Anadolu Agency: News in English, 00-03-05

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[01] AA News

05 March 2000 Sunday

[02] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

HURRIYET (LIBERAL)

ECEVIT: IT IS EARLY TO FEEL SORRY BECAUSE OF HIGH INFLATION
Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit, who addressed a panel discussion, pointed out that it was early to feel sorry for the high inflation. Ecevit, on one hand, said private sector made high price increases, but on the other hand thanked to the businessmen as they gave full support to the program.

MILLIYET (LIBERAL)

The State Meteorology General Directorate added that the snowfall will continue on Monday and Tuesday.

PEACE TRIANGLE IN THE BALKANS
Foreign Ministers of Turkey, Bulgaria and Greece will first meet in Plovdiv (Bulgaria), later in Edirne province, and later in Orestiada (Greece) on Sunday. The Foreign Ministers will give peace message. The three foreign ministers will hold a tripartite meeting for the first time after Second World War.

SABAH (LIBERAL)

THE U.S. MODEL TO JUSTICE
Hikmet Sami Turk, Minister of Justice, disclosed the code of criminal procedure. Turk said it became obligatory to reflect and settle basic principles, included in international agreements, to internal law. Turk listed the basic principles as; right to have fair trial, right to keep silent, equality in usage of accusation and defense rights.

The commission, which was set up in order to prepare the code of criminal procedure (CMUK), which is convenient to the requirements of the date, concluded its works, and submitted CMUK draft resolution to Turk, Minister of Justice.

CUMHURIYET (LEFT) HELICOPTER ''WAR'' IN ANKARA
The U.S. and Europe compete for the tender worth of eight billion mark. The U.S. ''Apache'', Italian ''Augusta'', and ''Tiger'', French-German joint product, play their trump cards to be the winner in this tender which is like a ''medicine'' to the European market.

TURKEY IS RICH OF FESTIVALS
A total of 1014 festivals, public celebrations, commemorations, and celebration activities will be staged throughout Turkey by the end of this year. According to the booklet ''Local Activities 2000'' published by Tourism Ministry, the activities are intensified mainly in coastal regions.

RADIKAL (LEFT)

REASONED VERDICT OF ANNULMENT OF LAW REGARDING RETIREMENT OF
PARLIAMENTARIANS ISSUED
The reasoned verdict of the Constitutional Court, regarding annulment of several provisions of the law No:4234, related with the retirement of parlaimentarians, was issued in the Official Gazette on Saturday. The reasoned verdict said the provisions which were annuled, contradicted with Article 2 of the Constitution foreseeing Turkish Republic as state of law; Article 10, foreseeing equality principle; and Article 153 foreseeing the bindingness of the decisions of the Constitutional Court.

Supreme Court decided the annulment decision to take effect after three months.

TURKIYE (RIGHT)

ECEVIT: WE WILL RESIST TO INFLATION
Premier Bulent Ecevit said Turkey is living with high inflation rate for 20 years like a feverish ill person.

Ecevit spoke in the opening ceremony of the panel discussion titled, ''Let's Claim the Anti-Inflation Program'' which was held by the Finance World Broadcast Board (FIDYAK).''If the structure of the Turkish nation were not healthy and if the potential of our economy were not strong, Turkey could not resist to the high inflation rate for 20 years. This high rate inflation did not prevent Turkey from developing but it led to some deficiencies and illnesses. Meanwhile, an important part of the nation became dependent on inflation. The rentiers have been encouraged. But, despite all these, the Turkish enterpreneurs did not give up productive investments,'' Ecevit said.

ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE) KUTAN: WE WILL NOT SUPPORT IF ARTICLE 69 DOES NOT
FUNCTION
Recai Kutan, the leader of the Virtue Party (FP), said it was not possible for the FP to support any proposals if the article 69 of the Constitution is not amended as required with the democracy understanding.

Speaking in the opening ceremony of the FP Consultancy Assembly, Kutan noted that the planned amendment of article 69 of the Constitution is related with binding the democratic order in Turkey on strong principles. Following the meeting, Kutan told reporters that the government proposed to amend the article 69 of the Constitution and that they welcomed this proposal.

[03] TCG SALIHREIS FRIGATE LEAVE FOR BRITAIN TO PARTICIPATE IN TRAININGS

The Naval Forces Commandership said the TCG Salihreis Frigate, which was one of the modern ships of Turkish Naval Forces, will join the training program between March 15 and April 28, in the naval forces training center in Playmouth, Britain.

