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Anadolu Agency: News in English, 99-12-02
02 December 1999 Thursday
[02] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN
[03] These are some of the major headlines and their brief stories in
Turkey's press on December 2, 1999. The Anadolu Ajansi does not verify
these stories and does not vouch for their occuracy.
[04] HURRIYET (LIBERAL) - ---------------- CRITICAL NIGHT Rauf Denktas, the
President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), explained the
crisis which occured about his visit to New York. Denktas said, ''when
United Nations (U.N.) Secretary General Kofi Annan did not address me with
the title he addressed Greek Cypriot leader Glafcos Clerides, I told him
that I would not participate in the proximity talks. Then, the crisis
escalated. I called the U.S. envoy in Cyprus by phone. I asked him whether
or not we had agreed upon these conditions. He told me that it was a
mistake and not to mind. I told him that we could not accept this and that
we would not go to proximity talks.'' Then, the U.S. diplomat threatened
Denktas as saying that airplane carrying President Clinton would not land
on Turkey where the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe
(OSCE) summit would be held; Denktas noted. Denktas added that in the end,
the U.S. side accepted their demand.
[05] TWO FORMULAS FOR SUSPENSION Two formulas were discussed when Turkey
tends to conform to the precautionary measures taken by the European Court
of Human Rights (ECHR) regarding Ocalan case. First formula is to keep the
dossier waiting at the Prime Ministry. The government will undertake the
political responsibility in the first formula. The second formula is to
decide to comfort to the ECHR's decision. In this formula, the parliament
will undertake the responsibility.
[06] MILLIYET (LIBERAL) - ----------------- FAREWELL TO YOU DUZCE This is
the travelling to an unknown future from a sorrowful past. It is hard to
stay and it is hard to go. It is harder to decide. The winter accelerated
the escape from the quake zone. The hired buses are carrying immigrants to
the south. Nearly 1,500 people were sent to the public facilities in Mugla,
Aydin and Mersin. A total of 50 buses have carried the quake survivors to
the south. 2,000 people are waiting to go to the public facilities.
[07] ELECTRICITY CRISIS TO END TODAY Cumhur Ersumer, the Energy and Natural
Resources Minister, announced that Turkey will buy two folds more enegry
from Bulgaria. Ersumer noted that the electricity cut which occured due to
the decrease in the Russian natural gas inflowing to Turkey, will be ended
gradually. The Energy and Natural Resources Ministry said that the
programmed electricity cut was ended as of 17.30 on Wednesday.
[08] SABAH (LIBERAL) - --------------- SURPRISE FROM MHP Ismail Kose, the
acting group leader of Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), said that the
precautionary measure which foresees the suspention of Ocalan's execution
should be carefully evaluated. Turkey should not panic and should take into
consideration her interests, Kose noted. Kose added that Turkey should give
a good lesson by puting forward that there is not any difference among the
people in Turkey.
[09] CUMHURIYET (LEFT) - ---------------- XANTHI MUFTI AGA SENTENCED TO SIX-
MONTH IMPRISONMENT Mehmet Emin Aga, the elected Mufti of Xanthi, was
sentenced to six-month imprisonment. Aga applied to the appeal court after
he was sentenced to imprisonment on charges of illegally using official
title. The judicial organs had filed a lawsuit against Aga on charges of
using the title 'Xanthi Mufti' in the message he issued in 1998 on the
anniversary of ''the Night of Power'' when the Koran was revealed.
[10] AFTERSHOCKS CONTINUE TO SHAKE DISASTER AREA Aftershocks continue to
shake disaster area in the wake of 7.2-magnitude earthquake which
devastated Duzce county of Bolu province on November 12. Officials at the
Bogazici University Kandilli Observatory Seismology Institute recorded
three aftershocks with magnitutes ranging from 2.9 to 3.2 in Akcakoca
county of Bolu province, Hendek county of Adapazari province, and Kaynasli
county of Bolu province.
[11] RADIKAL (LEFT) - ------------- MINISTER AYDIN'S DEFENSE Koray Aydin,
the Public Works and Housing Minister, said that if he had not committed to
complete the prefabricated huts on November 30, the huts could be completed
on December 30 the earliest. Aydin told the reporters that quake survivors
in Duzce had settled in 456 prefabricated huts which were constructed
following the August 17 quake.
[12] ECEVIT INVITES QUAKE SURVIVORS TO PUBLIC FACILITIES Prime Minister
Bulent Ecevit said that there were many empty beds in these facilities, and
asked people who stay there to inform their relatives in the quake area
about the good conditions they were offered to draw more survivors to these
places. Ecevit visited the public facilities which were assigned to quake
survivors. Ecevit said, ''Those who are in the quake area do not know about
the good conditions in these places. Please let them know so that they
would come to the facilities in Antalya, Izmir and other places. There are
more beds in these facilities than the quake survivors.''
[13] TURKIYE (RIGHT) - --------------- TURKISH SOLDIERS IN NORTHERN IRAQ
The Turkish Armed Forces continue its operations in Northern Iraq to
eradicate the last PKK camps, and to prevent terrorists from taking shelter
in the region once again. War planes back 20 thousand soldiers in the
operation.
[14] DENKTAS LEAVES FOR THE U.S. President Rauf Denktas of the Turkish
Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) left for the U.S. to attend proximity
talks which will start in New York on December 3.
[15] DEATH TOLL INCREASES TO 792 The Prime Ministry Crisis Management
Center stated that 792 people were killed while 4,948 others were injured
in 7.2-magnitude quake hit Bolu province on November 12. A total of 1,608
buildings collapsed while 6,540 dwellings and 1,310 business places were
seriously damaged.
[16] ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE) - ------------------ NUCLEAR ILLUMINATION The
electricity which is produced from water, coal and natural gas is not
sufficent to meet Turkey's energy demand. The nuclear energy plants are
considered as unavodiable for permanent illumination. The reports about
Turkey's energy insufficency which were submitted to the Turkish
Electricity Incorp. (TEAS), emphasized that it is impossible to overcome
the energy insufficiency without benefiting from the nuclear energy.
[17] SUSPICION THAT ECHR DID MISTAKE RESULTING FROM PROCEDURES It is
claimed that the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) did a mistake
resulting from procedures because it took precautionary measures without
the internal law procedures were exhausted. Sermet Atacanli, an official
from the Foreign Ministry, said that they will evaluate this issue when the
written decision is sent to Turkey.
[18] SLOVENIA TO ASK VISA FROM TURKISH CITIZENS
[19] LJUBLJANA, Dec 2 (A.A) - The Slovenian Foreign Ministry will start
asking a visa from five countries including Turkey. Slovenia which is
getting ready to become a EU member will ask a visa from Turkish, Russian,
Macedonian, Romanian, and Bulgarian citizens. Slovenia's visa requirement
will start on December 2 for Russians; January 1, 2000 for Turks; February
for Romanians, and March for Bulgarians. Slovenia which started
participating in EU membership negotiations last year aims to become a
member by 2003.
[20] CEM GOES TO BUCHAREST WITH MACEDONIAN FOREIGN MINISTER DIMITROV
[21] SKOPJE, Dec 2 (A.A) - Rounding up his visits in Skopje, Macedonia,
Foreign Minister Ismail Cem went to Bucharest with his Macedonian
counterpart Alexander Dimitrov on Wednesday. Cem and Dimitrov spoke to the
press after a meeting. Cem told reporters that everytime he came to
Macedonia he saw his own history and culture and drew attention to the very
good relations between Turkey and Macedonia. Important progress was
observed in the economic field between the two countries, Cem said and
reminded that both the Turkish Airlines and Ziraat Bank opened
representative offices in Skopje. Foreign Minister Cem also mentioned the
Southeast Europe Stability Pact and said ''the pact cannot be thought of
without Macedonia or Albania''. He also expressed support for Macedonia's
membership to the NATO. Dimitrov said their meeting was very fruitful. The
signing of a free trade agreement between the two countries created the
favourable ground for great economic developments, Dimitrov noted. During
his visit to Skopje, Cem was also received by Macedonian Parliament Speaker
Savo Klimaski and Prime Minister Lubjo Georgievski. Later, Cem and Dimitrov
went to Bucharest.
