Anadolu Agency: News in English, 00-03-25

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[01] AA News

25 March 2000 Saturday

[02] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

HURRIYET (LIBERAL)

TUSIAD DELEGATION IN U.S.
A delegation of Turkish Industrialists' and Businessmen's Association (TUSIAD) is paying a visit to the U.S. Officials of TUSIAD said that the delegation went to the U.S. for the annual meeting of the Turkish-American Business Council. The officials also said that the delegation will hold contacts in Washington D.C. and New York between March 27 and 31, 2000.

MILLIYET (LIBERAL)

GREEK CYPRIOTS' DREAM OF FLAG
Greek Cypriots put their own flag instead of the giant Turkish flag on Besparmak mountains in a picture they showed on the internet. This scandal was seen on the web page of the ''Lobby for Cyprus'' association. It is obvious that the Greek Cypriots are very jealous of the real Turkish Cypriot flag.

SABAH (LIBERAL)

DIDO SOTIRIU'S BOOK TO BECOME A FILM
The Turkish Bilgin Yayincilik and Greek Antenna signed an agreement to shot a film from Greek author Dido Sotiriu's book titled, ''Convey My Regards to Anatolia.'' Sotiriu had earlier put a pressure that the film would be a Turkish-Greek joint production. This is an artistic agreement which will have an important place in the improvement of Turkish-Greek friendship.

CUMHURIYET (LEFT)

ROBBERS CAPTURED
The thiefs who robbed the passangers of Varan coach which was on its way from Ankara to Istanbul, were captured yesterday. The robbers were university students namely Sukru Cetin Cengel, Evren Alkan and Orhan Gencay Akcan.

RADIKAL (LEFT)

NUCLEAR POWER PLANT FAVOUR
It is claimed that the difficulty that erupted by the elimination of the French firm from the helicopter tender will be overcome by the nuclear power plant tender put out by Turkey. Some sources say that the French firms will win the nuclear power plant tender. Meanwhile French President Jacques Chirac's visit to Turkey has also not been postponed.

YENI BINYIL (LIBERAL)

AUTONOMIZATION LAW IS READY
By the autonomization law, Ziraat Bank, Halkbank and Emlak bank will be autonomous this year and they will be privatized in three years. The employees will be public servants there. The recompansation will be 20 percent more if the employees want to retire in the first two months. The physical structure and personnel of the banks will also change.

TURKIYE (RIGHT)

BRITISH RIVAL TO CIMBOM
The Galatasaray soccer team is matched with British AFC Leeds United team in the semi-finals of the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) Cup. The first match will be played in Istanbul on April 6.

ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)

TEXTILE FAIR
Yasar Okuyan, the Labour and Social Security Minister, opened the ITS Istanbul International Textile Fair. Addressing the opening remarks, Okuyan explained the stability measures taken by the government. 288 Turkish and 62 foreign companies are participating in the fair. The fair will be open until March 26.

[03] DENKTAS-VERHEUGEN MEETING - DENKTAS:''VERHEUGEN DIDN'T PROPOSE US TO PARTICIPATE IN GREEK CYPRIOT-EU TALKS''

Speaking after meeting with Verheugen, Denktas said that they took up all issues related to the Cyprus question and exchanged views, adding when Verheugen finishes his visit to Cyprus, he will learn more about the problem.

Denktas said that he told Verheugen that the prior issue of TRNC is the talks carried out under the supervision of the U.N. Secretariat General.

''The Turkish Cypriot side can't be in the Greek Cypriot delegation which claims that it is the Cyprus government,'' stressed Denktas and pointed out that the contact with EU will continue through the chairmanship of EU Commission's delegation for Cyprus.

Gunter Verheugen said in his part that the first meeting was held in a sincere atmosphere.

Among the issues that were taken up in the meeting, there was ''the enlargement of the EU, EU membership of 'Cyprus' and the solution of political problems,'' he noted.

''This is only the start, we will have more contacts later,'' Verheugen added.

