Anadolu Agency: News in English, 00-02-11

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[01] AA News

11 February 2000 Friday

[02] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

HURRIYET (LIBERAL)

WORLD BANK: ''TURKEY IS THE MODEL COUNTRY OF THE REGION''
Ajay Chhibber, the Turkey Director of the World Bank, said that Turkey has put into force a very courageous economic program. Chibber noted that the first results of the program are very pleasing and that serious steps that he had not seen anywhere before, were taken in Turkey. Chibber added that Turkey will be a model country for many other countries in her region.

MILLIYET (LIBERAL)

FM CEM TO OPEN EXHIBITION IN GERMANY
Ismail Cem, the Foreign Minister, will pay a cultural visit to Germany this time rather than a political visit. Cem will open a photograph exhibition titled ''The Seasons'' in Berlin. Cem will meet with the chief consuls working in Germany, Joschka Fischer, the German Foreign Minister, and with the Turkish people living in Germany during his visit.

SABAH (LIBERAL)

MERVE DISAPPEARS
Merve Safa Kavakci, a woman deputy from the Virtue Party (FP), went abroad in the term holiday of her children. Kavakci did not wait for the decision of the Council of State, and even did not ask her lawyer what the decision was. Kavakci, whose application for the annulment of the Council of Minister's decision regarding her denaturalization, was rejected; is on holiday abroad. Where she and her family went is not made public. Some people claim that Kavakci was thinking of settling down in the U.S. if the Council of State rejected her request.

CUMHURIYET (LEFT)

IMF TO START CONTROLLING TURKEY
Carlo Cottarelli, the Turkey Desk Chief of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), will come to Turkey on February 18, 2000. The IMF delegation will hold contacts with the Treasury, Central Bank, Finance Ministry, State Planning Organization (DPT), Privatization Administration Board, and the Banks Union. The delegation will revise the economic figures of 1999 and the figures of January 2000.

RADIKAL (LEFT)

BRITISH LOAN TO YALOVA
The technical and financial cooperation agreement which aims at reconstructing quake-hit Yalova province, was signed between Turkey and Britain. Within the framework of the agreement, Britain will grant Turkey 1.5 million U.S. Sterling which is equivalent to 1.3 trillion Turkish Liras (TL). Under the agreement, British Eximbank will provide 50 million U.S. dollar loan for the implementation of the investment projects.

TURKIYE (RIGHT)

BLUE STREAM PROJECT STARTED TO BE CONSTRUCTED
The construction of the Turkey part of the Blue Stream Project started. The initiatives for the Samsun-Ankara part of the pipeline were launched in Haymana township of Ankara. A work-site was started to be constructed near Ikizce village of Haymana. The works to open a route from Ankara to Corum, the digs for a channel and the efforts to find resources continue. As the work-sites in Ankara and Corum start construction, the project is expected to be completed before April 2001. All the pipe and necessary equipment for 501-kilometer pipeline will be provided until July 2000. The natural gas which will start flowing into Turkey no later than April 2001, can be used in Samsun, Amasya, Corum, Yozgat, Kirikkale, and Ankara.

ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)

SPAIN IS OUR NEW TARGET
The Turkish businessmen chose Spain, whose economy and industry improved during its integration process with the European Union (EU), as their new target. The Zara and Mango, Spanish ready-made cloth companies, are reflecting the Spanish fashion in Turkey. The Kale Group will realize a joint production with the Spanish Roca Gruop. The Spanish Technicas Reunidas company won the tender for the construction of the Izmir Refinery. The Casa planes, the Mapfre insurance company, the Eliop vehicle automation, and Teka kitchen furniture are some other Spanish companies working in Turkey.

[03] TRNC PRESIDENT DENKTAS ARRIVES IN GERMANY

Denktas will hold official contacts in Hamburg, where he is paying a visit on the invitation of Joschka Fischer, the German Foreign Minister.

Peter Witting, the Honorary Chief Consul of the Greek Cypriot side, will also participate in today's meeting which will start at 12.00 local time.

Denktas' visit to Germany carries importance because this is the first time that Denktas received an official invitation from a German minister.

[04] SECURITIES ACCOUNT AT BANKS DECREASE 50.9 TRILLION TL

The total securities account at banks was 12 quadrillion 112.1 trillion TL on December 30, 1999.

The Central Bank data shows that there were a total of 12 quadrillion 61.2 trillion TL of securities including 7 quadrillion 961.4 trillion TL of securities, and 3 quadrillion 899.6 trillion TL of securities over foreign currency at the deposit banks portfolio.

