Browse through our Interesting Nodes on Greece Read the Convention Relating to the Regime of the Straits (24 July 1923) Read the Convention Relating to the Regime of the Straits (24 July 1923)
HR-Net - Hellenic Resources Network Compact version
Today's Suggestion
Read The "Macedonian Question" (by Maria Nystazopoulou-Pelekidou)
HomeAbout HR-NetNewsWeb SitesDocumentsOnline HelpUsage InformationContact us
Thursday, 21 November 2024
 
News
  Latest News (All)
     From Greece
     From Cyprus
     From Europe
     From Balkans
     From Turkey
     From USA
  Announcements
  World Press
  News Archives
Web Sites
  Hosted
  Mirrored
  Interesting Nodes
Documents
  Special Topics
  Treaties, Conventions
  Constitutions
  U.S. Agencies
  Cyprus Problem
  Other
Services
  Personal NewsPaper
  Greek Fonts
  Tools
  F.A.Q.
 

Anadolu Agency: News in English, 99-11-30

Anadolu Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

From: The Anadolu Agency Home Page at <http://www.anadoluajansi.gov.tr/>


[01] AA Daily

30 November 1999 Tuesday

[02] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

[03] These are some of the major headlines and their brief stories in Turkey's press on November 30, 1999. The Anadolu Ajansi does not verify these stories and does not vouch for their occuracy.

[04] HURRIYET (LIBERAL) - ---------------- A SHORT LIFE Suzan Kara was born in a tent two months ago. She died after suffering severe burns in a fire which swept through the tent where her family has taken shelter after the devastating quake disaster. The fire broke out due to LPG explosion.

[05] TRAFFIC CARNAGE A lorry laden with beets collided with a minibus on the motorway between Konya and Istanbul, killing 14 people. The driver of the minibus and 13 passengers were killed while nine others including the 17-year-old lorry driver were injured in the accident that took place near Kadinhani county of Konya, some 600 kilometers southeast of Istanbul. Officials said 17-year-old Fatih Buyukinal was driving without a licence.

[06] MILLIYET (LIBERAL) - ----------------- IRTEMCELIK EVALUATES VERDICT ABOUT OCALAN Mehmet Ali Irtemcelik, the State Minister responsible for human rights, evaluated the verdict about Abdullah Ocalan, the head of the terrorist organization PKK. Irtemcelik said that Turkey should not make any mistake. Irtemcelik also added that he expected Turkey to be granted candidacy status at the European Union's (EU) Helsinki Summit in December.

[07] JOINT MANOEUVRES OF TURKEY, ISRAEL, AND U.S. IN MARMARIS The ''Reliable Mermaid II'' joint manoeuvres of Turkey, Israel, and the U.S. will be exercised on December 14. The Reliable Mermaid II will be staged in international waters off-shore southern Turkey and last four days. The manoeuvres aims at providing coordination in emergency search and rescue operations. Jordan and Egypt gave negative response to invitations for their participation as observers. Jordan had participated as an observer in the ''Reliable Mermaid I'' joint manoeuvres of Turkey, Israel, and the U.S. two years ago.

[08] SABAH (LIBERAL) - --------------- JUSTICE MINISTRY INSPECTORS REQUESTED YUKSEL TO BE SENT INTO EXILE The Justice Ministry inspectors who have launched an investigation into midnight raid in house of Merve Kavakci, who was elected as the Istanbul deputy of the Virtue Party (FP), ruled that Nuh Mete Yuksel, the Prosecutor of the State Security Court (DGM), was unfit to carry out his duty impartially. Inspectors wanted Yuksel to be punished by sending into exile.

[09] CUMHURIYET (LEFT) - ---------------- STRAITS IN ENERGY Pipeline Transportation Inc (BOTAS) announced that the daily natural gas amount from Russia decreased from 27 million cubic meters to 20 million cubic meters as the countries pipeline route pumped more than the allotted amount. Turkish Electricity Production Inc (TEAS) announced it started to make savings with unplanned power cuts as sufficient natural gas couldn't be brought to power plants.

[10] AFTERSHOCKS TO COME IN TAX The new tax burdens which were brought under the name of quake tax will continue. The government is expected to increase the liquid fuel consumption tax from 300 percent to 500 percent, and increase the value added tax from 15 percent to 17 percent.

[11] ''ANY CONCESSION WON'T BE GIVEN TO ATHENS'' Evaluating Greece's demands about the Aegean islands and the Greek Cypriot side's membership to the European Union (EU), Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said, ''these are the problems of the EU. Our position is clear. We don't have the intention to make concessions from neither Aegaen nor Cyprus.'' Meanwhile, Dutch Foreign Minister Jozias Van Aartsen will hold contacts in Ankara today as the official guest of Foreign Minister Ismail Cem.

[12] RADIKAL (LEFT) - ------------- DEMIREL VISITS IGDIR President Suleyman Demirel visited Genocide Monument and Museum in eastern Igdir province. Demirel also visited the Alican border gate between Turkey and Armenia. Demirel asked the officers in border station whether or not soldiers are also waiting at the Armenian border. The officers told Demirel that Armenian soldiers are not waiting at the border and the Turkish soldiers are protecting the border gate. Demirel asked the officers whether or not they hold contacts with the Armenian side. The officers said that they do not hold any contacts with the Armenian side. The border bridge which was constructed in 1948, was only used to protect humanitarian aid to Armenia after a quake hit this country in 1988, the officers added.

[13] DEMIREL DUE TO KIEV President Suleyman Demirel will pay an official visit to Ukranian capital Kive to attend oath ceremony of Leonid Kuchma who has been re-elected as president.

