Anadolu Agency: News in English, 99-12-10

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[01] AA News

10 December 1999 Friday

[02] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

HURRIYET (LIBERAL)

260 TRILLION LIRAS OF DIGITAL INITIATIVE
The first investment agreement of digital TV worth 500 million U.S. dollars (260 trillion Turkish Liras) yesterday. Dogan-Cugurova Grouap and Philips signed the agreement for the DigiTurk which will braodcast via satellite by March 2000.

MILLIYET (LIBERAL)

DESTINY DEPENDS ON WORDS
Everything about Turkey's candidacy gets knotted in the words to be included concerning the Greek Cypriot side in the final document. The words have been changed in several draft documents for days. Athens is trying only to have its conditions included in the document.

SABAH (LIBERAL)

CUMHURIYET (LEFT)

''APO WILL NOT BE EXECUTED''
Praising Devlet Bahceli, the Deputy Prime Minister and the leader of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) during his visit to Turkey, Turkish-EU Joint Parliamentary Commission Co-Chairman Daniel Cohn Bendit said, ''I believe that death sentence will not be cerried out, I know it,'' implying Abdullah Ocalan. Bendit said Devlet Bahceli assured him that Ocalan dossier would not come to Parliament for 2 or 3 years.

RADIKAL (LEFT)

CIM BOM WINS ANOTHER VICTORY
Galatasaray beat Italy's Bologna 2-1 and qualified to fourth round 3-2 on aggregate. All three goals came in the first half by Hasan Sas and Umit for Galatasaray, and by Ventola for Bologna.

TURKIYE (RIGHT)

FIVE TERRORISTS KILLED
Security forces killed five terrorists in an operation they launched in Guneycam-Behranci region of southeastern Sirnak province.

COUNCIL OF STATE SAYS ''NO'' TO ISLAMIC STYLE HEAD-SCARF
The Council of State ceased the decision of the Samsun Administrative Court foreseeing a 100 million Turkish Liras moral fine to a student who was not allowed to enter a faculty with Islamic style head-scarf. The Council of State decided that it was not contrary to the laws if a student wearing Islamic style head-scarf was not allowed to enter a university.

ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)

[03] HELSINKI SUMMIT STARTS

The Council brings together the heads of states and governments, and foreign ministers of EU member 15 countries.

The enlargement of the EU, Turkey, and European Security and Defense Identity (ESDI) are the top issues of the agenda of the Summit which was opened with the remarks of European Parliament Speaker Nicole Fontaine.

A compromise is expected to be provided on the paragraphs of the final document which will include acceptance of Turkey's application for candidacy and the relations with Ankara, in today's morning session, and the document in question is planned to be conveyed to Ankara in the afternoon.

The Council will later wait for the Turkish government's attitude toward the proposed document.

Diplomatic sources said it was likely that Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit and Foreign Minister Ismail Cem would arrive in Helsinki early on Saturday and take part in the family-photograph at the end of the Summit if Ankara and Helsinki reach an agreement on the document and if Turkey is satisfied with the document.

The Summit will end late on Saturday.

[04] REPO TRANSACTIONS BETWEEN BANKS AND THEIR CUSTOMERS DECREASE BY 85.1 TRILLION TL

The Central Bank said on Friday that the repo transactions, which were 5 quadrillion 117.8 trillion TL on November 19, decreased to 5 quadrillion 32.7 trillion TL on November 26.

The reverse repo transactions, which were 316.1 trillion TL on November 19, decreased 231.2 trillion TL to 84.9 trillion TL on November 26.

The repo transactions among the financial organizations climbed 36.04 trillion TL to 1 quadrillion 459.6 trillion TL on November 26. The total repo transactions amount was 1 quadrillion 423.6 trillion TL on November 19.

The reverse repo transactions among the financial organizations, which were 773.9 trillion TL on November 19, increased 84.2 trillion TL to 858.1 trillion TL on November 26.

[05] TOTAL DEPOSITS AT BANKS INCREASE BY 896.8 TRILLION TL

The Central Bank said on Friday that the total deposit which was 38 quadrillion 903.8 trillion TL on November 19 increased to 39 quadrillion 800.6 trillion TL on November 26.

When the inter-banks deposits are not considered, the total deposit, which was 36 quadrillion 53.046 trillion TL on November 19, increased 744.7 trillion TL to 36 quadrillion 797.8 trillion TL on November 26.

The total TL deposit increased 358.3 trillion TL to 19 quadrillion 443.4 trillion TL on November 26. The total TL deposit was 19 quadrillion 85.13 trillion on November 19.

As of November 26, the total TL deposit was composed of 12 quadrillion 919.7 trillion TL deposits at public banks, 6 quadrillion 296.5 trillion TL of deposits at private deposit banks and 60.024 trillion TL of deposits at foreign banks.

The foreign exchange accounts at banks increased 386.3 trillion TL to 17 quadrillion 354.4 trillion TL on November 26.

[06] BANK CREDITS VOLUME INCREASES BY 405.9 TRILLION TL

The total credit volume at banks was 18 quadrillion 497.3 trillion TL on November 19.

The Central Bank said on Friday that the total credits in the system was composed of 930.9 trillion TL of loans given to financial sector and 17 quadrillion 972.3 trillion TL of loans given to non-financial sector as of November 26.

The credits given to financial sector were composed of 472.6 trillion TL of loans given by deposit banks, 450.7 trillion TL of loans given by development and investment banks and 7.6 trillion TL of loans given by the Central Bank.

[07] TURKEY'S LETTER OF INTENTION FOR STAND-BY ACCEPTED BY IMF

IMF said the IMF Executive Board would announce its final decision about stand-by agreement on December 21 or 22.

IMF issued a statement and said it extended support to monetary of foreign exchange rate policies to be followed by the Central Bank between 2000 and 2002, and that those policies would contribute to decrease in inflation and interest rates.

The statement released by IMF Europe Director Michael Deppler said the letter of intention wich was sent by the Turkish government was received by the IMF management.

The statement said IMF management accepted the letter in question, and transferred it to the IMF Executive Board for evalution.

It said IMF Executive Board would take a decision on the programme explained in the letter of intention of Turkey, and the demand for IMF support on December 21 or 22.

