Anadolu Agency: News in English, 00-03-15

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[01] AA News

15 March 2000 Wednesday

[02] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

HURRIYET (LIBERAL)

TURKISH-GREEK BUSINESS FAIR TO BE HELD IN ATHENS
The first Turkish-Greek Business Fair will be held in Athens between April 20 and 23, 2000. A total of 85 Turkish companies working in automotive, textile, leather, food, construction material, machines and spare parts, will join the fair. Cemil Ipekci and Greek fashion designer Aslansis will stage a joint fashion show.

MILLIYET (LIBERAL)

THE OTTOMAN WIND IN PARIS
The Ottoman Calligraphy works which were collected by Sakip Sabanci, a famous Turkish businessmen, were started to be exhibited in the Louvre Museum of Paris. Many visitors rushed into the museum to see Sabanci's Calligraphy Collection. The exhibition will remain open until May 29. The calligraphy works had earlier been exhibited in New York, Los Angeles and Boston.

SABAH (LIBERAL)

CUMHURIYET (LEFT)

TANTAN IN LONDON
Sadettin Tantan, Interior Minister, currently holds contacts in London where he arrived as the official guest of Jack Straw, British Home Secretary. Tantan visited struggle against terrorism unit, which acts within the body of British Foreign Ministry, and got information from the officials. Tantan and the accompanying delegation are expected to return to Turkey on Wednesday.

RADIKAL (LEFT)

KAVAKCI LEAVES FOR THE U.S. SHE MAY NOT COME BACK
Merve Kavakci, deputy from the Virtue Party (FP), left for the U.S.. It was claimed that she may not come back to Turkey if she is stripped off her deputyship following the decision of Council of State. Kavakci caused crisis after she had come to the Parliament by wearing a headscarf.

YENI BINYIL (LIBERAL)

ANOTHER MEMBER OF TERRORIST HEZBOLLAH ORGANIZATION RELEASED
Saban Elaltunteri, a top-member of the terrorist Hezbollah organization, was released on Tuesday. The Diyarbakir State Security Court (DGM) released Elaltunteri since the petition in which he asked for benefitting from the Repentance Law was accepted. Elaltunteri joined the terrorist Hezbollah organization in 1980s and staged terrorist attacks together with Huseyin Velioglu, the leader of the terrorist Hezbollah organization who was killed in the operation in Istanbul. After leaving the party in 1992, Elaltuneri started to live in Istanbul. He was captured in 1998 and was tried in Diyarbakir DGM. Diyarbakir DGM sentenced him to 12 years and six month imprisonment on February 24, 1999 on charges of being a member of the terrorist organization.

TURKIYE (RIGHT)

PORTUGESE SUPPORT FOR TURKEY'S EU MEMBERSHIP
Jamie Josep Matos de Gama, the Foreign Minister of Portugal which is the Term President of the European Union (EU), started his official contacts in Ankara. Matos de Gama arrived in Turkey as the official guest of Ismail Cem, the Foreign Minister. Gama said that Turkey and Portugal are two allies for a long time within NATO. Portugal, the EU Term President, will exert efforts to accelerate the three-stage strategy which was put forward for Turkey at the Helsinki Summit, Gama noted. Drawing the attention to the improvement of the bilateral relations, Gama said that the meetings which Turkey and Portugal will hold prior to the Association Council that will be staged in April, carry importance.

JAPANESE DRUM BAND TO GIVE CONCERT FOR QUAKE SURVIVORS
Tachibana Taiko Hibikiza, the Japanese drum band, will give a concert for the quake survivors. The Japanese Embassy in Ankara said that the Hibikiza drum band will give a concert in the Turkish-Japanese village which was constructed in quake-hit Adapazari province on March 15, 2000. The Hibikiza band is among the best drum bands in Japan, the Japanese Embassy noted. The Japanese Embassy stated that Hibikiza band had performed in the activities held in Istanbul last year for the Japanese week. Japan wishes to improve the present friendly relations between the Turkish and Japanese people by this concert, the Japanese Embassy added.

ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)

COURT RELEASES FEHRIYE BUT PROSECUTOR OPPOSES TO THE RELEASE
Belgian Bruges Court decided to release Fehriye Erdal and her friends Musa Asaoglu and Hasan Saz on bail. Yet, the prosecutor objected to this decision. Under Belgian laws, Fehriye could not be released because of the prosecutor's objection. Erdal, one of the suspects of the assassination of Ozdemir Sabanci, Chairman of Sabanci Holding Automotive Group, was arrested in Belgium on September 26, 1999. Haluk Gorgun, Director General of Toyota- Sa and his secretary Nilgun Hasefe were also killed in the assassination on January 9, 1996.

[03] STATE MINISTER YALOVA SAYS DRAFT LAW ON THE EU WILL BE PRESENTED TO THE PARLIAMENT AFTER EID AL-ADHA

Privatization has an important place on the road which leads to the EU, he noted. Yalova stated that they would soon materialize the bids of Alanya, Gulluk, Dikili, Cesme, Kusadasi, Marmaris and Trabzon ports.

[04] PORTUGUESE FOREIGN MINISTER GAMA SAYS TURKEY IS WORKING TO SOLVE ITS HUMAN RIGHTS AND KURDISH PROBLEMS

After a meeting with Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit, Gama responded to reporters' questions.

When asked if Turkey has a Kurdish or human rights problem, Gama said the information they obtained from Turkish authorities indicate an improvement in these fields. He said they have to wait for the result and support Turkey's efforts if the results are positive.

Copenhagen criteria are valid for all EU candidate countries and Turkey is moving in the right direction and its reforms need to be supported, Gama noted.

He stressed that economic, political and constitutional reforms which Turkey is trying to pass were very important, and added that any country which is trying to become an EU member has to make these reforms.

Speaking about Turkey-Portugal relations, Gama told reporters that they signed an agreement about visa procedures for diplomatic passports. He also added that they soon would start works to prevent double taxation between the two countries.

Gama said that he was in Turkey to evaluate the strategy Turkey is following during the period which leads to its EU membership.

[05] QUAKES SHAKE BINGOL, MARMARA SEA AND GAZIANTEP

Officials of Bogazici University Kandilli Observatory Center and Seismology Institute listed the time, epicenter and magnitude of the earthquakes as follows:

Time Epicenter Magnitude

---- --------- ---------
11.06 a.m. (Tuesday) Bingol-Solhan 3.0

6.04 p.m. (Tuesday) Marmara Sea 2.7

7.48 a.m. (Wednesday) Marmara Sea 2.6

8.13 a.m. (Wednesday) Gaziantep-Islahiye 3.5

(BRC-AY)

[06] A.A INTERVIEWS PORTUGUESE FOREIGN MINISTER GAMA (1) - GAMA SAYS ANY COUNTRY WHICH WANTS TO JOIN THE EU, MUST OBEY UNION'S RULES

Gama told A.A that he was in Turkey to observe the developments regarding Turkey's EU membership. During his visit, Gama said, he also discussed preparations made for Turkey-EU Partnership Council meeting which was suggested to be held on April 11.

Gama said they want to get a positive result from the Council meeting therefore accelerated preparations. Instead of an ordinary, traditional Council meeting, Gama said, they wanted this meeting to be a platform where a wider road map for Turkey can be discussed prior to its joining to the EU. He also reminded that the Council meeting on April 11 will have a special meaning since the Council could not convene in the last three years.

After EU finalizes its continuing negotiations with the Central Europe, it will start negotiations with Turkey, Gama explained.

When reminded that Ecevit targeted 2004 to start EU membership negotiations, Gama said the talks could start before or after this date. The main issue is that both sides must fulfill their responsibilities, Gama said and added that the negotiations will start once the necessary conditions are formed.

