Anadolu Agency: News in English, 00-02-28

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[01] AA News

28 February 2000 Monday

[02] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

HURRIYET (LIBERAL)

SECOND APPOINTMENT IN TURKISH-GREEK BUSINESS SUMMIT TO BE HELD
IN A SHIP
Turkish-Greek Business Council's meeting which lasted for two days, ended. The joint statement, which was issued following the meeting, said the next meeting will take place in October in Athens. If it can be organized, Turkish and Greek businessmen will hold the Business Council meeting on a ship that will be allocated for them in the Aegean Sea. Around 200-300 participants are expected attend the October meeting.

MILLIYET (LIBERAL)

ARSENAL OF 50 MURDERS
The last arsenal of the terrorist Hezbollah organization was found in southeastern Mardin province. The police which took action upon the statements of Cemal Tutar, one of the top-members of the organization, raided the arsenal. 87 semi-automatic rifles, 7 automatic rifles, 8 Kalashnikov rifles, 39 magazine guns, 3,863 cartridges, 1 silencer, 1 computer, 1 lap-top, and transceivers were confiscated in the arsenal. Besides, it was found out from ballistics tests that 50 attacks involving killings or woundings between the years 1992 and 1995 were carried out in Diyarbakir with these weapons.

SABAH (LIBERAL)

MICHEAL JACKSON WANTS TO BE A PARTNER OF TURKISH CONSTRUCTOR
Micheal Jackson wants to be 50 percent partner of Sabri Bektas,a Turkish Constructor, who will open Europe's biggest shopping center in Poland. The shopping center will be opened in Warsaw on March 15. Jackson said he wants to be 50 percent partner of the shopping center. Bektas said a definite decision will be given on Wednesday.

CUMHURIYET (LEFT)

TURKEY IS THE ILL MAN OF EUROPE
Pierre Moscovici, French Minister responsible for relations with the European Union (EU), said Turkey was a part of Europe, adding its membership to the EU should be regarded as normal. According to the French Minister, Turkey will take its place in 50 years in the daily life of ordinary Europeans with its 100 million population

RADIKAL (LEFT)

FULL SUPPORT FROM ODP TO HADEP
During the second regular congress meeting of the Freedom and Solidarity Party (ODP), the detention of three mayors from People's Democracy Party (HADEP) was discussed. Ufuk Aras, the ODP leader extended full support to HADEP and said that ''don't touch Diyarbakır.''

TURKIYE (RIGHT)

ECEVIT IN ALBANIA TODAY
The visit of Premier Bulent Ecevit to Albania which will contribute to the existing relations between Turkey and Albania starts today. The visit will last two days in which officials and businessmen will accompany Ecevit.

[03] TWO MINOR EARTHQUAKES RECORDED IN TOKAT AND DENIZLI

Bogazici University's Kandilli Observatory recorded the earthquake in Tokat's Resadiye township as 3.2 and the one in Denizli's Buldan township as 3.5 by Richter scale.

In the meantime, an aftershock measuring 2.7 was recorded at 9.56 a.m. on Monday in Adapazari.

[04] ''FINANCIAL RESOURCES OF ORGANIZED CRIME'' PANEL STARTS IN ISTANBUL

The Ciragan Palace is hosting the panel which will last for two days.

In his opening speech, Emin Arslan, the head of department of Smuggling and Organized Crime Department said financial resources of the organized crime constituted a threat against the financial system as a whole. He also noted that the achievements against the organized crime in Turkey have become remarkable.

It is not possible to completely prevent organized crime only through police operations, Arslan said and stressed that they had to extirpate the financial resources feeding the organized crime and the heavier punishments must be brought.

A total of 75 experts will attend the panel from German Police Tranining Institute (PFI), German Federal Criminal Department (BKA) and Smuggling and Organized Crime Department, Gendarme General Commandership, Council to Examine Financial Crimes (MASAK), Capital Market Council (SPK), Galatasaray University as well as security deparments of Ankara, Izmir, and Istanbul.

Prof. Bulent Tahiroglu, dean of Marmara University's Faculty of Law and Interior Minister Sadettin Tantan will also deliver a speech at the opening.

Prof. Sulhi Donmezer and Prof. Feridun Yenisey will do an evaluation at the end of the panel.

