Anadolu Agency: News in English, 99-11-22

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[01] AA Daily

22 November 1999 Monday

[02] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

HURRIYET (LIBERAL)

SUSURLUK COMMISSION'S SPOKESMAN DIES
Mehmet Bedri Incetahtacı, a Virtue Party (FP) deputy and a member of the parliamentary commission for Susurluk died in the way to Esenboga Airport, Ankara due to speed yesterday. Incetahtacı would speak about Susurluk scandal in Germany.

MILLIYET (LIBERAL)

A TOTAL OF 65,000 STOVES SENT TO QUAKE ZONE
A total of 65,000 stoves were sent to the quake zone. The Red Crescent decided to purchase 10,000 more stoves from four different companies since the weather conditions become more and more severe in the region. The Red Crescent said that it has sent 2,250 stoves to the zone and launched initiatives to purchase tents from Turkey and foreign countries.

SABAH (LIBERAL)

CREDIT BARGAINING WITH IMF
The negotiations between Turkish economy officials and IMF officials focused on the public sector's budget balance, which is the most important item of the performance criteria. Economy officials wish the financial support which IMF will give to Turkey not to be less than nearly 6 billion dollars, that is 4,5 folds of Turkey's quota in IMF. On the other hand the IMF delegation headed by Carlo Cottarelli thinks not to give a credit more than four folds of Turkey's quota in IMF, which is 5.3 billion dollars.

CUMHURIYET (LEFT)

''THIRD WAY'' CONFERENCE
The ''Third Way'' conference organized by European and American universities was held in Italy's Florence city on Sunday. Many leaders including Clinton, Jospin, Blair and Schroder participated in the conference. Clinton stressed that aid should be given to third world countries, while German Chancellor Schroder said that Turkey has to take part in the enlargement policy of the European Union (EU).

RADIKAL (LEFT)

PREFABRICATED HUTS TO BE READY IN 15 DAYS
Koray Aydin, the Public Works and Housing Minister, visited the prefabricated hut construction in Gozlemtepe hamlet of Golcuk county. Aydin said that the prefabricated huts will be handed over to the quake survivors in ten or fifteen days. A total of 808 prefabricated huts out of 1478 were completed, Aydin noted. Aydin added that they are trying to construct all the huts until November 30, 1999.

TURKIYE (RIGHT)

ANNAN'S ISTANBUL TOUR
Kofi Annan, the United Nations (U.N.) Secretary General, visited the historical and touristic places of Istanbul. Annan and his wife Nane Annan firstly visited the Kariye Museum in Fatih district. After having a rest in a tea garden, the Annans visited Pammakaristos Monestary. Annan said that there are many touristic places in Turkey and he had a very nice visit.

ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)

ANAP LEADER YILMAZ'S INITIATIVES PRIOR TO HELSINKI
Mesut Yilmaz, the leader of the Motherland Party (ANAP), left for Germany on Sunday. Yılmaz, who is the guest of Wolfgang Schaeuble, the leader of German Christian Democrat Union Party and Edmund Stoiber, the prime minister of Bavaria State in Germany, will hold various contacts before the EU Helsinki summit that will be held in December. Mehmet Ali Irtemcelik, the State Minister, also left for Germany together with Yilmaz.

[03] ANAP LEADER YILMAZ: ''TURKEY'S EU CANDIDACY WILL COME TRUE WITH A TWO- YEAR DELAY''

Yilmaz told reporters that Turkish government had reacted to the European Union's (EU) not accepting Turkey's candidacy after the Luxembourg Summit.

The dialogue between the EU and Turkey was suspended until today, Yilmaz recalled.

Yilmaz noted that the ruling party in Germany changed since the Luxembourg Summit.

The new German government which is composed of Social Democratic Party and Greens Party, welcomes Turkey's EU candidacy, Yilmaz drew the attention.

Yilmaz continued, ''I think the other EU countries also welcome Turkey's EU candidacy. To this end, I expect that Turkey's candidacy will be accepted at the Helsinki Summit. German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder once more reiterated that he welcomes Turkey's candidacy in the meeting held in Florence.''

