Anadolu Agency: News in English, 00-02-15

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[01] AA News

15 February 2000 Tuesday

[02] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

HURRIYET (LIBERAL)

5.0-MAGNITUDE AFTERSHOCK CAUSES PANIC
5.0-magnitude aftershock centered on Mengen township, hit Bolu province at 08:56 local time. It was followed by another aftershock measuring 3.8 on the Richter scale. Aftershock caused panic among residents sending people out to the streets. Nusret Miroglu, the Governor of Bolu, said that no casualties or financial damage were reported in the quakes. Primary and high schools were recessed. The 5.0-magnitude aftershock was also felt in Duzce, Kaynasli, Golyaka, Istanbul, Zonguldak, Kocaeli, Sakarya, Ankara, and Cankiri.

MILLIYET (LIBERAL)

TALAY: ''TURKISH-GREEK FRIENDSHIP PLEASING''
Istemihan Talay, the Culture Minister, said that Turkish-Greek friendship was pleasing. Talay, who participated in the exhibition of Turkish and Greek painters staged for Turkish and Greek quake survivors, said that ''quake diasters didn't only reveal the pains, but also love and feelings.'' The exhibition will remain open till February 27, 2000. The same exhibition will be opened in Greece between April 3 and 27, 2000.

ECEVIT:''OUR STRUGGLE WILL CONTINUE TILL HEZBOLLAH IS ERADICATED''
Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit expressed profound sorrow over killing of five policemen in an operation against the illegal terrorist Hezbollah organization in eastern Van province. He implored God's strength upon all who are grieving. Ecevit said, ''we are grateful to our policemen who are risking their lives to protect peace of Turkish people, integrity of our country and well-being of our secular and democratic Republic. Our struggle will continue till the illegal Hezbollah organization is eradicated.''

SABAH (LIBERAL)

13 JUDGES AND PROSECUTORS CLAIMED TO BE HEZBOLLAH MEMBERS
The Justice Ministry has launched an investigation against 13 judges and prosecutors who are claimed to be members of the illegal terrorist Hezbollah organization. Nearly, 20 inspectors have been charged in the investigation.

CUMHURIYET (LEFT)

LET'S IMPLEMENT BELGIUM MODEL FOR CYPRUS
President Rauf Denktas of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) who returned to Ankara after attending the proximity talks in Geneva, addressed the students of the War Academy. Denktas stressed that Turkey can't give up Cyprus. Noting that Belgium model was proposed during proximity talks, Denktas said, ''what we say against this model in these talks is that there are two separate nations in Belgium speaking two different languages. Would there be a Belgium if one of these sides toppled the other with force, and said 'I am your government and I'm going to be ruled by France'?''

HISTORICAL REPAYMENT IN BORROWING
Turkey will make the highest external borrowing repayment in its history today. According to the projection, the state will repay 9.9 billion U.S. dollars, and private sector will repay 12.3 billion U.S. dollars.

RADIKAL (LEFT)

TREASURY TO SELL TWO-YEAR MATURITY DEBENTURE BONDS
Treasury Undersecretariat will sell two-year maturity debenture bonds on February 15. Treasury foresees a net sale between 600 and 800 trillion Turkish Liras (TL). The value date of papers is February 16, 1999 and the maturity is January 23, 2002. In the previous two-year floating interest rate debenture bond tender on January 25, 2000, a total of 617 trillion 665 billion TL of papers were sold, and the gross annual interest became 39.27 percent, and the gross composite interest rate became 45.44 percent. Meanwhile, Treasury will realize 860 trillion 757.5 billion TL in domestic borrowing repayment on February 16.

TURKIYE (RIGHT)

INONU IS CANDIDATE OF CHP MEMBERS
Altan Oymen of the Republican People's Party (CHP) said it would be wrong to make an amendment to the Constitution as for only individuals. ''We want Erdal Inonu be the President,'' he said.

WE PROPOSE BRIGADE TO EU
Turkey informed the European Union (EU) that it wanted to participate in the rapid deployment force, which would be established within the structure of the EU, with a brigade.