[22] TURKEY-ISRAEL COOPERATION IN AGRICULTURE
[23] SIFAYIM, Dec 2 (A.A) - ''Agricultural Development'' courses started in
Israel on Wednesday with the cooperation of Southeast Anatolia Project
(GAP), Israel Foreign Ministry International Cooperation Institution
(MASHAV), and Israeli Agriculture Ministry's Cooperation Center for the
Development of International Agriculture (CINADCO). Abraham Edery, the
Director of the center in Sifayim where the course is given, said like in
every field, they were also working to develop agricultural cooperation
with Turkey and therefore started this training for the technicians of the
GAP Management Directorate. Those who attend the course will also be
educated on the administrative and management aspects of the agriculture
and also have the chance to observe the important agricultural centers in
Israel, Edery noted. Six Turkish groups so far attended the courses in this
center.
[24] EUROPEAN COUNCIL SOUTHEAST EUROPE NATIONAL EDUCATION MINISTERS MEETING
STARTS IN STRASBOURG
[25] STRASBOURG, Dec 2 (A.A) - European Council Southeast Europe National
Education Ministers Meeting starts in Strasbourg on Thursday. Metin
Bostancioglu, the Turkish National Education Minister will represent Turkey
at the meeting. The European Council's meetings will focus on the role of
education in developing mutual trust and tolerance among countries. The
attenders will also review the decisions taken earlier about the
cooperation in education to strengthen democracy, peace and stability and
will discuss the education policies of the Southeast Europe Stability Pact.
[26] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT: - ''I BELIEVE THAT OUR ECONOMY WOULD OVERCOME
DIFFICULTIES WITHIN SEVERAL MONTHS''
[27] ANKARA, Dec 2 (A.A) - Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said on Wednesday,
''I believe that our economy would overcome difficulties within several
months.'' Ecevit who visited the quake survivors settled in public
facilities, returned to Ankara on Wednesday night. Addressing journalists
at the Esenboga Airport, Ecevit recalled that the Moody's, a leading U.S.
rating organizations, had changed the outlook on Turkey's B1/B2 country
ceilings for foreign currency bonds and bank deposits from ''stable'' to
''positive''. Ecevit added, ''there is a great potential in Turkey. If we
can succeed in using this potential, I believe that our economy would
overcome difficulties within several months.''
[28] PRODI, CHAIRMAN OF EU COMMISSION: - ''TURKEY'S CANDIDACY TO THE EU
SHOULD BE ANNOUNCED''
[29] BRUSSELS, Dec 2 (A.A) - Romano Prodi, the Chairman of the European
Union (EU) Commission, said on Wednesday that Turkey's candidacy to the EU
should be announced at Helsinki Summit. Addressing general assembly meeting
of the European Parliament, Prodi said that it was necessary to assume an
encouraging attitude towards Turkey. Noting that they aimed at starting
full membership negoitations with all other candidates in the year 2000
except for Turkey, Prodi said that they would wait for Turkey to fulfil
Copenhagen criteria. Meanwhile, Tarja Halonen, the Foreign Minister of
Finland and the EU Term President, said that relations between Turkey and
Finland were further strengthened. Halonen noted that they hoped Turkey
would be granted candidacy status officially at Helsinki Summit. Halonen
also expressed concern over approval of death sentence against Abdullah
Ocalan, the head of terrorist organization PKK. Tarja Halonen said that
they hoped Turkey would wait for the decision of the European Court of
Human Rights (ECHR) about Ocalan.
[30] JUSTICE MINISTER TURK: ''THE VERDICT OF THE SUPREME COURT REGARDING
OCALAN WILL BE NOTIFIED TO THE SUSPECT AND HIS LAWYERS IN A FEW DAYS''
[31] ANKARA, Dec 2 (A.A) - Hikmet Sami Turk, the Justice Minister, said on
Wednesday that the verdict of the Supreme Court which approved the capital
punishment given to the head of the terrorist organization Abdullah Ocalan,
will be notified to the suspect and his lawyers in a few days. Turk
participated in a programme staged at a private news channel NTV. The 30-
day period for Ocalan's lawyers to apply for the correction of the verdict
will start after the notification is sent to the suspect and the lawyers,
Turk noted. The internal law remedies should be exhausted to apply to the
European Court of Human Rights (ECHR); Turk stated. Turk stressed that
Ocalan's lawyers can apply to the Ankara State Security Court (DGM)
Republican Chief Prosecutor's Office or the Supreme Court for the
correction of the verdict. Turk emphasized that if this request is
considered as appropriate, then it will be submitted to the concerned
court. Otherwise, the request will be rejected; Turk added. Responding a
question, Turk said that nine days are left for the Helsinki Summit and the
summit does not have any connection with the capital punishment upheld for
Ocalan. Turk noted that the dossier will firstly be sent to the Justice
Ministry and then his ministry will sent the dossier to the Prime Ministry.
Later, the Prime Ministry will submit the dossier to the parliament; Turk
stated. Turk added that the the Parliamentary Justice Commission will
discuss the dossier and then will submit it to the Parliamentary General
Assembly.
[32] FOREIGN MINISTER CEM IN ROMANIA
[33] BUCHAREST, Dec 2 (A.A) - Ismail Cem, the Foreign Minister, arrived in
Romanian capital Bucharest on Wednesday night to attend the ''Southeast
European Countries Cooperation Process Foreign Ministers Meeting''.
Officials of the Romanian Foreign Ministry, and Volkan Bozkir, the Turkish
Ambassador to Romania, welcomed Cem at the airport. Later, Cem attended the
reception hosted by Romanian President Emil Constantinescu to mark the
National Day of Romania. The draft regarding ''Charter on Good
Neighbourhood, Stability, Security, and Cooperation in Southeastern
Europe'' is expected to be finalized at the Southeast European Countries
Cooperation Process Foreign Ministers meeting. The draft was submitted in
the Southeastern European Heads of States and Governments Summit held in
Antalya under the term presidency of Turkey in 1998. The latest
developments in Kosovo will also be discussed at the meeting. The
participants will exchange views about the projects which regional
countries can implement within the framework of the Southeastern Europe
Stability Pact, during the meeting. Cem is also expected to hold a
bilateral meeting with his Greek counterpart Yorgo Papandreou.
[34] RUSSIAN AMBASSADOR LEBEDEV: ''BY THE BLUE STREAM PROJECT, RUSSIA WILL
BE DEPENDENT ON TURKEY''
[35] ANKARA, Dec 2 (A.A) - Aleksandr Lebedev, Russian Ambassador to Turkey,
said on Wednesday that by the Blue Stream Project, Russia will be dependent
on Turkey. Lebedev spoke in the conference titled ''The Economy and Policy
of Bluee Stream'' held by the Turkish American Association (TABA). Turkey
will not be dependent on Russia by the Blue Stream Project, Lebedev noted.
Lebedev stated that he expects Duma, lower chamber of Russian parliament,
to ratify the protocol concerning the Blue Stream Project. Following the
ratification of the protocol, the project will start to be fulfilled in
2001; Lebedev stressed. Lebedev emphasized that altough some people claim
that it will cost 3.5 billion U.S. dollars, the project will cost about 2.5
billion U.S. dollars. The allegations saying that Russia does not have
enough natural gas to transfer to Turkey within the framework of Blue
Stream Project, do not reflect the reality, Lebedev pointed out. Lebedev
said that his country has enough natural gas to transfer to Turkey. An
international consortium was set up to fulfil the Blue Stream Project and
to provide the finance, Lebedev stated. They are not against the transfer
of Turkmen natural gas to Turkey, Lebedev emphasized. Lebedev added that
the Blue Stream and Turkmen natural gas projects should be considered as
complementary projects rather than rival projects.