It is seen that none of the EU countries oppose to Turkey's candidacy, Yilmaz stated.

Yilmaz stressed that he continuously says that Turkey will never accept any preconditions for Turkey's membership.

Yilmaz said, ''we are saying that this is the vested interest of Turkey by the Ankara Agreement. We are also saying that there are things Turkey should do and improve in the path from candidacy to the membership.''

''It is pleasing that the EU reached the same point but with a two-year delay. The EU should follow the same candidacy path for Turkey as it followed for the other candidate countries. Turkey's candidacy will come true with a two-year delay,'' Yilmaz added.

Yılmaz and Mehmet Ali Irtemcelik, the State Minister, left for Germany on Sunday.

Yılmaz went to Germany as the guest of Wolfgang Schaeuble, the leader of German Christian Democrat Union Party and Edmund Stoiber, the prime minister of Bavaria State in Germany.

[04] DPT ACCELERATES ITS DEVELOPMENT PLAN CONCERNING QUAKE ZONE

The officials told A.A correspondent on Monday that the DPT will firstly asses the situation for the ''Marmara Region-Regional Development Plan'' which covers the quake-hit provinces.

Following the assesment works, the DPT will produce scenarios for the reconstruction of the region; the officials said.

The officials noted that the DPT will ask the ideas of the private organizations and then will make clear the plan before the new year.

Later, the investments which will revive the economy of the quake-hit areas will be made; the officials stated.

The officials stressed that the plan will be implemented in two stages.

The first stage of the plan will include Kocaeli, Sakarya and Yalova provinces, the officials emphasized.

The officials pointed out that the DPT will give priority to implement various projects in these three provinces.

The DPT will take steps in tourism and navigation, and revive the present investments in these three provinces, the officials said.

The officials noted that Bolu can be taken among the prior provinces following the devastating November 12 quake.

The other countries which had fewer damages in the quake disasters, will be taken within the scope of the project in the second stage, the officials stated.

The officials added that the DPT will make new investments to these provinces by taking into consideration their economic losses.

[05] ANNAN, THE U.N. SECRETARY GENERAL, IN ANKARA - PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT MEETS WITH ANNAN

Speaking after his meeting with Kofi Annan, the U.N. Secretary General, Ecevit said they had a very beneficial meeting with Annan, adding that ''we have exchanged views on issues which interest the U.N. and Turkey. It was a friendly meeting.''

Ecevit noted that he exchanged views with Annan about the Cyprus talks which will start in New York on December 3. He said ''we rely on the impartiality and constructiveness of the U.N. Secretary General. So, we want the talks to be under supervision of the U.N. Secretary General or his representative. This will give confidence to us.''

Ecevit said they also discussed embargo imposed on Iraq, adding that ''I have told him that I am of the opinion that the embargo should be lessened or lifted as a whole soon. Yet, I also pointed out that it should be taken into consideration that Iraq should be taken under control on armament and human rights. I told him that Turkey was ready to do its best to this end.''

Pointing out that they discussed Balkans issue with Annan, Ecevit said Kosovo still remained as a problem although clashes have ended.

Ecevit said his meeting with Annan was productive and friendly.

Meanwhile, Annan in his part said, Turkey was an important member of the U.N., and added that he and Ecevit discussed Cyprus talks that will start on December 3.

Pointing out that they also discussed Iraqi crisis and oil embargo imposed on Iraq, Annan said they discussed the Balkans, Turkey, and the effective cooperation issues between Turkey and the U.N.. He said it was a productive meeting.

When asked if he was hopeful about the Cyprus talks, Annan said they will bring the sides together to reach a meaningful and comprehensive result. He said it was a very difficult problem and that they have been working on it for a long time.

Annan said they should not be in an expectation that is not realistic. Annan hoped to record an improvement in talks in December.

