Anadolu Agency: News in English, 99-12-08

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[01] AA News

08 December 1999 Wednesday

[02] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

HURRIYET (LIBERAL)

ATHENS APPROACHES TO ''YES''
Yorgo Papandreou, Greek Foreign Minister, said ''we will say 'yes' to Turkey's candidacy if European Union (EU) gives us assurances.'' Papandrou went on as saying, ''our EU partners should undertake several committments against the problems that we will meet after Turkey's candidacy.''

MILLIYET (LIBERAL)

GANG BURNS PRISON
The prisoners who are the followers of True Path Party (DYP) Sanliurfa Deputy Sedat Bucak's nephew Fatih Mehmet Bucak kicked up a row in the Ankara Prison on Tuesday.

Fire started during the riot that broke out at the same time in four separate wards while some of the prison guards who intervened in the incidents were injured.

SABAH (LIBERAL)

TURKEY REACTS
Turkey reacted against the decision of Russia which said ''Chechens who fail to leave Grozni till December 11 will be considered as terrorists, and the city will be destroyed.'' The government said ultimatum of Russia ''get out or die'' was unacceptable. Demirel said, ''very bad things are going on in Chechnya.''

CUMHURIYET (LEFT)

ANKARA WAITS FOR A RESULT
Finland, European Union (EU) Term President, invited Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit to a luncheon which will be hosted in the last day of the summit, so that he will be able to learn the decisions taken in Helsinki summit. Turkey refused the invitation as candidacy has not become certain. Diplomatic sources said Ecevit will go to Helsinki on December 10, in case a positive resolution is issued in the summit. Prime Minister Ecevit said the invitation has been sent to all applicant countries.

RADIKAL (LEFT)

CAKICI NOT TO OPPOSE TO EXTRADITION
It was reported that Alaatin Cakici, notorious mafia boss, will not oppose to the decision of the French government to extradite him to Turkey. Jean Louis Pascal, Prosecutor of Aix-En-Provence Court, earlier said Lionel Jospin, French Prime Minister signed the decree regarding extradition of Cakici to Turkey. Can Dogancan, lawyer of Cakici, said he did not think his client will oppose to the decision.

TURKIYE (RIGHT)

MASS BLOW ON TERRORISM
Four terrorists, who were involved in many bombing attacks, were captured in an operation launched on a house where terrorists of the illegal DHKP/C organization shelter. It was determined that the terrorists wore suit.

ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)

PREFABRICATED HUTS REMAIN EMPTY
Most of the prefabricated huts erected in the quake zone couldn't arouse the expected interest of survivors. They prefer to stay in tents since they say their reason to prefer tents is that the prefabricated huts, which have insufficient infrastructure, are small and far away from the city centers. Quake survivors say the rent aid they were receiving would be cut if they move to prefabricated huts from tents.

[03] SECURITY COUNCIL DISCUSSES CYPRUS

Jeremy Greenstock, chairman of the Council, said Council members listened to the briefing which secretariat officials gave about Cyprus.

Council chairman stated that the priority on Cyprus question was given to proximity talks that are under way under the supervision of Secretary General.

Recalling that mandate of the U.N. peace forces UNFICYP will expire on December 15, Greenstock said, ''extension of the mandate of peace forces will be brought to the agenda before this date.''

Turkish diplomatic sources told A.A correspondent that voting about the mandate of peace forces will take place after the end of the first round of ongoing proximity talks about Cyprus upon the request of Ankara. The first round of talks is expected to end on December 14. Council chairman noted that proximity talks were under way within the framework determined by Secretary General, and in accordance with the secrecy principle.

Pointing out that Iraq was not discussed on Tuesday's meeting, the Council chairman stressed that this issue will be taken up in an unofficial meeting on Wednesday.

Recalling that the Council has to extend the implementation process about Iraq food program before weekend, Greenstock said talks will take place to this end on Wednesday morning.

Diplomatic sources said draft resolution, which will assess the base of the policy that will be covered against Iraq, may be distributed to the members in the coming days.

[04] PROXIMITY TALKS ON CYPRUS - DENKTAS COMPLAINS ABOUT SOME APPROACHES OF GREEK CYPRIOTS

Denktas drew the attention of U.N. officials to the issue that ''such treatments won't help the efforts to create an atmosphere of confidence and friendship between the two sides on the Island''.

Denktas expressed hope that the Greek Cypriot authorities would give up such attitudes.

Sources said that two Greek Cypriots were sentenced to 15 and 20-day imprisonment with charges of purely purchasing goods from a Turkish Cypriot, and the purchase in question had taken place near Pile village in the buffer zone.