The statement said the Turkish government explained macroeconomic and structural reform programmes in the letter of intention, and requested a three-year stand-by agreement worth nearly 4 billion U.S. dollars.

[08] AGREEMENT FOR IMPROVEMENT OF TRADE AND INVESTMENT BETWEEN TURKEY AND U.S. APPROVED

The agreement in question was signed on September 29, 1999 during Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit's visit to Washington D.C.

The agreement, which was signed by Industry and Trade Minister Ahmet Kenan Tanrikulu and U.S. Trade Represensentative Charlere Borshefsky, gives opportunity for further steps to be taken in the field of trade between the two countries.

The agreement also foresees the establishment of a joint council between Turkey and the U.S.

This Council will be composed of representatives of the Foreign Trade Undersecretariat and the U.S. Trade Representation.

Meanwhile, the Council of Ministers also approved the ''Protocol on Real Estate in Istanbul'' that was signed between the Turkish and Bulgarian governments on November 4, 1998.

[09] SECURITIES ACCOUNT AT BANKS INCREASE BY 98.5 TRILLION TL

The total securities account at banks was 11 quadrillion 434.4 trillion TL on November 19.

The Central Bank said on Friday that there were a total of 11 quadrillion 359.1 trillion TL of securities including 7 quadrillion 595.4 trillion TL of securities, and 3 quadrillion 763.7 trillion TL of securities over foreign currency at the deposit banks portfolio.

The securities over TL at deposit banks are composed of 804.9 trillion TL in treasury bonds, 6 quadrillion 531.9 trillion TL in state debenture bonds and 183.9 trillion TL in stocks.

A total of 1 quadrillion 218.2 trillion TL of foreign currency securities at these banks are abroad while there is a total of 13.3 trillion TL of treasury bonds and 1 quadrillion 657.8 trillion TL of state debenture bonds among the domestic securities.

The total securities account at the development and investment banks was 173.8 trillion TL.

[10] EU COMMISSION SPOKESMAN: ''HELSINKI DECISION WILL REFUTE LUXEMBOURG DECISION''

In a press briefing he held after the commencement of Helsinki summit, Levy said that the issue of recognition of Turkey's candidacy constitutes the first article of the agenda.

The attitude of the Commission is clear and they want recognition of Turkey's candidacy, said the Spokesman and added that the full membership negotiations will start after Turkey fully abides by Copenhagen criteria.

Levy pointed out that a compromise was sought regarding the conditions concerning Turkey at the summit and issues such as human rights were discussed.

Upon a question about the method of informing Turkey on the developments, the spokesman said that the Term Presidency did what was necessary. ''Turkey earlier noted that as long as her candidacy status was not officialy recognized, she wouldn't come to Helsinki,'' he added.

[11] VERHEUGEN, EU COMMISSIONER WELCOMES OFFICIAL CONFIRMATION OF TURKEY'S CANDIDACY

In a press briefing, Verheugen said that the decisions taken by the EU Council has an historical importance and a step was taken for a united Europe. The atmosphere where there is lack of confidence will end soon, he said and added that the Council takes decisions by taking into consideration all propositions of the Council.

Verheugen pointed out that he won't respond to any questions about Turkey and he requested ''understanding'' from press members. He stressed that no deadline would be given to any country about full membership and the candidates will compete with each other. Verheugen said that they want the EU to be ready to accept new members till the end of 2002.

[12] ECHR AND TURKEY - TURMEN, TURKISH JUDGE OF EUROPEAN COURT: ''TURKEY'S EU MEMBERSHIP IS A STEP OF THE MODERN STATE PROJECT WHICH ATATURK STARTED''

Turmen addressed a conference titled ''European Human Rights Court and Turkey'', which was staged in Supreme Court of Appeals on the 51st anniversary of the acceptance of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Sami Selcuk, Chairman of the Supreme Court of Appeals, who made the opening speech of the conference, said democracy meant freedom, and thinking without precondition.

Noting that most of the cases opened in ECHR against Turkey were in terrifying dimensions, Selcuk recalled that Turmen was acting as a judge in ECHR, not a representative of Turkey. Selcuk said, ''our country will abide by the requirements of the European Court of Human Rights and European Convention on Human Rights.''

Turmen, ECHR judge, in his part pointed out that Turkey was a part of European Human Rights Convention, adding that relations of Supreme Court of Appeals and the Court in question should be improved.

Turmen said Turkey should take new steps in the field of human rights and democracy.

Pointing out that Turkey should have homeworks to achieve this end, Turmen said deficiencies and problems can be solved by abiding the resolutions of ECHR.

Turmen said human rights issue has gained a new dimension since 1989 and global non-governmental organizations became more effective.

Human rights are not internal affairs of the countries, this issue gained an international character and its supervision mechanisms have increased, said Turmen. ''A positive law was born in respect of international law and the subject of this law became human beings,'' he added.

Human rights started to regulate relations between state and individuals, said Turmen and noted that the issue also became important in respect of international politics.

''Violation of human rights causes migration and this effects stability,'' he said and added that the European Convention on Human Rights constitutes the basic legal norm of the rights and freedoms stated in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and it brought a new dimension to human's history.

''The European Convention on Human Rights transformed into a European Constitution due to developments particularly the mechanism of individual application system,'' he said.

Türmen said that the European Court of Human Rights causes the birth of a lively law system, adding ''the Court puts forward certain rules by its dynamic structure.''

The Court has an ideological structure, said Turmen, adding ''this political ideology is democracy. The Court believes that human rights will be protected by respecting democracy and supremacy of law.''

Turmen stressed that the European Convention on Human Rights was renewed in 1998, the Commission and the Court were united under the name of the European Court of Human Rights and the judges started to work full time.

Turmen added that the decisions of the Court are binding and stressed that the Court can require one country which violated the Convention's articles, to pay compensation to its citizens. He added that certain countries including Turkey make serious and positive changes in their laws and enforcements in line with Court decisions.

[13] DEMIREL: ''DECLARATION OF TURKEY'S EU CANDIDACY IS A POSITIVE DEVELOPMENT''

Speaking to reporters at the Presidential Palace in Cankaya, Ankara, President Demirel said, ''I do not have any information about the form of the candidacy. Because, the information given to me since the morning have changed continuously. I have received information that changed every hour. I can't say anything, and it is impossible to make an evaluation before the final situation. I think the government will convene at 18:00. We will have the definite information till that time, and then I can explain my opinions.''