The Commandership stated that the frigate would be trained for air defense war, underwater defense war, electronics, navigation, cruising and fire.

The frigate will visit Augusto harbour of Italy between May 5-7 after concluding its training, and will return to Turkey on May 9.

[04] ECEVIT: ''TURKEY RECORDED A LOT OF SUCCESS IN THE RECENT YEARS IN HARMONIZING WITH CONTEMPORARY COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY''

Ecevit said as a result of this rapid development in this communication and information technology, policy and state administration became transparent gradually, and democracy gained content.

Ecevit and his wife Rahsan attended a meeting staged to introduce the Bogazici University Aydin Dogan Communication Institute.

Speaking at the meeting, Ecevit pointed out the importance of functions of communication between people, institutions, and countries throughout the history. Ecevit said Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, Founder of Moder Turkish Republic, was conscious of that and gave priority to communication when he went to Anatolia to start Liberation War.

Ecevit said Ataturk, in his arrival to Ankara, settled the headquarters near Postal, Telegraph, Telephone (PTT) centers and carried out his military and political actions from these centers to a great extend.

Pointing out that great developmens were recorded in communication technology in the recent years, Ecevit said these developments reached to the level of ''universal reform'', and noted that, ''communication technology is not only used in press and information and telecommunication areas, but also in science, education, researches, economy, trade, banking sector, politics, social relations, and in state-citizen relations.''

Ecevit said distance and time obstacles and limits were overcome as influence of contemporary communication and information technology increased in time.

Ecevit said wars and security operations could be watched live in the world today, adding interesting examples of this could be seen during Baghdad and Kosovo wars, and during ''Hezbollah Operation'' which had been held in Beykoz district a few weeks ago.

Prime Minister Ecevit said a total of 1180 radio institutions function in Turkey today, 36 in country level; 108 in regional level; and 1036 in local level. Ecevit also said the number of televisions which broadcast throughout the country is 16, the number in regional level is 15, and the number of televisions which broadcast in local level was 229. He said thus the number of tv institutions reached 260.

[05] TWO MAJORS, ONE CAPTAIN, AND ONE PRIVATE DIE IN TRAFFIC ACCIDENT

The accident happened when the minibus carrying the military personnel, collided with a lorry near Yalcinkaya village in Patnos township.

Majors Ufuk Rodoklu, Erhan Isbilen, Captain Hayati Gultekin, Private Irfan Kiraz, and Mehmet Erdem, driver of the minibus, died on the spot.

Captain Ayhan Demir, Sergeant Majors Adnan Karatas and Irfan Kirci were injured in the accident.

The injured ones were sent to Agri State Hospital.

[06] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT: ''NEW INFLATION FIGURES INDICATE THAT PUBLIC PRICES FALL, BUT UNFORTUNATELY INCREASE IN PRICES OF PRIVATE SECTOR CONTINUES''

Addressing a panel discussion which was held by the Finance World Broadcast Board (FIDYAK), Ecevit said developments started in production and foreign sale as of December 1999.

Pointing out that tourism sector met problems last year because of unjust and negative propaganda, Ecevit said, ''however, we are hopeful that this year will be a great year in tourism.''

Ecevit said re-evaluation calculation in Central Bank gave 1.5 quadrillion surplus, adding that 1.337 quadrillion lira of this amount was transferred to Treasury, and thus there is a decrease in public borrowing to a great extend.

Prime Minister stressed that limitations in public expenses were carried out in a determined way, adding that they began to transfer most of the funds to the budget, and that this made an important contribution due to the budget discipline.

Pointing out that they brought tight control over the public prices, Ecevit said they will follow the banking reform in implementation.

Ecevit said development of the Eastern and Southeastern regions was important for economic means as well as political and social means, and noted that Parliament broadened the scope of a law which was issued in 1998 to this end. ''Slight moves and investment tendencies started in the economy of the East and the Southeast,'' Ecevit said.

Ecevit said they restricted rent increases with 25 percent aiming to prevent inflationist pressures, and noted that, ''owners of the real estates did not oppose to this much, this shows that anti-inflationist conscience began to be settled in the society. Inflation targets can not be realized only with the contribution of the state. Contributions of private sector and entrepreneurs are required. However, I would like to mention that high level entrepreneur institutions like TOBB and TUSIAD fulfil their responsibilities and they are in an effort to promote the tendencies to struggle against inflation. We are grateful for this. We may not be able to obtain a result in a short time.''