The proximity talks on Cyprus issue continued in New York on Wednesday. U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan did not attend today's meetings. The meeting between Rauf Denktas and U.N. Secretary General's Special Representative to Cyprus Alvaro do Soto lasted 1 hour and 35 minutes.

Meanwhile, former U.S. State Secretary Henry Kissinger visited on Tuesday Denktas at the hotel Denktas is staying.

Neither Kissinger nor the TRNC side did not speak to press following the one-hour meeting at the hotel.

Some circles claimed that Kissinger undertook the role of mediator, and with this respect, Kissinger was expected to meet with Greek Cypriot leader Glafcos Clerides.

Alvaro de Soto will once again meet with Rauf Denktas and Glascos Clerides on Wednesday.

U.N. officials said the daily proximity talks would continue till Saturday.

[05] TURKISH-GREEK DIALOGUE

Mithat Balkan, Foreign Ministry Deputy Undersecretary, and Yigit Alpogan, the Ambassador, represent Turkey during the meeting. Anastasios Skopelitis, Greek Foreign Ministry Political Director, represent Greek side.

Final adjustments will be made on the draft agreements which were prepared in the fields of terrorism and related issues, culture, preservation of investments, transportation, energy, tourism, and environment.

The draft agreements are expected to be submitted to the approval of Foreign Ministries.

[06] DSP PARTY GROUP MEETING - PREMIER ECEVIT: ''NONE OF THE QUAKE SURVIVORS SHOULD HAVE CONCERNS ABOUT FUTURE''

Addressing his party group meeting Ecevit said there are many issues in the agenda of the country, like ''Helsinki summit, Russian attacks in Chechnya, Presidency, Chairmanship of Institution of Higher Education (YOK), economy, and Ocalan.'' Ecevit noted that, ''yet, priority is to the quake survivors in my heart's agenda.''

Ecevit spoke about the problems of quake survivors and their solutions, and added that tens of thousands of people reached sheltering facilities at the end of 3.5 months period.

Ecevit said a total of 114,000 tents have been sent to the quake zone, and that prefabricated huts were concluded in a very short time, adding that number of prefabricated huts will reach 35,000.

Prime Minister Ecevit said thus required facilities have been provided to quake survivors to pass the winter away from severe winter conditions.

Ecevit said all kinds of opportunities have been provided to make children of quake survivors continue their education.

Pointing out that the government was exerting efforts to heal the wounds of the quake, Ecevit said efforts were under way to be ready for probable disasters.

Ecevit said the state will continue to support the quake survivors till the life conditions turn to normal in the region.

[07] GREEK CYPRIOT HARASSMENT ON TRNC BORDER - A TURKISH CYPRIOT POLICEMAN WOUNDED IN FIRE OPENED BY GREEK CYPRIOTS WHO VIOLATED TRNC BORDER

Bahce was immediately taken to the Lefkosa Burhan Nalbantoglu State Hospital and underwent a surgery.

TRNC Police General Director Erdem Demirbag told the A.A correspondent that policeman Huseyin Bahce was seriously wounded, but was not in critical condition.

The Police Press Office issued a statement and said a police unit, acting on a tip-off, left for the region at about 07:00 local time, and saw three people wearing camouflage clothings who violated the TRNC border and the buffer zone under the control of the U.N.

The statement said policeman Huseyin Bahce was seriously wounded when one of the three Greek Cypriots opened fire.

It said those Greek Cypriots carrying rifles were followed by police units, and they escaped to the Greek Cypriot side.

The investigation into the incident continues.

[08] FOREIGN MINISTRY: ''WE EXPECT EU TO OFFICIALLY ACCEPT AND DECLARE TURKEY'S CANDIDACY''

Addressing a weekly news conference, Atacanli said elements connected to preconditions will not be ''satisfactory'' for Turkey.

Responding to a question, Atacanli said the EU has a legal technical framework composed of tens of thousands of pages, and recalled that Agenda 2000, Amsterdam Agreement, and Copenhagen criteria formed a part of this framework. Atacanli said this framework was a whole of principles and details briefing about the principles that should be abided by EU member countries in various fields.

Atacanli said, ''Turkey, as a country targetting full membership of the EU, said that it will abide by all kinds of principles that form legal infrastructure of the EU. In our various statements, we have said this was a natural process, and that Turkey will fulfil all conditions brought by full membership in a period of time.''

Responding to a question about the statements of Greek Foreign Minister Yorgo Papandreou which were included in Turkish media, and when asked if this country will use veto right, Atacanli said Turkey did not consider relations with the EU within the framework of countries and bilateral framework.