Sukru Sina Gurel, Minister of State, Volkan Vural, Turkey's Permanent Representative to the U.N., and Uluc Ozulker, Foreign Ministry Deputy Undersecretary, also attended the meeting.

[06] STAND-BY AGREEMENT IS EXPECTED TO BE APPROVED DURING IMF EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS COMMITTEE MEETING ON DECEMBER 22

The experts recalled that Turkey will get at least 4-6 billion U.S. dollars credit for a three-year IMF arrangement, adding that this figure may increase to 10 billion U.S. dollars after a bargaining.

Experts also said Central Bank reserve was 24 billion U.S. dollars, and the international reserves was 38 billion U.S. dollars, so an aid having a high ratio is not needed, they added.

Recalling that countries like Mexico and Southern Korea went beyond the principles of the IMF and got high rate credits, the experts said stock exchange reserves of these countries dropped in period of crisis and short term foreign debts increased. The experts pointed out that Turkey's foreign debts were in medium term.

[07] WEU MEETINGS START

European Security and Defense Identity and initiatives for the future of WEU form the main topics of the agenda of the meeting, which will last for two days.

Defense Ministers of Turkey, Germany, Belgium, Spain, Denmark, France, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, Norway, the Netherlands, Portugual and Britain came together in the first section of the WEU meetings within the framework of Western European Armament Group (WEAG).

Defense industry and armament cooperation are under discussion within the body of WEAG, which Turkey participates in as a full member.

Defense and Foreign Ministers will convene in dinner which WEU Term President Luxembourg will host on Monday evening.

Ten WEU members, Germany; Belgium; Spain; France; Greece; Italy; Luxembourg; the Netherlands; Portugual; and Britain, six associate members, Turkey; Hungary; Iceland; Norway; Poland; Czech Republic, and five observer countries; Austria; Denmark; Finland, Ireland; and Sweden will attend the dinner.

WEU Council meetings will continue with separate meetings of defense and foreign ministers.

Cakmakoglu and Cem are expected to hold bilateral contacts.

[08] FOREIGN MINISTER CEM LEAVES FOR LUXEMBOURG

Addressing a news conference in Istanbul's Ataturk Airport before leaving for Luxembourg, Cem said he will start a five-day tour covering Luxembourg, Stockholm, Brussels and Copenhagen, to participate in various meetings and hold bilateral contacts.

Recalling that Cyprus talks will start on December 3, Cem said ''Turkish side and Denktas approach the talks with the mediator with goodwill. I hope Greek Cypriot leader will approach with similar intentions and we can record a positive and constructive development.''

[09] FOREIGN MINISTER CEM LEAVES FOR LUXEMBOURG

Addressing a news conference before his departure from Istanbul's Ataturk Airport, Cem said he will participate in various meetings and will hold contacts in Luxembourg, Stockholm, Brussels, and Copenhagen, during his five-day visit.

Pointing out that he will participate in WEU ministers meeting in Luxembourg, Cem said ''issues related with new defense and security identity which Europe tries to develop within the framework of WEU, will be discussed.''

Cem said Turkey has a ''very strong'' attitude to this end, adding that ''they want our contribution in this structure. We will approach with the understanding to undertake responsibilities in the rate of our authority.''

Noting that they will evaluate the situation together with the representatives of Turkey to EU in Brussels, Cem said ''our contacts with Sweden and Denmark have been planned beforehand. Bilateral relations will be taken up here. They will brief us about the EU. We will brief them about our approaches.''

Cem said, ''our attitude to this end is clear. We have always said that there can not be a pre-conditional process. A good or bad result may be obtained in Helsinki. I am cautious to this end. If a positive result will be obtained, this will not be a result depending on precondition. The EU has not brought us precondition. We have earlier told them that we will not accept such an approach.''

Noting that they did not want any privilege from the EU, Cem said ''we want the EU to approach us similarly with the other candidate countries. We did not demand an approach from the EU different from the other candidates that protects Turkey.''