[04] SUPPORT FROM U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES' MEMBER TO TURKEY

Wexler, a leading member of the U.S. House of Representatives, explained in his letter that Turkey has always been a reliable ally in her relations with the U.S. The U.S. has to set up better relations with Turkey, said Wexler and listed the importance of Turkey as follows:

-Turkey is the only secular democratic state in the Islam world. Turkey has constituted an example in which Islam and a pluralist society lived together in a period by when Islamic fundamentalism and anti-American attitude increased in the world.

-Turkey has a key importance for success of the strategies developed against Saddam Hussein, the Iraqi leader.

-Turkey which has close military and political relations with Israel, plays a great role in bringing peace to the Middle East.

-Turkey will host the pipelines which will carry Caspian energy sources, that will play a basic role in long term energy security of the U.S., to the west.

-Turkey is the partner of the U.S. in development of the new democracies and economies of former Soviet Union states.

-Turkey which took a leading role in re-construction of Bosnia, works together with the U.S. in bringing stability to the Balkans.

The Turkish diplomatic sources described the call of such an important member of the U.S. House of Representatives as a positive step.

[05] FM CEM VISITS GOVERNMENT PARTY IN TUNISIA

Cem came together with Abdurrahim Zuari, the Secretary General of RCD.

In the beginning of the meeting Cem and Zari gave information to each other about their parties. The meeting was later closed to press.

Cem will sign a protocol that aims at improving the relations between the foreign ministries of the two countries and a cooperation agreement on highway transportation with Tunisian officials during his visit.

Cem is also expected to be received by Tunisian President Zine al-Abidin Ben Ali and Premier Mohammad Ganoci.

[06] TREASURY UNDERSECRETARY DEMIRALP: - ''WE EXPECT VERY LOW INFLATION RATE IN SUMMER''

Demiralp, who is in Washington D.C. for the Turkey-U.S. Joint Economic Commission (JEC) meetings, informed the reporters about Turkey's economy.

They gave priority to explaining the U.S. the anti-inflation and economic stability program of Turkey during the JEC meeting which targets at searching for cooperation opportunities in economic and trade relations, Demiralp noted.

Demiralp said, ''the U.S. side said that it expects Turkey to decrease the three-year inflation rate to single digit number and that this program is a very important element for restruction of Turkey's economy. The U.S. side once more reiterated that they will give full support to Turkey for the implementation of the program.''

They told the U.S. side that Turkey became attractive by the new initiatives launched and realized in the currency policy, decrease of inflation rate, privatization and the international arbitration, Demiralp stated.

Demiralp stressed that the U.S. expressed its pleasure about these developments.

The U.S. investors are especially interested in the Southeastern Anatolia Project (GAP), and they monitor the developments in the energy, transportation, telecommunication and Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) fields of Turkey, Demiralp emphasized.

Responding to a question, Demiralp said that the issue of nuclear energy was not discussed.

Demiralp said that they expect that the 750 million U.S. dollar economic reform loan which is planned to be given to Turkey, will be concluded during the meeting between Turkey and the World Bank on April 11, 2000.

This loan will be given to encourage the agricultural, social security, energy and telecommunication reforms, and half of this loan will immediately be released, Demiralp noted.

Demiralp stated that in May, the 1.5 billion U.S. dollar financial sector adaptation loan will be on the agenda and that later, the 2.2 billion U.S. dollar country assistance loan will be discussed.

Thus, the World Bank is expected to give 5.2 billion U.S. dollar within this year, Demiralp stressed.

Demiralp emphasized that Turkey calculated the oil prices in its economic program as 20 U.S. dollars per barrel and that it is a misfortune that the oil prices increased in the months following the announcement of the anti- inflation program.

Turkey was affected with this increase, but by this effect was kept in a limited level by taking several measures, Demiralp said.

Demiralp said, ''the economic targets we have declared for this year are still the same. We do not revise them. We have reached the end of first quarter. We can say that there is not any change in our economic targets.''

Despite the increase in oil prices, the inflation is kept under control, Demiralp noted.

Demiralp continued, ''we expect below zero inflation rate in summer. The interest rates are related with inflation. The low inflation rate will have positive effects on the interest rates.''

Average 500 million U.S. dollar investments are undertaken in Turkey by other countries a year, Demiralp recalled.