[14] TURKIYE (RIGHT) - --------------- ''WEAR OFF YOUR MASK'' Raf Denktas, the President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) made a last call to Greek Cypriot side leader Glafcos Clerides through Turkiye newspaper. Denktas said, ''I am at ease. The lies of the Greek Cypriots are gradually becoming more obvious.'' Noting that the Greek Cypriot administration has been playing a game since the beginning, Denktas said, ''we say that the Greek Cypriots are not our government and they do not have the right for this. We will sit at the negotiation table when they recognize us.''

[15] DEATH SENTENCE AT ECHR The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) will convene today and take up the death sentence handed down on Abdullah Ocalan, the head of the terrorist organization. The ECHR will express its opinion about a precautionary measure aiming at delaying the execution. The U.S. State Department Spokesman James Rubin said the death sentence on Ocalan was an issue of the Turkish judicial system, Parliament, and President. Rubin recalled that the death sentence was approved by the Turkish Supreme Court on November 25. Rubin said the death sentence should also be approved by the Turkish Parliament and President.

[16] ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE) - ------------------ AYDIN: ''ASSEMBLY OF PREFABRICATED HUTS IS ABOUT TO FINISH'' Koray Aydin, the Public Works and Housing Minister, said that the government fulfilled its promise to assemble prefabricated huts for quake survivors till November 30. Aydin expressed satisfaction over that assembly of prefabricated huts is about to finish. Recalling that he had visited the quake-stricken area, Aydin said, ''in Yalova 98 percent of prefabricated huts has been completed. Assembly works are underway in 168 of 5,214 prefabricated huts. There are unimportant deficiencies in Sakarya. In Kocaeli, assembly of prefabricated huts is about to finish except for three or four areas.'' Aydin said that no quake survivors would spend the winter in tents.

[17] PROF. DR. ISIKARA IN THE PHILIPPINES Prof. Dr. Ahmet Mete Isikara, the Director General of the Bogazici University Kandilli Observatory Seismology Institute, left for the Philippines to attend a meeting on ''Earthquakes and Mega Cities''.

[18] U.S. TO HOLD SYMPOSIUMS ON QUAKE IN TURKEY

[19] WASHINGTON D.C., Nov 30 (A.A) - The U.S. Trade Development Agency (TDA) will organize symposiums in Istanbul and Ankara early in December to inform people of preparing for earthquakes, speedy response, and recovery after quakes. The TDA issued a written statement and said the symposiums would take place in Istanbul on December 1 and in Ankara on December 6. It said the officials and experts of the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), U.S. Geological Researches Center, U.S. Foreign Disasters Aiding Organization woul attend the symposium. It said the role of municipalities in preparing for quakes, reviewing critical infrastructural measures, creating confidence among public in management would be discussed in the symposiums. The statement added that the the officials from the Turkish government, municipalities, university professors, and representatives of vocational and financial organizations were invited to the symposiums.

[20] PRESIDENT DEMIREL LEAVES FOR UKRAINE

[21] ANKARA, Nov 30 (A.A) - President Suleyman Demirel said on Tuesday that Turkey would continue to support Ukraine in her efforts to carry out reforms and in her unification process with European institutions. Demirel staged a press conference at the Esenboga Airport prior to his departure for Ukranian capital Kiev. Demirel told reporters that he would attend the oath ceremony of President Leonid Kuchma who has been re-elected. He noted that Sukru Sina Gurel, the State Minister, and several other high-level officials would accompany him during one-day visit to Ukraine. President Demirel described Ukraine as a country having vital importance for peace, stability, and prosperity of Europe with her economical, military, and technological potential, and with her geopolitical position. He noted that Ukraine has recorded significant progresses since she gained her independence. Demirel pointed out President Kuchma's role in Ukraine's successful progress towards unifying with the world. He added, ''the latest elections was a concrete sign of Ukraine's people's trust in President Kuchma. I believe that Ukraine would further improve in future under intelligent leadership of President Kuchma. Turkey attributes great importance to further improvement of relations with Ukraine. We will continue to support Ukraine in her efforts to carry out reforms and in her unification process with European institutions. To this end, I am very pleased to attend President Kuchma's oath ceremony which will be organized with the participation of heads of states of the neighbouring countries.''

[22] INDIRECT CYPRUS NEGOTIATIONS TO START ON DECEMBER 3

[23] NEW YORK, Nov 30 (A.A) - Kofi Annan, the Secretary General of the United Nations, cancelled some of his appointments to concentrate on indirect Cyprus negotiations which will start in New York, the U.S., on December 3. Fred Eckhard, the Spokesman of the United Nations, told the A.A correspondent on Tuesday that there would be no time limitation for the indirect negotiations. Eckhard noted that Alvaro de Soto, the Special Representative of Annan to Cyprus, would also attend the negotiations which are also called as ''proximity talks''. Meanwhile, diplomatic sources said that James Holger, the Acting Special Representative of Annan to Cyprus, would assist Soto during the negotiations. The indirect negotiations will be held separately among the United Nations officials, President Rauf Denktas of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), and Glafcos Clerides, the leader of the Greek Cypriot administration. Denktas and Clerides will not be informed about each other's statements. The negotitaions are envisaged to be held within framework of confidentiality. Denktas and Clerides are expected to arrive in New York on Wednesday. They will separately hold their first meetings with Annan on December 3. The talks are expected to last 7 or 10 days.