Pointing out that they will not accept EU to demand things from Turkey different from the other countries, and preconditions, Cem said:

''There is a definite process for membership to the EU. If we become a candidate to the EU, we will improve as long as we do what is necessary on the way from candidacy to full membership. We are aware of this. Turkey has fulfilled several criteria for membership to the EU.''

FM Cem pointed out that Turkey had contacts with Greece concerning Turkey's membership to EU. ''Their approach and expectation is Turkey's adaptation to objective criteria of the EU in time.''

Cem said, ''various speculations have been made to this end.'' Pointing out that this was wrong, and it confused people, and influenced the developments, Cem recalled that Turkey wanted to join in the EU since 1963.

Cem said, ''yet, let us not forget that development of Turkey, its growth, and improvement in democratization, are not dependent on the EU candidacy or membership.''

Cem said Turkey has already done many things to further improve its economy, and democracy, and will continue this path, and added that ''Turkey will continue to improve in its route even if it becomes a member of the EU or not. We should approach the issue, keeping this in mind. I think that candidacy to EU will contribute to this process. We hope to yield a result.''

When asked about the influence of Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) to Helsinki, Cem said it will have an indirect effect. ''OSCE has shown that Turkey in fact is on the way to become a World state. This was what I determined 2.5 years ago as the target of foreign policy. It is Turkey's entrance to 21st century as a World state. Turkey was successful in organizing OSCE.''

Cem said, ''Of course, Baku-Ceyhan is also extremely important. Will Baku- Ceyhan have a reflection? It will have a positive reflection if it has.''

Responding to a question how he evaluated reaction of Russia within OSCE process, Cem said ''there is no sourness between Turkey and Russia due to the development in the summit. Russia always put forward their claims regarding Chechen camps. We have pointed out the ideas of our concerned authorities about these allegations. We said we were in a friendly approach to this end.''

When recalled that Bill Clinton, the U.S. President, made a statement saying Turkey's entrance to EU will be difficult if it can not solve problems with Greece, Cem said, ''I can not comment on this. Yet, I can say that Clinton's statement was not reflected correctly. The situation will be clarified if the full text is read. There is not anything that will require us to react to Clinton.''

[10] COE REPRESENTATIVE TO COVER TRIAL OF THE HEAD OF THE TERRORIST ORGANIZATION IN SUPREME COURT

Gunnar Jansson, COEPA member Finnish parliamentarian, will visit Ankara to cover the trial in Supreme Court.

Finnish Parliamentarian will attend the hearing as ''spectator'', not as ''observer''.

COEPA, which earlier covered the trial of the head of the terrorist organization on Imrali Island, issued a report in September, and said the trial was appropriate to the Turkish laws, and that the trial was just and impartial.

COE earlier called on Turkey to sign European Convention concerning the abolition of death penalty.

[11] ERSUMER, MINISTER OF ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES, ADDRESSES CONFERENCE

Addressing a lunch hosted within the framework of ''Turkey's Restructuring and Foreign Investment'' Conference, Ersumer said globalization which symbolized last period of the 20th century defined the new structure of the world economy, adding that foreign captial continue to be in the position of the stimulating power of globalization.

Ersumer said Turkey, with the liberalism steps, proved at the begining of 1980 that it will be one of the main actors of this new globalization.

Ersumer said ''energy sector foreign investments remained weak in Turkey which formed the most rapidly growing economy and energy market. Energy sector has an important place in Turkey's global integration. Energy projections of the year 2020 stress that the production will only meet 25 percent of Turkey's energy need and that foreign purchases in natural gas and oil will record an important increase. In this atmosphere, Turkish public and private sector strengthen their cooperation with foreign companies in national energy sector and internationa activities.

Pointing out that Turkish companies have important projects in Caspian basin search and production activities, Ersumer said projects of private sector in the Black Sea and Caspian basin clarified Turkey's new global role.

Ersumer pointed out that Turkey was in the position of key country in transporting Caspian basin oil and natural gas to world markets. He said Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline Project, which was signed last week, was the confirmation of this role undertaken by Turkey.