Demiralp pointed out that this figure is one tenth of the foreign investments realized in Hungary.

''We should do our best to make this better. Money will come if it can find good investment opportunities. We want to ensure not only political stability but also economic stability. We also want to prepare good competition conditions, '' Demiralp said.

Demiralp noted that they have submitted a new draft law on capital to the Council of Ministers and that they aim at accelerating and encouraging the capital inflow with this new law.

The leading rating organizations support Turkey's economic program, and they hope the rating note of Turkey will be increased six months after the launching of economic program, Demiralp stated.

Demiralp added, ''the consolidated budget is positive at the moment. We are better than expected in every fields.''

[07] FIRST TERM TURKEY-U.S. TRADE AND INVESTMENT COUNCIL MEETING TO BE HELD ON TUESDAY IN U.S.

Foreign Trade Undersecretariat said in a written statement on Saturday that Catherine A. Novelli will preside the American side and Kursad Tuzmen, the Undersecretary of the Foreign Trade will preside the Turkish side.

The council was set up within the framework of the agreement on improvement of trade and investment relations signed on 29 September, 1999, noted the statement and added that ''the mentioned agreement targets at further improvement of the international trade and reciprocal economic relations of both countries and creation of a clear atmosphere for international trade and investment and further freeing the trade between the two countries. The aim of the Trade and Investment Council is to discuss trade and investment issues, to determine the issues which put an obstacle on trade and investment and to remove them.''

A declaration is expected to be signed at the end of the first term meeting of the Council.

The statement pointed out that the U.S. is one of the most important trade partners of Turkey as it comes the second in Turkey's exports and the fifth in Turkey's imports.

Turkey's export to the U.S. was 2,43 billion dollars and imports from this country was 3,81 billion dollars in 1999.

[08] TURKISH BUSINESS WORLD RUSH INTO GREECE

Ankara, Izmir and Trabzon trade chambers and Aegean Cloth Industrialists (EGS) association decided to participate in Athens Fair that will be staged between 19-23 April in Greece.

Meanwhile a delegation from Aegean Industry Chamber held various contacts in Athens and Salonica between 20-24 March and signed a cooperation protocol with Greeks.

Izmir Tradesmen and Artisans Chambers Union (IESOB) took a recommendary decision at the Chairmanship Council to improve business relations with Greece.

[09] WORLD WATER DAY - PRESIDENT SULEYMAN DEMIREL: ''TODAY DIRTY SEAS AND DIRTY RIVERS CONSTITUTE A PROBLEM FOR HUMANITY''

Speaking in the meeting held by the Directorate General of State Water Works (DSI), President Demirel said that there is life in water.

The water problem of today is not the problem of lack of water, but it is the pressure imposed on water need by the humanity, said Demirel.

''In the past, human beings never asked themselves whether the seas and rivers would be dirty one day. But they dirtied the seas and rivers themselves. The issue is an international one and it is a matter of saving the world,'' said Demirel.

The whole world has to take measures first about the population growth, said President Demirel and noted that ''the world population was 1,9 billion in the beginning of the 20th century, but it is 4,5 billion today. In Turkey the average life-spending was 35-40 in 1920s, but today it is 75. People need more water, air and more bread.''

The sources of the world are not enough for 4,5 billion people today, said Demirel adding the half of the world population is poor.

''Eighty percent of the Gross National Product (GNP) is in 26 countries, which are developed. The GNP per capita is more than 6000 dollars in these countries. However there are countries in the world whose income per capita is only 200 dollars. The skill of the world will be to use the water in the best way,'' said Demirel.

Referring to the cross-border waters, Demirel said that ''the thing called 'the water problem in the Middle East' stems from the waters of Tigris and Euphrates. How much of them will be used by Turkey and the other countries? International law says that the water should be shared in an equitable and appropriate way.''

[10] FOREIGN MINISTER CEM IN TUNISIA - TUNISIAN PRESIDENT BEN ALI RECEIVES CEM

Speaking after the meeting, Cem said that the meeting was a very positive one and he submitted the letter of President Suleyman Demirel to Tunisian President.