[05] STATE MINISTER GUREL RETURNS FROM MOSCOW: ''WE AIM AT DIVERSIFYING OUR RELATIONS WITH RUSSIAN FEDERATION''

State Minister Gurel, who returned to Turkey after concluding his visit to Russian Federation, said at Ataturk Airport that he paid a visit to Russia to know much about the problems of Turkish citizens abroad and the contractorship services.

Gurel pointed out that he listened to the problems of Turkish citizens and contractors living and working in Russia, adding ''I had also bilateral meetings with the administrators of the Russian Federation.''

Gurel noted that he believes the Russian federation will overcome its problems by its qualified human source and natural resources, adding ''Russian federation is a big country which has economic power in the international arena.''

Turkish enterpreneurs succeed in important businesses in Russian federation, said Gurel and noted that ''my visit to Russia has been very beneficial regarding the diversification of relations with this country.''

When a journalist reminded him that Bosnia decided to found an embassy in Greek Cypriot side, Gurel said ''this is not a new thing. It is natural that Turkey and Turkish Cypriots are disappointed with these developments.''

[06] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT LEAVES FOR ALBANIA

Speaking at Ankara's Esenboga Airport before his departure, Ecevit said Turkey always attributed importance to the friendship of Albania, adding that people of Turkey and Albania lived together for centuries, and shared a common history.

Pointing out that Turkish-Albanian relations improved rapidly, Ecevit said, ''there are fields in which we can further improve our bilateral cooperation. These are mainly the economic and trade relations. Together with the officials and businessmen who accompany me during the visit, we will look for ways to improve our economic relations.''

''I will exchange views with Albanian administrators about Kosovo and the situation in the Balkans during the visit. I think this visit will be fruitful within the framework of the importance we have attributed to the peace, stability, and security of the Balkans,'' Ecevit pointed out.

Ecevit also said they will seek for solidarity and cooperation facilities with Albania on regional formations like Southeastern Europe Countries Cooperation Process, and Southeastern Europe Stability Pact.

Prime Minister Ecevit wished his visit to have beneficial consequences for the two countries, and to be a step that will further improve friendly relations.

Responding to a question about February 28 process, Ecevit said, ''democracy functions in a healty way in Turkey.''

A delegation composed of his wife Rahsan; several parliamentarians; businessmen; and journalists accompany Ecevit during the visit.

[07] CONCERT ORGANIZED IN NETHERLANDS TO RAISE FUNDS FOR QUAKE SURVIVORS IN ADAPAZARI

More than 10,000 people listened to the concert ''Live for Life'' participated by popular singers and bands from six countries at Gelrefome Stadium. Sertap Erener was the only Turkish singer at the concert since Sezen Aksu did not come to the concert although it was earlier announced that she was also going to perform.

University students Aysim Deveci, Filiz Deveci, and Nilay Kulci worked for months to organize the concert whose income will be used to built a youth center in Adapazari.

During a press briefing with the Uzbek singer Yildiz Osmanova, Aysim, and Filiz Deveci and Kulci said they were happy to have brought young Turkish and Dutch people at this concert.

Osmanova announced that she would donate the income she will obtain in the first six weeks of the sales of her latest CD called ''The World'' for the construction of the youth center in Adapazari. ''The World'' was put into market last week in the Netherlands.

In the meantime, a Dutch foundation bought the earthquake drawings made by the students of an elementary school in Arnhem for 4,000 Florins which will also be added to the funds for the youth center project.

The organization cost of the concert was shared by several Dutch institutions including the water, electricity, and gas distribution company NUON.

T-Spoon, Close II You, 2 Brothers on the 4th Floor, Henk Westerbroek, Deante, City to City, Han van Dijk, and De Kast were among the bands who performed at the concert.

[08] TREMOR IN AEGEAN MUGLA PROVINCE

Bogazici University Kandilli Observatory and Seismology Institute said the epicenter of the tremor which occurred at 09:45 local time, was Mugla- Milas.

The preliminary magnitute of the tremor was 3.8.

[09] TURKISH-GREEK ''EU WORKING GROUP'' CONVENES

The meeting started at 10.30 local time under the leadership of Foreign Ministry's Deputy Undersecretary Uluc Ozulker and Greek Foreign Ministry's Secretary General Stelyo Perakis. Turkey's membership process to the EU will be taken up at the meeting and the Greek diplomats are expected to convey their experiences about EU to their Turkish counterparts.