''However, the inflations figures which had been disclosed indicate that public prices reduced, unfortunately increase in prices of private sector continues. Yet, I believe that private sector will be in an effort to put an end to inflationist tendencies with the contribution of leading entrepreneur institutions.''

Ecevit said another reform which has to start this year was the agriculture and land reform, and noted that also a more realistic settlement planning would be made.

[07] ECO TRADE MINISTERS MEETING TO TAKE PLACE IN TEHRAN ON MONDAY

The first meeting of ECO Trade Ministers will take place on Monday in Tehran. The ministers are expected to sign ''ECO Trade Cooperation Framework Agreement''.

Relations of ECO with World Trade Organization (WTO), International Trade Center (ITC), and the United Nations Conference of Trade and Development (UNCTAD) will also be discussed during the meeting.

ECO has observer status in WTO.

[08] DECISION IN HELICOPTER TENDER TO BE DISCLOSED ON MONDAY

Defense Industry Undersecretariat concluded its meticulous administrative and techical works on offers which it got from five separate companies, and conveyed the results to Defense Industry Executive Committee for a final decision.

The Committee will convene in Ankara on Monday to decide for the company for the joint production of helicopters, planned to be purchased.

Most of the finance of the helicopter production is expected to be met from the sources of Defense Industry Undersecretariat and General Staff. Turkish companies Aselsan, MKEK, and TAI will provide contribution.

Helicopter tender is planned to be concluded in March within the framework of a decision which the Executive Committee will take.

Boeing company of the U.S. compete with 64 Apache Longbow, Bell Helicopter Textron company of the U.S. compete with AH-1W King Cobra, Eurocopter, French-German partnership, compete with UHU-HAS Tiger, Italian company Agusta compete with A-129 International, Russian-Israeli partnership Kamov- IAI compete with KA-5-2 Lack Shark model in helicopter tender.

[09] TRIPARTITE MEETING IN BULGARIA - FM CEM: ''WE HAVE GIVEN A MESSAGE OF HOPE TO EUROPE''

Speaking at the news conference, Foreign Minister Ismail Cem said the meeting was important more than the expected, adding that, ''we have given a message of hope to Europe.''

Pointing out that the meeting took place among ''three neighbor, three friendly countries'', Cem said, ''we have experienced war. We have experienced ethnical cleansing. Some of the problems still continue.''

Noting that this meeting was an ''expression of a hope'', Cem said he hoped other countries of the region to get an example from this success.

FM Cem, responding to a question on Kosovo problem, pointed out that it was the ''common problem'' of all the countries in the region. Cem said involvement of experienced countries in the region will be beneficial for the solution of the problem.

Responding to a question about signing of a nonaggression agreement among three countries, Cem said, ''it is meaningless to bring such an issue in such a meeting.'' Cem said even the arrangement of this meeting is the best response to this question.

Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou in his part said this meeting could not be imagined even a few years ago, and defined the meeting as ''historic''. Papandreou said, ''this meeting represents the new spirit prevailing our region.''

Papandreou said this meeting also interested the daily problems of people living in the region, adding that, ''because we have also discussed border trade and reciprocal free movement issues of the people living in border regions of the three countries.''

Papandreou wished this meeting to be an example for the other countries of the region.

Nadejda Mihailova, Bulgarian Foreign Minister, said the meeting in question was very important ''both for the security of the Balkans, and due to the message given to Europe.''

Mihailova said they also discussed struggle against terrorism in the region, and that they thought that in this sense, Interior Ministers of the three countries might convene in future.

The three foreign ministers also issued a joint declaration related with the meeting.

In the joint statement, the three ministers pointed out that ''permanent peace, stability, democracy and economic development in Southeastern Europe was the common target of the three countries.''

The ministers pointed out that countries in the region will play the principal role in implementation of stability pact, and noted that private sector should be given facilities to join actively the re-structuring efforts in the region.

The ministers said they would continue to support no:1244 resolution of the U.N., and expressed belief that temporary administration in Kosovo may create a democratic atmosphere by considering rights of all citizens in the region and ethical and religious communities.