[24] THE GREEK CYPRIOTS PROCEED TO TRNC FOR RELIGIOUS CEREMONIES

[25] LEFKOSA, Nov 30 (A.A) - A total of 1,719 Greek Cypriots proceeded to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) on Tuesday to attend religious ceremonies in Apostopolos Andreas Monastery. The Greek Cypriots entered into the TRNC from the Ledra Palace Border Gate, and were taken to the monastery by 43 busses provided by the TRNC authorities. They will perform their religious duties in the monastery, and then leave the TRNC for the Greek Cypriot side later on Tuesday. In accordance with the good will agreement which was signed in 1997 between President Rauf Denktas of the TRNC, and Glafcos Clerides, the leader of the Greek Cypriot administration, two sides are able to visit holy places in the TRNC and in the Greek Cypriot side. The Greek Cypriots visit the Apostopolos Andreas Monastery three times in a year while the Turkish Cypriots visit the Hala Sultan Shrine in Larnaca which is the reputed burial place of Um Haram, an aunt of the Prophet Mohammad, during Id al-Fitr and Id al-Adha.

[26] PRESIDENT DEMIREL LEAVES FOR UKRAINE - DEMIREL: ''THE PEOPLE WHO SAY THE PRESIDENT SHOULD BE ELECTED BY PUBLIC WILL ONE DAY REACH THEIR GOAL''

[27] ANKARA, Nov 30 (A.A) - President Suleyman Demirel said on Tuesday that the people who say that 'the President should be elected by public voting'' would one day reach their goal. Prior to his departure to the Ukraine, President Demirel answered the questions of journalists. When asked how he evaluated retired Full General Cevik Bir's statement saying he could run for President in case of a public voting, Demirel said, ''the Republic of Turkey is a democratic country. The way for being the President is open to everybody in Turkey.'' ''This depends on system, procedure, regulation, and method. Nobody should find such demands odd. Of course, today the election of President depends on the Parliament. Nobody knows what will happen in the future. We say that it will be more beneficial to Turkey if the President is elected by people,'' Demirel said. When asked whether he would once again be a candidate for President in case of a public voting, Demirel said, ''these are hypothetical issues and I do not take into consideration hypothetical issues.''

[28] CEM, FOREIGN MINISTER, MEETS WITH HIS DUTCH COUNTERPART AARTSEN

[29] ANKARA, Nov 30 (A.A) - Ismail Cem, the Foreign Minister, met on Tuesday with his Dutch counterpart Jozias van Aartsen. Two foreign ministers will preside inter-delegationary meeting after tete-a-tete talks. Addressing the meeting, Aartsen expressed pleasure over being in Turkey. High-level Turkish and Dutch diplomats will attend the inter-delegationary meeting. The meeting is expected to focus on bilateral relations, and the issues of Turkey's candidacy to the European Union (EU). Following the meeting, Cem will host a luncheon in honor of his Dutch counterpart. Cem and Aartsen are expected to stage a joint press conference later today.

[30] FOREIGN MINISTER CEM'S HELSINKI MESSAGES

[31] ANKARA, Nov 30 (A.A) - Ismail Cem, the Foreign Minister, said on Tuesday, ''problems between Turkey and Greece should be resolved with peaceful methods. Turkey does not have any territorial ambitions from Greece.'' Cem issued a written statement concerning Helsinki summit. He stressed that progress in Turkey's full membership to the European Union (EU) would make a considerable contribution to security of geography where Turkey takes place. Cem added, ''the passing of the EU borders from the Balkans and the Aegean - as it is today - brings Turkey and Greece on opposite sides of this border perforce. This is a situation of potential contradiction even if it is not desired.'' Cem underlined that Turkey's candidacy to the EU would eradicate such contradiction, and provide stability and cooperation both in the Balkans and in the Aegean.

[32] FOREIGN MINISTER CEM'S HELSINKI MESSAGES

[33] ANKARA, Nov 30 (A.A) - Ismail Cem, the Foreign Minister, said on Tuesday that the European Union (EU) membership is a prior target of Turkey, but it is not an obsession. Cem issued a written statement concerning Helsinki summit. In the statement, Cem referred to some news reports about Turkey's candidacy and Helsinki summit, and said that most of these news reports did not reflect the truth. Cem noted that Turkey has adopted the target of further improving relations with the EU since 1963 when the Ankara Agreement was signed. He said, ''It is out of question for Turkey to stay behind in her bid, modernization, and democracy in case the EU dimension is not finalized. Turkey has already been continuing her path. Turkey continuously improves herself in every field such as economy, democracy, administration, and law.'' Recalling that relations between Turkey and the EU had been upset after Turkey's candidacy was not recognized officially at Luxembourg summit in 1997, Cem added, ''Turkey expects the EU to put an end to this discrimination at Helsinki summit in 1999. Turkey has put forward that she had adopted the Amsterdam Agreement, and the Copenhagen criteria. Within this framework, Turkey expects equal treatment with other candidate countries. Turkey is not in a position to accept preconditions and to fulfil conditions different than the other candidates.'' Recalling that joint working committees which were set up between Turkey and Greece, had recorded significant and positive progresses, Cem said they believe that problems between two countries could be resolved with the joint works. Cem reminded that documents which were agreed during Turkish-Greek joint committee works, reached to stage of signature. He added that Turkey described the agreement on ''Struggle Against Organized Crimes, Drug Trafficking, Illegal Migration, and Terrorism'' as a priority in further improvement of relations between Turkey and Greece. Cem said that these agreements can be signed in December, if the current positive improvement process in Turkey-Greece relations does not encounter any obstacles. He indicated that Yorgo Papandreou, the Greek Foreign Minister, was envisaged to be invited to Ankara for the signing ceremony.