[36] TRNC PRESIDENT IN NEW YORK
[37] NEW YORK, Dec 2 (A.A) - Rauf Denktas, the President of Turkish
Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), arrived in New York on Thursday.
Denktas will stage a press conference at 9.30 p.m. local time. On Friday,
Denktas will meet with Kofi Annan, the United Nations (U.N.) Secretary
General. Alvaro de Soto, Annan's Special Envoy to Cyprus, is expected to
inform the members of the Security Council about the proximity talks which
will be held in New York. Sources from TRNC said that the issues related
with the procedure will be discussed in the proximity talks which will
start on Monday. They will not discuss the issues related with the essence,
the TRNC sources noted. The most important thing for the TRNC is being
recognized as a separate political existence by the Greek Cypriot side and
the international community. Sources close to Denktas said that the mistake
that Annan made when he was inviting Denktas to New York, would nearly
hamper the talks. But, Annan corrected his mistake, and thus, Denktas
accepted to participate in the proximity talks; sources noted. Annan had
called Glafcos Clerides, the leader of the Greek Cypriot side, as ''the
president'' and Denktas as ''Mr.Denktas'' in his first invitation letter.
This invitation had been harshly criticized by the TRNC. So, Annan had
corrected his mistake the same day by saying that he invited the sides to
New York to hold meetings in which they would reach solutions.
[38] FRANCE:''TURKEY'S CANDIDACY SHOULD BE APPROVED IN HELSINKI, HOWEVER
NEGOTIATIONS FOR FULL MEMBERSHIP ARE NOT LIKELY TO START SOON''
[39] PARIS, Dec 2 (A.A) - Pierre Moscovici, the French Minister in charge
of European affairs said on Wednesday that Turkey's EU candidacy should be
approved at the Helsinki Summit, but added that the negotiations for full
memberships were not likely to start very soon. Moscovici who spoke at the
French Senate noted that other members of the EU also wanted Turkey's
candidacy to be approved, and thus to become the 13th candidate country.
However, this does not mean that negotiations for full membership would
start immediately. Granting candidacy to Turkey only determines the road
that leads to full membership, he stressed. Turkey must improve its
qualifications as a state of law and make enough efforts to guarantee human
rights, Moscovici said.
[40] MINISTER TANRIKULU VISITS TURKISH STANDS AT PARIS MIDEAST BI-INDUSTRY
FAIR
[41] PARIS, Dec 2 (A.A) - Kenan Tanrikulu, the Minister of Industry and
Trade visited the stands of Turkish firms which participated in Mideast Bi-
industry Fair at Parc des Exposition de Paris-Nord Villepinte on Wednesday.
Istanbul Trade Chamber Bi-industry Stock Exchange organized the Turkish
firms who are participating in the fair which will stay open until December
3. Ten Turkish firms based in Istanbul, Izmir and Bursa are covering an
area of 120 square meters in the fair hall. Moulding pieces, printed and
injected zinc and aliminium pieces, copper alloys for welding, fixation
equipments, rods, hydrolic press machines copper and brass sheets are among
the displayed machinary at the Turkish stands.
[42] SOUTHEASTERN EUROPE FOREIGN MINISTERS MEETING STARTS
[43] BUCHAREST, Dec 2 (A.A) - The Southeastern Europe Foreign Ministers
meeting started in Bucharest, Romania, on Thursday. Andrei Plesu, the
Romanian Foreing Minister, opened the session. The draft regarding
''Charter on Good Neighbourhood, Stability, Security, and Cooperation in
Southeastern Europe'' will be shaped up and initialed by the ministers
during the meeting. The draft will later be signed in the presidents and
the prime ministers summit which will be held in January or February. The
participants will exchange views about the latest developments in Kosovo
and the joint projects which can be carried out by the regional countries
within the framework of Southeastern Europe Stability Pact. Foreign
Minister Ismail Cem will stage a press conference this evening. Later, Cem
is expected to return to Turkey.
[44] STEP BY STEP CYPRUS QUESTION
[45] ANKARA, Dec 1 (A.A) - The Cyprus question which will start a new phase
by the proximity talks that will be launched in New York on Friday, went
back to nearly 40 years ago. After Britain announced that she would
withdraw from the island on November 11, 1959; the Greek Cypriots which
outnumbered the Turks, demanded that the island should be left to
themselves. However, Turkish side opposed to this demand due to reasons
stated below: The island had been ruled by the Turks before the British
rule. Besides, the Turkish Cypriots and the Greek Cypriots were living as
equal societies without the minority-majority relations in the island
before the British rule. The third but most important reason of Turkish
Cypriots' opposition to the Greek Cypriot proposal, is the efforts of the
Greek Cypriots to unite the island with Greece which they call 'enosis.' To
this end, the Turkish Cypriots who thought that they would lose their
identity if the Greek Cypriots reached their goal of enosis, wanted the
island to be divided. After Britain announced that she would give Cyprus
independence, Turkey and Greece came together in Zurich and London under
the pionership of Britain to reach an agreement. The texts which were
called Zurich and London agreements, were based on the principles of ''the
equal constituent status of the two nations, autonomy in social platform,
and the guarantorship of Turkey, Greece, and Britain.'' Within this
framework, a constitution which foresaw a functional federation, a ''Treaty
of Guarantee'' which took the new position in the island under guarantee, a
''Treaty of Establishment'' which gave Britain two sovereign bases, and a
''Treaty of Alliance'' which ensured Turkey and Greece to deploy military
units in Cyprus were came on the scene. The ''Treaty of Guarantee'' and
''Treaty of Alliance'' were submitted to the ratification of the leaders of
the two sides. Thus, the ''Cyprus Republic'' which was based on London and
Zurich agreements, was officially established on August 16, 1960. Under
these agreements, the Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots were partners and
the administration of the island was divided between the two sides. In
accordance with the system foreseen by the agreements, the president would
be elected among the Greek Cypriots and the vice-president would be elected
among the Turkish Cypriots. The agreements also foresaw the division of the
ministers and security forces between the Turkish Cypriots and the Greek
Cypriots. But, Archbishop Makarios, the first president of the Cyprus
Republic, claimed that the 1960 Constitution did not function and wanted to
make some amendments. Although Makarios did not clearly say, his aim was to
include the statement that ''Turkish Cypriots were the minority'' in the
Constitution and to annihilate the Turkish Cypriots from the administration
of the island. Following these developments, the Greek Cypriots
deteriorated the conciliation in the island which was set up by the 1960
agreements and annihilated the Turkish Cypriots from the administration.
When the Turkish Cypriots did not accept the amendment proposals of Glafcos
Clerides, the leader of the Greek Cypriot side, the tension between the two
nations turned into bloody clashes.
[46] STEP BY STEP CUYPRUS QUESTION
[47] ANKARA, Dec 2 (A.A) - Clashes led to chain of incidents in 1963 which
was also called as the ''Bloody Noel''. Turkey launched initiatives in
Britain and Greece on December 23, 1963, and urged them to use all
opportunities of Guarantee Agreement with the aim of preventing the Greek
Cypriots from staging attacks against Turkish Cypriots. Three guarantor
countries issued a joint statement on December 24 calling on two sides to
declare a cease-fire. But Greek Cypriot gangs did not stop their attacks.