Eight high ranking Greek diplomats including Greek Ambassador to Turkey Yannis Corantis are in the working group decided to be formed during Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou's visit to Ankara.

Diplomatic sources said that Turkish Foreign Ministry determined the agenda of the meeting in which Turkish diplomats will ask questions to their Greek counterparts about ''adjusting to EU legislation, EU's enlargement policies and financial aid.''

Turkish diplomats can go to Athens for a second round due to the results that will be taken from the first meeting in Ankara.

[10] THREE FORMER MAYORS FROM HADEP RELEASED

Diyarbakir DGM had arrested the mayors on February 24 with the allegations that they have links with terrorist PKK organization. Interior Ministry later dismissed the mayors from their office.

Lawyers of Feridun Celik, former Diyarbakir Mayor, M. Selim Ozalp, former Siirt Mayor, and Feyzullah Karaaslan, former Bingol Mayor, gave their deposition to DGM no:2 on February 25 objecting to the arrest of the mayors.

The Court decided for the release of the mayors considering their incomes and social positions, and that they have a constant address, and that they are not in a position to destroy the evidences in their files.

The mayors, who had been taken into custody on February 19, and later arrested by DGM Alternate Judgeship on February 24, 2000, are currently in Diyarbakir Prison.

[11] ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION - 151 PERSONS CAPTURED IN EDIRNE

Gendarmerie and patrolmen captured 146 foreigners from Palestine, Iran, Iraq, Algeria, Syria, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Lebanon, Azerbaijan, and Sudan in Ipsala, and Enez townships of Edirne.

While Turkish citizens were transferred to prosecutor office, the foreigners were sent to Foreigners' Department of Edirne Police to be deported.

[12] TCDD TO PUT OUT TENDERS FOR MODERNIZATION OF ANKARA-ISTANBUL RAILWAY

TCDD General Directorate will put out a tender in March for the rehabilitation of the present railway between Ankara and Istanbul. The first tender will be done on March 21, 2000 to modernize the railway and it will be financed by a foreign loan of 250 million U.S. dollars. The tender will be done in three stages and TCDD will evaluate the bids and choose a company in a short time.

TCDD is also planning to develop the project about building a double line railway between Ankara and Istanbul, a project which has been discussed for 20 years. The project is expected to cost about 7 billion U.S. dollars.

Transportation time between Ankara and Istanbul will be reduced to four hours if these two projects are materialized. The rehabilitation of the railway includes modernization of electrification, signalization, telecommunication, and other units. The projects are expected to be completed in three years.

[13] FORMER AGRI MAYOR APPLIES TO COURT FOR CANCELLATION OF INTERIOR MINISTRY'S DECISION

Yilmaz applied to Erzurum Administrative Court through his lawyers for the cancellation of the decision of the Interior Ministry.

It was claimed that it was unfair to punish Yilmaz for a crime he committed before he was elected as the Agri mayor.

[14] TURKEY-IRAQ - GAYDALI, MINISTER OF STATE: ''WE WANT TURKEY'S SHARE TO BE INCREASED IN PURCHASES REALIZED WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF THE AGREEMENTS REACHED BETWEEN THE U.N. AND IRAQ''

Addressing the opening of a seminar titled, ''Turkish-Iraqi Trade and Economic Cooperation'', Gaydali pointed out that Iraq was the most important trade partner of Iraq before the Gulf War, adding that they wanted trade relations to reach its level in pre-1990 period.

Gaydali said the trade relations between Turkey and Iraq were low, adding that the reason of this was the embargo and the U.N. sanctions. He said, another target of the meetings was to reveal the cooperation facilities that may be materialized following the lifting of the embargo. He said Turkey wished the embargo to be lifted soon.

Hikmet Al-Azavi, Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister, and Finance Minister, said they may take into consideration the proposals for projects, adding that they provided facilities to this end.

Azavi said they wanted border trade to reach its previous level with the recent adjustments.

Al-Azavi said they remained helpless on the issue of agreements which were suspended within the framework of the U.N. resolutions. He said they would do their best for the solution of problems.