[34] FOREIGN MINISTER CEM'S HELSINKI MESSAGES

[35] ANKARA, Nov (A.A) - Foreign Minister Ismail Cem said on Tuesday the atmosphere of tension in the Aegean was leaving its place to detente as a result of the positive developments in the relations between Turkey and Greece. Cem issued a written statement concerning the Helsinki Summit. Recalling that there were problems between Turkey and Greece especially in Aegean awaiting to be solved, Cem said, ''it is possible for the two neighboring and allied countries to change the Aegean into a sea of friendship and peace by overcoming all of these problems through acceptable means. This should be the common target of the two countries.'' Stressing that unilateral movements in Aegean should be avoided to reach the common target, Cem said, ''provocations and threats should be avoided; reciprocal concerns and interests should be taken into consideration, and atmosphere of confidence and security should be created, and within this framework, all of the problems should be solved peacefully.'' ''We are ready to cooperate to this end. Turkey does not have any territorial ambition from Turkey. Turkey considers that the Agenda 2000 document includes appropriate methods for the solution of the problems between the two countries,'' he said. Cem stated that he thought the efforts of ''Wise Men Group'' on which Turkey and Greece reached a compromise in April 1997 by the initiative of the European Union (EU) Term President the Netherlands, could be re- started. ''The Wise Men initiative which can make a move in case of acceptance of Turkey's EU candidacy at Helsinki Summit will contribute to the searches for the solution of the Aegean problems with peaceful methods, '' he said. Pointing out that Turkey thinks that the Cyprus question and the relations with the EU are two separate issues, Cem emphasized, ''Turkey is absolutely opposed to evaluation of the relations with the EU within the context of Cyprus.'' Cem stressed that the legal and political objections that Turkey raised against the unilateral application of the Greek Cypriot administration for EU membership still protect their validity. ''We believe that statements and attitudes that can negatively affect the chance for comprehensive solution and the process should be avoided in a period that the U.N. Secretary General is giving start for the proximity talks in New York, and on the contrary, we believe that the statements and attitudes should be encouraging the two sides equally,'' he stated. Cem said the Helsinki Summit would be an important opportunity concerning the positive process between Turkey and Greece and the relations between Turkey and the EU. ''We expect all European countries to make use of this important opportunity,'' he added.

[36] DIE ANNOUNCES GROWTH RATE IN Q3 AS -6.6 PERCENT

[37] ANKARA, Nov 30 (A.A) - The State Institute of Statistics (DIE) announced on Tuesday that the growth rate in third quarter of 1999 was -6.6 percent. DIE said the growth rate in first three quarters was -6.1 percent. DIE announced that the Gross National Product (GNP) with current prices was 26 quadrillion 21 trillion 382 billion Turkish Liras (TL) and the GNP with fixed prices was 36 trillion 26 billion TL in the third quarter. The growth rate with current prices was 48.1 percent and the growth rate with fixed prices was -6.6 percent in third quarter of 1999 when compared with the same period in 1998. Meanwhile, according to the results of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) which was calculated by taking into consideration the expenditures in third quarter of 1999, the special ultimate spendings with fixed prices decreased by 2.9 percent, and the gross fixed capital reduced by 11.9 percent.

[38] 11TH STRASBOURG TURKISH CINEMA FESTIVAL TO START ON WEDNESDAY

[39] STRASBOURG, Nov 30 (A.A) - The ''11th Strasbourg Turkish Cinema Festival'', one of the most important activities in Europe concerning the Turkish cinema, will begin on Wednesday. French and Turkish people will have the opportunity of watching ten most important Turkish films which were shot in the past two years. Several concerts will also be organized within scope of the festival. The fund to be raised from concerts will be donated to those who were left homeless by the quake disasters. ''Broken Heart (Kirik Kalp)'' of Osman Seden, ''Propaganda'' of Sinan Cetin, ''Mirrors (Aynalar)'' of Can Dundar, ''Town (Kasaba)' of Nuri Bilge Ceylan, ''Every Thing Will Be Fine (Her Sey Çok Guzel Olacak)'' of Omer Vargi, ''Boatman (Kayikci)'' of Biket Ilhan, ''Third Page (Ucuncu Sayfa)'' of Zeki Demirkubuz, ''Journey To The Sun (Gunese Yolculuk)'' of Yesim Ustaoglu, ''Dissolution (Parcalanma)'' of Canan Gerede, and ''Harem Suare'' of Ferzan Ozpetek will be shown in the 11th Strasbourg Turkish Cinema Festival.

[40] FEHRIYE ERDAL DOSSIER TO BE BROUGHT ONTO AGENDA OF BRUGES COURT ON WEDNESDAY

[41] BRUSSELS, Nov 30 (A.A) - The dossier of Fehriye Erdal, member of the illegal Revolutionary People's Communist Party-Front (DHKP-C) who is one of the suspects in Sabanci assasination, will be brought onto agenda of the Bruges Penalty Court on Wednesday. Lawyers of Erdal whose term of arrest was extended on November 24, had requested the Bruges Court to improve their client's conditions in prison. Lawyers had criticized that Erdal was held incommunicado, and she was not allowed to receive visitors. Belgian security forces said that a number of gendarmerie units would be deployed in and around the court building during tomorrow's hearing session.