Foreign Ministers of Turkey, Bulgaria, and Greece agreed to hold similar meetings again, where common interests will be taken up.

[10] NARCOTICS TEAMS CONFISCATE 15.4 KG HEROIN

Istanbul Narcotics Department told a statement that the teams, acting on a tip off, staged an operation on a house in Kadikoy district on March 3. The teams found the 15.471 kg heroin in packages in the house.

The heroin has a market value of approximately 300,000 mark. Nurettin Cokan and Saffet Barak were detained in connection with the drug.

It was determined that Mustafa Sezai, a businessmen from Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), was the owner of the heroin which was brought from Iran to be sent to Italy and Britain.

Efforts are underway to capture Sezai.

[11] MEJDANI, ALBANIAN PRESIDENT, INVITES TURKISH COMPANIES TO INVEST IN HIS COUNTRY

Speaking to journalists, Mejdani said they have created a new state which was based on free market and democratic institutions, and noted that investment of Turkish entrepreneurs in Albania will be beneficial both for them and for Albanian citizens.

Pointing out that they have prepared the atmosphere for foreign investors, Mejdani said number of Turkish companies acting in Albania was not much, and expressed hope that this number will increase.

Mejdani also said Albania has the support of Turkish government in military and in other fields.

[12] KING ABDULLAH OF JORDAN DUE IN TURKEY - WATER PROJECT EXPECTED TO BE DISCUSSED DURING THE VISIT

Jordan's Prime Minister Abdurrauf Ravabdeh, Palace Minister Fayez Travneh, Foreign Minister Abdulilah Hatip, and Water and Irrigation Minister Kamil Mahadin are also in the high level delegation which will accompany King Abdullah.

Latest developments regarding the Middle East peace process, increase of bilateral trade volume, and water issue are expected to be on the agenda of the visit.

King Hussein Bin Tallal, father of King Abdullah, had visited Turkey in May 1996, and conveyed Turkish officials that water issue was an important element for a permanent peace in the Middle East. Within this framework, it is known that King Hussein had a positive view toward ''Peace Water'' project.

Mahadin, Water and Irrigation Minister, who will visit Ankara together with King Abdullah, had visited Turkey in January as the official guest of Cumhur Ersumer, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources. Ersumer and Mahadin had examined Manavgat Water Project Installations, and Oymapinar Hydroelectric Power Plant.

Jordanian Minister, after examining the installations, pointed out that the project was very successful, and noted that, ''we will make an evaluation again about the project. We have a very positive cooperation with Turkey. We want to purchase water. Jordan needs 250 million cubic meters water only to be used in houses.''

If Jordan decides to benefit from waters of Manavgat Brook, it will either take the water with a pipeline from Israeli coasts, or via Suez Canal.

Water issue had been brought to the agenda during President Suleyman Demirel's tour to the Middle East in July 1999.

Turgut Ozal, eighth President, had brought Manavgat water project as the ''Peace Water Project'' onto the agenda, aiming to make use of waters of Manavgat Brook which falls to the Mediterranean for years and which could not be evaluated. The project is expected to bring 300 million U.S. dollars income to Turkey and give life to Mediterranean countries which suffer from drought.

A total of 122 million U.S. dollars had been spent for the Manavgat project which started to be constructed on March 29, 1992.

The 38 year old King Abdullah came to the throne after his father King Hussein died on February 9, 1999 who was an influential personality in the Middle Eastern countries.

After studying in Britain and the U.S. for many years, King Abdullah received international politics education at Oxford University in 1984. Here, he tried to learn the finenesses of politics in the Middle East which is one of the most stormy regions of the world.

Later King Abdullah returned to his country and developed his military skills by working at high level posts in the military.

After coming to throne on last year on February 9, King Abdullah worked to continue his father's legacy and also to improve the economic situation of Jordan. He limited the state's expenses and inspected state departments by disguising himself as an ordinary citizen to see if the citizens were given good service or not.

King Abdullah also paid visits to the countries in the region. He stated that he wanted to continue the present peace atmosphere with Isreal and said they have to maintain sustainable peace in the Middle East.

King Abdullah who married Princess Rania in 1993 fathered a daughter and a son who carries King Hussein's name. The King, in his leisure time, enjoys flying planes, parachuting, collecting ancient guns, doing water sports and rallying.

[13] A.A

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