BLUE STREAM STARTS
The construction of the Blue Stream natural gas pipeline on the sea bed of the Black Sea started. An Italian company is constructing the pipes.

THEY DISCHARGED
Famous pop-singers Tarkan, Mustafa Sandal, Celik and Soner Arica, and famous stand-up showman Beyaz who benefitted from the law allowing young men to pay to shorten their military service, were discharged yesterday. They received their discharge papers after the 28-day military service.

ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)

ROUTINE DISCUSSION IN ANKARA
The political world is now discussing President Suleyman Demirel's statement. The Motherland Party (ANAP) is putting pressure on the President due to ''routine'' discussion which erupted during the presidential election process. Mesut Yilmaz of ANAP said, ''there can't be the luxury of carrying out illegal actions in a state of law'', and he requested the President to explain what he meant to say with ''routine''. Responding to Yilmaz's request, Demirel said, ''the state opens an auction if it is necessary, and it does not open an auction if it is not necessary. This depends on the situation. What I meant to say with 'routine' is this.''

[03] INTERIOR MINISTER TANTAN MEETS WITH CHINESE PREMIER ZHU

Tantan and Zhu expressed their hope to further develop bilateral relations.

Noting that terrorism is a trouble for all countries in the world, Zhu said that they were informed about the successes of Tantan in struggle against terrorism, and the two countries should exchange experience in this field which is important also for China.

The Chinese Prime Minister expressed his sensitivities on the struggle against separatist activities targeted territorial integrity.

Interior Minister Tantan said the security cooperation agreement signed between Turkey and China would contribute to bilateral political and economic relations.

Tantan invited the Chinese Prime Minister to Turkey on behalf of Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit.

Saadettin Tantan also thanked China as it did not allow Abdullah Ocalan, the head of the terrorist organization, to take shelter in its territories while he was seeking a place to hide.

Later, Tantan and the accompanying delegation visited the China Seismology Bureau, and they were given a briefing by Chen Zhangli, the General Director of the Bureau.

Tantan said cooperation in seismology field would be beneficial for both Turkey and China which have to get used to live together with earthquakes.

[04] PRESIDENT ALIYEV OF AZERBAIJAN IN THE U.S.: - ''WE SHOULD START CONSTRUCTION OF BAKU-CEYHAN OIL PIPELINE SOON''

President Aliyev made a speech at the University of Johns Hopkins Paul Nitze International Relations Department.

He stressed, ''the Baku-Ceyhan project should be the main export line. There are many powers who are trying to prevent the project. Negotiations have been continuing for five years. We eventually signed the agreement regarding the Baku-Ceyhan oil pipeline project during the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe Summit in Istanbul last year. We should start construction of the oil pipeline soon. U.S. President Bill Clinton also supports the project.''

Referring to the Upper Karabakh problem, Aliyev stressed that the problem could not be resolved as a result of Armenia's unproductive attitude.

Aliyev said, ''we want to grant the Upper Karabakh special republic status which means the highest autonomy in Azerbaijan. Armenia should witdraw from territories which she occupied, and allow displaced Azeri people to return their home. Armenia wants independence, but we cannot accept it. It will be violation of Azerbaijan's territorial integrity. Armenian people already has a state. It is very amazing that they wanted a second one.''

Recalling that he met many times with Armenian President Robert Kocharian to resolve the Upper Karabakh problem through dialogue, Aliyev emphasized, ''we do not want to wage war against Armenia once again. We should resolve our problems peacefully. We want a peaceful solution to be reached in the region in 2000. The Minsk Group, the U.S., Russia, and France should expend further efforts to resolve the problem.''

Referring to Azerbaijan's relations with neighbouring countries, Aliyev stressed that they attribute great importance to relations with Georgia and Armenia.

Noting that there were good neighbourly relations with Georgia and Azerbaijan, Aliyev said that conflict with Armenia prevented two countries setting up any cooperations. He added, ''we have perfect relations with Turkey. Our relations with Russia and Iran are normal.''