Regarding Ecevit's concerns over some delays which he voiced during EU Commission member Gunter Verheugen's visit, Gama said these worries were normal. ''Because Turks are good negotiators. We are ready for this,'' he said.

Following a meeting with Verheugen, Ecevit had said that if the EU delays to monitor Turkey's preparations, this will also cause a delay in Turkey's joining to the Union.

All EU candidate countries must obey the human rights norms defined by Copenhagen criteria, Gama went on to say. He stressed that these criteria were not only for Turkey but for all candidates.

About the criticisms directed by his European colleagues following the arrest of mayors of People's Democracy Party (HADEP), Gama said the issue was now over and the EU made the necessary explanation.

Gama stressed that they were aware of Turkey's reforms in the field of human rights and said their job was to support Turkey during this period of change.

[07] A.A INTERVIEWS PORTUGUESE FOREIGN MINISTER GAMA (2) ''OUR GOAL IS NOT TO EXCLUDE TURKEY BUT TO INCLUDE IT IN ESDI''

''Why would you think you are excluded? Our goal is not to exclude Turkey, but to include Turkey in ESDI'' Gama told A.A during an interview. ''My approach is that Turkey, being a member of NATO and also as a country which is in close cooperation with the EU is a part of this new formation,'' Gama said.

When asked when the promised EU aid for Turkey would be released, Gama said some of the aid was already released and the rest of it would be released soon.

Gama noted that some Turkish authorities expressed concern about Turkey's EU membership process. ''I fully agree with these concerns. I hope that we can achieve to remove some of these concerns if we work well at the Partnership Council meeting,'' he added.

Following a series of official meetings, Gama came together with the representatives of some human rights associations. Gama had a meeting with Akin Birdal, former President of Human Rights Association and Yavuz Onen, President of Human Rights Association.

[08] FIREBOMB ATTACK IN ISTANBUL'S KADIKOY DISTRICT

The attackers threw three bombs at branches of Imar Bank and Pamukbank on Muhurdar Avenue which caused minor material damage around 7.15 p.m.

Police started operations to capture the assailnts, and took one person under custody who is suspected to be one of the attackers.

[09] PORTUGUESE FOREIGN MINISTER GAMA LEAVES ANKARA

After being received by President Suleyman Demirel and Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit, Gama had a meeting with Foreign Minister Ismail Cem before he left Turkey.

[10] LABOUR AND SOCIAL SECURITY MINISTER YALOVA SAYS ANNUAL DEFICIT OF SSK AND BAG-KUR THIS YEAR IS 3.6 QUADRILLION TL

''Our hospitals will not be able to give health service in 3 years and in 5 years we won't be able to pay pensions to retirees,'' Okuyan said at a press briefing in Yalova. He also noted that the amount government assigned for this purpose was only 2.5 quadrillion TL.

''We politicians made many mistakes in the past in order to get votes. Some politicians even wanted to pull down the retirement age to 38,'' he said.

Okuyan reminded that 17 hospitals in Turkey which are connected to his ministry were closed down because there are either not enough doctors or they have other needs which were not met.

[11] TTSO CHAIRMAN EREN: - ''WE SHOULD ACCELERATE THE PREPARATIONS FOR OPENING OF BORDER GATES BETWEEN TURKEY AND ARMENIA''

Eren told A.A correspondent that Turkey has to keep the border gates closed due to the disputes between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

''However, the gentle statements of Azerbaijani President have brought into the agenda the opening of the border gates. Turkey should not only exert efforts for the solution of the problems between Azerbaijan and Armenia but also should accelerate the preparations for the opening of the border gates, '' Eren said.

Eren noted that the Armenian officials said that Turkish products worth of 100 million U.S. dollars, enter into Armenia a year, adding that this export is being indirectly materialized via Georgia and Iran.

This means losing at least 20-30 million U.S. dollars a year, and to this end, the border gates should be opened as soon as possible, Eren added.