These attacks which claimed lives of a number of Turkish Cypriot civilians,
were condemned by the world public opinion. Dispute between the sides was
discussed by the United Nations Security Council on February 26, 1964. The
United Nations Peace Keeping Force was sent to the island in 1964, but
could not provide security on Cyprus. Turkey's decision to sent soldiers to
the island in June, was prevented as a result of diplomatic initiatives of
the U.S. The U.N.Security Council accepted the Greek Cypriot side as its
interlocutor, encouraging the Greek Cypriot side to continue their attacks
until 1974. After the military coup in Greece on July 15, 1974, Turkey
launched a peace operation on the island on July 20 in conformity with her
rights and commitments stemming from the Guarantee Agreement. A number of
western countries including the U.S. reacted harsly against the peace
operation. But no clashes have not erupted between two communities since
the peace operation in 1974, other than the clash which erupted in 1996
when Greek Cypriots tried to violate the TRNC border. Turkey came to the
forefront on the international platform with the peace operation, and found
herself in the middle of immense diplomatic efforts when Cyprus question
became an international issue. After 1974 Peace Operation, two communities
on the island signed population exchange agreement. Two communities formed
their own administrations on north and south of the island. This period was
also remembered as years when the United Nations had concentrated its
initiatives towards forming a federal structure on Cyprus. Within this
scope, negotiations were held in Austrian capital Vienna between 1975 and
1976. Indirect talks followed these negotiations again in Vienna between
1977 and 1979. The ''Summit Agreement'' which was reached between Denktas
and Macarios, became one of the main elements of the United Nations
negotiation process. In accordance with the agreement, Cyprus would be an
independent, bizonal and bicommunal republic. Failure in negotiation
process resulted in declaration of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus
(TRNC) on November 15, 1983. The TRNC accepted the United Nations'
proposals after the intercommunal negotiations between 1985 and 1986. This
gave rise to hopes for a solution on the island.
[48] STEP BY STEP CYPRUS QUESTION
[49] ANKARA, Dec 2 (A.A) - Butros Gali, then United Nations (U.N.)
Secretary General, put forward some proposals known as ''Gali's Set of
Ideas'' in 1992. The Set of Ideas which was composed of 100 pages, included
proposals aiming at reaching a solution. When Gali's Set of Ideas was being
discussed, the package of ''Confidence Building Measures'' was put into the
agenda due to the lack of confidence between the two nations. This package
had been discussed for many times in all the initiatives aiming at reaching
a solution in the island between 1992 and 1994. Glafcos Clerides, the
leader of the Greek Cypriot side, said that he rejected Gali's ''Set of
Ideas'' in November 1994. Prior to the presidential elections, Clerides
reiterated that he would not accept the Set of Ideas for many times and
used this as a tool in elections. Clerides who was elected as the president
again, rejected the Set of Ideas and refrained from the talks. Later,
Clerides started to put forward the precondition which said that the
Turkish side should accept the membership application of the Greek Cypriot
side to the European Union (EU), to resume the talks. This initiative was
against the 1960 agreements. Turkey and the Turkish Republic of Northern
Cyprus (TRNC) rejected this precondition and the talks were frustrated once
more. The Greek Cypriot side exerted efforts to set up a ''Joint Defense
Doctrine'' with Greece and to carry the question into the international
platform by setting up air and naval bases in the south of the island after
1994. The statement of the Greek Cypriot side which said that it will
purchase S-300 missiles from Russia, escalated the tension between the
nations once more. The diplomatic sources evaluated this decision as steps
taken to carry the question to international platform. Turkey continuously
said that she would use her guarantorship rights in the island and would
not turn a blind eye to the developments. These statements were confirmed
when Rauf Denktas, the President of TRNC, and President Suleyman Demirel
issued a joint declaration. Later, U.S. President Bill Clinton appointed
Richard Holbrooke, the architecture of the Dayton agreement, as his special
envoy to Cyprus. The talks between the two sides resumed in New York on
July 9, 1997 within the framework of the good will mission of U.N.
Secretary General Kofi Annan, who was appointed to this office on January 2,
1997. Denktas and Clerides came together under the auspices of the U.N.
after a three-year interval. But, this time, the EU Commission issued a
statement that overshadowed the talks. The non-binding resolution in the
''Agenda 2000'' report of the Commission which said that the full
membership negotiations between the EU and the Greek Cypriot side should be
launched, overshadowed the U.N. good will mission this time. Thus, the
talks ended on August 15, 1997 without marking any developments.
[50] STEP BY STEP CYPRUS QUESTION
[51] ANKANA, Dec 2 (A.A) - As the first round of direct talks continue in
New York, Ismail Cem, the Foreign Minister, and President Rauf Denktas of
the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) signed on August 6 the
''Partnership Council Agreement'' after the European Union (EU)
Commission's decision. Turkey and the TRNC issued a statement after the
signing of the agreement, and said that the EU would be responsible for
negative developments which stemmed from starting of the full membership
negotiations between the EU and the Greek Cypriot side. Richard Holbrooke,
the Special Representative of U.S. President Bill Clinton, paid a visit to
island, and hold talks with leaders of two sides. Holbrooke who returned to
Ankara after his contacts on the island, stated that no progress could be
recorded in the negotiations. Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit, and a crowded
accompanying delegation visited the TRNC on November 15 to attend
ceremonies to mark the 14th anniversary of foundation of the TRNC. Ecevit
warned the EU if it starts unilateral negotiations with the Greek Cypriot
side, intercommuninal talks will come to an end, and partial unification
between Turkey and the TRNC will be finalized. The Russian made S-300
missiles was the key issue in Cyprus question in 1998. Meanwhile, the EU
started full membership negotiations with the Greek Cypriot side on March
30. In return, Turkey and the TRNC decided to further strengthen mutual
relations. Holbrooke's initiatives at the end of April to find a solution
on Cyprus failed once again. Tension escalated on the island after Greece
landed four F-16 war planes at the Baphos Air Base of the Greek Cypriot
side in June. Turkey reacted harsly. After Greek war planes left the island,
six Turkish F-16 war planes landed at the Gecitkale Air Base in TRNC as a
retaliation. The Turkish F-16 war planes spent the night at the Gecitkale
Air Base. At the end of August, President Denktas proposed confederation on
the island. As the U.S. described Denktas's proposal as ''it worths
thinking'', the Greek Cypriot side and Greece rejected the proposal. In the
beginning of 1999, the Greek Cypriot side had to abandon the S-300 missiles
as a result of Turkey's and Lefkosa's determined attitude, and of
increasing pressures. The missiles were deployed in Crete. One of the most
important developments of 1999 was the United Nations' two resolutions
taken on June 29, 1999. One of the resolutions extended mandate of the
United Nations Peace Keeping Force on the island. The other resolution
charged Kofi Annan, the Secretary General of the United Nations, to call on
leaders of two communities to unconditional negotiations. Denktas and
Clerides will meet with Annan during proximity talks which will start in
New York, the U.S. on December 3.
[52] EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT SHEDS GREEN LIGHT TO GRANT TURKEY CANDIDATE STATUS
[53] BRUSSELS, Dec 2 (A.A) - The European Parliament named Turkey as
''candidate country'' on Thursday, and shed green light to official
announcement of Turkey's full membership at Helsinki Summit. At the general
assembly meetings, the European Parliament confirmed that Turkey had the
right to become a full member to the European Union (EU). It also noted
that it could take time for Turkey to fulfil Copenhagen criteria, stressing
that full membership negotiations could not be started before Turkey
fulfils the criteria. Also, the European Parliament rejected a draft motion
regarding an amendment which requested Turkey to accept the European Court
of Human Rights (ECHR), and not to execute death sentence against Abdullah
Ocalan, the head of the terrorist organization. The European Parliament
emphasized that no connection could not be made between Turkey's candidacy
and Ocalan affair.
