Anadolu Agency: News in English, 00-01-17

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[01] AA News

17 January 2000 Monday

[02] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

HURRIYET (LIBERAL)

WORLD BANK DELEGATION DUE IN ANKARA
The World Bank delegation is expected to arrive in Ankara on Monday to hold talks on agricultural reform. The delegation will meet with officials at the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Ministry. The World Bank wants Turkey accelerate works on agricultural reform.

CEM: ''WE HAVE RECORDED CONCRETE PROGRESS WITH ATHENS''
Ismail Cem, the Foreign Minister, said, ''agreements which were reached as a result of the talks between Turkey and Greece will form legal basis of a new relation between the two countries.'' In his statement to the To Vima newspaper published in Athens, Cem pointed out that talks between Turkey and Greece, which were carried out in a friendship and cooperation atmosphere, and which brought very positive results, revealed that the two neighbouring countries may succeed in many things if they have political determination and good will. Cem said there was already good cooperation between Turkey and Greece in many areas, setting a foundation for future cooperation.

MILLIYET (LIBERAL)

ERCEL: ''I HELD PRODUCTIVE AND POSITIVE MEETINGS IN U.S.''
Gazi Ercel, the Governor of the Central Bank, said that he had held very productive and positive contacts in the U.S. Addressing journalists at the Esenboga Airport, Ercel said that the U.S. financial circles had positive impressions about the Turkish economy.

KORKMAZ, CHIEF OF AN ORGANIZED CRIME GANG, ARRESTED
Ayvaz Korkmaz, the chief of an organized crime gang who was extradited to Turkey from the Ukraine, was arrested by the Istanbul State Security Court (DGM).

SABAH (LIBERAL)

AVALANCHE KILLS FOUR HUNTERS IN YUKSEKOVA
Avalanche killed four hunters near Yamac village in Yuksekova county of eastern Hakkari province. Orhan Isin, the Governor of Hakkari, said that the bodies of hunters were recovered under snow.

The hunters were laid to rest in Yamac village.

CUMHURIYET (LEFT)

ECEVIT: ''I'AM BEGGING YOU TO MOVE TO PREFABRICATED HUTS''
Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said that the prefabricated huts were concluded in two and a half months but half of them were still vacant. Addressing quake survivors, Ecevit said, ''I am begging you to move to pprefabricated huts. Don't insist on staying in tents by endangering your children's lives.'' Continuing his warnings to Ocalan to stop talking, Ecevit said, ''it is impossible for us to tolerate Ocalan's using the prison in Imrali as a politics podium. We don't allow them to make separatist movements political.''

RADIKAL (LEFT)

POLITICS AGAINST LIFE
The government bill which aimed at preventing jerry-built houses and brings heavy punishments to the responsible people, was stopped by ''ministers''. Any service won't be brought to those jerry-built houses in accordance with the draft law which changes the Housing Law. The people who are responsible for the construction of those houses can't become candidate in local elections and can't vote in the elections. However, it was reported that some ministers from the Democratic Left Party (DSP), Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) and Motherland Party (ANAP) did not sign the bill.

TURKIYE (RIGHT)

Islamic Great Eastern Raiders Front (IBDA-C) organization claimed responsibility for the attack. Efforts are under way to capture the assailants who fled after the attack.

TURKEY TO GIVE PRIORITY TO GEORGIAN BUSINESSMEN
A new era is beginning in relations between Turkey and Georgia. Two countries will give priority to each other's businessmen in projects. Turkey will further improve cooperation with Georgia in the fields of transportation and telecommunications. Two countries have pledged to carry out joint projects.

ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)

[03] 109.6 MILLION U.S. DOLLARS OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS AND FRESH FRUITS EXPORTED FROM GAP REGION IN 1999

In 1998, the region exported 75 million 992 thousand U.S. dollars of industrial products and fresh fruits.

