Anadolu Agency: News in English, 99-12-03

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[01] AA News

03 December 1999 Friday

[02] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

HURRIYET (LIBERAL)

EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT SHEDS GREEN LIGHT TO TURKEY'S CANDIDACY
The European Parliament named Turkey as ''candidate country'', 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). 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 be made between Turkey's candidacy and Ocalan affair.

MILLIYET (LIBERAL)

SABAH (LIBERAL)

ERCEL ANNOUNCES: ''NO DEVALUATION''
Gazi Ercel, the Governor of Central Bank, issued a statement regarding the devaluation rumours following the shock taxes. Ercel said that there is no devaluation in the three-year stability programme. Ercel added that there is no need for a devaluation.

CUMHURIYET (LEFT)

VERDICT NOTIFIED TO OCALAN
The reasoned verdict of the Supreme Court Criminal Department No: 9 was notified to Abdullah Ocalan, the head of terrorist organization PKK. In his statement through his lawyers, Ocalan said, ''politicians who claim that decision of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) did not bind Turkey, are making a big mistake. Nationalist circles are acting against me with prejudice. But I have played a great role for peace and fraternity in Turkey. Several powers headed by Greece, wanted to put the blame of killing me on Turkey. Such an irresponsible attitude cannot lead to a solution.''

RADIKAL (LEFT)

TURKEY'S RATING NOTE TO INCREASE
Aclan Acar, the Governor of Osmanli Bankasi, said that Turkey's rating note will increase in the following days. Acar said that it carries importance that the international rating organization Moody's promoted Turkey's economy from stable to positive.

TURKIYE (RIGHT)

RELATIVES OF TERRORISM VICTIMS REACT AGAINST THE ECHR
Relatives of terrorism victims and martyrs said that they would start an international struggle in case the capital punishment given to Abdullah Ocalan, the head of terrorist organization PKK, is not executed. They stressed that they would return the medals of honor, if the capital punishment is commuted to life imprisonment.

ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)

GREEN LIGHT TO NUCLEAR ENERGY
The coalition partners shed green light to nuclear energy power plants to meet the energy demand in yesterday's meeting. The partners also decided to start initiatives to determine the national energy policy. Premier Bulent Ecevit said that they will give a decision about the Akkuyu tender soon. They have launched an initiative for the construction of nuclear power plants which do not contradict with the environmental aspects.

[03] THE U.S. SUPPORTS PROXIMITY TALKS

Alfred Moses, the U.S. Special Representative to Cyprus, met with Kofi Annan, the Secretary General of the United Nations, and conveyed President Clinton's message to him.

The tete-a-tete meeting between Moses and Annan lasted for nearly one hour.

Annan is scheduled to meet separately with Glafcos Clerides, the leader of the Greek Cypriot administration, and President Rauf Denktas of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), later today.

It is not clear yet whether or not statements would be issued following the meetings.

[04] TRNC PRESIDENT: ''I WANT JUSTICE FOR MY PEOPLE''

Denktas staged a press conference in New York.

He sincerely believes that they can lay the groundwork to have a tete-a- tete meeting during the proximity talks staged in New York, Denktas noted.

Denktas stated that in case the proximity talks end in failure, it will be necessary to suspend the talks for a long time.

He hopes that they will not have a failure in the proximity talks, Denktas stressed.

Denktas said, ''we came to New York with good will and to lay the groundwork for the talks aiming at essence. The only missing thing is the equality between the two sides.''

Denktas reiterated that the 1964 agreements obstruct the Greek Cypriot side to uniterally become a member of the EU.

Since the talks will not include preconditions and every issue will be discussed, the confederation proposal will also be discussed; Denktas emphasized.

Denktas continued, ''we will explain the Greek Cypriot side that the confederation is not injustice. The confederation is the key of a lasting peace and a solution which will obstruct the Greek Cypriots from attacking the Turkish side in the future.''

When asked about his expectations from the talks, Denktas said, ''I want justice for my people. I want to be recognised for what we are, as co- founder partners. I want our human rights to be recognized. I want the absolute equal community to the Greek Cypriot community. I also ask for the lifting off the embargo. We are ready to make all these come true these if the Greek Cypriot side is ready.''

Denktas pointed out that the EU's shedding a green light for Turkey's candidacy will help solution of Cyprus question.

Despite anything, the rights of the Turkish Cypriots will not be ignored, Denktas said.