[54] FM CEM SAYS PLATFORM OF COMMON UNDERSTANDING AND CONCERTED EFFORTS IN
THE BALKANS HAS BEEN MADE OFFICIAL
[55] BUCHAREST, Dec 2 (A.A) - Foreign Minister Ismail Cem said on Thursday
that the platform of common understanding and concerted efforts in the
Balkans has been made official as the '''Charter on Good Neighbourhood,
Stability, Security, and Cooperation in Southeastern Europe'' was
initialled. Cem told A.A correspondent that the meeting carries importance
for Turkey. Turkey pioneered the cooperation in Southeastern Europe and
exerted utmost efforts for this initiative to gain an identity, Cem noted.
Cem continued, ''we submitted the draft joint charter and draft joint
document of the cooperation process in the Balkans during our term
presidency in 1998. We are working on the draft for more than a year. And,
at last we finalized our work. Maybe, this is the first time that many
Balkan countries unite within the framework of a joint declaration in
history.'' The Kosovo dispute was also discussed in the meeting, Cem
stated. Cem stressed that he expressed that especially, the Turkish society
in Kosovo faces significant problems. ''We once more told our interlocutors
that the developments in Sancak should be closely followed. We discussed
the things which should be done to end these problems,'' Cem said. Cem
emphasized that the Southeastern Europe cooperation process is in favour of
Turkey. Today's meeting is a significant milestone for the improvement of
this process, Cem added.
[56] TURKISH TOURISM SECTOR HOPEFUL ABOUT 2000
[57] ANKARA, Dec 2 (A.A) - Turkish tourism sector is hopeful about 2000.
The officials at the Tourism Ministry said on Thursday that the intensive
promotion campaigns launched by the ministry, resulted in positive
developments for Turkey. The positive news about Turkey which are published
in foreign newspapers and magazines, makes Turkey hopeful about becoming
among the most prefered countries for a holiday in 2000. Turkey which took
giant steps in 'congress tourism' by hosting some international congresses,
is preparing to host the representatives of the French Travelling Agencies
Union SNAV in Istanbul in January. The French press organs publish positive
news about Turkey and Istanbul since the congress will be held in Istanbul
between January 26 and 29, 2000. The Turkish-Greek dialogue which started
to improve in recent days, positively affects the tourism relations between
the two countries. The Greek newspapers and magazines wrote articles about
cooperation in tourism. The newspapers said that this cooperation will have
positive effects in other fields. The newspapers recalled that the Turkish-
Greek tourism officials met each other in western Bodrum county in October.
The officials decided to have cooperation in tourism sector, the newspapers
added. All these positive news about Turkey in the foreign press is
believed to improve the tourism in the new year.
[58] JUSTICE MINISTER TURK: ''ECHR CANNOT DECIDE FOR A RETRIAL''
[59] ANKARA, Dec 2 (A.A) - Hikmet Sami Turk, the Justice Minister, said on
Thursday that the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) could not decide
for a retrial, adding, ''it is not in question to overrule the trial. The
ECHR's decision can be about a recompense.'' Turk evaluated the ECHR's
precautionary measure regarding the suspension of the capital punishment
given for Abdullah Ocalan, the head of the terrorist organization. He
stressed that the ECHR was not an appeal authority over the Turkish courts.
Turk said, ''the ECHR cannot decide for a retrial, but if it rules that the
trial was not fair it can decide to sentence Turkey to pay compensation.''
Emphasizing that the appeal authority was the Supreme Court, not the ECHR,
Turk noted, ''although the Supreme Court upheld the verdict of the Ankara
State Security Court (DGM) No: 2, the right to request correction of the
verdict has not been used yet. The accused and his lawyers can apply for
correction of the verdict within a month after they receive the verdict.
The internal jurisdiction remedies have not been finalized yet. We have to
wait for the accused and his lawyers to use their right to request for
correction of the verdict. If the accused decides to use the right then,
the Republican Chief Prosecutor of the Supreme Court will take a decision.
If his request will be considered as appropriate the concerned department
of the Supreme Court will do whatever necessary. If his request will be
considered as inappropriate then the file will be sent to the Justice
Ministry, the Prime Ministry Office and to the parliament.''
[60] TURKEY AND MALTA SIGN AGREEMENT ON COOPERATION IN STRUGGLING AGAINST
DRUG TRAFFICKING, TERRORISM AND ORGANIZED CRIMES
[61] ROME, Dec 2 (A.A) - Turkey and Malta signed the agreement on
cooperation in struggling against international drug trafficking, terrorism,
and organized crimes. Officials said on Thursday that Altan Guven, Turkey's
Ambassador to Vatican, and Joseph Borg, Maltese Ambassador to Rome, signed
the agreement in Turkey's Embassy in Vatican. Under the agreement, the two
countries will have cooperation in preventing the production, trafficking,
and usage of the drugs. The two countries also decided to exchange
information, documents and experts to struggle against terrorism and
organized crimes. The agreement will take effect after it is ratified by
the concerned authorities of both countries.
[62] STATE MINISTER YALOVA STARTS CONTACTS IN VIENNA
[63] VIENNA, Dec 2 (A.A) - State Minister Yuksel Yalova said on Thursday
that Turkey has been exposed to the worst tragedy of the 20th century.
Yalova started his contacts in Vienna by receiving the administrators of
the the Union of Turkish Associations in Austria. Later, Yalova participate
in the opening ceremony of the Education Foundation which was set up by the
Austrian businessmen for the quake survivors. Yalova said, ''we have been
exposed to the worst tragedy of the 20st century. This was not only the
tragedy of Turkey but also the tragedy of all humanity. Austria and all the
other European countries rushed into Turkey to help.'' Then, Yalova met
with the representatives of Voest Alpine Steel Indusrty. In the afternoon,
Yalova will meet the governors of some Austrian banks. Yalova will
participate in the opening ceremony of Vakifbank International (Wien) AG in
the evening. The Education Foundation was set up by ''VA Tech'', one of the
giant steel industry institutions of Austria. The foundation has 450,000
U.S. dollar bugdet. The foundation plans granting scholarship to the quake
survivors.
[64] TRNC PRIME MINISTER EROGLU: - ''GREEK CYPRIOT SIDE SHOULD ALSO SHOW
GOOD INTENTION''
[65] LEFKOSA, Dec 2 (A.A) - Prime Minister Dervis Eroglu of the Turkish
Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) said on Thursday that they would attend
proximity talks with good intention, and the Greek Cypriot side should also
expend the same effort to come to a conclusion. Addressing journalists,
Prime Minister Eroglu said that the TRNC government expected proximity
talks to result in positive progress. Recalling that Mustafa Akinci, the
TRNC Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State, and Tahsin Ertugruloglu,
the TRNC Foreign Affairs and Defense Minister, would represent the TRNC
government at the proximity talks, Eroglu added that leaders of the
opposition parties would also be in attendance at the talks. Mustafa Akinci,
the TRNC Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State, Serdar Denktas, the
leader of the Democrat Party (DP), and Mehmet Ali Talat, the leader of the
Republican Turkish Party, will leave for New York on Friday to attend the
proximity talks.
[66] FOREIGN EXCHANGE RESERVES OF CENTRAL BANK DECREASE TO 22.6 BILLION
U.S. DOLLARS
[67] ANKARA, Dec 2 (A.A) - The foreign exchange reserves of the Central
Bank decreased to 22 billion 572 million U.S. dollars. The Central Bank
data shows that the foreign exchange reserves, which reduced by 835 million
U.S. dollars between 19-23 November, decreased to 22 billion 572 million
U.S. dollars as of 23 November. The Central Bank's foreign exchange
reserves were 23 billion 407 million U.S. dollars on November 19. Meanwhile,
according to the 12 November-based statistics, Turkey's total international
gross reserves decreased 251 million U.S. dollars to 37 billion 64 million
U.S. dollars between November 5 and 12. The international gross reserves of
Turkey were 37 billion 315 million U.S. dollars on November 5. As of 12
November, Turkey's international reserves were composed of 1 billion 11
million U.S. dollars in gold reserves; 23 billion 783 million U.S. dollars
in the Central Bank's foreign exchange reserves; and 12 billion 270 million
U.S. dollars in the commercial banks' foreign exchange reserves.