Cem noted that President Demirel also invited his Tunisian counterpart to Turkey in his message, adding they also talked about the visit of President Demirel to Tunisia.

''Our common points such as the history we shared are very important for both countries,'' said Cem and noted that the Ottoman era marked very positive traces in Tunisia.

''At the same time Turkey and Tunisia are two countries which are modern. We can say that Turkish Republic founded by great leader Ataturk, has been a model country for many people. The same character is also seen in Tunisia, which could make a synthesis from both Mediterranean and Islam civilizations,'' he said.

Cem said that they also took up the developing bilateral relations, the status of Turkey whose strategical importance has further increased after its EU candidacy and contributions of Turkey to the Mediterranean, Tunisia and Islamic societies.

Tunisian Foreign Minister Habib Ben Yahya and Turkish Ambassador to Tunisia Huseyin Pazarcı were also present in the meeting.

[11] DEPUTY PREMIER BAHCELI IN SAMSUN: ''QUESTIONS ABOUT 5+5 TAKE US TO THE PAST, WE'VE OVERCOME THEM, WAIT FOR 16 MAY''

Bahceli visited Samsun Governor Metin Ilyas Aksoy and said the local administrations reform will be adopted soon to overcome the difficulties of local administrations.

''Turkey has economic difficulties, bottlenecks. Our municipalities are in great difficulties. The new draft law will soon be submitted to the Council of Ministers,'' Bahceli said.

Responding to questions of journalists, Bahceli said that he believes the law about the election of the president can be adopted without the support of the Virtue Party (FP).

[12] TUNISIAN PREMEIR RECEIVES FOREIGN MINISTER CEM

Cem submitted the letter of Premier Bulent Ecevit to Ganoci in the beginning of the meeting.

Turkish Ambassador to Tunisia Huseyin Pazarcı was also present at the meeting which was later closed to the press.

[13] ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES MINISTER ERSUMER: - ''WATER IS NOT ONLY VITAL FOR EXISTENCE BUT ALSO A BASIC NECESSITY IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF COUNTRIES''

Ersumer gave information about the World Water Forum which was staged in the Hague, the Netherlands between March 17 and 22, in the ''World Water Day'' held by the State Water Works (DSI).

The world talked about water in the Forum and that it discussed establishing a Water Council, Ersumer noted.

Ersumer stated that everybody tried to produce new ideas about the usage of water and the savings and that the main issue discussed in the Forum was the ''water security in the 21st century.''

A total of 130 countries participated in the Water Forum Ministers' Conference and that 4,600 delegations joined the World Water Forum, Ersumer recalled.

Ersumer stressed that the world countries share similar ideas about the ensurement of food supply security, protection of eco-systems, supply of necessities, and sharing of water sources.

That Turkey's water administration is correct and the results taken in Turkey can constitute an example for the other countries, Ersumer emphasized.

Ersumer said that Turkey has announced that it offers world its water in the Mediterranean region and it supplies 250,000 tons purified water a day to the Mediterranean countries.

Ersumer added that the participants of the World Water Forum decided to continue the water works in their countries.

[14] MAGRIOTIS, GREEK MINISTER:''ECONOMIC PROBLEMS BETWEEN TWO COUNTRIES CAN BE SOLVED IN SHORT TERM''

Speaking to A.A correspondent in Salonica, Magriotis said that ''the constitutional solution of Cyprus can be based on Helsinki summit's decisions and United Nations Resolutions. Cyprus should be an island which units two peoples.''

Stressing that Greece supported Turkey at Helsinki summit, Magriotis noted that ''Greece supported Turkey on its path to Europe. The path of Greece is also towards Europe. This is to the interest of both countries.''

The privatization activities are carried out in a fast way in Greece, said Giannis Magriotis, adding Turkish Railways officials and Greek railway administration officials held contacts in Greece.

''During the meetings, the officials from both countries decided to connect Salonica and Volos ports and train lines to Turkey and to move the trade towards Europe. We have great opportunities to make cooperation in naval, air and train lines. The two countries connect five seas and three continents. It's wrong not to make cooperation in transportation,'' he added.