When reminded of the claims that there were some reservations for candidacy like the Cyprus issue, Demirel said, ''nothing can happen with assumption. This is a very sensitive issue. I think the Turkish public opinion does not have an expectation through assumptions.''

When asked whether Turkey would accept the condition for annulment of death sentence, Demirel said, ''there is not a signal proving that there is such a condition at the moment. I don't think there would be such a condition.''

[14] HELSINKI SUMMIT - NEW DEVELOPMENTS ABOUT CYPRUS ISSUE AND THE HAGUE

Sources said the final document would refer to Cyprus issue and The Hague due to Greece's insistence.

The final statement would include a sentence saying, ''the candidate countries should solve their problems among them and problems with EU members through a dialogue among them, but if they fail to reach a solution and record a progress, as of the end of 2004, the Council of Europe recommend them to apply to every kind of international arbitration method including The Hague.''

Meawhile, sources said that a sentence saying that ''EU supported the solution of Cyprus issue, but if the issue is not solved, this would not constitute an obstacle for the Greek Cypriot side's full-membership to the EU'', would be included in the part of the final statement concerning the Cyprus issue.

Sources said that a sentence saying that a candidate country couldn't prevent another candidate's membership ''on the condition of the decision of EU Council'' is expected to be included in the final communique.

Diplomatic sources said Turkey's reaction to those sentences was expected.

[15] ECHR AND TURKEY

Speaking in a conference on ''European Court of Human Rights and Turkey,'' Turmen said that there are 12,454 cases pending before the Court as of December 7, 1999.

''There is no other country than Turkey which has 144 cases opened against it to the European Court by individuals saying that Turkey violated Article 2 (the right to life) and Article 3 (the right to be protected from torture),'' Turmen said and added that 129 cases opened against Turkey are on the right to freedom of expression.

''The basic principle is the hearing of the cases first by national courts. The European Court of Human Rights is in fact a supplementary court. But the exhaustion of internal remedies was not taken into consideration in many of the cases brought against Turkey,'' he said.

Turmen stressed that the freedom of expression is a basic issue in respect of European Convention on Human Rights and added that ''the court didn't only accept the freedom of expression for indifferent or unoffending thoughts, but also for offending and shocking ones.''

The Court regards all kinds of thoughts within the framework of the freedom of expression and it attributes importance to the extent of the limitations put on this right by the member states while taking decision.

[16] HELSINKI SUMMIT - GERMAN FOREIGN MINISTER FISCHER: ''EQUAL CONDITIONS ARE VALID FOR TURKEY''

In a press briefing held within the framework of Helsinki Summit, Fischer said that the most important point of the compromise reached about Turkey's candidacy is not putting forward a different condition than the ones put forward for other candidate countries.

Fischer pointed out that Turkey is taken up equally with other candidate countries.

He added that the exchange of opinion between Turkey and Finland continues after the declaration of Turkey's candidacy.

Fischer also confirmed the news saying that the problems of Cyprus and Aegean are included in the final form of the draft resolution and said he can't give any information about the details as this must be done by the EU Term President.

Fischer also confirmed that there is a reference to the year 2004 regarding Aegean problems, but he didn't give further details.

[17] KECECILER: ''WE WILL LEARN CONDITIONS AND DETAILS OF EU'S DECISION, AND WE, AS THE CABINET, WILL EVALUATE THEM''

Staging a press conference, Kececiler said he would pay a visit to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia and hold contacts at the Islamic Development Bank.

Kececiler said he would be accompanied by a delegation including also representatives of Turkish Contractors Society.

Kececiler said the Islamic Development Bank would give loans upon the 25th anniversary of its foundation, and they would seek the opportunities of obtaining loans from the Islamic Development Bank for Turkish contractors.

Kececiler said information about the project preparations for the 300 million U.S. dollar loan that Islamic Development Bank decided to give to Turkey due to quake disaster would be given.

State Minister Kececiler said he would attend the inauguration of Turkish schools built in Jeddah and Medina.

Responding to questions about Turkey's EU candidacy, Kececiler said, ''this is a decision we expected. We will learn the conditions and details of the decision. We, as the cabinet, will evaluate these, and later, you'll have the necessary information.''

[18] HELSINKI SUMMIT LOCKED ON TURKEY FOLLOWING DISCLOSURE OF CANDIDACY

Journalists have shown intense interest in the news conference of Paavo Lipponen, Finnish Prime Minister where he disclosed Turkey's candidacy.

As EU diplomats try hard to reach a reconciliation which will statisfy both Turkey and Greece, the journalists were briefed by the officials of the countries who came to the press center. Greek officials, who carried out their insistency regarding Turkey's candidacy till to the last minute, were the most important information sources of the journalists.

The U.S., which is reported to be in close dialogue with the EU countries about Turkey's participation to the union, was deeply interested in the summit.

The U.S. officials, who covered the news conference of Lipponen, Finnish Prime Minister, immediately conveyed the decision to Washington with their cellular phones.

Finland, which attributes importance to Turkey's candidacy for the success of term Presidency, is among the countries who wonder about the attitude of Ankara.

Finnish journalists, who asked their Turkish counterparts if Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit will visit Helsinki, noted that they favoured Turkey's participation to the union.

Meanwhile, the supporters of terrorist PKK organization, demonstrated in favor of Turkey's candidacy in Helsinki. The demonstrators claimed that the southeastern problem would be solved if Turkey had been a part of Europe.

[19] HUMAN RIGHTS DAY - STATE MINISTER IRTEMCELIK: ''WE ACCEPT STANDART EXPECTATIONS OF EU FROM ALL CANDIDATES AND WE WILL MEET THEM''

Staging a press briefing upon the 51th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Irtemcelik stated that ''we expect the positive result which we deserve at Helsinki summit. While we continue to walk on our path, we want to have further improved relations with the EU. Whatever the decisions of the EU countries will be, we will continue to walk towards civilization targets shown by great Ataturk with or without the EU.''

Irtemcelik stressed that human rights is first of all a problem of ethics, education, and conscience, and requested newspapers to start publishing human rights columns and arrange competitions.