[68] FOREIGN DEBT PAYMENTS - 11.6 BILLION U.S. DOLLARS PAID IN FOREIGN DEBT
SINCE JANUARY 1, 1999
[69] ANKARA, Dec 2 (A.A) - Turkey has repaid a total of 11 billion 593.27
million U.S. dollars of foreign debt since the beginning of this year. The
Central Bank data shows that the Treasury paid 10 billion 77 million U.S.
dollars; the Central Bank repaid 376.21 million U.S. dollars; the Ministry
of National Defense and the Defense Industry paid 730.41 million U.S.
dollars and the Defense Fund paid 24.61 million U.S. dollars in foreign
debt between January 1 and December 1, 1999. Meanwhile, a total of 14.98
million U.S. dollars of foreign debt was repaid on December 1.
[70] FIRST JOINT DECLARATION ISSUED IN NATO DEFENSE MINISTERS MEETING
EMPHASIZES IMPORTANCE OF SOLIDARITY AND UNITY
[71] BRUSSELS, Dec 2 (A.A) - The first joint declaration which was issued
in the NATO Defense Ministers meeting, emphasized on Thursday the
importance of solidarity and unity within the framework of the alliance.
The defense ministers of 19 countries issued a joint declaration in the end
of the Defense Planning Committee (DPC) and Nuclear Planning Group (NPG)
meetings. The joint declaration stressed the ''importance of the
maintanence of the transatlantic ties.'' The main reason of the success
reached in Bosnia-Herzegovina and Kosovo was the joint defense planning and
the cooperation among the allies, the joint declaration recalled. The
declaration stressed the necessity to increase the defense facilities of
the alliance. The declaration said that it is necessary to increase the
defense budget. The defense ministers exchanged ideas about the
continuation of the adoptation of the NATO's defense planning system,
including the operations which will be directed by the EU. In the joint
declaration, it was underlined that NATO's nucleer ability continues to be
a deterrent power. The decleration also noted that the Alliance would
continue to preserve its nucleer weapons which are necessary to protect
peace and stability in Europe. Later, the NATO defense ministers came
together within framework of the Northern Atlantic Council, with the
participation of France. After the meeting, a final statement including the
issue of European Security and Defense Identity (ESDI), is expected to be
issued. Meanwhile, Sabahattin Cakmakoglu, the National Defense Minister who
represent Turkey at the meeting, is expected to hold a bilateral meeting
with George Robertson, the Secretary General of the NATO, later on
Thursday.
[72] SOUTHEASTERN EUROPEAN NATIONAL EDUCATION MINISTERS' MEETING STARTS IN
STRASBOURG
[73] STRASBOURG, Dec 2 (A.A) - Metin Bostancioglu, the Minister of National
Education said on Thursday it was very important that peace and stability
should prevail in the Balkans which have historical and cultural ties with
Turkey. The Council of Europe (COE) Southeastern European Education
Ministers' meeting started in Strasbourg the same day. Bostancioglu who
spoke at the opening of the meeting said Turkey supported the Stability
Pact because of its close ties with the Balkans and added that he believed
the Pact would have a great contribution to bring a permanent solution to
the instability in the region. Turkey actively participates in the
Stability Pact and it is an unseparable part of Europe and the Balkans, he
stressed. Speaking about the latest reforms in Turkish education system
including the eight years of compulsory elementary education, Bostancioglu
reminded that the recent reform targeted an investment of 10 billion U.S.
dollars in three years. The European Council's meetings which will last for
two days, are focusing on the role of education in strengthening tolerance
and trust among different states. The participants of the meeting will also
review the earlier decisions regarding cooperation in education to develop
stability, democracy and peace.
[74] SOUTHEASTERN EUROPEAN COUNTRIES' FOREIGN MINISTERS' MEETING ENDS -
CEM: ''EDUCATION IN THEIR OWN LANGUAGE AND THE RIGHT TO BE REPRESENTED IN
ADMINISTRATION ARE VITAL IMPORTANT FOR KOSOVAR TURKS''
[75] BUCHAREST, Dec 2 (A.A) - Foreign Minister Ismail Cem said on Thursday,
''education in their own language and the right to be represented in
administration are vital important for Kosovar Turks. The status of the
Kosovar Turks has to be protected in accordance with the 1974 Kosovo Law.''
The Southeastern European Countries' Foreign Ministers' Meeting in
Romaninan capital of Bucharest ended the same day. A joint communique was
released and the ''Convention on Good Neighbourhood, Stability, Security
and Cooperation in Europe'' was initialed at the end of the meeting.
Addressing the meeting, Foreign Minister Ismail Cem said the decision of
the U.N. Security Council opened a new era for Kosovo but the success
achieved couldn't reach the sufficient level. Cem stressed that the
international force in Kosovo should take every possible measure for the
return of the refugees. ''The rights of all national communities in Kosovo
have to be guaranteed. We support democratization of Kosovo,'' Cem stated.
Noting that the necessary measures had to be taken for the return of also
the Serbian and Romanian refugees, Cem said the ethnic tension in
Mitrovicha shuold be decreased and the border controls shuold be more
effective. Ismail Cem said the Serbians in Kosovo were trying to form a
separate ''safe haven''. ''We have to take the necessary lessons from
Bosnia issue and we have to prevent division of Kosovo. The multi-ethnic
and multi-lingual structure of Kosovo should be protected,'' he stressed.
Cem called the international community and the countries in the region to
work harder for finding a political solution for Kosovo crisis. Following
the meeting, two joint communiques concerning the Southeastern European
Stability Pact and the decisions taken in the meeting were released. Both
the two joint communiques emphasized the importance of cooperation among
the Southeastern European countries, and stated that the development of the
cooperation with concrete steps would make an important contribution to the
lasting stability and peace in the region. The joint communiques mentioned
that the Southeastern European Countries Multi-National Peace Force, which
was earlier set up as a result of Turkey's initiative, was an important
step for the cooperation of the countiers in the region in the field of
security. The communiques emphasized that the ministers attended the
meeting agreed to improve the cooperation in every field. Following the
release of joint communiques, the foreign ministers initialed the
''Convention on Good Neighbourhood, Stability, Security and Cooperation in
Southeastern Europe'' which was submitted at the summit of Southeastern
European countries' heads of states or governments which was held in
southern Antalya province last year during Turkey's term presidency. The
final document will be submitted at the summit of Southeastern European
countries' heads of states or governments summit to take place in Bucharest
in January or February 2000. Foreign Minister Ismail Cem, Macedonian
Foreign Minister Aleksandar Dimitrov, Albanian Foreign Minister Paskal Milo,
Bulgarian Foreign Minister Nadejda Mihailova, Romanian Foreign Minister
Andrei Plesu and Greek Deputy Foreign Minister Grigoris Niotis attended the
meeting. The representatives of Croatia and Bosnia-Herzegovina participated
in the meeting as observers.