Minister of Energy and Natural Resources said energy sources within the framework of annual 83 billion cubic meters natural gas demand projection of Turkey in the year 2020, should be diversified.

Ersumer said Turkish companies continued their dynamisms despite all crisis. Underlining the important and pioneer role of Turkey in world energy markets, Ersumer called on foreign investors to evaluate the opportunities presented by the sector.

[12] ANNAN, THE U.N. SECRETARY GENERAL, VISITS PARLIAMENT SPEAKER AKBULUT

Annan visited Parliament Speaker Yildirim Akbulut.

Akbulut, during the meeting said, efforts were under way to adapt quake survivors to life, and recalled that Duzce quake was experienced following August 17 quake.

Akbulut said more than 700 people lost their lives in Duzce quake ''we are grateful for the help of the U.N. and its subsidiary institutions.''

Stressing that the U.N. undertook important assignments since its foundation, Akbulut said Turkey supported the efforts of the U.N. to prevent eruption of a new world war, as well as efforts on human rights, prosperity, and democracy.

Meanwhile, Annan, the U.N. Secretary General, pointed out that they attributed a special importance to parliaments. Annan said the U.N. wants to widen cooperation with the parliaments.

The U.N. Secretary General said he will bring parliament speakers of all the world nations together in September in the year 2000, adding that they targetted discussing important issues.

Annan said Turkey had experienced two quake shocks, and noted that he witnessed the graveness of this wound during his visit. He said now that their duty was to provide support to the survivors.

[13] EROGLU, TRNC PRIME MINISTER: ''TECHNICAL TALKS ARE UNDERWAY FOR INDIRECT TALKS''

Speaking after Council of Ministers meeting, Eroglu said TRNC President Rauf Denktas briefed them about the activity in Cyprus issue in recent days, and about his contacts in Istanbul. Eroglu said Denktas also informed the government about the efforts in technical level.

Eroglu said they will go to New York with the works that will take place in technical level, and noted that efforts were underway in technical level with the participation of Korkmaz Haktanir, Foreign Ministry Undersecretary.

Eroglu said Denktas briefed them about the strategy that will be covered in New York.

[14] TRNC COUNCIL OF MINISTERS DISCUSS DEVELOPMENTS RELATED WITH CYPRUS

TRNC Council of Ministers had an extraordinary meeting under the chairmanship of President Rauf Denktas and discussed developments related with Cyprus. President Denktas briefed the government about the latest develepments and his meeting with Kofi Annan, the U.N. Secretary General, in Istanbul.

Speaking after the Council of Ministers meeting which nearly lasted for an hour, Denktas said efforts were underway for New York talks, adding that he briefed the government before the end of these efforts. Denktas said he will brief the political parties on Tuesday.

Pointing out that they held a comprehensive meeting for the indirect talks, Denktas said he will later brief the Parliament.

When recalled the statement of Greek Cypriot leader Glafcos Clerides that he will not negotiate confederation, Denktas said, ''let us go and see if he will negotiate or not. Don't get excited. This will be negotiated.''

Responding to another question about news reports which appeared in Greek Cypriot media that Alvaro De Soto, the U.N. Secretary General's Special Representative will meet with the two leaders and prepare a series of ideas, Denktas said Greek media publishes baseless stories.

''Don't get excited from the news reports which appear in Greek media. De Soto does not have such an intention. They will not bring a document in front of us. They will take up the ideas that will be put forward by the two parties and look if they come closer or not,'' Denktas said.

When recalled the statement of Kofi Annan, the U.N. Secretary General, which said ''don't expect much'' related with the New York talks, Denktas said, ''it is a good statement. We are going there to prepare a basis for the start of comprehensive talks. The problem will not be solved in this stage. We will negotiate if tete-a-tete meetings can start or not.''

Responding to a question if he was hopeful, Denktas said, ''I will do my best for the preparation of the basis. This is the effort of the two sides. We are going with good intentions.''

Denktas said he met with Korkmaz Haktanir, Foreign Ministry Undersecretary, and noted that, ''this is a common case.''