[42] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT - ''OUR TARGET WAS TO ASSEMBLE 25,314 PREFABRICATED HUTS. 24 THOUSAND OF THEM WERE FINALIZED''

[43] ANKARA, Nov 30 (A.A)- Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said on Tuesday that the government had reached its target to assemble prefabricated huts for quake survivors under extremely difficult conditions and in a short period of time. Addressing journalists at the Prime Ministry Office, Ecevit said that he had met with Koray Aydin, the Public Works and Housing Minister, early this morning. Ecevit congratulated the Public Works and Housing Ministry, and all other related institutions, saying, ''we have reached our target under extremely difficult conditions and in a short period of time.'' He noted, ''our target was to assemble 25,314 prefabricated huts. 24 thousand of them were finalized. In fact, the Public Works and Housing Ministry has carried out the infrastructure of prefabricated huts that were erected by private sector and foreign countries. Having regard to this fact, we went beyond our target.'' Recalling that Turkey was hit by a second earthquake just three months after the 7.4-magnitude earthquake had devastated Marmara Region on August 17, Ecevit told reporters that 5 thousand prefabricated huts were assembled in Bolu province. Ecevit said that infrastructure of these huts was about to finish. He stressed that no one would have to spent winter in tents when settlement of quake survivors in prefabricated huts is finalized. ''Moreover, as I stated a few days ago that broad opportunities and facilities have been extended to the quake survivors in the public institutions and facilities especially in holiday resorts. A total of 40, 634 beds have been allocated for the quake survivors in the holiday resorts especially in Antalya, Aydin, Balikesir, Bursa, Icel, Izmir and Mugla. Unfortunately, the demand for this facility couldn't reach the desired level due to reasons that I can't figure out. Only 6,666 survivors were settled in these public facilities. All of their requirements are being met in these facilities. There is still a capacity of 34,407 beds in these facilities,'' he said. Ecevit said he would visit Icel and Izmir on Wednesday and inspect the services offered to quake survivors by public resort facilities. ''This is a broad opportunity. I am recommending and encouraging the quake survivors to make use of this opportunity,'' he stated.

[44] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT - ''BLUE STREAM PROJECT WILL PUT AN END TO NATURAL GAS DIFFICULTY''

[45] ANKARA, Nov 30 (A.A) - Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said on Tuesday that Blue Stream Project would put an end to problems arising from lack of natural gas in Turkey. Ecevit held a meeting with Cumhur Ersumer, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, and with directors of several public institutions. Addressing journalists after the meeting, Ecevit said that current natural gas problem was discussed at the meeting. Recalling that Russian natural gas was being transported to Turkey with a pipeline passing via Ukraine, Moldova, Romania, and Bulgaria, Ecevit said that these countries sometimes consumed more natural gas than envisaged. He told reporters, ''the Energy and Natural Resources Ministry and all other related institutions have taken necessary measures. We will put an end to natural gas difficulty within one or two days. Such a difficulty put forward once again the importance of accelereting the energy investments. The Blue Stream Project Agreement which was signed between Turkey and Russia in 1997, will put an end to Turkey's natural gas difficulty.'' Noting that the energy investments should absolutely be speeded up, Ecevit stressed the importance of the amendment to the Constitution about international arbitration. ''The accord laws of this constitutional change are about to be approved by the Parliament. The contribution of foreign source to the acceleration of these energy investments will increase,'' he said. ''Besides, some bureaucratic obstacles are encountered or some municipalities, especially Ankara Municipality, want to use natural gas beyond the capabilities. We have to be very careful about these issues,'' he stressed. ''The energy investments have to start without delay. The State Planning Organization takes into consideration the state's financial sources, but we have to be courageous and audacious concerning this issue. We have to reach our goals without any bureaucratic obstacle. Otherwise, the kind of the energy bottleneck that Turkey may face was observed in last two days. We are determined to take every necessary measure against this,'' he said. When asked how much loan Turkey would obtain from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) with the stand-by deal, Ecevit said, ''first of all, this is an expectation that depends on the increase in confidence in the Turkish economy and the attitude of the Turkish state and government. We hope that the positive results in the relations with the IMF will increase the foreign capital and loan inflow into Turkey. However, it is impossible to declare an amount at the moment.'' Responding to a question about the application of the lawyers of Abdullah Ocalan, the head of the terrorist organization, to the European Court of Human Rights, Ecevit said, ''we will discuss it after the result of the application.''

[46] FOREIGN MINISTER CEM AND HIS DUTCH COUNTERPART AARTSEN STAGE A JOINT PRESS CONFERENCE

[47] ANKARA, Nov 30 (A.A) - Jozias van Aartsen, the Dutch Foreign Minister, said on Tuesday that he supported Turkey's candidacy to the European Union (EU), and Turkey's candidacy should be confirmed at Helsinki Summit. Ismail Cem, the Foreign Minister, and his Dutch counterpart staged a joint press conference after inter-delegationary meeting. Addressing the press conference, Aartsen noted that Turkey had recently recorded significant progress in the field of human rights. He said that this progress should continue. Aartsen stressed that the Netherlands, like the other EU members, is opposed to capital punishment. Cem told reporters that they had held a productive and positive meeting. He said that his Dutch counterpart had invited him to the Netherlands, adding that he planned to pay a visit to the Netherlands next year.