The draft resolutions adopted by the United Nations (U.N.) Security Council do not reflect the realities in Cyprus, Denktas noted.

Denktas stated that the coordinators who were appointed by the countries to Cyprus can result in a problem by carrying the problem to the international arena.

The responsibility about the Cyprus question is undertaken by the U.N. Secretary General, Denktas added.

Denktas also underlined the below mentioned points in his press conference:

- The shape of the meetings has changed. The New York talks is not the continuation of the inter-communal meetings or the meetings between the two leaders. The talks are being held between the ''sides.''

- The world countries should re-evaluate the Cyprus question. Thus, they will realize that the Greek Cypriot side is not the government of whole island.

- The train which is said to head for the European Union (EU), is not the ''Cyprus train.'' It is the Greek Cypriot side's train. If it was the Cyprus train, they would be in this train many years ago.

[05] PRESIDENT DENKTAS OF THE TRNC: - ''CLERIDES MAKES ME LAUGH BY TELLING JOKES, AND ONLOOKERS THINK THERE IS NO PROBLEM TO SOLVE''

Addressing a press conference in the Turkish House in New York, President Denktas said, ''when we held talks at Troutbeck, New York, more than two years ago, Clerides was telling jokes all the time, some of them dirty, some of them clean, but very good jokes. Everybody saw us together from a distance laughing our hearts out, one joke after another, one joke after another. Diego Cordovez, then the mediator of the United Nations, came to the conclusion that there was no problem to settle. And then I realised that this was a scenario exactly to make others, onlookers, to believe that there is no problem.''

President Denktas said that proximity talks were expected to last for 10 or 12 days, adding that we was optimistic about the proximity talks.

Responding to a question of a Greek Cypriot journalist who claimed that U.S. President Bill Clinton wanted him to make concession, Denktas said, ''President Clinton probably does not know how the Cyprus question began and who is guilty on the island. He will learn all these from Annan.''

President Denktas and Clerides will meet separately with Kofi Annan, the Secretary General of the United Nations. In accordance with the secrecy decision, leaders and the United Nations officials are not expected to make statements following the meetings.

[06] TURKEY IN THE EU - FOREIGN MINISTER CEM: - ''EU MEMBERSHIP IS TURKEY'S TARGET, BUT IT IS NOT HER OBSESSION''

Cem addressed opening ceremony of a conference on ''Turkey in the EU: Is it an Image or an Administration Problem?'' which was organized by the University of Bogazici European Studies Center.

He stressed that Turkey had recorded significant progress in the issues of human rights and democracy on the eve of Helsinki Summit when compared with Turkey during Luxembourg Summit in 1997.

Cem added, ''full membership to the EU is Turkey's target, but it is not her obsession. We, of course, want to become a member of the EU. We have been striving for it for a long time. But Turkey will continue to exist without the EU. Turkey will not stay behind in improvement process in a huge geography without the EU.''

[07] FOREIGN MINISTER CEM: - ''WE ARE BOTH EUROPEAN AND ASIAN''

Cem addressed opening ceremony of a conference on ''Turkey in the EU: Is it an Image or an Administration Problem?'' which was organized by the University of Bogazici European Studies Center.

Underlining the importance of relations between Turkey and the European Union (EU) on the eve of Helsinki Summit, Cem said that Turkey should be taken up within a general perspective of her foreign policy during the last two and a half year.

He noted, ''we recorded great success in the foreign policy because we perceived Turkey correctly. We are very well aware of our disadvantages and advantages, and we reflect them truly to our foreign policy. We do not need our European identity to be confirmed. Turkey has been a part of Europe geographically and historically for 700 years. If Europeanism is a matter of culture, and if the European culture is regarded with a religious culture, then, we are not European. But if the EU attributes importance to main criteria such as democracy, human rights, and pluralism, then Turkish culture is, of course, a part of European culture in spite of our some deficiencies. We are both European and Asian. This is not a negative characteristic for us. On the contrary, it is a rare deposition, dynamic, and power.''

Cem said that Turkey shares a common history with 28 independent states.

Cem continued, ''if we designate our position without any dreams and without having any superiority complex, then, the foreign politics can become a more efficient means for Turkey. Today's Turkey is a Turkey which is about to end the biggest trouble in her territory. A Turkey which can crippled the effects of terrorism in a wide sense.''

Turkey had prevented the deployment of S-300 missiles by her efficiency and paved the way for a compromise with her neighbours which seemed as the most intransigent, Cem noted.