Aliyev expressed his concerns over Russian military presence in Armenia, noting, ''there is a Russian military base in Armenia. Russia provides Armenia weapons such as S-300 missiles and Mig-29 war planes. Armenia and Russia have created a military partnership. Also, there is a similar partnership between Russia and Belarus. These efforts jeopardize peace in Southern Caucasus. There are circles in Russia who aim at re-founding the Soviet Union. We are against these circles. The U.S. and Europe should expend more efforts to support democracy and independence of the Commonwealth of Independent States.''

Aliyev voiced optimism about peace and stability in Caucasus.

Recalling that he proposed to form a stability pact in Caucasus at the OSCE Summit in Istanbul last year, Aliyev underlined that the OSCE, the U.S., the European Union (EU), Turkey and Russia should work together to institute peace in the region.

Meanwhile, a group of Armenians held a demonstration in front of the University of Johns Hopkins and chanted slogans claiming, ''Karabakh belongs to Armenians''.

President Aliyev is scheduled to come together with U.S. President Bill Clinton later today.

[05] COTTARELLI, CHIEF OF IMF TURKEY DESK: - ''I WILL COME TO TURKEY ON FEBRUARY 18''

Responding to questions of the A.A correspondent, Cottarelli said that his contacts with Turkish officials would start on February 21.

Cottarelli noted that economic realizations and performance criteria till December, 1999 would be taken up during his contacts within framework of the Stand-by agreement signed between Turkey and the IMF.

He said that they planned to depart Turkey on February 26, noting that they would stay in Turkey till the end of February if the negotiations are not finalized.

Cottarelli also added that he would inform the IMF Executive Directors Council on developments in Turkey after he returns to the U.S.

[06] OKUYAN, LABOUR AND SOCIAL SECURITY MINISTER, MEETS WITH CECO, ALBANIAN DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER AND MINISTER OF LABOUR AND SOCIAL AFFAIRS

Saimir Bala, the Albanian Ambassador to Turkey, was also in attendance at the meeting.

Addressing journalists following the meeting, Ceco said that her visit to Turkey aimed at further improving relations with Turkey.

Ceco said that cooperation agreement in the field of social security which was signed between Turkey and Albania, would be approved by the Albanian parliament soon.

Recalling that she would have the opportunity to meet with Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit later in day, Ceco said the meeting would focus on further improvement of relations between the two countries.

Meanwhile, Okuyan said that he was pleased with hosting Albanian delegation in Turkey.

Underlining the positive relations between the two countries, Okuyah said, ''protocol signed between Turkish and Albanian labour ministries in 1998 and cooperation agreement in the field of social security are the concrete examples of friendly relations between Turkey and Albania.''

Okuyan said that the 2nd Turkey-Albania Joint Working Commission meeting would be held in Albanian capital of Tirana in coming months.

[07] ATTACK HELICOPTER TENDER

TAI issued a statement and gave information about the tender process.

Recalling that the specifications document was issues on May 30, 1997, it said the A-129 International and Agusta, AH-1Z King Kobra and Bell, AH-64D Longbow Apache and Boeing, Tiger and Eurocopter, and KA-50-2 and Kamov/IAI companies submitted their bids on December 31, 1997.

The statement said all of the bidding companies were included in the ''short list'' in the first phase of the tender in accordance with a decision of the Defense Industry Executive Board on February 19, 1999.

''The works for second phase bid preparation started in March 1999 in accordance with the instructions of the SSM. Within the scope of the second phase bid evaluation works, the TAI submitted the bids for the ATAK Program to the SSM on November 30, 1999,'' the statement said.

The statement said the results of the TAI's works on bids were now being evaluated by the SSM.

''The TAI will continue to carry out all its activities and works in harmony with the SSM and in accordance with SSM's instructions and orders, '' it added.

[08] INTERIOR MINISTER TANTAN: ''POLICE ACTED HESITANTLY AS WOMEN AND CHILDREN WERE USED AS SHIELDS BY HEZBOLLAH''

Speaking to reporters about the operation carried out against the Hezbollah organization in eastern province of Van, Tantan, who is in Beijing for an official visit, said that the Hezbollah terrorist organization remained in secrecy and hasn't clashed with the state so far. But when the top-members of the Hezbollah organization were captured, they started to use weapons, Tantan noted.