[12] NEWROZ TO BE CELEBRATED WITH SOME ACTIVITIES HELD BY THE CULTURE MINISTRY

The Culture Ministry's celebration program will start by the Newroz walk which will start from Guvenpark in Kizilay district of Ankara at 11.00 a.m. on March 21, 2000.

The Newroz celebrations will continue with the music and folklore shows which will be held in Selim Sirri Tarcan Sports Hall at 2.00 p.m.

Also, ''International Newroz Symposium'' in which all the aspects of Newroz will be discussed, will be staged within the framework of the program.

The symposium which will be held in the Culture Ministry 75th Year Culture Center, will continue until March 23.

A group of students from the high schools of ten Eastern and Southeastern Anatolia regions, will also join the celebrations in Ankara.

The students will visit the historical and touristic sites of Ankara and will join the Newroz reception which will be hosted in the Hilton Hotel on March 22 with the initiatives of the Culture Ministry. The students will wear their regional clothes in the reception.

Meanwhile, the Culture Ministry State Classical Turkish Music Chorus and Turkish Folk Music Chorus will give several concerts in Tunceli, Sanliurfa, Igdir, Tarsus, Mersin, Adana, and Kars.

[13] CLINTON OFFICIALLY NOMINATES NEW AMBASSADOR TO ANKARA

After Pearson's appointment was announced in the U.S. Senate, he is expected to change place with Mark Parris, the U.S. Ambassador to Ankara.

Pearson, a career foreign service officer, has a background ýn European and security issues. His last posting was as Deputy Chief of Mission of the U.S. Embassy to France since 1997.

Peason had acted as assistant diplomat in NATO permanent representation through five years before 1997.

The new ambassador, who was appointed to Ankara, worked in China and New Zealand as well as his assignment in the U.S. National Security Council (NSC).

Turkish government earlier gave agrement for the appointment of Pearson to Ankara.

Diplomatic sources said Parris had important contibutions to the improvement of Turkish-U.S. relations, and to the success of Clinton's visit to Turkey in November. Sources said Parris was successful in Ankara and liked by Turkish people.

[14] TURKEY REACTS AGAINST REPORT WHICH CLAIMS THERE IS DISCRIMINATION AGAINST KURDS IN TURKEY

The report prepared by the Deutch parliamentarian Bastiaa Belder titled ''Fight against racism and xenophobia and EU member countries'', claimed that there was a discrimination against Kurds in Turkey.

The report caused Turkey's harsh reaction. Ambassador Nihat Akyol, Turkey's EU Representative in Brussels criticized the report in a letter which he sent to the Parliament Chairman and leaders of political groups. Akyol stated that Turkey was very sensitive about racism and xenophobia and stressed that such allegations were completely baseless.

[15] ECEVIT SAYS THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO LINK BETWEEN ARTICLE 312 OF TURKISH PENAL CODE AND CONSTITUTIONAL CHANGE OVER PRESIDENT'S TERM IN OFFICE

''A solution will be brought to Article 312 which will contribute to our democracy,'' Ecevit told reporters.

Noting that Turkey is facing very serious threats such as separatist terrorism and abuse of religion, Ecevit said it is very natural for a state to take some measures against such threats within the boundries of democratic rules. He also noted that some democratic western countries apply heavier punishments against similar threats. ''A solution which will contribute to our democracy will definitely be found. I don't want to get into details. But, I'd like to stress that it is not right to form a link between the constitutional change and other issues,'' Ecevit told reporters.

When reminded that some ministers from the EU have been visiting the Human Rights Association (IHD) and asked how he evaluates the situation, Ecevit said they would not object to these visits.

''We only reacted against behaviour which casts a shadow upon the state's respectibility. Some EU representatives come and contact certain non- governmental organizations without visiting any official institutions of the government. This was what we reacted against and I think they understood our objection. Now, they are trying to be more careful. There are no problems right now. We also told them that in Turkey there are other non-governmental organizations which they should contact. We told them that it would be beneficial for them to be in touch also with them and receive opposite views,'' Ecevit said.