The securities over TL at deposit banks are composed of 893.1 trillion TL in trasury bonds, 6 quadrillion 431.4 trillion TL in state debenture bonds and 483.9 trillion TL in stocks.

A total of 818 trillion TL of foreign currency securities at these banks are abroad while there is a total of 2 quadrillion 19.1 trillion TL of state debenture bonds among the domestic securities.

The total securities account at the development and investment banks was 200.3 trillion TL.

[05] BANK CREDITS VOLUME INCREASES 208.1 TRILLION TL

The total credit volume at banks was 19 quadrillion 335.9 trillion TL on December 30, 1999.

The Central Bank data shows that the total credits in the system was composed of 1 quadrillion 93.2 trillion TL of loans given to financial sector and 18 quadrillion 450,8 trillion TL of loans given to non-financial sector as of January 28.

The credits given to financial sector were composed of 567.6 trillion TL of loans given by deposit banks, 517.8 trillion TL of loans given by development and investment banks and 7.6 trillion TL of loans given by the Central Bank.

[06] REPO TRANSACTIONS BETWEEN BANKS AND THEIR CUSTOMERS DECREASE

The Central Bank data shows that the repo transactions, which were 4 quadrillion 79.8 trillion TL on December 30, 1999 decreased to 3 quadrillion 439.7 trillion TL on January 28.

The reverse repo transactions, which were 173 trillion 601 billion TL on January 14, fell 44.2 trillion TL to 129.3 trillion TL on January 28.

The repo transactions among the financial organizations reduced 180.2 trillion TL to 2 quadrillion 149.6 trillion TL on January 28. The total repo transactions amount was 2 quadrillion 329.9 trillion TL on December 30, 1999.

The reverse repo transactions among the financial organizations, which were 1 quadrillion 550.3 trillion TL on December 30, 1999 decreased 771.9 trillion TL to 778.3 trillion TL on January 28.

[07] TOTAL DEPOSITS AT BANKS REACH 43.9 QUADRILLION TL

The Central Bank data shows that the total deposit which was 43 quadrillion 115.8 trillion TL on December 30, 1999 increased to 43 quadrillion 936 trillion TL on January 28.

When the inter-banks deposits are not considered, the total deposit, which was 39 quadrillion 893.7 trillion TL on December 30, 1999 increased 1 quadrillion 120.2 trillion TL to 41 quadrillion 14 trillion TL on January 28.

The total TL deposit increased 231.5 trillion TL to 21 quadrillion 731.2 trillion TL on January 28. The total TL deposit was 21 quadrillion 499.6 trillion on December 30, 1999.

As of January 28, the total TL deposit was composed of 14 quadrillion 193.3 trillion TL deposits at public banks, 7 quadrillion 269.1 trillion TL of deposits at private deposit banks and 114.7 trillion TL of deposits at foreign banks.

The foreign exchange accounts at banks increased 888.6 trillion TL to 19 quadrillion 282.7 trillion TL on January 28.

[08] GREENPEACE PROTESTS PERMIT OF IZAYDAS WASTE PRODUCT BURNING INSTALLATION

Eleven members of the Greenpeace, wearing black clothes, gathered in front of the Environment Ministry early on Friday.

The members who were carrying banners writing, ''don't play with fire. Burning waste products is a kind of death'', handcuffed them to the barrels writing, ''Italian Poisonous Wastes'', ''Hazardous Wastes'' and ''Clinical Wastes.''

Tolga Temuge, the Greenpeace Mediterranean Office Toxic Materials Campaign Responsible, said that they expect Fevzi Aytekin, the Environment Minister, to make a statement about the Izmit waste product burning installation.

Temuge claimed that the IZAYDAS installation does not comply with the European Union (EU) standards.

They wanted to take samples from the installation to examine the ashes of the installations but they were turned down by IZAYDAS and the Environment Ministry, Temuge noted.

Temuge recalled that the ministry did not permit the operation of this installation before but gave a temporary licence to this installation following the quake.

''IZAYDAS was closed because it was hazardous for the human health. But, it was re-opened temporarily after the quake. The Environment Minister should give priority to the human health and close this installation,'' Temuge said.

The members of the Greenpeace left the ministry building when the officials said that Aytekin accepted to meet them in his office.

The security forces took into custody the members of the Greenpeace when they continued their protest in front of the ministry.

[09] TURKISH-ISRAELI JEC MEETING

A statement of Foreign Trade Undersecretariat said a Turkish delegation led by Hasan Gemici, Minister of State, and Israeli delegation, led by Ran Cohen, Israeli Minister of Industry and Trade, held meetings in February 7 and 8 in Jerusalem.