Tantan stated that operations are staged against Hezbollah in 49 provinces, adding ''tapes were also confiscated in Van. Many secret dimensions of the terrorist organization will be revealed and it will be seen that the organization is a great danger for Turkey as more tapes are examined.''

Tantan pointed out that he does not find appropriate efforts aiming at connecting a link between the state and the Hezbollah terrorist organization, adding ''there can be various mistakes, but it is wrong to hold responsible the state from all these mistakes. Civil servants who took part in that terrorist organization are determined one by one. Secret investigations are carried out to find out how they took part in the state and how they were appointed as civil servants.''

Tantan stated that studies are underway in the Directorate General of Religious Affairs about voluntary imams, adding this system of voluntary imams can be adopted. ''We have information about the backbone and structure of the Hezbollah terrorist organization,'' Tantan noted.

Turan Genc, the Director General of Security who is together with Tantan in China, said that they were informed before the operation in Van that there were women and children in the Hezbollah's house. The police couldn't hurl tear-bomb into the house due to that, noted Genc. Genc also added that the terrorist organization can show its reaction in a similar way from now on.

[09] INSTALLATION OF RADAR SYSTEMS IN MARMARA STRAITS TO START

The necessary contract was signed with a U.S. firm, and the Treasury Undersecretariat was applied for loan confirmations of the system of which project etudes were carried out by the Maritime Undersecretariat.

The purchase and assembling of necessary equipment and devices will be made after obtaining the loan confirmations for the system which was planned to be installed by the American Lockheed Martin company.

Officials said the system, which would prevent most of the accidents in the Straits, was expected to put into service next year.

Nearly 30 million U.S. dollars investment will be made in the Vessel Traffic Control System.

More than 20 institutions and organizations will benefit from the system which will be installed by the U.S. company with ''turn-key delivery'' method.

[10] IMKB FIRST SESSION - NATIONAL-100 INDEX RISES TO 15,509.04 WITH AN INCREASE OF 271.64 POINTS

At the close of the first session, the financial index increased 271.64 points to 20,976.86, and the services index rose 261.26 points to 14,732.62 and the industrial index increased 271.64 points to 15,509.04.

The financial shares gained 1.65 percent in value, and the services shares gained 1.81 percent in value and the industrial shares gained 2.07 percent in value when compared with previous second session close.

A total of 192 of the 269 shares gained in value, 23 shares lost in value while the prices of 54 shares didn't change.

The trading volume in the morning session was 175.1 trillion Turkish Liras.

[11] OPERATIONS AGAINST TERRORIST HEZBOLLAH ORGANIZATION CONTINUE

The terrorists against terrorist Hezbollah organization were intensified after Huseyin Velioglu, the head terrorist, was killed, and two so-called high level members were captured in Beykoz in Istanbul.

According to the documents and information obtained during the operations, it was determined that the organization has come to the stage of ''attempt''. Ballistics examining of the weapons confiscated in shelters during the operations continue.

Officials said they will determine in which actions were the weapons used, and pointed out that automatic weapons, MKE-made bombs, weapons, assassination weapons, and many ammunition were confiscated. ''We guess many unsolved murders will be illuminated in the examining of the weapons, '' they noted.

The indictment about Edip Gumus and Cemal Tutar is about to be prepared. Gumus and Tutar were arrested during the operation on a villa in Istanbul in which Huseyin Velioglu was killed.

Gumus and Tutar applied to State Security Court (DGM) to benefit from the Repentance Law.

The identities of eight dead bodies, unearthed during operations which started on January 29, 2000 in Balikcilarbasi Savas district of southeastern Diyarbakir province, could not be determined yet. A total of 13 dead bodies were pulled out from the houses.

[12] BANS START TODAY IN TRNC FOR PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS THAT WILL BE HELD ON APRIL 15

According to the calender prepared by Higher Election Council (YSK), president candidates will be determined until March 6 and they will apply to the YSK on March 9. The candidates will be temporarily announced on March 10 by the YSK and it will be announced on March 19 after the list of the candidates becomes certain.