Responding to a question asking whether the government has any concerns about the inclusion of the death penalty in the document that will be adopted at Helsinki summit, Irtemcelik said that ''the thing we say about this issue is the fact that we accept all criteria that is expected from candidate countries to be fulfilled.''

''When the decision of the EU countries reaches us, this is also perceived as a contract given to us. It will be evaluated by our Council of Ministers, is it a contract that can be accepted by us or not? If we like it, we will take it, if we don't like it, we will give it back and say thanks. If the former comes true, the process of being a member will start. We know what they expect from us. The things that are expected from us are also expected from other candidate countries. When EU proposes us candidacy, it will also fulfil the commitments it made to other candidate countries also to Turkey. I am worried that if the EU is late in fulfilling its commitments towards us, then the texture of the relations will also be poisoned.''

''What has changed today? What will be the results of the Greek veto?'' asked journalists to Irtemcelik. He said that ''I suppose they had no other choice than understanding the thing which they didn't want to understand in the past. This is importance of Turkey. Turkey is not a country which will be easily given up.''

''EU is certainly a strong formation, it is strong economically and politically. But it must enrich its identity and stop being a limited formation as a Christian castle,'' he said.

''Now the EU faces a challenge in Helsinki. It will answer the question of 'will I be brave enough to accept an identity enrichment. It is also a call or challenge the history imposes on Greece. Will Greece go beyond herself? Will she give up pursuing its policy of unilateral hostility against Turkey and benefit from friendship, good neighbourhood, cooperation, and partnership? She will decide that. The attitude which Greece will show in Helsinki will be the response of those challenges of history. This answer will be given by Greece but we will live the results of it altogether,'' he added.

[20] ''PAST AND PRESENT OF HUMAN RIGHTS''

Addressing the opening of a panel discussion titled ''Past and Present of Human Rights'', Turk recalled that Universal Decleration of Human Rights was adopted 51 years ago. Turk said human rights violations continued despite all the agreements.

Turk said there were many steps to be taken to this end, adding that all basic laws, mainly the Constitution, should be arranged in accordance with the understanding of human rights.

Turk said, ''1982 Constitution has been prepared after an anarchy atmosphere, and has a restrictive understanding due to basic rights and freedoms. Several changes have been made, yet it can not be said that it concluded democratic process and reached the desired level in the field of human rights.''

Turk said, ''respect to human rights can not be realized unless it is not reflected on our daily attitudes. Respect to human rights is in the conducts of people.''

Justice Minister pointed out that respect to human rights is one of the basic criteria of being included among contemporary countries.

[21] EU DELEGATION LED BY SOLANA LEAVES FOR TURKEY

Briefing the press about the visit, spokesman of Finland, Term President of EU, said EU formally recognized Turkey's candidacy, noting that the important thing was not the reaction of Ankara. He said Solana visits Turkey not to get reaction but to brief about EU's attitude.

The Spokesman also said EU did not give assurances regarding full membership of Greek Cypriot side in final statement, and noted that it also did not bring a condition like bringing Turkish-Greek disputes to the International Court of Justice in the Hague. He said final statement pointed out that this will be taken up again in the year 2004.

[22] HELSINKI FINAL DRAFT STATEMENT: - ''THE EUROPEAN COUNCIL URGES CANDIDATE STATES TO MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO RESOLVE ANY OUTSTANDING BORDER DISPUTES. FAILING THIS THEY SHOULD BRING THE DISPUTE TO THE INTERNATIONAL COURT OF JUSTICE''

The draft statement's views regarding the International Court of Justice are as follows:

-''The European Council stresses the principle of peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with the United Nations Charter, and urges candidate states to make every effort to resolve any outstanding border disputes, and other relevant issues.''

-''Failing this they should, within a reasonable time, bring the dispute to the International Court of Justice.

-''The European Council will rewiev the situation relating to such disputes in particular concerning the repercussions on the accession process, at the latest by the end of 2004.''

The draft statement's views regarding the Cyprus question are as follows:

-''The European Council welcomes the launch of the talks aiming at a comprehensive settlement of the Cprus problem on December 3 in New York, and expresses its strong support for the United Nation's Secretary General's efforts to bring the process to a successful conclusion.''

-''The European Council underlines that a political settlement will facilitate the accession of Cyprus to the European Union.''

-''If no settlement has been reached by the completion of accession in negotiations, the Council's decision on accession will be made without preconditions. In this case, the European Council will take account of all relevant factors.''

The European Council also welcomed recent positive developments in Turkey as well as its intention to continue its reforms towards conforming with the Copenhagen criteria.

In the draft statement, it was stressed, ''Turkey is destined to join the European Union on the basis of the same criteria applied to the other candidate states. Building on the existing European strategy for Turkey, like other candidate states, will benefit from a pre-accession strategy to stimulate support to its reforms. This will include enhanced political dialogue. Turkey will also have the opportunity to participate in Community programmes and agencies and in meetings between candidate states and the Union in the context of the accession process. Appropriate monitoring mechanisms will be established. With a view to intensifying the harmonization of Turkey's legislation and practice with the acquis, the EU Commission is invited to prepare a process of analytical examination of the acquis. The European Council asks the EU Commission to present a single framework for coordinating all sources of the EU financial assistance for pre-accession.''

[23] TRNC HUMAN RIGHTS ASSOCIATION SENDS A LETTER TO ANNAN, U.N. SECRETARY GENERAL: - ''TURKISH CYPRIOTS' RIGHTS SHOULD BE RECOGNIZED''

In the letter, the TRNC Human Rihgts Association noted that the Turkish Cypriots were celebrating the 51st anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights together with the whole world.

The letter emphasized that the Turkish Cypriots' rights had been violated by the Greek Cypriot administration with the support of Greece since 1963.

Pointing out the international embargos imposed on the TRNC for years, the TRNC Human Rights Association wanted recognition of the Turkish Cypriots' rights.

The letter stressed that recognition of the Turkish Cypriots' rights would help to record significant progress in solution of the Cyprus question.

[24] THE U.S. WELCOMES CANDIDACY STATUS GRANTED TO TURKEY

Mike Hammer, one of the spokesman of White House, told A.A correspondent that U.S. was not a member of European Union (EU), and expansion of EU is a problem of the EU in main points.