Amir Muhammad Al-Rashid, Iraqi Oil Minister, said legal and basic framework was concluded in arrangement of economic and trade relations, and noted that the talks turned into agreements.

Pointing out that Iraq had oil and gas, and needed consumption goods, and that Turkey needed oil and gas, Rashid said this agreement was an important cooperation opportunity.

Rashid said relations might be improved within the framework of the U.N. agreement, and wanted Turkish companies, who are interested in exportation, to give bid with a lower price.

[15] RUSSIAN DEPUTY PM KLEBANOV TO CONVEY RUSSIAN RESPONSE TO PRESIDENT DEMIREL'S PROPOSAL OF ''CAUCASUS STABILITY PACT''

Klebanov, who will leave for Ankara the same day to convey the response of Acting Russian President Vladimir Putin, said that they will take up the problems related to the North Caucasus where the clashes continue and the Blue Stream natural gas pipeline during the meetings. Another important issue that will be discussed at the meetings is the tenders Turkey will put out for purchasing tanks and helicopters.

The issue of improving bilateral cooperation in political, commercial, and economic fields will also be taken up at the meetings, said Klebanov and added that he will exchange views about daily regional and international issues. He added that signing an agreement during his visit is not planned.

Aksana Oniscenko, the press spokesperson of Klebanov said in his part that the issue of Russia's selling electricity to Turkey over Caucasus will also come to the agenda during the visit.

Klebanov will be received by President Suleyman Demirel and Premier Bulent Ecevit and meet with National Defense Minister Sabahattin Cakmakoglu in Ankara, as Russian sources say.

[16] PRESIDENT DEMIREL RESPONDS TO QUESTIONS: ''28 FEBRUARY IS A CONTINUOUS PROCESS, WHICH STARTED BY FOUNDATION OF REPUBLIC''

Responding to questions of journalists about the 28 February Process, President Demirel said that ''first article of the decisions called 28 February decisions, is the protection of democracy and secularism. And its last article is reacting to those who talk against Ataturk, the founder of modern Turkey. This is a process. No body can manipulate the religious feelings of citizens. The state is separated from religion. This is what the Republic is. Nobody has the right to use politics in religious affairs and use religion as a tool in politics. In countries which are governed by democracy, the latter can't be used to destroy itself. Article 30 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights notes that none of the rights mentioned in that declaration can be used to damage these rights. Article 17 of the European Convention on Human Rights also tells the same thing.''

''It is not that easy to implement a part of February 28 decisions, which were taken three years ago. It will take time. The implementation of the decisions is regularly and meticulously monitored by National Security Council (MGK) every month. Democratic and secular Turkish Republic will continue to stand on its feet forever by protecting the indivisible integrity of the country and nation. This is what is searched for. The decisions of February 28 were also taken to this end,'' he added.

[17] FOREIGN MINISTER CEM RECEIVES GREEK DELEGATION WHICH ATTENDS EU STUDY GROUP'S MEETING

Stelyo Perakis, Secretary General of the Greek Foreign Ministry told reporters that they discussed EU legislation, Copenhagen criteria and participation in EU programmes during the meeting.

Perakis said the raproachment between Turkey and Greece will continue and noted that integration with the EU was a tough and long process for the candidate countries. Turkey takes some steps for adaptation to the EU, he noted and said Greece was ready to help Turkey in this process.

Following the morning meetings, Foreign Ministry Deputy Undersecretary Uluc Ozulker who is supervising the meeting with Perakis gave a lunch for the Greek delegation at the State Guesthouse.

[18] OPERATION AGAINST HEZBOLLAH - 17 PERSONS CAPTURED IN BAYBURT

Bayburt Security Directorate said that tapes and documents of the terrorist organizations Hezbollah, PKK and Islamic Great East Raiders-Front (IBDA-C) were also confiscated, adding the majority of the 17 persons were graduates of Bayburt Vocational High School. Among them there is also Alim Kırac, the representative of Akit newspaper in Bayburt and Nazir Duman, the Chairman of National Youth Foundation, officials added.