Election propagandas will start on March 20 and will last until April 14. Public polls and surveys will be published after March 31. Voter cards will be distributed on April 12 and voters will go to the ballot box on April 15.

Voter lists are updated every three months in the light of the information obtained from the Population Registration Department.

Below are some of the bans that will be imposed during the election calender:

President, prime minister, ministers, and deputies will not use official vehicles during their domestic visits. No public officers will join these visits. No ceremonies or official dinners will be given when a statesman is coming or leaving a place.

All banks which use public resources for loans, including the Central Bank, will have to inform the Republic Parliament within 3 days about the loans they give.

The candidates will not use Turkish flag, religious symbols, or Arabic letters on the posters or fliers they use for propaganda purposes.

President Rauf Denktas; National Unity Party (UP) leader and Prime Minister Dervis Eroglu; Socialist Salvation Party (TKP) leader and Deputy Prime Minister Mustafa Akinci; Republic Turkish Party (CTP) leader Mehmet Ali Talat and Arif Hasan Tahsin on behalf of Patriotic Union Movement (YBH) officially announced their candidacy.

If no candidate can get more than half of the votes, there will be a second election on April 22 between the two candidates who got highest number of votes and the candidate who gets the most votes in this election will be elected as the president.

[13] HEZBOLLAH TERRORISTS USE AMMUNITION MADE IN IRAN

The operation started when the security forces surrounded a cell house on Dere street in Akkopru neighbourhood which was used as a headquarters by the terrorists. There were 4 terrorists and Sabahattin Sap who was in charge of the organization's activities in the area, in the house. Two of the terrorists who noticed the policemen threw a hand granade and later opened fire against them.

Three policemen lost their lives during the clash while two terrorists were also killed. Three terrorists, including one who was wounded, escaped. The terrorists, while trying to escape, told the police team that ''they were also policemen and their friend was wounded,'' and that way they managed to break the security circle and escape.

Later, the police realized those who escaped were terrorists after examining the cell house and followed the footsteps the terrorists left on the snow which led them to another cell house 3 kilometers away from the first one.

The terrorists opened fire against the police killing 2 more policemen. 3 terrorists were also killed during the operation.

Many hand granades, automatic weapons, and guns, bullets, and cartridges were seized in the house. It was stated that the bullets were made in Iran. Police also found computer diskets, cellular phones, religious and organizational documents in the two cell houses. Security forces said they were working to decode the password in the diskets which might reveal import information about the organization.

Van Security Directorate's authorities said no mistakes were made during the operation. Authorities also said the policemen were extremely careful in order not to hurt one woman and 2 children who were in the first cell house.

[14] A TOTAL OF 18 HEZBOLLAH MEMBERS ARRESTED IN BITLIS PROVINCE

Acting on a tip-off, security forces took into custody 18 Hezbollah members in Bitlis and Tatvan township.

Bitlis Governor M. Koksal said that the operations against the Hezbollah organization continue, adding one civil servant and three workers were among the captured Hezbollah members.

The number of the top-members of Hezbollah's so-called political wing arrested in Bitlis reached 34.

[15] 514 PIECES OF HISTORICAL PIECES SEIZED IN GAZIOSMANPASA

Acting on a tip-off, a policeman, disguised as a buyer, contacted a person who was trying to sell the pieces which had a total market value of 1 trillion Turkish liras.

In the operations that followed the first one, the person who was trying to sell the historical pieces and another one who was hiding them in his shop in Sultanciftligi were arrested. Their interrogation led to the detention of 6 others.

One tomb wall made of marble engraved with a woman figure, 496 bronze coins, 1 bronze sculpture, and 4 bronze rings were among the pieces that were found by the police.

The pieces belong to the B.C 3000 and Hellenistic period and they were mostly unearthed during the excavations in Kirklareli's Pinarhisar township. The bronze sculpture was found in a ship wreckage in Marmara Sea.

The pieces will be submitted to Archeology Museum to be examined further.