Officials at the Southeastern Anatolian Exporters' Union, told the A.A correspondent on Sunday that they exported 32 million 534 thousand U.S. dollars in fresh fruits; 21 million 818 thousand U.S. dollars in chemicals; 7 million 927 thousand U.S. dollars in electronics; 19 million 399 thousand U.S. dollars in textiles; 3 million 278 thousand U.S. dollars in fruits and vegetables; 11 million 459 thousand U.S. dollars in cement; and 13 million 245 thousand U.S. dollars in other products in 1999.

The majority of the goods were exported to the Middle Eastern and European Union countries.

[04] IRANIAN FOREIGN MINISTER KHARRAZI LEAVES FOR TURKEY

Kharrazi's contacts will focus on bilateral relations between Turkey and Iran, and on regional and international developments.

The issues of problems stemming from members of the terrorist organization PKK who have taken shelter in Iran, and relations between

Turkey and Israel are also expected to be brought onto agenda of Kharrazi's meetings.

In a previous statement, Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said that a number of terrorists had taken shelter in Iranian territories, and Turkey would ask Iran to take effective measures to prevent terrorists from taking shelter in Iran.

[05] 53.4 MILLION U.S. DOLLARS OF DRIED APRICOTS EXPORTED FROM GAP REGION IN 1999

The region exported 45 million 613 thousand U.S. dollars of dried apricot in 1998.

Officials at the Southeastern Anatolian Exporters' Union, told the A.A correspondent on Monday that the majority of the dried apricots was exported to France, Britain, Australia, Italy, the U.S., Germany, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Romania and Greece.

[06] PORTUGESE SECRETARY OF STATE DE COSTA IN ANKARA

Speaking to reporters before his meeting with Francisco Seixas De Costa, the Secretary State of EU Term President Portugal, Ismail Cem said the meeting would be the first official contact between Turkey and the EU following the Helsinki Summit.

''Following the Helsinki Summit, there was an important renewal in point of view of both Turkey and the EU toward world and themselves. In this cooperation, Turkey's historical experience, young population, dynamic economy and culture will positively contribute to the EU,'' he said.

''The cooperation with the EU will also bring factors that enable Turkey to reach a further logic and sense. We are in the beginning of a hopeful journey,'' he stated.

Mearwhile, De Costa recalled that a new period started between Turkey and the EU, expressing his pleasure over his visit to Turkey.

Noting that it would be dangerous to mention any date for the start of full- membership negotiations, De Costa said that the important thing was the opening of EU path for Turkey.

Stressing that some steps should be taken for the further improvement of Turkey-EU relations, De Costa said that Turkey was carrying out important economic reforms.

Pointing out that the EU membership should be perceived as a technical process, De Costa added that Turkey was judged with same criteria as other candidates, and within this framework, some fear and tensions in the past should be overcome.

[07] IRANIAN FOREIGN MINISTER IN ANKARA

Kharrazi was welcomed by Foreign Minister Ismail Cem and other high-level officials at the Esenboga Airport in Ankara.

Speaking to reporters at the airport, Cem said similar issues were on the agenda of two neighbouring countries Turkey and Iran, adding that they would discuss the ways to improve the relations between Turkey and Iran during Khrrazi's visit.

Cem said Kharrazi would hold several contacts also in Konya and Istanbul during his visit to Turkey.

Guest Minister Kharrazi said the two neighbouring countries Turkey and Iran were suffering from the same problems although there were some differences.

Noting that they could reach an agreement on some issues in fields of economy and politics, Kharrazi said Turkey and Iran coulp play very important role in the region.

The relations between Turkey and Iran will be discussed in detail during Kharrazi's visit.

[08] TURKEY TO SPEND 1.2 QUADRILLION TL IN ENERGY INVESTMENTS

In accordance with the Investment Programme of the Year 2000, 1 quadrillion 175 trillion 625 billion TL will be spent in the continuing projects and 18 trillion 402 billion TL will be spent in the new projects.

The state will allocate 8 trillion 105 billion TL for the etude-project this year.

The state will use 320 trillion 408 billion TL foreign loan and 78 trillion 73 billion 300 million TL foreign equities for the energy investments of 2000.