The sides discussed bilateral economic and trade relations in all dimensions, and launched efforts to determine new cooperation fields.

Turkish-Israeli trade volume is expected to be increased in the next period.

The statement said companies of the two countries decided to launch joint investments in third countries as well as Turkey and Israel. The companies also agreed to exchange information in construction services.

The participants reviewed existing relations between the two countries within the scope of Southeastern Anatolian project (GAP), and determined cooperation facilities in irrigation tenders within the framework of this project. The sides also discussed establishment of an ''elected Free Zone'' in Turkey.

They decided to promote participation of the companies to the fairs and exhibitions in Turkey and Israel.

[10] ITALIAN FOREIGN TRADE MINISTER SPEAKS TO A.A: ''WE WANT TO BE A PARTNER OF TURKEY ON ITS WAY TO EUROPE''

They work to build a common future in an atmosphere of security, Fassino added.

Responding to questions of A.A correspondent before his visit to Turkey on February 15 with a delegation of nearly 80 persons, Fassino said that his visit to Turkey with a crowded delegation is an important development.

Italy wishes to strengthen the relations within the framework of the existing good-will in both countries, he said and pointed out that the modernization and growth in Turkey will help improving the relations between the two countries and the integration of Turkey to the EU. They aim at contributing to this process by this visit, he noted.

When asked what were his economic and political expectations from Turkey, Fassino said that Italy is a country which supports Turkey in its membership to the EU and which opened the candidacy door to Turkey. Fassino stressed that they maintained this attitude even in critical situations like the Ocalan issue and they always launched efforts to make Turkey join the EU.

''We want to help Turkey by a closer cooperation on its way to Europe. The trade volume between the two countries was 10 trillion Italian liras (nearly 5 billion dollars) in 1998. Turkey is an important partner for Italy in the fields of industry, tourism, and small and medium scale enterprises (KOBIs),'' he said.

''One year ago, there were demonstrations held in front of Italian Embassy and Consulate in Turkey. After one year, we are visiting Turkey with a great mission. This is a sign of the change in the relations for me. After the visits of Italian Foreign Minister Lamberto Dini and Premier Massimo D'Alema to Turkey for the Organization on Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) summit show the efforts of Italy to improve the relations.

When asked if a trade agreement with Turkey is on the agenda during his visit, Fassino said that there are agreements concluded earlier between the two countries. ''We'll only discuss their further implementation. On the other hand, we aim at solving the problem between Turkish Airlines (THY) and the Italian Alitalia company,'' he said.

Describing the crisis between the two airline companies as a ''small, non- political, and technical'' problem, Fassino said that he met with Milano Airport's Director and Chairman of Confindustria Gianfranco Fossa and his ministry and the ministries of foreign affairs and transportation work together for a solution. ''I believe that this problem will be solved during the meetings in Turkey,'' he noted.

''All members of the EU have to fulfil certain criteria of Europe. This is valid both in economic and legal fields. We are ready to work together with Turkey and help her concerning membership of Turkey to the EU,'' he said.

''The trade with Turkey is very important for Italy. Turkey was in the second place in Italian exports. The numbers decreased in a considerable extent after the developments of last year,'' he said.

The trade volume between the two countries decreased by 38.2 percent in 1999, he added.

Fassino noted that he appreciated the decision taken by the government about the death penalty of Ocalan, adding ''we hope the abolishment of the death penalty for everybody.''

[11] PRESIDENT DEMIREL APPROVES PUBLICATION OF LAW NO. 4505 WHICH FORESEES AMENDMENT IN CERTAIN SOCIAL SECURITY LAWS AND PAYMENT OF REPRESENTATION RECOMPENSE

Presidential Press Centre said in a written statement that President Demirel found appropriate the publication of the Law No. 4505 which was adopted by the parliament on January 27, 2000.

The statement listed the issues which President Demirel wanted to announce to the public opinion as follows:

''1-What is the current situation about the retirement of the deputies today?

The law No. 3671 was adopted on October 26, 1990 and was changed by the Law No. 4234 on April 3, 1997.

This is the law which is still in force today about the allowances, travelling expenses and retirement of the members of the parliament.

Under this law, retired deputies get a pension of 720 million liras.

2-It was announced to the public opinion that the Law No. 4234 was cancelled by a decision of the Constitutional Court on May 27, 1999. This law is still in force as the opinion of the Court detailing the reasons of its decision has not been published.