Responding to a question about the release of Fehriye Erdal, one of the accused people of Sabanci assasination, Ecevit said ''it would be very wrong to release Erdal. He also noted that Bruges Prosecutor's Office rejected the decision to release Erdal.

When a reporter complained about Ankara's roads which requires serious repair, Ecevit said this was Ankara Municipality's task. ''I hope your criticism makes Ankara Municipality take an action over this issue,'' Ecevit responded.

[16] 272.7 MILLION U.S. DOLLARS PAID IN FOREIGN DEBT BETWEEN MARCH 1 AND 14

The Central Bank data shows that the Treasury paid 235.57 million U.S. dollars; the Central Bank repaid 12.09 million U.S. dollars; the administrations with general and added budgets paid 12.47 million U.S. dollars foreign debt in the mentioned period.

Meanwhile, a total of 2 billion 665.86 million U.S. dollars of foreign debt was repaid since January 1, 2000.

[17] TANTAN, MINISTER OF INTERIOR, DEPARTS LONDON

Tantan and an accompanying delegation left for Turkey at 09:55 local time.

[18] PRODUCTION DEFICITS IN MEAT AND MILK

A study made by Dr. Onur sahin, Agriculture Engineer and an expert of Turkish Animal Breeding Centeral Union (TDSYMB), evaluated Turkey's meat and milk production projection in 2000-2005 period.

According to the projection, in order to increase production, number of animals should be increased, and their genetic structures should be improved.

Turkey can give production surplus only in the year 2002 in milk, and in the year 2007 in meat.

[19] NUMBER OF PLANES LANDING AT AND TAKING OFF CORLU AIRPORT INCREASES 192 PERCENT IN FIRST TWO MONTHS

Mehmet Cumhur, the Director of Corlu Airport, told A.A correspondent on Wednesday that the passenger transportation increased 106 percent in the first two months.

Cumhur said that 488 planes have landed at and taken off the Corlu Airport and 10,533 passengers were carried by these planes until today.

''Planes from Kazakhstan, Turmenistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Ukraine, and Russia are landing at and taking off the Corlu Airport. The majority of these passengers are those who are dealing with luggage trade. We expect an increase in not only the number of planes and passengers but also in the amount of the luggage. Today, our airport is an internationally-known airport,'' Cumhur noted.

Cumhur stated that the planes carrying the Turkish citizens working in Europe, can also land at the Corlu Airport.

The Corlu Airport is an advantageous airport, Cumhur added.

[20] SECURITIES ACCOUNT AT BANKS DECREASE 859.5 TRILLION TL

The total securities account at banks was 12 quadrillion 786.2 trillion TL on February 25.

The Central Bank data shows that there were a total of 11 quadrillion 683.1 trillion TL of securities including 8 quadrillion 162.5 trillion TL of securities, and 3 quadrillion 520.6 trillion TL of securities over foreign currency at the deposit banks portfolio.

The securities over TL at deposit banks are composed of 726.9 trillion TL in trasury bonds, 6 quadrillion 746.8 trillion TL in state debenture bonds and 513.6 trillion TL in stocks.

A total of 664.4 trillion TL of foreign currency securities at these banks are abroad while there is a total of 1 quadrillion 992.9 trillion TL of state debenture bonds among the domestic securities.

The total securities account at the development and investment banks was 227.8 trillion TL.

[21] REPO TRANSACTIONS BETWEEN BANKS AND THEIR CUSTOMERS INCREASE 901.4 TRILLION TL

The Central Bank data shows that the repo transactions, which were 5 quadrillion 896.4 trillion TL on February 25, increased to 6 quadrillion 797.7 trillion TL on March 3.

The reverse repo transactions, which were 14 trillion 203 billion TL on February 25, rose 541 million TL to 14 trillion 744 billion TL on March 5.