The Turkish Electricity Production Transmission Incorp. (TEAS) will make the highest amount of energy investments with 575 trillion TL.

The State Water Works (DSI) will follow the TEAS with 359 trillion 465 billion TL while the Turkish Electricity Distribution Incorp. (TEDAS) will be the third institution which will spend highest amounts in energy investments, with 261 trillion TL.

[09] TURKISH COMMISSION OF PENAL LAW CONVENES - JUSTICE MINISTER TURK: ''DEATH PENALTY WILL BE EVALUATED WITHIN THE INTEGRITY OF CRIME AND PENAL POLICY''

The Commission which will change TCK, started its activities the same day. Speaking in the opening of the Commission meeting, Turk said that the new penal code of the Commission will be prepared by taking into consideration the needs of the 21st century.

Responding to questions of journalists about the death penalty, Turk said that Turkey is a member of the Council of Europe (COE) and a candidate country of the European Union (EU). Turk remanded that Turrkey didn't sign the Additional Protocol No. 6 of the European Convention of Human Rights.

''This protocol foresees death penalty only for two situations: in times of war and in times of war threat. A study was undertaken during the period of the 55th government to evaluate this situation. But it was left incomplete. Now the Commission will re-evaluate the situation. In the EU summit held in 1997, it foresaw abolishment of the death penalty at the international level. Turkish Prime Minister of that period signed that declaration,'' said Turk.

Turk pointed out that the document that will be prepared by the Commission will be a draft, it will be later discussed by the concerned institutions, evaluated by the Ministry of Justice, and it will be submitted to the Parliament after being taken up by the cabinet.

''When the death penalty is lifted, will Ocalan benefit from that?'' asked a journalist to Turk who responded that there is a basic principle in penal code that is retroactive effect of sentences which is to the advantage of suspect. ''When the regulations are done, the persons are not taken into consideration, general principles are determined,'' said Turk.

[10] TURKISH COMMISSION OF PENAL LAW CONVENES - JUSTICE MINISTER TURK:''RESPECT TO HUMAN RIGHTS WILL BE THE MAIN AIM OF DRAFT''

The Commission which will prepare the changes in the TCK convened the same day.

Speaking in the opening of the Commission meeting, Turk said that the TCK entered into force in 1926, some of its articles were changed for 46 times, but the idea of changing it totally depended on 1940s.

Recalling that the draft law prepared in 1997 was not evaluated due to the early general elections, Turk said that a new penal code is needed as the articles of the Turkish Penal Code are old, the needs of the country changed and the sentences have to be re-defined.

''The punishments given to certain crimes make society conscience uneasy. While very light imprisonments are given to certain crimes, very heavy imprisonments are given to others. Technological developments caused new crime types,'' said Turk. He stressed that the language of the TCK can't be understood easily, adding ''the necessary punishment will be given to those who commit crime, but improving convicted persons won't be forgotten.''

Broadening the right to freedom of expression will be one of the important aims of the draft, Turk said adding pecuniary punishments will be re- examined.

Turk stressed that the conditions of probation have to be re-examined, adding the works of the Commission will last for six months at least.

[11] SNOWFALL EXPECTED AS OF THIS EVENING

Officials of the State Meteorology Centre said on Monday that Turkey will be under the influence of a new rainy and snowy weather as of this evening.

Snowfall is expected in many regions of Turkey, the officials noted.

The precipitation which will fall to the south and east parts of Turkey on Tuesday, is predicted to fall to all the regions of Turkey on Wednesday; the officials stated.

The officials stressed that heavy snowfall and strong winds are also expected in the central and eastern Turkey.

The temperature will stay in seasonal normals, the officials emphasized.

The officials asked all the concerned persons to be cautious in case of negative weather conditions caused by the heavy snowfall, strong winds and freeze.

[12] PROTOCOL ON CONCEPT OF ''EXPORTED PRODUCTS'' CHANGED

In accordance with this change, the term ''ECU'' which was used in the Articles 21 and 26 of the protocol, was replaced by the term ''EURO.''