3-What does the Law No. 4505 adopted by the parliament on January 27, 2000 bring forth?

a-No increase in the wages of the deputies was foreseen by this law.

b-No increase in the pension of the former deputies was foreseen by this law.

4-Then why such a law is adopted?

If the opinion of the Constitutional Court, which annuled the Law No. 4234 is published, the pension of former deputies which is 720 million liras, will be 622 million liras for those who are connected with State Employees Pension Fund, 110 million liras for those connected with Social Security Authority (SSK) and 90 million liras for those who are connected with Self- Employed Pension Fund (Bag-Kur). The Law No. 4505 has been adopted to maintain the existing situation.

No burden is brought by this law on the state, treasury, and social security institutions.

This law also foresees allowances for certain state officials under the name of ''representation recomponse.' This issue is not concerned with the deputies.

5-The discussions made every time are often offending and damaging the parliament, an institution which is the heart of the democratic regime.

The allowances and travelling expenses of the members of the parliament are the necessity of a service. Serving this mission in the best way is an obligation. The parliament shouldn't be left confronted with the public opinion.

6-What should be done?

The debate stems from Article 86 of the Constitution. Abolishing that article which says that ''the salaries and allowances of the members of the parliament shall be regulated by law'' will solve the problem.

The authority of adopting law on the personnel rights of deputies should belong to the legislative organ.

As a result, I don't think it is necessary to return the law back to the parliament for re-consideration. After the publication of the opinion of the Constitution Court, I will re-examine the issue and a decision will be taken about the need to re-apply to the Constitutional Court.''

[12] TURQUIE-ECONOMIE: - DIVERS

Il sera a la tete d'une importante delegations de 120 personnes, precise-t- on vendredi de source officielle.

"Nous travaillons pour consolider les relations et construire un avenir commun dans une atmosphere de confiance", a-t-il declare.

- Les delegations turque et azerbaidjanaise se reuniront du 22 au 25 fevrier prochain a Bakou pour les entretiens du comite economique mixte turco-azerbaidjanais.

- Le chef du bureau charge de la Turquie au FMI, (Fonds Monetaire International), Carlo Cottarelli arrivera le 16 fevrier en Turquie pour des entretiens officiels fixes pour le 18 fevrier.

- Les delegations turque et indienne ont signe jeudi a New Delhi un protocole a l'issue de la 8eme session des entretiens de la commission economique mixte turco-indienne.

- Le montant des reserves en devises etrangere de la Banque centrale est monte de 23 milliards 180 millions de dollars, (28 janvier) a 23 milliards 537 millions de dollars, (4 fevrier).

- Le president de la Fondation pour le developpement financier, Meral Gezgin Eriş a declare que la Turquie pourrait terminer, du point de vue technique, son adaptation a l'Union europeenne, (Ue) jusqu'en 2004.

"Si l'Ue veut reelement devenir une puissance mondiale il n'y a pas d'autres voies pour elle que celle d'une union avec la Turquie", a-t-il ajoute.

- Le directeur-general pour la Turquie d'Opel, Hardy Spranger a declare que les installations de production en Turquie de la societe eteient les meilleures d'Europe.

"De Turquie, nous exportons en Republique Turque de Chypre du Nord, (RTCN), en Azerbaidjan et en Türkmenie", a-t-il precise en poursuivant: "nous allons commencer a exporter dans les pays du Moyen-orient".

"Nous avons confiance en les dynamiques de l'economie turque", a-t-il declare.

- Le ministre d'Etat, Ramazan Mirzaoğlu, est parti vendredi pour le Bahrein afin de participer a la reunion de la commission economique mixte Turquie- Bahrein.

[13] DEBUT DES CONTACTS DU PRESIDENT DENKTAŞ EN ALLEMAGNE

Il a commence sa visite par un entretien avec le ministre allemand des Affaires etrangeres, Joschka Fischer a Hambourg.

Lors de son sejour, il doit egalement tenir une conference sur le probleme chypriote.

A Geneve, il avait participe a deux tours d'entretiens indirectes avec le leader chypriote-grec Glafcos Clerides concernant le probleme chypriote, sous l'observation d'Alvaro de Soto, representant special pour Chypre du secretaire general de l'ONU Kofi Annan.

La RTCN et la Turquie posent comme condition prealable a une solution sur l'ile la reconnaissance de la RTCN et proposent la creation d'une confederation.

Chypre est divisee en deux secteurs, turc au nord et grec au sud, depuis l'operation de paix de la Turquie en 1974 en riposte a un coup d'Etat des nationalistes grecs qui voulaient rattacher l'ile a la Grece.

A.A

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