[76] SIX-MONTH IMPRISONMENT SENTENCE AGAINST ELECTED MUFTI OF XANTHI -
FOREIGN MINISTRY: ''THIS VERDICT IS A NEW VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF THE
TURKISH MINORITY IN WESTERN THRACE''
[77] ANKARA, Dec 2 (A.A) - The Foreign Ministry said on Thursday that the
six-month imprisonment sentence handed down on Elected Mufti of Xanthi
Mehmet Emin Aga by the Lamia court was a new violation of the rights of the
Turkish Minority in Western Thrace. The Foreign Ministry issued a statement
about the issue the same day. ''We have been informed that Elected Mufti of
Xanthi Mehmet Emin Aga was once again sentenced to six-month imprisonment
in a hearing on December 1, 1999 at a court in Lamia city, which is 550
kilometers from Xanthi, with charges of usurping the authority with a
message he had released in 1998. The hearing in question was also attended
by a Parliamentary delegation led by Dr. Sema Piskinsut, the Chairperson of
the Parliamentary Commission for Human Rights. This verdict of the court in
Lamia is a new violation of the rights of the Western Thracian Turkish
Minority. We are expecting the concerned Greek authorities to adjust their
attitudes towards Mehmet Emin Aga according to Greece's international
commitments. The lawsuit against Mufti Aga was opened with charges of using
the title of Mufti of Xanthi in his message released in 1998 on the ''Night
of Power when the holy Koran was revealed''. Although he was elected by the
Turkish Minority in Western Thrace in conformity with the international
agreements signed by Greece, he is not recognized by Athens. Aga has been
sentenced to a total of 102-month imprisonment in the lawsuits which were
filed against him with the same charge. Sema Piskinsut, the Chairman of the
Turkish Parliament Human Rights Commission; Sebgatullah Seydaoglu, M. Mail
Buyukeren, Mehmet Bekaroglu, Mehmet Gozlukaya and Osman Muderrisoglu, the
members of the commission, also attended the court session.
[78] U.N. SECRETARY GENERAL: ''VIOLATIONS BY GREEK CYPRIOTS CONTINUE ON THE
ISLAND''
[79] NEW YORK, Dec 2 (A.A) - Kofi Annan, the U.N. Secretary General said in
his report that the Greek Cypriots still committed some violations on the
Island. One day before the proximity talks between Rauf Denktas, the
President of the Turkish Republic of Norhtern Cyprus (TRNC) and Glafcos
Clerides, the Greek Cypriot leader, Annan submitted the Security Council
his report which suggests to extend the stay of U.N. Peacekeeping Force
(UNFICYP) on the Island until June 15, 2000. Annan's report states that
Clerides and Denktas agreed to attend the the proximity talks in New York
on December 3 to prepare favourable grounds for negotiations which would
lead to a permanent solution on Cyprus issue. The U.N. Secretary General
said he would continue to inform the Council about the developments on this
matter. The report says that the Greek Cypriot army committed violations in
the area near Duzce region, which is between Lefkosa and Gazi Magusa. The
UNFICYP confirmed the existence of a ''headquarter'' which is equipped with
powerful transceivers and includes 60 soldiers wearing uniforms. The
activities carried out at the headquarters were stopped as a result
UNFICYP's initiatives. Annan wrote in his report that they detected five
machine-gun spots in the same region, and they were also closed. Annan
noted that the Greek Cypriots for the first time displayed ground-to-air
TOR-M1 missiles during a military parade on October 1, and underlined that
both the Turkish and Greek maneouvres were held at smaller scales this year
compared to previous years. Annan also criticized the Turkish side who
doesn't allow the Greek Cypriots to use the cemetery in Karpas region, and
said the U.N. pressured Turkish authorities on this issue. The Committee
for Missing People still could not start its activities yet, Annan said. In
order to create confidence between the sides on the island, the U.N.
supported joint projects on environment, water, urban modernization,
preservation of cultural values, natural resources and education. Alvaro de
Soto who was appointed as the Secretary General's Special Representative to
Cyprus briefed on Thursday the Security Council members on the situation in
Cyprus and the proximity talks that will start in New York on Friday.
[80] TURKEY TOPS LIST ON DEFENSE SPENDING AMONG NATO ALLIES
[81] BRUSSELS, Dec 2 (A.A) - Turkey spent the highest percentage from its
Gross National Product (GNP) among other NATO members in 1999, the NATO
declared during Defense Ministers' meeting on Thursday. According to NATO's
figures, last year Greece which set aside 4.8 percent for its defense
topped the list followed by Turkey who assigned 4.4 percent for defense.
According to 1999 estimations, Turkey, whose defense spendings of 200
billion U.S. dollars which constituted 5.7 percent of its GNP surpassed
Greece. Greece is estimated to have spent 4,9 percent of its gross national
product in 1999. Estimated defense spendings of other NATO allies are as
follows: Belgium: 1.5 percent; Denmark: 1.6 percent; France: 2.8 percent;
Germany: 1.5 percent; Hungary: 1.6 percent; Italy: 2 percent; Luxembourg:
0.9 percent; the Netherlands: 1,8 percent; Norway, Poland, Portugal and the
Czech Republic: 2.2 percent; Spain: 1.4 percent; Britain: 2.6 percent;
Canada: 1.2 percent: and the U.S.: 3.2 percent. Iceland which is also a
NATO member has no defense spendings. The NATO figures also show that
Turkey has the highest number of soldiers with 797,000 among European
allies. Number of soldiers held by other NATO members is as follows: The
U.S. (1 million 489,000), France (421,000), Italy (391,000), Germany (334,
000), Britain (218,000), Greece (205,000), Poland (187,000), Spain (155,
000), Portugal (72,000), Hungary (61,000), Canada (59,000), the Netherlands
(55,000), the Czech Republic (53,000), Belgium (43,000), Norway (33,000),
Denmark (25,000), Luxembourg (1,000). The total number of soldiers the NATO
holds is 4 million 598,000.
[82] FOREIGN MINISTER CEM LEAVES BUCHAREST - CEM: ''YUGOSLAVIA'S NON-
EXISTENCE AMONG US WILL NOT CHANGE THE RESULT OF THE STABILITY PACT''
[83] BUCHAREST, Dec 2 (A.A) - Foreign Minister Ismail Cem left Romania
after wrapping up his official contacts in Bucharest. Prior to his
departure, Ismail Cem staged a press conference together with his
counterparts who attended the Southeastern European Countries Foreign
Ministers' Meeting. Cem said, ''it was a very important development that
the ministers initialed the Convention on Good Neighbourhood, Stability,
Security and Cooperation in Southeastern Europe.'' When asked how
Yugoslavia's non-representation in the meetings was affecting the Stability
Pact, Cem said, ''we want Yugoslavia take part in the Pact. However,
Yugoslavia's non-existence among us may effect the success of the Stability
Pact but it won't change its result.'' Following the press conference,
Ismail Cemleft Bucharest for Turkey.
[84] NATIONAL DEFENSE MINISTER CALLS ON NATO ALLIES NOT TO HURT UNITY,
SOLIDARITY AND TRUST IN ALLIANCE
[85] BRUSSELS, Dec 2 (A.A) - Sabahattin Cakmakoglu, the Minister of
National Defense clearly expressed Turkey's sensitivities over European
Security and Defense Identity, and called on other NATO allies to
cooperate. Cakmakoglu addressed the NATO Council's meeting attended by the
defense ministers of 19 countries on Thursday. Fierce discussions took
place on Wednesday night and on Thursday about the joint declaration which
will be issued after the NATO Council's meeting. The European Union (EU)
which is in search for a security identity wanted to include statements in
the final declaration that would exclude Turkey from the decision making
mechanism while planning to make use of NATO's skills and sources.
Especially, France's persistent efforts on this point yielded no results
and the joint declaration shaped the way Turkey wanted. Cakmakoglu stressed
the equality principle and said there should be no discrimination in
Europe. ''NATO allies which are non-EU members must be included in all
stages of the defense identity including the decision making mechanism,''
he said. Turkey who had important contribution to Europe's defense since
1950's, will not give up her already acquired rights and equal
participation in Europe's defense, he noted. Cakmakoglu called on the other
allies to avoid making statements that would hurt unity, solidarity and
trust in the alliance. Turkey's determined attitude in European Security
and Defense Identity, besides non-EU member countries, also received
support from EU countries such as Germany and the Netherlands.