Under this change, the amount of the products in EURO which is equivalent to the national currency of the exporting country, will be determined by the exporting country and the importing country will be informed about this new amount.

The other changes in the protocol was made in the other products including, cereals, alcoholic products, carpet and textile; nuclear fuel products and stationery goods.

This new protocol was put into effect on January 1, 2000.

[13] RUDDOCK, AUSTRALIAN MINISTER FOR IMMIGRATION: - ''DO NOT TRAVEL TO AUSTRALIA WITHOUT A VISA AND PROPER TRAVEL DOCUMENTS''

Staging a press conference at the Australian Embassy in Ankara, Ruddock said that significant amount of illegal immigrants came from Turkey to Australia between 1998 and 1999.

The relations between two countries are very well and the Turks living in Australia are in very important positions like being the deputies in local parliaments, and academicians in universities; Ruddock noted.

Ruddock stated that they increased the measures they take for preventing the illegal immigration to Australia.

Many people try to enter into Australia with small boats and many people died on route to Australia because of travelling in the ocean with small boats, Ruddock stressed.

Ruddock emphasized that those who achieve to reach Austria, are sent back to their countries when captured.

Thus, they lose all their money because they give their money to the people smugglers; Ruddock pointed out.

Ruddock said that many illegal immigrants use Turkey as a transit country and enter into Australia, and that to this end, Turkey's location had a crucial role in the international refugee protection framework.

They will hold contacts with the Turkish officials to prevent this illegal immigration, Ruddock noted.

Ruddock stated that Australia will fund a refugee identification workshop for judges and prosecutors in Turkey.

The workshop will focus on the identification of people with refugee claims within Turkey and will provide those involved in the judicial system in Turkey, a chance to discuss the latest developments in international refugee and asylum law; Ruddock stressed.

Ruddock emphasized that the workshop is a collaborative effort between the Turkish Justice and Foreign Ministries, the Turkish Union of Bar Associations and the local office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

The workshop will be funded by the Australian Government's Overseas Aid Program, Ruddock pointed out.

Ruddock will depart Turkey following his meetings with Interior Minister Saadettin Tantan and Justice Minister Hikmet Sami Turk.

[14] FOREIGN CAPITAL PERMITS REACH 1.7 BILLION DOLLARS IN 1999

The foreign capital permits were 1,64 billion dollars in 1998.

The Undersecretary of the Treasury said on Monday that the amount of the foreign capital permitted in December 1999 decreased by 39.2 percent and it became 189 million dollars.

The manufactured goods industry became the first sector among the permitted foreign capital in 1999 by 66 percent, it was followed by service sector by 32.5 percent. The agriculture and mining sectors didn't record an important progress due to the foreign capital permits.

A total of 1019 permits were given for foreign capital in 1999 and the cumulative amount of it reached 25,55 billion dollars.

When one looks at the distribution of permitted foreign capital among the countries, he sees that 90 percent of the permits were given to Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries, particularly to the European Union (EU) countries.

The biggest amount of foreign capital permits was given to Ford company last year.

The total amount of de facto capital entrance into Turkey was 12,24 billion dollars the same year.

[15] TRNC FOREIGN AND DEFENSE MINISTER ERTUGRULOGLU: ''SOLUTION SHOULD DEPEND ON TWO SEPERATE AND SOVEREIGN STATES''

If the world confirms the fact that the Greek Cypriot side is not a state which represents the whole island, this can be a step towards solution, said Ertugruloglu and added that ''there can't be anything like contact between two communities. Such a thing recalls one state with two communities. But today there are two separate states on this island. We know very well that the Greek Cypriots used these contacts for political ends in the past. Our official policy is to meet from state to state.''

Ertugruloglu stressed that there is nothing called ''confidence building measures'' which are on the table, adding this was a part of the former process about the Cyprus question and he reminded that the Greek Cypriot side rejected that.

[16] PREMIER ECEVIT RECEIVES IRANIAN FM KHARRAZI

The Prime Ministry sources told A.A correspondent that the natural gas issue was discussed during the meeting.