Cem stated that Turkey is not as she was before to the Luxembourg summit.

The Baku-Ceyhan pipeline project is an extraordinarily strategic benefit in the threshold of the following century, Cem said.

Cem stressed that as peace is ensured in the Caucasus and the Azerbaijani- Armenian dispute is over, Turkey's influence in the region will increase.

Today, Turkey has marked significant improvement in her relations with the U.S.; Cem emphasized.

Cem pointed out that Turkey started to solve her problems in human rights and democracy since the Luxembourg summit when her improvement in these issues were delayed due to some reasons.

Cem asked EU to end injustice and discrimination towards Turkey.

Cem continued, ''Turkey should be treated as the other countries are treated. The EU should not demand preconditions from Turkey which were not put forward in the candidacy process of the other countries.''

''If some preconditions which had not been put forward earlier, are put forward for Turkey; this will mean discrimination. We do not want a different treatment from the EU. We do not need this,'' Cem said.

In case, Turkey will integrate with the EU, a ''compromise of civilizations'' will occur rathen than ''a conflict of civilizations'', Cem added.

[08] FOREIGN MINISTER CEM: - ''WE RECORDED PROGRESS IN RELATIONS BETWEEN TURKEY AND GREECE''

Cem addressed opening ceremony of a conference on ''Turkey in the EU: Is it an Image or an Administration Problem?'' which was organized by the University of Bogazici European Studies Center.

Noting that the recent developments in Turkey-Greece relations were pleasing, Cem said, ''I believe that problems between Turkey and Greece can be resolved within framework of international law and the European Union (EU) agreements. We have recorded serious progress in relations between Turkey and Greece. Tension between two countries has begun to ease. A series of cooperations such as joint struggle against drug trafficking and terrorism, were brought onto agenda of two countries. We are serious and sincere in our relations with Greece. Trade volume between Turkish and Greek businessmen is expected to increase up to 2 billion U.S. dollars in coming days. Musicians are waving Turkish and Greek flags on the stages. Turkish and Greek mayors are paying visits to each other. Turkey wants this peaceful process to continue.''

Cem noted that they were planning to invide Yorgo Papandreou, the Greek Foreign Minister, to Turkey with the aim of discussing regional issues and the joint works regarding the EU.

Stressing that Turkey would continue her positive improvement process in the new millennium, Cem added, ''I am hopeful about Turkey's future. 21st century will be the century when Turkey's hopes will come true.''

Later, Cem responded to the questions of those who attended the conference.

When asked about the role of the U.S. in the EU process and the Turkish- Greek relations, Cem noted that this country is a member of NATO as Turkey and Greece.

Also, this country has close military partnership with Turkey and Greece and the U.S. is trying to have a constructive effect in these two issues; Cem added.

Responding a question about the proximity talks regarding Cyprus, Cem said, ''the approaches of Glafcos Clerides will indicate whether or not the talks will come to a conclusion. Denktas said in one of his statements that he will participate in the talks by expecting that the paths for a solution can be opened.''

''I hope the Greek Cypriot side will takes serious steps with the mediator rather than obstructing the talks as it had earlier done,'' Cem added.

Responding a question about the thesis of Turkey regarding Cyprus question, Cem said, ''we welcome the confederation proposal of Denktas. We think that Denktas will insist on this proposal.''

When asked about a question saying, ''let us assume that Turkey's EU candidacy is granted, but the EU membership of Greek Cypriot side is provided to be at the backstage. What will we do then?'', Cem said, ''we told our interlocutors and the EU countries that we are not included in a Cyprus-EU-Turkey balance. We maintain our ideas about Cyprus question.''

Turkey's attitude is very obvious and she does not think these two issues are connected with each other, Cem stated.

Cem stressed that Turkey assumes the initiatives of the Greek Cypriot side for the EU membership as legally and politically invalid.

Responding another question, Cem emphasized that the Scandinavian countries feel sensitive about the human rights.

Turkey has some deficiencies in human rights but she is exerting utmost efforts to overcome these deficiencies, Cem pointed out.

Greece should have a positive approach about Turkey's EU membership, Cem said.

Cem noted, ''I expect Greece to consider these issues as the improvement of the Aegean, our children, and the regional peace, stability, and economy.''