The repo transactions among the financial organizations decrease 35.3 trillion TL to 2 quadrillion 406 trillion TL on March 5. The total repo transactions amount was 2 quadrillion 441.3 trillion TL on February 25.

The reverse repo transactions among the financial organizations, which were 2 quadrillion 446.5 trillion TL on February 25, decreased 42.6 trillion TL to 2 quadrillion 403.8 trillion TL on March 5.

[22] TOTAL DEPOSITS AT BANKS DECREASE 45 QUADRILLION TL

The Central Bank data shows that the total deposit which was 45 quadrillion 247.2 trillion TL on February 25 decreased to 45 quadrillion 16.3 trillion TL on March 3.

When the inter-banks deposits are not considered, the total deposit, which was 41 quadrillion 750.6 trillion TL on February 25, decreased 380 trillion TL to 41 quadrillion 370.7 trillion TL on March 3.

The total TL deposit decreased 659.6 trillion TL to 20 quadrillion 770.3 trillion TL on March 3. The total TL deposit was 25 quadrillion 429.9 trillion on February 25.

As of March 3, the total TL deposit was composed of 13 quadrillion 841.3 trillion TL deposits at public banks, 6 quadrillion 737.7 trillion TL of deposits at private deposit banks and 70.3 trillion TL of deposits at foreign banks.

The foreign exchange accounts at banks increased 279.6 trillion TL to 20 quadrillion 600.4 trillion TL on March 3.

(BRC-AÖ)

[23] BANK CREDITS VOLUME INCREASES 20 QUADRILLION 497.8 TRILLION TL

The total credit volume at banks was 20 quadrillion 229.1 trillion TL on February 25.

The Central Bank data shows that the total credits in the system was composed of 1 quadrillion 203.9 trillion TL of loans given to financial sector and 19 quadrillion 294 trillion TL of loans given to non-financial sector as of March 3.

The credits given to financial sector were composed of 610.1 trillion TL of loans given by deposit banks, 586.1 trillion TL of loans given by development and investment banks and 7.6 trillion TL of loans given by the Central Bank.

[24] MEDITERRANEAN PERMANENT NAVAL FORCES TEAMS TO GO TO SPAIN'S MAJORCA PORT

Mediterranean Permanent Naval Forces units of Turkey, the U.S., Greece, Italy, Spain, Germany, Britain, and the Netherlands will be at Majorca Port on Thursday.

There will be a press briefing held on TCG Oruc Reis frigate which is representing Turkey on Wednesday at 4 p.m. local time. The briefing will be about STANAVFORMED's activities.

[25] TURKCELL'S SERVICE AREA IN U.S.EXPANDS

Turkcell will now start giving service in Arizona, Colorado, Washington, D.C., Hawaii, Idoho, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Seattle, Vancouver, and Wyoming.

Turkcell will continue to give international roaming service with 165 operators in 82 countries.

[26] WEATHER FORECAST DURING EID AL-ADHA HOLIDAY

According to the information given by State Meteorology General Directorate, the temperatures all throughout the country will rise on Wednesday.

Starting on Thursday, Marmara, Aegean, northwestern parts of Central Anatolia and western Black Sea will start receiving precipitation. It will be snowy in Thrace while other areas will get rain.

On Friday, snow and rain is expected in Turkey's northern and central regions and the temperatures will drop noticeably in northern and western regions.

On Saturday, eastern parts of Marmara, central Aegean, eastern Mediterranean, Central Anatolia, Black Sea, eastern and southeastern Anatolia will receive rain and sometimes snow.

On Sunday, the precipitation and cold weather will mainly affect northern and eastern parts of Turkey. The temperatures will keep dropping.

Below are the lowest and highest temperatures expected in some provinces during the Eid Al-Adha Holiday. The temperatures are given in Celcius.