He said Bill Clinton, the U.S. President many times disclosed that he supported Turkey's candidacy, adding that the U.S. was pleased that EU decided to announce Turkey as the formal candidate in the basis of criteria implemented on other candidate countries.

[25] FINLAND, EU TERM PRESIDENT: ''SOLANA DID NOT GO TO ANKARA FOR BARGAINING''

Halonen, who staged a joint news conference with Christ Patten, EU Foreign Relations Commissioner, said Solana went to Ankara to disclose resolution of EU and to prevent misunderstandings.

When asked if a change was expected in the evening and Saturday morning in parts regarding Cyprus and International Court of Justice in the Hague that will be included in the draft final statement, and if Solana went to Ankara for bargaining, Halonen said Solana went to Ankara to disclose their views, not for bargaining.

Patten defined the resolution of EU granting formal candidacy status to Turkey as a ''historical decision'', and noted that,''in fact, Solana's visit to Ankara is the indication of the importance EU attributes to relations with Turkey.''

[26] PRESIDENT DENKTAS OF THE TRNC: - ''THE EU'S DOORS SEEMS TO BE OPENED FOR TURKEY. AS FOR CYPRUS, THE EU IS SPEAKING ONLY ABOUT THE GREEK CYPRIOT SIDE''

When asked of the future of the proximity talks which are underway in New York, Denktas said, ''we will scrutinize it as a whole.''

He added, ''in my point of view, the EU has shed green light to Turkey. On the other hand, the EU speaks about a Cyprus, which I think they mean only the southern Greek Cypriot republic. There is nothing against our state in the north. So we shall consider the whole thing when we see the official text.''

Meanwhile, a source close to Denktas told the A.A correspondent, ''Helsinki has dynamited New York.''

The source who asked not to be identified, added, ''the Helsinki document says that a political settlement of the division of Cyprus would facilitate the accession of Cyprus to the EU, and that would not be a precondition. If the EU insist on its attitude, it will divide Cyprus. If the Greek Cypriot side's full membership to the EU is accepted before solution of the Cyprus question, this will make division of the island definite. In that case, the TRNC will unify with Turkey.''

Meanwhile, Denktas met with Alvaro de Soto, the Special Representative of United Nations Secretary General to Cyprus, at 11:30 a.m.

Prior to his meeting with Alvaro de Soto, Denktas held talks with Von Rantzau, the German Coordinator to Cyprus.

Denktas, and Glafcos Clerides, the leader of the Greek Cypriot administration, will meet separately with Annan on Saturday.

[27] THE U.N. REFRAINS FROM COMMENTING IF CYPRUS NEGOTIATIONS TO CONTINUE OR NOT

Fred Eckhard, the U.N. spokesman, said, ''we expect the talks to continue at least till December 14. We will be under command of the sides as long as they are determined to continue negotiations.''

Rauf Denktas, President of Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), and Glafcos Clerides, leader of Greek Cypriot side, are expected to hold separate meetings with Secretary General Kofi Annan on Saturday.

[28] DENKTAS DOES NOT DEPART NEW YORK

Responding to the questions after meeting with Alvaro de Soto, the U.N. Secretary General's Cyprus Representative, Denktas confirmed that he will meet with Kofi Annan, the U.N. Secretary General on Saturday.

Noting that he had a meeting with Annan on Monday, Denktas said he may participate in the talks also on Tuesday morning.

When asked if he was happy, Denktas said he was always happy. Responding to a question when he will visit again, Denktas said he did not know.

[29] FOLEY, SPOKESMAN OF THE U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT: - ''TURKEY SHOULD BE EVALUATED UNDER THE SAME CRITERIA WITH THE OTHER EU CANDIDATES''

Foley stressed that Turkey should be evaluated under the same criteria with the other EU candidates.

Recalling that the U.S. was not a member of the EU, Foley noted that the final decision would be the EU's.

Foley reiterated that the U.S. fully supported Turkey's candidacy to the EU.

When reminded of the allegations claiming that Turkey was not satisfied with the EU's decision, Foley said he did not believe that

Turkey refused the EU's decision.

Foley added that the EU's decision created a more positive atmosphere than the one taken at the Luxembourg summit.

[30] INTENSE CONTACTS BETWEEN THE U.S. AND TURKEY

Diplomatic sources told the A.A correspondent that U.S. President Bill Clinton phoned Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit.

Clinton told Ecevit that he was pleased with the EU's decision on Turkey's candidacy.

The U.S. government described the EU's decision as ''acceptable'' for Turkey.

The diplomatic sources noted that the U.S. expressed concern over that if Turkey rejects the EU's decision, she can return to the beginning point.

The same sources also underlined the progress in relations between Turkey and the EU, and between Turkey and Greece.

[31] DEVELOPMENTS IN ANKARA ARE CLOSELY COVERED

Television channels of EU are closely covering minute by minute developments and Turkey visit of Solana and Verheugen.

Foreign press officials call for detailed information from Turkish journalists about the developments.

Spokesmen of various delegations and EU Commission try to learn the reactions of the press and public.

''Silent waiting'' continues in Greek delegation.

Some of 2,000 journalists, who have been accredited to cover Helsinki summit, stay in the hall that was allocated to the press.

As dinner of EU leaders continue, the participants are informed about the ''warm atmosphere'' in Ankara.

The spokesmen are expected to make a press briefing after the dinner.

[32] SOLANA: ''ECEVIT WILL BE IN HELSINKI''

Responding to the questions of reporters, Solana said, ''this is a very happy day for us. I can tell you your country is a candidate member of the European Union. This opens a new page in our relationship.''

Stressing that current developments opened a new page in Turkish-EU relations, Solana said, ''we are very happy. I think your country is happy too.''

Responding to a question if they have taken a positive response, Solana said ''we had a yes.''

Responding to another question, Solana said Ecevit will be in Helsinki by midday.

[33] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT : - ''THERE MAY BE DETAILS WHICH WE CANNOT NOT BE SATISFIED WITH, BUT THE EU'S INVITATION IS A GREAT SUCCESS FOR TURKEY''

[34] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT : ''THE ALLUSIONS THAT AEGEAN PROBLEMS SHOULD BE BROUGHT TO THE INTERNATIONAL COURT OF JUSTICE IN 2004 THE LATEST, IS UNACCEPTABLE FOR US''

Ecevit said announcement of Turkey's formal candidacy was a positive development, and noted that the gate of full membership has been opened to Turkey without precondition.