[15] TUSIAD DELEGATION IN ATHENS

Association (TUSIAD) delegation headed by Erkut Yucaoglu, held on Monday a meeting with the Greek Industrialists' Union.

Members of the delegation also met with Yorgo Papandreu, the Greek Foreign Minister, Hristos Rocofilos, the Greek Deputy Foreign Minister

Yanos Papandoniu, the Greek Economy Minister, and Dimitri Avramapulos, the Mayor of Athens.

Addressing journalists after their contacts, Yucaoglu noted that they had held a sweeping meeting with Papandreu.

Underlining the intention of both Turkish and Greek governments, nations, and business circles to solve the problems, Yucaoglu indicated, ''we have to improve relations between two countries on behalf of the next generations. Both sides should show good intention to achieve this goal. It is not realistic to expect only Turkey to show good intention. Approval of Turkey's candidacy to the European Union (EU) is not a gesture, but it is granting Turkey the same status with the other candidates.''

Yucaoglu told reporters that they had held a very productive meeting with Greek businessmen.

Meanwhile, issuing a written statement, the TUSIAD stressed that the TUSIAD and the Greek Industrialists' Confederation (FIG) could make a considerable contribution to further improvement of relations between Turkey and Greece.

The statement noted, ''Turkish and Greek business circles believe that Turkey should be supported to fulfil economic and political criteria in full membership process to the EU. Such an attitude will also contribute to the reform process in Turkey which tries to adapt her political and economic structure with the EU membership criteria.''

The TUSIAD delegation had previousy visited Germany, Belgium, Sweden, Finland, Italy, France, Denmark, and the Netherlands to hold talks about Turkey's candidacy to the EU prior to the Helsinki Summit in December.

[16] PRESIDENT DEMIREL RECEIVES CHINESE DELEGATION

Addressing the meeting, Demirel recalled that he had paid an official visit to the People's Republic of China in 1995.

Demirel indicated, ''China has recorded significant economic developments. Experts said that China would become one of the biggest countries of the world within the next 15 years.''

''Although there is a big distance between Turkey and the People's Republic of China, our relations have been continuing to further improve in every field. There are important investment fields between two countries. we recommended Turkish businessmen to make more investments in China,'' Demirel added.

President Demirel also thanked the Chinese people for their contribution to heal wounds of the quake disasters.

He noted, ''the 21st century will bring forth great hopes. Our relations will further improve in the new century. I hope that President Jiang Zemin of the People's Republic of China would come to Turkey in year 2000.''

Meanwhile, Li Tie Ying said in his part that he brought President Zemin's sincere wishes.

Noting that President Demirel was a well-known statesman in China,

Li expressed profound sorrow over loss of lives in the earthquake disasters in Turkey.

Li also conveyed Chinese Communist Party's quake aid worth of 30 thousand U.S. dollars to President Demirel.

Demirel thanked Li on behalf of quake survivors.

Bulent Akarcali, the Deputy Chairman of the Motherland Party (ANAP), and Yao Kuangyi, the Chinese Ambassador to Turkey, were also in attendance at the meeting.

[17] ANNAN, SECRETARY GENERAL OF UNITED NATIONS: - ''THERE WILL BE NO FACE- TO-FACE MEETINGS IN NEW YORK''

Addressing a press conference, Annan described the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) summit in Istanbul last week as a perfect organization.

Annan said that his contacts with Turkish officials had focused on international and regional problems, the Cyprus question, and the issue of capital punishment.

When asked about the embargo imposed on Iraq by the United Nations, Annan said that the United Nations Security Council had evaluated the issues of extension of the embargo, and oil for food program. Annan indicated that he understood Turkey's financial losses stemmed from the embargo, adding that Turkish businessmen could maintain trade with Iraq within framework of the oil for food program.

Referring to positive atmosphere between Turkey and Greece in the wake of the earthquake disasters, Annan said that they would hold the Cyprus negotiations over such a positive atmosphere.