[19] TURKCELL'S SERVICE AREA ENLARGES

Turkcell said on Monday that California, Bakersfield, Fresno, Los Angeles, Nevada City, Ontario, Oakland, Palermo, Sacramento, San Diego, Santa Barbara, West Hollywood, Nevada, Carson City, and Las Vegas were also added to the list of places where Turkcell serves people. Turkcell will continue to serve with 163 operators in 81 countries by this partnership.

[20] ANAP CHAIRMANSHIP COUNCIL MEETING - YILMAZ, LEADER OF ANAP: ''ANY ATTITUDE AGAINST CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT, PROPOSED BY PRIME MINISTER, IS OUT OF QUESTION''

ANAP Chairmanship Council held a two-hour meeting under the leadership of Yilmaz.

Speaking to journalists following the meeting, Yilmaz said they discussed the changes foreseen to take place in the constitution. Yilmaz recalled that constitutional changes were dependent on secret vote, adding that any party decision was regardless of question.

''As you know, making amendment on Article 101 of the Constitution was in question in political agenda of Turkey. This is a change foreseeing extension of president's term in office. President's term in office, which is currently seven years, will be reduced to five years, yet election for a second time is brought in return,'' Yilmaz pointed out.

Yilmaz said, ''my point of view toward presidential elections is an attitude which considers stability. I think the most important issue for Turkey is the protection of political stability. ANAP is a party which democracy functions widely. There may be different views within the party. Yet, my point of view towards the issue has never changed. The most important thing is the continuation of harmonization within the government.''

Yilmaz pointed out that he could not impose any application on his deputies except the ''persuasion'' and ''advice'' methods, and noted that he and the party administration thought that constitutional changes were right.

[21] RESTORATION OF 3 CHURCHES CONTINUES IN ISPARTA

Isparta Culture Director Mehmet Oruc told A.A that the restoration works were sponsored by Isparta Governorship and Tourism Ministry. ''These churches which managed to survive until today will be renovated and opened to visitors as soon as possible,'' Oruc said.

In the meantime, Director of Isparta's Yalvac Museum Mehmet Taslialan will give a speech titled ''St. Paulus and his journey to Yalvac'' at St. Paulus Cultural Center in Antalya Kaleici. St. Paulus' journey in Turkey will be told at the conference which will be held twice on March 25 and 26 and accompanied with a slide show.

[22] ANAP CHAIRMANSHIP COUNCIL - PROPOSAL FORESEEING CHANGE ON ARTICLE 101 OF CONSTITUTION OPENED FOR SIGNATURE

While the ANAP Chairmanship Council meeting continues, Zeki Cakan, the Acting Group leader opened for signature the proposal foreseeing constitutional change including ''5+5'' formula upon the wish of ANAP leader Mesut Yılmaz. Cengiz Altınkaya and Salih Yıldırım, the ANAP Deputy Chairmen didn't sign the proposal.

The proposal will be opened for deputies' signature during the ANAP Parliamentary Group meeting on Tuesday.

Article 101 of the Constitution notes ''the President of the Republic shall be elected for a term of office of seven years by the parliament.''

[23] PM ECEVIT: ''ALBANIA'S BECOMING A NATO MEMBER WILL CONTRIBUTE TO THE REGIONAL PEACE''

Prior to the meeting with Ilir Meta, the Albanian Prime Minister, Ecevit said that he attributes importance to the relations between Turkey and Albania.

The Balkans has been the most complicated region of the world in the last years, and the world wars occured in this region; Ecevit noted.

Ecevit stated that the tradegy which was experienced in Bosnia-Herzegovina saddened everyone.

''However, Albania was an example of stability in the Balkans during these tragedies and she contributed to the regional peace. We believe that Albania's becoming a NATO member will contribute to the regional peace,'' Ecevit added.

Meta said that the relations between two countries are not negatively affected by the political changes.

Meta noted that important steps have been taken in economy, education, culture, and defense until today.

The economic and trade relations between Turkey and Albania are not in the desired level, Meta stated.

Meta stressed that he is pleased that the Turkish businessmen who want to invest in Albania, are accompanying Ecevit during his visit.

He believes that the relations between Turkey and Albania will serve for a better future in the region together with the international initiatives, Meta emphasized.

Following the meeting between Ecevit and Meta, the inter-delegationary meeting started.

The two delegations discussed the highway transportation and Eximbank's granting ten million U.S. dollar loan to Albania.

[24] A.A

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