PROVINCE 16.03.2000 17.03.2000 18.03.2000
----- ------------ ------------ ------------
ISTANBUL 6/9 1/7 0/6
EDIRNE 2/4 -3/6 -4/5
KOCAELI 4/10 -1/6 -2/5
SAKARYA 4/11 -1/7 -2/6
BURSA 5/12 0/5 -1/4
YALOVA 6/12 1/8 0/7
BOLU 1/14 -3/4 -5/3
DUZCE 2/14 -2/5 -3/4
ZONGULDAK 5/11 1/5 0/4
SINOP 5/15 1/8 0/7
TOKAT 0/15 2/6 -3/1
TRABZON 3/11 5/12 2/9
IZMIR 8/13 2/9 0/6
MUGLA 3/14 3/10 -1/7
AFYON 1/12 -1/3 -5/0
ADANA 6/18 8/19 9/14
ANTALYA 8/16 10/13 5/8
ANKARA 1/12 1/4 -3/3
SIVAS -8/4 -4/6 -9/1
ERZURUM -28/-4 -23/-1 -16/0
ERZINCAN -15/2 -10/5 -5/5
MUS -15/0 -10/3 -5/3
DIYARBAKIR -4/12 0/15 4/12
BATMAN -3/13 1/16 5/13
SANLIURFA 1/16 5/19 9/16 .

[27] SEVEN MEMBERS OF ILLEGAL ORGANIZATION TKP/ML-TIKKO CAUGHT IN ISTANBUL

Istanbul Security Directorate said that anti-terrorism teams started an operation on March 8, 2000 against illegal Turkey Communist Party/Marksist Leninist-Turkey Workers Salvation Army (TKP/ML-IKKO).

It was also stated that Ali Gulmez was the so-called ''secretary general'' of the organization who was in charge of the organization's activities all throughout Turkey. Gulmez had escaped from Bayrampasa Prison on December 19, 1993. It was also said that Gulmez was trained on bomb making in Greece.

Other members who were arrested were providing logistic and communication support to the organization members who were active in rural areas or in overseas countries.

The terrorists who were caught were involved in many acts of violence which resulted in the deaths of several people.

Police also found some ammunition, organizational material and foreign cash after searching the terrorists' hide-outs.

Gulmez was sent to Tokat Gendarme Commandership while the other six terrorists including three women were transferred to Istanbul State Security Court Republic Prosecutor's Office.

[28] ETHIOPIAN FOREIGN MINISTER MESFIN LEAVES TURKEY

Mesfin who was accompanied by Turkish Foreign Ministry representatives at Istanbul's Ataturk Airport left for Rome.

[29] FP LEADER KUTAN SAYS POINT TURKEY REACHED IN DEMOCRATIC, ECONOMIC, AND SOCIAL FIELDS IS UNSATISFACTORY

In the message he released on the occasion of the Eid Al-Adha Holiday, Kutan said this holiday should strengthen peace, unity, and fraternity among people while making people more aware of the needs of the poor.

Kutan said the Turkish nation inherited a successful history from its ancestors. ''However, we can't get stuck to the past and boast about our future. The successful events of our history should be the light illuminating our road in the 2000's. In the beginning of a new century, the point we reached in democratic, economic, and social fields is not satisfactory. The wrong policies followed by those who claim to have served the nation left Turkey behind many countries. I believe that this picture is a temporary one. Our problems are temporary. This picture will change in 2000's. Turkey's resources are enough to change it. Turkish people have the determination and enthusiasm to change this picture. In order to attain a place that we deserve among other nations, we must work hard to raise our democracy to universal standards and we must fully obey human rights,'' Kutan said.

[30] TRNC PRESIDENT DENKTAS:''WE WANT A FUTURE WHERE THERE WILL BE NO RETURN TO THE PAST''

In a statement he released on the occasion of the Eid Al-Adha Holiday, Denktas said the holiday overlapped with ''critical'' days. ''I am saying critical, not fearful because we left our fears behind,'' he noted.

Since Geneva meeting, they have been discussing the future of TRNC with diplomats and representatives, he reminded.