Ecevit said it was pleasing that steps taken by Turkey lately to adapt Copenhagen criteria have been appreciated in the draft final statement. Yet, Ecevit added that the allusion that Aegean disputes between Turkey and Greece should be brought to International Court of Justice in 2004 the latest was unacceptable for Turkey.

Ecevit noted that Cyprus issue has been cited in the draft final statement, adding that, ''even a result can not be obtained from the talks regarding Cyprus, it is inconvenient to give the impression that membership process to EU can be applied for Greek Cypriot side under the name of Cyprus. The fact that there are two separate states on the island cannot be changed in any way.''

[35] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT : - ''TURKEY'S CANDIDACY IS AN ISSUE CONCERNING BOTH THE REGION AND THE WHOLE WORLD''

Ecevit stressed that Turkey was a key country in the most sensitive region of the world, adding, ''rapproachment between Turkey and the EU will concern the region and the whole world.''

He said, ''the allusion that the Aegan problems should be brought to the International Court of Justice in the Hague in 2004 the latest, is unacceptable for us. Prime Minister Paavo Lipponen of Finland sent me a written message tonight. In his message, he clarified that this does not mean a necessity, but refers the date when the European Council will review the disputes. Lipponen's written message dated December 10, 1999 is a part of European Union (EU) legislation to this end. Our government has the required political will for the solution of problems with Greece through peaceful means, and exerts all kinds of efforts to this end.''

''Yet, it is out of question for us to accept that the solution of these problems be put forward as a precondition to start preparatory talks for EU membership.''

Noting that Bill Clinton, the U.S. President called him on the phone within the framework of overall developments, Ecevit said, ''Clinton congratulated us saying that this result should be regarded as a success for Turkey. Also, Jacques Chirac, French President, called President Demirel on the phone and congratulated him. Gerhard Schroder, German Chancellor, called me and congratulated. EU administrators came to Ankara to congratulate us.''

''High level authorities pointed out that Turkey was a candidate under equal terms, and noted that they will fully comply with this equality. I think, there may be details which we cannot be satisfied with, but in general the European Union's acceptance of our candidacy under equal conditions with the other candidate states, and its formal announcement is a great success for Turkey.''

Ecevit said, ''of course, there may be several difficulties, yet we will be in a position to overcome these difficulties better than the past. I believe this.''

[36] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT : - ''I THINK THAT OUR PREPARATION FOR EU FULL MEMBERSHIP WILL BE COMPLETED EARLIER THAN EXPECTED''

Ecevit responded the questions of journalist following his meeting with Javier Solana, the High Representative of the European Union's (EU) Foreign Policy and Joint Defense.

Responding to a question when full membership talks would start, Ecevit said, ''our government works rapidly in harmony. It took determined steps in the last 6 months concerning human rights, democratization, and economy. The EU members are aware of this. Indeed, the text appreciates the determination of our government. That's why, I believe that our preparation for EU membership can be completed earlier than expected.''

Concerning Cyprus, Ecevit said, ''we will continue our resolved attitude concerning Cyprus. Nobody should doubt about this.''

When a journalist asked that the EU has some expectations, Ecevit said they did not discuss such details, ''Yet, as I said earlier, we are taking steps within the direction of Copenhagen criteria by ourselves and we will continue to do so.''

Responding to a question saying ''how do you evaluate these developments as a person who closed the EU door by your attitude in 1970s,'' Ecevit said, ''we never closed our door to the EU. But the late 70s were the years when Turkey was under heavy economic crisis. We had needed to heal the economy first to be able to take a step for membership. We had succeeded to a great extent, but at that time, we had left the government. I was never against Turkey's EU membership.''

Responding to another question, Ecevit said he would go to Helsinki on 08.30 in the morning.

[37] TURKEY-EU RELATIONS - CORNERSTORES IN TURKEY'S MEMBERSHIP PROCESS WHICH CONTINUES FOR MORE THAN 40 YEARS

France, Federal Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg signed the European Economic Community (EEC) agreement in Rome on 25 March 1957, and the Agreement took effect as of 1 January 1958. Since then, the members of the community increased to 15.

The relations between Turkey and the European Union started when Turkey applied for partnership to the EEC, and continued with the European Union (EU) continued with ups and downs for more than 40 years.

The process of decades which includes three military interventions, and many governments, is chronologically as follows:

31 July 1959 : Turkey applied for partnership to the EEC.

11 September 1959 : EEC Council of Ministers accepted the applications of Turkey and Greece.

28-30 September 1959 : First preparatory meeting wes held between Turkey and EEC Commission.

27 May 1960 : The military seized power in Turkey. Turkey-EEC talks were halted.

14 October 1960 : Turkey declared that she is ready to fulfil all obligations to sign an agreement in the shortest period of time.

20-21 March 1961 : The EEC Council of Ministers, conveyed its proposals to Turkey, taking into consideration the proposal of the Commission.

12-15 March 1963 : Turkey-EEC talks continued.

9 May 1963 : The EEC Council of Ministers decided to open a 175 million US dollars credit to Turkey in a week following a 10 months break.

12 September 1963 : The Ankara Agreement, the partnership agreement which will allow Turkey and EEC to establish a customs union and then bring Turkey to full membership, and 1st Financial Protocol, were signed.

-ANKARA AGREEMENT-
1 December 1964 : Ankara Agreement between Turkey and the EEC took effect.

16-17 May 1966 : First Turkey-EEC Joint Parliamentary Commission convened in Brussels.

16 May 1967 : Prime Minister Suleyman Demirel, attended the 5th Partnership Council meeting held in Brussels. Demirel said that Turkey wanted to proceed to the 2nd term.

5 April 1968 : İhsan Sabri Caglayangil, the Foreign Minister, asked for the start of 2nd term in Turkey-EU Partnership Council.

6 February 1969 : The talks started to proceed to the 2nd term.

22 July 1970 : Turkey accepted the Additional Protocol.

26 October 1970 : First meeting of Customs Cooperation Committee was held.

19 November 1970 : The Partnership Council accepted the text of Additional Protocol.

23 Kasım 1970 : The Additional Protocol and Second Financial Protocol were signed in Brussels.

12 March 1971 : Turkish Armed Forces gave a memorandum to Demirel government.

5 July 1971 : The Additional Protocol was adopted in Turkish Grand National Assembly with 149 votes against 69. Nine deputies abstained.