[16] 75TH FOUNDATION ANNIVERSARY OF TURKISH AERONAUTICAL ASSOCIATION TO BE CELEBRATED THROUGHOUT TURKEY

THY Secretary General Mehmet Tiritoglu, in a written statement, said THY Chiarman Ibrahim Buyukyumukoglu and his delegation will visit Ataturk's mausoleum on Wednesday morning.

THY's planes will perform a show during the ceremony at Ataturk's mausoleum. An aviation exhibition will open later at THY exhibition hall where photos of aviation and aviation equipments will be displayed. The exhibition will stay open until Feb 25, Friday.

[17] FOREIGN MINISTER CEM MEETS WITH HIS GERMAN COUNTERPART FISCHER: ''GERMANY SUPPORTS TURKEY'S FULL MEMBERSHIP TO EU''

After the meeting, Cem and Fischer staged a joint press briefing.

Fischer said that he had very busy contacts with Foreign Minister Cem. ''Germany supports Turkey's full membership to the European Union (EU),'' said Fischer.

Fischer noted that they are pleased as Turkey's way to the EU has been opened at Helsinki summit, adding ''we wish the friendly relations between Turkey and Germany to continue and further develop and we work to this end.''

Fischer said that they took up particularly the relations between the EU and Turkey, the EU's security policy, NATO, and West European Union (WEU).

In addition to Turkey's EU candidacy, they also talked about the process related to the transition to implementation, said Fischer. ''We also discussed economic and legal issues with Cem. We focused on human rights and the death penalty in Turkey,'' said Fischer.

''The recently improving relations between Turkey and Greece proves that our efforts were correct and positive,'' said Fischer and pointed out that they also discussed the issues about Turkish citizens living in Germany with Cem.

Foreign Minister Ismail Cem thanked to the German government, German Chancellor Gerhard Schroder and German Foreign Minister Fischer regarding the support they extended to Turkey's candidacy to the EU.

Certain circles in Germany have some hesitations about Turkey's candidacy to the EU, stressed Cem and added that ''we know that it is our mission to overcome these hesitations.''

Turkey and Germany are very powerful countries of Europe and two partners of NATO, said Cem and added that the cooperation between the two countries in political and economic fields also means strengthening of Europe.

Cem noted that he believes this cooperation will play an important role in Europe's opening to new civilizations and new economies.

''Our 2,5 million people were entrusted to you, this shows the importance of our bilateral relations. We know that the German government does its best for our people, but there are many more things to be done,'' told Cem to Fischer.

Responding to a question about the sale of tanks, Foreign Minister Cem said that Turkey opened a tender and those who wish to take part in it can do so.

Fischer said in his part that German Chancellor Schroder gave a decision about the issue without being influenced by anybody and added that Germany's policy on Turkey has not changed.

Fischer introduced Rudolf Schmidt, the new German Ambassador to Turkey at the end of the meeting.

Meanwhile, the meeting between Foreign Minister Ismail Cem and Hans-Ulrich Klose, the German Chairman of the Parliamentary Foreign Affairs Commission was cancelled due to illness of Klose.

Cem will meet with German Minister of Interior Otto Schily at Turkish Culture Centre this evening and participate in the painting exhibition namely ''Four Seasons'' composed of his own photos.

[18] TRIAL OF FEHRIYE ERDAL - BRUGES COURT ENVISAGES CONDITIONAL RELEASE

The Court gave time to the Prosecutorship till the evening to oppose.

Officials said if the Prosecutorship does not oppose to the decision till 17:00 local time, Erdal and her friends will be released on bail in return for 100,000 franc (approximately 1.7 billion TL).''

The defendants will determine an address in Belgium, and will be obliged to visit police or gendarmerie whenever they receive a call.

Paul Bekaert, lawyer of Erdal, said the Prosecutorship will oppose today, and noted that he did not think they will be released.

Erdal is currently under arrest in Belgium within the framework of an investigation related with assasination on Ozdemir Sabanci. Asaoglu and Saz are the members of illegal DHKP-C organization.