[15] FOREIGN MINISTER CEM IN TUNISIA - COOPERATION AGREEMENTS SIGNED

Foreign Minister Cem and his Tunisian counterpart Habib Ben Yahya signed the agreements, which aim at further improvement of the cooperation between the two countries.

Speaking in the signing ceremony, Cem said that he is very pleased by his contacts in Tunisia.

Cem stated that there are close and friendly relations between the two countries within the framework of Mediterranean, EU, Islam world and history, adding he will be pleased to see his Tunisian counterpart in Turkey.

Ben Yahya said in his part that he believes the protocol and the agreement will further improve the relations between Turkey and Tunisia.

Yahya stressed that Turkey and Tunisia have the same vision.

Foreign Minister Cem is expected to return to Turkey on Sunday afternoon.

[16] NATIONAL DEFENSE MINISTER CAKMAKOGLU: - ''TURKEY ATTRIBUTES IMPORTANCE TO POLITICAL SOVEREIGNTY AND TERRITORIAL INTEGRITY OF GEORGIA''

Cakmakoglu and David Tevsadze, the Georgian Defense Minister, staged a joint press conference following their meeting.

Cakmakoglu noted that Turkey considers Georgia as its window opening to the east and that the military cooperation between two countries continues.

He and Tevsadze reviewed the joint initiatives in military training during their meeting, Cakmakoglu stated.

Cakmakoglu emphasized that the friendship and cooperation between the two countries go back to old days and that Turkey is ready to extend all kinds of support to Georgia.

Tevsadze said that the military system of Georgia will abide by NATO standards in 2004 and that the Georgian officers will be trained in Turkey.

They discussed the improvement of military relations between the two countries during their meeting, Tevsadze noted.

Tevsadze stated that Turkey will continue to support Georgia.

Cakmakoglu will also meet with Irakli Menagarisvili, the Georgian Foreign Minister, within the framework of his contacts in this country.

Also, Cakmakoglu will participate in the opening ceremony of the military installations which was constructed by the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK).

In the evening, Cakmakoglu is expected to meet with Eduard Shevardnadze, the Georgian President.

[17] DEPUTY PM BAHCELI IN SAMSUN (2): - ''PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS SHOULD NOT CAUSE INSTABILITY IN TURKEY''

Bahceli told citizens in Carsamba township of northeastern Samsun province that elections should be away from the cases which block Turkey's route.

Turkey has many problems, and a strong coalition government which can overcome these problems, is in the power, Bahceli noted.

Bahceli continued, ''the 57th government of the Turkish Republic is a harmonious government which is supported by 348 deputies in the parliament and which won 53 percent of the votes of the people. This government can be called a government of compromise.''

A government which targets at solving all the problems of Turkey and at implementing all the necessary reforms, is in power, Bahceli stated.

Bahceli said, ''Political stability is ensured in Turkey. Now giant leap forwards should be taken to solve the economic and social problems. The 57th government has started this process. The government is determined to ensure a happy and safe atmosphere for the citizens.''

Recalling that Turkey will face a presidential election process, Bahceli said, ''the constitutional amendment regarding this is being made. The presidential elections should not cause instability in Turkey.''

[18] DEAD BODY OF FISHERMAN CINAR KILLED IN FIRE OPENED BY UKRAINE COAST GUARD SHIP BROUGHT TO TURKEY

The Ukranian coast guard boats opened fire at Turkish boats which were fishing 100 miles offshore Ukraine on Wednesday. Cınar died in the fire. The other 42 fishermen, who were released upon the initiatives of Foreign Ministry, responded to questions of journalists at Ataturk Airport.

Kahraman Topuz, a fisherman said that they didn't violate the Ukranian territorial waters while hunting and Ukranian coast guard boats opened fire on them without any warning.

Kadir Yigit, another fisherman said that he was wounded on his shoulder.

Ugur Yalcın, a fisherman from ''Yavrum Ahmet'' boat said that ''we saw a plane carrying a banner written 'Ukraine' on it at 06.30 a.m. Probably it flied to make us stop. We tried to return back, but suddenly they opened fire on us. We were on 9-10 boats, one of them sank, two of them remained there.''

A.A

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