Pointing out that Turkey-EU relations should be taken as a whole, and there are several principles in the basis of this relationship, Atacanli said Ankara Agreement, Turkey's application for full membership, Customs Union, various agreements signed to this end, and commitments stemming from these agreements form the basis of this relationship.

Atacanli said Turkey fulfilled all its commitments stemming from these agreements and continue to do so, and noted that ''yet, it is impossible to say that EU fulfilled its commitments stemming from the agreements. Actually, they accept this with their own documents.''

Atacanli said, ''EU should solve these problems within itself, and should reveal its decison. We hope it will do this in Helsinki summit.''

Responding to a question, Atacanli said Turkey's position against a pre- condition for membership was clear. He said, ''there is a discrimination. There is a treatment against Turkey that is not applied to other candidate countries. We expect EU to accept and announce Turkey's formal candidacy.''

When asked about full membership application of Greek Cypriot side, Atacanli recalled that Turkey has very serious oppositions to the application of Greek Cypriot side, and its acceptance by the EU.

Pointing out that these oppositions were still valid, Atacanli said, ''it is clear in which principles Cyprus question will be discussed. Greek Cypriot side is unjust by claiming to represent the whole Island. There are two sovereign states on the Island, and the future of this problem will be clarified following consultations between the two sovereign states. Membership to the EU is a part of this.''

Responding to another question, Atacanli said EU Term Presidency invited Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit to luncheon by an invitation saying ''candidate and applicant countries'', adding that this is far away from meeting the expectations of Turkey.

[09] CONTACTS OF EU JPC DELEGATION - FM CEM: ''WE ARE NOT EXPECTING FAVOUR FROM ANYBODY''

Turkish Industrialists and Businessmen Association (TUSIAD) hosted a luncheon in honor of EU Joint Parliamentary Commission (JPC) European flank delegation. Addressing the lunch, Cem said, ''Turkey did everything it should do. We are not waiting for a favour from anybody. We don't want anything more or less.''

Concerning Turkey's candidacy, Cem said, ''it is not right to think of criteria, that is not implemented for other candidates, for Turkey.''

Cem said Turkey recorded a very important progress despite economic crises which effected the whole world, crises in the region, and despite two massive eartquakes. Cem recalled that Turkey was announced as the 18th country in the world due to economic power.

Cem pointed out that Turkey targeted 4 percent development despite all the difficulties.

[10] CONTACTS OF EU JPC DELEGATION - FOREIGN MINISTER CEM: - ''TURKEY HAS RECORDED SIGNIFICANT PROGRESS SINCE 1997''

Cem addressed a luncheon hosted by the Turkish Industrialists' and Businessmen's Association (TUSIAD) in honor of European Union (EU) Joint Parliamentary Commission (JPC) European flank delegation.

He said that Turkish businessmen and industrialists who launched initiatives abroad, had made a considerable contribution to Turkey's efforts to become a member to the EU, and to promote Turkey.

Cem noted, ''the EU membership is a target for Turkey, but it is not an obsession. Turkey will continue her economical, social, and democratic improvement with or without the EU. But the EU membership will bring forth very precious foreign dynamics.''

Underlining the importance of Turkey's special position, Cem said, ''history of a country is being formed within a perpetual impact-reaction with neighbouring countries. Turkey shares the common history with 28 different independent countries. She has influneced these countries with her own positive dynamics. Feodal society was dominant in 15th and 17th centuries. Turkey brought about humanist dynamics in surrounding countries where people were exploited. On the other hand, western dynamics made positive contributions to Turkey's improvement.''

''Turkey has recorded significant progress in the fields of policy, economy, and human rights. She will continue to further improve. If we add the EU's positive foreign dynamics to this process, our relations with the EU will make a serious contribution to further improvement of Turkey,'' Cem stressed.

Emphasizing that Turkey had recorded important progress since 1997, Cem recalled that a good government was in power in 1997, but it did not has parliamentary majority. He indicated that the government had restricted its activities to this end.

''Today, the government has a strong majority at the parliament. Also, we have succeeded in reducing the terrorism trouble considerably. Turkey which disputed with her neighbours in those days, became a county cooperating with Syria in struggle against terrorism,'' he said.

Underlining the peaceful relations between Turkey and neighbouring countries, Cem added that Turkey targeted 4 percent growth rate in spite of two massive earthquake disasters, and current global economic difficulties.

Cem also noted that G-7 countries had announced Turkey as one of the 18 countries having the most powerful economies of the world.