[48] FOREIGN MINISTER CEM AND HIS DUTCH COUNTERPART AARTSEN STAGE A JOINT PRESS CONFERENCE

[49] ANKARA, Nov 30 (A.A) - Jozias van Aartsen, the Dutch Foreign Minister, said on Tuesday that they supported Turkey's candidacy to the European Union (EU), adding that a divided Cyprus could not become a member of the EU. Ismail Cem, the Foreign Minister, and his Dutch counterpart staged a joint press conference after inter-delegationary meeting. Addressing the press conference, Aartsen noted that many issues concerning Turkey ahd the Netherlands, were discussed at the meeting. Noting that the main goal of his visit was to further improve relations with Turkey, Aartsen said that the Netherlands fully supported Turkey's candidacy to the EU. Recalling that Turkey had recorded significant progress in the field of human rights, Aartsen said they believed that Turkey should also continue to progress on the issues of minority problem, the army's role in policy, and human rights after Helsinki Summit. Describing the recent developments in relations between Turkey and Greece, as very positive, Aartsen stressed that further improvement of relations was beneficial for both Turkey and the EU. When recalled that he had came together with representatives of the human rights associations early on Tuesday morning, Aartsen said that the Turkish government should record further progress in the field of human rights to fulfil political criteria. Aartsen reminded that the Turkish government had been progressing in the field of human rights since June. He underlined the importance of Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit's words, ''there are much more to be done'' in his letter to German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder prior to Cologne Summit. Quoting Cem as saying that reforms would continue after Helsinki Summit, Aartsen stressed that this was extremely important for both Turkey and the EU. When asked about a question on the capital punishment and the Supreme Court's approval of capital punishment given to Ocalan, Aartsen said that the Netherlands, as a member of the EU, is against the capital punishment. The important point is that the Turkish government said that it takes into consideration the international agreements it had earlier signed; Aartsen noted. Aartsen stated that this statement carries importance because it means that the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) can play a role in the trial process of Ocalan. Cem responded to the same question as saying that he is the Foreign Minister of Turkey and to this end, he does not want to comment on this issue. The Justice Ministry is responsible to deal with this issue, Cem added. Responding a question saying, ''you mentioned about the minority problem and the role of the army in political life in your speech. Can you make clear whom you mentioned about when saying minority and your statements regarding the army?'', Aartsen said that the role of army was included in the Turkish Constitution. Aartsen said that this is not a normal situation for the EU countries, and this issue should be discussed for the future of Turkey. He used the word ''minority'' to mention about ''the situation of Kurdish minority in Turkey,'' Aartsen said. Responding another question, Aartsen stated that they also talked about the application of Murat Karayilan, one of the top members of the terrorist organization, to the Dutch organs to be granted asylum. Aartsen said that the legal procedures were launched and Karayilan applied to them last Saturday. He told Cem about the view of the Dutch government regarding this issue, Aartsen added. When reminded of Greek Foreign Minister Yorgo Papandreou's latest statements about Turkey's EU candidacy, Aartsen said he was not informed of those statements. Aartsen said they were expending efforts within the EU to enable Greece to reach a good understanding with Turkey. Noting that Turkey's attitude was important for a compromise that would be reached on the issue, Aartsen said, ''we strongly believe that positive signals for Turkey's EU candidacy should be given at the Helsinki Summit and that Turkey should be a candidate.'' Speaking to the Elefterotipia newspaper published in Athens, Papandreou had said Greece would give a negative vote for the decision to be taken at Helsinki Summit if Greece's demands concerning Turkey's EU candidacy were not met, and that they wouldn't be responsible for this. When asked how he evaluated a divided Cyprus's membership to the EU, Aartsen said, ''this is a question that can be answered easily. We think that a divided Cyprus can't be a member of the EU, and this attitude won't change.'' When reminded of the opinions that the Wise Men process, which started between Turkey and Greece in 1997 with the initiative of the Netherlands but was cut following the Luxembourg Summit, could be revived, Aartsen said Foreign Minister Ismail Cem had good opinions about the issue. Foreign Minister Ismail Cem recalled that he made a statement about the issue the same day, and stressed once again that the process in question could be re-started. ''The talks between the delegations were very beneficial and productive. Several issues including Chechnya and Kosovo were discussed in the meetings,'' he said.

[50] MOODY'S CHANGES OUTLOOK ON TURKISH ECONOMY FROM ''STABLE'' TO ''POSITIVE''

[51] NEW YORK/ANKARA, Nov 30 (A.A) - The Moody's, a leading U.S. rating organizations, announced on Tuesday that it has changed the outlook on Turkey's B1/B2 country ceilings for foreign currency bonds and bank deposits from ''stable'' to ''positive''. Moody's, in its written statement, said the outlook on the Turkish government's B1-rated foreign currency bonds and notes has also been changed from ''stable'' to ''positive''. Moody's said that the change in outlook was prompted by recent developments in Turkey's political and policy environments that could eventually bring about a long-overdue correction of the severe pressures bearing on the fiscal accounts and on the real economy.

[52] EUROPEAN COURT OF HUMAN RIGHTS DEBATES OCALAN'S APPLICATION

[53] STRASBOURG, Nov 30 (A.A) - The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) convened on Tuesday to debate application of lawyers of Abdullah Ocalan, the head of terrorist organization PKK. The ECHR will express its opinion about a precautionary measure aiming at delaying the execution of death sentence handed down on Ocalan. The ECHR will request Turkey to delay the execution of capital punishment in case it decides the precautionary measure. A total of 10 judges are participating in the court session.

[54] ECHR TAKES PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE FORESEEING SUSPENSION OF CAPITAL PUNISHMENT GIVEN TO OCALAN

[55] STRASBOURG, Nov 30 (A.A) - The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) took precautinary measure foreseeing the suspension of the capital punishment given to Abdullah Ocalan, the head of the terrorist organization, on Tuesday. The ECHR asked Turkey not to execute the capital punishment given to Ocalan until the application of Ocalan's lawyers to the ECHR is concluded. The court which accepted the request of Ocalan's lawyers for taking precautionary measures, will take on the earlier applications against Turkey which are related with the Article 2, 3, 5 and 6 of the European Convention on Human Rights. In case the court decides to investigate these applications, the normal legal process will continue to operate and the court will search whether or not a friendly solution can be reached by the two sides. If the two sides do not reach a friendly solution, then the ECHR will investigate the dossier and give its final decision. Ocalan's lawyers had applied to the ECHR for the first time on February 16, 1999. They had applied to the court by claiming that Turkey violated the articles of the European Convention of Human Rights which takes right to life under guarantee, which prevents torture and maltreatment, which covers freedom right and the right to a fair trial. The lawyers had later applied to the court on March 4, 1999 to implement the Article 39 regarding precautionary measure. The ECHR had accepted the application of the lawyers asking for taking precautionary measures on April 29, 1999 and requested information from Turkey related with the detention and the arrestment of Ocalan. Turkey had fulfilled the request of ECHR on September 1, 1999.