22 July 1971 : The Senate, adopted the Additional Protocol with 113 votes against 29 votes. Two deputies abstained.

1 September 1971 : The temporary agreement which would function the commercial provisions until the Additional Protocol took effect, was put into force.

13 January 1972 : Turkey-EEC talks restarted to provide the adoption of partnership agreement to other countries which would join the Community.

26 April 1972: Turkey gave a memorandum to the EEC and asked all concessions be increased and the articles negative for Turkey be more flexible.

20 July 1972 : The Partnership Council extended the temporary agreement which would expire on 1 September 1972 until the end of the year.

1 January 1973 : The Additional Protocol officially took effect. Britain, Ireland, and Denmark became members of the EEC.

21 May 1973: Consultations on the accord for harmonization envisaging inclusion of the new candidate countries in the partnership after the enlargement of the EEC, were finalized. The agreement (Supplementary Protocol) was signed in Ankara on June 30, 1973.

25 April 1974: The programme of the new government formed by Prime Minister Ecevit, gave place to the revision of relations with the ECC.

14 October 1974: At the Turkey-EEC Partnership Council meeting, Foreign Minister Gunes stated that this requested revision, and that the necessary amendment list would be announced later.

1 January 1976: Turkey fulfilled her commitments within framework of the Additional Protocol by carrying out the customs reduction and consolidated list accord.

1 July 1976: Turkey could not determine the necessary ''Request List'' because of the divergences among the state institutions and coalition partners.

25 December 1976: With a unilateral decision, Turkey froze all her commitments in accordance with the Article 60 of the Additional Protocol. No reduction was made in the lists. Reductions were about 10 percent in the 22-year lists, 20 percent in 12-year lists, and 40 percent in consolidated lists.

12 May 1977: The Third Financial Protocol was signed in Brussels.

1 July 1977: The agricultural concessions which were granted by the EEC, came into force.

4-11 October 1978: Turkey requested suspension of her commitments during the five-year plan period, and provision of financial aid worth of 8 billion U.S. dollars for the same period.

21 May 1979: The EEC Council responded Turkey's requests officialy. Turkey's exemption period was accepted.

2 January 1980: A series of measures which fully changed Turkey's economical and financial policies, were announced. Foreign Minister Hayrettin Erkmen attended the Partnership Council in Brussels, and requested to stop works and to start acceleration stage of the official application to the EEC.

30 June 1980: Erkmen staged a press conference in Brussels, and stated that Turkey would applied for the full membership in the fall.

[38] TURKEY-EU RELATIONS - TURKEY APPLIES TO EUROPEAN COMMUNITY FOR FULL MEMBERSHIP ON APRIL 14 1987

12 September 1980: The army seized power in Turkey.

16 September 1980: After the military coup of the Turkish army which dissolved the parliament, the European Economic Community Foreign Ministers Council said in a statement that ''time credit'' was given to the military administration and the agreement won't be frozen during this time.

25 March 1981: The National Security Council decided to apply for full membership to the EEC after the system turns back to democracy and to start preparations to this end.

21 July 1985: Prime Minister Turgut Ozal said that Turkey will submit its official application to the EEC when the appropriate time and conditions require.

16 September 1986: Turkey-EEC Partnership Council convened. Thus the normalization process of the frozen Turkey-EEC relations since 12 September 1980 started.

17 October 1986: A State Ministry responsible for Turkey-EC relations was founded. Professor Ali Bozer was appointed as the State Minister.

1 December 1986: EC stopped the implementation of the free movement of Turkey's labour power stemming from the provisions of the Additional Protocol.

1 January 1987: EC completely lifted the customs duties on its imports from Turkey regarding certain processed agricultural products and whole products subject to the common market regulation implemented within the framework of the EC Common Agricultural Policy.

14 April 1987: Turkey applied for full membership to the EC.

18 December 1989: The ''Opinion'' of the EC Commission about Turkey's application for membership was announced by Abel Matutes, the Commissioner in Brussels. The Commission's view was that Turkey was eligible to join the Community, but the Community and Turkey were not ready for this accession due to economic, political, and social reasons.

5 February 1990: EC Foreign Ministers Council accepted the ''Opinion'' of the Commission.

6 June 1990 :The Cooperation Programme prepared by the EC Community to further improve the partnership between Turkey and the EC, foresaw the realization of the Customs Union till the end of 1995, re-commencement of financial cooperation and improvement of the political cooperation.

1 April 1991 : Turkey and European Free Trade Area (EFTA) signed a Technical Cooperation Programme.

30 September 1991 : Turkey-EC Partnership Council re-convened after a long time.

21 January 1992 : A Technical Cooperation Programme was prepared between Turkey and EC.

9 November 1992 : The 33th term meeting of Turkey-EC Partnership Council was held.

3 December 1992 : Turkey-EC Customs Cooperation Committee which couldn't convene since 1982 held its 10th term meeting.

1 January 1993 : Turkey started to form de facto preferential tariffs on certain products it imported to EU countries within the framework of import regime.

25 January 1993 : The Customs Cooperation Committee started to convene regularly.

10 February 1994 : Leon Brittan, the EC Commission Deputy Chairman visited Turkey and gave messages about the realization of the Customs Union.

28 September 1994 : European Parliament decided to stop Joint Parliament Commission's activities till the trial of the Democracy Party (DEP) deputies ends.

15 December 1994: European Parliament requested the postponement of the Partnership Council meetings due to the punishments given to DEP deputies and not to realize the customs union as long as the human rights violations continue in Turkey.

19 December 1994: The 35th Partnership Council couldn't make the draft resolution on Customs Union prepared by the Steering Committee definite due to the opposing attitude of Greece and decided to reconvene the Partnership Council between 6-7 March. EU criticized Turkey about Cyprus, Human rights, and ''Kurdish problem''.

6 March 1995 : Partnership Council convened and decided to form the customs union between Turkey and the EU. The Council took commercial, financial, and technical decisions about the union.

5 April 1995: Troika paid a visit to Ankara and issued a statement about the Turkish military operation in Northern Iraq.