Fehriye Erdal, one of the suspects of the assassination of Ozdemir Sabanci, Chairman of Sabanci Holding Automotive Group, was arrested in Belgium on September 26. Haluk Gorgun, Director General of Toyota-Sa and his secretary Nilgun Hasefe were also killed in the assassination on January 9, 1996.

Musa Asaoglu, and Hasan Saz, members of the illegal DHKP-C organization, who were arrested in a luxurious apartment in Knokke coast city together with Erdal, will be tried on charges of having weapons, terrorism, and bearing false passport.

Turkey had conveyed its request for the extradition of Erdal to Belgian Foreign Ministry on November 3, 1999. Bruges Court found the request as rightful and valid. Mark Velwilghen, Justice Minister of Belgium, will give the final decision.

[19] DIPLOMATIE: ENTRETIEN CEM-FISCHER A BERLIN

"Nous soutenons la candidature a part entiere de la Turquie a l'Ue, (Union europeenne)", a declare M. Fischer, qui a exprime la volonte de l'Allemagne de poursuivre et de developper encore plus ses relations avec la Turquie.

"Certains millieux en Allemagne ont des hesitations concernant la candidature de la Turquie et il est de notre devoir de dissiper ces inquietudes", a declare de son cote M. Cem.

"La Turquie et l'Allemagne sont deux partenaires forts de l'OTAN et la consolidation de la cooperation politique et economique entre ces deux pays contribuera a la consolidation de l'Europe", a-t-il indique en rappelant les deux millions de turcs travaillant en Allemagne.

L'Ue a accorde a la Turquie le statut de candidat lors de son sommet en decembre 99 a Helsinki.

[20] WORLD BANK AND ECONOMY OFFICIALS EXPECTED TO REACH A CONSENSUS OF OPINION IN ENERGY SECTOR

The concerned sides will come together with World Bank officials on Wednesday and reach a result in restructuring of the energy sector in Turkey.

The World Bank insists on the report it prepared about restructuring the energy sector and it says it will give 750 million dollars of credit to Turkey only if Turkey takes into consideration its report. IMF supports World Bank about this issue.

[21] DECISIONS TAKEN AT SO-CALLED SEVENTH CONGRESS CAUSE UNEASINESS IN TERRORIST PKK

The PKK said in its congress meeting that it gave up armed struggle, it transformed its armed organization (ARGK) to so-called ''People's Legitimate Defense Units'' and it gave up its aim of setting up a state in Eastern and Southeastern Turkey. This caused disappointment in an important section of the organization.

Terrorists who are responsible to Duran Kalkan and Nizamettin Tas, two top- members of the PKK in North of Iraq, the terrorists who are staying in the camps in the Iranian region of Qal'eh Rash and other terrorists who are connected to various groups are all opposed to the decisions announced.

Cemil Bayık, a leading name in the PKK has been influential in the mentioned attitude of the PKK groups, sources said.

The terrorists said in the statements they published separately that ''PKK came to the point which Turkey wanted, by the statements of Abdullah Ocalan. This point is also suitable for imperialist decisions, it aims at removing the PKK. PKK is also urged to pursue a policy which is hesitant of struggling. While Ocalan ordered his lawyers about making PKK political, he told his close relatives that all the efforts were launched to stop the execution of the death penalty given to him and he used Osman Ocalan for that purpose. Osman Ocalan was known as a coward person in the PKK and he was not succesful in the military field, but he acted as if he is the only authority in the PKK as he is the brother of Abdullah Ocalan.''

[22] FOREIGN MINISTER CEM:''TURKEY'S CONTRIBUTION WILL BE AT THE SAME LEVEL WITH ITS AUTHORIZATION IN WEU'S SECURITY AND DEFENSE POLICY''

Cem, in a brief statement he made to Turkish reporters, said Turkey wanted to take place in the WEU's security formation and he had no intention to slow down the process.

Cem also noted that Turkey which had the biggest contribution to NATO must receive fair treatment.