[56] LEADERS OF COALITION GOVERNMENT TO CONVENE TONIGHT

[57] ANKARA, Nov 30 (A.A) - Premier Bulent Ecevit said on Tuesday that he will meet with the leaders of the coalition government and the concerned ministers tonight to evaluate the precautionary measure taken by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR). Ecevit told reporters that the ECHR had taken precautionary measure foreseeing the suspension of capital punishment given to Abdullah Ocalan, the head of the terrorist organization, in its today's session. They have not officially received the decision yet, Ecevit noted. Ecevit continued, ''we will have a pre-evaluation meeting with the leaders of the political parties which set up the government and the concerned ministers. I will issue a statement after the decision is notified to us.'' When asked whether or not the government will comply with the ECHR decision, Ecevit said that he cannot say anything before he discusses this issue with the government.

[58] OKAY, CHAIRMAN OF ANKARA BAR: ''THE DECISION OF ECHR CANNOT REMOVE THE DECISION OF INDEPENDENT TURKISH JURISDICTION''

[59] ANKARA, Nov 30 (A.A) - Hakki Suha Okay, the Chairman of Ankara Bar, said on Tuesday that the precautionary measure taken by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) cannot remove the decision of the independent Turkish jurisdiction. Okay told A.A correspondent that this was not the first time that the ECHR took precautionary measure. Okay continued, ''the ECHR took this measure on the application of Ocalan's lawyers who claimed that the trial was not fair, Ocalan was badly treated and their defense rights were limited. The decision says 'do not fulfil the requirement of your national jurisdiction'.'' ''The interlocutor of the ECHR is the Republic of Turkey. Because it accepted the judicial authority of ECHR. If Turkey does not fulfil the requirement of the decision, some sanctions can be implemented,'' Okay added.

[60] OZDEN, FORMER PRESIDENT OF CONSTITUTIONAL COURT: - ''WE SHOULD OBEY THE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE BECAUSE WE EARLIER ACCEPTED THE JUDICIAL AUTHORITY OF ECHR''

[61] ANKARA, Nov 30 (A.A) - Yekta Gungor Ozden, the former president of the Constitutional Court, said on Tuesday that Turkey should obey the precautionary measure taken by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) because she had earlier accepted the judicial authority of ECHR. Ozden told A.A correspondent that the international organizations do not have positive ideas about Turkey's legal system and jurisdiction. Turkey did not sign the protocol of the European Convention of Human Rights which foresaw the abolishment of the capital punishment, Ozden recalled. Ozden noted that to this end, nobody can regard the inclusion of capital punishment in Turkey's laws as strange. The jurisdiction process of Abdullah Ocalan, the head of the terrorist organization, was fair; Ozden stated. Ozden continued, ''we should obey the precautionary measure because we had earlier accepted the judicial authority of ECHR. But, nobody can condemn us if we execute capital punishment because this punishment is included in our laws. If the parliament approves and executes the punishment, ECHR's binding position will be out of question.''

[62] PRESIDENT DEMIREL SAYS GOVERNMENT IS INTERLOCUTOR OF ECHR

[63] ANKARA, Nov 30 (A.A) - President Suleyman Demirel said on Tuesday that the government is the interlocutor of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR). Demirel who returned from his one-day official visit to Ukraine, responded to the questions of the journalists regarding the precautionary measure taken by the ECHR which foresees the suspension of the capital punishment given to Abdullah Ocalan, the head of the terrorist organization. Demirel noted that the government is the interlocutor of the ECHR regarding this issue.

[64] INTERVENOR LAWYER KESKIN: ''IT IS NOT NECESSARY TO IMPLEMENT THE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE AS LONG AS ARTICLE 138 OF THE CONSTITUTION IS IN FORCE''

[65] ANKARA, Nov 30 (A.A) - Mehdi Keskin, one of the intervenor lawyers in the trial process of the head of the terrorist organization Abdullah Ocalan, said on Tuesday that it is not necessary to implement the precautionary measure taken by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) as long as the Article 138 of the Constitution is in force. Keskin told A.A correspondent that the ECHR took the decision in accordance with its own by-laws. Keskin said, ''although the European Convention on Human Rights is a legal norm for Turkey, our Constitution is above all the legal norms. Under Article 11 of the Constitution, the judicial decisions bind the legislation and execution. In accordance with the Article 138, the legislation, execution and the administration cannot suspend the execution of the judicial decisions.'' ''As long as the Article 138 of the Constitution is in force, it is not necessary to implement the precautionary measure. A final decision saying 'don't execute', does not legally bind Turkey,'' Keskin added. Hasan Alper Avci, another intervenor lawyer, said that the ECHR opened arms to terrorism by this decision. Avci added that it is a very terrifying development for the global peace that the ECHR took some political decisions regarding a terrorist.