[11] CONTACTS OF EU JPC DELEGATION - FOREIGN MINISTER CEM: - ''21ST CENTURY WILL BE CENTURY WHEN HOPES WILL COME TRUE FOR TURKEY''

Cem addressed a luncheon hosted by the Turkish Industrialists' and Businessmen's Association (TUSIAD) in honor of European Union (EU) Joint Parliamentary Commission (JPC) European flank delegation.

He underlined the difficulties of defending democratization in a country like Turkey which has been exposed to violent terrorism for years.

Cem stressed that there was freedom of religious belief in Turkey while 60 thousand women and 90 thousand people were burnt to death in diverse parts of the world because of their religious beliefs.

Stressing the necessity of fulfilling several rules as a candidate to the EU, Cem said, ''values such as freedom, respect for religious beliefs, and protection of minorities, which were included in the Copenhagen criteria, are the values that were gained as a result of long-standing efforts of humanity. Turkey has already been implementing most of them. We have several deficiencies, but we will remove them with or without the EU. We are not waiting for a favour from anybody. We don't want anything more or less. It is not right to think of criteria, that is not implemented for other candidates, for Turkey.

Referring to relations between Turkey and Greece, Cem said that the Cyprus question was a special issue for Turkey.

He noted that Turkey was a guarantor country, adding, ''Turkey will not abandon her attitude regarding the Cyprus question.''

Cem also added, ''21st century will be the century when hopes will come true for Turkey.''

[12] HASIPOGLU, TRNC PARLIAMENT SPEAKER: ''GREEK CYPRIOT PROVOCATIONS ESCALATE''

Speaking about the incident in which Huseyin Bahce, 30, a Turkish Cypriot policeman, was wounded in a fire opened by the Greek Cypriot side in Maden Deresi in Lefke region of TRNC, Hasipoglu recalled that a gun fire was opened to sentry positions last week.

Hasipoglu noted that those incidents proved the strength of potential that is against peace and solution.

TRNC Parliament Speaker pointed out that racist and chauvinist statements of Greek President Kostis Stephanapoulos which said, ''Cyprus is Greek and will remain so,'' escalated provocations in Cyprus.

''Under the light of the latest developments, we are once again presenting to the world's attention who sabotaged seaches for peace on Cyprus,'' Hasipoglu noted.

Hasipoglu stressed that independent and sovereign existence of TRNC is a guarantee for peace and tranquility on Cyprus.

[13] EUROPEAN COURT OF HUMAN RIGHTS SENTENCES TURKEY TO PAY COMPANSATION FOR DAMAGES

ECHR agreed that Turkey violated Article 11 of the European Convention of Human Rights, and sentenced Turkey to pay a total of 70,000 French Franks including the trial costs.

The Constitutional Court had taken the decision to close OZDEP on July 14, 1993 for charges of having a party programme which threatens Turkey's unity and territorial integrity.

Responding to the decision, OZDEP had applied to the ECHR and claimed that Turkey violated Article 11 about setting up associations, and Article 9 about freedom of thought, and Article 10 about freedom of expression, which are listed in the European Convention of Human Rights.

[14] NATIONAL EDUCATION MINISTRY URGES SCHOOLS TO HAVE SISTER SCHOOLS IN NEIGHBOURING COUNTRIES

In a written statement sent to governorships, it was reminded that there was a good interaction between some Turkish schools and European schools and that students visit each other's homelands during the holidays. The Ministry said Turkish schools should also have sister schools in Greece, Bulgaria, Syria, Iraq, Iran, and Georgia.

The executives of schools who wish to be matched with a school in one of these countries should apply to the General Directorate of National Education Ministry with a promotion file prepared in English latest by January 24, 2000.

[15] ''PALACE OF GOLD AND LIGHT'' EXHIBITION TO BE OPENED IN WASHINGTON D.C. ON MARCH 1, 2000

Addressing a press conference, Talay indicated that the exhibition would be consist of 239 works from five museums including the Topkapi Palace, the seat of the Ottoman sultans.

Talay said that they expect more than one million Americans to visit the ''Palace of Gold and Light'' exhibition which was organized by the Palace Arts Foundation.

He told reporters that the priceless Ottoman works would be displayed in Washington D.C., San Diego, and Florida between March 1, 2000 and January 14, 2001.
Talay noted, ''we attribute great importance to the exhibition which will make a considerable contribution to promote Turkey abroad.

The works which were selected from the Topkapi Palace, the Istanbul Turkish and Islam Works Museum, the Yildiz Palace, the Military Museum, and the Istanbul Archaeology Museum, will be insured to 368 million U.S. dollars. The biggest work in the exhibition will be an ebony throne. There will be handwritings, tugras -sultan's signatures- aigrettes, caftans, carpets, chinas, and weapons in the exhibition.''