Ecevit thanked Kharrazi for the understanding Iran showed when the natural gas project was postponed for one and a half years, the sources said.

The sources noted that Iranian side expressed its uneasiness regarding Israel while Ecevit expressed his uneasiness about the members of the terrorist organization PKK who are in Iran.

Iranian side told Ecevit that some members of the terrorist organization infiltrate to Iran from the border and the commission which was set up under the auspices of the interior ministers of both countries, try to solve this problem; the sources stated.

The sources stressed that Iranian side mentioned about its compensation demand for the Iranians who died during Turkish operation against the bases of the terrorist organization in Iran.

Ecevit said that he will launch initiatives regarding this issue, the sources emphasized.

The sources said that the amount of the compensation was determined but they did not announce the amount.

[17] DE COSTA, PORTUGAL'S SECRETARY OF STATE, SPEAKS AT A SEMINAR IN METU

De Costa concluded his contacts in Ankara by giving a seminar titled ''the EU and Turkey'' in the Middle East Technical University (METU).

When asked why they want to see Turkey within the EU, De Costa said, ''because Turkey is already a European country and she proved this by taking role in European institutions for long years.''

De Costa, who mentioned Turkey's strategic importance, noted the importance of Turkey for the security and stability of Central Asia and Caucasus regions where tension escalated gradually.

Pointing out that principles like human rights and democracy, which the EU put forward as condition to the candidate countries, were the moral values of the union, De Costa said such values were not open to discussion and bargaining. De Costa said these principles will also be on the top of the agenda of consultations that take place with the candidate countries.

Responding to a question about the EU membership of Cyprus, De Costa defended that membership of the island to the union will have an effect that will facilitate long lasting Cyprus question. Recalling that proximity talks between the sides continued within the framework of the U.N., De Costa said the existing U.S. administraton would like to find a solution to the problem.

De Costa departed Turkey following the seminar in METU.

[18] STATE MINISTER USENMEZ IN TRNC

''The cooperation between the two states make other countries jealous. And this upsets our enemies a little. They are trying their best to prevent this. Some circles are working to disrupt this cooperation. These attempts have always existed,'' Denktas said.

Usenmez assured that ''the friendship between Turkey and TRNC would continue as long as the world exists.'' ''Neither the European Union nor other unions can be as strong as our unity with TRNC. This should be known by everyone,'' he added.

Usenmez will have contacts on issues related to his ministry. TRNC Public Works and Housing Ministry Mehmet Albayrak said they would exchange opinion to expedite works on title deed and land survey according to a protocol between the two ministries.

Usenmez was later received by TRNC Parliament Speaker Ertugrul Hasipoglu, Prime Minister Dervis Eroglu and Deputy Prime Minister Mustafa Akinci.

During the visits, Usenmez said they were ready to use Turkey's 150 years of experience in title deed and land survey to speed up related works in TRNC.

Hasipoglu noted that problems rooted from title deed constituted a major part of the Cyprus problem. He reminded that there was a population exchange with the Greek Cypriots in 1974 and this needed to be completed with a property exchange. Therefore, the problem is on the basic of the Cyprus problem, he said. Eroglu, on the other hand, said they wanted to make use of Turkey's vast experience on this issue.

The Turkish Cypriots would give up neither Turkey's guarantee nor their sovereignty, Hasipoglu stressed.

[19] MUNICH CONSUL GENERAL OTMAN VISITS FOREIGNERS DEPARTMENT

Dr. W. Suckow, Director of Citizenship Section, briefed Otman about the new parts of the Citizenship Law which took effect since the beginning of this year.

Suckow said that making the regulations easier to become a German citizen will also make adjustment easier for Turkish citizens. About 3,500 Turkish citizens were informed about German citizenship since the new law was implemented.

In the last 15 days, 600 Turks applied to become a German citizen which is four times higher than the same period last year.

A person who is applying for German citizenship should study German for at least for years at a German school or should have a diploma from a vocational school, Suckow explained.

A.A

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