[09] BLINKEN, DIRECTOR OF EUROPEAN AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT OF THE U.S. NATIONAL DEFENSE COUNCIL: - ''TURKEY'S CANDIDACY TO THE EU SHOULD BE APPROVED UNCONDITIONALLY AT HELSINKI SUMMIT''

Addressing a meeting organized by the Washington Institute, a leading U.S. think-tank organization, Blinken evaluated relations between the U.S. and Turkey.

Pointing out to the U.S. support to Turkey's candidacy to the EU, Blinken noted that Turkey's candidacy should be approved unconditionally at Helsinki Summit.

He stressed that Turkey would be obliged to fulfil the EU's conditions after her candidacy status was recognized. Recalling that the U.S. was not a member to the EU, Blinken noted that the decision would be the EU's.

Pointing out that Europe would not be a full Europe without Turkey, Blinken underlined the U.S. hoped that EU would embrace Turkey at Helsinki Summit.

Blinken emphasized that Turkey and Greece should expend equal efforts to resolve their problems.

Referring to the Cyprus question, Blinken stressed that the U.S. supported beginning of full membership negotiations between the EU and Cyprus.

When asked, ''If the Cyprus question cannot be resolved, do you support unilateral membership of the Greek Cypriot side?'', Blinken refrained from responding to the question.

Blinken described the proximity talks which will begin in New York on December 3, as a very positive and significant decelopment.

Blinken said that the timing of the proximity talks between Rauf Denktas, the President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) and Glafcos Clerides, the leader of the Greek Cypriot side, is very appropriate.

There is possibility to solve the Cyprus question, Blinken noted.

Blinken stated that the divided status of the island should be ended and the security of all the Cypriots should be ensured.

Two sides can bring forward every issue during the proximity talks in New York, Blinken stressed.

The most important thing is the continuation of the talks; Blinken emphasized.

Blinken pointed out that Turkey has marked significant steps in human rights in recent months.

But, there are more steps that Turkey should take in human rights; Blinken said.

Blinken said that U.S. President Bill Clinton's visit to Turkey was very successful.

He hopes that Clinton's successor will visit Turkey to continue the impetus marked between Turkey and the U.S., Blinken noted.

Blinken stated that the U.S. administration wanted to draw the attention of the world to Turkey following the quake disaster.

Turkey was a very good host and organizator during the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) summit, Blinken stressed.

Blinken emphasized that Turkey is an example for the other regional countries as a secular and modern country.

The U.S. gives full support to Turkey's anti-terrorism struggle; Blinken pointed out.

Blinken said that Turkey has gained significant success in her struggle against terrorism.

Some steps should be taken in the light of these developments, Blinken noted.

Blinken added that they are in favour of the lifting off the emergency rule in five eastern and southeastern provinces of Turkey.

[10] FINAL DECLARATION IN EUROPEAN PRIVATE SECTOR SUMMIT SUPPORTS TURKEY'S EU CANDIDACY

The Union of Industry and Employers' Confederation of Europe (UNICE) issued a final declaration regarding the EU enlargement in the end of the meetings.

The declaration said that the candidacy of Turkey, which is considered as an important economic actor of Europe, should be officially announced.

The declaration added that the discrimination towards Turkey should be ended, and Turkey's reforms should be supported.

The meetings had started on Thursday.

Fifteen European countries including Turkey, Norway, Greek Cypriot side, Iceland and Switzerland, are the members of the UNICE.

The Turkish Industrialists' and Businessmen's Association (TUSIAD) and the Confederation of Turkish Employers' Unions (TISK) are the full members of the UNICE since 1987.

[11] DUMA APPROVES BLUE STREAM ADDITIONAL PROTOCOL

The additional protocol including tax relief, was signed between Turkey and Russia on Saturday.

The Duma voted 346-5 for the tax relief measure, which needed 226 votes to pass. The bill will submitted to the upper house of parliament for consideration.

[12] ENVIRONMENT MINISTER AYTEKIN: ''WE DID NOT DISCUSS NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS IN OUR MEETING''

Responding a question on whether or not he is in favour of nuclear power plants, Aytekin said that he is not against the investments but they should find the best way for the environment.

When this issue is included in the agenda of the Council of Ministers, they will discuss it and will give a decision which will be advantageous for Turkey; Aytekin noted.

When asked how long it will take to construct a nuclear power plant, Aytekin stated that it will take two or two and a half years and it depends on the amount of money allocated for the construction.