[16] CAMPBELL, BRITISH SPOKESMAN FOR PRIME MINISTRY: - ''BRITAIN WILL TAKE NECESSARY STEPS TO SUPPORT TURKEY'S EU CANDIDACY''

In a press briefing, Campbell told reporters that economic issues, defense cooperation in Europe and EU's enlargement process would be high on the agenda at the Helsinki summit.

Campbell noted that the second group of countries such as Bulgaria, Romania, Latvia, Lithuania, Slovakia and Malta are expected to be invited to full membership talks in 2000.

Tony Blair supports Turkey's EU candidacy and thinks this will help Turkey to make the necessary changes required for full membership, Campbell said.

Responding to a question, Campbell stressed that Turkey would be required to meet the same criteria with other candidates, therefore it must record the economic and democratic developments which the EU expects from her, as well as raising the level of respect for minority rights.

Expressing Britain's attitude regarding the candidacy of the Greek Cypriot side, Campbell said they prefer the whole island, not a divided Cyprus, to become the EU candidate.

Campbell also noted that full membership negotiations for Turkey would start once Turkey fulfil the criteria, and added that this might take time.

Turkey's candidacy is expected to be discussed on the first day of the summit.

[17] TRNC FOREIGN MINISTRY PROTESTS SHOOTING OF TURKISH POLICE BY TWO GREEK CYPRIOTS LAST WEEK

The TRNC Foreign Ministry reminded the United Nations (U.N) Peace Keeping Force authorites of their responsibilities in the buffer zone, and added that tranquility cannot be maintained only through the efforts and discipline of the Turkish soldiers.

A written statement of the TRNC Foreign Ministry said Greek Cypriots had opened fire at the sentry post in Duzce region last week, and two armed Greek Cypiots wearing camouflaged outfits violated the buffer zone in Gemikonagi Golet region and crossed 100 meters into the Turkish area on Wednesday.

The two people shot Turkish Cypriot police officer Huseyin Bahce, who had gone to the area where they crossed to investigate the incident. Bahce who was injured, underwent an operation at a hospital in Lefkosa.

Following the shootings, the suspects escaped and disappeared in the buffer zone. During the incident, more than 15 camouflaged Greek Cypriots, were seen on the hills, however the U.N. Peace Keeping Force did not take any action against them, it was stressed.

It was later reported that one of the attackers was caught by the U.N. Peace Keeping Force and then released.

''We invited the U.N. Peace Keeping Force to our Ministry and strongly condemned this bloody attack aimed to escalate tension on the island. We consider it useful to stress that tranquility on the island cannot be maintained only through the efforts of the Turkish soldiers and reminded the U.N. Peace Keeping Force of their responsibilities in the buffer zone, '' the TRNC Foreign Ministry said.

[18] PRESIDENT DENKTAS OF TRNC: - ''WOUNDING OF TRNC POLICE OFFICER CLEARLY SHOWS WHY WE INSIST ON OUR SOVEREIGNTY RIGHTS''

Responding to the reporters' questions prior to Wednesday's proximity talks, Denktas said, ''this shows clearly why we insist on our sovereignty rights.'' He added that he hoped the incident would not hamper the efforts to set up good neighbourhood relations and cooperation between the two sides.

Responding to another question, Denktas said he had a ''friendly'' meeting with Henry Kissinger, the former U.S. Secretary of State.

When a Greek Cypriot reporter asked Denktas if he was planning to make a gesture in New York to ease the process for Turkey in Helsinki, Denktas said nobody asked him to make a gesture. ''I don't think Ankara needs my gestures. It can solve its problems by itself.''

A source close to Denktas told A.A that the TRNC was not bargaining on the map during the proximity talks. ''In order to discuss the map, we must first be recognized as a state,'' he said. The same person said they focused on TRNC's recognition during the talks. He also noted that the Greek Cypriots intend to play the same scenerio on Cyprus that they earlier played on Crete.

[19] TURKEY AND BULGARIA SIGN MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING REGARDING EDUCATIONAL COOPERATION

The two sides agreed to form an ''Education Cooperation Permanent Commission'' which will have three Turkish and three Bulgarian members, and its activities will cover all stages of education and enable cooperation in the education field. The first meeting of the commission will be held in January. The agreement also suggests revising of the history books by experts.

On his last day in Bulgaria, Bostancioglu had meetings with Hristo Biserov, the Bulgarian Chairman of Parliamentary National Security Commission, Lutfi Mestan, the Bulgarian Deputy Chairman of Education and Science Commission, and Alexander Cerov, the Bulgarian Acting Parliament Speaker.

[20] Anadolu Ajansı

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