 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 705ANKARA, Nov 20 (A.A) - Following the Duzce earthquake, the death toll stands at 705 and the number of those who were injured rose to 5,108, the Prime Ministry Crisis Management Center announced on Saturday.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 MAUSOLEUMANKARA, Nov 20 (A.A) - Finnish President Martti Ahtisaari who is in Ankara visited Anitkabir, Ataturk's Mausoleum on Saturday morning.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''ANKARA, Nov 20 (A.A) - Sevket Bulent Yahnici, the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) deputy leader said on Saturday that Turkey has wo the chance of promoting herself by the visit of U.S. President Bill Clinton and the 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 CHILDRENANKARA, Nov 20 (A.A) - President Suleyman Demirel said on Children's Day that all children had the right to receive proper education and health services and live in a world full of peace.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 TOURISMISTANBUL, Nov 20 (A.A) - Erkan Mumcu, the Minister of Tourism said on Saturday that Turkish tourism was not only limited to 'sun, sand and sea' and noted that they declared 13 areas in Turkey as attraction spots for 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''IZMIR, Nov 20 (A.A) - State Minister Yuksel Yalova said Turkey made little progress in privatization after 1984 when the 8th President Turgut Ozal first introduced privatization in Turkey and was even behind iron curtain countries which were against it in the beginning.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''ISTANBUL, Nov 20 (A.A) - Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit left Istanbul for Ankara on Saturday.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''ANKARA, Nov 20 (A.A) - Yildirim Akbulut, the Parliament Speaker said integration with European institutions was a priority of Turkish foreign policy when he received Finnish President Martti Ahtisaari on Saturday.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 TOURISMANKARA, Nov 20 (A.A) - A joint travel programme between Turkey and Israel is being prepared to make Turkey a more attractive spot in the world 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''ANKARA, Nov 20 (A.A) - Marthi Ahtisaari, the President of Finland said on Saturday that the problems of Turkey and Finland 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 CENTURYISTANBUL, Nov 20 (A.A) - Sabanci Holding which opened two factories in Argentina and Brazil, together with its partner DuPont, determined its target for the 21st century as the ''world market''.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)ATHENS, Nov 20 (A.A) - U.S. President Bill Clinton said on Saturday that he believed the problems of Turkey and Greece stemming from the Aegean can be solved in the International Court of Justice in the Hauge or through another international mechanism.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)ATHENS, Nov 20 (A.A) - Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis said on Saturday that he and US President Bill Clinton also discussed Turkish-Greek relations as well as Cyprus question.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 ANKARAANKARA, Nov 20 (A.A) - President Suleyman Demirel said on Saturday that he believes Finland, as the European Union (EU) Term President, will contribute to efforts of Turkey to be the candidate for EU full membership.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 CANDIDACYBRUSSELS, Nov 20 (A.A) - Louis Michel, the Belgian Foreign Minister said on Saturday that Madelaine Albright, the US Secretary of State conveyed important warnings of the U.S and ''gave him a lesson'' when he met with her on Friday.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 IMPROVEANKARA, Nov 20 (A.A) - Metin Bostancioglu, the Minister of National Education said on Saturday that the schools in the quake region would open when the 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 LOANKOCAELI, Nov 20 (A.A) - Jean Louis Biancarelli, the Director of European Investment Bank said on Saturday that they would give Turkey 610 million US dollar loan to heal the wounds of the quake.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 Anadolu Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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