[23] TURQUIE-EXTERIEURE: - DIVERS

Ceco a egalement ete reçue par le ministre du travail et de la securite sociale Yaşar Okuyan, qui a fait part de l'importance pour la Turquie et l'Albanie de cooperer en matire de securite sociale.

- Les parlementaires italiens ont annonce mardi soutenir la proposition d'Ankara de participer avec un contingent de la taille d'une brigade a la force de reaction rapide que l'Union europeenne (Ue) envisage de creer d'ici 2003, a-t-on indique de source basee a Rome.

- Le Conseil des ministres a approuve un protocole de cooperation signe en matiere de tourisme par la Turquie et la Tunisie.

La decision a parue dans le journal officiel de mardi.

Le conseil a egalement approuve un accord de cooperation en matiere de formation militaire signe entre la Turquie et la Republique de Coree.

[24] TURQUIE-ECONOMIE: - DIVERS

- Une delegation d'industriels italiens arrivera le 18 fevrier a Izmir, (Egee) afin de se livrer a des recherches en matiere d'investissements conjoints.

Dans ce cadre les industriels turcs et italiens se pencheront sur les projets sur lesquels ils peuvent cooperer.

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

"Lors de ma visite, je vais aborder les criteres de performances enrgistres jusqu'a decembre 99", a declare le responsable du FMI.

- La plus grande foire internationale du tourisme et du voyage du bassin mediterraneen, "Emitt" se tiendra du 17 au 20 fevrier 2000 a Istanbul et reunira les representants en tourisme de 40 pays.

[25] 41.8 BILLION YENS OF CREDIT PROVIDED FROM JAPAN FOR BOZUYUK-MEKECE HIGHWAY AND ISTANBUL TUBE TUNNEL PROJECTS

The agreement which was signed by Japanese and Turkish governments entered into force and it was published in the Official Gazette.

Japan Overseas Economic Cooperation Fund (OECD) will give totally 41,8 billion Japanese yens for financing the two projects.

The re-payment of the credit will be in 18 years and no money will be paid back during the first seven years. The annual interest rate that will be applied to this amount will be 2.2 percent.

The usage term of credit will be eight years for the highway and seven years for tube tunnel project starting from the date when the the agreement enters into force.

[26] 33 HEZBOLLAH MEMBERS TAKEN UNDER CUSTODY IN KOCAELI

Security forces also found 4 guns, many bullets and cartridges, organizational document, computer diskets and cd's, video tapes, 3 computers and flags which had Arabic script on them.

Kocaeli Security Director Erdinc Sarialp, during a press meeting, said they detained 33 people, including members who were in charge of Hezbollah's military and political activities in the region. Sarialp also stated that the detainees were getting prepared to launch an attack in Gebze, Dilovasi, and Cayirova regions.

One of the members who was caught was involved in the killing of an individual and wounding of another person in 1997 and he was sent to Diyarbakir Security Directorate.

In their interrogation, the detainees said they belonged to Hezbollah which targeted to topple the constitutional system and bring a system which is based on shariah principles. Some of the organization members who were active in Diyarbakir and Batman during 1991 and 1997 were sent to Istanbul, Duzce, Kocaeli, and Gebze after their identities and activities were revealed in their regions.

The members worked to collect donations for the organization and made Hezbollah's propaganda at Koran courses at mosques. They also recruited new members to Hezbollah. They provoked people against the present constitutional system and abused people's religious feelings.

The detainees will be sent to Kocaeli court to be tried.

[27] IMKB SECOND SESSION - NATIONAL-100 INDEX RISES TO 15,859.28 WITH AN INCREASE OF 350.24 POINTS

At the close of the second session, the financial index increased 509.45 points to 21,486.32, the service index increased 207.47 points to 14,940.09, and the industrial index increased 182.15 points to 11,210.43.

The financial shares gained 2.43 percent in value while the industrial shares gained 1.65 percent in value, and the services shares gained 1.41 percent in value while compared with previous session close.

A total of 151 of the 285 shares gained in value, 68 shares lost in value while the prices of 66 shares didn't change.

The trading volume in the second session was 278.3 trillion Turkish Liras.

[28] A.A

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