30 October 1995 : In its 37th meeting, the Partnership Council decided that Turkey fulfilled the necessary conditions for well-operation of the Customs union.

13 December 1995: Turkey-EU Partnership Council decision No. 1/95 was approved by the European Parliament.

1 January 1996: The ''Transition Period'' in integration with the EU was completed on December 31, 1995 and Turkey entered into the ''Final Period'' regarding customs union in industrial and processed agricultural products and full membership process.

19 February 1996: The First Term meeting of the Customs Union Joint Committee was held.

25 July 1996 : Turkey and the EU signed free trade agreement on European Coal and Steel Community products.

24 October 1996 : European Parliament suspended the aids that will be given to Turkey from the EU budget due to the decision in principle it adopted on September 18.

29 April 1997: The 38th Turkey-EU Partnership Council re-convened after a long time.

12-13 December 1997 : At Luxembourg Summit, 10 Central and East European countries including ''Cyprus'' were determined as the ''candidate countries'' while Turkey's only membership eligibility was confirmed, but her official candidacy status was not recognized.

25 February 1998 : EU and Turkey signed preferential tariff agreement which is valid for agricultural products. The agreement entered into force to be valid as of January 1, 1998.

3 March 1998: EU Commission adopted a document entitled ''European Strategy for Turkey'' in which the EU Commission adopted to broaden the relations between Turkey and the Customs Union and to fully evaluate the possibilities stemming from Ankara Agreement.

22 July 1998 : In return to the ''European Strategy'' prepared by the EU Commission, Turkey submitted a document including proposals to improve relations with the EU, to the Commission.

4 November 1998: EU Commission issued its reports on the compliance of the all candidate states to membership criteria and their harmonization to the EU acqusitions. In the report on Turkey, it was stated that Turkey met the conditions of the market economy in a considerable extent, but she had important deficiencies in political field.

3-4 July 1999 : In Koln final statement of the European Council, Turkey's name was not mentioned. Due to the veto of Greece, two articles on Turkey was taken out from the statement although Germany requested EU to take such an approach which would emphasize the full membership candidacy of Turkey to the EU, and bring a calendar for the steps to be taken.

[39] FOREIGN MINISTER CEM: - ''THIS IS A HISTORICAL DAY FOR TURKEY'' - ''THERE IS NO CHANGE IN TURKEY'S ATTITUDE CONCERNING CYPRUS''

Cem told reporters there may be difficulties, but these will be overcome in a determined attitude.

He said that Turkey had some concerns over the text which was brought to her, but she succeeded to make some changes by her resolved attitude.

Ismail Cem stated that there is no change in Turkey's attitude concerning Cyprus. ''On the contrary, she acquired the capability of defending Cyprus cause in new fields,'' he said.

[40] FOREIGN MINISTER CEM: - ''THE EXPRESSIONS IN THE TEXT OF THE EU, ARE THE CONFIRMATION OF BRINGING INTO LIFE THE THESIS DEFENDED BY TURKEY FOR YEARS'' - ''I GUESS THAT THE POSITIVE PROCESS WHICH STARTED IN RELATIONS WITH GREECE, WILL CONTINUE MORE TRUSTWORTHY'' - ''THERE CAN BE NO PARALLELISM BETWEEN ISSUES OF CYPRUS AND EU''

Cem told a press briefing that preceeding governments also preferred to solve the disputes betwen Turkey and Greece through negotiations and this was a proper approach.

Cem said he has the opinion of solving the problems between Turkey and Greece without the condition of EU membership and candidacy. ''I was thinking that we could find a way of solving many problems by ourselves in the Aegean by means of negotiations, not only the continental shelves, or a part of the problems,'' he said.

Stating that his thought had become a rule in the process, Cem said: ''In accordance with this rule, all problems in the Aegean will be discussed. Also, when the means of negotiations are exhausted, it is not an objectionable situation for us if this is reviewed in 2004, and after that another round of negotiations, and then the International Court of Justice come to the agenda within the existing regulations of the EU.''

Cem said that they reiterated several times that Turkey does not set up a parallelism between the issues of Cyprus and the EU. ''We do not agree with the part (b) of 9th article attributed to the relations between the EU and South Cyprus Greek-Cypriot Administration. Our political and legal objections to the application of Greek Cypriot administration are still valid.''

Stating that Turkey's policy is based on the principle of two states, Cem said if there will be a compromised settlement, Turkey's policy of two states is still valid.

''We will defend our Cyprus cause with the same determination. Of course, a Turkey who is a EU candidate, will have the opportunity to defend more effectively not only the on the problems in the Aegean, but also on our justified Cyprus cause.''

Cem said that ''we gave priority to national interests and interests of our people in this candidacy process. We will carry on with the same sensitivity. Our basic precondition was that we would not accept any precondition if we would be a candidate. We would not accept the candidacy process be connected with some preconditions peculiar to Turkey. I said that we expected an impartial and just approach. This text has such an approach. We have good intentions in the upcoming process.''

When a journalist asked if any changes were made in the text brought by the EU, Cem said, ''the text you mentioned and the text I received are different. There is difference between the text which is brought to us as the approved draft and the text given to press in Helsinki. Solana and Verheugen visited Turkey and formally clarified the points which were needed to be clarified for us. As a result, this yielded a positive result.''

When asked if the formal assurances given to Turkey are verbal, Cem said, ''this has a peculiarity of signed acquisitions of the EU. What Mr. Solana and other officials said, had been included in our official records. One of these, is the issue of year 2004. We wanted this to be clarified, and it was done.''

Responding to a question ''if he had met with Yorgo Papandreou, Greek Foreign Minister'', Cem said that Papandreou had called him to congratulate, but he was in the Council of Ministers meeting. He said that he then tried to reach Papandreou, but couldn't succeed. ''But he conveyed his congratulatory message. I think I will meet him. I think that the positive process which started in relations with Greece, will continue more trustworthy,'' Cem said.

[41] THE U.S. PLEASED WITH PREMIER ECEVIT'S DECISION TO GO TO HELSINKI

A high level official from the U.S. State Department told A.A correspondent that ''as President Bill Clinton stated several times, we strongly supported Turkey's EU candidacy although we are not a member of the EU. Any development in this direction, including the decision of Prime Minister Ecevit to go to Helsinki, pleases us.''

[42] Anadolu Ajansı

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