Annan noted that Cyprus negotiations would not be held only with the governments, but with the non-governmental organizations.

He recalled that he had held separate talks with President Rauf Denktas of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), and with Glafcos Clerides, the leader of the Greek Cypriot administration, in Istanbul last week.

Annan told reporters, ''this is a complicated and a difficult problem. We have not solved this for a long time. I think there should not be unrealistic expectations. I do not expect the Cyprus question to be solved during the negotiations in New York which will start on December 3. I hope to record a progress during the talks. I think it is erroneous to assume that I will put an American package to the parties and get them to sign it. I will lead the talks which are expected to last around 10 days.''

Referring Chechnya problem, Annan said that he would meet Sadako Ogata, the Head of the United Nations Refugee Agency, on Tuesday to be briefed on her recent visit to the Ingushetia region bordering Chechnya.

Annan added, ''we discussed with Russian officials the possibility of our cooperation, providing more assistance to the refugees, and I am quite hopeful that we will be able to do that for the refugees.''

[18] DEMIREL:''TURKEY TODAY IS IN AN ENERGY DEPRESSION''

Demirel reminded that Turkey had only 77 million kwt/hr electric energy in 1920 while this figure reached 114 billion kw/hr today.

Energy is expensive and Turkey doesn't have very rich resources, Demirel said. ''Turkey buys 25 to 55 percent of its energy from other countries and I don't think this situation will chance much in the future,'' Demirel noted.

''We have 40 days left to 2000. Today Turkey is in an energy depression. We cannot run our industry if we lose power six times a day,'' Demirel said.

Turkey will need 264 billion kw/hr electricity in 2010, and 528 billion kw/hr in 2020 Demirel reminded and said Turkey needs to make an investment of 130 billion U.S. dollars to meet this demand. ''But Turkey does not have 130 billion U.S. dollars so we will borrow it from the international market and this should not be regarded strange,'' Demirel said.

''Turkey is already in a energy bottleneck. If Turkey fails to finish the construction of some energy projects in the next two years, there will be an energy crisis,'' Demirel went on to say.

Speaking about globalization, President Demirel stressed that the functions of the government must change and the state must completely withdraw itself from economic, trade and industrial affairs.

The state must fulfil its responsibilities in education, health and defense, and find resources for these fields, Demirel noted. ''Turkey must find new resources. It is impossible to get out of this situation only through the taxes collected from people. If our resources remain insufficient, then it is not wrong to find resources from other countries. Turkey must definitely have enough energy to be self-sufficient,'' Demirel explained.

Demirel later spoke about the natural gas need of Turkey today and in the future and referred to the Blue Stream Project and the Trans-Caspian Turkmen natural gas project. The capacity of oil refineries must also be increased, he added.

''The state must give more responsibility to people to participate in production. The state must continue to be the organizer but give more responsibility to individuals,'' Demirel concluded his words and wished success to all the participants of the symposium.

[19] PRESIDENT DEMIREL RECEVIES ANNAN, SECRETARY GENERAL OF UNITED NATIONS

The meeting focused on the recent developments in the Balkans, the Middle East peace process, relations between Iraq and the United Nations, the recent developments in Caucasia, and the Cyprus question.

At the meeting, President Demirel emphasized that Turkish foreign policy's priority was to solve disputes with peaceful ways.

Demirel confirmed that Turkey would continue to support the United Nations' efforts to protect peace in Bosnia-Herzegovina, and in Kosovo.

President Demirel underlined that Turkey was ready to expend any kind of efforts to provide stability in a huge geography including the Balkans, Caucasia, Central Asia, Middle East, Europe, the Mediterranean, and the Black Sea.

Describing indirect Cyprus negotiations which will start in New York on December 3 as an important opportunity, President Demirel said, ''it is necessary not to ignore the facts on the island to reach a peaceful, fair, and lasting solution on Cyprus.''

Meanwhile, Annan described Turkey as an important, and esteemed member of the United Nations who has made considerable contributions to peace and stability.