[86] DEFENSE MINISTER CAKMAKOGLU MEETS WITH NATO SECRETARY GENERAL
ROBERTSON
[87] BRUSSELS, Dec 2 (A.A) - During a tete-to-tete meeting with NATO
Secretary General George Robertson on Thursday, Defense Minister Sabahattin
Cakmakoglu stressed Turkey's sensitivities over the European Security and
Defense Identity (ESDI). Robertson and Cakmakoglu discussed a wide range of
issues including defense industry, Turkish-Greek relations, ESDI, Kosovo
and NATO command structure. During the meeting, it was said that the
''confidence-building measures'' which were carried out between Turkey and
Greece under the supervision of former Secretary General Javier Solana
could be continued by Robertson. Cakmakoglu briefed Robertson about the
points which Ankara would not make consessions on, and stressed the
importance of solidarity and equal rights within the alliance. Robertson
responded by saying that they were well aware of Turkey's sensitivity on
this point and noted that they would take it into consideration. NATO
Defense Ministers' meeting in Brussels will end on Friday.
[88] 27 MEMBERS OF U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES WRITE LETTER TO FINNISH
PRESIDENT AHTISAARI AND ASKED TURKEY'S EU CANDIDACY TO BE APPROVED
[89] WASHINGTON D.C., Dec 2 (A.A) - Twenty-seven members of the U.S. House
of Representatives wrote a letter to the Finnish President Martti Ahtisaari
and asked for the official approval of Turkey's EU candidacy on Thursday.
The letter that was initiated by the Republican parliamentarian from New
York Amo Houghton states that Turkish citizens always wanted to be a part
of Europe, and Turkey applied to the European Economic Community in 1959
for the first time for membership. Turkey which has had an associate
membership for long years applied for full membership in 1987, it was
reminded. The letter also noted that no progress was recorded in Turkey's
membership while the EU expedited the membership procedures of Central
European countries which had been under the communist rule until very
recently. Turkey was excluded from the enlargement process of the EU, the
letter said. Turkey is going through a critical period. Approval of its EU
candidacy would pave the way to economic, political and social reforms. On
the other hand, if it is rejected for the second time, Turkey will have to
consider other alternatives which might bear unpleasant results also for
the U.S., the letter explained. Turkey's entrance to the Customs Union in
1995 was beneficial for the Customs Union more than it was for Turkey.
Turkey's imports from the EU increased by 34 percent but its export rate
did not go beyond 4 percent in 1996, it was said. Finally, the letter
reminded that Turkey was a founder member of the U.N., member of the NATO,
European Council and OECD and an associate member of the Western Europe
Union. Besides Amo Houghton, Dan Burton (R) from Indiana, Ed Whitfield (R)
from Kentucky, Bill Archer (R) from Texas, Tom Lantos (D) from California,
Alcee Hastings (D) from Florida and Jim McDermott (D) from Washington also
signed the letter.
[90] GREEK CYPRIOT SOLDIERS OPEN FIRE ON TRNC BORDER
[91] LEFKOSA, Dec 2 (A.A) - Greek Cypriots staged a provocative action on
Thursday on the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) border on the
eve of the proximity talks that will start in New York on December 3. Greek
Cypriot soldiers opened fire on the TRNC border in Duzce region which is
between Lefkosa and Gazimagusa. The sentry-box of the Turkish soldiers was
shot due to the fire opened by Greek Cypriot soldiers. None of the Turkish
sentries was injured. The TRNC authorities which called the U.N.
Peacekeeping force to the sentry-box protested the incident and harshly
condemned the attack. The TRNC Foreign and Defense Ministry issued a
written statement saying that a Turkish sentry-box became a direct target
of a fire opened by Greek Cypriot soldiers on the eve of the proximity
talks in New York, and this aimed at a specific scenario. It said the
attack was a natural part of the Greek Cypriot administration's usual
policy for escalating the tension. The statement said it had been observed
for some time that the provocative actions of the Greek Cypriot army
increased on borders, and these provocations targeted at escalating the
tension. Stressing that the provocative activities on borders were a part
of the Greek Cypriot administration's policy for escalating the tension,
the statement said such provocations were prevented to be resulted in more
regrettable incidents due to the discipline of the TRNC security forces.
The statement said such provocations revealed the Greek Cypriot side's
reason to refuse the U.N. Peacekeeping Force's package to decrease the
tension on border despite the calls of the U.N. Security Council. ''The
TRNC accepted the package in question three years ago, and declared that
the additional measures on border can be discussed after the acceptance by
the Greek Cypriot administration,'' it said.
[92] PRIME MINISTRY CRISIS MANAGEMENT CENTER REVISES DEATH TOLL AS 789
AFTER DUZCE EARTHQUAKE
[93] ANKARA, Dec 2 (A.A) - Following the earthquake which hit Duzce county
of Bolu province, the Prime Ministry Crisis Management Center revised on
Thursday the death toll as 789 and the number of injured as 4,948 people.
All provinces and villages in the disaster area currently have power, and
communication services work without any problem. The installment of 622
prefabricated huts and one school has been completed in Bolu. 352 of these
huts were given to quake survivors and the distribution of 46,253 tents is
continuing. The aid organization Kizilay (Red Crescent), the Turkish Armed
Forces and other institutions sent 197 mobile kitchens, 155 mobile showers,
1 laundry place, 3 mobile bakeries, many beds, sleeping bags, blankets,
duvets and heaters. The food sent to the region exceeded 2 million tons.
The survivors are given food three times a day. Currently, 474 doctors, 343
nurses and 98 assisting health personnel are giving health service in 8
mobile hospitals, 25 mobile polyclinics. There is no shortage of medical
supplies in the area. There are six generals and 6,535 military personnel
working in Duzce area. The soldiers set up a tent-city in Kaynasli and
another one is being erected in Duzce which will have 1,350 tents. Rescue
teams of 632 people who come from 30 countries and the United Nations
returned to their countries after completing their activities in the area.
Sending of cash donations and various supplies continue from various
countries.
[94] U.S. PRESIDENT SENDS LETTER TO U.N. SECRETARY GENERAL
[95] NEW YORK, Dec 2 (A.A) - U.S. President Bill Clinton sent a letter to
U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan on Thursday which will be given to Annan
by Clinton's Special Representative to Cyprus Alfred Moses. The content of
the letter is not known yet. In the meantime, the U.N. announced how the
proximity talks which will start in New York on Friday would be run. Rauf
Denktas, the President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC)
and Annnan will come together at 11:45 a.m. Glafcos Clerides, the Greek
Cypriot leader will have a meeting with Annan at 10:00 a.m. Alvaro de Soto,
Annan's Special Representative to Cyprus briefed the reporters on the
basics of the proximity talks. The principles to be followed at the
proximity talks acoording to De Sato's statements are as follows: - Denktas
and Clerides will not come together in New York. The sides will convey
their opinions to the U.N. - The talks are expected to last for a few
weeks. Although not certain, Annan, Denktas and Clerides are not expected
to leave New York before December 15. - Until the sides reach a full
agreement on all subjects, no issue will be regarded as finalized. Thus
Denktas and Clerides were ''banned'' from speaking to the press. Alvaro de
Soto said both leaders agreed on this point and added that confidentiality
was essential during the talks. Untimely statements might jeopardize the
agreement, he said. The U.N. will organize a briefing for the press towards
mid-December. De Soto described the goal of the talks as to prepare grounds
for wider discussions which would lead to a lasting solution and stressed
that Annan regarded these talks as ''the beginning of a serious process.''
Opposite to the allegations of some circles, the talks will not focus only
on the method and would also cover issues related to the basics of the
problem. In this regard, security, distribution of authority, property and
land issues are expected to be taken up in New York.
[96] Anadolu Ajansı
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