TRNC President said they hoped to improve TRNC's economy in the future, and noted that they can achieve this with Turkey's help.

[31] POLICE SEIZE COUNTERFEIT MONEY IN ANTALYA

The three men had 70 counterfeit 10 million TL bills and 35 100 U.S. dollar bills.

Authorities said the counterfeit money they seized two days ago had the same series number with the money found during Wednesday's operation.

[32] PRESIDENT DEMIREL RECEIVES ANKARA GOVERNOR YAHYA GUR

Ankara Governor Yahya Gur and his delegation visited Demirel on the occasion of the Sacrifice Holiday.

Demirel said people should end adversities and show more tolerance to each other during this holiday.

''Because we expect global peace from the 2000's. Turkey wants this peace more than anybody else does and it is capable of contributing to the peace, '' Demirel said.

Demirel reminded that many people lose their lives in traffic accidents during holidays and asked them to drive carefully.

''As a nation, we are in a great solidarity. Of course, we are facing many problems. I am not underestimating any of these problems, but Turkey was never intimidated by these problems. The Turkish Republic did not exist in the beginning of 1900's. Today, Turkey has become a powerful, respectable country with a population of 65 million. We will overcome all these problems if all our citizens treasure our Republic,'' Demirel said.

[33] ANAP DEPUTY SEVGILI DIES DURING PILGRIMAGE

Sevgili had a heart attack in Arafat Valley which is one of the most important places for pilgrims. He was first taken to a field hospital of the Red Crescent and later was transferred to a hospital in Mekka. Despite all the efforts to save his life, Sevgili died in the hospital.

Suudi authorities expressed their condolences to Director of Religious Affairs Nuri Yilmaz after Sevgili's death.

Sevgili who was elected as ANAP deputy on April 18 was married and had 6 children.

[34] INTERIOR MINISTER TANTAN RETURNS HOME - TURKEY TO SIGN SECURITY AND COOPERATION AGREEMENT WITH BRITAIN

''After signing this agreement, all criminals that are wanted by Turkey through Interpol will be returned to Turkey,'' Tantan said at Istanbul's Ataturk Airport.

Noting that no security and cooperation agreement currently existed between Turkey and Britain, Tantan said after the agreement is signed, the combat against organized crime will be run more effectively because all criminals wanted by Turkey with red bulletin will be returned to Turkey.

Tantan said he explained to his British counterpart that it was very important to work together and cooperate against cross borders crime, drug smuggling, terrorism, and other types of organized crime.

Studies for the Security and Cooperation Agreement will start in the coming days, he said. Tantan also noted that besides security field, the agreement will also help to develop economic relations between Turkey and Britain.

When asked if there is any development about the return of Nurettin Guven and Gulay Asliturk who live in Britain, Tantan repeated one more time that Britain will return all criminals after the agreement is signed. ''Britain did not return any criminals to Turkey so far because no agreement existed between the two countries,'' Tantan added.

[35] ISRAEL-TURKEY - PROGRESS MADE IN SALES OF ARROW MISSILES TO TURKEY

According to the information A.A obtained from reliable sources, the U.S., for a long time, did not approve the sales of the missiles to Turkey and to other countries. However, some time ago, the U.S. changed its mind over the issue and decided to let Turkey buy the missiles.

Turkish and Israeli authorities had a meeting in Ankara recently to discuss the matter. A delegation from the Chief of General Staff will go to Israel soon to exchange views on the details of the purchase by the end of March.

The Arrow missiles are the most advanced defense system developed against balistic missiles. The U.S. meets 65 percent of the Arrow missiles which cost 2 billion U.S. dollars. The Arrows have the capability to destroy nuclear or conventional missiles without exploding them in the air.

Iraq had attacked Israel with 39 missiles during the Gulf War and now Israel wants to form a shield by deploying Arrow missiles all throughout Israel against any possible threats.

A.A

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