[20] TURKEY TO COOPERATE WITH ISRAEL AND PALESTINE IN BELIEF TOURISM

Minister Mumcu toured the holy sites in Bethlehem with Palestinian Tourism Minister Mitri Abou Aita.

Later, Turkish and Palestinian delegations discussed concrete cooperation fields in tourism which were initiated by 'Tourism Cooperation Agreement' which was signed during President Suleyman Demirel's visit in August. The two sides signed a joint declaration following their meeting.

According to the declaration, the area which starts in Bethlehem, passes from Antakya and follows St.Paul's foot steps all the way to Ephesus will be marketed as a new tourism area and the private sector will be encouraged to invest and build four star hotels on this route.

During the meetings, it was also agreed that the East Mediterranean Yacht Rally organized by Turkish yachtsmen will also cover Gaza Strip.

The first session of Turkey-Israeli Joint Tourism Commission was attended by Mumcu and his Israeli counterpart Amnon Lipkin Sahak as well as private sector representatives of both countries on Monday afternoon. At the end of the meeting, the two sides agreed to collaborate in belief tourism and run joint campaigns in third countries to increase the tourist traffic between Turkey and Israel.

The two countries will also cooperate in sea and air transportation as well as education and investments.

Mumcu will visit the tourism facilities in north of Israel on Tuesday.

[21] NATIONAL DEFENSE MINISTER CAKMAKOGLU: - ''I CLEARLY STATED THAT TURKEY WANTS TO PARTICIPATE IN EDSI''

Cakmakoglu discussed the EDSI when he came together with the representatives of Poland, Hungary, Czech Republic, Norway and Ireland which are all NATO allies holding no EU membership.

Turkey which is not a EU member but a member of Western European Union (WEU) wants to take place in all the decisions the EU would take and act together with them during preparations, decisions and implementation stages, Cakmakoglu stressed during the WEU meetings.

During the first stage of WEU meetings, the reports prepared by national defense directors and cooperation opportunities were discussed.

Cakmakoglu and Foreign Minister Ismail Cem will attend a dinner on Monday night with EU foreign and defense ministers.

The WEU meetings will end Tuesday night.

[22] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT HOSTS A DINNER IN HONOR OF ANNAN, SECRETARY GENERAL OF UNITED NATIONS

Addressing the dinner, Prime Minister Ecevit said that the United Nations had been trying to assist two sides on Cyprus to reach a peaceful solution for the last 30 years.

Ecevit indicated that recognition of two sides as equal and sovereign states, could lead an acceptable compromise on Cyprus.

[23] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT HOSTS A DINNER IN HONOR OF ANNAN, SECRETARY GENERAL OF UNITED NATIONS

Addressing the dinner, Prime Minister Ecevit said, ''Turkey is playing a key role in the region where she takes place, with her modern, secular and democratic society. Turkey which was one of the founders of the United Nations, participated in four peace processes of the United Nations in four different parts of the world. She also supported United Nations' two new missions to protect peace and stability.''

Referring to problems such as terrorism, organized crimes, drug trafficking, and increasing number of nuclear weapons, Ecevit said that such international problems could only be solved with international cooperation.

Recalling that Annan had visited the disaster-stricken area, Ecevit noted that earthquake disasters had claimed many lives and caused a major financial damage in Turkey.

Pointing out that the international community had rushed to assist Turkey in healing wounds of quake disasters, Ecevit thanked the United Nations for its contribution to quake survivors.

Meanwhile, Kofi Annan expressed pleasure over hospitality in Turkey.

Annan emphasized that the United Nations was ready to provide any kind of help to Turkey.

Recalling that the government headed by Prime Minister Ecevit had carried out reforms in several fields, Annan added that relations between Turkey and the European Union (EU) would further improve with these reforms.

Devlet Bahceli, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State, and Sukru Sina Gurel, the State Minister, were also in attendance at the meeting.

Annan is expected to depart Turkey early on Tuesday morning.

[24] A.A

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