[66] SAYMAN, CHAIRMAN OF ISTANBUL BAR: ''IT WAS AN EXPECTED DECISION''

[67] ISTANBUL, Nov 30 (A.A) - Yucel Sayman, the Chairman of Istanbul Bar, said on Tuesday that the decision given by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) was an expected one. Sayman told A.A correspondent that it is wrong to consider the precautionary measure taken by ECHR as the pressure of Europe. Sayman continued, ''if the capital punishment given for Abdullah Ocalan, the head of the terrorist organization, by the State Security Court (DGM) and approved by the Supreme Court, was executed; then a situation which cannot be compensated would occur in respect of the ECHR.'' ''The abolishment of capital punishment is a principal issue for Europe and ECHR. To this end, it is so natural that the court gave such a decision,'' Sayman added. Turkey should comply with this decision since she had committed to obey the decisions of the ECHR and made the decisions of ECHR a part of her internal law, Sayman noted. Sayman said, ''some say that the decision is the pressure of Europe. It is so wrong to consider a verdict of a court as the pressure of Europe. If you call it 'the pressure of Europe', then Turkey will be excluded from this court.'' The decision is the decision of jurisdiction, Sayman recalled. Sayman added, ''whether you like or not, it is the decision of the jurisdiction. Turkey is included in that court because a Turkish judge participates in that court. Turkey is a part of this court.''

[68] ECHR OFFICIALLY ANNOUNCES ITS PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE

[69] STRASBOURG, Nov 30 (A.A) - The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) officially announced its precautionary measure decision regarding Abdullah Ocalan, the head of the terrorist organization, on Tuesday evening. A statement of the ECHR said that the concerned unit of the ECHR asks the concerned country to take all the necessary measures not to execute the capital punishment until the Court proceeds effectively with the examination of the admissibility and merits of the applicant's complaints under the European Convention on Human Rights.

[70] PRESIDENT DEMIREL SAYS WHOLE WORLD APPRECIATES STEPS TAKEN BY UKRAINE

[71] KIEV, Nov 30 (A.A) - President Suleyman Demirel said on Tuesday that all the world appreciates the steps that Ukraine has taken in improving her independence and territorial integrity and basing the democracy on the rule of law and the free market economy since she gained her independence. Demirel participated in the reception given by Ukranian President Leonid Kuchma in honour of the chairmen of the foreign delegations which participated in Kuchma's oath ceremony. Turkey considers Ukraine as a partner with whom she works together for the peace, welfare and stability of the Black Sea and Eurosia; Demirel noted. Demirel stated that Turkey is determined to continue to support Ukraine's efforts to implement reforms in every field, especially in the improvement of her democracy. They are in the threshold of a new millenium and the future gives hope, Demirel stressed. Demirel emphasized that he sincerely believes that their common target is to make 21st century a century of peace, welfare and democracy. Following the reception, Demirel had a 15-minute meeting with Kuchma. Later, Demirel left for Turkey at 6.10 p.m.

[72] GREEK CYPRIOTS WHO ATTENDED RELIGIOUS CEREMONIES IN TRNC RETURN TO GREEK CYPRIOT SIDE

[73] LEFKOSA, Nov 30 (A.A) - The Greek Cypriots who attended religious ceremonies in Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), returned to Greek Cypriot side on Tuesday evening. After performing their religious duties in Apostolos Andreas Monastery, 1,719 Greek Cypriots departed TRNC. In accordance with the good will agreement which was signed in 1997 between President Rauf Denktas of the TRNC, and Glafcos Clerides, the leader of the Greek Cypriot administration, two sides are able to visit holy places in the TRNC and in the Greek Cypriot side. The Greek Cypriots visit the Apostolos Andreas Monastery three times a year while the Turkish Cypriots visit the Hala Sultan Shrine in Larnaca which is the reputed burial place of Um Haram, an aunt of the Prophet Mohammad, during Id al-Fitr and Id al- Adha.

[74] TRNC PRESIDENT DENKTAS TO STAGE PRESS CONFERENCE IN U.S.

[75] NEW YORK, Nov 30 (A.A) - Rauf Denktas, the President of the Republic of Northern Cyprus, will stage a press conference in New York on December 2, 1999. Denktas who will arrive in New York on Wednesday, will stage a press confence to the Turkish and foreign journalists on December 2, 1999. Denktas will meet with Kofi Annan, the Secretary General of the United Nations (U.N), on December 3, 1999. Glafcos Clerides, the leader of the Greek Cypriot side, is also expected to meet with Annan the same day. Denktas will address the Turkish Cypriots who are living in New York in Turkish Cypriots' Assistance Association on December 5, 1999. Denktas will hold bilateral contacts as long as the proximity talks continue.

[76] PREMIER ECEVIT: ''ALTHOUGH THE SUPREME COURT GAVE ITS FINAL DECISION, THE JUDICIAL PROCESS IS NOT OVER YET''

[77] ANKARA, Nov 30 (A.A) - Premier Bulent Ecevit said on Tuesday that although the Supreme Court gave its final decision regarding Abdullah Ocalan, the head of the terrorist organization; the judicial process is not over yet. The leaders summit which started at 9.05 p.m. under the chairmanship of Ecevit, ended. Following the meeting, Ecevit told reporters that the precautionary measure that the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) took regarding Ocalan, was notified to the Turkish organs. Ecevit continued, ''I met with the leaders of the coalition partners and concerned ministers tonight. Meanwhile, the ECHR sent the written notification regarding Ocalan case to Turkey.'' ''As you all know, although the Supreme Court gave its final decision, the judicial process is not over yet. The remedy to apply for the correction of the verdict, has not been exhausted yet. The government will evaluate the developments when the judicial decision arrives at the parliament,'' Ecevit added.

[78] A.A


Anadolu Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article
Back to Top
Copyright © 1995-2023 HR-Net (Hellenic Resources Network). An HRI Project.
All Rights Reserved.

HTML by the HR-Net Group / Hellenic Resources Institute, Inc.
anadolu2html v1.01 run on Wednesday, 1 December 1999 - 7:57:26 UTC