Responding a question saying that Akkuyu where the nuclear power plant is planned to be constructed, is in the quake zone; Aytekin stressed that quake-resistant buildings can be constructed.

Aytekin added that he cannot say anything without researches about this issue.

[13] GERMAN CHANCELLOR SCHROEDER: - ''GERMAN GOVERNMENT STRONGLY SUPPORTS GRANTING TURKEY STATUS OF MEMBERSHIP CANDIDATE FOR EU''

Addressing parliament ahead of next week's EU summit in Helsinki between December 10 and 11, Schroeder recalled that he had met with Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit during the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) summit which was held in Istanbul between November 18-19.

Schroeder underlined Turkey's strategical importance for Europe within framework of the NATO.

''Only when the political criteria of Copenhagen and Article Six of the EU treaty are met -that means safeguarding human rights and respect and protection for minorities as well as the stable rule of law - can the question of starting actual entry negotiations be raised. There can be no exceptions on this,'' Schroeder said.

He recalled that he corresponded with Prime Minister Ecevit before the EU Council meeting in Cologne, and they determined the framework of future relations.

''We want a European Turkey and therefore we want to open up for Turkey a credible prospect of Europe,'' Schroeder added.

[14] UN SECRETARY GENERAL ANNAN MEETS WITH GREEK CYPRIOT LEADER CLERIDES

Kofi Annan, the UN Secretary General came together with Glafkos Clerides, the leader of the Greek Cypriot Administration on the first day of the talks.

Following Annan-Clerides meeting which is expected to last an hour and a half, Annan will have a meeting with Rauf Denktas, the President of the Turkish Republic of North Cyprus.

Diplomatic sources told A.A that measures were taken to prevent the two leaders from seeing each other in the corridors or elevators. A 15 minute break was also scheduled between the two meetings for the same purpose.

Denktas and Clerides are staying at different hotels in New York. Following Friday's meetings with Annan, the two leaders will start the proximity talks which will be run by Alvaro de Soto, Annan's Special Representative for Cyprus on Monday. These meetings are expected to last till Decemer 15 at the earliest.

Denktas is also expected to receive Sir David Hannay, the Cyprus Coordinator of Britain on Sunday at the hotel he is staying. The TRNC President came together with Alfred Moses, the US President Clinton's Special Representative to Cyprus on Thursday.

On Sunday, Denktas will visit the TRNC Solidarity Organization in Bronx and meet with the Turkish Cypriots who live in New York area.

[15] TRNC PRESIDENT DENKTAS MEETS WITH UN SECRETARY GENERAL ANNAN

Presidential advisor of TRNC, Prof. Mumtaz Soysal, Necati Ertegun and Ergun Olgun, are also attending Dentkas-Annan meeting.

The meeting between Annan and Glafkos Clerides, the leader of the Greek Cypriot administration started at 10 a.m. and lasted 70 minutes. Alvaro de Soto, Annan's Special Representative to Cyprus was also present at the meeting.

Prior to the meeting, Clerides said to reporters ''As you see, I am smiling''. Clerides added that he could not respond to their questions because of the ban imposed on both Clerides and Denktas to keep the talks confidential.

In the meantime, Greek Cyriot sources told A.A that Annan was determined to focus on the four main subjects which are security, properties, distribution of authority and land distribution.

Rauf Denktas on Thursday said that there would be no pre-conditions during the talks. He said they would discuss TRNC's confederation proposal and explain to Annan that this would not have any disadvantages for the Greek side.

[16] GREEK CYPRIOT MAN WHO ILLEGALLY ENTERED TRNC RELEASED

The Court decided that Rusos will pay 1 billion Turkish Liras if he repeats his crime in one year.

Rusos was returned to the Greek side by the UN Peace Keeping Force. Rusos noted that he was not mistreated during the time he spent in TRNC and thanked the TRNC police.

[17] ANNAN SAYS HE DOES NOT EXPECT MIRACLE FROM PROXIMITY TALKS

Annan told reporters that he hoped the basic issues would be discussed during his meetings with Denktas and Clerides but also stressed that he must be realistic.

The UN Secretary General added that he was happy to see that both sides expressed willingness to start proximity talks.

Responding to a question, Annan said he put the ban on Denktas and Clerides to speak to the press in order to avoid an inconstructive statement that one of them could make about the other.

Annan said they would organize a press meeting to inform the reporters about the developments when they make progress.

[18] Anadolu Ajansı

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